Urine sampling container

In a urine sampling container 1, a retaining mechanism 15 is provided on opening end sides of a urine collection tube 3 and a cover tube 4 to prevent the cover tube 4 from being removed from the urine collection tube 3 in a state in which the urine collection tube 3 is inserted to and fitted in the cover tube 4, so as to keep the urine collection tube 3 and a storage tube 2 securely coupled with each other at the time of urine collection and to allow the storage tube 2 to be easily removed from the urine collection tube 3 at the time of examination.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a urine sampling container used for urinalysis performed in a hospital, a test center or the like.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a large number of urinalysis are conducted at hospitals, test centers, or the like.

As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a typical urine sampling container used for that urinalysis includes a storage tube storing urine, a urine collection tube attached on an opening end of the storage tube and including a side surface having a urine collection port, and a cover tube covering the urine collection port so that the urine collection tube can be inserted freely.

The urine sampling container is in an assembled state in which the urine collection tube is attached to the storage tube. Then, the examinee grips the storage tube with the urine collection tube oriented downward. When the examinee applies urine to the urine collection port, the urine accumulates in the storage tube. Then, the collection of urine is completed.

Next, the urine collection tube oriented downward is inserted into the cover tube. As a result, the urine collection tube, which is a dirty part, is covered. Then, the urine sampling container is, for example, inverted upside down and transferred to the laboratory or the like while the storage tube oriented downward is inserted in the container stand or the like.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the typical urine sampling container, the storage tube and the urine collection tube are configured to be screwed together. Specifically, a male screw formed on an outer peripheral surface of the opening side end of the storage tube and a female screw formed on an inner peripheral surface of the opening side end of the urine collection tube are screwed so that the storage tube and the urine collection tube are integrated to collect urine.

As such, in the typical urine sampling container, the storage tube and the urine collection tube are screwed together, and thus, at the time of urine collection, the urine collection tube is unlikely to be removed from the storage tube by accident. On the other hand, in the typical urine sampling container, the storage tube and the urine collection tube are screwed together. Thus, at the time of examination after urine collection, it is necessary to loosen the male thread of the storage tube with respect to the female thread of the urine collection tube to remove the storage tube from the urine collection tube. Thus, the operation at the examination was complicated. In contrast, if the storage tube is easily removed from the urine collection tube at the time of examination, it is conversely difficult to firmly join the urine collection tube and the storage tube at the time of urine collection. In other words, in the typical urine sampling container, it is difficult to firmly join the urine collection tube and the storage tube at the time of urine collection whereas to easily remove the storage tube from the urine collection tube at the time of examination.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a urine sampling container having a storage tube, a urine collection tube, and a cover tube, wherein the urine collection tube and the storage tube are to securely joined at the time of urine collection and the storage tube is easily removed from the urine collection tube at the time of examination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a urine sampling container includes a storage tube formed as an elongated tube and storing urine, where one end of the storage tube is a closed end and the other end of the storage tube is an opening end; a urine collection tube formed as an elongated tube and including a side surface having a urine collection port, where one end of the urine collection tube is a closed end and the other end of the urine collection tube is an opening end freely attachable to and detachable from the opening end of the storage tube; and a cover tube formed as an elongated tube, formed so that the urine collection tube can be inserted to and removed from the cover tube, and covering the urine collection port, where one end of the cover tube is a closed end and the other end of the cover tube is an opening end.

The urine sampling container includes a retaining mechanism provided near the opening ends of the urine collection tube and the cover tube to prevent the cover tube from being removed from the urine collection tube in a state in which the urine collection tube is inserted and fitted in the cover tube.

In this first aspect, at the time of urine collection, the cover tube is not attached on the urine sampling container, and the storage tube and the urine collection tube are joined. At this time, the difference in the wall thickness between the storage tube and the urine collection tube is small (or there is no difference in the wall thickness), and thus the difference in the rigidity between the storage tube and the urine collection tube is small, such that the portion coupled by the storage tube and the urine collection tube is less likely to be deformed. On the other hand, when the cover tube is attached to the urine collection tube after the urine collection, the retaining mechanism integrates the opening ends of the urine collection tube and the cover tube. Thus, the rigidity of the integrated portion between the urine collection tube and the cover tube is larger than that of the storage tube, and the storage tube is easily deformed with respect to the urine collection tube and the cover tube.

