Patent Publication Number: US-2017347994-A1

Title: Urine collection

Description:
This invention relates to urine collection and to a device capable of collecting urine. 
     In the field of medicine, for both adults and children there is a need to obtain urine samples from time to time, as samples of urine may be used to test for various medical conditions. Samples of urine may be required on a one-off basis or may be required on a regular basis, e.g. for monitoring a condition. 
     In general, to obtain good results from tests on urine samples, it is desirable that the sample is uncontaminated. Contamination may occur from contact of the urine with germs from another part of the body, e.g. the penis or vagina. Contamination may also occur from contact with germs or other contaminants in the urethra. 
     One current approach is to take a “mid-stream” sample. Thus the patient giving the urine sample should start to urinate but this initial part of the urine stream should not be directed into the sample tube. This initial part of the stream will contain any contaminants from the urethra. Shortly after the urine begins to flow, when the urethra will have been cleared of contaminants, the sample tube can be located in a position to begin capturing the urine. It will be used to collect a sample of about 25-50 ml (1-2 oz); this sample is generally known as the mid-stream sample. 
     However, such a procedure can be cumbersome, messy and unhygienic due to spills. It also requires that a judgement is made as to when to start collecting the mid-stream sample. 
     It is beneficial that the urine at the end of the stream is not used as part of the sample. 
     In practice this may be achieved by, after commencement of urination, locating a vessel in the urine stream, allowing a sample to be caught in the vessel and then removing the vessel from the urine stream. As will be appreciated, this is an inherently messy, cumbersome and unpleasant procedure. 
     The above may be termed as a ‘clean catch’ procedure. The initial portion of the urine stream flushes the urethra of contaminants (for example resident bacteria) which is why it is discarded. The terminal portion of the urine stream may carry with it other unwanted contaminants and so the ideal is to retain the middle portion of the urine stream for analysis. 
     As will be further appreciated, it is difficult for anybody to precisely determine when to locate and remove a vessel in and from a urine stream so as to effect a clean catch. Whilst it may be more possible for a user to effect a clean catch upon their own urine stream, it is inherently difficult to do so on a third party. 
     The problem is exacerbated when the individual to provide the sample is incapacitated or otherwise unable to communicate to the person taking the sample. Moreover, for infants, disabled or otherwise impaired, the taking of a clean catch sample requires a sampler to be present when urination starts because such individuals are not capable, or it may be difficult for them, to urinate on demand. For veterinary use similar problems exist insofar as urination on demand is not possible. 
     Therefore there is a need to provide a device which can take a urine sample which mitigates or at least alleviates one or more of the above issues and/or problems. 
     A first aspect of the invention provides a device for the collection of a sample of urine from a urine stream, the device comprising a conduit through which the urine stream flows and having an inlet and an outlet and a valve device for directing a portion of the urine stream into a sample vessel, wherein the valve has at least three states, a first state whereby urine from the urine stream is unable to enter the sample vessel, a second state where urine is able to enter the sample vessel and a third state where urine is unable to enter the sample vessel, the valve device being sequentially biased towards the second and third state and wherein, in the first and third state, urine from the urine stream exits the conduit via the outlet. 
     The device may comprise a biasing component or components to urge the valve device sequentially into the second and third states. 
     Preferably, the valve device is retained in the first state by first retention means and preferably the valve device is retained in the second state by second retention means. Both the first and/or second retention means may comprise a urine-weakenable retention member. In this regard, ‘urine-weakenable’ may mean that the retention member loses at least a portion of its inherent strength when exposed to urine. For example, the member or a portion thereof may dissolve upon exposure to urine, or the point of connection of the retention member may be weakened upon exposure to urine. For example, the and/or each urine-weakenable retention member may be formed from or may comprise a part which weakens upon exposure to urine, for example a part which loses its compressive, tensile, burst strength and so on upon urine exposure. 
     The valve device may be able to adopt the second and/or third states upon exposure to urine from the urine stream and/or the valve device may be arranged to move sequentially from the first state to the second state and, preferably, to the third state. 
     The valve device may be arranged to move by rotation and/or by translation. 
     In one embodiment the valve device may comprise a butterfly valve. In another embodiment the valve devise may comprise a shuttle valve, in a third embodiment the valve device may comprise a poppet valve. 
     Where the valve device comprises a butterfly valve, the valve may comprises two or more valve members, the first valve member preferably being located on a valve seat in the first state and the second or last valve member preferably being located on a valve seat in the third state. 
