FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the area of excrement collection devices, such as bedpans. In particular, the present invention relates to excrement collection apparatus which allows the user to use water for cleaning their private parts after the process of excretion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Waste elimination is one of an essential fundamental function of the human body. Different groups of people in various regions of the world have devised different ways to clean oneself after performing the process of excretion. People from some areas of the world prefer using toilet paper while some groups of individuals prefer cleaning the private parts with water. People in many countries prefer to wash oneself thoroughly with water before performing any religious duties. From the health perspective, the use of soap and water are necessities in preventing infection

[0003] Individuals with limited mobility or the bed-ridden individuals typically employ the usage of the conventional bedpans to take care of the excretory requirements. However, the traditional bedpans have no way of providing water to these individuals to clean themselves. In the absence of water, these people have to resort to the usage of wet wipes or wet cotton balls. These are not the most economical alternatives. Also, long-term usage of these cleaning agents can cause infections. Further, the disease could worsen when a patient with limited mobility has developed bed sores. Bedsore wounds result when an individual lies on the pressure point of their sacral area for extended periods of time. The restricted movement ends in the insufficient blood supply to the sacral region. In many cases, the use of adult diapers had made patients with limited mobility to lie on their back for an extended period due to the function of its absorbent material. Furthermore, it takes a minimum of two individuals to help a patient with limited mobility to move in bed safely.

[0004] Bedpans have been developed in the art for the persons with limited mobility. For example, US5394571 discloses an inflatable bedpan assembly with an inflatable horseshoe-shaped seat and a detachable waste collection bag which is sealed with a drawstring. The bedpan is almost flat in a deflated condition and has a shape of a thick toilet seat when inflated. A waste accumulating bag substitutes for the bowl in a regular toilet. The bag is inserted before use, then is pulled out through a gap in the front of the seat. The bag closes and seals when it is pulled out. The collection bag is attached to the bedpan using a sleeve which is around the opening of the pocket and contains a drawstring. The sleeve including the drawstring is wedged into a groove or channel formed around an inner circumference of the seat directly below the top surface. After use, the drawstring and sleeve, with the suspended collection bag, are drawn out of the groove in the horseshoe and removed by the front gap.

[0005] EP0207730A1 discloses an inflatable receptacle for use as a bidet, lavatory, or for other toilet purposes comprises an inflatable wall surrounding a base, and a seat portion around the upper peripheral edge of the wall. US6000078A discloses a disposable bedpan for use with a patient underlayment that has a cavity in registry with buttocks of a supine patient lying thereon, wherein the bedpan is supported in the cavity by a laterally-collapsible hoop-like support. The hoop-like support has fulcrum extensions to give support for a horizontal support upon which the underlayment rest and markings on the removable bedpan present a tool to measure the quantity of waste from the patient. A padded plug that fills the area between the hoop-like support and top of underlayment provides relief for the patient while the bedpan is installed but not in use.

[0006] However, a few disadvantages associated with the aforementioned prior art documents is that none of the systems described in the prior art disclose a means or a method which allows the individuals with limited mobility to clean themselves with water after the process of excretion, as is the custom in many of the Asian countries.

SUM MARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus. The apparatus comprises an inflatable cushion having an aperture formed at an operative top surface thereof, wherein the operative top surface interfaces with a body of a user. An inner portion of the inflatable cushion defines a space operatively below the aperture. At least one bedpan is receivable in the space for collecting the excrement of the user and draining any fluid present within the at least one bedpan. The apparatus further comprises a water reservoir for storing water. A water faucet is in fluid communication with the water reservoir for facilitating regulated discharge of water to allow the user for cleaning the private parts of the user after the excretion process. A sewage tank is in fluid communication with the at least one bedpan for receiving the wastewater resulting from the cleaning of the user.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus in which the at least one bedpan includes a first bedpan for collecting the excrement, and a second bedpan to be replaced by the first bedpan after completion of the excretion process. The second bedpan has a drain in fluid communication with the sewage tank to drain the wastewater into the sewage tank. [0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus, which further comprises a pump in fluid communication with the water reservoir.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus, which further comprises a hose for facilitating the discharge of high-pressure water from the pump to the water faucet.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus, wherein the inflatable cushion is made of at least one material selected from leather, rubber, and a polymeric material.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus, which further comprises a storage unit for containing the water reservoir, the sewage tank, the inflatable cushion, the at least one-bed pan, the water faucet, the hose, and the pump.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus, which further comprises a control unit configured to generate control commands. A flow regulating unit is communicatively united to the control unit, wherein the flow regulating unit, under the control commands, is configured to control the flow of water within the apparatus. A solutions discharge unit, under the control commands, is configured to facilitate discharge of cleaning agents within the second bedpan. A compressor control unit, under the control commands, is configured to control the operation of a compressor for filling the inflatable cushion. A deodorizing unit, under the control commands, is configured to release a deodorizing agent after completion of the cleaning process after the excretion process. An air dryer unit, under the control commands, is configured to blow air for drying purpose after completion of the cleaning process after the excretion process. An audio unit, under the control commands, is configured to play soothing music.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus, wherein the water faucet is a misting faucet.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus, further comprising a soap dispenser for personal hygiene.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an excrement collection apparatus, further comprising a weighing unit embedded in the inflatable cushion for assessing the weight of the user for computation of hydration status of the user.

