Patent Description:
The present disclosure generally relates urinary relief systems, and more specifically, to pressurized urinary relief systems for pilots.

Aircrew often need to urinate multiple times during flights without removing restraint systems and flight equipment. Current mission profiles and air refueling abilities have led to longer flight times for aircrew. As a result, some aircrew, especially female aircrew, resort to ingesting fewer liquids to reduce the need to urinate resulting in dehydration. A safe, reliable, and effective system to provide aircrew, especially female aircrew, the capability of bladder relief during flight is sought. <CIT> relates to a fluid collection device. <CIT> relates to a urine disposal device and urine receptacle.

Disclosed herein is a storage unit for a urinary relief system. The storage unit includes a body, an inlet port coupled to the body, an outlet port coupled to the body, a first porous layer disposed within the body and adjacent the inlet port, an absorbent layer disposed within the body and adjacent the first porous layer, and a second porous layer disposed within the body and adjacent the absorbent layer and the outlet port.

In various embodiments, the body is configured to be collapsible. In various embodiments, the storage unit further includes a flow restrictor configured to prevent liquid from exiting the storage unit. In various embodiments, the flow restrictor is disposed within the body. In various embodiments, the body is made from one or more of a plastic, a rubber, and a vinyl.

The absorbent layer is between the first porous layer and the second porous layer, and wherein the absorbent layer is laterally adjacent the first porous layer and the second porous layer. Alternatively, the absorbent layer is above the first porous layer and the absorbent layer is below the second porous layer.

Also disclosed herein is a urinary relief system including a human interface device, a control unit, and a storage device coupled to the human interface device and the control unit. The storage device includes an inlet port coupled to the human interface device, an outlet port coupled to the control unit, a first porous layer disposed adjacent the inlet port, an absorbent layer disposed adjacent the first porous layer, and a second porous layer disposed adjacent the absorbent layer and the outlet port.

In various embodiments, the storage device is configured to be collapsible. In various embodiments, the storage device further includes a body disposed around the first porous layer, the absorbent layer, and the second porous layer, the body being made from one or more of a plastic, a rubber, and a vinyl. In various embodiments, the urinary relief system further includes a flow restrictor configured to prevent a liquid from reaching the control unit.

In various embodiments, the flow restrictor is disposed between the second porous layer and the outlet port. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer is between the first porous layer and the second porous layer, and wherein the absorbent layer is laterally adjacent the first porous layer and the second porous layer. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer is above the first porous layer and the absorbent layer is below the second porous layer.

Also disclosed herein is a urinary relief system including a human interface device, a control unit, a flow restrictor, and a storage device coupled to the human interface device by a first tube and the control unit by a second tube, where the flow restrictor is between the control unit and the storage device along the second tube. The storage device includes an inlet port coupled to the first tube, an outlet port coupled to the second tube, a first porous layer disposed adjacent the inlet port, an absorbent layer disposed adjacent the first porous layer, and a second porous layer disposed adjacent the absorbent layer and the outlet port.

In various embodiments, the storage device is configured to be collapsible. In various embodiments, the storage device further includes a body disposed around the first porous layer, the absorbent layer, and the second porous layer, the body being made from one or more of a plastic, a rubber, and a vinyl. In various embodiments, the flow restrictor prevents a liquid from reaching the control unit. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer is between the first porous layer and the second porous layer, and wherein the absorbent layer is laterally adjacent the first porous layer and the second porous layer. In various embodiments, the absorbent layer is above the first porous layer and the absorbent layer is below the second porous layer.

While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. It should also be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to "a," an" or "the" may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural.

Disclosed herein is a urinary relief system including a human interface, a storage unit, and a control unit. The human interface is configured to collect and pass a liquid (e.g., urine) from a user (e.g., a pilot) to the storage unit. In various embodiments, the human interface may be designed to be worn under clothing (e.g., flight suit) and close the body of the user. In various embodiments, the human interface may be fluidly coupled to the storage unit by a hose, or tube, and, in some embodiments, a quick connector coupling. The storage unit is configured to collect and store the liquid (e.g., urine). In various embodiments, the storage unit includes an input fluidly coupled to the human interface device and an output fluidly coupled to the control unit. The control unit is configured to draw the liquid from the human interface to the storage unit for collection. In various embodiments, the control unit may draw the liquid and some air using a vacuum. In various embodiments, the storage unit and the control unit may be coupled by a hose, or tube, and, in various embodiments, a quick connector coupling.

