Patent Description:
Under various circumstances, a user may have limited or impaired mobility such that ordinary urinary functions and processes are rendered difficult (or impossible). For example, a person may have impaired mobility due to a disability or may be bedridden due to an injury or illness. In another example, a person may be subject to restricted occupational conditions under which the person has limited mobility. Also, for example, urine collection may be needed for monitoring purposes, such as for monitoring inputs and outputs in a clinical setting (e.g., in an intensive care unit, or for other clinical and/or laboratory testing).

Various approaches have been developed to address some of the problems or circumstances related to impaired or restricted urinary processes. However, prior approaches suffer from problems or limitations of their own. Internal urinary catheters, for example, can address problems arising from urinary incontinence or limited mobility, but urinary catheters can often be uncomfortable and can contribute to complications (for example, infections). Bed pans, as another example, are containers occasionally used for collecting urinary output of a bedridden person (such as a patient at a health care facility), but bed pans can contribute to patient discomfort, spillage, and issues related to sanitation or hygiene.

Other more recent approaches to urinary collection have been developed, which include a urine collection device configured to be placed external to, but in contact with the body for collecting and directing a fluid receptacle. However, the recent approaches also present challenges, such as in maintaining the placement of the device in appropriate contact with the body of a user, resulting in potential leakage and patient discomfort.

A urine disposal device for use with a urine detecting device that provides for smooth urination without compressing the wearer's urethra so that urination may be surely detected and voided urine may be quickly discharged out of the urine disposal devices is disclosed in <CIT>. The urine disposal device has a front-back direction and includes a urination area having a first surface portion and a second surface portion cooperating to cover the penis of a wearer from the front-back direction and an opening through which the penis is inserted. The urination area has a urine collecting container provided in the second surface portion and the second surface portion lies on the side of the wearer's body.

<CIT> describes a system suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal. The system may include an assembly having a fluid impermeable casing, a fluid permeable membrane, and a fluid permeable support. A reservoir is defined by the fluid permeable support. The fluid permeable membrane can define a cavity. The casing can define an opening such that the cavity is accessible via the opening. The assembly can also include an outlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir. The assembly can be arranged such that a user's penis can be disposed through the opening with the urethral opening disposed within the cavity and such that a fluid can flow into the body from the urethral opening of the user's penis, collect in the reservoir, and flow out of the outlet.

A urine aspiration system for the management of urinary incontinence comprising an absorptive pad adapted to temporarily receive and retain urine until it is drawn front the pad by an associated vacuum source is known from <CIT>. The pad comprises an absorptive core encased within a covering of hydrophobic material such as polyethylene sheet material. The upper cover sheet of the casing has a myriad of perforations to render it permeable to liquid, while the lower backing cover sheet is impermeable. Tubing from the vacuum source is coupled to a central opening of the pad so that urine may be readily drawn out of the pad when the vacuum source is activated, leaving the outer covering of the pad feeling dry and comfortable to the patient. A collection vessel is mounted between the vacuum source and the pad to collect the urine drawn from the pad.

A drainage pouch for bedridden ureterostomy or ileal bladder patients which comprises a bag having a top opening adapted to receive and surround the stoma of the patient is disclosed in <CIT>. The other end of the bag has a narrowed neck portion which is provided with an opening at its distal end. That opening is adapted to be connected to a drainage conduit, and that conduit is in tum connected to a drainage reservoir. A stiffly flexible tube projects from the neck opening into the bag so that the narrowed neck portion will not be blocked if the patient should inadvertently roll over onto the neck portion to collapse or fold the neck portion.

Further, <CIT> discloses an urinary collector made of a water proof, soft material and formed in a bag shape. In the upper part of the collector there is provided a penis receiving chamber having an opening for penis insertion while in the lower part there is provided a urinary flow chamber which is partitioned by a water permeable membrane from said penis receiving chamber, packed with hydrophobic beads therein and provided with a urinary discharge outlet.

A urine collection device according to the present invention is defined in claim <NUM>. Optional claim features are defined in the dependent claims.

In an example, a urine collection device for collecting urine includes a backing member and a collection member. The backing member includes a plurality of flexible members. Each flexible member extends from an outer portion of the backing member to an inner portion of the backing member. Each flexible member has a respective free end at the inner portion of the backing member. The respective free ends of the plurality of flexible members define an aperture in the backing member. The collection member is coupled to the backing member. The collection member is suitable to direct urine to an outlet of the collection member.

In another example, a system for collecting urine includes a urine collection device, a drain tube, a waste collection reservoir, and a vacuum device. The urine collection device includes a backing member and a collection member. The backing member includes a plurality of flexible members. One or more flexible members extend from an outer portion to an inner portion of the backing member. One or more flexible members have a respective free end at the inner portion of the backing member. The respective free ends of the plurality of flexible members define an aperture in the backing member.

The collection member is coupled to the backing member. The collection member is suitable to direct urine to an outlet of the collection member. The drain tube is coupled to the outlet of the collection member. The waste collection reservoir is coupled to the drain tube to receive the urine from the drain tube. The vacuum device can apply a vacuum pressure to the drain tube to assist in directing the urine from the outlet to the waste collection reservoir.

In another example, a urine collection device includes a backing member having a proximal side configured to contact a body of a user and a distal side opposite the proximal side. The backing member includes a plurality of flexible members. Each flexible member extends from an outer portion to an inner portion of the backing member. Each flexible member has a respective free end at the inner portion of the backing member. The backing member also includes an aperture defined by the respective free ends of the plurality of flexible members, and a layer of moisture wicking material for drawing urine discharged from the user to a collection portion of the backing member. The backing member further includes a vacuum tube at the collection portion of the backing member and distal of the layer of moisture wicking material. The vacuum tube includes an inlet for receiving the urine from the layer of moisture wicking material.

In another example, a urine collection device includes a collection member extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end includes an opening that provides access to an internal cavity of the collection member. The internal cavity comprises a first chamber in fluid communication with a second chamber. The urine collection device also includes a spacer in the second chamber, a first attachment member, a second attachment member, and an outlet. The first attachment member extends from a bottom wall of the collection member at the proximal end. The first attachment member also defines an aperture. The second attachment member extends from a top wall of the collection member at the proximal end. The outlet is suitable for egressing urine from the internal cavity of the collection member. The collection member is suitable to (i) direct urine from the first chamber to the second chamber and (ii) direct the urine in the second chamber distally toward the outlet.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims and are particularly illustrated in the embodiment of <FIG>. The embodiments of <FIG> do not fall under the scope of the claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed embodiments are shown. Indeed, several different embodiments may be described and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

As noted above, recent approaches to urinary collection have been developed, which include a urine collection device configured to be placed external to, but in contact with the body for collecting and directing a fluid receptacle. One such approach is a condom catheter. In general, a condom catheter is provided with an adhesive on an interior of the catheter. When the condom catheter is unrolled onto a user's penis, the adhesive is between the penis and the inner surface of the condom. In this way, the adhesive can adhere the condom directly to the penis. This approach can be uncomfortable for the user given that the adhesive is in contact with a relatively sensitive area of the body.

Additionally, a condom catheter may require a relatively snug fit with the penis. If the condom catheter is too tight, the user may experience discomfort. If the condom is too loose, it may not remain properly positioned on the penis of the user. This problem can be exacerbated by the fact that different users have differently sized penises. As such, it can be difficult to determine which size is appropriate for a given user. Moreover, the processes of attaching the condom catheter to the user and removing the condom catheter can be complicated and difficult for users and medical caregivers.

The devices and systems of the present disclosure provide for urine collection devices that can address at least some of the drawbacks of existing male external catheters. Within examples, a urine collection device includes a backing member coupled to a collection member. The backing member has a proximal side for contacting a pelvic area of a user and a distal side facing the collection member. The collection member is coupled to the backing member at a proximal end of the collection member and has an outlet for coupling to a drain tube at a distal end of the collection member. In general, the collection member is suitable to divert urine discharged from the body of the user to the outlet.

The backing member includes a plurality of flexible members, which define an aperture. When a penis is inserted through the aperture, the flexible members deflect toward the collection member, which expands the size of the aperture according to the size of the penis. While the penis is inserted through the aperture in the backing member, the flexible members apply a force on the penis that assists in retaining the penis in a desired position relative to the urine collection device. As the size of the aperture can expand to an extent commensurate with the size of the particular user's penis, the backing member can provide a more universal fit for a relatively broad range of the male population.

Additionally, in some examples, the backing member can include an adhesive on the proximal side. In this arrangement, when the urine collection device is attached to a user, the adhesive can contact and adhere to a pelvic area of the user to assist in retaining the urine collection device in the desired position. By providing the adhesive on the proximal side, which contacts the pelvic area of the user, the adhesive can more comfortably adhere the urine collection device to a less sensitive part of the body than a condom catheter.

Also, within examples, the collection member can have a size and shape that is adapted to loosely envelope the penis of the user. This can provide for improved comfort relative to condom catheters, which require a more snug fit to be retained on the penis. The collection member can be arranged to loosely envelope the penis, at least in part, because of the features of the backing member that assist in retaining the urine collection device on (or in a particular position with respect to) the penis.

Among other benefits, the urine collection devices described herein are easy to securely attach and can keep the skin relatively dry (i.e., with relatively little contact with urine). This can help to reduce (or prevent) skin breakdown and/or infection.

In additional or alternative examples, a urine collection device includes a collection member extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end includes an opening that provides access to an internal cavity of the collection member. The internal cavity comprises a first chamber in communication (i.e., fluid communication) with a second chamber. In use, a user's penis can be received through the opening in the first chamber and the penis can be separated from the second chamber by an inner wall. Additionally, the second chamber can include a spacer that assists in maintaining the penis in an elevated position above a bottom wall of the collection member.

The urine collection device can be secured to the user by a first attachment member and a second attachment member. For example, the first attachment member can define an aperture and a plurality of flexible members, which are movable relative to each other to expand and/or reduce a size of the aperture. In use, the flexible members can be manipulated to expand the aperture to facilitate positioning the penis in the aperture, and then the flexible members can be manipulated to reduce the aperture to an appropriate size that is commensurate with the particular size and shape of the penis. The first attachment member can then be secured to the pelvic area of the user (e.g., via an adhesive and/or a tape).