[0017] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components outlined in the following description or represented in the drawings. The invention is capable of additional embodiments and of being exercised and carried out in various modes. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology applied in the Specification are for explanation and should not be considered as limiting.

[0018] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various technical features of novelty which describe the inventiveness, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention will be better understood, and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof.

[0020] Fig. 1A and Fig. IB illustrate isometric views of the assembly of an inflatable cushion and a bedpan of an excrement collection apparatus, by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the excrement collection apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an assembly of a water reservoir, a pump, and a water faucet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a storage unit for storing the excrement collection apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 5 illustrates a block diagram of the excrement collection apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In the detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be utilized. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] The present invention envisages an excrement collection apparatus that allows the individuals with limited mobility to clean themselves with water after the excretion process. Furthermore, the excrement collection apparatus also allows the placement of the individual at a height which allows the user to wash easily.

[0027] Fig. 1A and Fig. IB illustrate isometric views of the assembly of an inflatable cushion 102 and a bedpan 104 of an excrement collection apparatus 100 (from now on referred to as apparatus 100). The apparatus 100 comprises the inflatable cushion 102, at least one bedpan 104, a water reservoir 106, a water faucet 108, and a sewage tank 110. The inflatable cushion 102 has an aperture 102A formed at an operative top surface thereof, wherein the operative top surface interfaces with a body of a user. Furthermore, an inner portion of said inflatable cushion 102 defines a space 102C operatively below the aperture 102A. The at least one bedpan 104 is receivable in the space 102C. In an embodiment, the inflatable cushion is made of at least one material selected from leather, rubber, and a polymeric material.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one bedpan 104 includes a first bedpan for collecting the excrement and a second bedpan that replaces the first bedpan once the excretion process is complete and the user wishes to wash. The second bedpan is provided with a drain to drain out the wastewater resulting from the cleaning. The inflatable cushion 102 is designed to support the user thereon while the bedpans are being replaced.

[0029] Referring Fig. 2 and 3, the water reservoir 106 for storing the water required by the user to clean himself. The water reservoir 106 is in fluid communication with the water faucet 108, wherein the water faucet 108 allows a regulated discharge of water from that place. The user can use the water faucet 108 to direct the jet of water on the part of the body that needs to be cleaned. The sewage tank 110 is in fluid communication with the at least one bedpan via a first hose 114A. The sewage tank 110 is configured to receive the wastewater produced after the user has cleaned himself with water from the water faucet 108. In another embodiment, the at least one bedpan includes only one bedpan which has a drain that is large enough to allow the drainage of the fecal matter and the wastewater from that place into the sewage tank 110. The apparatus further comprises a pump 112 that is in fluid communication with water reservoir 106 and provides a high-pressure water discharged to the water faucet 108. The water faucet 108 is connected to the pump 112 via a second hose 114B. In an embodiment, the water faucet 108 of the apparatus 100 is replaced with plugged in water bidet that is attached to the at least one bedpan 104. In another embodiment, the water faucet 108 is a misting faucet, which facilitates maximum surface area utilization of the water being discharged from the faucet 108, thereby reducing the amount of water required for the cleaning process.

[0030] Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a storage unit 400 for storing the excrement collection apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the storage unit 400 is defined by two hingeably connected compartments 402A and 402B; wherein one compartment 402A is provided with drawers 404 for storing the at least one bedpan, the inflatable cushion, the pump, the hose, and the water faucet. The compartment 402B has the provision to put the sewage tank and the water tank. In accordance with one embodiment, the storage unit 400 has a rectangular profile.

