Abstract:
A receiver for urine whether for taking sample or disposing thereof, includes an open-topped of saddle shape which approximates the configuration of thighs, labia or other convenient zone.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a receiver for urine samples and also to a female urination receiver. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Urine is an important diagnostic tool for measuring health and well-being of patients. The clinical information obtained from a urine specimen is influenced by the collection method, timing and handling. 
         [0003]    A midstream clean catch Specimen is the preferred type of specimen for culture and sensitivity testing because of the reduced incidence of cellular and microbial contamination. 
         [0004]    However, despite the importance of urine samples, their method of collection is very seldom conducted within the required protocols of hygiene and sterility. 
         [0005]    In fact, urine samples are generally obtained by direct urination into a sample bottle or via a jug or the like into such a bottle with neither the jug nor the sample bottle being stored under sterile conditions. The collection of the sample may be accompanied by spillage or overflow and is generally unhygienic. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, urine samples obtained in this way generally include the initial flow of excreted urine, which may not be as representative a sample as a sample from the middle of an excretion. The initial sample may include bacteria or other microorganisms that are not actually present in the urine. It is preferable to obtain a mid-stream urine flow for the purposes of obtaining more precise results. 
         [0007]    Due to the above identified problems, even the simple dipstick tests conducted in a Doctors Surgery room can yield unreliable results. 
         [0008]    In addition to the above, there is also a need for a urinating receiver that conforms to the shape of the female anatomy, and that can be used in a variety of instances, where access to a lavatory is limited. For example, during a long motorcar trip or even on a walking trip, or for Post-operative conditions as well as incontinence which provide serious difficulties for female sufferers. 
         [0009]    It is an object of this invention to provide a urine receiver that, at least partially, alleviates some of the above mentioned problems. 
       DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to the invention a urine receiver essentially for females is provided which includes an open top of saddle shape which at least approximates the configuration of the inside of the thighs, labia, or other convenient zone. 
         [0011]    The receiver may be provided with a handle such as a jug handle as well as a spout for easy disposing of the contents. 
         [0012]    The receiver may also have a closable outlet located in the base for discharge of the contents, or for collecting samples of urine. 
         [0013]    The outlet closure may include a retractable plug. 
         [0014]    A sample container may be attachable to the outlet for collecting the urine sample. 
         [0015]    The sample container and the outlet may comprise a bayonet joint so that the sample container may be easily connected and disconnected from the receiver. 
         [0016]    The bayonet joint is comprised of one or more protrusions located about the outer circumference of the lower end of the receiver, on one hand, and a channel formed proximal to the upper end of the sample container. The channel may further include one or more transverse grooves, preferably two transverse grooves. The protrusions accordingly engage not only the channel itself but also the transverse grooves, thereby ensuring that the sample container not only remains connected to the receiver, but also ensuring that the sample container is not rotated past a specific point, engagement with the grooves providing a positive indication of required steps in the attachment of the sample container to the receiver. 
         [0017]    Connection of the sample container to the outlet of the receiver may cause the plug to be retracted into an open position, allowing the urine to drain into the sample container. 
         [0018]    The sample container may be a special purpose sterile container, sealed by a membrane that is pierced on connection of the container to the receiver. Alternatively, and in another embodiment of the invention the sample container may be a standard, non sterile sample bottle. The sample container may additionally include a lid for sealing the container once the sample has been obtained. 
         [0019]    The sample container may be fully inserted from the bottom of the receiver. Once inserted, the membrane will be pierced, and this may be identifiable by a positive clicking sound, which would be the protrusion of the receiver engaging the groove of the channel of the bayonet joint. This engagement may resist the sample container from being removed from the receiver without adequate force. At this point the protrusion of the receiver is engaged in the first groove in the channel of the bayonet joint. The sample container may then be rotated, causing the membrane to be cut approximately half way around the opening of the sample container. This may be again identifiable by a further positive clicking sound, being the protrusions of the receiver engaging a further groove in the channel of the bayonet joint. At this point the protrusion of the receiver is engaged in the second groove in the channel of the bayonet joint. This engagement may resist the further rotation of the sample container. The sample container may then be inserted further into the receiver and the membrane will be cut further. 
