Abstract:
A foldable urinary catheter is provided for draining the human bladder defining an internal flow path for the urine, with a catheter tube for insertion into the urethra, the catheter tube comprising at least one hinge which is conceived to bring the catheter in a folded, compact storage condition and an unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition as well as to a foldable urinary catheter kit. A foldable urinary catheter and a foldable urinary catheter kit are provided which are very small and compact in a transport or storage condition and which provide a long insertable length of the catheter tube. Therefore, the at least one hinge in the catheter tube is provided in the insertable length of the catheter tube and is configured for stabilizing the ready-for-use condition. The kit comprises the foldable urinary catheter and a catheter package which tightly surrounds the folded catheter.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to foreign European patent application No. EP 14000580.2, filed on Feb. 19, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention refers to a foldable urinary catheter for draining the human bladder defining an internal flow path for the urine, with a catheter tube for insertion into the urethra, the catheter tube comprising at least one hinge which is conceived to bring the catheter in a foldable, compact storage condition and an unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. 
         [0003]    Furthermore, the present invention also refers to a foldable urinary catheter kit comprising a foldable urinary catheter and a catheter package. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Such urinary catheters are commonly used for intermittent catheterization by persons suffering from urinary incontinence or by disabled individuals like paraplegics or quadriplegics, who are able to do so without any assistance of a healthcare professional. Urinary catheters for intermittent self-catheterization are usually disposable. Therefore, users often carry multiple urinary catheters with them when they are away from home for an extended period of time. Especially male catheters may be 40 cm long or even longer so that they require a considerable amount of space when transported. Therefore, attempts have been made to develop less space consuming catheters and catheter assemblies which allow the catheters and assemblies to be handled and stored more discreetly, for instance in the pocket of a user&#39;s clothing or handbag. 
         [0005]    US 2003/0004496 A1 shows a urinary catheter comprising at least two catheter sections which are adapted to be arranged in a first mutual configuration in which the sections together constitute a catheter having a length longer than the length of each individual section and which also can be arranged in a second mutual configuration in which the length is less than the length of the catheter in the assembled configuration. The two catheter sections can be connected via a hinge and folded together in a “Swiss knife” embodiment. In this case, the outer diameter of the second section is larger than the outer diameter of the first section of the catheter. Furthermore, it is shown that the first and the second catheter sections are connected telescopically. Also in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the second catheter section is larger than the outer diameter of the first catheter section. It is also shown that the two catheter sections can be connected via a soft and flexible plastic hose which allows the catheter to be bent in this region. If the catheter is stored in the bent condition for a longer period of time, the catheter may stay in the bent condition and is difficult to insert into the urethra. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a foldable urinary catheter and a foldable urinary catheter kit which overcome, at least partially, the disadvantages of the devices known so far, and which provide a long insertable length of the catheter which can be easily inserted in the urethra without obstacles. 
         [0007]    For this purpose, the at least one hinge is provided in an insertable length of the catheter tube and comprises means for stabilizing the ready-for-use condition. 
         [0008]    In this context, the term “insertable length” means the length of the catheter tube which is intended and adapted for insertion in the urethra. The insertable length of the catheter tube extends on both sides of the hinge that is before and after the hinge, so that also the hinge is inserted into the urethra when using the catheter. 
         [0009]    The foldable urinary catheter is very small in the folded, compact storage condition and can therefore easily be stored or packed in a handbag or a clothing pocket for transportation. In the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition, the catheter has a sufficiently long insertable length so that it can also be used by male users and can be inserted into the urethra without causing inconvenience. 
         [0010]    Furthermore, it can be provided that the outer diameter of the catheter tube is sufficiently constant over the insertable length of the catheter tube. Therefore, the outer diameter of the part of the catheter tube which is inserted into the urethra does not have any difficult obstacles for insertion and has a smooth outer surface. The outer diameter of the catheter tube may therefore have different sizes along the insertable length. However, the changes in size are only small so that they do not hinder the introduction of the catheter tube in the urethra. 
