Patent Publication Number: US-2011077610-A1

Title: Male incontinence absorbent pouch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/246,552 filed on Sep. 29, 2009, in the United States Patent &amp; Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to absorbent pouches for managing male incontinence. More particularly, the present invention provides a disposable absorbent pouch for collecting urine of a male who is unable to get to a toilet. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Men may experience continence due to physical impairment caused by accidents or a plurality of medical conditions. Such males loose either partial or total control over urination leading to either a continual small flow of urine from the penis, or involuntary urination at a given time. Further, older males commonly experience one or both types of incontinence, due to ageing related medical conditions. Such males require assistance for management of the urinary continence. In a hospital environ the most commonly employed method is the use of external catheters which are connected to a disposable bag in which the user&#39;s urine is collected. 
     However, there are a host of problems associated with a prolonged use of external catheters. When using an external catheter, an individual with sensitive skin may encounter infections. Keeping the moisture away from the skin is vital in preventing sores and other forms of infection. External catheters may have a tendency to leak, which can cause irritation to the skin. The leak can also result in a time consuming cleanup. With a bed ridden or elderly patient it can be difficult to maneuver the individual in a way that will allow a catheter to be put on and taken off. Hence, a more efficient method of continence management is needed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,412, issued on Oct. 17, 2000 to Jones; Rosemary N. describes a genitourinary elimination covering system which includes a shield member, which at its upper end includes a series of connecting means such as the hook-and-pile fastening means which connects the ends of the waist band tightly about the wearer, to sustain the shield in place, in order to form fit the pouch to the male anatomy, and assure its retention in place 
     Another U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,011, issued on Mar. 6, 2001 to Freitas, et al. describes a male incontinence diaper construction wherein the same can be utilized for absorbing urine from a male user. To attain this, the diaper generally comprises a back panel with a hole therethrough extending between the front and back faces of the back panel. A front flap is coupled to back panel along the side edges and the bottom edge of the back panel to cover the hole of the back panel. An elongate flexible belt strap is coupled to the back panel adjacent the top edge of the back panel. 
     Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,853, issued on Dec. 24, 2007 to Bryant; Tracy L. describes a diaper that is wrapped around the penis of a user only, so that adjacent body parts are not in contact with the inside portion of the diaper. The diaper permits a nurse to single-handedly slide it in place around the penis while the patient is either sitting or lying on his back without any need for lifting or moving him It is also shaped to provide a compact fit for comfort and tight adherence to the body to avoid the spreading of wetness during urination. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,424, issued on Mar. 20, 2007 to Cooper; Teresa describes a less invasive disposable urinary collection absorbent pouch for receiving a penis of a male patient comprises a freestanding bulb-shaped sack formed from a single sheet of laminate material. The sheet includes a first absorbent inner layer disposed between a moisture impervious outer layer and a second absorbent layer. The sack has a top hand insertion opening with elastic and an elastic passageway disposed orthogonal to the hand opening for securing the sack to the penis. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,412, issued on Oct. 17, 2000 to Jones; Rosemary N. describes a disposable type of covering or shield, which primarily is contoured and for use in conjunction with the male, and to provide a covering absorbent pouch for use for overlying the male anatomy, and to provide for elimination of urinary discharges, particularly amongst elderly patients, or the male who is incontinent. 
     Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,485, issued on Dec. 9, 1997 to Duperret et al., describes a disposable, male incontinence absorbent pouch which allows for ease of applying and removing in a sitting, standing, or prone position either by the user himself, or by an attendant. This absorbent pouch, which accommodates both dribbling and total incontinence, includes a waterproof outer layer, a highly absorbent middle layer, and an inner layer of permeable, non-absorbent material to protect the wearer&#39;s penis from moisture. 
     Further, US Patent Application 20020177825, dated Nov. 28, 2002 to Scovel, Aldrene K. describes an incontinence absorbent pouch having a disposable urinary bag having a plurality of attachment means located on its outside surface for securement of the disposable urinary bag to the adjustable attachment belt. Housed within the disposable urinary bag is an absorbent material for urine absorption. The disposable urinary bag also has in its uppercentral region an elastic ring or seal that provides a barrier against urine when a penis is inserted into it. 
