Method and apparatus for hiking, backpacking, camping, boating and other outdoor activities

Abstract

A method and apparatus for defecating and urinating while hiking, backpacking, camping, boating or other outdoor activities are provided. The apparatus includes a first strap and a second strap, where the first strap is longer than the second strap; an o-ring, where the first end of the first strap, and the first end of the second strap are connected to the o-ring; a retainment device is operatively connectable to the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap; an adjustment device is positioned between the o-ring and the retainment device and the adjustment device is operatively coupled to the second strap. The apparatus is structured and operable to support the weight of a person.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), to Laura Stude U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/397,740, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAMPING," filed on Jun. 16, 2010 (Attorney Docket No. Stude_--001USP).

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright 2010, THIKKET, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

BACKGROUND

[0003] When spending time in the wilderness, whether on a family day hike or an outdoor adventure backpacking the Appalachian Trail, hikers will need to dispose of their own personal bodily waste (e.g., urine or feces). Removal of body waste may also be an issue for persons on a boat away from land. Waste removal is often a very tedious and inconvenient process when outdoors, particularly for women due to anatomical limitations, as well as children with inferior leg strength to squat in order to remove bodily waste. In most outdoor waste disposal situations, hikers will have to remove gear (e.g., backpacks) and rely heavily on their leg muscles for support. In a boating situation, a person needs to have some support in order to maintain balance and not to fall into the water.

[0004] Current products that aim to remedy this problem do not take into consideration both genders or all types of waste disposal. For example, the SheWee® molded plastic funnel from Surrey, England makes it easy for women to urinate outdoors, but is not helpful to men, nor does it help either gender with defecation with regard to stress and strain on thighs and knees from squatting. Commercially available portable camping toilets weigh between seven and fifteen pounds, are messy, difficult to clean, and cumbersome to carry while on a hike. Furthermore, camping toilets add significant weight to a hiker's backpack, which may weigh up to twenty pounds for a day hike and over forty pounds for a weeklong hike. Additionally, camping toilets can be very expensive. Therefore, portable camping toilets are not feasible for a hiker who has many other load-increasing necessities to carry during a hike, such as water (e.g., a gallon of water weighs eight pounds), sleeping material, a tent, and food.

[0005] What is needed is an apparatus that is lightweight (e.g., weighing less than two pounds), not bulky so it can be compressed to easily fits inside a hiker's backpack, versatile so it may be used with or without the hiker having to removing his/her gear, and makes the removal of personal waste in the wilderness easier and less daunting by reducing time and load on the hiker's legs when used.

OVERVIEW

[0006] This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

[0007] An apparatus structured and operable for defecating or urinating in the outdoors, including a first strap, a second strap, an o-ring, a retainment device and an adjustment device. The first strap is longer than the second strap. The first end of the first strap, and the first end of the second strap are operatively connectable to the o-ring. The retainment device is operatively connectable to the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap. The adjustment device is positioned between the o-ring and the retainment device, and the adjustment device is operatively coupled to the second strap. The apparatus is structured and operable to support the weight of a person.

[0008] Furthermore, a method for using the apparatus for defecation or urination while in the wilderness is also provided. The method includes the function of supporting a person utilizing an apparatus that includes: a first strap and a second strap, wherein the first strap is longer than the second strap; an o-ring, wherein the first end of the first strap, and the first end of the second strap are operatively connectable to the o-ring; a retainment device is operatively connectable to the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap; an adjustment device positioned between the o-ring and the retainment device and the adjustment device is operatively coupled to the second strap. The method further includes the function of encircling the circumference of a stationary object and a person utilizing the apparatus, the function of adjusting tightness utilizing the adjustment device to remove slack in the first strap, and the function of a person leaning back into the apparatus that is structured and operable to support the person's weight while the person squats to defecate and/or urinate, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for defecation or urination while in the wilderness in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0011] FIG. 2 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 utilized around the torso and around the waist in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 for defecation or urination while in the wilderness. For instance, when a person is on a hike or on a boat away from land, where a toilet is not accessible, humans need to be able to defecate or urinate. Squatting places strain on the legs, the thighs, the knees and sometimes the calves. Apparatus 10 is structured and operable to encircle the circumference of a stationary object (e.g., a tree, a pole, a pillar, a post, or any vertical stationary object that apparatus 10 may encircle) and encircles a person (e.g., an adult human or a human child). The apparatus 10 then supports the weight of a person while the person, while in a squatting position, leans back into the apparatus 10 to defecate, urinate, or both.

[0013] The apparatus 10 includes an o-ring 20, a first strap 22, a second strap 24, a retainment device 34, and an adjustment device 36. A first end 26 of the first strap 22, and a first end 30 of the second strap 24 are operatively connectable to the o-ring 20. The retainment device 34 is operatively connectable to a second end 28 of the first strap 22 and a second end 32 of the second strap 24. The adjustment device 36 is positioned between the o-ring 20 and the retainment device 34, and the adjustment device 36 is operatively coupled to the second strap 24.

[0014] The apparatus 10 is lightweight, weighing less than two pounds and designed to fold neatly into a hiker's backpack. Furthermore, the apparatus 10 is versatile for it may be used with or without the removal of any camping gear, which may or may not be removed depending on the hiker's preference and comfort with outdoor waste disposal. The apparatus 10 is further structured and operable to encircle both a stationary object and a person.

