Patent Description:
Bed pans and urinary catheters, such as a Foley catheter, may be used to address some of these circumstances. However, bed pans and urinary catheters have several problems associated therewith. For example, bed pans may be prone to discomfort, spills, and other hygiene issues. Urinary catheters be may be uncomfortable, painful, and may cause urinary tract infections. Conventional urine collection devices also may be limited to use when a patient is confined to a bed in a supine position.

Thus, users and manufacturers of fluid collection devices continue to seek new and improved devices, systems, and methods to collect urine. Examples of such devices, systems, and methods are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>. Document <CIT> discloses the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Embodiments disclosed herein are related to fluid collection devices and methods of using fluid collection devices. In an embodiment, a portable urine collection system includes a urine collection device, a first conduit, a urine collection container, a pump, a sensor, and a container support. The urine collection device is configured to be positioned at least proximate to a urethra of a user. The first conduit is in fluid communication with the urine collection device and the urine collection container has an interior region. The pump is in fluid communication with the urine collection container and is configured to pull a vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device through the first conduit into the urine collection container. The sensor is secured to the container and configured to detect a property relating at least to a volume of the urine in the urine collection container. The cover is sized and dimensioned to hold at least the pump therein and obscure at least the pump from view outside the cover.

A method of assembling a portable urine collection system includes detachably securing a container support to a wheelchair. The method also includes mounting a urine collection container to the container support, the urine collection container including a sensor secured thereto and configured to detect a property relating at least to a volume of the urine in the urine collection container. The method also includes positioning a urine collection device proximate to a urethra of a user. The method also includes fluidly coupling the urine collection device to the urine collection container with a first conduit. The method also includes mounting a pump to the wheelchair with the pump in fluid communication with the urine collection container and configured to pull a vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device through the first conduit into the urine collection container.

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

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

Embodiments disclosed herein are related to wheelchair securable urine collection systems and related methods. Many users of urine collection devices are over <NUM> years old with limited mobility, often relying on wheelchairs as a primary mode of transportation. Many users also spend a significant amount of their day in a seated or supine position. Users and caregivers, then, are benefited from a urine collection system that may be both discrete and mobile, allowing users to use the urine collection system to collect urine both at home and on the go.

In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments described herein, a urine collection system is compact and provides the technical effect resulting in securing or mounting the urine collection system to a wheelchair. In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments, the urine collection system also can by positioned or placed on a surface near the user in addition to being securable or mountable to a wheelchair, resulting in the technical effect of a urine collection system that is useable both with and without a wheelchair. At least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the urine collection systems described herein are mobile and discreet, resulting in the technical effect of allowing a user to participate in social activities without alerting others to the incontinence of the users. For example, the urine collection systems may include a cover configured to hold at least the pump of a urine collection system therein to obscure the pump from view outside the urine collection system. The urine collected in the urine collection systems described herein also may be stored in a urine collection container that is obscured from view outside the urine collection system and/or obscures the urine held in the urine collection container.

In many embodiments, the urine collection system also includes an alert system configured to communicate with an electronic device to alert a user or caregiver to empty the urine collection container when the urine level approaches a predetermined level, to change or recharge a battery, and/or adjust a vacuum or suction level of the pump in the urine collection system.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a fluid collection system <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The fluid collection system <NUM> may be included in any of the embodiments of fluid collection systems described herein. The system <NUM> includes a fluid (e.g., urine) collection device <NUM> (e.g., any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein), a urine collection container <NUM>, and a pump <NUM> (or pump). The fluid collection device <NUM>, the urine collection container <NUM>, and the pump <NUM> may be fluidly coupled to each other via one or more conduits <NUM>. For example, fluid collection device <NUM> may be operably coupled to one or more of the urine collection container <NUM> or the pump <NUM> via the conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> may be secured directly to the urine collection container <NUM>. Fluid (e.g., urine or other bodily fluids) collected in the fluid collection device <NUM> may be removed from the fluid collection device <NUM> via the conduit <NUM> secured to the fluid collection device <NUM>. Suction force may be introduced into the chamber of the fluid collection device <NUM> via the inlet of the conduit <NUM> responsive to suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied at the outlet of the conduit <NUM>.

The suction force may be applied to the outlet of the conduit <NUM> by the pump <NUM> either directly or indirectly. The suction force may be applied indirectly via the urine collection container <NUM>. For example, the outlet of the conduit <NUM> may be disposed within or fluidly coupled to an interior region of the urine collection container <NUM> and an additional conduit <NUM> may extend from the urine collection container <NUM> to the pump <NUM>. Accordingly, the pump <NUM> may apply suction to the fluid collection device <NUM> via the urine collection container <NUM>. The suction force may be applied directly via the pump <NUM>. For example, the outlet of the conduit <NUM> may be disposed within the pump <NUM>. An additional conduit <NUM> may extend from the pump <NUM> to a point outside of the fluid collection device <NUM>, such as to the urine collection container <NUM>. In such examples, the pump <NUM> may be disposed between the fluid collection device <NUM> and the urine collection container <NUM>.

