GB2476660A

GB2476660A - A disposable urinal and method of making such intended to reduce space required for storage

Info

Publication number: GB2476660A
Application number: GB0922716A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Denis Anscomb; Michael Korn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-31
Filing date: 2009-12-31
Publication date: 2011-07-06
Also published as: GB0922716D0

Abstract

A urinal 10 suitable for disposal after use comprises a receptacle part 12 and a cover part 14. The receptacle part 12 and cover part 14 are configured such that they can be reversibly assembled between an unassembled state, in which a plurality of receptacle parts 12 can be stacked one inside another, and an assembled state, in which the cover part 14 substantially covers the receptacle part 12. Preferably, the receptacle part 12 and cover part 14 are coupled to each other by a hinge. The urinal 10 may comprise an aperture (62, Figure 3c) which allows fluid to be collected in the receptacle part 12. The aperture is formed in the assembled state by a neck part 18 of the receptacle part 12 and a neck part 22 of the cover part 14. The urinal 10 may further comprises handles 24, 26 which when secured together hold the cover part 14 over the receptacle part 12. One urinal 10 may be stacked inside another in an unassembled state, which reduces space required for storage and transport.

Description

A urinal and method of making such The present invention relates to urinals suitable for disposal after use, specifically but not exclusively to urinals which can be stacked one inside another.

Paper pulp urinals are currently used in hospitals throughout the UK and in other countries as "single use" products. These products are more hygienic and easier to use than multi-use urinals. Multi-use urinals must be cleaned between uses and, in any event, reusing a urinal increases the risk of disease transmission. Furthermore, pulp urinals can be easily disposed of into a macerator and then pumped straight into the sewage system.

Existing pulp disposable urinals are manufactured as single piece, ready-to-use units which are hollow and inflexible. Consequently, such disposable urinals take up a large amount of storage space, which means that both storage and transport of the disposable urinals is expensive. In addition, it means that there is insufficient space to store urinals near a patient's bed, ready for use.

Therefore, urinals are provided, when needed, to a patient, for example, by a nurse. This takes up the time of nurses and also increases the likelihood of patient's urinating in their beds.

Another disadvantage of the existing pulp urinals is that their use often leads to the spillage or leakage of urine either during use, for example by a patient in hospital, or after use, for example when being carried by a health care worker or when stored before disposal. Spills and leaks during use occur for a variety of reasons including the urinal being used the wrong way up, the user's penis falling out of the urinal during use and the urinal tilting too far forwards or tipping over during use. Spills and leaks after use often occur when the urinal is being carried and urine is spilt out of the opening of the urinal, they also occur when a urinal is left on a surface prior to disposal and is knocked over. In addition, poorly made urinals will sometimes leak, for example at the seams, if left full for a long time, e.g. over night.

In addition, existing pulp urinals do not allow easy inspection or analysis of urine which means that urine must be decanted in order to permit measurement of its volume or other analysis.

Furthermore, the current pulp manufacturing process for the production of disposable urinals restricts the designs that can be employed in such urinals.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide urinals suitable for disposal after use, methods of manufacture and methods of assembly of said urinal, which overcome, or at least reduce some of the above-mentioned problems of

the prior art.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a urinal suitable for disposal after use, or a disposable urinal, comprising a receptacle part and a cover part, wherein the receptacle and cover parts are configured such that they can be reversibly assembled between a first or open state, in which a plurality of receptacle parts can be stacked one inside another, and a second or closed state, in which the cover part covers at least a portion of the receptacle part. This provides the advantage of enabling one urinal to be stacked inside another in a first, or unassembled, state which reduces space required for storage and transport, and associated costs. The urinal can then be assembled into a second state ready for use and it can also be easily disassembled to allow inspection of a fluid sample e.g. urine. Furthermore, since stacked urinals take up less space, it is possible to store a stack of urinals next to a patient's bed making them accessible for easy assembly by either the patient or nurse.

Preferably, in the first or open state, a plurality of cover parts can also be stacked one inside another. This further reduces the space required for storage.

Preferably, the cover part and receptacle part of the urinal are coupled to each other. Further preferably, the cover part and receptacle part are coupled by a hinge. This simplifies assembly and manufacture of the urinal, as well as helping to reduce leakage of fluid from a urinal in an assembled state.

Furthermore, a one-piece urinal is simpler for patients and nurses to use.

Preferably, the urinal in the second state further comprises an aperture which allows fluid to be collected in the receptacle in use. The aperture enables a penis to be comfortably positioned inside a urinal and reduces leaks and spills during use. The size of the aperture may be adjusted which enables the penis to be held in place during use. At least a part of the aperture may be provided in one or both of the cover part and/or the receptacle part. Alternatively, the cover part comprises a first aperture portion and the receptacle part comprises a second aperture portion configured such that they form the aperture when the urinal is in the second state.

