Patent Description:
An individual may have limited or impaired mobility such that bowel movements in a restroom are challenging or impossible. For example, the individual may have a condition, had a surgery, or a have disability that impairs mobility. Additionally, fluid or stool collection from the individual may be needed for monitoring purposes or clinical testing.

Beds and bedding for treating such individuals may become soiled during use. Such beds and bedding may be may be prone to discomfort if conventional urine and fecal collection devices are used. Thus, users and manufacturers of patient care beds continue to seek new and improved devices, systems, and methods to prevent beds from becoming soiled.

Embodiments disclosed herein are related to mattress toppers, systems, and methods of using mattress pads to collect waste from a patient. In an embodiment, a mattress pad for collecting waste is disclosed. The mattress pad includes a pad sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of a mattress. The mattress pad includes a retention port located in a region of the pad, the retention port including one or more retainers disposed around an outer boundary thereof, the one or more retainers being configured to hold one or more objects relative to the retention port. The mattress pad includes one or more attachments disposed on the pad, the one or more attachments being configured to at least temporarily attach the pad to the mattress.

In an embodiment, a bodily waste collection system is disclosed. The bodily waste collection system includes a mattress pad as disclosed above. The bodily waste collection system includes at least one fluid storage container configured to hold a fluid. The bodily waste collection system includes at least one of a bodily waste collection device or a fluid collection device retained relative to the mattress pad by the retention port and fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid storage container via at least one drainage tube. The bodily waste collection system includes a vacuum source fluidly coupled to one or more of the at least one of the fluid storage container or the at least one bodily waste collection device via the at least one drainage tube, the vacuum source configured to draw fluid into the at least one fluid storage container from the at least one of a bodily waste collection device or a fluid collection device via the at least one drainage tube.

In an embodiment, a method for utilizing a mattress pad is disclosed. The method includes using a mattress pad having a retention port located in a region thereof, positioning at least one drainage tube in the retention port. The method includes securing the at least one drainage tube in the retention port. The method includes connecting the at least one drainage tube to one or more of a fluid storage container, a vacuum source, a fluid collection device, or a bodily waste collection device.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings.

Embodiments disclosed herein are related to devices, systems, and methods of using mattress toppers to prevent soiling of beds and to organize equipment associated with collection of bodily waste. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein include a mattress topper (e.g., pad) having a retention port thereon. The retention port includes one or more retainers disposed around an outer boundary of the retention port. The one or more retainers hold objects, such as tubing, relative to the retention port. The mattress pad includes one or more attachments sized and shaped to at least temporarily attach the mattress pad to a mattress or bed.

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein manage tubing for bodily waste and fluid collection devices for bedbound patients. Such management allows retention of bodily waste and fluid collection devices with respect to a selected position on the mattress pad (and patient), provides for patient comfort by preventing the patient from laying on drainage tubes of the bodily waste and fluid collection devices, prevents leaks and spills of bodily fluids from waste collection devices or tubing due to tubing or fluid collection devices being out of position (e.g., twisted or dislodged due to a pulled drainage tube), prevents soiling of the mattress and/or bedding underneath the mattress pad, and prevents unsanitary conditions on the patient due to spilled or leaking bodily fluid that is either not collected in or leaking from bodily waste and fluid collection devices that are out of position.

<FIG> is an isometric view of a mattress pad <NUM> for collecting waste, according to an embodiment. The mattress pad <NUM> includes a pad <NUM>, a retention port <NUM> on the pad <NUM>, and one or more attachments <NUM> disposed on the pad <NUM>. The retention port <NUM> may be used to at least temporarily retain one or more objects relative to the pad <NUM>, such as one or more drainage tubes <NUM> (e.g., conduits), fluid collection devices, waste collection devices, or the like. Accordingly, the retention port <NUM> may help organize and retain tubing and devices used on a patient on the mattress pad <NUM>. The retention port <NUM> may also be used to position or retain fluid impermeable sheets or sanitary pads (e.g., chucks) in a central region of the mattress pad <NUM>, such as where the pelvis of the patient may be positioned on the mattress pad <NUM> during use.

The pad <NUM> is sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of a mattress. For example, the pad <NUM> is dimensioned to fit over at least a portion the mattress, such as a hospital bed mattress. The pad <NUM> may be sized to fit over a twin size mattress, a full size mattress, or the like. The pad <NUM> includes a sheet of fabric <NUM>, such as fabric having fibers made of one or more of cotton, polymer (e.g., polyester), satin, silk, linen, or combinations thereof (e.g., poly-cotton). The fabric <NUM> may be on an upper surface <NUM> of the pad <NUM>, such as a patient facing side of the pad <NUM>.

The pad <NUM> may include padding <NUM> disposed below the sheet of fabric <NUM>. The padding <NUM> may include cotton fibers, wool fibers, spun plastic fibers (e.g., polyester), down, polymer foam, or the like. The padding <NUM> may be provided as a filler (e.g., pieces), as a solid body (e.g., sheet), or panels. The padding <NUM> may be at least <NUM> thick (when in an uncompressed state), such as <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, or more than <NUM>.

The pad <NUM> may include one or more fluid impermeable sheets The fluid impermeable sheets <NUM> or <NUM> may include a fabric, rubber, or polymer sheet that is impermeable to fluids, such as a plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polyester, vinyl, or the like) sheet. The fluid impermeable sheets may extend along at least a portion or all of the lateral dimensions of the sheet of fabric <NUM>. The fluid impermeable sheets may extend across at least the retention port <NUM>. The pad <NUM> may include the fluid impermeable sheet disposed below the sheet of fabric <NUM>, such as below, the padding <NUM>, above the padding <NUM>, or both. The fluid impermeable sheets prevent or limits fluids from soiling the mattress disposed below the mattress pad <NUM>. For example, urine from a patient on the mattress pad <NUM> may be collected in a urine collection device and any urine that leaks from the patient or device is prevented from reaching the mattress underneath the mattress pad <NUM>.

The pad <NUM> may include the fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> disposed on or above the sheet of fabric <NUM>. The fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> may be sized to fit within or on the area around the retention port <NUM>. For example the fluid impermeable sheet may be sized to fit within the retention port to prevent bodily fluids from penetrating beneath the retention port <NUM>. In some examples, the fluid impermeable sheet may be exposed in the retention port <NUM>, such as when the retention port <NUM> does not include the sheet of fabric <NUM> therein (e.g., a gap in the sheet of fabric <NUM>). The fluid impermeable sheet may be coextensive with the one or both of sheet of fabric <NUM> or the padding <NUM>. The fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> may include a comfort pad <NUM> or fabric on an uppermost surface thereof, such as a soft fabric to prevent bed sores. In such examples, the fluid impermeable sheet and comfort pad <NUM> affixed thereon may be replace periodically, after use, or after soiling.

In some examples, the one or two of the sheet of fabric <NUM>, the padding <NUM>, or the fluid impermeable sheet may be omitted. In such examples, the retention port <NUM> is disposed on the uppermost layer of the pad <NUM>.

The retention port <NUM> is located in a central region of the pad <NUM> or another suitable region that may be offset from the center of the pad <NUM>. For example, the retention port <NUM> may be disposed in a middle portion (e.g., central region) of the mattress pad <NUM> expected (e.g., suitable and intended) to hold a pelvic region of the patient thereon when in use. The retention port <NUM> includes a one or more retainers <NUM> disposed thereon, such as around (and at least partially defining) an outer boundary thereof.

