Patent Abstract:
The present invention provides a generally hollow vessel which articulates with the female genitalia and, when left in situ, functions to opportunistically collect urine when the patient inevitably voids her bladder. The device is further designed to sequester the first portion of said urine, which tends to be unsuitable for diagnostic testing, and then, divert the remainder of relatively uncontaminated urine, preferably into a collection receptacle where it can be easily accessed for testing.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present invention is in the field of medical devices. More particularly, the present invention is in the field of urine collection devices and, more particularly still, in the field of urine collection for the purpose of obtaining a sample for diagnostic purposes. More particularly, the present invention is in the field of urine sample collection from physically and/or cognitively impaired individuals. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The collection of a urine sample to test for infection and/or renal function is one of the most common diagnostic tests required in the health care arena. It would be difficult to estimate how many thousands of such tests are performed on a daily basis. Coupled with assessment of clinical symptoms, a clean, ideally sterile sample of urine is the cornerstone of proper diagnosis, treatment decision-making and therapeutic evaluation of antibiotic effectiveness for the management of urinary tract infection (UTI). 
         [0003]    When patients present with common symptoms of a UTI a urine sample is typically obtained in order to perform a simple test with a diagnostic “dipstick” which detects certain markers that indicate a UTI. Based on those preliminary results, the health care practitioner will often treat empirically for a UTI with appropriate antibiotics as established by accepted guidelines for the most likely causative organisms. A urine sample is then sent for further laboratory studies—either a urinalysis and/or a culture to verify the causative organism and the antibiotic therapy to which it is most sensitive. Antibiotic therapy may be continued or changed based on this information. A secondary urine sample may be obtained at later date after therapy has finished to confirm that the infection is in fact gone. 
         [0004]    Currently there are several methods for collecting a sample, which can be as little as 10 to 20 milliliters for proper testing. For unimpaired individuals, it is standard to have them sit on a toilet, urinate a small portion and then place the urine collection container in the path of the urine stream to get a “clean catch” sample. 
         [0005]    However, this seemingly simple task for some is either very time consuming or completely impossible for others due to a variety of physical and cognitive impairments. For the ambulant elderly, the act of maneuvering into the bathroom and stooping onto the toilet can be slow and painful. In the hospital setting, patients may be immobile, unconscious or impaired in some other fashion such that they cannot provide a urine sample in the traditional manner. Elderly patients may be incontinent and not able to control their urine, making the prospect of providing a urine sample unpredictable and time-consuming. 
         [0006]    The nursing home patient poses an especially difficult population with regard to urine sampling. They are often bedridden and may have dementia so that they cannot or will not follow the commands to provide a sample. It is well documented that the incidence of urinary tract infections increases with age. Incontinence, impaired immunity and anatomical changes, particularly in females, make the aged population increasingly susceptible to UTIs. Unlike younger and healthy individuals, the aged patient may not present with the typical symptoms of painful urination, lower abdominal pain or, in the case of severe upper tract infection, fever. Even if these symptoms are experienced, the demented patient is often unable to communicate them. Often change in mental status and/or behavior in the form of an acute delirium may be the only sign of infection. While UTI is a possible cause of delirium, it is only one of many considerations. The delirious patient often requires a urine sample to rule out UTI as a cause of their altered mental status, but it is this status that renders them unable to provide the diagnostic sample to help improve their condition. 
         [0007]    Another common method of obtaining a urine sample is to insert a catheter directly into the bladder. However, this process is invasive and disturbing to most patients, especially the very old and the very young. It is time-consuming for staff and may be impossible to conduct in the aggressive and confused patient. Lastly, a sample may be obtained by inserting a needle into the abdomen at the location of the bladder and aspirating urine directly. This procedure also has obvious drawbacks and is a last resort. 
         [0008]    Nursing staff may, for lack of an alternative, put a urinalysis dipstick onto a urine-soaked diaper from a compromised patient, in order to get preliminary information on urinary/renal status. However, this source is likely to be contaminated and does not yield a fluid sample as required by the laboratory to do advance testing. Similarly, nursing staff may attempt to have patients void on a bedpan. However, this can be a cumbersome and time consuming process for a patient who has trouble lifting their hips onto the bedpan or who, for cognitive reasons, cannot understand that they are meant to urinate into the pan in a timely fashion. 