Preferably, the first aperture portion further comprises an outer lip portion configured such that in the second state the outer lip portion extends away from the aperture and overhangs the second aperture portion. This helps to prevent accidents occurring involving urine passing over the top of the urinal in the case where the penis has not been fully inserted into the aperture, or in cases where the penis moves upwards during urination and thus lifts out of the aperture.

Preferably, the first and second aperture portions are extended to form first and second neck parts which are configured such that in the second state they form a conduit between the aperture and the receptacle part. This allows the penis to be positioned inside the conduit formed by the neck parts and helps to prevent the penis falling out of the urinal, which reduces the likelihood of spillage of fluid during use. It also makes the urinal more comfortable to use.

The size of the aperture may be adjusted by applying force to the first and/or second aperture portions, which enables the penis to be held in place during use. This prevents the penis from falling out of the aperture and also provides the patient with reassurance.

Preferably, the receptacle part of the urinal has a base which stably supports it.

Furthermore, the first and/or second neck parts may be inclined relative to the base of the receptacle. An inclined neck helps to prevent fluid splashing out of the urinal during use. The second neck part is preferably supported by a support to stop the urinal tipping over either in use or when stored after use, for example, by the bedside.

Preferably, the neck support is hollow. This has the advantage that after use of the urinal, for example when the urinal is being moved, the hollow neck support provides an inner volume which helps to prevent back flow of fluid out of the aperture.

Preferably, the receptacle is wider at the end furthest away from the aperture.

Therefore, when filled with a fluid, this end of the urinal is heavier than the end closest to the aperture, thus helping to prevent the urinal from tipping forwards towards the user when in use. This configuration also allows the urinal to fit more comfortably between the user's thighs. Furthermore, it helps to prevent a wave forming when a filled urinal is moved. In current urinals, waves can form when a filled urinal is in the horizontal, or near to horizontal position, and is moved. Such waves travel from the back of the urinal to the front (closest to the user), resulting in urine splashing out at the front.

Preferably, urinals of the invention have other features to reduce the formation of waves and/or prevent urine splashing out of the front end of the receptacle, for example via the aperture. Urinals of the invention may further comprise a retarding means which slows down movement of fluid, both into and out of the urinal. In use, urinals are filled slowly (about 1 L / 30 seconds). Preferably, retarding means prevent the urinal from being emptied quickly (about 1 L / second i.e. a rate that occurs in a splash). Examples of retarding means include a mesh such as a sheet with holes in it, an inserted item, a sponge or any other absorbent material, or a constriction in the side walls which provides only a small aperture through which the fluid must move in order to pass out of the urinal, or feature(s) in the cover part and/or receptacle part which retard the movement of fluid. For example, the cover part may protrude into the receptacle when the urinal is in the second or closed state. Any of these features may be moulded in the urinal or provided as an insert.

Preferably, urinals of the invention are configured to increase the resistance or friction to fluid movement within the urinal, slow down, dampen, or prevent the formation of waves near the aperture. Urinals of the invention are preferably configured such that the side walls are closer to each other at the end nearest the aperture than at the other end which means that the urinal is narrower at the front than the back. Preferably, the base of the receptacle part is configured such that the receptacle part is shallower at the front than the back, for example, it forms a gradual incline or curve from back to front. This retards the propagation of waves. Urinals of the invention preferably comprise inner surfaces, for example, side walls, end walls and base, which are textured in such a way as to increase the friction between the urinal and the fluid, dampening any wave that may form to prevent it from splashing out of the urinal. For example, the inner surfaces may be rippled, rough or dimpled.

Preferably, only the inner surfaces closest to the aperture are textured.

Preferably, urinals of the invention comprise a one-way valve or funnel. This allows fluid to enter but prevents it leaving the urinal. The receptacle and/or cover part may comprise such a one-way valve or funnel. Preferably, the one-way valve or funnel is moulded into the pulp or separately inserted before use.

Preferably, the receptacle part comprises an end wall configured such that in the second state the end wall is at an end furthest away from the aperture. The end wall is preferably curved, or slanted, such that after use if the urinal in the second state is placed on the end wall it will rotate under the force of gravity to rest on the base of the receptacle part. This helps to ensure that the urinal is always stored in the correct position after use in order that the risk of fluid leakage from the urinal is minimised.

Preferably, the urinal further comprises an inner lip which extends into the urinal from the aperture. This helps to prevent spillage of fluid from the urinal via the aperture after use when, for example, the urinal is being carried. The lip may be configured such that it forms a funnel which extends into the urinal. This further reduces the likelihood of spillage of fluid from the urinal via the aperture.

Preferably, the urinal further comprises a cap or plug configured such that in use it seals the aperture of the urinal to prevent leakage of fluid from the receptacle part. Preferably, the cap is coupled to the receptacle and/or cover part. The receptacle part, cover part and cap may be formed as a single-piece.

