Container for a urinary catheter assembly

Abstract

A urinary catheter assembly is provided. The urinary catheter assembly includes a container (20) configured for containing a urinary catheter and a lid (30) configured to close off the container (20). The lid (30) includes a tension element (36), which assists in opening the container (20) so as to allow the lid (30) to be opened by simply pushing it once in the direction of the container (20).

Description

[0001] CONTAINER FOR A URINARY CATHETER ASSEMBLY

[0002] The invention relates to a urinary catheter assembly, which provides for an easy opening of a container of the assembly.

[0003] Brief Description of the Drawing

[0004] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated into and a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

[0005] Figures 1 to 2 illustrate perspective views of an example of a urinary catheter assembly.

[0006] Figures 3-4 illustrate cross-sectional views of an example of a urinary catheter assembly.

[0007] Figures 5-6 illustrate see-through views of an example of a urinary catheter assembly.

[0008] Figures 7 A, 7B illustrates details of a cooperation between first closure parts and a stud on the lid.

[0009] Figures 8A, 8B illustrates details of tensioning of the tension element.

[0010] Detailed Description

[0011] Examples relate to a urinary catheter assembly comprising:

[0012] - a container configured for containing a urinary catheter comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion comprises an opening in a first end,

[0013] - a lid configured to close off the opening of the container during storage and configured for being removed from the container so as to provide access to the opening and thereby to the urinary catheter contained in the container, wherein the lid comprises a tension element configured to cooperate with the first end portion of the container in such a way that when the lid is pushed in a direction towards the container, a tension element inside the lid is tensioned and wherein the tension element returns to its un-tensioned state, when the lid is released from being pushed.

[0014] Examples relate to a urinary catheter assembly comprising:

[0015] - a container configured for containing a urinary catheter comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion comprises an opening in a first end,

[0016] - a lid configured to close off the opening of the container during storage and configured for being removed from the container so as to provide access to the opening and thereby to the urinary catheter contained in the container, wherein first end portion of the container comprises first closure parts and the lid comprises second closure parts configured to cooperate with the first closure parts and wherein the second closure parts comprise a tension element, the tension element comprising a first configuration, in which the tension element is un-tensioned and a second configuration, in which the tension element is tensioned.

[0017] Inventive step

[0018] User of urinary catheters may have reduced hand dexterity and thus find it difficult to grip things. Many urinary catheter assemblies include cooperating threads between a lid element and the container. To be able to operate and handle such a threaded connection, users have to use both hands and have to be able to grip rather tightly with the hands. This may be difficult for users with poor hand dexterity because the gripping function is often impaired. Furthermore, it may be a challenge that both hands need to be used for gripping and turning when a regular threaded connection are used.

[0019] The urinary catheter assembly as disclosed herein alleviates or minimises these drawbacks as it allows opening of the assembly by simply clicking the lid towards the container. The tension element included in the lid ensures that it is possible to open the container by pushing the lid towards the container. Moreover, only one hand is needed as the container can be held in the palm of the hand and the thumb can then be used to click the container open, remove the lid completely and the catheter can be removed.

[0020] Alternatively, the user can push the container towards a surface and thus the lid will pop open and is free to be removed from the container. When the catheter has been used, it may be re-entered into the container and the lid can be re-attached to the container again by a simple push-motion. This allows the user to, in a hygienically way, to bring a used catheter with them following micturition.

[0021] Definitions

[0022] In the following, whenever referring to a proximal end of an element disclosed herein, the referral is to the end adapted for insertion. Whenever referring to the distal end of an element, the referral is to the end opposite the insertion end. In other words, the proximal end is the end closest to the user, when the urinary catheter is to be inserted and the distal end is the opposite end - the end furthest away from the user when the catheter is to be inserted. The same definitions apply to the container - the proximal end is the end storing the proximal end of the catheter and the distal end is the opposite end.

[0023] The longitudinal direction is the direction from the distal to the proximal end. The transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the direction across the shaft of the catheter.

[0024] A urinary catheter typically comprises a tubular portion with an interior lumen (interior catheter lumen) and drainage openings extending from an exterior surface of the tubular portion to an interior surface of the tubular portion. The interior surface of the tubular portion defines the interior lumen. The drainage openings are each provided with an exterior annular edge and an interior annular edge and a drainage opening wall. The drainage openings are positioned in a proximal portion of the urinary catheter. The urinary catheter is provided with an outlet at a distal end of the catheter; the outlet may be in the form of a connector or a handle.