         [0009]    In view of the difficulties in getting a urine sample from patients, providers may opt to empirically treat a suspected urinary tract infection with antibiotics. Ideally this is followed by a culture and sensitivity test as previously mentioned. This test, which requires a clean urine sample, is essential for establishing the causative organism. Without this follow up, the provider is forced to gamble on antibiotics therapy. 
         [0010]    In order to compensate for the inability to verify the causative organism, and to increase the chances of treatment for the supposed UTI, providers may opt to treat with broad-spectrum antibiotics. These are agents that are effective against multiple organisms. This practice constitutes an inappropriate and misguided use of antibiotics and is a major contributor to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. 
         [0011]    Antibiotic resistance is such a threat to health care globally that the World Health Organization (WHO) dedicated its 2011 World Health Day to highlighting the problem and establishing suggested guidelines to minimize it. 
         [0012]    There is a clear need for another alternative to the current urine collection methods, which are inadequate for the population that has a particularly high demand for this diagnostic procedure. While there is extensive prior art in the field of urine collection, a significant portion is meant to manage incontinence by sequestering large volumes of urine with the intention of discarding it. As such, the cleanliness, sterility and quality of collected urine are inconsequential and these devices are designed accordingly. 
         [0013]    There is also a notable body of prior art in the field of devices which aim to collect a midstream urine sample from the female population. Implicit in the design and description of these embodiments is the assumption that users are cognitively able to identify when they need to urinate and to communicate this need effectively to caregivers, and that users are physically able to maneuver the pelvis over a toilet or at least a bedpan. 
         [0014]    The large number of devices relating to urine collection reflects the importance of the genitourinary system to human health, and the complexity of related pathologies which necessitate medical interaction with this system. Depending on the ultimate purpose of a particular device, significant differences in male and female anatomy often necessitate completely different embodiments for each sex. Recognizing the difficulty of obtaining midstream urine sample, even in able-bodied patients, there are several devices designed to divide the urine stream and divert the relatively contaminant-free urine which presumably represents a true sample from the bladder. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,314, entitled “Non-invasive urine collection device for females” represents early prior art in the field that attempts to provide a collection device that can be used with impaired patients. The present invention targets the same population subset. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,543, entitled “Urine collection device” is one comparative device which intends to divert the first portion of urine from the second portion of expelled urine. The device description suggests that the diversion mechanism be manually activated and thus, would require a level of dexterity and cognitive awareness not required by the present invention. 
         [0017]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 8,328,733, a “Urine collection device” aims to divide the first and second portions of urine flow via an inner mechanism, with a funnel-shaped receptacle as the receiving aperture. This funnel component does not suitably minimize contact of urine with the external genitalia, and as such is likely to produce a lesser-quality sample as compared to the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,581, entitled “Isolation of forestream and midstream portions of collected urine samples” has a similar problem with the quality of the sample obtained. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, the shape, size and configuration of the embodiments in the above-mentioned patents appear to be impractical for use with a bedbound patient, who is mostly likely supine or partially reclined. All appear to be too bulky to fit inside a diaper or incontinence pad and would seem to require that either the patient or nurse hold the device in place, presumably over the toilet. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,647, entitled “Means for collecting specimens of urine” relies on the presumed differentiation of flow trajectories of initial versus midstream urine flow to separate a suitable sample. Like U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,543, the invention requires manual manipulation during the procedure to engage the diversion mechanism. As such, it requires involvement from the patient and/or caregiver, which the present invention eliminates. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,202,263, a “Vaginal Barrier and female Urethral Catheterization Device” incorporates a vaginal insertion protrusion that is similar to embodiments of the present invention; however, the invention differs significantly in other respects. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,698 demonstrates a “Clean-Catch Intra-labia Urinary Collection Device,” which, in recognition of the need to separate the labia minora to minimize contamination, describes an ovoid opening that encircles the urinary meatus. This feature is similar to the receiving orifice of the present invention. However, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,698 lacks any diversion mechanism and dependable attachment method. As such, it would require significant intra-procedural manipulation by either the patient and/or nurse in order to complete the midstream urine collection process. 
         [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,755, entitled “Stimulator” teaches the concept of a labial attachment appendage. The invention uses a clip assembly to attach a clitoral stimulation device. The clip assembly employs a spring that is under constant tension when it is attached to the user. 
         [0023]    In contrast to the previously referenced embodiments, the present invention aims to collect a midstream urine sample from the bedbound and/or cognitively impaired patient. It is uniquely designed to overcome these impairments with regard to the process of collecting a midstream urine sample, such that it can be used in the bedbound patient without intra-procedural manipulation by the patient or nurse/caregiver. As such, it teaches a novel product not found in the current body of prior art. 
