Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
i
1
SAFETY URINAL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of safety urinals. In particular,
the present invention describes features for a transparent or translucent
plastic
material urinal with a maximum fill indicator that is able to withstand
sterilization
temperature above 130°C, has an anti-backflow system that includes a
screw-
type release, in which the interior end of the system is located at the
volumetric
center of the urinal, such that the urinal may be tilted in any direction
without
spillage so Tong as the urinal is not filled beyond the fill indicator level,
and an
improved feature far quick emptying that prevents release of odors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Existing art for safety urinals includes devices made of transparent or
translucent plastic material that are able to endure a sterilization
temperature of
130°C. In addition, existing art for urinals includes anti-backflow
systems that
are removable by unscrewing to permit cleaning of the unit; this feature is
indispensable for emptying the urinal.
A drawback of existing urinals is that, during the emptying of the
contents of a urinal via the large orifice of the neck typical of these
urinals, the
confined internal air of the urinals typically escaped unpleasantly toward the
handler. Further, whether they involve a detachable or a fixed handle,
existing
urinal manufacturing techniques that involve blowing are such as to pose
problems of tightness of fit in the case of manufactures done by mass
production.
Examples of existing art for urinals, also referred to as urine collection
containers are as follows. Hanifl, et al., URINE COLLECTION CONTAINER,
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
2
U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,148 describes a simple hollow container with a sealable
opening and a non-venting spout permitting pouring of contents from the
container.
Haq, PORTABLE URINAL, U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,689 describes a portable
urinal with a body, a flexible urine receiving tube external to the urinal,
and an
opening for releasing air from the urinal during filling. Also described is a
urine
specimen container connectable within the receiving tube.
Neither of these devices contains an anti-backflow device within the
body of the urinal to prevent spillage. In addition, neither has a provision
for
detecting when it is near the full level, and neither describes internal odor
prevention feature, features to distinguish the container in darkened
environments or to distinguish particular features of the container, or a
holder or
hanger for easy use.
Deburgh, PORTABLE MALE URINAL, U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,476
describes a urinal which includes an elongated container with a frontal
orifice for
receiving the male organ, an internal tube slanting inwardly to prevent
spillage,
an outflow pipe, and an undersheet for securing the container in place while
in
use. The internal tube is not designed optimally 'For both filling and
spillage
prevention for the urinal. Further, this device describes no internal odor
prevention feature, features to distinguish the container in darkened
environments or to distinguish particular features of the container, or a
holder or
hanger for easy use.
Nakao, et al., URINATING RECEIVER, U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,103,
describes a urine storage tank, a urinating receiver, a urinating discharge
pipe
between the receiver and the tank, and a hanging device for suspending the
device. The device contains no anti-backfiow feature within the body of the
urinal to prevent spillage, has no provision for detecting when it is near the
full
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
3
level, describes no internal odor prevention feature, and contains no features
to
distinguish the container in darkened environments or to distinguish
particular
features of the container from one another.
Chenault, MALE URINAL, U.S. Pat. No. 2,358,850 describes a urinal
having a trap, a handle fixed rigidly to the urinal, a screw cap, and a plug.
The
urinal of Chenault, however, does not describe a removable handle, does not
have an internal odor prevention feature, color and phosphorescent features
for
particular elements of the system, and is not particularly designed in such a
manner to maximize filling capacity while preventing spillage via an anti-
backflow system.
It is thus clear that there is a need for a urinal that is composed of clear
materials with a fill indicator, combined with an anti-backflow device with an
interior end at the volumetric center point of the urinal, such that the anti-
backflow device, when the urinal is filled to the indicated level; prevents
spillage
from the urinal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to solve the problems of the
existing art by providing a safety urinal of transparent or translucent
plastic
material with a fill indicator that can endure a sterilization temperature of
130°C
having a removable anti-backflow element having its interior end located at
the
volumetric center and a "quick emptying" feature that dispenses with the
necessity of removing the anti-backfiow element for emptying. It is a further
object of the present invention to prevent spillage from the urinal at any
angle of
tilt when the contents of the urinal are below the fill indicator level. It is
a further
object of the present invention to provide a urinal with an internal odor
tablet
holding device. It is a further object of the present invention to provide
unique or
distinguishing coloring and/or phosphorescence to selected elements of the
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
4
urinal. ft is a further object of the present invention to provide a specially
designed cradle for holding or carrying the urinal. It is a further object of
the
present invention to provide a fixed handle for the urinal. It is a further
object of
the present invention to provide an attachable handle for the urinal.