The second attachment member can extend from a top wall of the collection member at the proximal end. In use, the second attachment member can be secured to the pelvic area of the user above the first attachment member such that the penis extends through the aperture, above the first attachment member, below the second attachment member, and into the first chamber of the collection member.

When the user urinates with the urine collection device secured to the user in this manner, the urine is initially received in the first chamber. The collection member then directs the urine from the first chamber to the second chamber (e.g., via a plurality of perforations in the inner wall separating the first chamber and the second chamber). The collection member further directs the urine in the second chamber distally toward an outlet that is suitable for egressing the urine from the internal cavity of the collection member.

Thus, within examples, the urine collection device can reduce (or minimize) contact between the user's penis and the urine the urine collection device <NUM>, thereby improving sanitary conditions, reducing the risk of infection, and/or improving user comfort. Additionally, the arrangement of the attachment members and the collection member can provide a more universal fit for a relatively broad range of the male population by securing the urine collection device to the user via a dynamically adjustable aperture proximal of a relatively large opening in the collection member.

Referring to <FIG>, a urine collection device <NUM> is depicted according to an example embodiment. More specifically, <FIG> depicts a perspective view of the urine collection device <NUM> and <FIG> depicts an exploded view of the urine collection device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> includes a backing member <NUM> coupled to a collection member <NUM>. The backing member <NUM> has a proximal side <NUM>, which is suitable for contacting a pelvic area of a user when the urine collection device <NUM> is attached to the user. Additionally, the backing member <NUM> has a distal side <NUM>, which opposes the proximal side <NUM> and faces the collection member <NUM>.

The backing member <NUM> includes a plurality of flexible members <NUM>, which each extend from an outer portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM> to an inner portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. Additionally, each flexible member <NUM> has a respective free end at the inner portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the respective free ends of the flexible members <NUM> define an aperture <NUM> in the backing member <NUM>. In <FIG>, the aperture <NUM> is circular. However, in other examples, the aperture <NUM> can have a different shape such as, for instance, an oval shape, a star shape, an octagon shape, a hexagon shape, another polygonal shape, and/or a non-polygonal shape.

In <FIG>, the flexible members <NUM> extend radially between the aperture <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. More specifically, the flexible members <NUM> are defined laterally by a plurality radially-directed slits <NUM> in the proximal side <NUM> and the distal side <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. In this arrangement, the flexible members <NUM> are non-overlapping relative to each other, and are generally tapering in shape. As described in further detail below, the flexible members <NUM> can at least partially overlap each other and/or have different shapes in alternative examples.

In some examples, prior to attachment to a user, the flexible members <NUM> can be generally coplanar with each other. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the flexible members <NUM> can be positioned such that the proximal side <NUM> and the distal side <NUM> of the backing member <NUM> each provide a substantially flat surface, which define a plane of the backing member <NUM>. Additionally, in this initial state prior to attachment to the user, the aperture <NUM> has an initial size.

Within examples, the flexible members <NUM> are suitable to deflect distally toward the collection member <NUM> to expand the size of the aperture <NUM>. Specifically, the flexible members <NUM> can deflect obliquely to the plane of the backing member <NUM> responsive to the user inserting a penis through the aperture <NUM>. The extent to which the flexible members <NUM> deflect is related to a size of the penis inserted through the aperture <NUM>. As such, the flexible members <NUM> can dynamically flex thereby expanding the aperture <NUM> to accommodate a specific size and/or shape of a user's penis.

While the penis is inserted through the aperture <NUM>, the flexible members <NUM> apply a force on the penis that assists in retaining the penis in a desired position relative to the urine collection device <NUM>. As the size of the aperture <NUM> can expand to an extent commensurate with the size of the particular user's penis, the backing member <NUM> can provide a more universal fit for a relatively broad range of the male population.

Within examples, the proximal side <NUM> of the backing member <NUM> can include an adhesive <NUM> to assist in attaching the backing member <NUM> to the user. For instance, in some implementations, the adhesive <NUM> can be coupled to the outer portion <NUM> of the proximal side <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. By coupling the adhesive <NUM> to outer portion <NUM>, the backing member <NUM> can be attached to the pelvic area of the user with relatively little (or minimal) impact on the deflection of the flexible members <NUM>. Further, because the adhesive <NUM> is arranged to attach to the pelvic area instead of the user's penis, the adhesive <NUM> can adhere the urine collection device <NUM> to a less sensitive area of the user's body than other catheters, which provide adhesive for contacting a substantial portion of the shaft of the penis.

As shown in <FIG>, the adhesive <NUM> can extend around the entire outer portion <NUM> in some examples. This can facilitate providing a seal around the penis of the user and, thus, reduce (or prevent) leakage of urine from the urine collection device <NUM>. However, in other examples, the adhesive <NUM> can be coupled to one or more sections of the outer portion <NUM> as opposed to the entire outer portion <NUM>.

Optionally, to increase the surface area of the adhesive <NUM> and, thus, the surface area of attachment between the urine collection device <NUM> and the user, the adhesive <NUM> can be additionally or alternatively coupled to an anchor tab <NUM>, which extends outwardly away from the outer portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. Although the urine collection device <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a single anchor tab <NUM>, the urine collection device <NUM> can have more than one anchor tab <NUM> in other examples.

Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive <NUM> can be coupled to the proximal side <NUM> of the flexible members <NUM>. In this way, the adhesive <NUM> can facilitate adhering the urine collection device <NUM> to a base of the penis of the user in addition or alternative to the pelvic area of the user.

The collection member <NUM> is suitable to direct urine to an outlet <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the collection member <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> aligned with the aperture <NUM> of the backing member <NUM> such that a combination of the aperture <NUM> and the opening <NUM> provides access to an internal cavity <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>. As such, when the user inserts the penis through the aperture <NUM>, the penis also extends through the opening <NUM> and is received in the internal cavity <NUM>.

The internal cavity <NUM> can be defined by an inner surface <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>. Within examples, the collection member <NUM> can have a size and shape that provides for the inner surface <NUM> of the collection member <NUM> loosely enveloping the penis. For instance, in one implementation, at least a portion of an inner surface <NUM> of the collection member has a circumference, which is greater than a circumference of the aperture <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. By loosely enveloping the penis, the collection member <NUM> can reduce (or minimize) discomfort of the user relative to condom catheters, for example.

As noted above, the collection member <NUM> is suitable to direct urine to the outlet <NUM>. For instance, the collection member <NUM> can be made from a fluid impermeable material. As examples, the collection member <NUM> can be made from silicone, rubber, latex, and/or a thermoplastic. Additionally, in some examples, the collection member <NUM> can have a shape, which generally tapers inwardly over a portion of the collection member <NUM> along a direction from the opening <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> toward the outlet <NUM> at the distal end <NUM>.

The outlet <NUM> is suitable to be coupled to a drain tube (e.g., a drain tube <NUM> shown in <FIG>). In some examples, the outlet <NUM> can include a thread for threadably coupling with the drain tube. In another example, the outlet <NUM> can include a hose barb and/or a Luer lock for coupling with the drain tube.

In the example of <FIG>, the flexible members <NUM> define the aperture <NUM> both (i) prior to being flexed and deflected towards the collection member <NUM> (i.e., prior to insertion of the penis through the backing member <NUM>) and (ii) while being flexed and deflected towards the collection member <NUM> (i.e., when the penis is inserted through the backing member <NUM>). In another example, the flexible members <NUM> can overlap such that the aperture <NUM> is formed only when the flexible members <NUM> are flexed and deflected obliquely to the plane of the backing member <NUM> (e.g., the aperture <NUM> is not formed when the flexible members <NUM> are arranged in the plane of the backing member <NUM>). In that example, inserting the penis through the backing member <NUM> can cause the flexible members <NUM> to flex and deflect, and thereby form the aperture <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a simplified diagram of a system <NUM> for collecting urine is depicted according to an example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes the urine collection device <NUM> described above. Additionally, the system <NUM> includes a drain tube <NUM>, a waste collection reservoir <NUM>, and a vacuum device <NUM>.

A first end <NUM> of the drain tube <NUM> is coupled to the outlet <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>. For example, the drain tube <NUM> can include a thread, a Luer lock, and/or other feature for coupling the drain tube <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. Within examples, the drain tube <NUM> can be a flexible material to facilitate directing the drain tube away from the user's body. It can be beneficial to direct the drain tube <NUM> away from the user's body (e.g., off the side of a bed) to reduce (or prevent) the drain tube <NUM> from accidental pulling and leakage resulting from such pulling.

The waste collection reservoir <NUM> is coupled to a second end <NUM> of the drain tube <NUM> to receive the urine from the drain tube <NUM>. In one example, the waste collection reservoir <NUM> can be a leg bag, a drainage bag, or other container. In another example, the waste collection reservoir <NUM> can include a hanger and/or another structure for coupling the waste collection reservoir <NUM> to a patient support surface <NUM> (e.g., a bed and/or a wheelchair) used by the patient.

In some examples, the waste collection reservoir <NUM> can be a sealed container. This can, for example, reduce (or minimize) a risk of spillage and/or contamination. In some examples, the waste collection reservoir <NUM> can be disposable. In other examples, the waste collection reservoir <NUM> can be reusable. For instance, the waste collection reservoir <NUM> can be configured to be sterilized after a use and reused.

The vacuum device <NUM> can apply a vacuum pressure to the drain tube <NUM> to assist in directing the urine from the outlet <NUM> to the waste collection reservoir <NUM>. For instance, the vacuum device <NUM> can include an air pump or other vacuum source, which is coupled to the waste collection reservoir <NUM> by an air tube <NUM>. In one example, the air tube <NUM> can also be made of a flexible material.

In some examples, the vacuum device <NUM> can be a wall vacuum integrated into a room of a medical facility. In other examples, the vacuum device <NUM> can be integrated with the patient support surface <NUM>. For instance, the vacuum device <NUM> can be integrated with a bed in a medical facility.

Within some examples, the system can also include an occlusion clip for selectively controlling the flow of urine in the drain tube. For instance, the occlusion clip can provide for stopping the flow of urine in the drain tube to facilitate changing and/or emptying the waste collection reservoir.

