Fluid collection device comprising one or more securing bands
By designing a fluid collection device and a fixed belt combined with a vacuum source, the problems of discomfort and activity restriction in existing urine collection systems have been solved, achieving a comfortable and safe urine collection effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PUREWICK CORP
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing urine collection systems, such as bedpans and catheters, are prone to causing discomfort, leakage, urinary tract infections, and the use of pumps to draw fluid into the collection system may restrict the patient's mobility.
A fluid collection device has been designed, comprising a fluid-impermeable shell and a fixing strap. The shell is arranged around the penis, and the fixing strap is wrapped around the user to secure the device. Combined with a vacuum source to extract fluid, it avoids direct contact with the skin and provides comfort and convenience.
It enables urine collection without causing discomfort, reduces the risk of leakage and infection, and increases the patient's freedom of movement.
Smart Images
Figure CN122396460A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Technology
[0001] Patients may have limited or impaired mobility, making the typical process of urination difficult or impossible. For example, patients may have limited mobility due to surgery or disability. In another example, patients may face restricted travel conditions, as experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Furthermore, fluid collection from patients may be necessary for monitoring purposes or clinical testing.
[0002] Urine collection systems have been developed to address some of these situations. Bedpans and catheters (such as the Foley catheter) can also be used. However, bedpans and catheters have several associated problems. For example, bedpans can easily cause discomfort, leakage, and other hygiene issues. Catheters can cause discomfort, pain, and may lead to urinary tract infections. Other urine collection systems, because they use pumps to draw fluid into the collection system, may restrict the patient's mobility.
[0003] Therefore, users and manufacturers of fluid collection components are constantly seeking new and improved devices, systems, and methods for collecting urine. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein include fluid collection devices, fluid collection systems, and methods of use thereof. The fluid collection device includes one or more strips configured to wrap around a user without causing discomfort to secure the fluid collection device to the user. The fluid collection system also includes the same one or more strips. In one embodiment, a fluid collection device is disclosed. The fluid collection device may include a fluid-impermeable shell defining a chamber. The fluid-impermeable shell includes a base and a distal region. The base defines an opening, and the distal region defines a fluid outlet. The base may be configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis. The base may also include a polymeric material arranged around the opening, the polymeric material having a stiffness less than that of the fluid-impermeable shell. The fluid collection device may further include a tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, and one or more strips connected to the distal region of the fluid-impermeable shell, the one or more strips being configured to wrap around the user to secure the fluid collection device to the user.
[0005] In one embodiment, a fluid collection system is disclosed. The fluid collection system may include a fluid storage container configured to retain fluid and a fluid collection device. The fluid collection device may include a fluid-impermeable shell defining at least a chamber, an opening, and a fluid outlet. The opening may be disposed at the base of the chamber, and the base is configured to contact the skin surrounding a user's penis. The base may include a polymeric material disposed around the opening. One or more strips may be attached to a distal region of the fluid-impermeable shell, the strips being configured to wrap around the user to secure the fluid collection device to the user. The fluid collection system may also include a tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, the vacuum source being fluidly connected via the tube to one or more of the fluid storage container or the fluid collection device. The vacuum source may be configured to draw fluid from the fluid collection device into the fluid storage container.
[0006] In one embodiment, a method for collecting bodily fluids from an individual is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include positioning a fluid collection device at least near the user's urethra by attaching the fluid collection device to the skin surrounding the penis. The fluid collection device may include a fluid-impermeable shell defining at least a chamber, an opening, and a fluid outlet. The opening may be disposed at the base of the chamber, wherein the base is configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis. The base of the fluid collection device may include a polymeric material disposed around the opening. The fluid collection device may include a tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. One or more strips may be attached to a distal end of the chamber, the one or more strips being configured to wrap around the user to secure the fluid collection device to the user. The method may further include positioning one or more strips around the user and receiving fluid discharged from the user in the fluid collection device. The method may further include receiving fluid discharged from the fluid collection device in a fluid collection container.
[0007] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments can be used in combination with each other without limitation. Furthermore, other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0008] The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments of the drawings.
[0009] Figure 1A This is an isometric view of a fluid collection device according to some embodiments.
[0010] Figure 1B This is an isometric view of a fluid collection device fixed to a user according to some embodiments.
[0011] Figure 1C This is an isometric view of a fluid collection device fixed to a user according to some embodiments.
