An elongated handle configured to hold a fluid collection assembly during positioning

Abstract

An elongated handle (104) includes a top end region (132) and a bottom end region (134). The elongated handle includes a handle portion (136) and a receiving portion (138). At least a portion of the handle portion forms the top end region (132) and at least a portion of the receiving portion forms the bottom end region (134). A minimum angle between the handle portion and the receiving portion is about 135° to 180°.

Description

AN ELONGATED HANDLE CONFIGURED TO HOLD A FLUID COLLECTION ASSEMBLY DURING POSITIONINGBACKGROUND

[0001] A person or animal may have limited or impaired mobility so typical urination processes are challenging or impossible. For example, a person may experience or have a disability that impairs mobility. A person may have restricted travel conditions such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, sometimes bodily fluids collection is needed for monitoring purposes or clinical testing.

[0002] Urinary catheters, such as a Foley catheter, can address some of these circumstances, such as incontinence. Unfortunately, urinary catheters can be uncomfortable, painful, and can lead to complications, such as infections. Additionally, bed pans, which are receptacles used for the toileting of bedridden individuals are sometimes used. However, bedpans can be prone to discomfort, spills, and other hygiene issues.SUMMARY

[0003] In an embodiment, an elongated handle configured to hold a fluid collection assembly is disclosed. The elongated handle includes a top end region, a bottom end region opposite the top end region, a handle portion, and a receiving portion. At least a portion of the handle portion forms the proximal end region. The receiving portion is configured to receive a fluid collection assembly and maintain the fluid collection assembly on the receiving portion during positioning. At least a portion of receiving portion forms the bottom end region. A minimum angle between the handle portion and the receiving portion is about 135° to 180°

[0004] In an embodiment, a fluid collection system is disclosed. The fluid collection system includes a fluid collection assembly. The fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier extending from a distal end region to a proximal end region. The fluid impermeable barrier defines at least a chamber, at least one opening, and a fluid outlet. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection system further includes an elongated handle configured to hold the fluid collection assembly. The elongated handle includes a top end region, a bottom end region opposite the top end region, a handle portion, and a receiving portion. At least a portion of the handle portion forms the proximal end region. The receiving portion is configured to receive a fluid collection assembly and maintain the fluid collection assembly on the receiving portion during positioning. At least a portionof receiving portion forms the bottom end region. The elongated handle is configured to not plastically deform and maintains a general shape thereof during ordinary operation of the fluid collection system.

[0005] In an embodiment, a fluid collection system is disclosed. The fluid collection system includes a fluid collection assembly. The fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier extending from a distal end region to a proximal end region. The fluid impermeable barrier defines at least a chamber, at least one opening, and a fluid outlet. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection system further includes an elongated handle configured to hold the fluid collection assembly. The elongated handle includes a top end region, a bottom end region opposite the top end region, a handle portion, and a receiving portion. At least a portion of the handle portion forms the proximal end region. The receiving portion is configured to receive a fluid collection assembly and maintain the fluid collection assembly on the receiving portion during positioning. At least a portion of receiving portion forms the bottom end region. The elongated handle is configured to not plastically deform and maintains a general shape thereof during ordinary operation of the fluid collection system. The fluid collection system also includes a fluid storage container and a vacuum source. The fluid storage container and the vacuum source are in fluid communication with the chamber via one or more conduits such that the vacuum source may apply a suction to the chamber to remove bodily fluids from the chamber and deposit the bodily fluids in the fluid storage container.

[0006] In an embodiment, a method of using a fluid collection system is disclosed. The method includes providing a fluid collection assembly. The fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier extending from a distal end region to a proximal end region. The fluid impermeable barrier defines at least a chamber, at least one opening, and a fluid outlet. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material disposed in the chamber. The method also includes providing an elongated handle. The elongated handle includes a top end region, a bottom end region opposite the top end region, a handle portion, and a receiving portion. At least a portion of the handle portion forms the proximal end region. The receiving portion is configured to receive a fluid collection assembly and maintain the fluid collection assembly on the receiving portion during positioning. At least a portion of receiving portion forms the bottom end region. The method further includes, with the fluid collection assembly positioned on the receiving portion, gripping the handle portion and positioning the atleast one opening of fluid collection assembly adjacent to a urethral opening or positioning a penis through the at least one opening. The elongated handle does not plastically deform and maintains a general shape thereof while positioning the at least one opening of the fluid collection assembly adjacent to the urethral opening or positioning a penis through the at least one opening.

[0007] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a fluid collection system that includes a fluid collection assembly and an elongated handle, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIGS. IB and 1C are cross-sectional views of the fluid collection system taken along planes IB- IB and 1C-1C, respectively.

[0011] FIG. ID is an isometric view of assembling the fluid collection system (e.g., positioning the fluid collection assembly on the elongated handle), according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fluid collection system that includes a fluid collection assembly that is not received by the elongated handle, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fluid collection system that includes the fluid collection assembly received by the elongated handle.

[0014] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fluid collection system that includes a fluid collection assembly that is not received by the elongated handle, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fluid collection system that includes the fluid collection assembly received by the elongated handle.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a portion of an elongated handle that includes a tactile feature, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fluid collection system for fluid collection, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments disclosed herein are related to elongated handles configured to hold a fluid collection assembly, fluid collection assemblies including the same, and methods of using the same. An example elongated handle includes a top end region and a bottom end region. The elongated handle includes a handle portion and a receiving portion. At least a portion of the handle portion forms the top end region and at least a portion of the receiving portion forms the bottom end region. A minimum angle between the handle portion and the receiving portion is about 135° to 180°.

[0022] The receiving portion is configured to receive (e.g., have positioned thereon and / or have attached thereto) a fluid collection assembly. The fluid collection assembly may be unlikely to fall off the receiving portion during use if the elongated handle is correctly used. As will be discussed in more detail below, the elongated handle facilitate positioning of the fluid collection assembly. The receiving portion may be configured to receive any fluid collection assembly. In an embodiment, the receiving portion may be configured to receive a fluid collection assembly including a fluid impermeable barrier defining a chamber, at least one opening that allows bodily fluids (e.g., urine, blood, sweat, etc.) to flow into the chamber and / or a penis to be disposed in the chamber, and a fluid outlet. The fluid collection assembly may further include at least one porous material disposed in the chamber.

[0023] During use, the fluid collection assembly may be already positioned on the receiving portion of the elongated handle or the fluid collection assembly may be positioned on the receiving portion. With the fluid collection assembly positioned on the receiving portion, the elongated handle may be used to position the fluid collection assembly on the patient. For example, a patient may grip the handle portion of the elongated handle and position the fluid collection assembly. Positioning the fluid collection assembly may include positioning the opening of the fluid collection assembly adjacent to a urethral opening (e.g. , female urethral opening or buried penis) or having a penis positioned through the opening. After positioning the fluid collection assembly, thepatient may discharge bodily fluids (e.g., urinate). The discharged bodily fluids may enter the chamber, flow into the porous material, and may flow towards the fluid outlet or an inlet of a conduit positioned in the fluid outlet. In an embodiment, the fluid collection assembly may be in fluid communication with a vacuum source that is configured to apply a suction to the chamber. The suction may facilitate flow of the bodily fluids towards the fluid outlet or the inlet of the conduit and may remove the bodily fluids from the chamber.

[0024] The elongated handle is an improvement over conventional fluid collection systems (e.g., fluid collection systems that do not include an elongated handle). For example, conventional methods of using conventional fluid collection systems often include removing clothing (e.g., pants and undergarments) from around the urethral opening of the patient (e.g., the clothing is completely removed or at least pulled down towards the ankles of the patient) and, after the clothing is removed from the urethral opening, positioning the fluid collection assembly. The clothing may be put back around the urethral opening or may remain off during use of the fluid collection assembly. Similarly, the clothing may be removed from around the urethral opening of the patient when the fluid collection assembly is removed from the patient.

