Patent Description:
Urinary catheters, such as a Foley catheter, can be used to address some of these circumstances, such as incontinence. Unfortunately, however, urinary catheters can be uncomfortable, painful, and can lead to complications, such as infections. Additionally, bed pans, which are receptacles used for the toileting of bedridden patients, such as those in a health care facility, are sometimes used. Bed pans, however, can be prone to discomfort, spills, and other hygiene issues.

Males who suffer the most severe consequences of urinary incontinence, such as discomfort, rashes, and sores are typically elderly and often bedbound. They also require continuous assistance to maintain hygiene. Characteristics often found in these patients: they typically lay on their back, the size of the penis often decreases with age, skin rolls containing fat tissue cause the penis to recede, often pointing upward while in a laying position, patients have difficulty reaching the penis and manipulating devices. A urine capture device should be designed with reference to these characteristics.

<CIT> discloses a urine collecting member in the form of a loose-fitting condom for a penis which eschews retention on the penis through a snug fit thereon. Instead, the member is provided with a backing member which has a proximal face for contacting a pelvic area of the wearer, and adhesively attaching itself to it. Wearer comfort is improved by attaching the device to the pelvic area instead of to the penis.

The invention is defined n claims <NUM> and <NUM> below. The dependent claims are directed to optional features and/or preferred embodiments.

In the present disclosure, a method for transporting urine away from the body is disclosed. The method includes positioning a receptacle of a urine collection device to abut one or more regions about a penis of a user. The method includes positioning an elongate member of the urine collection device between the legs of the user. The elongate member extends between the thighs of the user to be positioned proximal to a perineum of the user. The elongate member retains the receptacle of the urine collection device in a fixed position. The method includes receiving urine within the receptacle of the urine collection device, directing the urine, using at least one channel formed within the receptacle of the urine collection device, to a passage within the receptacle of the urine collection device. The method includes removing the urine from the receptacle through the passage.

Features from any of the embodiments disclosed below may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present invention 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 urine collection device, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings.

Disclosed below are urine collection devices suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person. The device include a receptacle and an elongate member. The receptacle includes an outer wall or outer surface, which defines a volume within the receptacle. The volume is configured to receive a penis of the user and position the outer surface proximate to one or more regions about the penis of the user. The receptacle can include and/or house a plurality of layers, for example, one or more fluid permeable layers, one or more absorbent layers, one or more hydrophobic layers, one or more wicking layers, and so on. The receptacle includes one or more channels formed or otherwise coupled to the receptacle within the volume. Each channel directs the flow of urine within the volume to a desired location within the volume. In particular, the channels direct the flow of urine to a passage configured to extract the urine from the receptacle. The passage can be a conduit or channel formed within or attached to the receptacle. In some embodiments, the passage can be configured to retain a tube coupled to a vacuum source which extracts urine from the receptacle. One suitable non-limiting example of a vacuum source that can be used is the DryDoc Vacuum Station, available from PureWick, Inc.

Although the device can receive a portion of the user's penis within the receptacle, the device can be equally beneficial in collecting urine from a user without requiring a portion of the user's penis to be received within the receptacle. For example, patients having hidden anatomy, such as a buried penis, can still utilize the device despite having substantially inaccessible anatomy.

The elongate member can include a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the elongate member can be coupled to the receptacle. The distal end of the elongate member can form a planar surface. The planar surface can abut a portion of the user's body to retain the receptacle in a fixed position relative to the user, as described in more detail herein. The elongate member can include a curved portion or curved surface spanning some distance between the distal and proximal ends. In some embodiments, the curved surface can be modifiable to match the contour of the user's perineum. In an embodiment, the urine collection device can be utilized without strapping, adhering, or otherwise affixing the device to the patient. For example, the elongate member of the device can be positioned between a user's (e.g., a patient) thighs to retain the receptacle in a position abutting one or more regions about the penis of the user. The width of the elongate member can vary from the proximal to the distal end. For example, a section of the elongate member configured to be retained between the user's legs can be narrower than a section of the elongate member configured to be positioned proximal to the user's buttocks or lower back.

