Abstract:
Collection containers for urine and other liquid samples are described. The collection containers include a handle attachment which allows a handle to be attached. Use of the handle reduces the likelihood that patients will soil their hands while providing urine and other samples into the collection container. In addition, the handle attachment allows a portion of the sample to be transferred through it and into a handle that also acts as a test container. The collection containers are also biodegradable and reduce the amount of waste generated.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/261,512, filed Nov. 16, 2009. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/505,770, filed Aug. 16, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/191,300, filed Jul. 28, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The collection of urine and other samples for testing is typically performed by giving a patient a plastic cup in which to urinate or provide a sample. However, patients often inadvertently soil their hands when attempting to urinate or provide a sample into a cup. Female patients can find it especially challenging to maneuver a cup into position and keep it in place in a dignified fashion to provide a urine sample without soiling their hands. 
         [0003]    After the patient has provided a urine or other sample, a portion of the sample is typically transferred into other containers such as a test tube for laboratory work. This can be a very tedious process with large numbers of samples for analysis in the lab. This presents the opportunity for the sample to spill or splash, or otherwise create exposure to a potentially hazardous sample. 
         [0004]    The plastic cups typically used for urine collection are single-use and not biodegradable. This generates a substantial amount of waste. They also cannot be stacked inside one another because this would contaminate the interiors of the cups. Consequently, the plastic cups take up substantial space for storage and transport. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a collection cup which will make urine collection a more dignified procedure, by facilitating urinating or providing a sample into the cup. What is also needed is a collection cup which will reduce the likelihood that a patient will soil their hands while urinating or providing a sample into the cup. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a collection cup which will facilitate transferring the sample into other containers for laboratory work. What is also needed is a collection cup which will reduce the chances for the sample to spill or splash while transferring the sample to other containers. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a collection cup which will reduce the amount of waste generated and reduce the costs of disposal. What is also needed is a collection cup which takes up less space for storage and transport. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    A collection container comprises a receptacle for collecting a liquid sample. The receptacle includes an open top. The collection container also comprises a handle extension including a proximal end and a distal end. The handle extension includes a first lumen. The collection container also comprises a fitting coupled to the proximal end of the handle extension. The fitting is capable of being coupled to a mating device. The collection container also comprises a middle section having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the middle section is coupled to the distal end of the handle extension. The middle section includes a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen. The collection container also comprises an attachment plate coupled to middle section and to the receptacle. The collection container also comprises an aspiration tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the aspiration tube is coupled to the distal end of the middle section. The aspiration tube has a third lumen in fluid communication with the second lumen and with an interior of the receptacle. The distal end of the aspiration tube reaches at least near a bottom of the receptacle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIGS. 1A-1D  show one embodiment of a collection container  100 . 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2A-2C ,  3 A- 3 C, and  4 A- 4 C show one embodiment of receptacle  110 . 
           [0011]      FIGS. 5A-5H  show one embodiment of a method for making receptacle  110 . 
           [0012]      FIGS. 6A-6B  show another embodiment of a collection container  200 . 
           [0013]      FIGS. 7A-7B  show one embodiment of a handle attachment  320  for use with a receptacle  310 . 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7C-7D  show handle attachment  320  in use with a urine collection cup  410 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]      FIGS. 1A-1D  show one embodiment of a collection container  100 .  FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of collection container  100 .  FIG. 1B  shows a side view of collection container  100 .  FIG. 1C  shows a cutaway view of collection container  100 .  FIG. 1D  shows a magnified view of handle attachment  120 . 
         [0016]    Collection container  100  includes a receptacle  110 , a handle attachment  120 , and a handle  170 . 
         [0017]    Receptacle  110  is used for collecting urine, blood, saliva, or other liquid samples. Receptacle  110  has an open top, and may be square in shape. Alternatively, receptacle  110  may be cylindrical, rectangular, or any other suitable shape. Receptacle  110  may be made of a recyclable or biodegradable material such as paper. Receptacle  110  may be collapsible for storage and transport. Receptacle  110  may include a port  111 . Port  111  may be formed in a side of receptacle  110 . Alternatively, port  111  may be formed in a bottom or any other suitable location of receptacle  110 . 
         [0018]    Handle attachment  120  includes a handle extension  130 , a middle section  140 , an attachment plate  150 , and an aspiration tube  160 . 
         [0019]    Handle extension  130  includes a proximal end  132  and a distal end  134 . Handle extension  130  includes a lumen  135 . Handle extension  130  may be made of a substantially rigid material such as plastic or other suitable material. A fitting  133  is coupled to proximal end  132  of handle extension  130 . Fitting  133  may be a luer-lock connector or any other suitable connector. Fitting  133  is capable of being coupled to a mating fitting on a mating device such as handle  170 . Fitting  133  may be a female luer connector which is capable of being coupled to a male luer connector on a mating device. Handle extension  130  and handle  170  may extend from receptacle  110  at an upward or ergonomic angle, which improves accessibility and allows the patient to maneuver and position receptacle  110 , and maintain receptacle  110  in a substantially horizontal position during the collection of liquid samples. 