         [0024]    An express purpose of the present invention is to provide a device that can adapt to the cognitive and physical limitations of a frail, elderly population whereupon patients are often demented, physically incapacitated and/or bedbound such that their participation in the urine collection process is extremely limited. This subset of the female population is scarcely addressed by the existing body of related prior art. The uniquely designed shape and mechanisms of the present invention reflect its novel intention and distinguish it from other embodiments in the field. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The present invention consists of a generally hollow vessel which articulates or couples with the female exterior genitalia and, when left in situ, functions to opportunistically collect urine when the patient inevitably voids her bladder. Preferably, the device, through an anchor, only attaches or couples to the genetalia of the female person from whom the urine sample is to be collected. This makes the procedure for placing the collection vessel simple and the female person does not have to be moved or overly bothered. The device is further designed to sequester the first portion of said urine, which tends to be unsuitable for diagnostic testing, and then, divert the remainder of relatively uncontaminated urine, preferably into a collection receptacle where it can be easily accessed for testing. 
         [0026]    The device is generally defined by the following major components: first, a receiving opening or orifice is provided that articulates with the female genitals and allows urine to flow into a hollow, interior collection chamber. This chamber encloses a simple mechanism or reservoir that sequesters approximately the first 20 milliliters of urine. The remaining uncontaminated urine can be diverted into an adjacent collection receptacle. Preferably the collection receptacle is easily visualized and disconnected to access the desired urine sample. Another major component is an anchor. In one preferred embodiment, the anchor is a moveable, winged appendage which can be closed around the outside of the labia majora such that it secures the collection chamber within the labia majora. 
         [0027]    The cross-sectional shape of the collection vessel is that of a relatively thin ellipse which allows the device to sit comfortably between the legs, parallel to the sagittal anatomic plane. In the preferred embodiment, the main body measures approximately 11 centimeters in height, approximately 1.5 centimeters in width and four centimeters in depth. 
         [0028]    On the anteior aspect of the collection vessel, which faces the patient, is a preferably elliptically shaped opening that extends approximately four centimeters from the top of the device to just above midlevel. This opening generally mimics the size and shape of the female vaginal introitus, allowing it to articulate closely with the genital tissue, to sit within the labia minora and to encircle the urinary meatus. In the preferred embodiment, this opening measures approximately four centimeters in length by one centimeter in width. The placement of the rim circumference within the labia minora lends an important feature to the device; that of minimizing contact of urine with genital tissue. The urinary meatus is unencumbered and expelled urine may flow freely into the hollow inner chamber below. Around the rim of the device opening is a preferably soft, pliable cushion, which further enhances comfort and conformity to individual anatomy. 
         [0029]    In certain embodiments, an anchor is provided just below the bottom edge of the receiving opening as a bulbous projection approximately 1 cm in diameter and 1 cm in depth. This anchor can be used in combination with the moveable, winged appendage anchor or separately. This projection serves as an anatomical anchor and marker; when placed within the vaginal orifice, it ensures the proper placement of the receiving opening around the urinary meatus, as female genitourinary anatomy is universal in its placement of the urinary meatus directly above the vaginal opening. 
         [0030]    In certain embodiments, just distal to the lower rim of the opening, preferably attached to the opposite, posterior portion of interior wall of the collection vessel and attached laterally to the interior wall of the chamber, is a hooded structure which slants obliquely downward. Below this structure is a preferably circular opening henceforth known as the “inferior opening.” A pair of openings, henceforth known as the “superior openings,” are located opposite each other on the lateral portions of the interior wall of the chamber, above the inferior opening. A distance of approximately one centimeter separates the inferior opening and the pair of superior openings, such that back flowing urine, to be described later, will preferentially flow first into the inferior opening and into the collection bag rather than into the superior openings. The superior openings serve as an overflow outlet, should the volume of collected urine exceed the capacity of the chamber. 
         [0031]    The shape and placement of the hooded structure, coupled with gravitational forces, compels the urine to flow downward while bypassing the shielded inferior opening underneath. The inside of the chamber is preferably lined with or made of any number of hydrophobic materials or substances, thus creating a repelling force that enhances the tendency of the first flow of urine to pool at the bottom of the chamber. 