     Also, US Patent Application 20040106909, dated Jun. 3, 2004 to Browning, Robert L. describes an absorbent pouch for absorbing liquid due to mild or moderate male incontinence or post urinary drip. The absorbent pouch includes a waist strap, a pouch, a pocket and an insert for the pocket. The waist strap is secured around the waist of the user so that the pouch extends down along the front of the user and the pocket is adjacent the penis of the user. 
     Most of the continence management absorbent pouches and methods available are either cumbersome or uncomfortable to use, or are difficult for a user to use without any outside assistance. Hence, there is a need for a comfortable and effective replacement for an external catheter. There is need for an absorbent pouch which can easily be taken in to use for collecting urine for those that are unable to use a toilet such as those with limited mobility, bedridden patients, the elderly, and more. Also is needed an absorbent pouch which prevents leaks and accidents and effectively contains the urine, keeping moisture away from the skin. The present invention satisfies these needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the background art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed towards male incontinence management absorbent pouches and provides an absorbent pouch for storing urine of a male suffering fro incontinence. A method of using the absorbent pouch is also provided. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, an absorbent pouch for storing urine of males suffering from incontinence is provided. The absorbent pouch comprises: a first elastic band for fitting around a user&#39;s waist; a second elastic band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second elastic band being attached to the first elastic band at a first position, the second end of the second elastic band being attached to the first elastic band at a second position, the first and second positions being adjustable; a pouch having a top open end and a bottom closed end, the top end being attachable to the first elastic band at a third position between the first and the second positions, the bottom end being attachable to the second elastic band, the pouch being made of an absorbent material. 
     In an embodiment, the pouch comprises: a flap covering the top end, lifting of the flap exposing an interior of the pouch; a front wall distal from the user&#39;s body; and a back wall proximate to the user&#39;s body, the back wall comprising a vertical slit for receiving the user&#39;s penis into the interior of the pouch during use. The absorbent pouch as claimed in claim  1  wherein the pouch is made of a soft comfortable fabric. 
     In an embodiment, the interior of the pouch comprises an absorbent material for absorbing the user&#39;s urine and preventing the urine from leaking out to exterior of the pouch. In another embodiment, the pouch is disposable after use. In another embodiment, the pouch is attachable to the first and second elastic bands using one or more fastening means. 
     A method for using an absorbent pouch for receiving urine of males suffering from incontinence is also provided. The absorbent pouch comprises: a first elastic band; a second elastic band having a first end and a second end being adjustably attachable to the first elastic band at a first position and a second position respectively; a pouch made of an absorbent material having a top open end and a bottom closed end. The method comprises the steps of: wearing the absorbent pouch by fitting the first elastic band around a waist of the user, inserting a right leg of the user in a space between the second elastic band and a right edge of the pouch and inserting a left leg of the user in a space between the second elastic band and a left edge of the pouch; adjusting the first and the second positions of attachment of the second elastic band to the first elastic band for securing the absorbent pouch snugly against the user&#39;s body while keeping the pouch in an upright position at a location facilitating insertion of the user&#39;s penis into the pouch; opening a flap covering the top open side of the pouch; inserting a hand into the pouch via the opened flap for guiding the user&#39;s penis into the pouch through an opening in a back wall of the pouch, the back wall being proximate to the user&#39;s body, the back wall comprising a vertical slit for receiving the user&#39;s penis into the interior of the pouch; closing the flap covering the top open side of the pouch for sealing off the pouch during use; removing the pouch after use for disposal; and reattaching a fresh pouch to the first and the second elastic bands prior to next use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described by way of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the male incontinence absorbent pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a urine collecting pouch of the male incontinence absorbent pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates the materials of a urine collecting pouch of the male incontinence absorbent pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a user inserting a hand into the urine collecting pouch of the male incontinence absorbent pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the male incontinence absorbent pouch being used by a user in a sitting posture, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the male incontinence absorbent pouch being used by a user in a reclining posture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a flowchart illustrating a method for using a male incontinence absorbent pouch without elastic bands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6B  is a flowchart illustrating a method for using a male incontinence absorbent pouch with elastic bands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An absorbent pouch used for collecting urine for those males that are unable to get to a toilet is described herein. The present invention provides an absorbent pouch comprising a disposable pouch that can be worn by a male suffering from incontinence for urine collection. The absorbent pouch is easy to use, is non invasive and provides relief from uncomfortable and invasive urine disposable methods such as external catheters. 
