Abstract:
A device for collecting biological specimens having a container and a detachable handle. The handle allows a person to position the container so that contact between the person and sample is minimized or avoided. The handle includes a hoop into which the container slides from the container&#39;s lower end. The container is configured with projections on its outer surface that frictionally engage the hoop. Alternatively, the container can be configured with projections, a ring, or a lip over which the hoop is obliquely traversed to prevent the hoop from sliding downward on the outer surface of the container. The handle is constructed of a flexible material so that it may deform as needed when engaging the outer surface of the container.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to specimen gathering devices in the medical field to collect biological samples from patients, and in particular to an improved specimen container and handle. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Patients are often required to provide samples of urine or stool so that their treating physician can properly diagnose an illness. Also, employees are often required to produce urine samples for drug testing. Although in many situations the patient or employee is allowed to produce the sample in private, the main drawback is that they or a family member must hold the specimen container while the sample is obtained. Subsequently, the hand of the person holding the container often is soiled while obtaining the specimen. 
     Other specimen gathering devices as well as handles for holding conventional specimen cups have been proposed so that the hand of the person holding the container is farther away from the container. While reducing the problem of hand soiling, these devices have other problems. Some of the previous proposals are so complicated that they are not easy to assemble, while others are too difficult for the elderly to assemble on their own. Other devices appear to be too expensive to manufacture in mass quantities for disposal after a single use or the devices are bulky and difficult to package. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A device for collecting a specimen from a patient has a container for holding the specimen as it is deposited and a handle having a hoop for holding the container. The container has a downward facing shoulder for engagement by the hoop, the handle being located near the upper portion of the container. The container rests inside of the hoop with the shoulder in contact with the upper edge of the hoop to prevent the container from sliding through the hoop. The hoop is retained in position on the container by at least one protrusion located around the circumference of the container below the shoulder. 
     The protrusions are large enough so that the circumference around the radially outermost portions of the protrusions has an effective diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the hoop of the handle. The protrusions force the hoop to deform as it passes over the protrusions to engage the shoulder. The protrusions can be a series of intermittently spaced objects around the circumference of the container, or a continuous ring that surrounds the container. The protrusions can be adapted so that the lower portion of the protrusion is smaller in diameter to allow the hoop to slide over the protrusions more easily. 
     The protrusions can be located so that they are in contact with the inner surface of the hoop when the hoop engages with the shoulder. In this location, the protrusions form an interference fit with the inside of the hoop and frictionally keep the hoop from sliding down the container. The protrusions can also be located so that they are below the hoop when the hoop engages the shoulder. In this arrangement, the protrusions are a physical barrier to downward movement of the hoop relative to the container. 
     The handle and all of the containers are easily mass manufactured so the cost associated with each specimen collector is low. The handles are easily attached to the containers so they are capable of being used by children and the elderly. The handles provide a distance between the cup and the hand to prevent soiling the hand of the person holding the specimen collector while the specimen is deposited. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container and handle of a specimen collecting device constructed in accordance with this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of one embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 5 , taken along the line  6 — 6  of FIG.  5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 12  is an elevational view of another embodiment of a portion of the container shown in FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 13  is an perspective view of the assembly of the specimen collector shown in  FIG. 12 , and showing the handle being installed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a container  11  is shown with a handle  13  attached to container  11 . Container  11  is a collection cup for specimen samples. Container  11  is for collecting urine, stool, or other specimens for the diagnosis of a patient by a treating physician and for collecting urine for drug testing. In the preferred embodiment, container  11  is formed of a suitable plastic such as polypropylene. Container  11  is substantially cylindrical, having inclined sides making the lower portion of container  11  smaller in diameter than the upper portion. Container  11  has a bottom side enclosing the lower portion of container  11 . The top side of container  11  is open for receiving a specimen. 
     Handle  13  is an elongated member with an integrally formed hoop  15  on one end to slide over the outer surface of container  11  from the lower portion towards the upper portion of container  11 . A gripping region  17  is located on the end of handle  13  opposite hoop  15 . Handle  13  is a plastic material strong enough for a person holding gripping region  17  to support container  11  after the specimen is deposited in container  11 . Preferably, handle  13  is formed of polystyrene although other materials are suitable. Handle  13  is fairly rigid. Hoop  15  may be deformed, but does not readily stretch in diameter in the preferred embodiment so as to provide adequate stability. 