[0025] In some applications, the requirement that the clothing is removed from around the urethral opening is not an issue, such as when the conventional fluid collection systems are used in a home, a rest home, or a hospital since, in such applications, the clothing may be easily removed without causing patient discomfort or is not typically worn. Also, in such applications, the fluid collection assembly may be positioned by a third party (e.g., doctor, nurse, or other caregiver) and it may be easier for the third party to position the fluid collection assembly when the clothing is removed from the urethral opening of the patient.

[0026] However, in other applications, removing of the clothing from around the urethral opening may be difficult or impossible. Such applications include a patient driving a car or piloting a plane or a patient in a wheelchair since removing clothing in such application may be difficult or impossible. Further, in such applications, the patient may need to position the fluid collection assembly without the assistance of a third party. When using conventional fluid collection systems in such applications, the patient may need to directly grip the fluid collection assembly with their hand, maneuver the fluid collection assembly and the hand under the clothing to position the fluid collection assembly on the patient, and then remove the fluid collection assembly from the patientby again gripping the fluid collection assembly directly. Such a method has several issues. For example, it may be difficult to maneuver both the fluid collection assembly and the handle under the clothing, especially if the patient is wearing tight fitting clothing. The patient may also find it unsanitary to directly grip the fluid collection assembly after it has receive bodily fluids. Further, gripping the fluid collection assembly with the hand while maneuvering the fluid collection assembly (both while positioning the fluid collection assembly on the patient and removing the fluid collection assembly from the patient) and while holding the fluid collection in place during discharge of the bodily fluids (if the patient decides to hold the fluid collection assembly during discharge) may cause the patient’s hand to compress the fluid collection assembly, for example, due the limited space between the patient’s body and their clothing. Such compression of the fluid collection assembly may inhibit operation of the fluid collection assembly, prevent correct positioning of the fluid collection assembly, and may cause the fluid collection assembly to leak (e.g. , leak urine onto the patient’s hand). Additionally, the patient may find it difficult to correctly position the fluid collection assembly on themselves since they are unable to see their genital region and the fluid collection assembly may obstruct anatomical features that the patient may feel with their hand.

[0027] The elongated handle at least partially resolves at least some of these issues associated with positioning fluid collection assemblies on patients wearing clothing. For example, the elongated handle exhibits a smaller profile than a hand gripping the fluid collection assembly. As such, the elongated handle facilitates maneuvering the fluid collection assembly under the clothing and minimizes compression of the fluid collection assembly. The elongated handle also prevents or at least inhibits bodily fluids coming in contact with the patient’s hand during use (e.g., leaked urine contacts the elongated handle instead of the patient’ s hand). The elongated handle may also preclude the patient from having to grip the fluid collection assembly after discharging bodily fluids into the fluid collection assembly since the patient may find gripping a used fluid collection assembly to be unsanitary. The elongated handle may also include tactile features that may be felt by the patient and may indicate the correct positioning of the patient. Thus, the elongated handle disclosed herein may facilitate usage of fluid collection systems when, for example, clothing is not removed from the patient. The elongated handle may also prevent or at least inhibit the fluid collection assembly from turning along a longitudinal axis thereof.

[0028] For brevity, the elongated handle will be discussed as being used in embodiments where the clothing of the patient cannot be easily removed. However, it is noted that the elongated handle may be used in other applications, without limitation. In an example, the elongated handle may be used in application where the clothing may be easily removed from the urethral opening but there is no third party available to position the fluid collection assembly. In an example, the elongated handle may be used when the patient or a third party finds directly handling the fluid collection assembly after discharging the bodily fluids into the fluid collection assembly to be unsanitary.

[0029] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a fluid collection system 100 that includes a fluid collection assembly 102 and an elongated handle 104, according to an embodiment. FIGS. IB and 1C are cross-sectional views of the fluid collection system 100 taken along planes IB- IB and 1C-1C, respectively. FIG. ID is an isometric view of assembling the fluid collection system 100 (e.g., positioning the fluid collection assembly 102 on the elongated handle 104), according to an embodiment.

[0030] The fluid collection assembly 102 is an example of a female fluid collection assembly for receiving and collecting bodily fluids from a female. The fluid collection assembly 102 includes a fluid impermeable barrier 105 defining at least an opening 106, a chamber 108, and a fluid outlet 110. The fluid collection assembly 102 also includes at least one porous material 120 disposed in a chamber 108. The fluid collection assembly 102 may further includes a conduit 112 is disposed through the fluid outlet 110 such that an inlet 114 of the conduit 112 is disposed in the chamber 108.

[0031] The fluid impermeable barrier 105 at least partially defines a chamber 108 e.g., interior region) and an opening 106. For example, the interior surface(s) 116 of the fluid impermeable barrier 105 at least partially defines the chamber 108 within the fluid collection assembly 102. The fluid impermeable barrier 105 temporarily stores the bodily fluids in the chamber 108. The fluid impermeable barrier 105 may be formed of any suitable fluid impermeable material(s), such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, neoprene, a polycarbonate, etc.), a metal film, natural rubber, another suitable material, any other fluid impermeable material disclosed herein, or combinations thereof. As such, the fluid impermeable barrier 105 substantially prevents the bodily fluids from passing through the fluid impermeable barrier 105. In an example, the fluid impermeable barrier 105 may be air permeable and fluid impermeable. In such an example, the fluid impermeable barrier 105 may be formed of a hydrophobic material that defines a plurality of pores. At leastone or more portions of at least an outer surface 118 of the fluid impermeable barrier 105 may be formed from a soft and / or smooth material, thereby reducing chaffing.

[0032] In some examples, the fluid impermeable barrier 105 may be tubular (ignoring the opening 106), such as substantially cylindrical (as shown), oblong, prismatic, or flattened tubes. During use, the outer surface 118 of the fluid impermeable barrier 105 may contact the patient. The fluid impermeable barrier 105 may be sized and shaped to fit between the labia and / or the gluteal cleft between the legs of a female user.

[0033] The opening 106 provides an ingress route for bodily fluids to enter the chamber 108. The opening 106 may be defined by the fluid impermeable barrier 105 such as by an inner edge of the fluid impermeable barrier 105. For example, the opening 106 is formed in and extends through the fluid impermeable barrier 105, from the outer surface 118 to the inner surface 116, thereby enabling bodily fluids to enter the chamber 108 from outside of the fluid collection assembly 102.

[0034] The opening 106 may be an elongated hole in the fluid impermeable barrier 105. For example, the opening 106 may be defined as a cut-out in the fluid impermeable barrier 105. The opening 106 may be located and shaped to be positioned adjacent to a female urethral opening. The opening 106 may have an elongated shape because the space between the legs of a female is relatively small when the legs of the female are closed, thereby only permitting the flow of the bodily fluids along a path that corresponds to the elongated shape of the opening 106 (e.g., longitudinally extending opening 106). The opening 106 may also exhibit an elongated shape so that the porous material 110 may it within the labia folds of the patient.

[0035] In some examples, the fluid impermeable barrier 105 may define a fluid outlet 110 sized to receive the conduit 112. The at least one conduit 112 may be disposed in the chamber 108 via the fluid outlet 110. The fluid outlet 110 may be sized and shaped to form an at least substantially fluid tight seal against the conduit 112 or the at least one tube thereby substantially preventing the bodily fluids from escaping the chamber 108.