In use, the urine collection device <NUM> can be attached to the user. First, the urine collection device <NUM> can be positioned to align the aperture <NUM> with a head of a penis of the user. Next, the urine collection device <NUM> can be moved proximally towards the user to insert the penis through the aperture <NUM>. As the penis is inserted through the aperture <NUM>, the flexible members <NUM> deflect distally, which expands the size of the aperture <NUM> according to the size and shape of a portion of the penis in contact with the flexible members <NUM>. The urine collection device <NUM> can be moved further proximally until the adhesive <NUM> contacts and attaches to a pelvic area of the user. In this position, the flexible members <NUM> can apply a retention force on the penis to assist in retaining the penis in the collection member <NUM> and the urine collection device <NUM> in a desired position on the user.

The drain tube <NUM> can be coupled to the outlet <NUM> at the first end <NUM> and the waste collection reservoir <NUM> at the second end <NUM>. The vacuum device <NUM> can also be connected to the waste collection reservoir <NUM> by the air tube <NUM>. The vacuum device <NUM> can then be operated to apply the vacuum pressure at the outlet <NUM> (e.g., via the air tube <NUM>, the waste collection reservoir <NUM>, and the drain tube <NUM>).

As described above, the urine collection device <NUM> can beneficially be attached to users having penises of various sizes and/or shapes. However, in some instances, a user may have a condition, which is known as a"retracted penis". In such instances, a user's penis may not extend through the aperture <NUM> and/or the user's penis may extend only slightly through the aperture <NUM> such that urine discharged by the user may contact the backing member <NUM>. In additional or alternative examples, the urine collection device <NUM> can include a backing member <NUM> that is adapted to divert discharged urine away from the user when the urine contacts the backing member <NUM>.

<FIG> depict a backing member <NUM>, which is adapted to divert discharged urine way from the user, according to another example embodiment. The backing member <NUM> can be used in connection with any of the components of the urine collection device <NUM> and/or the system <NUM> described above for <FIG>. For instance, the backing member <NUM> can be coupled to a collection member such as, for instance, the collection member <NUM> described above (or any of the collection members 812A-812C described below with respect to <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the backing member <NUM> has a proximal side <NUM> for contacting a body of a user, and a distal side <NUM> opposite the proximal side <NUM>. The backing member <NUM> includes a plurality of flexible members <NUM>. As described above, each flexible member <NUM> extends from an outer portion <NUM> to an inner portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. Also, each flexible member <NUM> has a respective free end at the inner portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the backing member <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> defined by the respective free ends of the flexible members <NUM>. As described above, the flexible members <NUM> can deflect in a direction from the proximal side <NUM> to the distal side <NUM> to expand a size of the aperture <NUM>.

The backing member <NUM> further includes a layer of moisture wi eking material <NUM> for drawing urine discharged from the user to a collection portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. The layer of moisture wicking material <NUM> can thus facilitate evacuating the discharged urine away from the body (e.g., by wicking and/or capillary effect). In this way, the layer(s) are less likely to feel wet to the user or cause dampness on the user's skin, improving comfort. Additionally, drawing urine away from the urethral opening of the user assists with inhibiting (or preventing) urine from leaking or flowing into a surrounding environment (e.g., a bed, a chair, or a wheelchair).

Within examples, the layer of moisture wicking material <NUM> can have a relative high absorptive rate, adsorption rate, and/or permeation rate such that the urine can be rapidly wicked and diverted to the collection portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. As one example, the layer of moisture wicking material <NUM> can include a polyester and/or spandex.

In some examples, the collection portion <NUM> can be a portion of the backing member <NUM> that is at lower (or the lowest elevation) when the backing member <NUM> is attached to the user. This can, for instance, allow gravity to assist the layer of moisture wicking material <NUM> in drawing the urine toward the collection portion <NUM>.

The backing member <NUM> further includes a vacuum tube <NUM> at the collection portion <NUM> and distal of the layer of moisture wicking material <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vacuum tube <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> for receiving the urine from the layer of moisture wicking material <NUM>. In one example, the inlet <NUM> can be a notch in the vacuum tube <NUM> (i.e., a relatively small opening or aperture in the vacuum tube <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the vacuum tube <NUM> includes a ring-shaped portion <NUM> extending around the outer portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. Additionally, the vacuum tube <NUM> includes a connector <NUM>, which includes a first port 378A, a second port 378B, and a third port 378C. A first section 380A of the ring-shaped portion <NUM> extends from the first port 378A of the connector <NUM> to the inlet <NUM>. A second section 380B of the ring-shaped portion <NUM> extends from the second port 378B of the connector <NUM> to the inlet <NUM>. A third section 380C extends from the third port 378C of the connector <NUM> and is suitable to be coupled to a waste collection reservoir such as, for instance, the waste collection reservoir <NUM> described above.

Further, the vacuum tube <NUM> can be coupled to a vacuum device such as, for instance, the vacuum device <NUM> described above. As such, the vacuum device <NUM> can apply a vacuum pressure, which can cause the vacuum tube <NUM> to draw urine into the inlet <NUM> of the vacuum tube <NUM> at the collection portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>.

In this arrangement, when a user voids and discharges urine from their body, the urine can contact the layer of moisture wicking material <NUM>. The layer of moisture wicking material <NUM> can then draw the urine toward the collection portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. At the collection portion <NUM>, the urine can be drawn into the vacuum tube <NUM> by the vacuum pressure applied by the vacuum device <NUM>. Under the vacuum pressure, the urine can be drawn along the vacuum tube <NUM> to the waste collection reservoir <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the vacuum tube <NUM> includes a ring- shaped portion <NUM>, which extends around the outer portion <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>. By providing the vacuum tube <NUM> in a ring shape, the vacuum tube <NUM> can provide structural support to the backing member <NUM>. However, as the vacuum tube <NUM> can be made of a flexible material, the vacuum tube <NUM> can be flexed to contour according to a shape of the user's pelvic area adjacent to the backing member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the backing member <NUM> can also include an adhesive <NUM> for attaching the backing member <NUM> to a user. Specifically, in <FIG>, the adhesive <NUM> is provided on an anchor tab <NUM>, which extends over the third section 380C of the vacuum tube <NUM>. This can help to reduce (or prevent) the vacuum tube <NUM> from accidental pulling and leakage resulting from such pulling.

In examples shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the backing members <NUM>, <NUM> included a single anchor tab <NUM>, <NUM> for the adhesive <NUM>, <NUM>. In other examples, the backing members <NUM>, <NUM> can include more than one anchor tabs <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, <FIG> depicts a backing member <NUM>, which includes two anchor tabs <NUM> having adhesive <NUM>. This arrangement of anchor tabs <NUM> can facilitate adhering the backing member <NUM> on opposing sides of the user's pelvic area, which may improve attachment in some instances.

Additionally, the backing member <NUM> can include an extension portion <NUM>, which extends along a portion of a third section 480C of a vacuum tube <NUM>. The extension portion <NUM> can also include the adhesive <NUM>. In this arrangement, the extension portion <NUM> can help to reduce (or prevent) accidental pulling and leakage and/or further improve attachment to the user.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of a backing member is depicted according to another example embodiment. Specifically, <FIG> depicts an alternative arrangement for the flexible members <NUM>, <NUM> described above. For example, as described above, the flexible members <NUM>, <NUM> are shown in a non-overlapping arrangement relative to each other.

By contrast, <FIG> depicts a plurality of flexible members <NUM>, which at least partially overlap each other. As shown in <FIG>, the flexible members <NUM> define an aperture <NUM>. Like the flexible members <NUM>, <NUM> described above, the flexible members <NUM> are suitable to deflect distally to expand the size of the aperture <NUM>. However, when the flexible members <NUM> deflect distally, the flexible members <NUM> can remain in an overlapping arrangement relative to each other. As such, when the flexible members <NUM> deflect distally, no gaps are formed between adjacent ones of the flexible members <NUM>. This can beneficially assist in preventing leakage of urine from the urine collection device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a urine collection device <NUM> is depicted according to another example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> includes a backing member <NUM> coupled to a collection member <NUM>, as described above. The backing member <NUM> includes a first flexible member <NUM> A and a second flexible member 618B, which define an aperture <NUM>. The first flexible member <NUM> A and the second flexible member 618B are arranged so that the second flexible member 618B can provide a barrier (e.g., a dam), which can beneficially inhibit or prevent urine from leaking out of the collection member <NUM>, when the urine collection device <NUM> is attached to the user in the orientation depicted in <FIG>. The first flexible member 618A can be made up of a plurality of flex members.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of a backing member <NUM> is depicted according to another example embodiment. In this example, the backing member includes a distal side <NUM> for facing the collection member <NUM> and a proximal side <NUM> opposite the distal side <NUM>. The backing member <NUM> includes a foam member <NUM>. The foam member includes (i) a liquid impermeable layer on the distal side <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>, and (ii) a wi eking layer for wi eking urine on the proximal side <NUM> of the backing member <NUM>.

Within examples, the foam member <NUM> can be used in addition or alterative to the flexible members described in the examples above to provide for retention of the backing member <NUM> on the penis of the user. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the foam member <NUM> can define an aperture <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a force can be applied to a top portion and a bottom portion of the foam member <NUM> (e.g., by a pinching action) to expand the aperture <NUM>. While the aperture is expanded, the penis of the user can be inserted through the aperture <NUM>. After the penis is inserted in the aperture <NUM>, the force can be remove from the top portion and the bottom portion of the foam member <NUM>, which allows the foam member <NUM> to relax into contact with the penis. In this way, the foam member <NUM> can provide for retention of the penis within the urine collection device. To remove the foam member <NUM>, a force can be reapplied to the top portion and the bottom portion of the foam member <NUM> to expand the aperture <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the force for expanding the aperture <NUM> can be conveniently provided using a single hand. This can assist in improving operational efficiency, ease of use, and safety.

Referring now to <FIG>, a plurality of collection members 812A, 812B, 812C are depicted according to additional examples. The collection members 812A, 812B, 812C can be used in connection with any of the backing members (e.g., the backing members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) described herein.

