Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of healthcare and medical support systems, more particularly to specially designed medical beds that assist patients with limited mobility in meeting their excretory needs. The invention integrates a real commode, an automated water-cleaning mechanism, and an inbuilt odor-free bio-digester tank, thereby addressing the hygiene, comfort, and convenience challenges faced by bedridden patients, accident victims, and elderly individuals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Healthcare innovation has consistently revolved around addressing the comfort, dignity, and overall wellbeing of patients, particularly those who are bedridden due to illness, injury, or advanced age. For individuals confined to bed for extended periods, basic activities of daily living become complicated, and one of the most pressing challenges concerns excretory needs. Traditional medical care environments often rely on commode chairs, bedpans, or medical beds with rudimentary commode attachments to help patients manage such requirements. While these solutions address the most immediate functional need, they often fall short in terms of hygiene, odor control, ease of use, and sustainability of waste management. The dependency on caregivers to clean and dispose of waste is not only labor-intensive but also diminishes the patient’s dignity by making them reliant on others for one of the most personal aspects of living.
[0004] In conventional hospital settings and in-home care situations, patients who cannot walk or move independently face significant discomfort when using bedpans or makeshift commode systems. Bedpans often cause spillage, skin irritation, and pressure sores, while basic commode beds do not include any advanced cleaning systems. This lack of hygiene can contribute to secondary infections, urinary tract complications, and even cross-contamination in shared healthcare environments. In addition, caregivers often face emotional and physical stress in handling the cleaning process, which further underlines the inadequacy of current solutions. Furthermore, the odor and waste disposal aspects remain largely unaddressed by existing devices. Beds with simple commodes often rely on external plumbing or manual cleaning and collection systems that do not incorporate any odor-control technology. This creates unpleasant environments for patients, caregivers, and other occupants in the same space.
[0005] Beyond hygiene and comfort, there is also the issue of sustainability. Human waste is often disposed of in ways that are not eco-friendly, adding strain to already overburdened sewage and sanitation systems. In rural or resource-constrained healthcare settings, managing excretory waste from bedridden patients poses additional challenges, as safe disposal infrastructure may be inadequate or nonexistent. The result is that caregivers and families are left to handle waste manually, which can be unhygienic and unsafe, exposing them to harmful pathogens. A gap therefore exists between the need for an integrated patient-care solution and the limitations of existing medical beds and commode systems.
[0006] Advances in bio-digester technology and eco-friendly waste management systems have demonstrated the possibility of converting human waste into safe byproducts, such as gardening-grade water. These technologies, however, have not yet been seamlessly integrated into patient care equipment such as medical beds. At the same time, innovations in water-cleaning systems have made automated sanitation possible, offering opportunities to design systems that not only help patients with excretion but also ensure thorough cleaning afterward. The convergence of these two technological areas—patient-centric medical bed design and sustainable sanitation systems—presents an opportunity to create a holistic solution that improves patient comfort, reduces caregiver burden, promotes hygiene, and contributes to environmental sustainability.
[0007] The healthcare sector has long recognized that patient dignity is as important as medical treatment in overall recovery and wellbeing. For elderly patients, accident victims, or those recovering from major surgeries, the inability to perform even the most basic excretory function independently can cause psychological distress and a sense of helplessness. Innovations that restore independence and minimize discomfort, therefore, hold significant value. While various assistive devices exist in the market, their piecemeal approach often means that patients and caregivers must combine multiple systems—commodes, cleaning aids, odor removers, and manual waste disposal methods—to achieve even a partial solution. This not only increases cost but also creates inefficiency and inconvenience.
[0008] The Relieve Medical Bed addresses this unmet need by proposing a system that integrates a real commode into the medical bed design, couples it with an automated water-cleaning mechanism, and incorporates an odor-free bio-digester tank that processes waste into safe byproducts. By embedding all three functions into a single device, the invention seeks to transform patient care by providing a holistic and sustainable answer to one of the most persistent challenges in long-term healthcare.
[0009] In this context, the background of the invention highlights the limitations of conventional solutions, the need for better hygiene and odor control, the importance of minimizing caregiver burden, and the potential of sustainable waste management technology. It recognizes that while existing systems partially address some aspects of the problem, they do not offer an integrated, hygienic, and eco-friendly solution that simultaneously preserves patient dignity, ensures safety, and contributes to environmental conservation. The Relieve Medical Bed thus emerges as an innovative response to a longstanding gap in healthcare infrastructure, particularly for the growing population of bedridden patients, elderly individuals, and accident victims requiring extended care.