The one or more retainers <NUM> hold one or more objects relative to the retention port <NUM>. For example, the one or more retainers <NUM> include one or more boundary strips. The boundary strips may include fabric bodies that have one or more fasteners thereon. The strips include at least a first strip <NUM> and a second strip <NUM> disposed at or around the boundary of the retention port <NUM>. The shape of the second strip <NUM> at least partially corresponds to the shape of the first strip <NUM>, such as to be at least partially coextensive when attached to each other. The first strip(s) <NUM> is disposed on the pad <NUM> and the second strip(s) <NUM> is free floating. During use, the second strip <NUM> may be applied to the first strip <NUM> where the fasteners thereon engage and at least temporarily affix at least a portion of the second strip <NUM> to the first strip <NUM>. In some examples, the first strip <NUM> may be at least partially formed from the pad <NUM>, such as a portion of the sheet of fabric <NUM>. In such examples, the fastener(s) (e.g., hooks or loops) may be applied directly on the sheet of fabric to at least partially define the retention port <NUM>. Accordingly, the fasteners (and strips carrying the same) are selectively attachable and removable with respect to each other.

The second strip <NUM> may include an uppermost surface (e.g., patient facing surface) having a soft and/or smooth material thereon. For example, the uppermost surface of the second strip <NUM> may include the same fabric as the sheet of fabric <NUM>, rubber, polymer, or another fabric to provide a soft and/or smooth interface with the patient. Accordingly, bedsores or discomfort can be eliminated while still securing medical tubing in the retention port <NUM>.

One or more of the pad <NUM> or the retention port <NUM> includes one or more openings therein sized and shaped to accommodate a drainage tube <NUM> therethrough. For example, a drainage tube <NUM> for one or more medical devices may be positioned through the retention port <NUM> and/or the pad <NUM>. In such examples, the drainage tube <NUM> may be anchored in the retention port <NUM> and disposed through the one or more openings to allow a portion of the drainage tube <NUM> to be disposed below pad <NUM>, such as to hide or prevent tangles of the drainage tube. The drainage tube <NUM> may be attached to a medical device such as a urine collection device or a bodily waste (e.g., stool) collection device.

The drainage tube <NUM> may include medical tubing. For example, the drainage tube <NUM> may be constructed of one or more polymers such as silicone, latex, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone polyurethane, polyamide, polyurethane, polyethylene, other thermoplastics and block copolymers thereof, or any other suitable polymers for medical use.

The fasteners are disposed on the first and second strips <NUM>, <NUM> to affix the second strip(s) <NUM> to the first strip(s) <NUM>. The first strip <NUM> includes a first fastener and the second strip <NUM> includes a second fastener corresponding to the first fastener. The first and second fasteners may include hook and loop fasteners, buttons and holes, snaps (e.g., sockets and studs), zippers, magnets, or the like. For example, the first strip(s) <NUM> may include hooks affixed to the pad <NUM> and the second strip(s) <NUM> may include loops affixed to a fabric body, and the second strip(s) <NUM> may be free floating for selective attachment to the first strip(s) <NUM>.

The mattress pad <NUM> may include one or more attachments <NUM>. The one or more attachments <NUM> are sized, shaped, and located on the pad <NUM> to at least temporarily attach the mattress pad <NUM> to a mattress (not shown). The one or more attachments <NUM> may be straps as shown in <FIG>, clips, hook and loop fasteners, ties, or the like. The straps may be elastic straps sized and shaped to fit over the corners of a mattress to retain the mattress pad <NUM> thereon and to retain the position of the retention port <NUM> relative to the mattress below the mattress pad <NUM>. The one or more attachments <NUM> may be spaced along an outer edge of the pad <NUM>. For example, the one or more attachments <NUM> may include an attachment on one or more of the corners of the pad <NUM>. In examples (not shown), the pad <NUM> may be shaped as a fitted sheet and the one or more attachments <NUM> may include elastic around an opening of the fitted sheet.

In some examples, the mattress pad <NUM> may be sized and shaped to cover only the central region of a mattress, such as where the pelvic region of a patient is expected to be placed. In such examples, the retention port <NUM> may make up a larger proportion of the mattress pad <NUM> than depicted in <FIG>. In such examples, the attachments <NUM> may maintain the position of the mattress pad <NUM> with respect to the mattress underneath such as by attachment to the mattress, bedding, or rails of a hospital bed. Any of the mattress pads disclosed herein may have the size of a mattress or may be smaller than a mattress.

The mattress pad may include tunnels therein to allow a drainage tube to fit therethrough. <FIG> is an isometric view of a mattress pad <NUM> for collecting waste, according to an embodiment. The mattress pad <NUM> includes the pad <NUM>, the retention port <NUM> on the pad <NUM>, one or more tunnels <NUM> in the pad <NUM>, and one or more attachments <NUM> disposed on the pad <NUM>. The one or more tunnels <NUM> may be located or formed between layers of the pad <NUM>, such as between the sheet of fabric <NUM> and one of fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> or the padding <NUM>. The one or more tunnels <NUM> may have first openings <NUM> at the edge of the mattress pad <NUM> and second openings <NUM> in or near the retention port <NUM>. Accordingly, drainage tubes <NUM> may be positioned within the retention port <NUM> via the tunnels <NUM> without passing over the upper surface <NUM> of the mattress pad <NUM>.

The second openings <NUM> may be located in the retention port <NUM> or proximate to the retention port <NUM>. The drainage tube <NUM> may extend out of the tunnel <NUM> via the second opening <NUM> such that the drainage tube <NUM> is not exposed outside of the retention port <NUM>. In some examples, the second opening <NUM> may be outside of the retention port <NUM> such that the drainage tube <NUM> may extend out of the second opening <NUM> into the retention port <NUM> and be retained in the retention port <NUM> via the one or more retainers thereof.

In some examples, the retention port may include openable flaps (e.g., retainers) that extend from a lateral edge of the mattress pad to a central region of the mattress pad.

<FIG> is a schematic of system <NUM> for collecting waste, according to an embodiment. The system <NUM> includes mattress pad <NUM>, at least one fluid storage container <NUM>, at least one vacuum source <NUM>, and optionally, at least one of a fluid collection device <NUM> or a bodily waste collection device <NUM>. The mattress pad <NUM> includes retention port <NUM> with openable flaps <NUM> for retaining and protecting the drainage tube(s) <NUM>.

The mattress pad <NUM> includes the pad <NUM>, the retention port <NUM>, and the one or more attachments <NUM>. The pad <NUM> includes the sheet of fabric <NUM>, the padding <NUM>, and the fluid impermeable sheet <NUM>. The retention port <NUM> includes one or more of the retainers <NUM> or openable flaps <NUM>. The flaps <NUM> may be attached to the pad <NUM>, such as to the sheet of fabric <NUM>. For example, the flaps <NUM> may hinge from the pad <NUM>. In some examples, the flaps <NUM> may at least temporarily attach to the pad <NUM> from one or more sides of the flaps (e.g., one side on a hinge connection or at least two sides with a separate flap that is not permanently affixed to the pad <NUM>). The flaps <NUM> may extend inward the outer edge of the pad <NUM> toward the central region of the pad <NUM>, such as to the one or more retainers <NUM> that at least partially define the retention port <NUM>. The retention port <NUM> includes fasteners <NUM> disposed on the pad <NUM> corresponding to fasteners on the openable flaps <NUM> to at least temporarily retain the openable flaps <NUM> in a closed position against the pad <NUM>. For example, the fastener <NUM> and the corresponding fastener on the openable flaps <NUM> may include any of the fasteners disclosed herein for the strips <NUM> and <NUM>, such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or the like. The flaps <NUM> may be constructed of similar or the same material as the pad <NUM>, such as one or more of the sheet of fabric <NUM>, the padding <NUM>, and the fluid impermeable sheet <NUM>.

