Patent Description:
The embodiments described herein relate generally to collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal. In various circumstances, a person or animal may have limited or impaired mobility such that typical urination processes are challenging or impossible. For example, a person may experience or have a disability that impairs mobility. A person may have restricted travel conditions such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, sometimes urine collection is needed for monitoring purposes or clinical testing.

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.

Available solutions are typically for use while standing up (such as cups and funnels), with a urine discharge port opposite to the distal end of the penis. Other designs such as condom-style catheters are difficult for patients to manipulate, too often they are dimensionally incompatible; and they do not stay on reliably.

See, for example, <CIT> which discloses a urine collection device to be worn by a male, as defined in the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It has a bag shape defining an interior divided by a liquid-permeable membrane into a cavity to receive the wearer's penis and beneath the membrane, a reservoir to receive urine through the membrane.

<CIT> discloses a range of embodiments of pouch used for collecting on a filter sheet within the pouch for collecting solid materials entrained within a bodily fluid which is introduced into the pouch through a tip inlet. The inlet of the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> can receive a penis.

Thus, there is a need for a device capable of collecting urine from a person or animal, particularly a male, comfortably and with minimal contamination of the user and/or the surrounding area.

The invention is defined by independent claim <NUM> below. The dependent claims are directed to optional features and preferred embodiments. A system is disclosed that is suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal, particularly a male. The disclosed system includes an assembly that includes a fluid impermeable casing, a fluid permeable support, a fluid permeable membrane, and a tube. The fluid impermeable casing defines an opening, an interior region, and a fluid outlet. The fluid permeable support defines a reservoir. The support is disposed within the interior region. The fluid permeable membrane is disposed on the support and cover at least a portion of the support. The fluid permeable membrane at least partially defines a cavity. The tube has a first end disposed in the elongated reservoir and extends through the fluid outlet to a second, fluid discharge end. The apparatus is configured to be disposed with a user's penis disposed through the opening and with the urethral opening of the penis disposed within the cavity, to receive urine discharged from the urethral opening through the membrane, the support, and into the reservoir, and to have the received urine withdrawn from the reservoir via the tube and out of the fluid discharge end of the tube.

A system is disclosed that is suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal, particularly a male. The disclosed system includes an apparatus that includes a fluid impermeable casing, a fluid permeable support, a fluid permeable membrane, and a tube. The fluid impermeable casing defines an opening, an interior region, and a fluid outlet. The fluid permeable support defines a reservoir. The support is disposed within the interior region. The fluid permeable membrane is disposed on the support and covers at least a portion of the support. The fluid permeable membrane can at least partially define a cavity. The tube has a first end disposed in the elongated reservoir and extends through the fluid outlet to a second, fluid discharge end. The apparatus is configured to be disposed with a user's penis disposed through the opening and with the urethral opening of the penis disposed within the cavity, to receive urine discharged from the urethral opening through the membrane, the support, and into the reservoir, and to have the received urine withdrawn from the reservoir via the tube and out of the fluid discharge end of the tube.

A method of using the system includes disposing it in operative relationship with the urethral opening of a male user, a urine collecting apparatus. The operative relationship can include the user's penis being disposed through the opening in the casing with the urethral opening of the penis disposed within the cavity. Urine discharged from the urethral opening can be allowed to be received through the membrane, the support, and into the reservoir. The received urine can be withdrawn from the reservoir via the tube and out of the fluid discharge end of the tube.

The fluid permeable support is disposed within the interior region and has a first side facing the opening and a second side opposite the first side. The second side and the casing collectively define a reservoir between the second side and the casing. The fluid permeable membrane is disposed on the support between the opening and the first side of the support. The fluid permeable membrane and the casing collectively define a cavity. The tube can have a first end disposed in the reservoir and can extend through the fluid outlet to a second, fluid discharge end. The apparatus can be configured to be disposed with a user's penis disposed through the opening with the urethral opening of the penis disposed within the cavity, to receive urine discharged from the urethral opening through the membrane, the support, and into the reservoir, and to have the received urine withdrawn from the reservoir via the tube and out of the fluid discharge end of the tube.

As used in this specification, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term "a member" is intended to mean a single member or a combination of members, "a material" is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combination thereof.

The embodiments described herein can be formed or constructed of one or more biocompatible materials. Examples of suitable biocompatible materials include metals, ceramics, or polymers. Examples of suitable metals include pharmaceutical grade stainless steel, gold, titanium, nickel, iron, platinum, tin, chromium, copper, and/or alloys thereof. Examples of polymers include nylons, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polymers of ethylene-vinyl acetates and other acyl substituted cellulose acetates, nondegradable polyurethanes, polystyrenes, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, poly(vinyl imidazole), chlorosulphonate polyolefins, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and/or blends and copolymers thereof.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of a system <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes an assembly <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> includes a permeable membrane <NUM>, a permeable support <NUM>, and an impermeable casing <NUM> (also referred to herein as an "impermeable layer"). The permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> can also be collectively referred to as a "chamber assembly. " The permeable support <NUM> defines a reservoir <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "chamber"). The assembly <NUM> also includes an outlet <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "port") in fluidic communication with the reservoir <NUM>. The permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> are arranged such that the permeable membrane <NUM> defines a cavity <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> such that the cavity <NUM> is accessible from the exterior of the assembly <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> can direct fluid toward the reservoir <NUM> and/or reduce and/or prevent fluid from exiting the assembly <NUM> except via the outlet <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> is arranged such that a fluid can flow through the opening <NUM>, into the cavity <NUM>, through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> can be arranged such that a user's penis can be inserted through the opening <NUM> such that the user's urethral opening is disposed within the cavity <NUM> and a fluid can flow from the user's urethral opening, into the cavity <NUM>, through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes a discharge line <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "received tube"). The discharge line <NUM> can be fluidically coupled to an external receptacle <NUM>. The external receptacle <NUM> can be in fluidic communication with a vacuum source <NUM> via a vacuum line <NUM>. The discharge line <NUM> and the vacuum line <NUM> can both include flexible tubing, such as, for example, flexible plastic tubing.

More specifically, the impermeable casing <NUM> defines an interior region accessible via the opening <NUM>. The permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> (and thus, the reservoir <NUM>) are disposed within the interior region of the impermeable casing <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> can be any suitable shape. For example, in some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be bowl-shaped. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can include a bottom surface and at least one sidewall. In some implementations, the at least one sidewall can define the opening <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> is opposite the bottom surface of the impermeable casing <NUM> and the interior region of the impermeable casing <NUM> is bounded (and collectively defined) by the bottom surface, the sidewall, and the opening <NUM>. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> includes a top surface and the top surface defines the opening <NUM> opposite the bottom surface. In some implementations, the sidewall of the impermeable casing <NUM> is curved and continuous such that the impermeable casing <NUM> has a round (e.g., circular or ovalular) perimeter. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can have any suitable shape and/or perimeter, such as the shape of an oblong, a square, or a triangle. In some implementations, the one or more sidewalls can be concave such that the one or more sidewalls can receive at least a portion of the permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> as described in more detail below.