In various embodiments, the storage unit is a collapsible storage unit with the outer portion constructed from plastic, rubber, vinyl, or another pliable material. That is, the storage unit may be smaller when empty than when full. In various embodiments, the storage unit includes a first porous media layer adjacent the input to diffuse, or spread, the liquid and any accompanying air across a larger surface area. In various embodiments, the storage unit includes an absorption layer adjacent the first porous media layer to collect and store the received liquid. In various embodiments, the storage unit includes a second porous media layer adjacent the output to diffuse, or spread, the vacuum pull from the control unit. In various embodiments, the first porous media layer and the second porous media layer improve the storage capability of the storage unit. In various embodiments, the output includes liquid restrictor to prevent liquid from passing to the control unit.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a urinary relief system <NUM> for use by a pilot <NUM> (e.g., a female pilot) is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Urinary relief system <NUM> includes a human interface device <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>. Human interface device <NUM> is configured to be positioned under the clothing (e.g., flight suit, underwear, pants, etc.) and immediately adjacent the body of pilot <NUM> for use in flight. That is, between the body and clothing of pilot <NUM> when pilot <NUM> is in a seated position. In various embodiments, human interface device <NUM> may form a seal with the body of pilot <NUM>. Human interface device <NUM> may be any size and/or shape conducive for placement under the clothing of pilot <NUM> and for collecting the liquid (e.g., urine) while in place. Human interface device <NUM> includes a collection portion 104a and an outlet port 104b.

Storage unit <NUM> includes a storage inlet port 106a and a storage outlet port 106b. Outlet port 104b of human interface device <NUM> is connected to storage inlet port 106a of storage unit <NUM> by an inlet hose <NUM> and storage outlet port 106b of storage unit <NUM> is connected to control unit <NUM> by an outlet hose <NUM>. In various embodiments, storage unit <NUM> may be disposable. In various embodiments, control unit <NUM> and/or storage unit <NUM> may be secured to pilot <NUM> (e.g., secured to a leg) by one or more straps <NUM>. Storage unit <NUM> is configured to receive and trap liquid (e.g., urine) received from storage inlet port 106a and not allow the liquid to exit through storage outlet port 106b.

Control unit <NUM> creates a motive force that draws the liquid (e.g., urine) from human interface device <NUM> and into storage unit <NUM>. Air may be drawn, along with the liquid, into storage unit <NUM> by the vacuum created by control unit <NUM>. In various embodiments, storage unit <NUM> includes a filter, or flow restrictor, that allows the air to exit storage unit <NUM> through storage outlet port 106b and keep the liquid secured in storage unit <NUM>. In various embodiments, control unit <NUM> provides the motive force by creating a vacuum to draw the liquid from human interface device <NUM> to storage unit <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a functional diagram <NUM> of a urinary relief system is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Functional diagram <NUM> may be an example of urinary relief system <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. Functional diagram <NUM> includes a collection device <NUM>, a storage device <NUM>, and a control device <NUM>. In various embodiments, collection device <NUM>, storage device <NUM>, and control device <NUM> may be examples of human interface device <NUM>, storage unit <NUM>, and control unit <NUM>, respectively, described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Collection device <NUM> is configured to collect liquid (e.g., urine) from a user (e.g., pilot <NUM>). Collection device <NUM> has an outlet port 204a, storage device <NUM> has a storage inlet port 206a and a storage outlet port 206b, and control device <NUM> has a control inlet port 208a and a control outlet port 208b. Outlet port 204a of collection device <NUM> is configured to transfer the collected liquid from collection device <NUM> to storage device <NUM>. Outlet port 204a of collection device <NUM> is connected to storage inlet port 206a of storage device <NUM>. Storage outlet port 206b of storage device <NUM> is connected to control inlet port 208a of control device <NUM>. In various embodiments, a hose, or tube, may be used to make the connection between outlet and inlet ports. In various embodiments, there is a first quick connector interface <NUM> between collection device <NUM> and storage device <NUM> that allows for quick and simple attachment and detachment of a hose, or tube. In various embodiments, there is a second quick connector interface <NUM> between storage device <NUM> and control device <NUM> that allows for quick and simple attachment and detachment the hose, or tube. In various embodiments, a filter, or flow restrictor <NUM>, is connected to storage outlet port 206b of storage device <NUM>. Flow restrictor <NUM> prevents liquid (e.g., urine) from passing to control device <NUM> while allowing air to pass to control device <NUM>.

