WO2018044772A1

WO2018044772A1 - Hygiene kit

Info

Publication number: WO2018044772A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/048862
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandra SKOVLUND
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-29
Filing date: 2017-08-28
Publication date: 2018-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-28

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments include assembled kits that provide the items needed to achieve and maintain hygiene in a compact, light-weight and durable form. In some embodiments, the kits are made of biodegradable materials that do not contain dyes or fragrances. The kits may include or be packaged within a funnel that can be used for urination and also serves as a packaging for other articles in the kit as well as a receptacle for disposal of the articles after use. Methods of assembling the kits and funnels as well as methods of using the kits are also disclosed.

Description

HYGIENE KIT

Technical Field

[01] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to kits, packaging for kits and methods of assembling said packaging. In some disclosed embodiments, the kit can provide components useful for providing sanitation when adequate restroom facilities are unavailable.

Background

[02] Traveling, or just being away from one's home, necessitates the use of whatever facilities are available for toilet use, washing up, or other grooming needs. The conditions of these facilities, if available, are extremely variable. Facilities can lack a toilet seat, running water, or have evidence of previous use that makes it unappealing. In some instances, such as on a hiking trail, facilities may not exist at all. This variability creates difficulty in planning and completing hygienic tasks, as well as disposing of the items in a discreet and environmentally-friendly way.

[03] Various devices resembling funnels have been designed to aid a woman in urinating in a standing position. One such example is disclosed in International Publication Number WO 02/38089 Al (Scimer Research and Diagnostics OY). While such available products do provide for assistance in one part of a hygiene task (urination), they do not provide assistance for various other acts (e.g., sitting when needed, for cleaning up, and wiping a surface or oneself).

[04] The disclosed embodiments address problems and limitations associated with the related art. Summary

[05] When an individual is away from their own home, they often need to have multiple items available to accommodate their grooming needs and their own variable preferences for hygiene. This greatly increases the volume and weight of items needed to get through an unpredictable day while the specific goal when traveling and backpacking is to make a pack lightweight and efficient. These separate items can be difficult to locate within a bag quickly. In addition, these items can be bulky, heavy and are often not durable as they are carried and jostled along with other items in a purse, bag or backpack.

[06] Embodiments of the present disclosure include comprehensive kits that address the needs of individuals to complete one or more hygiene or grooming task in whole or in part, making each task largely predictable and functional from start to finish. Embodiments disclosed include the assembly of a multi-purpose, compact, durable, light-weight and (e.g., biodegradable) kit that contains one or more individual components necessary to achieve and maintain a hygienic setting for toileting, cleansing, and/or performing other grooming tasks comprehensively from start to finish. With only the addition of water, which is frequently available in bottled form when travelling, various disclosed kits provide most, if not all, objects or articles that are necessary to prepare for the task, complete the task and to dispose of the used items no matter the variability of the facilities available.

[07] Some of the disclosed embodiments include a funnel made for the purpose of assisting in urination using a funnel as a conduit. In some embodiments, the funnel also serves as the packaging for one or more additional articles of the kit, which can additionally be used for packaging of kit articles for disposal after use. Therefore, in some disclosed embodiments, the funnel is preferably biodegradable, light-weight, durable, and/or suitably compact and also provides for discreet disposal of other kit articles after use. [08] Each kit embodiment can be designed with a particular hygiene or grooming task in mind, whether that be toileting, changing a diaper, or cleaning up after a flight or bike ride. The articles provided, such as soap sheets, liners, compressed towels, for example, can be used separately or together but are combined in one package in appropriate proportions to the task to optimize the success of the intended task.

[09] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a unitary combination of components for use for performing a hygienic task such as urination or diaper changing. The combination preferably includes one or more components, e.g., in the form of a kit, one or more of which provide a plurality of functions, one or more of the components being considered novel in their own right. The invention further provides a method of making and a method of using such a combination.

[10] Where the hygienic task involves female urination, a kit of the present disclosure preferably includes a combination of components selected from the group consisting of a foldable urinary funnel, an expandable towel, a soap source, and a liner. The kit preferably provides an optimal combination of features, including lightweight, durability during storage and use, and the ability to be safely, easily, and effectively disposed.