In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be disposed around only a portion of the exterior sides of the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the permeable support <NUM>. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can cover all of the exterior sides of the chamber assembly (i.e., the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or permeable support <NUM>). In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be disposed such that the impermeable casing <NUM> can wrap around the exterior surface of the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the permeable support <NUM> and cover a portion of the interior side or sides of the chamber assembly (i.e., the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the permeable support <NUM>). In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> can be arranged to define a passageway with open ends (e.g., as a ring), and the impermeable casing <NUM> can be applied to one end and a side of the chamber assembly (i.e., the permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM>) such that a cavity <NUM> is defined with the open end and the closed end. In some implementations, the chamber assembly can define the opening <NUM> rather than the impermeable casing <NUM>. In some implementations, the portion of the impermeable casing <NUM> closing one end of the cavity <NUM> and partially defining the cavity <NUM> can have any suitable shape such that a portion or all of the head of a user's penis can be disposed within the cavity <NUM>. For example, the portion of the impermeable casing <NUM> closing one end of the cavity <NUM> can be curved, convex, or flat.

In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be attached to the chamber assembly (i.e., the permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM>) via an adhesive. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be attached to the chamber assembly via any suitable retention mechanism, such as, for example, retainer clips or other fasteners. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be preshaped and the chamber assembly can be inserted into the impermeable casing <NUM> and retained in a particular shape by the impermeable casing <NUM>. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be formed by, for example, elongate strips of adhesive tape such that the impermeable casing <NUM> can maintain the chamber assembly in the configuration defining the cavity <NUM>.

The impermeable layer <NUM> can be impermeable to fluid, such as, for example, urine. In some implementations, the impermeable layer <NUM> can have a fluid transportation function and can assist in directing fluid towards the reservoir <NUM> and/or through the outlet <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, the impermeable layer <NUM> can be formed as an integral, unitary structure. In other implementations, the impermeable layer <NUM> can be a multi-piece structure. The impermeable layer <NUM> can be a pre-molded (e.g., injection or blow molded) component. Alternatively, the impermeable layer <NUM> can be formed of a material, such as elongate strips of an adhesive tape, wrapped around at least a portion of the reservoir <NUM>, a portion of the permeable support <NUM>, and/or a portion of the permeable membrane <NUM>. In some embodiments, the impermeable layer <NUM> can be formed of cardboard, pressed paper, and/or coated paper. In some embodiments, the impermeable layer <NUM> can be flexible.

The permeable membrane <NUM> can be formed of a material that has permeable properties with respect to liquids such as urine. The permeable properties can be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as "permeable" and/or "wicking. " The permeable membrane <NUM> can have a high absorptive rate and a high permeation rate such that urine can be rapidly absorbed by the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or transported through the permeable membrane <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be flexible. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be a ribbed knit fabric. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be shaped as a tubular sleeve such that the permeable membrane <NUM> can be disposed around the permeable support <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can include and/or have the moisture-wicking characteristic of gauze, felt, terrycloth, thick tissue paper, and/or a paper towel. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be soft and/or minimally abrasive such that the permeable membrane <NUM> does not irritate the skin of the user. The permeable membrane <NUM> can be configured to wick fluid away from the urethral opening and/or the skin of the user such that the dampness of the skin of the user is lessened and infections are prevented. Additionally, the wicking properties of the permeable membrane <NUM> can help prevent urine from leaking or flowing beyond the assembly (e.g., out of opening <NUM>) onto, for example, a bed. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be formed of fine denier polyester fibers coated with a thermoplastic water-based binder system. The tensile strength can be, for example, about <NUM> kPa (<NUM> lbs / inch<NUM>) (measured using an Instron test method). The weight of a permeable membrane can be, for example, about <NUM> grams (measured using the Mettler Gram Scale). The thickness per ten permeable membranes can be, for example, about <NUM> (<NUM>") (measured using the Gustin-Bacon/Measure-Matic).

The permeable support <NUM> is positioned relative to the permeable membrane <NUM> such that the permeable support <NUM> maintains the permeable membrane <NUM> in a particular shape and allows for fluid, such as, for example, urine, to flow through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, and into the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be ring-shaped such that, when disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> is defined in the center of the ring-shaped permeable support <NUM>. Said another way, an outer surface of the permeable support <NUM> on the inner portion of the "ring" can define the cavity <NUM>. When the permeable membrane <NUM> is disposed on the permeable support <NUM>, the permeable membrane <NUM> can define a portion of the boundaries of the cavity <NUM>. When the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> are disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> can be aligned with the opening <NUM> of the impermeable casing <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> can be defined within or by the permeable support <NUM> such that the reservoir <NUM> is an elongated, ring-shaped reservoir.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be shaped and/or formed as a complete or continuous ring or circle. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be shaped and/or formed as a partial circle and/or in a discontinuous C-shape with spaced ends. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be U-shaped. In some implementations, the chamber assembly can be dimensioned and configured such that opposing end portions of the chamber assembly are sufficiently adjacent or proximate as to define an opening through which the head of a penis can be inserted. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of a bendable tube having two ends. The bendable tube can be arranged such that the two ends meet (e.g., forming a C-shape) and the permeable support <NUM> can be secured such that the permeable support <NUM> has a substantially circular shape. In some implementations, the outlet or port <NUM> can be positioned at the intersection of the two ends and in fluid communication with the elongated ring-shaped reservoir <NUM> defined by the permeable support <NUM>. The discharge line <NUM> can be inserted through the outlet <NUM> (and thus through the impermeable casing <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM>) and into fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM>.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed as an elongated tube such that the reservoir <NUM> extends through a portion or through the entire length of the elongated tube. The permeable support <NUM> can then be arranged and/or bent to form a ring such that the permeable support <NUM> defines the cavity <NUM> in the center of the ring. In some implementations, the inner diameter or other dimensions of the permeable support <NUM> can be sized such that the cavity <NUM> can receive a penis of a user such that a head of the penis can be partially or fully disposed within the cavity <NUM> when the penis is disposed within the opening <NUM> of the impermeable casing <NUM>. Said another way, the shaft of the penis can be disposed within the opening <NUM> and the head of the penis can be fully disposed within the cavity <NUM>, or the urethral opening of the head of the penis can be disposed within the cavity <NUM> and the head can be partially disposed within the cavity <NUM> and partially outside the cavity <NUM>, with the opening <NUM> surrounding a portion of the head. In some implementations, the cavity <NUM> can be dimensioned to receive a head of a penis of a user such that urine can be received from the urethral opening of the penis within the cavity <NUM>, by the permeable membrane <NUM>, and/or by the permeable support <NUM> without urine splashing out of the opening <NUM>.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be configured to maintain the permeable membrane <NUM> against the skin of a penis of a user and/or near a urethral opening of a user. For example, the permeable support <NUM> can be shaped and sized such that the cavity <NUM> is slightly larger than a head or tip of a penis of a user. The permeable support <NUM> can include a portion having a curved or convex shape in contact with the permeable membrane <NUM> such that the permeable membrane <NUM> is also curved or convex. The permeable support <NUM> can support the permeable membrane <NUM> such that the permeable membrane <NUM> can rest against the skin of the head or tip of the penis with the urethral opening directed toward a bottom surface of the impermeable casing <NUM>, and thus creating a comfortable and at least partially enclosed interface for engagement with the area of the body (e.g., the head and/or neck of a penis of a user) near the urethral opening.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be made of a rigid plastic. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can have any suitable shape and be formed of any suitable material. For example, the permeable support <NUM> can be flexible. Additionally, 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 implementations, 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 cylindrical and can define a lumen. In some embodiments, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of perforated coated paper, such as tubular waxed paper.