Control device <NUM> includes an ejector head <NUM> and a pressurized gas supply <NUM>. Ejector head <NUM> includes houses control inlet port 208a, control outlet port 208b, an ejector <NUM>, and a pressure regulator <NUM>. Ejector <NUM> is coupled to pressure regulator <NUM>, control inlet port 208a, and control outlet port 208b. Pressurized gas supply <NUM> includes a first valve 228a, a second valve 228b, a third valve 228c, a first CO<NUM> cartridge 230a, a second CO<NUM> cartridge 230b, and a third CO<NUM> cartridge 230c. First CO<NUM> cartridge 230a is coupled to first valve 228a, second CO<NUM> cartridge 230b is coupled to second valve 228b, and third CO<NUM> cartridge 230c is coupled to third valve 228c. First valve 228a, second valve 228b, and third valve 228c are connected in parallel to pressure regulator <NUM> by a high pressure line <NUM>. That is, each valve 228a, 228b, 228c has an independent high pressure connection to high pressure line <NUM> that is in turn connected to pressure regulator <NUM>. While the description herein uses CO<NUM> cartridges, it should be appreciated that any suitable pressurized gas container may be used.

Each CO<NUM> cartridge 230a, 226b, 226c is sealed and connected to the corresponding valve 228a, 228b, 228c. Each valve 228a, 228b, 228c performs the same function. For example, first valve 228a is configured to puncture the seal of first CO<NUM> cartridge 230a, in response to an input, allowing the compressed air in first CO<NUM> cartridge 230a to pass through first valve 228a, into high pressure line <NUM>, and to pressure regulator <NUM>. Second valve 228b is configured to puncture the seal of second CO<NUM> cartridge 230b, in response to an input, allowing the compressed air in second CO<NUM> cartridge 230b to pass through second valve 228b, into high pressure line <NUM>, and to pressure regulator <NUM>. Third valve 228c is configured to puncture the seal of third CO<NUM> cartridge 230c, in response to an input, allowing the compressed air in third CO<NUM> cartridge 230c to pass through third valve 228c, into high pressure line <NUM>, and to pressure regulator <NUM>.

Pressure regulator <NUM> has a high pressure inlet 226a and a reduced pressure outlet 226b. Pressure regulator <NUM> receives the high pressure air from high pressure line <NUM> at high pressure inlet 226a, reduces the pressure of the air (e.g., CO<NUM>), and outputs the air at a reduced pressure from reduced pressure outlet 226b. The pressure of the air at reduced pressure outlet 226b is about <NUM> times to about <NUM> times less than the pressure of the air received at high pressure inlet 226a. In various embodiments, the pressure of the air at reduced pressure outlet 226b is about <NUM> times to about <NUM> times less than the pressure of the air received at high pressure inlet 226a. Reducing the pressure of the air by pressure regulator <NUM> slows the release of the pressurized air (e.g., CO<NUM>) and therefore extends the lifespan of each CO<NUM> cartridge 230a, 266b, 226c. Adjusting the release pressure (e.g., air pressure at reduced pressure outlet 226b) either up or down may decrease or increase, respectively, the effective lifespan of each CO<NUM> cartridge 230a, 230b, 230c.

Ejector <NUM> has an air inlet 224a, an air outlet 224b, and a vacuum port 224c. Air inlet 224a of ejector <NUM> is connected to reduced pressure outlet 226b of pressure regulator <NUM>. Air outlet 224b is connected to control outlet port 208b which is open to the environment (e.g., cockpit, cabin, etc.). Vacuum port 224c is connected to storage outlet port 206b of storage device <NUM>. Ejector <NUM> receives pressurized air at air inlet 224a and passes the pressurized air to air outlet 224b to create a vacuum at vacuum port 224c. The vacuum creates a motive force that passes through storage device <NUM> to collection device <NUM> and draws, or sucks, air and liquid (e.g., urine) from collection device <NUM> into storage device <NUM>. A combination of the materials inside storage device <NUM> and flow restrictor <NUM> trap and prevent the liquid from being pulled to ejector head <NUM>, and more specifically, into ejector <NUM>. Instead, any air present in the system is drawn by the vacuum created by ejector <NUM>, continuing to pull liquid from collection device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a storage device <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Storage device <NUM> includes similar components to those described above with respect to storage device <NUM> in <FIG>, including an inlet port <NUM>, an outlet port <NUM>, and a flow restrictor <NUM>. Storage device <NUM> further includes a body <NUM>, a first porous layer <NUM>, an absorbent layer <NUM>, and a second porous layer <NUM>. Storage device <NUM> as disclosed herein may be disposable thereby simplifying the maintenance of urinary relief system <NUM>.