According to the present invention, there is provided a urinal,
comprising:
a urinal body comprising a translucent or transparent plastic
material capable of enduring a sterilization temperature with an interior
having a
volumetric center point and a normal filling level, a planar base, an
elongated
neck portion with an axis of elongation having an opening for receiving an
anti-
backflow element, and a conduit opening located above the normal filling level
of
the urinal;
a stopper with an outside contour and an inner contour;
a conduit having attachment means for attaching the stopper to the
conduit opening such that a water-tight seal forms, wherein the conduit allows
directed flow from the urinal body;
an anti-backfiow element insertable within the urinal neck, the anti-
backflow element having a body comprising a funnel shape with a larger end
opening and a smaller end opening; and
neck attaching means for attaching the larger end opening of the
anti-backflow element to the neck of the urinal body such that a water-tight
seal
forms and such that the smaller end opening is oriented so as to overhang into
the urinal body interior and the smaller end opening is situated at the
volumetric
center point of the urinal body.
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
According to the present invention, there is also provided a urinal,
comprising:
a urinal body comprising a translucent or transparent plastic material
with an interior having a volumetric center point and a normal filling level,
a
planar base, an elongated neck with an axis of elongation having an opening,
and a conduit opening located above the normal filling level of the urinal;
stopping means with an outside contour and an inner contour;
conduit means having attachment means for attaching the stopper to the
conduit opening such that a water-tight sea! forms, wherein the conduit means
allows directed flow from the urinal body;
an anti-backflow element insertable within the urinal neck, the anti-
backflow element including a body comprising a funnel shape with a larger end
opening and a smaller end opening; and
neck attaching means for attaching the larger end opening of the anti-
backflow element to the neck of the urinal body such that a water-tight seal
forms and such that the smaller end opening is oriented so as to overhang into
the urinal body interior and the smaller end opening is situated at the
volumetric
center point of the urinal body.
Preferably, to achieve the stated and other objects of the present
invention, as embodied and described below, the invention includes a urinal,
comprising a urinal body comprising a translucent or transparent plastic
material
capable of enduring a sterilization temperature of 130°C with an
interior having a
volumetric center point and a normal filling level, a planar base, an
elongated
neck portion with an axis of elongation having an opening for receiving an
anti-
backffaw element, and a conduit opening located above the normal frlling level
of
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
6
the urinal; a stopper with an outside contour and an inner contour; a conduit
having attachment means far attaching the stopper to the conduit opening such
that a water-tight seal forms, wherein the conduit allows directed flow from
the
urinal body; an anti-backflow element insertable within the urinal neck, the
anti-
backflow element having a body comprising a funnel shape with a larger end
opening and a smaller end opening; and neck attaching means for attaching the
larger end opening of the anti-backflow element to the neck of the urinal body
such that a water-tight seal forms and such that the smaller end opening is
oriented so as to overhang into the urinal body interior and the smaller end
opening is situated at the volumetric center point of the urinal body.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will
be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become
more
apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may
be
learned by practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPT10N OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of the urinal for an embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 1A is a cutaway side view of the urinal for an embodiment of the
present invention with a fixed handle in place.
F1G. 2 is a partial cutaway view of a cap for the urinal for an embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway side view of an attachable handle for the
urinal for an embodiment of the present invention.
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
7
FIG. 4 is partial cutaway rear view of a urinal for an embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 5 is cutaway end view of an attachable handle for the urinal for an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a urinal holder for an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a urinal in various orientations when filled to the
maximum filled level for an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTI~N
An embodiment of the present invention includes a safety urinal of
transparent or translucent plastic material that can endure a sterilization
temperature of 130°C having a fill indicator to indicate a maximum fill
level. In an
embodiment of the present invention, the fill indicator includes a groove on
at
feast one side of the urinal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the
maximum fill level indicated is just below the volumetric center of the
urinal, such
that the urinal at the maximum fill level holds contents that do not reach the
volumetric center of the urinal whatever the urinal's orientation in space.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the urinal has a removable
anti-backflow element attached to the urinal by, for example, a threaded
fitting.