         [0020]    Middle section  140  includes a proximal end  142  and a distal end  144 . Proximal end  142  of middle section  140  is coupled to distal end  134  of handle extension  130 . Middle section  140  includes a lumen  145  in fluid communication with lumen  135  of handle extension  130 . Middle section  140  may be made of a substantially rigid material such as plastic or other suitable material. 
         [0021]    Middle section  140  includes an attachment plate  150  which allows middle section  140  to be coupled to receptacle  110 . Attachment plate  150  may be coupled to receptacle  110  with a double-sided tape  156 . Alternatively, attachment plate  150  may be coupled to receptacle  110  with an adhesive, tape, staple, rivet, or any other suitable method or device which will not contaminate or react with a liquid sample in receptacle  110 . Attachment plate  150  may be flat, curved, or otherwise configured to substantially follow the contour or shape of receptacle  110 . 
         [0022]    Aspiration tube  160  includes a proximal end  162  and a distal end  164 . Proximal end  162  of aspiration tube  160  is coupled to distal end  144  of middle section  140 . Aspiration tube  160  includes a lumen  165  in fluid communication with lumen  145  of middle section  140 . Aspiration tube  160  may be made of a flexible material such as plastic or other suitable material. Aspiration tube  160  may be of sufficient length to reach the bottom or near the bottom of receptacle  110 . Aspiration tube  160  may thus be able to reach most or all of a liquid sample in receptacle  110 , even when the sample volume is very low. 
         [0023]    Attachment plate  150  may be coupled to a side of receptacle  110 . Alternatively, attachment plate  150  may be coupled to a bottom or any other suitable location of receptacle  110 . Attachment plate  150  may be coupled to an inside of receptacle  110 , and handle extension  130  may pass through port  111 . Alternatively, attachment plate  150  may be coupled to an outside of receptacle  110 , and aspiration tube  160  may pass through port  111 . 
         [0024]    Handle  170  may serve as a transporting and dispensing device, such as the handles described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0039833, which is incorporated by reference. A portion of a liquid sample in receptacle  110  may be transferred to handle  170  by creating a vacuum within handle  170  and drawing the liquid sample through lumens  165 ,  145 , and  135  and into handle  170 . After a portion of the liquid sample has been transferred, handle  170  may be uncoupled from handle extension  130 . Alternatively, handle  170  may be an elongate member made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable material such as cardboard or paper. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2A-2C ,  3 A- 3 C, and  4 A- 4 C show one embodiment of receptacle  110 .  FIGS. 2A-2C  show perspective views of receptacle  110  in a collapsed, intermediate and expanded configurations.  FIGS. 3A-3C  show top views of receptacle  110  in a collapsed, intermediate, and expanded configurations.  FIGS. 4A-4C  show side views of receptacle  110  in a collapsed, intermediate, and expanded configurations. 
         [0026]    Receptacle  110  has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, receptacle  110  may be stored, packaged, and/or transported. The collapsed configuration also helps to keep the inside of receptacle  110  clean or sterile until ready for use. In the expanded configuration, receptacle  110  may receive a liquid sample. Receptacle  110  may include tabs  113 . Tabs  113  facilitate the expansion of receptacle  110  from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. Tabs  113  may be formed as part of receptacle  110 . Alternatively, tabs  113  may be formed separately and coupled to receptacle  110 . Tab covers  117  may cover the inside of tabs  113  to help keep the inside of receptacle  110  clean. Tab covers  117  may be peel-off sheets that stick on the inside of tabs  113  or sleeves that fit over tabs  113 . Tab covers  117  may be removed after use. 
         [0027]    To expand receptacle  110  from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, tabs  113  may be grasped and the pointed bottom of receptacle  110  brought into contact with a substantially flat surface such as a table, sink, leg, or other suitable surface. Next, tabs  113  may be used to push the bottom of receptacle  110  against the substantially flat surface, which forces the walls of receptacle  110  outwards into the expanded configuration. A uniform, progressive force may be used to “flip” the walls of receptacle  110  outwards. 