In some examples, the pad <NUM> below the flaps <NUM> may be thinner than other portions of the pad <NUM> to accommodate the thickness of the flaps <NUM>, such as to provide a substantially uniform thickness across the pad <NUM>. Such examples, may provide a smoother feel and prevent bedsores compared to examples where the flaps <NUM> protrude above the pad <NUM>.

During use, the openable flaps <NUM> may be opened to allow drainage tube <NUM> to be placed on the underlying pad <NUM> and then closed (e.g., at least temporarily attached to the pad <NUM>) to retain the drainage tube <NUM>. The drainage tube <NUM> is secured under the flap <NUM> and extends from the outer edge of the mattress pad <NUM> to the central region thereof (e.g., at least to the one or more retainers <NUM>). In some examples, the flaps <NUM> and the fasteners <NUM> may be located only adjacent to the central region. In some examples, only one flap <NUM> and fastener <NUM> may be used. The one or more retainers <NUM> may be omitted in some examples.

The at least one of the fluid collection device <NUM> or the bodily waste collection device <NUM> may be fluidly connected to the at least one the fluid storage container <NUM> or the vacuum source <NUM> via drainage tube(s) <NUM>. For example, the at least one of a bodily waste collection device <NUM> or fluid collection device <NUM> are retained relative to the mattress pad <NUM> by the retention port <NUM> and fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid storage container <NUM> and/or vacuum source <NUM> via the at least one drainage tube <NUM>. The drainage tube(s) <NUM> may be disposed under and at least partially retained by flaps <NUM> of the retention port <NUM> of the mattress pad <NUM>.

The fluid collection device <NUM> is sized, shaped, and constructed to collect urine or other fluids from the urethra of the patient. The fluid collection device <NUM> may prevent or reduce contamination of clothing, bedding, or the patient with bodily fluids. <FIG> is an isometric view of a fluid collection device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the fluid collection device <NUM> of <FIG> along the plane A-A. The fluid collection device <NUM> includes a fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM> therein, porous material <NUM> at least partially disposed in the chamber <NUM>, and drainage tube <NUM> at least partially disposed within the chamber <NUM>.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> at least partially defines the chamber <NUM> (e.g., interior region) and an opening <NUM>. For example, the inner surface(s) <NUM> of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> at least partially defines the chamber <NUM> within the fluid collection device <NUM>. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> at least temporarily retains the fluid(s) in the chamber <NUM>. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be formed of any suitable fluid impermeable material(s), such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, thermoplastic elastomer(s), a polycarbonate, etc.), a metal film, natural rubber, another suitable material, or combinations thereof. As such, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> substantially prevents the fluid(s) from passing therethrough.

In an example, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be air permeable and liquid impermeable. In such an example, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be formed of a hydrophobic material that defines a plurality of pores that are air permeable but not liquid permeable. In an example, one or more portions of at least an outer surface of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be formed from a soft and/or smooth material, thereby reducing chaffing.

In some examples, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be tubular (ignoring the opening), such as substantially cylindrical (as shown), oblong, prismatic, flattened tube, or any other extruded shape (e.g., a tube having multiple lobes separated by one or more webs therebetween, such as an I-beam shape or the like). The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be sized to fit between the legs of a wearer. During use, an outer surface <NUM> of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may at least partially contact the wearer.

The opening <NUM> provides an ingress route for fluids to enter the chamber <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, such as by an inner edge of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> is formed in and extends through the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, from the outer surface <NUM> to the inner surface <NUM>, thereby enabling fluid(s) to enter the chamber <NUM> from outside of the fluid collection device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be located and shaped to be positioned adjacent to a wearer's urethra while the device is in use. At least a portion of porous material(s) disposed in the chamber <NUM> may be exposed through the opening <NUM> to allow fluids to move inwardly into the chamber <NUM>, such as via one or more of permeation, suction, or wicking.

The fluid collection device <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the urethra and urine may enter the chamber <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. When in use, the opening <NUM> may be elongated, extending from a first location below the urethra to a second location above the urethra (e.g., at or near the top of the vaginal opening or the pubic region). The opening <NUM> may exhibit an elongated shape because the space between the legs of a wearer is relatively narrow when the legs of the wearer are closed, thereby only permitting the flow of the fluid(s) along a path that corresponds to the elongated shape of the opening <NUM> (e.g., longitudinally extending opening). The opening <NUM> in the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may exhibit a length that is measured along the longitudinal axis of the fluid collection device <NUM> that may be at least about <NUM>% of the length of the fluid collection device <NUM>, such as about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the length of the fluid collection device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> in the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may exhibit a width that is measured transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fluid collection device <NUM> and may be at least about <NUM>% of the circumference of the fluid collection device <NUM>, such as about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the circumference of the fluid collection device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may exhibit a width that is greater than <NUM>% of the circumference of the fluid collection device <NUM> since the vacuum (e.g., suction) through the conduit <NUM> pulls the fluid through the porous material <NUM> and into the drainage tube <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be longitudinally oriented (e.g., having a major axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device <NUM>). In some examples (not shown), the opening <NUM> may be laterally oriented (e.g., having a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device <NUM>).

The fluid collection device <NUM> includes the porous material <NUM> disposed in the chamber <NUM>. The porous material <NUM> may extend across at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening <NUM>. At least a portion of the porous material <NUM> may be exposed to an environment outside of the chamber <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. The porous material <NUM> may be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening <NUM>, thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber <NUM>. The permeable properties of the porous material referred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as "permeable" and/or "wicking. " Such "wicking" may not include absorption of fluid into the porous material. Put another way, substantially no absorption of fluid into the porous material may take place after the material is exposed to the fluid and removed from the fluid for a time. While no absorption is desired, the term "substantially no absorption" may allow for nominal amounts of absorption of fluid into the porous material (e.g., absorbency), such as less than about <NUM> wt% of the dry weight of the porous material, less than about <NUM> wt%, less than about <NUM> wt%, less than about <NUM> wt%, less than about <NUM> wt%, less than about <NUM> wt%, or less than about <NUM> wt% of the dry weight of the porous material. The porous material <NUM> may also wick the fluid generally towards an interior of the chamber <NUM>.

The porous material <NUM> may include one or more of a fluid permeable membrane <NUM> or a fluid permeable support <NUM>. The fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may include any porous material or a material that may wick the fluid. For example, the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may include fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., a silk, linen, or cotton gauze), another soft fabric, or another smooth fabric. The fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may include spun plastic fibers (e.g., nylon), such as a spun plastic mat or bed. Forming the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> from gauze, soft fabric, and/or smooth fabric may reduce chaffing caused by the fluid collection device <NUM>.

The fluid collection device <NUM> may include the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> disposed in the chamber <NUM>. The fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may cover at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening <NUM>. The fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may be composed to wick any fluid inwardly away from the opening <NUM>, thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber <NUM>.