The permeable support <NUM> can define one or more openings (e.g., an array of openings) to allow for fluid flow from the permeable membrane <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed as a curved tube or a curved cylinder with one or more openings. In some implementations, 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 permeable membrane <NUM>. For example, the membrane supports can maintain the shape of the permeable membrane <NUM> against the skin of a penis of a user and/or near a urethral opening of a user such that urine flowing from the urethral opening contacts and travels through the permeable membrane <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can define several openings having a variety of shapes, such as a plurality of round openings. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed as a curved or ring-shaped cylinder of spun plastic (e.g., non-woven permeable nylon and polyester webbing) such that the permeable support <NUM> can have many openings. For example, a rectangular portion of spun plastic can be folded or rolled into a cylinder shape and then curved into a ring or U-shape for use in the assembly <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of a porous material. For example, the permeable support <NUM> can be a porous glass ring-shaped tubular container defining frits. In other implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can define an opening in a sidewall of the permeable support <NUM> and the sidewall can be covered by a mesh screen defining many smaller openings. In some embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> can include any spaces and/or openings defined within the permeable support <NUM> (e.g., spaces within porous material or defined within spun plastic material).

The reservoir <NUM> can be any suitable shape and/or have any diameter (or other dimension) suitable for receiving and transporting urine during use of the system <NUM>. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is capable of collecting and temporarily holding a large or small amount of urine until the urine can be removed from the reservoir via the outlet <NUM>. For example, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is configured to hold a small amount of urine as may be released due to incontinence. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is configured to hold a large amount of urine as may be released during voiding of a full bladder. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir is configured to collect and hold a small or large amount of urine while the urine is simultaneously removed via, for example, gravity and/or a pump, such as the vacuum source <NUM>. Said another way, the reservoir <NUM> can function as a sump and be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> can form a portion of a passageway for urine from the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, through the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. In a condition where the flow rate of urine into the assembly <NUM> via the permeable membrane <NUM> is greater than the flow rate of urine through the discharge line <NUM>, a temporary backup of urine may occur in the reservoir <NUM>. Thus, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized to contain a volume of fluid that may temporarily accumulate due to the difference in flow rates into and out of the assembly <NUM>. Although the outlet <NUM> is shown as extending from the side of the reservoir <NUM>, in some implementations, the outlet <NUM> can extend from the bottom of the reservoir <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the assembly <NUM> can optionally include a cushion assembly <NUM>. The cushion assembly <NUM> can include a membrane layer <NUM> and a support layer <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "bed of porous material"). The membrane layer <NUM> can be formed of the same or a similar material as the permeable membrane <NUM> and can have the same or similar properties as the permeable membrane <NUM>. For example, the membrane layer <NUM> can be configured to wick fluid (e.g., urine) away from a urethral opening of a user when a urethral opening of a user is position near or in contact with the membrane layer <NUM>. The membrane layer <NUM> can also be permeable such that fluid (e.g., urine) can flow through the membrane layer <NUM> and to the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and through the outlet <NUM>. The support layer <NUM> can be formed of the same or a similar material as the permeable support <NUM> and can have the same or similar properties as the permeable support <NUM>. For example, the support layer <NUM> can be configured to maintain the membrane layer <NUM> near or in contact with the head of a user's penis when the head of the user's penis is disposed within the cavity <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>. The support layer <NUM> can also be permeable such that fluid (e.g., urine) can flow through the membrane layer <NUM>, through the support layer <NUM>, and to the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and through the outlet <NUM>. The cushion assembly <NUM> can be arranged within the impermeable casing <NUM> such that the cushion assembly <NUM> forms a boundary of the cavity <NUM> (e.g., the bottom of the cavity <NUM>). The cushion assembly <NUM> can be positioned along a bottom surface of the impermeable casing <NUM> such that a user's penis can be placed in contact with the cushion assembly <NUM> and/or such that urine flowing from a user's urethral opening into the cavity <NUM> can flow into the cushion assembly <NUM> thereby reducing splashing. In some implementations, the cushion assembly <NUM> (and specifically the membrane layer <NUM>) can be disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM> such that the cushion assembly <NUM> contacts the permeable membrane <NUM>.

The external receptacle <NUM>, via the discharge line <NUM>, can collect fluid exiting the reservoir <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>. The external receptacle <NUM> can be a sealed container. In some implementations, the external receptacle <NUM> can be disposable. In some implementations, the external receptacle <NUM> can be configured to be sterilized and reused.

In some implementations, gravity can cause fluid within the reservoir <NUM> to follow a flow path (i.e., the fluid flow path including the outlet <NUM> and the discharge line <NUM>) from the reservoir <NUM> to the external receptacle <NUM>. In some implementations, the vacuum source <NUM> can assist and/or provide the pressure differential needed to draw fluid voided from the urethral opening of a user into the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and from the reservoir <NUM> into the external receptacle <NUM>. The vacuum source <NUM> can be fluidically coupled to the external receptacle <NUM> via a vacuum line <NUM> such that gaseous fluid is drawn from the external receptacle <NUM> via the vacuum line <NUM>. As a result of the decrease in pressure within the external receptacle <NUM> caused by the drawing of gaseous fluid out of the external receptacle <NUM>, liquid and/or gaseous fluid can be drawn from the reservoir <NUM>, through the outlet <NUM>, through the discharge line <NUM>, and into the external receptacle <NUM>. In some implementations, the vacuum source <NUM> can apply sufficient suction to capture all or substantially all of the urine voided by a user in a variety of positions (e.g., when a male user is lying on his side or back).

The vacuum source <NUM> can have a sufficiently high vacuum strength and air volume transport rate such that rapid air and liquid aspiration is maintained over a portion of or the entire permeable membrane <NUM>. In some implementations, the one or more openings of the permeable support <NUM> are distributed over an area that is slightly larger than the area of the permeable membrane <NUM> that is configured to be wetted by urine flow in operation. Thus, the partial vacuum created by the vacuum source <NUM> in combination with the one or more openings of the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> can draw the urine contacting the permeable membrane <NUM> into the assembly <NUM> and, specifically, into the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, however, the one or more openings of the permeable support <NUM> should not be distributed over too large of an area of the permeable support <NUM> because the partial vacuum strength may be reduced, thereby reducing the urine collection rate and the efficiency of the system <NUM>.