         [0011]    It can further also be provided that the at least one hinge is arranged in the catheter tube in such a way that the internal flow path is uninterrupted in the folded, compact storage condition. Therefore, the foldable urinary catheter is liquid-tight over the complete length also when in the folded, compact storage condition. 
         [0012]    In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one hinge forms a support structure in the catheter tube, the support structure is made of a shape memory alloy or a highly elastomeric material or a memory polymer and resumes its initial unfolded, straight condition after being brought in the folded, compact storage condition. Thus, it can be guaranteed that the urinary catheter has a straight condition in use which allows easy insertion of the urinary catheter into the urethra. 
         [0013]    A simple and cost effective manufacturing of the foldable urinary catheter can be achieved when the support structure comprises at least one strip of a shape memory alloy or a highly elastomeric material or memory polymer extending in the longitudinal direction of the catheter tube in the region of the at least one hinge. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment it can be provided that the at least one hinge comprises a rotary joint which allows to bring adjacent parts of the catheter tube which are separated by the at least one hinge into a position where they lie side by side. This is another easy solution for providing a liquid tight connection between the catheter tube parts in both conditions. 
         [0015]    In still another embodiment it can be provided that the at least one hinge interrupts the internal flow path in the catheter tube in the folded, compact storage condition. Due to this solution, the bending radius between the two catheter tube parts in the folded, compact storage condition can be further reduced so that a very compact storage condition is achieved. 
         [0016]    It can further be provided that the at least one hinge is composed of at least two components, each associated to one of the parts of the catheter tube which are connected via the hinge and wherein one of the components comprises a protrusion which engages the other one of the components in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. This also includes that at least one of the hinge components is unitary with the respective catheter tube part. Due to the engagement of the protrusion of the one components in the respective other component, the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition can easily be achieved and is maintained during insertion and use. 
         [0017]    It can further be provided that the at least one hinge comprises a connection means which keeps the parts of the catheter tube together in the folded, compact storage condition. Thus, even when folded, the parts of the catheter tube are held together and can easily be assembled to bring them in the unfolded, straight, ready-for-use condition. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the connection means is integrated in the two components of the hinge. In this way, a safe connection between the two catheter tube parts is realized. 
         [0019]    In a simple embodiment which is easy to manufacture the connection means is preferably a flexible strip connecting the two components. 
         [0020]    However, it is also possible that the connection means is integrated in the catheter tube. When the connection means is integrated in the catheter tube, it is possible to obtain a larger inner diameter of the urinary catheter. 
         [0021]    In still another embodiment, the foldable urinary catheter further comprises a straightening aid which is slidably arranged on the catheter tube. The straightening aid is especially advantageous for users with reduced dexterity and helps them in bringing the folded urinary catheter in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. 
         [0022]    The straightening aid can be easy and cost effective in production when it comprises a short, tube like piece which is arranged on the outer diameter of the catheter tube. 
         [0023]    The above mentioned object is also solved by a foldable urinary catheter kit with a foldable urinary catheter as described above and a catheter package which tightly surrounds the folded catheter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    In the following, the invention is described in more detail with the aid of drawings. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1   a  shows a foldable urinary catheter in an unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition, 
           [0026]      FIG. 1   b  shows the foldable urinary catheter from  FIG. 1   a  in a folded, compact storage condition, 
           [0027]      FIG. 2   a  shows another embodiment of a hinge of the foldable urinary catheter of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  in a folded condition, 
           [0028]      FIG. 2   b  shows the hinge of  FIG. 2   a  in the straight condition, 
           [0029]      FIG. 3   a  shows a further embodiment for a hinge of the foldable urinary catheter of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  in a folded condition, 
           [0030]      FIG. 3   b  shows the hinge of  FIG. 3   a  in an intermediate position, 
           [0031]      FIG. 3   c  shows the hinge of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  in the straight condition, 
           [0032]      FIG. 3   d  shows a section through the hinge of  FIG. 3   c,    
           [0033]      FIG. 4   a  shows a further embodiment of a hinge for the foldable urinary catheter of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  in a folded condition, 
