SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING BODY FLUIDS

Abstract: An assembly for handling a collection container for urine or another body fluid employs a generally rigid body with a holder end (36) and a handle end (38). The holder end supports the collection container (12) in an upright position to receive the fluid. The handle end forms a structure for the user to hold the supported collection container in an outwardly extended position away from the user's hand. The handle structure also includes a cover (40) for the container. After using the handle structure to position the container for collection of the fluid, the user can then use the cover as a lid (48) to close the collection container.

Description: SYSTEM FOR ∞LECTING BODY FLUID3 Field of the Invention Our invention relates to fluid collection systems and devices. In a more specific sense, our invention also relates to systems and devices for col¬ lecting body fluids like urine. Background of the Invention Health professionals have for many years ex¬ amined body fluids to assess a person's physical health and fitness. Urine is one body fluid that has been routinely collected for analysis by health pro¬ fessionals. Today, employers are also beginning to collect urine specimens from present and prospective employees to detect potential substance abuse and oth¬ er health related problems that can affect job perfor¬ mance. In collecting urine and other body fluids, it is important to obtain uncontaminated samples. Aseptic collection techniques are therefore required. It is also important that the collection devices are easy to use by men, women, and children. Balanced against these largely medical and physiological re- quirements is the importance of providing collection devices at a reasonable, low cost. There are many devices and system specially designed for the collection of urine and other body fluids. The following patents represent prior at- tempts in these and related areas: Fazakerly U.S. Patent 2,628,054 Giesy U.S. Patent 3,335,714 Friedman et al U.S. Patent 3,473,172 Munheim U.S. Patent 3,575,225 Duyne U.S. Patent 3,625,654 Collins U.S. Patent 3,727,244 Geddes U.S. Patent 3,927,426 Peterson Des. 258,311 Our invention aims to provide an improved system for collecting a body fluid like urine that meets the demands of aseptic collection techniques, ease of use regardless of sex or age, and low cost. Summary of the Invention To achieve this and other objectives, our invention provides new systems for collecting urine and other body fluids. The systems that embody our invention promote aseptic techniques without sacrific¬ ing ease of use by members of both sexes and all ages. The systems are low cost and disposable. Our invention provides an assembly for han¬ dling a urine collection container in a straightforward and aseptic manner. The assembly in¬ cludes a body with oppositely spaced ends. One end of the body includes the collection container, which rests in an upright position to receive the intended fluid. The other end of the body extends from the collection container and forms a handle structure. By grasping this handle structure, users can hold the collection container in an outwardly extended position away from their hands. The handle structure simpli¬ fies use and promotes aseptic collection techniques. The handle structure also forms an integral cover for the collection container. The handle struc- ture therefore actually serves two purposes. After being used to position the collection container as the sample is collected, the same handle structure can be used to cover the collection container. The ready availability of the cover further promotes ease of use and aseptic techniques. Other features and advantages of our inven¬ tion will become apparent after considering the accom¬ panying drawings, description, and claims. Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a system for collecting body fluids such as urine that embodies the features of our invention; Fig. 2 is a side sectional view of the col¬ lection container associated with the system shown in Fig.l, taken generally along line 2-2 in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side sectional view of the con¬ tainer handling assembly associated with the system shown in Fig.l, taken generally along line 3-3 in Fig. i; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the system shown in Fig. 1 in the hand of the user, with the col¬ lection container supported in an upright and outward¬ ly extended position away from the user's hand; Fig. 5 is a side section view of the system being used as shown in Fig. 4, taken generally along line 5-5 in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is side sectional view showing the sequence of removing the collection container from the handle structure; Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the weakened area formed on the handling