The porous material <NUM> of the fluid collection device <NUM> may include the fluid permeable support <NUM> disposed in the chamber <NUM>. The fluid permeable support <NUM> is composed to support the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> since the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may be formed from a foldable, flimsy, or otherwise easily deformable material. For example, the fluid permeable support <NUM> may be positioned such that the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> is disposed between the fluid permeable support <NUM> and the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. As such, the fluid permeable support <NUM> may support and maintain the position of the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> thereon. The fluid permeable support <NUM> may include any material that may wick the fluid, such as any of the fluid permeable membrane materials disclosed herein. For example, the fluid permeable support <NUM> may be formed from any fluid porous material that is less deformable than the fluid permeable membrane <NUM>, such as any of the materials disclosed herein for the fluid permeable membrane <NUM>, in a more dense or rigid form. In some examples, the fluid permeable support <NUM> may include a porous polymer (e.g., nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) structure, an open cell foam, or spun plastic fibers (e.g., nylon fibers). In some examples, the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may include gauze and the fluid permeable support <NUM> may include spun nylon fibers. In some examples, the fluid permeable support <NUM> may be formed from fabric, felt, gauze, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the fluid permeable support <NUM> may be formed from a natural material, such as cotton, wool, silk, or combinations thereof. In such examples, the material may have a coating to prevent or limit absorption of fluid into the material, such as a water repellent coating. In some examples, the fluid permeable support <NUM> may be omitted from the fluid collection device <NUM>. In some examples, the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may be optional. For example, the porous material <NUM> may include only the fluid permeable support <NUM>.

The fluid permeable support <NUM> may have a greater permeability or a greater ability to wick fluids than the fluid permeable membrane <NUM>, such as to move the fluid inwardly from the outer surface of the fluid collection device <NUM>. In some examples, the permeability or the wicking ability of the fluid permeable support <NUM> and the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> may be substantially the same.

The fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and the fluid permeable support <NUM> may at least substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber <NUM> that are not occupied by the drainage tube <NUM>. In another example, the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and the fluid permeable support <NUM> may not substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber <NUM> that are not occupied by the drainage tube <NUM>. In such an example, the fluid collection device <NUM> includes reservoir <NUM> in the chamber <NUM>.

The fluid collection device <NUM> may include the drainage tube <NUM>, which extends into the chamber <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the drainage tube <NUM> may be at least partially disposed in the chamber <NUM>. The drainage tube <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> at a first end region and an outlet <NUM> at a second end region positioned downstream from the inlet <NUM>. The drainage tube <NUM> may extend into the chamber <NUM> to any point therein. For example, the drainage tube <NUM> may be inserted into the chamber at the first end region <NUM> of the fluid collection device <NUM> and extend therethrough to the second end region <NUM> of the fluid collection device <NUM>. The drainage tube <NUM> may extend into the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> from the first end region <NUM> (e.g., proximate to the outlet <NUM>) through to the second end region <NUM> (e.g., opposite the first end region <NUM>) to a point proximate to the reservoir <NUM> such that the inlet <NUM> is in fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM>. In some examples (not shown), the drainage tube <NUM> may enter the chamber <NUM> in the second end region <NUM> and the inlet <NUM> of the drainage tube <NUM> may be disposed in the second end region <NUM> (e.g., in the reservoir <NUM> or flush with fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>). The fluid collected in the reservoir <NUM> may be removed from the chamber <NUM> via the drainage tube <NUM>. In some examples, the inlet <NUM> may be disposed at the end of the fluid permeable support <NUM> in the second end region <NUM>, such as flush with the end of the fluid permeable support <NUM>. In some examples, the inlet <NUM> may be disposed within the fluid permeable support <NUM> such between first end region <NUM> and the second end region <NUM>.

The drainage tube <NUM> may include a flexible material such as plastic tubing (e.g., medical tubing). Such plastic tubing may include a thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc., tubing. In some examples, the drainage tube <NUM> may include silicon or latex. In some examples, the drainage tube <NUM> may include one or more portions that are resilient, such as to by having one or more of a diameter or wall thickness that allows the conduit to be flexible. In some examples, the drainage tube <NUM> may be frosted or opaque (e.g., black) to obscure visibility of the fluid(s) therein.

The fluid collection device <NUM> may be operably coupled to the vacuum source <NUM>. For example, the drainage tube <NUM> fluidly connects an interior region of the chamber <NUM> with the fluid storage container <NUM> or the vacuum source <NUM> (via the fluid storage container <NUM>). Accordingly, fluids may be removed from the chamber <NUM> via the drainage tube <NUM>.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and the fluid permeable support <NUM> may be sized and shaped to have the drainage tube <NUM> at least partially disposed in the chamber <NUM>. For example, at least one of the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and the fluid permeable support <NUM> may be configured to form a space that accommodates the drainage tube <NUM>. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may define an aperture <NUM> sized to receive the drainage tube <NUM>. The at least one drainage tube <NUM> may be disposed in the chamber <NUM> via the aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may be sized and shaped to form an at least substantially fluid tight seal against the drainage tube <NUM> thereby substantially preventing the fluid(s) from escaping the chamber <NUM>. The fluid collected in the fluid collection device <NUM> may be removed from the chamber <NUM> via the drainage tube <NUM>.

The porous material <NUM> (e.g., fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and the fluid permeable support <NUM>) may not substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber <NUM> that are not occupied by the drainage tube <NUM>. The fluid collection device <NUM> may include the reservoir <NUM> therein. As shown, the reservoir <NUM> is a substantially unoccupied portion of the chamber <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> may be defined between the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> and the porous material <NUM> (e.g., one or both of the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and the fluid permeable support <NUM>). The reservoir <NUM> may be located in a portion of the fluid collection device expected to (e.g., suitable and intended to) be positioned in a gravimetrically low point of the fluid collection device when worn by a user. While depicted in the second end region <NUM>, the reservoir <NUM> may be located in any portion of the chamber <NUM> such as the first end region <NUM>.

In some examples, the fluid permeable support <NUM> is spaced from at least a portion of the drainage tube <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> may be defined between the fluid permeable support <NUM> and the drainage tube <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the end of the drainage tube <NUM> may extend beyond the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and/or fluid permeable support <NUM>, such as into the reservoir <NUM>. In some examples, the inlet <NUM> may not extend into the reservoir <NUM>. In such examples, the inlet <NUM> may be disposed within the porous material <NUM> (fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and/or fluid permeable support <NUM>) or at a terminal end thereof. For example, an end of the drainage tube <NUM> may be coextensive with or recessed within the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and/or fluid permeable support <NUM>.

Locating the inlet <NUM> at or near a location expected to be the gravimetrically low point of the chamber <NUM> when worn by a user enables the drainage tube <NUM> to receive more of the fluid(s) than if inlet <NUM> was located elsewhere and reduce the likelihood of pooling (e.g., pooling of the fluid(s) may cause microbe growth and foul odors). For instance, the fluid(s) in the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and the fluid permeable support <NUM> may flow in any direction due to capillary forces. However, the fluid(s) may exhibit a preference to flow in the direction of gravity, especially when at least a portion of the fluid permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the fluid permeable support <NUM> is saturated with the fluid(s). Accordingly, one or more of the inlet <NUM> or the reservoir <NUM> may be located in the second end region <NUM>.

Other embodiments of fluid impermeable barriers, fluid permeable membranes, fluid permeable supports, chambers, conduits and their shapes and configurations are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>,.

Returning to <FIG>, a drainage tube <NUM> may be fluidly connected to the bodily waste collection device <NUM>. The bodily waste collection device <NUM> is sized, shaped, and constructed to collect bodily waste from the patient, such as liquid or semi-liquid waste (e.g., stool). The bodily waste collection device <NUM> may prevent or reduce contamination of clothing, bedding, or the patient with bodily waste.