The urine collection container <NUM> is sized and shaped to retain a fluid therein. The urine collection container <NUM> may include a bag (e.g., drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., collection jar), or any other enclosed container for storing bodily fluid(s) such as urine. In some examples, the conduit <NUM> may extend from the fluid collection device <NUM> and attach to the urine collection container <NUM> at a first point therein. An additional conduit <NUM> may attach to the urine collection container <NUM> at a second point thereon and may extend and attach to the pump <NUM>. Accordingly, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be drawn through fluid collection device <NUM> via the urine collection container <NUM>. Fluid, such as urine, may be drained from the fluid collection device <NUM> using the pump <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, and electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetically driven pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to produce a vacuum. The pump <NUM> may provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from the fluid collection device <NUM>. In some examples, the pump <NUM> may be powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a power socket), one or more batteries, or even manual power (e.g., a hand operated vacuum pump). In some examples, the pump <NUM> may be sized and shaped to fit outside of, on, or within the fluid collection device <NUM>. For example, the pump <NUM> may include one or more miniaturized pumps or one or more micro pumps. The vacuum sources disclosed herein may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote, or any other device suitable to activate the pump <NUM>.

At least one, some, or all of the embodiments of urine collection systems described herein are configured to be worn by a user, positioned on a surface such as a table, and/or securable or mountable to a wheelchair. Turning to <FIG>, a urine collection system <NUM> is shown secured or mounted to a wheelchair <NUM>. The urine collection system <NUM> may be mounted to the wheelchair <NUM> with other supports not shown in <FIG>, such as shelves, brackets, pouches, slings, and so forth. The urine collection system <NUM> also may be worn by a user and/or caregiver. Whether mounted to a wheelchair <NUM> or worn by a user, the configuration of the urine collection system <NUM> results in the technical effect of allowing a user to discretely use and/or transport the urine collection system <NUM> with the cover <NUM> that holds a urine storage system <NUM> therein. For example the cover <NUM> may be sized and dimensioned to hold at least a urine collection container <NUM>, pump <NUM>, and a sensor <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) therein.

The wheelchair <NUM> may include any of a number of different conventional wheelchairs, and may include a back <NUM>, two handles <NUM>, and two arms <NUM>. The urine collection system <NUM> may include the cover <NUM> or container support that is configured to detachably secure, mount, or hang from the wheelchair <NUM> and support a storage system <NUM> of the urine collection system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> includes a pack or bag having one or more straps <NUM> configured to hang from or secure to one or more handles <NUM> of the wheelchair <NUM>. The straps <NUM> may include one or more fasteners configured to adjustably secure the straps <NUM> to the wheelchair <NUM>, such as at least one of buckles, clips, and/or hook and loop fastener materials. The straps <NUM> may each include a ring <NUM> sized and dimensioned to insert the handle <NUM> of the wheelchair <NUM> therethrough or other suitable device. The ring <NUM> may be positioned on an inner surface of the strap <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or an outer surface of the strap <NUM> such that the strap <NUM> does not hang over the handle <NUM>. The ring <NUM> may be movably secured to the strap <NUM>. The straps <NUM> may be dimensioned to allow a user or caregiver to adjust the straps <NUM> to move the cover <NUM> closer to the ground. By moving the cover <NUM> below the level of the seat of the wheelchair, pulling urine from the urine collection device <NUM> and into the urine collection container <NUM> may be assisted by gravity. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> is configured to be worn as a backpack using the one or more straps <NUM>.

The pack or bag of the cover <NUM> is sized and dimensioned to hold at least the urine collection container <NUM> therein. The pack of the cover <NUM> also may include a sleeve sized and dimensioned to hold the urine collection container <NUM> therein. The sleeve of the cover <NUM> may be insulated, such as with one or more foam members <NUM>. The one or more foam members <NUM> positioned in the cover <NUM> result in the technical effect of reducing operational sounds of the urine collection system <NUM> (e.g. a pump <NUM>, shown in <FIG>). In addition to abating sound, the one or more foam members may provide the technical effect of minimizing operational vibrations of the urine collection system <NUM>. The one or more foam members <NUM> may be positioned underneath and/or around at least a portion of the pump <NUM> to minimize vibrations and sounds emanating from the pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, the one or more foam members <NUM> may be positioned in one or more sleeves in an interior region of the cover <NUM>. The pack of the cover <NUM> may include a reinforced base that keeps the pack upright to provide the technical effect of preventing fluid ingress into the pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pack of the cover <NUM> may include a heat sink positioned below the pump <NUM> to inhibit the pump <NUM> from overheating. The pack of the cover <NUM> may include one or more air vents on the side or front of the pack for pulling air into the pack.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows a urine collection system <NUM> removed from the cover <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The urine collection system <NUM> may include a urine collection device <NUM>, a conduit <NUM>, a storage system <NUM>, and a pump <NUM>. The urine collection device <NUM> is configured to be positioned at least proximate to a urethra of a user. While the urine collection device <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a female urine collection device, the urine collection device <NUM> may instead include a male urine collection device. PCT International Application No. <CIT>, for example, describes various embodiments of both male and female fluid collection devices that may be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, the urine collection device <NUM> may be interchangeable in the urine collection system <NUM> between different types, varieties, and sizes of male or female urine collection devices. Generally, the urine collection device <NUM> may include a surface sized to be positioned proximate or adjacent to the urethra and configured to wick urine or other fluids away from the user. Urine or other fluids may be wicked from the surface to a reservoir in the urine collection device <NUM>.

The urine collection system <NUM> also includes a first conduit 217a in fluid communication with an interior region (e.g. reservoir) of the urine collection device <NUM> and an interior region of the urine collection container <NUM>. The first conduit 217a may be positioned between the urine collection device <NUM> and the urine collection container <NUM>. The urine collection system <NUM> also may include a second conduit 217b providing fluid communication between the pump <NUM> and the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> may be secured directly to the urine collection container <NUM>, and the second conduit 217b may be absent from the urine collection system <NUM>. The conduits 217a, 217b may include a flexible tube. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first conduit 217a is substantially opaque, thereby inhibiting viewing of the urine within the first conduit 217a.

