Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Dry closets – Urinal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-04
2001-04-10
Huson, Gregory L. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Dry closets
Urinal
C004S144200, C004S144300, C004S144400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212691
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to urinals. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a portable urinal for use in a tree stand and other elevated platforms.
2. Problems in the Art
Tree stands are commonly used in hunting, photography and various other nature activities. For example, deer hunters often hunt from tree stands. Hunters and other persons may remain on the stand for considerable periods of time. It may become necessary for the person to urinate while on the tree stand. Although portable urinals are well known, such prior art urinals have deficiencies and are not well-suited for use in a tree stand or other elevated platforms.
While in a tree stand, it is important to remain undetected. Animals should not see, hear or smell the person in the tree stand. Unfortunately, prior art portable urinals do not serve to accomplish these goals. One means for dealing with the problem is to carry a bottle or container into the tree stand for urination. The container of urine is later carried away from the stand for proper disposal. Using a bottle having a separate lid requires that the tree stand-sitter perform lots of unnecessary movements. Other problems include dropping the bottle or cap of the bottle while in the tree stand, filling the container before the tree stand-sitter is ready to leave the stand, and simply forgetting to take the bottle from the tree stand when finished. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved portable urinal that minimizes noise, as well as the amount of movement required during urination, and is easy to use.
Of course, a tree stand-sitter could simply urinate directly onto the ground or against the side of the tree. Such a method creates unwanted noise. In addition, it does nothing to control the odor of the urine. Animals are generally sensitive to the smell of human urine. For this reason, it is preferable that any urine is disposed of in a way that controls its odor. Thus, there is also a need in the art for a improved portable urinal that controls the problems associated with odor in the disposal of the urine.
FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A general feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable urinal device and method for using the same that overcomes the problems found in the prior art.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable urinal device and method for using the same that minimizes the amount of movement associated with the urinary function.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved portable urinal device and method for using the same that reduces the noise associated with the urinary function.
A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved portable urinal that is easy and convenient to use.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved portable urinal device and method for using the same that controls the odor of the urine.
These as well as other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The portable urinal device of the present invention includes a generally funnel-shaped container having a top end that is open and a lid hingeably mounted on the container for movement between a closed position and an open position. The lid of the portable urinal device is biased toward the closed position to facilitate use of the device with one hand. In its preferred form, the lid includes a lever with a locking mechanism that engages a handle on the container to hold the lid in the open position during urination. The portable urinal device may also include a flexible gasket disposed between the container and the lid to provide a tight seal for controlling odor, as well as to dampen any sound vibrations when the lid is closed. In its preferred form, the portable urinal device of the present invention also includes a discharge nipple at the bottom end of the container and a fluid hose connected thereto for directing urine to the ground below. The fluid hose may be buried underground to reduce noise and prevent odor problems. A mounting mechanism may also be included so that the portable urinal device can be easily stored away when not in use.
The present invention also includes a method of disposing of urine from a hunting stand. The method generally includes the steps of providing a portable urinal device and fluid hose as described above, connecting one end of the fluid hose to the bottom end of the container, burying the other end of the fluid hose underground, opening the lid of the container, engaging the locking mechanism to hold the lid in the open position, urinating into the container, disengaging the locking mechanism, and closing the lid on the container. The claimed method minimizes both the sound and odor problems associated with the urination function.
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patent: 6021529 (2000-02-01), Abbato
Huson Gregory L.
Nguyen Tuan
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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