     The valve device may comprise a resilient member, for example a spring biasing the valve device to rotate. The resilient member may be a spring, for example a rotational spring, torsion spring or compression spring. 
     Rotational motion is preferably sequentially arrested by a or the first retention means and/or a or the second retention means. 
     The valve device may comprise a first valve means and a second valve means, the first valve means occluding the inlet and being biased by a biasing means out of engagement with the inlet and the second valve means comprising a one way valve located between the outlet and the collection vessel, wherein, in the first state, the first valve means is retained by a retention means to occlude the inlet and the one way valve and wherein, in the second state, and when exposed to the stream, the retention means is overcome to allow or cause the first valve means to move out of engagement with the inlet and the one-way valve wherein a vacuum within the collection vessel causes a sample to be drawn into the collection vessel. 
     Alternatively, the valve device may comprise a rotatable valve having plural valve members, in the first state a first valve member being located on a first valve seat to close the passage to the collection vessel and in the third state a second valve being located on a second valve seat to close the passage to the collection vessel. 
     Alternatively, the device may comprise a shuttle valve having an opening located in a wall thereof, wherein in the first and third states the opening does not correspond with a collection vessel inlet and in the second state the opening does correspond with the collection vessel inlet, the shuttle valve being sequentially biased towards the third state. 
     Accordingly, an aspect of the invention provides a device for collection of a urine sample, the device comprising an inlet for receipt of urine and an outlet for waste urine and sample collection means therebetween wherein, in use and once exposed to a urine stream which drains to the outlet, the sample collection means is configured to actuate, take a sample of urine from the urine stream and then close to cease taking the sample and to allow further urine from the urine stream to drain to the outlet. 
     A further aspect of the invention provides a device for collection of a urine sample, the device comprising an inlet for receipt of urine and an outlet for waste urine and valve means operable subsequent to contact with the urine stream to allow a sample of the urine stream to be removed and subsequently the valve means being operable to arrest sampling to allow the remainder of the urine stream to pass to the outlet. 
     A further aspect of the invention provides a device for collecting a sample from a stream, the device comprising a body having an inlet and outlet, a sample collection vessel in communication with the outlet and a valve device occluding the inlet and biased by a biasing means out of engagement with the inlet and a one way valve between the outlet and the collection vessel, wherein, in a first state, the valve device is retained by a retention means and occludes the one way valve and wherein, in a second state, and when exposed to the stream, the retention means is overcome to allow the valve device to moves out of engagement with the inlet and the one-way valve wherein a vacuum within the collection vessel causes a sample to be drawn into the collection vessel. 
     Once the pressure inside the collection vessel and within the stream equalizes the one way valve will no longer permit a portion of the stream to enter the collection vessel. 
     The device may be used with an item of clothing, for example a nappy or diaper or underwear. Alternatively, the device may be hand-held or may be mounted for use with a toilet, potty or bed pan. 
    
    
     
       In order that the invention may be more fully understood it shall now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a sectional view through a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2A to 2D  are sectional views of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in use; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 4A to 4D  are section views of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , in use; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are respectively male and female embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , in use; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 7A to 7D  are sectional views of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , in use; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 9A to 9D  are sectional views of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , in use. 
     
    
    
     Referring firstly to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a urine sampling device  1  having an inlet leading to an entry conduit  2  through which a urine stream enters the device, a first exit conduit  3  and a second exit conduit  4 . The first exit conduit  3  may lead to an outlet and to a first vessel (not shown) for the capture of urine exiting the first exit conduit  3  or it may be open to allow urine flowing therethrough to drain away. The second exit conduit  4  leads to a sample collection vessel  5  which may be a solid or flexible vessel. In either case the collection vessel  5  will typically be made from a plastics material. 
     Downstream of the entry conduit  2  but upstream of the exit conduits  3 , 4  is a flow direction device  6  which is capable of directing urine which runs through the entry conduit  2  into either of the first exit conduit  3  or second exit conduit  4  as will be explained below. 
     The flow direction device  6  comprises a Y-shaped flow conduit  7  with a leg  7 A, in fluid communication with the entry conduit  2 , and a pair of arms  7 B,  7 C, in fluid communication with, respectively, the first and second exit conduits  3 ,  4 . 
     Located within the Y-shaped flow conduit  7  is a valve device, in this instance a positively urged butterfly valve  8  having a pair of valve members  9 ,  10  radially extending from a common hub  11 . The hub  11  defines a longitudinal pivot axis, as will be described below. 
