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. <CIT> discloses an urine collection device with a fluid impermeable barrier with a support member configured to retain the fluid impermeable barrier in an extended configuration and in a compact configuration so that the fluid impermeable barrier is adjustable between the extended configuration and the compact configuration.

Thus, users and manufacturers of urine collection devices continue to seek new and improved devices, systems, and methods to collect urine.

The invention is defined in claim <NUM> below. The dependent claims are directed to preferred embodiments and optional features of the invention. Disclosed herein are cylindrical urine collection devices. Such a urine collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier and fluid permeable structure. The fluid impermeable barrier is adjustable between an extended configuration and a compact configuration. The fluid impermeable barrier also at least partially defines a chamber, an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough, and an opening. The fluid permeable structure is positioned within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening. The fluid permeable structure is configured to wick fluid away from the opening.

As disclosed, a urine collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier, a support member, and fluid permeable structure. The fluid impermeable barrier is adjustable between an extended configuration and a compact configuration. The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber, an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough, and an opening. The support member is secured to the fluid impermeable barrier. The support member is configured to retain the fluid impermeable barrier in the extended configuration and the compact configuration. The fluid permeable structure is positioned within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening. The fluid permeable structure is configured to wick fluid away from the opening.

One disclosed urine collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier which includes a distal end positioned distal to the aperture, and the fluid impermeable barrier tapers for at least about <NUM> towards the distal end. The fluid permeable structure is positioned within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening, and the fluid permeable structure is configured to wick fluid away from the opening.

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.

In the drawings, identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings.

The devices and systems disclosed herein are configured to collect fluids from an individual. The fluids collected by the urine collection devices may include at least one of urine, vaginal discharge, penile discharge, reproductive fluids, blood, sweat, or other bodily fluids. Urine collection devices described herein may be used in urine collection systems. The urine collection systems can include a urine collection device, a fluid storage container, and a portable vacuum source. Fluid (e.g., urine or other bodily fluids) collected in the urine collection device may be removed from the urine collection device via a conduit which protrudes into an interior region of the urine collection device. For example, a first open end of the conduit may extend into the urine collection device to a reservoir therein. The second open end of the conduit may extend into the fluid storage container or the portable vacuum source. The suction force may be introduced into the interior region of the urine collection device via the first open end of the conduit responsive to a suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied at the second end of the conduit. The suction force may be applied to the second open end of the conduit by the portable vacuum source either directly or indirectly.

In some embodiments, the portable vacuum source may be disposed in or on the urine collection device. In such embodiments, the conduit may extend from the urine collection device and attach to the portable vacuum source at a first point therein. An additional conduit may attach to the portable vacuum source at a second point thereon and may extend out of the urine collection device, and may attach to the fluid storage container. Accordingly, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be drawn through urine collection device via the fluid storage container. Fluid, such as urine, may be drained from the urine collection device using the portable vacuum source.

<FIG> is a front plan view of a urine collection device <NUM>. The urine collection device <NUM> is a urine collection device <NUM> that is configured to receive fluid from a female or a male having a buried penis. The urine collection device <NUM> is generally smaller, and more compact that conventional urine collection devices, allowing the urine collection device <NUM> to be more discrete and used with a patient that is mobile or active. One or more components of the urine collection device <NUM> may be more flexible than conventional urine collection devices, thereby allowing one or more components of the urine collection device to be rolled into a small package. The device as illustrated does not offer the user a width selection facility as recited in claim <NUM> below.