In some implementations, the vacuum source <NUM> can be a pump that is readily available, inexpensive, relatively quiet, and/or configured to run continuously. For example, the vacuum source <NUM> can be an aquarium aerator pump. The vacuum line <NUM> can be attached to the intake port of the aquarium aerator pump (rather than the exhaust port of the aerator) such that gaseous fluid is drawn into the aquarium aerator pump from the external receptacle <NUM> via the vacuum line <NUM>. In some implementations, the necessary static vacuum of the system <NUM> is about <NUM>-<NUM> feet of water (<NUM>%-<NUM>% of one atmosphere; <NUM>-<NUM> Hg) with a free-flow rate of about <NUM>-<NUM> cubic centimeters per second. In some implementations, the necessary static vacuum of the system <NUM> is higher or lower depending on the size of the user and the expected rate of urine flow from the user and/or through the system <NUM>. In some implementations, the discharge line <NUM> can be about <NUM>" in diameter and the vacuum source <NUM> can be configured to cause about <NUM> cubic centimeters of urine to flow through the discharge line <NUM> to the external receptacle <NUM> over the duration of a typical urination event for a user, which may typically range from <NUM> to <NUM> seconds but may be shorter or longer, e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> seconds. In some implementations, the vacuum source <NUM> can include a wall-mounted vacuum system, such as is found in hospitals. In some implementations, a wall-mounted vacuum system can be configured to apply a vacuum of, for example, about <NUM> Hg to about <NUM> Hg. In some implementations, the vacuum source <NUM> can be powered by electrical AC or DC power. For example, in mobile applications when the user is away from an AC power source, such as when the user is using the system <NUM> during transportation via a wheel chair or motor vehicle, the vacuum source <NUM> can be powered by DC power.

In some implementations, urine collected by any of the systems and/or assemblies described herein can be sampled for analysis using urine strips. Urine test strips can be used to test a variety of health measures. Urine test strips can be configured to change color in response to being wetted with urine to indicate a particular measurement (i.e., the colors can correspond to known measurement scales). In some implementations, a urine test strip (not shown) can be inserted into the discharge line <NUM> such that urine flowing from the outlet <NUM> to the external receptacle <NUM> contacts the urine test strip. The discharge line <NUM> can be transparent such that data on the urine test strip can be read through a wall of the discharge line <NUM>. In some implementations, the urine test strip can be disposed within the external receptacle <NUM> such that urine flowing into the external receptacle <NUM> contacts the urine test strip. The external receptacle <NUM> can be at least partially transparent such that the urine test strip can be read through a wall of the external receptacle <NUM>.

In some implementations, a camera, such as a camera built into a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone, an iPhone, or the like) can be used to read the data on the urine test strip. The camera can capture an image of the test strip and the image can be processed using, for example, a smartphone application. The data read from the urine test strip can be sent to a clinician for analysis and/or sent to a cloud-based address for physician access.

In some implementations, the system <NUM> can include a scale (not shown). For example, the scale can be disposed underneath the external receptacle <NUM> such that the scale is configured to measure the weight of fluid (e.g., urine) in the external receptacle <NUM>. The data indicating the weight of the fluid that has been delivered to the external receptacle <NUM> via the discharge line <NUM> can be measured at different time intervals and processed to determine how much urine, for example, has been voided by a user of the system <NUM>.

Although described as being intended for use by an adult male, in some implementations the system <NUM> can be used in adult, pediatric, male, female, and veterinary applications for animals of different species and sizes. In female applications, the assembly <NUM> can be placed between the legs or labia of the user and held snugly against the external urethra by the pressure of friction from the user's body, by the pressure of the legs or by such means as an undergarment, elastic strips, and/or adhesive tape. In male applications, the assembly <NUM> can be placed such that a penis of a user is disposed within the assembly <NUM> (e.g., within the cavity <NUM> formed within the assembly <NUM>). A male user can use the assembly <NUM> in any suitable position, such as, for example, while lying on his back, lying on his side, sitting, or standing. In some implementations, the head of the penis of the male user can be placed in contact with the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the membrane layer <NUM> during urination. In some implementations, the head of the penis of the male user can be disposed at least partially within the cavity <NUM>, but not placed in contact with the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the membrane layer <NUM> during urination.

<FIG> is a top view of an assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the assembly <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. The assembly <NUM> includes a permeable membrane <NUM>, a permeable support <NUM>, and a cushion assembly <NUM>. The permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> can also be collectively referred to as a "chamber assembly. " The permeable membrane <NUM>, the permeable support <NUM>, and the cushion assembly <NUM> are disposed within an impermeable casing <NUM> (also referred to herein as an "impermeable layer"). The permeable membrane <NUM>, the permeable support <NUM>, the cushion assembly <NUM>, and the impermeable casing <NUM> can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the permeable membrane <NUM>, the permeable support <NUM>, the cushion assembly <NUM>, and the impermeable casing <NUM> described above with reference to the system <NUM>. For example, the permeable support <NUM> defines a reservoir <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "channel"). The impermeable casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "port"). The assembly <NUM> also includes an outlet <NUM> in fluidic communication with the reservoir <NUM>.

The permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> can be arranged such that the permeable support <NUM> and/or the permeable membrane <NUM> collectively define a cavity <NUM> within the permeable membrane <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> can direct fluid toward the reservoir <NUM> and/or reduce and/or prevent fluid from exiting the assembly <NUM> except via the outlet <NUM>. In some implementations, the assembly <NUM> can be arranged such that a fluid can flow through the opening <NUM>, into the cavity <NUM>, through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. In some implementations, the assembly <NUM> can be arranged such that a user's penis can be inserted through the opening <NUM> such that the user's urethral opening is disposed within the cavity <NUM> and a fluid can flow from the user's urethral opening, into the cavity <NUM>, through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. A discharge line <NUM> (e.g., a tube) (also referred to herein as a "received tube") can extend through the outlet <NUM>. A first end (not shown) of the discharge line <NUM> can be positioned within the reservoir <NUM>, and the discharge line <NUM> can extend through the permeable support <NUM>, the permeable membrane <NUM>, and the impermeable casing <NUM> such that fluid in the reservoir <NUM> can be transported away from the assembly <NUM> via the discharge line <NUM>. A second end of the discharge line <NUM> can be fluidically coupled to an external receptacle (e.g., external receptacle <NUM>). The external receptacle can be in fluidic communication with a vacuum source (e.g., vacuum source <NUM>) via a vacuum line (e.g., vacuum line <NUM>). The discharge line <NUM> and the vacuum line can both include flexible tubing, such as, for example, flexible plastic tubing.