     The first valve member  9  is attached to a wall of the leg  7 A by a pair of retention members  12 ,  13 , the first  12  being upstream of the second  13  in terms of intended urine flow. 
     Also located with the Y-shaped flow conduit  7  is a baffle plate  14  which extends from the wall of the leg  7 A to partially occlude the flow path along the leg  7 A. As shown the baffle plate  14  is downstream of the first retention member  12  but upstream of the second retention member  13 . 
     In the first condition (as shown) the distal edge  14 A of the baffle plate  14  provides a seat or abutment for the first valve member  9  which is positively retained against the distal edge  14 A by the first retention member  12 . 
     Also located within the Y-shaped flow conduit  7  is an abutment member  15 , extending from a wall of the second arm  7 C thereof. The purpose of the abutment member  15  will be explained below. 
     The butterfly valve  8  is biased by a biasing means (not shown) to urge the first valve member  9  out of engagement with the distal edge  14 A of the baffle plate  14 . Indeed the butterfly valve  8  is biased such that the second valve member  10  is urged into abutting engagement with the abutment member  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A to 2D , the device  1  of  FIG. 1  is shown sequentially in use. 
     In  FIG. 2A  the device  1  as shown in  FIG. 1  with the urine stream US having just entered the entry conduit  2  and flowing towards the leg  7 A of the Y-shaped flow conduit  7 . As shown, the first retention member  12  retains the first valve member  9  of the butterfly valve  8  in abutment with the distal edge  14 A of the baffle plate  14  against the urging of the biasing means (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , the baffle plate  14  and first valve member  9  act in concert to occlude entry to the second arm  7 C of the Y-shaped conduit  7 , thereby encouraging urine of the urine stream US to flow along the first arm  7 B of the Y-shaped conduit  7  and along the first exit conduit  3 . 
     As the urine of the urine stream US passes over the first retention member  12  it weakens the retention member  12 . The retention member  12  may conveniently be formed in whole or in part from a substance (for example, paper) which becomes weaker under tension or it may be formed from a substance in whole or in part which dissolves or weakens on contact with urine, or it may be joined to the wall of the leg  7 A or the first valve member  9  by a substance which is soluble in urine. In any or either case, the force retaining the first valve member  9  into abutment with the distal edge  14 A of the baffle plate  14  will be overcome after a certain period of exposure of the retention member  12  (or a component thereof) to the urine stream US. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2C , once the force retaining the first valve member  9  has been overcome the butterfly valve  8  is urged by the biasing means (not shown) to adopt the second state or condition, as shown. 
     The butterfly valve  8  has pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the hub  10  under the action of the biasing means. This has the effect of bringing the second retention member  15  into tension thereby arresting the pivoting motion of the butterfly valve  8  and causing the second arm  7 C to be brought into fluid communication with the leg  7 A or the Y-shaped flow conduit  7 . 
     Consequently urine from the urine stream US is allowed to pass into and along the second arm  7 C, into the second exit conduit  4  and into the collection vessel  5 . 
     The second retention member  13  is able to return the butterfly valve  8  against the urging of the biasing means until it, or at least a point of attachment to the wall of the leg  7 A or first valve member  9 , weakens to the point where the urging of the biasing means overcomes the second retention member  13 . 
     The second retention member  13  may be formed in the same way as the first retention member  12 . Thus after a period of exposure to the urine stream US the force restraining movement of the butterfly valve  8  against the biasing means will be overcome. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2D , once the second retention member  13  has fractured, snapped, dissolved or otherwise ceased acting to restrain the butterfly valve  8 , the biasing means will urge the valve  8  into the third state or condition, as shown. 
     Here the second valve member  10  abuts the abutment member  15  thereby occluding the second arm  7 C and preventing, or at least substantially inhibiting, fluid communication between the leg  7 A and second arm  7 C of the Y-shaped conduit  7 . 
     Urine of the urine stream US is allowed to pass through apertures or cut-outs in the first valve member  9  into the first arm  7 B and into the first exit conduit  3 . 
     As will be appreciated the device  1  allows for the first portion of a urine stream US to be discarded and a terminal portion of a urine stream US to be discarded and a terminal portion of a urine stream US from being discarded whilst retaining for analysis a mid-stream portion. 
     Moreover, all of the components and parts thereof downstream of the baffle plate  14  remain out of the urine stream US until such time as the butterfly valve actuates to adopt the second condition (i.e. as seen in  FIG. 2C ). This ensures that urine which is retained for analysis is as clean and as free from contamination as possible. 