assembly, along which the handling assembly is broken by the user to separate the holder end from the handle end, the handle end then being free to serve as a lid for the collection container; Figs. 8 and 9 are perspective views showing the sequence of breaking the handling assembly to sep¬ arate the holder end from the handle/lid end; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the collec- tion container covered with the dual purpose handle structure of the handling assembly after the collec¬ tion of the fluid sample; Fig. 11 is a side section view of the col¬ lection container covered with the dual purpose handle structure of the handling assembly taken generally along line 11-11 in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a side section view of several collection containers nested one within the other for storage prior to use; Fig. 13 is a side section view of several handling elements stacked one atop the other for stor¬ age prior to use. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another system for collecting body fluids such as urine that embodies the features of our invention, with the asso¬ ciated lid shown in its open and container supporting position; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the system shown in Fig. 14, with the associated lid in its closed position; Fig. 16 is a side elevation view of the sys¬ tem shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 17 is a side sectional view of the col¬ lection container associated with the system shown in Fig.16, taken generally along line 17-17 in Fig. 16; Fig. 18 is a side sectional view of the lid associated with the system shown in Fig.16, taken gen¬ erally along line 18-18 in Fig. 16; Fig. 19 is a side section view of the system shown in Fig. 14 in the hand of the user, with the collection container supported by the attached lid in an upright and outwardly extended position away from the user's hand; Fig. 20 is a side elevation view, with por- tions broken away and in section, of the system shown in Fig. 14, as the user moves the lid toward its closed position; Fig. 21 is side elevation view of the system shown in Fig. 14, as the user places the lid into its closed and sealed position; and Fig. 22 is section view, taken along line 22-22 in Fig. 21, of the junction between the lid and container when the lid is in its closed and sealed position. Description of the Preferred Embodiments The drawings Figs. 1 to 13 show a system 10 for collecting body fluids that embodies the features of our invention. As there shown, the system 10 includes a collection container 12 for a body fluid. The system 10 also includes a separate assembly 14 for handling the collection container 12. The system 10 is applicable for use in the collection of different types of body fluids. The sys- tern 10 shown in the illustrated embodiment collects urine samples. However, we do not intend to limit the use of our invention just to collecting urine. The collection container 12 can itself be conventional in construction and shape. It can be made of either glass or plastic materials. Prefera- bly, the container 12 is a single use, disposable com¬ ponent of relatively low cost. So, the container 12 is preferably made of an inert plastic material, such as polyethylene. Conventional injection or blow mold- ing techniques can be used to make the container 12. As an alternative, the container 12 can be made of a fluid resistant paper or paper composite material that is inert and biodegradable. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 12 includes certain structural features that comple¬ ment the features and advantages of the associate han¬ dling assembly 14. The container 12 includes a cup-shaped body 16 having a bottom wall 18 and an upstanding sidewall 20. The bottom wall 18 and sidewall 20 enclose an interior fluid chamber 22. The sidewall 20 terminates along an upper edge 24 forming an opening 26, through which fluids enter the chamber. An outwardly flared lip 28 extends from the upper sidewall edge 24. As best shown in Fig. 2, the sidewall 20 tapers outward from the bottom wall 18. As best shown in Fig. 1, the sidewall 20 is also elongated along one radial direction to form a generally elliptical shape. The elongated shape of the container 12 allows women to more easily use it. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 12 holds about four (4) fluid ounces. Still, the vol¬ ume of the container 12 can vary, according to the intended use, up to eight (8) ounces or more. The handling assembly 14 includes a general¬ ly rigid body 30 having oppositely spaced end portions 32 and 34. The term "generally rigid" means that the body 30 of the assembly 14 will not easily bend or break under the weight of the container 12 when filled with fluid and handled in the manner described in this application. The term "generally rigid" encompasses both inflexible and rigid materials. The term also encompasses materials that are semi-flexible or resil¬ ient, if they have the strength to support and handle the weight of the container 12 in the manner described in this application. Like the container 12, the assembly 14 is preferably also a single use, disposable component of relatively low cost. So, the handling assembly 14 is also preferably made of an inert plastic material, such as polyethylene. Like the container 12, conven¬ tional injection or blow molding techniques can be used to make the handling assembly 14. As an alterna¬ tive, the assembly 14, like the container 12, can be made of a fluid resistant paper or paper composite material that is inert and biodegradable. The handling assembly 14 includes holder means 36 on one end portion 32. The holder means 36 receives the collection container 12 and supports the collection container 12 in an upright position to re¬ ceive urine, or whatever the fluid intended for col¬ lection happens to be. The handling assembly 14 also includes han¬ dle means 38 that extends from the holder means 36, terminating at the other end portion 34 of the body 30. The handle means 38 forms a structure for users to grasp in one hand (see Fig. 4) . When in the hand of the user, the handle means 38 holds the collection container 12 that is supporting by the holder means 36 in an outwardly extended position away from the user's hand. The handle means 38 also includes cover means 40. The cover means 40 forms an integral part of the structure of the handle means 38. Thus, when the handle means 38 is not being used to hold the col- - lection container 12, the cover means 40 can be brought into engagement with the collection container 12 to serve as a lid (see Figs. 10 and 11) . The particular structures of the holder means 36 and the handle means 38 can vary according to the shape and structure of the collection container 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder means 36 includes a cradle opening 42 for receiving the con¬ tainer 12, bottom wall 18 first. The shape of the cradle opening 42 generally conforms to the shape of the associated container 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle opening 42, like the container 12, is generally elongated in one radial direction. The cradle opening 42 is positioned upon the body end portion 32 so that its elongated dimension extends toward the handle means 38 at the other body end portion 34. So, when the container 12 is held in its upright position within the cradle opening 42, the elongated dimension of the container 12 also extends between the two end portions 32 and 34 of the handling assembly 14. This orientation simpli¬ fies use of the elongated container 12 by both men and women of all ages. A peripheral support surface 44 laterally extends around the cradle opening 42. When the con¬ tainer 12 passes through the cradle opening 42, the lip 28 of the container 12 eventually engages the lat¬ eral support surface 44. The engagement between the lip 28 and the support surface 44 suspends the con- tainer 12 in the upright position within the cradle opening 42 (see Fig. 5) . Also in the illustrated embodiment, portions of the lateral support surface 44 extend into the cra¬ dle opening 42 to form a series of arcuately spaced tabs 46. As the lip 28 contacts the support surface • δ : 44, the tabs 46 also bear against a region of the ta¬ pering sidewall 20 near the container lip 28. • The illustrated arrangement wedges the ta¬ pering container sidewall 20 against the tabs 46. * 5 The tabs 46 stabilize the container 12 in its upright position within the cradle opening 42. The arrangement also allows easy removal of the container 12 from the cradle opening 42 after collection of the fluid sam¬ ple. As Fig. 6 shows, after collecting a fluid sam- 10 pie, the user can lower the container 12 onto a flat surface S. With the container 12 resting on the flat surface s, the user can slip the handling assembly 14 down upon the surface S, and lift the container 12 free of the cradle opening 42 (as shown in phantom 15 lines in Fig. 6) . In the illustrated embodiment, the structure of the cover means 40 includes a lid portion 48 and a skirt portion 50. The lid portion 48 includes a top surface 52 and a bottom surface 54. When the handle 20 means 38 holds the container 12 in the outwardly ex¬ tended position (as Fig. 4 shows) , the top surface 52 of the lid portion 48 generally faces upward. When in this mode of use, the bottom surface 54 of the lid portion 48 generally faces downward. 25 When the cover means 40 engages the opening 26 of the container 12, the lid portion 48 overlies the opening 26, while the skirt portion 50 overlies the lip 28 of the container 12 (see Figs. 10 and 11) . When in this position, the bottom surface 54 of the 30 lid portion 48 faces the interior of the fluid chamber 22, while the top surface 52 is exposed to the exteri¬ or. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, one or more tabs 58 extend out from the interior of 35 the skirt portion 50 (see Figs. 3, 5 and 6). When the lid portion 48 overlies the opening 26, the tabs 58 abut against the underportion of the container lip 28 (as best shown in Fig. 10) . The tabs 58 make a snap- fit engagement with the lip 58 to secure the cover means 40 in place upon the container 12. To better help the user make use of the dual purpose handle/cover structure of the handling assem¬ bly 14, the body 30 includes a pre-weakened area 56 between the holder means 36 and the handle means 38. The pre-weakened area 56 is formed during the molding process. The area 56 can take the form of a series of preformed openings 57 (see Fig. 7) that weaken the structure of the body 30. The area 56 also can take the form of a thinned area that also weakens the structure of the body 30. After collecting the fluid sample within the container 12, the user can apply force to bend the body 30 of the handling assembly 14 along the weakened area 56 (as Figs. 8 and 9 show) . Flex bending will break the body 30 along the weakened area 56. The user can then separate the end 34 of the body 30 hav¬ ing dual purpose handle/cover from the end 32 of the body 30 having the holder means 36. This frees the cover means 40 for use as a lid for the collection container 12. Alternatively, the user could cut the body 30 of the handling assembly 14 with scissors, with or without the presence of the weakened area 56. In the illustrated embodiment (as Fig. 12 shows) , the body of one container 12 can be nested within the fluid chamber 22 of another container 12. This allows two or more containers 12 to be conven¬ iently stacked in a compact grouping for storage be¬ fore use. Also (as Fig. 13 ' shows) , the shape of the handling assembly 14 allows two or more of them to be nested in a compact stack. A supply of handling as¬ semblies also can be stored conveniently one atop the other prior to use. The drawings Figs. 14 to 22 show another system 10 for collecting body fluids that embodies the features of our invention. As shown in the drawings Figs. 14 to 22, the assembly 110 includes a collection container 112 for a body fluid. The collection container 112 can itself be conventional in construction and shape. It can be made of either glass or plastic materials. Prefera¬ bly, the container 112 is a single use, disposable component of relatively low cost. So, the container 112 is preferably made of an inert plastic material, such as polyethylene. Conventional injection or blow molding techniques can be used to make the container 112. As an alternative, the container 112 can be made of a fluid resistant paper or paper composite material that is inert and biodegradable. The container 112 includes a cup-shaped body 116 having a bottom wall 118 and an upstanding side¬ wall 120. The bottom wall 118 and sidewall 120 en¬ close an interior fluid chamber 122. The sidewall 120 terminates along an upper edge 124 forming an opening 126, through which fluids enter the chamber. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, an upwardly ex¬ tending lip 128 protrudes from the upper sidewall edge 124 (as Fig. 17 also shows) . The function of this lip 128 will be described in greater detail later. As best shown in Fig. 16, the sidewall 120 tapers outward from the bottom wall 118. As best shown in Fig. 13, the sidewall 120 is also elongated along one radial direction to form a generally ellip- tical shape. The elongated shape of the container 112 allows women to more easily use it. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 112 holds about four (4) fluid ounces. Still, the volume of the container 112 can vary, according to the intended use, up to eight (8) ounces or more. The assembly 110 includes a lid 114 for the container. The assembly also includes a hinge mechanism 130 that attaches the lid 114 to the con¬ tainer 112 for manipulation by the user. More particularly, when urged by the user in a first direction, the lid 114 pivots about the hinge mechanism 130 toward a first position overlying the opening (as Fig. 15 shows) . When urged by the user in a second direction, the lid 114 pivots about the hinge mechanism 130 out of the first position (as Figs. 14 and 16 show) . The user is thereby able to manipulate the lid 114 to open the container 112 for receiving fluids and to then close the container 112 after use. The hinge mechanism 130 also includes means 132 for bracing the lid 114 in a preselected, outward-, ly extending position (as Figs. 14; 16; and 19 best show) . In this braced position, the lid 114 also serves as a weight bearing handle for supporting the container in use. Fig. 19 shows the lid 114 braced in a preferred container support position serving as a handle in the hands of a user. Various constructions for the combination lid/handle 114 and associated hinge mechanism 130 