[11] In one preferred embodiment, a funnel is provided that serves a dual purpose, corresponding to its unfolded and folded embodiments, respectively. In its unfolded embodiment, the funnel provides a urinary funnel for use by a female while standing, effectively providing the user with a conduit through which urine can be excreted. While in its folded embodiment, the funnel is adapted to contain one or more other components, e.g., an un-hydrated towel, an un-hydrated soap source, and a folded tissue liner. In turn, one or more of the components can themselves be provided in an initial, compact, form, and are adapted to be converted in the course of their use, e.g., by the addition of water, in order to provide a larger, functional, and/or flexible form. [12] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the funnel comprises a lightweight, foldable, substantially rigid material (e.g., cardboard like material having a weight of between about 80-100 lb.), which is configured in a manner that permits it to be folded in order to substantially package and contain the other components. When unfolded, in the course of its use, it is adapted to provide a funnel suitable for use by a female in the course of urination while standing. The towel preferably comprises an expandable (e.g., bamboo) material, the soap source preferably comprises a material adapted to provide soap suds when hydrated, and the tissue liner is configured to provide a barrier for use of a toilet seat, or alternatively, to provide an optional wipe. Preferably all of the components are suitable for safe and hygienic disposal, e.g., being themselves sufficiently biodegradable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, one or more of the components, and preferably all of the components, that are originally packaged in the folded funnel are able to be pressed into the open funnel in order to permit them to be carried and disposed of.

[13] Embodiments of the disclosure further provide a methods of making a combination that comprises the steps of providing one or more components, and combining (e.g., folding) the components in order to form a unitary packet. In a preferred embodiment, the funnel itself is folded in such a manner as to substantially form the outermost surfaces of a unitary packet, which in turn, contains one or more remaining components, e.g., a folded and/or un-hydrated towel, soap source, and tissue liner.

[14] Disclosed embodiments further provide a method of using a combination as described herein, e.g., including the steps of providing a kit as described herein, unfolding the funnel in order to access one or more individual components contained therein, hydrating one or more of the components, e.g., including the expandable towel, and the soap source, and using the one or more components to perform a hygienic task, and finally, suitably disposing of the components. Brief Description of the Drawings

[15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit including packaging that both houses articles (not visible) provided in the kit and also can be unfolded into a funnel.

[16] FIG. 2 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 1 in a flattened, unfolded configuration.

[17] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the FIGS. 1-2 in a natural, unfolded configuration.

[18] FIG. 4 is a front view of the articles of FIGS. 2-3 including a soap sheet, folded liner and compressed tab, which can be expanded for use as a towel via the application of water.

[19] FIG. 5 is a front view of the liner of FIG. 4 in an unfolded configuration.

[20] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of both the soap sheet and compressed tab of

FIG. 4.

[21] FIG. 7 is a front view of the packaging or funnel of FIGS. 1-3 in a generally flattened configuration, prior to assembly.

[22] FIG. 8 is a front view of the packaging or funnel of FIGS. 1-3 and 7 in an assembled configuration suitable for functioning as a funnel.

[23] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the packaging or funnel of FIG. 7-8.

[24] FIG. 10 is a side view of the packaging of FIGS. 9.

[25] FIG. 11 is a front view of the packaging or funnel of FIGS. 8-10 in a partially folded configuration. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the packaging or funnel of FIGS. 8-11 in a further partially folded configuration.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the packaging or funnel of FIGS. 8-12 in a further fully folded configuration.

FIG. 14 is an alternate packaging that can be used with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 15 is an alternate kit having a packaging in an opened configuration that is particularly useful for diaper changing applications.

Detailed Description

Various kits disclosed herein are comprised of separate components or articles; each intended for one-time use, each having more than one function, packaged together as a comprehensive kit that is lightweight, compact, durable for facilitating and maintaining a hygienic grooming experience. Kits of the disclosed embodiments can be used for personal hygiene or grooming tasks including, but not limited to, toileting, changing a diaper, or cleaning up after a flight or bike ride. The individual articles can be used separately or together but are combined in one package in appropriate proportions to optimize the success of the task.

An example of one kit 10 that can be used for toileting and components thereof are illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. In this embodiment, the kit 10 includes a packaging 12 that can be unfolded to form a funnel for urination. Such a funnel 12 may be particularly useful for women to use when sitting at a toilet is not practically available or desired. The funnel 12 can optionally serve to house additional articles or components 14 (generally referenced) desirable when toileting. For example, the articles 14 provided as part of the kit 10 can be any of the type as discussed in further detail below. With many articles, it will be desirable to fold the article one or more times prior to insertion in the packaging 12 to reduce the amount of space required to house the article (see, e.g., FIGS. 3-4).