In some embodiments, a method for transporting urine away from the body may include positioning a receptacle of a urine collection device to abut one or more regions about a penis of the user. The method can include positioning an elongate member of the urine collection device between the legs of the user. For example, the elongate member can be positioned between the thighs of the user and proximal to the perineum of the user. By positioning the elongate member between the legs of the user, the position of the receptacle relative to the user's penis can also be maintained without adhering or otherwise attaching the receptacle to the user's skin. The method can also include receiving expelled urine from the user into the receptacle and directing the urine to the passage using at least one channel formed within the receptacle. The urine can thereafter be extracted from the receptacle via the passage using, for example, a vacuum system or suction device.

<FIG> are respective isometric, front, and side views of a urine collection device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The urine collection device <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM> and an elongate member <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> has semielliptically shaped perimeter. The exterior surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> forms a generally convex exterior while an interior surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> forms a generally concave interior (see <FIG>). The receptacle <NUM> also forms or defines an interior volume. While the receptacle <NUM> is depicted as semi-elliptical, other embodiments of the receptacle <NUM> can be cylindrical, spherical, cubic, a combination thereof, or any other three-dimensional shape capable of defining an internal volume.

The receptacle <NUM> can be formed of any suitable fluid impermeable materials, such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, a polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, latex, silicone, etc.), a metal or alloy layer or film, another suitable material, or combinations thereof.

The receptacle <NUM> defines one or more channels <NUM>, <NUM>. The channels <NUM>, <NUM> can protrude from the exterior surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> and form recesses on the interior surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. The channels <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to direct or guide the flow of urine within the receptacle <NUM> to a passage <NUM>. In an embodiment, the channels <NUM>, <NUM> can extend from a periphery <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> and terminate at a collection region <NUM> wherein the channels <NUM>, <NUM> intersect with the passage <NUM>. During use, the receptacle <NUM> is positioned such that urine expelled from the patient contacts the interior surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> and flows along the channels <NUM>, <NUM> and into the collection region <NUM>. For example, the receptacle <NUM> can be inclined such that the collection region <NUM> is at a lower elevation or height than the rest of the receptacle <NUM>. Thus, gravitational force can be used to drive the urine through the channels <NUM>, <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle <NUM> can form or otherwise define channels <NUM>, <NUM> about the periphery <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. Channels <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to direct or guide the flow of urine within the receptacle <NUM> to the collection region <NUM>. The channels <NUM>, <NUM> can be integrally formed with one or more walls <NUM> defined by the receptacle <NUM>. The one or more walls <NUM> can extend around at least a portion of the periphery <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>.

The elongate member <NUM> can be integrally formed or otherwise molded with the receptacle <NUM> such that the elongate member <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> are a unitary structure. For example, the elongate member <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> can be molded utilizing a single material, multiple materials (e.g., multi-material injection molding), a single shot, or multiple shots. In other embodiments, the elongate member <NUM> can be coupled or otherwise attached to the receptacle <NUM>. For example, a proximal end <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> can be adhered, fastened, or interlocked with the receptacle <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> can be positioned proximal to or abutting the collection region <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the passage <NUM>, channels <NUM>, <NUM>, and collection region <NUM> extend into the proximal end of the elongate member <NUM>.

The elongate member <NUM> extends some length from the receptacle <NUM>, curves to conform to a patient's perineum, and terminates proximal to the patient's buttocks or lower back. The length of the elongate member <NUM> can vary, for example, relative to the size and dimension of the patient. The elongate member <NUM> can be conformable or otherwise compliant such that a curved portion <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> can be manipulated to accommodate the perineum shape of a particular patient. Due to the arc or curvature of the curved portion <NUM>, the receptacle <NUM> can be positioned over the penis while a distal end <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> can be positioned between a part of the patient's body (e.g., a buttocks or lower back) and a support structure being used by the patient (e.g., a bed, chair, etc.). Thus, retaining the position of the receptacle <NUM> over the user's penis without necessitating the use of adhesives or straps.