The urine collection system <NUM> also includes a storage system <NUM>. The storage system <NUM> may include the urine collection container <NUM> having an interior region that stores urine <NUM> received from the urine collection device <NUM> via the first conduit 217a. The urine collection container <NUM> may be opaque or clear according to different embodiments and may include a generally rectangular front or rear profile. In some embodiments, the urine collection container <NUM> includes at least one of a handle <NUM> or a spout <NUM>. Urine <NUM> collected in the urine collection container <NUM> may be emptied through the spout <NUM> after removing a cap or cover. The urine collection container <NUM> may be reusable and dishwasher safe, and may include a generally rigid material such as polycarbonate, plastic, rubber, metal, glass, combinations thereof, or any other suitable materials. The urine collection container <NUM> may be sized and dimensioned to fit within an insulated sleeve in the pack of the cover <NUM>.

The storage system <NUM> also may include a filter <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is secured to the urine collection container <NUM> and configured to detect a property relating at least to a volume of the urine <NUM> in the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may be located or positioned at an inlet (either interior or exterior) of the urine collection container <NUM> for the conduit 217a. The sensor <NUM> may be positioned along and/or within the conduit 217a, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> includes an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, or an ultraviolet (UV) sensor configured to provide a continuous or periodical feedback of the property relating at least to a volume of the urine <NUM> without the sensor touching the urine <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may include a non-contact fluid sensor such as a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a gravimetric sensor, or a mechanical float. The sensor <NUM> may be secured to the urine collection container with at least a portion of the sensor <NUM> inside the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> is positioned at a top of the urine collection container <NUM> and pointed downwards where the urine <NUM> collects in the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> includes a level transmitter configured to detect a level of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may include a laser level sensor that measures the distance between the laser transmitter of the sensor <NUM> to a surface of the urine <NUM> and back to a detector of the sensor <NUM>. The elapsed time between transmitting the laser and detecting the reflected laser may be measured by the sensor <NUM> and a distance between the sensor <NUM> and the level of the urine <NUM> may be calculated by the sensor <NUM> or an associated controller <NUM>. The laser may be transmitted through a clear window on the urine collection container <NUM> or at least the transmitter of the sensor <NUM> may be positioned within the urine collection container <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may include an ultrasonic level sensor that leverages the speed of sound to detect the property relating at least to a volume of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>. For example, the sensor <NUM> may measure a distance between a transducer of the sensor <NUM> and a surface of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM> using a time for the pulse to travel from the transducer to the surface of the urine <NUM> and back to the transducer of the sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> or a controller <NUM> associated with the sensor <NUM> may determine a volume of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM> using the distance between the sensor <NUM> and the surface of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> includes or is associated with an accelerometer that provides the technical effect of determining when the sensor <NUM> should detect the level of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>. The accelerometer is configured to detect a substantially steady motion state of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM> when the sensor <NUM> may transmit the laser or ultrasonic pulse for detecting a level of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>. For example, the accelerometer may detect or indicate when the urine collection container <NUM> has been stationary for a predetermined or preselected period of time to steady the readings from the sensor <NUM> and improve accuracy of the readings from the sensor <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the storage system <NUM> also includes the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the sensor <NUM>, such as a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may include the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include a printed circuit board (PCB) equipped with erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) for memory of at least data collected by the sensor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include a processor configured to calculate a level or volume of urine <NUM> in the urine collection container. The controller <NUM> may include a communication interface configured to send notifications or alerts to other electronic devices. For example, the communication interface may be configured to send notifications or alerts at a selected radio frequency, via BLUETOOTH, or via WI-FI to another electronic device, such as a mobile phone of the user or caregiver. The controller <NUM> may be powered by an external or internal battery, such as a rechargeable battery. <FIG> provides additional details of a controller <NUM> that may include the controller <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> provides the technical effect of wirelessly transmitting an alert to an electronic device of the user or a caregiver when the property relating at least to the volume of the urine detected by the sensor <NUM> indicates the volume of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM> has reached or exceeded a predetermined volume. For example, based on data from the sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may wirelessly transmit an alert to an electronic device that the urine <NUM> in the urine collection device is a predetermined distance (such as about <NUM>) from the sensor <NUM>, and emptying of the urine collection container <NUM> is recommended. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may wirelessly transmit alerts and selected frequencies, such as selected time and/or volume intervals. The controller <NUM> may wirelessly transmit an alert to the electronic device of the user or the caregiver when a battery powering at least one of the controller <NUM> or the pump <NUM> is low. The controller <NUM> may wirelessly transmit an alert to the electronic device of the user or the caregiver when replacement of a filter (such as the filter <NUM>) of the urine collection system <NUM> is recommended.

The storage system <NUM> also may include the filter <NUM> providing the technical effect of neutralizing odor of the air being pulled from the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM> by the pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, the filter <NUM> is positioned between at least a portion of the conduit 217b and a portion of the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM> such that air being pulled from the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM> is filtered before or as the air enters the conduit 217b. In some embodiments, the filter <NUM> is positioned on an exhaust vent on the pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, a filter <NUM> is positioned both at the exhaust vent on the pump <NUM> and before air enters the conduit 217b. The filter <NUM> may include an odor absorbing filter and/or a hydrophobic filter configured to prevent or minimize fluid from the urine collection container <NUM> being pulled into the pump <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the filter <NUM> may include an aromatherapy pack or an aromatherapy pack may be secured proximate to the exhaust vent of the pump resulting in the technical effect of producing a more pleasant smell. The filter may include baking soda or other composition that removes odor from the air and/or adds pleasant aroma to the air. In some embodiments, the filter <NUM> is absent and the pump <NUM> includes the aromatherapy pack removably secured to the pump <NUM> proximate to the exhaust vent.