are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 114 includes a main body 134 having oppositely spaced end portions 136 and 138. When the lid 114 is located in its first position (see Figs. 15 and 21) , the main body 134 overlies the top edge 124 of the container 112 to close the opening 126. The lid 114 includes a skirt 140 that de- pends from the peripheral edge of the main body 134. In the illustrated embodiment (see Fig. 14) , the skirt 140 wraps around the lid end portion 136 and converges toward the end portion 138. As Fig. 21 shows, when the lid main body 134 overlies the opening 126, the outer edge 142 of the skirt 140 is aligned in a gener¬ ally coplanar relationship with the container edge 124 around the opening 126. In the illustrated embodiment (see Figs. 14 and 18) , the skirt 140 includes an interior channel 144 formed in its undersurface. The channel 144 is arranged to register with the upstanding lip 128 of the container when the lid 114 is placed in its closed position (see Fig. 22) . A keyway 146 formed in the base of the channel 144 makes snap fit engagement with a key 148 formed on the lip 128 to releasably secure the lid 114 in the closed position (as Fig. 22 shows) . The snap-fit engagement seals the lid 114, when in its closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge 142 of the skirt 140 includes a gripping surface 150 formed at lid end portion 136 to allow the user to selectively break the snap fit engagement by pressing upwardly upon the lid 114. The hinge mechanism 130 includes a first hinge tab 152 that protrudes outwardly from the skirt 140 at the lip end portion 138. The hinge mechanism 130 also includes a second hinge tab 154 that pro¬ trudes outwardly from the container edge 124. As Figs. 15 and 21 best show, when the main body 134 of the lid 114 overlies the container opening 126, the first hinge tab 152 overlaps the second hinge tab 154. A flexible hinge joint 156 joins the overlapping hinge tabs 152 and 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge • - mechanism 130 also includes two hinge stiffening ribs 158. One end of each stiffening rib 158 joins the hinge joint 156 along opposite sides of the lid hinge tab 152. The other end of each stiffening rib 158 joins in the lid skirt 140. The hinge stiffening ribs 158 give added strength to the overall hinge mechanism 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracing means 132 of the hinge mechanism 130 includes first and second bracing surfaces 160 and 162. The bracing surfaces 160 and 162 extend from opposite sides of the hinge joint 156. The first bracing surface 160 is as¬ sociated with the lid hinge tab 152, and the second bracing surface 162 is associated with the container hinge tab 154. When the lid 114 is in its closed position (as Figs. 15 and 21 best show), the first and second bracing surfaces 160 and 162 extend in a generally coplanar relationship with the hinge joint 156. When the lid 114 is opened and moved into the preselected container supporting position, the first bracing sur¬ face 160 is successively folded over the hinge joint 156 and eventually brought into abutting contact against the second bracing surface 162 (as Figs. 14, 16, and 19 best show) . This abutting contact occurs when the lid 114 reaches its preferred outwardly ex¬ tending position. The abutting contact between the bracing surfaces 160 and 162 directs the weight load of fluid carried within the container 112 away from the flexi¬ ble hinge joint 156 onto the lid 114 itself. In ef¬ fect, the bracing surfaces 160 and 162 buttress the lid 114 when it assumes the preferred outwardly ex¬ tending position. This buttressing transforms the open lid 114 into a cantilevered, weight bearing han- die that can be readily grasped and used to hold the container 112 in a fluid receiving upright position away from the user's hand during use. The lid 114 and hinge mechanism 130 are preferably made of generally rigid materials. The term "generally rigid" means that the lid 114 and hinge mechanism 130 will not easily bend or break un¬ der the weight of the container 112 when ' fully filled with fluid and handled in the manner described in this application. The term "generally rigid" encompasses both inflexible and rigid materials. The term also encompasses materials that are semi-flexible or resil¬ ient, if they have the strength to support and handle the weight of the container 112 in the manner de- scribed in this application. The lid 114 and hinge mechanism 130 can be made of the same inert plastic material as the contai¬ ner 112, such as polyethylene. In this arrangement, the lid 114 and hinge mechanism 130 can be integrally molded parts of the container 112 formed using conven¬ tional injection or blow molding techniques. Alternatively, the lid 114 and hinge mechanism 130 can be manufactured separately from the container 112 and later affixed to the container 112 by solvent or adhesive bonding