In this embodiment, the anti-backflow element has an interior end situated at
the
volumetric center of the urinal.
An embodiment of the present invention also contains an improved
feature for quick emptying, which dispenses with the necessity of removing the
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
r
anti-backflow device during emptying. The quick emptying feature also prevents
release of odors when emptying.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the wall of the urinal contains
a hole situated toward the end of the urinal opposite its neck. This hole,
which is
positioned above the normal level of filling, is surmounted by a conduit which
forms a pouring spout that directs the exiting stream from the urinal. The
diameter of the hole and that of the conduit which surmounts it are sufficient
to
ensure rapid emptying of the urinal. This spout also enables directed
precision
pouring of the contents of the urinal; for example, the spout allows the
filling of a
test tube. In an embodiment of the present invention, the conduit has at its
end a
means for receiving a closing feature or stopper, such as a threaded cap, to
quickly stop or unstop the hole. The combination of the hole, the conduit, and
the cap constitute the quick emptying system of the improved safety urinal.
The quick emptying system avoids the necessity of removing andlor
manipulating the anti-backflow element located at the neck of the urinal each
time that it is necessary to empty the contents of the urinal. A rinsing of
the
urinal via the quick emptying feature may also be conducted.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the quick emptying feature
includes an internal section that is judiciously limited so as to allow the
emptying
contents of the urinal to easily occupy the whole section. As a result, as
opposed to existing art, no passage exists through which the internal air of
the
urinal can escape during emptying. Thus, the handler is not inconvenienced.
Other advantages of the quick emptying feature of this embodiment
include the following. When the safety urinal is immersed in a cleaning basin,
the opening of the quick emptying feature, when not stopped, facilitates the
rinsing of the entire inside of the improved urinal. A flexible tube with a
threaded
connection is connectable to the conduit of the quick emptying feature via its
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
a.
9
external threading. The other end of the flexible tube can be inserted in an
emptying siphon of the type used to receive emptyings from washing machines
or other receptacles. This device thus permits a practical and hygienic
emptying
of the improved safety urinal. A similar connection with the flexible tube
branched to a water inlet can also be used for internal rinsing of the
improved
safety urinal, especially in a hospital environment.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a stopper system such as a
cap stops the conduit of the quick emptying feature of the urinal. This
stopper
system is either composed of a simple plug introduced into the conduit, or by
a
jointed or self jointing cap with a lip that may be screwed on the end part of
the
conduit. The cap has for this attachment purpose an internal threading matable
with an external threading on the conduit.
To prevent an untimely emptying by, for example, a bedridden patient
not having all of his or her mental faculties, the stopper system includes a
feature known as a safety screw or "child-proof cap" (jointed or self-
jointing),
which once screwed, requires exertion at the same time of a strong pressure,
generally axially, in order to unscrew it. Failing this, the unscrewing does
not
engage. This safety screw cap if not so unscrewed, emits a click-clack noise
warning of the attempt at unstopping. In another embodiment, the cap does not
emit any noise during the attempt unstop.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the means for avoiding
undesired unstopping is a cap and conduit with a left hand thread pitch,
instead
of the normal right hand thread pitch.
To permit more easy removal of the simple plug, in an embodiment of
the present invention, the upper part of the plug contains a circular shoulder
permitting easy grabbing. The simple plug is made of a flexible material which
can sustain a temperature of 130°C. In an embodiment of the present
invention,
the plug is made of flexible silicone. This material, during successive
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
r:
unstoppings and re-stoppings, offers the advantage of tolerating well the
aggressiveness of the orifice of the quick emptying feature and of
withstanding a
temperature of 130°C.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the stopper is a cap,
which, in order to facilitate unscrewing and rescrewing, is equipped on the
periphery with grooves. In an embodiment of the present invention, the screw
cap is of plastic material capable of withstanding 130°C. In an
embodiment of
the present invention, the material of construction of the cap is a substance
of
10 the family of polyolefins.