The elongate member <NUM> can be made out of similar materials as the receptacle <NUM>. For example, the elongate member can be formed of any suitable fluid impermeable materials, such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, a polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, latex, silicone, etc.), a metal or alloy layer or film, another suitable material, or combinations thereof.

The elongate member <NUM> can be reconfigurable to accommodate patients of varying sizes and shapes. In other words, the elongate member <NUM> can be deformable and thereby allow the radius R or circumference C of the curved section <NUM> to be adjusted or otherwise manipulated. For example, the elongate member <NUM> can be over-molded or coupled to a semi-rigid structure (not shown) which bends, twists, or otherwise deforms and thereafter retains the elongate member <NUM> in a deformed state. The semi-rigid structure can extend some length between the proximal end <NUM> and distal end <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the semi-rigid structure can be a wire frame comprising members which span one or more directions relative to a centerline CL of the elongate member <NUM>.

The width of the elongate member <NUM> can be narrower near the proximal end <NUM> and wider near the distal end <NUM> to accommodate the curvature of the patient's thighs or space between a patient's thighs while the patient is sitting or in a reclined state. In some embodiments, the width of the elongate member <NUM> remains constant near the proximal end <NUM> and flares or broadens through the curved portion <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> (as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>). Varying the width of the elongate member <NUM> can be beneficial, for example, to more comfortably and ergonomically retain the device <NUM> between the patient's thighs. The distal end <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> defines a planar surface <NUM> which can be disposed between the patient and a support surface on which the patient is positioned (e.g., a bed, chair, etc.). Compressive forces generated by the weight of the patient and the support structure supporting the patient are applied to the planar surface <NUM> to retain the position of the device <NUM> relative to the patient. For example, the planar surface <NUM> can engage with a larger surface area of the patient's buttocks and/or lower back to provide a secondary structure for retaining the relative position of the receptacle relative to the user's penis (i.e., preventing the device <NUM> from moving once placed on the patient).

<FIG> is a section view of the urine collection device <NUM> taken through section line <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>, according to an embodiment. The device <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM>, an elongate member <NUM>, and a tube <NUM>. The tube <NUM> can occupy at least a portion of the passage <NUM>. For example, the tube <NUM> can be inserted within the passage <NUM> and occupy at least the length of the passage <NUM>, at least half the length of the passage <NUM>, or less than half the length of the passage <NUM>. The tube <NUM> can include an inlet <NUM>, an outlet <NUM>, and a body <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> is positioned proximal to the collection region <NUM> (as depicted in <FIG>) and the body is at least partially positioned within the passage <NUM>. In other embodiments, the body <NUM> of the tube <NUM> need not extend along the passage <NUM> and through inner volume. Instead, the tube <NUM> can be placed in liquid communication with the passage <NUM> at or near the periphery <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. For example, the inlet <NUM> of the tube <NUM> can be positioned within the passage <NUM> while the body <NUM> of the tube <NUM> remains outside the receptacle <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> of the tube <NUM> is operably coupled to a vacuum pump or suction device (suction device <NUM> depicted in <FIG>). The tube <NUM> can be utilized to extract urine expelled into the receptacle <NUM> by the patient. For example, the tube <NUM> can be a component of a vacuum source which uses negative pressure to extract urine from the device <NUM>. One suitable non-limiting example of a vacuum source that can be used is the DryDoc Vacuum Station, available from PureWick, Inc.

In some embodiments, the urine collection device <NUM> can include a fluid permeable layer <NUM>. The fluid permeable layer <NUM> cover one or more surfaces of the device <NUM>. The fluid permeable layer <NUM> can be non-abrasive to mitigate or prevent irritation to any portion of the patient's skin which contacts the fluid permeable layers <NUM>. The fluid permeable layer <NUM> can include multiple layers of material, such as, hydrophobic or wicking layers having varied permeable properties. The fluid permeable layer <NUM> can include any material that can wick fluid. For example, the fluid permeable layer <NUM> can include fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., a silk, linen, polyester, or cotton gauze), another soft fabric (e.g., jersey knit fabric or the like), or another smooth fabric (e.g., rayon, satin, or the like). In some examples, the fluid permeable layer <NUM> can include an open cell foam. Forming the fluid permeable layer <NUM> from gauze, soft fabric, and/or smooth fabric can reduce chafing caused by the urine collection device <NUM>. The fluid permeable layers <NUM> can additionally or alternatively be formed using one or more layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and/or spun plastic.