     In order to conduct any analysis the vessel  5  may be removed from the device  1  and the sample analyzed in the conventional manner. 
     Additionally or alternatively the vessel  5  may contain or comprise means to allow in situ analysis of the sample of urine. The vessel may comprise or contain preservatives, indicators, reactants, reagents and so on. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  there is shown a second embodiment of device  1 ′ according to the invention. As this device  1 ′ is similar to that previously described in relation to  FIG. 1  the same numeric indicators will be used but distinguished by use of a prime (′). 
     Accordingly, there is shown a urine sampling device  1 ′ having an entry conduit  2 ′ through which a urine stream US&#39; enters the device, a first exit conduit  3 ′ and a second exit conduit  4 ′. The first exit conduit  3 ′ may lead to a first vessel (not shown) for capture of urine exiting the first exit conduit  3 ′ or it may be open to allow urine flowing therethrough to drain away. The second exit conduit  4 ′ leads to a sample collection vessel (not shown) which may be a solid or flexible vessel. In either case the collection vessel will typically be made from a plastics material, although other materials may be used. 
     Downstream of the entry conduit  2 ′ but upstream of the exit conduits  3 ′,  4 ′ is a flow direction device  6 ′ which is capable of directing urine which runs through the entry conduit  2 ′ into either of the first exit conduit  3 ′ or second exit conduit  4 ′ as will be explained below. 
     The flow direction device  6 ′ comprises a Y-shaped flow conduit  7 ′ with a leg  7 A′ in fluid communication with the entry conduit  2 ′, and a pair of arms  7 B′,  7 C′, in fluid communication with, respectively, the first and second exit conduits  3 ′,  4 ′. 
     Located within the Y-shaped flow conduit  7 ′ is a valve device, again here a positively urged butterfly valve  8 ′ having a pair of valve members  9 ′,  10 ′ radially extending from a common hub  11 ′. 
     The first valve member  9 ′ is attached to a wall of the leg  7 A′ by a pair of retention members  12 ′,  13 ′, the first  12 ′ being upstream of the second  13 ′ in terms of intended urine flow. 
     Also located with the Y-shaped flow conduit  7 ′ is a baffle plate  14 ′ which extends from the wall of the leg  7 A′ to partially occlude the flow path along the leg  7 A′. As shown the baffle plate  14 ′ is downstream of the first retention member  12 ′ but upstream of the second retention member  13 ′. 
     In the first condition (as shown) the distal edge  14 A′ of the baffle plate  14 ′ provides a seat or abutment for the first valve member  9 ′ which is positively retained against the distal edge  14 A′ by the first retention member  12 ′. 
     Also located within the Y-shaped flow conduit  7 ′ is an abutment member  15 ′, extending from a wall of the second arm  7 C′ thereof. The purpose of the abutment member  15 ′ will be explained below. 
     The butterfly valve  8 ′ is biased by a biasing means or member  20 ′ to urge the first valve member  9 ′ out of engagement with the distal edge  14 A′ of the baffle plate  14 ′. Indeed the butterfly valve  8 ′ is biased by the biasing means  20 ′ such that the second valve member  10 ′ is urged into abutting engagement with the abutment member  15 ′. 
     The biasing member  20 ′ is a rotational spring which, at one end (a proximal end) is attached to the hub and at the other end (a free or distal end) it bears against a wall of the arm  7 B′. Because the spring body is curved or bent the spring imparts a rotational bias in the butterfly valve  8 ′, thereby biasing the butterfly valve  8 ′ out of engagement from the position shown in  FIG. 3 . The rotational spring may be replaced by a compression or torsion spring or other resilient member capable of causing the required rotational motion, but we prefer a rotational spring. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A to 4D  the device  1 ′ of  FIG. 3  is shown sequentially in use. 
     In  FIG. 4A  the device  1 ′ as shown in  FIG. 3  with the urine stream US having just entered the entry conduit  2 ′ and flowing towards the leg  7 A′ of the Y-shaped flow conduit  7 ′. As shown, the first retention member  12 ′ retains the first valve member  9 ′ of the butterfly valve  8 ′ in abutment with the distal edge  14 A′ of the baffle plate  14 ′ against the urging of the biasing means  20 ′. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , the baffle plate  14 ′ and first valve member  9 ′ act in concert to occlude entry to the second arm  7 C′ of the Y-shaped conduit  7 ′ thereby encouraging urine of the urine stream US to flow along the first arm  7 B′ of the Y-shaped conduit  7 ′ and along the first exit conduit  3 ′. 