The pump <NUM> is in fluid communication with the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM> and is configured to pull at least a partial vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container <NUM> effective to draw the urine from the urine collection device <NUM> through the first conduit 217a into the urine collection container <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may be secured directly to the urine collection container <NUM>, or the conduit 217b may fluidly couple the pump <NUM> with the interior region of the urine collection container.

The pump <NUM> may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, and electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetically driven pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to produce a vacuum. For example, the pump may include an air media diaphragm pump having a minimum pumping speed of <NUM>/second. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> includes a variable speed pump and/or a continuous pump. For example, the pump <NUM> may include a variable speed pump that operates at a low speed until the sensor <NUM> or other sensor detects urine passing through the conduit 217a into the urine collection container <NUM>, when the pump <NUM> then adjusts to a higher speed to prevent wetting or pooling of urine at the urine collection device <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from the fluid collection device <NUM>. In some examples, the pump <NUM> may be powered by one or more batteries. In some examples, the pump <NUM> may be sized and shaped to fit within the cover <NUM>, such as within a sleeve within the cover <NUM>. For example, the vacuum source <NUM> may include one or more miniaturized pumps or one or more micro pumps. The pump <NUM> may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote, or any other device suitable to activate the pump <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the urine collection system <NUM> also may include one or more belts <NUM>. The one or more belts <NUM> may be configured to secure the conduit 217a to the user and/or a portion of the wheelchair <NUM>. The one or more belts <NUM> may include a fastener configured to allow the belt to adjust in size, such as an elastic material, hook and loop fastener material, a buckle, a clip, and so on.

In some embodiments, the configuration of a urine collection system results in the technical effect of detachably securing or mounting the urine collection system under a seat of the wheelchair and/or rest on a flat surface. <FIG> show a portion of a urine collection system <NUM> detachably secured underneath the seat <NUM> of the wheelchair <NUM>. The urine collection system <NUM> may include a container support <NUM> secured to the wheelchair <NUM> and a urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the urine collection system <NUM> also include an electronic device <NUM> detachably secured or securable to the wheelchair <NUM>. Although not shown in <FIG>, the urine collection system <NUM> also may include the urine collection device <NUM> described above in relation to the urine collection system <NUM>. Unless otherwise noted, the urine collection system <NUM> may include any aspect of the urine collection system <NUM> described above. The urine collection system <NUM> may be mounted to the wheelchair <NUM> with other supports not shown in <FIG>, such as packs, shelves, brackets, pouches, slings, and so forth.

Turning in the drawings to <FIG>, which shows the urine collection system <NUM> secured to the wheelchair <NUM> with the seat <NUM> removed. In some embodiments, the container support <NUM> includes two opposing tracks secured or securable to a frame member <NUM> of the wheelchair <NUM>. For example, the container support <NUM> may include mounting blocks <NUM> mounted or mountable to the frame member <NUM> of the wheelchair <NUM> and guide brackets <NUM> secured or securable to the mounting blocks <NUM>. The mounting blocks <NUM> and guide brackets <NUM> may include one or more different materials, such as steel, metal, plastic, carbon fiber, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the mounting blocks <NUM> and guide brackets <NUM> may result in the technical effect of securing the urine collection system to conventional wheelchairs as an after-market accessory.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows the urine collection system <NUM> removed from the wheelchair <NUM>. In some embodiments, the container support <NUM> includes multiple mounting blocks <NUM>, such as four mounting blocks <NUM>. Each of the mounting blocks <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM> or bore sized to hold the frame member <NUM> therein. In some embodiments, the mounting blocks <NUM> include two members secured together around the frame member <NUM> to secure the mounting block <NUM> to the frame member <NUM>. The guide brackets <NUM> may each include a track <NUM> protruding from the guide bracket <NUM>. The track <NUM> is sized to fit at least partially within a slot <NUM> on one of the urine collection container <NUM> or the container cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the track <NUM> is sized and shaped complementary to the slot on one of the urine collection container <NUM> or the container cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the guide bracket <NUM> includes the slot <NUM> rather than the track <NUM>, and at least one of the urine collection container <NUM> or the container cover <NUM> includes the track <NUM>. In some embodiments, the configuration of the container support <NUM> resulting in the technical effect of the urine collection system <NUM> being adaptable to different sizes of wheelchairs. For example, the guide brackets <NUM> may be adjustably secured to the mounting blocks <NUM> to allow a user to adjust a distance between the guide brackets <NUM> to fit the urine collection container <NUM> and the container cover <NUM> between the guide brackets <NUM> and also mount the urine collection container <NUM> and the container cover <NUM> to the guide brackets <NUM>.

The urine collection system <NUM> also includes the urine collection container <NUM> and the container cover <NUM>, according to an embodiment. As noted above, at least one of the urine collection container <NUM> or the container cover <NUM> includes two opposing slots <NUM> each configured to receive a track <NUM> of the guide brackets <NUM>. In the urine collection system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the slots <NUM> are disposed on the container cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slot <NUM> is shaped generally complementary to the track <NUM>, resulting in the technical effect of allowing a user to slide the urine collection container <NUM> and the container cover <NUM> off and on the tracks <NUM>.

