Abstract:
A urine collection bag is provided which includes a light source to allow a caregiver to take fluid readings during sleep periods, and other lights-out periods, without needing to turn on room lighting and risk disturbing the patient. The light can be permanently mounted to the bag and discarded with the bag after use. A reusable light is also provided which can be moved from bag to bag. Embodiments are presented wherein the light attaches to a bag specifically accommodated to accept lighting, as well as embodiments where the light can be used with any commonly-available collection or distribution bag.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates to fluid collection bags for receiving bodily fluids. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a urine collection bag and urine metering device which includes a self-powered light for enabling a patient caregiver to obtain volumetric readings under low ambient lighting conditions. 
         [0003]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0004]    Fluid collection systems for collecting bodily fluids such as urine are well known in the art. Typically, urine collection systems include a fluid collection bag defining a fluid chamber and having an inlet port or ports for receiving fluid and a discharge port to facilitate drainage of the collection bag. A discharge tube can be attached to the discharge port and a discharge valve is provided to regulate fluid flow, e.g., drainage, from the collection bag. The bag typically includes graduation marks to enable an observer to determine the volume of fluid contained within the bag. 
         [0005]    In use, a urine collection bag is typically hung on a support structure such as a bed frame, positioned below a catheterized patient. A drain tube having one end connected to the catheterized patient and a second end in fluid communication with the urine collection bag directs urine to the urine collection bag. As urine is collected, it is necessary for the patient caregiver to periodically record the visual properties and volume of fluid collected from the patient. However, during sleeping periods, the room lights are generally turned off, which presents a challenge to the caregiver. In this instance, the caregiver must either turn on the room lights, which can disturb the sleeping patient; introduce a flashlight or other portable illumination means into the patient care area, which can be awkward and pose a risk of cross-infection; or attempt to read the bag under suboptimal lighting conditions, which can lead to inaccurate measurements being recorded. 
         [0006]    Similarly, fluid distribution systems such as intravenous drip bags also require periodic inspection to monitor the volume of fluid remaining in the bag, which during “lights-off” hours places the same burdens on a caretaker. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a fluid collection bag and/or a fluid distribution bag that enables the patient caregiver to take readings under low light conditions without requiring the use of room lights or other external light sources. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In accordance with the present disclosure, a fluid collection bag having a light source for illuminating the collected fluid is presented. In an embodiment, the light source is an assembly having a battery-operated light-emitting diode (LED) and a pushbutton switch for activating the LED. The light is positioned on the bag to illuminate the volumetric graduations of the bag thereby enabling the patient caregiver to obtain accurate readings, and to permit visual assessment of the collected fluid. When inadequate ambient light is available to read the bag (during night rounds, for example) the caregiver presses the pushbutton to illuminate the bag and/or its contents so that readings can be taken without disturbing the patient or requiring the caregiver to carry and manipulate a flashlight. 
         [0009]    It is envisioned the pushbutton switch operates the light in a momentary-contact mode, whereby the light is illuminated only while the button is depressed. Additionally or alternatively, it is envisioned the pushbutton operates in a push-on/push-off mode, whereby pushing the button alternately toggles the light on and off. In another embodiment, a single press of the pushbutton causes the light to turn on for a fixed period of time, for example, ten seconds, after which the light self-extinguishes. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the light is extinguished if the pushbutton is pressed before the timeout period elapses. In this embodiment, the pushbutton switch operates in a primarily push-on/push-off mode with a battery-conserving timeout feature. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the light assembly includes at least one power source, such as a button-type lithium battery, an LED coupled in series to a current-limiting resistor as will be familiar to the skilled artisan, and a normally open single-pole, single-throw (SPST) switch operatively coupled to a pushbutton. Pressing the pushbutton causes the switch to close which completes an electrical circuit, which in turn causes current to flow from the at least one battery through the resistor and LED, which activated the LED and illuminates the bag and its contents. 