In a second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining mechanism includes a flange section formed on the urine collection tube, and a stopper tube formed on the cover tube allowing an insertion of the flange section of the urine collection tube, and on an inner peripheral surface of the stopper tube, a stopper protrusion to be engaged with the flange section is formed.

In this second aspect, the cover tube is not removed from the urine collection tube by inserting the flange section into the stopper tube and engaging the flange section with the stopper protrusion.

In a third aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, an inner peripheral surface of the stopper protrusion is formed as an inclined surface of which the amount of protrusion increases from the opening end of the stopper tube toward the back thereof.

In this third aspect, when the flange section is inserted into the stopper tube, the flange section passes over the inclined surface and engages with the stopper protrusion, so that the cover tube is not removed from the urine collection tube.

In a fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the stopper tube has a slit positioned radially outward of the flange section.

In this fourth aspect, when the flange section is inserted into the stopper tube and engages with the stopper protrusion, the flange section is positioned in the slit.

In a fifth aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the urine collection tube and the cover tube are configured to be screwed together, the retaining mechanism includes a first stopper raised section formed on the urine collection tube, and a second stopper raised section formed on the cover tube, and the first stopper raised section and the second stopper raised section are configured to prohibit a rotation in a direction of loosening a screw in a state in which the urine collection tube is screwed into the cover tube.

In this fifth aspect, when the urine collection tube is screwed to the cover tube, the first stopper raised section and the second stopper raised section are engaged and prohibited from turning in the reverse direction, and the cover tube is not removed from the urine collection tube.

In a sixth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, a holding mechanism for keeping the storage tube inserted in the urine collection tube is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the storage tube and an inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube, at a position displaced from a joint section at which the urine collection tube and the cover tube overlap to be integrated together, and the holding mechanism includes a circumferential raised section formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage tube, and a circumferential recessed section formed on the inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube and fitted with the circumferential raised section.

In this sixth aspect, when the circumferential raised section formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage tube and the circumferential recessed section formed on the inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube are fitted with each other, the storage tube is kept inserted in the urine collection tube.

In a seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the circumferential raised section of the holding mechanism includes a first circumferential raised section located closer to the opening end of the storage tube, and a second circumferential raised section located closer to the closed end than the first circumferential raised section, and the circumferential recessed section of the holding mechanism includes a first shoulder coming into contact with the first circumferential raised section from the opening end of the storage tube, and a second shoulder coming into contact with the second circumferential raised section from the closed end of the storage tube.

In this seventh aspect, when the circumferential raised section formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage tube and the circumferential recessed section formed on the inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube are fitted with each other, the first shoulder comes into contact with the first circumferential raised section from the opening end of the storage tube, and the second shoulder comes into contact with the second circumferential raised section from the closed end of the storage tube. Then, the storage tube is kept inserted in the urine collection tube.

In an eighth aspect according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure, the urine collection tube is made of a discoloration material exhibiting a respective different color at a first temperature corresponding to a human body temperature and at a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

In this eighth aspect, when urine is applied to the urine collection tube at the time of urine collection, the urine collection tube is discolored due to the influence of a urine temperature which is substantially corresponding to the human body temperature. In some conventional cases, it was difficult to determine a completion of urine collection in an environment such as dark surroundings. In this eighth aspect, the urine collection tube is discolored so that the examinee can recognize a completion of urine collection.

In a ninth aspect according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the urine collection tube is made of a material that is in a non-coloring state at the second temperature and changes from the non-coloring state to a coloring state when the temperature changes from the second temperature to the first temperature at the time of urine collection.

In this ninth aspect, when urine is applied to the urine collection tube at the time of urine collection, the urine collection tube is discolored from the non-coloring state to the coloring state due to the influence of a urine temperature. In some conventional cases, it was difficult to determine a completion of urine collection in an environment such as dark surroundings. In this ninth aspect, the urine collection tube is changed to the coloring state so that the examinee can recognize a completion of urine collection.

In a tenth aspect according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the urine collection tube is made of a material that is in a coloring state at the second temperature and changes from the coloring state to a non-coloring state when the temperature changes from the second temperature to the first temperature at the time of urine collection.

