US1623602A

US1623602A - Bedpan shield

Info

Publication number: US1623602A
Application number: US751793A
Authority: US
Inventors: Smith Dudley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1924-11-24
Filing date: 1924-11-24
Publication date: 1927-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 1944-04-05

Description

D. SMITH BEDPAN SHIELD April 5,1921.

Filed Nov. 24, 1924 FIEZ.

Patented Apr. 5, 1927. i

DUDLEY SMITH, 01? OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.

IBEDPAN SHIELD.

Application led November 2 My invention relates to a shield to be. used inconnection with a bed pan'.

An object of my invention is the production of a device to prevent the soiling of bed linen during the'use of a bed pan.-

Another object of my invention is the production of a bed pan shield which may quickly and thoroughly be cleansed.

Another obj ectof my invention is the production of a bed pan shield which may be used for ,either seX.

My invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which with the foregoing will be set forth in the preferred form of my invention, which is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. It is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the showing made by the said drawings and description,as I may adopt variations of the preferred form within the scope of my invention as set forth in the claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my. shield in the position of use, the d-otted linemdicating a bed pan with which it is used.

Figure 2 is an end elevation, the direction `of the view being indicated by the arrow 2 in Figure 1. v

Figure 3 is a perspective view, the direction being indicated by the arrow 3 of Figure 1.

Y Figure 4 is a side elevation of the shield in the position of use with another type of bed pan which is indicated in dotted lines.

Broadly, my invention comprises a shield for use in connection with a bed pan, `and which is shaped to provide an effective and comfortable contact with the body of the user. The shield comprises a generally toroidally curved member and is made from any suitable material which lends itself to thorough cleaning, such asv porcelain or enamelware. I shall refer to the general shape of the shield asA toroidal and it is tov be understood that by this term, Iinean a curved tubular body open laterally along its inner side; in other words, a curved plate having its edges curved toward each other to provide a shielding surface on three sides.

It is essential that the highest degree of sanitation beconstantly maintained in a hospital and that patients under treatment be made as comfortable as possible at all times. It is further desirable to provide wherever it can be done, mechanical aids to the nurses 4, 1924. Serial No. 751,793.

to mitigate the unpleasant part of her duties.

The use of the bed pan is a source of ein* i barrassinent and annoyance to both nurse and patient; and the frequent soiling of the bed linen, and the resultant necessity of change, and the diiiiculty of properly cleaning the bedpan when papers or rubber sheeting are used, make this phase of the care ofthe sich one of the most trying of all. In hospitals it is customary to attempt to provide some sort of protection to the bed linen by the use of paper or rubber sheets, butl always with rather uncertain results, due to their instability. Even though the bed linenv is protected by these. methods, the

nurses work is still unnecessarily unpleasant. My invention is designed to overcome or lessen these objectionable features, as by its use the soiling of linen is prevented and probably the most unpleasant duty which the nurse has to perform, is made less repugnant.

In detail, my invention comprises a curved tubular shell, formed from any suitable inaterial such as metal, glass or porcelain. I prefer touse enainelw'are or porcelain, since such material is durable and may be readily cleansed. The side of the shell on the inside of the curve is open orv split from end to end,

and this open space 7 is towards the patient in the position of use as shown in Figure l. The lower edge 8 of the shield when in use rests upon the bottom of the bed pan, and is preferably flattened or Aflared to increase the support thus provided. The edges 12 of the shield are adapted to lie against the body of the user` and are therefore curved to provide an effective and comfortable contact: with the body; Reentrant surfaces 11 are provided adjacent the lateral edges l2 of the shield, and these surfaces approximately complement the inner surfaces of the thighs.

I have found that the best results are o-btained from a shield which measuresbetween i eleven and one-half and thirteen inches in length, and between three and four inches yiio In using my shield, the patient is positioned on the bed pan in the usual manner, and the shield placed between the thighs with the lower iiaring end 8 resting on the bottom of the bed pan as shown in Figure l, and the reentranted surfaces in comfortable Contact with the inner surfaces of the thighs and the edges l2 resting against the perineum of the patient. The Haring lower end of the shield insures a stable support, but it is also desirable that the patient hold the shield b v gentle pressure of the thighs against the i'eentrant surfaces 11. Y

The shield of my invention may be thoroughly cleansed by flushing and is not objectionable to handle as the upper end never becomes soiled.

I claim:

l. A bed pan shield comprising a toroidalljy7 curved shell7 the lower edge of which is flared to provide a stable support, and the lateral edges of which are curved to provide an effective and comfortable Contact with the body of the user.

2. A bed pan shield comprising a laterally opened tube of generally toroidal form, the surfaces adjacent the lateral edges being depressed to provide reentrant surfaces substantially complementary to the inner surfaces of the thighs of the user.

3. A bed pan shield comprising` a laterally opened tube of generally toroidal form, the lower edge of Which is iared to provide a stable support and the lateral edges of which are curved to provide an effective and comfortable contact with the body of the user, the surface adjacent the lateral edges being depressed to provide reentrant surfaces substantially complementary to the inner surfaces of the thighs of the user.

In testimonyv whereof, I have hereunto set my hand.

DUDLEY SMITH.