GB2499119A

GB2499119A - Collapsible container for vomit or oral discharge

Info

Publication number: GB2499119A
Application number: GB1301619.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jacqueline Catherine Cattanach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-03
Filing date: 2013-01-30
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Also published as: GB201201870D0; GB201301619D0

Abstract

A collapsible, telescopic container for receiving vomit or oral discharge is disclosed. It includes at least two hollow bodies 110, 112, 114 and at least two handles 120. Each body 110, 112, 114 is configured to move relative to another body, such that the at least a first body 110, 112 nests within a second body 112, 114 in a collapsed configuration. Preferably, telescopic movement of the bodies relative to one another adopts the collapsed and extended configurations. The at least first body 110 also extends from a rim at an extremity of the second body 112, 114 in an extended configuration. The body 110 that is lowermost in the extended configuration comprises a base section and the body 114 that is uppermost in the extended configuration comprises the at least two handles 120. The handles 120 extend from the rim 116 and are diametrically disposed relative to each other and extend from the rim 116 in use.

Description

1

COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER FOR VOMIT OR ORAL DISCHARGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a collapsible container for safe and hygienic receipt of oral discharge, for example vomit. In particular, the present invention relates to a collapsible 5 container for handling by a child who is nauseous or vomiting.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Travel sickness or motion sickness can be a common occurrence when travelling by car with children. Such an experience can be quite distressing for a child. In particular, the feeling of nausea can quickly, often without warning, change to the child throwing up. Unfortunately, 10 whilst driving, in particular along a motorway etc. it is not always convenient or possible to stop immediately, or more particularly in a safe way, to attend to a child who is about to vomit or is vomiting in the rear of a vehicle.

As a precaution it is common to carry sandwich bags, disposable carrier bags or nappy sacks in a vehicle when travelling to catch and dispose of vomit. Unfortunately such items 15 are often weak, flimsy or may even comprise some perforations; as such, such items are not always best suited to catching and retaining vomit. Moreover, the opening into which the child vomits may not remain open, which could result in the child being soiled, and therefore distressed, because some of the vomit does not enter the bag.

It is desirable to provide a container adapted to catch and retain vomit or oral discharge.

20 It is further desirable to provide a compact container adapted to catch and retain vomit or oral discharge.

It is desirable that a compact container is collapsible and expandable for ease of storage, carriage and for use.

It is desirable that a compact container is re-useable.

2

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a container for receiving vomit or oral discharge, the container comprising: at least two hollow bodies, each body being configured to be movable relative to another body such that at least a first body nests within a second body in a 5 collapsed configuration and the at least first body extends from a rim at an extremity of the second body in an extended configuration; wherein each body comprises one or more walls extending to a rim at an open end; wherein the body which is lowermost in the extended configuration comprises a base section; wherein the body which is uppermost in the extended configuration comprises at least two handles extending from the rim; wherein the 10 at least two handles are diametrically disposed relative to each other and extend from the rim in use.

The container according to embodiments of the present invention is collapsible to provide a compact storable item and extendable to provide a useable container. The shape and size of the container may also be configured such that the container can be use comfortably and 15 at ease by a child.

The hollow bodies may be configured such that telescopic movement of the bodies relative to each other adopts the collapsed configuration for storage or the extended configuration for use.

The container may comprise one or more tapered walls. The tapered walls assist in 20 directing vomit or oral discharge to the base of the container and minimises splashback. It will be appreciated that splashback would be very unpleasant, in particular for a small child.

The base area of the container may be shaped and sized such that it rests comfortably between the knees/thighs of a child or on a child's lap when in use. Advantageously, the container in a collapsed form could be held by a child who is feeling nauseous such that the 25 container is, in effect, in position, ready for use as soon as it is needed.

3

The base may be shaped and sized to correspond with the size of an average human hand. Such a configuration may allow an adult to aid a sick child unobtrusively by supporting the underside of the container by resting the base on a hand. The configuration of the handles and the base provide dual control in use of the container. In addition, adult assistance 5 minimises the risk of spillage if a child releases the handles after vomiting. The dual grip provided by the handles and the appropriately configured base provides a container suitable for use by very young children, whilst also allowing independent use by older children.