In this tenth aspect, when urine is applied to the urine collection tube at the time of urine collection, the urine collection tube having had a lower temperature is discolored from the coloring state to the non-coloring state due to the influence of a urine temperature. In some conventional cases, it was difficult to determine a completion of urine collection in an environment such as dark surroundings. In this tenth aspect, the urine collection tube is changed to the non-coloring state so that the examinee can recognize a completion of urine collection.

Advantages of the Invention

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, at the time of urine collection, the difference in the rigidity between the storage tube and the urine collection tube is small, and the coupling portion between the storage tube and the urine collection tube is less likely to be deformed. Thus, the storage tube and the urine collection tube are reliably joined and not easily disengaged. On the other hand, at the time of examination, the rigidity of the urine collection tube and the cover tube integrated together is larger than that of the storage tube, and the storage tube is easily deformed at the coupling portion between the urine collection tube and the cover tube. Thus, the examiner can easily bend and disengage the storage tube into the “L” shape at the coupling portion with respect to the urine collection tube and the cover tube integrated together. As such, the first aspect of the present disclosure provides the configuration in which the urine collection tube and the storage tube are securely coupled at the time of urine collection, and the storage tube is easily disengaged from the urine collection tube at the time of examination.

According to the second to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, the cover tube is not removed from the urine collection tube by inserting the flange section into the stopper tube and engaging the flange section with the stopper protrusion. Thus, the retaining mechanism can be achieved with a simple configuration.

According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, when the urine collection tube is screwed to the cover tube, the first stopper raised section and the second stopper raised section are engaged and prohibited from turning in the reverse direction, and the cover tube is not removed from the urine collection tube. Thus, the retaining mechanism can be achieved with a simple configuration.

According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, when the circumferential raised section formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage tube and the circumferential recessed section formed on the inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube are fitted with each other, the storage tube is kept inserted in the urine collection tube. Thus, without a screw junction or the like, the retaining mechanism can be achieved with a simple configuration.

According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, when the circumferential raised section formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage tube and the circumferential recessed section formed on the inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube are fitted with each other, the first shoulder comes into contact with the first circumferential raised section, located closer to the opening end of the storage tube, from the opening end of the storage tube, and the second shoulder comes into contact with the second circumferential raised section, located closer to the closed end than the first circumferential raised section from the closed end of the storage tube. Then, the storage tube is kept inserted in the urine collection tube. The set of the first circumferential raised section and the first shoulder is located closer to the opening end of the storage tube, and the set of the second circumferential raised section and the second shoulder is located closer to the closed end of the storage tube so that these set are located apart from each other. Thus, the storage tube is inserted in and stably held in the urine collection tube.

According to the eighth to tenth aspects of the present disclosure, when urine is applied to the urine collection tube at the time of urine collection, the urine collection tube having had a low temperature is discolored due to the influence of a urine temperature (approximately a body temperature). In some conventional cases, it was difficult to determine a completion of urine collection in an environment such as dark surroundings. In these eighth to tenth aspect, the urine collection tube is discolored so that the examinee can surely recognize a completion of urine collection.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment of the Invention

A urine sampling container1illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2is a container for collecting urine at the time of a urinalysis conducted at a hospital or the like.

The urine sampling container1includes a storage tube2for storing collected urine, a urine collection tube3for urine collection and measurement, and a cover tube4detachably attached to the urine collection tube3.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the storage tube2is formed as an elongated tubular body where one end thereof is closed and the other end is opened. The storage tube2is formed from a transparent material such as a synthetic resin. Note that the material of the storage tube2is not limited to a transparent material, and may be formed from various materials such as a colored translucent material.

The storage tube2includes a main body21, occupying substantially a half of the entirety, in the lower side ofFIG. 3, and a tapered section22, occupying substantially a half of the entirety, in the upper side ofFIG. 3. The storage tube2is configured as a Spitz tube having an outer diameter and a length applicable to a urinalysis device.