The urine collection device <NUM> includes an elongated fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> that is adjustable between an extended configuration and a compact configuration. <FIG> shows the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> in the extended configuration, <FIG> shows the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> as the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is being manipulated to the compact configuration, and <FIG> shows the fluid impermeable barrier rolled up in the compact configuration. Although <FIG> shows the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> rolled up into the compact configuration, in other designs, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is configured to be folded up into the compact configuration, such that the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes one or more folds in the compact configuration.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> also defines a chamber (e.g., interior region), an opening <NUM>, and an aperture <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that is sized and dimensioned to receive a conduit <NUM> therethrough. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may temporarily store fluids that have been received through the opening <NUM> in the chamber. As such, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> substantially prevents the fluids from exiting the portions of the chamber that are spaced from the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is formed in and extends through the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, thereby enabling fluids to enter the chamber from outside of the urine collection device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can be configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or positioned adjacent to the skin of a female over the urethra. With the urine collection device <NUM> positioned proximate to the female urethra or positioned adjacent to the skin of a female over the urethra, urine may enter the interior region or chamber of the urine collection device <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the urine collection device <NUM> is configured to receive the fluids into the chamber via the opening <NUM>.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is flexible, allowing the urine collection device <NUM> to bend or curve when positioned against the body of a wearer in additional to the compact configuration (shown in <FIG>) and the extended configuration (shown in <FIG>). For example, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may bend or curve against the body of an individual similar to the shape shown in <FIG>. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> can be formed of any suitable fluid impermeable materials, such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, etc.), polyurethane films, thermoplastic elastomer, oil, another suitable material, or combinations thereof. In some designs, the fluid impermeable barrier includes a paper-like fluid impermeable material or a fluid impermeable fabric that is configured to be folded or rolled into a roll, as shown in <FIG>. In some designs, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes a layer of material having a thickness that is less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than 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> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some designs, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes a longitudinal length of less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, less than about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include a substantially flat or planar area. That is, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include a substantially flat back side and front side defining the opening <NUM> having a substantially planar profile when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is in the extended configuration shown in <FIG>. The fluid impermeable barrier may include two rounded or planar sides extending between the back side and the front side. In other designs, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include a tubular shape (not shown).

The urine collection device also includes fluid permeable structure <NUM> positioned within the chamber defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> to extend across at least a portion of the opening <NUM>. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be shaped generally complementary to the shape of the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes a generally flat or planar front side in the extended configuration, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may include a generally flat or planar surface extending across at least a portion of the opening <NUM>. When the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is generally tubular, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be generally tubular.

The fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be configured and sized to roll or fold with the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> from the extended configuration to the compact configuration. For example, although not visible in the urine collection device <NUM> in <FIG>, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be positioned within the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is in the rolled compact configuration shown in <FIG>. In other designs, the fluid permeable structure may be positioned within the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is folded into the compact configuration. In still other designs, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> is removable from the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, and the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be absent or separated from the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is in the compact configuration.

The fluid permeable structure <NUM> can be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening <NUM>, thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> also can wick the fluid generally towards an interior of the chamber. A portion of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> can define a portion of an outer surface of the urine collection device <NUM>. Specifically, the portion of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> defining the portion of the outer surface of the urine collection device <NUM> can be the portion of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> exposed by the opening <NUM> defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> that contacts the user.

The fluid permeable structure <NUM> can include any material that can wick the fluid. The permeable properties referred to herein can be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as "permeable" and/or "wicking. " Such "wicking" may exclude absorption into the wicking material. Put another way, substantially no absorption of fluid into the material may take place after the material is exposed to the fluid and removed from the fluid for a time. While no absorption is desired, the term "substantially no absorption" may allow for nominal amounts of absorption of fluid into the wicking material (e.g., absorbency), such as less than about <NUM> wt% of the dry weight of the wicking material, less than about <NUM> wt%, less than about <NUM> wt%, less than about <NUM> wt%, less than about <NUM> wt%, less than about <NUM> wt%, or less than about <NUM> wt% of the dry weight of the wicking material.

The fluid permeable structure <NUM> can include a one-way fluid movement fabric. As such, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> can remove fluid from the area around the buried penis or female urethra, thereby leaving the area and urethra dry. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> can enable the fluid to flow generally towards the conduit <NUM> within the chamber. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> can include a porous or fibrous material, such as hydrophilic polyolefin. In some designs, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> consists of or consists essentially of a porous or fibrous material, such as hydrophilic polyolefin. Examples of polyolefin that can be used in the fluid permeable structure <NUM> include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, or combinations thereof. Moreover, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> can be manufactured according to various manufacturing methods, such as molding, extrusion, or sintering. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> can include varying densities or dimensions.

In some designs, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> can include two or more layers of fluid permeable materials and include no more than two layers of material between the opening <NUM> and the conduit <NUM> positioned within the fluid permeable structure <NUM>. For example, the urine collection device <NUM> can include a fluid permeable membrane covering or wrapped around a fluid permeable support of the fluid permeable structure <NUM>, with both the fluid permeable membrane and the fluid permeable support being disposed in the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The fluid permeable membrane can cover or extend across at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening <NUM>. The fluid permeable membrane and the fluid permeable support can be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening <NUM>, thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber. The permeable properties referred to herein can be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as "permeable" and/or "wicking.