At least one of the container cover <NUM> or the urine collection container <NUM> may include a handle <NUM>, such as the handle <NUM> shown on the container cover <NUM> in <FIG>. In many embodiments, the urine collection system <NUM> may include a handle <NUM> at both the front and the back of at least one of the container cover <NUM> or the urine collection container <NUM>. The container cover <NUM> also may include a port <NUM> configured to connect or secure to the conduit 217a. The port <NUM> provides fluid communication between the conduit 217a and an interior region of the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the port <NUM> is sized and dimensioned to connect or secure to an adapter configured to connect to the conduit 217a. In some embodiments, at least one of the port <NUM>, the adapter, or the conduit 217a may be barbed to more securely fit the conduit 217a and the port <NUM> or the adapter together. The port <NUM> may be positioned on a top portion of the container cover <NUM>, according to an embodiment.

Turning specifically to <FIG>, one or more locks <NUM> may provide the technical effect of detachably securing the urine collection container <NUM> to the container cover <NUM>. The locks <NUM> may include press fit locks, snap fit locks, spring locks, latches, or other locks configured to detachably secure the urine collection container <NUM> to the container cover <NUM>. The urine collection container <NUM> also may include a window <NUM> positioned to provide the technical effect of allowing a user or caregiver to view an amount of urine held in the urine collection container <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the configuration of the urine collection assembly <NUM> results in the technical effect of the urine collection assembly being used without a wheelchair (in addition to use with a wheelchair). For example, the urine collection container <NUM> and the container cover <NUM> may be positioned on other surfaces, such as a table <NUM>, nightstand, bedside table, and so on. The urine collection container <NUM> may include rubber or felt feet <NUM> positioned on the bottom of the urine collection container <NUM>. The urine collection container <NUM> may include a generally planar or flat bottom that allows the urine collection container <NUM> and the container cover <NUM> to rest on a flat surface such as the table <NUM>. In some embodiments, the urine collection container <NUM> may include a curved or non-planar bottom, and the feet <NUM> are sized and positioned on the bottom of the urine collection container <NUM> to hold and stabilize the urine collection container <NUM> and the <NUM> on a flat surface.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows a cross-sectional view of the urine collection container <NUM> and the container cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the urine collection container <NUM> includes one or more protrusions <NUM> and the container cover <NUM> includes one or more tabs <NUM> positioned to engage with the one or more protrusions <NUM> to form a snap joint to detachably secure the container cover <NUM> to the urine collection container <NUM>. The urine collection container <NUM> may include an interior region <NUM> or chamber sized to receive and hold therein the urine <NUM> received from the urine collection device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the urine collection container <NUM> may hold about <NUM> liter to about <NUM> liters, about <NUM> liter, about <NUM> liters, or about <NUM> liters of the urine <NUM> therein. The interior region <NUM> of the of the urine collection container <NUM> may be generally enclosed. For example, the urine collection container <NUM> may include a basin to hold the urine <NUM> and a top <NUM> that prevents the urine in the urine collection container <NUM> from spilling to splashing on elements housed in the container cover <NUM>.

The urine collection container <NUM> also includes an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. At least one (e.g. both) of the inlet <NUM> or the outlet <NUM> may extend through the top <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the urine collection container <NUM> includes a tube <NUM>, conduit, or other element defining at least a portion of the inlet <NUM> and/or providing fluid communication between the port <NUM> and the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. Accordingly, the tube <NUM> may extend through an interior of the container cover <NUM> between ) the top <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM> and the top of the container cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tube <NUM> may be secured or integrally formed with the top <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tube <NUM> extends through an opening in the container cover and an adapter may secure directly to the tube <NUM> effective to provide fluid communication between the conduit 217a secured to the adapter and the inlet <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the outlet <NUM> extends through the top <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. The urine collection device <NUM> may include a tube, conduit, adapter, or other element configured to provide fluid communication between the pump <NUM> and the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> is secured or mounted directly to the urine collection container with the pump in fluid communication with the outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, a conduit extends at least partially between the outlet <NUM> and the pump <NUM> to provide fluid communication therebetween.

The urine collection system <NUM> also may include a filter <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may cover the outlet <NUM> or be positioned within the outlet between the pump <NUM> and the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. The configuration and positioning of the filter <NUM> may provide the technical effect of preventing urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM> from passing through the outlet <NUM> and/or remove at least some odor of the air being pulled from the urine collection container <NUM> by the pump <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may include any aspect of the filter <NUM> of the urine collection system <NUM> described above. For example, the filter <NUM> may include a hydrophobic filter that prevents the urine <NUM> from entering the pump <NUM>.

The urine collection system <NUM> also may include a sensor <NUM> secured or securable to the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may be secured within the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may be secured outside the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM> and the urine collection container may include a window positioned to allow the sensor <NUM> to detect the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may include any aspect of the sensor <NUM> described above, such as an ultrasonic sensor configured to provide continuous feedback of a level of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>.