(n an embodiment of the present invention, the color of the plug for the
quick emptying feature of the improved safety urinal is selected so as to draw
attention to the cap. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cap is of
a
different color than the body of the improved urinal. For example, the cap may
be red or white in color to permit finding it easily and for perceiving
quickly that it
is well put into place in the orifice of the quick emptying system. A
fluorescent
color is likewise appropriate.
In an embodiment of the present inventions the stopper contains or is
made of a material that stores photons when the stopper is in a lighted
environment and emits photons in the form of light when the stopper is in
darkness (e.g., a phosphorescent material). This feature eases locating of the
urinal and stopper in unlighted conditions.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the stopper for the quick
emptying feature of the urinal includes a cavity oriented toward the inside of
the
conduit when the stopper is in place. This cavity and its orifice are designed
so
that the stopper may hold, by, for example, elastic means, a small perforated
container. This container in turn holds a volatile tablet of the same kind as
those
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
ra.
11
placed in toilet bowls. The tablet purifies the air contained in the urinal
when the
"quick emptying" system is stopped.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the hole and its conduit also
allow sampling of the contents of the urinal and introduction of probes for
indicating the pH, etc., of the contents. The hole and conduit are also
suitable for
introducing and attaching a probe ending in the proximity of the small opening
end of the anti-backflow element. This probe has, at its end, means such that
when the end of the probe is wetted for a certain time, the end establishes an
electric contact triggering a sound alert that the urinal needs emptying.
The color of the material constituting the anti-backflow element of the
improved safety urinal in an embodiment of the present invention is different
from that of the urinal body. This color scheme distinguishes the anti-
backflow
element as a separate feature from the urinal body, as a portion of the
element
extends beyond the end of the neck of the urinal. The coloring further
indicates
where to grasp the anti-backflow element in order to remove it from the
urinal.
The coloring also eases filling of the urinal by allowing estimation of the
height of
the contents remaining by comparison with the small opening of the anti
backflow element.
Once in place, the anti-backflow element inserted within the urinal body
determines the maximum use capacity of the urinal; the maximum volume that
the urinal with the anti-backflow element and the quick plug in place can
receive
is that amount of fill necessary such that the contents do not reach the
interior
end of the anti-backflow element, regardless of the orientation of the urinal
in
space. When the urinal is filled to its maximum use capacity, its liquid
content
cannot reach and spill via the small end of the anti-backflow element, no
matter
what angle in which the urinal is tilted. Thus, in an embodiment of the
present
invention, the small end of the anti-backflow element is defined as being
located
at the volumetric center of the urinal body.
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
12
In an embodiment of the present invention, two prehension notches are
located on the sides of the urinal. These prehension notches allow handling of
the urinal by its top side (under the handle) such that it is more easily
grasped.
The prehension notches thus reduce the risk of dropping the urinal on the
floor.
in order to safely prevent untimely unscrewing of the anti-backflow
element, by for example, bedridden patients not having all their mental
faculties,
in an embodiment of the present invention, this feature is attached by
threading
with a left-handed pitch, rather than the more typical right-handed thread.
For ease of handling and better hygiene, in an embodiment of the
present invention, the improved urinal is equipped with a removable or fixed
handle. In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle is of a plastic
material that can withstand a sterilization temperature of 130°C. In an
embodiment of the present invention, the handle is located on the top side of
the
urinal such that, when the said urinal is filled to its maximum use capacity,
its
handling feels stable. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the
handle includes at its end at (east one small boss, so that the handle won't
slip
from the hands during handling.
To make the packaging less voluminous and to make transporting the
improved safety urinal more economical, in an embodiment of the present
invention the removable handle is of dimensions such that the handle can clear
the neck of said urinal so that the handle may be housed in the urinal during
transport and storage.
in an embodiment of the present invention, the urinal includes a
removable handle with the following features. The back of the improved safety
urinal contains at least one tab having an axis of symmetry parallel to the
axis of
the urinal. This tab has on each side of its base a longitudinal slide or
coupling.