The fluid permeable membrane can also wick the fluid generally towards an interior of the chamber, as discussed in more detail below. The fluid permeable membrane can include any material that can wick the fluid. For example, the fluid permeable membrane can include fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., a silk, linen, polymer based materials such as polyester, or cotton gauze), nylon (such as a spun nylon fibers), another soft fabric (e.g., jersey knit fabric or the like), or another smooth fabric (e.g., rayon, satin, or the like). Forming the fluid permeable membrane from gauze, soft fabric, and/or smooth fabric can reduce chaffing caused by the urine collection device <NUM>. Other designs of fluid permeable membranes, fluid permeable supports, chambers, and their shapes and configurations are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; PCT Patent Application No. <CIT> In many realisations, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> includes an inner portion including a porous spun nylon fiber structure and an outer fluid permeable membrane including gauze.

The conduit <NUM> (e.g., a tube) extends through the aperture <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) into the chamber defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, the conduit <NUM> may extend through the aperture <NUM> into the chamber. The conduit <NUM> provides fluid communication between the chamber and a fluid storage container (not shown) or a portable vacuum source (not shown). For example, the conduit <NUM> may directly or indirectly fluidly couple the chamber with the fluid storage container or the portable vacuum source. With the conduit <NUM> positioned within the fluid permeable structure <NUM>, fluids received in the chamber can be removed through the conduit <NUM>.

The conduit <NUM> may include a retractable conduit <NUM> configured to connect to an additional conduit providing fluid communication with a fluid storage container (not shown) or a portable vacuum source (not shown). The retractable conduit <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> positioned at least partially within the chamber and a second portion <NUM> slidably connected to the first portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> is at least partially positioned outside the chamber and at least partially retractable within the chamber. For example, substantially all of the second portion <NUM> may retract within the first portion <NUM> of the conduit, with a lip on at least one of the first portion <NUM> or the second portion <NUM> preventing the second portion <NUM> from sliding all the way into the first portion <NUM>, or vice versa. The first portion <NUM> also may include a lip preventing the first portion <NUM> from sliding entirely into the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may slide within the first portion <NUM>, or the first portion <NUM> may slide within the second portion <NUM>.

In use, the conduit <NUM> may be retracted with the second portion <NUM> positioned at least partially within the chamber when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is in the compact configuration. With the second portion <NUM> retracted, the urine collection device <NUM> may require a smaller packaging volume, thereby allowing for more discrete and convenient packaging and transport of the urine collection device <NUM> in the compact configuration. When the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is unrolled or otherwise manipulated to the extended configuration shown in <FIG>, the second portion <NUM> may be at least partially withdrawn from the chamber, thereby extending the conduit <NUM> to a greater length. The second portion <NUM> may then be fluidly coupled directly or indirectly to the vacuum source or the fluid storage container.

In use, the opening <NUM> of the urine collection device <NUM> may be positioned proximate to a female urethra to collect discharged urine or other bodily fluids through the opening <NUM> and into the fluid permeable structure <NUM>. The discharged urine or other bodily fluids may be wicked through the fluid permeable structure <NUM> to the conduit <NUM> for removal from the urine collection device <NUM> through the conduit <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of a urine collection device <NUM>. The urine collection device <NUM> is an example of a urine collection device <NUM> that is configured to receive fluid from a female or a male having a buried penis. Unless otherwise noted, the urine collection device <NUM> can include any of the materials, components, and/or features described above in relation to the urine collection device <NUM>. For example, the urine collection device <NUM> may be generally smaller, and more compact that conventional urine collection devices, allowing the urine collection device <NUM> to be more discreet and used with a patient that is mobile. One or more components of the urine collection device <NUM> may be more flexible than conventional urine collection devices, thereby allowing one or more components of the urine collection device to be rolled into a small package.