     Threads  19  are located on the outer surface of the upper portion of container  11  for receiving a conventional lid (not shown) having internal threads. Container  11  is closed and sealed to prevent loss of the specimen when threads  19  receive the lid (not shown). Referring to  FIG. 2 , a downward facing annular shoulder  21  is located on the outer surface of the upper portion of container  11  for receiving the top surface of hoop  15  (shown in FIG.  1 ). Shoulder  21  is below threads  19 . The outer diameter of shoulder  21  is larger than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ), and the top surface of hoop  15  engages shoulder  21 . Shoulder  21  is a physical barrier to hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) sliding up the outer surface of container  11  to the threads  19 . Shoulder  21  prevents container  11  from sliding through hoop  15  when someone holding gripping region  17  supports container  11 . An annular engagement zone  23  is defined by the portion of container  11  below shoulder  21 . Engagement zone  23  is surrounded by hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) when hoop  15  engages shoulder  21 . Engagement zone  23  has a vertical dimension or thickness that is slightly more than the thickness of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). In this embodiment, the outer diameter of engagement zone  23  is slightly less than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a set of ribs  25  are located in engagement zone  23  around the circumference of container  11  below shoulder  21 . Ribs  25  are preferably evenly spaced around the circumference of engagement zone  23 . Also, preferably the circumferential space between each rib  25  and another rib  25  is much greater than the circumferential thickness of each rib  25 . The outer surface of each rib  25  is a small segment of a cylinder that defines an effective diameter. Ribs  25  are oriented axially along the axis of container  11  so that ribs  25  extend from shoulder  21  towards the lower portion of container  11 , preferably terminating at the lower edge of engagement zone  23 . 
     The outer diameter extending around the circumference of the portion of container  11  at the exterior surface of ribs  25  defines an effective diameter that is less than the outer diameter of shoulder  21  and slightly greater than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). In the preferred embodiment, the effective diameter of ribs  25  is substantially the same around the upper and lower portions of ribs  25 . The material of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is flexible enough for hoop  15  to deform as hoop  15  is pulled upward over ribs  25 . Once installed, the inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is in contact with the outer surface of ribs  25  when hoop  15  engages shoulder  21 . Ribs  25  form an interference fit with the inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) when hoop engages shoulder  21 , the frictional engagement preventing container  11  from rotating inside of hoop  15 . Although hoop  15  does not readily stretch when installed, it does tend to flatten between ribs  25  so as to be able to locate over the larger effective diameter of ribs  25 . 
     In operation a patient or operator orients handle  13  ( FIG. 1 ) relative to container  11  so hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is surrounding the lower portion of container  11 . The patient moves handle  13  and slides hoop  15  along the inclined sides of container  11  towards the upper portion of container  11 . The patient slides hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) substantially perpendicular to the long axis of container  11  over ribs  25  until the upper edge of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) engages shoulder  21 . 
     After the patient deposits the specimen in container  11 , the patient or a medical technician can disassemble the specimen collecting device. Preferably a lid (not shown) is first installed. To disassemble the device, the patient tilts handle  13  ( FIG. 1 ) to cause hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) to disengage from ribs  25  and shoulder  21 . The patient or technician then slides hoop  15  down the inclined sides of container  11  until hoop  15  clears the lower portion and no longer surrounds container  11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a second embodiment of container  11  is shown having a set of axially oriented tapered ribs  29  in engagement zone  23 . Like ribs  25 , ribs  29  are spaced around the circumference of container  11 . Ribs  29  also have an effective diameter defined around the circumference of the radially outermost portions of ribs  29  that is less than the outer diameter of shoulder  21  and greater than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , ribs  29  have lower portions with inclined faces  33  angling inward from an axially middle portion of ribs  29  to the axially lowermost portion of ribs  29 . The effective diameter around inclined faces  33  of ribs  29  is substantially the same or slightly less than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). The effective diameter around the portion of ribs  29  above inclined faces  33  is larger than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). The effective diameter around inclined faces  33  allows hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) to more slide over the lowermost portions of ribs  29  more easily than in the first embodiment. 