           [0034]      FIG. 4   b  shows the hinge of  FIG. 4   a  in a straight condition, 
           [0035]      FIG. 5   a  shows a further embodiment for a hinge for the foldable urinary catheter of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  in a folded condition, 
           [0036]      FIG. 5   b  shows the hinge of  FIG. 5   a  in the straight condition, 
           [0037]      FIG. 5   c  shows a perspective view of the hinge of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  in an intermediate position, 
           [0038]      FIG. 6   a  shows a further embodiment of a hinge for the foldable catheter of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  in a folded condition, 
           [0039]      FIG. 6   b  shows the hinge of  FIG. 6   a  in the straight condition, 
           [0040]      FIG. 7   a  shows a further embodiment of a hinge for the foldable urinary catheter of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  in a folded condition, 
           [0041]      FIG. 7   b  shows the hinge of  FIG. 7   a  in the straight condition, 
           [0042]      FIG. 8   a  shows a further embodiment of a foldable urinary catheter in a folded condition, 
           [0043]      FIG. 8   b  shows the urinary catheter of  FIG. 8   a  in a straight condition, 
           [0044]      FIG. 9   a  shows still a further embodiment of a foldable urinary catheter in a folded condition, 
           [0045]      FIG. 9   b  shows the urinary catheter of  FIG. 9   a  in a straight condition, 
           [0046]      FIG. 10   a  shows a foldable urinary catheter with a straightening aid, 
           [0047]      FIG. 10   b  shows the foldable urinary catheter of  FIG. 9   a  with the straightening aid in the straight condition, 
           [0048]      FIG. 11   a  shows a foldable urinary catheter comprising three hinges in a folded condition, 
           [0049]      FIG. 11   b  shows the urinary catheter of  FIG. 11   a  in a package. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0050]      FIG. 1   a  shows a foldable urinary catheter  1 . The urinary catheter  1  comprises a catheter tube  2  with a catheter tip  3  at its first end and a funnel  4  at its other end. However, the funnel is not necessary and the catheter can have a different second end without a funnel. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 1   a , the urinary catheter  1  is shown in an enlarged view. The catheter tube  2  may have a longer length as depicted in  FIG. 1   a  with the interrupted lines. The first end of the urinary catheter  1  with the catheter tip  3  is inserted into the urethra. When the catheter tip  3  reaches the human bladder, urine from the bladder can flow through at least one eyelet  5  disposed at or near the catheter tip  3  into the catheter tube  2  and is then discharged through the funnel  4 . This fluid connection defines an internal flow path  6  of the urinary catheter  1 . 
         [0052]    The urinary catheter  1  further comprises a hinge  7  which is arranged in an insertable length of the catheter tube  2 . The term “insertable length” means the part of the catheter tube  2  which is intended and adapted for insertion into the urethra. As can be clearly seen from  FIG. 1   a , the outer diameter D of the catheter tube  2  is constant at least along the insertable length of the catheter tube  2 . In  FIG. 1   a , the urinary catheter  1  is shown in an unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. The urinary catheter  1  can be folded at the hinge  7  and be brought in a folded, compact storage condition. This condition is shown in  FIG. 1   b . In the folded, compact storage condition, the hinge  7  is opened and the two parts of the catheter tube  2  which are connected via the hinge  7  are arranged side by side. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1   b , the internal flow path  6  is interrupted in the folded, compact storage condition. The hinge  7  comprises two components  8 ,  9 . The first component  8  is connected with the part of the catheter tube  2  which carries the catheter tip  3 . The second component  9  of the hinge  7  is connected with the second part of the catheter tube  2  which carries the funnel  4 . The two component  8 ,  9  are connected via a connection means  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1   b , the connection means  10  is a strip, which is integrated in the two components  8 ,  9 . The first component  8  of the hinge  7  carries a protrusion  11  which engages with the second component  9  of the hinge  7  in the unfolded straight ready-for-use condition and ensures that the catheter tube  2  with the hinge  7  remains in the unfolded straight condition when the urinary catheter  1  is inserted in the urethra. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show a further embodiment of the hinge  7 . 1  in the catheter tube  2 . In this embodiment, identical parts as in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  are named with the same reference numbers.  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show only parts of the catheter tube  2  with the hinge  7 . 1 . In  FIG. 2   a , the catheter tube  2  and the hinge  7 . 1  are shown in the folded, compact storage condition. The hinge  7 . 1  comprises a piece of flexible tube  12  which is reinforced with strips  13 . The strips  13  are made of a shape memory alloy. In  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  it is shown that the hinge  7 . 1  is reinforced with four strips which are evenly distributed around the diameter of the catheter tube  2 . However, it is also possible that the hinge comprises fewer strips, for example only one, or more strips. The strips  13  extend in the longitudinal direction L of the catheter tube  2 . 