         [0032]    Preferably, the bottom of the device houses an entrapment mechanism or reservoir that is a mass of fine, liquid-absorbing substance, preferably a powder, and preferably polyacrylate. The powder is preferably enclosed by a flexible, porous envelope such that it allows urine to pass through while particles of powder, either in dry form or engorged with fluid, stay contained within. Preferred materials for encasing the powder would be any paper derivative, fabric or fine mesh. 
         [0033]    The fineness of the powder presents a collectively large surface area such that urine is instantaneously absorbed on contact. The mass of powder is sufficient to absorb approximately 20 milliliters of urine before the resulting gelatinous mass reaches capacity. This first 20 milliliters of urine approximates the volume that sits in the urethra, which is contaminated with epithelial cells and must be eliminated from urine in the bladder to avoid a false-positive diagnostic study. 
         [0034]    Against the gelatinous barrier, the remainder of forthcoming urine fills the chamber. As the fluid level rises to the level of the inferior opening, the urine must exit the chamber via a flexible tube which is connected to a preferably pliable plastic container. In the preferred embodiment, this container sits outside of the patient&#39;s diaper or incontinence pad, allowing for easy visualization and access by the nurse or caregiver. 
         [0035]    The final component is a winged appendage anchor that serves to anchor the inner collection chamber in place. A secure attachment method is an important design element of the device, as this eliminates the need for intra-procedural manipulation by either the patient or caregiver. 
         [0036]    The present invention is intended to optimally serve the purpose of collecting urine in its cleanest form directly after being expelled from the bladder; to minimize contact with surrounding genital skin while avoiding invasion into the urinary tract; to sequester said urine and, finally, to allow easy and sterile transfer of urine into a standard testing vessel. 
         [0037]    The novel design of the present invention allows the device to function irrespective of the patient&#39;s physical and/or cognitive capacity to participate in the process. Indeed, the patient may be a totally passive participant while the device compensates for the impairments of frail, bedbound female patients who may be unable to comprehend the task and/or lack the physical agility to comply with the traditional urine collection method. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. Interior components of the invention, including the hood and the liquid absorbing material and the envelope that contains it are shown through the wall of the collection vessel without the use of dotted lines. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the present invention in situ. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  shows an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with the winged attachment appendage used with the collection vessel. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  shows a detailed, partial sectional view of a ratchet mechanism used with the winged attachment appendage of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  shows a superior of the vessel and winged attachment appendage of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  shows the embodiment of the present invention with winged attachment appendage in situ. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative attachment structure. The hood structure is shown in the interior of the collection vessel, although not in dotted lines. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]      FIG. 1  shows the collection vessel  10 . On the superior-anterior aspect of the collection vessel  10  is the receiving opening orifice  12 , which preferably sits between the labia minora  1  and encircles the urinary meatus  3 . The cross-sectional shape of the collection vessel  10  is that of a relatively thin ellipse which allows the device to sit comfortably between the legs, parallel to the sagittal anatomic plane. In the preferred embodiment, the collection vessel  10  measures approximately 11 centimeters in height, approximately 1.5 centimeters in width and four centimeters in depth. 
         [0046]    On the anterior aspect of the collection vessel  10 , which faces the patient, the receiving orifice  12  is a preferably elliptically shaped opening that extends approximately four centimeters from the top 5 of the collection vessel  10  to just above midlevel. This receiving opening  12  generally mimics the size and shape of the female vaginal introitus, allowing it to articulate closely with the genital tissue, to sit within the labia minora  1  and to encircle the urinary meatus  3 . In the preferred embodiment, the receiving opening  12  measures approximately four centimeters in length by one centimeter in width. The placement of the rim circumference of receiving opening  12  within the labia minora  1  lends an important feature to the device; that of minimizing contact of urine with genital tissue. The urinary meatus  3  is unencumbered and expelled urine may flow freely into the hollow inner chamber  11  of the collection vessel  10 . 
         [0047]    Around the rim of the receiving opening  12  is a preferably soft, pliable cushion  14 , which further enhances comfort and conformity to individual anatomy. The cushion  14  is made of soft, preferably malleable material and surrounds the receiving orifice  12  and functions both as a comfortable cushion and a mediator between the collection vessel  10  and individual tissue anatomy. 
         [0048]    In certain embodiments, an anchor  7  is provided just below the bottom edge  9  of the receiving opening as a soft, bulbous projection or protrusion  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the protrusion  16  is approximately 1 cm in diameter and 1 cm in depth. A shown in  FIG. 2 , the soft, bulbous protrusion  16  sits in the vaginal orifice or opening and serves as an anchor  7 . This anchor  7  can be used in combination with the moveable, winged appendage anchor  13  or separately. This projection  16  serves as an anatomical anchor  7  and marker; when placed within the vaginal orifice, it ensures the proper placement of the receiving opening  12  around the urinary meatus  3 , as female genitourinary anatomy is universal in its placement of the urinary meatus  3  directly above the vaginal opening  15 . 