[0025] Usually, intermittent urinary catheters are from size 6 FR (or CH6) to size 18 FR (or CH 18). FR (or French size or Charriere (CH)) is a standard gauge for catheters approximately corresponding to the outer circumference in mm. More accurately, the outer diameter of the catheter in mm corresponds to FR divided by 3. Thus 6 FR corresponds to a catheter with an outer diameter of 2 mm and 18 FR corresponds to a catheter with an outer diameter of 6 mm.

[0026] Indwelling urinary catheter catheters typically are slightly larger in diameter than intermittent urinary catheters. Thus, they are typically from size 12 FR (or CH12) to size 30 FR (or CH30) - corresponding to an outer diameter of 4 mm and 10 mm. The urinary catheter may be provided by extrusion or injection moulding typically of Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyurethane (Pll) or the like.

[0027] A container as disclosed herein is provided with a first end portion, which includes an opening into the container and a second end portion, which is the opposite end. Thus, the container is a longitudinally extending element with a rigidity allowing it to refrain from buckling, when subjected to a longitudinally extending impact. The container may be provided by injection moulding, typically of Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or the like. In examples, the container may be able to be upstanding on a flat surface, such that when it is placed on the second end portion, then it is erect towards the first end portion. That way, the second end portion defines a bottom of the container, and the first end portion defines a top of the container.

[0028] The lid may also be provided by injection moulding of similar types of material as the container. The lid includes a tension element, which may be made of a different material. The lid is configured to cooperate with the first end portion of the container in such a way that when the lid is pushed in a direction towards the container, a tension element inside the lid is tensioned. The cooperation may be directly between the tension element and the first end of the container, which moves inside the lid as the lid is pushed in a first direction towards the container. During this movement, the tension element is tensioned by interaction with the first end of the container. Alternatively, the cooperation may include intermediate elements, for example in the form of a movable tension plate inside the lid, which transfers the movement of the first end of the container inside the lid to the tension element. In other examples, the cooperation may include one or more push elements at a first end portion of the container, which is configured to cooperate with the tension element in the lid, either through direct interaction with the tension element or through an intermediate element in the form of a tension plate as mentioned above.

[0029] The tension element as disclosed herein has a first configuration, in which the tension element is un-tensioned and a second configuration, in which the tension element is tensioned. In the first configuration, the tension element is longer than it is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the tension element provides a tension force against the ends of the cavity, where it is held. The factor to be considered is that the tension element collapses relatively easily upon the lid being subjected to a pushing force and that the tension element upon being released again provides a force large enough to allow the lid to be moved in a longitudinal direction away from the container. It only needs to be configured to be used once or twice - once, to open the container and potentially a second time to re-close it again, if needed.

[0030] Embodiments

[0031] In examples the first end portion of the container includes the distal end of the container, and the second end portion of the container includes the proximal end of the container. This means that the urinary catheter is positioned inside the container such that the opening into the container, which is positioned in the first end portion, exposes the distal end of the catheter, when the lid is removed.

[0032] In examples, the pushing of the lid towards the container allows the lid to be removed. This allows the lid to be removed in a very easy and efficient manner.

[0033] In examples, the lid can be re-attached to the container and close off the container by being pushed in the first direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction towards the container. Sometimes, it is an advantage for the user to be able to take the catheter with them following micturition. It may be the case that the user has catheterised him- / herself in a place, where it is more convenient for them to not leave the catheter behind, e.g. if the catheterisation has taken place outside of a restroom or toilet area or to not leave trash behind at other persons’ premises. Therefore, it may be convenient for the user that the catheter following use can be re-inserted into the container and that the container can be re-closed by re-attaching the lid to the container.

[0034] In examples, the tension element comprises a compression spring. In this example, the tension element may be made of metal, e.g. stainless steel. It may also be made of a plastic material, such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or Polyetherimide (PEI) or similar types of materials.