     The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     The present invention would now be discussed in context of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the male incontinence absorbent pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The absorbent pouch  100  comprises a circular elastic band  110 , a second elastic band  120  and a pouch  130 . The circular elastic band  110  and the second elastic band  120  are made from any comfortable elastic material known in the art. The circular elastic band  110  is designed to fit around the waist of a user. In various embodiments, the absorbent pouch  100  maybe available in varying sizes of the elastic bands  110  and  120  to fit users of varying weights and waist sizes. The elastic bands are made of natural, butyl, or synthetic rubber. 
     The second elastic band  120  is attached to the elastic band  110  at a first position  140  and at a second position  150 . In an embodiment, the positions of attachment  140  and  150  are adjustable around the length of the circular elastic band  110 , enabling a user to wear the absorbent pouch  100  in a manner similar to wearing an underwear, such that the pouch  130  fits snugly against his body in a position facilitating the insertion of the user&#39;s penis into the pouch  130 . The user may put on the absorbent pouch  100  by inserting his right and left legs in the space between the elastic band  120  and the right and left edges of the pouch  130  respectively, and then adjusting the positions of attachment  140  and  150  for a snug fit. In another embodiment the positions of attachment  140  and  150  are fixed and cannot be adjusted. 
     In an embodiment, the exterior of the pouch  130  is made of a soft fabric material, while the interior is made of any absorbent material known in the art for absorbing the user&#39;s urine and preventing any leakage of moisture to the exterior of the pouch  130 . 
     The pouch  130  comprises an open top end  160  and a closed bottom end  170 . The open end  160  is attached to the circular elastic band  110  at a location in between the positions of attachment  140  and  150  of the second elastic band  120 . The bottom end  170  is attached to the second elastic band  120  at a location enabling the pouch to remain in an upright position as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In various embodiments, the pouch  130  is attached to the elastic bands  110  and  120  by using fastening means such as hooks, fasteners, Velcro, etc. that allow the user to easily attach the pouch before use and just as easily remove the pouch for disposal after use. The top end  160  of the pouch  130  is provided with a flap  180  which may be opened for accessing the interior of the pouch  130  and closed at other times. The flap  180  is described in conjunction with  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a urine collecting pouch of the male incontinence absorbent pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pouch  130  comprises a front wall  210  and a back wall  220  (visible in  FIG. 2A ). A vertical slit  230  (visible in  FIGS. 1-3 ) is provided in the back wall  220 . The vertical slit  230  is about 2-3 inches in length. The back wall  220  is proximate to the body of the user wearing the absorbent pouch  100  while the front wall  210  is distal to his body. The vertical slit  230  facilitates insertion of the user&#39;s penis into the interior of the pouch  130  for urination.  FIG. 2A  also illustrates the flap  180  which is used for closing the interiors of the pouch  130  by using any suitable fastening means such as hooks, fasteners, Velcro, etc. that allow the user to easily open the pouch for inserting a hand for guiding his penis through the vertical slit  230  and just as easily close the flap  180  before urination. A sewn line  190  (e.g. adhesive) is provided for edge attachment of the front wall  210  and the back wall  220  of the pouch  100 . 