The collection members 812A, 812B, 812C are substantially similar to the collection member <NUM> described above. However, the collection members 812A, 812B, 812C generally have shapes and/or sizes that differ to some extent relative to those of the collection member <NUM> described above.

Additionally, for example, the collection members 812A, 812B, 812C include at least one of a layer of moisture wicking material <NUM> or a layer of absorbent material <NUM> in the internal cavity. The layer of moisture wicking material <NUM> in the internal cavity can facilitate drawing the urine discharged from a user toward an outlet <NUM>. Similarly, the layer of absorbent material <NUM> in the internal cavity can facilitate absorbing the urine discharged from the user. As examples, the absorbent material can include a cotton fiber, a cellulose fiber, absorbent polymers, hydrophilic absorbing powder, and/or synthetic fibers.

Referring now to <FIG>, a urine collection device <NUM> according to another example embodiment. More specifically, <FIG> depicts a perspective view of the urine collection device <NUM>, <FIG> depicts another perspective view of the urine collection device <NUM>, <FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view of the urine collection device <NUM> taken through a line <NUM> in <FIG>, and <FIG> depicts an exploded view of the urine collection device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> includes a collection member <NUM> that is suitable to direct urine to an outlet <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>. The collection member <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the proximal end <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that provides access to an internal cavity <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>.

As also shown in <FIG>, the collection member <NUM> includes a top wall 990A, a bottom wall 990B, and inner wall 990C between the top wall 990A and the bottom wall 990B. In this arrangement, the internal cavity <NUM> includes a first chamber 938A and a second chamber 938B with the inner wall 990C separating the first chamber 938A from the second chamber 938B. As shown in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> in the collection member <NUM> is defined by the inner wall 990C and the top wall <NUM> A of the collection member <NUM>. Whereas, at the proximal end <NUM>, the inner wall 990C is coupled to the bottom wall 990B of the collection member <NUM>. As such, the inner wall 990C inhibits access to the second chamber 938B from outside of the first chamber 938A. Thus, when the user inserts a penis through the opening <NUM>, the penis is received in the first chamber 938A of the internal cavity <NUM>.

With the user's penis extending through the opening <NUM>, urine can be initially received in the first chamber 938A of the collection member <NUM>. The received urine can be directed from the first chamber <NUM> A to the second chamber 938B so as to reduce (or minimize) contact between the user and the urine. This can beneficially improve user comfort, and/or improve hygiene and sanitary conditions for the user.

To direct the urine from the first chamber 938A to the second chamber 938B, the first chamber 938A is in communication (i.e., fluid communication) with the second chamber 938B. For example, the inner wall 990C can define a plurality of perforations <NUM> through which the first chamber 938A can communicate with the second chamber 938B. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the perforations <NUM> each have a generally circular shape; however, one or more of the perforations <NUM> can have a different shape in other example embodiments. Additionally, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the perforations <NUM> are arranged in a pattern including three lines of perforations <NUM> in the inner wall 990C; however, the perforations <NUM> can be arranged in a different pattern in other example embodiments.

Additionally, to assist in directing the urine in the second chamber 938B to the outlet <NUM> at the distal end <NUM>, the urine collection device <NUM> can include a spacer <NUM> in the second chamber 938B. The spacer <NUM> can, for example, help to separate the bottom wall 990B from the inner wall 990C. This can help to inhibit (or prevent) an occlusion of the second chamber 938B, which may negatively impact egress of the urine from the urine collection device <NUM>. Additionally, for example, the spacer <NUM> can help to inhibit (or prevent) an occurrence of a vacuum lock condition due to the vacuum pressure applied by a vacuum device (such as, e.g., the vacuum device <NUM> depicted in <FIG>).

In one example, the spacer <NUM> is an open-cell foam material configured to allow the urine to flow through the spacer <NUM> in a direction from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>. In another example, the spacer <NUM> can be made from other materials such as, for instance, a closed foam material. However, an open-cell foam material can be particularly beneficial in that an open-cell foam material can allow the urine to flow both through and around the spacer <NUM>. Whereas, other materials may limit and/or prevent the urine from flowing through the spacer <NUM>. In some implementations, the open-cell foam material of the spacer <NUM> can allow the urine in the second chamber 938B to flow to the outlet <NUM> even when the spacer <NUM> is compressed.

In one implementation, for instance, the spacer <NUM> can include a thermally reticulated <NUM> ppi polyether polyurethane foam (PUR). Additionally, for instance, the spacer <NUM> can have (i) a pore size (visual) of approximately <NUM> pores per <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM> inch) to approximately <NUM> pores per <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM> inch) (ii) a density of approximately <NUM>/m<NUM> (<NUM> pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft<<NUM>>) to approximately <NUM>/m<NUM> (<NUM> lbs/ft<<NUM>>), (iii) a tensile strength of at least approximately <NUM> N/m<NUM> (<NUM> pounds per square inch (psi)), (iv) an elongation of <NUM> percent, (v) a tear of at least approximately <NUM> N/m (<NUM> pounds per inch (lbs/ in)), (vi) a compression load deflection at <NUM>% R (CLD <NUM>%R(<NUM>"x2"xl")) of at least approximately <NUM> N/m<NUM> (<NUM> psi), (vii) a CLD <NUM>%R(<NUM>"x2"xl") of at least approximately <NUM> N/m<NUM> (<NUM> psi), and/or (viii) a maximum compression set of approximately <NUM>%.

In another example, for instance, the spacer <NUM> can include a plurality of gas filled pockets separated by gaps, which allow the urine to flow through and around the spacer <NUM>. For example, the pockets can be similar to bubble wrap (e.g., made from (e.g., polyethylene pockets filled with air). A quantity, a size, and/or a density of the pockets can be arranged to allow for urine flow to the outlet <NUM> while inhibiting a vacuum lock condition when a vacuum pressure is applied to the urine collection device <NUM>. In a further example, the spacer <NUM> can be constructed with a plurality of channels to allow the urine to flow to the outlet <NUM> while also allowing for air to flow, alleviating a vacuum lock condition. In one implementation, the spacer <NUM> can be made from a polymer material and molded, for example, by an injection molding or thermoformed molding process.

As noted above, the collection member <NUM> can be made from a flexible material such as, for instance, silicone, rubber, latex, and/or a thermoplastic. The spacer <NUM> can also beneficially assist in providing support to the urine collection device <NUM> to, for instance, inhibit (or prevent) twisting of the collection member <NUM> and/or improve handling of the urine collection device <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the spacer <NUM> extends from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>. This can allow the spacer <NUM> to help to support the collection member <NUM> over a relatively large portion of the urine collection device <NUM>. However, in other examples, the spacer <NUM> can extend over a smaller portion of the second chamber 938B.

As noted above, the collection member <NUM> is suitable to (i) direct urine from the first chamber <NUM> A to the second chamber 938B (e.g., via the perforations <NUM>) and (ii) direct the urine in the second chamber 938B distally toward the outlet <NUM> (e.g., through and/or around the spacer <NUM>). The outlet <NUM> is configured to egress the urine from internal cavity <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>. For example, the outlet <NUM> can include an aperture <NUM> in the top wall 990A and a port <NUM>, which is suitable to be coupled to a drain tube (e.g., a drain tube <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The port <NUM> can be coupled to the top wall 990A at the aperture <NUM> by, for example, RF heat sealing and/or RF welding.

In one example, the port <NUM> can include a thread for threadably coupling with the drain tube. In another example, the port <NUM> can include a hose barb and/or a Luer lock for coupling with the drain tube. In another example, as described in further detail below, the port <NUM> can include a tapered end portion for coupling with the drain tube. Given that drain tubes may have different sizes (e.g., depending on the make and/or model of the vacuum device <NUM>), the tapered end portion of the port <NUM> can help to more universally couple the port <NUM> to a plurality of differently sized drain tubes.

In <FIG>, the outlet <NUM> is at a location spaced away from the distal end <NUM>. As described in further detail below, the outlet <NUM> can be at other locations such as, for example, at a distalmost point of the collection member <NUM> in other examples. By locating the outlet <NUM> near or at the distal end <NUM>, pooling of urine at the distal end <NUM> can be reduced (or minimized).

As noted above, the collection member <NUM> is suitable to (i) direct urine from the first chamber 938A to the second chamber 938B and (ii) direct the urine in the second chamber 938B distally toward the outlet <NUM>. To facilitate egressing the urine in the second chamber 938B from the collection member <NUM>, the inner wall 990C can include a passage <NUM> at the outlet <NUM>. The passage <NUM> can be similar to the perforations <NUM> in the inner wall 990C in that the passage <NUM> provides for communication between the second chamber 938B and the first chamber <NUM> A. In one example, the passage <NUM> can have a size that is greater than a size of each of the perforations <NUM>. Additionally, the passage <NUM> can be aligned with outlet <NUM> of the collection member <NUM> (e.g., aligned with the aperture <NUM> in the top wall 990A). In this arrangement, when the vacuum device applies the vacuum pressure to the outlet <NUM>, the urine can be directed under suction (i) from the second chamber 238B to the first chamber 238A via the passage <NUM> (and/or adjacent ones of the perforations <NUM>), and (ii) from the first chamber <NUM> A into the drain tube via the outlet <NUM>.

Although the passage <NUM> is larger than each perforation <NUM> in <FIG>, the passage <NUM> can have a size that is the same as and/or smaller than one or more of the perforations <NUM> in other examples. However, providing the passage <NUM> with a size that is larger than the perforations <NUM> can help to receive and/or maintain the urine in the second chamber 938B in areas proximal to the outlet <NUM> (e.g., as the urine is flowing in a direction from the proximal end <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM>).

Additionally, as noted above, the passage <NUM> is aligned with the outlet <NUM> in <FIG>. This can, for example, help to apply the vacuum pressure more directly to the urine in the second chamber 938B when the outlet <NUM> is on the top wall 990A. However, the passage <NUM> can be at other locations relative to the outlet <NUM> in other examples. Further, although the passage <NUM> is distal of the perforations <NUM> in <FIG>, one or more of the perforations can be distal of the passage <NUM> in other examples.