[0012] Figure 1D This is an isometric view of a fluid collection device fixed to a user according to some embodiments.
[0013] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid collection device fixed to a user according to some embodiments.
[0014] Figure 2B This is an isometric view of a fluid collection device according to some embodiments, the fluid collection device having a strap releasably fixed to the fluid collection device.
[0015] Figure 2C This is an isometric view of a fluid collection device according to some embodiments, the fluid collection device having a belt fixedly attached to the fluid collection device.
[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic view of a fluid collection system according to some embodiments.
[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for collecting fluid according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid collection devices and systems having one or more securing straps, and methods of using them. In many embodiments, the fluid collection system may include a fluid collection device and one or more straps attached to or capable of being attached to the fluid collection device. The one or more straps are configured to wrap around a user to achieve the technical effect of securing the fluid collection device against the user's body and at least adjacent to (e.g., close to) the user's urethra. The fluid collection device may be configured to comfortably fit the user. The fluid collection device may include a fluid-impermeable shell defining a chamber, the fluid-impermeable shell including a base and a distal region. The base may include an opening, and the distal region may define a fluid outlet. The base may be configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis. The base may include a polymeric material arranged around the opening, the polymeric material having a stiffness less than that of the fluid-impermeable shell. The shell may be configured to provide space for the penis within the chamber so as not to compress the genitals. The base may include a softer material for skin contact and user comfort. The fluid collection device may also include a tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The tube may be configured to drain fluid from the chamber.
[0019] One or more strips may be attached to the distal region of the fluid-impermeable shell, and these strips are configured to wrap around the user to secure the fluid collection device to the user. The strips may be attached to the distal region such that they do not rest against the user's skin. Keeping the strips away from the skin provides greater comfort to the user, especially in cases of swelling of the external genitalia and / or testicles.
[0020] The fluid collection device disclosed herein is configured to collect fluids from an individual. The fluid collected by the fluid collection device may include urine. The fluid collected by the fluid collection device may also include at least one of urine, reproductive fluids, blood, sweat, or other bodily fluids. The fluid collection assembly disclosed herein is configured for use in a fluid collection system configured to draw fluid from the fluid collection device to remove the fluid without contacting the individual and into a container for disposal.
[0021] Figure 1A This is an isometric view of a fluid collection device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 1B This is an isometric view of a fluid collection device 100 worn by a user 150. The fluid collection device 100 is an example of a fluid collection device for receiving and collecting fluid from a male. The fluid collection device 100 includes a fluid-impermeable shell 102, at least one opening 104, a chamber 106, and a fluid outlet 108. Tube 110 ( Figure 1B (As shown) It can be in fluid communication with fluid outlet 108. The fluid-impermeable shell 102 includes a base 112 and a distal region 114. The base 112 defines an opening 104, and the distal region 114 defines a fluid outlet 108. The base 112 is configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis.
[0022] The inner surface of the fluid-impermeable shell 102 at least partially defines a chamber 106 within the fluid collection assembly 100. The fluid-impermeable shell 102 can temporarily store bodily fluids within the chamber 106. The fluid-impermeable shell 102 can be formed of any suitable fluid-impermeable material, such as fluid-impermeable polymers (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, etc.), metal membranes, natural rubber, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. Thus, the fluid-impermeable shell 102 substantially prevents bodily fluids from passing through it.
[0023] In at least one embodiment, the fluid-impermeable shell 102 may be attached to the base 112. The base 112 may be sealed to the fluid-impermeable shell 102 with an adhesive or by an interference fit. In some examples, the base 112 may be removably attached to the fluid-impermeable shell 102. The base 112 may be breathable and fluid-impermeable to prevent leakage while allowing air to flow into / through the chamber 106. In such examples, the base 112 may be formed of a hydrophobic material defining a plurality of pores. At least one or more portions of at least one outer surface of the base 112 may be formed of a soft and / or smooth material, thereby reducing abrasion. In some examples, the base 112 may include a polymeric material. In some examples, the base 112 may include a foam material. The base 112 may be polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyurethane foam. The polymeric material of the base 112 may include a material with a stiffness less than that of the fluid-impermeable shell 102. In other words, the material of the base 112 may include a higher elastic deformation than the material of the fluid-impermeable shell 102. In some examples, the stiffness of the polymeric material of the base 112 can be significantly less than that of the fluid-impermeable shell 102. For example, the stiffness of the base can be at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, or at least about 60% less. In some examples, the relative stiffness of the base 112 material to the fluid-impermeable shell 102 material can be within a range, such as the stiffness of the base 112 material being about 10% to about 20%, about 20% to about 30%, about 30% to about 40%, or about 40% to about 50% less than that of the fluid-impermeable shell 102 material.