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
13
A mating slide or an analogous system equipped so as to receive the tab exists
in a cavity in the base of the handle. The two side edges of the slide each
contain a retainer capable of fitting the tab introduced by sliding in the
slide. A
stop limits the sliding. A stub or its equivalent situated on the top of the
tab is
elastically positioned in a hollow housing provided for this purpose in the
slide or
near it, or vice versa. The handle thus may be sturdily attached, while
remaining
detachable. In another embodiment, the handle is undetachable once attached:
in this embodiment, the handle stub and its counterpart each have a vertical
side
making the snapping on irreversible.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the urinal includes a fixed
handle with the following features. In the case of the manufacture of the
urinal
from a hollow mass, the mass is dimensioned and positioned so that it extends
in the mold beyond the imprint of the urinal in the zone corresponding to the
back of the urinal. The knives of the mold are judiciously arranged so that
beyond the contour of the imprint of the improved safety urinal they can cut
in
the profile of the handle the flat mass that is in excess, white leaving the
base of
the handle connected to the body of the improved safety urinal. During the
closure of the mold, the knives cut the mass following the contour of the
imprint,
except in the area of the foot of the handle, for which they cut the outside
contour while hot stamping the handle. The handle is housed in the two half
cavities, which are not at all deep enough to contain it; a hot pressure
results,
melding the two walls between the cavities.
To make the flat handle of an embodiment of the present invention
easier to grasp, in an embodiment of the present invention, the half cavities
in
the mold forming the housing of the handle have for this purpose at certain
points symmetric differences of depth so as to press the plastic material
coming
out of the mass to make it flow back to other points in the more hollow half
cavities in a symmetric manner. This feature thickens the handle at certain
points, the cavities having made in this way a veritable hot mold, causing the
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
14
plastic to flow back from less hollow points to more hollow points. By this
hot
molding procedure one may also deform the handle on the part provided for
grasping it by creating undulations to increase its bulk.
In an embodiment of the present invention, an antiseptic, whether
perfumed or not, is grafted for hygiene purposes into the material
constituting
the body of the urinal, the material of its handle, the material of the anti-
backflow
element, and the material of its filler. In an embodiment of the present
invention,
plugs, caps, handles, and the anti-backflow element materials are of a density
such that, in case of falling into water or other contents of the urinal,
these items
float and are thus easily retrievable.
To make the use of the urinal even more practical, an embodiment of
the present invention includes a urinal cradle or holder that can be hung on
the
side of the bed by a hook that forms part of the cradle. When the urinal is
hung
by a cradle as described in this embodiment, the urinal remains within handy
reach of the bedridden patient.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the urinal carrier is
essentially constituted of three branches or rods composed of a material or
materials sterilizable at 130°C. The branches are suitably curved so as
to form
an open cage, and the branches are joined at two points by, for example,
welding. In another embodiment, the carrier is made of a single piece of
plastic
material formed by molding. An advantage of the carrier is its great
simplicity,
which makes mass production trouble free and facilitates its maintenance and
its
disinfection.
The urinal carrier thus constitutes a type of open cradle in which the
urinal rests. For this purpose the cradle's shape and dimensions are specially
established to receive the urinal and to keep it laterally in a vertical
position
(neck in the air). In an embodiment of the present invention, the urinal
cradle is
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
sufficiently open in the front so as to leave the grasping notches andlor the
handle of the urinal easily accessible. Another feature, which prevents the
ends
of the branches of the carrier from being harmful, is the fitting of tips of
flexible
material at the end of the branches.
Advantages of the present invention for the patient include the following.
If the urinal rolls over in bed, there is no problem--sheets remain dry. The
urinal
will not leak. It is strong, light and easy to handle, even in the dark.
Emptying of.
the urinal is at the back with the quick emptying system. To seal the quick
10 emptying system, the user twists on either the standard white cap, which is
easy
to remove, or a childproof red cap, which prevents any unintended opening. The
urinal also includes extra slope in the neck, which makes for easier use. No
cover is needed, and the urinal is always ready to be used. Finally, the
urinal
has a capacity of approximately 1 liter (32 oz), so the patient can fall
asleep
peacefully.