The rim of each body may comprise an inwardly extending lip which is configured to limit movement of the bodies relative to each other, when extending to take up the form of the 10 container and when collapsing for storage.

The container may comprise pivotal handles. The handles may be pivotal relative to the rim such that the handles can extend from the container in use and can be stowed at least partially inside the container when not in use.

The handles may be adapted to pivot from a first position, where they extend across the 15 open end of the container to a second position where they extend out from the rim of the container. When the handles extend out from the rim they are in the ready position where the container can be comfortably held.

The rim of the uppermost body may comprise one or more railed sections to which each handle is attachable and about which each handle is rotatable.

20 The handles may comprise a locking element configured to hold the container in a collapsed configuration. The locking element may comprise engagement of the handles. The locking element may comprise engagement of the handles and the inside of the base. Alternatively, or in addition the locking element may comprise engagement of the handles across the base.

4

The container may comprise a spring element that biases the container in the extended configuration. Accordingly, the container may further comprise a locking element operable to retain the container in the collapsed state. The locking element may comprise interaction of the handles with each other and/or with the inside surface of the base of the container.

5 Upon release of the locking element the container may automatically move to the extended configuration from the collapsed configuration.

The container may comprise a compartment at the lowermost body of the container. Advantageously, the compartment may facilitate storage of disposable bag inserts that can be used with the container. Alternatively or in addition the compartment may be used to 10 store, for example wipes. The compartment may be integral with the lowermost body of the container. Alternatively, the compartment may be a pivotal or slidable relative to the lowermost body of the container. Alternatively, the compartment may be attachable to and detachable from the lowermost body of the container. The compartment may comprise an opening. As such the contents of the compartment may be accessible at all times. In 15 particular the contents of the compartment may be easily accessible for replacing a disposable bag or for freshening up after a person/child has vomited or discharged orally. The opening may be provided in a resilient cover that comprise an opening. The opening may comprise a central hole and slits extending therefrom to provide a access that yields to allow access to the contents

20 A disposable bag may be used with the container such that the vomit or oral discharge is contained in a bag, which can be secured and disposed of safely and hygienically. As such, the container may further comprise anchorage points for securing a disposable bag in use. The anchorage points may be formed as part of the handles. Alternatively, the anchorage points may be provided on the exterior of the container proximate the rim such that a 25 disposable bag is securable thereto.

The container may comprise a lid operable to contain any contents within the container.

5

The container may be reusable and may be manufactured from washable material, for example plastic, which is preferably dishwasher proof such that the container may be sterilised for subsequent uses.

Alternatively, the container may be manufactured from, for example, waxed paper, such that 5 the container can be extended for use and disposed of after use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a child utilising a container in accordance 10 with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a container containing a removable inner liner in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of example storage applications of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

15 Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic representation of a container in accordance with an 20 embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic representation of an exploded view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

6

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic representation of the assembly of the container shown in Figure 7; and

Figure 9 illustrates a schematic representation of the assembled container of Figures 7 and Figure 8 in a collapsed configuration.

5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a representation of a child 1000 securely strapped into a child safety seat, for example in a vehicle. The child 1000 is holding a container 10 in his lap. The container 10 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For illustrative purposes only, the illustrated example of the container comprises a face of a bear, 10 such that it is aesthetically pleasing and comforting to a child 1000.

Referring to Figure 2, the container 10 comprises a bucket form that is sized suitable for handling by a child 1000 such that the child 1000 can independently hold the container 10 when feeling nauseous or when vomiting.

The container 10 comprises a base 12, one or more walls 14 upstanding from the base 12, 15 two handles 16 and an opening 18 for receiving a disposable bag 20.

In the illustrated embodiment the walls 14 are tapered to reduce splashback. The base 12 is also be tapered and shaped such that an adult, for example a parent can grasp and/or support the container 10 from the base 12 and thereby provide additional aid for the child 1000 if required. This feature is particularly useful in the case where a very young child is 20 feeling unwell. The provision of the handles at the rim of the container 10 provides a degree of independence for the child 1000, whilst the shape and support provided of the base allows a parent to provide support without being obtrusive.

7

The shape and size of the base 12 is configured to rest in an adult hand. Alternatively, or in addition the shape and size of the base 12 is configured to rest between a child's legs or on his lap.