As described above, when the user inserts a penis through the opening <NUM>, the penis is received in the first chamber 938A of the internal cavity <NUM>. Within examples, the first chamber 938A of the collection member <NUM> can have a size and shape that provides for the collection member <NUM> loosely enveloping the penis when inserted through the opening <NUM>. For instance, in one implementation, at least a portion of the collection member <NUM> at the first chamber <NUM> A can have a circumference, which is greater than most (or all) penis sizes. By loosely enveloping the penis, the collection member <NUM> can reduce (or minimize) discomfort of the user relative to condom catheters, for example.

As shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> further includes one or more attachment members 996A-996B that are suitable to secure the urine collection device <NUM> to a user. In particular, in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> includes a first attachment member 996A and a second attachment member 996B. However, the urine collection device <NUM> can include a single attachment member 996A-996B or more than two attachment members 996A-996B in other examples.

The first attachment member <NUM> A extends from the bottom wall 990B of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>. The first attachment member 996A includes an outer side 914A for contacting a pelvic area of a user and an inner side 914B facing the collection member <NUM> when the urine collection device <NUM> is secured to the user. The first attachment member 996A also defines an aperture <NUM>, which extends through the first attachment member <NUM> A from the outer side 914A to the inner side 914B. When the urine collection device <NUM> is secured to the user, the first attachment member 996A receives the penis of the user in the aperture <NUM> with the outer side facing the pelvic area of the user and the inner side facing the collection member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first attachment member <NUM> A also includes a plurality of flexible members 918A-918B that facilitate access to the aperture <NUM>. Specifically, in <FIG>, the first attachment member 996A includes a first flexible member <NUM> A and a second flexible member 918B that are movable relative to each other to facilitate access to the aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member 996A. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first flexible member <NUM> A can be separated from the second flexible member 918B by a slit <NUM> extending distally from the aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member 996A. In <FIG>, the slit <NUM> extends from the aperture <NUM> to a distalmost point of the first attachment member 996A. However, the slit <NUM> can extend to a point that is proximal of the distalmost point of the first attachment member 996A in another example embodiment.

In this arrangement, to receive the penis through the aperture <NUM>, the first flexible member and the second flexible member can be deflected away from each other to expand the size of the aperture <NUM>. After the aperture <NUM> is expanded, the first attachment member 996A can be positioned on the user with the penis extending through the aperture <NUM>. After the first attachment member 996A is positioned on the user such that the penis extends through the aperture <NUM>, the first flexible member 918A and the second flexible member 918B can be moved back toward each other to reduce the size of the aperture <NUM> to a size that comfortably fits around the penis. As such, the first flexible member 918A and the second flexible member 918B can be manipulated to adjust the size of the aperture <NUM> and thereby accommodate a specific size and/or shape of a given user's penis.

In some examples, when the penis is inserted through the aperture <NUM>, the first flexible member <NUM> A and the second flexible member 918B can additionally apply a force on the penis that assists in retaining the penis in a desired position relative to the collection member <NUM>. As the size of the aperture <NUM> can expand to an extent commensurate with the size of the particular user's penis, the first attachment member 996A can provide a more universal fit for a relatively broad range of the male population.

The first attachment member <NUM> A can include a first adhesive 926A to further assist in securing the first attachment member 996A to a user. For instance, the first adhesive 926A can be coupled to the outer side 914A of the first attachment member 996A. As such, when the first attachment member 996A is secured to the user, the first adhesive 926A on the outer side 914A of the first attachment member <NUM> A can contact and adhere to the pelvic area of the user to assist in retaining the urine collection device <NUM> in the desired position. By providing the first adhesive <NUM> A on the outer side 914A, which contacts the pelvic area of the user, the first adhesive 926A can more comfortably adhere the urine collection device <NUM> to a less sensitive part of the body than a condom catheter.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first adhesive 926A can have a shape that generally corresponds to a shape of the first attachment member <NUM> A. For instance, the first adhesive 926A can extend around at least a portion of the aperture <NUM>, along at least a portion of the first flexible member <NUM> A, and along at least a portion of the second flexible member 918B. This can help to secure the first attachment member 996A to the user over a relatively large surface area of the first attachment member <NUM> A, which can help to maintain the urine collection device <NUM> in a desired position relative to the user. Also, in some examples, the first adhesive 926A can extend entirely around the aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member <NUM> A.

As shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the second attachment member 996B extends from the top wall 990A of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>. The second attachment member 996B includes an inner side 916B for contacting a pelvic area of a user and an outer side 916A facing away from the user when the urine collection device <NUM> is secured to the user. Additionally, the second attachment member 996B includes a second adhesive 926B to assist in securing the second attachment member 996B to the user. Specifically, the second adhesive 926B is coupled to the inner side 916B of the second attachment member 996B.

In some examples, the second attachment member 996B can have a length (i.e., a dimension along a longitudinal axis) that is greater than a length of the first attachment member 996A. This can assist in allowing the second attachment member 996B to be secured to the user at a location that is above a location at which the first attachment member 996A is secured to the user.

As shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> can include a plurality of sheets 942A-942C of material. In particular, the urine collection device <NUM> can include a first sheet 942A, a second sheet 942B, and a third sheet 942C, which are coupled to each other to form the urine collection device <NUM>. As examples, the sheets 942A-942C can be coupled to each other by, for instance, radio frequency (RF) heat sealing and/or RF welding.

The first sheet 942A can provide the top wall 990A of the collection member <NUM> and the first attachment member 996A, and the second sheet 942B can provide the bottom wall 990B and the second attachment member 996B of the collection member <NUM>. The third sheet 942C is between the first sheet 942A and the second sheet 942B.

In this arrangement, the third sheet 942C can provide the inner wall 990C that divides the internal cavity <NUM> into the first chamber 938A and the second chamber 938B. Specifically, the first chamber 938A can be defined by a space between the first sheet 942A and the second sheet 942B (i.e., between the top wall 990A and the inner wall 990C), whereas the second chamber 938B can be defined by a space between the second sheet 942B and the third sheet 942C (i.e., between the inner wall 990C and the bottom wall 990B).

In <FIG>, the first attachment member 996A is integrally formed with the top wall 990A and the second attachment member 996B is integrally formed with the bottom wall 990B. This can beneficially reduce (or minimize) a risk of the first attachment member 996A and/or the second attachment member 996B becoming detached from the collection member <NUM>. However, in other examples, the first attachment member 996A can be coupled to the top wall 990A and/or the second attachment member 996B can be coupled to the bottom wall 990B.

Referring now to <FIG>, a urine collection device <NUM> is depicted according to another example embodiment. The urine collection device <NUM> is substantially similar to the urine collection device <NUM> illustrated and described with respect to <FIG>, except the urine collection device <NUM> includes attachment members that differ in some ways from the first attachment member 996A and the second attachment member 996B in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> includes a collection member <NUM> extending from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the collection member <NUM> has a width that tapers inwardly along a longitudinal axis from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the proximal end <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that provides access to an internal cavity <NUM>, which has a first chamber 1038A in communication (i.e., fluid communication) with a second chamber 1038B. The urine collection device <NUM> includes an inner wall 1090C separating the first chamber 1038A from the second chamber 1038B and the inner wall 1090C includes a plurality of perforations <NUM> through which the first chamber <NUM> A communicates with the second chamber 1038B. A spacer <NUM> is in the second chamber 1038B. Additionally, the urine collection device <NUM> includes an outlet <NUM> for egressing urine from the internal cavity <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a first attachment member 1096A extends from a bottom wall 1090B of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>, and a second attachment member 1096B extends from a top wall 1090A of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>. The first attachment member 1096A includes an inner side 1014B and an outer side opposite the inner side 1014B in <FIG>, and the second attachment member 1096B includes an outer side 1016A and an inner side 1016B. The first attachment member 1096A also includes a first adhesive 1026A on the outer side of the first attachment member 1096A (i.e., on the side opposite the inner side 1014B shown in <FIG>), and the second attachment member 1096B includes a second adhesive 1026B on the inner side 1016B of the second attachment member 1096B to assist in securing the urine collection device <NUM> to a user.

As shown in <FIG>, the first attachment member 1096A includes a first flexible member 1018A and a second flexible member 1018B. The first flexible member 1018A and the second flexible member 1018B of the first attachment member 1096A define an aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member <NUM> A. As shown in <FIG>, the first flexible member 1018A and the second flexible member 1018B are separated by a slit <NUM> and are independently movable relative to each other (and/or the collection member <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the first attachment member 1096A includes a ring-shaped portion extending between an inner edge 1044A and an outer edge 1044B. The inner edge <NUM> A defines a circumference of the aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member <NUM> A, and outer edge 1044B defines a circumference of the ring-shaped portion of the first attachment member <NUM> A. In this arrangement, the first flexible member 1018A and the second flexible member 1018B can each define a respective semi-circular arc.

In one example, the inner edge 1044A can be a circle having a diameter of approximately <NUM> millimeters (mm) and the outer edge 1044B can have a diameter of approximately <NUM>. This can allow for a size of the aperture <NUM> of the first attachment member 1096A to be dynamically adjusted within a range of sizes between approximately <NUM> and <NUM> based on, among other things, a position of the first flexible member 1018A and the second flexible member 1018B relative to each other. As explained below, the aperture <NUM> can be dynamically expanded to accommodate penises having different sizes and/or shapes and thereby provide a more universal fit than existing urine collection devices (e.g., condom catheters). For instance, to accommodate penises having sizes between <NUM> and <NUM>, conventional condom catheters are typically required to come in five or more different sizes (e.g., a <NUM> size catheter, a <NUM> size catheter, a <NUM> size catheter, a <NUM> size catheter, a <NUM> size catheter, and a <NUM> size catheter).

As also shown in <FIG>, the ring-shaped portion of the first attachment member 1096A further includes an inner portion 1046A and an outer portion 1046B. The first adhesive 1026A is coupled to the outer portion 1046B, and the inner portion <NUM> A extends from the outer portion 1046B to the inner edge <NUM> A. Within examples, the first adhesive <NUM> A can include a stiffening member that enhances the rigidity of a portion of the first attachment member <NUM> A coupled to the first adhesive <NUM> A. For instance, the first adhesive 1026A can include a flexible cushion, which can enhance the rigidity of the outer portion 1046B of the first attachment member 1096A and/or improve user comfort.