The urine collection device <NUM> includes an elongated fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include any of the materials described above in relation to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, thereby allowing the fluid impermeable barrier to be adjustable between any of the extended configurations and the compact configurations described herein. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> also defines a chamber (e.g., interior region), an opening <NUM>, an aperture that is sized and dimensioned to receive a conduit <NUM> therethrough, and a distal end <NUM> that is distal to the aperture.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> also may taper towards the distal end <NUM>. In some designs, the fluid impermeable barrier may taper continuously over a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, a portion of the fluid impermeably barrier <NUM> may taper continuously from a distal end of the opening to the distal end <NUM> of the fluid impermeable barrier. In some designs, a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may continuously taper towards the distal end <NUM> for at least <NUM> inch (or about <NUM>), at least <NUM> inches (or about <NUM>), at least <NUM> inches (or about <NUM>), at least <NUM> inches (or about <NUM>), at least <NUM> inches (or about <NUM>), at least <NUM> inches (or about <NUM>), or at least <NUM> inches (or about <NUM>). In some designs, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be about <NUM> inch (about <NUM>) to about <NUM> inch (about <NUM>) wide before tapering to the distal end. Tapering to the distal end <NUM> provides a more comfortable fit for the individual using the urine collection device <NUM>, especially if the individual is mobile. In the example shown in <FIG>, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is generally cylindrical or tubular, and the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is generally tubular or conical as the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> tapers to the distal end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include one or more flat or planar areas that taper to the distal end <NUM>.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may temporarily store fluids that have been received through the opening <NUM> in the chamber. As such, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> substantially prevents the fluids from exiting the portions of the chamber that are spaced from the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is formed in and extends through the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, thereby enabling fluids to enter the chamber from outside of the urine collection device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can be configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or positioned adjacent to the skin of a female over the urethra, with the distal end <NUM> between the legs or gluteal cleft of the female. With the urine collection device <NUM> positioned proximate to the female urethra or positioned adjacent to the skin of a female over the urethra, urine may enter the interior region or chamber of the urine collection device <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the urine collection device <NUM> is configured to receive the fluids into the chamber via the opening <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows a bottom plan view of the urine collection device <NUM>. The urine collection device <NUM> can includes a support member <NUM> secured to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is secured to the outside of the rear or back side of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, distal to the opening <NUM>. In some designs, the support member <NUM> is secured to the inside of the rear or back side of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. In some designs, the support member <NUM> is embedded into the rear or back side of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. In some designs, the support member <NUM> is detachably connected to the back side of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> is configured to bend or manipulate, and retain the shape manipulated to after manipulation. This support member <NUM>, then, provides a more controllable fluid collection device <NUM> that can be manipulated into at least a partially compact configuration. For example, the support member <NUM> may be configured to be manipulated to a generally planar shape and retain the generally planar shape, thereby supporting the back side of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> along an imaginary or theoretical plane. The support member <NUM> also may be configured to be manipulated to a generally curved or arced shape and retain the generally curved or arced shape, thereby supporting the back side of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> in a generally curved or arced shape (similar to that of the fluid collection device <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The support member <NUM> also may be configured to be manipulated to a generally rolled compact configuration and retain the generally rolled compact configuration, thereby supporting the back side of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> in a rolled compact configuration (similar to that of the fluid collection device <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

The support member <NUM> may include a shape memory material such as a shape memory polymer or a metal (e.g., shape memory metal). Suitable shape memory materials are composed to adopt an intermediate or permanent shape in response to a stimuli. The stimuli may include an external physical force (e.g., bending force), heat, electrical bias, or a magnetic field. While the term "shape memory" is used to describe some of the "shape memory materials" herein, it should be understood that, in some examples, the material modified by the term "shape memory" may not necessarily need to return to a preselected shape upon application of a stimuli, as understood as the classical definition of the "shape memory material. " Rather, at least some of the shape memory materials herein may simply hold a selected shape when bent, set, or cured into a specific shape and/or when cooled in a specific shape, regardless of the stimuli applied thereto after. The shape memory materials may be returned to the original shape or changed to a new shape by application of stimuli. For example, a metal wire bent to a first shape may be utilized as the shape memory material, whereinafter the metal wire may be modified to a second shape via physical force applied thereto or via heating.