The illustrated container 10 includes handles 16 at the rim and a base 12 shaped in the 5 manner describe above and therefore allows dual grip of the container 10. As such the risk of spillage from the container 10 is minimised. In particular, the risk of the contents spilling out is reduced when additional support is provided by an adult supporting the base 12 in the event, for example that a very young child has the urge, after vomiting, to push the container 10 away.

10 Two handles 16 are provided about the rim of the container 10. The handles 16 are arranged such that they are diametrically opposed such that access to the opening 18 at the top of the container 10 is unrestricted.

In the illustrated embodiment the container 10 contains a disposable bag 20. The disposable bag 20 facilitates the capture and safe disposal of vomit. This is particularly 15 important when the container 10 is being used for a child that may be vomiting frequently such as when suffering, for example from motion sickness or from a tummy bug. The combination of the container 10 and the disposable bag 20 means that, if appropriate, a bag 20 can be removed and replaced safely and hygienically after each discharge.

Figure 3 demonstrates portability of the container 10 according to embodiments of the 20 present invention. The container 10 is collapsible such that the container 10 compresses to a substantially flat arrangement. Figure 3 shows the container 10 in the collapsed form and illustrates examples of stowing the collapsed container 10; namely, a rucksack 30, a handbag/changing bag 32, a first aid box 34 and a compartment 36 in the rear of the driver's or passenger's seat 38 of a vehicle (not shown).

8

Figures 4 and 5 each illustrate an example of a portable container 10 and each illustrates how the container 10 is extendable into a useable form. The illustrated containers 10 are also collapsible such that the container 10 can be re-used.

Referring to Figure 4 the illustrated example shows a container 10 in a collapsed 5 configuration (to the left of arrow A1) and in the extended configuration (to the right of arrow A1). In the example illustrated the container 10 is substantially biased in the collapsed configuration because it requires the application of force to extend the container 10. For example, the image of the fist 40 and the arrow A2 indicate the application and the direction of force to extend the container 10 from the compressed configuration to the extended 10 configuration. The fist 40 strikes the inside of the base 12 via the opening at the top of the container 10 such that the base 12 moves in a downwards direction away from the opening at the top of the container 10 to reveal the wall 14. It will be appreciated that the wall 14 is collapsible by applying pressure in the rim area such that the container 10 is returned to the collapsed configuration and is therefore compact for storage.

15 In the illustrated example the handles 16 extend out from the rim 17 ready for use when the container 10 is extended.

In an embodiment of the invention the handles 16 are arranged such that they can pivot through 180 degrees from a first horizontal position where they both lie across the top of the container (described below with reference to Figure 5) to a second horizontal position where 20 both handles 16 extend out from the rim of the container 10 such that they are easily grasped when the container 10 is required to catch vomit.

Referring to Figure 5 the illustrated example shows a container 10 in the collapsed configuration (to the left of arrow A3 and A4) and in the extended configuration (to the right of arrow A3).

9

In the example illustrated the container 10 is substantially biased in the extended form where the wall 14 includes a coil 15 to support the wall 14 in an expanded form. The coil 15 is shown exposed in the image for illustrative purposes only. The coil may be embedded or covered, for example by a decorative layer or cover (see Figure 1).

5 Referring again to Figure 5, it will be appreciated that in the collapsed configuration the container 10 should be restrained in some way. In the illustrated example the handles 16 are arranged over the opening of the container 10 and lock against the inside of the base 12 or they lock relative to each other to prevent the wall 14 from expanding until required.

The process of extending the container 10 is illustrated by arrows A4 and A5. The container 10 10 is extended automatically on release of the handles 16 by releasing them from contact with the base 12 or with each other. The action of spring tension in the coils 15 causes the wall 14 to expand.

In the extended configuration the handles 16 can take up the second substantially horizontal position, where they extend from the rim 17 of the open end of the container 10 such that 15 child can comfortably hold the container when feeling nauseous or when vomiting.

The image of the hand 42, the handles 16 (in phantom) and the arrows A6 and A7 indicate the application and the direction of force to compress the container 10 from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration as indicated by arrow A3. The hand 42 applies pressure at the rim region 17 and presses downwards towards the base 12 such that the 20 container 10 collapses against the force of the spring. When in the collapsed configuration the handles 16 act to lock the container 10 in the compressed form as described above.

