WO2000013623A1

WO2000013623A1 - Flushable hand-held device for urine absorption

Info

Publication number: WO2000013623A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/020759
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Joseph Sunberg; Charles John Berg, Jr.; Nicholas Albert Ahr; Thomas Ward Osborn, Iii
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1998-09-09
Filing date: 1999-09-09
Publication date: 2000-03-16
Also published as: AU5916999A; PE20000969A1; AR015795A1; TW400228B

Abstract

The invention is a flushable hand-held device (20) for urine absorption. The device comprises a first side (22), a second side positioned opposite to the first side (22) wherein the flushable hand-held device (20) draws urine from within and/or without the urethra of a user, such that a user, after urination has occurred, holds the device in one hand and in proximate location to the user's urethral opening to draw excess urine into the device. Preferably the user is male but may also be a female user.

Description

FLUSHABLE HAND-HELD DEVICE FOR URINE ABSORPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention provides a flushable hand-held device for the absorption of urine that is flushable and/or water dispersible in a toilet or urinal. In practice, a user, preferably a male, uses the device to absorb excess urine from at least partially within and around the urethral area after the device has been used to absorb urine from the penis it can also be used to wipe a toilet bowl rim before disposal thereof into a toilet. The user then flushes the device into a urinal or toilet. The flushable hand-held device is designed to substantially draw excess urine into itself away from the user's urethra and skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of devices for incontinent males is well known in the prior art. More specifically, such devices heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of absorbing urinary dribble are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,074,853 issued to Bryant discloses a male incontinence diaper. U.S. Patent No. 5,009,649 issued to Goulter et al discloses an expandable banded male urinary incontinence condom and supporting undergarment. U.S. Patent No. 4,790,835 issued to Elias discloses a urinary male diaper. U.S. Patent No. 4,673,401 issued to Jensen and Ferguson discloses a male incontinence device. U.S. Patent No. 4,944,733 issued to Casaie discloses a diaper for use in toilet training male children or for use by incontinent male adults. Lastly, U.S. Patent No. 4,675,012 issued to Rooyakkers discloses a method of forming an absorbent genitalia pouch for incontinent males.

Heretofore, male users have not had the ability to control the transfer of residual urine present in the urethra after urination onto their skin or clothing.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flushable handheld device that will readily absorb excess urine after urination.

It is a further object herein to provide a flushable hand-held device that will draw excess urine from within a male user's urethra.

It is another object herein to provide a flushable hand-held device that will readily flush in a urinal, disperse in a urinal and/or dissolve in a urinal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the anatomy of the male human, urine which collects in the bladder is excreted during the act of urination by passage through the urethra tube, past the prostate gland, ultimately exiting from the glans penis. If the prostate gland is enlarged, as many are in older men, such enlargement will restrict the flow of urine causing a significant amount of residual urine to remain within the urethral tube after urination. Greater amounts of such residual urine can occur with disorders of the prostate gland or with increased age. Eventually the residual urine will flow by gravity and soil the underclothing or trousers. To prevent such delayed gravity flow, the man may forcefully shake the penis while over a urinal to discharge the residual urine. In the course of this shaking, however, the path of the exiting urine is uncertain and may contact the hands, trousers, floor and wall. This situation is not only generally unsanitary, but could lead to the spread of contagious diseases. Although various devices and napkin-like products have earlier been proposed to cope with this problem, such earlier expedients have been either too expensive, impractical, uncomfortable or difficult to use. Accordingly, the invention relates to a flushable hand-held device for urine absorption. The device comprises a first side, a second side positioned opposite to the first side wherein the hand-held device draws urine from within and/or without the urethra of a user, such that a user, after urination has occurred, holds the device in one hand and in proximate location to the user's urethral opening to draw excess urine into the device. Preferably the user is male but may also be a female user.

In one embodiment, the hand-held device may consist of one layer of absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment of the device herein, it may comprise multiple layers of material having at least a top layer and a bottom layer. In such a multi-layered device, there may be several in-between layers of absorbent, acquisition and/or absorbent gelling material. Such in-between layers would be primarily responsible for the effective fluid distribution and/or absorption of urine from a user.

In a highly preferred embodiment of the hand-held device herein, a handle may be formed into the device or separately joined or attached onto the device. This handle serves as a mechanism by which a user may hold the device. Furthermore, the handle may be so attached to the device or formed onto the device to allow a user to wick urine into itself. By such use a user may avoid substantially all contact with urine to be wicked when using the device.

The hand-held device may absorb and/or draw, by the action of capillary forces, urine into itself. For example, the hand-held device may comprise a density gradient that facilitates the drawing of urine away from a user's urethra to the device. In one preferred embodiment herein, the density gradient may comprise i) a first tissue sheet having capillaries, the first tissue sheet being positioned adjacent to the top layer and

_{3 3} having a density from about 0.01 g/cm to about 0.1 g/cm ; and ii) a second tissue sheet having capillaries, the second tissue sheet being positioned adjacent to and below the

3 3 first tissue sheet and having a density of from about 0.08 g/cm to about 0.3 g/cm , the preferred range of difference in density between the first and the second tissue sheets

3 ₃ being from about 0.01 g/cm to about 0.2 g/cm . A density gradient is formed between the adjacent first tissue sheet and second tissue sheet such that fluid impacting the first tissue sheet will be drawn from the first tissue sheet by capillary suction exerted by the smaller capillaries of the lower and more dense second tissue sheet. In another preferred embodiment herein, the density gradient further substantially locks in urine to prevent the urine from wicking out of the device.