[0015] The first strap 22 is longer than the second strap 24, and both straps 22, 24 are manufactured from flexible webbing. For example, the flexible webbing of straps 22, 24 may be manufactured from one or more of the following materials: polyester, nylon, cotton, Kevlar, nomex, and polypropylene. All the materials must be of a climbing-grade (e.g., for mountain climbing) in order to support the complete weight of an adult human (e.g., a human weighing up to and including 300 pounds). The flexible webbing of straps 22, 24 may also have the characteristic of being manufactured so it does not slip (e.g., a non-slip material) when encircling a stationary object. For instance, the apparatus 10 should not slip from its initial position while encircling a stationary object, such as a tree, when a person leans back while defecating or urinating; otherwise, any slip in the flexible webbing (e.g., strap 22) may result in the person falling on their back and injuring themselves.

[0016] The retainment device 34 may include at least one of a carabiner, a dutch clip, a snap hook, a sated tri-ring, a shackle, and a locking connector. The retainment device 34 is utilized to ensure safety and reliability. Further, the retainment device 34 is structured and operable to support the weight of an adult (e.g., at least 300 pounds).

[0017] The adjustment device 36 may include at least one of a bar slide buckle, a double slide buckle with no sew, a box frame, a post buckle, a strap grab, a hook, a plurality of grommets, a tongue style buckle. Furthermore, the adjustment device 36 is structured and operable to adjust tightness to ensure support of the person. For example, strap 24 should be adjusted so that there is no slack while apparatus 10 encircles a stationary object and is supporting the weight of the person when the person leans backward while squatting. Therefore, the adjustment device 36 is utilized to tighten strap 24 to remove any excess slack and keep strap 24 at a specified length based on the girth of the stationary object and position of the person.

[0018] Alternatively, the adjustment device may be removed to reduce weight. In such an embodiment, strap 24 may be manufactured to double back upon itself to create a plurality of loops. (Not shown). Each loop is stitched (e.g., double stitched, triple stitched, and the like) to ensure the loop structure is maintained and does not break as a result of the tension caused by a person's weight when utilizing apparatus 10. Each loop is inserted into retainment device 34 in order to reduce slack in strap 24 and is structured and operable to adjust tightness to ensure support of the person. Another example may include utilizing a belt buckle type arrangement where strap 24 includes a plurality of equally spaced holes, wherein the tongue or prong of the belt buckle maybe inserted into the hole to adjust tightness. Other type of adjustments to tighten strap 24 as known in the art may be utilized.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 utilized around the torso (e.g., waist) of a person while squatting. In addition, the apparatus 10 may be placed around the upper torso of a person (e.g., under the armpits). Thus, a method for defecation or urination while in the wilderness, includes the function of supporting a person utilizing apparatus 10 the function of encircling the circumference of a stationary object and a person utilizing apparatus 10; the function of adjusting tightness utilizing the adjustment device 36 to remove slack in the second strap 24; the function of a person leaning back into the apparatus 10 that is structured and operable to support the person's weight while the person squats to defecate, urinate, or both.

[0020] The function of leaning back into the apparatus 10 reduces the stress and strain on a person's legs, thighs, knees, and/or calves while in a squatting position.

[0021] The function of encircling the circumference of a stationary object includes the function of the strap 22 from not slipping from an initial position on the stationary object while the person leans back. For instance, if strap 22 slips from its initial position, while the supported person is leaning back into apparatus 10, the person may lose their balance, fall on their back, and injure themselves.

Additional Notes

[0022] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown and described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown and described are provided.

[0023] All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0024] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or "one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0025] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. An apparatus structured and operable for defecating or urinating in the outdoors, comprising: a first strap and a second strap, wherein the first strap is longer than the second strap; an o-ring, wherein the first end of the first strap, and the first end of the second strap are operatively connectable to the o-ring; a retainment device is operatively connectable to the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap; an adjustment device is positioned between the o-ring and the retainment device and the adjustment device is operatively coupled to the second strap; and the apparatus is structured and operable to support the weight of a person.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap comprise flexible webbing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainment device comprises at least one of a carabiner, a dutch clip, a snap hook, a slitted tri-ring, a shackle, and a locking connector.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least one of a bar slide buckle, a double slide buckle with no sew, a box frame, a post buckle, a strap grab, a hook, a plurality of grommets, a tongue style buckle.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flexible webbing comprises at least one of polyester, nylon, cotton, Kevlar, nomex, and polypropylene.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flexible webbing comprises a non-slip material.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device is structured and operable to adjust tightness to ensure support of the person.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainment device is structured and operable to support at least a 300 pound person.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 is further structured and operable to encircle both a stationary object and the person.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 is configured to weigh less than two pounds.

11. A method for defecation or urination while in the wilderness, comprising; the function of supporting a person utilizing an apparatus comprising: a first strap and a second strap, wherein the first strap is longer than the second strap; an o-ring, wherein the first end of the first strap, and the first end of the second strap are operatively connectable to the o-ring; a retainment device is operatively connectable to the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap; an adjustment device positioned between the o-ring and the retainment device and the adjustment device is operatively coupled to the second strap; the function of encircling the circumference of a stationary object and a person utilizing said apparatus; the function of adjusting tightness utilizing the adjustment device to remove slack in the second strap; the function of a person leaning back into the apparatus that is structured and operable to support the person's weight while the person squats to defecate, urinate, or both.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the stationary object is at least one of a tree, a pole, a pillar, and any vertical stationary apparatus.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the stationary object is a free standing, vertical stationary apparatus that the first strap may encircle.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first strap is manufactured to not slip from an initial position on the stationary object.

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