     As the urine of the urine stream US&#39; passes over the first retention member  12 ′ it weakens the retention member  12 ′. The retention member  12 ′ may conveniently be formed in whole or in part from a substance (for example, paper) which becomes weaker under tension or it may be formed from a substance in whole or in part which dissolves on contact with urine, or it may be joined to the wall of the leg  7 A′ or the first valve member  9 ′ by a substance which is soluble in urine. In any or either case, the force retaining the first valve member  9 ′ into abutment with the distal edge  14 A′ of the baffle plate  14 ′ will be overcome after a certain period of exposure of the retention member  12 ′ (or a component thereof) to the urine stream US&#39;. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4C , once the force retaining the first valve member  9 ′ has been overcome the butterfly valve  8 ′ is urged by the biasing means  20 ′ to adopt the second condition, as shown. 
     The butterfly valve  8 ′ has pivoted about the hub  10 ′ under the action of the biasing means. This has the effect of bringing the second retention member  15 ′ into tension thereby arresting the pivoting motion of the butterfly valve  8 ′ and causing the second arm  7 C′ to be brought into fluid communication with the leg  7 A′ or the Y-shaped flow conduit  7 ′. 
     Consequently, urine from the urine stream US&#39; is allowed to pass into and along the second arm  7 C′, into the second exit conduit  4 ′ and into the collection vessel  5 ′. 
     The second retention member  13 ′ is able to return the butterfly valve  8 ′ against the urging of the biasing means  20 ′ until it, or at least a point of attachment to the wall of the leg  7 A′ or first valve member  9 ′, weakens to the point where the urging of the biasing means  20 ′ overcomes the second retention member  13 ′. 
     The second retention member  13 ′ may be formed in the same way as the first retention member  12 ′. Thus after a period of exposure to the urine stream US&#39; the force restraining movement of the butterfly valve  8 ′ against the biasing means will be overcome. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2D , once the second retention member  13 ′ has fractured, snapped, dissolved or otherwise ceased acting to restrain the butterfly valve  8 ′, the biasing means  20 ′ will urge the valve  8 ′ into the third condition, as shown. 
     Here the second valve member  10 ′ abuts the abutment member  15 ′ thereby occluding the second arm  7 C′ and preventing, or at least substantially inhibiting, fluid communication between the leg  7 A′ and second arm  7 C′ of the Y-shaped conduit  7 ′. 
     Urine of the urine stream US&#39; is allowed to pass through apertures or by cut-outs in the first valve member  9 ′ into the first arm  7 B′ and into the first exit conduit  3 ′. 
     As will be appreciated the device  1 ′ allows for the first portion of a urine stream US&#39; to be discarded and a terminal portion of a urine stream US&#39; to be discarded and a terminal portion of a urine stream US&#39; from being discarded whilst retaining for analysis a mid-stream portion. 
     Moreover, all of the components and parts thereof downstream of the baffle plate  14 ′ remain out of the urine stream US&#39; until such time as the butterfly valve actuates to adopt the second condition (i.e. as seen in  FIG. 4C ). This ensures that urine which is retained for analysis is as clean and as free from contamination as possible. 
     In order to conduct any analysis the vessel  5 ′ may be removed from the device  1 ′ and the sample analyzed in the conventional manner. Additionally or alternatively the vessel  5 ′ may contain or comprise means to allow in situ analysis of the sample of urine. The vessel may comprise or contain preservatives, indicators, reactants, reagents and so on. 
     It is also possible for the butterfly valve to have more than  2  valve members and may have intervening stop/retention positions to provide for plural collection passages. Moreover, the butterfly valve could translate rather than rotate to effect a change in flow path. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , there is shown a device  1 ′ of  FIG. 3  provided with an entrance adaptor  16 ′ and a collection vessel  5 ′. 
     The collection vessel  5 ′ is a flexible plastics bag which is secured to the distal end of the second exit conduit  4 ′ of the device  1 ′. 
     The entrance adaptor  16 ′ comprises a flexible plastics material which can accommodate a wearer&#39;s penis. The entrance adaptor  16 ′ is secured to the free end of the entrance conduit  2 ′ and, at its free (upstream) end it may comprise a roll of material which can be unrolled along the wearer&#39;s penis to better secure the device  1 ′ in use. 