The hand-held device may be in any of a number of shapes including, squares, triangles, ovals, polygonals, etc. Furthermore, the device may comprise a topsheet and a backsheet joined to that topsheet with an absorbent member positioned therebetween. The device may also be flushable and preferably, but not necessarily, disperse into many smaller parts. The top surface of the device, whether covered with topsheet material or not, may employ a surfactant, a lotion, an emollient, anti-microbial agents, cranberry extract, medicine, alcohol, water, perfume, fragrance, pH indicators, vitamins, moistening agents, cleaning agents or any of a combination of these or like substances. Finally, the device when used will at least partially cover the urethral opening of a male user's penis and may substantially cover the head of a male's penis.

The top layer hand-held device will typically comprise a density ranging from about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 1.0 g/cm³. The bottom layer of the hand-held device will typically comprise a density ranging from about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 1.0 g/cm³. The length of the device, regardless of its shape, will typically range from about 10 mm to about 310 mm. The width of the device, regardless of its shape, will typically range from about 5 mm to about 310 mm. Also, the thickness of the device will typically range from about 0.1 to about 50 mm, such thickness being substantially continuous or variable throughout the device. When the thickness varies throughout the device, the density throughout the device may also vary. Where the density is designed to vary with the thickness, such variance of thickness and thereby density may be highly suitable for certain types of users to solve specific types of problems; e.g., a device of varying thickness for use by a physically challenged user who may have a certain type of hand disability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following descriptions which are taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rectangular embodiment of the hand-held device;

Fig. 2 is a plane view of a circular or oval embodiment of the hand-held device;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hand-held device;

Fig. 4 is a plane view of an embodiment of the hand-held device comprising an animal shape;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hand-held device;

Fig. 5 A is a plane view of the embodiment of Fig. 5 viewed along its Y-axis;

Fig. 5B is a plane view of the embodiment of Fig. 5 viewed along its X-axis; and

Fig. 6 is an exploded side view of a preferred embodiment of the hand-held device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By the term "flushable" it is meant herein that the hand-held device may be discarded into a urinal (whether public or home-based) and subsequently flushed without damage being done to the attached plumbing. By the term "urinal" it is meant herein a flushing device such as a home-based toilet, a public toilet or an upright men's device made solely for the purpose of male urination. By the term "water dispersible" or "water dispersion" it is meant herein that the hand-held device, once flushed, will substantially break apart into smaller components suitable for flushing. By the term "excess urine" it is meant herein the urine present either on the penis and/or within the urethra of a penis after a male has fully urinated. By the term "fully urinated" or "full urination" it is meant herein the completion of a male's exertion of substantially all urine that had been present in his bladder.

Figure 1 discloses a rectangular embodiment of the flushable hand-held device 20 or hand-held device or device. The hand-held device 20 is shown with its first side 22 facing upward. The second side 24 is not shown. If the device 20 comprises multiple layers, i.e., more than one layer, then the first side 22 will also correspond to the top surface 22 of the device 20 and the second side 24 will correspond to the bottom surface 24 of the device 20. The hand-held device 20 or device 20 is referred to as being handheld because its objective to a user is to provide a urine wicking mechanism that is independent and free from a user's undergarments; e.g., a user's briefs. The objective of the device 20 therefore is to provide an independent, separate mechanism that allows a user to, for example, remove the device 20 from a package, not unlike a condom package; or a box, not unlike a Puffs® tissue box; and then wipe the penis to absorb and draw excess urine away from the penis, and flush the device 20 into a toilet or urinal.

More specifically, the hand-held device 20 comprises a first side 22, a second side 24 positioned opposite to the first side 22 wherein the hand-held device 20 draws urine from within and/or without the urethra of a user, such that a user, after urination has occurred, holds the device 20 in one hand and in proximate location to the user's urethral opening to draw excess urine into the device 20. Preferably the user is male but may also be a female user.

By drawing urine into the hand-held device 20, it is meant herein that the device by capillary forces actually pulls urine away from the urethral area of a user. For a male, the device 20 will have the ability to draw excess urine from within or without a male's urethra. Any number of known configurations in the art to effect a capillary gradient may be used for the hand-held device 20 and are considered part of its use herein. In addition, such drawing away and absorbing of excess urine may be effected by the use of various types of materials; e.g., soluble starch, capillary channel fibers, or treated polypropylene or polyethylene fibers.

In one embodiment, the hand-held device 20 may consist of one layer of absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment of the device 20 herein, it may comprise multiple layers of material having at least a top layer and a bottom layer. In such a multi-layered device 20, there may be several in-between layers of absorbent, acquisition and/or absorbent gelling material. Such in-between layers would be primarily responsible for the effective fluid distribution and/or absorption of urine from a user. One layer of absorbent material may be formed from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp that is generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include cotton; creped cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these. Some preferred absorbent materials may comprise soluble starch, folded tissues, woven materials, nonwoven webs, needle punched rayon, and thin layers of foam.