[0024] In one embodiment, the fluid collection device 100 includes at least one viewing window 116 to facilitate skin examination of the user. The window 116 may be located in the distal region 114 of the fluid collection device 100. In some examples, the fluid-impermeable shell 102 may also be transparent or translucent. In some examples, the viewing window 116 may be convex to provide a magnifying effect for the observer.
[0025] The fluid collection device 100 may also include a durable fastener 118. An observation window 116 may be defined by the durable fastener 118. The durable fastener 118 may be connected to a distal region 114 of the fluid-impermeable shell 102. In some examples, the durable fastener may be formed of any suitable fluid-impermeable material, such as fluid-impermeable polymers (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, etc.), metal membranes, natural rubber, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. Thus, the durable fastener 118 may comprise the same material as the fluid-impermeable shell 102. In other examples, the material may be different, wherein the stiffness of the fluid-impermeable shell material is less than the stiffness of the durable fastener 118. The durable fastener 118 may also include at least one annular fastener, and one or more strips 120 are configured to connect from the annular fastener to the durable fastener 118.
[0026] Although a ring-shaped fastener is shown on the durable fastener 118, other embodiments of the fluid collection device 100 may include other fasteners that are secured to or can be secured to the fluid-impermeable shell 102 in any of the locations or configurations described above. For example, clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, zippers, magnets, buckles, or any other fasteners may be secured to or attached to the fluid-impermeable shell 102. At least one (e.g., both) of one or more thigh straps 120b and waist belts 120a may be detachably secured to or can be secured to the fluid collection device 100, allowing the fluid collection device 100 to be used with different thigh straps 120b and / or waist belts 120a, such as thigh straps 120b and / or waist belts 120a of different sizes. In some examples, one or more straps 120 are attached to the durable fastener 118 at locations where the fluid collection device 100 can be sealed to the skin and leakage minimized. The bands 120 can be configured such that the combined bands 120a and 120b apply force directly over the opening 104 towards the user. These bands can be positioned at intervals around the durable fastener 118, and in some examples, equidistantly and / or proportionally. In other words, the positioning of the bands in the distal region 114 corresponds to the opening 104 at the base 112, and these bands apply pressure around the user's penis to minimize leakage through the opening 104. In some examples, the connection points of the annular fasteners on the durable fastener 118 can be adjusted to ensure proper fit of the fluid collection device 100 and to prevent leakage, as well as to keep the fluid collection device fixed on different body shapes.
[0027] refer to Figure 2AIn some examples, the fluid-impermeable shell 102 may be tubular (ignoring the opening), such as substantially cylindrical, conical, or prismatic. The size and shape of the fluid-impermeable shell 102 may be configured to accommodate a male user's penis, allowing it to comfortably pass through the opening 104 and enter the chamber 106. The opening 104 provides an access path for the user's penis into the chamber 110. The opening 104 may be defined by a base 112, for example by a hole extending from the outer surface to the inner surface through the base material, thereby allowing the penis to enter the chamber 106 from outside the fluid collection assembly 100. Figure 1A As shown, the isometric view presents the interior of chamber 106 at an angle, showing an opening 104 extending into chamber 106. The opening 104 may extend from base 112 at least a certain length into chamber 106. For example, the opening 104 may be approximately 1-2 cm from the outer surface of base 112. In some examples, the opening 104 may also extend from the inner surface 113 of base 112. Extending the opening 104 into the chamber can minimize and / or prevent leakage through the opening 104. In some examples, forming the opening 104 from base 112 and extending it into chamber 106 may also make the device more comfortable to position and wear.
[0028] The fluid collection device 100 can be positioned such that the opening 104 surrounds the user's penis. In other words, the base material at the opening 104 is configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis. Bodily fluids can enter the chamber of the fluid collection device 100 via the penis and through the opening 104. The fluid collection device 100 can be configured to receive fluid into the chamber 106 via the opening 104. In some embodiments, the base 112 can be configured to attach to the individual, such as adhesively (e.g., using a hydrogel adhesive). An exemplary suitable adhesive could be a hydrogel layer.