The fluid permeable layer <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> can be coupled to, cover, disposed adjacent to, and/or being in fluid communication with a permeable support <NUM> positioned within the inner volume of the receptacle <NUM>. For example, the fluid permeable layer <NUM> can be adhered to the permeable support <NUM>. Similarly, the permeable support <NUM> can be adhered to the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> and the one or more walls <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, as alternative to or in addition to being adhered to the permeable support <NUM>. The fluid permeable layer <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> can be positioned within the receptacle <NUM> such that the concaved contour defined by the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> is matched by the fluid permeable layer <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM>. The permeable support <NUM>, however, in some embodiments, may not be adhered to the channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> nor the collection region <NUM>. The fluid permeable layer <NUM> can be removable in some examples by utilizing hook and loop fasteners to allow a replacement layer to be inserted and used within the device <NUM>.

The permeable support <NUM> allows fluid such as, for example, urine, to flow through the fluid permeable layer <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, and into the receptacle <NUM>. In an embodiment, the permeable support <NUM> can be made of a rigid or flexible plastic. In an embodiment, the permeable support <NUM> can have any suitable shape and be formed of any suitable material. Additionally or alternatively, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of aluminum, a composite of plastic and aluminum, some other metal and/or a composite of plastic and another metal. In some embodiments, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of a natural material, such as, for example, plant fibers (e.g., Greener Clean manufactured by <NUM>®). The natural material can include openings that allow fluid to flow through the natural material. In some embodiments, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of perforated coated paper, such as waxed paper.

The permeable support <NUM> can define one or more openings to allow for fluid flow from the fluid permeable layer <NUM> to the receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the permeable support <NUM> can include membrane supports (e.g., struts) extending across an opening such that the opening is divided into an array of distinct slot-shaped openings. The membrane supports can be used to support the fluid permeable layer <NUM>. For example, the membrane supports can maintain the shape of the fluid permeable layer <NUM> such that urine flowing from the wearer contacts and travels through the fluid permeable layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the permeable support <NUM> can define several openings having a variety of shapes, such as a plurality of round openings. In some embodiments, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of spun plastic (e.g., non-woven permeable nylon and polyester webbing) such that the permeable support <NUM> can have many openings. In some embodiments, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of a porous material.

In an embodiment, the fluid permeable layer <NUM> allows fluid to flow through the material in a first direction but prevent fluid from flowing through the material in a second direction. For example, the fluid permeable layer <NUM> can allow urine to flow through the fluid permeable layer <NUM> and into the permeable support <NUM> while preventing or inhibiting urine from flowing back out of the permeable support <NUM> and onto the user's skin. In other words, the fluid permeable layer <NUM> can permit unidirectional fluid flow and thereby obstruct urine from leaking through the layer <NUM> and contacting the user's skin.

The fluid permeable layer <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> include permeable material designed to wick or pass fluid therethrough. The permeable properties 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 wicking material. Put another way, substantially no absorption of fluid into the 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 wicking material (e.g., absorbency), such as less than about <NUM> wt% of the dry weight of the wicking 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 wicking material. Wicking material can include natural fibers. 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.

The elongate member <NUM> can include a support layer <NUM> which interfaces a portion of the user's skin when the device <NUM> is being used. For example, the support layer <NUM> can abut one or more surfaces proximate to the perineum or buttocks of the user while the device <NUM> is in use. The support layer <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> can be adhered or otherwise affixed to the elongate member <NUM>. More specifically, the support layer <NUM> can be positioned between one or more walls <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> and adhered to an inner surface <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>. The support layer <NUM> can be positioned adjacent to the inner surface <NUM> such that support matches or substantially matches the circumference C and radius R of the curved portion <NUM>.