         [0054]    In  FIG. 2   b , the catheter tube  2  and the hinge  7 . 1  of  FIG. 2   a  are shown in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. As already described above, the strips  13  are made from a shape memory alloy, for example Nitinol. The straight condition as shown in  FIG. 2   b  is the initial condition of the strips  13 . When the strips  13  made of the shape memory alloy are brought in folded, compact storage condition as shown in  FIG. 2   a , the strips  13  remember the initial condition and will spring back in this initial condition when possible. The strips  13  thus guarantee that the catheter tube  2  remains straight, at least along its insertable length, when inserted in the urethra. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , the hinge  7 . 1  is so conceived that the internal flow path  6  is uninterrupted in the folded, compact storage condition as well as in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. 
         [0055]    Another embodiment, where the internal flow path  6  of the urinary catheter  1  is uninterrupted in the folded, compact storage condition as well as in the straight, unfolded ready-for-use condition is shown in  FIGS. 3   a  to  3   d . Also in this embodiment, identical parts already shown in the earlier embodiments are named with the same reference number. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3   a  shows the catheter tube  2  and with a hinge  7 . 2  in the folded, compact storage condition. The hinge  7 . 2  is designed so that the internal flow path  6  in the urinary catheter  1  remains uninterrupted in the folded and in the unfolded condition. The hinge  7 . 2  comprises three components  14 ,  15 ,  16 . The two components  14 ,  16  are substantially identical and are made of a tube-like piece. Components  14  and  16  each comprise an extension  17 ,  18  which has an outer diameter that essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the catheter tube  2 . The extensions  17 ,  18  are inserted in the pieces of the catheter tube  2  which are separated by the hinge  7 . 2 . The second ends of the components  14  and  16  have a larger outer diameter which is substantially identical to the outer diameter D of the insertable length of the catheter tube  2 . This second end of the components  14 ,  16  is slanted at an angle of approximately 45° with the longitudinal axis L of the catheter tube  2 . The two components  14 ,  16  are connected via the third component  15 . The third component  15  is also slanted at both ends so that it comprises an angle of approximately 45° with the longitudinal direction L of the catheter tube  2 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 3   d  shows a cross section of the catheter tube  2  with the hinge  7 . 2  in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. In  FIG. 3   d , the bottom side of component  15  is longer than the upper side of component  15  and component  15  comprises annular protrusions at both slanted ends which engage with annular grooves in the outer components  14 ,  16 . 
         [0058]    It is now explained with the aid of  FIGS. 3   a  to  3   c  how the urinary catheter  1  can be unfolded.  FIG. 3   a  shows the catheter tube  2  and the hinge  7 . 2  in the folded, compact storage condition. The two parts of the catheter tube  2  which are separated by the hinge  7 . 2  lie side by side. For unfolding the catheter, one of the parts of the catheter tube is rotated so that component  16  is rotated in respect to component  15  and the respective part of the catheter tube  2  extends in the longitudinal direction of component  15 . The two parts of the catheter tube  2  separated by the hinge  7 . 2  now form an angle of 90°. The other part of the catheter tube  2  is then also rotated around 90°, so that the complete insertable length of the catheter tube  2  extends in the longitudinal direction L and the catheter  1  is in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. The three components  14 ,  15 ,  16  of the hinge  7 . 2  ensure that the catheter  1  remains in the straight condition when unfolded. The catheter  1  can thus be easily inserted into the urethra. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 3   d , the inner diameter of the catheter tube  2  and therewith the diameter of the internal flow path  6  in the urinary catheter  1  is reduced in the region of the hinge  7 . 2 . In the catheter shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  on the contrary, the hinge  7 . 1  does not lead to a reduction of the internal diameter of the catheter tube  2 . 
