CN117396169A

CN117396169A - Low profile bedpan

Info

Publication number: CN117396169A
Application number: CN202280038048.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马切伊·维特科斯
Original assignee: Ma QieyiWeitekesi
Current assignee: Ma QieyiWeitekesi
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2022-04-28
Publication date: 2024-01-12
Also published as: JP2024516835A; CA3216803A1; KR20240004593A; WO2022232394A1

Abstract

A bedpan having a housing including a chamber, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a first handle; the top portion including an opening, a proximal surface, and a sloped sidewall, the opening into the chamber and having a circumferential edge; the proximal surface includes a baffle surrounding the opening, the baffle extending from a circumferential edge of the proximal surface to a circumferential edge of the opening; the side wall of the inclined plate surrounds the baffle plate; the bottom portion including a distal surface and a distal edge of the distal surface, the distal surface being opposite the proximal surface, the chamber being positioned inside the housing, the sidewall of the chamber being inside the sidewall such that there is a space between the wall of the chamber and the sidewall, the sidewall being angled outwardly as the sidewall extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface toward the distal edge of the distal surface; a first handle is formed on the first portion of the housing.

Description

Low profile bedpan

Incorporated by reference to any priority application

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/201,447, filed on 29 of 4 of 2021. The present application also claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 17/660,903, filed on month 27 of 2022, U.S. application Ser. No. 29/792,094, filed on month 3 of 2022, and U.S. application Ser. No. 29/788,374, filed on month 11 of 2021. The disclosures listed above are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The invention relates to an innovative structure of a bedpan. More particularly, the present application describes a low profile bedpan configured with a sloped side surface to facilitate lateral placement under a patient.

Disclosure of Invention

The independent claims define certain aspects of a low profile bedpan. The dependent claims relate to optional features of some embodiments of such a bedpan. Thus, the systems and devices described herein each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, several non-limiting features will now be briefly described.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Neither the summary of the invention nor the following detailed description is intended to define or limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

One innovation includes a bedpan comprising a housing having an interior chamber, a top portion, a bottom portion, and sidewalls; the top portion has a proximal surface for supporting the weight of the patient, the top portion has an opening to the interior chamber, the sidewall is joined to the top portion and the bottom portion, the sidewall extends between the top portion and the bottom portion, a distal edge is defined at or near the junction of the sidewall and the bottom portion, the distal edge extends circumferentially around the bottom portion, a proximal edge is formed at the junction of the sidewall and the top portion, the proximal edge extends circumferentially around the top portion. The circumferential extent of the distal edge is greater than the circumferential extent of the distal edge such that as the sidewall extends from the proximal edge to the distal edge, the sidewall extends outwardly, forming an angled or sloped sidewall. A first handle is formed on a first portion of the sidewall and a second handle is formed on a second portion of the sidewall.

Any of the disclosed bedpans may have one or more additional features. In some embodiments, the first handle is integrally formed with the housing. In some embodiments, the second handle is integrally formed with the housing. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the housing is substantially rectangular in shape, and wherein the first handle is on a first side of the housing and the second handle is on a second side of the housing, the first side of the housing being adjacent the second side of the housing. In some embodiments, the bottom portion includes a distal surface and the top portion includes a proximal surface. In some embodiments, the distance from the distal surface to the proximal surface is less than or equal to 5.0 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the distal surface to the proximal surface is less than or equal to 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the distal surface to the proximal surface is less than or equal to 3.0 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the distal surface to the proximal surface is less than or equal to 2.75 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the distal surface to the proximal surface is less than or equal to 2.50 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the distal surface to the proximal surface is less than or equal to 2.25 inches.

In some embodiments, the distance from the distal surface to the proximal surface is less than or equal to 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the first handle comprises an aperture having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second handle comprises an aperture having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are aligned at an angle of 90 ° ± 30 ° relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first handle comprises an aperture having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second handle comprises an aperture having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are aligned at an angle of 90 ° ± 20 ° relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first handle comprises an aperture having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second handle comprises an aperture having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are aligned at an angle of 90 ° ± 10 ° relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first handle is aligned with respect to the first axis, and wherein the second handle is aligned with respect to the second axis, and wherein the first axis and the second axis are aligned at an angle of 90 ° ± 5 °. In some embodiments, the top portion (e.g., the peripheral edge of the top portion or the surface of the top portion) is aligned with respect to a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and the bottom portion (e.g., the peripheral edge of the bottom portion or the bottom surface (the distal surface of the bowl)) is aligned with respect to a second plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the sidewall extends from the bottom portion toward the top portion at an angle of 30 ° ± 10 ° relative to the distal surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the sidewall extends from the bottom toward the top portion at an angle of 30 ° ± 20 ° relative to the distal surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the sidewall extends from the bottom portion toward the top portion at an angle of 10 ° to 90 ° relative to the distal surface of the bottom portion.

In some embodiments, the opening is generally rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the opening has a length dimension of about 5 inches to 11.5 inches and a width dimension of about 4 inches to 10 inches. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises at least one support connected to the inner surface of the top portion and the inner surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises two supports, each support being connected to the inner surface of the top portion and the inner surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises three supports, each support being connected to the inner surface of the top portion and the inner surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises four supports, each support being connected to the inner surface of the top portion and the inner surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises more than four supports, each support being connected to the inner surface of the top portion and the inner surface of the bottom portion.

In some embodiments, the first handle has a first length dimension and the second handle has a second length dimension, wherein the first length dimension and the second length dimension are about the same. In some embodiments, the first handle has a first length dimension and the second handle has a second length dimension, wherein the first length dimension and the second length dimension are different lengths. In some embodiments, the first handle has a first length dimension and the second handle has a second length dimension, wherein the first length dimension is longer than the second length dimension. In some embodiments, the first handle has a first length dimension of 3 inches to 8 inches and the second handle has a second length dimension of 3 inches to 8 inches. In some embodiments, the housing has a length dimension and a width dimension, and wherein the length dimension is 14 inches to 24 inches and the width dimension is 14 inches to 23 inches. In some embodiments, the housing has a length dimension and a width dimension, and wherein the length dimension is 16 inches to 22 inches and the width dimension is 15 inches to 21 inches.

Another innovation includes a low profile bedpan including a housing having a height less than or equal to 2.5 inches, the housing having an interior chamber, a top portion having an opening to the interior chamber, a bottom portion, and a sidewall joined to the top and bottom portions, the sidewall extending between the top and bottom portions, the top portion having a baffle (acron, skirt) surrounding the opening, the chamber extending below the baffle, the housing further including at least one handle formed on or attached to a side of the housing below a proximal surface of the top portion of the housing.

Another innovation includes a low profile bedpan including a housing having a top portion with a proximal surface, a bottom portion with a distal surface, and a chamber inside the top and bottom portions, the top portion having an opening to the chamber, the housing including a sidewall forming at least a portion of the top portion, the sidewall being coupled to the distal and proximal surfaces, and at least a portion of the sidewall being canted to form a wedge-shaped side of the housing on at least one side of the housing, and preferably on two or more sides of the housing, the proximal surface having a baffle surrounding the opening, the chamber extending below the baffle. In some embodiments, the bedpan includes at least one handle on the side of the housing, the handle positioned on the housing between the plane of the proximal surface and the plane of the distal surface to allow the bedpan to slide under the patient without the handle impeding movement of the bedpan to position against material under the patient or against the patient.