Advantages of the present invention for the institution include the
following. With regard to security, even if the urinal is rolled over in bed,
its
contents cannot spill thanks to its simple but effective design. The urinal
therefore prevents the discomfort of wet beds and avoids the need to
frequently
change and wash the patient's sheets. The urine! helps to fight nosocomial
infections and reduces the need for frequent disinfecting, and the urinal is
re-
usable. At night, the urinal may be left in the bed, and thus is instantly
available
to the patient, who need not call for assistance. The urinal is nearly odor
free
and does not need a cover. It is made of smooth, clear recyclable plastic, and
its
transparency allows checking of its contents. The urinal has a graduated
measure up to 1 liter (32 oz), and the handle, which is removable, allows for
a
firm grip. The urinal is light, shock resistant and the quick emptying system
together with the removable funnel makes the urinal easy to clean and re-use.
The urinal can be washed (with water+chlorine or disinfectant), and sterilized
by
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
16
autoclave or ethylene oxide. Finally, the quick emptying system allows a
quick,
practically odorless, and even mare hygienic emptying.
The urinal of the present invention is also economical. In hospitals, care
centers, retirement homes, or simply at home, using the urinal reduces the
need
for cleaning and disinfecting and provides an incomparable comfort to the
patient.
References will now be made in detail to an embodiment of the present
invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 presents an elevation view of an embodiment of the present
invention showing a partial cutaway along the line CD (shown in FIG. 4) of the
urinal body. Features illustrated include the anti-backflow element, which can
be
unscrewed at the neck, the quick emptying feature with its threaded neck
offering a relatively limited internal section for emptying, and the
protuberance
forming tab to fit exactly in a detachable way in the slide or an analogous
system
situated in the base of an attachable handle. In FIG. 1, the urinal 1 shown
illustrates some of the invention's unique features. A hole 2 situated above
the
normal filling level of the urinal 1 is surmounted by a conduit 3 with its
threading
4 established so as to allow screw attachment of a self jointing, tipped cap 8
for
plugging the hole 2. The anti-backflow element 5 is attached by a screwable
(threaded) fitting so as to be water-tight and so that the element 5 is held
within
the neck of the urinal 1. The anti-backflow element 5 permits orienting of the
urinal 1 at any angle when normally filled without its contents escaping by
virtue
of the fact that the end 5a of the anti-backflow element 5, located within the
interior of the urinal 1, is situated at the volumetric center of the urinal.
A tab 6
situated at the top of the urinal 1 permits the slide (not shown in FIG. 1;
see slide .
12 in FIG. 3) of the handle (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 3) to be attached
by
snapping on in a detachable way. The handle is further held in place by a stub
7
after having been stopped by a stop on the handle (not shown in FIG. 1; see
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
17
FIG. 3). The embodiment of the urinal 1 shown in FIG. 1 also includes a groove
1a in the side of the urinal 1, so as to indicate a maximum fill level. This
maximum fill level is such that the contents of the urinal 1 will not rise to
a level
so as to exceed the level of the volumetric center of the urinal 1. The clear
material of construction of the urinal 1, when corr~bined with the groove 1 a,
allows the fill level to be kept at or below the maximum fill level.
The functioning of the anti-backflow element 5 can be discerned by
further examination of FIG. 1 (see also FIG. 4, below). When a little liquid
flow is
introduced in the element 5, the liquid travels by gravity through the tubular
funnel shape portion of the anti-backflow element 5 towards its smaller end.
This
liquid then flows into the body of the urinal 1 and an equivalent volume of
air
escapes from the urinal 1 via the smaller end of the anti-backflow element 5.
The diameter of the smaller end of the anti-backflow element 5 is designed so
it
cannot be completely obstructed by liquid flow: the air escapes, and there is
no
liquid backflow inside the anti-backfiow element 5 nor spillage from the
urinal.
FIG. 1A presents an elevation view of an embodiment of the present
invention similar to that view presented in FIG. 1 but with a permanently
attached handle 11 shown.
FIG. 2 presents an elevation view of an embodiment of the present
invention showing a partial-cutaway of the self-jointing screw cap (with lip).