         [0060]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show a further embodiment of a hinge  7 . 3  of the foldable urinary catheter  1 .  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  also show only parts of the catheter tube  2  with the hinge  7 . 3 . Same components as in the previously described embodiments are named with the same reference numbers.  FIG. 4   a  shows the catheter tube  2  and the hinge  7 . 3  in the folded condition. The hinge  7 . 3  comprises two components  19 ,  20 . The first component  19  is attached to the first part of the catheter tube  2 , the second component  20  is attached to the second part of the catheter tube  2 . Both components  19 ,  20  comprise an extension  21 ,  22 . The extensions  21 ,  22  have an outer diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the insertable length of the catheter tube  2  and which can be inserted in the internal flow path  6  of the urinary catheter  1 . The remaining outer diameter of the hinge  7 . 3 , that is the remaining outer diameter of the two components  19 ,  20 , is substantially identical to the outer diameter of the catheter tube  2  along the insertable length so that the insertable length of the catheter tube  2  in which the hinge  7 . 3  is arranged, has a constant outer diameter. 
         [0061]    The first component  19  of the hinge  7 . 3  further comprises a protrusion  23 . The outer diameter of the protrusion  23  is substantially identical to the inner diameter of the second component  20 . The two components  19 ,  20  are connected via a connecting means  24 . For bringing the catheter from the folded, compact storage condition as shown in  FIG. 4   a  in the unfolded straight ready-for-use condition as shown in  FIG. 4   b , one of the catheter parts is folded outwards as shown with arrow  25  in  FIG. 4   a . The protrusion  23  of the first component  19  of the hinge  7 . 3  then engages with the second component  20  of the hinge  7 . 3 . For this purpose, the protrusion  23  preferably has a slanted edge which simplifies the insertion of the protrusion  23  in the second component  20 . The two parts of the hinge  7 . 3  then snap together and keep the urinary catheter  1  and the catheter tube  2  in the unfolded, straight condition during use of the catheter. As shown in  FIG. 4   b , the connection means  24  which keeps the two components of the hinge  7 . 3  together is a strip which is integrated in the two components  19 ,  20  of the hinge  7 . 3 . 
         [0062]    In  FIGS. 5   a  to  5   c , an alternative for the connection means is shown. The hinge  7 . 4  as shown in  FIGS. 5   a  to  5   c  is substantially identical to the hinge as shown in the embodiment described in connection with  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b . However, in this embodiment, the connection means is a strip  26  which is unitary with the protrusion  28  on the second component  30  of the hinge  7 . 4 . At the free end of strip  26 , a stop  31  is provided. The first component  29  of the hinge  7 . 4  comprises a channel  32 , through which the strip  26  extends. The free end of the strip  26  with the stop  31  projects out of the channel  32 . When the urinary catheter  1  is in the folded, compact storage condition as shown in  FIG. 5   a , the stop  31  abuts at the end of the channel  32  and keeps the two parts of the catheter tube  2  together. Then, one end of the catheter is turned around 180° as shown in  FIG. 5   a  with arrow  33 .  FIG. 5   c  shows an intermediate position when bringing the catheter in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. The two parts of the catheter tube are pushed together, so that protrusion  28  of the second component  30  of the hinge  7 . 4  approaches the first component  29  of the hinge  7 . 4 . The strip  26  is pushed through the channel  32 .  FIG. 5   b  shows the catheter in the unfolded straight condition wherein the two components  29 ,  30  of the hinge  7 . 4  engage. The protrusion  28  is completely inserted in the first component  28  and thus keeps the catheter in the unfolded, straight condition, also when inserting the catheter in the urethra. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show a still further embodiment of the hinge  7 . 5  in the catheter tube  2 . Identical parts of the catheter and the hinge are named with the same reference numbers as used in the preceding embodiments. In the following, only the differences are described. The hinge  7 . 5  comprises a first, short tube-like component  34  made of a rigid material which is inserted in one part of the catheter tube  2 . The outer diameter of component  34  is substantially identical to the inner diameter of the catheter tube  2 . The second component of the hinge  7 . 