Preferably, the receptacle is marked to allow measurement of a volume of fluid.

More preferably, such markings are on the inner surface of the receptacle.

Such markings allow the measurement of a volume of urine after use when the urinal is in the second state i.e. when it has been disassembled after use.

Preferably, the urinal further comprises a viewing window. This may enable a person to inspect the volume of fluid collected without fully disassembling the urinal. A urinal of the invention may be configured such that the cover part can be bent or lifted to make it easier to inspect the volume of fluid collected.

Preferably, the receptacle and/or cover parts further comprise de-nesting elements. De-nesting elements may include indentations and/or ridges on the sides of the receptacle. Such features enable the urinals of the invention to be stacked and unstacked easily.

Preferably, the cover part comprises one or two parts. Each part may be independently coupled to the receptacle part.

Preferably, the urinal further comprises a handle or moulded element that is easy to grasp. This provides the advantage of allowing and encouraging a person using the urinal, or another person assisting the use, to hold the urinal in place during use and to use it the correct way up. The handle preferably comprises one or two parts. The cover part and/or receptacle part may comprise the handle. The handle may be formed or formable when the urinal is in the first and/or second state. Preferably, at least part of the handle is formed or formable from overlapping sections of the cover part, which improves the strength and rigidity of the handle. The formation of the handle in the second state may hold the cover part in place over the receptacle part.

Preferably, the urinal further comprises a securing means. The cover part and/or receptacle part may comprise the securing means. Preferably, the securing means comprises two parts, or two locking portions. When the urinal is in the second or closed state, the two parts of the securing means may be coupled together to hold the cover part in place over the receptacle part.

Preferably, urinals of the invention are configured to have a footprint in the first or open state, which maximises the number of urinals that can be stored in a given volume, thereby reducing storage and transport costs. Preferably, urinals are configured such that when placed side by side they are tessellated e.g. in a "69" type of arrangement.

Preferably, the urinal is made out of pulp. This enables the urinal to be manufactured cheaply, which means that it is suitable for single use, and assembled easily. In addition, it means that the urinal can be manufactured from 100% recycled material. Furthermore, it means that the urinal is appropriately water resistant and can be disposed of in a macerator.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a one-piece disposable urinal comprising a receptacle and a lid/cover part hingedly connected to the receptacle.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a receptacle part for forming a urinal of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a cover part for forming a urinal of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacture of a urinal of the invention which comprises the steps of dipping a forming mould into pulp slurry and drying the pulp. Preferably, the pulp is paper pulp and/or the method further comprises pressing the pulp. This method of manufacture is relatively cheap and easy.

Preferably, the urinal is manufactured as a single piece. This simplifies manufacture, logistics and assembly of the urinal as well as helping to reduce leakage of fluid from a urinal in a securely assembled state.

According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of assembly of a urinal comprising a receptacle part and a cover part, wherein the receptacle and cover parts are configured such that they can be reversibly assembled between a first state in which a plurality of receptacle parts can be stacked one inside another, and a second state in which the cover part substantially covers the receptacle part, wherein the method comprises the step of placing the cover part over the receptacle part. Preferably, the cover parts can also be stacked one inside the other. This reduces space required for storage and transport, and associated costs, because urinals can be stored or transported stacked in a first state. The urinal can then be easily assembled into a second state ready for use and it can also be easily disassembled to allow inspection of a fluid sample e.g. urine.

According to a seventh aspect, the invention provides a method of assembly of a urinal comprising a receptacle part and a cover part, wherein the cover part is coupled to the receptacle part by a hinge such that the cover part and receptacle part can be reversibly assembled between a first state in which a plurality of receptacle parts can be stacked one inside another, and a second state in which the cover part substantially covers the receptacle part, wherein the method comprises the step of folding the cover part along a fold line to substantially cover the receptacle part. This provides the advantages described in relation to the sixth aspect as well as further simplifying the assembly of the urinal and helping to reduce leakage of fluid from a urinal in an assembled state.

According to an eighth aspect, the invention provides a method of assembly of a urinal comprising a receptacle part, a cover part, and an aperture which allows fluid to be collected in the receptacle in use, wherein the cover part is coupled to the receptacle part by a hinge such that the cover part and receptacle part can be reversibly assembled between a first state in which a plurality of receptacle parts can be stacked one inside another, and a second state in which the cover part substantially covers the receptacle part, wherein the method comprises the steps of folding the cover part along a first fold line so that it substantially covers the receptacle part, and then folding the cover part along second and third fold lines, which are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially perpendicular to the first fold line, to hold the cover part in place over the receptacle part. This provides the advantages described in relation to the seventh aspect as well as helping to hold the cover part in place over the receptacle part when the urinal is in the second state and helping to create a leak-proof seal between the receptacle and cover parts.