[0029] Tube 110 may be connected to fluid outlet 108. Tube 110 may be used to remove fluid from chamber 106. Tube 110 may include a tube inlet connected to fluid outlet 108 and a tube outlet (not shown) located downstream of the tube inlet. The tube outlet may be operatively coupled to a fluid storage container, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, tube 110 may include a flexible material, such as plastic tubing (e.g., medical tubing). Such plastic tubing may include thermoplastic elastomers, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc. Tube 110 may include silicone or latex. In some embodiments, tube 110 may include one or more resilient portions, such as those having a diameter and / or wall thickness that allow for catheter flexibility.
[0030] Return to reference Figure 1A and1B The fluid collection device 100 also includes one or more fasteners or fixing elements configured to secure one or more strips 120 to the fluid collection device 100. In some examples, the durable fastener 118 may include an annular fastener 122. The annular fastener 122 may include a simple extension of the durable fastener 118 or a hole in the durable fastener 118 through which one or more strips 120 may extend to secure the fluid collection device 100 to a user. In some examples, the fluid-impermeable shell 102 may include the annular fastener 122. In other examples, the annular fastener 122 may include a strip portion secured to the durable fastener 118, wherein the annular fastener is disposed at an end of the strip.
[0031] like Figure 1B As shown, one or more straps 120 may include a waist belt 120a and one or more thigh straps 120b. The waist belt 120a may be secured to the upper part of the distal region 114 of the fluid collection device 100. The waist belt 120a may be configured to fit around the waist or hips of the user 150. In some examples, the waist belt 120a is releasably secured to or capable of being secured to the fluid collection device 100. In some embodiments, the waist belt 120a is fixedly secured to the fluid collection device 100. In any case, one or more straps 120 are always connected to the distal region 114 of the fluid collection device to avoid direct contact between the straps and the testicles of the user 150. These straps are configured not to contact the testicles to avoid discomfort to the user 150 in cases of testicular swelling or sensitivity.
[0032] exist Figure 1C In this configuration, one or more straps 120 may include a waist belt 121 and one or more thigh straps 120a and 120b. However, in some examples, the waist belt 121 may be a belt around the user's waist, and the thigh straps 120a and 120b may be secured to the waist belt 121 to hold the fluid collection device 100 in place. The waist belt 121 may be configured to fit around the waist or hips of the user 150. In some examples, the thigh straps 120a and 120b may be secured from durable fasteners 118 (… Figure 2B(As shown) extends to connect to the waist belt 121. In other examples, the upper and lower portions of the fluid collection device 100 may be connected to thigh straps 120a and 120b. In some embodiments, thigh straps 120a and 120b are securely attached to the fluid collection device 100. The waist belt 121 may be made of a stretchable and / or elastic material, or may include adjustable fasteners such as hook fasteners, buckles, and / or snap fasteners. In some examples, the waist belt may be extendable. In all attachment methods, one or more straps 120 are always connected to the distal region 114 of the fluid collection device to avoid direct contact between the straps and the testicles of the user 150. These straps are configured not to contact the testicles to avoid discomfort to the user 150 in cases of testicular swelling or sensitivity.
[0033] As another embodiment, such as Figure 1D As shown, one or more straps 120 may include a waist belt 121 and one or more thigh straps 120a and 120b. In some examples, one or more thigh straps 120a and 120b may be secured to the adhesive pad 125. In some examples, the waist belt 121 may also be secured to the adhesive pad 125. For example, the waist belt 121 may be configured to fit around the waist or hips of the user 150 and be secured to the adhesive pad 125. In some examples, a waist belt 121 is not included, and first ends of the thigh straps 120a and 120b are secured to or capable of being secured to the fluid collection device 100, and second ends are attached to the adhesive pad 125. In some embodiments, the straps 120 are attached to the adhesive pad with an adhesive. In other examples, the adhesive pad 125 may include a first surface having an adhesive that is attached to the skin of the user 150. The second surface (i.e., the outer surface) of the adhesive pad 125 may include another suitable fastening method to attach the straps 120 to the adhesive pad 125. For example, the band 120 and the adhesive pad 125 can be attached together as a hook-and-loop fastener. In other examples, the adhesive pad 125 may include a button fastener. In either case, one or more bands 120 are attached to the distal region 114 of the fluid collection device to avoid direct contact between the band and the testicles of the user 150. The band can then be secured to the adhesive pad 125 by any suitable method.