The urine collection system <NUM> also may include the pump <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>. At least one (e.g., all) of the pump <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may <NUM> be housed in an interior region or enclosure defined at least partially by the container cover <NUM> and may be held in place in the interior region of the container cover <NUM> using a molded foam, such as a molded polyurethane foam. The pump <NUM> is in fluid communication with the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM> or may be positioned to be in fluid communication with the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. As noted above, the pump <NUM> may be secured directly to the urine collection container <NUM>, or a conduit or adapted may be fitted between the outlet and the pump <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> may include any aspect of the pump <NUM> of the urine collection system <NUM> described above. For example, the pump <NUM> may include a diaphragm pump. When activated, the pump <NUM> creates a suction in the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM> effective to pull urine from the urine collection device <NUM>, through the conduit 217a and the tube <NUM> and into the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>. The container cover <NUM> also may include an exhaust vent <NUM> that allows air to exit the interior region of the container cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of a filter, an odor neutralizer, or an aromatherapy device or cartridge may be positioned proximate to or covering the exhaust vent <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may be electrically coupled to at least one (e.g., all) of the pump <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, or the controller <NUM> and configured to provide power to at least one (e.g., all) of the pump <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, and the controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> may include a lithium ion battery. The controller <NUM> may include a PCB having control circuitry configured to activate and deactivate the pump <NUM>. The PCB of the controller <NUM> also may include a battery recharged circuit electrically coupled to the battery <NUM> and a sensor circuit electrically coupled to the sensor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include any aspect of the controller <NUM> of the urine collection system <NUM> described above. The controller <NUM> may include a processor configured to calculate a level or volume of urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include a communication interface configured to send notifications or alerts to other electronic devices. For example, the communication interface may be configured to send notifications or alerts at a selected radio frequency, via BLUETOOH, or via WI-FI to another electronic device, such as the electronic device <NUM> and/or a mobile phone of the user or caregiver. <FIG> provides additional details of a controller <NUM> that may include the controller <NUM>.

In operation, activation of the pump <NUM> may pull an at least partial vacuum in the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM>, which in turn pulls an at least partial vacuum on the urine collection device <NUM> via the conduit 217a and the inlet <NUM>. The vacuum pulled by the pump <NUM> pulls urine in the urine collection device <NUM> through the conduit 217a and the inlet <NUM> into the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM> for temporary storage. The sensor <NUM> may take periodic or continuous readings of the property relating to the volume of the urine <NUM> in the interior region <NUM> of urine collection container <NUM>. When the controller <NUM> determines the volume of the urine <NUM> in the interior region <NUM> of the urine collection container <NUM> has met or exceeded a predetermined threshold (such as <NUM>% or <NUM>% of the total volume of the interior region <NUM>) base on the reading from the sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may transmit an electronic alert to the electronic device <NUM>. Upon receipt of the electronic alert from the controller <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may vibrate or beep, suggesting to the user or caregiver that the urine collection container <NUM> be emptied. The user or caregiver may then disconnect the conduit 217a from the port <NUM>, and remove the urine collection container <NUM> and the container cover <NUM> from the container support <NUM>. The container cover <NUM> may be removed from the urine collection container <NUM>, and the user or caregiver may empty the urine <NUM> from the urine collection container <NUM> through the tube <NUM>, which may function as a pour spout.

<FIG> is a schematic of a controller <NUM> that may be used with any of the systems and methods described herein, according to an embodiment. For example, the controller <NUM> and/or the controller <NUM> may include any aspect of the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to implement any of the example acts or steps disclosed herein, such as wired or wireless communication with the sensor <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, other electronic devices, and/or determining a volume of the urine <NUM> in the urine collection container <NUM>, <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> includes at least one computing device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The at least one computing device <NUM> is an exemplary computing device that may be configured to perform one or more of the acts described above. The computing device <NUM> can comprise at least one processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, a storage device <NUM>, an input/output ("I/O") device/interface <NUM>, and a communication interface <NUM>. While an example computing device <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, the components illustrated in <FIG> are not intended to be limiting of the controller <NUM> or computing device <NUM>. Additional or alternative components may be usedin some examples. Further, in some examples, the controller <NUM> or the computing device <NUM> can include fewer components than those shown in <FIG>. For example, the controller <NUM> may not include the one or more additional computing devices <NUM>. In some examples, the at least one computing device <NUM> may include a plurality of computing devices. Components of computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> are described in additional detail below.

In some examples, the processor(s) <NUM> includes hardware for executing instructions (e.g., instructions for carrying out one or more portions of any of the methods disclosed herein), such as those making up a computer program. For example, to execute instructions, the processor(s) <NUM> may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, the memory <NUM>, or a storage device <NUM> and decode and execute them. In particular examples, processor(s) <NUM> may include one or more internal caches for data such as tables pertaining to volumetric tables. As an example, the processor(s) <NUM> may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation lookaside buffers (TLBs). Instructions in the instruction caches may be copies of instructions in memory <NUM> or storage device <NUM>. In some examples, the processor <NUM> may be configured (e.g., include programming stored thereon or executed thereby) to carry out one or more portions of any of the example methods disclosed herein.

In some examples, the processor <NUM> is configured to perform any of the acts disclosed herein or cause one or more portions of the computing device <NUM> or controller <NUM> to perform at least one of the acts disclosed herein. Such configuration can include one or more operational programs (e.g., computer program products) that are executable by the at least one processor <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may be configured to automatically determine a volume of urine in a urine collection container, automatically determine a proximity of urine in the urine collection container to a sensor, automatically transmit an alert when the volume of the urine in the urine collection container meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically transmit an alert when a change of filter is suggested, and/or automatically transmit an alert when a change or recharge of battery is suggested.

The at least one computing device <NUM> (e.g., a server) may include at least one memory storage medium (e.g., memory <NUM> and/or storage device <NUM>). The computing device <NUM> may include memory <NUM>, which is operably coupled to the processor(s) <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be used for storing data, metadata, and programs for execution by the processor(s) <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include one or more of volatile and non-volatile memories, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), a solid state disk (SSD), Flash, Phase Change Memory (PCM), or other types of data storage. The memory <NUM> may be internal or distributed memory.