         [0028]    Receptacle  110  may be made of a single sheet of paper, cardboard, or other disposable and/or biodegradable material. Receptacle  110  may be coated or treated so that is resistant or impervious to liquid samples. For example, receptacle  110  may be coated with a wax or bonded to a plastic layer. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 5A-5H  show one embodiment of a method for making receptacle  110 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 5A-5B  show a single sheet  114  of sufficiently thick paper or cardboard. A square sheet  114  may be used, with protruding tabs  113 . Alternatively, a rectangular, circular, irregular, or any other suitable shape may be used. Sheet  114  includes a bottom, two pairs of opposing walls, and four corners. Sheet  114  may have folds  115  as indicated by the dotted lines. Alternatively, sheet  114  may be scored as indicated by the dotted lines. A first pair of folds  115 - 1  divides sheet  114  into thirds along its vertical axis. A second pair of folds  115 - 2  divides the sheet  114  into thirds along its horizontal axis. A third pair of folds  115 - 3  divides sheet  114  into halves along both diagonal axes. A fourth fold  115 - 4  divides sheet  114  into halves along its vertical axis. Folds  115  may be positioned to create receptacle  110  with taller sides, a wider bottom, or other desired dimensions. Tabs  113  may be located along the edge of sheet  114 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 5C  shows the left and right thirds of sheet  114  folded up along the first pair of folds  115 - 1  to create the first pair of opposing walls. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5D  shows the top and bottom thirds of the square piece folded up along the second pair of folds  115 - 2  to create the second pair of opposing walls. Also, the four corners of sheet  114  are folded along the third pair of folds  115 - 3  into triangular shapes. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5E  shows the first two corners folded in and affixed to the walls.  FIG. 5F  shows the second two corners folded in and affixed to first two corners and/or the walls. The corners may be affixed with an adhesive, tape, staples, rivets, or any other suitable method or device. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5G  shows two opposing corners and the bottom being folded along the fourth fold  115 - 4  to collapse receptacle  110 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5H  shows a sleeve  116  placed around receptacle  110  to maintain receptacle  110  in the collapsed configuration. Tab covers  117  may also be attached to tabs  113 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 6A-6B  show another embodiment of a collection container  200 .  FIG. 6A  shows an unassembled view of collection container  200 .  FIG. 6B  shows an assembled view of collection container  200 . 
         [0037]    Collection container  200  includes a receptacle  210 , a handle attachment  220 , and a handle  270 . 
         [0038]    Receptacle  210  is used for collecting urine, blood, saliva, or other liquid samples. Receptacle  210  has an open top, and may be cylindrical, rectangular, or any other suitable shape. Receptacle  210  may be made of a recyclable or biodegradable material. Receptacle  210  may be a commercially available paper or foam cup. Receptacle  210  may include a port  211 . Port  211  may be formed in a side of receptacle  210 . Alternatively, port  211  may be formed in a bottom or any other suitable location of receptacle  210 . Receptacle  210  may include a removable seal  212  which keeps port  211  clean until ready for use. 
         [0039]    Handle attachment  220  includes a handle extension  230 , an attachment plate  250 , and an aspiration tube  260 . 
         [0040]    Handle extension  230  includes a proximal end  232  and a distal end  234 . Handle extension  230  includes a lumen  235 . Handle extension  230  may be made of a substantially rigid material such as plastic or other suitable material. A fitting  233  is coupled to proximal end  232  of handle extension  230 . Fitting  233  may be a luer-lock connector or any other suitable connector. Fitting  233  is capable of being coupled to a mating fitting on a mating device such as handle  270 . Fitting  233  may be a female luer connector which is capable of being coupled to a male luer connector on a mating device. When coupled to receptacle  210 , handle extension  230  and handle  270  may extend from receptacle  210  at an upward or ergonomic angle, which improves accessibility and allows the patient to maneuver and position receptacle  210 , and maintain receptacle  210  in a substantially horizontal position during the collection of liquid samples 
         [0041]    Attachment plate  250  includes a proximal side  252  and a distal side  254 . Proximal side  252  of attachment plate  250  is coupled to distal end  234  of handle extension  230 . Attachment plate  250  includes an opening  255  in fluid communication with lumen  235  of handle extension  230 . Attachment plate  250  may be made of a substantially rigid material such as plastic or other suitable material. Attachment plate  250  may be flat, curved, or otherwise configured to substantially follow the contour or shape of receptacle  210 . Alternatively, attachment plate  250  may be made of a flexible material which allows attachment plate  250  to conform to the contour or shape of receptacle  210 . Attachment plate  250  and handle extension  230  may be injection-molded as a single piece. Attachment plate  250  may include a double-sided tape  256 . Alternatively, attachment plate  250  may be include an adhesive or any other suitable device which will not contaminate or react with a liquid sample in receptacle  210 . When ready for use, attachment plate  250  is coupled to receptacle  210 . 