       FIG. 5B  shows a device  1 ′ according to  FIG. 3  provided with an entrance adaptor  17 ′ and a collection vessel  5 ′. 
     In this embodiment the entrance adaptor  17 ′ is configured for use by a female and comprises a pliable shield member  18 ′ for locating the adaptor over the wearer&#39;s genitalia such that the entrance conduit  2 ′ is proximate the entrance of the urethra of the wearer. 
     The shield member  18 ′ comprises a central ridge  19 ′ arranged to hold the entrance conduit  2 ′ away from the entrance to the wearer&#39;s urethra to seek to limit the amount of urine which does not enter the entrance conduit. 
       FIG. 5C  shows how a device  1 ′ provided with an entrance adaptor  17 ′ and a collection vessel  5 ′ may be provided in a nappy N. As will be appreciated, the device  1 ′ could also be incorporated or used with other items of clothing. 
     In use, and with the device  1 ′ fitted into a nappy N as shown, the wearer&#39;s penis is located within the entrance adaptor  17 ′ and the nappy N secured in the usual fashion to the wearer. Because the device  1 ′ is not secured to the wearer by adhesives there is less chance of the device  1 ′ causing skin irritation. Also because the nappy N is secured to the wearer the device  1 ′ is securely held in place. 
     Although we prefer not to use adhesives, it is entirely possible that adhesives are used to secure the device, or a part thereof, to the wearer (and such use does not fall out-side the scope of this invention). For example, gel adhesives such as hydrocolloids may be used. Other non-skin irritating adhesives may be utilized. 
     When the wearer micturates, the device  1 ′ will be activated, as shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4D  and as described above. It will be appreciated that the device  1 ′ obviates issues relating to urination on demand, deciding how much of a mid-stream sample should be collected and removes issues relating to mess and lack of hygiene. Furthermore, there is a greater sense of dignity for the wearer. 
     Even if the device  1 ′ is not removed from the nappy N once it has been triggered and the sample collected in the collection vessel  5 ′, any successive urination by the wearer will only run along the first exit conduit  3 ′ to drain away into the nappy N. As such there is an inbuilt failsafe in the event that the device  1 ′ is not removed once a sample has been collected. 
     The collection vessel,  5 ,  5 ′ and or the second exit conduit  3 ,  3 ′ may be provided with a non-return valve (not shown) to ensure that once a sample of urine enters the vessel  5 ,  5 ′ it cannot flow out of the vessel  5 ,  5 ′. 
     It is possible to provide a universal entrance adaptor usable for males and females for ease of use clinically speaking. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a urine sampling device  51  having an entry conduit  52  through which a urine stream enters the device  51 , a first exit conduit  53  and a second exit conduit  54 . The first exit conduit  53  may lead to a first vessel (not shown) for capture of urine exiting the first exit conduit  53 , or it may be open to allow urine flowing therethrough to drain away. The second exit conduit  54  leads to a sample collection vessel  55  which is typically a flexible toroidal vessel. The collection vessel  55  will typically be made from a plastics material. 
     Downstream of the entry conduit  52  but upstream of the exit conduits  53 ,  54  is a flow direction device  56  which is capable of directing urine which runs through the entry conduits  52  into either of the first exit conduit  53  or second exit conduit  54  as will be explained below. 
     The flow direction device  56  comprises a tubular body  56 B which houses, and within which can travel, a shuttle valve  57 . The shuttle valve  57  comprises a tubular body  58  having a through bore  59  through which urine can flow, the downstream end  59 D of the bore  59  being closed by a wall  59 W provided with one or more apertures  59 A. At or towards the upstream end  59 U of the bore  59  there is provided one or more apertures  60  in the wall of the tubular body  58 , the purpose of which will be described below. 
     The shuttle valve  57  is resiliently urged by a compression spring  61 , or other biasing means. The compression spring  61  is held within the tubular body  56 B of the flow direction device and bears against an abutment surface  56 A. 
     The downstream side of the wall  59 W is provided with an annular extension portion  62 . Provided concentrically with the extension portion  62 , and abutting the downstream side of the wall  59 W, is a pair of collapsible tubes T 1 , T 2 , typically formed from paper, paperboard, cardboard or the like or comprising a portion which is collapsible or dissolvable upon exposure to urine. 
     As shown, the first tube T 1  (which is concentrically innermost, although need not be) extends between, and bears against, the downstream face of the wall  59 W and a bottom wall  63  which is preferably joined to and at least partially occludes the tubular body  56 B. The bottom wall  63  is provided with one or more through apertures  63 A. 