Another innovation includes a bedpan including a housing including a chamber, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a first handle; a chamber for containing urine and feces, the chamber having a wall and a bottom surface; the top portion including an opening leading to the chamber, a proximal surface including a baffle surrounding the opening, the baffle extending from the peripheral edge of the proximal surface to the peripheral edge of the opening, and a sloped sidewall surrounding the baffle; the bottom portion comprising a distal surface and a distal edge of the distal surface, the distal surface being opposite the proximal surface, the chamber being positioned between the proximal surface and the distal surface, the sidewall of the chamber being inside the sidewall such that there is a space between the wall of the chamber and the sidewall, the sidewall being inclined outwardly as the sidewall extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface towards the distal edge of the distal surface; a first handle is formed on the first portion of the housing. Different embodiments of the bowl may include one or more features or other features. In some embodiments, the first handle is integrally formed with the housing. In some embodiments, the bowl further comprises a second handle on the second portion of the housing, the second handle being integrally formed with the housing. In some embodiments, the first handle comprises an aperture having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second handle comprises an aperture having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are aligned at an angle a of 90 ° ± 30 ° relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first handle is located on a first side of the housing and the second handle is located on a second side of the housing, and the first side of the housing is adjacent to the second side of the housing. In some embodiments, the baffle slopes downward toward the distal surface as the baffle extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface to the circumferential edge of the opening. In some embodiments, the height of the bowl, as measured along the longitudinal axis, is 2 inches to 5 inches. In some embodiments, the angle defined by the sidewall and the plane aligned with the circumferential edge of the proximal surface is 10 ° to 60 ° around the housing. In some embodiments, the angle defined by the sidewall and the plane aligned with the circumferential edge of the proximal surface is 10 ° to 60 ° on at least half of the housing. In some embodiments, the opening to the chamber is generally rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the opening has a length dimension of about 5 inches to 11.5 inches and a width dimension of about 4 inches to 10 inches. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises at least one support between the inner surface of the top portion and the inner surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises a plurality of supports disposed around the chamber. In some embodiments, the bowl further comprises a second handle on the second portion of the housing, the second handle integrally formed with the housing, wherein the first handle has a first length dimension of 3 inches to 8 inches and the second handle has a second length dimension of 3 inches to 8 inches. In some embodiments, the housing has a length dimension and a width dimension, and wherein the length dimension is 14 inches to 24 inches and the width dimension is 14 inches to 23 inches. In some embodiments, the bowl further comprises a sensor assembly positioned on the top portion of the housing, the sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the patient by direct contact with the patient and to wirelessly communicate information related to the sensed characteristic. In some embodiments, the bowl further comprises a sensor assembly positioned in the chamber, the sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the material in the chamber and wirelessly communicate information related to the sensed characteristic.

Another innovation includes a bedpan including a housing including a chamber for containing urine and feces, the chamber having a wall surrounding the chamber, a bottom surface, and a top opening, the housing further including a top portion, a bottom portion, a side wall, and a first handle, the top portion including a proximal surface having a baffle surrounding the opening to the chamber, the baffle extending from a peripheral edge of the proximal surface to a peripheral edge of the opening; the bottom portion includes a distal surface opposite the proximal surface, the chamber being positioned between the proximal surface and the distal surface; the sidewall surrounds the baffle, the sidewall being angled outwardly on all sides of the housing as the sidewall extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface toward the distal edge of the distal surface; the first handle is integrally formed with the housing. In some embodiments, the bowl further comprises a second handle integrally formed with the housing. In some embodiments, the top portion and the bottom portion are coupled together by a hinge.

The bedpan may include a number of different embodiments having different aspects or features, some of which are discussed herein. However, the present innovations are not limited to the different embodiments or the different features discussed herein. Moreover, features disclosed herein may be included in various embodiments of the bowl, whether or not they are explicitly described as being included in a particular embodiment, unless otherwise explicitly indicated or indicated by the context of the features.

Drawings

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like reference numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The accompanying drawings illustrate generally, by way of example and not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

Fig. 1A and 1B are top perspective views illustrating a first example of a bedpan illustrating various structural and functional aspects of some embodiments.

Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a first example of a bedpan illustrating different structural and functional aspects of some embodiments.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view illustrating a first example of a bedpan and illustrates the different structural and functional aspects of some embodiments.

Figure 4 is a top plan view illustrating a first example of a bedpan illustrating different structural and functional aspects of some embodiments and illustrating the dimensions (in inches) of one particular embodiment.

Figure 5 is a side elevational cross-sectional view illustrating a first example of the bowl along line A-A shown in figure 4. In fig. 5, the interior chamber of the bowl is illustrated in a darker color than the housing of the bowl.

Fig. 6A, 6B, and 6C are side elevation views illustrating a first example of a bedpan in accordance with some embodiments, and showing examples of dimensional aspects of the bedpan.

Fig. 7 is another side elevational view illustrating a first example of a bedpan in accordance with some embodiments, and showing an example of dimensional aspects of the bedpan.

Figure 8A is another side elevational cross-sectional view of the first example of the bowl along line B-B of figure 6, illustrating a portion C of the rim (e.g., ramp) of the proximal surface of the bowl housing surrounding the opening in the proximal surface, in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 8B is a detailed view of portion C, illustrating an example of an edge of the proximal surface of the housing surrounding an opening in the proximal surface, according to some embodiments.

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view illustrating a first example of a bedpan illustrating certain dimensions of the housing.

Figure 10 is a top perspective view of an example of a bedpan illustrating an example of supports positioned in a chamber of a housing, each support coupled to a top inner surface and a bottom inner surface.

Figure 11 is a bottom plan view illustrating the arrangement of the support 156 positioned in the chamber of the bowl according to some embodiments.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view (left side) of the bowl along line A-A and a top plan view of the same bowl showing line A-A.

Figure 13 is a top plan view illustrating a second example of a bedpan that does not include a handle formed in the housing according to some embodiments.

Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a first side of the second example of the bedpan illustrated in figure 13.

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the second side of the second example of the bedpan illustrated in figure 13.

Figure 16 is a bottom plan view illustrating a second example of the bedpan illustrated in figure 13 in accordance with some embodiments.

Figure 17A is a perspective view illustrating an example embodiment of the top portion of the bowl.

Fig. 17B is a top view of the top portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 17A.

Fig. 17C is a bottom view of the top portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 17A.

Fig. 17D is a left side view of the top portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 17A.

Fig. 17E is a right side view of the top portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 17A.

Fig. 17F is a rear view of the top portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 17A.

Fig. 17G is a front view of the top portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 17A.

Figure 18A is a perspective view illustrating an example embodiment of the bottom portion of the bowl.

Fig. 18B is a top view of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A.

Fig. 18C is a bottom view of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A.

Fig. 18D is a left side view of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A.

Fig. 18E is a right side view of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A.

Fig. 18F is a rear view of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A.

Fig. 18G is a front view of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A.

Figure 19A is a perspective view illustrating an example embodiment in which the top and bottom portions of the bowl are connected together and opened.

Figure 19B is a top view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together.

Figure 19C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together.

Figure 19D is a left side view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together.

Figure 19E is a right side view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together.

Figure 19F is a rear view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together.

Figure 19G is a front view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together.

Figure 20A is a perspective view illustrating an example embodiment in which the top and bottom portions of the bowl are closed together.

Figure 20B is a top view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 20A closed together.

Figure 20C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 20A closed together.

Figure 20D is a left side view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 20A closed together.

Figure 20E is a right side view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 20A closed together.

Figure 20F is a rear view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 20A closed together.

Figure 20G is a front view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 20A closed together.

Fig. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a system for communicating sensor information from a bedpan to a smart phone, computer, and/or over a network to a server and/or practitioner.

Fig. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a sensor system for sensing information and communicating the information to a smart phone, computer, and/or to a server and/or practitioner over a network.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a portion of a toilet pan with an embodiment of a hinge coupling an upper portion of the toilet pan and a bottom portion of the toilet pan together to hold the top and bottom portions together, the hinge being shown with the toilet pan in a closed or assembled configuration.

Figure 24 illustrates an example of the hinge mechanism ("hinge") illustrated in figure 23 including a first portion of the extension structure attached to a top portion of the toilet bowl adjacent to a handle formed in the toilet bowl housing.

Fig. 25 illustrates an example of a second portion of the hinge illustrated in fig. 23 including a slot attached to a bottom portion of the toilet pan adjacent to a handle formed in the toilet pan housing.

Fig. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the hinge illustrated in fig. 23, illustrating the slots of the hinge.

Fig. 27 and 28 illustrate cross-sectional views of the hinge illustrated in fig. 23-26 in an open configuration.

Fig. 29 illustrates a view of the hinge illustrated in fig. 23-28 in a closed configuration.

Detailed Description

SUMMARY

The present application relates to innovations for bedpans that include structural features that address several clinical problems. Overall, it allows greater patient safety and comfort, is easier for staff to use, reduces the risk of biohazard exposure, and improves satisfaction with the health system. Urination and defecation are essential to human health, and all require the ability to perform these functions. Bedpans are one of the oldest medical devices that assist patients during urination and defecation, and they have been used for decades in hospitals and other medical and patient care facilities. Bedpans typically include a reservoir (or chamber) for the human to excrete urine and feces. Often, the person (patient) in need of the bedpan is immobile or nearly immobile and lacks the ability to move completely or is injured by pain caused by the movement. The bedpan is typically placed under a portion of the patient by a healthcare provider, such as a nurse, nurse assistant, technician, emergency doctor (EMT), or physician. Sometimes, a bedpan is placed for use by a patient. Placing the bedpan requires the patient to be moved to a different location or the patient to be assisted by moving himself. Healthy people on average have a bowel movement of about once a day. However, patients may bowel up to three (or more) times per day, or as little as once every three days. Healthy people urinate in about 21 seconds on average, with an average of 220ml, and urinate for 10 minutes on average, with an average of 200-400 grams per bowel movement. Thus, in some cases, the patient needs to place the bedpan for frequent use and for longer periods of time.