The hand-held device 20 may preferably disperse into fragments which are readily flushable in a normal, i.e., home-based or public, toilet. Also, the device may solubilize in water and thus easily flush through a home-based or public urinal. Note, it is preferred that if the device 20 solubilizes in water, it will preferably not significantly swell but rather substantially retain its original pre-solubilized dimensions. To these ends, the preferred liquid pervious material for a flushable hand-held device 20 comprises a wet laid apertured tissue having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein. Portions of the body surface of the tissue are further provided with a resinous material. Preferably, the resinous material comprises a water resistant resinous material that is provided in the form of fibrils printed on the body surface of the first and/or second sides of the device 20. Alternatively, the resinous material can provide at least one of the sides of the device 20 with a surface energy gradient between the body surface thereof and the garment surface thereof. If a topsheet is present, the preferred topsheet of the present invention acquires bodily fluids at an excellent rate and serves to prevent such acquired fluids from rewetting the user's body.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second sides of the flushable handheld device 20 each comprise a wet laid fibrous assembly having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein. The sides are further coated with a water resistant resinous material that causes each side of the device 20 to become impervious to bodily fluids without impairing the spreading of adhesive materials thereon. Materials of the type described herein represent an improvement over those described in the art in that flushable articles of the prior art typically use materials having a very low critical surface tension to help ensure their imperviousness with resulting difficulty in adhesively joining such materials to the remaining components of an absorbent article. The materials used as or in the device's first and second sides present no such joinder issues.

The absorbent articles are assembled by disposing the first and second sides topsheet (where present) backsheet (where present) of the device 20 such that the surface thereof that is coated with the water resistant resinous material is oriented toward an absorbent core 36 if present. Each core and topsheet are disposed thereon, and the components joined using means known to those skilled in the art. A water soluble adhesive is used to join the components of the device 20 so that the device 20 will separate when flushed. Flushable absorbent articles are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/561,989, entitled "Water Dispersible and Flushable Absorbent Article" filed on November 22, 1995 by Christon, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

In a highly preferred embodiment herein, the hand-held device 20 will comprise soluble starch. For example, the preferred soluble starch is an expanded amylose starch product having at least 45% by weight amylose content, the expanded product having a low density, open or closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility properties. More particularly, the expanded material of this invention has a uniform cell structure with a bulk density of less than about 2.0 lb/ft.³, a resiliency of at least about 50% and a compressibility of from about 100 to about 800 g/cm². U.S. Patent No. 4,863,655 entitled "Biodegradable Packaging Material And The Method Of Preparation Thereof issued to Lacourse, et al. on Sept. 9, 1989 which describes the aforementioned starch is hereby incorporated herein by reference. It is noted herein that other types of starches either soluble in water or readily made soluble in water are contemplated for the purpose of use in the flushable hand-held device 20.

In a highly preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 5-5B of the hand-held device 20 herein, a handle 30 may be formed into the device 20 or joined or attached to the body of the device, such as, for example, attachment onto the bottom surface 24 of the device 20. However, such attachment of the handle 30 to the bottom surface 24 is just one possible location of handle attachment to the device 20 and is therefore unrestricted. The term "formed into" means herein that a handle or grasping portion has been made from material that is an inherent part of the device without the need for a separate element and that is therefore an integrated part of the device 20. The term "joined", as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; and configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element. The handle 30 serves as a mechanism by which a user may hold the hand-held device 20. Furthermore, the handle 30 may be so attached to the device 20 or configured on the device 20 to allow a user to wick urine into itself with the handle 30 providing user convenience to avoid substantially all contact with urine to be wicked when using the device 20. It is noted herein, however, that with or without a handle 30, the device 20 may be adequately used to for the wicking of urine into the device 20.

As a secondary use, the hand-held device 20 may also, once it has been used to absorb urine from a user, be used to clean urine incidentally placed along the rim of a toilet. Especially convenient for those devices 20 having handles 30 (Figs. 2 and 5-5B), a user may, once he has cleaned urine from himself, use the device 20 to remove urine either from the rim or toilet seat of a toilet. Use of the hand-held device 20 to spot clean a toilet would provide a quick and convenient manner in which to keep a toilet substantially un-spotted between more thorough and extensive cleanings of a toilet.

Figure 3 provides an alternative embodiment of a flushable hand-held device 20 that comprises a bundle of fibers 45 substantially bound by a sheath or cover 45. The fibers 45 may protrude from one end of the sheath 45 as is shown or they may protrude from both ends of the sheath 45. In using the device 20 of Fig. 3, a male user would grasp the sheath portion of the hand-held device 20 and touch the area of the penis around the urethral opening to absorb any excess urine within or outside of the urethral opening. While not being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the make-up of the fibers, i.e., their type, configuration, length, and diameter, control the draw of urine into the device 20. Of particularly preferred usage for fibers in the device 20 are capillary channel fibers. Capillary channel fibers are fully disclosed and discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,688,259 issued to Osborn, et al. on November 18, 1997, entitled "Absorbent Article Having Resilient Center" and is fully incorporated by reference herein. Also, the fibers 45 may be manufactured from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp that is generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include cotton; creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these. Some preferred absorbent materials may comprise folded tissues, woven materials, nonwoven webs, needle punched rayon, and thin layers of foam.

Figure 4 provides a fish shaped hand-held device 20. The hand-held device 20 may be manufactured in any of a number of shapes and sizes including animal shapes. The fish shaped device 20 is presented to represent just one of a myriad of possible animal shapes. Other animal shapes may include giraffes, lions, monkeys, snakes, turtles, birds, mythical creatures, people and nearly any conceivable type of animal shape, cartoon character and/or famous personality imaginable. In this instance, a male child user in the midst of learning how to use an indoor toilet would also be taught how to keep himself and the toilet area clean by using a urinary wipe, i.e., the hand-held device 20. The same type of instruction can be given to a female child user being taught how to use a toilet.