[32] Turning now in particular to FIG. 5, which illustrates one example of an article that can be included in kits 10 disclosed herein includes a liner 20, or other tissue barrier. Optionally, the liner 20 can be made of a natural biodegradable material that preferably includes no dyes or perfumes. The liner 20 can be configured to serve multiple functions. For example, if the liner 20 is not needed or desired, for example if one is standing to use the funnel 12, the liner 20 can instead be used as toilet tissue or as a towel to dry a user's hands. As illustrated, the liner 20 can include slits 22 so that a middle portion 24 breaks away as it becomes wet if used as a toilet seat liner. Alternatively, the liner 20 can be a solid sheet of material not having slits, which can be desired for use in diaper changing or hand drying tasks, for example. To maintain the compact nature of the kit 10, the liner 20 can be folded (see also, FIG. 4, for example) to reduce its dimensions and placed within the packaging 12.

[33] Another optional article, as best shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 6, can include a soap sheet 30 including fabric having soap embedded therein (not visible). The fabric and soap can be biodegradable and the soap sheet 30 can be provided in any desirable configuration and/or different sizes. With the addition of a small amount of water, the soap sheet 30 produces soap suds to either wash a user's hands with or to wash off an unclean surface to make it more hygienic before use. The soap sheet 30 can further include a textured surface 32 to enhance its cleaning capability. In some embodiments, more than one of soap sheet 30 will be included in the kit 10 to allow for changing a diaper and washing the user's hands after that task is completed, for example. As best shown in FIG. 3, the soap sheet 30 can optionally be wrapped around other articles provided in the kit 10.

[34] Yet another optional article, as best shown in both FIGS. 4 and 6, includes one or more compressed tabs 40 of towel material. In one example embodiment, each compressed tab 40 is compacted into a rigid cylindrical pellet and then dehydrated, the compressed tab 40 measuring less than one inch in diameter, but with the addition of a small amount of water expands to a rectangular shaped towel. For example, the addition of water may expand the width of the tab or towel 40 at least four times. In an exemplary embodiment, the pelletized towel or tab 40 has a diameter of 3/4 inches and expands to a rectangular towel 40 approximately 5 inches wide by 6 inches high in size. In other example embodiments, the towel can have an expanded size up to about 9 inches x 13 inches. In some embodiments, the tab 40 is made of an antibacterial and biodegradable material such as bamboo fabric, cotton fabric or the like. It has been found that such materials are substantially biodegradable within about 4-6 weeks. Other, larger, or more sheet-like articles provided in the kit 10 can be wrapped around the tab 40 when the articles are stored within the packaging 12 to reduce the likelihood of the tab 40 becoming lost when the kit 10 is opened for use.

Assembly of one example of a housing or packaging 12 is shown in detail in FIGS. 7-13. The packaging 12 for each kit can be made, for example, from a body 16 made from suitable material (e.g., natural brown paper, cardboard or the like) that is thick enough to maintain its shape and function after urine has passed through it, yet thin and flexible enough to allow it to be folded along pre-made creases to define a very compact and durable generally cuboid shape. In one example embodiment, the material is 85 lb. weight paper. Such embodiments are configured to maintain their integrity even after being carried in a pack for a period of weeks or months. Optionally, the packaging 12 is made from natural, biodegradable products that contain no or minimal dyes or perfumes. Once a kit 10 is used, the separate articles can optionally be placed back into the packaging 12 for suitable disposal (e.g., in a garbage, a biodegradable bag, portable toilet receptacle, or buried in the ground). At times, disposing of feminine products in a public restroom is culturally problematic. The packaging 12 of the disclosed embodiments allows for the more sensitive disposal of those products when needed. [36] In one example method, the packaging 12 is constructed beginning with a body 16 originating as a generally flat, single sheet of material (FIG. 7) that can be of the type disclosed above. The body 16 includes a first side 50a and a second side 50b, a top end 52a and a bottom end 52b. The second side 50b is folded across a center of the sheet of material, which forms a first flap portion 56b extending outwardly and generally perpendicular with respect to the top end 52a. The method continues by further folding the first side 50a over the second side 50b and securing the first side 50a to the second side 50b such that the first side 50a forms a first flap 56a portion extending outwardly and generally perpendicular with respect to the top end 52a. The first side 50a can be secured to the second side 50b with adhesive, mechanical fasteners or the like. As will be understood, the order in which the first and second sides 50a, 50b can be reversed. At this stage, both of the first and second flap portions 56a, 56b are generally parallel to one another and the body 16 is configured to function as a funnel. As shown in FIG. 8, the body 16 has a front 18a, a back 18b that collectively define a pouch 54 in which one or more articles can optionally be stored prior to or after use. The body 16 further defines a length L and a width W. At the opposite end, the first and second flap portions 56a, 56b can define an opening 58 that can serve as the end of the funnel, if the packaging 12 is to be configured for use as a funnel. Next, the bottom end 52b is folded over itself and toward the top end 52a (FIGS. 11-12). The first and second flap portions 56a, 56b are folded toward each other (FIGS. 11-12) and then the top end 52a is folded over the bottom end 52b and secured in place with adhesive, mechanical fastener, adhesive sticker or the like 70, thus generally securing the articles within the pouch 54 until the kit 10 is to be used (FIG. 13).