         [0020]    A sample can now be taken, and the sample container lies at the outlet of the receiver. Pressure applied to the sample container will allow for the sample container to be filled by the urine collected in the receiver. The sample container is pushed against the retractable plug and a spring is activated to allow for the plug to open and urine begins to fill into the sample container. When pressure is released, the spring will bias the retractable plug into the original closed position and urine will stop flowing from the receiver. 
         [0021]    The sample container may then be removed by twisting it in the opposite direction as to insertion. 
         [0022]    Alternatively, the sample container may be connected to the outlet by a threaded screw connection. 
         [0023]    The sample container includes a cross member which breaks the surface tension of the sample and this prevents any drops from being left behind once the sample container is removed from the receiver. 
         [0024]    In order to provide instant pH and other pertinent detection, the receiver may include a holder for litmus or other indicators, and a suitable spillage protector for the spout. 
         [0025]    The holder may include channels located along the interior wall of the receiver, alternatively the holder may include a separate insert receivable in the receiver. The insert may be shaped to additionally support a filter and/or sponge conforming in shape to the inside of the receiver, for absorbing the initial stream of urine and prevent unwanted ingress of microorganisms or other dirt. 
         [0026]    The sponge may be constructed of cellulose or other absorbable material. 
         [0027]    The insert may be located on a ledge extending around the interior of the receiver and may include a solid base sloping towards an aperture through which the urine not absorbed by the sponge, may flow. 
         [0028]    The walls of the receiver may be transparent to allow the indicator strip to be viewed without removing it from the receiver. 
         [0029]    A replaceable rim element adapted to fit the rim and to form a seal with the zone during use, may also be provided. 
         [0030]    The rim element may be flexible as well as compressible so that it can seal well with a minimum of pressure being applied. 
         [0031]    This avoids, or at least minimises soiling of the user&#39;s hands, clothes and surrounding floor, furniture and the like. 
         [0032]    Where the receiver is to be used by various different users over a period of time, a new rim element may be provided for each new user, thus improving hygienic conditions. 
         [0033]    A support base may be provided, on which the receiver may be located when not in use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0035]      FIG. 1  is an isometric projection of the receiver including the lid and support base, 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the receiver located on the support base, 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the receiver according to the invention, 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view, 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the filter/sponge insert, 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a view of a sample bottle for use with the receiver, 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a further embodiment of the invention, 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a view of a second embodiment of the sample container, and 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a view of the cross member of the sample container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0044]    In the drawings, a receiver  10  includes a saddle-shaped opening  12  with a rim  14 . The receiver includes a pouring spout  20  and a handle  22 . 
         [0045]    A lid  16  is also provided to seal the receiver  10  and prevent spillage or contamination of the contents during the time lapse between providing the sample and testing of the sample. 
         [0046]    The receiver  10  is mounted on a support base  18  by a bayonet joint so that it is easily attached and removed when necessary. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an outlet  19  is located at the base of the receiver  10 , for draining the urine away. 
         [0048]    The outlet  19  includes a plug  24  biased in the closed position by a spring (not shown) and openable from the exterior of the receiver  10 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an insert  30  for supporting a filter pad and/or sponge (not shown) is removably located inside the receiver  10 , referring to  FIG. 5 , the insert includes a solid base  32 , that slopes towards an aperture  34 , through which the overflow urine (mid-stream urine) may flow, once the initial drops of urine have been absorbed by the sponge/filter (not shown). The insert additionally includes a channel shaped extension  36  for receiving an indicator strip, commonly referred to as a “dip stick” such as litmus. The insert includes a spillage protector  38  for covering the spout opening. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a sample container  40  is attachable to the receiver outlet  16  for collecting the urine sample. The container  40  and the outlet  19  comprise a bayonet joint indicated by reference  42  so that the sample container may be easily connected and disconnected to and from the receiver. 