The hand-held device 20 may absorb and/or distribute urine within its structure. For example, the hand-held device 20 may comprise a density gradient 50 (Fig. 6) that facilitates the drawing of urine away from a user's urethra to the device 20. In one preferred embodiment herein, the density gradient may comprise i) a first tissue sheet 52 having capillaries, the first tissue sheet 52 being positioned adjacent to the top surface

₃ 3

22 and having a density from about 0.01 g/cm to about 0.1 g/cm ; and ii) a second tissue sheet 54 having capillaries, the second tissue sheet 54 being positioned adjacent to

₃ and below the first tissue sheet 52 and having a density of from about 0.08 g/cm to about 0.3 g/cm , the difference in density between the first and the second tissue sheets

3 ₃ being from about 0.01 g/cm to about 0.2 g/cm . The density gradient 50 formed between the first tissue sheet 52 and the second tissue sheet 54 are positioned adjacent to one-another such that fluid impacting the first tissue sheet 52 will be drawn from the first tissue sheet by capillary suction exerted by the smaller capillaries of the lower and more dense second tissue sheet 54. In another preferred embodiment herein, the density gradient 50 further substantially locks in urine to prevent the urine from wicking out of the device 20. Discussion of the preferred density gradient herein is provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 08/791,094 entitled "Sanitary Napkin Comprising An Absorbent Core Having A Density Gradient", all of which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

The hand-held device 20 may be in any of a number of shapes including, squares, triangles, ovals, polygonals, etc. Furthermore, the device 20 may comprise a topsheet and a backsheet joined to that topsheet (Fig. 6). As described above, the device 20 is flushable and preferably, but not necessarily, disperses into many smaller parts. The top surface of the device, whether covered with topsheet material or not, may employ a surfactant, a lotion, an emollient, anti-microbial agents, cranberry extract, medicine, alcohol, water, perfume, fragrance, pH indicators, vitamins, moistening agents, cleaning agents or any of a combination of these or like substances. Finally, the device 20 when used will at least partially cover the end of a male user's penis but will preferably cover substantially all of the end of a male user's penis.

Preferably, the hand-held device 20 according to the invention is characterized in that the first tissue sheet 52 is located closest to the top surface 22 and where a topsheet is present, the first tissue sheet 52 is located closest to and/or adjacent to the topsheet 32. The density of the first tissue sheet 52 ranges from about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 0.1 g/cm³. The density of the second tissue sheet 54, which is positioned closest to and/or adjacent to the bottom surface 24 or backsheet 34 where present, ranges from about 0.08 g/cm³ to about 0.3 g/cm³.

The density gradient between the first and second tissue sheets causes the first tissue sheet 52 to be drained rapidly, the liquid being drawn from the first tissue sheet 52 by the capillary suction which is exerted by the smaller capillaries of the second and more dense tissue sheet 54. The first tissue sheet 52 is thereby quickly emptied and can receive subsequent gushes of liquids, specifically urine, so that the strike through rate of urine passing through the top surface 22 into the absorbent core 36 (Fig. 6), is increased. Since the caliper of the tissue sheets is relatively small, the density gradient is established over a relatively short distance, so that the capillary suction on the liquid exerted by the second tissue sheet 54, effectively extends throughout the thickness of the whole of the first tissue sheet 52.

The rapid draining of the first tissue sheet 52 and consequent permanent availability of the first tissue sheet 52 to absorb incoming liquids, increases the effective capacity of the hand-held device 20, wherein the effective capacity is understood as the amount of urine absorbed before soiling occurs by migration of urine past the periphery of the hand-held device 20.

In the second tissue sheet 54, the liquids are distributed in a lateral direction, the distributing capacity of the second tissue sheet 54 being relatively high, due to its high density. After distribution in the second tissue sheet, the urine may be absorbed and retained into a lower absorbent core 36 if it is present. Otherwise, the urine may remain in the second tissue sheet 54 which can also operate to have some absorptive capacity. Such absorptive capacity in the second tissue sheet 54 may come from the presence of absorptive fibers like cellulose and/or absorbent gelling particles that could be placed in the second tissue sheet 54. If an absorbent core 36 is present in the device 20, it will be positioned below the second tissue sheet 54 and will comprise suitable absorptive materials like cellulose fibers and/or absorbent gelling material, thus at least partially freeing the second tissue sheet 54 from comprising such materials.

When present in the device 20, the absorbent core 36 of the device 20 may comprise any suitable type of absorbent structure that is capable of absorbing and/or retaining liquids (e.g. menses and/or urine). The absorbent core 36 may be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes. Non-limiting examples include ovoid, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, cylindrical, semicircular or any combination of the above. The absorbent core 36 may, likewise, be manufactured and from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp that is generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include cotton; creped cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including coform, chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers, peat moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates, absorbent foams; absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these. Preferred absorbent materials comprise layered tissues, folded tissues, woven materials, nonwoven webs, needle punched rayon, and thin layers of foam. The absorbent core 36 may comprise a single material or a combination of materials, such as a wrapping layer surrounding a central wadding comprised of a different absorbent material. TEST METHODS

Flushability

Overview

As noted above, the terms "flushable or flushability" refer to an article's capacity to pass through typical commercially available household toilets and plumbing drainage systems without causing clogging or similar problems that can be directly associated with the physical characteristics of the article. For the purpose of the appended claims, flushable hand-held devices or their wrappers are evaluated for flushability via relative ease of toilet bowl, urinal and trap evacuation and subsequent transport through a simulated plumbing system. The flushability of such an article should be measured by the following test procedure.