         [0042]    Aspiration tube  260  includes a proximal end  262  and a distal end  264 . Proximal end  262  of aspiration tube  260  is coupled to distal side  254  of attachment plate  250 . Aspiration tube  260  includes a lumen  265  in fluid communication with opening  255  of attachment plate  250 . Aspiration tube  260  may be made of a flexible material such as polymer, plastic, or other suitable inert material. Aspiration tube  260  may be of sufficient length to reach the bottom or near the bottom of receptacle  210 . Aspiration tube  260  may thus be able to reach most or all of a liquid sample in receptacle  210 , even when the sample volume is very low. Aspiration tube  260  may include a sleeve  261  which covers and keeps aspiration tube  260  clean or sterile until handle attachment  220  is coupled to receptacle  210 . 
         [0043]    Attachment plate  250  may be coupled to a side of receptacle  210 . Alternatively, attachment plate  250  may be coupled to a bottom or any other suitable location of receptacle  210 . Receptacle  210  may have a pre-marked area which aids in the positioning of attachment plate  250 . Attachment plate  250  may be coupled to an outside of receptacle  210 , and aspiration tube  260  may pass through port  211 . Alternatively, attachment plate  250  may be coupled to an inside of receptacle  210 , and handle extension  230  may pass through port  211 . Attachment plate  250  may serve to seal port  211  and prevent the liquid sample from escaping through port  211 . 
         [0044]    Handle  270  may serve as a transporting and dispensing device, such as the handles described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0039833, which is incorporated by reference. A portion of a liquid sample in receptacle  210  may be transferred to handle  270  by creating a vacuum within handle  270  and drawing the liquid sample through lumen  265 , opening  255 , and lumen  235  and into handle  270 . After a portion of the liquid sample has been transferred, handle  270  may be uncoupled from handle extension  230 . Alternatively, handle  270  may be an elongate member made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable material such as cardboard or paper. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 7A-7B  show one embodiment of a handle attachment  320  and handle  370  for use with a receptacle  310 .  FIG. 7A  shows an unassembled view of handle attachment  320 , handle  370 , and receptacle  310 .  FIG. 7B  shows an assembled view of handle attachment  320 , handle  370 , and receptacle  310 . 
         [0046]    Collection container  300  includes a receptacle  310 , a handle attachment  320 , and a handle  370 . 
         [0047]    Receptacle  310  is used for collecting urine, blood, saliva, or other liquid samples. Receptacle  310  has an open top, and may be cylindrical, rectangular, or any other suitable shape. Receptacle  310  may be made of a recyclable or biodegradable material. Receptacle  310  may be a commercially available paper or foam cup. 
         [0048]    Handle attachment  320  includes a handle extension  330  and an attachment plate  350 . 
         [0049]    Handle extension  330  includes a proximal end  332  and a distal end  334 . Handle extension  330  may be made of a substantially rigid material such as plastic or other suitable material. A fitting  333  is coupled to proximal end  332  of handle extension  330 . Fitting  333  may be a luer-lock connector or any other suitable connector. Fitting  333  is capable of being coupled to a mating fitting on a mating device such as a handle  370 . Fitting  333  may be a female luer connector which is capable of being coupled to a male luer connector on a mating device. When coupled to receptacle  310 , handle extension  330  and handle  370  may extend from receptacle  310  at an upward or ergonomic angle, which improves accessibility and allows the patient to maneuver and position receptacle  110 , and maintain receptacle  110  in a substantially horizontal position during the collection of liquid samples 
         [0050]    Attachment plate  350  includes a proximal side  352  and a distal side  354 . Proximal side  352  of attachment plate  350  is coupled to distal end  334  of handle extension  330 . Attachment plate  350  may be made of a substantially rigid material such as plastic or other suitable material. Attachment plate  350  may be flat, curved, or otherwise configured to substantially follow the contour or shape of receptacle  310 . Alternatively, attachment plate  350  may be made of a flexible material which allows attachment plate  350  to conform to the contour or shape of receptacle  310 . Attachment plate  350  and handle extension  330  may be injection-molded as a single piece. Attachment plate  350  may include a double-sided tape  356  on distal side  354 . Alternatively, attachment plate  350  may include an adhesive or any other device. When ready for use, attachment plate  350  is coupled to receptacle  310 . 
         [0051]    Attachment plate  350  may be coupled to a side of receptacle  310 . Alternatively, attachment plate  350  may be coupled to a bottom or any other suitable location of receptacle  310 . Receptacle  310  may have a pre-marked area which assists in the positioning of attachment plate  350 . 
         [0052]    Handle  370  may be an elongate member made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable material such as cardboard or paper. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 7C-7D  show handle attachment  320  in use with a urine collection cup  410 .  FIG. 7C  shows an exploded view of handle attachment  320  in use with a urine collection cup  410 .  FIG. 7D  shows an assembled view of handle attachment  320  in use with a urine collection cup  410 . 
         [0054]    While the foregoing has been with reference to particular embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes in these embodiments may be made without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention. 
         [0055]    All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.