<FIG> is an isometric view of bodily waste collection device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The bodily waste collection device <NUM> may include an annular body <NUM>, a fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, an optional filter bag <NUM>, and one or more ports <NUM>. The bodily waste collection device <NUM> includes an annular body <NUM>, a fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> forming a waste chamber <NUM> therein, an optional filter bag <NUM> disposed within the waste chamber <NUM>, and one or more ports <NUM> disposed on the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The device <NUM> is configured to be attached to a wearer to collect the waste from the wearer and remove liquids from the waste. The annular body <NUM> is attached to the wearer around the wearer's anus or stoma to position the device <NUM> for use. Waste enters the waste chamber <NUM> via an opening <NUM> in the annular body <NUM>, the filter bag <NUM> in the waste chamber <NUM> filters the solids from the waste and allows the fluids to pass therethrough, the liquid moves to a gravimetrically low point of the waste chamber <NUM> and is removed therefrom, such as via vacuum.

The annular body <NUM> includes a thin interfacing layer <NUM> having the opening <NUM> therein. The annular body <NUM> may be a complete or partial annulus. For example, the annular body <NUM> may be a disc-shaped body with a hole therein. In some examples, the annular body <NUM> may include a flat sheet of material with a hole located at or near an edge of the material to form a partial annulus. The interfacing layer <NUM> is fluid impermeable. For example, the interfacing layer may include a polymer, silicone, or the like. The interfacing layer <NUM> may be constructed of a smooth and/or soft material such as a closed cell foam, silicon, a smooth plastic, or may include an outwardly facing layer of relatively smooth material and/or soft material (e.g., silicone). The interfacing layer <NUM> may be deformable responsive to bending forces. For example, the annular body <NUM> may be compliant for folding, bending, or the like. The interfacing layer <NUM> may be an annular disc, sheet, plate, or other body having the opening <NUM> within an outermost periphery thereof. The interfacing layer <NUM> is sized and shaped to fit at least partially within the intergluteal cleft of a wearer, such as when bent, folded or otherwise manipulated.

The interfacing layer <NUM> may be deformed to complement the anatomy of a wearer, such as to fit within the intergluteal cleft. The annular body <NUM> (interfacing layer <NUM>) may be bendable to comply to pressure applied thereto, such as from a wearer or medical professional. The annular body <NUM> may be composed of a material and have a thickness that allows the annular body <NUM> to bend responsive to external forces, without breaking.

The annular body <NUM> (interfacing layer <NUM>) may be foldable to comply to pressure applied thereto, such as from a wearer or medical professional. The annular body <NUM> may be composed of a material and have a thickness that allows the annular body to fold responsive to external forces, without breaking. For example, a medical professional or a wearer may fold and/or bend the annular body <NUM> in half to insert the annular body between the buttocks of the wearer to be disposed within the intergluteal cleft during use. Such a fold may form a cusp, having at least a portion of the opening <NUM> therein. Accordingly, the annular body <NUM> may be provided as a generally planar body, a bent body, or a folded body. By folding or bending the annular body <NUM>, a wearer or user (e.g., medical professional) may non-intrusively position the opening <NUM> at least partially around the anus or a stoma of a wearer.

The opening <NUM> may be disposed within the outer periphery of the interfacing layer <NUM>. As shown, the opening <NUM> may be disposed at or near a centroid of the interfacing layer <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be disposed closer to the outer periphery of the interfacing layer <NUM> than illustrated. The opening <NUM> is sized and shaped to fit around (e.g., over) the anus or stoma of the patient without occluding the stoma or anus. For example, the opening <NUM> may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, or any other shape. Accordingly, the annular body <NUM> is sized and shaped to be positioned over an anus or stoma of a wearer to position the opening <NUM> around the anus or stoma. Waste may be passed into the bodily waste collection device <NUM> via the opening <NUM>.

The interfacing layer <NUM> of the annular body <NUM> may include an adhesive <NUM> thereon to adhere to the skin of a subject, such as within the intergluteal cleft. The adhesive <NUM> may be integrally formed in or disposed on an outward facing surface of the interfacing layer <NUM>. Such adhesive <NUM> may secure the bodily waste collection device <NUM> in position such that the opening <NUM> is maintained around or at least proximate to the anus or stoma of the wearer. The adhesive <NUM> may be disposed at one or more points between the opening <NUM> and the outer periphery of the annular body <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> may include a medical adhesive or any other adhesive that is safe to use against the skin of humans, such as acrylate adhesives (e.g., methacrylates, epoxy diacrylates, or cyanoacrylate adhesives), silicone adhesives, hydrogels, or the like.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is attached to the annular body <NUM> to at least temporarily retain received bodily waste therein and prevent leakage to the outside environment. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes an open mouth at a first (e.g., upper) end and a closed second (e.g., lower) end. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is formed from a fluid impermeable material, such as portions (e.g., layers) including a polymer, a metal film, rubber, or the like. For example, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include silicone, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyethylene terephthalates, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyesters, polyacrylates, polychloroprene, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, poly(vinyl imidazole), latex, silanes (e.g., an halogenated alkyl silane), perfluorinated polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), chlorosulphonate polyolefins, polyethylene oxide, blends or copolymers of any of the foregoing, or any other fluid impermeable polymer.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be transparent in one or more portions thereof. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be translucent or opaque in one or more portions thereof. For example, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include a transparent window around the filter bag or in a lower portion of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> to allow a user or wearer to monitor waste and liquids therein.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> may be relatively smooth or soft to prevent sores or discomfort for the wearer. The inner surface <NUM> defines waste chamber <NUM>. The waste chamber <NUM> receives and retains the bodily waste therein. Liquid from the bodily waste may travel through the waste chamber <NUM> from the upper region of the waste chamber <NUM> to a lower region (e.g., gravimetrically low point) of the waste chamber <NUM>.

The mouth of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is mated to the annular body <NUM>, such as at the outer periphery of the annular body <NUM>. Accordingly, waste received into the bodily waste collection device <NUM> enters the waste chamber <NUM> via the opening <NUM> of the annular body <NUM> mated to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The mouth of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be mated to the annular body <NUM> at the outer periphery thereof, at one or more points internal to the outer periphery such as at the inner periphery of the annular body <NUM> (e.g., opening <NUM>), or any points between the outer periphery and the opening <NUM>.

The mouth of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be adhered, welded, or otherwise affixed to the annular body <NUM>. At least a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> (e.g., mouth of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>) may be integrally formed with the annular body <NUM>, such as having a one-piece construction. In such examples, one or more portions of the fluid impermeable barrier may be open as initially formed, and later sealed after the filter bag is installed.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may have a substantially cylindrical or conical shape. For example, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include an upper portion having a greater outer dimension than a lower portion of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be shaped as a pouch having opposing sides that are joined along the edges thereof. In some examples, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include a sump <NUM> in a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> intended to be positioned at the gravimetrically low portion of bodily waste collection device <NUM> during use. The sump <NUM> may include a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> sized and shaped to direct the fluid in the chamber to one or more ports <NUM> disposed on the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> in the sump <NUM>. For example, the sump <NUM> may include a narrower portion of the waste chamber <NUM> than an upper portion. The sump <NUM> may be a side channel or pocket in the waste chamber <NUM>, a conical shaped terminus of the waste chamber <NUM>, or the like.

The bodily waste collection device <NUM> optionally includes the filter bag <NUM> disposed within the waste chamber <NUM>, and positioned to receive waste via the opening <NUM> of the annular body <NUM>. The filter bag <NUM> may have a length that is shorter than a length of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. Accordingly, the bottom of the filter bag <NUM> does not extend to the bottom of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The filter bag <NUM> may be substantially cylindrical with a closed bottom substantially opposite to the mouth of the filter bag <NUM>. In some examples, the filter bag is conically shaped. In some examples, the filter bag is configured as or shaped like a pouch. The filter bag filters solid waste from liquid waste in stool which prevents the solid waste from blocking the drainage tube <NUM> (through which the liquid waste from the stool is removed) attached to the bodily waste collection device <NUM>.