[0036] In an embodiment, the porous material 120 may be configured to wick any bodily fluids away from the opening 106, thereby preventing the bodily fluids from escaping the chamber 108. The permeable properties referred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as “permeable” and / or “wicking.” Such “wicking” and / or “permeable” properties may not include absorption of the bodily fluids into at least a portion of the porous material 120, such as not include adsorption of the bodily fluids into the fluid permeableinner layer 122. Put another way, substantially no absorption or solubility of the bodily fluids into the material may take place after the material is exposed to the bodily fluids and removed from the bodily fluids for a time. While no absorption or solubility is desired, the term “substantially no absorption” may allow for nominal amounts of absorption and / or solubility of the bodily fluids into the porous material 120 (e.g. , absorbency), such as less than about 30 wt% of the dry weight of the porous material 120, less than about 20 wt%, less than about 10 wt%, less than about 7 wt%, less than about 6 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than about 2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, or less than about 0.5 wt% of the dry weight of the porous material 120. The porous material 120 may also wick the bodily fluids generally towards an interior of the chamber 108, as discussed in more detail below. In an embodiment, the porous material 120 may include at least one absorbent or adsorbent material.

[0037] In some examples, the fluid permeable top layer 124 may be optional. For example, the porous material 120 may include only the fluid permeable inner layer 122. In some examples, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 may be optionally omitted from the fluid collection assembly 102. For example, the porous material 120 may only include the fluid permeable top layer 124.

[0038] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the porous material 120 e.g. , one or more of the fluid permeable top layer 124 or, more preferably, the fluid permeable inner layer 122) may be hydrophobic. The porous material 120 may be hydrophobic when the porous material 120 exhibits a contact angle with water (a major constituent of bodily fluids) that is greater than about 90°, such as in ranges of about 90° to about 120°, about 105° to about 135°, about 120° to about 150°, about 135° to about 175°, or about 150° to about 180°. The hydrophobicity of the porous material 120 may limit absorption, adsorption, and solubility of the bodily fluids in the porous material 120 thereby decreasing the amount of bodily fluids held in the porous material 120. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the porous material 120 is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In an embodiment, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 is more hydrophobic (e.g., exhibits a larger contact angle with water) than the fluid permeable top layer 124. The lower hydrophobicity of the fluid permeable top layer 124 may help the porous material 120 receive the bodily fluids from the urethral opening while the hydrophobicity of the fluid permeable inner layer 122 limits the bodily fluids that are retained in the porous material 120.

[0039] In an embodiment, the porous material 120 may include the fluid permeable top layer 124 disposed in the chamber 108. The fluid permeable top layer 124 may cover at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening 106. The fluid permeable top layer 124 may be composed to wick the bodily fluids away from the opening 106, thereby preventing the bodily fluids from escaping the chamber 108.

[0040] In an embodiment, the fluid permeable top layer 124 may include any material that may wick the bodily fluids. For example, the fluid permeable top layer 124 may include fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., a silk, linen, or cotton gauze), another soft fabric, another smooth fabric, a nonwoven material, or any of the other porous materials disclosed herein. Forming the fluid permeable top layer 124 from gauze, soft fabric, and / or smooth fabric may reduce chaffing caused by the fluid collection assembly 102.

[0041] The fluid collection assembly 102 may include the fluid permeable inner layer 122 disposed in the chamber 108. The fluid permeable inner layer 122 is configured to support the fluid permeable top layer 124 since the fluid permeable top layer 124 may be formed from a relatively foldable, flimsy, or otherwise easily deformable material. For example, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 may be positioned such that the fluid permeable top layer 124 is disposed between the fluid permeable inner layer 122 and the fluid impermeable barrier 105. As such, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 may support and maintain the position of the fluid permeable top layer 124. The fluid permeable inner layer 122 may include any material that may wick, absorb, adsorb, or otherwise allow fluid transport of the bodily fluids, such as any of the fluid permeable membrane materials disclosed herein above. For example, the fluid permeable membrane material(s) may be utilized in a more dense or rigid form than in the fluid permeable top layer 124 when used as the fluid permeable inner layer 122. The fluid permeable inner layer 122 may be formed from any fluid permeable material that is less deformable than the fluid permeable top layer 124. For example, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 may include a porous polymer (e.g., nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) structure or an open cell foam, such as spun nylon fiber. In some examples, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 may include a nonwoven material. In some examples, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 may be formed from a natural material, such as cotton, wool, silk, or combinations thereof. In such examples, the material may have a coating to prevent or limit absorption of fluid into the material, such as a water repellent coating. In some examples, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 may be formed from fabric, felt, gauze, or combinations thereof.

[0042] The porous material 120 may at least substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber 108 that are not occupied by the conduit 112. In some examples, the porous material 120 may not substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber 108 that are not occupied by the conduit 112. In such an example, the fluid collection assembly 102 includes the reservoir 126 disposed in the chamber 108.

[0043] The reservoir 126 is a substantially unoccupied portion of the chamber 108. The reservoir 126 may be defined between the fluid impermeable barrier 105 and one or both of the fluid permeable top layer 124 and fluid permeable inner layer 122. The bodily fluids that are in the chamber 108 may flow through the fluid permeable top layer 124 and / or fluid permeable inner layer 122 to the reservoir 126. The reservoir 126 may retain of the bodily fluids therein.

[0044] The bodily fluids that are in the chamber 108 may flow through the fluid permeable top layer 124 and / or fluid permeable inner layer 122 to the reservoir 126. The fluid impermeable barrier 105 may retain the bodily fluids in the reservoir 126. While depicted in the distal end region 128, the reservoir 126 may be located in any portion of the chamber 108 such as the proximal end region 130. The reservoir 126 may be located in a portion of the chamber 108 that is designed to be located in a gravimetrically low point of the fluid collection assembly when the fluid collection assembly is worn.

[0045] In some examples (not shown), the fluid collection assembly 102 may include multiple reservoirs, such as a first reservoir that is located at the portion of the chamber 108 closest to the inlet of the conduit 112 (e.g., distal end region 128) and a second reservoir that is located at the portion of the of the chamber 108 that is at or near proximal end region 130). In another example, the fluid permeable inner layer 122 is spaced from at least a portion of the conduit 112, and the reservoir 126 may be the space between the fluid permeable inner layer 122 and the conduit 112.

[0046] The conduit 112 may be at least partially disposed in the chamber 108. The conduit 112 may be used to remove the bodily fluids from the chamber 108. The conduit 112 includes at least one wall defining an inlet 114, an outlet (not shown) downstream from the inlet 114, and a passageway. The outlet of the conduit 112 may be operably coupled to a vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump for withdrawing fluid from the chamber 108 through the conduit 112. For example, the conduit 112 may extend into the fluid impermeable barrier 105 from the proximal end region 130 and may extend to the distal end region 128 to a point proximate to the reservoir 126 therein such that the inlet 114 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 126. The conduit 112 fluidly couples thechamber 108 with the fluid storage container (not shown) or the vacuum source (not shown).

[0047] The conduit 112 may extend through a bore in the porous material 120. In an embodiment, the conduit 112 extends from the fluid outlet 110, through the bore, to a location that is proximate to the reservoir 126. In such an embodiment, the inlet 114 may not extend into the reservoir 126 and, instead, the inlet 114 may be disposed within the porous material 120 or at a terminal end thereof. For example, an end of the conduit 112 may be coextensive with or recessed within the fluid permeable top layer 124 and / or fluid permeable inner layer 122. In an embodiment, the conduit 112 is at least partially disposed in the reservoir 126 and the inlet 114 may be extended into or be positioned in the reservoir 126. The bodily fluids collected in the fluid collection assembly 102 may be removed from the chamber 108 via the conduit 112.

[0048] Locating the inlet 114 at or near a location expected to be the gravimetrically low point of the chamber 108 when worn by an patient enables the conduit 112 to receive more of the bodily fluids than if inlet 114 was located elsewhere and reduce the likelihood of pooling (e.g., pooling of the bodily fluids may cause microbe growth and foul odors). For instance, the bodily fluids in the fluid permeable top layer 124 and the fluid permeable inner layer 122 may flow in any direction due to capillary forces. However, the bodily fluids may exhibit a preference to flow in the direction of gravity, especially when at least a portion of the fluid permeable top layer 124 and / or the fluid permeable inner layer 122 is saturated with the bodily fluids. Accordingly, one or more of the inlet 114 or the reservoir 126 may be located in the fluid collection assembly 102 in a position expected to be the gravimetrically low point in the fluid collection assembly 102 when worn by an patient, such as the distal end region 128.