The shape memory material may include metal, such as an elemental metal, an alloy, or shape memory alloy. Suitable shape memory metals may include standard steels, stainless steel, carbon alloy steel, head treated steel, aluminum, silver, copper, iron, nickel, zinc, tin, beryllium, or the like. Suitable shape memory alloys may include stainless steel; galvanized steel; aluminum alloys; nickel-titanium alloys, such as Nitinol, Ni-Ti-Cu, Ni-Ti, Co, or the like; copper-based alloys such as Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Al-Sn, or the like; Co-Cr-Ni-Mo alloys (e.g., Elgiloy®) or the like; or any other alloy having shape memory characteristics. As explained above, the shape memory metals or alloys may merely be metals or alloys that may be shaped to a selected configuration. In some examples, the shape memory metals or alloys may return to a primary shape when an external stimuli is applied thereto. In some examples, the outer surface of the shape memory metal may be coated with a polymer, anodized, passivated, or otherwise treated to prevent corrosion.

Shape memory polymers ("SMPs") may include polyurethane-based SMPs such as a copolymer (e.g., copolyester, polyurethane, polyetherester, etc.) including blocks of one or more of poly(ε-caprolactone), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyethyleneoxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polybutylmethacrylate (PBMA), poly(N,N-butadiene), poly(N-methyl-N-oxazoline), polytetrahydrofuran, or poly(butylene terephthalate); thermoplastic polymers such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), nylon, acetal, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polysulphone, or the like; polynorbonene; other deformable polymers; or any other shape memory polymer.

The support member <NUM> also may include one or more slots <NUM> that enhance the flexibility of the support member <NUM>. Although not shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> may include the support member <NUM> as described above. For example, a support member <NUM> secured to the fluid collection device <NUM> may retain to the fluid collection device <NUM> in the position shown in <FIG>.

Returning to <FIG>, the urine collection device also includes a fluid permeable structure <NUM> positioned within the chamber defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> to extend across at least a portion of the opening <NUM>. Unless otherwise noted, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may include any of the materials, features, and/or components described above in relation to the fluid permeable structure <NUM>. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be shaped generally complementary to the shape of the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes a generally flat or planar front side in the extended configuration, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may include a generally flat or planar surface extending across at least a portion of the opening <NUM>. When the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is generally tubular, as shown in <FIG>, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be generally tubular. In some designs, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> extends to the distal end <NUM> of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, with the fluid permeable structure <NUM> tapering with the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>.

The fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be configured and sized to roll or fold with the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> from the extended configuration to the compact configuration. In some designs, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> is removable from the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, and the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be absent or separated from the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is in the compact configuration.

The conduit <NUM> (e.g., a tube) extends through the aperture into the chamber defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> provides fluid communication between the chamber and a fluid storage container (not shown) or a portable vacuum source (not shown). For example, the conduit <NUM> may directly or indirectly fluidly couple the chamber with the fluid storage container or the portable vacuum source. With the conduit <NUM> positioned within the fluid permeable structure <NUM>, fluids received in the chamber can be removed through the conduit <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> may include a continuous single conduit from outside the chamber to inside the chamber. In some designs, the conduit <NUM> includes the retractable conduit <NUM> described above.

In use, the opening <NUM> of the urine collection device <NUM> may be positioned proximate to a urethra to collect discharged urine or other bodily fluids through the opening <NUM> and into the fluid permeable structure <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may bend to retain the fluid collection device <NUM> in a curve complementary to the individual wearing the urine collection device <NUM>. The discharged urine or other bodily fluids may be wicked through the fluid permeable structure <NUM> to the conduit <NUM> for removal from the urine collection device <NUM> through the conduit <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, which is a side view of a portion of conduit <NUM>. The portion of the conduit <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be positioned in the chamber of any of the fluid collection devices <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> (described below). For example, the first portion <NUM> of the conduit <NUM> of the urine collection device may include the portion of the conduit <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Similarly, the portion of the conduit <NUM> positioned in the chamber of the urine collection device <NUM> and/or the portion of the conduit <NUM> positioned in the chamber of the urine collection device <NUM> may include the portion of the conduit <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The conduit <NUM> may include a plurality of eyelets or slots <NUM>. The plurality of eyelets or slots <NUM> increase the surface area on the conduit <NUM> for suction of urine or other fluids from the chamber of the urine collection device. With an increase in the surface area on the conduit <NUM>, a reservoir at a distal end of the urine collection device may not be required to collect urine for withdrawal from the urine collection device. Instead, urine may be wicked from the opening of the urine collection device, through the fluid permeable structure to the plurality of eyelets or slots <NUM> in the conduit <NUM>. Thus, a reservoir in the distal end of the fluid collection device may be absent, allowing for a tapered distal end in some designs, such as the urine collection device <NUM>. A plurality of slots <NUM> on a portion of the conduit also allow the conduit <NUM> to be rolled into a compact configuration with the urine collection device. The plurality of eyelets or slots <NUM> may be positioned intermittently along the entire length of the portion of the conduit <NUM> within the chamber of the urine collection device.