[0034] refer to Figure 2B-2CIn some embodiments, the belt 120a may be elastic or otherwise stretchable to stretch and fit around the waist or hips of the user 150. In some embodiments, the belt 120a may include a fastener 124 configured to secure two portions or ends of the belt 120a together to fit around the waist of the user 150. The fastener 124 may include a sliding adjuster, clip, hook and loop fastener, button, snap, zipper, magnet, buckle, ultrasonic welding, or any other fastener. In some embodiments, the size of the belt 120a may be adjustable using one or more fasteners described herein. The belt 160 may also include both elastic or stretchable material and one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the belt 120a may include a generally flat band or strip.
[0035] The fluid collection device 100 may also include one or more thigh straps 120b. The thigh straps 120b may be configured to fit around one or more thighs of the user 150. In some embodiments, the one or more thigh straps 120b include two thigh straps, each configured to wrap around a different thigh of the user 150. For example, the two thigh straps 120b and the fluid collection device 100 may form two distinct loops, each loop configured to wrap around or extend around a different thigh of the user 150. The fluid collection device 100 may be located between the two loops. In some embodiments, the two thigh straps 120b may include a single continuous strip attached to two regions of the fluid collection device 100, thereby forming two distinct loops together with the fluid collection device 100. In some embodiments, the two thigh straps 120b include two distinct strips, each attached to or capable of being attached to the fluid collection device 100 to form two distinct loops.
[0036] In some embodiments, one or more thigh straps 120b may be elastic or otherwise stretchable to stretch and fit around the thigh of user 150. In some embodiments, one or more thigh straps 120b may include fasteners 126 configured to secure two portions or ends of one or more thigh straps 120b together to fit around one or more thighs of user 150. Fasteners 126 may include sliding adjusters, clips, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, zippers, magnets, hooks and loops, ultrasonic welding, or any other fasteners. In some embodiments, the size of one or more thigh straps 120b may be adjustable using one or more fasteners described herein. One or more thigh straps 120b may also comprise both elastic or stretchable material and one or more fasteners. At least one or both of one or more thigh straps 120b and waist belts 120a can be detachably attached to or be able to be attached to the fluid collection device 100, such that the fluid collection device 100 can be used with different thigh straps 120b and / or waist belts 120a, for example, thigh straps 120b and / or waist belts 120a of different sizes. Furthermore, if at least one of the thigh straps 120b or waist belts 120a is defective or becomes soiled, that thigh strap 120b or waist belt 120a can be replaced with a new thigh strap 120b or waist belt 120a without discarding the fluid collection device 100.
[0037] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a fluid collection system 300 for fluid collection according to one embodiment. System 300 includes a fluid collection device 302, a fluid storage container 304, and a vacuum source 306. The fluid collection device 302, the fluid storage container 304, and the vacuum source 306 may be fluidly connected to each other via one or more conduits. For example, as shown, the conduits may include a first conduit 308a extending from the fluid collection device 302 to the fluid storage container 304 and a second conduit 308b extending from the fluid storage container 304 to the vacuum source 306.
[0038] In one embodiment, the first conduit 308a can be any of the conduits and tubes described above. In one embodiment, the fluid collection system 300 may include at least one other conduit (not shown) in addition to the first conduit 308a and / or the second conduit 308b. In one example, the first conduit 308a may be in direct fluid communication with the fluid collection assembly 302 and may extend from the fluid collection device 302 only a portion of the distance between the fluid collection device 302 and the fluid storage container 304. Thus, the fluid collection system 300 may include a conduit connected to the outlet of the first conduit 308a and extending from the first conduit 308a to the fluid storage container 304.
[0039] The fluid collection device 302 may be similar to or equivalent to any fluid collection assembly disclosed herein in one or more aspects. The fluid collection device 302 may include a fluid-impermeable shell defining at least a chamber, an opening, and a fluid outlet. The opening of the fluid collection device is disposed at the base of the chamber, and the base is configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis. The base may include a polymeric material disposed around the opening and a tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The tube may include a first conduit 308a. The fluid collection device 302 also includes one or more strips connected to a distal region of the fluid-impermeable shell, the strips being configured to wrap around the user to secure the fluid collection device to the user.