         [0011]    In an alternative embodiment, the light assembly includes a controller which accepts input from the pushbutton switch and activates the LED in accordance with a control algorithm. The control algorithm can cause the light to operate in push-on/push-off mode, push-on/push-off mode with timeout, momentary mode (i.e. push on/release off). Other functions are contemplated, such as pulse-width modulation of the LED activation current, to dim or fade the light; or an alarm state which flashes the LED in response to, for example, a “low battery” condition, a “bag full” condition, or a “bag empty” condition. An embodiment is envisioned wherein the light assembly includes at least one sensor for causing a bag full condition or a bag empty condition to be sensed by the controller, thus triggering the appropriate “bag full” or “bag empty” alarm state. 
         [0012]    It is a further aspect of the present disclosure that the light assembly be substantially permanently mounted to the bag such that the bag and light assembly comprise a single disposable unit. For example, the disclosed light assembly can be affixed to the bag by adhesive, heat welding, lamination, or other suitable means. Also contemplated is a light that is removably mounted to the bag by clip-on means, by clamping means, by insertion into a holder on the bag dimensioned to receive and retain the light, by semi-permanent adhesive means, or by other suitable means. It is further envisioned the light can be used with bags particularly configured to accommodate the light, or with existing bags having no specific accommodations for the light. 
         [0013]    In another envisioned embodiment, a fluid distribution bag, such as an intravenous (IV) drip bag, having a light source for illuminating the contents of the bag is provided. 
         [0014]    In yet another embodiment contemplated by the present disclosure, a light dispersion shroud is provided which shields the caretaker&#39;s eyes from glare, and ideally, directs light towards the bag and its contents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Various embodiments of the presently disclosed fluid collection bag with light are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of a fluid collection bag having a light for illuminating the collected fluid in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a second embodiment of a light for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a front cross section view of a second embodiment of a light for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a pushbutton corresponding to a second embodiment of a light for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a side cross section view of a second embodiment of the disclosed light in a deactivated state; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is a side cross section view of a second embodiment of the disclosed light in an activated state; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6A  is a side cross section view of a third embodiment of the disclosed light in a deactivated state; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6B  is a side cross section view of a third embodiment of the disclosed light in an activated state; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of another embodiment of a light for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a light having a light dispersion shroud for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8A  is a schematic diagram illustrating a light for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8A  is a schematic diagram illustrating a light having a controller for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of a light having a controller for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag that is substantially permanently mounted to the bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view of a light having a controller for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag that is substantially permanently mounted to the bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9C  is a cross-sectional view of a light having a controller for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag that is removably mounted to the bag in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10A  is a front view of a light having a controller for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag with clip mounting means in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of a light having a controller for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag with clamp mounting means in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 10C  is a view of a light having a controller for illuminating the collected fluid in a fluid collection bag removably mounted by clamping means to the bag in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    Embodiments of the presently disclosed fluid collection bag assembly with light will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. 
         [0035]    In  FIG. 1  is shown an embodiment of a fluid collection bag  100  in accordance with the present disclosure constructed from a front panel  110  and a rear panel (not shown) which are sealably joined at their edges  112  by welding, gluing, or other suitable means to define a fluid chamber  114 . Front panel  110  and rear panel can be constructed from polyvinyl chloride or other suitable flexible material. Preferably, front panel  100  is substantially transparent to enable an observer to view the contents of the fluid chamber. Graduations  130  for measuring the volume of fluid contained in fluid chamber  114  are imprinted on front panel  110  by silkscreen transfer, offset printing, heat printing or other suitable printing means. To provide an uncluttered field of observation and to enhance readability, rear panel (not shown) is preferably substantially opaque and preferably contrasting in color to that of graduations  130 . Collection bag  100  further includes discharge valve  115  for emptying the fluid chamber of fluid through discharge port  116 , and inlet port  120  which is dimensioned to accept inlet tube  125  to direct fluid from a catheterized patient (not shown) into fluid chamber  114 . 