[0010] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical bed with an integrated commode system that enables bedridden patients and individuals with reduced mobility to conveniently manage their excretory functions without needing to be shifted or lifted frequently.
[0013] Another object of the present invention aims to incorporate an automated water-cleaning mechanism within the bed that ensures thorough cleaning and sanitization after each use, thereby maintaining patient hygiene and reducing the burden on caregivers.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to integrate an odor-free bio-digester tank capable of safely processing human waste and converting it into non-toxic, gardening-grade water, ensuring both eco-friendliness and sustainable waste management.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to overcome limitations of existing medical beds that only provide basic commodes without waste treatment, by delivering a complete hygienic solution that combines patient comfort with advanced waste disposal technology.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to enhance patient dignity and caregiver efficiency by minimizing manual intervention in excretory care, ensuring odor-free surroundings, and promoting a safer, cleaner healthcare environment.
SUMMARY
[0017] The invention titled Relieve Medical Bed with Integrated Commode, Water-Cleaning System, and Bio-Digester introduces an innovative healthcare device designed to improve the quality of life for bedridden patients, accident victims, and the elderly. The invention brings together three critical functions into a single integrated system: a real commode built into the bed structure, an automated water-cleaning mechanism that ensures hygiene after each use, and an odor-free bio-digester tank that processes human waste into safe, gardening-grade water. This combination transforms the conventional concept of a medical bed into a comprehensive excretory management solution that addresses both patient comfort and environmental sustainability.
[0018] The primary innovation lies in the seamless integration of a commode within the bed structure. Unlike conventional medical beds that only provide a detachable commode system or rely on external equipment, this invention incorporates a built-in unit that can be accessed easily by patients without requiring significant movement. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who experience severe mobility limitations, as it reduces physical discomfort and eliminates the need for frequent manual lifting or repositioning by caregivers. By enabling patients to use the commode directly from the bed, the invention enhances convenience and preserves dignity.
[0019] Complementing the commode is an automated water-cleaning system that ensures the commode is thoroughly sanitized after each use. Traditional commode beds require manual cleaning, which is both unhygienic and time-consuming. In contrast, the integrated cleaning system in the Relieve Medical Bed employs controlled water flow and advanced sanitization mechanisms to clean the commode immediately, thereby maintaining hygiene and minimizing infection risks. This automation reduces caregiver workload while ensuring that the bed remains ready for repeated use without unpleasant odors or contamination.
[0020] The third core element of the invention is the inbuilt odor-free bio-digester tank. Human waste collected from the commode is directed into this tank, where it undergoes a biological treatment process that eliminates odor and converts waste into safe byproducts. The output is a non-toxic, gardening-grade water that can be safely used for irrigation or other eco-friendly purposes. This innovation not only ensures hygienic waste management but also contributes to environmental conservation by recycling waste into useful resources. By integrating a bio-digester directly into the medical bed, the invention eliminates the need for external plumbing or manual waste disposal, making it suitable even for resource-limited settings such as rural healthcare facilities or in-home care environments without advanced sanitation infrastructure.
[0021] The invention also addresses the issue of odor, which is often a major challenge in conventional commode systems. The odor-free bio-digester ensures that unpleasant smells do not accumulate around the patient, thereby improving the surrounding environment and reducing psychological distress. This feature significantly enhances the overall patient and caregiver experience by ensuring a cleaner, fresher environment conducive to recovery and wellbeing.
[0022] Another important aspect of the invention is its impact on caregiver efficiency. In conventional settings, caregivers must manually clean commodes, dispose of waste, and manage odors, which not only increases their workload but also exposes them to health risks. By automating the cleaning process and integrating waste treatment, the Relieve Medical Bed minimizes manual intervention, reduces caregiver stress, and enhances overall healthcare efficiency. This innovation can therefore play a crucial role in professional healthcare institutions, nursing homes, and personal caregiving contexts.
[0023] From a sustainability perspective, the invention makes a significant contribution by converting human waste into gardening-grade water. This feature aligns with global trends emphasizing eco-friendly healthcare technologies and sustainable waste management practices. By embedding this functionality into a widely used healthcare device like a medical bed, the invention bridges the gap between patient care and environmental responsibility.