Patients are unhealthy by definition and may urinate/defecate outside of the normal time and frequency range. This may be caused by their disease/injury or as a side effect of a health care/drug. For example, a patient with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) may take longer to completely empty their bladder, or a patient infected with clostridium Difficile (C-diffiie) bacteria may defecate in large amounts every 3 minutes. Thus, patients can sometimes wait longer (over 10 minutes) on the bedpan.

The bowl requires a volume of space that is large enough to accommodate the feces and urine. Thus, if feces or urine does not contaminate the skin surface (skin) of the patient and cause damage, the bedpan has a certain height at a minimum. In addition, the bedpan should be able to withstand the weight of the patient. The average body weight of the patient increased significantly over the past 40 years. The average male weight now weighed 199.8lbs (90.6 kg) and the average female weight 170.8lbs (77.5 kg). A larger patient weight requires a more structurally stable bedpan. As the patient weight increases, a greater contact surface area on the top of the bowl is desirable to reduce pressure, however, typical bowl areas are inadequate and some even have little top contact surface area.

Furthermore, given the high infectivity of clostridium difficile bacteria and norwalk viruses, etc., bedpans are now primarily disposable or alternatively have bedpan liners. There is an increasing demand for the use of biodegradable disposable bedpans which are currently not structurally capable of handling large body weights. Surprisingly, most bedpans are not configured to adequately contain feces and fluid that has been deposited therein as the bedpan moves. For example, many bedpans have at least one outer wall with an angle of about 90 degrees, and sometimes the outer walls on all sides are at an angle of about 90 degrees, which causes splatter when the bedpan is removed from under the patient and otherwise moved. Due to these improper designs, spillage often occurs when the bowl is pulled from under the patient, often due to patient girth/weight when the bowl is stuck.

Many bedpans are in use today. For example, some bedpans that are used for ease of placement have very small contact surface areas. Thus, these can be uncomfortable for the patient and increase the likelihood of skin damage from prolonged placement. Furthermore, they can only be placed from the lower/bottom of the patient, wherein the patient's legs are rotated at least slightly outwards. Bedpans with large surface areas are cumbersome and difficult to place. These bedpans are very difficult to place under the patient because they require the patient to be moved and angled sufficiently to be able to place the bedpan correctly. This can also be extremely painful for patients with lumbar/thoracic or hip/femoral fractures. No bedpan is available that is configured to address all of the needs of the patient and/or medical provider. For example, there is no bedpan designed for easy lateral placement (from the patient's side). No bedpans are designed to allow them to be easily placed from the bottom or side or the patient. There is no bedpan with ultra low profile and configured with multiple side ramps to ease placement and reduce effort required by the provider or patient. A bedpan that is not designed with sloped or covered walls from all sides to reduce splatter. The bedpans disclosed herein are configured to address these deficiencies and have additional advantages. For example, bedpans are structures similar to toilet seats and are designed for patient comfort, especially when they are used for longer periods of time. Moreover, the disclosed embodiments provide a splash free chamber having a larger volume than the bowl housing opening, which reduces splashing while providing increased chamber volume.

Embodiments of low profile bedpans address at least several of these clinical problems. Overall, it allows greater patient safety and comfort, is easier for staff to use, reduces the risk of biohazard exposure, and improves satisfaction with the health system.

The low profile bedpan embodiments disclosed herein can be placed laterally under a patient, solving the problem of bedpan placement when such placement is needed by a patient, the only bedpan specifically designed for this purpose. The sloped sides of the bowl reduce the force necessary to push it between the patient and the bed. The patient is heavy and increases the physical effort necessary for proper placement. In various embodiments, the bottom has a slight upward slope (or offset of the bottom surface) to prevent the underside of the bowl from catching on the sheet. Embodiments may include two ergonomic handles integrated into the housing of the bowl, allowing for controlled lateral or lower/bottom placement. Other configurations of the handle are possible. In some embodiments, the bowl includes only one handle, which makes it cheaper to manufacture. In some embodiments, the bowl includes more than two handles (e.g., three handles). In some embodiments, the bowl has a handle on each side. In an example, the bowl has a rectangular shape and includes an integral handle on each of its four sides. In another example, the bowl has a triangular shape with three sides and includes an integral handle (e.g., one, two, or three handles) on one or more sides of the bowl. The embodiments of the bowl are designed to resemble a toilet seat to maintain patient comfort. This should allow for improved urination and defecation of the patient, as the concept of using a bedpan is sufficiently uncomfortable. The bedpan is designed to maximize the surface area of the bedpan against the patient's skin. The large surface area reduces pressure on the sacral, buttock area to reduce the likelihood of iatrogenic pressure injury. Furthermore, embodiments of the bedpan are designed to reduce any hard angular contact between the patient and the product. These design features reduce the likelihood of iatrogenic injury. In various embodiments, the bedpan may include one or more internal posts or supports ("supports") positioned in or around the exterior of the interior chamber of the bedpan, between the top surface of the bedpan and the bottom surface of the bedpan. The support may be coupled to the top and/or bottom portions of the bowl. The support allows the bowl to support a greater weight on the top section without deforming or breaking.

List of certain parts

The following is a list of certain components described and listed in this disclosure with reference to the figures listed above. However, any aspect of the apparatus illustrated in the figures (whether individually named herein) may form part of different embodiments of the invention and may provide a basis for claim limitations related to such aspects with or without additional description. The listed components include:

100. bed pan

102. Shell body

103. Longitudinal axis

104. Proximal surface

105. Upper portion distal surface

106. Distal surface

107. Peripheral edge of distal surface

108. An opening

109. Plane aligned with the circumferential edge of the distal surface

110. Proximal surface edge/circumferential edge of proximal surface

111. Plane aligned with the circumferential edge of the proximal surface

112. Distal edge

113. Circumferential edge bottom portion

114. Top part

115. Sensor located in a chamber

116. Bottom portion

117. Sensor (on side surface of shell)

118. Around the peripheral edge of the opening

119. Sensor (e.g. on top surface of housing or baffle)

120. A ramp surrounding the peripheral edge of the opening

121. Bevel, connecting bottom and top portions

122. Bevel, connecting the sidewall and the proximal surface

123 edge

124 side wall

124a first sidewall

124b second side wall

124c third side wall

124d fourth side wall

126 first handle

128 second handle

130 baffle

132 opening/recess first handle

134 open/concave second handle

136 housing wall, first handle opening

138 housing wall, second handle opening

140 corner

142 inner edge of baffle

144 outer edge of baffle

146 pull member, first handle

148 pull member, second handle

149 chamber wall

150 walls, a bottom portion extending between the distal surface edge and the distal edge

152 wall, top portion extending between distal and proximal edges

153 outer surface of chamber wall

154 chamber (Shell inner chamber)

155 housing proximal surface (inner) bottom portion

156 support first portion (support housing upper portion proximal surface/baffle)

157 support the second part (side wall of the upper part of the support housing)

158 chamber wall inner surface

159 upper (circumferential) chamber wall

160 inner support on bottom portion

161 chamber bottom surface

164 underside of the top portion

165 hinge mechanism

166 left side

167 hinge extension structure

168 right side

169 hinge groove

170 upper/rear side

172 underside/front side

173 locking feature

174 proximal side (the portion facing the patient in use)

176 distal side (facing away from the patient in use)

180 first handle longitudinal axis

182 second handle longitudinal axis

200 bed pan

300 sensor system

302 mobile device (e.g., smart phone)

304 computer

306 network

308 server

310 medical practitioner's computer device or medical facility

311-317 communication link

400 sensor system

402 communication bus

404 processor

406. Memory device

410. Sensing element

412. Display device

414. Input device

418. Communication interface

420. Battery cell

Illustrative embodiments

Figures 1A-12 illustrate certain features that may be included on a first example of a bedpan having a sloped side surface on all sides of the bedpan and having one or more handles formed in a housing (e.g., integrally formed in the housing), the illustrated example having two handles. While the first example shows the handle formed in the housing, it is also contemplated that in some embodiments the bowl has one or more handles attached to the housing. For example, attached to the housing at a position similar to that of a handle formed in the housing, or attached to the housing in another position. Other embodiments having features that address one or more of the problems described above are also possible, for example, as illustrated in fig. 13-16, in a second example where no handle is formed in the housing, and as illustrated in fig. 17A-20G, which illustrate other examples. For example, during the molding process, embodiments of the bowl may be made as an integral unit. In other embodiments, the bowl may be manufactured in two or more pieces attached together, preferably using a process that creates a sealed chamber inside the bowl, with the only opening to the chamber being on the proximal surface 104 (i.e., the top surface of the bowl when the bowl is in an operational orientation). Some examples of bedpans that may be manufactured in two pieces (top and bottom portions) are illustrated in fig. 17A-20G. In some embodiments, the top and bottom portions may be formed as flip-top assembled connectors, examples of which are illustrated in fig. 19A-19G. For ease of reference, reference to "top" or "proximal" refers to the top portion or surface of the bowl (generally facing upward) when the bowl is oriented in a normal use position as the bowl, and "bottom" or "distal" refers to the opposite side (lower or bottom) of the bowl (generally facing downward). The various embodiments of the bedpan include a proximal side 174 that represents a portion of the structure or surface that faces the patient in use. I.e., generally oriented "upward" when in use. The different embodiments of the bowl further include a distal side 176 that represents a portion of the structure or surface that faces away from the patient in use. That is, when in use, the orientation is generally "downward".