<FIG> is an isometric view of a urine collection device <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the invention claimed below. The urine collection device <NUM> is an example of a urine collection device <NUM> that is configured to receive fluid from a female. Unless otherwise noted, the urine collection device <NUM> may include any of the materials, components, and/or features described above in relation to the urine collection device <NUM> or <NUM>. The urine collection device <NUM> is adjustable between an extended configuration, shown in <FIG>, and a compact configuration, shown in <FIG>. As shall be described in greater detail below, the axial width and length of the urine collection device <NUM> may be adjusted by manipulating the urine collection device <NUM> between the extended configuration and the compact configuration, thereby allowing urine collection device <NUM> to be adjusted to a size that meets the needs and comforts of an individual user. In particular, a width adjustable urine collection device <NUM> provides improved ease of securing the urine collection device <NUM> in place between the legs of the individual using the urine collection device <NUM>.

The urine collection device <NUM> includes an elongated fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> that is adjustable between the extended configuration, shown in <FIG>, and a compact configuration, shown in <FIG>. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> also defines a chamber, an opening <NUM>, and an aperture that is sized and dimensioned to receive a conduit <NUM> therethrough. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may temporarily store fluids that have been received through the opening <NUM> in the chamber. As such, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> substantially prevents the fluids from exiting the portions of the chamber that are spaced from the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is formed in and extends through the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, thereby enabling fluids to enter the chamber from outside of the urine collection device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can be configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or positioned adjacent to the skin of a female over the urethra. With the urine collection device <NUM> positioned proximate to the female urethra or positioned adjacent to the skin of a female over the urethra, urine may enter the interior region or chamber of the urine collection device <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the urine collection device <NUM> is configured to receive the fluids into the chamber via the opening <NUM>.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is flexible, allowing the urine collection device <NUM> to bend or curve when positioned against the body of a wearer. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> can be formed of any suitable fluid impermeable materials described above in relation to the fluid impermeable barriers <NUM> or <NUM>, such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, etc.), polyurethane films, thermoplastic elastomer, oil, another suitable material, or combinations thereof.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be generally cylindrical or tubular in shape. In the generally cylindrical shape, the opening <NUM> may be defined by two arched borders and two longitudinal borders extending between the two arched borders. In other embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include a substantially flat or planar area, such as a substantially flat back side and front side defining the opening <NUM> having a substantially planar profile when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is in the extended configuration shown in <FIG>.

According to the invention, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> also is adjustable between an extended configuration, shown in <FIG>, and a compact configuration, shown in <FIG>. In the extended configuration, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes a first axial length L<NUM> and a first width W<NUM>, with the opening <NUM> having a longitudinal dimension D<NUM>. When the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is manipulated to the compact configuration shown in <FIG>, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes a second axial length L<NUM> that is less than the first axial length L<NUM>, a second width W<NUM> that is greater than the first width W<NUM>. In the compact configuration, the longitudinal dimension D<NUM> of the opening <NUM> is substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension D<NUM> of the opening <NUM> in the extended configuration.

The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include one or more support members secured to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The one or more support members may be secured to an inner surface of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> and/or at least partially embedded in the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, the one or more support members may include bendable plastic, metal, other materials, or some combination thereof at least partially embedded in the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>.

The one or more support members are positioned on the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> to increase the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> from the first width W<NUM> to the second width W<NUM> when the axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is compressed from the first axial length L<NUM> to the second axial length L<NUM> of the compact configuration. The one or more support members are further positioned on the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> to decrease the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> from the second width W<NUM> to the first width W<NUM> when the axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is extended from the second axial length L<NUM> to the first axial length L<NUM> of the extended configuration. According to the invention, the support member is further positioned on the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> and configured to allow a user to stop at any desired width between W<NUM> and W<NUM> to meet the needs and physiological dimensions of the individual wearing the urine collection device <NUM>.