Body <NUM> of storage device <NUM>, in various embodiments, may be a multilayer flexible body formed in one of various shapes including be rectangular, triangular, oval, or other shapes to fit given space parameters. In various embodiments, body <NUM> may be made from a flexible plastic, a flexible rubber, a vinyl material, or other flexible materials. That is, storage device <NUM> may be designed to be worn by a user (e.g., pilot <NUM>), stored in or on a seat, or stored in or on an aircraft wall, among others. As such, body <NUM> may be in a collapsed state when empty and in an expanded state when liquid (e.g., urine) is stored therein.

Inlet port <NUM> may be connected to a collection device (e.g., collection device <NUM>) and outlet port <NUM> may be connected to a control unit (e.g., control device <NUM>). In the illustrated embodiment, inlet port <NUM> is located at the bottom of body <NUM> (e.g., the negative z-direction) and on the left side of body <NUM> (e.g., the negative x-direction). Outlet port <NUM> is located the top of body <NUM> (e.g., the positive z-direction) and on the right side of body <NUM> (e.g., the positive x-direction). In various embodiments, both inlet port <NUM> and outlet port <NUM> may be located at the bottom of body <NUM> or at the top of body <NUM>. In various embodiments, inlet port <NUM> may be located at the top of body <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM> may be located at the bottom of body <NUM>. Similarly, in various embodiments, inlet port <NUM> and outlet port <NUM> may be located on the left side of body <NUM> or the right side of body <NUM> or some combination thereof.

First porous layer <NUM> is located inside body <NUM> and laterally adjacent inlet port <NUM>. Absorbent layer <NUM> is located inside body <NUM> and laterally adjacent first porous layer <NUM>. That is, first porous layer <NUM> is between inlet port <NUM> and absorbent layer <NUM>. Second porous layer <NUM> is located inside body <NUM> and laterally adjacent absorbent layer <NUM>. That is, absorbent layer <NUM> is between first porous layer <NUM> and second porous layer <NUM>. Flow restrictor <NUM> is located inside body <NUM> and is laterally adjacent second porous layer <NUM> on one side and laterally adjacent outlet port <NUM> on the other side. That is, second porous layer <NUM> is between flow restrictor <NUM> and absorbent layer <NUM> and flow restrictor <NUM> is between second porous layer <NUM> and outlet port <NUM>. In various embodiments, flow restrictor <NUM> may be located external of body <NUM> so that second porous layer <NUM> is laterally adjacent outlet port <NUM>.

This configuration provides structure to storage device <NUM> so that body <NUM> does not completely collapse when empty which may prevent the control unit (e.g., control device <NUM>) from drawing liquid into storage device <NUM>. When empty, the structure of storage device <NUM> allows liquid (e.g., urine) and air to enter storage device <NUM> through inlet port <NUM> and allows only air to exit storage device <NUM> through outlet port <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid and/or air has a flow path <NUM> entering body <NUM> through inlet port <NUM> and passing through first porous layer <NUM> where liquid is absorbed by absorbent layer <NUM>. Flow path <NUM> as illustrated, indicates that the liquid and air may travel up absorbent layer <NUM> (e.g., in the positive z-direction) toward outlet port <NUM>. As described above in <FIG>, a motive force is provided to move the liquid and air into storage device <NUM>, trap the liquid in storage device <NUM>, and allow air to exit storage device <NUM>. In various embodiments, the motive force may be a vacuum (e.g., negative pressure, in the direction towards the outlet port <NUM>) pulling from outlet port <NUM>. In various embodiments, the motive force may be a positive pressure force (e.g., positive pressure coming from the direction of inlet tube <NUM>) that pushes the liquid and air into body <NUM> through inlet port <NUM>.

First porous layer <NUM> and second porous layer <NUM> provide a surface over which to distribute the motive force, the liquid, and/or the air. First porous layer <NUM> provides a surface over which to distribute the liquid and/or air received from the collection device across the portion of absorbent layer <NUM> adjacent first porous layer <NUM>. Second porous layer <NUM> provides a surface over which to distribute the motive force (e.g., vacuum) from the control unit to the portion of absorbent layer <NUM> adjacent second porous layer <NUM>. In various embodiments, porous layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from any solid material containing spaces, holes, or voids, either naturally or artificially. In various embodiments, porous layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be sponges, wood, plastic, pumice, ceramic, or closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (e.g., that sold under the name STYROFOAM), among others.