Preferably, the method of assembly further comprises the step of folding the cover part along fourth and fifth fold lines, which are substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the second and third fold lines, to create a handle. The method of assembly preferably further comprises the step of interlocking the two parts of the handle to hold the cover part in place over the receptacle part.

Three embodiments of the invention will now be more fully described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, of which: FIG. la shows a side view of a urinal in an open state according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. lb shows a plan view of the urinal shown in FIG. 1 a; FIG. 1 c shows a front view of the urinal shown in FIG. 1 a; FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the urinal shown in FIG. 1 a; FIG. 3a shows a side view of the urinal of Fig. la in a closed state; FIG. 3b shows a plan view of the urinal shown in FIG. 3a; FIG. 3c shows a front view of the urinal shown in FIG. 3a; FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the urinal shown in FIG. 3a; FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a urinal in an open state according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the urinal of FIG. 5 in a closed state; FIG. 7a shows a perspective view of a urinal in an open state according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7b to FIG. 7f show perspective views of the urinal shown in FIG. 7a illustrating the steps involved in the assembly of the urinal; FIG. 7g shows a perspective view of the urinal shown in FIG. 7a in a closed state; and FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the urinal shown in FIG. 7a.

In a brief overview of a first embodiment of the present invention, there is shown in FIG. la, FIG. ib, FIG. ic, FIG. 2, FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 3c and FIG. 4 a urinal 10 suitable for disposal after use.

FIG. la, FIG. ib, FIG. ic and FIG. 2 show a urinal 10 in a state suitable for storage and transport, at a point prior to being assembled ready for use, herein known a first or open state. In the open state, the interior of the receptacle is accessible, which permits the inspection and/or analysis of urine in the urinal after use. FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 3c and FIG. 4 show a urinal 10 in a state suitable for use, herein known as a second or closed state. Assembly of the urinal, for example for use, and disassembly of the urinal, for example to permit analysis of urine in the urinal, are described in relation to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 1 a shows a side view of a urinal 10 in a first state and indicates the positions of the base 16, neck part 18 and neck support 20 of the receptacle part 12, and the positions of the neck part 22 and first handle 24 of the cover part 14.

FIG. 1 b shows a plan view of the urinal 10 and indicates the positions of: the neck part 18 of the receptacle part 12; and the neck part 22, handles 24, 26, central panel 28, side panels 34, 36, first handle portions 38, 50, second handle portions 44, 56, handle projections 48, handle sockets 60 of the cover part 14.

Furthermore, it shows the positions of the first fold line 32, second and third fold lines 42, 54, and fourth and fifth fold lines 46, 58 FIG. 1 c shows a front view of the urinal and indicates the positions of the neck support 20 of the receptacle part 12, and the handles 24, 26, first handle portions 38, 50 and second handle portions 44, 56 of the cover part 14.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the urinal 10 which has a receptacle part 12 and a cover part 14. The receptacle part 12 has a neck part 18 and a neck support 20.

The cover part 14 has a central panel 28 with two side panels 34, 36. The central panel 28 is connected to the end wall 30 of the receptacle part 12 along a first fold line 32. The cover part 14 also has first and second handles 24, 26.

The handles 24, 26 have first portions 38, 50 and second portions 44, 56. The first handle portions 38, 50 are connected to the side panels 34, 36 along the first fold line 32 and to the side walls 40, 52 of the receptacle part 12 along second and third fold lines 42, 54. The first handle portions 38, 50 are connected to the second handle portions 44, 56 along fourth and fifth fold lines 46, 58. The second handle portion 44 of the first handle 24 has two projections 48. The second handle portion 56 of the second handle 26 has two sockets 60.

Referring to FIG. 2, the side walls 40, 52 and end wall 30 of urinal 10 have a draft angle of between 2 and 12 degrees, preferably between 5 and 7 degrees.

This means that urinals of the invention 10, in the first state, can be stacked with their receptacle parts 12 one inside another.

FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 3cand FIG. 4 show a urinal 10 in a second state. FIG. 3a shows a side view of the urinal 10 and indicates the positions of: the base 16, neck part 18 and neck support 20 of the receptacle part 12; and the neck part 22, handles 24, 26, handle projections 48 and handle sockets 60 of the cover part 14. FIG. 3b shows a plan view of the urinal 10 and indicates the positions of the neck parts 18, 20 and the handles 24, 26. FIG. 3c shows a front view of the urinal 10 and indicates the positions of: the neck part 18 and neck support 20 of the receptacle part 12; the neck part 22 and handles 24, 26 of the cover part 14; and the aperture 62.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the urinal 10. The receptacle part 12 has a base 16, a neck part 18 and a neck support 20. The cover part 14 has a neck part 22 and two handles 24, 26. The projections 48 of the first handle 24 are shown engaged with the sockets 60 of the second handle 26. FIG. 6 further shows the aperture 62 formed in the second state by the neck parts 18, 22.