The computing device <NUM> may include the storage device <NUM> having storage for storing data or instructions. The storage device <NUM> may be operably coupled to the at least one processor <NUM>. In some examples, the storage device <NUM> can comprise a non-transitory memory storage medium, such as any of those described above. The storage device <NUM> (e.g., non-transitory storage medium) may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination of two or more of these. Storage device <NUM> may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Storage device <NUM> may be internal or external to the computing device <NUM>. In some examples, storage device <NUM> may include non-volatile, solid-state memory. In some examples, storage device <NUM> may include read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, this ROM may be mask programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory or a combination of two or more of these. In some examples, one or more portions of the memory <NUM> and/or storage device <NUM> (e.g., memory storage medium(s)) may store one or more databases thereon.

In some examples, one or more of a history of the volume of the urine in the urine collection container, a trend of the volume of the urine in the urine collection container, a history of filter replacement, and/or a history of battery replacement or recharging may be stored in a memory storage medium such as one or more of the at least one processor <NUM> (e.g., internal cache of the processor), memory <NUM>, or the storage device <NUM>. In some examples, the at least one processor <NUM> may be configured to access (e.g., via bus <NUM>) the memory storage medium(s) such as one or more of the memory <NUM> or the storage device <NUM>. For example, the at least one processor <NUM> may receive and store the data (e.g., look-up tables) as a plurality of data points in the memory storage medium(s). The at least one processor <NUM> may execute programming stored therein adapted access the data in the memory storage medium(s) to automatically determine a volume of urine in a urine collection container, automatically determine a proximity of urine in the urine collection container to a sensor, automatically transmit an alert when the volume of the urine in the urine collection container meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically transmit an alert when a change of filter is suggested, and/or automatically transmit an alert when a change or recharge of battery is suggested. For example, the at least one processor <NUM> may access one or more look-up tables in the memory storage medium(s) such as memory <NUM> or storage device <NUM>.

The computing device <NUM> also includes one or more I/O devices/interfaces <NUM>, which are provided to allow a user to provide input to, receive output from, and otherwise transfer data to and from the computing device <NUM>. These I/O devices/interfaces <NUM> may include a mouse, keypad or a keyboard, a touch screen, camera, optical scanner, network interface, web-based access, modem, a port, other known I/O devices or a combination of such I/O devices/interfaces <NUM>. The touch screen may be activated with a stylus or a finger.

The I/O devices/interfaces <NUM> may include one or more devices for presenting output to a user, including, but not limited to, a graphics engine, a display (e.g., a display screen or monitor), one or more output drivers (e.g., display drivers), one or more audio speakers, and one or more audio drivers. In certain examples, I/O devices/interfaces <NUM> are configured to provide graphical data to a display for presentation to a user.

The computing device <NUM> can further include a communication interface <NUM>. The communication interface <NUM> can include hardware, software, or both. The communication interface <NUM> can provide one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between the computing device <NUM> and one or more additional computing devices <NUM> or one or more networks. For example, communication interface <NUM> may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI. The one or more additional computer device <NUM> may include the electronic device <NUM>, a smart phone of the user, a smart phone of the caregiver, and/or a computer device of a healthcare system.

Any suitable network and any suitable communication interface <NUM> may be used. For example, computing device <NUM> may communicate with an ad hoc network, a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or one or more portions of the Internet or a combination of two or more of these. One or more portions of one or more of these networks may be wired or wireless. As anexample, one or more portions of controller <NUM> or computing device <NUM> may communicate with a wireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example, a BLUETOOTH WPAN), a WI-FI network, a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network), or other suitable wireless network or a combination thereof. The computing device <NUM> may include any suitable communication interface <NUM> for any of these networks, where appropriate.

The computing device <NUM> may include a bus <NUM>. The bus <NUM> can include hardware, software, or both that couples components of computing device <NUM> to each other. For example, bus <NUM> may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a front-side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBAND interconnect, a low-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCIe) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, or another suitable bus or a combination thereof.

Turning ahead in the drawings to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments of a urine collection system <NUM>, the container support includes two arms <NUM> configured to detachably mount or hang from handles <NUM> of the wheelchair <NUM> and the urine collection container includes a hollow bar <NUM> secured to the two arms <NUM> and having the interior region <NUM>. The urine collection system <NUM> may be mounted or mountable to the wheelchair <NUM> with other supports not shown in <FIG>, such as shelves, brackets, pouches, slings, and so forth. The hollow tube <NUM> may be generally rigid, or more rigid that urine collection device <NUM> and/or the conduit 217a. In some embodiments, the urine collection system <NUM> includes grips <NUM>, such as polyurethane grips secured or securable to the hollow tube <NUM>.

The hollow tube <NUM> may include a diameter of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>. The hollow tube <NUM> may include a length of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>. The interior region <NUM> of the hollow tube <NUM> may be sized to hold about <NUM> to about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> to about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> to about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> to about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> of urine, about <NUM> of urine, or about <NUM> of urine.