[0049] The inlet 114 and the outlet of the conduit 112 are configured to fluidly couple e.g., directly or indirectly) the vacuum source (not shown) to the chamber 108 (e.g., the reservoir 126). As the vacuum source (vacuum source 864 of FIG. 8) applies a vacuum / suction in the conduit 112, the bodily fluids in the chamber 108 (e.g., at the distal end region 128 such as in the reservoir 126) may be drawn into the inlet 114 and out of the fluid collection assembly 102 via the conduit 112. In some examples, the conduit 112 may be frosted or opaque (e.g., black) to obscure visibility of the bodily fluids therein.

[0050] As previously discussed, the conduit 112 may be configured to be at least insertable into the chamber 108. In an example, the conduit 112 may be positioned in the chamber 108 such that a terminal end of the conduit 112 is spaced from the fluidimpermeable barrier 105 or other components of the fluid collection assembly 102 that may at least partially obstruct or block the inlet 114. Further, the inlet 114 of the conduit 112 may be offset relative to a terminal end of the porous material 120 such that the inlet 114 is closer to the proximal end region 130 of the fluid collection assembly 102 than the terminal end of the porous material 120. Offsetting the inlet 114 in such a manner relative to the terminal end of the porous material 120 allows the inlet 114 to receive bodily fluids directly from the porous material 120 and, due to hydrogen bonding, pulls more bodily fluids from the porous material 120 into the conduit 112.

[0051] It is noted that the fluid collection assembly 102 is merely one example of a fluid collection assembly that may be used with in the fluid collection system 100. In other words, the elongated handle 104 may be configured to be used with other fluid collection assemblies. Other examples of fluid collection assemblies that may be used in the fluid collection system 100 re disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 299,788 filed on April 13, 2023, U.S. Patent No. 11,376,152 filed on November 3, 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 996,155 filed on April 15, 2021, U.S. Patent No. 17 / 996,064 filed on April 13, 2021, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 664,487 filed on May 23, 2022, PCT International Application No. PCT / US2022 / 0221 11 filed on March 28, 2022, U.S. Patent No. 10,376,407 issued on August 13, 2019, U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 478,180 filed on January 30, 2018, U.S. Patent No. 10,376,406 issued on August 13, 2019, U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 433,773 filed on June 6, 2019, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 614,173 filed on May 15, 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 003,029 filed on June 30, 2021, U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 042,842 filed on August 25, 2021, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 446,654 filed on September 1, 2021, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

[0052] As previously discussed, the fluid collection system 100 includes an elongated handle 104. The elongated handle 104 includes a top end region 132 and a bottom end region 134 opposite the top end region 132. When the fluid collection assembly 102 is positioned on elongated handle 104, the top end region 132 of the elongated handle 104 may be closer to proximal end region 130 of the fluid collection assembly 102 than the distal end region 128 of the fluid collection assembly 102. Similarly, the bottom end region 134 of the elongated handle 104 may be closer (e.g., adjacent to) to the distal end region 128 of the fluid collection assembly 102 than the proximal end region 130 of the fluid collection assembly 102. The elongated handle 104 also includes a handle portion136 that is configured to be gripped by the patient or a third party and a receiving portion 138 that is configured to receive the fluid collection assembly 102. At least a portion of the handle portion 136 forms the top end region 132 and least a portion of the receiving portion 138 forms the bottom end region 134. The handle portion 136 may extend from the top end region 132 and the receiving portion 138 may extend from the bottom end region 134.

[0053] The elongated handle 104 may exhibit any suitable maximum length measured from the top end region 132 to the bottom end region 134. The maximum length may refer to the length measured along a straight line between the furthest spaced portions of the top end region 132 and the bottom end region 134 or along the central axis of the handle portion 136 and the central axis of the receiving portion 138 regardless if the elongated handle 104 is linear, curved, bent, or exhibits any other suitable shape. The maximum length of the elongated handle 104 may be about 20 cm or greater, about 25 cm or greater, about 30 cm or greater, about 40 cm or greater, about 60 cm or greater, about 60 cm or greater, about 70 cm or greater, about 80 cm or greater, about 90 cm or greater, about 1 m or greater, or in ranges of about 20 cm to about 30 cm, about 25 cm to about 40 cm, about 30 cm to about 60 cm, about 40 cm to about 60 cm, about 60 cm to about 70 cm, about 60 cm to about 80 cm, about 70 cm to about 90 cm, about 80 cm to about 1 m. It is currently believed that an elongated handle 104 exhibiting any of the above lengths may be sufficient to have the fluid collection assembly 102 disposed therein, have sufficiently length to be gripped, and allow the fluid collection assembly 102 to be positioned on the patient without having to disposed the hand gripping the elongated handle 104 under the clothing (e.g., pants and undergarments) of the patient. It is noted that the maximum length of the elongated handle 104 may vary for a variety of reasons. For example, the maximum length of the elongated handle 104 may be varied by based on the size of the patient (e.g., the maximum length of the elongated handle 104 may be smaller when used with smaller or thin patients and larger when used with larger or fatter patients) or based on the patient’s or third party’s preference. The maximum length of the elongated handle 104 may be selected based on the clothing of the individual, such as increasing the maximum length when the elongated handle 104 is configured to be used with high-waist pants or decreasing the maximum length when used with low rise pants.

[0054] The maximum length of the elongated handle 104 may be selected based on the size of the fluid collection assembly 102. The maximum length of the elongated handle 104 may be greater than the maximum length of the fluid collection assembly 102measured from the distal end region 128 to the proximal end region 130. For example, the maximum length of the elongated handle 104 may be greater than the maximum length of the fluid collection assembly 102 by about 25% or more (e.g. , if the maximum length of the fluid collection assembly 102 is 10 inches, the maximum length of the elongated handle 104 is 12.5 inches or more), about 50% or more, about 75% or more, about 100% or more, about 125 % or more, about 150% or more, about 200% or more, about 250% or more, about 300% or more, or in ranges of about 20% to about 75%, about 60% to about 100%, about 75% to about 125%, about 100% to about 150%, about 125% to about 200%, about 150% to about 250%, or about 200% to about 300%.

[0055] The elongated handle 104 may be formed from any suitable material. In an example, the elongated handle 104 may be formed from a material that may generally maintain a shape thereof when the fluid collection assembly 102 is disposed thereon. For example, the elongated handle 104 may be formed from polyethylene (e.g., high density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, another suitable polymer, steel e.g., stainless steel), copper, aluminum, another suitable metal, a composite, a ceramic, or combinations thereof. In an example, the elongated handle 104 may be formed from a machine washable material, an autoclave- able material, or another material that may be washable which allows the elongated handle 104 to be washed thereby allowing the elongated handle 104 to be reused. In an example, the elongated handle 104 may be formed from an elastic material which allows the elongated handle 104 to be flexed, as needed, when maneuvering the fluid collection assembly 102 and the elongated handle 104 under clothing. In an example, the elongated handle 104 may be formed of a deformable material thereby allowing the elongated handle 104 to be bent into a shape and maintain the shape. Allowing the elongated handle 104 to be bent allows the elongated handle 104 to exhibit a desired shape depending on the shape of the patient or based on the patient’s or third party’s preference.