The main body21of the storage tube2is formed in a tapered shape slightly thinner toward the tapered section22, and includes an opening end having an outer peripheral surface having a circumferential raised section23constituting a holding mechanism11for keeping the storage tube2attached to the urine collection tube3. The circumferential raised section23includes a first circumferential raised section23aand a second circumferential raised section23b. The tapered section22of the storage tube2is continuous with the main body21and formed in a tapered shape narrower toward the closed end. The tapered section22of the storage tube2has a larger taper angle than the main body21.

The tapered section22of the storage tube2includes a tip end having a first marked line2aand a second marked line2a. The first marked line2aand the second marked line2aindicates the amount of residual urine; are used to centrifuge collected urine, discard a supernatant, and collect a sample for a urine sediment test (15 μl; microliter); and are set to display the storage amounts of 0.1 ml (milliliter) and 0.2 ml (milliliter), respectively.

The storage tube2is labeled with urine collection scales2bindicating the urine collection amount. The urine collection scales2bare attached in the longitudinal direction of the storage tube2so that the urine collection amount can be specified.

Note that the urine sampling container1includes a cap25for the storage tube2. The cap25is fitted into the main body21of the storage tube2and completely closes the storage tube2.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the urine collection tube3is formed as an elongated tubular body where one end thereof is closed and the other end is opened. The urine collection tube3is made of a synthetic resin thermochromism material. A thermochromism material is, for example, a material that reversibly changes between a color developing (colored) state and a non-color developing (non-colored) state. Examples of the color developing state include a pink color, a red color, an orange color, a blue color, a green color, and a black color. An example of the non-color developing state includes a light white color.

The discoloration temperature range of the thermochromism material can be selected within the range of, for example, −5° C. to +55° C. in an appropriate manner. In this embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 9, when the temperature approaches a first temperature close to a human body temperature (approximately 35° C.), the state turns to the non-color developing state. When the temperature approaches a second temperature (approximately 25° C.) lower than the first temperature, the state turns to the color developing state. Note that inFIG. 9, the mark “♦” represents discoloration appearing when the temperature increases from 20° C. to 40° C. The mark “□” represents discoloration appearing when the temperature decreases from 40° C. to 20° C.

As described above, the urine collection tube3is made of a discoloration material that is in a colored state at an ordinary temperature (the second temperature) and changes to a non-color developing state when the temperature increase from the second temperature to the first temperature due to the temperature of the collected urine. Note that, in contrast, the urine collection tube3may be made of a discoloration material that is in a non-coloring state at the second temperature and changes from the non-coloring state to a coloring state when the temperature changes from the second temperature to the first temperature.

The thermochromism material can be, for example, a transparent synthetic resin kneaded with a thermochromism ink powder (microcapsule). This thermochromism ink powder does not contain harmful substances such as heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, selenium, antimony, chromium, barium, etc.).

The urine collection tube3includes a main body3aand a large diameter section3bformed at the opening end. The main body3aincludes a measurement section31, occupying substantially a half of the entirety, in the lower half ofFIG. 4, and a urine collection section32, occupying substantially a half of the entirety, in the upper half ofFIG. 4. The measurement section31includes one end blocked, and measures urine necessary for the urinalysis. For example, the measurement section31of the urine collection tube3has a storage volume of 10 ml (milliliter). Note that the storage volume of the measurement section31may be 15 ml (milliliter) or 20 ml (milliliter). In short, the storage volume of the measurement section31may be 10 ml (milliliter) or more depending on a requirement for inspection or the like. Conversely, the storage volume of the measurement section31may be less than 10 ml (milliliter).

The urine collection section32of the urine collection tube3is formed as a tubular body where one end is continuous with the measurement section31and the other end is opened. The urine collection section32includes a urine collection port33and an auxiliary port34. The urine collection port33is an opening into which the urine is injected at the time of collecting the urine, and penetrates from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube3. The urine collection port33is formed by cutting out an over-half part of the urine collection tube3in the circumferential direction.

One end of the urine collecting port33closer to the measurement section31is formed on an orthogonal surface33athat coincides with the radial direction of the urine collection tube3, and the other end is formed on an inclined surface33bthat is inclined toward the opening end. Then, the measurement section31is from the orthogonal surface33aof the urine collection port33to the closed end of the urine collection tube3.