[0035] In examples, the tension element comprises a compressible element. The compressible element may be in the form of a rubber-plastic element, which can be compressed to a first shorter configuration and which upon release of tension will return to the former extended state. In this example, the tension element may be made of thermoplastic elastomeric material or rubber or similar types of materials. A type of foam material may also be used. In examples the lid comprises a tension plate, which is configured to cooperate with the first end portion of the container to transfer the movement of the first end portion inside the lid to the tension element. Such a tension plate may provide for a better and more controlled transfer of push-force from the end portion of the container to the tension element. In examples the tension plate may be connected to the tension element.

[0036] In examples, the assembly comprises one or more push elements at the first end portion of the container, which is configured to cooperate with the tension element in the lid. As mentioned above, the cooperation may be either directly or indirectly to the tension element. If indirectly, it may be through an intermediate tension plate as mentioned above. Such push elements may provide for a more precise and controlled transfer of push forces from the container to the tension plate I element.

[0037] In examples, the urinary catheter is provided with an outlet in the distal end, the outlet being in the form of a handle. A handle allows the user to have a defined grip on the catheter.

[0038] In examples, the urinary catheter is provided with an outlet in the distal end, the outlet being in the form of a connector. A connector allows for coupling of an extension tube or urinary collection bag, if needed.

[0039] Detailed Description of the Drawing

[0040] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate an example of a urinary catheter assembly 10. Figures 1-2 illustrate perspective views, figures 3-4 illustrate cross-sectional views and figures 5-6 illustrate see-through views of the urinary catheter assembly 10. Figures 1 , 3 and 5 illustrate the assembly in closed configuration, the configuration the assembly is in when it is in storage, and figures 2, 4 and 6 illustrate the assembly in open configuration, when the urinary catheter is ready to be removed from the assembly. In the following, referral is made to figures 1 to 6 as one.

[0041] The urinary catheter assembly 10 includes a container 20, a lid 30 and a urinary catheter 40. The container 20 has a second end portion 22 and a first end portion 24 and container sidewalls 23 therebetween. In use the container may be positioned at the second end portion 22 with the sidewalls 23 extending erect towards the first end portion, in which case, the second end portion will function as a bottom of the container and the first end portion as a top of the container. The container includes a cavity 25 for containing the urinary catheter 40, see figures 3 to 6. In some examples, the container includes liquid, which can be used for activating a hydrophilic coating on the urinary catheter; this is not illustrated in the figures. In other examples the urinary catheter is of a type, which does not require liquid activation.

[0042] The urinary catheter 40 includes a tubular portion 41 (best seen in cross-sectional views in figures 3-4) configured for being inserted in the urethra of a user and for draining urine from the bladder. The tubular portion 41 extends from a proximal end 42 to a distal end 43; the proximal end 42 is the end configured for being inserted into the urethra and the distal end 43 includes an outlet portion. In the figures, the outlet portion is illustrated as being in the form of a handle 44, which allows the user to handle the catheter without touching the tubular portion 41. The urinary catheter may further be provided with drainage openings allowing urine to drain into the tubular portion 41 (drainage openings not shown in the figures).

[0043] The lid 30 has a first end 31, a second end 32 and lid sidewalls 33 extending therebetween. At the second end 32, which faces away from the container 20, when the assembly 10 is in closed configuration, the lid is provided with a finger depression 34, allowing for a thumb to be inserted at the finger depression 34. This allows, in an easy manner, the lid 30 to be depressed in direction towards to the container 20 to bring the assembly to an open configuration.

[0044] The container 20 and lid 30 includes cooperating closure parts with first closure parts 26 at the first end portion 24 of the container and second closure parts 35 at the lid. To open the container, the lid 30 is pushed in a first direction towards the container 20 - that is, the lid is pushed towards the right in figures 3 and 5. The mechanism to open the container, works by pushing the lid towards the container to open the container and pushing the lid towards the container to re-close the container or re-attach the lid to the container.

[0045] Pushing the lid towards the container, causes a tension element 36 inside the lid to be tensioned. In the illustrated example this is due to an interaction between the first end of the container 24a and an intermediate element in the form of a movable tension plate 37 (see figures 8A, 8B). The movable tension plate 37 is in contact with the tension element 36 to cause this tension element to be tensioned, when the tension plate 37 is moved towards the second end 32 of the lid. The tension element 36 is in the figures illustrated as a spring, but as mentioned above, it may be in the form of other elements able to be shortened under tension and to extend back to original shape upon being released from tension.