The support layer <NUM> can be non-abrasive to mitigate or prevent irritation to any portion of the patient's skin which contacts the support layer <NUM>. The support layer <NUM> can also function as a deformable cushion or pad to provide additional comfort to the user. For example, in some embodiments, the support layer <NUM> can be a foam, cloth, or other material which is non-abrasive and deformable. The support layer <NUM> can be removable from the elongate member <NUM>. For example, the support layer <NUM> can be coupled to the inner surface <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> using hook and loop fasteners or other mechanisms configured to allow removal without damaging the device <NUM>.

The support layer <NUM> can include multiple layers of material, such as, hydrophobic or non-absorptive layers. For example, the support layer <NUM> can include a non-absorptive foam. Additionally or alternatively, the support layer <NUM> can include fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., a silk, linen, polyester, or cotton gauze), another soft fabric (e.g., jersey knit fabric or the like), or another smooth fabric (e.g., rayon, satin, or the like). Forming the support layer <NUM> from non-absorptive material can reduce chafing caused by the urine collection device <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a rear view of the receptacle <NUM> having the fluid permeable layer <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> removed. The passage <NUM> is configured to receive and retain a portion of the tube <NUM> against the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. For example, the passage <NUM> can have a c-shaped cross-section which flexes to receive and retain a portion of the body <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the tube <NUM> can be routed through one or more features of the receptacle <NUM>. For example, the body <NUM> can be routed into the receptacle <NUM> through an opening or aperture <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. The one or more side walls <NUM> and outer surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> can define the aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> and the collection region <NUM> can be positioned on opposing sides of the receptacle <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the tube <NUM> is received within the aperture <NUM> and thereafter bent to be received and retained by the passage <NUM>. While the passage <NUM> is positioned at or near a geometric center of the receptacle <NUM> in <FIG>, it should be appreciated that the passage <NUM> can be positioned anywhere within the inner volume of the receptacle <NUM> (e.g., abutting the one or more walls <NUM> and extending along a periphery <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>).

In other embodiments, the passage <NUM> can be have a circular cross-section with a diameter large enough to house the body <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, the passage <NUM> can form a conduit in liquid communication with the collection region <NUM> and the aperture <NUM>. In this embodiment, the inlet <NUM> of the tube <NUM> can be received within the aperture <NUM> and a vacuum system can be used to extract urine from the collection region <NUM>, through the passage <NUM>, and into the inlet <NUM> of the tube <NUM>.

An adhesive can be disposed on a portion of the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. The adhesive can adhere or otherwise affix the permeable support <NUM> to the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. However, the channels <NUM>, <NUM>, passage <NUM>, and one or more walls <NUM> can be free of adhesive.

The channels <NUM>, <NUM> and passage <NUM> extend some length within the receptacle <NUM> and terminate at the collection region <NUM>. The collection region <NUM> is positioned within the receptacle <NUM> such that gravity draws or pulls urine within the cup along the one or more channels <NUM>, <NUM> and into the collection region <NUM>. For example, the collection region <NUM> can be positioned at a lower elevation (e.g., relative height) than the one or more channels <NUM>, <NUM> such that gravity forces the urine into the collection region <NUM>. The collection region <NUM> can be defined by one or more features within the receptacle <NUM>. For example, as depicted in <FIG>, the collection region <NUM> can be defined by the wall <NUM>, channels <NUM>, <NUM>, and the passage <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a urine collection device <NUM> positioned on a patient <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The patient <NUM> is positioned on a support structure, for example, a hospital bed <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the urine collection device <NUM> can be utilized by a patient being supported in a plurality of resting positions (e.g., supine, semi-supine, sitting upright, reclined, etc.). As previously described and shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> is positioned proximal to the user's body <NUM>. More specifically, a receptacle <NUM> of the device <NUM> is position to abut regions about the user's penis while an elongate member <NUM> of the device <NUM> can be positioned between the user's thighs and/or legs. The device <NUM> thereby utilizes the elongate member <NUM> to retain the device <NUM> in a fixed position relative to the user <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, a planar surface <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> can abut the user's buttocks and/or lower back to retain the device <NUM> in a fixed position relative to the user <NUM>.