The one or more support members can include at least one of a hinge system skeleton, one or more adjustable railings, one or more telescoping tubes, or a gear system configured to increase the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> as the axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is shortened, and also decrease the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> as the axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is extended. In some examples, the one or more support members may include a framework of hinged rods that can extend outward to increase the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. Accordingly, the one or more support members to exert a pressure on the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> to expand or stretch the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> laterally when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is compressed longitudinally along the axial length. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the fluid impermeable barrier may include one or more telescoping portion configured to extend or collapse the fluid impermeable barrier between L<NUM> and L<NUM>.

The urine collection device also includes fluid permeable structure <NUM> positioned within the chamber defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> to extend across at least a portion of the opening <NUM>. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be shaped generally complementary to the shape of the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. For example, when the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is generally tubular, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may be generally tubular. When the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> includes a generally flat or planar front side in the extended configuration, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may include a generally flat or planar surface extending across at least a portion of the opening <NUM>.

The fluid permeable structure <NUM> can be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening <NUM>, thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> also can wick the fluid generally towards an interior of the chamber. A portion of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> can define a portion of an outer surface of the urine collection device <NUM>. Specifically, the portion of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> defining the portion of the outer surface of the urine collection device <NUM> can be the portion of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> exposed by the opening <NUM> defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> that contacts the user. The fluid permeable structure <NUM> can include any materials, components, or features described above in relation to the fluid permeable structures <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the fluid permeable structure <NUM> is secured to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> proximate to the opening <NUM>. With the fluid permeable structure <NUM> secured to the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, undesired gaps are not formed between the fluid permeable structure <NUM> and the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> at the opening <NUM> when the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is increased. In some embodiments, the width of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> may increase or expand corresponding to the increase of the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>, and may decrease or compress corresponding to the decrease of the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. The fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> also may include foam or other compressible material proximate the opening to prevent undesired gaps between the fluid permeable structure <NUM> and the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> at the opening <NUM> when the width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> is increased.

A reservoir inside the chamber may be defined at least partially by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> and the fluid permeable structure <NUM>. The reservoir is void of material and positioned distal to the aperture. In some embodiments, a volume of the reservoir is fixed, and does not change when the fluid impermeable barrier is manipulated between the extended configuration and the compact configuration. For example, the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may include a reservoir wall positioned within the chamber at a fixed distance from the fluid permeable structure <NUM>. The reservoir, then, may be defined at least partially by the fluid permeable structure <NUM> and the reservoir wall of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. In some embodiments, a fluid impermeable cap is secured to an end of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> distal to the aperture, with a space or gap between the fluid permeable structure <NUM> and a reservoir wall of the fluid impermeable cap. The reservoir, then, may be defined at least partially by the end of the fluid permeable structure <NUM> and the reservoir wall of the fluid impermeable cap. In some embodiments, fluid impermeable barrier may include a movable reservoir wall that moves with as the axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> increases or decreases. In these and other embodiments, then, the volume of the reservoir may change as the axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> increases or decreases.

The conduit <NUM> extends through the aperture into the chamber defined by the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM>. In some embodiments, the conduit <NUM> extends to the reservoir. For example, the conduit <NUM> may extend at least partially into the reservoir, may be generally flush with the end of the fluid permeable structure <NUM>, or recessed from the fluid reservoir. The conduit <NUM> provides fluid communication between the chamber and/or the reservoir and a fluid storage container (not shown) or a portable vacuum source (not shown). For example, the conduit <NUM> may directly or indirectly fluidly couple the chamber and/or the reservoir with the fluid storage container or the portable vacuum source. With the conduit <NUM> positioned within the fluid permeable structure <NUM>, fluids received in the chamber and/or the reservoir can be removed through the conduit <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> may include any of the conduits described herein, including the retractable conduit <NUM> and/or the conduit <NUM> having a plurality of eyelets or slots <NUM>.