The test procedure is designed to simulate two days of normal toilet usage for a family of 4 (2 men, 2 women). The test employs a flushing sequence to simulate the following conditions: male urination visits, female urination visits (including post urinary drying with tissue), disposal of the flushable hand-held device or wrapper with cleaning using tissue, and bowel movement visits. The amount of tissue to be used for each tissue flush is a normal loading of 2 strips of seven sheets. The normal loading is based on consumer research regarding typical habits and practices. The test is designed to simulate the conditions an article will encounter if it is flushed through a conventional toilet and into a municipal sewer or into a septic tank. Samples are evaluated for: 1) toilet bowl and trap clearance, 2) drain line blockage, and 3) disintegration during flushing.

Apparatus

An apparatus suitable for the flushability test is shown in plan view in Figure .

The apparatus includes:

• a 3.5 gallon (13.2 liter) water saver siphon vortex toilet referred to as 210

(additional toilets can also be attached to the piping layout shown in FIG. to evaluate the behavior of test samples using different flushing mechanisms such as commercial, pressure toilets);

• approximately 59 feet (18 meters) of 4 inch (10 cm) inside diameter acrylic pipe (As can be seen from FIG. , the piping is assembled in roughly a square configuration having linear runs 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221 approximately 10 feet (3 meters) long);

• a cast iron tee 223 slightly downstream of the toilet 210 that is open to the atmosphere for venting;

• five cast iron ninety degree elbows 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220;

• a spike or snag 222 positioned vertically (FIG. ) approximately 15 feet from the pipe's terminal end and approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long; and

• a screen 224 (No. 4 Tyler sieve) to capture solid effluent for evaluation of disintegration.

The apparatus used for this method is set up to be equivalent to ANSI Standard Al 12.19.2M-1990 for Vitreous China fixtures. The piping is plumbed to provide a drop of 0.25 inch per foot (2 centimeters/meter) of pipe length.

Materials

Tissue Product used in Test: Standard CHARMLN® toilet tissue manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Synthetic Fecal Material: Prepared according to the method described below

Test Flushing Sequence

The test flushing sequence, consisting of two routines, simulates 2 days of normal toilet usage for a family of 4 (2 men, 2 women; based on consumer habits and practices research). The sequence of 40 total flushes consists of 14 flushes with an empty bowl; 8 flushes with tissue only; 6 flushes with tissue and wrapper; 6 flushes with tissue, flushable hand-held device and wrapper; and 6 flushes with tissue and simulated fecal matter (SFM). When testing the wrapper and flushable hand-held device as a combination, perform routines 1 and 2 using both the wrapper and the flushable handheld device placed individually into the bowl by first removing the product from the wrapper. The SFM, when it is used, is placed in the bowl just prior to the addition of tissue. The SFM loading of 160 g - 5 g consists of two 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) x 4 inch (10 centimeter) pieces and one 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) x 2 inch (5 centimeter) piece. Folded tissue strips are placed in the bowl at 10 second intervals. Ten seconds after the final strip of tissue, the flushable hand-held device or wrapper is placed into the bowl, the toilet is flushed. The flushing sequence is described below as a series of two routines combined in the following order:

Routine #1 (To be performed first 6 times for a total of 36 flushes)

1) Flush With Tissue Only - Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the simulated obstruction, the snag point, wait 1 additional minute, and move to step 2.

2) Flush With Empty Bowl. Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the snag point and move to step 3.

3) Flush With Tissue and Wrapper - Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the snag point, wait 1 additional minute, and move to step 4.

4) Flush With Tissue and flushable hand-held device and wrapper - Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the snag point, wait 1 additional minute, and move to step 5.

5) Flush With Empty Bowl. Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the snag point and move to step 6.

6) Flush With Tissue and Simulated Fecal Matter (SFM). Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the snag point, wait 1 additional minute.

Routine #2 (To be performed 1 time for a total of 4 flushes)

1) Flush With Tissue Only - Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the snag point, wait 1 additional minute, and move to step 2.

3) Flush With Tissue Only - Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the snag point, wait 1 additional minute, and move to step 4. 4) Flush With Empty Bowl. Take a drain line blockage reading 2 minutes after the water reaches the snag point.

Total number of flushes for the sequence (Routine 1 + Routine 2) is 40.

If, after the second flush in the flushing sequence, the product remains in the bowl or trap after flushing, the tissue and/or catamenial product and/or hand-held device and/or wrapper is plunged into the drainage line manually and the flushing sequence will continue. After completion of each trial loading, the drainage pipe will be cleared prior to beginning subsequent testing.

The above described flushing sequence is repeated three times for each test product.

Data Reporting

The degree of drain line blockage is determined by measuring the length of water dammed up behind the obstruction. Graduations are marked every 12 inches (30 centimeters) on the drainpipe upstream of the obstruction. Each one foot length that the water is backed up corresponds to 0.25 inch (0.6 centimeter) or 6.25% of blockage at the obstruction point. Test product residues which exit the drainpipe are also collected.

The following data are recorded for each evaluation:

1) Incidence of failure (%) of the hand-held device or wrapper to clear the bowl and trap in one flush

2) Incidence of failure (%) of the hand-held device or wrapper to clear bowl and trap in two flushes

3) Incidence of hand-held device or wrapper on simulated snag

4) Maximum level (%) of drain line blockage

5) Cumulative level (%) of drain line blockage over the 2 day simulated test period.