techniques or the like. In this arrangement, the lid and hinge mechanism can be made of the same or a different material as the container 112, provided the materials are sufficiently compatible to allow attachment of the lid and hinge mechanism to the container 112. In use, the user moves the lid 114 to the outwardly extended position before collecting fluid. As Fig. 6 shows, the user holds the lid 114 as a handle to position the container 112 while introducing fluid into the container. The abutting bracing sur- faces 160 and 162 assure that the container 112 will be retained in a stable upright position away from the user's hands (as Fig. 19 shows) . Once fluid is collected in the container 112, the user can grasp the container 112 in one hand and the lid 114 in another (as Fig. 20 shows) . The user then moves the lid 114 into the closed position, applying pressure as needed to bring the lip into snap-fit engagement with the lid 114 channel (as Figs. 20 and 121 show) . The container 112 is now closed and sealed for transport and storage. The lid 114 can be later opened for access to the fluid up pressing upwardly upon the gripping surface 150. The assembly 110 that embodies the features of the invention assure that the entire fluid collec¬ tion procedure is performed in a convenient, aseptic manner. The following claims set forth the features and advantages of our invention.

Claims: We claim: 1. A system for collecting body fluids comprising: a container having a chamber with an opening for receiving fluid, and a handling assembly for the container com¬ prising handle means extending from the container and forming a generally rigid structure for the user to hold the container in an outwardly extended position away from the user's hand, the handle means including cover means operative, when not being used to hold the container in the outwardly extended position, for movement into engagement with the opening of the con¬ tainer. 2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the handling assembly includes a body with oppositely spaced end portions, further including holder means on one end portion to receive the container, and wherein the structure of the handle means extends from the holder means to the other end por¬ tion. 3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the handling assembly includes means located on the body between the holder means and the handle means for defining a pre-weakened region along which the handle means can be separated from the hold¬ er means to free the cover means for engagement with the opening of the container. 4. A system according to claim 2 wherein the holder means includes a cradle opening for receiving the container, the cradle open¬ ing including contact means for engaging the container to support the container in the upright position with¬ in the cradle opening. - is - - *• 5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the container includes a lip that surrounds the opening, and wherein the cradle opening includes a sur- face that contacts the container lip for supporting the container in the fluid-receiving position. 6. A system according to claim 1 wherein the handling means includes a lid for the container that, when lo¬ cated in a first position, overlies the opening, and hinge means attaching the lid to the container for movement by the user in a first direc¬ tion toward the first position to close the container and in a second direction away from the first position to open the container, the hinge means including brac- ing means that abuts against and buttresses the lid against movement in the second direction beyond a pre¬ selected second position in which the lid forms a out¬ wardly extending handle that supports the weight of the container and its contents in a fixed upright at- titude during use. 7. An assembly according to claim 6 wherein the container includes a lip that surrounds the opening, and wherein the lid includes means for sealingly engaging the container lip when the lid overlies the container opening. 8. An assembly according to claim 6 wherein the container includes a lip that surrounds the opening, and wherein the lid includes means for making snap-fit engagement with the container lip when the lid overlies the container opening. 9. A system according to claim 1 wherein the opening of the container is gen- erally elliptical in shape. 10. A system according to claim 1 wherein the opening of the container is gen¬ erally elongated in one radial direction, wherein, when the container is in its fluid- receiving position, the elongated radial direction of the container extends toward the handle means of the container handling assembly.

Inventors: HALVORSON JUNE G, KANE PATRICIA B, HALVORSON, JUNE, G., KANE, PATRICIA, B.
Applicants: HALVORSON JUNE G, KANE PATRICIA B, HALVORSON, JUNE, G., KANE, PATRICIA, B.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A61F5
IPC codes: A61B10