In this arrangement, the first attachment member <NUM> A is configured such that the inner portion 1046A can deflect relative to the outer portion 1046B. This can beneficially provide for the inner portion 1046A deflecting distally relative to the outer portion 1046B when the user's penis is inserted and/or received through the aperture <NUM>, and thereby expanding the size of the aperture <NUM> to accommodate differently sized and shaped penises. The relatively flexible inner portion 1046A can additionally or alternatively improve patient comfort by reducing (or minimizing) an amount of pressure applied by the first attachment member 1096A to the penis.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the first adhesive <NUM> A extends proximally from the first attachment member <NUM> A. By contrast, in <FIG>, the first adhesive <NUM> A is generally co-extensive with the first attachment member <NUM> A.

Referring now to <FIG>, a process for using the urine collection device <NUM> is depicted according to an example embodiment. To secure the urine collection device <NUM> to a user, the first flexible member 1018A and the second flexible member 1018B are moved away from each other to expand the size of the aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member <NUM> A. Next, the first attachment member 1096A is positioned on a pelvic area <NUM> of the user such that the penis of the user extends through the aperture <NUM>. For instance, in one implementation, the first attachment member 1096A can be first moved to a position directly below the penis and then, while the aperture <NUM> is expanded, raised until the penis is received in the aperture <NUM>. That is, the penis can pass through the slit <NUM> between the first flexible member 1018A and the second flexible member 1018B to position the penis in the aperture <NUM>. In another implementation, the first attachment member 1096A can be positioned such that the aperture <NUM> is aligned with the penis and then the first attachment member <NUM> A can be moved proximally to insert the penis through the aperture <NUM>.

After the penis is received in the aperture <NUM>, the first flexible member <NUM> A and the second flexible member 1018B can be moved toward each other to reduce the size of the aperture <NUM>, and the first attachment member 1096A can be coupled to the pelvic area <NUM> of the user by the first adhesive 1026A. In this way, the first attachment member 1096A can provide for dynamically adjusting the size of the aperture <NUM> to accommodate the specific size and/or shape of the penis, as described above.

<FIG> depicts the first attachment member 1096A secured to the pelvic area <NUM> of the user with the penis of the user extending through the aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member 1096A. Additionally, in <FIG>, the penis is outside of the first chamber 1038A of the collection member <NUM>. Next, the second attachment member 1096B can be moved so that the penis is inserted through the opening <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the urine collection device <NUM> with the user's penis extending through the aperture <NUM> of the first attachment member 1096A and the opening <NUM> of the collection member <NUM> into the first chamber 1038A of the collection member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, after the penis is inserted into the first chamber 1038A, the second attachment member 1096B is secured to the pelvic area <NUM> of the user by the second adhesive 1026B.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, when the urine collection device <NUM> secured to the user, a gap <NUM> is formed between the first attachment member <NUM> A and the second attachment member 1096B on opposing sides of the urine collection device <NUM>. The gaps <NUM> can beneficially allow for air flow through the opening <NUM> and into the first chamber <NUM> A. This air flow can beneficially help to, for example, maintain sanitary conditions and/or improve user comfort. Additionally, for example, the airflow provided by the gaps can help to reduce (or minimize) a risk of a vacuum lock condition occurring.

With the urine collection device <NUM> secured to the user as shown in <FIG>, the user's penis is received in the first chamber 1038A and above the second chamber 1038B. When the user urinates, the urine is initially received in the first chamber 1038A. The urine is then directed from the first chamber <NUM> A to the second chamber 1038B via the perforations <NUM> in the inner wall 1090C. As the first chamber <NUM> A is separated from the second chamber 1038B by the inner wall 1090C, contact between the user's penis and the urine is reduced or minimized. Additionally, the spacer <NUM> in the second chamber 1038B can assist in maintaining the penis at an elevated position relative to the urine in the second chamber 1038B and, thus, can help to further reduce or minimize contact between the user's penis and the urine. By reducing or minimizing contact between the user's penis and the urine, the urine collection device <NUM> improves sanitary conditions, reduces the risk of infection, and/or improves user comfort.

The urine in the second chamber 1038B can be directed distally toward the outlet <NUM>. At the outlet <NUM>, the urine can be egressed from the collection member <NUM>, for example, under a vacuum pressure applied by a vacuum device (e.g., the vacuum device <NUM>) and a drain tube <NUM> coupled to the outlet <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the outlet <NUM>, <NUM> is at a location on the top wall <NUM> A, 1090A spaced away from the distal end <NUM>, <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>, <NUM>. However, as noted above, the outlet <NUM>, <NUM> can be at a distalmost point of the collection member <NUM>, <NUM> in other examples. <FIG> depicts a urine collection device <NUM> including an outlet <NUM> at a distalmost point of a collection member <NUM>. For example, the collection member <NUM> can be formed from a plurality of sheets of material (e.g., the first sheet <NUM> A, the second sheet 942B, and/or the third sheet 942C), and the outlet <NUM> can include a port <NUM> coupled to the distalmost point of the collection member <NUM> at a seam <NUM> between the sheets of material. In implementation, the port <NUM> can be coupled to sheets of material by RF welding and/or RF heat sealing of the sheets around the port <NUM>. By locating the outlet <NUM> at the distalmost point, pooling of urine in the collection member <NUM> can be reduced (or minimized) relative to locating the outlet at more proximal locations.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, because the port <NUM> is at the distalmost point of the collection member <NUM>, the port <NUM> can have a generally linear shape that can egress urine in a direction that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the collection member <NUM>. Whereas, in <FIG>, the port <NUM>, <NUM> includes an approximately <NUM> degree bend to facilitate directing the urine through the top wall 990A, <NUM> A of the collection member <NUM>, <NUM> to the direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (and away from the user).

Additionally, as noted above, the port <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the urine collection device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can include a tapered end portion for coupling with the drain tube. For example, <FIG> depicts a port <NUM> having a tapered end portion 1378A according to another example embodiment. Given that drain tubes may have different sizes (e.g., depending on the make and/or model of the vacuum device <NUM>), the tapered end portion of the port <NUM> can help to more universally couple the port <NUM> to a plurality of differently sized drain tubes.

As described above, the urine collection device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> forms the gaps <NUM> between the first attachment member 996A, 1096A and the second attachment member 996B, 1096B when the urine collection device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is secured to the user. Additionally, as described above, the gaps <NUM> can beneficially allow for air flow through the opening <NUM>, <NUM> and into the first chamber 938A, 1038A. This air flow can beneficially help to, for example, maintain sanitary conditions and/or improve user comfort. Additionally, for example, the airflow provided by the gaps can help to reduce (or minimize) a risk of a vacuum lock condition occurring.

However, in another example, the urine collection device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can include one or more baffle portions (i.e., flange portions) that reduce (or eliminate) a size of the gaps <NUM> between the first attachment member 996A, 1096A and the second attachment member 996B, 1096B. As an example, <FIG> depicts a urine collection device <NUM> that includes a first baffle portion <NUM> extending between a first attachment member 1496A and the second attachment member 1496B on a first lateral side and a second baffle portion <NUM> extending between the first attachment member 1496A and the second attachment member 1496B on a second lateral side. For user's with relatively small sized penises, the baffle portions <NUM> can help to retain the user's penis in the urine collection device <NUM> and/or reduce (or minimize) leakage of urine from a proximal end <NUM>. Within examples, the baffle portions <NUM> can each have an accordion structure or a pleated structure that facilitates extending and retracting a size of the baffle portion <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a urine collection device <NUM> is illustrated according to another example embodiment. The urine collection device <NUM> is substantially similar to the urine collection devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described above.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> includes a collection member <NUM> extending from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the collection member <NUM> has a width that tapers inwardly along a longitudinal axis from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the proximal end <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that provides access to an internal cavity, which has a first chamber 1038A in communication with a second chamber 1038B (e.g., the internal cavity <NUM>, <NUM>, which has the first chamber 938A, 1038A in fluid communication with the second chamber 938B, 1038B). The urine collection device <NUM> includes an inner wall 1590C separating the first chamber from the second chamber and the inner wall includes a plurality of perforations <NUM> through which the first chamber communicates with the second chamber. A spacer <NUM> is in the second chamber. Additionally, the urine collection device <NUM> includes an outlet <NUM> for egressing urine from the internal cavity <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a first attachment member 1596A extends from a bottom wall 1590B of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>, and a second attachment member 1596B extends from a top wall 1590A of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>. The first attachment member 1596A includes an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side, and the second attachment member 1596B includes an outer side and an inner side. The first attachment member <NUM> A also includes a first adhesive 1526A on the outer side of the first attachment member 1596A, and the second attachment member 1596B includes a second adhesive 1526B on the inner side of the second attachment member 1596B to assist in securing the urine collection device <NUM> to a user.

As shown in <FIG>, the first attachment member 1596A includes a first flexible member <NUM> A and a second flexible member 1518B. The first flexible member 1518A and the second flexible member 1518B of the first attachment member 1596A define an aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member 1596A. As shown in <FIG>, the first flexible member 1518A and the second flexible member 1518B are separated and independently movable relative to each other (and/or the collection member <NUM>).

The urine collection device <NUM> differs from the urine collection devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in that the second attachment member 1596B includes a first arm 1581A and a second arm 1581B laterally extending from a center portion <NUM>. More specifically, the first arm 1581A and the second arm 1581B laterally diverge from each other as the first arm <NUM> A and the second arm 1581B extend proximally from the center portion <NUM>. In this arrangement, when the second attachment member 1596B is secured to the user, the center portion <NUM> can be located at a middle area of the user's pelvic area and/or abdomen. Given that a relatively large portion of the male population has a greater density of hair near the middle area of the pelvic area and/or abdomen and a relatively lesser density of hair at areas adjacent to the middle area, the laterally-extending configuration of the second attachment member 1596B can reduce (or minimize) contact between the second adhesive 1526B and the user's hair. As such, the arrangement of the second attachment member 1596B and the second adhesive 1526B can improve patient comfort.