Common to both Figures 4 and 5, is that the wall 14 is collapsible by applying pressure in the rim area 17 when the container 10 is extended such that its dimensions are reduced for storage and primed for reuse.

10

The portability of the container 10 is such that the device can be easily transported and stored. The portability of the container makes it ideal for use by a child.

The container 10 may also comprise a lid (not illustrated) that is attachable and detachable from the open end 18 of the container 10. The lid may act as a guard to prevent spillage or 5 splashing; both of which could be very distressing to a small child when feeling nauseous or vomiting.

Referring to Figure 6 the use of the container 10 is illustrated with the additional feature of a compartment 21 being incorporated with the base 12 such that, for example, replacement disposable bags 20, wipes 23 and/or hand sanitising gel 25 can be stored for use with or 10 following use of the container 10.

In the illustrated example the compartment 21 is in the form of a drawer. For safety and security the drawer is shown to be pivotal, for example about a hinge 27 at one side of the base 12 such that the inside of the compartment 21 can be accessed, but not removed. Alternatively, the compartment can be attachable and detachable from the base 12.

15 In figure 6 the container 10 is illustrated as being held by the handles 16 by a small child 1000 with added support provided by the adult hand 101 moving in the direction of arrow A8 to support the base 12. The container 10 contains a disposable bag 20. Following arrow A9, the bag 20 is safely tied to secure the content before being removed from the container 10 and then is disposed of safely in a bin 27 (arrows A10).

20 The compartment 21 contains one or more replacement bags 20 which can be placed in the container 10 before collapsing the container 10 ready for subsequent use.

For illustrative purpose only, Figure 6 illustrates that the compartment 21 contains disposable bags 20, wipes 23 suitable for cleaning up hygienically after someone has vomited and sanitising gels 25.

11

A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and described below with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of a container 100 and figure 8 illustrates the container of Figure 7 in an assembled form.

The container 100 is in the form of a tapered cylinder in an extended form as illustrated in 5 Figure 8. The container 100, as illustrated includes three sections 110, 112, 114 comprising a base section 110, a middle upper section 112 and a top section 114. The upper middle section 112 and the top section 114 each include an internally extending lip 116 that acts to stop the lower sections of the container when the container 100 is in its collapsed state as illustrated in Figure 9.

10 At the rim 117 of the upper section 114 the container 100 comprises two diametrically disposed railed sections 118. A handle 120, attaches to each of the railed sections 118 such that the handles 120 can rotate inwards and outwards relative to the body of the container 100. The handles 120 are designed for comfortable grip by the user, generally a child, and also to resemble ears of a character whose face embellishes the container 100 in its 15 extended functional form as illustrated in Figure 8.

In figure 7, the handles 120 are each illustrated in two parts 120a, 120b. Each handle 120 includes a left-hand and a right-hand hollow section, which may be made by an injection moulding process and where the right-hand section and the left-hand section lock together to form a handle 120 having a solid shell.

20 The embellishment 122 may be provided by, for example, graphic stickers, for example made from vinyl, such that different character formats or embellishments can be added to the surface of the container 100. In the illustrated example, the container is embellished with the image of a dog-like character where the top section 114 is embellished with a pair of eyes, the upper middle section 112 is embellished with a nose and mouth and the base 25 section 110 is embellished with a sticker or decoration that represents a dog collar and branding.

12

It will be appreciated that the container 100 can be embellished with various designs, for example other animal characters or decorative patterns.

The base section 110 provides a compartment that contains, for example disposable bags or wipes, includes at the bottom of the base section 110 is a resilient disc 124 that includes a 5 cut through pattern 126, such that items, for example, disposable bags (not illustrated) can be stored in and retrieved from the base section 110. In the illustrated embodiment the centre of the disc 124 includes a circular hole 128 and four linear slits 130 that each extend from the circumference of the hole 126 such that the disc yields in this area and the contents of the base section 110 can be removed easily. The disc 124 may be glued to the lower side 10 of an open end of the base section 110.

In Figure 8 the container 100 is shown in its extended useable form. The handles 120 are shaped such that they each are spaced from the body of the container 100 for easy grip by the user.