The conduit 217a provides fluid communication between the interior region <NUM> of the hollow bar <NUM> and the urine collection device <NUM> (not shown). In some embodiments, the urine collection system <NUM> includes a port or adapter <NUM> secured or securable to the hollow bar <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> is configured to secure to the conduit 217a effective to provide fluid communication between the conduit 217a and the interior region <NUM> of the hollow tube <NUM>. The urine collection system also may include a buzzer <NUM> or other alert device and/or a sensor (not shown). The sensor may be configured to detect a property related at least to a volume of the urine in the hollow tube <NUM> and may include any aspect of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> described above. In some embodiments, the buzzer <NUM> is electrically coupled to sensor and configured to buzz, vibrate, or ring when the fluid detected by the sensor meets or exceeds a threshold described above in relation to urine collection systems <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the urine collection system <NUM> includes a port or adapter <NUM> secured or securable to the hollow bar <NUM>. The port or adapter <NUM> may be positioned generally distal or opposite to the port or adapter <NUM>, e.g., the port or adapter <NUM> and the port or adapter <NUM> may be positioned at opposite ends of the hollow bar <NUM>. The port or adapter <NUM> is configured to provide fluid communication between a pump (not shown) and the interior region
<NUM> of the hollow bar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump may be secured directly to the port or adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the conduit 217b provides fluid communication between the pump and the interior region <NUM> of the hollow bar <NUM>. The urine collection system <NUM> also may include the pump (not shown) having any aspect of the pumps <NUM>, <NUM> described above.

In some embodiments, the urine collection system <NUM> also includes a cover such as a bag <NUM> or case configured to detachably secure to an arm <NUM> of the wheelchair <NUM>. The bag <NUM> is sized and dimensioned to house at least the pump therein. In some embodiments, the urine collection system <NUM> also includes a controller and/or a battery (not shown), and the bag <NUM> is sized and dimensioned to house at least the pump, the battery, and controller. The controller and/or the battery of the urine collection system <NUM> may include any aspect of the controllers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the battery <NUM> described above.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of a method <NUM> for assembling a portable urine collection system, according to an embodiment. The method <NUM> includes an act <NUM> of detachably securing a container support to a wheelchair. The method <NUM> also includes an act <NUM> of mounting a urine collection container to the container support. The urine collection container may include a sensor secured thereto and configured to detect a property relating at least to a volume of the urine in the urine collection container. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> also may include positioning a urine collection device at least proximate to a urethra of a user and fluidly coupling the urine collection device to the urine collection container with a first conduit. The method also includes an act <NUM> of mounting a pump to the wheelchair. The act <NUM> may include mounting a pump to the wheelchair with the pump in fluid communication with the urine collection container and configured to pull a vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device through the first conduit into the urine collection container.

The method <NUM> may include assembling any of the urine collection systems described herein. For example, the act <NUM> of detachably securing a container support to the wheelchair may include securing one or more straps of a pack to one or more handles of the wheelchair. In some embodiments, the act <NUM> of mounting a urine collection container to the container support includes positioning the urine collection container inside the pack to mount the urine collection container. The method <NUM> also may include an act of positioning the urine collection container inside the pack to mount the urine collection container includes positioning the urine collection container inside a sleeve inside the pack. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> further includes an act of fluidly coupling the urine collection container to the pump with a second conduit and/or securing the first conduit to a user or the wheelchair with a belt.

In some embodiments, the act <NUM> of detachably securing a container support to a wheelchair may include securing two tracks of the container support to the wheelchair. The act <NUM> of mounting a urine collection container to the container support may include sliding the two tracks into two opposing slots on the urine collection container.

The act <NUM> of detachably securing a container support to a wheelchair may include mounting or hanging two arms of the container support from handles of the wheelchair. The act <NUM><NUM> of mounting a urine collection container to the container support may include securing a hollow bar of the urine collection container to the two arms of the container support. In some embodiments, the act <NUM> of mounting a pump to the wheelchair may include detachably securing a bag housing the pump to an arm of the wheelchair.

The acts of the method <NUM> described above are for illustrative purposes. For example, the acts of the method <NUM> can be performed in different orders, split into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, or combined. In an embodiment, one or more of the act of the method <NUM> can be omitted from the method <NUM>. Any of the acts of the method <NUM> can include using any of the portable urine collection systems disclosed herein.

As used herein, the term "about" or "substantially" refers to an allowable variance of the term modified by "about" or "substantially" by ±<NUM>% or ±<NUM>%. Further, the terms "less than," "or less," "greater than," "more than," or "or more" include, as an endpoint, the value that is modified by the terms "less than," "or less," "greater than," "more than," or "or more.

Claim 1:
A portable urine collection system (<NUM>), comprising:
a urine collection device (<NUM>) configured to be positioned at least proximate to a urethra of a user;
a first conduit (217a) in fluid communication with the urine collection device (<NUM>);
a urine collection container (<NUM>) having an interior region (<NUM>);
a pump (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the urine collection container (<NUM>) and configured to pull a vacuum on the interior region (<NUM>) of the urine collection container (<NUM>) effective to draw urine (<NUM>) from the urine collection device (<NUM>) through the first conduit (217a) into the urine collection container (<NUM>);
a sensor (<NUM>) secured or securable to the container and configured to detect a property relating at least to a volume of the urine in the urine collection container (<NUM>); and
a cover configured to hold at least the pump (<NUM>) therein and obscure at least the pump (<NUM>) from view outside the cover, wherein the cover includes a container cover (<NUM>), the urine collection container (<NUM>) having a generally planar bottom such that the urine collection container (<NUM>) and the container cover (<NUM>) are generally stable on a flat surface;
characterized in that the container cover (<NUM>) is configured to detachably secure to the urine collection container (<NUM>) and in that the portable urine collection system further comprises a container support (<NUM>) configured to detachably mount to a wheelchair, the container support (<NUM>) having two opposing tracks (<NUM>),
wherein at least one of the container cover (<NUM>) or the urine collection container (<NUM>) includes opposing slots (<NUM>) sized to receive the two opposing tracks (<NUM>) therein effective to detachably mount the container cover (<NUM>) and the urine collection container (<NUM>) to the two opposing tracks (<NUM>).