     Like the first embodiment, hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) deforms as hoop  15  engages the portion of ribs  29  above inclined faces  33  because effective diameter is larger than the inner diameter of hoop  15 . The inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is in frictional contact with the outer surface of the portion of ribs  29  above inclined faces  33  when hoop  15  engages shoulder  21 . Ribs  29  form an interference fit with the inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) when hoop  15  engages shoulder  21 , preventing container  11  from sliding too easily from hoop  15 . Once installed, the lower edge of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is above inclined faces  33 . 
     In operation, the patient attaches handle  13  ( FIG. 1 ) relative to container  11  so hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is surrounding the lower portion of container  11 . The patient moves handle  13  ( FIG. 1 ) and slides hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) along the inclined sides of container  11  towards the upper portion of container  11 . The patient slides hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) substantially perpendicular to the long axis of container  11 , first over inclined faces  33  then over ribs  29  until the lower edge of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is above inclined faces  33 . Inclined faces  33  allow the inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) to slide over the lower portions of ribs  29  more easily than the inner surface can slide over the lower portions of ribs  25  in the embodiment shown in FIG.  2 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a set of protuberances or bosses  35  are located around the outer surface of container  11  in engagement zone  23  below shoulder  21 . Bosses  35  are substantially hemispherical in shape and define an effective diameter around the radially outermost portions of bosses  35 . Bosses  35  are evenly spaced apart from each other. The spaces between bosses  35  are much greater than the diameter of each bosses  35 . The effective diameter around the radially outermost portions of bosses  35  is larger than the inner diameter of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) causing hoop  15  to deform as hoop  15  engages bosses  35 . The inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is in contact with the radially outermost surface of bosses  35  when hoop  15  engages shoulder  21 . Bosses  35  form an interference fit with the inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) when hoop engages shoulder  21 , preventing container  11  from sliding out of hoop  15 . 
     In operation, the patient attaches handle  13  to container  11  in the same manner as the embodiment shown in FIG.  3 . The lower portions of hemispherically shaped bosses  35  allow the inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) to slide over the lower portions of bosses  35  more easily than the inner surface of hoop  15  can slide over the lower portions of ribs  25  in the embodiment shown in FIG.  2 . Instead of single bosses  35 , two or more bosses could be located at each location, one above the other and perpendicular to the long axis of container  11 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , engagement zone  23  comprises a polygonal engagement zone  43  that extends around the outer surface of container  11  below shoulder  21 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the cross-section of engagement zone  43  is substantially an octagon in shape. A series of points or comers  45  are defined by the intersections of each side of polygonally shaped engagement zone  43 . The effective diameter is defined for the circumference extending around points  45  of engagement zone  43 . The effective diameter is larger than the diameter of container  11  below engagement zone  43  and smaller than the diameter of shoulder  21 . Engagement zone  43  can be other polygonal shapes such as hexagons, heptagons, nonagons, decagons, or the like so long as the effective diameter remains larger than the diameter of the portion of container  11  below engagement zone  43 , and smaller than the diameter of shoulder  21 . 
     The effective diameter around points  45  is larger than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). Hoop  15  deforms as hoop  15  engages polygonal engagement zone  43 . The inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is in frictional contact with points  45  when hoop  15  engages shoulder  21 . Points  45  of polygonal engagement zone  43  form an interference fit with the inner surface of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ), preventing container  11  from slipping. In operation, the patient attaches handle  13  to container  11  for this embodiment in the same manner as described for the embodiment in FIG.  2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment is shown having a set of ribs  49  located in engagement zone  23 . Ribs  49  are similar to ribs  25  ( FIG. 2 ) but are semi-cylindrical. Ribs  49  are evenly spaced apart and define an effective diameter of the circumference around the outermost portions of ribs  49 . 