Referring to FIG. 2, which shows a urinal 10 in a first state, and FIG.4, which shows the urinal 10 in a second state, the urinal 10 is assembled by folding the cover part 14 along the first fold line 32. The cover part 14 is then folded along the second and third fold lines 42, 54, and fourth and fifth fold lines 46, 58.

Lastly, the handles 24, 26 are secured by engaging the projections 48 of the first handle 24 with the sockets 60 of the second handle 26.

Referring to FIG. 4, in use a urinal of the invention 10 is placed on a surface between a male person's legs where it rests on the base 16 of the receptacle part 12 and is supported by the neck support 20. The person is able to hold the urinal in position using the handles 24, 26, alternatively another person may hold the urinal 10 in position. The person then positions his penis inside the neck parts 18, 22 through the aperture 62. He may then hold his penis in place by exerting a pressure on the neck part 22 which reduces the diameter of the aperture 62, this reduces the risk of the penis falling out of the urinal during use. The urinal is designed to be comfortable to use by a person either lying down in a horizontal position, lying down with their back up and feet horizontal, or sitting in a chair or wheelchair. After use, a urinal of the invention 10 and its contents may either be disposed of immediately in a macerator or the contents of the urinal 10 may first be inspected by disassembly of the urinal 10 as described herein. After use, when a urinal 10 is being moved, the inner volume of the neck support 20 helps to prevent back flow of fluid out of the aperture.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a urinal 10 is disassembled by disengaging the projections 48 of the first handle 24 from the sockets 60 of the second handle 26. The cover part 14 is then unfolded along the second and third fold lines 42, 54 and fourth and fifth fold lines 46, 58. Lastly, the cover part 14 is unfolded along the first fold line 32. Disassembly after use enables the contents of the urinal 10 to be easily inspected and/or analysed because the inspection and/or analysis can be performed on the urine in the urinal without the need to decant urine into a separate container.

The urinal 10, as shown in FIG. ito FIG. 4, is manufactured from pulp in a process which involves dipping a mould into pulp slurry, drying and pressing the pulp.

In a brief overview of a second embodiment of the present invention, there is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 a urinal 10 suitable for disposal after use. FIG. 5 shows a urinal 110 in a state suitable for storage and transport, at a point prior to being assembled ready for use, herein known a first or open state. In the open state, the interior of the receptacle is accessible, which permits the inspection and/or analysis of urine in the urinal after use. FIG. 6 shows a urinal in a state suitable for use, herein known as a second or closed state.

Assembly of the urinal, for example for use, and disassembly of the urinal, for example to permit analysis of urine in the urinal, are described in relation to FIG.5andFIG.6.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the urinal 110 in a first state. The receptacle part 112 has a neck part 118 and a neck support 120. The cover part 114 has a neck part 122 and two handles 124, 126. The cover part 114 has a central panel 128 with two side panels 134, 136. The central panel has a slit 164. The central panel 128 is connected to the end wall 130 of the receptacle part 112 along a first fold line 132.

The handles 124, 126 have first portions 138, 150 and second portions 144, 156. The first portions 138, 150 are connected to the side panels 134, 136 along the first fold line 132 and to the side walls 140, 152 of the receptacle part 112 along second and third fold lines 142, 154. The second handle portions 144, 156 are connected to the first handle portions 138, 150 along fourth and fifth fold lines 146, 158. Hinged flaps 166 are connected to the second handle portions 144, 156 along sixth and seventh fold lines 168, 170.

FIG. 6 shows the urinal 110 in a second state, or assembled state. The receptacle part 112 has a base 116, a neck part 118 and a neck support 120.

The cover part 114 has a neck part 122 and two handles 124, 126 which project -14-through the slit 164. The hinged flaps 166 rest on the central panel 128 of the cover part 114 either side of the slit 164. FIG. 6 further shows the aperture 162 formed in the second state by the neck parts 118, 122.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a urinal of the invention 110 is assembled by folding the cover part 114 along the second and third fold lines 142, 154, and fourth and fifth fold lines 146, 158, and the second handle portions 144, 156 are brought together. The cover part 114 is then folded along the first fold line 132 and the second handles portions 144, 156 are pushed through the slit 164 to project from the central panel 128 of the cover part 114. Lastly, the cover part 114 is secured in place by folding the hinged flaps 166 away from each other along the sixth and seventh fold lines 168, 170, such that the hinged flaps 166 rest on the central panel 128 of the cover part 114 either side of the slit 164.

A urinal according to a second embodiment of the invention in a second state, as shown in FIG. 6, is used as previously described in relation to FIG. 4. After use, the urinal 110 and its contents may either be disposed of immediately in a macerator or the contents of the urinal 110 may first be inspected by disassembly of the urinal 110.