[0056] As previously discussed, the elongated handle 104 includes a receiving portion 138 that is configured to receive the fluid collection assembly 102. In other words, the receiving portion 138 is configured to have the fluid collection assembly 102 positioned thereon and maintain the fluid collection assembly 102 thereon during correct usage of the elongated handle 104. As such, as will be discussed in more detail below, the receiving portion 138 may include one or more features that facilitate positioning the fluid collection assembly 102 on the receiving portion 138 and maintaining the fluid collection assembly 102 on the receiving portion 138. Further, the receiving portion 138may be positioned adjacent to and move against the patient during use. Accordingly, as will be discussed in more detail below, the receiving portion 138 may include one or more features that prevent or at least inhibit the receiving portion 138 from hurting the patient during use.

[0057] The receiving portion 138 may include at least one securement feature that is configured to maintain the fluid collection assembly 102 on the receiving portion 138 during operation. In an embodiment, the securement feature is configured to allow the fluid collection assembly 102 to be removed from the fluid collection assembly 102. In such an embodiment, the elongated handle 104 may be reusable with multiple fluid collection assemblies thereby decreasing waste and increasing the utility of the elongated handle 104. In an embodiment, the securement feature is configured to have the fluid collection assembly 102 permanently attached thereto.

[0058] In an embodiment, the securement feature includes the receiving portion 138 having a concave surface 140. The concave surface 140 is configured to have the fluid collection assembly 102 disposed thereon. For example, the concave surface 140 may contact the at least a portion of back surface of the fluid impermeable barrier 105 (e.g., the portion of the outer surface 118 of the fluid impermeable barrier 105 opposite the opening 106) when the fluid collection assembly 102 is disposed on the concave surface 140. The concave surface 140 may facilitate maintaining the fluid collection assembly 102 on the receiving portion 138 during use because the concave surface 140 inhibits the fluid collection assembly 102 from rolling off the receiving portion 138, such as when the receiving portion 138 is slightly tilted to one side of the other. In an example, the concave surface 140 may exhibit a size and shape that substantially corresponds to the size and shape of the back surface of the fluid impermeable barrier 105. In such an example, the concave surface 140 may better inhibit the fluid collection assembly 102 rolling off the elongated handle 104 than if the concave surface 140 did not exhibit a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the back surface of the fluid impermeable barrier 105.

[0059] In an embodiment, the securement feature includes a lip 142 formed in the bottom end region 134 of the receiving portion. The lip 142 includes a portion of the receiving portion 138 that is bent or otherwise extends towards the distal end region 128 of the fluid collection assembly 102 when the fluid collection assembly 102 is disposed on the receiving portion 138. For example, as shown, the lip 142 may be formed by forming a bend 148 in the receiving portion 138 thereby causing the lip to extend towardsthe distal end region 128 of the fluid collection assembly 102. It is noted that the lip 142 does not extend around the terminal end of the distal end region 128 since it may be easier to form the lip 142 than a bucket that extends around the terminal end of the distal end region 128 (e.g. , bucket 250 of FIGS. 2A and 2B). The lip 142 provides some resistance to the fluid collection assembly 102 sliding off the bottom end region 134 of the receiving portion 138.

[0060] It is noted that the concave surface 140 and / or the lip 142 may only maintain the fluid collection assembly 102 on the receiving portion 138 when the receiving portion 138 is held substantially horizontal (relative to gravity) or at slight deviations therefrom without having the fluid collection assembly 102 fall off the receiving area. The receiving portion 138 may remain substantially horizontal during use when the elongated handle 104 is used to position the fluid collection assembly 102 on a standing patient. The illustrated receiving portion 138 may also be used when the patient or third party uses their hand to hold the fluid collection assembly 102 to the elongated handle 104, for example, by contacting the fluid outlet 110 or the conduit 112 thereby maintaining the hand away from the portions of the fluid collection assembly 102 that receive bodily fluids and preventing or minimizing the distance that hand must be positioned under the clothing when positioning the fluid collection assembly 102.

[0061] As will be discussed in more detail below, the elongated handles disclosed herein may include securement features instead of or in addition to the concave surface 140 and / or the lip 142 that maintains the fluid collection assembly 102 on the receiving portion 138 without maintain the receiving portion 138 substantially horizontal or using someone’s hand to contact the fluid collection assembly 102. In an example, the securement feature may include a bucket (e.g., the buckets shown in FIGS. 2A-4) and / or one or more straps (e.g., strap shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) configured to inhibit the fluid collection assembly 102 from rolling off the receiving portion 138. In an example, the securement feature may include a magnet attached to or disposed in one of the fluid collection assembly 102 or the handle 104 while the other of the fluid collection assembly 102 or the handle 104 includes an oppositely poled magnet or magnetically attachable material. In an example, the securement feature may include an adhesive, loop-and-hook attachment (e.g. , Velcro™), or any other suitable attachment. In an example, the securement feature includes the elongated handle 104 and the fluid impermeable barrier 105 integrally formed together (i.e., exhibiting single piece construction).

[0062] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the edges of receiving portion 138 and, more preferably, all of the edges of the receiving portion 138 are rounded. For example, the receiving portion 138 is generally maneuvered against the skin of the patient and often contacts the skin of the patient. Rounding the edges prevents the receiving portion 138 from digging into the skin of the patient or otherwise making the receiving portion 138 uncomfortable. It is noted that the terminal end of the receiving portion 138 may also be rounded for similar reasons, as clearly shown in FIG. ID.

[0063] As previously discussed, the elongated handle 104 includes a handle portion 136. The handle portion 136 is configured to be gripped by the patient or a third party. As such, the handle portion 136 may not be covered by or otherwise obstructed by the fluid collection assembly 102 when the fluid collection assembly 102 is positioned on the receiving portion 138. In an embodiment, the handle portion 136 may form an ergonomic handle defining cutouts configured to receive the fingers of the patient or the third party, a compressible pad (e.g. , silicone pad), or other structure that makes the handle portion 136 more comfortable to grip for several minutes. In an embodiment, the handle portion 136 includes one or more high friction materials exhibiting a coefficient of static friction that is greater than the rest of the elongated handle 104 or a textured or roughened surface thereby decreasing the likelihood that the patient or third party inadvertently drops the elongated handle 104.

[0064] The handle portion 136 may include one or more features of the receiving portion 138 disclosed herein. For instance, the handle portion 136 may include a concave surface 140 that is substantially similar to the concave surface 140 of the receiving portion 138 and / or the handle portion 136 may include rounded edges. Selecting the handle portion 136 to include one or more features of the receiving portion 138 may facilitate manufacturing of the elongated handle 104. For example, selecting the handle portion 136 to include one or more the features of the receiving portion 138 allows the elongated handle 104 to be extruded without needing to form the additional features on / in the receiving portion 138 after extrusion. Further, some of the features of the receiving portion 138 e.g., the rounded edges) may make gripping the handle portion 136 more comfortable.

[0065] The handle portion 136 may be distinguishable from the receiving portion 138. In an embodiment, the handle portion 136 is distinguishable from the receiving portion 138 when the elongated handle 104 receives the fluid collection assembly lhandl02 because the handle portion 136 is the portion of the elongated handle 104 that is notcovered or otherwise obstructed by the fluid collection assembly 102. In an embodiment, the elongated handle 104 includes a bend 148 between the receiving and handle portions 138, 136 thereby distinguishing the handle portion 136 from the receiving portion 138. In such an embodiment, the handle portion 136 extends between the bend 148 and the terminal end of the top end region 132 and the receiving portion 138 extends between the bend 148 and the terminal end of the bottom end region 134. The bend 148 may facilitate use of the elongated handle 104 since the bend 148 may allow the elongated handle 104 to move around curved anatomy of the patient. In an embodiment, the receiving portion 138 includes one or more securement features (e.g., concave surface 140 and / or rounded edges) and the handle portion 136 does not.

[0066] The handle portion 136 may extend from the receiving portion 138 at an angle 0. The angle 0 is the minimum angle between the handle portion 136 and the receiving portion 138. The angle 0 may be about 90° to 180° ( .<?., the elongated handle 104 does not include the bend 148), such as about 90° to about 110°, about 100° to about 120°, about 110° to about 130°, about 120° to about 135°, about 130° to about 140°, about 135° to about 145°, about 140° to about 150°, about 145° to about 155°, about 150° to about 160°, about 155° to about 165°, about 160° to about 170°, about 165° to about 175°, or about 170° to 180°. The elongated handle 104 exhibiting any of the above angles 0 may facilitate positioning the fluid collection assembly 102 under the clothing of the patient. The elongated handle 104 exhibiting an angle 0 of about 135° to 180° may also allow the fluid collection assembly 102 to be positioned on the receiving portion 138 without the handle portion 136 interfering with the conduit 112 (e.g., at least partially kinking or otherwise requiring the conduit 112 to suddenly bend). For example, interfering with the conduit 112 may make it difficult to maintain the fluid collection assembly 102 on the receiving portion 138 (e.g., the conduit 112 may push against the side of the handle portion 136) and / or inhibit removal of bodily fluids from the chamber 108. It is noted that some conventional devices may define a hole configured to receive the conduit 112 such that the conventional devices do not interfere with the conduit. However, the elongated handle 104 exhibiting any of the above angles 0 may not define a hole configured to receive the conduit 112 since the handle portion 136 does not interfere with the conduit 112. As such, the elongated handle 104 may not need to position the conduit 112 through the hole before positioning the fluid collection assembly 102 on the receiving portion 138. That said, in an embodiment, the handle portion 136 may exhibit a hole configured to receive the conduit 112.

[0067] The elongated handle 104 may be rigid. In other words, the elongated handle 104 may exhibit a rigidity such that the elongated handle 104 does not plastically deform and maintains its general shape during ordinary operation thereof. It is noted that the elongated handle 104 may exhibit some elastic deformation (e.g., flex) during ordinary operation thereof. The elongated handle 104 that is rigid may facilitate positioning of the fluid collection assembly 102 since the individual using the elongated handle 104 does not have to worry about the elongated handle 104 non-negligibly bending during use. The elongated handle 104 that is rigid may also generally maintain the angle 0 during ordinary operation thereof such that the handle portion 136 is unlikely to interfere with the conduit 112. It is noted that the elongated handle 104 may be rigid because the handle portion 136 and the receiving portion 138 may not define a hole that is configured to receive the conduit 112.

[0068] As previously discussed, the elongated handles disclosed herein may include securement features in addition to or instead of the securement features illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D. For example, the elongated handles disclosed herein may include any of the securement features illustrated in FIGS. 2A-6.

[0069] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fluid collection system 200 that includes a fluid collection assembly 202 that is not received by the elongated handle 204, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fluid collection system 200 that includes the fluid collection assembly 202 received by the elongated handle 204. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection system 200 is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection systems disclosed herein.

[0070] The receiving portion 238 of the elongated handle 204 includes a securement feature at or near the terminal end of the bottom end region 234 of the receiving portion 238. The securement feature is a bucket 250. The bucket 250 defines a concave portion 252 that is configured to receive a portion of the fluid collection assembly 202. Unlike the lip 142, the bucket 250 is configured to extend around the terminal end of the distal end region 228 of the fluid collection assembly 202 which allows the bucket 250 to better maintain the fluid collection assembly 202 on the receiving portion 238 even when the receiving portion 238 is not substantially horizontal, such as when the receiving portion 238 is generally vertical. It is noted that the receiving portion 238 may need to be generally vertical for at least a short period of time while positioning the fluid collection assembly 202 on a patient lying in a bed. As such, the bucket 250 may maintain the fluidcollection assembly 202 on the receiving portion 238 while using the fluid collection system 200 with a sitting patient.

[0071] In an embodiment, the bucket 250 exhibits a length measured from the terminal end of the bottom end region 234 that is sufficiently large that the terminal lateral end 254 of the bucket 250 sandwiches a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier 205 between the porous material 220 and the bucket 250. The porous material 220 provides additional structure to the portions of the fluid impermeable barrier 205 thereabout. Sandwiching the fluid impermeable barrier 205 between the porous material 220 and a portion of the bucket 250 allows the bucket 250 to abut a more structural portion (e.g., more rigid and less flimsy portion) of the fluid impermeable barrier 205 which, in turn, allows the bucket 250 to more securely maintain the fluid collection assembly 202 against the receiving portion 238. It is noted that the bucket 250 may not cover the opening 206 so that the bucket 250 does not inhibit the flow of bodily fluids into the chamber 208.

[0072] In an embodiment, the concave portion 252 of the bucket 250 exhibits a size and shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the distal end region 228 of the fluid collection assembly 202. The corresponding size and shape between the concave portion 252 and the distal end region 228 prevents or at least inhibits movement of the fluid collection assembly 202 within the bucket 250 which, in turn, allows the bucket 250 to more securely maintain the fluid collection assembly 202 against the receiving portion 238. For example, the bucket 250 exhibiting a size and shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the distal end region 228 of the fluid collection assembly 202 may allow the bucket 250 to hold the distal end region 228 therein via an interference fit. That said, it is noted that the concave portion of the buckets disclosed herein may exhibit a size and shape that is different than the size and shape of the fluid collection assembly. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a bucket 350 exhibiting a size and shape that does not correspond to the size and shape of the fluid collection assembly 302. In particular, FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fluid collection system 300 that includes a fluid collection assembly 302 that is not received by the elongated handle 304, according to an embodiment. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the fluid collection system 300 that includes the fluid collection assembly 302 received by the elongated handle 304. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection system 300 is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection systems disclosed herein.

[0073] The concave portion 352 of the bucket 350 exhibits a size and shape that is less than the size and shape of the distal end region 328 of the fluid collection assembly 302. In an embodiment, as shown, the bucket 350 is formed from a flexible material which allows the bucket 350 to expand to receive the distal end region 328. The expansion of the bucket 350 allows the bucket 350 to press against the fluid impermeable barrier 305 more than the bucket 250 illustrated in FIG. 2A and 2B which, in turn, allows the fluid collection assembly 302 to be more strongly secured to the bucket 350. In an embodiment, the bucket 350 is not formed from a flexible material. In such an embodiment, the distal end region 328 of the fluid collection assembly 302 may need to be compressed to fit within the concave portion 352.

[0074] The elongated handles illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3B include a bucket at or near the terminal end of the bottom end region of the elongated handle. However, it is noted that the elongated handles disclosed herein may include a bucket spaced from the bottom end region of the elongated handle that is configured to receive the proximal end region of a fluid collection assembly. For example, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid collection system 400, according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection system 400 is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection systems disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection system 400 includes a fluid collection assembly 402 and an elongated handle 404.

[0075] The elongated handle 404 includes a bucket 450a that is spaced from the bottom end region 434 of the elongated handle 404. For example, the bucket 450a may be positioned close to an intersection of the receiving portion 438 and the handle portion (not shown). The bucket 450a defines a concave portion (not shown, occupied) that is configured to receive at least a portion of the proximal end region 430 of the fluid collection assembly 402. As such, the bucket 450a maintains the proximal end region 430 of the fluid collection assembly 402 against the receiving portion 438.

[0076] Structurally, the bucket 450a may be substantially similar to the buckets illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3B. However, the bucket 450a may define a hole, slit, or other structure that allows the fluid outlet 410 of the fluid impermeable barrier 405 and / or the conduit 412 to pass through the bucket 450a.

[0077] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a fluid collection system 500, according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection system 500 is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection systems disclosed herein.For example, the fluid collection system 500 includes a fluid collection assembly 502 and an elongated handle 504.

[0078] The elongated handle 504 includes at least one strap 556 that is configured to maintain the fluid collection assembly 502 on the elongated handle 504. As such, the strap 556 forms a securement feature. In an embodiment, the strap 556 extends from a portion of the receiving portion 538 that is at or near the bottom end region 534 of the elongated handle 504. The strap 556 is configured to extend around a portion of the distal end region 528 of the fluid collection assembly 502. In other words, the strap 556 and the receiving portion 538 may define a hollow region therebetween that may receive the distal end region 528 of the fluid collection assembly 502. The strap 556 may prevent the fluid collection assembly 502 from rolling sideways off the receiving portion 538 or, optionally, sliding off the bottom end region 534 due to friction between the strap 556 and the fluid collection assembly 502. The strap 556 may be positioned such that the strap 556 does not cover the opening 506 thereby preventing the strap 556 from interfering with bodily fluids being received into the chamber (not shown, obscured).

[0079] In an embodiment, the strap 556 is non-moveably attached (e.g.., non- adjustable) to the receiving portion 538. In such an embodiment, the strap 556 may exhibit a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the distal end region 528 of the fluid collection assembly 502. Alternatively, the strap 556 may exhibit a size and shape that does not correspond to the size and shape of the distal end region 528 of the fluid collection assembly 502. In an example, the strap 556 may be formed of an elastic material when the strap 556 exhibits a size that is smaller than or a shape that is different than the distal end region 528 of the fluid collection assembly 502 thereby allowing the strap 556 to be stretched to exhibit a size and shape that correspond to the size and shape of the distal end region 528. In an example, the strap 556 may exhibit a size that is larger than the distal end region 528 of the fluid collection assembly 502. In such an example, the strap 556 may prevent the fluid collection assembly 502 rolling sideways off the receiving portion 538.

[0080] In an embodiment, the strap 556 is adjustable. That is, the size and / or shape of the strap 556 may be controllably and selectively changed. The strap 556 that is adjustable allows the strap 556 to be used with a variety of fluid collection assemblies exhibiting different sizes and / or shape. The strap 556 that is adjustable also facilitates positioning the fluid collection assembly 502 on the receiving portion 538 and removing the fluid collection assembly 502 from the receiving portion 538 since the strap 556 maybe loosened when positioning or removing the fluid collection assembly 502 and then tightened during use of the fluid collection system 500. In an example, the strap 556 includes a first terminal end permanently attached to the receiving portion and a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end. The second terminal end may be configured to be reversibly attached (e.g., using snaps, a belt buckle, a hook-and-loop device, etc.) to the receiving portion 538 or another strap.

[0081] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a fluid collection system 600, according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection system 600 is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection systems disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection system 600 includes a fluid collection assembly 602 and an elongated handle 604.

[0082] The elongated handle 604 includes at least one strap 656a that is configured to maintain the fluid collection assembly 602 on the elongated handle 604. As such, the strap 656a forms a securement feature. In an embodiment, the strap 656a extends from a portion of the receiving portion 638 that is spaced from the bottom end region 634 of the elongated handle 604 (e.g., proximal to the handle portion 636). The strap 656a is configured to extend around a portion of the proximal end region 630 of the fluid collection assembly 602. In other words, the strap 656a and the receiving portion 638 may define a hollow region between that may receive the proximal end region 630 of the fluid collection assembly 602. The strap 656a may prevent the fluid collection assembly 602 from rolling sideways off the receiving portion 638. The strap 656a may also prevent proximal end region 630 of the fluid collection assembly 602 tilting away from the receiving portion 638 when the receiving portion 638 is generally vertical or inverted (e.g., the receiving portion 638 is above the fluid collection assembly 602, relative to gravity). The strap 656a may be positioned such that the strap 656a does not cover the opening 606 thereby preventing the strap 656a from interfering with bodily fluids being received into the chamber (not shown, obscured). Structurally, the strap 656a may be the same or similar to the strap 556 illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, the strap 656a may be non-moveably attached to the receiving portion 638 or adjustable.

[0083] It is noted that the securement features disclosed herein may be used in combination with each other, without limitation. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an elongated handle 404 that includes the bucket 450a and an additional bucket 450b at or near the bottom end region 434. In another example, FIG. 6 illustrates an elongated handle 404 that include the strap 656a and an additional strap 656b at or near the bottomend region 634. In another example, the elongated handle two or more of at least one lip, at least one curved surface, at least one bucket, or at least one strap. Other examples of securement features are disclosed in International Application No. PCT / US23 / 18474 filed on April 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

[0084] As previously discussed, the elongated handles disclosed herein may include one or more tactile features that indicate correct positioning of the fluid collection assembly since, during insertion, it may be difficult to visually ascertain the position of the fluid collection assembly. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a portion of an elongated handle 704 that includes a tactile feature, according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the elongated handle 704 may be the same as or substantially similar to any of the elongated handles disclosed herein. Further, the elongated handle 704 may be used in any of the fluid collection systems disclosed herein.

[0085] In an embodiment, as shown, the tactile feature of the elongated handle 704 may include at least one bump 758 formed on or near the terminal end of the bottom end region 734. For example, the bump 758 may be formed on a lateral surface 760 of a bucket. The bump 758 is positioned on the receiving portion 738 such that the bump 758 contacts the anatomy of the patient. The bump 758 may be configured to indicate correct positioning of the fluid collection assembly (not shown) when the bump 758 is felt by the patient at one or more anatomical regions of the patient. For example, the illustrated bump 758 may indicate that the fluid collection assembly is correctly positioned when the bump 758 is one or more of felt on the patient’s perineum, felt on the patient’s anus or anal region, or pressing into the patient’s pelvic bone.

[0086] It is noted that the elongated handles disclosed herein may include tactile features other than the bump 758. In an example, the elongated handles disclosed herein may include one or more bumps on the edges of the receiving portion that, when felt by the thighs of the patient, may indicate correct positioning of the fluid collection assembly. In an example, the elongated handles disclosed herein may include a bump that, when felt by the waist of the patient or abuts the waistband of the clothing of the patient, indicates correct positioning of the fluid collection assembly. It is also noted that the tactile feature may include any suitable tactile feature other than or in addition to at least one bump, such as a roughened surface form in the elongated handle, one or more recesses formed in the elongated handle, or a different material (e.g., fabric) covering a portion of the elongated handle.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fluid collection system 800 for fluid collection, according to an embodiment. The fluid collection system 800 includes a fluid collection assembly 802, an elongated handle 804, a fluid storage container 862, and a vacuum source 864. The fluid collection assembly 802 and the elongated handle 804 may be the same or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection assemblies and elongated handles, respectively, disclosed herein. The fluid collection assembly 802, the fluid storage container 862, and the vacuum source 864 may be fluidly coupled to each other via one or more conduits 812. For example, fluid collection assembly 802 may be operably coupled to one or more of the fluid storage container 862 or the vacuum source 864 via the conduit 812. The bodily fluids collected in the fluid collection assembly 802 may be removed from the fluid collection assembly 802 via the conduit 812 which protrudes into the fluid collection assembly 802. For example, an inlet of the conduit 812 may extend into the fluid collection assembly 802, such as to a reservoir therein. The outlet of the conduit 812 may extend into the fluid collection assembly 802 or the vacuum source 864. Suction force may be introduced into the chamber of the fluid collection assembly 802 via the inlet of the conduit 812 responsive to suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied at the outlet of the conduit 812.

[0088] The suction force may be applied to the outlet of the conduit 812 by the vacuum source 864 either directly or indirectly. The suction force may be applied indirectly via the fluid storage container 862. For example, the outlet of the conduit 812 may be disposed within the fluid storage container 862 and an additional conduit 812 may extend from the fluid storage container 862 to the vacuum source 864. Accordingly, the vacuum source 864 may apply suction to the fluid collection assembly 802 via the fluid storage container 862. The suction force may be applied directly via the vacuum source 864. For example, the outlet of the conduit 812 may be disposed within the vacuum source 864. An additional conduit 812 may extend from the vacuum source 864 to a point outside of the fluid collection assembly 802, such as to the fluid storage container 862. In such examples, the vacuum source 864 may be disposed between the fluid collection assembly 802 and the fluid storage container 862.

[0089] The fluid storage container 862 is sized and shaped to retain bodily fluids therein. The fluid storage container 862 may include a bag (e.g., drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., collection jar), or any other enclosed container for storing bodily fluids such as urine. In some examples, the conduit 812 may extend from the fluid collection assembly 802 and attach to the fluid storage container 862 at a first point therein. Anadditional conduit 812 may attach to the fluid storage container 862 at a second point thereon and may extend and attach to the vacuum source 864. Accordingly, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be drawn through fluid collection assembly 802 via the fluid storage container 862. Bodily fluids, such as urine, may be drained from the fluid collection assembly 802 using the vacuum source 864.

[0090] The vacuum source 864 may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, and electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetically driven pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to produce a vacuum. The vacuum source 864 may provide a vacuum or suction to remove bodily fluids from the fluid collection assembly 802. In some examples, the vacuum source 864 may be powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a power socket), one or more batteries, or even manual power (e.g., a hand operated vacuum pump). In some examples, the vacuum source 864 may be sized and shaped to fit outside of, on, or within the fluid collection assembly 802. For example, the vacuum source 864 may include one or more miniaturized pumps or one or more micro pumps. The vacuum sources 864 disclosed herein may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote, or any other device suitable to activate the vacuum source 864.

[0091] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

[0092] Terms of degree (e.g., “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” etc.) indicate structurally or functionally insignificant variations. In an example, when the term of degree is included with a term indicating quantity, the term of degree is interpreted to mean ± 10%, ±5%, or +2% of the term indicating quantity. In an example, when the term of degree is used to modify a shape, the term of degree indicates that the shape being modified by the term of degree has the appearance of the disclosed shape. For instance, the term of degree may be used to indicate that the shape may have rounded corners instead of sharp corners, curved edges instead of straight edges, one or more protrusions extending therefrom, is oblong, is the same as the disclosed shape, etc.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An elongated handle configured to hold a fluid collection assembly, the elongated handle comprising: a top end region; a bottom end region opposite the top end region; a handle portion, at least a portion of the handle portion forming the proximal end region; and a receiving portion configured to receive a fluid collection assembly and maintain the fluid collection assembly on the receiving portion during positioning, at least a portion of receiving portion forming the bottom end region; wherein a minimum angle between the handle portion and the receiving portion is about 135° to 180°.

2. A fluid collection system, comprising: a fluid collection assembly including: a fluid impermeable barrier extending from a distal end region to a proximal end region, the fluid impermeable barrier defining at least a chamber, at least one opening, and a fluid outlet; and at least one porous material disposed in the chamber; and an elongated handle configured to hold the fluid collection assembly, the elongated handle including: a top end region; a bottom end region opposite the top end region; a handle portion, at least a portion of the handle portion forming the proximal end region; and a receiving portion configured to receive the fluid collection assembly and maintain the fluid collection assembly on the receiving portion during positioning, at least a portion of receiving portion forming the bottom end region; wherein the elongated handle is configured to not plastically deform and maintains a general shape thereof during ordinary operation of the fluid collection system.

3. The fluid collection system of claim 2, wherein the fluid collection assembly is a female fluid collection assembly.

4. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the elongated handle includes a bend between the handle portion and the receiving portion.

5. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 2-4, wherein at least the receiving portion of the elongated handle exhibits a concave curvature, the concave curvature corresponds to a curvature of at least a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier opposite the at least one opening.

6. The fluid collection system of any one of claim 2-5, wherein the receiving portion includes a bucket at the bottom end region, the bucket defining a concave portion configured to receive at least a portion of the distal end region of the fluid collection assembly.

7. The fluid collection system of claim 6, wherein the concave portion of the bucket substantially corresponds to a size and shape of the distal end region of the fluid collection assembly to form an interference fit between the bucket and the distal end region.

8. The fluid collection system of claim 6, wherein the concave portion of the bucket exhibits a size that is smaller than the distal end region of the fluid collection assembly when the fluid collection assembly is not positioned therein, and wherein at least a portion of the bucket is elastic such that the bucket may expand to receive the fluid collection assembly.

9. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 2-8, wherein the receiving portion includes a bucket at or near a portion of the receiving portion that is closest to the handle portion, the bucket defining a concave portion configured to receive at least a portion of the distal end region of the fluid collection assembly.

10. The fluid collection system of any one of claim 2-9, wherein the receiving portion includes one or more straps, the one or more straps configured to wrap around the fluid collection assembly.

11. The fluid collection system of claim 10, wherein one or more straps includes a first terminal end permanently attached to the receiving portion and a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end, the second terminal end configured to be reversibly attached to the receiving portion or another strap.

12. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the one or more straps includes a strap configured to extend around the distal end region of the fluid collection assembly.

13. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the one ormore straps includes a strap configured to extend around the proximal end region of the fluid collection assembly.

14. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 2-13, wherein a minimum angle between the handle portion and the receiving portion is about 135° to 180°.

15. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 2-14, wherein the elongated handle exhibits a length that is 2 or more times greater than a maximum length of the fluid collection assembly measured from the distal end region to the proximal end region.

16. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 2-15, wherein the elongated handle includes at least one tactile feature configured to indicate a correct positioning of the fluid collection assembly against an patient.

17. The fluid collection system of claim 16, wherein the at least one tactile feature includes one or more bumps formed on the bottom end region of the handle, the one or more bumps configured to press against the pelvis bone when the fluid collection assembly is correctly positioned against the patient.

18. The fluid collection system of any one of claims 2- 17, further comprising: a fluid storage container; and a vacuum source; wherein the fluid storage container and the vacuum source are in fluid communication with the chamber via one or more conduits such that the vacuum source may apply a suction to the chamber to remove bodily fluids from the chamber and deposit the bodily fluids in the fluid storage container.

19. A method of using a fluid collection system, the method comprising: providing a fluid collection assembly, the fluid collection assembly includes: a fluid impermeable barrier extending from a distal end region to a proximal end region, the fluid impermeable harrier defining at least a chamber, at least one opening, and a fluid outlet; and at least one porous material disposed in the chamber; providing an elongated handle, the elongated handle including: a top end region; a bottom end region opposite the top end region; a handle portion, at least a portion of the handle portion forming the proximal end region; and a receiving portion configured to receive the fluid collection assembly andmaintain the fluid collection assembly on the receiving portion during positioning, at least a portion of receiving portion forming the bottom end region; and with the fluid collection assembly positioned on the receiving portion, gripping the handle portion and positioning the at least one opening of fluid collection assembly adjacent to a urethral opening or positioning a penis through the at least one opening; wherein the elongated handle does not plastically deform and maintains a general shape thereof while positioning the at least one opening of the fluid collection assembly adjacent to the urethral opening or positioning a penis through the at least one opening.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising positioning the fluid collection assembly within the receiving portion.

21. The method of any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein positioning the at least one opening of the fluid collection assembly adjacent to a urethral opening or positioning a penis through the at least one opening includes positioning the fluid collection assembly while an the patient is wearing pants pulled up to the patient’ s waist.

22. The method of any one of claims 19-21, wherein positioning the at least one opening of the fluid collection assembly adjacent to a urethral opening or positioning a penis through the at least one opening includes positioning the fluid collection assembly while the patient is sitting.

23. The method of any one of claims 19-22, further comprising: receiving bodily fluids from the patient into the at least one porous material while the fluid collection assembly is received by the receiving portion; and after receiving the bodily fluids, removing the fluid collection assembly away from the patient while gripping the handle portion.

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