The filter bag <NUM> may include a bag or pouch constructed of a mesh material. The mesh material has a sieve size selected to allow fluids to pass therethrough and retain solids therein. The sieve size (e.g., mesh size) may include at least about a five micrometer (µm) mesh, such as about <NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>, less than about <NUM>,<NUM>, less than about <NUM>, or larger than about <NUM>. The filter bag <NUM> may be seamless. The filter bag <NUM> may include one or more layers of mesh material, such as a single layer or dual layers.

The mesh material may include fibers of a polymer or natural material. For example, the mesh material may include fibers of a polymer, such as nylon, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyethylene terephthalates, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyesters, polyacrylates, polychloroprene, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, poly(vinyl imidazole), latex, silanes (e.g., an halogenated alkyl silane), perfluorinated polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), chlorosulphonate polyolefins, polyethylene oxide, blends or copolymers of any of the foregoing. The mesh may be formed of natural fibers such as cotton (e.g., cheesecloth). The mesh material may be woven or non-woven. The mesh material may be a felt of any of the materials disclosed above.

The filter bag <NUM> may be affixed the annular body <NUM> or the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, the filter bag <NUM> may be affixed to the annular body <NUM> between the opening <NUM> and the outer periphery thereof. The filter bag <NUM> may be affixed to the underside of the annular body <NUM> at points between the outer periphery of the annular body <NUM> and the opening <NUM>. In such examples, the filter bag <NUM> is spaced from the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. By spacing the filter bag <NUM> from the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, a space is created between the filter bag and the fluid impermeable barrier to allow the liquid to separate from the solids in the bodily waste, no matter the orientation of the wearer. A mouth of the filter bag <NUM> may be bound to the underside of the annular body <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> is contained within the filter bag <NUM>. The mouth of the filter bag <NUM> may be bound to the annular body <NUM> to encircle the opening <NUM>. Put another way, waste passed into the opening <NUM> may be disposed within the filter bag <NUM> first. The mouth of the filter bag <NUM> may be bound to the underside of the annular body <NUM> by adhesive (e.g., any adhesive), stitching, heat welding, staples, integral formation, or the like.

The filter bag <NUM> may be affixed to the annular body <NUM> at least proximate to the opening <NUM>. The filter bag <NUM> is affixed to the annular body <NUM> at the opening <NUM>. For example, the filter bag <NUM> may be adhered, sewn, stapled, or otherwise attached to the annular body at the opening <NUM>.

The filter bag <NUM> may be affixed to the annular body <NUM> at an outer periphery of the annular body <NUM>. In some examples (not shown), the filter bag <NUM> is affixed to the top of the annular body <NUM> (e.g., at the outwardly facing portion of the interfacing layer <NUM>), such as by extending out of the waste chamber <NUM> from the opening <NUM>.

The filter bag <NUM> includes a mouth at an upper end thereof. In some examples, the mouth of the filter bag <NUM> may be at least as wide as the mouth of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. Accordingly, the mouth of the filter bag <NUM> may be affixed to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, such as at the mouth of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The mouth of the filter bag <NUM> may be bound to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> by adhesive (e.g., any adhesive), stitching, heat welding, staples, integral formation, or the like.

In some examples, the filter bag <NUM> may be affixed to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> along the interior surface thereof, such as around the inner diameter of the fluid impermeable barrier at an intermediate point between the mouth and the lowermost extent of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, the filter bag <NUM> may be spaced from the annular body and mouth of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> by a section of the interior surface of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>.

The bodily waste collection device <NUM> includes the one or more ports <NUM>. The one or more ports <NUM> provide a passageway to fluidly connect the waste chamber <NUM> with one or more of the drainage tube <NUM>, a vacuum source, or fluid storage container. The one or more ports <NUM> are disposed on the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The one or more ports <NUM> may be positioned in locations at or near where liquid is expected to collect in the waste chamber <NUM>. For example, the one or more ports <NUM> may be positioned on the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> in locations expected to (e.g., suitable and intended to) be at or near a gravimetrically low point of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> during use, such as when a wearer is sitting, laying, reclined, standing, or in any other position. The one or more ports <NUM> may be positioned in the lower portion of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> at the sump <NUM>. Any number of ports may be used. For example, at least a single port <NUM> may be disposed in the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>.

The one or more ports <NUM> are sized and shaped to connect to drainage tube <NUM> (or tube) to remove fluids collected in the waste chamber <NUM>. For example, the one or more ports <NUM> are in fluid communication with the waste chamber <NUM> and are used to place the drainage tube <NUM> in fluid communication with the waste chamber <NUM>, such as to remove fluids therefrom. The one or more ports <NUM> may be sized and shaped to receive the drainage tube <NUM> therein, such as being a female connection. The female connection may be sized and shaped to allow the drainage tube <NUM> to insert therein. The one or more ports <NUM> may be configured to receive the drainage tube <NUM> thereon, such as being a male connection (e.g., nipple or tube connection). When the drainage tube <NUM> is connected to the one or more ports <NUM>, the drainage tube <NUM> fluidly couples the chamber <NUM> to one or more of the fluid storage container <NUM> or vacuum source via the one or more ports <NUM>.

The fluids (e.g., liquid from bodily waste) may be removed from the waste chamber of the bodily waste collection device <NUM> via the drainage tube <NUM>. The fluid may travel through the drainage tube <NUM> to the fluid storage container <NUM>, such as via vacuum force or gravity. The drainage tube <NUM> from multiple ports <NUM> may be joined into single piece of drainage tube <NUM> via a manifold (not shown). The manifold may include male or female connections for mating to the drainage tube <NUM>.

Suitable examples of bodily waste collection devices <NUM> are disclosed in PCT International Patent Application No. <CIT>, Further examples of bodily waste collection devices may be used with the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein, such as ostomy bags, vomit bags, or the like. Such devices may be fluidly coupled to drainage tube <NUM> to remove at least some of the collected bodily waste therefrom.

Returning again to <FIG>, the at least one of a bodily waste collection device or a fluid collection device are retained relative to the mattress pad <NUM> by the retention port and fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid storage container <NUM> via the at least one drainage tube <NUM>. While the system <NUM> is illustrated with a specific fluid collection device <NUM> and bodily waste collection device <NUM>, such devices are merely examples. The system <NUM> or any of the mattress pads disclosed herein may be used with any commerically avaible urine or stool collection devices.

Fluid storage container <NUM> may include a bag (e.g., drainage bag), a rigid bottle or cup (e.g., collection jar), or any other enclosed container for storing bodily fluids. The fluid storage container(s) <NUM> may be fluidly connected to the vacuum source(s) <NUM>, such as via a portion of drainage tube <NUM>. The vacuum source(s) <NUM> may provide a vacuum for pulling fluids from one or more of the fluid collection device <NUM> or the bodily waste collection device <NUM> into the fluid storage container(s) <NUM> via the at least one drainage tube <NUM>. The fluid collected in the one or more of the fluid collection device <NUM> or the bodily waste collection device <NUM> is moved through the drainage tube <NUM> into the fluid storage container <NUM>. By having a separate connection to the vacuum source <NUM> on the fluid storage container <NUM>, the fluids removed from the fluid collection device <NUM> or the bodily waste collection device <NUM> may be prevented from entering the vacuum source <NUM>.

The vacuum source <NUM> may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetically driven pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to produce a vacuum. The vacuum source <NUM> may include a wall mounted suction line, such as found in a hospital room. In examples, the vacuum source <NUM> may be powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a power socket), one or more batteries, or even manual power (e.g., a hand operated vacuum pump). The vacuum source <NUM> may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote, or any other actuator suitable to activate the vacuum source <NUM>. The vacuum source <NUM> may be selectively operated by a user (e.g., medical personnel, the wearer, or a caretaker).

Any mattress pad or component thereof disclosed herein may be used in the system <NUM>. For example, some mattress pads may have more padding than other mattress pads.

<FIG> is an isometric view of a system <NUM> for collecting waste, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is an isometric view of the system <NUM> for collecting waste with a partially open cover, according to an embodiment. The system <NUM> includes mattress pad <NUM>, at least one fluid storage container <NUM>, at least one vacuum source <NUM>, and at least one of a fluid collection device <NUM> or a bodily waste collection device <NUM>. The mattress pad <NUM> includes an openable retention port <NUM> for storing, retaining, and protecting the drainage tube(s) <NUM> and the at least one of the fluid collection device <NUM> or the bodily waste collection device <NUM> at least partially inside of the mattress pad <NUM>. The mattress pad <NUM> includes one or more recesses <NUM> formed therein for housing the fluid collection device <NUM>, the bodily waste collection device <NUM>, the at least one vacuum source <NUM> (e.g., vacuum pump), at least one fluid storage container <NUM>, and drainage tubes <NUM> fluidly connecting any of the foregoing.

The mattress pad <NUM> includes the pad <NUM>. The pad <NUM> includes the cover <NUM> and body of padding material <NUM> disposed within the cover <NUM>. The pad <NUM> has a thickness which at least partially accommodates one or more of the fluid collection device <NUM>, the bodily waste collection device <NUM>, the at least one vacuum source <NUM>, at least one fluid storage container <NUM>, or drainage tubes <NUM> fluidly connecting any of the foregoing therein.

The cover <NUM> may be similar or identical to the sheet of fabric <NUM> in one or more aspects. For example, the cover <NUM> may include a fabric having fibers made of one or more of cotton, polymer (e.g., polyester), satin, silk, linen, or combinations thereof (e.g., poly-cotton). The fabric of the cover <NUM> may be on an uppermost face of the pad <NUM>, such as a patient facing side of the pad <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be sized and shaped to at least partially cover the body of padding <NUM>, such as to encapsulate the body of padding <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes a resealable fabric container for holding the body of padding material. For example, the cover <NUM> may include a zipper <NUM> or another selectively closable fastener for closing the cover <NUM> over the body of padding <NUM>. The zipper <NUM> may extend around at least a portion of the side of the mattress pad <NUM> to allow access to one or more portions of the mattress pad <NUM> within the cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the mattress pad <NUM> may be thicker than the mattress pads (e.g., toppers) <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, due at least in part to the thickness of the body of padding material <NUM>. The body of padding <NUM> may be similar or identical to the padding <NUM> in one or more aspects, such as composition, dimensions, or the like. For example, the body of padding material <NUM> may include cotton fibers, wool fibers, spun plastic fibers (e.g., polyester), down, polymer foam, or the like. The body of padding material <NUM> may be provided as a solid body, filler (e.g., pieces), or panels. The body of padding material <NUM> may be at least <NUM> thick (when in an uncompressed state), such as <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, or more than <NUM>. The body of padding material <NUM> may be more compressible near the outermost surfaces thereof, such as nearest the upper surface. Accordingly, the body of padding material <NUM> may provide comfort to a patient thereon and prevent or decrease a patient's ability to feel the components disposed within the pad <NUM>.

The body of padding material <NUM> includes one or more recesses <NUM> formed therein for holding components therein. At least some of the one or more recesses <NUM> may be sized and shaped to hold fluid collection device <NUM> or a bodily waste collection device <NUM>, fluid storage container <NUM> (e.g., urine storage container, stool storage container, etc.), or vacuum source <NUM> therein. For example, one or more recesses <NUM> may be disposed in the central region, such in (e.g., below) the retention port <NUM>, for accommodating the fluid collection device <NUM> and the bodily waste collection device <NUM> within the pad <NUM>. One or more recesses <NUM> may be disposed in a region of the body of padding material <NUM> expected to (e.g., suitable and intended to) be positioned near a foot end of a mattress (upon which the mattress pad <NUM> sits) when in use. For example, one or more recesses <NUM> may be disposed in the foot end region for accommodating one or more of fluid storage container <NUM> (e.g., urine storage container, stool storage container, etc.) or vacuum source <NUM> therein. By locating the recesses <NUM> in the foot end region, the contents therein may not cause discomfort to the patient when the patient lays on the mattress pad <NUM> due to the relatively light weight of the feet and legs not compressing the mattress pad <NUM> as much as a torso. In some examples, the one or more recesses <NUM> for accommodating one or more of fluid collection device <NUM>, bodily waste collection device <NUM> fluid storage container <NUM>, or vacuum source <NUM> (e.g., vacuum pump) therein may be positioned anywhere within the pad <NUM>, such as around the periphery of the mattress pad <NUM>, at the head of the mattress pad <NUM>, or the like.

At least some of the one or more recesses <NUM> may be connected via a connecting recess <NUM> sized and shaped to accommodate drainage tube <NUM> therein. The connecting recesses <NUM> may be disposed between any of the recesses <NUM>. In some examples, the connecting recesses <NUM> may be configured as tunnels in the body of padding <NUM>. At least some of the one or more recesses <NUM> and connecting recesses <NUM> are accessible by opening the cover <NUM>. For example, the cover <NUM> may be unzipped and opened to expose the one or more recesses <NUM>, one or more connecting recesses <NUM>, and contents thereof. In such examples, the contents of the fluid storage container(s) <NUM> (e.g., urine and bodily waste) are hidden from view to prevent embarrassment to the patient and visitors.

The body of padding material <NUM> may include two or more parts, such as an upper body and a lower body as shown in <FIG>. The one or more recesses <NUM> and connecting recesses <NUM> may be formed in the upper body and the lower body of padding. In some examples, the one or more recesses <NUM> and connecting recesses <NUM> are formed only in the lower body of padding and the upper body of padding may be disposed thereover. Upon opening the cover <NUM>, the upper and lower bodies may be separated to view or change the contents of the one or more recesses <NUM> and connecting recesses <NUM>. For example, the fluid storage containers <NUM> may be changed or checked by opening the cover <NUM>.

The pad <NUM> may include a fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> within or on the cover <NUM>. For example, the pad <NUM> may include the fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> disposed between the cover <NUM> and the body of padding material <NUM>, such as at least on the upper (e.g., patient-facing) surface thereof. In some examples, the cover <NUM> may include the fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> disposed across at least the retention port <NUM>. The fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> may be similar or identical to the fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> or <NUM> in one or more aspects.

Retention port <NUM> is disposed on the cover <NUM>, such as in the central region of the cover <NUM>. The retention port <NUM> may be similar or identical to the retention port <NUM> or <NUM> in one or more aspects. The retention port <NUM> includes one or more retainers <NUM> disposed around (and at least partially defining) an outer boundary thereof. The one or more retainers <NUM> are similar or identical to the one or more retainers <NUM> in one or more aspects. For example, the one or more retainers <NUM> may include first and second strips with fasteners as disclosed herein with respect to retainers <NUM>.