Referring to FIG. 5 and 6, a urinal of the invention 110 is disassembled by folding the hinged flaps 166 towards each other along the sixth and seventh fold lines 168, 170, such that the hinged flaps 166 are brought together. The cover part 114 is then unfolded along the first fold line 132 and, at the same time, the handle portions 124, 126 are pulled through the slit 164. Lastly, the cover part 114 is unfolded along the second and third fold lines 142, 154 and fourth and fifth fold lines 146, 158. As previously described, a urinal in the second state is shown in FIG. 5.

As described for the first embodiment of the invention, a urinal 110 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, is manufactured from pulp in a process which involves dipping a mould into pulp and drying the pulp.

In a brief overview of a third embodiment of the present invention, there is shown in FIG. 7a to 7g and FIG. 8 a urinal 210 suitable for disposal after use.

FIG. 7a and FIG 8 show a urinal 210 in a state suitable for storage and transport, at a point prior to being assembled ready for use, herein known a first or open state. FIG. 7b also shows the urinal 210 in an open state. In the open state, the interior of the receptacle is accessible, which permits the inspection and/or analysis of urine in the urinal after use. FIG. 7g shows a urinal 210 in a state suitable for use, herein known as a second or closed state. Assembly of the urinal, for example for use, and disassembly of the urinal, for example to permit analysis of urine in the urinal, are described in relation to FIG. 7a to 7g.

FIG. 7a to FIG. 7g show perspective views of the urinal 210 in various states of assembly from a first or open state, as shown in FIG. 7a, to a second or closed state, as shown in FIG. 7g. The urinal 210 has a receptacle part 212 and a cover part 214. The receptacle part 212 has a base 216, a neck part 218, an end wall 230 and two side walls 240, 252. The cover part 214 has a neck part 222, two locking portions 224, 226, a central panel 228 and two side panels 234, 236. The central panel 228 is connected to the end wall 230 of the receptacle part 212 along a first fold line 232. The cover part 214 has second and third fold lines 225, 227 on the locking portions 224, 226, and fourth and fifth fold lines 235, 237 on the side panels 234, 236.

FIG. 7c to FIG. 7g also indicate the position of the aperture 262 of the urinal 210.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the urinal 210 in a first or open state. The receptacle part 212 has a base 216, a neck part 218, an end wall 230 and two side walls 240, 252. The cover part 214 has a neck part 222, two locking portions 224, 226, a central panel 228 and two side panels 234, 236. The positions of the fold lines 225, 227, 232, 235, 237, 242, 254, and the aperture 248 and projection 260 of the first and second locking portions 224, 226 are also indicated. In addition, FIG. 8 shows that the central panel 228 of the cover part 214 has six parts; two quadrilateral parts 228a, 228b, and four triangular parts 228c, 228d, 228e, 228f. These six parts meet at the apex 229 of the central panel 228.

It will be appreciated that although the side panels 234, 236 are of an approximately square shape, it should be clear to someone skilled in the art that they could be a triangular shape like the side panels of the urinals of the first and second embodiments; 34, 36 of FIG. 2 and 134, 136 of FIG. 5, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 7a to FIG. 7g, a urinal of the invention 210 is assembled by folding the cover part 214 along the first fold line 232, as is indicated in FIG. 7a to FIG. 7c. The cover part 214 is then folded along the second and fourth 225, 235 and third and fifth 227, 237 fold lines to fold the corners of the cover part 214 inwards, as is indicated in FIG. 7c to FIG. 7e. The locking portions 224, 226 are then folded inwards along the sixth and seventh fold lines 242, 254 of the cover part 214, as is indicated in FIG. 7e to FIG. 7g. Lastly, the projection 260 of the second locking portion 226 is pushed through the aperture 248 of the first locking portion 224 to secure the cover part 214 in place over the receptacle part 212.

A urinal according to a third embodiment of the invention in a second state, as shown in FIG. 7g, is used as previously described in relation to FIG. 4. After use, the urinal 210 and its contents may either be disposed of immediately in a macerator or the contents of the urinal 210 may first be inspected by disassembly of the urinal 210.

Referring to FIG. 7a to FIG. 7g, a urinal of the invention 210 is assembled by pushing the projection 260 of the second locking portion 226 back through the aperture 248 of the first locking portion 224, thus releasing the two locking portions 224, 226 from each other. The locking portions 224, 226 are then unfolded along the sixth and seventh fold lines 242, 254 of the cover part 214, as is indicated in FIG. 7g to FIG. 7e. The cover part 214 is then unfolded along the second and fourth 225, 235 and third and fifth 227, 237 fold lines to unfold the corners of the cover part 214, as is indicated in FIG. 7e to FIG. 7c. Lastly, the cover part 214 is unfolded along the first fold line 232, as is indicated in FIG. 7c to FIG. 7a. As previously described, a urinal in the open state is shown in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b.