         [0049]    As urine is expelled, the fluid may flow unencumbered via the receiving opening  12  and into the inner chamber  11  of the collection vessel  10 . A slanted hood or projection  18 , preferably located on the interior of the dorsal or posterior wall shields an inferior opening  20  which is also, preferably located on the posterior wall of the collection vessel  10  at generally the same elevation and slightly below where the uppermost portion of the hood  18  contacts the wall of the collection vessel  10 . The hood  18  is preferably located at an elevation just below the lower rim  9  of the receiving opening  12 , preferably on the opposite, posterior wall. The sides of the hood  18  are preferably attached to the lateral walls of collection vessel  10  and it slants obliquely downward into the interior of the chamber  11 , thus preventing the urine stream from entering the inferior opening  20  directly. 
         [0050]    Preferably, the collection vessel  10  is made with two, superior twin openings  22  on either lateral side of the collection vessel  10  that act as overflow drainage portals. The orientation and exact location of the hood  18 , the inferior opening  20 , and the one or more superior openings  22  of the collection vessel  10  may vary and still serve the same functions. More important to the function of the inferior and superior openings  20  and  22  is their differential height whereby the inferior opening  20  is significantly lower than the one or more superior openings  22  such that back flowing urine will naturally exit the inferior opening  20  and thus fill the collection receptacle  30 . Gravitational forces compel the fluid to flow over the hood  18 , to bypass the opening  20 , and ultimately collect at the bottom of the collection vessel  10 . At the bottom of the vessel  10  is an entrapment reservoir or mechanism which is preferably a mass of liquid-absorbing material  24 , preferably a powder, encased in an envelope  26  that is porous. The liquid-absorbing material  24  is a preferably fine powder, and preferably polyacrylate. The powder  24  is preferably enclosed by a flexible, porous envelope  26  such that it allows urine to pass through while particles of powder, either in dry form or engorged with fluid, stay contained within. Preferred materials for encasing the powder would be any paper derivative, fabric or fine mesh. 
         [0051]    Upon contact, this liquid absorbing material or powder  24  instantaneously absorbs approximately 20 milliliters of urine before reaching capacity and redirecting subsequent urine upward into the interior chamber  11  of the collection vessel  10  until the fluid level reaches the inferior opening  20 . As the patient continues to expel urine, the volume overflows via the inferior opening  20  and into a tube  28 , which is connected to a collection receptacle  30 , which is preferably a bag. 
         [0052]    This urine is relatively free of contaminants, which have been sequestered within the first portion of urine absorbed by the liquid-absorbing powder  24 . Any urine that exceeds the capacity of the collection bag  30  will exit via the superior openings  22  and into a diaper or incontinence pad (not shown). 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  demonstrates the invention in situ. The receiving aperture  12 , represented by dotted lines, sits between the labia minora  1  and encircles the urinary meatus  3 . The anchoring protrusion  16 , also represented by dotted lines, sits inside the vaginal orifice. 