[0024] The Relieve Medical Bed therefore represents a comprehensive solution to an age-old problem in healthcare. It reimagines the medical bed not just as a structure for patient rest but as a multifunctional device that integrates excretory support, hygiene, and waste management into a single, efficient, and eco-friendly system. Its value lies in improving patient dignity and comfort, reducing caregiver workload, maintaining hygiene and odor-free surroundings, and offering a sustainable approach to waste management. The invention is particularly relevant in a world where the elderly population is increasing, long-term care requirements are growing, and healthcare systems face mounting pressures to provide cost-effective yet dignified solutions for vulnerable patients.
[0025] By combining functionality, automation, and sustainability, the Relieve Medical Bed not only addresses immediate patient needs but also sets a benchmark for the future of assistive healthcare devices. It recognizes that the challenges of excretory care are not limited to patient discomfort but extend to caregiver wellbeing, healthcare facility hygiene, and environmental sustainability. The invention’s integrated design ensures that all these aspects are simultaneously addressed, offering a comprehensive improvement over existing technologies.
[0026] In essence, the Relieve Medical Bed is not just an incremental upgrade to conventional commode systems but a transformative innovation that redefines how excretory needs are managed for bedridden individuals. It demonstrates how the thoughtful integration of medical device design, automated cleaning technology, and sustainable waste treatment can create a healthcare solution that is humane, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
[0027] These and other features will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. While the invention has been described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0029] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein: Figures attached: N.A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0031] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0032] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0033] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations.
[0034] The Relieve Medical Bed is an innovative healthcare device designed to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by bedridden patients, accident victims, and elderly individuals, namely the dignified and hygienic management of excretory needs. The invention integrates into a single system a real commode seamlessly incorporated into the medical bed structure, an automated water-cleaning mechanism, and a self-contained odor-free bio-digester tank that converts human waste into gardening-grade water. The overall design focuses on improving patient comfort, preserving dignity, reducing caregiver burden, and promoting sustainable waste management.
[0035] The medical bed itself is constructed with ergonomic considerations, ensuring that patients who have limited or no mobility can conveniently access the integrated commode without requiring extensive repositioning or manual assistance. The frame of the bed incorporates a movable section in the region corresponding to the pelvic area of the patient. This section is designed to open smoothly, exposing the integrated commode chamber. The transition between the resting surface of the bed and the commode opening is engineered to avoid discomfort, with cushioning and adjustable contours that prevent strain on the patient’s body during use. The commode is positioned at an optimal depth and height to provide natural posture alignment, thus reducing muscular or skeletal strain on patients who may already be experiencing pain or immobility.
[0036] The commode itself is not a detachable accessory but an embedded unit designed to function as a fully operational sanitary system. The inner surface of the commode is made of non-stick, antimicrobial material to prevent residue accumulation and facilitate cleaning. Once the patient has used the commode, the automated water-cleaning mechanism is activated. This system employs a controlled water jet with adjustable pressure and temperature settings, allowing for thorough cleansing of the commode after every use. The mechanism is designed to replicate the sanitation standards of a regular toilet, ensuring that the system remains clean and hygienic without requiring manual intervention from caregivers.
[0037] The cleaning process is further supported by the integration of a drying mechanism, which may include warm air flow directed into the commode chamber to remove excess moisture. This prevents the growth of bacteria and mold, ensuring that the system remains sterile between uses. To ensure patient safety, the cleaning process is automated only when the system detects that it is not in active use, using a combination of pressure sensors and safety interlocks. The cleaning cycle can also be manually initiated by caregivers through a control interface integrated into the bed’s design, offering flexibility in operation.
[0038] Waste generated in the commode does not follow the conventional path of disposal through external plumbing. Instead, it is routed directly into the inbuilt odor-free bio-digester tank located within the base of the bed structure. This bio-digester employs a biological treatment process that utilizes specific microbial cultures to break down human waste into harmless byproducts. The design ensures complete neutralization of odor, thereby preventing unpleasant smells in the patient’s environment. The microbial digestion process results in the conversion of waste into non-toxic, gardening-grade water that can be collected through an outlet for safe reuse. This feature provides dual benefits of hygienic disposal and sustainability, as the processed water can be utilized for irrigation or similar eco-friendly applications.
[0039] The bio-digester tank is equipped with temperature and humidity regulation to maintain optimal conditions for microbial activity. Additionally, it incorporates a multi-layered filtration system that separates solid waste particles before microbial processing to enhance efficiency. The system is sealed to prevent leakage and is equipped with one-way ventilation to ensure odor-free operation. Maintenance of the tank is minimal, with provisions for periodic inspection and servicing through dedicated access points integrated into the bed structure. The compact size of the bio-digester ensures that it does not compromise the mobility or stability of the medical bed, making it suitable for use in hospitals, nursing homes, and personal care environments.