         [0051]    The bayonet joint  42  comprises a channel  66  with various transverse grooves  68  located in the channel. The channel  66  typically includes two transverse grooves  68 . The transverse grooves  68  of the channel  66  engage protrusions  70  defined by the receiver  10 , thereby ensuring that the sample container  40  remains in a connected state to the receiver  10  and furthermore, ensuring that the sample container  40  is not rotated past a specific point. 
         [0052]    In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown) the sample container may be connected to the outlet by a threaded screw connection. 
         [0053]    Connection of the sample container  40  to the outlet  19  causes the plug  24  to be pushed up into an open position, allowing the urine to drain into the sample container  40 . 
         [0054]    In this embodiment of the invention, the sample container  40  is a special purpose sterile container, sealed by a membrane (not shown) that is pierced on connection of the container to the receiver  10 . The sample container additionally includes a rubber lid  44  for sealing the container once the sample has been obtained. 
         [0055]    Alternatively, and in another embodiment of the invention the sample container may be a standard, non sterile sample bottle. 
         [0056]    A rim element (not shown) that has the same shape as the rim and has a channel to engage the rim may be removably located on the rim  12 . The element includes a channel that fits over the rim  12  of the receiver. 
         [0057]    The element is both flexible and compressible so that an excellent seal is achieved in the zone of application, as described above, with minimum pressure having to be applied. In addition the degree of compression provides that the element seals with a large variety of configurations of the zone so that it can be used for a large number of different females. It may be necessary to provide a junior-size receiver. 
         [0058]    It will be appreciated that the receiver  10  of the invention may be also conveniently used by males, in which case the rim element is not necessary. 
         [0059]    In use, according to one embodiment of the invention, when a urine sample is required, a patient will be handed the sterilised receiver, into which the insert  30  containing new dipstick and cellulose sponge has been inserted. The outlet of the receiver will be in the closed position. 
         [0060]    The patient will void her/his bladder into the receiver  10 , and cover the receiver with the lid  16 . The full receiver will be handed to the doctor or nurse, who will be able to see the dipstick through the transparent wall of the receiver  10 . 
         [0061]    Should further testing be required by a laboratory, the doctor or nurse will attach a sample container  40  to the outlet  19  of the receiver, via the bayonet joint  42 , piecing the protective membrane on the sample container and opening the plug  24  in the process. In this manner, the urine drains into the sample container. Once the sample container  40  is full the container is removed from the receiver and the plug is biased back into its closed position by the outlet spring, preventing leakage of excess urine, which may be disposed of into a suitable receptacle when convenient. The sample container is sealed with the rubber stopper lid  44  and sent for further testing. 
         [0062]    In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and when in use, the sample container  40  is inserted from the bottom of the receiver  10 . Once inserted, the membrane (not shown) is pierced, and this may cause a positive clicking sound which is the protrusions  70  of the receiver  10  engaging the grooves  68  of the channel  70  of the bayonet joint  42 . The sample container  40  will then be twisted, which causes the membrane to be cut approximately half way around the opening of the sample container  40 . This causes a further positive clicking sound which is the protrusion  70  of the receiver  10  engaging a further groove  68  of the channel  66  of the bayonet joint  42 . The sample container  40  is then inserted further into the receiver  10  and the membrane will be cut further. At this stage there is a further positive clicking sound that is heard and felt. 
         [0063]    A sample is taken, and the sample container  40  lies at the outlet  19  of the receiver  10 . Pressure applied to the sample container  40  allows for the sample container  40  to be filled by the urine collected in the receiver  10 . The sample container  40  is pushed against the retractable plug  24  and a spring  60  is activated to allow for the plug  24  to open and urine begins to fill into the sample container  40 . When pressure is released, the spring  60  will bias the retractable plug  24  into the original closed position and urine will stop flowing from the receiver  10 . 
         [0064]    The sample container  40  is then removed by twisting it in the opposite direction as to insertion. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the sample container  40  comprises a cross member  62  which breaks the surface tension of the sample and this prevents any drops from being left behind once the sample container  40  is removed from the receiver  10 . 
         [0066]    Numerous other embodiments of the invention are possible, for example where the receiver is to be used purely for voiding the bladder in instances where a lavatory is not available, the receiver may be connected to a larger container.