[37] To accomplish the aforementioned assembly of the packaging 12 or variations thereof, the sheet of material can include a plurality of pre-formed creases 60a-60i (e.g., nine) formed therein. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 7-13, the packaging 12 further includes three creases 62a-62c and 64a-64c proximate each flap portion 56a, 56b and intersecting a plurality of the creases 60a-60i at an angle of 80- 100 degrees and in some embodiments 90 degrees, to allow for folding of the sides 50a-b and flaps 56a, 56b. Alternatively, the plurality of creases 60a-60i, 62-a62c and 64a-64c can be formed in the sheet of material as the packaging 12 is assembled.

[38] Other packaging configurations are envisioned. One such example of a kit

110 having an alternate packaging 112 is illustrated in FIG. 14. In this embodiment, the packaging 112 is formed similar to an envelope having a pouch 154 in which one or more articles or components 114 of the type disclosed herein, for example, can be positioned and secured within the pouch 154 by folding and securing a top flap 152 over the pouch 154 prior to use. The top flap 152 can be secured in a closed position with adhesive, a sticker or the like (not shown, see also sticker 70). After use, the articles 114 can be placed back into the pouch 154 for disposal. As with the prior embodiment, the packaging 112 can be formed of a biodegradable material of the types discussed above.

[39] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide many of the necessary components to create a predictable and functional toilet or other grooming task in its entirety, specifically because of the unique selection of items and their versatility for more than one use. In some embodiments, additional items are added including, but not limited to, shampoo, sterile gauze, tape, packet of antibacterial ointment, adhesive bandage, bags, powder, to allow for completion of a specific task. These additional items can also be biodegradable, as desired.

[40] In one example embodiment, the kit 10 includes a funnel packaging 12, toilet seat liner 20, one soap sheet 30 and one compressed towel 40 and weighs approximately 0.4 ounces and is sized 2.25 inches wide x 1.5 inches high x 0.5 inches deep. In another example embodiment, the kit (not shown) includes the funnel packaging 12, two soap sheets 30, two towel tabs 40 and two liners 20. In yet another embodiment, the kit (not shown) includes a packaging, two soap sheets, two towel tabs, and two liners as well as two bags for disposal providing a seal. In an even further embodiment, a kit (not shown) includes the packaging, two soap sheets, one tab towel, as well as one or more packets of hygiene products such as dry shampoo or the like. In an even further embodiment, particularly useful for first aid applications, a kit (not shown) includes the packaging, sterile gauze, small roll of tape, packet of antibacterial ointment, adhesive bandage and a soap sheet.

[41] One such alternate kit 210 particularly useful for diaper changing applications is illustrated in FIG. 15. This kit 210, shown in a flattened, opened configuration, includes a packaging 212 that is generally rectangular in a flattened, opened configuration can house a plurality of articles or components 214 (generally referenced). In one example embodiment, the plurality of articles 214 includes a receptacle 48, two soap sheets 30 (only one is visible), two or more towel tabs 40, one liner 20 and one powder packet 46 as well as a bag for disposal 48 providing a seal. The receptacle 48 can, for example, be made of the same material as the funnel, disclosed above. The packaging 212 can include a plurality of creases 260a-d defining portions 252a-d that can be folded inwardly, toward one another and secured together with a sticker, glue dot or the like as discussed above to enclose the articles 214 within the packaging 212 prior to use or for disposal after use.

[42] FURTHER EXAMPLES

[43] In one illustrative example, a kit is made from natural, biodegradable products containing no dyes or perfumes. The kit is lightweight, at approximately 0.4 ounces, is compact, and is durable. The kit is made from assorted weights of paper and dissolvable fabrics. The kit provides separate components that have multiple potential uses but together provide what is necessary to complete one hygiene or grooming task from beginning to end. Each kit is activated using only water.

[44] In one embodiment, the packaging is made of heavy paper and unfolds to attain the shape of a funnel that can be used to direct the stream of urine, minimizing the need to hover or sit when that is not an option. The tip of the funnel is directed toward the toilet bowl while avoiding contact with it. When finished, it can be used to discreetly encase used toiletry articles. A toilet seat liner made of tissue can be used as a barrier, as tissue to wipe with or alternatively, can be used to clean a surface. A soap sheet including dissolvable fabric embedded with soap can be used to wash hands or to wash a surface to allow for a clean area of contact. The compressed bamboo towel, which is naturally antibacterial, can be similarly used for washing either personal surfaces or again, other areas of contact. This kit provides components to create a predictable and functional toilet that allows one to prepare for, perform, and clean up after the grooming task, specifically because of the unique selection of items and their versatility for more than one use.