[0040] The control system of the Relieve Medical Bed integrates all functional components into a user-friendly interface. Patients with some degree of mobility can operate the system themselves, while caregivers can override or control functions as required. The interface may be digital, employing touch panels, or mechanical, using simple buttons to ensure accessibility for all users. Safety protocols are embedded into the system to prevent accidental activation of the cleaning or bio-digestion processes while the bed is in use. Additionally, sensors continuously monitor the status of the commode, cleaning mechanism, and bio-digester tank, and they relay diagnostic information to the caregiver to ensure uninterrupted operation.
[0041] The materials chosen for construction are carefully selected to ensure durability, hygiene, and patient comfort. The bed frame is constructed of medical-grade alloys with anti-corrosion coating to withstand cleaning and disinfecting agents commonly used in healthcare facilities. The commode unit uses high-strength, anti-microbial polymers with smooth surfaces to eliminate bacterial retention. Cushioning around the commode access area is made of medical-grade foam with a washable and waterproof cover to maintain hygiene and comfort.
[0042] From a design perspective, the invention emphasizes patient dignity and autonomy. The seamless integration of the commode into the bed allows patients to use it discreetly without being moved or lifted, thereby reducing both physical discomfort and psychological stress. For caregivers, the invention significantly reduces the time, effort, and exposure to risk typically associated with managing the excretory needs of immobile patients. By automating the cleaning process and embedding waste treatment directly into the bed, the system reduces repetitive manual labor and promotes a more hygienic caregiving environment.
[0043] The Relieve Medical Bed also accommodates diverse patient needs by offering adjustable positions for the bed frame. Patients can be positioned upright or reclined, and the commode opening can be aligned with their posture for greater ease of use. Additional accessories such as guard rails, IV stands, and monitoring attachments can be integrated into the bed without interfering with the commode and waste management systems, making the invention versatile in hospital and home care contexts.
[0044] In terms of scalability and adoption, the invention is designed to be cost-effective and adaptable to different healthcare settings. While advanced versions may include sophisticated automated controls and smart monitoring, simplified models can be developed for rural or resource-limited environments where electricity and plumbing infrastructure may not be consistently available. The bio-digester’s ability to function as a self-contained waste treatment system makes the invention particularly valuable in areas with limited sanitation facilities, providing a hygienic and sustainable solution where conventional sewage systems are not practical.
[0045] The Relieve Medical Bed therefore represents a holistic approach to patient care, uniting advanced ergonomic design, automated hygiene management, and sustainable waste treatment into one compact and user-friendly system. Its novelty lies not in isolated improvements but in the seamless integration of these features into a single medical bed. By addressing patient dignity, caregiver efficiency, hygiene, odor control, and sustainability in one invention, the Relieve Medical Bed provides a transformative healthcare solution that stands distinct from existing technologies.
[0046] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0047] Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A medical bed comprising an integrated commode, an automated water-cleaning mechanism, and an inbuilt odor-free bio-digester tank, wherein the commode is embedded within a movable section of the bed to allow bedridden patients to access excretory functions without repositioning, the automated water-cleaning mechanism is configured to sanitize the commode after each use, and the bio-digester tank is configured to biologically process human waste into odorless, non-toxic gardening-grade water.
2. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the commode comprises an antimicrobial, non-stick surface to prevent residue accumulation and ensure hygienic operation.
3. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water-cleaning mechanism comprises controlled water jets with adjustable pressure and temperature to facilitate thorough cleaning after use.
4. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water-cleaning mechanism further comprises a drying system employing warm air circulation to eliminate residual moisture.
5. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bio-digester tank comprises microbial cultures and a multi-layered filtration system to decompose waste and produce safe water.
6. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bio-digester tank comprises a sealed odor-control system with one-way ventilation to maintain a fresh environment around the patient.
7. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, further comprising sensors configured to detect commode usage and activate the water-cleaning mechanism only after the commode is not in use.
8. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bed frame is adjustable to allow multiple patient positions, the commode being aligned to patient posture for improved comfort.
9. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bed includes a user interface accessible to the patient or caregiver for activating the commode system, cleaning mechanism, and monitoring bio-digester status.
10. The medical bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bio-digester output water is collected through a discharge outlet for safe use in irrigation or other eco-friendly applications.