As described for the first embodiment of the invention, a urinal 210 of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7a to FIG. 7g and FIG. 8, is manufactured from pulp in a process which involves dipping a mould into pulp and drying the pulp.

It will be appreciated that although only three particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, various modifications and improvements can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Although the specific embodiments describe a single piece urinal, it should be clear to someone skilled in the art that the urinal could be formed from two separate pieces, for example a receptacle part and a cover part. This would enable the receptacle parts and cover parts to be manufactured separately, transported and/or stored separately, if required, and then assembled prior to or after use. For example, if used in an assembled form, the receptacle part, cover part or the receptacle and cover parts together would contain an aperture to enable urine to be collected in the receptacle part. Alternatively, if the receptacle part is used to collect urine before the cover part is added, the cover part could be added to seal the urine in the receptacle and no aperture would remain in the assembled form. Therefore, the likelihood of leaks and spills after use would be reduced. In either of these examples, the disassembly of the receptacle and cover parts, or removal of the cover part from the receptacle part, after use would allow the inspection and/or analysis of urine in the receptacle.

In addition, it will be apparent to the skilled person that the receptacle and/or cover parts could further comprise a lip and/or a rim. For example, the cover part further comprises a lip and the receptacle part further comprises a rim; alternatively, the cover part further comprises a rim and the receptacle part further comprises a lip. In either case, in the second or assembled state, the lip of one part could be fitted over the rim of the other part to form a seal between the receptacle and cover parts.

Alternatively, or in addition to a lip/rim seal, the urinal may further comprise one or more locking belts which secure the cover part over the receptacle part in a second or assembled state. For example, the cover part comprises one or more straps, each of which comprises an aperture, and the receptacle part comprises one or more projections, such that the projections can be positioned through the apertures of the straps to secure the cover part over the receptacle part in a second or assembled state. Alternatively, the receptacle part could comprise one or more straps and the cover part could comprise one or more projections.

The receptacle part may further comprise ribs and/or recesses. For example, the ribs and/or recesses may be formed on the base of the receptacle part.

Such features provide the receptacle with structural strength and stability.

It will also be apparent to the skilled person that the cover part could be undersized in relation to the receptacle part, so that when the cover part is attached to the receptacle part it does not completely cover the receptacle part and consequently an aperture would be formed between the cover part and receptacle part. This aperture would enable urine to be collected in the receptacle part.

In addition, urinals of the invention also include urinals which do not comprise an aperture when in the assembled state. Such urinals could be used by urinating into a receptacle part and then assembling the receptacle part and cover parts to enclose the contents.

Although the specific embodiments described comprise neck parts which form an aperture in the second state, it should be clear to someone skilled in the art that the aperture could be formed in other ways. For example, the aperture could be formed without a neck and it could be formed in the receptacle part or the cover part alone.

Although the specific embodiments described comprise a support to stop the urinal tipping over either in use or when stored after use, it will be apparent to the skilled person that this function can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, a neck part could further comprise a flange or projection which supports and/or stabilises the urinal. Alternatively, the incline of the neck relative to the base may be relatively steep, thus reducing the chance of the urinal tipping over.

Furthermore, urinals of the invention include urinals designed to withstand the different fluid retention requirements of such a urinal. The urinal may be divided into three areas, each with different fluid retention requirements.

Specifically, a first area is fully waterproof for a relatively long period of time, at least for several hours e.g. overnight; this area includes the wall sections of the receptacle part which are in contact with the fluid when the urinal is full and in the horizontal use position, and the fluid level is at the maximum level i.e. the fluid level is at the same height as the bottom of the aperture. In this first area, there are preferably no seams, joints, hinges, folds etc. on the walls. This is an improvement on current urinals, which have a seam running through this area which is the weak point which prevents the urinals retaining fluid for long periods of time. A second area is water repellent or water resistant i.e. waterproof for a relatively short period of time e.g. 5-10 minutes; this includes additional parts of the urinal which may be in contact with fluid when the urinal is held in the vertical orientation with the aperture facing vertically i.e. at 90 degrees to the horizontal use position. For example, the urinal may be in this position when it is carried to the macerator because in this position it will be easier to carry without the risk of spillage out of the aperture. A third area is splash proof. This area will only come into contact with urine when the patient is urinating into the urinal, or when a nurse is carrying the full urinal and the contents splash around the inner surfaces of the urinal.

Urinals of the invention further include urinals with a curved cover part. For example, the cover part may be curved near the aperture. This strengthens the cover part, helps to prevent warping and, when the urinal is in use, helps to -20 -guide the urine into the receptacle without it deflecting or splashing back onto the user.

The specific embodiments provide two handle arrangements. However, it should be clear to someone skilled in the art that the handle could be formed in other ways. For example, the fold lines described in the specific embodiments will not be necessary in all handle arrangements. Moreover, a urinal may only comprise a single handle coupled to the receptacle and/or cover parts.