[45] In other embodiments, kits contain additional items, such as clear biodegradable bags, packets of powder or other grooming items, additional towels or other barriers for use as a multi-component biodegradable kit for changing a diaper. The packaging is re-purposed for disposal of used items, again providing a lightweight, compact and durable kit that contains the necessary components needed to complete the hygiene or grooming activity substantially from beginning to end, without unnecessary waste.

[46] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A unitary combination of components for use for performing a hygienic task, the combination comprising one or more components, wherein at least one of the components provides a plurality of functions.

2. The unitary combination of claim 1, wherein one of the components is a foldable funnel which also services as a packaging for the unitary combination.

3. The unitary combination of claim 2, wherein the foldable funnel is made of cardboard material.

4. The unitary combination of claim 2, wherein the components further include an expandable towel, a soap sheet, and a liner.

5. The unitary combination of claim 4, wherein the towel is a compressed tab and the soap sheet is provided in an un-hydrated sheet.

6. The unitary combination of claim 1, wherein one or more of the components can be converted in the course of their use by an addition of water to use the component.

7. A method of making a combination according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:

providing one or more components; and

folding at least one of the components in order to form a unitary packet.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein one of the one or more components is a funnel.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the funnel is folded in order to form a unitary packet as to substantially form the outermost surfaces of a unitary packet.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more components are selected from the group consisting of a folded towel, soap sheet, and tissue liner.

11. A method of using the combination of claim 1 comprising:

providing a kit including one or more components; wherein one component is a funnel; and

unfolding the funnel in order to access one or more components contained therein.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of hydrating one or more of the components to perform a hygienic task.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising disposing of the components within the funnel.

14. A kit compri sing :

a packaging made of a sheet of flexible material; and

articles positioned within the packaging; wherein the articles for use include: a towel; wherein the towel expands in size with contact to water; and a soap sheet.

15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the packaging can be unfolded to form a funnel having a top opening and a bottom opening.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the funnel defines a pouch and wherein the articles are positioned within the pouch.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the funnel is folded and secured to define a generally cuboid shape around the articles.

18. The kit of claim 14, wherein the packaging defines a length and a width and includes a front, a back and two side portions interconnecting the front and the back.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the front has a height that is shorter than a height of the back.

20. The kit of claim 14, wherein the towel expands at least four times in width after an application of water.

21. The kit of claim 14, wherein the articles for use further include one or more of the following: a toilet seat cover, powder packet, shampoo, sterile gauze, tape, a packet of antibacterial ointment, and an adhesive bandage.

22. The kit of claim 14, wherein the soap sheet is in the form of a sheet of fabric having dry soap embedded therein.

23. The kit of claim 14, wherein the towel is compressed into the form of a rigid tab.

24. A funnel comprising:

a body of material forming a front, a back, a top opening and a bottom opening; and

a plurality of intersecting vertical and horizontal creases; wherein at least one of the horizontal creases extends around a circumference of the funnel.

25. The funnel of claim 24, wherein a plurality of horizontal creases extend around a circumference of the funnel.

26. The funnel of claim 24, wherein at least two of the creases intersect at an angle of about 80-100 degrees.

27. The funnel of claim 24, wherein the front has a height that is shorter than a height of the back.

28. The funnel of claim 24, wherein the body includes a top end that is configured for folding over a bottom end.

29. The funnel of claim 24, wherein the body includes a first flap portion and a second flap portion that are secured together.

30. The funnel of claim 24, wherein the body of material includes nine horizontal creases.

31. A method of forming a packaging;

providing a sheet of material having a first side and a second side, a top end and a bottom end;

folding the first side toward a center of the sheet of material; wherein the step of folding the first side forms a first flap portion extending outwardly with respect to the top end;

folding the second side toward a center of the sheet of material, over the first side and securing the second side to the first side; wherein the step of folding the second side forms a second flap portion extending outwardly with respect to the top end;

folding the bottom end over itself and toward the top end; folding the first and second flap portions toward each other; and folding the top end over the bottom end.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first portion is folded over the second portion to further define a bottom opening.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the packaging is configured such that the packaging generally tapers from the top end to the bottom end.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of placing an article within an opening formed by the step of securing the second side to the first side prior to the step of folding the top end over the bottom end.