         [0036]    Disposed upon front panel  110  is light assembly  150 . Referring now to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 , light assembly  150  includes a pushbutton  160  that is hingibly mounted to housing  200  by interlocking hinge members  360  and  365 . Preferably, pushbutton  160  and housing  200  are constructed of electrically non-conductive material. Suitable materials for pushbutton  160  and housing  200  include without limitation such plastics as polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS, PVC or other suitable polymeric material. Circuit board  320  is fixedly disposed within housing  200  by adhesive, clip, heat welding or other suitable means. Circuit board  320  includes LED  170 , preferably mounted thereto by soldering, and batteries  310 ,  310 ′ mounted thereto by soldering, battery clip  340  or other means known in the art. Preferably, the at least one battery  310 ,  310 ′ can be a small form factor device, such as a lithium, alkaline, or silver oxide button cell battery. LED  170  and batteries  310 ,  310 ′ are coupled by circuit traces  330  in accordance with  FIG. 8A  wherein anode of LED  170  is coupled to the positive terminal of battery  310 , and cathode of LED  170  is coupled to the negative terminal of battery  310 ′. The negative terminal of battery  310  and positive terminal of battery  310 ′, each facing generally away from circuit board  320 , comprise switch contacts as will be further described hereinbelow. It will be appreciated that embodiments which include a single battery, or greater than two batteries, or configurations with opposite polarities, are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The circuit optionally includes current-limiting resistor  820  having a value selected in accordance with the combined voltage of batteries  310 ,  310 ′ and the nominal forward bias current of LED  170  as is well-known. Preferably, current-limiting resistor  820  is included within LED  170 , or, alternatively, current-limiting resistor  820  can be separately included, for example, on circuit board  320 . 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIGS. 4A-C , pushbutton  160  includes switch wiper  410  having outwardly-dimpled contacts  420  disposed on pushbutton inner surface  415  positioned in substantial alignment with the centerline of batteries  310 ,  310 ′. Leaf springs  430  extend from inner surface  415  to circuit board  320  to bias pushbutton  160  away from batteries  310 ,  310 ′, causing pushbutton  160  to rest in the inactive position as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 5A . Turning to  FIGS. 4C and 5B , the light is activated when pushbutton  160  is depressed causing contacts  420  to electrically couple with the switch contacts comprising negative terminal of battery  310  and positive terminal of battery  310 ′, completing an electrical circuit and causing LED  170  to illuminate. Upon release of pushbutton  160 , springs  430  restore pushbutton  160  to its inactive position causing contacts  420  to separate from batteries  310 ,  310 ′ breaking the circuit thus causing LED  170  to extinguish. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an embodiment is shown that includes resilient pushbutton  160 ′, having a dome-like shape, for activating switch  610 , which can be a snap dome switch, membrane switch, or other suitable switch for activating LED  170 . The application of external pressure, i.e. finger pressure, causes resilient pushbutton  160 ′ to deform, placing it in operative communication with and thereby actuating switch  610 , causing LED  170  to activate. Upon the removal of external pressure, resilient pushbutton  160 ′ assumes its original shape, allowing switch  610  to deactivate. 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , LED  170  protrudes through aperture  350  from housing  200  to illuminate the fluid collection bag. In an embodiment, LED  170  is sealably coupled to aperture  350  by suitable means to prevent fluid infiltration into housing  150 . Preferably, LED  170  has a wide dispersion angle. In an embodiment, light  150  includes light dispersion shroud  710  to reduce glare by shielding direct rays of LED  170  from the observer&#39;s eyes. Additionally or optionally, inner surface  720  of light dispersion shroud  710  is contoured to reflect output of LED  170  generally towards fluid fluid chamber  114  and graduations  130 . Preferably LED  170  is of the type which emits white light, however, the use of single- or multi-colored LEDs is contemplated wherein, for example, pushbutton actuation of the light causes LED  170  to emit white light while an alarm state causes LED  170  to emit steady and/or blinking colored light. 