Referring again to fig. 1A and 1B, the bowl 100 includes a housing 102 having a top portion 114 and a bottom portion 116 joined at a distal rim 112. In the various embodiments described herein, the top portion 114 generally refers to the portion of the bedpan that is positioned closest to and/or in contact with the patient when the bedpan is in use, and the bottom portion 116 of the bedpan refers to the portion of the bedpan that faces away from the patient and/or in contact with another surface of the bed or supporting the bedpan when the bedpan is in use. Housing 102 is a low profile housing having a low height (e.g., from proximal surface 104 to distal surface 104). In some examples, the height is 2 inches. In some examples, the height is 2 inches + -3/4 inches. In different embodiments, the height may be from 3/4 inch to about 5 inches, but lower heights in the range of 2 inches to 3 inches are generally preferred. The height of the bedpan used may depend in part on the patient that the bedpan is used to make it easier to place under the patient and how much material the bedpan needs to contain.

The bottom portion 116 may include a distal surface 106 and a wall 150 extending from the distal surface 106 to the distal edge 112. Distal edge 112 may have a bevel 123 on at least a portion of distal edge 112 that may eliminate sharp edges on the bowl. Ramp 123 may include a distal portion of wall 152 and a proximal portion of wall 150. The top portion 114 includes a wall 152 extending from the distal edge 112 to the proximal surface 104. Proximal edge 110 may have a bevel 122 on at least a proximal portion of wall 152 and a portion of proximal surface 104, which may eliminate sharp edges on bowl 100. Wall 152 is sloped inwardly from distal rim 112 toward proximal rim 110, and the slope of wall 152 facilitates positioning the bedpan in an operable position beneath the patient. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 152 is sloped inwardly on all sides of the bowl, which allows the bowl 102 to be placed under a patient in any orientation (i.e., direction). In some embodiments, the bowl 102 may be configured with a wall 152 that is sloped inwardly on less than all sides of the bowl, although this may somewhat limit the direction in which the bowl may be placed under a patient.

The housing 102 may include an opening 108 through the proximal surface 104 that provides access to a chamber 154 (fig. 5) inside the housing 120. In this example, the opening 108 is generally rectangular having a length L and a width W. In some embodiments, the opening 108 has a length of 8.5 inches ±2 inches. In some embodiments, the opening 108 has a width of 7.13 inches ±2 inches. In other embodiments, the openings may be differently shaped (e.g., square, circular, oval, etc.). The circumferential edge 118 surrounds the opening 108. The housing 102 may include a bevel between the circumferential edge 118 and the proximal surface 104 to eliminate sharp edges around the opening 108. A baffle 130 surrounds the opening 108 and is between the opening 108 and the proximal edge 110. The baffle 130 is generally planar and provides a contact surface on which the patient rests weight. The baffle 130 includes an inner edge 142 surrounding the opening 108 and an outer edge 144 coupled to a top portion of the wall 152. The width of the baffle 130 (between the opening 108 and the wall 152) may be, for example, between 1/2 inch and 4 inches and preferably between 1 inch and 3 inches. The chamber 154 extends below at least a portion of the baffle 130 such that the baffle 130 provides splash protection for the fluid and solid material in the chamber 154.

The illustrated housing 102 is rectangular in shape and has four lateral sides: a first side 124a, a second side 124b, a third side 124c on an opposite side of the first side 124a, and a fourth side 124d on an opposite side of the second side 124 b. In other embodiments, the housing may have other shapes. For example, the housing 102 may include three sides, four sides, or five sides. In some embodiments, the housing 102 may have more than five sides. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing has four corners 140a-140d positioned between the sides 124a-124d, respectively.

The housing 102 also includes at least one handle. In the illustrated example, the housing 102 includes a first handle 126 on the first side 124 a. The first handle 126 includes an opening or recess 132 in the housing 102. In this example, the opening 132 extends through the housing 102. The first handle 126 also includes a wall 136 facing the opening 132 and includes a pulling member 146 configured for engagement by a user's finger to pull or push the bedpan under the patient or remove the bedpan from under the patient. The housing 102 also includes a second handle 128 on a second side 124b that is adjacent to the first side 124 a. The second handle 128 includes a wall 138 facing the opening 132. The second handle 128 also includes a pulling member 148 configured for engagement by a user's finger to pull or push the bedpan under the patient or remove the bedpan from under the patient.

Another advantage of the disclosed bedpan is that the outer surface is in contact with the patient for a period of time when in use that allows information to be collected by sensors incorporated into the bedpan. In some embodiments, the bedpan may include one or more sensors disposed on the bedpan to provide information related to the patient and/or information related to bodily fluids from fecal matter of the patient. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be coupled to or incorporated into the structure of the bowl. An example of an embodiment of a system for communicating sensor information from a bedpan to a smart phone, computer, and/or over a network to a server and/or practitioner is shown in fig. 21 and described below. An example of an embodiment of a sensor system for sensing information and communicating the information to a smart phone, computer, and/or to a server and/or practitioner over a network is shown in fig. 22 and described below.

Due to the unique construction of the low profile bedpan 100, a substantial portion of the proximal surface 104 can be in direct contact with the patient's skin when the bedpan 100 is in use. One or more sensors or sensor assemblies (both referred to herein as "sensors" for ease of reference) may be located on the top portion 114 of the bowl 100, e.g., on the side wall 124 or the baffle 130, and may contact the patient's skin and provide information about one or more vital signs of the patient when in use. Figure 1B shows several example locations for placement of such sensors 119 on the proximal surface 104 of the bowl 100 (e.g., on one or more portions of the baffle 130 surrounding the opening 108). Figure 1B also shows an example of a sensor 117 on the proximal surface 104 of the bowl 100, in this example disposed on an angled wall 152 of the side wall 124 of the housing 102. In various embodiments, these sensors may be included on any of the embodiments of the toilet bowl disclosed herein in fig. 1A-22. At the position of In some embodiments, the sensors 117, 119 may provide information about vital signs of the patient, including, for example, but not limited to, O ₂ Perfusion, temperature, heart rate, and/or respiration rate. Such sensors for monitoring these vital signs are readily available, but have not previously been incorporated into a bedpan, at least in part due to the adverse structure of previous bedpans. In some embodiments, the sensor may provide the sensed patient information to a computer or mobile device, including a smart phone, via a wireless communication protocol. Such as bluetooth or other suitable wireless communication protocol. In some embodiments, the communications may be encrypted to meet applicable HIPPA requirements.

Considering that the contact of the skin with the bowl can last for several minutes (or more) during normal use, a sensor with skin contact can also provide information about the skin integrity of the patient's skin. This can be accomplished by combining sweat analysis with a microscopic depth reading of the skin using a perfusion sensor. This information may be used for wound management and/or based on clinical decisions regarding optimal treatment (e.g., using steroids or anticoagulants in someone with minimal skin integrity, and such treatment may cause serious side effects). Sweat analysis can also be used to evaluate some electrolyte measurements such as potassium, sodium or chloride. Acidosis can also be analyzed to measure the patient's body pH. Moreover, sweat concentration and electrolyte concentration can be used to measure whether a patient is dehydrated, which is particularly important for dementia and elderly patients.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors 115 may be included in the chamber 154 (illustrated in fig. 1B) and positioned such that they contact and sense information related to urine and/or fecal matter. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 is located on a bottom surface of the chamber 154 (e.g., as illustrated in fig. 1A, 1B, and 17A). In some embodiments, the sensor 115 is located on an inner wall of the chamber 154 (e.g., as illustrated in fig. 18A). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the embodiments disclosed herein and others may incorporate one or more of the sensors 115, 117, 119 (note: the sensors are not illustrated in all figures, but any of the embodiments may include such sensors). In an example, sensor 115 may sense the amount of fluid in bowl 100. In another example, the sensor 115 may sense an amount of fecal material in the chamber 154. The bottom surface 161 of the chamber 154 is in direct contact with urine and feces and may house one or more sensors for identifying fecal anomalies. Urine analysis may be accomplished automatically by sensor 115 embedded in chamber 154. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 senses pH, for example, by a color change of a material (e.g., litmus paper) or by using a pH probe/sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 positioned in the chamber 154 is configured to measure specific gravity, identify the presence of ketone/glucose or nitrite/bacteria, etc. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 located in the chamber 154 is configured to sense a characteristic of the fecal matter to gather information to determine the density of the hard fecal matter. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 located in the chamber 154 is configured to sense a characteristic of the fecal matter to gather information to determine a weight measurement of the fecal matter in the chamber 154, a size (small or large) of the fecal matter in the chamber 154 to identify whether the patient is constipation. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 located in the chamber 154 may sense the presence of blood and other metabolic byproducts (e.g., bilirubin). In some embodiments, the sensor 115 positioned in the chamber 154 is configured to sense information related to parasites in urine or fecal matter in the chamber 154. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 positioned in the chamber 154 is configured to sense information related to infectious disease. Such as novel coronavirus (covd 19), clostridium difficile (C Diff), shigella, salmonella, helicobacter pylori, and the like.

Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a first example of a bedpan illustrating different structural and functional aspects of some embodiments. Distal surface 106 includes distal edge 107. The wall 150 extends from the distal edge 107 of the distal surface 107 to the distal edge 112 of the housing 102, which is the maximum circumferential extent of the housing 102.

Figure 4 is a top plan view illustrating a first example of a bedpan illustrating different structural and functional aspects of some embodiments and illustrating the dimensions (in inches) of one particular embodiment. For example, in some examples, the length of bowl 200 is 18.41 inches and has a width of 17.82 inches. In some embodiments, the bowl may have a length of 12 inches to 23 inches and a width of 12 inches to 23 inches. In some embodiments, the openings 132 of the handles 126, 128 may be about 6 inches long and about 1.25 inches wide. In other embodiments, the length of the opening may be between 3.5 inches and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the handle extends along substantially all or all of the sides of the bowl 102.

Figure 5 is a side elevational cross-sectional view illustrating a first example of the bowl along line A-A shown in figure 4. In fig. 5, the interior chamber 154 of the bowl is illustrated in a darker color than the housing 102 of the bowl 100. The chamber 154 may extend throughout substantially the entire housing to maximize the volume of the chamber 154. A baffle 130 surrounds the opening 108. In some embodiments, the baffles 130 may have different widths around the opening 108. For example, the distance of the baffle 130 between the baffle inner edge 142 and the baffle outer edge 144 can vary and can vary depending on the particular bowl use. The chamber 154 extends below the baffle 130 such that the baffle 130 helps prevent spillage when the bowl is moved.

Fig. 7 is another side elevational view illustrating a first example of a bedpan in accordance with some embodiments, and showing an example of dimensional aspects of the bedpan. The profile of the bowl is low, in this example, the bowl height is about 2 inches. As the height decreases, the internal chamber volume decreases, so the height of the bowl should not be too low unless it is used for patients who do not urinate or defecation in larger volumes. With this in mind, in some examples, the overall height of the bowl may be 0.5 inches to 3 inches. In some embodiments, the height of the bowl is more advantageously configured to be 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches. Also, in this example, the bottom portion has a height of 0.5 inches and the top portion has a height of 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the height of the bottom portion may be, for example, 0.2 to 1 inch and the height of the top portion may be, for example, 1 to 2 inches. For ease of reference in all embodiments, reference may be made to the longitudinal axis 103 of the bowl, the longitudinal axis 110 being perpendicular (or nearly perpendicular) to the plane 109 aligned with the circumferential edge of the distal surface 106 and perpendicular (or nearly perpendicular) to the plane 111 aligned with the circumferential edge 110 of the proximal surface 104. In the preferred embodiment, the plane 111 is aligned parallel to the plane 109, although in some embodiments they may be aligned substantially parallel. Typically, the bedpan is in a position vertically aligned with the longitudinal axis 103 for use as shown with respect to the orientation of fig. 7.

In this example, the wall 150 of the bottom portion extends from the distal surface at an angle A2 of 40 degrees. In various embodiments, angle A2 may be about 10 degrees and 90 degrees or between about 10 degrees and 90 degrees. For example, angle A2 may be 10 °, 11 °, 12 °, 13 °, 14 °, 15 °, 16 °, 17 °, 18 °,19 °, 20 °, 21 °, 22 °, 23 °, 24 °, 25 °, 26 °, 27 °, 28 °, 29 °, 30 °, 31 °, 32 °, 33 °, 34 °, 35 °, 36 °, 37 °, 38 °, 39 °, 40 °, 41 °, 42 °, 43 °, 44 °, 45 °, 46 °, 4 °,7, 48 °, 49 °, 50 °, 51 °, 52 °, 53 °, 54 °,5, 56 °, 57 °, 58 °, 59 °, 60 °, 61 °, 62 °, 63 °, 64 °, 65 °, 66 °, 67 °, 68 °, 69 °, 70 °, 71 °, 72 °, 73 °, 74 °, 75 °, 76 °, 77 °, 78 °, 79 °, 80 °, 81 °, 82 °, 83 °, 84 °, 85 °, 86 °, 87 °, 88 °, 89 °, or 90 ° ± 0.5 °. This extension of the wall 150 facilitates the configuration of the smaller distal surface 106 and lifts the top portion of the housing above the distal surface 106, which allows the bedpan to slide more easily into place (e.g., not getting stuck on a sheet or other covering or material underneath a patient on which the bedpan is placed). The wall 152 of the top portion of the housing is joined to the wall 150 along the distal edge 112 and extends to the proximal edge 110 of the housing, as also illustrated, for example, in fig. 1A and 1B. The wall 152 extends from the distal edge to the proximal edge at an angle A1 of 30 degrees relative to the plane of the proximal surface 104. In various embodiments, the angle A1 may advantageously be between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees or between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees. In some embodiments, angle A1 is greater than 50 degrees. The smaller angle A1 (e.g., lower slope of the sidewall 152 in the illustrated orientation) provides the advantage of easier placement of the toilet panel under the patient because it allows the bedpan to slide more easily under the patient (if necessary) because the patient cannot lift himself when the bedpan is positioned for use. In some embodiments, a smaller angle A1 may result in a smaller volume of the chamber 154. In various embodiments, the angle A1 of the wall 152 may be 1 °, 2 °, 3 °, 4 °,5 °, 6 °,7 °, 8 °, 9 °, 10 °, 11 °, 12 °, 13 °, 14 °, 15 °, 16 °, 17 °, 18 °,19 °, 20 °, 21 °, 22 °, 23 °, 24 °, 25 °, 26 °, 27 °, 28 °, 29 °, 30 °, 31 °, 32 °, 33 °, 34 °, 35 °, 36 °, 37 °, 38 °, 39 °, 40 °, 41 °, 42 °, 43 °, 44 °, 45 °, 46 °, 4 °,7, 48 °, 49 °, 50 °, 51 °, 52 °, 53 °, 54 °,5 °, 56 °, 57 °, 58 °, 59 °, 60 °, 61 °, 62 °, 63 °, 64 °, 65 °, 66 °, 67 °, 68 °, 69 °, 70 °, 71 °, 72 °, 73 °, 74 °, 75 °, 76 °, 77 °, 78 °, 79 °, 80 °, 81 °, 82 °, 83 °, 84 °, or 85 °, 0.5 °. In some embodiments, all walls 152 extending from the bottom portion of the housing 102 to the top portion of the housing 102 may be configured with the above-described ramps. In some embodiments, some of the walls 152 may be configured with the above-described chamfer. For example, about 25% to about all or nearly 100% of the wall 152. In some embodiments, two of the sides are configured as tops.

Figure 8A illustrates another side elevational cross-sectional view of the first example of the bedpan along line B-B of figure 6, indicating a portion C of the rim of the proximal surface of the bedpan housing surrounding the opening in the proximal surface, in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of an example of a bedpan illustrating an example of supports positioned in a chamber of a housing, each support 156 coupled to a top inner surface (e.g., of a top portion) and a bottom inner surface (e.g., of a bottom portion). The support 156 allows the bowl to support a greater amount of weight on top of the bowl (e.g., on the baffle 130) without breaking or permanently deforming the bowl.

Figure 11 is a bottom plan view illustrating the arrangement of the support 156 positioned in the chamber of the bowl according to some embodiments. This embodiment includes nine supports 156 positioned around the opening. In most embodiments, the bedpans disclosed herein include at least one support. In some embodiments, the bowl includes a plurality of supports.

Figure 13 is a top plan view illustrating a second example of a bedpan 200 that does not include a handle formed in the housing according to some embodiments. Other features of the bowl 200 may be the same as the features of the bowl 100 illustrated in fig. 1A-12.

Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a first side of the second example of the bowl 200 illustrated in figure 13.

Figure 17A is a perspective view illustrating another example of an embodiment of the top portion 114 of the bowl. This embodiment of the top portion 114 of the bowl may include many of the same features as previously described and as shown in the list of certain components above. As also illustrated in other embodiments, the embodiments include sidewalls 124a-124d that slope inwardly (or incline) as they extend from the distal edge 112 around the bottom of the top portion 114 to the proximal surface edge 110 and the baffle 130 on the top surface of the top portion 114. As also illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B, this embodiment includes a first handle 126 and a second handle 128 formed within the bowl housing 102. In some embodiments, the bowl may include a single handle. In the top of the housing 102, a baffle 130 surrounds the opening 108 to the interior chamber of the bowl. The opening has a circumferential edge 118 surrounding the opening 108. In this embodiment, the circumferential edge 118 includes a chamfer 120. The baffle 130 extends from an outer edge 144 to an inner edge 142. Preferably, at least a portion of the baffle 130 slopes downward as it extends from the outer edge 144 to the inner edge 142 to facilitate urine flow into the opening 108. This example embodiment of the top portion 114 can be paired with a differently designed bottom portion to create an operable bowl. For example, the bottom portion 116 is illustrated in fig. 18A-18G. In some embodiments, the top portion 114 may include a hinge mechanism 165 illustrated in fig. 23-29 to attach to the bottom portion of the bowl. In some embodiments, the top portion 114 may include one or more of the sensors 117 or 119 for sensing characteristics of the patient, e.g., as described with reference to fig. 1A, 1B, 21, and 22.

Fig. 17B and 17C are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the top portion 114 illustrated in fig. 17A. When mated with a bottom portion (e.g., the bottom portion illustrated in fig. 18A-18G), top portion distal surface 105 and underside 164 (fig. 17C) are positioned inside the bowl and are not visible. As illustrated in the figures, in some embodiments, a bedpan may have two handles on different sides of the bedpan to facilitate placement of the bedpan in a position for use (e.g., under a patient) and removal of the bedpan (e.g., from under the patient). As illustrated in this embodiment, and as applicable to any of the other embodiments having two handles, the first handle 126 may have a first handle longitudinal axis 180 and the second handle 182 may have a second handle longitudinal axis 182. Angle E may be formed by the intersection of the first handle longitudinal axis 180 and the second handle longitudinal axis 182, as illustrated in fig. 17B. In some embodiments, angle E may be 90. In some embodiments, the angle E may be 90±30°.

Fig. 17D and 17E are left and right side views, respectively, of the top portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 17A.

Fig. 17F and 17G are rear and front views, respectively, of the embodiment of the top portion 114 illustrated in fig. 17A. Rim 123 connects the top portion 114 to the bottom portion of the bowl. When closed together, the entire edge 123 is in contact with the bottom portion.

Figure 18A is a perspective view of an example embodiment illustrating the bottom portion 116 of an embodiment of the bedpan 100. Fig. 18B and 18C are top and bottom views, respectively, of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A. Fig. 18D and 18E are left and right side views, respectively, of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A. Fig. 18F and 18G are a rear view and a front view, respectively, of the bottom portion embodiment illustrated in fig. 18A. This embodiment of the bottom portion 116 of the bowl may include many of the same features as previously described and as shown in the list of certain components above.

This embodiment also illustrates an inner support 160 positioned about the bottom to support the top portion of the bowl (illustrated in fig. 17A). The support 160 is attached to or extends from a bottom portion of the housing proximal surface 155. The inner support 160 forms a support system in the cavity of the bottom portion 116 to support the overlying top portion. In this embodiment, there are multiple cavities above the bottom portion of the housing proximal surface 155 and between the supports 160 that make the basin lightweight and easy to position under the patient, while the multiple supports 160 provide support to hold the patient's weight comfortably on the large proximal surface of the bedpan without collapsing the bedpan. Each internal support 160 may include a support first portion 156 that supports a proximal surface or baffle of the top portion 114 of the housing 102 (e.g., as illustrated in fig. 17A). Each internal support 160 may also include a support second portion 157 that supports a sidewall of the top portion 114 of the housing 102 (e.g., as illustrated in fig. 17A). The bottom portion 116 includes a chamber 154 having a bottom surface 161. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 116 has a chamber wall 149 surrounding the sides of the chamber 154. In this embodiment, the chamber wall 149 has an inner surface 158 facing the chamber 154 and an outer surface 153 facing away from the chamber 154. In various embodiments, when the top portion 114 is coupled to the bottom portion 116, the bedpan is configured to have a cavity (open space) between the outer surface 153 of the chamber wall 149 and the distal end surface 105 of the top portion 114, which reduces the weight of the bedpan and the amount of material required to manufacture the bedpan. The chamber wall 149 also supports the top portion (e.g., baffle) of the bowl when the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 are coupled together. The internal features of the bottom portion 116 may vary from embodiment to embodiment. In this embodiment, the first handle 126 and the second handle 128 are positioned on adjacent sides of the bowl, which makes it easier to grasp the bowl with one or both hands, thereby positioning the bowl under the patient and removing the bowl from under the patient, and the position of the handles corresponds to the top portion (i.e., the top portion and the bottom portion each comprise a portion of the handle). As also illustrated in fig. 18A, the bottom portion 116 may include one or more sensors 115 in the chamber 154 or on the chamber wall 149 to sense characteristics of materials (e.g., blood, urine, stool) in the chamber 154.

Figure 19A is a perspective view illustrating an example embodiment of the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 of the bowl coupled together in an open configuration. Figure 19B is a top view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together. Figure 19C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together. Figures 19D and 19E are left and right side views, respectively, of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bedpan illustrated in figure 19A connected together. Figures 19F and 19G are rear and front views, respectively, of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bowl illustrated in figure 19A connected together. This embodiment of the bowl may include many of the same features as previously described and as shown in the list of certain components described above. The embodiment of fig. 19A-19G may be advantageous because it allows the bedpans to be stacked together with the top section 114 nested together and the bottom section 116 nested together, which minimizes the volume of multiple bedpans for transport and storage. The top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 may be coupled together by a hinge mechanism 165 located on an edge of the handle that connects the bottom portion and the top portion 123. In some embodiments (including in fig. 19A), the hinge is a living hinge, and the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 are manufactured to be coupled together. In other embodiments, the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 may not be connected together at all, or may be connected by some alternative mechanism. In other embodiments, the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 may have the ability to be connected together or removable. The top portion underside 164 may be hinged to rest directly on the inner support 160 in the bottom portion 116. When hinged together, the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 create a housing interior chamber 154. The top portion 114 contains an opening 108, which opening 108 is positioned above the chamber 154 when the bowl configured for use is closed.

Figure 20A is a perspective view illustrating an example embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bedpan, such as illustrated in figures 19A-19G. This embodiment of the bowl may include many of the same features as previously described and as shown in the list of certain components above. In this embodiment, the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 are coupled together such that they are ready to be used. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 19A-19G, the top portion 114 can swing about a hinge mechanism 165 and couple to the bottom portion 116 to create a ready-to-use bedpan. The chamber wall 149 is advantageously part of the bottom portion 116 to ensure the integrity of the chamber 154 and is partially visible in the illustration through the opening 108. Figures 20B and 20C are top and bottom views, respectively, of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bedpan illustrated in figure 20A when closed together. Figures 20D and 20E are left and right side views, respectively, of the embodiment of the top and bottom portions of the bedpan illustrated in figure 20A when closed together. Figures 20F and 20G are rear and front views, respectively, of the embodiment of the toilet bowl 100 illustrated in figure 20A with the top and bottom portions 114, 116 in a closed together configuration (or position) such that the toilet bowl 100 is ready for use.

Fig. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a system 300 for communicating sensor information from a bedpan to a smart phone, computer, and/or over a network to a server and/or practitioner. In this example, system 300 includes a bedpan 100, a computer/mobile platform ("mobile platform") 302, a computer system 304, a network 306, a server system 308, and one or more consultants/practitioners or facilities 310 (both referred to as practitioners 310 for ease of reference). The practitioner 310 can also receive information about the sensors incorporated on the bowl 100, for example, via communication to their computer (including notebook, tablet, smart phone, etc.).

The components of system 300 may communicate via network 306 and one or more communication links, including communication link 302 between bedpan 100 and mobile platform 302 (e.g., a smart phone), communication link 41 between mobile platform 302 and network 306, communication link 312 between computer 304 and network 306, and communication link 316 between server 308 and network 306. In some examples, bowl 100 may communicate directly with network 306 via communication link 317 (e.g., a wireless communication link). One or more portions of network 306 and communication links 311-317 may include wired or wireless communication links, and may include Wi-Fi, bluetooth, cellular, or any suitable communication link. The network 306 may be, for example, the Internet, or another large Local Area Network (LAN), or a Wide Area Network (WAN).