         [0054]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the present invention with the winged appendage anchor  13  or attachment mechanism for coupling to the female person&#39;s genetalia. The winged appendage anchor  13  is attached to the dorsal “spine” of the collection vessel  10 . The wings intersect and rotate with respect to each other in the same fashion as a common pair of scissors. This configuration creates two opposing sets of levers, inner levers  32  and outer levers  34  which, preferably are either biased apart and so have an open resting position or are not biased to either open or close. However, while it is not preferred, the levers could be biased by action of a spring to a closed position. The ends of the inner levers  32  are smooth and align anatomically with the base of the labia majora  15  where the labia majora  15  meets the groin. When the outer levers  34  are compressed, the inner levers  32  simultaneously close. A ratchet assembly attached to the outer levers  34  allows the inner levers  32  to close incrementally according to individual anatomy and comfort. When the receiving orifice  12  is place around the urinary meatus  3 , the outer levers  34  are compressed and simultaneously compel the inner levers  32  toward each other, similar to the cutting action of scissors. The levers closest to the receiving orifice  12  are the inner levers  32 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment of the invention a simple ratchet mechanism is provided between outer levers  34 , which allows the inner levers  32  to be closed incrementally. In the preferred embodiment, the ratchet mechanism consists of a saw-toothed wheel  38   a  and pawl  38   b  attached at the ends of ratchet levers  42 . The ratchet mechanism is similar to that commonly used in many simple tools. Saw-toothed wheel  38   a  is located within joint  38  between ratchet levers  42  and is part of one of the ratchet levers  42 . Pawl  38   b  at the end of pawl lever  40  is rotatingly attached to the other of the ratchet levers  42 . When the two outer levers  34  are compressed, the angle between ratchet levers  42  is reduced simultaneously moving the saw-toothed wheel  38   a  with respect to the pawl  38   b . As shown in  FIG. 4 , toothed wheel  38   a  is at the end of one of the ratchet levers  42  and, as shown, is not a complete circle or wheel. Rachet levers  42  are joined at wheel  38   a  and joint  38 . Ratchet levers  42  are pivotly attached to outer levers  34 . Inward movement or closing of the outer levers  34 , produces inward movement or closing of the ratchet levers  42  which produces a torque force that rotates the wheel  38   a  with respect to pawl  38   b  which is pivotly attached to the other ratchet lever  42 . Counter tension is provided by a tension spring  17  between the ratchet levers  42  that pushes the ratchet levers  42  apart and the teeth  19  of the wheel  38   a  against the pawl  38   b . Movement of the outer levers  34  by the operator overcomes the biasing force exerted by the tension spring  17 . Tension spring  17  could also act directly on outer levers  34 .  FIG. 3  also shows a ratchet spring  44  which exerts a counterforce against the pawl  38   b  and prevents it from slipping backward, thus stabilizing the wheel  38   a  incrementally in its position between each notch of the teeth  19 . Pawl lever arm  40  may be released, overcoming the action of spring  44 , to free the pawl  38   b  and thus open the ratchet levers  42  and the outer and inner levers  34  and  32  for removal of the device. 
         [0056]    As the user incrementally compresses the outer levers  34 , the inner levers  32  simultaneously close around the outside of the labia majora  15  in a similarly incremental manner, thus stabilizing the collection vessel  10 . Both the shape of the inner levers  32  and the variable pressure against the labia majora  15  contribute to firm but comfortable attachment of the entire device. The aforementioned ratchet mechanism may be replaced by any number of similar mechanisms, of various configurations and at different locations between the lever components  32  and  34  that could serve the purpose of allowing incremental compression of the inner levers around the labia majora  15 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 5  shows the articulated bridge  21  with hinged arms  46 , on which the inner levers  32  move in concert with manipulation of the outer levers  34 . The bridge  21  articulates with each inner lever  32  via a hinge  23 ; the hinge  23  allows the inner levers  32  to close when the ratchet is engaged. From the center of the bridge  21  a stem  50  extends downward toward the dorsal spine of the collection vessel  10  and terminates in a locking protrusion  52 , preferably a sphere. The locking protrusion  52  sits within a track  54  that runs along the dorsal spine of the collection vessel  10  and allows the winged appendage anchor  13  to move along the track  54 ; the ball joint created by the spherical locking protrusion  52  allows for three dimensional manipulation of the winged appendage anchor  13 . Hinged arms  46  are rotatingly connected to a central fixture  48 . A stem  50  extends from the central fixture  48  and terminates in a locking protrusion  52 , which slides within the confines of a track  54  formed on the containment vessel  10 . These features allow the user to move the attachment and optimize placement of the collection vessel  10  based on individual anatomy and the individuals position. 
         [0058]      FIG. 6  shows the inner lever  32  closed around the outside of the labia majora  15  and the collection vessel  10  disposed within the labia minora  1 . 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , in lieu of the preferred winged appendage anchor, or in concert therewith, the collection vessel  10  may be stabilized with an intra-vaginal extension  56  of the previously described bulbous protrusion. This structure is a preferably soft protrusion consisting of a stalk approximately 2 cm in length. This stalk terminates in a preferably bulbous structure which is larger in diameter than the stalk, such that it becomes anchored when inserted into the vagina and enveloped by its soft tissue, coupling the collection vessel  10  to the female person&#39;s genetalia. 
         [0060]    The central vessel  10  is preferably made by any variety of soft, medical grade rubber, such as silicon. Alternative materials, particularly those that mimic the composition of silicon, but which are biodegradable and/or have other advantageous qualities, are not excluded. The levers are preferably made from a durable plastic or metal.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0