Figure 9 shows the container 100 in a collapsed configuration for portability and storage, 15 where the base section 110 and the middle upper section 112 are contained inside the top section 114. The handles 120 are shown in a stowed position where each handle is rotated about the rail 118 at the rim of the top section 114 through an appropriate angle, for example approximately 180 degrees. The rotational extent of the handles is stopped by the inside wall of the container 100.

20 The container 100 may also comprise a lid (not illustrated) that is attachable to and detachable from the open end of the container 100. The lid may act as a guard to prevent spillage or splashing; both of which could be very distressing to a small child when feeling nauseous or vomiting.

13

As described above and common to all embodiments described, the container 10, 100, including the walls 14, the base 12 and the compartment are shaped for comfort of the user. In particular the base 12, 110 and the compartment are each shaped such that the container 10, 100 can be easily supported via the underside of the base 12, 110 or the underside of 5 the compartment by an adult hand 101 such that the additional support is provided unobtrusively whilst the child 1000 holds the container 10, 100.

It will be appreciated that the container 10, 100 according to the described embodiments can be used in multiple applications such as within the home, nursery/kindergarten or whilst travelling. It is often unpredictable when a child may be sick. Therefore, the portability of the 10 container 10, 100 and the ease with which it can be extended into a useable form means that even at short notice a child can vomit in a safe and contained manner which advantageously reduces the stress on the child that is often caused if they become soiled due to vomiting over their clothing.

In many applications it will be appreciated that a reusable container 10, 100 would be 15 preferred, for example home use, where it would be possible to clean and sterilise the container 10, 100 for subsequent uses. In this regard, the container 10, 100 may be manufactured from plastic that can, after use be cleaned and then placed in, for example a dishwasher or steam sanitised for thorough cleaning and sterilising for subsequent use. In this example, it will be appreciated that the container 10, 100 could be used with or without 20 disposable inserts. However, it will also be appreciated that for certain applications it would be preferable that the container 10, 100 was for single use (such as kindergarten/nursery). As such the container 10, 100 may be manufactured from, for example waxed paper, which is configured to allow the container 10, 100 to expand from a collapsed form as described above and for the vomit or oral discharge to be captured, contained and disposed of 25 hygienically and safely afterwards.

14

Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the present invention.

15

Claims

1. A container for receiving vomit or oral discharge, the container comprising:

at least two hollow bodies, each body being configured to be movable relative to another body such that at least a first body nests within a second body in a collapsed 5 configuration and the at least first body extends from a rim at an extremity of the second body in an extended configuration;

wherein each body comprises one or more walls extending to a rim at an open end;

wherein the body which is lowermost in the extended configuration comprises a base section;

10 wherein the body which is uppermost in the extended configuration comprises at least two handles extending from the rim;

wherein the at least two handles are diametrically disposed relative to each other and extend from the rim in use.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the hollow bodies are configured such that 15 telescopic movement of the bodies relative to each other adopts the collapsed configuration for storage or the extended configuration for use.

3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more walls are tapered.

4. A container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the rim of each body comprises an inwardly extending lip which is configured to limit movement of the bodies relative to each

20 other.

5. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the handles are pivotal relative to the rim such that the handles can extend from the container in use and can be stowed at least partially inside the container when not in use.

16

6. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the rim of the uppermost body comprises a railed section to which each handle is attachable and about which each handle is rotatable.

7. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the base section comprises a 5 compartment.

8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the base section comprises an opening at an outermost surface.

9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the base section comprises a resilient cover at an outermost surface wherein the resilient cover comprises the opening thereby

10 enabling access to inside of the base section.

10. A container according to any preceding claim, further comprising anchorage points for securing a disposable bag inside the container.

11. A container according to Claim 10, wherein the anchorage points are formed as part of the handles.

15 12. A container according to Claim 10, wherein the anchorage points are provided on the exterior of the container proximate the rim such that a disposable bag is securable thereto.

13. A container according to any preceding claim, further comprising a spring element adapted to bias the container in the extended configuration.

14. A container according to Claim 13, wherein upon release of the locking element the 20 container automatically moves to the extended configuration from the collapsed configuration.

15. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the handles comprise a locking element configured to retain the container in a collapsed state.

17

16. A container according to Claim 15, wherein the locking element comprises engagement of the handles across the open end of the container.

17. A container according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lid.