The retention port <NUM> may include an openable portion <NUM>. The openable portion <NUM> may include a portion of the cover <NUM>, such as the portion of the cover <NUM> within the retention port <NUM>. For example, the fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> may be removable to access the body of padding material <NUM> therein. The retention port <NUM> includes a fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> attached to the cover <NUM> in a middle region or portion (e.g., central region) thereof. For example, the openable portion <NUM> may include fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> for a lower surface and the cover <NUM> for the upper surface. As shown in <FIG>, the openable portion <NUM> may be retained against the body of padding material <NUM> by the one or more retainers <NUM> or by one or more retainers specific to the openable portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the openable portion <NUM> may be lifted to expose the body of padding material <NUM> therebelow. The openable portion <NUM> may be closed by attaching the cover <NUM> and/or fluid impermeable sheet <NUM> with the one or more retainers <NUM> or one or more retainers specific to the openable portion <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may include one or more openings such as in the retention port <NUM> to allow the drainage tubes <NUM> to pass therethrough when in use.

The components depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> also represent a bodily waste collection system. Bodily waste collection systems may be utilized to collect fluids and bodily waste from patients in a bed, such as a hospital bed.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of a method <NUM> to collect bodily waste, according to an embodiment. The method <NUM> includes block <NUM>, which recites "using a mattress pad having a retention port located in a central region thereof, positioning at least one drainage tube in the retention port. " Block <NUM> may be followed by block <NUM>, which recites "securing the at least one drainage tube in the retention port. " Block <NUM> may be followed by block <NUM>, which recites "connecting the at least one drainage tube to one or more of a fluid storage container; a vacuum source; a fluid collection device, or a bodily waste collection device. " Blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the method <NUM> are for illustrative purposes. For example, the blocks may be modified, supplemented, split, or combined. In an example, one or more of the blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the method <NUM> may be omitted from the method <NUM>. Any of the blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may include using any of the mattress pads disclosed herein.

Block <NUM> recites "using a mattress pad having a retention port located in a central region thereof, positioning at least one drainage tube in the retention port. " The mattress pad may include any of the mattress pads disclosed herein, including any of the components thereof. The retention port may include any of the retention portions disclosed herein, including any of the components thereof. For example, the retention port may include any of the retainers, flaps, or the like disclosed herein. The retention port may include one or more retainers disposed around an outer boundary thereof, the one or more retainers being configured to hold one or more objects relative to the retention port. The one or more retainers may include hook and loop fasteners and positioning the at least one drainage tube in the retention port may include positioning a portion of the at least one drainage tube between the hook and loop fasteners, such as between first and second strips having the hook and loop fasteners (or other fasteners) thereon.

The retention port may include one or more flaps as disclosed herein and positioning at least one drainage tube in the retention port may include positioning the drainage tube below one or more flaps. The drainage tube may extend from a side of the mattress pad under the one or more flaps to the central region of the mattress pad.

In some examples, the mattress pad may include a cover and a body of padding material disposed within the cover, the body of padding material includes one or more recesses formed therein for holding components therein. At least some of the one or more recesses are sized and shaped to hold one or more of a fluid storage container, a vacuum pump, a stool storage container, a fluid collection device, or a bodily waste collection device. The retention port may be disposed on the cover. In such examples, positioning the at least one drainage tube in the retention port may include pulling a portion of the at least one drainage tube through the one or more recesses. For example, the at least one drainage tube may be pulled from recesses inside of the mattress pad to extend outside thereof for use in collecting fluids from a patient on the mattress pad. In some examples, the method <NUM> may include removing one or more of a fluid collection device, a bodily waste collection device, a fluid storage container (e.g., urine storage container or stool storage container), a vacuum pump, from the mattress pad or one or more recesses therein.

Block <NUM> recites "securing the at least one drainage tube in the retention port. " Securing the at least one drainage tube in the retention port may include closing the first and second strips over the drainage tube(s) therebetween. For example, hook and loop fasteners on the first and second strips may be closed on each other the bond the hooks to the loops to secure the drainage tube(s) therebetween in position relative to the retention port. In some examples, securing the at least one drainage tube in the retention port may include closing the flaps in the retention port over the drainage tube(s). The flaps may be secured to the pad via fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fasteners). Accordingly, securing the at least one drainage tube in the retention port may include attaching the fasteners of the flaps and/or first and second strips.

Block <NUM> recites, "connecting the at least one drainage tube to one or more of a fluid storage container; a vacuum source; a fluid collection device, or a bodily waste collection device. " Connecting the at least one drainage tube to one or more of a fluid storage container; a vacuum source; a fluid collection device, or a bodily waste collection device may include fluidly connecting the fluid storage containers to one or more of the vacuum source, the fluid collection device, or bodily waste collection device. The drainage tubes may be fluidly connected to fluid storage containers, vacuum sources, fluid collection devices, or bodily waste collection devices prior to, contemporaneous with, or after positioning the drainage tube within the retention port.

The method <NUM> may include positioning the mattress pad on a mattress. Positioning the mattress pad on a mattress may include securing the mattress pad to the mattress such as using the attachments (e.g., sheet straps, clips, or the like).

The method <NUM> may include placing one or more sanitary (bed) pads in the retention port. The sanitary pads may include chucks or the like. The sanitary pads may be secured in the retention port, such as via the one or more retainers.

The method <NUM> may include positioning the opening of the fluid collection device over the urethra of the patient. Accordingly, fluid passed through the urethra of the wearer may be captured in the fluid collection device.

The method <NUM> may include positioning the opening of the bodily waste collection device over the anus or stoma of the patient. Accordingly, bodily waste passed through the anus or stoma may pass through the opening into the bodily waste collection device. Positioning the opening of the bodily waste collection device over the anus or stoma of a wearer may include adhering the annular body to the wearer, such as in the intergluteal cleft of the wearer.

The method <NUM> may include receiving one or more of bodily fluid or bodily waste in the fluid collection device or bodily waste collection device. The method <NUM> may include removing the fluid from one or more of the fluid collection device or the bodily waste collection device. Removing the fluid may include removing the fluid via the one or more ports and drainage tubing or tube, such as via gravity or vacuum. The vacuum may be selectively applied using the vacuum source to remove the fluid(s) therefrom. For example, the patient or a user (e.g., medical professional) may activate the vacuum source to remove the liquid(s).

In some examples, the method <NUM> may include collecting the fluid(s) that are removed from the one or more of the fluid collection device or bodily waste collection device, such as into a fluid storage container(s) fluidly connected thereto. The fluid storage container may include any of the fluid storage containers disclosed herein. The collected fluid may be quantified or analyzed.

In some examples, the method <NUM> may include changing the fluid collection device for a new fluid collection device or bodily waste collection device for a new bodily waste collection device, such as when the filter bag fills up. In some examples, the method <NUM> may include changing the fluid collection container(s) for new fluid collection container(s), such as when the fluid storage containers fill up.

Claim 1:
A mattress pad (<NUM>) for collecting waste, the mattress pad comprising:
a pad (<NUM>) sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of a mattress;
a retention port (<NUM>) located in a central region of the pad where the pelvis of a patient may be positioned, the retention port including one or more openings therein sized and shaped to accommodate a drainage tube (<NUM>) therethrough and one or more retainers (<NUM>) disposed around an outer boundary thereof, the one or more retainers being configured to hold one or more objects relative to the retention port, the one or more retainers including,
one or more first boundary strips (<NUM>) attached to the pad and defining an outer boundary of the retention port, the one or more first boundary strips having one or more fasteners thereon; and
one or more second boundary strips (<NUM>) at least partially corresponding to a shape of the one or more first boundary strips, being free floating, and having fasteners thereon effective to attach the one or more second boundary strips to the one or more first boundary strips, to retain one or more objects therebetween, and to allow the one or more objects to protrude out of the retention port; and
one or more attachments (<NUM>) disposed on the pad, the one or more attachments being configured to at least temporarily attach the pad to the mattress.