     As in  FIG. 2B , the material of the interior region  260  of the pouch  130  absorbs moisture while still keeping an outer layer  270  and a breathable back sheet  280  of the pouch which is in contact with the user&#39;s skin, dry. The outer layer  270  is made from a moisture impermeable or liquid resistant material (e.g. polypropylene film). The inner layer  260  is formed from liquid absorbent material, fluff material, cellulose wadding, absorbent cotton fibers, polyester or polyolefin mixed combination. Multi-layers of absorbent materials can also be used together. Back sheet  280  can be made from highly porous nonwoven fabrics or paper-based porous materials. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a user inserting a hand into the urine collecting pouch  130  of the male incontinence absorbent pouch  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, the user  310  may use his hand  320  for inserting or removing his penis from the pouch  130  through the vertical slit in the back wall of the pouch  130 , or for resting his penis in a more comfortable position within the interior of the pouch. With reference to  FIG. 2  the flap  180  is provided with a Velcro strip  240  which is stuck onto another Velcro strip  250  provided on the front wall  220  of the pouch  130 , in order to close the top end of the pouch  130 . In other embodiments of the present invention various other means known in the art for fastening the flap  180  onto the front wall  220  of the pouch  130  may be used. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the male incontinence absorbent pouch being used by a user in a sitting posture, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in an embodiment, the absorbent pouch  100  can be worn by a user  410  over another piece of garment such as pants  420 . When wearing the absorbent pouch  100  over another garment, the user is required to guide the penis through an opening that is often present on male clothing, sometimes referred to as the fly. In other embodiments, the absorbent pouch  100  may be worn under clothes on a naked body of a user. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the male incontinence absorbent pouch being used by a user in a reclining posture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the absorbent pouch  100  is comfortable to wear and enables a user to relax in any posture while still wearing the absorbent pouch  100 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, after every mination or after a predefined period of time, the pouch  130  may be removed from the elastic bands  110  and  120 , and disposed off. A fresh pouch  130  may then be attached to the bands  110  and  120 , either while the user is still wearing the bands  110 ,  120 , or by taking off the bands  110  and  120 , attaching a fresh pouch  130  and wearing the absorbent pouch  100  again. In another embodiment, the entire absorbent pouch  100  is required to be disposed after use and a fresh absorbent pouch donned on before next use. The pouch  100  can be changed or removed without removing the wearer&#39;s diaper or boxer. 
       FIG. 6A  is a flowchart illustrating a method for using a male incontinence absorbent pouch without using elastic bands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  illustrates a method of using the absorbent pouch  100  described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-5 . In order to commence using the absorbent pouch  100 , at step  605 , the user opens the flap  180  covering the top open side  160  of the pouch. At step  615 , the user inserts a hand into the pouch  130  via the opened flap  180  for guiding the user&#39;s penis into the interior of the pouch  130  through a vertical slit  230  in the back wall  220  of the pouch. At step  625 , the user closes the flap  180  in order to seal off the pouch  130  and prevent any moisture from leaking out during use. At step  635 , the user removes the pouch  130  after use and reattaches a fresh pouch to the elastic bands  110  and  120 . In an embodiment, the user disposes off the entire absorbent pouch  100  after use and puts on a fresh absorbent pouch before next use. 
       FIG. 6B  is a flowchart illustrating a method for using a male incontinence absorbent pouch with elastic bands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6B  illustrates a method of using the absorbent pouch  100  described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-5 . In order to commence using the absorbent pouch  100 , at step  610 , a user puts on the absorbent pouch  100  in a manner similar to wearing an underwear by fitting the circular elastic band  110  around the waist area and inserting the right and left legs in the space between the second elastic band  120  and the right and left edge of the pouch  130  respectively. At step  620  the user adjusts the first and the second positions  140 ,  150  of attachment of the second elastic band  120  for securing the absorbent pouch snugly against the user&#39;s body while keeping the pouch  130  in an upright position at a location facilitating insertion of the user&#39;s penis into the pouch. At step  630 , the user opens the flap  180  covering the top open side  160  of the pouch. At step  640 , the user inserts a hand into the pouch  130  via the opened flap  180  for guiding the user&#39;s penis into the interior of the pouch  130  through a vertical slit  230  in the back wall  220  of the pouch. At step  650 , the user closes the flap  180  in order to seal off the pouch  130  and prevent any moisture from leaking out during use. At step  660 , the user removes the pouch  130  after use and reattaches a fresh pouch to the elastic bands  110  and  120 . In an embodiment, the user disposes off the entire absorbent pouch  100  after use and puts on a fresh absorbent pouch before next use. 
     Therefore the present invention provides a comfortable and effective replacement for an external catheter. The absorbent pouch of the present invention is designed to collect urine for those males that are unable to use a toilet such as those with limited mobility, bedridden patients, the elderly, and more. The male incontinence absorbent pouch can be put on quickly, disposed of easily and also prevents leaks and accidents. The pouch of the present absorbent pouch effectively contains the urine, thereby keeping moisture away from the skin of the user. The pouch can be changed or removed without removing the wearer&#39;s diaper or boxer. 
     While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from or offending the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.