Inside the lip, a disinfectant tablet is inserted elastically. As shown in
FIG. 2, a
self-jointing screw cap 8 is attachable by screwing (threading) onto the
conduit
3. The cap 8 is designed so as to plug the conduit 3 in a water-tight manner
in
conjunction with a conical lip 9. A tablet 10 of, for example, disinfectant
product
is housed elastically in the lip 9 to help sanitize the inside of the urinal 1
when
the cap 8 is installed.
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
18
FIG. 3 presents an elevation view of an embodiment of the present
invention showing a partial cutaway of the base of the removable handle
showing the slide or an analogous system of slides and tongue for attachment
of
the handle to the urinal. As shown in FIG. 3, the detachable handle 11 with
its
slide 12 is equipped with a stop 13 against which the tap (not shown in FIG.
3;
see tap 6 in FIG. 1 ) stops the handle 11 against the housing 14 of the handle
11
when by sliding the stub (not shown in FIG. 3; see stub 7 in FIG. 1 )
penetrates
into the handle 14.
FIG. 4 is a rear elevation of the embodiment of the present invention
shown in F(G. 1 for a half-cutaway view along the line AB (shown in FIG. 1 )
and
containing the sectional profile of the tab for sliding in the slide of the
handle.
FIG. 4 includes the urinal 1 with its anti-backflow element 5, from an end
view,
and the profile of the tab 6 and the stub 7.
FIG. 5 presents the detachable handle for an embodiment of the present
invention from a rear elevation view showing with dotted lines the section of
the
handle's slide containing the housing for the stub. In FIG. 5, the handle 11
has
an inner vacancy 12 for the slide of the urinal and a housing 14 for receiving
the
stub of the urinal.
FIG. 6 presents a perspective view, on a very reduced scale, of the
carrier for the improved safety urinal for an embodiment of the present
invention,
in which the carrier consists of three curved rads assembled by welding and
ends fitted with tips of flexible material. As shown in FIG. 6, in this
embodiment
the urinal carrier consists of three rods 16, 17, and 18 judiciously bent, and
assembled via attachment at two points, to form an open cradle that offers
easy
access to the prehension notches of the urinal of the present invention, as
well
as to the handle. The spine branch 18 is curved to form a hook 19 for hanging
the carrier. So that the ends of the rods do not cause injury, they are fitted
with
CA 02189897 2005-O1-12
19
tips 20 of flexible material. In an embodiment of the present invention, the
rods
16, 17, and 18 consist of painted or plastic covered iron or stainless steel.
FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate the urinal 1 in various orientations when filled to
the maximum filled level for an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
7A,
the urinal 1 is shown in an upright position, the normal position for the
urinal 1 in
use. The urinal 1, as shown in FIG. 7A contains liquid contents 30 at or below
the maximum fill level, such that the contents 30 remain below the volumetric
center of the urinal, which corresponds to the location of the interior end 5a
of
the anti-backflow device 5. In FIG. 7A, the conduit 3 has a stopper 10 in
place.
FIG. 7B presents the urinal 1 of FIG. 7A shown in a tilted position. As
shown in FIG. 7B, despite the tilt of the urinal 1, the contents 30 remain
below
the volumetric center of the urinal 1, at which point the interior end 5a of
the anti-
backflow device 5 is located.
Similarly to FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C shows the urinal 1 of FIG. 7A in another
tilted position. In FIG. 7C, the urinal 1 is inverted and tilted. The contents
30
remain below the volumetric center of the urinal 1, at which point the
interior end
5a of the anti-backflow device 5 is located. Further, the cap 10 on the
conduit 3,
also prevents spillage of the contents 30.
FIG. 7D presents the urinal 1 of FIG. 7A in a position for emptying.
Because of the location of the conduit 3, while the urinal 1 is in the normal
filling
position, as shown in FIG. 7A, the cap 10 may be removed from the conduit 3
without spilling the contents 30 of the urinal 1. The urinal 1 may then be
upended to the position shown in FIG. 7D, so that the contents of the urinal 1
may be directed from the urinal 1 via the conduit 3.