More specifically, the impermeable casing <NUM> can define an interior region accessible via the opening <NUM>. The permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> (and thus, the reservoir <NUM>) can be disposed within the interior region of the impermeable casing <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> can be any suitable shape. For example, in some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be bowl-shaped. As shown in <FIG>, the impermeable casing <NUM> can include a bottom surface and a sidewall. The sidewall can define the opening <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> is opposite the bottom surface of the impermeable casing <NUM> and the interior region of the impermeable casing <NUM> is bounded (and collectively defined) by the bottom surface, the sidewall, and the opening <NUM>. The sidewall of the impermeable casing <NUM> can be curved and continuous such that the impermeable casing <NUM> has a round (e.g., circular or ovalular) perimeter. The sidewall can be concave such that the one or more sidewalls can receive at least a portion of the permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The permeable support <NUM> can be positioned relative to the permeable membrane <NUM> such that the permeable support <NUM> maintains the permeable membrane <NUM> in a particular shape and allows for fluid, such as, for example, urine, to flow through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, and into the reservoir <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the permeable support <NUM> can be ring-shaped such that, when the permeable membrane <NUM> is disposed on the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> is disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> is defined in the center of the ring-shaped permeable support <NUM> and permeable membrane <NUM>. Said another way, an outer surface of the permeable membrane <NUM> on the inner portion of the "ring" can define the cavity <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> can be aligned with the opening <NUM> of the impermeable casing <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> can be defined within the permeable support <NUM> such that the reservoir <NUM> is an elongated, ring-shaped reservoir.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be shaped and/or formed as a complete or continuous ring or circle. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be shaped and/or formed as a partial circle. In some implementations, the chamber assembly can be dimensioned and configured such that opposing end portions of the chamber assembly are sufficiently adjacent or proximate as to define an opening through which the head of a penis can be inserted. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of a bendable tube having two ends. The bendable tube can be arranged such that the two ends meet (e.g., forming a C-shape) and the permeable support <NUM> can be secured such that the permeable support <NUM> has a substantially circular shape. In some implementations, the outlet or port <NUM> can be positioned at the intersection of the two ends and in fluid communication with the elongated ring-shaped reservoir <NUM> defined by the permeable support <NUM>. The discharge line <NUM> can be inserted through the outlet <NUM> (and thus through the impermeable casing <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM>) and into fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM>.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed as an elongated tube such that the reservoir <NUM> extends through a portion or through the entire length of the elongated tube. The permeable support <NUM> can then be arranged and/or bent to form a ring such that the permeable support <NUM> defines the cavity <NUM> in the center of the ring. In some implementations, the inner diameter or other dimensions of the permeable support <NUM> can be sized such that the cavity <NUM> can receive a penis of a user such that a head of the penis can be partially or fully disposed within the cavity when the penis is disposed within the opening <NUM> of the impermeable casing <NUM>. Said another way, the shaft of the penis can be disposed within the opening <NUM> and the head of the penis can be fully disposed within the cavity <NUM>, or the urethral opening of the head of the penis can be disposed within the cavity <NUM> and the head can be partially disposed within the cavity <NUM> and partially outside the cavity <NUM>, with the opening <NUM> surrounding a portion of the head. In some implementations, the cavity <NUM> can be dimensioned to receive a head of a penis of a user such that urine can be received from the urethral opening of the penis within the cavity <NUM>, by the permeable membrane <NUM>, and/or by the permeable support <NUM> without urine splashing out of the opening <NUM>.

The permeable support <NUM> can define one or more openings (e.g., an array of openings) to allow for fluid flow from the permeable membrane <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed as a curved tube or a curved cylinder with one or more openings. In some implementations, 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 permeable membrane <NUM>. For example, the membrane supports can maintain the shape of the permeable membrane <NUM> against the skin of a penis of a user and/or near a urethral opening of a user such that urine flowing from the urethral opening contacts and travels through the permeable membrane <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can define several openings having a variety of shapes, such as a plurality of round openings. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed as a curved or ring-shaped cylinder of spun plastic (e.g., non-woven permeable nylon and polyester webbing) such that the permeable support <NUM> can have many openings. For example, a rectangular portion of spun plastic can be folded or rolled into a cylinder shape and then curved into a ring for use in the assembly <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of a porous material. For example, the permeable support <NUM> can be a porous glass ring-shaped tubular container defining frits. In other implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can define an opening in a sidewall of the permeable support <NUM> and the sidewall can be covered by a mesh screen defining many smaller openings. In some embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> can include any spaces and/or openings defined within the permeable support <NUM> (e.g., spaces within porous material or defined within spun plastic material).

The reservoir <NUM> can be any suitable shape and/or have any diameter (or other dimension) suitable for receiving and transporting urine during use of a system including the assembly <NUM>. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is capable of collecting and temporarily holding a large or small amount of urine until the urine can be removed from the reservoir via the outlet <NUM>. For example, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is configured to hold a small amount of urine as may be released due to incontinence. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is configured to hold a large amount of urine as may be released during voiding of a full bladder. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir is configured to collect and hold a small or large amount of urine while the urine is simultaneously removed via, for example, gravity and/or a pump, such as the vacuum source <NUM>. Said another way, the reservoir <NUM> can function as a sump and be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> can form a portion of a passageway for urine from the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, through the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. In a condition where the flow rate of urine into the assembly <NUM> via the permeable membrane <NUM> is greater than the flow rate of urine through the discharge line <NUM>, a temporary backup of urine may occur in the reservoir <NUM>. Thus, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized to contain a volume of fluid that may temporarily accumulate due to the difference in flow rates into and out of the assembly <NUM>.

Although the outlet <NUM> is shown as extending from the side of the reservoir <NUM>, in some implementations, the outlet <NUM> can extend from the bottom of the reservoir <NUM>.

The cushion assembly <NUM> can include a membrane layer <NUM> and a support layer <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "bed of porous material"). The membrane layer <NUM> can be formed of the same or a similar material as the permeable membrane <NUM> and can have the same or similar properties as the permeable membrane <NUM>. For example, the membrane layer <NUM> can be configured to wick fluid (e.g., urine) away from a urethral opening of a user when a urethral opening of a user is position near or in contact with the membrane layer <NUM>. The membrane layer <NUM> can also be permeable such that fluid (e.g., urine) can flow through the membrane layer <NUM> and to the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and through the outlet <NUM>. The support layer <NUM> can be formed of the same or a similar material as the permeable support <NUM> and can have the same or similar properties as the permeable support <NUM>. For example, the support layer <NUM> can be configured to maintain the membrane layer <NUM> near or in contact with the head of a user's penis when the head of the user's penis is disposed within the cavity <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>. The support layer <NUM> can also be permeable such that fluid (e.g., urine) can flow through the membrane layer <NUM>, through the support layer <NUM>, and to the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and through the outlet <NUM>. The cushion assembly <NUM> can be arranged within the impermeable casing <NUM> such that the cushion assembly <NUM> forms a boundary of the cavity <NUM> (e.g., the bottom of the cavity <NUM>). The cushion assembly <NUM> can be positioned along a bottom surface of the impermeable casing <NUM> such that a user's penis can be placed in contact with the cushion assembly <NUM> and/or such that urine flowing from a user's urethral opening into the cavity <NUM> can flow into the cushion assembly <NUM> thereby reducing splashing. In some implementations, the cushion assembly <NUM> (and specifically the membrane layer <NUM>) can be disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM> such that the cushion assembly <NUM> contacts the permeable membrane <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of using an assembly to collect urine from a user, according to an embodiment. The method <NUM> optionally includes, at <NUM>, fluidically coupling a discharge end of a tube of a urine collecting apparatus to a fluid receptacle. The method <NUM> optionally further includes, at <NUM>, fluidically coupling the discharge end of the tube of the urine collecting apparatus to a source of vacuum.