     A rounded surface  53  is preferably located on the axially lowermost portion of ribs  49 . Rounded surfaces  53  have an effective diameter less than the effective diameter for the upper portion of ribs  49 . The effective diameter of rounded surfaces  53  is substantially the same or less than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). In operation, the patient attaches handle  13  ( FIG. 1 ) to container  11  in the same manner as described for the embodiment in FIG.  3 . Rounded surfaces  53  allow the inner surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) to slide over ribs  49  more easily. Once installed, the lower side of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) will be above rounded surfaces  53 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a polygonal engagement zone  55  is located in engagement zone  23 . Polygonal engagement zone  55  is similar to engagement zone  43  (FIG.  6 ), having a set of points  57  at the interfaces of each of the sides of polygonal engagement zone  55 . Points  57  define an effective diameter of the circumference around points  57 . Engagement zone  55  differs from engagement zone  43  in that the lower portion has a rounded surface  61 . 
     Rounded surface  61  has an effective diameter less than the effective diameter for the upper portion of points  57 . Rounded surface  61  has effective diameter substantially the same or less than the inner diameter of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) thereby allowing hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) to slide over the lower portion of points  57  more easily. In operation, the patient attaches handle  13  ( FIG. 1 ) to container  11  for this embodiment in the same manner as described for the embodiment of FIG.  3 . Once installed, the lower surface of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is above rounded surface  61 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , different shaped protrusions are spaced around the circumference of container  11  below engagement zone  23 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the protrusions are substantially half-cylinders  65  evenly spaced around the circumference of container  11  at the lower edge of engagement zone  23 . The long axes of half-cylinders  65  are substantially parallel to engagement zone  23  and shoulder  21 . Half-cylinders  65  define an effective diameter around the outermost portions of half-cylinders  65  that is greater than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , a series of protruding hemispherical bosses  69  are evenly spaced around the circumference of container  11  at the lower edge of engagement zone  23 . Bosses  69  define an effective diameter around the outermost portions of bosses  69  that is greater than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , a barrier ring  73  extends continuously around the circumference of container  11  at the lower edge of engagement zone  23 . The outer diameter of ring  73  is greater than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). 
     The effective diameters for protrusions  65 ,  69 , and  73  are larger than the outer diameter of engagement zone  23  and the inner diameter of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) for their respective embodiments. In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , a portion of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) slides over half-cylinders  65 , bosses  69 , or ring  73 , then handle  13  ( FIG. 1 ) is rotated upward. Hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) deforms as it slides over protrusions  65 ,  69 , and  73 . Once installed hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is located over engagement zone  23  below shoulder  21  and above protrusions  65 ,  69 , or  73 . The inner diameter of hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) is greater than the outer diameter of engagement zone  23 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the sidewall portion of container  11  at the lower edge of engagement zone  23  forms a physical barrier to downward movement of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). The outer diameter of the sidewall portion and engagement zone  23  define a lip  77  at the lower edge of engagement zone  23 . The diameter of lip  77  is larger than the diameter of engagement zone  23  and larger than the inner diameter of hoop  15  (FIG.  1 ). Lip  77 , like protrusions  65 ,  69 , and  73  (FIG.  9 - 11 ), prevents hoop  15  ( FIG. 1 ) from sliding downward relative to container  11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , to install hoop  15 , the patient moves handle  13  along the exterior surface of container  11  as shown by movement A. The patient then places a portion of hoop  15  above lip  77  with handle  13  inclined as shown in FIG.  13 . The user then rotates handle  13  upward as represented with movement B of FIG.  13 . Hoop  15  is removed from engagement zone  23  by rotating handle  13  in the opposite direction of movement B. Lip  77  holds hoop  15  in engagement with shoulder  21 , which makes collection of specimen an easier task for the patient. 
     The containers and handles in the embodiments described above are easy to manufacture in mass quantities. The handles do not need to vary depending upon the different embodiments that are chosen. The handle is easily positioned and removed from all of the different embodiments of the containers described above, which allows children or the elderly to assemble the collection device by themselves and in privacy. Thus container and cup reduce the chances for soiling one&#39;s hands. 
     Further, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, changes and substitutions may be made to the invention in the foregoing disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in the manner consisting with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.