The auxiliary port34penetrates from the outer peripheral surface opposite to the urine collection port33to the inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube3. Note the number of the auxiliary ports34may be two or more. The auxiliary port34is formed to operate an air ventilation at the time of urine collection to facilitate the urine collection, and to prevent deformation at the time of molding.

The large diameter section3bis continuous with the opening end of the urine collection section32, and is larger than the outer diameter of the urine collection section32, such that the opening end of the storage tube2is freely inserted thereto.

As illustrated inFIG. 6which is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of the urine sampling container1, the large diameter section3bhas the inner peripheral surface provided with a circumferential groove35engaged with the first circumferential raised section23aand the second circumferential raised section23bof the circumferential raised section23of the storage tube2. The circumferential groove35includes a first shoulder35aabutting and engaging with the first circumferential raised section23a, located on the open end side of the storage tube2, from the open end side of the storage tube2; and a second shoulder35babutting and engaging with the second circumferential raised section23b, located closer to the closed end side of the storage tube2than the first circumferential raised section23a, from the closed end side of the storage tube2, and constitutes the holding mechanism11together with the circumferential raised section23. The holding mechanism11is formed at a position displaced from a joint section14at which the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4overlap to be integrated together.

The circumferential raised section23of the storage tube2and the circumferential groove35of the urine collection tube3make the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3attachable and detachable. The circumferential raised section23of the storage tube2and the circumferential groove35of the urine collection tube3enables insertion and removal between the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3without a relative rotation to allow the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3to be attachable and detachable.

An end surface of the large diameter section3bcloser the urine collection section32is formed as a step surface3dnext to the main body3a, and the step surface3dis formed in an orthogonal plane coincident with the radial direction of the urine collection tube3. The large diameter section3bhas an outer peripheral end portion integrated with a flange section36constituting a retaining mechanism15. The flange section36is formed so as to be inserted into the end portion of the cover tube4, and the flange section36includes a lower surface, which is the step surface3d.

A fixing screw37fixing the cover tube4is formed between the opening end and the urine collection port33which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the main body3aof the urine collection tube3. The fixing screw37is configured so that the cover tube4is mounted in a state in which the urine collection tube3is inserted into the cover tube4.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the cover tube4is formed as an elongated tubular body where one end thereof is closed and the other end is opened. The cover tube4is formed from a colored material such as a synthetic resin. Note that the material of the cover tube4is not limited to a colored material, and may be formed from other various materials.

The cover tube4is formed slightly larger in diameter than the urine collection tube3so as to enable collection tube3to engage therewith and be inserted and removed therefrom.

The cover tube4has a length that allows the entirety of the body portion3aof the urine collection tube3to be inserted thereto when the urine collecting port33is closed. The cover tube4includes a main body41closed at one end and opened at the other end and closing the urine collecting port33and a large diameter section42formed at the opening end of the main body41. The large diameter section42is formed so as to be engaged with the urine collection tube3at the joint section14. On the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter section42, a fixing screw43screwed into the fixing screw37of the urine collection tube3is formed.

Between the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4, provided are the retaining mechanism15, an end surface sealing unit12and a side surface sealing unit13.

The retaining mechanism15is provided near the opening ends of the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4to prevent the cover tube4from being disengaged from the urine collection tube3in a state in which the urine collection tube3is inserted into and fitted with the cover tube4. The retaining mechanism15includes the flange section36formed on the entire periphery of the outer peripheral surface of the urine collection tube3, and a stopper tube44formed on the cover tube4allowing an insertion of the flange section36of the urine collection tube3. On the inner peripheral surface of the stopper tube44, a stopper protrusion (undercut section)45protruding inward in the radial direction so as to be engaged with the flange section36is formed at each two positions opposed to each other. The inner peripheral surface of the stopper protrusion45is formed as an inclined surface45aof which the amount of protrusion increases from the opening end of the stopper tube44toward the back thereof. Further, the stopper tube44has a slit44apositioned radially outward of the flange section36, and the flange section36is positioned within the slit44a.

In the retaining mechanism15, as the cover tube4of the imaginary line inFIG. 1is fastened to the urine collection tube3with the fixing screws37,43, the flange section36moves into the stopper tube44. When the flange36passes over and engages with the stopper protrusion45, the cover tube4is not removed from the urine collection tube3even if the cover tube4is turned in the reverse direction.