In use, the urine collection device <NUM> may be positioned between the legs of the individual wearing the urine collection device <NUM>. The width of the fluid impermeable barrier <NUM> may be increased or decreased to more comfortably between the legs of the individual wearing the urine collection device <NUM> by compressing or extending, respectively, an axial length of the urine collection device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> of the urine collection device <NUM> may be positioned proximate to a female urethra to collect discharged urine or other bodily fluids through the opening <NUM> and into the fluid permeable structure <NUM>. The discharged urine or other bodily fluids may be wicked through the fluid permeable structure <NUM> to the conduit <NUM> for removal from the urine collection device <NUM> through the conduit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a fluid collection system <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The fluid collection system <NUM> may be included in embodiments of fluid collection systems described herein. The system <NUM> includes a fluid (e.g., urine) collection device <NUM> (e.g., any of the urine collection devices disclosed herein, including urine collection device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a urine collection container <NUM>, and a pump <NUM> (or vacuum source). 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> or vacuum source 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>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of a method <NUM> for collecting urine. The method <NUM> includes an act <NUM> of adjusting a configuration of a fluid impermeable barrier of a urine collection device to fit between legs of a user. The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber, an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough, and an opening. The method includes an act <NUM> of positioning a fluid permeable structure of the urine collection device at least proximate to a urethra of a user, the fluid permeable structure extending at least partially across the opening defined by the fluid impermeable barrier. The method <NUM> includes an act <NUM> of receiving fluids discharged from the urethra into the chamber. The method <NUM> may also include an act of promoting flow of urine from the chamber through a conduit fluidly coupled to the reservoir.

The act <NUM> of adjusting a configuration of a fluid impermeable barrier may include unrolling and/or unfolding the fluid impermeable barrier and the fluid permeable structure from a compact configuration to an extended configuration. For example, the urine collection device of the method <NUM> may include the urine collection device <NUM> or <NUM>. The method <NUM> may include an act of retaining the fluid impermeable barrier in the compact configuration or the extended configuration with a support member secured to the fluid impermeable barrier.

The act <NUM> of adjusting a configuration of a fluid impermeable barrier includes manipulating a support member secured to the fluid impermeable barrier to adjust at least one of an axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier or a width of the fluid impermeable barrier. For example, the urine collection device of the method <NUM> may include the urine collection device <NUM>. In accordance with the present invention, manipulating a support member secured to the fluid impermeable barrier adjusts an axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier and a width of the fluid impermeable barrier includes manipulating the support member to decrease the axial length of the fluid impermeable barrier and increase the width of the fluid impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> also includes an act of expanding the fluid permeable structure to extend across the opening when the width of the fluid impermeable barrier is increased.

In some embodiments, the method <NUM> also includes an act of extending a length of a conduit positioned at least partially within the chamber by pulling a portion of the conduit slidably connected to a second portion of the conduit. For example, the urine collection device of the method <NUM> may include the conduit <NUM>.

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. One or more of the acts 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 urine collection systems disclosed herein.

Claim 1:
A cylindrical urine collection device (<NUM>) to be worn by a female, the device comprising:
a fluid impermeable barrier (<NUM>) at least partially defining a chamber, an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough, and an opening through (<NUM>) which urine is received into the chamber, the opening having a longitudinal dimension (D<NUM>) lengthwise of the device and a width transverse to its length; and
a fluid permeable structure (<NUM>) positioned within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening, the fluid permeable structure being configured to wick fluid away from the opening; and
further comprising one or more support members secured to the fluid impermeable barrier, the support member configured to retain the fluid impermeable barrier in an extended configuration and in a compact configuration so that the fluid impermeable barrier is adjustable between the extended configuration and the compact configuration; and wherein:
the fluid impermeable barrier includes:
a first axial length (L<NUM>) in the extended configuration;
a second axial length (L<NUM>) in the compact configuration, the first axial length being greater than the second axial length;
a first width (W<NUM>) in the extended configuration; and
a second width (W<NUM>) in the compact configuration, the second width being greater than the first width;
the support member expands the fluid impermeable barrier from the first width to the second width responsive to manipulation of the fluid impermeable barrier from the extended configuration to the compact configuration, with the longitudinal dimension (D<NUM>) of the opening in the compact configuration and the extended configuration being substantially equal; and wherein:
the support member allows a user to stop at any desired width between W<NUM> and W<NUM> to meet the needs and physiological dimensions of the individual wearing the urine collection device (<NUM>).