5  is the other part of the catheter tube  2 . The connection means  38 , which keeps the two parts of the catheter tube together in the folded condition is integrated in the catheter tube  2 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 6   a  shows the catheter tube  2  and the hinge  7 . 5  in the folded condition. The two parts of the catheter tube lie side by side. The component  34  is inserted in one part of the catheter tube  2  so that it protrudes over the end of this part of the catheter tube  2 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 6   b  shows the catheter tube of the hinge  7 . 5  in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. The protruding part of the component  34  is inserted in the second part of the catheter tube  2  so that the catheter tube  2  is stabilized in the region of the hinge  7 . 5  and remains in the straight condition when inserting the catheter  1  in the urethra. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show another embodiment for a hinge  7 . 6  for a foldable urinary catheter  1 . As in the description of the preceding embodiments, identical parts of the catheter and the hinge are named with the same reference numbers. At the hinge  7 . 6 , the catheter tube  2  is divided in two parts. However, the two parts may not be completely separated but can still be held together at a connection means  39 . This can, for example, be achieved by a partial cut through the catheter tube  2  which does not completely separate the wall of the catheter tube  2 . The uncut wall then forms the connection means  39 . In each of the two parts of the catheter tube  2 , a respective end  40 ,  41  of a plug  44  is inserted. The two ends  40 ,  41  of the plug  44  are connected with each other via a further connection means  42 . In  FIG. 7   a , the hinge  7 . 6  and the two parts of the catheter tube  2  are shown in the folded condition. In this folded, compact storage condition, the two parts of the catheter tube  2  lie side by side but are connected with each other via the connection means  39  of the catheter tube  2  and the connection means  42  of the plug  44 . However, the connection means of the two ends of the catheter tube  2  are not necessary and can be disposed of. The two ends of the plug  40 ,  41  comprise protruding ribs  43  which engage with the inner wall of the catheter tube  2 . Thus, the plug  44  is secured in the two parts of the catheter tube  2 . The protrusions  43  can be barbed to ensure a secure hold of the plug  44  in the catheter tube  2 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 7   b  shows the hinge  7 . 6  in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. The two parts of the catheter tube  2  abut on each other, so that the internal flow path  6  of the catheter tube  2  is continuous and not interrupted. The two ends  40 ,  41  of the plug  44  which are connected via the connecting means  42  substantially have a tube like form and also form a passageway for the liquid which is dispensed through the urinary catheter. In the region of the hinge  7 . 6 , there is a cut out in between the two end regions  40 ,  41  of the plug  44  and only the connection means  42  remains. Thus, the catheter tube  2  and the plug  44  can easily be brought in the folded, compact storage condition. 
         [0068]    Still another embodiment of a hinge  7 . 7  for urinary catheter  1  is shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b . In  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , the complete urinary catheter  1  is shown. The urinary catheter  1  comprises a catheter tube  2 , a catheter tip  3  with at least one eyelet  5  at one end of the catheter tube  2  and a funnel  4  at the other end of the catheter tube  2 . The hinge  7 . 7  is provided in the insertable length of the catheter tube  2 . At the hinge  7 . 7 , the catheter tube  2  is separated in two parts, however, the catheter tube is not completely cut through but sticks together at a connection means  45 . Connection means  45  is a part of the wall of the catheter tube  2  which has not been cut through in the region of the hinge  7 . 7 . In the catheter tube  2 , a telescopic extension tube  46  is inserted. The extension tube  46  is inserted in the end of the catheter tube  2  which lies opposite to the catheter tip  3 . The outer diameter of the extension tube  46  is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the catheter tube  2  so that the telescopic extension tube  46  is slidably arranged in the catheter tube  2 . At the outer end of the extension tube  46 , the funnel  4  is attached. The inner end of the extension tube  46  is connected with a hollow plug  47 , for example with a string or a tether  48  or by means of a skived tube acting as telescopic extension tube  46  and hollow plug  47  and tether  48 . The position of the plug can also act as an eyelet door(s) confining the fluid flow of fluid in a packaged state. 