         [0040]    In yet another embodiment contemplated by the present disclosure, light  150  includes controller  840  configured for controlling LED  170  as shown in  FIG. 8B . Controller receives user input from switch means  810 , such as switch  610 , that is operatively coupled to pushbutton  160  or  160 ′. Additionally or optionally, controller  840  receives input from fluid sensor  850 , which is in communication with fluid chamber  114 . Additionally or optionally, controller includes an undervoltage detection circuit (not shown) as well-known in the art for measuring the combined voltage of the at least one battery  310 . Upon receiving a user input, i.e., a momentary button press, from switch means  810 , controller  840  causes LED  170  to be illuminated for a predetermined time period, for example, ten seconds, whereupon controller  840  causes LED  170  to extinguish at the expiration of the timeout period. Additionally, a second user input received prior to expiration of the timeout period can also cause extinguishment of LED  170 . In yet another embodiment, controller  840  causes LED  170  to remain illuminated as long as a continuous user input is received, i.e., a continuous button press, and to extinguish upon termination of the continuous user input, i.e., button release. In an embodiment, controller  840  can determine whether an alarm state exists and in response thereto cause LED  170  to illuminate in a continuous or blinking fashion. An alarm state can be caused by, for example, input received by controller  840  from fluid sensor  850  indicating a bag full condition, a bag empty condition, or from the undervoltage detection circuit within controller  840  indicating the combined voltage of the at least one battery  310  is below an acceptable threshold, i.e. the at least one battery  310  has reached the end of its useful life. 
         [0041]    The present disclosure envisions various embodiments, wherein light  150  is affixed to fluid collection bag  100 , as will now be described with reference to the figures.  FIG. 9A  illustrates an embodiment wherein light  150  is substantially permanently mounted to collection bag  100 . Aperture  922  is disposed on front panel  110  dimensioned to accept light  150 . Light  150  is sealably joined along its edge to front panel  110  by suitable means  920  such as heat welding, chemical welding, or adhesive joining. As can be seen, rear surface  926  of light  150  is in communication with fluid chamber  114 , which is desirable, for example, if fluid sensor  850  requires direct fluid contact to sense collected liquid in vessel  114 . 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 9B  another embodiment is shown wherein light  150  is substantially permanently joined to the face of front panel  110  by suitable means such as heat welding, chemical welding, or adhesive joining, along the perimeter  925  and/or rear surface  926  of light  150 . In yet another embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 9C , light  150  is substantially permanently laminated between front panel  110 , and laminate cover  930  having at its perimeter a margin  940  that is fixed to front panel  110  by any suitable means, preferably by heat welding. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 9D and 9E  illustrate two views of an embodiment in which light  150  is removably mounted to bag  110 . Pocket  960  having an opening  970  is fixedly joined to front panel  110  at seam  980  by any suitable means, preferably by heat welding. Light  150  is inserted into pocket  960  for use, and can be removed after use. Typically, light  150  will remain in pocket  960  until fluid collection bag  100  is disposed of, at which time light  150  can be removed from pocket  960  and be stored or reused in another bag; or until the at least one battery  310  is exhausted, at which time light  150  can be removed from pocket  960  and replaced with a fresh light  150 . Additionally or alternatively, light  150  can be fitted with a fresh at least one battery  310 , and re-used. 
         [0044]    Turning now to  FIGS. 10A-C  there is shown an embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure wherein light  150  is integrally included within clip  1000  having a generally clothespin-like structure for mounting on a fluid collection bag  100 ′. Clip  1000  comprises two opposing members  1010  and  1020  pivotally joined by pivot pin  1030 . The opposing members have a finger grip end  1020  and opposing jaw ends  1040 . A spring  1050  biases the opposing jaw ends  1050  together to retain clip  1000  on fluid collection bag  100 ′. The pair of finger grip ends  1020  can be squeezed together to open the opposing jaw ends  1040 , clamp  1000  can then be positioned as desired on fluid collection bag  100 ′, and the finger grip ends released thereby fixing clamp  1000  in place. 
         [0045]    It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, it is envisioned that the configuration and operation of the disclosed light may be altered in many respects to achieve a variety of different objectives. For example, a light having a plurality of LEDs is envisioned, as well as a light which attaches to a fluid collection bag by self-adhesive means. Further, the present disclosure may be incorporated into devices in other medical and non-medical areas. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims presented herein.