The method <NUM> further includes, at <NUM>, disposing the urine collecting apparatus in operative relationship with the urethral opening of the user, with a head of a penis of a male user (e.g., human or animal) disposed through an opening and into a cavity at least partially defined by a membrane of the urine collecting apparatus. The urine collecting apparatus can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the urine collecting apparatus described herein, such as, for example, the assembly <NUM> in <FIG> and/or the assembly <NUM> in <FIG>. For example, the urine collecting apparatus can include a fluid impermeable casing, a fluid permeable support, a fluid permeable membrane, and a tube. The fluid impermeable casing can define an opening, an interior region, and a fluid outlet. The fluid permeable support can define a reservoir. The fluid permeable support can also be disposed within the interior region of the fluid impermeable casing. The fluid permeable membrane is disposed on the support and covers at least a portion of the support. The fluid permeable membrane at least partially defines a cavity aligned with the opening defined in the fluid impermeable casing. The tube has a first end disposed in the elongated reservoir and extends through the fluid outlet to a second, fluid discharge end. The assembly can be arranged such that a fluid can flow into the cavity from the urethral opening of the user's penis, flow through the fluid permeable membrane and the fluid permeable support, collect in the reservoir, and flow out of the outlet.

The method <NUM> also includes, at <NUM>, allowing urine discharged from the penis to be received into the cavity, through the membrane, through the support, and into the reservoir.

The method <NUM> also includes, at <NUM>, allowing the received urine to be withdrawn from the reservoir via the tube and out of the fluid discharge end of the tube.

The method <NUM> optionally includes, at <NUM>, allowing the withdrawn urine to be collected in the fluid receptacle.

The method <NUM> optionally includes, at <NUM>, removing the urine collecting apparatus from the penis of the user. Thus, the urine collecting apparatus can capture and transport urine from a user without having to attach a catheter to the urethral opening of the user's penis. In some implementations, the urine can flow against gravity during collection.

Finally, the method <NUM> optionally includes, at <NUM>, disposing a second urine collecting apparatus in operative relationship with the urethral opening of the user, with the head of the penis of the user disposed through the opening and into the cavity of the urine collecting apparatus.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of a system <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes an assembly <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> includes a permeable membrane <NUM>, a permeable support <NUM>, and an impermeable casing <NUM> (also referred to herein as an "impermeable layer"). The permeable support <NUM> and the impermeable casing <NUM> collectively define a reservoir <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "chamber"). The assembly <NUM> also includes an outlet <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "port") in fluidic communication with the reservoir <NUM>. The permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> are arranged such that the permeable membrane <NUM> defines a cavity <NUM> within the impermeable casing <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> such that the cavity <NUM> is accessible from an exterior of the assembly <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> can direct fluid toward the reservoir <NUM> and/or reduce and/or prevent fluid from exiting the assembly <NUM> except via the outlet <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> is arranged such that a fluid can flow through the opening <NUM>, into the cavity <NUM>, through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> is arranged such that a user's penis can be inserted through the opening <NUM> such that the user's urethral opening is disposed within the cavity <NUM> and a fluid can flow from the user's urethral opening, into the cavity <NUM>, through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. In some implementations, the system <NUM> can include a discharge line <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "received tube"). The discharge line <NUM> can be fluidically coupled to an external receptacle <NUM>. The external receptacle <NUM> can be in fluidic communication with a vacuum source <NUM> via a vacuum line <NUM>. The discharge line <NUM> and the vacuum line <NUM> can both include flexible tubing, such as, for example, flexible plastic tubing.

More specifically, the impermeable casing <NUM> defines an interior region accessible via the opening <NUM>. The permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> are disposed within the interior region of the impermeable casing <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> can be any suitable shape. For example, in some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be bowl-shaped. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can include a bottom surface and at least one sidewall. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> can be opposite a bottom surface of the impermeable casing <NUM>. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> can be any suitable shape and/or size. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can optionally include a lip <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> is bounded and defined at least partially by the lip <NUM>. The lip <NUM> can partially or completely surround the opening <NUM>. In some implementations, the lip <NUM> can be shaped and sized such that the lip <NUM> can reduce the potential of urine flowing out of the opening <NUM> and/or such that the risk of splashing of urine through the opening <NUM> is reduced.

In some implementations, the opening <NUM> has a width and/or length similar in size to the diameter of a user's penis. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> is larger in width and/or length than the diameter than a user's penis. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> can be, for example, circular or ovalular. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> can have any suitable shape. Similarly, the impermeable casing <NUM> can have any suitable shape and/or perimeter shape, such as the shape of, for example, an oblong, square, triangle, circle, oval, or an irregular shape. For example, the opening <NUM> (and the impermeable casing <NUM>) can have a rounded or semi-circular first portion and a second portion that tapers from a first side adjacent to the first portion having a first width to a second width smaller than the first width. In some implementations, the shape of the opening <NUM> can be the same or similar as the perimeter shape of the top of the impermeable casing <NUM>.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can have a bottom side with a periphery. The periphery can be secured to the impermeable casing <NUM>. In some implementations, the periphery can be secured (e.g., via adhesive) to a portion of the impermeable casing <NUM> adjacent a top edge of the impermeable casing. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can extend upward beyond the location to which the periphery of the permeable support <NUM> is attached. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be attached to the permeable support <NUM> via any suitable retention mechanism, such as, for example, retainer clips or other fasteners. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> can be placed within the impermeable casing without additional coupling mechanisms.

The permeable membrane <NUM> can be formed of a material that has permeable properties with respect to liquids such as urine. The permeable properties can be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as "permeable" and/or "wicking. " The permeable membrane <NUM> can have a high absorptive rate and a high permeation rate such that urine can be rapidly absorbed by the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or transported through the permeable membrane <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be flexible. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be a ribbed knit fabric. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can include and/or have the moisture-wicking characteristic of gauze, felt, terrycloth, thick tissue paper, and/or a paper towel. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be soft and/or minimally abrasive such that the permeable membrane <NUM> does not irritate the skin of the user. The permeable membrane <NUM> can be configured to wick fluid away from the urethral opening and/or the skin of the user such that the dampness of the skin of the user is lessened and infections are prevented. Additionally, the wicking properties of the permeable membrane <NUM> can help prevent urine from leaking or flowing beyond the assembly (e.g., out of opening <NUM>) onto, for example, a bed. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be formed of fine denier polyester fibers coated with a thermoplastic water-based binder system. The tensile strength can be, for example, about <NUM> kPa (<NUM> lbs / inch<NUM>) (measured using an Instron test method). The weight of a permeable membrane can be, for example, about <NUM> grams (measured using the Mettler Gram Scale). The thickness per ten permeable membranes can be, for example, about <NUM> (<NUM>") (measured using the Gustin-Bacon/Measure-Matic).