Alternatively, a urinal may comprise two or more handles coupled to the receptacle and/or cover parts. Urinals that comprise two handles may use a variety of mechanisms to enable the two handles to be coupled to each other which may assist in securing the cover part over the receptacle part. For example, one handle comprises a cut-out portion and the other handle comprises a projection which can be interlocked with the cut-out portion of the first handle. Alternatively, the two handles may be configured such that in a second or assembled state, one handle may be secured inside another. In addition, any of the aforementioned handles may be formed from one or two or more layers of a material e.g. pulp.

As will be appreciated, one of the advantages of the invention is that it enables urinals to be manufactured with features which are difficult or impossible to produce in urinals manufactured as single-piece, hollow, ready to use units.

For example, the neck support, handles and adjustable aperture size.

Claims

-21 -Claims 1. A urinal suitable for disposal after use comprising a receptacle part and a cover part, wherein the receptacle and cover parts are configured such that they can be reversibly assembled between a first state in which a plurality of receptacle parts can be stacked one inside another, and a second state in which the cover part covers at least a portion of the receptacle part.
2. A urinal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover part is coupled to the receptacle part.
3. A urinal as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cover part is coupled to the receptacle part by a hinge.
4. A urinal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the urinal in the second state further comprises an aperture which allows fluid to be collected in the receptacle in use.
5. A urinal as claimed in claim 4, wherein the size of the aperture can be adjusted.
6. A urinal as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein at least a part of the aperture is provided in one or both of the cover part and/or the receptacle part.
7. A urinal as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the cover part comprises a first aperture portion and the receptacle part comprises a second aperture portion configured such that they form the aperture when the urinal is in the second state.
8. A urinal as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first aperture portion further comprises an outer lip portion configured such that in the second state the outer lip portion extends away from the aperture and overhangs the second aperture portion.
9. A urinal as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the first and second aperture portions are extended to form first and second neck parts which are configured such that in the second state they form a conduit between the aperture and the receptacle part.
10. A urinal as claimed in claim 9, wherein the size of the aperture can be adjusted by applying force to the first and/or second aperture portions.

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11. A urinal as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the receptacle part has a base which stably supports it.
12. A urinal as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first and/or second neck parts are inclined relative to the base of the receptacle.
13. A urinal as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second neck part is supported by a support to stop the urinal tipping over in use.
14. A urinal as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the receptacle part comprises an end wall configured such that in the second state the end wall is at an end furthest away from the aperture.
15. A urinal as claimed in claim 14, wherein the end wall is curved such that in use if the urinal in the second state is placed on the end wall it will rotate under the force of gravity to rest on the base of the receptacle part.
16. A urinal as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 15, wherein the urinal further comprises an inner lip which extends into the urinal from the aperture.
17. A urinal as claimed in claim 16, wherein the lip is configured such that it forms a funnel which extends into the urinal.
18. A urinal as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 17, wherein the urinal further comprises a cap or plug configured such that in use it seals the aperture of the urinal to prevent leakage of fluid from the receptacle part.
19. A urinal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the receptacle part is marked to allow measurement of a volume of fluid.
20. A urinal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the urinal further comprises a handle.
21. A urinal as claimed in claim 20, wherein the handle comprises two parts.
22. A urinal as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the cover part and/or the receptacle part comprises the handle.
23. A urinal as claimed in claim 22, wherein the handle is formed or formable when the urinal is in the first and/or second state.
24. A urinal as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein at least part of the handle is formed or formable from overlapping sections of the cover part.
25. A urinal as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the formation of the handle in the second state holds the cover part in place over the receptacle part.
26. A urinal as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the urinal further comprises a securing means.

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27. A urinal as claimed in claim 26, wherein the cover part comprises the securing means.
28. A urinal as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein the securing means comprises two parts.
29. A urinal as claimed in claim 28, wherein the two parts of the securing means can be coupled in the second state to hold the cover part in place over the receptacle part.
30. A urinal as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the urinal is made out of pulp.
31. A receptacle part for forming a urinal as claimed in any preceding claim.
32. A cover part for forming a urinal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30.
33. A method of manufacture of the urinal as claimed in claim 30 comprising the steps of dipping a mould into pulp slurry and drying the pulp.
34. A method of manufacture as claimed in claim 33, wherein the urinal is manufactured as a single piece.
35. A method of assembly of a urinal comprising a receptacle part and a cover part, wherein the receptacle and cover parts are configured such that they can be reversibly assembled between a first state in which a plurality of receptacle parts can be stacked one inside another, and a second state in which the cover part substantially covers the receptacle part, wherein the method comprises the step of placing the cover part over the receptacle part.
36. A urinal as substantially herein described with reference to Figures la to 8.