Preferably, the hand-held device or wrapper described herein will completely clear the bowl at least about 70% of the time in two or fewer flushes, more preferably at least about 80% of the time in one flush, and most preferably at least about 95% of the time in one flush. The hand-held device or wrapper described herein will preferably have a maximum level of drain line blockage of less than or equal to about 80%. The hand-held device or wrapper described herein will preferably have a cumulative level of drain line blockage over the 2 day simulated test period of less than or equal to about 50%.

Preparation of Synthetic Fecal Material

I. Materials Needed:

• Feclone synthetic fecal matter (900 grams);

(Available from Siliclone Studio, Valley Forge, PA as product BFPS-7 dry concentrate)

• Tap water at 100 C (6066 grams)

II. Equipment Needed:

Mixer (Available from Hobart Corp., Troy, OH as Model A200)

Extruder (Available from Hobart Corp., Troy, OH as Model 4812)

Disposable Centrifuge tubes with screw caps (50 ml) (Available from VWR Scientific, Chicago, IL as Catalog No. 21-008-176)

• Water Bath to control temperature to 37 C.

III. Preparation:

1. Pour the 100° C water into the mixing bowl of the mixer and add the dry

Feclone concentrate.

2. Mix on low for 1 minute.

3. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.

4. After the material is well mixed, transfer to the extruder.

5. Using an ice pick, punch a small hole in the tip of each centrifuge tube. 6 Extrude the Feclone into the centrifuge tubes

7 Cap the centrifuge tubes and store in the refrigerator

8 Before using, put the tubes in the water bath at 38° C

Water Dispersion Test

Apparatus

Stirrer Magnetic, Thermolyne type Model S7225 or 7200 Permanently inscribe a circle 3 5 inches (8 9 centimeter) on the top surface of the stirrer The center of the circle must be coincident with the geometric center of the stirrer

Stirring Bar 2 5 inch (6 2 centimeter) TEFLON coated with spinning ring Permanently mark one end of the bar with black ink for a distance of 0 5 inch (1 2 centimeter) back from the tip

Thermometer 30 to 120°F with 1 degree divisions

Timer Digital stopwatch

Stroboscope Variable speed stroboscope, model 964 available from Strobette, Power Instrument, Inc of Skokie, IL is suitable

Beaker Kimax brand 2000 milliliter with spout with a diameter at the base of 135 ± 2 mm and a height at the 2000ml mark of 162 ± 2 mm, Inscribe a fill mark at a height of 5 6 inches (14 3 centimeters) from the flat bottom of the beaker Do not use any beaker not having a flat bottom

Conditioned Room Temperature and humidity should be controlled to remain within the following limits

Temperature 73±3°F (23°C±2°C)

Humidity 50±2% Relative Humidity Test Setup

1. Fill the beaker to the fill mark with 73±3°F (23°C±2°C)

tap water.

2. Place the beaker on the magnetic stirrer centering it in the inscribed circle.

3. Add the stirring bar to the beaker.

4. Turn the stroboscope on and set the speed to 1000 rpm according to the manufacturer's directions.

5. Turn the magnetic stirrer on with the on/off switch. Adjust the speed of the magnetic stirrer until the stirring bar appears to be stationary and both ends appear to be black. This indicates that the magnetic stirrer is turning at 500 rpm (i.e. half the setting on the stroboscope). Turn the magnetic stirrer off with the on/off switch.

Procedure

1. Hold a sample (e.g. an absorbent flushable hand-held device or wrapper ) 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) above the surface of the water. Gently drop the sample onto the water surface, starting the timer when the sample touches the water surface.

2. Wait 5 seconds.

3. Start the magnetic stirrer with the on/off switch. If the sample disrupts the rotation of the stirring bar, stop the stirrer, re-orient the bar, and immediately start the stirrer again.

4. Record the time required until the sample separates into at least two pieces. Separation does not include the disassociation of a few individual fibers from an otherwise intact sample. The time is the total time the sample is immersed in the water including the time the stirrer may have been stopped to re-orient the sample. If the hand-held device or wrapper repeatedly causes substantial disruption to the rotation of the stirring bar, the hand-held device or wrapper may be suspended by a string attached to the handheld device or wrapper via a clamp attached to the hand-held device or wrapper 3/8" (.95 cm) from the edge of the hand-held device or wrapper, and then suspending the lowest end of the hand-held device or wrapper 1 " above the stir bar.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 with an additional 3 samples.

Calculation and Reporting

Calculate and report the mean and standard deviation of the water dispersibility time for the four samples tested. Preferably, the hand-held device or wrapper will disperse into at least two fragments in less than or equal to about two hours.

Wet-Out Time

1. Hold the absorbent flushable hand-held device or wrapper 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 cm) above the surface of distilled water.

2. Gently drop the sample onto the water surface, so that the broad surface of the package strikes the surface.

3. Start timing when the sample is completely wet.

4. Repeat steps 1-2 for five samples.

Report a mean and standard deviation for the wet-out time. The wet-out time is preferably less than or equal to 30 seconds and more preferably less than or equal to 15 seconds. 28 Day Sludge Test

Purpose:

To determine the extent to which a hand-held device or wrapper disintegrates upon exposure to biologically active anaerobic sludge. Anaerobic conditions are typically found in household septic tanks, as well as in municipal sewage treatment facilities in the form of anaerobic sludge digesters. Test products, such as the hand-held device or wrapper are combined with anaerobic digester sludge to determine the extent and rate of disintegration of test products over a 28 day period. Disintegration (as measured by weight change) is typically measured on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the particular study. This protocol is modeled after the National Sanitation Foundation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, International Protocol: Evaluation of the Anaerobic Disintegration of a Test Product, November, 1992.