The permeable support <NUM> is positioned relative to the permeable membrane <NUM> such that the permeable support <NUM> maintains the permeable membrane <NUM> in a particular shape and allows for fluid, such as, for example, urine, to flow through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, and into the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> is disposed on an upper side of the permeable support <NUM>, and the second, bottom side of the permeable support <NUM> defines a boundary of the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can have a concave shape such that, when disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> has a concave bottom. When the permeable membrane <NUM> is disposed on the permeable support <NUM>, the permeable membrane <NUM> can define a portion of the bottom and/or side boundaries of the cavity <NUM>. When the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> are disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> can be aligned with the opening <NUM> of the impermeable casing <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> can be defined by the permeable support <NUM> and the impermeable casing <NUM> such that the reservoir <NUM> is concave and has any suitable shape and/or dimensions.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> and/or the permeable membrane <NUM> can be any suitable shape and/or size. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> can have the same or similar shape and dimensions. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> and/or the permeable membrane <NUM> can be shaped such that the outer perimeter of the permeable support <NUM> and/or the permeable membrane <NUM> can be the same or similar to the outer perimeter of the top of the impermeable casing <NUM> and/or the opening <NUM>. In some implementations, the dimensions of the permeable support <NUM> and/or the permeable membrane <NUM> can be sized such that the cavity <NUM> can receive a penis of a user such that a head of the penis can be partially or fully disposed within the cavity <NUM> (i.e., the shaft of the penis can be disposed within the opening <NUM> and the head of the penis can be fully disposed within the cavity <NUM>, or the urethral opening of the head of the penis can be disposed within the cavity <NUM> and the head can be partially disposed within the cavity <NUM> and partially outside the cavity <NUM>, with the opening <NUM> surrounding a portion of the head). In some implementations, the cavity <NUM> can be dimensioned to receive a head of a penis of a user such that urine can be received from the urethral opening of the penis within the cavity <NUM>, by the permeable membrane <NUM>, and/or by the permeable support <NUM> without urine splashing out of the opening <NUM>.

In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be made of a rigid plastic. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can have any suitable shape and be formed of any suitable material. For example, the permeable support <NUM> can be flexible. Additionally, 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 implementations, 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 tubular waxed paper.

The permeable support <NUM> can define one or more openings (e.g., an array of openings) to allow for fluid flow from the permeable membrane <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, 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 permeable membrane <NUM>. For example, the membrane supports can maintain the shape of the permeable membrane <NUM> against the skin of a penis of a user and/or near a urethral opening of a user such that urine flowing from the urethral opening contacts and travels through the permeable membrane <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can define several openings having a variety of shapes, such as a plurality of round openings. In some implementations, 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 implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can be formed of a porous material. For example, the permeable support <NUM> can be a porous glass container defining frits. In other implementations, the permeable support <NUM> can define an opening in the permeable support <NUM> and the opening can be covered by a mesh screen defining many smaller openings. In some embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> can include any spaces and/or openings defined within the permeable support <NUM> (e.g., spaces within porous material or defined within spun plastic material).

The reservoir <NUM> can be any suitable shape and/or have any diameter (or other dimension) suitable for receiving and transporting urine during use of the system <NUM>. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is capable of collecting and temporarily holding a large or small amount of urine until the urine can be removed from the reservoir via the outlet <NUM>. For example, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is configured to hold a small amount of urine as may be released due to incontinence. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is configured to hold a large amount of urine as may be released during voiding of a full bladder. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir is configured to collect and hold a small or large amount of urine while the urine is simultaneously removed via, for example, gravity and/or a pump, such as the vacuum source <NUM>. Said another way, the reservoir <NUM> can function as a sump and be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> can form a portion of a passageway for urine from the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, through the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. In a condition where the flow rate of urine into the assembly <NUM> via the permeable membrane <NUM> is greater than the flow rate of urine through the discharge line <NUM>, a temporary backup of urine may occur in the reservoir <NUM>. Thus, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized to contain a volume of fluid that may temporarily accumulate due to the difference in flow rates into and out of the assembly <NUM>.

In some implementations, the vacuum source <NUM> can be the same or similar in structure and or function to the vacuum source <NUM> described above with respect to the system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, urine collected by any of the systems and/or assemblies described herein can be sampled for analysis using urine strips similarly as describe above with respect to the system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, the external receptacle <NUM> can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the external receptacle <NUM> described above with respect to the system <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Although described as being intended for use by an adult male, in some implementations the system <NUM> can be used in adult, pediatric, male, female, and veterinary applications for animals of different species and sizes. In female applications, the assembly <NUM> can be placed between the legs or labia of the user and held snugly against the external urethra by the pressure of friction from the user's body, by the pressure of the legs or by such means as an undergarment, elastic strips, and/or adhesive tape. In male applications, the assembly <NUM> can be placed such that a penis of a user is disposed within the assembly <NUM> (e.g., within a cavity formed within the assembly <NUM>). A male user can use the assembly <NUM> in any suitable position, such as, for example, while lying on his back, lying on his side, sitting, or standing. In some implementations, the head of the penis of the male user can be placed in contact with the permeable membrane <NUM> during urination. In some implementations, the head of the penis of the male user can be disposed at least partially within the cavity <NUM>, but not placed in contact with the permeable membrane <NUM> during urination.

<FIG> is a top view of an assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the assembly <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. The assembly <NUM> includes a permeable membrane <NUM>, a permeable support <NUM>, and an impermeable casing <NUM> (also referred to herein as an "impermeable layer"). The permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> are disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM>. The permeable membrane <NUM>, the permeable support <NUM>, and the impermeable casing <NUM> can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the permeable membrane <NUM>, the permeable support <NUM>, and the impermeable casing <NUM> described above with reference to the system <NUM>. For example, the permeable support <NUM> and the impermeable casing <NUM> collectively define a reservoir <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "chamber"). The impermeable casing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> also includes an outlet <NUM> (also referred to herein as a "port") in fluidic communication with the reservoir <NUM>.

The permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> can be arranged such that the impermeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> and/or the permeable membrane <NUM> collectively define a cavity <NUM> within the permeable membrane <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> can direct fluid toward the reservoir <NUM> and/or reduce and/or prevent fluid from exiting the assembly <NUM> except via the outlet <NUM>. In some implementations, the assembly <NUM> can be arranged such that a fluid can flow through the opening <NUM>, into the cavity <NUM>, through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. In some implementations, the assembly <NUM> can be arranged such that a user's penis can be inserted through the opening <NUM> such that the user's urethral opening is disposed within the cavity <NUM> and a fluid can flow from the user's urethral opening, into the cavity <NUM>, through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, into the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. A discharge line <NUM> (e.g., a tube) (also referred to herein as a "received tube") can extend through the outlet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a first end of the discharge line <NUM> can be positioned within the reservoir <NUM>, and the discharge line <NUM> can extend through the impermeable casing <NUM> such that fluid in the reservoir <NUM> can be transported away from the assembly <NUM> via the discharge line <NUM>. A second end of the discharge line <NUM> can be fluidically coupled to an external receptacle (e.g., external receptacle <NUM>). The external receptacle can be in fluidic communication with a vacuum source (e.g., vacuum source <NUM>) via a vacuum line (e.g., vacuum line <NUM>). The discharge line <NUM> and the vacuum line can both include flexible tubing, such as, for example, flexible plastic tubing.