In this example, server 308 is configured with a program that collects and stores patient data. The information received by server 308 may also be used to provide reports to practitioner 310 or to mobile platform 302 or computer 304. The mobile platform 302 includes a display and provides certain information about different graphical user displays (GUIs) based on the received information (e.g., sensor information). The bowl 100 may include one or more sensors as described above and illustrated in fig. 1B.

Figure 22 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a sensor or sensor assembly ("sensor") 400 disposed on a bedpan. The sensor 400 is configured to sense information related to the patient and/or substances in the bowl and communicate the information to a smart phone, computer, and/or to a server, practitioner, and/or practitioner (e.g., to a computer operated by a practitioner) over a network. In some embodiments, sensor 400 may be sensors 115, 117 and/or sensor 119 as described above and illustrated in the figures. In various embodiments, the bedpan may include one sensor 400 or a plurality of sensors 400. The sensor 400 may be configured to sense more than one characteristic of the patient or material in the bedpan from the patient. For example, sensor 400 may sense a single feature by generating a signal related to the measurement of the feature and communicate information related to the signal for further processing/analysis. In another example, at least some processing of the sensed characteristics may be done in the sensor 100. In the example illustrated in fig. 22, sensor 400 includes a bus 402 or other communication mechanism for communicating information to components of the sensor, and a hardware processor or processors ("processor or processors") 404 coupled to bus 402 for processing the sensed information. The one or more hardware processors 404 may be, for example, one or more general purpose microprocessors.

Sensor system 400 also includes one or more memory components ("memory") 406, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), read Only Memory (ROM), cache memory, and/or other electronic memory, coupled to bus 402 for storing information, including sensed information, and instructions to be executed by processor 404. Memory 406 may also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 404. Sensor system 402 can implement the techniques described herein using custom hard-wired logic, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), firmware, and/or program logic which make sensor 400 a dedicated machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by sensor 400 in response to one or more processors 404 executing one or more sequences of one or more computer readable program instructions. Such instructions, when stored in a storage medium accessible to the processor 404, render the sensor 400 into a special purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The sensor 400 also includes a battery 420 that provides power to the components of the sensor 400.

The sensor 400 further comprises a sensing element or a plurality of sensing elements 410. In various embodiments, the sensing element 410 may use optical, electrical, chemical, or other techniques to sense information to determine information related to characteristics of the patient or material in the bowl. The sensing element 410 may be coupled to a display 412, for example, via the bus 402, for displaying information related to, for example, activation of the sensor 400, whether the sensor 400 is in communication with another computer via a communication link, sensed characteristics, battery life, and the like. Sensor 400 may include an input device 414 coupled to bus 402 for communicating information and command selections to processor 404. The input device 414 may include one or more buttons or keys for controlling the sensor 400, e.g., turning on/off the sensor, activating a communication link, inputting control data, etc. In some embodiments, another device in communication with the sensor (e.g., an application on mobile device 302 of fig. 21) is used to control sensor 400.

Sensor system 400 also includes a communication interface 418 coupled to bus 402. In various embodiments, communication interface 418 provides a one-way or two-way data communication to another computer. For example, as illustrated in fig. 21, to mobile device 302 via communication link 311, to network 306 via communication link 317, and/or to a computer via communication link 312. The link may preferably be wireless, but a wired link may also be implemented.

In various embodiments, certain functions of sensor 400 are accessible to a user through a web-based viewer (such as a web browser) or other suitable software program. In such an embodiment, the user interface may be generated by the server computing system 308 and transmitted to another computer, such as the mobile device 302 or the computer 304. Alternatively, the data necessary to generate the user interface (e.g., user interface data) may be provided by the server computing system to the browser, which may generate the user interface (e.g., the user interface data may be executed by a browser accessing the web service and may be configured to render the user interface based on the user interface data). The user may then interact with the user interface through a web browser. The user interface of some embodiments may be accessed through one or more dedicated software applications. In certain embodiments, one or more of the computing devices and/or systems of the present disclosure may comprise a mobile computing device, and the user interface can be accessed through such a mobile computing device (e.g., a smart phone and/or tablet computer), for example, as illustrated in fig. 21.

Fig. 23-29 illustrate an example of a portion of a toilet pan having another embodiment of a hinge mechanism 165 that couples the top portion 114 of the toilet pan and the bottom portion 116 of the toilet pan together. The hinge mechanism 165 of fig. 23-29 may be used, for example, to couple the top portion 114 illustrated in fig. 17A-17G and the bottom portion 116 illustrated in fig. 18A-18G together. The hinge assembly 165 is located in the first handle 126. In this embodiment, similar to other embodiments illustrated herein (e.g., in fig. 17-20), the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 include a portion of the first handle 126. In this embodiment, both the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116 include a portion of a hinge mechanism 165. As shown in fig. 24, in this embodiment, the top portion 114 includes a portion of a hinge mechanism 165 having two extension structures 167 extending from the distal edge 112 of the top portion 114. In other embodiments, the hinge mechanism 165 may include one extension structure 167, or more than two extension structures 167.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate an example of a second portion of the hinge mechanism 165 illustrated in figure 23 that is formed in the bottom portion 116 of the bowl and includes a slot 169. The number of slots corresponds to the number of extension structures 127 such that in this embodiment, the bottom portion 116 includes two slots 169 positioned on the first handle 126 at locations corresponding to the extension structures to receive the extension structures 167. Fig. 27 and 28 illustrate cross-sectional views of the hinge mechanism 165 of fig. 23-26 in a partially open configuration in which the slot 169 receives the extension structure 167. Fig. 29 illustrates a view of the hinge mechanism 165 in a closed configuration, wherein the extending structure 167 protrudes through the slot 169. In this embodiment, the extension structure includes a locking feature 173 having a protrusion that can extend through the slot 169 and snap onto structure surrounding the slot 169 to maintain the top portion 114 coupled to the bottom portion 116.

Implementation considerations

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. However, it will be appreciated that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. Also as described above, it should be noted that when describing certain features or aspects of the present invention, the use of particular terminology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

Conditional language such as "can," "can," or "can" is to be understood in the context of, among other things, as being generally used to convey that certain embodiments include and other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and/or steps unless specifically stated otherwise. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required by one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating the various sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described therein under. Such concepts may have applicability throughout the entire specification.

Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being in other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems and methods can be practiced in many ways. Also as described above, it should be noted that when describing certain features or aspects of the systems and methods, the use of particular terminology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the systems and methods with which that terminology is associated.

It will also be understood that when a feature or element (e.g., a structural feature or element) is referred to as being "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present. Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or illustrated may be applied to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, processes, functions, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, processes, functions, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as "/".

In the description and claims above, phrases such as "at least one … …" or "one or more … …" may appear after a connected list of elements or features. The term "and/or" may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Such phrases are intended to mean any of the listed elements or features alone or in combination with any of the other listed elements or features unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by context in which it is used. For example, the phrases "at least one of a and B", "one or more of a and B", "a and/or B" are each intended to mean "a alone, B alone, or a and B together". Similar explanations are also intended to be used for lists comprising three or more items. For example, at least one of the phrases "A, B and C; one or more of "," A, B and C; "and" A, B and/or C "are each intended to mean" a alone, B alone, C, A and B together, a and C together, B and C together, or a and B and C together ". The use of the term "based on" in the foregoing and claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on" such that unrecited features or elements are also permitted.

Spatially relative terms, such as "forward," "rearward," "under … …," "under … …," "lower," "over … …," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or elements or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as "under" or "below" other elements or features … … would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features due to the inverted state. Thus, the term "under … …" may encompass orientations above … … and below … …, depending on the reference point or orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal", and the like may be used herein for descriptive purposes only.

As used in the specification and claims herein, including as used in the examples, and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word "about" or "approximately", even if the term does not expressly appear. When describing a size and/or position, the phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used to indicate that the value and/or position being described is within a reasonably expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a value may have a value of +/-0.1% of the value (or range of values), +/-1% of the value (or range of values), +/-2% of the value (or range of values), +/-5% of the value (or range of values), +/-10% of the value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values set forth herein should also be understood to include about or approximate such values unless the context indicates otherwise.

For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also to be understood that when a value is disclosed, "less than or equal to" the value, "greater than or equal to the value," and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as would be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, if the value "X" is disclosed, then "less than or equal to X" and "greater than or equal to X" are also disclosed (e.g., where X is a numerical value). It should also be understood that throughout this application, data is provided in many different formats, and that this data may represent a range of endpoints or starting points, and any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point "10" and a particular data point "15" can be disclosed, it is to be understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 and between 10 and 15 can be considered disclosed. It is also understood that each element between two particular elements may also be disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 can be disclosed, 11, 12, 13 and 14 can also be disclosed.