The end surface sealing unit12seals a portion between the opening of the cover tube4and the urine collection tube3, and includes an end surface4aon the lower side of the slit of the cover tube4and an end surface3dof the flange section36of the urine collection tube3. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the end surface sealing unit12is configured so that, when the cover tube4is fastened to the urine collection tube3, the end surface4aof the slit of the cover tube4comes into close contact with the end surface3dof the flange section of the urine collection tube3.

The side surface sealing unit13seals a portion between the opening end of the cover tube4and the opening end of the urine collection tube3at the side surface, and includes a sliding surface4bformed on the cover tube4, and a sliding surface3eformed on the urine collection tube3. The sliding surface4bof the cover tube4is a part of the inner peripheral surface of the main body41of the cover tube4, and is formed at the peripheral edge of the opening end. The sliding surface3eof the urine collection tube3is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the main body3ain the urine collection tube3, and is formed between the opening end and the fixing screw37. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the sliding surface4bof the cover tube4and the sliding surface3eof the urine collection tube3are configured to be in close contact with each other when the urine collection tube3is inserted into the cover tube4. The portion at which the cover tube4and the urine collection tube3overlap one another and the portion including the fixing screws37,43constitute the joint section14.

The storage tube2includes a fixing raised section27for fixing the cap25. The fixing raised section27is annularly formed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening end of the main body21of the storage tube2. On the other hand, the cap25includes a fitting section2eto be fitted into the main body21of the storage tube2, and a ring-shaped raised section2fis formed on the outer peripheral face of the fitting section2e. When the cap25is fitted into the storage tube2, and the raised section2fof the cap25passes over the fixing raised section27, the fixing raised section27generates a “clink” sound that indicates a completion of the fitting.

Procedure for Using Urine Sampling Container

Next, a procedure for using the urine sampling container1will be described.

First, in an unused state before urine collection, the urine sampling container1is placed in a packaging bag. At this time, the opening end of the storage tube2is inserted into the opening end of the urine collection tube3so that the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3are coupled together. In addition, as shown by the imaginary lines inFIG. 1, the urine collection tube3is merely lightly inserted into the cover tube4so that the cover tube4is easily disengaged from the urine collection tube3.

Next, at the time of urine collection, the examinee takes out the urine sampling container1from the packaging bag, and removes the cover tube4from the urine collection tube3. The urine collection tube3is lightly inserted in the cover tube4, and thus the cover tube4is easily removed from the urine collection tube3. Then, in a state in which the urine collection tube3is attached to the storage tube2, the examinee grips the storage tube2with the urine collection tube3oriented downward. Next, when the examinee applies urine to the urine collection port33, the urine flows from the urine collection port33into the urine collection tube3, and accumulates in the measurement section31. Then, the collection of urine is completed. When a predetermined amount (for example, 10 ml) of urine is injected into the measurement section31in this urine collection, the urine leaks from the urine collection port33to the outside of the urine collection tube3. Thus, an necessary amount for urinalysis is reliably collected, and no redundant urine is collected. At the time of urine collection, the difference in the wall thickness between the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3is small, and the difference in the rigidity therebetween is also small, such that the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3are not easily separated.

Upon completion of this urine collection, the urine sampling container1is transferred to an laboratory or the like.

During the transportation, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the urine collection tube3oriented downward is inserted into the cover tube4so that the urine collection tube3, which is a dirty part, is covered. At this time, when the urine collection tube3is inserted into the cover tube4, the urine collection port33is closed by the cover tube4. Next, the urine collection tube3is turned with respect to the cover tube4to tighten the fixing screws37,43to allow the flange section36to pass over and engage with the stopper protrusion45. At this time, the fixing screws37,43join and fix the cover tube4and the urine collection tube3, and, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 6, the flange section36and the stopper protrusion45prevent the fixing screws37,43from turning in the reverse direction. Thus, the cover tube4and the urine collection tube3cannot be disengaged from each other even if the cover tube is turned in the reverse direction.