The position of the elongate member <NUM> between the user's thighs and abutting the user's lower back and/or buttocks retains the device <NUM> in a fixed position without requiring adhesives or other attachment means to adhere the device <NUM> to the patient <NUM>. This is beneficial because adhesives can irritate the patient's skin by causing inflammation, soreness, infection, rashes, hives, and so on. Moreover, the device <NUM> can be exchanged or replaced without causing discomfort to the patient (e.g., without removing adhesive and/or applying new adhesive).

The urine collection device <NUM> can be in liquid communication with a vacuum pump or suction device <NUM>. For example, the urine collection device <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to the suction device <NUM> by a vacuum tube <NUM>. The suction device <NUM> can be used to extract urine from the urine collection device <NUM>. One suitable non-limiting example of a suction device <NUM> is the DryDoc Vacuum Station, available from PureWick, Inc. As previously described, the vacuum tube <NUM> can be in liquid communication with the device <NUM>. For example, a portion of the vacuum tube <NUM> can be received and retained by the receptacle <NUM> of the device <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> of using a urine collection device to collect urine from a user, according to an embodiment. The method <NUM> can include at least some of acts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. The method <NUM> is for illustrative purposes and, as such, at least one of the acts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> can be performed in a different order, split into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, combined, or omitted.

The method <NUM> optionally includes, at act <NUM>, positioning a receptacle of a urine collection device to abut one or more regions about a penis of the user. Method <NUM> optionally further includes, at act <NUM>, positioning an elongate member of the urine collection device between the legs of the user. In an embodiment, the elongate member can extend between the thighs of the user and proximal to the perineum of the user. By positioning the elongate member between the thighs of the user, the elongate member can retain the receptacle of the urine collection device in a fixed position relative to the user without requiring adhesives between the urine collection device and the user's skin. The elongate member can include a planar surface positioned near the distal end of the elongate member. The planar surface can be configured to abut the lower back or buttocks of the user and a support structure supporting the user (e.g., a chair, bed, etc.). The weight of the user can induce a downward force on the planar surface of the elongate member and thereby compress the planar surface between the user's body and the support structure. This compression can retain the receptacle of the urine collection device in a fixed position relative to the user by retaining the elongate member in a fixed position.

Method <NUM> further includes, at act <NUM>, receiving urine within the receptacle of the urine collection device. The urine collection device can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the urine collection devices described herein. For example, the receptacle can form or define at least one of a passage, one or more channels, and/or a collection region.

The method <NUM> also includes, at act <NUM>, directing the urine, using at least one channel formed within the receptacle of the urine collection device, to a passage within the receptacle of the urine collection device. In an embodiment, the at least one channel directs, funnels, or otherwise guides urine to flow into a collection region. The collection region can be an area within the receptacle which temporarily houses or accumulates urine expelled within the receptacle.

The method <NUM> optionally includes, at act <NUM>, removing the urine from the receptacle through the passage. In an embodiment, the passage can be in liquid communication with a vacuum pump or suction device. For example, a vacuum tube can be positioned within the passage such that urine accumulated within at the collection region can be removed via the tube.

Claim 1:
A urine collection device (<NUM>), comprising:
a receptacle (<NUM>) defining an interior volume and configured to abut one or more regions about, and to receive a penis of a user, the receptacle including at least one channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to direct urine within the interior volume toward a passage (<NUM>) formed within the receptacle, the passage being configured to extract urine from the receptacle; and
an elongate member (<NUM>) coupled to the receptacle, the elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end (<NUM>), the elongate member including a curved surface (<NUM>) positioned between the proximal end and a distal end (<NUM>), the curved surface being configured to abut a perineum of the user.