[0031] In one embodiment, the length of the inflatable cushion is 17 inches and has a 14-inch slot for bedpan insertion. In another embodiment, the width of the inflatable cushion is 16.5 inches and a 12- inch slot for bedpan insertion. In another embodiment, the height of the inflatable cushion is 10 inches, and that for the bedpan insertion slot is 5 inches.

[0032] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises a pH and microbiological sensor to detect clinical changes in waste products. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises deodorizer to eliminate the odor of waste products.

[0033] In accordance with another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a plurality of sensors that could measure the weight of fecal matter for stool assessment, and that could detect occult blood for early detection disease of the bowel.

[0034] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, as disclosed in Fig. 5, the excrement collection apparatus 600 (from now on referred to as remotely controlled apparatus 600) is a remotely controlled system. More specifically, the remotely controlled apparatus 600 includes all the elements which have been heretofore described concerning the apparatus 100. The remotely controlled apparatus 600 further comprises a control unit 600A that is configured to generate control commands. The control unit 600A is provided remotely interfaces with the different modules/units of the remotely controlled apparatus 600, which are described from now on. [0035] The remotely controlled apparatus 600 further comprises a flow regulating unit 602 that is communicatively coupled with the control unit 600A, wherein the flow regulating unit 602, under the control commands, is configured to control the flow of water within the apparatus 100. More specifically, the flow regulating unit 602 is configured to trigger the pump 112 remotely as and when required by the user.

[0036] The remotely controlled apparatus 600 further comprises a solutions discharge unit 604. The solutions discharge unit 604, under the control commands, is configured to facilitate discharge of cleaning agents within the second bedpan. More specifically, the solutions discharge unit 604 is configured to sense when the water from the water faucet has stopped dripping on the second bedpan. On sensing the absence of water, the solutions discharge unit 604 is configured to release the cleaning agents within the second bedpan.

[0037] The remotely controlled apparatus 600 further comprises a compressor control unit 606. Under the control commands, the compressor control unit 606 is configured to control the operation of a compressor for filling the inflatable cushion. In one operative example, the compressor control unit 606 is configured to sense the weight of the user via weight sensing means that are installed within the inflatable cushion 102 and inflate the same accordingly, so as to provide maximum comfort to the user by filling only the most optimal amount of air within the inflatable cushion 102. The weighing unit or the weight sensing means also facilitate assessment of the weight of the user for computation of hydration status of the user.

[0038] The remotely controlled apparatus 600 further comprises a deodorizing unit 608, which is, under the control commands, configured to release a deodorizing agent after completion of the cleaning process after the excretion process. In one operative example, the deodorizing unit 608 is configured to sense, via proximity sensors installed within the water faucet 108 and the deodorizing unit 608, that the water faucet 108 has once entered and exited the range of the proximity sensors installed in the deodorizing unit 608, thereby triggering the release of the deodorizing agent.

[0039] The remotely controlled apparatus 600 further comprises an air dryer unit 610, which is, under the control commands, configured to blow air for drying purpose after completion of the cleaning process after the excretion process. The remotely controlled apparatus 600 further comprises an audio unit 612, under the control commands, is configured to play soothing music.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100, 600 further comprises a soap dispenser for personal hygiene.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100, 600 has anti-bacterial agent embedded in the equipment material using an anti-bacterial coating. The anti-bacterial coating is included to maintain personal hygiene.

[0042] It is to be noted that the apparatus 100 is lightweight and portable enough to be used at the bedside. The inflatable cushion 102 allows the device to be used on the bed while promoting the body movement and blood circulation. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 enables an individual to achieve optimal hygiene with the use of water, which is acceptable to most religious and cultural needs of the society in many regions, making it more feasible for them to carry out their religious obligation when ill. Also, the apparatus 100 allows optimal use of resources in healthcare settings by providing a technical specification that allows the individuals with limited mobility to move safely with the help of at least one person. The ability of patients to have access to water also limits the need the use of adult diapers which in the long run would help in reducing individual's expenditure. The ability of patients to have access to water and soap will reduce patient's risk infection.

[0043] The above description is meant to be illustrative, and not restrictive. The above-discussed embodiments may be exercised in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above explanation.

[0044] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above concerning specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.

[0045] While the present invention has been described concerning particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the invention.