Medical Package and Urinary Catheter Assembly

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a urinary catheter assembly including a packaging container that is transitionable between an unfolded open configuration and a folded closed configuration and has a urinary catheter and a bag enclosed therein. A user pulls a tab in opposite directions to transition the packaging container from the closed configuration to the open configuration in one motion. The packaging container is sterilized together with the urinary catheter, forms a sterile barrier, and may include a tamper-evident mechanism. The packaging container is fixable in a closed configuration enclosing the urinary catheter therein before or after use of the urinary catheter. The urinary catheter assembly may also include a urine collection bag enclosed within the packaging container.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly to urinary catheter containers. [Background technology]

[0002] A user of a urinary catheter who has poor dexterity and mobility may have difficulty accessing the urinary catheter and urine collection bag in the packaging material. It would be beneficial for a user of a urinary catheter who has poor dexterity and mobility to be able to more easily access the urinary catheter for use. Disclosed herein is a urinary catheter container for solving the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Disclosed herein, according to some embodiments, is a medical package including a container configured to transition from a first closed configuration to an open configuration. The container includes a bottom panel defining a length and a width of the container. The container further includes (i) first and second side panels pivotally coupled to the bottom panel along opposite sides of the bottom panel, and (ii) first and second end panels pivotally coupled to the bottom panel along opposite ends of the bottom panel, each of the first and second end panels further coupled to each of the first and second side panels. In the first closed configuration, the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are disposed generally parallel to the bottom panel, and the container is configured to enclose a urinary catheter therein in the first closed configuration. In some embodiments, the urinary catheter is a male urinary catheter.

[0004] In some embodiments, in the open configuration, the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are disposed generally perpendicular to the bottom panel, and in some embodiments, the container is biased from the first closed configuration toward the open configuration.

[0005] In some embodiments, the container is configured for handling in a clean room. In some embodiments, the container is configured to allow for sterilization of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the container and the container is disposed in the first closed configuration. In some embodiments, the container defines a sterile barrier for the catheter in the first closed configuration.

[0006] In some embodiments, the container includes a plurality of adhesively bonded portions about one or more of the first and second side panels or the first and second end panels, the adhesively bonded portions configured to secure the container in the first closed configuration. In some embodiments, the plurality of adhesively bonded portions are configured to define a sealed cavity for receiving a urinary catheter therein in the first closed configuration.

[0007] In some embodiments, the container is configured to transition from a first closed configuration to an open configuration in response to a user applying a first pulling force to the first side panel and a second pulling force to the second side panel, the second pulling force being directed in an opposite direction to the first pulling force. In some embodiments, the first side panel includes a first pull tab configured to be grasped by a user when applying the first pulling force, and the second side panel includes a second pull tab configured to be grasped by a user when applying the second pulling force. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second pull tabs includes a pull ring. In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the first and second pull tabs extends outwardly beyond the perimeter of the container in the first closed configuration.

[0008] In some embodiments, the urinary catheter includes a bag for collecting urine therein, and in some embodiments, is coupled to the urinary catheter when the bag is placed in the container such that the bag is in fluid communication with the lumen of the urinary catheter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the container is configured to transition from an open configuration to a second closed configuration and enclose the urinary catheter within the container in the second closed configuration after use of the urinary catheter. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of adhesively bonded portions are configured to further secure the container in the second closed configuration. In some embodiments, the container is configured to prevent fluid disposed within the container from exiting the container when disposed in the second closed configuration. In some embodiments, the bottom panel, the first and second side panels, and the first and second end panels each include a hydrophobic inner surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the packaging further comprises a tamper evident mechanism configured to indicate when the container has transitioned from the first closed configuration, hi some embodiments, the tamper evident mechanism comprises a tearable adhesive tape extending between the first side panel and the second side panel.

[0011] Also disclosed herein is a urinary catheter assembly including a urinary catheter enclosed in any of the packaging embodiments summarized above. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a urine collection bag enclosed within the packaging, and in some embodiments, the urine collection bag is coupled to the catheter such that the bag is in fluid communication with the lumen of the urinary catheter.

[0012] Also disclosed herein is a method of draining urine from a bladder, according to some embodiments, comprising providing a urinary catheter enclosed within a container in a first closed configuration of the container, the container including a bottom panel defining a length and a width of the container, first and second side panels pivotally coupled to the bottom panel along opposing sides of the bottom panel, first and second end panels pivotally coupled to the bottom panel along opposite ends of the bottom panel, and each of the first and second end panels further coupled to each of the first and second side panels. In the first closed configuration, the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are disposed generally parallel to the bottom panel. The method further includes the steps of: (i) transitioning the container from a first closed configuration to an open configuration such that the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are disposed generally perpendicular to the bottom panel; (ii) removing the urinary catheter from the container; (iii) draining urine from the bladder using the urinary catheter; (iv) replacing the urinary catheter within the container; and (v) transitioning the container from the open configuration to a second closed configuration such that the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are again disposed generally parallel to the bottom panel.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method, the container is biased from a first closed configuration towards an open configuration. In some embodiments of the method, transitioning the container to the open configuration includes breaching a sterility barrier of the container.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method, transitioning the container to the open configuration includes separating a plurality of adhesively bonded portions of one or more of the first and second side panels or the first and second end panels, the adhesively bonded portions being configured to secure the container in the first closed configuration.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, the step of transitioning the container to the second closed configuration includes rebonding one or more of the plurality of adhesively bonded portions together to secure the container in the second closed configuration.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, transitioning the container to the open configuration includes applying a first tensile force to the first side panel and applying a second tensile force to the second side, the second tensile force being directed in an opposite direction to the first tensile force. In some embodiments of the method, applying the first tensile force to the first side panel and applying the second tensile force to the second side includes gripping a first pull tab coupled to the first side panel and gripping a second pull tab coupled to the second side panel.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method, the urinary catheter includes a bag for receiving urine therein, and the method further includes collecting urine in the bag, transferring the urine from the bag to a urine receiving container, and replacing the bag in the container.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method, the container is configured to prevent fluid disposed within the container from exiting the container when disposed in the second closed configuration. In some embodiments of the method, the step of transitioning the container to the open configuration includes tearing an adhesive tape extending between the first side panel and the second side panel, the adhesive tape configured to indicate that the container has been transitioned from the first closed configuration.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method, the bottom panel, the first and second side panels, and the first and second end panels each include a hydrophobic inner surface. These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and following description, which disclose in more detail certain embodiments of such concepts.

[0020] A more particular description of the present disclosure will be provided by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a container for a urinary catheter and a fluid drainage bag in an open configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1B shows a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1A in a closed configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] 1A and 1B in a closed configuration, further including a pull tab, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 2B shows a perspective view of the container of FIG. 2A in an open configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] 1A-1D show plan views of a container at various stages of transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] 1A-1D show plan views of a container at various stages of transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] 1A-1D show plan views of a container at various stages of transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for packaging a urinary catheter and fluid drainage bag, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for draining urine from a bladder, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein may have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiment and, optionally, combined with or substituted for features of any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0023] With regard to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are intended to describe some particular embodiments, and that these terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a group of features or steps, and do not provide serial or numerical limitations. For example, "first," "second," and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Designations such as "left," "right," "up," "down," "front," "rear," etc. are for convenience and do not imply, for example, a particular fixed position, direction, orientation, etc. Instead, such designations are used, for example, to reflect a relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The steps and / or actions of the method may be interchanged with one another. In other words, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of an embodiment.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a foldable container (container) 100 in an open configuration, according to some embodiments. The container 100 is configured to enclose a catheter (e.g., a urinary catheter). The container 100 is configured to transition between a foldable closed configuration and an unfolded open configuration, in which a user can remove the catheter from the container 100 and place the catheter back into the container. The container 100 may also be configured to enclose a drainage bag or urine collection bag therein along with the catheter. The container 100 may define a sterile barrier for the catheter such that the catheter remains sterile when placed in the container 100 prior to use. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a male urethral catheter. In some embodiments, the shape of the container 100 may include a rectangle as shown or any other polygonal shape. In some embodiments, the container 100 includes multiple walls or panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 100 includes a bottom wall 102 that defines the shape of the container 100. The first side wall 106A and the second side wall 106B are coupled to the bottom wall 102 along opposite sides of the bottom wall 102. The first side wall 106A and the second side wall 106B are pivotally coupled to the bottom wall via folds 126A and 126B, respectively. Similarly, the first end wall 104A and the second end wall 104B are pivotally coupled to the bottom wall 102 via folds 124A and 124B, respectively. The first side wall 106A and the second side wall 106B are further coupled to the first end wall 104A via folds 127A and 127C. The first side wall 106A and the second side wall 106B are further coupled to the first end wall 104B via folds 127B and 127D.

[0026] The first and second side walls 106A, 106B are configured to pivot inwardly about their respective folds 126A, 126B as the container 100 transitions from the open configuration of Figure 1A to the closed configuration of Figure 1B. In cooperation with the first and second side walls 106A, 106B, the first and second end walls 104A, 104B are also configured to pivot inwardly about their respective folds 124A, 124B as the container 100 transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In the open configuration, the bottom wall 102, the two end walls 104A, 104B, and the two side walls 106A, 106B define a cavity 107 having a cavity opening 108 configured to allow a user to remove a catheter from within the cavity 107. The first and second side walls 106A, 106B include upper edges 112A, 112B, respectively. The first and second end walls 104A, 104B include angle creases 110A, 110B and 110C, 110D, respectively, to allow the first and second end walls 104A, 104B to cooperate with the side walls 106A, 106B as they pivot inwardly. The exemplary embodiment includes two end walls 104A, 104B and two side walls 106A, 106B as shown and described, although different numbers of walls defining different arrangements of the walls are contemplated.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 106A, 106B and end walls 104A, 104B may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 102 in the open configuration. However, in other embodiments, the side walls 106A, 106B and end walls 104A, 104B may be oriented at an angle other than 90° with respect to the bottom wall 102, such as, for example, an angle in the range of 45-135° with respect to the bottom wall 102.

[0028] The container 100, according to some embodiments, includes a plurality of adhesives on the side walls 106A, 106B and / or end walls 104A, 104B, which allow portions of the side walls 106A, 106B to be attached to corresponding portions of the end walls 104A, 104B while allowing separation of the adhesives. In some embodiments, the adhesives may be configured to re-adhere (i.e., re-adhere after separation) portions of the side walls 106A, 106B to corresponding portions of the end walls 104A, 104B. For example, the side wall 106A may include an adhesive 129 disposed on an inner surface of the side wall 106A, which is configured to adhere to the inner surfaces of the end walls 104A, 104B when the container 100 is disposed in the closed configuration. Similar to the exemplary adhesive 129, the side wall 106B and / or the end walls 104A, 104B may include adhesives (not shown) on their inner surfaces to adhere the side wall 106B to the end walls 104A, 104B. The end walls 104A, 104B may also include adhesives on their outer surfaces to adhere portions of the end walls 104A, 104B to themselves when the container 100 is disposed in the closed configuration. The adhesives may be configured to secure the container 100 in the closed configuration.

[0029] In some embodiments, container 100 may be biased toward the open configuration so that container 100 remains in the open configuration to allow a user to easily remove the catheter from container 100 and / or return the catheter to container 100 after use. Thus, the adhesive may secure container 100 in the closed configuration against the bias.

[0030] The adhesives may also be configured to define a seal between portions of the side walls 106A, 106B and / or end walls 104A, 104B to seal against a catheter or other contents, such as, for example, fluid (e.g., residual urine) within the container 100 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. In summary, the container 100 may optionally include multiple adhesives to (i) secure the container 100 in the closed configuration and (ii) enable the container 100 to transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The adhesives may also be configured to re-secure the container 100 in the closed configuration after placing it in the open configuration. The adhesives may also be configured to define a sealed enclosure for the catheter when the container 100 is placed in the closed configuration.

[0031] 1B shows a perspective view of the container 100 in a closed configuration, according to some embodiments. In the closed configuration, the end walls 104A-104B are pivoted inwardly along their respective folds 124A, 124B such that the end walls 104A-104B are disposed generally parallel to the bottom wall 102. In cooperation with the end walls 104A-104B, the side walls 106A-106B are also pivoted inwardly along their respective folds 126A, 126B such that the side walls 106A-106B overlap the end walls 104A-104B and are disposed generally parallel to the bottom wall 102. Thus, the side walls 106A-106B and the end walls 104A-104B can effectively form a top wall of the container 100 in the closed configuration. , side walls 106A-106B and end walls 104A-104B, together with bottom wall 102, define a closed cavity 109 that is smaller than open cavity 107. In the closed configuration, each of end walls 104A-104B may be folded upon itself along fold lines 110A, 110B and 110C, 110D, respectively.

[0032] In some embodiments, the side walls 106A, 106B can include a height 128 that is approximately equal to half the width of the bottom wall 102. Thus, the top edges 112A, 112B can be disposed adjacent to one another when the container 100 is disposed in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, one or both of the side walls 106A, 106B can define a height 128 that is greater than half the width of the bottom wall 102 such that the side walls 106A, 106B can partially overlap one another when the container 100 is disposed in the closed configuration.

[0033] As shown and described, the container 100 is configured to transition between the open and closed configurations with one smooth fluid movement that moves the side walls 106A, 106B in cooperation with the end walls 104A, 104B. Advantageously, this one smooth movement allows a user with limited dexterity and motor skills to easily access the catheter and fluid drainage bag for use.

[0034] 2A shows a perspective view of the container 100 including additional components and features, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the container 100 can include several (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more) pull tabs 116A, 116B configured to assist a user in transitioning the container 100 from a closed configuration to an open configuration. In some embodiments, the pull tabs 116A, 116B can be coupled to the side walls 106A, 106B. In some embodiments, the pull tabs 116A, 116B can be integrally formed from the side walls 106A, 106B, can be stamped from the side walls 106A, 106B, or can be an extension of the side walls 106A, 106B. In some embodiments, the pull tabs 116A, 116B can each include a pull ring 117. In use, a user can transition the container 100 from a closed configuration to an open configuration by applying a first pulling force to the first sidewall 106A and a second pulling force to the second sidewall 106B, the second pulling force being directed in an opposite direction to the first pulling force. In some embodiments, the user can grasp the first pull tab 116A when applying the first pulling force and can grasp the second pull tab 116B when applying the second pulling force.

[0035] In some embodiments, the container 100 can be secured in the closed configuration by bonding the first sidewall 106A to the second sidewall 106B. For example, the top edges 112A, 112B of the sidewalls 106A, 106B can be bonded together by an adhesive tape 113, as shown in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the adhesive tape 113 can define a tamper evident feature that indicates when the container 100 has transitioned from the closed configuration. In other embodiments, the sidewalls 106A, 106B can be bonded together via an adhesive between overlapping portions of the sidewalls 106A, 106B adjacent the top edges 112A, 112B. In some embodiments, the first sidewall 106A and the second sidewall 106B may be integrally formed with a tear line that divides the first sidewall 106A from the second sidewall 106B, the tear line configured to provide a line of weakness configured to allow the sidewalls 106A, 106B to be separated when a first and second tensile force is applied. The tear line may include a score line, groove, laser cut line, perforation, thinned portion, or similar structure to facilitate separation thereat. In one embodiment, one or more pull tabs 116 may be defined by a tear line, which allows a user to separate a portion of one or both of the pull tabs 116A, 116B from the sidewalls 106A, 106B, such as the portion including the pull ring 117.

[0036] The container 100 may be formed from a single integral piece or from multiple pieces bonded together. In some embodiments, the container 100 may be formed from a polymer, plastic, cardboard, paper, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the container 100 may be disposable, reusable, or recyclable. In some embodiments, the container 100 may be configured to be compatible with placement and handling in a clean room, such that the catheter 130 and / or the drainage bag 132 can be assembled and placed in the container 100 at the same manufacturing location, e.g., in the same clean room. In some embodiments, the container 100 may be formed from a material that is compatible with a sterilization method, such as, for example, radiation, steam, chemical, or ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the catheter 130 and the container 100 can be sterilized simultaneously in the same manner. In some embodiments, the container 100 may be formed from a hydrophobic material or may include a hydrophobic coating over at least the interior surface of the container 100.

[0037] 2B shows a perspective view of the container 100 in an open configuration, according to some embodiments. As mentioned above, the container 100 includes a hollow interior surface 120, which may be hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the hollow interior surface 120 may include features such as indentations, protrusions, ridges, or flaps, for example, to help stabilize the catheter 130 and / or fluid drainage bag (or urine collection bag) 132 within the container 100 during transport. In some embodiments, the features may be on the side walls 106A, 106B, the end walls 104A, 104B, or the bottom wall 102.

[0038] 3A-3C show plan views of the container 100 in a closed configuration (FIG. 3A), a partially open configuration (FIG. 3B), and a fully open configuration (FIG. 3C). As shown in FIG. 3A, the first and second pull tabs 116A, 116B take the form of extensions of the first and second side walls 106A, 106B, respectively. The first and second pull tabs 116A, 116B are sized such that at least a portion of the first and second pull tabs 116A, 116B extend beyond the respective perimeters of the container 100 such that a user can easily grasp the first and second pull tabs 116A, 116B. In some embodiments, the pull tabs 116A, 116B may be triangular in shape, whereby an apex of the triangle extends beyond the perimeter. The first and second side walls 106A, 106B can be pulled laterally away from one another by the first and second pull tabs 116A, 116B to transition the container 100 from a closed configuration to expose the cavity 107, as shown in FIG. 3B. The cavity 107 contains the catheter 130 and the fluid drainage bag 132 therein. As shown in FIG. 3C, the user can continue to pull the first and second pull tabs 116A, 116B until the cavity 107 is fully exposed (FIG. 3C), allowing the user to reach unimpeded into the cavity 107 to remove the catheter 130 and the fluid drainage bag 132 from the container 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, the container 100 having the catheter 130 disposed therein can define a catheter assembly 101. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 101 can further include a fluid drainage bag 132 disposed within the container 100.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 400 of packaging the catheter 130 and the fluid drainage bag 132 to define a catheter assembly 101, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 400 includes placing the container 100 in an open configuration (block 402). The method 400 further includes placing the catheter 130 and the fluid drainage bag 132 in the cavity 107 (block 404). In some embodiments, placing the catheter 130 includes spirally winding the catheter 130 before placing it in the cavity 107. The method 400 further includes transitioning the container 100 to a closed configuration (block 406). In some embodiments, the side walls 106A, 106B are configured to cover the cavity 107. The method 400 further includes securing the container 100 in the closed configuration (block 408). In some embodiments, securing the container 100 includes one or more of securing the side walls 106A, 106B together, adhering the side walls 106A, 106B to the end walls 104A, 104B, and / or sealing portions of the side walls 106A, 106B to the end walls 104A, 104B to enclose the cavity 107. In some embodiments, the side walls 106A, 106B may be secured together using an adhesive or adhesive tape 113. In some embodiments, securing the container 100 in the closed configuration includes sterilizing the catheter 130, the drainage bag 132 and the container 100.

[0041] 5 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 500 for draining urine from a bladder, including all or some of the following steps or processes: One step of the method 500 includes providing a urinary catheter 130 enclosed within a container 100 in a first closed configuration of the container 100 (block 502), the container 100 including a bottom panel (i.e., bottom wall 102) defining its length and width, first and second side panels (i.e., side walls 106A, 106B) pivotally coupled to the bottom panel along opposite sides of the bottom panel, and first and second end panels (i.e., end walls 104A, 104B) pivotally coupled to the bottom panel along opposite ends of the bottom panel, each of the first and second end panels being further coupled to each of the first and second side panels. In the first, closed configuration, the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are disposed generally parallel to the bottom panel.

[0042] Another step of the method 500 includes transitioning the container 100 from a first closed configuration to an open configuration (block 504) such that the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are disposed generally perpendicular to the bottom panel. In some embodiments of the method, the container 100 is biased from the first closed configuration toward the open configuration such that the container 100 remains in the open configuration when disposed in the open configuration. Transitioning the container to the open configuration may also include breaking a sterility barrier of the container 100. Transitioning the container to the open configuration may also include separating some adhesively bonded portions of the first and second end panels or one or more of the first and second end panels from one another, the adhesively bonded portions being configured to secure the container 100 in the first closed configuration until the container 100 is transitioned to the open configuration. Transitioning the container to the open configuration may also include applying a first tensile force to the first side panel and a second tensile force to the second side panel, the second tensile force being directed in an opposite direction to the first tensile force. Applying the first tensile force to the first side panel and the second tensile force to the second side panel may include gripping a first pull tab coupled to the first side panel and gripping a second pull tab coupled to the second side panel. Transitioning the container to the open configuration may also include tearing an adhesive tape 113 extending between the first side panel and the second side panel, the adhesive tape 113 configured to indicate that the container 100 has been transitioned from the first closed configuration.

[0043] Further steps of the method include removing the urinary catheter 130 from the container 100 (block 506), draining urine from the bladder with the urinary catheter (block 508), replacing the urinary catheter 130 within the container 100 (block 510), and transitioning the container 100 from the open configuration to a second closed configuration (block 512) such that the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are again disposed generally parallel to the bottom panel. Transitioning the container 100 to the second closed configuration may include rejoining one or more of any number of adhesively bonded portions together to secure the container in the second closed configuration. In some embodiments of the method, the container is configured to prevent fluids disposed within the container from exiting the container when disposed in the second closed configuration.

[0044] In some embodiments, the catheter 130 is coupled to a drainage bag 132 for receiving urine therein, and thus, draining urine from the bladder with the catheter 130 may include collecting urine in the drainage bag 132 and draining urine from the drainage bag 132 into a urine receiving container. Similarly, returning the urinary catheter 130 into the container 100 may include returning the drainage bag 132 into the container 100.

[0045] In some embodiments of the method, the bottom panel, the first and second side panels, and the first and second end panels each include a hydrophobic inner surface. Some specific embodiments are disclosed herein, and although the specific embodiments are disclosed in some detail, the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concept provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the broader aspects also encompass these adaptations and / or modifications. Thus, one may deviate from the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concept provided herein.

Claims

1. A medical package 1. A container configured to transition from a first closed configuration to an open configuration, comprising: a bottom panel defining a length and width of the container; first and second side panels pivotally coupled to the bottom panel along opposite edges of the bottom panel; and first and second end panels pivotally coupled to the bottom panel along opposite ends of the bottom panel, each of the first and second end panels further coupled to a respective first and second side panel; In the first closed configuration, the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are disposed generally parallel to the bottom panel; A medical package, wherein the container is configured to enclose a urinary catheter therein in a first, closed configuration.

2. The medical package of claim 1, wherein in the open configuration, the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are arranged approximately perpendicular to the bottom panel.

3. 3. The medical package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is biased from the first closed configuration toward the open configuration.

4. 3. The medical package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the urinary catheter is a male urinary catheter.

5. 3. The medical package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is configured for handling in a clean room.

6. 3. The medical package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is configured to allow sterilization of a urinary catheter when the catheter is placed within the container, the container being disposed in the first closed configuration.

7. 3. The medical package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container defines a sterile barrier for the urinary catheter in the first closed configuration.

8. 3. The medical package of claim 1, wherein the container includes a plurality of adhesively bonded portions on one or more of the first and second side panels or the first and second end panels, the plurality of adhesively bonded portions configured to secure the container in the first closed configuration.

9. 10. The medical package of claim 8, wherein the plurality of adhesively bonded portions are configured to define a sealed cavity for receiving a urinary catheter therein in the first closed configuration.

10. 3. The medical package of claim 1, wherein the container is configured to transition from a first closed configuration to an open configuration in response to a user applying a first pulling force to the first side panel and a second pulling force to the second side panel, the second pulling force being directed in an opposite direction to the first pulling force.

11. the first side panel includes a first pull tab configured to be grasped by a user upon application of a first pulling force; The medical package of claim 10 , wherein the second side panel includes a second pull tab configured to be grasped by a user upon application of a second pulling force.

12. 12. The medical package of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second pull tabs includes a pull ring.

13. 12. The medical package of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second pull tabs extends outwardly beyond a rim of the container in the first closed configuration.

14. 3. The medical package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the urinary catheter includes a bag for collecting urine.

15. 15. The medical package of claim 14, wherein the bag is coupled to a urinary catheter when enclosed within the container such that the bag is in fluid communication with the lumen of the urinary catheter.

16. The container, to transition from an open configuration to a second closed configuration, and 3. The medical package of claim 1 or 2, configured to enclose the urinary catheter within the container in the second, closed configuration after use of the urinary catheter.

17. 17. The medical package of claim 16, wherein one or more of the plurality of adhesively bonded portions are configured to further secure the container in the second closed configuration.

18. 20. The medical package of claim 17, wherein the container is configured to prevent fluid disposed within the container from exiting the container when the container is disposed in the second closed configuration.

19. 3. The medical package of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a tamper evident mechanism configured to indicate when the container has transitioned from the first closed configuration.

20. 20. The medical package of claim 19, wherein the tamper evident feature comprises a tearable adhesive tape extending between the first side panel and the second side panel.

21. 3. The medical package of claim 1, wherein the bottom panel, the first and second side panels, and the first and second end panels each include a hydrophobic inner surface.

22. 1. A urinary catheter assembly comprising: A urinary catheter, A urinary catheter assembly comprising the medical package of claim 1 or 2, wherein a urinary catheter is enclosed within a container of the medical package.

23. 23. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 22, further comprising a urine collection bag enclosed within the container.

24. 24. The urinary catheter assembly of claim 23, wherein the urine collection bag is coupled to the urinary catheter so as to be in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter.

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