Additionally, because the first arm 1581A and the second arm 1581B laterally extend from the center portion <NUM>, the first arm 1581A and the second arm 1581B can help to increase stability of the urine collection device <NUM> relative to urine collection devices that omit the first arm 1581A and the second arm 1581B laterally extending from the center portion <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the second attachment member 1596B is generally Y-shaped. As such, in <FIG>, the center portion <NUM> can be a vertex from which the first arm <NUM> A and the second arm 1581B laterally and proximally extend. In another example, the first arm <NUM> A and the second arm 1581B can laterally extend from the center portion <NUM> such that the second attachment member 1596B is generally T-shaped.

Referring now to <FIG>, a urine collection device <NUM> is illustrated according to another example embodiment. More specifically, <FIG> is an exploded view of the urine collection device <NUM>, <FIG> is a perspective view of the urine collection device <NUM>, <FIG> is another perspective view of the urine collection device <NUM>, and <FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view of the urine collection device <NUM> taken through a line <NUM> in <FIG>. The urine collection device <NUM> is substantially similar to the urine collection devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described above.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> includes a collection member <NUM> extending from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the collection member <NUM> has a width that tapers inwardly along a longitudinal axis <NUM> from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>.

Additionally, in <FIG>, a first attachment member 1696A extends from a bottom wall 1690B of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>, and a second attachment member 1696B extends from a top wall 1690A of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>. The first attachment member 1696A includes an inner side 1614B and an outer side 1614A opposite the inner side 1614B, and the second attachment member 1696B includes an outer side 1616A and an inner side 1616B. The first attachment member 1696A also includes a first adhesive 1626A on the outer side 1614A of the first attachment member 1696A, and the second attachment member 1696B includes a second adhesive 1626B on the inner side 1616B of the second attachment member 1696B to assist in securing the urine collection device <NUM> to a user.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict the first attachment member 1696A including a first flexible member 1618A and a second flexible member 1618B. The first flexible member 1618A and the second flexible member 1618B of the first attachment member 1696A define an aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member <NUM> A. As shown in <FIG>, the first flexible member 1618A and the second flexible member 1618B are separated and independently movable relative to each other (and/or the collection member <NUM>).

In <FIG>, the second adhesive 1626B includes a first arm <NUM> A and a second arm 1681B laterally extending from a center portion <NUM>. Specifically, the first arm 1681A and the second arm 1681B laterally extend from the center portion <NUM> such that the second adhesive 1626B and the second attachment member 1696B form a generally T-shaped structure. In this arrangement, when the second attachment member 1696B is secured to the user via the adhesive 1626B, the center portion <NUM> can be located at a middle area of the user's pelvic area and/or abdomen so that the first arm 1681A and the second arm 1681B extend to areas adjacent to the middle area of the user's pelvic area and/or abdomen. As noted above, this can help to reduce (or minimize) contact between the second adhesive 1626B and the user's hair, and/or improve stability of the urine collection device <NUM> secured to the user.

In one implementation, a surface of the second adhesive 1626B which faces the user can have an active adhesive portion that is configured to adhere to the user. A portion of the second adhesive 1626B which faces the user can have an inactive adhesive portion that does not adhere to the user, such as the center portion <NUM> between the first arm 1681A and the second arm 1681B. This can further assist in reducing (or minimizing) an extent to which the second adhesive 1626B adheres to the hair of the user at the middle area of the user's pelvic area and/or abdomen. In another implementation, the active adhesive portion of the second adhesive 1626B can include at least a portion (or an entirety) of the first arm <NUM> A, the second arm 1681B, and/or the center portion <NUM> of the second adhesive 1626B, such that the second adhesive 1626B can adhere to the user at the first arm <NUM> A, the second arm 1681B, and/or the center portion <NUM> of the second adhesive 1626B.

As shown in <FIG>, the proximal end <NUM> of the collection member <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that provides access to an internal cavity <NUM>, which has a first chamber 1638A in communication (i.e., fluid communication) with a second chamber 1638B. Like the urine collection devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described above, the urine collection device <NUM> includes an inner wall 1690C that separates the first chamber 1638A from the second chamber 1638B. The urine collection device <NUM> includes an inner wall 1690C separating the first chamber 1638A from the second chamber 1638B and the inner wall 1690C includes a plurality of perforations <NUM> through which the first chamber 1638A communicates with the second chamber 1638B.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> includes, in the first chamber 1638A, a permeable layer 1690D and a wi eking layer 1690E. The wi eking layer 1690E is adjacent to the inner wall 1690C and the permeable layer 1690D is adjacent to the wicking layer 1690E (i.e., the wi eking layer 1690E is between the permeable layer 1690D and the inner wall 1690C in the first chamber 1638A). In this arrangement, when a penis is inserted by a user through the opening <NUM>, the penis contacts the permeable layer 1690D in the first chamber 1638A while the wicking layer 1690E and the inner wall 1690C are below the permeable layer 1690D.

In general, the permeable layer 1690D can help to maintain the penis on a relatively dry surface, which in turn improves sanitary conditions, reduces the risk of infection, and/or improves user comfort. Within examples, the permeable layer 1690D can be made from a porous material, which may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. As such, the permeable layer 1690D can direct urine received in the first chamber 1638A toward the second chamber 1638B. In one implementation, due to the hydrophobicity of the permeable layer 1690D, the permeable layer 1690D can repel urine and/or moisture in a direction away from the penis toward the wi eking layer 1690E.

As one example, the permeable layer 1690D can be made from a polymer spunbond material. Additionally, in an example, the permeable layer 1690D can be formed by treating a material (e.g., a natural fiber material and/or a synthetic fiber material) with a surfactant, which lowers a surface tension of fluids (e.g., the urine and/or sweat) and forms a moisture transfer channel through the permeable layer 1690D to facilitate transferring the fluids or moisture from a side of the permeable layer 1690D that engages the penis (e.g., in the first chamber 1638A) to a side of the permeable layer 1690D that faces the wi eking layer 1690E (i.e., in a direction from the top wall 1690A toward the bottom wall 1690B).

The wicking layer 1690E can assist in pulling the urine, moisture, or sweat through the permeable layer 1690D toward the inner wall 1690C and the second chamber 1638B. For example, the wicking layer 1690E can be made from a material that is configured to provide for capillary action to move the urine, moisture, or sweat from a side of the wicking layer 1690E facing the permeable layer 1690D to a side of the wicking layer 1690E facing the inner wall 1690C (i.e., in the direction from the top wall 1690A toward the bottom wall 1690B). In particular, for example, the wicking layer 1690E can be configured to provide for transverse wicking of the urine, moisture, and/or sweat from the permeable layer 1690D to the inner wall 1690C (and, thus, the second chamber 1638B). As one example, the wicking layer 1690E can be made from a mechanically absorbent polyester mesh material.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a spacer <NUM> is in the second chamber 1638B. Additionally, the urine collection device <NUM> includes an outlet <NUM> for egressing urine from the internal cavity <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>. As described above, the spacer <NUM> can, for example, help to separate the bottom wall 1690B from the inner wall 1690C. This can help to inhibit (or prevent) an occlusion of the second chamber 1638B, which may negatively impact egress of the urine from the urine collection device <NUM>. Additionally, for example, the spacer <NUM> can help to inhibit (or prevent) an occurrence of a vacuum lock condition due to the vacuum pressure applied by a vacuum device (such as, e.g., the vacuum device <NUM> depicted in <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the outlet <NUM> can include a port <NUM> coupled to the spacer <NUM> by a tube <NUM> extending through a seam <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the collection member <NUM> (e.g., at a distalmost point of the collection member <NUM>). Additionally, the port <NUM> can include a tapered end portion 1678A, which can help to more universally couple the port <NUM> to a plurality of differently sized drain tubes.

The tube <NUM> can assist in spacing a point of connection between the urine collection device <NUM> and a drain tube farther away from the patient. This can help to improve handling by medical practitioners as the tube <NUM> can provide for greater flexibility and range of movement of the port <NUM> while coupling the port <NUM> to the drain tube and/or decoupling the port <NUM> from the drain tube. Additionally, the tube <NUM> can help to reduce a risk that a medical practitioner will inadvertently decouple the urine collection device <NUM> from the user when the medical practitioner manipulates the location and/or orientation of the port <NUM> to couple the port <NUM> with the drain tube.

As shown in <FIG>, the tube <NUM> can extend within the spacer <NUM>. This can help to reduce (or prevent) a risk of occlusion due to vacuum suction and adhesion of the inner wall 1690C and the bottom wall 1690B. As an example, the tube <NUM> can be coupled to the spacer <NUM> by bonding via solvents, adhesives, welding, and/or snap-fit.

In this arrangement, the urine can be initially received in the first chamber 1638A of the internal cavity <NUM>. The urine may initially contact the permeable layer 1690D, which supports the penis in the first chamber <NUM> A. The urine can pass through the permeable layer 1690D to the wi eking layer 1690E, which can provide capillary action to move the urine from the permeable layer 1690D to the inner wall 1690C. The urine can then pass through the perforations <NUM> in the inner wall 1690C to the second chamber 1638B. In the second chamber 1638B, the urine can flow distally and egress from the collection member <NUM> at the outlet <NUM>. As described above, this flow of the urine through the collection member <NUM> can be assisted by the hydrophobicity of the permeable layer 1690D, the capillary action of the wicking layer 1690E, gravity, and/or a vacuum pressure applied by a vacuum device (e.g., the vacuum device <NUM>) at the outlet <NUM> of the collection member <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the urine collection device <NUM> can include a label <NUM>. The label <NUM> can provide for recording operation information (e.g., a time of securement of the urine collection device <NUM> to the patient), which can help medical personnel more readily identify information related to patient care. In <FIG>, the label <NUM> is on the second arm 1681B, which can provide for easy access on an outer side of the urine collection device <NUM> when the urine collection device <NUM> is secured to a user. However, the label <NUM> can be at additional or alternative locations on the urine collection device <NUM> in other examples.

As described above, the collection members are suitable to direct urine to an outlet of the collection member, and the outlet is suitable to egress the urine from the collection member. In some examples, however, the collection member can be configured to retain a volume of urine in instances in which a drain tube is occluded and/or closed (e.g., by a valve). In one implementation, the collection member can be suitable to contain at least approximately <NUM> milliliters (ml) of urine.