Materials:

Control Product

Tampax brand tampons will be used as a positive control product in the anaerobic disintegration test.

Material Preparation

Prior to the addition of the test and control products to the reactors, the materials will be dried in a hot air oven at 103° + 2°C for 2 hours and then weighed to determine the initial weight. Approximately equal weights of the^' control and test products will be placed in respective reactors.

Anaerobic Sludge:

The sludge used in this evaluation will be anaerobic sludge obtained from a municipal waste water treatment plant, or raw sewage obtained as influent from a waste water treatment plant that has been concentrated by settling and decanting the overlying water. Prior to use in the evaluation, the following parameters of the sludge will be measured in accordance with standard laboratory operating procedures:

Total solids Total volatile solids

pH

The sludge should meet the following criteria for use in the evaluation:

pH between 6.5 and 8

Total solids > 15,000 mg/L

Total volatile solids > 10,000 mg/L

The criteria for the activity of the sludge requires that the control tampon material must lose at least 95% of its initial dry weight after 28 days exposure.

Procedure:

The test and control products are added to a 2L wide mouth glass flask (reactor) containing 1500 ml of anaerobic digester sludge or concentrated raw sewage. Three reactor flasks per test material per sampling day are prepared. Thus, if disintegration is measured on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, there will be a total of 15 reactor flasks for the test product and 15 flasks for the control product. The reactors are sealed and placed in an incubator maintained at 35+2°C. On the specified sampling days, three reactors each for the test and control material are removed from the incubator. On the designated sample days, the contents of each reactor will be passed through a 1 mm mesh screen to recover any undisintegrated material. Any collected material will be rinsed with tap water, removed from the screen and placed in a hot air oven at 103 + 2°C for at least 2 hours. The dried material will be weighed to determine final weight. Visual observations of the physical appearance of the materials when recovered from the reactors will also be made and recorded.

Results:

The rate and extent of anaerobic disintegration of each test material and the control material is determined from initial dry weights of the material and the dried weights of the material recovered on the sampling days. The percent anaerobic disintegration is determined using the following equation (percent weight loss): Percent Disintegration = (initial dry weight - final dry weight) _{x 100}

( initial dry weight)

The average percent disintegration for the test and control products for each sampling day will be presented. For the purposes of the appended claims, the percent disintegration values are for day 28 of the study.

The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any patents which issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreign patent applications), and publications mentioned throughout this description are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is expressly not admitted, however, that any of the documents incorporated by reference herein teach or disclose the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A flushable hand-held device for urine absorption having a top, a bottom, a longitudinal dimension, a width, and a height, comprising:

a first side; and

a second side positioned opposite to the first side wherein the hand-held, absorbable device draws urine from within or without the urethra of a user, such that a user, after urination has occurred, holds the device in one hand and in proximate location to the user's urethral opening to absorb excess urine around the urethral opening and draw excess urine from the urethra into the device, the device being flushable after use by a user to draw urine into the device.

2. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device consists of one layer of absorbent material.

3. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 2 wherein the device comprises soluble starch.

4. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device comprises multiple layers of material, the multi-layered device having a top layer and a bottom layer.

5. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 4 wherein the first side of the device is the top layer and the second side of the device is the bottom layer multi-layered device.

6. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 4 wherein the device further comprises absorbent material positioned between the first side and the second side of the device.

7. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 6 wherein the device comprises at least one acquisition layer positioned between the first side and the second side of the device.

8. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device comprises a handle attached onto the device.

9. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device comprises a density gradient that facilitates the drawing of urine away from a user's urethra to the device.

10. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 9 wherein the density gradient further comprises i) a first tissue sheet having capillaries, the first tissue sheet being positioned adjacent

₃ to and below the top layer and having a density from about 0.01 g/cm to about 0.1 g/cm ; ii) a second tissue sheet having capillaries, the second tissue sheet being positioned adjacent to and below the first tissue sheet and having a density of from about 0.08

_{3 3} g/cm to about 0.3 g/cm , the difference in density between the first and the second

_{3 3} tissue sheets being from about 0.01 g/cm to about 0.2 g/cm ; and iii) a density gradient formed between the first tissue sheet and the second tissue sheet positioned adjacent to one-another such that fluid impacting the first tissue sheet will be drawn from the first tissue sheet by suction exerted by the smaller capillaries of the lower and more dense second tissue sheet.

11. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 9 wherein the density gradient further substantially locks in urine to prevent the urine from wicking out of the device.

12. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 5 wherein the top layer has a density of about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 1.0 g/cm³.

13. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 5 wherein the bottom layer has a density of about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 1.0 g/cm³.

14. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 5 wherein the bottom layer of the device is semi-permeable to liquid.

15. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 5 wherein the bottom layer of the device is substantially impermeable to liquid.

16. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the user is a male.

17. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the user is a female.

18. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device may be in the shape of a rectangle.

19. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 18 wherein the length of the device ranges from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

20. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 18 wherein the width of the device ranges from about 5 mm to about 310 mm.

21. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 18 wherein the thickness of the device ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.

22. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device may be in the shape of an oval.

23. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 22 wherein the length of the device ranges from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

24. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 22 wherein the width of the device ranges from about 5 mm to about 310 mm.

25. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 22 wherein the thickness of the device ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.

26. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device may be in the shape of a cylinder.

27. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 26 wherein the device comprises a diameter ranging from about 2.5 mm to about 150 mm.

28. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 26 wherein the device comprises a length ranging from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

29. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device may be in the shape of a polygonal.

30. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 29 wherein the length of the polygonal ranges from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

31. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 29 wherein the width of the polygonal ranges from about 5 mm to about 310 mm.

32. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 29 wherein the thickness of the polygonal ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.

33. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device may be in the shape of a triangle.

34. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 33 wherein the length of the triangle ranges from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

35. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 33 wherein the width of the triangle ranges from about 5 mm to about 310 mm.

36. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 33 wherein the thickness of the triangle ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.

37. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device may be in the shape of any of a number of animals from the group consisting offish, reptiles, mammals or combinations thereof.

38. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 1 wherein the device comprises at least one type of substance selected from the group consisting of surfactants, lotions, emollients, anti-microbial agents, healing agents, perfumes, fragrances, pH indicators, impact markers, moistening agents, cleaning agents, odor inhibitors, cyclodextrins, vitamins, herbs, herbal extracts, aloe and medicines.

39. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 16 wherein the device at least partially covers the end of the male's penis.

40. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 39 wherein the device substantially covers the end of the male's penis.

41. A flushable hand-held device having a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, comprising:

a topsheet positioned on the first side of the device;

a backsheet positioned on the second side of the device;

absorbent material positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the device being used after a male's urination to draw excess urine from within or without the urethra of a male's penis,

such that a male user, after urination has occurred, holds the device in one hand and draws urine from within or without the urethra of a user, such that a user, after urination has occurred, holds the device in one hand and in proximate location to the user's urethral opening to absorb excess urine around the urethral opening and draw excess urine from the urethra into the device, the device being flushable after use by a user to draw urine into the device.

42. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device consists of one layer of absorbent material.

43. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 42 wherein the device comprises soluble starch.

44. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device comprises multiple layers of material, the multi-layered device having a top layer and a bottom layer.

45. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 44 wherein the first side of the device is the top layer and the second side of the device is the bottom layer multi-layered device.

46. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 44 wherein the device further comprises absorbent material positioned between the first side and the second side of the device.

47. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 46 wherein the device comprises at least one acquisition layer positioned between the first side and the second side of the device.

48. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device comprises a handle attached onto the bottom layer of the device.

49. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device comprises a density gradient that facilitates the drawing of urine away from a user's urethra to the device.

50. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 49 wherein the density gradient further comprises i) a first tissue sheet having capillaries, the first tissue sheet being positioned adjacent

₃ 3 to the top layer and having a density from about 0.01 g/cm to about 0.1 g/cm ; ii) a second tissue sheet having capillaries, the second tissue sheet being positioned adjacent to and below the first tissue sheet and having a density of from about 0.08

_{3 3} g/cm to about 0.3 g/cm , the difference in density between the first and the second tissue sheets being from about 0.01 g/cm to about 0.2 g/cm ; and iii) a density gradient formed between the first tissue sheet and the second tissue sheet positioned adjacent to one-another such that fluid impacting the first tissue sheet will be drawn from the first tissue sheet by suction exerted by the smaller capillaries of the lower and more dense second tissue sheet.

51. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 49 wherein the density gradient further substantially locks in urine to prevent the urine from wicking out of the device.

52. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 44 wherein the top layer has a density of about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 1.0 g/cm³.

53. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 44 wherein the bottom layer has a density of about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 1.0 g/cm³.

54. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 44 wherein the bottom layer of the device is semi-permeable to liquid.

55. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 44 wherein the bottom layer of the device is substantially impermeable to liquid.

56. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the user is a male.

57. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the user is a female.

58. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device may be in the shape of a rectangle.

59. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 58 wherein the length of the device ranges from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

60. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 58 wherein the width of the device ranges from about 5 mm to about 310 mm.

61. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 58 wherein the thickness of the device ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.

62. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device may be in the shape of an oval.

63. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 62 wherein the length of the device ranges from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

64. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 62 wherein the width of the device ranges from about 5 mm to about 310 mm.

65. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 62 wherein the thickness of the device ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.

66. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device may be in the shape of a cylinder.

67. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 66 wherein the device comprises a diameter ranging from about 2.5 mm to about 150 mm.

68. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 66 wherein the device comprises a length ranging from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

69. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device may be in the shape of a polygonal.

70. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 69 wherein the length of the polygonal ranges from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

71. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 69 wherein the width of the polygonal ranges from about 5 mm to about 310 mm.

72. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 69 wherein the thickness of the polygonal ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.

73. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device may be in the shape of a triangle.

74. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 73 wherein the length of the triangle ranges from about 10 mm to about 310 mm.

75. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 73 wherein the width of the triangle ranges from about 5 mm to about 310 mm.

76. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 73 wherein the thickness of the triangle ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.

77. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device may be in the shape of any of a number of animals from the group consisting offish, reptiles, mammals or combinations thereof.

78. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 41 wherein the device comprises at least one type of substance selected from the group consisting of surfactants, lotions, emollients, anti-microbial agents, healing agents, perfumes, fragrances, pH indicators, impact markers, moistening agents, cleaning agents, odor inhibitors, cyclodextrins, vitamins, herbs, herbal extracts, aloe and medicines.

79. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 56 wherein the device at least partially covers the end of the male's penis.

80. The flushable hand-held device of Claim 79 wherein the device substantially covers the end of the male's penis.