     The compression spring  61  urges the shuttle valve  57  in the direction of arrow A and the urging is resisted by the first tube T 1  to retain the shuttle valve  57  in the first condition, as shown. 
     The tubular body  56 B further comprises apertures  56 H which communicate with the second exit conduit  54 . In the first condition, as shown, the apertures  56 H are closed by the tubular body  58  of the shuttle valve  57 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 7A to 7D  there is shown the device  51  of  FIG. 6 , in use. 
     Turning first to  FIG. 7A , with the device  51  secured to a wearer (not shown), a urine stream US″ is able to pass into the entrance conduit  52 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , the urine stream US″ is able to pass along the entrance conduit  52 , through the tubular body  56 B of flow direction device  56 , through the tubular body  58  of the shuttle valve  57  and through the apertures  59 A of the wall  59 W. 
     After passing through the apertures  59 A in the wall  59 W the urine stream US″ encounters the first tube T 1  and flows into the first exit conduit  53 . The urine stream US″ can subsequently drain from the device  51  via apertures  63 A in the wall  63 . 
     Upon contact with the urine stream US″ the first tube T 1  will weaken, for example it may absorb urine, be at least partially dissolved and so on. As the tube T 1  weakens the compression spring  61  overcomes the compressive strength of the first tube T 1  and the shuttle valve  57  is urged in the direction of arrow A, as shown in  FIG. 7C . 
     Travel of the shuttle valve  57  is arrested by the second tube T 2  which, due to the motion of the shuttle valve  57 , is brought into abutting engagement with the wall  63 . The second tube T 2  is of sufficient strength to resist compression by the compression spring  61  and to withstand any impact caused in arresting the motion of the shuttle valve  57 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 7C , the motion of the shuttle valve  57  has brought the apertures  60  of the shuttle valve  57  into correspondence with the apertures  56 H of the tubular body  56 B. This allows fluid communication between the bore  59  and the second exit conduit  54  to allow urine from the urine stream US″ to flow into the collection vessel  55 . 
     As the second tube T 2  is exposed to urine it weakens. Eventually the compressive strength in the tube T 2  is reduced to the extent that the urging of the spring  61  overcomes the tube T 2  and the shuttle valve  57  is urged by the spring  61  in the direction of arrow A to bring the extension  62  into abutment with the wall  63 , as shown in  FIG. 7D . 
     The further motion of the shuttle valve  57  brings apertures  60  of the shuttle valve  57  out of correspondence with the apertures  56 H of the tubular body  56 B. This ceases fluid communication between the bore  59  and the second exit conduit  54 . The remaining portion of the urine stream US″ is able to pass through the device  51  and out to drain via the apertures  63 A in the wall  63 . 
     Once the sample has been collected in the vessel  55  the vessel  55  may be removed for analysis of the sample. As stated above, the vessel may comprise or contain preservatives, indicators, reactants, reagents and so on. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B  there is shown a urine collection device  101  comprising an inlet conduit  102  and an exit conduit  103 , the two being in fluid communication via a tubular body  104  defining a bore  105 . The tubular body  104  has an aperture  104 A in which a fluid collection device  106  is locatable to seal the aperture  104 A. 
     The fluid collection device  106  has a tubular body  107  provided with an axially aligned tubular extension  108 . Located within the tubular body  107  is a bellows  109 . Located within the tubular extension  108  is a valve device or arrangement  110 , the bellows  109  and valve arrangement  110  being in operative engagement. 
     The valve arrangement  110  comprises a first valve  111  resiliently biased by compression spring  112  in the direction of arrow B. The valve  111  comprises a valve body  113  and a fore valve stem  114  and aft valve stem  115 . The valve body  113  is housed within, and at least partially occludes or closes the tubular extension  108 . 
     Extending from the tubular extension  108  and into the tubular body  107  is a closure member  116 . The closure member has an extension wall  117  protruding into the tubular extension  108  and defining an annular space  118  between the extension wall  117  and the tubular extension  108  in which the compression spring  112  is located, the compression spring  112  bearing against the facing surfaces of the valve body  113  and the closure member  116 . 
     The closure member  116  comprises a central through bore  119  which is occluded by a first duck bill valve  120  or other one way valve. The central through bore  119  provides fluid communication between the tubular extension  108  and the interior volume of the bellows  109  via the first duck bill valve  120 . 
     The distal portion of the aft value stem  115  bears against the first duck bill value  120  to inhibit fluid passage therethrough. 