More specifically, the impermeable casing <NUM> can define an interior region accessible via the opening <NUM>. The permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> can be disposed within the interior region of the impermeable casing <NUM>. The impermeable casing <NUM> can be any suitable shape. For example, in some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be bowl-shaped. As shown in <FIG>, the impermeable casing <NUM> can include a curved or concave bottom surface opposite the opening <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the impermeable casing <NUM> can include a lip <NUM> surrounding the opening <NUM>. The lip <NUM> can define the opening <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> is opposite the bottom surface of the impermeable casing <NUM> and the interior region of the impermeable casing <NUM> is bounded (and collectively defined) by the curved or concave bottom surface of the impermeable casing <NUM>, the lip <NUM>, and the opening <NUM>. The lip <NUM> can be shaped and sized such that the lip <NUM> can reduce the potential of urine flowing out of the opening <NUM> and/or such that the risk of splashing of urine through the opening <NUM> is reduced. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> has a width and/or length similar in size to the diameter of a user's penis. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> is larger in width and/or length than the diameter than a user's penis. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> can be irregularly shaped. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> (and the impermeable casing <NUM>) can have a rounded or semi-circular first portion and a second portion that tapers from a first side adjacent to the first portion having a first width to a second width smaller than the first width.

As shown in <FIG>, the permeable support <NUM> can have a bottom side with a periphery <NUM>. The periphery <NUM> can be secured (via, e.g., adhesive) to an inner wall of the impermeable casing <NUM>. In some implementations, the periphery <NUM> can be secured at one or more locations (or continuously along the periphery) such that the reservoir <NUM> formed by the permeable support <NUM> and the impermeable casing <NUM> is a suitable size for collecting and/or transporting urine, and such that the cavity <NUM> is sufficiently sized for a portion or all of a user's penis to be disposed within the cavity <NUM>. In some implementations, the impermeable casing <NUM> can be attached to the permeable support <NUM> via any suitable retention mechanism, such as, for example, retainer clips or other fasteners. In some implementations, the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> can be placed within the impermeable casing without additional coupling mechanisms.

The permeable membrane <NUM> can be formed of a material that has permeable properties with respect to liquids such as urine. The permeable properties can be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as "permeable" and/or "wicking. " The permeable membrane <NUM> can have a high absorptive rate and a high permeation rate such that urine can be rapidly absorbed by the permeable membrane <NUM> and/or transported through the permeable membrane <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be flexible. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be a ribbed knit fabric. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can include and/or have the moisture-wicking characteristic of gauze, felt, terrycloth, thick tissue paper, and/or a paper towel. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be soft and/or minimally abrasive such that the permeable membrane <NUM> does not irritate the skin of the user. The permeable membrane <NUM> can be configured to wick fluid away from the urethral opening and/or the skin of the user such that the dampness of the skin of the user is lessened and infections are prevented. Additionally, the wicking properties of the permeable membrane <NUM> can help prevent urine from leaking or flowing beyond the assembly (e.g., out of opening <NUM>) onto, for example, a bed. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be formed of fine denier polyester fibers coated with a thermoplastic water-based binder system. The tensile with the Webb direction can be, for example, about <NUM> kPa (<NUM> lbs / inch<NUM>) measured using an Instron test method. The weight per permeable membrane can be, for example, about <NUM> grams measured using the Mettle Gram Scale. The thickness per ten permeable membrane can be, for example, about <NUM> (<NUM>"), measured using the Gustin-Bacon/Measure-Matic.

The permeable support <NUM> is positioned relative to the permeable membrane <NUM> such that the permeable support <NUM> maintains the permeable membrane <NUM> in a particular shape and allows for fluid, such as, for example, urine, to flow through the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, and into the reservoir <NUM>. In some implementations, the permeable membrane <NUM> can be disposed on a first, upper side of the permeable support <NUM>, and the second, bottom side of the permeable support <NUM> can define a boundary of the reservoir <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the permeable support <NUM> can have a concave shape such that, when the permeable membrane <NUM> is disposed on the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> and the permeable support <NUM> are disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> has a concave bottom. When the permeable support <NUM> and the permeable membrane <NUM> are disposed within the impermeable casing <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> can be aligned with the opening <NUM> of the impermeable casing <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> can be defined by the permeable support <NUM> and the impermeable casing <NUM> such that the reservoir <NUM> is concave and has any suitable shape and/or dimensions.

The reservoir <NUM> can be any suitable shape and/or have any diameter (or other dimension) suitable for receiving and transporting urine during use of a system including assembly <NUM>. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is capable of collecting and temporarily holding a large or small amount of urine until the urine can be removed from the reservoir via the outlet <NUM>. For example, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is configured to hold a small amount of urine as may be released due to incontinence. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> is configured to hold a large amount of urine as may be released during voiding of a full bladder. In some implementations, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized such that the reservoir is configured to collect and hold a small or large amount of urine while the urine is simultaneously removed via, for example, gravity and/or a pump, such as the vacuum source <NUM>. Said another way, the reservoir <NUM> can function as a sump and be sized such that the reservoir <NUM> can form a portion of a passageway for urine from the permeable membrane <NUM>, through the permeable support <NUM>, through the reservoir <NUM>, and out of the outlet <NUM>. In a condition where the flow rate of urine into the assembly <NUM> via the permeable membrane <NUM> is greater than the flow rate of urine through the discharge line <NUM>, a temporary backup of urine may occur in the reservoir <NUM>. Thus, the reservoir <NUM> can be sized to contain a volume of fluid that may temporarily accumulate due to the difference in flow rates into and out of the assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of using an assembly to collect urine from a user. The method <NUM> optionally includes, at <NUM>, fluidically coupling a discharge end of a tube of a urine collecting apparatus to a fluid receptacle. The method <NUM> optionally further includes, at <NUM>, fluidically coupling the discharge end of the tube of the urine collecting apparatus to a source of vacuum.

The method <NUM> further includes, at <NUM>, disposing the urine collecting apparatus in operative relationship with the urethral opening of the user, with a head of a penis of a male user (e.g., human or animal) disposed through an opening and into a cavity defined by a fluid permeable membrane and a casing of the urine collecting apparatus. The urine collecting apparatus can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the urine collecting apparatus described herein, such as, for example, the assembly <NUM> in <FIG> and/or the assembly <NUM> in <FIG>.

While various embodiments of the system, methods and devices have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. The embodiments have been particularly shown and described, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal, comprising:
a fluid impermeable casing layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining an opening (<NUM>, <NUM>), an interior region, and a fluid outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a fluid permeable support (<NUM>) disposed within the interior region and having a first side facing the opening and a second side opposite the first side, the second side and the casing layer collectively defining a reservoir (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the second side and the casing layer;
a fluid permeable membrane (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on the support (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the first side of the support, the fluid permeable membrane and the casing layer collectively defining a cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>), the permeable membrane being configured to wick fluid away from the urethral opening and/or the skin of the user such that dampness of the skin of the user is lessened; and
a tube (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first end disposed in the reservoir and extending through the fluid outlet to a second, fluid discharge end;
wherein the apparatus is configured to be disposed with a user's penis disposed through the opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) with the urethral opening of the penis disposed within the cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>), to receive urine discharged from the urethral opening through the membrane (<NUM>,<NUM>), the support (<NUM>, <NUM>), and into the reservoir (<NUM>, <NUM>), and to have the received urine withdrawn from the reservoir via the tube (<NUM>, <NUM>) and out of the fluid discharge end of the tube; the apparatus being characterised by the permeable support maintaining the permeable membrane in a particular shape that allows urine to flow through the permeable membrane, through the permeable support and into the reservoir.