         [0069]      FIG. 8   a  shows the urinary catheter  1  in the folded, compact storage condition. The catheter tube  2  is split open at the hinge  7 . 7  so that the two parts of the catheter tube  2  lie one beside the other. The extension tube  46  is completely inserted in the catheter tube  2  and the hollow plug  47  is arranged in the catheter tube  2  near the catheter tip  3 . The string  48  is folded in the region of the hinge  7 . 7 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 8   b  shows the urinary catheter  1  in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. The two parts of the catheter tube  2  are now aligned so that the internal flow path  6  is continuous and uninterrupted. The extension tube  46  has been pulled outward, whereby the hollow plug  47  has been pulled in the region of the hinge  7 . 7  and engages and reinforces the hinge  7 . 7 . Thus, the urinary catheter  1  is secured in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. The inner end of the extension tube  46  forms a fluid tight seal  49  with the catheter tube  2 . Thus, the extension tube  46  can be used to deliver or direct urine directly to a toilet or another disposal device. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show another embodiment of a urinary catheter  1  with a hinge  7 . 8 . As in the preceding embodiments, the same or identical parts of the catheter and the hinge have the same reference numbers.  FIG. 9   a  shows the urinary catheter  1  in the folded, compact storage condition. The urinary catheter  1  comprises a catheter tube  2  with a catheter tip  3  at one end and a funnel  4  at the opposite end. The catheter tip  3  is provided with at least one eyelet  5 . In the insertable length of the catheter tube  2 , the hinge  7 . 8  is provided. As in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , a telescopic extension tube  46  is inserted in the catheter tube  2 . The extension tube  46  is inserted in the end of the catheter tube  2  which lies opposite to the catheter tip  3 . The outer diameter of the extension tube  46  is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the catheter tube  2  so that the telescopic extension tube  46  is slidably arranged in the catheter tube  2 . At the outer end of the extension tube  46 , the funnel  4  is attached. At the other end of the extension tube  46 , the inner end, a hollow plug  47  is arranged in the folded, compact storage condition as shown in  FIG. 9   a . The hollow plug  47  is not connected to the extension tube  46 . The extension tube protrudes over the end of the catheter tube along a distance Z. 
         [0072]      FIG. 9   b  shows the urinary catheter  1  of  FIG. 9   a  in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. For bringing the urinary catheter  1  in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition, the telescopic extension tube  46  is pushed inwardly in the catheter tube  2  so that the hollow plug  47  is pushed in the bent region or hinge region  7 . 8  of the catheter tube along the distance Z. The hollow plug  47  then straightens the urinary catheter  1  and remains in the hinge region  7 . 1  to fix the unfolded, straight, ready-for-use condition. The hollow plug  47  can be provided with a slanted front edge to facilitate the unfolding of the catheter  1 . After the plug  47  is pushed in the hinge region and the unfolded condition of the catheter  1  is achieved, the telescopic extension tube  46  is retracted by the user and can be used as an extension. The distance Z of the extension tube  46  is at least as large as the length X of the hinge region as shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b . The hollow plug recovers the shaft tube bent region X to regain optimum fluid patency and the intended geometry of the intermittent catheter design. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  show a foldable urinary catheter  1 . The urinary catheter  1  comprises a straightening aid  35  which is slidably arranged on the catheter tube  2  and helps a user in bringing the urinary catheter  1  from the folded, compact storage condition in the unfolded, straight ready-for-use condition. The straightening aid  35  has essentially a tube-like shape with an internal passageway and an outer surface. The diameter of the internal passageway is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the catheter tube  2 . Thus, the straightening aid  35  is slidable along the outer surface of the catheter tube  2 . The outer surface of the straightening aid  35  may have a concave shape so that it can be easily gripped with two fingers. Furthermore, the outer surface of the straightening aid  35  may comprise protrusions or grooves to provide a certain roughness which allows a firm grip on the straightening aid  35 . When bringing the urinary catheter  1  from the folded condition into the unfolded condition, the user simply slides the straightening aid  35  along the longitudinal direction L of the catheter tube  2 . The straightening aid  35  then brings the parts of the catheter tube  2  which are separated by the hinges  7  in the same direction, so that the hinges  7  engage in the straight condition. 
         [0074]    The urinary catheter  1  may also comprise an insertion aid  36  which allows an easy insertion of the catheter into the urethra of a user. Furthermore, the insertion aid  36  can also act as the straightening aid by itself. In  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b , the hinges  7  are schematically shown. Hinges as described in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2 to 9  may be arranged in the urinary catheter  1  as shown in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b . As shown in  FIG. 10   b , a urinary catheter  1  may comprise more than one hinge, for example, two or three hinges. 
         [0075]      FIG. 11   a  shows the urinary catheter  1  of  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  in the folded condition. The urinary catheter  1  comprises three hinges so that the catheter tube  2  is divided in four parts. In the folded condition as shown in  FIG. 11   a , the parts of the catheter tube  2  which are separated by the hinges  7 , lie side by side. The insertion aid  36  and the straightening aid  35  are arranged near the catheter tip  3 . Catheter tip  3  and funnel  4  also lie side by side. 
         [0076]      FIG. 11   b  shows a catheter kit comprising the urinary catheter  1  of  FIG. 11   a  and a package  37 . The urinary catheter  1  is placed in the catheter package  37  in the folded condition so that it is very compact. The package  37  tightly encloses the folded urinary catheter so that the complete kit is very compact and can be easily stored or transported, for example in a clothing pocket or in a handbag. 
         [0077]    Preferably, the urinary catheter is shown in all figures is a hydrophilic coated urinary catheter. The hydrophilic coating of the catheter extends along the complete insertable length of the catheter tube  2 , including the part where the hinge  7  is arranged. 
         [0078]    In order to provide the desired catheter flexibility, the catheters shown may have a tapered distal section. This can, for example, be achieved by a slight decrease of the inner and outer diameter of the catheter tube. A decrease of both, the inner and the outer diameter of the catheter tube is more efficient in increasing flexibility (decreasing second moment of area) than reducing the inner or outer diameter individually. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       [0000]    
       
           1 : Urinary catheter 
           2 : Catheter tube 
           3 : Catheter tip 
           4 : Funnel 
           5 : Eyelet 
           6 : Internal flow path 
           7 ;  7 . 1 ;  7 . 2 ;  7 . 3 ;  7 . 4 ;  7 . 5 ;  7 . 6 ;  7 . 7 ;  7 . 8 ; Hinge 
           8 : First hinge component 
           9 : Second hinge component 
           10 : Connection means 
           11 : Protrusion 
           12 : Flexible tube 
           13 : Strip 
           14 : First hinge component 
           15 : Third hinge component 
           16 : Second hinge component 
           17 : First extension 
           18 : Second extension 
           19 : First hinge component 
           20 : Second hinge component 
           21 : First extension 
           22 : Second extension 
           23 : Protrusion 
           24 : Connection means 
           25 : Arrow 
           26 : Strip 
           28 : Protrusion 
           29 : First hinge component 
           30 : Second hinge component 
           31 : Stop 
           32 : Channel 
           33 : Arrow 
           34 : Hinge component 
           35 : Straightening aid 
           36 : Insertion aid 
           37 : Package 
           38 : Connection means 
           39 : Connection means 
           40 : First end plug 
           41 : Second end plug 
           42 : Connection means 
           43 : Protrusions 
           44 : Plug 
           45 : Connection means 
           46 : Telescopic extension tube 
           47 : Hollow plug 
           48 : String 
           49 : Seal 
         D: Outer diameter catheter tube 
         L: Longitudinal direction catheter tube