     The bellows  109  which is shown in its relaxed state in  FIG. 8A  is provided with a second duck bill valve  121  or other one way valve. The bellows  109  is constructed so as to seek to resiliently adopt the relaxed state. 
     The urging of the compression spring  112  is resisted by a retention member  122 , which may be formed from paper or from a dissolvable substance, or in whole or in part comprises a weakenable portion. 
     In order to charge the device  101  ready for use the device  101  is located in the aperture  104 A and the bellows  109  compressed, as shown in  FIG. 8B . 
     Compression of the bellows  109  causes air from the bellows  109  to flow out via the second duck bill valve  121 . The bellows  109  seeks to adopt its relaxed state but is prevented from doing so by the aft value stem  115  occluding the first duck bill value  120 . As a consequence the device  101  is forced into, and remains in, the charged state as shown in  FIG. 8B . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 9A to 9D , the device  101  is located within the aperture  104 A and then forced into the charged state. The device  101  is located such that a urine stream US″ is able to flow into the entry conduit  102 , as shown in  FIG. 9A . As the urine stream US″ flows along the bore  105  the urine stream US″ contacts the retention member  122 , as shown in  FIG. 9B . 
     Continued exposure of the retention member  122  to the urine stream US″ weakens the retention member  122 . As the retention member  122  weakens the restraining force it exerts on the fore valve stem  114  is overcome by the urging of the compression spring  112 , allowing the compression spring  112  to force the first valve  111  in the direction of arrow B, as seen in  FIG. 9C . The valve  111  will travel under the influence of the compression spring  112  until the distal portion of the fore valve stem  114  abuts the facing wall of the tubular body  104 . As the valve  111  moves the aft valve stem  115  inserts from the first duck bill valve  120 , thereby allowing fluid communication between the interior of the bellows  109  and the tubular extension  108 . As fluid communication is allowed the bellows  109  is urged towards its relaxed state (i.e. it expands in a direction opposite to arrow B) thereby drawing urine from the urine stream US″ into the tubular extension  108 , along through the central through bore  119  and through the first duck bill valve  120  and into the internal volume of the bellows  109 . 
     As the bellows  109  adopts its relaxed state there is no further expansion of the bellows  109  and thus there is no pressure differential across the first duck bill valve  120 . As such no further urine from the urine stream US″ can be drawn through the first duck bill valve  120  and into the bellows  109 . Accordingly, any further urine will drain away unimpeded via the exit conduit  103 , as seen in  FIG. 9D . 
     The device  106  can be removed from the device  101  to facilitate analysis of the sample retained within the bellows  109 . 
     As will be appreciated, each of the above-described devices  1 ,  1 ′,  51 ,  101  could be used with an item of clothing, such as a nappy, underwear and so on, or as a stand-alone item. 
     Indeed, and as a stand-alone item, the device may be hand-held or mounted for use for example as part of a toilet, potty or bed pan. 
     In each case the device may be sterile prior to use. 
     Conveniently the components of the devices may be made of plastics material except as where specifically mentioned above. 
     In each case discussed above, the inherent strength of the retention member ( 12 ,  13 ;  12 ′,  13 ′; T 1 , T 2 ;  122 ) is chosen according to the intended use or user (e.g. taking into account the likely velocity, volume, strength or other characteristic of the likely urine stream). For example, for an infant (baby, toddler) the strength and/or volume of a urine stream may be relatively low whereas for a large animal (e.g. a horse) the strength and/or volume may be relatively high. Moreover, if it is required that a relatively large sample is taken the strength of the retention member may be chosen such that it breaks or weakens only when exposed to a relatively large amount of urine. 
     Whilst it is convenient to make the retention members in whole from paper or the like, it is also possible to manufacture the retention members from a substance which dissolves (or a part of which dissolves) or from a frangible portion which weakens upon exposure to urine. Weakening may be achieved via a chemical reaction or simply by the contact of liquid with the retention member. 
     As is clear to the skilled addressee, the device of the invention may be used with humans and non-human animals. The device has particular utility where a clean catch is required of a mid-stream sample where the sample is needed from a being which cannot urinate on demand or where it is difficult to obtain such a sample. 
     Although the above description states that the devices described herein are for collection of a clean catch or urine, they or each could also be used to sample a different flowing fluid in a medical or non-medical application. For example the devices could be used to sample a process stream (care being taken to ensure the weakenable portions do not foul the stream, perhaps by tethering).