[0040] The fluid storage container 304 is sized and shaped to hold bodily fluids therein. The fluid storage container 304 may include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., a collection can), or any other closed container for storing bodily fluids such as urine. In some examples, a first conduit 308a may extend from the fluid collection assembly 302 and be attached to the fluid storage container 304 at a first point thereon. A second conduit 308b may be attached to the fluid storage container 304 at a second point thereon and may extend and be attached to a vacuum source 306. Therefore, a vacuum (e.g., aspiration) can be created through the fluid collection assembly 302 via the fluid storage container 304. Fluids (such as urine) can be drained from the fluid collection assembly 302 using the vacuum source 306.
[0041] Vacuum source 306 may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump and an electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetically driven pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to generate a vacuum. Vacuum source 306 can provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from fluid collection assembly 302. In some examples, vacuum source 306 may be powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a power outlet), one or more batteries, or even manual power (e.g., a manually operated vacuum pump). In some examples, the size and shape of vacuum source 306 may be configured to fit externally to, on, or internally to fluid collection assembly 302. For example, vacuum source 306 may include one or more miniaturized pumps or one or more micropumps. Vacuum source 306 may include one or more of a switch, button, plug, remote control, or any other device suitable for activating vacuum source 306.
[0042] Figure 4This is a flowchart of a method 400 for collecting fluid according to some embodiments. The method 400 for collecting fluid may use any fluid collection device and / or fluid collection system disclosed herein. The method 400 may include action 410, which is described as “positioning the fluid collection device at least near the user’s urethra by attaching it to the skin surrounding the penis.” Action 410 may be followed by action 420, which is described as “positioning one or more strips around the user.”
[0043] Actions 410 and 420 of method 400 are for illustrative purposes. For example, actions 410 and 420 of method 400 may be performed in a different order, divided into multiple actions, modified, supplemented, or combined. In one example, one or more of actions 410 or 420 of method 400 may be omitted from method 400. Either action 410 or 420 may include any fluid collection component or system disclosed herein.
[0044] In some examples, action 410 may include passing the user's penis through an opening in the fluid collection device. In other examples, action 410 may include positioning the base of the fluid collection device 100 above the penis, such that the male urethra is positioned as an opening adjacent to the base, such that at least a portion of the penis is positioned within a chamber of the fluid collection assembly.
[0045] Action 420 is described as “positioning one or more straps around a user.” In some examples, positioning one or more straps around a user may include positioning a waist belt around the user or positioning one or more thigh straps around the user. In some examples, both the waist belt and thigh straps are positioned around the user and are appropriately adjusted. In some examples, the waist belt and / or thigh straps may be adjustable and include fasteners configured to secure the straps to the user’s waist and / or thighs. In some examples, the waist belt and / or thigh straps comprise an elastic material and do not include additional fasteners.
[0046] Action 430 is described as securing one or more strips to the device. Action 430 is optional and depends on whether one or more strips are releasably secured to or capable of being secured to a distal region of the fluid collection device. In some examples, one or more strips may be attached to the device to secure it to the user. In some examples, one or more strips are securely secured to a distal region of the fluid collection device. Thus, the user or caregiver can appropriately adjust the strips or configure the device to ensure user comfort.
[0047] Action 440 is described as “receiving fluid discharged from a user in a fluid collection device.” In some examples, receiving bodily fluids from a user in a fluid collection device includes receiving the bodily fluids through an opening in the fluid collection device. Receiving fluids from an individual into a chamber of the fluid collection assembly may include allowing the bodily fluids to flow to a low point of gravity within the chamber, such as via gravity, wicking, or capillary action.
[0048] Action 450 states that "a vacuum is drawn through a tube using a pump, the tube being in fluid communication with the outlet of a fluid collection device." In response to a suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied to a second end of the tube, the suction force can be introduced into the chamber of the fluid collection device via a first open end of the tube. The suction force can be applied directly or indirectly to the second open end of the tube by a portable or permanent vacuum source. A vacuum (e.g., suction) can be drawn through the fluid collection device via a fluid storage container. Fluids (such as urine) can be drained from the fluid collection device using a vacuum source.
[0049] In one example, method 400 may include action 460, which is stated as “receiving fluid discharged from a fluid collection device in a fluid collection container.” The fluid may be removed from the fluid collection assembly via a tube, and the fluid collection device may be fluidly connected to the tube. The fluid collection device may include any fluid storage system and / or container disclosed herein.
[0050] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are also contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting.