Additionally, as described above, the urine collection device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can include an inner wall 990C, 1090C, 1290C, 1490C, 1590C, 1690C that includes a plurality of perforations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the perforations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are all approximately the same size as each other. However, in another example, the perforations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can have different sizes.

As one example, <FIG> depicts an inner wall 1790C having a plurality of perforations 1792A-1792C of a plurality of different sizes and which can be used with any of the urine collection devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described herein. In <FIG>, the perforations 1792A-1792C include a plurality of first perforations 1792A each having a first size, a plurality of second perforations 1792B each having a second size, and a plurality of third perforations 1792C each having a third size. The first perforations 1792A are proximal of the second perforations 1792B, which are proximal of the third perforations 1792C. In this example, the first size of the first perforations 1792A is larger than the second size of the second perforations 1792B, which is larger than the third size of the third perforations 1792C.

Thus, in <FIG>, the perforations 1792A-1792C decrease in size along a direction from the proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. This can help to improve suction when the urine collection device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is used with a vacuum device (e.g., the vacuum device <NUM>) and/or more rapidly transfer urine from the first chamber 938A, 1038A, I638A to the second chamber 938B, 1038B, 1638B.

In <FIG>, the perforations 1792A-1792C include three different sizes. However, in another example, the perforations 1792A-1792C can include two different sizes or more than three different sizes. For instance, in one implementation, the perforations 1792A-1792C can continuously and progressively decrease in size along the direction from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>. Additionally, in other examples, the perforations 1792A-1792C can increase in size along the direction from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> (i.e., the first perforations 1792A can be smaller than the second perforations 1792B and the second perforations 1792B can be smaller than the third perforations 1792C). In yet another example, the perforations 1792A-1792C can be arranged such that relatively large sized perforations <NUM> A are intermixed with relatively small size perforations 1792B, 1792C along the direction from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>.

In examples described above, the inner wall 990C, 1090C, 1290C, 1490C, 1590C, 1690C, 1790C can be made from a liquid impermeable material (e.g., a plastic material) such that the urine can flow from the first chamber <NUM> A, <NUM> A, <NUM> A to the second chamber 938B, 1038B, 1638B through the perforations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, 1792A-1792C. In such examples, the perforations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, 1792A-1792C can thus define fluid passageways through the inner wall 990C from the first chamber 938A, 1038A, I638A to the second chamber 938B, 1038B, 1638B.

In another example, the inner wall 990C, 1090C, 1290C, 1490C, 1590C, 1690C, 1790C can be combined with the permeable layer 1690D to define such fluid passageways from the first chamber <NUM> A, <NUM> A, <NUM> A to the second chamber 938B, 1038B, 1638B. For instance, the permeable layer 1690D can be configured to have (i) a first zone that inhibits the transfer of urine from a side of the permeable layer 1690D that faces the first chamber 1638A to a side of the permeable layer 1690D that faces the second chamber 1638B, and (ii) and a second zone that allows the transfer of urine from the side of the permeable layer 1690D that faces the first chamber 1638A to the side of the permeable layer 1690D that faces the second chamber 1638B. In one implementation, the first zone and the second zones can be formed by applying a surface treatment (e.g., a coating) to the permeable layer 1690D at the first zone, but not the second zones. The surface treatment can include, for instance, a hydrophobic coating and/or a liquid repellant coating (e.g., a fluoropolymer).

The first zone and the second zones can be arranged in a pattern on the permeable layer 1690D in manner similar to the patterns illustrated and described for the perforations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, 1792A-1792C on the inner walls 990C, 1090C, 1290C, 1490C, 1590C, 1690C, 1790C. As one example, <FIG> depict a permeable layer 1890D that includes a first zone 1887A and a plurality of second zones 1887B. In particular, <FIG> depicts a side 1889A of the permeable layer 1890D that can face the first chamber <NUM> A, <NUM> A, <NUM> A of the urine collection devices device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <FIG> depicts a side 1889B of the permeable layer 1890D that can face the second chamber 938B, 1038B, 1638B of the urine collection devices device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As described above, the first zone 1887A can include the surface treatment that inhibits the transfer of the urine from the first side <NUM> A of the permeable layer 1890D facing the first chamber to the second side 1889B of the permeable layer 1890D facing the second chamber.

Also, as described above, the second zones 1887B omit the surface treatment. In this arrangement, when the urine contacts the side 1889A facing the first chamber, the urine will flow over and around the first zone 1887A to the second zones 1887B and, at the second zones 1887B, the urine will transfer through the permeable layer 1890D from the first side 1889A facing the first chamber to the second side 1889B facing the second chamber.

Referring now to <FIG>, a urine collection device <NUM> is depicted according to another example embodiment. <FIG> depicts a perspective view of the urine collection device <NUM>, <FIG> depicts a top view of the urine collection device <NUM>, <FIG> depicts a bottom view of the urine collection device <NUM>, <FIG> depicts a first side view of the urine collection device <NUM>, <FIG> depicts a second side view of the urine collection device, <FIG> depicts a third side view of the urine collection device, and <FIG> depicts a fourth side view of the urine collection device. The urine collection device <NUM> is substantially similar to the urine collection devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described above.

For example, the urine collection device <NUM> includes a collection member <NUM> extending from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>. A first attachment member 1996A extends from a bottom wall 1990B of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>, and a second attachment member 1996B extends from a top wall 1990A of the collection member <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>. The first attachment member 1996A also includes a first adhesive 1926A, and the second attachment member 1996B includes a second adhesive 1926B to assist in securing the urine collection device <NUM> to a user as described above.

The first attachment member <NUM> A includes a first flexible member <NUM> A and a second flexible member 1918B. The first flexible member 1918A and the second flexible member 1918B of the first attachment member 1996A define an aperture <NUM> in the first attachment member <NUM> A. In <FIG>, the first attachment member 1996A and/or the first adhesive 1926A define a shape of the aperture <NUM>. For instance, in <FIG>, the first attachment member 1996A and/or the first adhesive 1926A define a generally oblong and/or a substantially elliptical shape of the aperture <NUM>. Within examples, the generally oblong and/or a substantially elliptical shape of aperture <NUM> can assist in improving securing the first attachment member 1996A to the user in relatively close proximity to the penis of the user.

Additionally, the urine collection device <NUM> includes an inner wall (not shown), a permeable layer 1990D, and/or a wicking layer (not shown) between a first chamber (not shown) and a second chamber (not shown) as described above with respect to <FIG>. However, the permeable layer 1990D in <FIG> extends more proximally than the permeable layer 1690D in <FIG>. Specifically, in <FIG>, the permeable layer 1990D can be arranged in the urine collection device <NUM> such that a proximal-most portion 1990D' of the permeable layer 1990D overlaps with a portion of the first adhesive 1926A. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the proximal-most portion 1990D' of the permeable layer 1990D can include a notch 1990D" having a shape that corresponds to a shape of an inner edge of the first adhesive 1926A. By arranging the permeable layer 1990D with the proximal-most portion 1990D' overlapping with a portion of the first adhesive 1926A, the permeable layer 1990D can assist in mitigating (or preventing) leakage of urine from the urine collection device <NUM> when a user is turned (e.g., relative to a hospital bed).

Referring now to <FIG>, a flowchart for a process <NUM> for collecting urine is illustrated according to an example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, at block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes moving a first flexible member and a second flexible member relative to each other to expand a size of an aperture in the first attachment member. At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes positioning the first attachment member on a user such that a penis of the user is received through the aperture. After the penis is received through the aperture of the first attachment member at block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes moving the first flexible member and the second flexible member toward each other to reduce the size of the aperture at block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes coupling, via a first adhesive, the first attachment member to the user. After coupling the first attachment member to the user at block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes moving the second attachment member relative to the first attachment member to receive the penis (i) through an opening of a collection member and (ii) in a first chamber of the collection member at block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> can include coupling, via a second adhesive, the second attachment member to the user.

After coupling the second attachment member to the user at block <NUM>, the process <NUM> can include receiving urine in the first chamber at block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> can include transferring the urine from the first chamber to a second chamber of the collection member. At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> can include egressing, via an outlet of the collection member, the urine from the second chamber.

<FIG> depicts additional aspects of the process <NUM> according to further examples. As shown in <FIG>, the process <NUM> can also include coupling, via a tube, a vacuum device to the outlet of the urine collection device at block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> can include operating the vacuum device to apply, via the tube, a vacuum pressure to the urine collection device.

Claim 1:
A urine collection device (<NUM>), comprising:
a collection member (<NUM>) extending from a proximal end (<NUM>) to a distal end (<NUM>), wherein the proximal end (<NUM>) comprises an opening () that provides access to an internal cavity (<NUM>) of the collection member (<NUM>), wherein the internal cavity (<NUM>) comprises a first chamber (1638A) and a second chamber (1638B), wherein the first chamber (1638A) is in fluid communication with the second chamber (1638B);
a spacer (<NUM>) in the second chamber (1638B), the spacer (<NUM>) configured to maintain a penis in an elevated position above a bottom wall of the collection member (<NUM>);
attachment members (1696A, 1696B) suitable to secure the urine collection device (<NUM>) to a user; and
an outlet (<NUM>) for egressing urine from the internal cavity (<NUM>) of the collection member (<NUM>), wherein the outlet (<NUM>) is at a distalmost point of the collection chamber (<NUM>) and comprises a tube (<NUM>),
wherein the collection member (<NUM>) is suitable to (i) direct urine from the first chamber (1638A) to the second chamber (1638B), and (ii) direct the urine in the second chamber (, 1638B) distally toward the outlet (<NUM>)
characterized in that the attachment members (1696A, 1696B) comprise:
a first attachment member (1696A) extending from a bottom wall (1690B) of the collection member (<NUM>) at the proximal end (<NUM>), wherein the first attachment member (1696A) defines an aperture (<NUM>); and
a second attachment member (1696B) extending from a top wall (1690A) of the collection member (<NUM>) at the proximal end (<NUM>),
and further characterized in that the tube(<NUM>) extends through a seam (<NUM>) at the distal end (<NUM>) of the collection member (<NUM>).