Absorbent layer <NUM> provides a material in which to trap and store the liquid (e.g., urine) received from the collection device (e.g., collection device <NUM>). Absorbent layer <NUM> may be made from one or more different materials, including polymers, sodium polyacrylate, wood pulp, absorbent beads, or any other suitable absorbent material. In various embodiments, absorbent layer <NUM> may be formed into a single component prior to being placed inside body <NUM>. In various embodiments, absorbent layer <NUM> may include multiple layers of different materials that loosely fit together inside body <NUM>. Regardless, of the material used or the form in which it is present, absorbent layer <NUM> is configured to trap and secure the liquid (e.g., urine) received from the collection device (e.g., collection device <NUM>).

Flow restrictor <NUM> is located between absorbent layer <NUM> and the control unit (e.g., control unit <NUM>). Flow restrictor <NUM> may be a material, a device, or a combination of both that allows air to pass through and prevents the liquid (e.g., urine) from passing. Flow restrictor <NUM> protects the control unit from getting wet by preventing the liquid from passing. This reduces maintenance for urinary relief system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiments, the vertical configuration of absorbent layer <NUM> may aid flow restrictor <NUM> in preventing the liquid from passing. That is, gravity may act on the liquid decreasing its ability to rise to the top (e.g., the positive z-direction) of absorbent layer <NUM> as compared to the air.

Referring now to <FIG>, a storage device <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Storage device <NUM> includes similar components to those described above with respect to storage device <NUM> in <FIG>, including a body <NUM>, an inlet port <NUM>, an outlet port <NUM>, a first porous layer <NUM>, an absorbent layer <NUM>, a second porous layer <NUM>, and a flow restrictor <NUM>. Similar to storage device <NUM>, storage device <NUM> provides a flow path <NUM> for the liquid and/or air through the various layers of storage device <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the various layers of storage device <NUM> are arranged so that they are vertically adjacent (e.g., along the z-axis) instead of horizontally adjacent (e.g., along the x-axis) as described above with respect to storage device <NUM> in <FIG>. That is, first porous layer <NUM> is above (e.g., in the positive z-direction) inlet port <NUM>, absorbent layer <NUM> is above (e.g., in the positive z-direction) first porous layer <NUM>, second porous layer <NUM> is above (e.g., in the positive z-direction) the absorbent layer <NUM>, flow restrictor <NUM> is above (e.g., in the positive z-direction) second porous layer <NUM>, and outlet port <NUM> is above (e.g., in the positive z-direction) flow restrictor <NUM>. In various embodiments, flow restrictor <NUM> may be located outside of body <NUM> and along a tube coupled to outlet port <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that other configurations of storage device <NUM> may be achieved by varying the size, shape, and layout of body <NUM> and the various materials disposed therein (i.e., first porous layer <NUM>, absorbent layer <NUM>, second porous layer <NUM>, and flow restrictor <NUM>). Accordingly, the examples described and illustrated herein are not intended to be limiting as to the form factor of storage device <NUM>.

Numbers, percentages, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are about or approximately equal to the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by various embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable industrial process, and may include values that are within <NUM>% of a stated value. Additionally, the terms "substantially," "about" or "approximately" as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the term "substantially," "about" or "approximately" may refer to an amount that is within <NUM>% of a stated amount or value.

Claim 1:
A storage unit for a urinary relief system, comprising:
a body (<NUM>);
an inlet port (<NUM>) coupled to the body;
an outlet port (<NUM>) coupled to the body;
a first porous layer (<NUM>) disposed within the body and adjacent the inlet port (<NUM>);
an absorbent layer (<NUM>) disposed within the body and adjacent the first porous layer; and
a second porous layer (<NUM>) disposed within the body and adjacent the absorbent layer and the outlet port (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the absorbent layer (<NUM>) is between the first porous layer (<NUM>) and the second porous layer (<NUM>), and wherein the absorbent layer (<NUM>) is laterally adjacent the first porous layer (<NUM>) and the second porous layer (<NUM>); or
wherein the absorbent layer (<NUM>) is above the first porous layer (<NUM>) and the absorbent layer is below the second porous layer (<NUM>).