[0051] Degree terms (e.g., "about," "basically," "roughly," etc.) indicate structurally or functionally insignificant changes. In one example, when a degree term is used with a term indicating quantity, the degree term is interpreted as meaning ±10%, ±5%, or +2% of the quantity term. In one example, when a degree term is used to modify a shape, the degree term indicates that the shape modified by the degree term has the appearance of the disclosed shape. For example, a degree term might be used to indicate that the shape may have rounded corners instead of sharp corners, may have curved edges instead of straight edges, may have one or more protrusions extending from it, may be elliptical, may be the same as the disclosed shape, etc.
Claims
1. A fluid collection device, comprising: A fluid-impermeable shell defining a chamber, the fluid-impermeable shell including a base and a distal region, the base defining an opening, the distal region defining a fluid outlet, the base being configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis; The base comprises a polymeric material arranged around the opening, the stiffness of which is less than the stiffness of the fluid-impermeable shell; The pipe is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet; as well as One or more strips are attached to the distal region of the fluid-impermeable shell, and the one or more strips are configured to wrap around the user to secure the fluid collection device to the user.
2. The fluid collection device of claim 1, wherein one or more strips include at least a waist belt, the waist belt being secured to the fluid-impermeable shell and configured to wrap around the user's waist.
3. The fluid collection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more strips comprise an elastic band configured to stretch around the user's waist.
4. The fluid collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more strips comprise an elastic strip configured to stretch around the user's leg.
5. The fluid collection device of claim 4, wherein the one or more strips comprise two thigh strips, each thigh strip being configured to wrap around a different thigh of the user.
6. The fluid collection device of claim 1, wherein one or more strips are releasably secured to or capable of being secured to the distal region of the fluid collection device.
7. The fluid collection device of claim 1, wherein one or more strips are fixedly attached to the distal region of the fluid collection device.
8. The fluid collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distal region of the fluid impermeable barrier includes a durable fastener connected to the outer surface of the distal region of the fluid impermeable barrier, wherein one or more strips are configured to be connected to the durable fastener.
9. The fluid collection device of claim 8, wherein the durable fastener comprises an annular fastener.
10. The fluid collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one or more strips include a sliding adjuster.
11. A fluid collection system, comprising: A fluid storage container configured to retain fluid; A fluid collection device comprising a fluid-impermeable shell defining at least a chamber, an opening, and a fluid outlet, the opening being disposed at the base of the chamber, the base being configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis; The base comprises a polymeric material arranged around the opening; One or more strips are attached to the distal region of the fluid-impermeable shell, and the one or more strips are configured to wrap around the user to secure the fluid collection device to the user; The pipe is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet; as well as A vacuum source, which is fluidly connected via the pipe to one or more of the fluid storage container or the fluid collection device, the vacuum source being configured to draw fluid from the fluid collection device to the fluid storage container.
12. The fluid collection system of claim 11, wherein one or more strips are releasably secured to or capable of being secured to the distal region of the fluid collection device.
13. The fluid collection system of claim 11, wherein one or more strips are fixedly attached to the distal region of the fluid collection device.
14. The fluid collection system of claim 11, wherein the distal region of the fluid-impermeable shell includes a durable fastener connected to the outer surface of the distal region of the fluid-impermeable shell, wherein one or more strips are configured to be connected to the durable fastener.
15. The fluid collection system of claim 14, wherein the durable fastener comprises a ring fastener.
16. A method for collecting fluid, the method comprising: By attaching a fluid collection device to the skin surrounding the penis, the fluid collection device is positioned at least near the user's urethra, wherein the fluid collection device comprises: A fluid-impermeable shell that at least defines a chamber, an opening, and a fluid outlet, the opening being disposed at the base of the chamber, the base being configured to contact the skin surrounding the user's penis; The base includes a polymeric material arranged around the opening; A pipe, which is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet; and One or more strips are attached to the distal end of the chamber, and the one or more strips are configured to wrap around the user to secure the fluid collection device to the user; Position the one or more stripes around the user; The fluid collection device receives fluid discharged from the user; and The fluid discharged from the fluid collection device is received in the fluid collection container.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more strips are positioned away from the skin extending around the penis.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising securing the one or more strips to the fluid collection device.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning one or more strips around the user includes at least positioning the belt around the user's waist.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising using a pump to draw a vacuum through the tube, the tube being in fluid communication with the outlet of the fluid collection device, to effectively draw fluid from the fluid collection device into the fluid collection container.