Releaf Freedom – an inclusive design for incontinence
Making life less stressful, this product allows elderly and less able patients to urinate comfortably whether standing or seated giving them independence
Did you know that an estimated 423 million people suffer from urinary incontinence allowing them to never be more than an arm’s length from a toilet? This is where Releaf Freedom comes in – an innovative portable urinal by Tone Product Design that makes life more comfortable and less stressful!
Brilliantly creating commercial success through their creativity – they’re a product and industrial design studio based in Central London.
Good inclusive design must focus on the end user – not just the subjective preferences of the designer – from the form, function and experience to the materials and sustainability, Releaf Freedom skillfully offers a significant improvement on the competition in all of these areas and more.
It’s an inclusive product that allows everyone – but especially elderly and less able patients – to urinate comfortably whether standing or seated and gives them the independence and dignity of being able to manage this without the need for help from a carer.
“From the outset – expert panels were critical in helping to fully understand the clinical need and to keep the team focussed on the real-world needs of the patient.
Our aim was that the product should be suited to utilize in clinical settings and it was therefore essential to collaborate with Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust in the UK, alongside various specialist experts including an experienced Neurological Physiotherapist” shares Tone Product Design.
The two part (disposable bag + reusable handle) architecture is critically important to the design, as is the inventive way in which the two attach and separate.
Many other products are entirely disposable – meaning that a vast amount of plastic is wasted after just one use.
Vastly reducing the waste generated – the Releaf Freedom handle embodies two parts but can be reused hundreds of times.
Simply squeezing the collar of the bag to open it will allow the two parts to be securely clipped together.
This patent-pending invention is not only a user benefit, but also a significant commercial advantage for Binding Sciences.
“We’re overjoyed with the project. The feedback that we’ve had from people who have used the product so far and clinicians has been incredibly gratifying!” adds Keith Binding, Managing Director at Binding Sciences.