Although various illustrative embodiments have been disclosed, any of a number of modifications can be made to the various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which the various method steps described are performed may be changed or reconfigured in different or alternative embodiments and one or more of the method steps may be skipped entirely in other embodiments. Optional or desired features of the different apparatus and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided mainly for the purpose of illustration and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims and specific embodiments or specific details or features disclosed.

The examples and descriptions included herein illustrate by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be referred to herein, individually or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the desired, practical, or disclosed purpose, whether explicitly stated or implied, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Some examples of embodiments include: example 1: a bedpan, the bedpan comprising: a housing including a chamber, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a first handle; a chamber for containing urine and feces, the chamber having a wall and a bottom surface; the top portion including an opening, a proximal surface, and a sloped sidewall, the opening into the chamber, the opening having a circumferential edge; the proximal surface includes a baffle surrounding the opening, the baffle extending from a circumferential edge of the proximal surface to a circumferential edge of the opening; the side wall of the inclined plate surrounds the baffle plate; the bottom portion includes a distal surface and a distal edge of the distal surface, the distal surface being opposite the proximal surface, the chamber being positioned between the proximal surface and the distal surface, the sidewall of the chamber being interior to the sidewall, the sidewall being sloped outwardly as the sidewall extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface toward the distal edge of the distal surface; a first handle is formed on the first portion of the housing. Example 2: the toilet of embodiment 1 wherein the first handle is integrally formed with the housing. Example 3: the toilet of either embodiment 1 or 2 further comprising a second handle on the second portion of the housing, the second handle being integrally formed with the housing. Example 4: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-3, the first handle comprising an aperture having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second handle comprises an aperture having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are aligned at an angle a of 90 ° ± 30 ° relative to each other. Example 5: the toilet of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the first handle is located on a first side of the housing and the second handle is located on a second side of the housing, and the first side of the housing is adjacent the second side of the housing. Example 6: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the baffle slopes downward toward the distal surface as the baffle extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface to the circumferential edge of the opening. Example 7: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the height of the bedpan, as measured along the longitudinal axis, is 2 inches to 5 inches. Example 8: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-7 wherein the angle defined by the sidewall and the plane aligned with the circumferential edge of the proximal surface is 10 ° to 60 ° around the housing. Example 9: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-7 wherein the angle defined by the sidewall and the plane aligned with the circumferential edge of the proximal surface is 10 ° to 60 ° on at least half of the housing. Example 10: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-9 wherein the opening is generally rectangular in shape. Example 11: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-10 wherein the opening has a length dimension of about 5 inches to 11.5 inches and a width dimension of about 4 inches to 10 inches. Example 12: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the housing further comprises at least one support between an inner surface of the top section and an inner surface of the bottom section. Example 13: the bedpan of embodiment 12, wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of supports disposed about the chamber. Example 14: the toilet of embodiment 1 further comprising a second handle on the second portion of the housing, the second handle being integrally formed with the housing, wherein the first handle has a first length dimension of 3 inches to 8 inches and the second handle has a second length dimension of 3 inches to 8 inches. Example 15: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein the housing has a length dimension and a width dimension, and wherein the length dimension is 14 inches to 24 inches and the width dimension is 14 inches to 23 inches. Example 16: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-15, further comprising a sensor assembly positioned on a top portion of the housing, the sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the patient by direct contact with the patient and wirelessly communicate information related to the sensed characteristic. Example 17: the bedpan of any of embodiments 1-15, further comprising a sensor assembly positioned within the chamber, the sensor configured to sense a characteristic of material within the chamber and wirelessly communicate information related to the sensed characteristic. Example 18: a bedpan, comprising: a housing comprising a chamber for containing urine and feces, the chamber having a wall surrounding the chamber, a bottom surface and a top opening, the housing further comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, a side wall and a first handle; the top portion includes a proximal surface having a baffle surrounding an opening to the chamber, the baffle extending from a peripheral edge of the proximal surface to a peripheral edge of the opening; the bottom portion includes a distal surface opposite the proximal surface, the chamber being positioned between the proximal surface and the distal surface; the sidewall surrounds the baffle, the sidewall being angled outwardly on all sides of the housing as the sidewall extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface toward the distal edge of the distal surface; the first handle is integrally formed with the housing. Example 19: the toilet of embodiment 18 further comprising a second handle integrally formed with the housing. Example 20: the toilet of embodiment 18 wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are coupled together by a hinge.

The disclosed subject matter has been provided herein with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that: although the detailed nature of the exemplary embodiments provided herein, changes and modifications may be applied to the embodiments without limitation or departure from the generally intended scope. These and other different adaptations and combinations of the embodiments provided herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the full set of disclosed elements and features and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A bedpan, comprising:

a housing, comprising:

a chamber for containing urine and feces, the chamber having a wall and a bottom surface,

a top portion comprising:

an opening to the chamber, the opening having a peripheral edge,

a proximal surface comprising a baffle surrounding the opening, the baffle extending from a peripheral edge of the proximal surface to a peripheral edge of the opening, an

A sloped sidewall surrounding the baffle;

a bottom portion comprising:

a distal surface opposite the proximal surface, an

A distal edge of the distal surface, the chamber being positioned between the proximal surface and the distal surface, a sidewall of the chamber being interior to the sidewall, the sidewall being sloped outwardly as the sidewall extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface toward the distal edge of the distal surface; and

A first handle formed on a first portion of the housing.

2. The bedpan of claim 1, wherein the first handle is integrally formed with the housing.

3. The bedpan of claim 1, further comprising a second handle on a second portion of the housing, the second handle being integrally formed with the housing.

4. A bedpan as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first handle comprises an aperture having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second handle comprises an aperture having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second axes are aligned at an angle a of 90 ° ± 30 ° relative to each other.

5. A bedpan as in claim 3, wherein the first handle is located on a first side of the housing and the second handle is located on a second side of the housing, and the first side of the housing is adjacent the second side of the housing.

6. The bedpan of claim 1, wherein the baffle slopes downwardly toward the distal surface as the baffle extends from the circumferential edge of the proximal surface to the circumferential edge of the opening.

7. The bedpan of claim 1, wherein the height of the bedpan is 2 inches to 5 inches as measured along the longitudinal axis.

8. The bedpan of claim 1, wherein an angle defined by the sidewall and a plane aligned with the circumferential edge of the proximal surface is 10 ° to 60 ° around the housing.

9. The bedpan of claim 1 wherein an angle defined by the side wall and a plane aligned with the circumferential edge of the proximal surface is 10 ° to 60 ° on at least half of the housing.

10. The bedpan of claim 1 wherein the opening is generally rectangular in shape.

11. The bedpan of claim 1, wherein the opening has a length dimension of about 5 inches to 11.5 inches and a width dimension of about 4 inches to 10 inches.

12. The bedpan of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises at least one support located between an inner surface of the top portion and an inner surface of the bottom portion.

13. The bedpan of claim 12, wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of supports disposed about the chamber.

14. The bedpan of claim 1, further comprising a second handle on the second portion of the housing, the second handle being integrally formed with the housing, wherein the first handle has a first length dimension of 3 inches to 8 inches and the second handle has a second length dimension of 3 inches to 8 inches.

15. The bedpan of claim 1, wherein the housing has a length dimension and a width dimension, and wherein the length dimension is 14 inches to 24 inches and the width dimension is 14 inches to 23 inches.

16. The bedpan of claim 1, further comprising a sensor assembly positioned on the top portion of the housing, the sensor configured to sense a characteristic of a patient through direct contact with the patient and wirelessly communicate information related to the sensed characteristic.

17. The bedpan of claim 1, further comprising a sensor assembly positioned within the chamber, the sensor configured to sense a characteristic of material within the chamber and wirelessly communicate information related to the sensed characteristic.

18. A bedpan, comprising:

a housing comprising a chamber for containing urine and feces, the chamber having a wall surrounding the chamber, a bottom surface, and a top opening, the housing further comprising:

a top portion comprising a proximal surface having a baffle surrounding the opening to the chamber, the baffle extending from a circumferential edge of the proximal surface to a circumferential edge of the opening;

A bottom portion including a distal surface opposite the proximal surface, the chamber being positioned between the proximal surface and the distal surface; and

a sidewall surrounding the baffle, the sidewall being angled outwardly on all sides of the housing as the sidewall extends from a circumferential edge of the proximal surface toward a distal edge of the distal surface; and

a first handle integrally formed with the housing.

19. The bedpan of claim 18, further comprising a second handle integrally formed with the housing.

20. The bedpan of claim 18, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are coupled together by a hinge.