When the cover tube4and the urine collection tube3are joined together as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 6, the opening end surface4aof the cover tube4comes into close contact with the step surface3dof the large diameter section3bof the urine collection tube3, and the portion between the cover tube4and the urine collection tube3is sealed (the end surface sealing unit12). Further, when the urine collection tube3is inserted into the cover tube4, the sliding surface4bof the cover tube4and the sliding surface3eof the urine collection tube3come into close contact with each other, and the portion between the cover tube4and the urine collection tube3is sealed (the side surface sealing unit13). Thus, the leakage of urine is prevented.

Next, the urine sampling container1inverted upside down is transferred to the laboratory or the like while the storage tube2oriented downward is inserted in the container stand or the like. At this time, when the urine collection tube3is turned upside down, the urine flows into the storage tube2, and the urine is stored in the storage tube2.

Then, in the laboratory or the like, when the examiner bends the storage tube2in an “L” shape at the joint section with respect to the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4integrated together, the holding mechanism11is disengaged. Unlike the time of urine collection, the rigidity of the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4integrated together is larger than that of the storage tube2, and the storage tube2is easily deformed. Thus, the storage tube2is disengaged from the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4. Then, only the storage tube2storing the urine is set in the examination device.

This embodiment may be as follows. After urine collection is finished, the urine collection tube3oriented downward may be inserted into the cover tube4. Then, after the urine collection port33is closed by the cover tube4, the urine sampling container1is inverted upside down, and then the urine is stored in the storage tube2. Further, after the storage tube2is removed from the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4, the cap25is fitted into the opening end of the storage tube2. Then, the storage tube2is transferred to the laboratory or the like and set in the examination device.

In the urinalysis, the storage tube2is installed in a centrifugal separator, and a liquid component and a solid component are separated. Then, decantation is performed to discard the liquid component of a supernatant. Then, the storage tube2is inverted to remove the liquid component, and a precipitate remaining in the storage tube is used for an examination.

In this embodiment, at the time of urine collection, the cover tube4is not attached on the urine sampling container1, and the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3are joined by the holding mechanism11including the circumferential raised section23and the circumferential groove35. At this time, the difference in the wall thickness between the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3is small (or there is no difference in the wall thickness), and thus the difference in the rigidity between the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3is small, such that the portion coupled by the holding mechanism11is less likely to be deformed. On the other hand, when the cover tube4is attached to the urine collection tube3after the urine collection, the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4overlap and are integrated with each other through the fixing screws37,43so that the wall thickness of the joint section14is larger than that of the storage tube2. Thus, the rigidity of the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4integrated together is larger than that of the storage tube2, and the storage tube2is easily deformed at the portion coupled by the holding mechanism11.

Advantages of First Embodiment

According to this embodiment, at the time of urine collection, the difference in the rigidity between the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3is small, and the coupling portion between the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3is less likely to be deformed. Thus, the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3are reliably joined and not easily disengaged. On the other hand, at the time of examination, the rigidity of the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4integrated together is larger than that of the storage tube2, and the storage tube2is easily deformed at the coupling portion. Thus, the examiner can easily bend and disengage the storage tube2into the “L” shape at the coupling portion with respect to the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4integrated together. As such, this embodiment provides the structure in which the urine collection tube and the storage tube are securely coupled at the time of urine collection, and the storage tube is easily disengaged from the urine collection tube at the time of examination.

According to this embodiment, the cover tube4is not removed from the urine collection tube3only by inserting the flange section36into the stopper tube44and engaging the flange section36with the stopper protrusion45. Thus, the retaining mechanism15having a simple configuration can be achieved.

According to this embodiment, when the circumferential raised section23formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage tube2and the circumferential recessed section35formed on the inner peripheral surface of the urine collection tube3are fitted with each other, the first shoulder35acomes into contact with the first circumferential raised section23afrom the opening end of the storage tube2, and the second shoulder35bcomes into contact with the second circumferential raised section23bfrom the closed end of the storage tube2, so that the storage tube2is kept inserted in the urine collection tube3. Thus, the holding mechanism including the circumferential raised section23and the circumferential recessed section35can be achieved with a simple configuration. In addition, the set of the first circumferential raised section23aand the first shoulder35ais located closer to the opening end of the storage tube2, and the set of the second circumferential raised section23band the second shoulder35bis located closer to the closed end of the storage tube2so that these set are located apart from each other. Thus, the storage tube2is inserted in and stably held in the urine collection tube3.