[0046] The first closure part 26 is shown in more detail in figures 7 A, 7B. It includes a surface structure 27 including inclined grooves 27a and notches 27b configured to catch a stud 39 at an interior surface of the lid to actuate the lid towards the open position as well as to allow the lid to be reattached to the container. The stud 39 is configured to move in the grooves 27a and to be caught in the notches 27b as illustrated in figures 7A and 7B. When the lid is closed, the stud 39 is caught in the notch 27b as indicated in figure 7A. When the lid is to be opened, the user pushes the lid towards the container, and this causes the stud 39 to move out of the notch 27b as shown in figure 7B.

[0047] The stud 39 is situated at an interior surface of the lid as shown e.g. in figures 8A, 8B. The movement of the stud 39 with respect to the grooves 27a is caused by pushing the lid towards the container. Starting from a closed position, as shown in figure 7B, the movement of the lid towards the container will cause the stud to move downwards in figure 7B and around the corner to the left of the notch 27b and enter into the groove 27a. Release of the pressure at the lid will lead the stud to move upwards in the groove 27a. This upwards motion is caused by the tension element 36 in the lid in the following manner. The tension element 36 will, upon being released from external pushing, cause the tension plate 37 downwards inside the lid, and since the tension plate 37 is in contact with the first end 24a, the outer parts of the lid (the second end 32, the sidewalls 33 and the first end 31) moves upwards. As illustrated in figure 7B, the stud 39 will eventually leave the groove 27a and be released from the second closure part 26. In this configuration, the lid 30 is removable from the container 20. To re-close the container, or to re-attach the lid to the container, the lid is moved towards the container, and the stud 39 will find its way into one of the grooves 27a as illustrated in figures 7A. As the lid is pushed downwards, the tension element 36 will tension and the stud 39 will eventually move into a notch 27b. The upwards motion on the lid caused by the release of tension on the tension element 36 and subsequent movement of the tension plate 37, as described above, will cause the stud 39 to be caught in the notch 27b - see figure 7A. Here it will rest until the lid is pushed downwards to release the stud 39 as described above.

[0048] Embodiments, and features of the various exemplary embodiments described in this application, may be combined with each other (“mixed and matched”), unless specifically noted otherwise.

Claims

Claims1. A urinary catheter assembly comprising:- a container configured for containing a urinary catheter comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion comprises an opening,- a lid configured to close off the opening of the container during storage of the catheter and configured for being removed from the container so as to provide access to the opening and thereby to the urinary catheter contained in the container, wherein the lid comprises a tension element configured to cooperate with the first end portion of the container in such a way that when the lid is pushed in a first direction towards the container, a tension element inside the lid is tensioned, and wherein when the lid is released from being pushed, the tension element will return towards its untensioned state.

2. A urinary catheter assembly comprising:- a container configured for containing a urinary catheter comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion comprises an opening in a first end,- a lid configured to close off the opening of the container during storage of the catheter and configured for being removed from the container so as to provide access to the opening and thereby to the urinary catheter contained in the container, wherein the first end portion of the container comprises first closure parts and the lid comprises second closure parts configured to cooperate with the first closure parts and wherein the second closure parts comprise a tension element, the tension element comprising a first configuration, in which the tension element is un-tensioned and a second configuration, in which the tension element is tensioned.

3. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pushing of the lid towards the container releases the lid from the container, so as to allow it to be removed.

4. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 and 3, wherein the lid is configured for being re-attached to the container and close off the container by being pushed in the first direction.

5. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 , 3 and 4, wherein the first end portion comprises an outer surface comprising grooves, wherein the grooves are configured for cooperating with a stud at an interior surface of the lid.

6. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first closure parts comprise grooves, and wherein the second closure parts comprise a stud at an interior surface of the lid, and wherein the grooves are configured for cooperating with the stud.

7. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the tension element comprises a compressible element.

8. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the tension element comprises a compression spring.

9. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises a tension plate in connection with the tension element, the tension plate being positioned opposite the closed end of the lid.

10. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly comprises one or more push elements at the first end portion of the container, which is configured to cooperate with the tension element in the lid.

11. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second end portion comprises a bottom of the container configured for permanently closing the container.

12. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly comprises a urinary catheter.

13. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the urinary catheter is provided with an outlet in the distal end, the outlet being in the form of a handle.

14. The urinary catheter assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the urinary catheter is provided with an outlet in the distal end, the outlet being in the form of a connector.

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