According to this embodiment, when urine is applied to the urine collection tube3at the time of urine collection, the urine collection tube3having had a low temperature (a room temperature) is discolored due to the influence of a urine temperature (approximately a body temperature). In some conventional cases, it was difficult to determine a completion of urine collection in an environment such as dark surroundings. In contrast, in this embodiment, the urine collection tube3is discolored so that the examinee can surely recognize a completion of urine collection.

Second Embodiment of the Invention

The second embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 10 to 18will be described.

The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the retaining mechanism15.

In this embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 13 to 15, a first anti-rotation ring38is formed at the position of the step surface3din the large diameter section3bof the urine collection tube3, and a second anti-rotation ring46is formed on the large diameter section42of the cover tube4. The first anti-rotation ring38and the second anti-rotation ring46are formed to engage with each other.

As illustrated inFIGS. 15 to 18, a first stopper raised section38ais formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first anti-rotation ring38of the urine collection tube3, and a second stopper raised section46ais formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second anti-rotation ring46of the cover tube4. The first stopper raised section38aand the second stopper raised section46aare engaged with each other in a state in which the urine collection tube3is screwed into the cover tube4, and prohibit a rotation in the direction of loosening the fixing screws37and43. The first stopper raised section38aand the second stopper raised section46aconstitute the retaining mechanism15.

As a precondition, the retaining mechanism15has the configuration in which the urine collection tube3is screwed into the cover tube4for joint. In this configuration, when the first stopper raised section38aand the second stopper raised section46aare engaged with each other as illustrated inFIG. 15, the cover tube4is not removed from the urine collection tube3even if the cover tube4is turned in the reverse direction.

The end surface sealing unit12includes the opening end surface4aof the cover tube4and the step surface3dof the urine collection tube3to seal the portion between the opening end of the cover tube4and the urine collection tube3. The configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, as illustrated in the enlarged view ofFIG. 15, the end surface sealing unit12is formed such that, when the cover tube4is screwed into the urine collection tube3, the opening end surface4aof the large diameter section42of the cover tube4comes into close contact with the step surface3dof the diameter section3b.

The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, at the time of urine collection, the difference in the rigidity between the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3is small, and the coupling portion between the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3is less likely to be deformed. Thus, the storage tube2and the urine collection tube3are reliably joined and not easily disengaged. On the other hand, at the time of examination, the rigidity of the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4integrated together is larger than that of the storage tube2, and the storage tube2is easily deformed at the coupling portion. Thus, the examiner can easily bend and disengage the storage tube2into the “L” shape at the coupling portion with respect to the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4integrated together. As such, this embodiment provides the structure in which the urine collection tube and the storage tube are securely coupled at the time of urine collection, and the storage tube is easily disengaged from the urine collection tube at the time of examination.

According to this embodiment, when the urine collection tube3is screwed to the cover tube4, the first stopper raised section38aand the second stopper raised section46aare engaged and prohibited from turning in the reverse direction, and the storage tube2is not removed from the urine collection tube3. Thus, the retaining mechanism15can be achieved with a simple structure.

The other same advantages as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

Other Embodiments

The above embodiments may be configured as follows.

In the above embodiments, the urine collection tube3is made of a discoloration material, but in the present invention, the urine collection tube3does not necessarily have discoloration properties.

The retaining mechanism described in each of the above embodiments is an example of the configuration in which the cover tube4is not removed from the urine collection tube3, but any other configurations may be adopted.

The holding mechanism11described in the above embodiments is not limited to the configuration in which the circumferential raised section23and the circumferential recessed section35are engaged with each other, and may adopt other configurations such as a screw connection. Still in that case, the rigidity is large when the urine collection tube3and the cover tube4are integrated together to increase, and thus the storage tube2can be easily removed.

In the present invention, as long as the retaining mechanism15is provided, the other specific configurations of the storage tube2, the urine collection tube3, and the cover tube4are not limited to those of the above embodiment, and can be changed if necessary.

Note that the above embodiments are essentially preferred examples, and not intended to limit the scope application, or usage of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present invention is useful for a urine sampling container for urinalysis.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS