Wheelchair-securable urine collection systems and related methods

Abstract

To provide wheelchair-securable urine collection systems and related methods.SOLUTION: Examples relate to portable urine collection systems, methods of use, and methods of assembly. The portable urine collection system (10) may include a urine collection device (12) configured to be positioned at least proximate to a urethra of a user, a conduit (17) in fluid communication with the urine collection device, a urine collection container (14) having an interior region, a pump (16) secured to the urine collection container and configured to promote urine from the urine collection device through the conduit into the urine collection container, and a sensor secured to the container and configured to detect a property relating at least to a volume of the urine in the urine collection container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 134,632, filed on January 7, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Individuals may have limited or impaired mobility, making the normal urination process difficult or impossible. For example, an individual may have undergone surgery that impairs mobility or have a disability. In another example, an individual may have restricted movement conditions such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, fluid collection from an individual may be necessary for monitoring purposes or clinical trials.

[0003] Bedpans and urinary catheters, such as Foley catheters, can be used to address some of these situations. However, bedpans and urinary catheters have several associated problems. For example, bedpans can easily cause discomfort, spillage, and other hygiene issues. Urinary catheters can be uncomfortable, painful, and may cause urinary tract infections. Conventional urine collection devices may also be limited in use when the patient is restrained in a supine position in bed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0005] Accordingly, users and manufacturers of fluid collection devices continue to seek new and improved devices, systems, and methods for collecting urine. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid collection devices and methods of using fluid collection devices. In one embodiment, a portable urine collection system is disclosed. The portable urine collection system includes a urine collection device configured to be disposed at least proximate to a user's urethra, a conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device, a urine collection container having an internal region, a pump secured to the urine collection container and configured to urge urine from the urine collection device through the conduit into the urine collection container, and a sensor secured to the container and configured to detect a characteristic at least related to the amount of urine in the urine collection container.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of assembling a portable urine collection system is disclosed. The method includes disposing a urine collection container having a pump and a battery secured thereto within a port of a wheelchair. The method also includes disposing a urine collection device proximate to a user's urethra. The method also includes fluidly coupling the urine collection device to the urine collection container using a conduit and positioning the pump to urge urine from the urine collection device through the conduit into the urine collection container.

[0008] In one embodiment, the portable urine collection system includes a urine collection container, a pump, a battery, and a sensor. The urine collection container is a substantially rectangular urine collection container having an internal region, an upper surface, and a neck protruding from the upper surface. The pump is attached to the upper surface of the urine collection container and is configured to urge urine from the urine collection device through a conduit into the urine collection container. The battery is attached to the upper surface of the urine collection container and is operably coupled to the pump. The urine collection container, the battery, and the pump together form a substantially rectangular profile that is sized and dimensioned to fit within the port of a wheelchair. The sensor is fixed to the container and is configured to detect a characteristic that is at least related to the amount of urine in the urine collection container.

[0009] The features from any of the disclosed embodiments can be used in combination with each other without limitation. Further, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, and like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements or features in different figures or embodiments shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid collection devices and methods of using the same. The devices and systems disclosed herein are configured to collect fluid from an individual. The fluid collected by the fluid collection device may include at least one of urine, vaginal secretions, penile secretions, seminal fluid, blood, sweat, or other bodily fluids. The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a urine collection system attachable to a wheelchair and related methods. Many users of urine collection devices are 65 years of age or older and have limited mobility, often relying on a wheelchair as their primary means of transportation. Also, many users spend a significant amount of time each day in a seated or supine position. Accordingly, users and caregivers can benefit from a urine collection system that can be both separable and portable, and the user can use the urine collection system to collect urine at home or away from home.

[0013] In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments described herein, the configuration of the urine collection system is compact, resulting in the technical effect that the urine collection system can be selectively and quickly fixed or attached to a wheelchair. The embodiments of the urine collection system described herein are movable and unobtrusive, resulting in the technical effect that the user can participate in social activities without informing others of the user's incontinence. In many embodiments, the urine collection system further includes an alert system that communicates with an electronic device to alert the user or caregiver to empty the urine collection container, replace or charge the battery, and / or adjust the vacuum or suction level of a pump within the urine collection system when the urine level approaches a predetermined level.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fluid collection system 10 according to one embodiment. The fluid collection system 10 may be included in embodiments of the fluid collection systems described herein. The system 10 includes a fluid (e.g., urine) collection device 12 (e.g., any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein), a urine collection container 14, and a portable pump 16. The fluid collection device 10, the urine collection container 14, and the pump 16 may be fluidly coupled to each other via one or more conduits 17. For example, the fluid collection device 10 may be operably coupled via a conduit 17 to one or more of the urine collection container 14 or the pump 16. In some embodiments, the pump 16 may be directly fixed to the urine collection container 14. Fluid (e.g., urine or other body fluid) collected within the fluid collection device 10 may be removed from the fluid collection device 10 via a conduit 17 fixed to the fluid collection device 12. A suction force may be introduced into the chamber of the fluid collection device 12 through the inlet of the conduit 17 in response to a suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied to the outlet of the conduit 17.

[0015] The suction force may be applied directly or indirectly by the pump 16 to the outlet of the conduit 17. The suction force may be applied indirectly via the urine collection container 14. For example, the outlet of the conduit 17 may be disposed within the internal region of the urine collection container 14 or fluidly coupled to the internal region, and an additional conduit 17 may extend from the urine collection container 14 to the pump 16. Accordingly, the pump 16 may apply suction to the fluid collection device 12 via the urine collection container 14. The suction force may be applied directly via the pump 16. For example, the outlet of the conduit 17 may be disposed within the pump 16. An additional conduit 17 may extend from the pump 16 to a point outside the fluid collection device 12, such as the urine collection container 14. In such an example, the pump 16 may be disposed between the fluid collection device 12 and the urine collection container 14.

[0016] The urine collection container 14 is sized and shaped to hold fluid therein. The urine collection container 14 can include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., a collection jar), or any other sealed container for storing body fluid(s) such as urine. In some examples, the conduit 17 can extend from the fluid collection device 12 and be attached to the urine collection container 14 at a first point therein. An additional conduit 17 can be attached to the urine collection container 14 at a second point and also extended and attached to the pump 16. Thus, at least a partial vacuum (e.g., suction) can be drawn through the urine collection container 14 and through the fluid collection device 12. Fluid such as urine can be discharged from the fluid collection device 12 using the pump 16.

[0017] The pump 16 can include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a peristaltic pump, or any other pump configured to generate a vacuum. The pump 16 can supply a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from the fluid collection device 12. In some examples, the pump 16 can be powered by one or more power cords (e.g., connected to a power socket), one or more batteries, or even a manual power source (e.g., a manual vacuum pump). In some examples, the pump 16 can be sized and shaped to fit outside, on, or inside the fluid collection device 12. For example, the pump 16 can include one or more small pumps or one or more micropumps. The vacuum source disclosed herein can include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote control, or any other device suitable for operating the pump 16.

[0018] At least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the urine collection system described in this specification include configurations that provide a technical effect that enables the urine collection system to be selectively fixed or attached to a wheelchair. Returning to FIG. 2A, the urine collection system 200 is shown fixed or attached to a wheelchair 250. The wheelchair 250 can include any of a number of different conventional wheelchairs and can include a backrest 252, two handles 254, and two arms 256. In some embodiments, the wheelchair 250 can include a port 202 in the backrest 252 of the wheelchair 250 and can support the storage system 210 of the urine collection system 200. The port 202 can be securely or removably fixed to the backrest 252 of the wheelchair 250. In some embodiments (not shown), the urine collection system 200 can include, in addition to or instead of the port 202, a container support that is configured to be removably fixed, attached, or suspended from the wheelchair 250 to support the storage system 210 of the urine collection system 200. For example, the container support can include a pack or bag that has one or more straps configured to be suspended from or fixed to one or more of the handles 254 of the wheelchair 250.

[0019] The urine collection system 200 can include a urine collection device 212 (shown in FIG. 2B), a conduit 217, and a storage system 210. The urine collection device 212 can include a male or female urine collection device configured to be positioned at least proximate to the user's urethra. PCT International Application No. PCT / US2019 / 029616 describes various embodiments of fluid collection devices for both males and females, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, the urine collection device 212 can be interchangeable in the urine collection system 200 among different types, variations, and sizes of male and female urine collection devices. Generally, the urine collection device 212 can include a surface sized to be disposed proximate or adjacent to the urethra and configured to draw urine or other fluid from the user. Urine or other fluid can be drawn from the surface into a reservoir within the urine collection device 212.

[0020] The urine collection system 200 also includes a conduit 217 that is in fluid communication with the internal region (e.g., reservoir) of the urine collection device 212 and the internal region of the urine collection container 214. The conduit 217 can be disposed between the urine collection device 212 and the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments (not shown), the urine collection system 200 also includes additional conduits that can provide fluid communication between the pump 216 and the internal region of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the pump 216 may be directly fixed to the urine collection container 214, and the additional conduits may not be present in the urine collection system 200. The conduit 217 can include a flexible tube. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit 217 is substantially opaque, thereby preventing visual inspection of the urine within the first conduit 217.

[0021] Returning to FIG. 2B, the urine collection system 200 also includes a storage system 210. The storage system 210 can include a urine collection container 214 that has an internal region for storing urine received from the urine collection device 212 via the conduit 217. The urine collection container 214 can be opaque or transparent depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the urine collection container 214 includes at least one of a handle or a spout. The urine collected in the urine collection container 214 can be emptied through the spout after removing the cap or cover. The urine collection container 214 is reusable and can be safely used in a dishwasher and can include a generally rigid material such as polycarbonate or glass.

[0022] The urine collection container 214 can be sized and dimensioned to fit within the port 202 of the wheelchair backrest 252. In some embodiments, the urine collection container 214 is generally rectangular (e.g., a cuboid or a right prism) and includes a top surface 213 and a neck 211 that protrudes from the top surface 213. The battery 219 and the pump 216 can be attached to and / or disposed on the top surface 213 of the urine collection container 214. When the battery 219 and the pump 216 are fixed to the urine collection container 214, the urine collection container 214, the battery 219, and the pump 216 can together form a generally rectangular profile.

[0023] The storage system 210 can be sized and dimensioned to fit within the pocket 202 of the backrest 252 of the wheelchair 250, and the generally rectangular profile can have a height of from about 15.2 cm to about 45.7 cm, from about 15.2 cm to about 22.9 cm, from about 22.9 cm to about 30.5 cm, from about 30.5 cm to about 38.1 cm, or from about 38.1 cm to about 45.7 cm. The generally rectangular profile can have a width of from about 15.2 cm to about 45.7 cm, from about 15.2 cm to about 22.9 cm, from about 22.9 cm to about 30.5 cm, from about 30.5 cm to about 38.1 cm, or from about 38.1 cm to about 45.7 cm. The urine collection container 214 can have a depth of from about 2.5 cm to about 15.2 cm, from about 2.5 cm to about 5.1 cm, from about 5.1 cm to about 7.6 cm, from about 7.6 cm to about 10.2 cm, from about 10.2 cm to about 12.7 cm, or from about 12.7 cm to about 15.2 cm.

[0024] The storage system 210 can also include a sensor 215, which is fixed to the urine collection container 214 and configured to detect a characteristic at least related to the amount of urine within the interior region of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the sensor 215 includes a negative pressure sensor, a wetness sensor, a water sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, or an ultraviolet (UV) sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 215 provides feedback of at least a characteristic related to the amount of urine when the urine within the container rises up to and contacts the sensor 215. In some embodiments, the sensor 215 can be configured to provide continuous or periodic feedback of at least a characteristic related to the amount of urine without the sensor 215 touching the urine. The sensor 215 may be fixed to the urine collection container with at least a portion of the sensor 215 within the interior region of the urine collection container. In some embodiments, the sensor 215 is disposed at the top of the urine collection container 214 and directed downwardly to a location where urine collects within the interior region of the urine collection container 214.

[0025] In embodiments having a negative pressure sensor, a wetness sensor, or a water sensor, the sensor 215 is disposed within the urine collection container 214 and can provide the technical effect of sensing or detecting urine within the urine collection container 214 before the urine collection container 214 is full or reaches its volume. For example, the sensor 215 can be disposed between or proximate to the intersection of the upper surface 213 and the neck 211 of the urine collection container 214. Accordingly, the urine collection container 214 can include the volume of the neck 211 as a buffer between when the sensor 215 detects urine and when the urine collection container 214 is full or reaches its volume. In some embodiments, the sensor 215 can be configured to detect urine at one or more predetermined thresholds. For example, the sensor 215 can detect when the urine has reached 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and / or 95% of the total volume of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, for example, embodiments including a negative pressure sensor or a wetness sensor, the predetermined threshold is the level of urine within the urine collection container 214 when the urine contacts the sensor 215.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sensor 215 further includes a controller. The controller can be included within the sensor 215 or can be a separate component configured to communicate with the sensor 215. The controller can include a communication interface configured to send a notification or alert to another electronic device. For example, the communication interface can be configured to send a notification or alert at a selected radio frequency, via BLUETOOTH®, or via WI-FI to another electronic device, such as a user's or caregiver's smartphone. In particular, the controller can be configured to send a text message or other alert to a user's or caregiver's smartphone or other electronic device when the sensor 215 detects that the urine within the urine collection container 214 is at a predetermined threshold. The controller can be powered by an external battery, such as a rechargeable battery, or an internal battery. FIG. 5 provides additional details of a controller 500 that can include the controller of the urine collection system 200 or 300.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to wirelessly transmit an alert to the user's or caregiver's electronic device when a characteristic at least related to the amount of urine detected by sensor 215 indicates that the amount of urine in urine collection container 214 has reached or exceeded a predetermined amount. For example, based on data from sensor 215, the controller may wirelessly transmit an alert, such as a text message, to the electronic device that the urine in urine collection container 214 is in contact with sensor 215, and it is recommended to empty urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the controller may wirelessly transmit an alert along with a selected frequency, such as a selected time and / or quantity interval. The controller may wirelessly transmit an alert to the user's or caregiver's electronic device when at least one of the battery powering the controller or the pump has decreased.

[0028] Pump 216 may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a peristaltic pump, a micropump, any combination thereof, or any pump configured to generate at least a partial vacuum. Pump 216 may supply at least a partial vacuum or suction to remove fluid from fluid collection device 212. Pump 216 may push urine through conduit 217. In some examples, pump 216 may be powered by one or more batteries 219. In some examples, pump 216 may be sized and shaped to fit within pouch 202 with urine collection container 214. Pump 216 may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote control, or any other device suitable for actuating pump 216, and / or pump 216 may be configured to actuate when urine is sensed in at least one of conduit 217 or the inflow to urine collection container 214.

[0029] In some embodiments, the pump 216 is attached to the urine collection container 214. For example, a peristaltic and / or micropump may be attached to the urine collection container 214. The pump 216 may be configured to gently draw urine from the urine collection device and / or push or extrude the urine through the conduit 217 into the interior region of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, one end of the conduit 217 may be attached to a port on the urine collection container 214, and a portion of the conduit 217 may be fixed to the pump 216 or at least partially disposed within the pump 216. In some embodiments, the pump 216 may be in fluid communication with the interior region of the urine collection container 214 and may be configured to be effective in urging urine from the urine collection device 212 through the conduit 217 into the urine collection container 214 by creating at least a partial vacuum in the interior region of the urine collection container 214.

[0030] The urine collection system 200 may also include a battery 219, such as a rechargeable lithium battery. The battery 219 is configured to supply power to at least one of the pump 216, the filter 215, and / or the controller. In some embodiments, the battery 219 includes a charge that is effective to provide power normally supplied by an alternating current power source.

[0031] The urine collection system 200 also includes an exhaust port 222 having a hydrophobic filter on the urine collection container 214. The hydrophobic filter is configured to allow air from the urine collection container to exit through the exhaust port 222 and prevent urine in the urine collection container from exiting through the exhaust port 222. The exhaust port 222 may cover the outlet or spout of the urine collection container 214. For example, the exhaust port 222 may be disposed on or may be disposed above the neck 211 of the urine collection container 214. The filter of the exhaust port 222 may provide a technical effect of preventing at least some of the odor of the urine in the urine collection container 214 from leaking from the urine collection system 200. The exhaust port 222 may allow air from the internal region of the urine collection container 214 to pass through the exhaust port 222 when the pump 216 is activated to direct urine and / or air into the internal region of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the exhaust port 222 is removable and allows the urine collection container 214 to be emptied through the opening of the urine collection container 214 covered by the exhaust port 222.

[0032] Figure 3 is a part of a urine collection system 300 according to an embodiment. Although not shown in Figure 3, the urine collection system 300 may include a urine collection device. Unless otherwise specified, the urine collection system 300 may include any aspect of the urine collection system 200, for example, the sensor 215, the battery 219, the exhaust port 222, and the conduit 217. The urine collection system 300 also includes a urine collection container 314. The urine collection container 314 may include any aspect of the urine collection container 214, for example, the materials, shape, and dimensions described above in relation to the urine collection container 214. The urine collection system 300 further includes a pump 316. The pump 316 may include any aspect of the pump 216 described above.

[0033] In urine collection system 300, pump 316 is configured to be effective in at least partially evacuating conduit 217 by at least partially evacuating the interior region of urine collection container 314, and in urging urine from the urine collection device through conduit 217 and into the interior region of urine collection container 314. Thus, a portion of pump 316 may be in fluid communication with the interior region of urine collection container 314. In some embodiments, pump 316 may be attached or affixed to the upper surface of urine collection container 314. According to some embodiments, an additional conduit may fluidly couple pump 216 to the interior region of urine collection container 214. Conduit 217 may be fixed to a port on urine collection container 314 and may be effective in providing fluid communication between the interior region of the urine collection device and the interior region of urine collection container 314.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 for assembling a portable urine collection system according to one embodiment. Method 400 includes an operation 410 of placing a urine collection container with a pump and a battery disposed within the porch of a wheelchair. Method 400 also includes an operation 420 of placing a urine collection device near the user's urethra. In some embodiments, method 400 includes an operation effective in fixing a conduit to the urine collection container and at least partially fluidly coupling the urine collection device and the urine collection container to the conduit. The method also includes an operation 430 of fluidly coupling the urine collection device to the urine collection container using the conduit. The method further includes an operation 430 of attaching the pump to the wheelchair. In some embodiments, method 400 includes an operation of wirelessly connecting a sensor within the container to an electronic device of the user or caregiver. The sensor may be configured to detect a characteristic at least related to the amount of urine within the urine collection container and to transmit a notification to the electronic device of the user or caregiver when the amount of urine within the urine collection container reaches a predetermined level.

[0035] The operations of method 400 described above are for illustrative purposes. For example, the operations of method 400 may be performed in a different order, divided into multiple operations, modified, supplemented, or combined. In one embodiment, one or more of the operations of method 400 may be omitted from method 400. Any operation of method 400 may include using any of the portable urine collection systems disclosed herein.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a controller 500 that can be used with any of the systems and methods described herein. For example, the controller of sensor 215, or another controller associated with urine collection systems 200, 300, can include any aspect of controller 500. Controller 500 can be configured to perform any of the exemplary operations or steps disclosed herein, such as communicating, wired or wirelessly, with sensor 215 or other electronic devices, and / or determining the amount of urine in urine collection containers 214, 314.

[0037] According to one embodiment, controller 500 includes at least one computing device 510. At least one computing device 510 is an exemplary computing device that can be configured to perform one or more of the operations described above. Computing device 510 can include at least one processor 520, memory 530, storage device 540, input / output (“I / O”) device / interface 550, and communication interface 560. An exemplary computing device 510 is shown in FIG. 5, but the components shown in FIG. 5 are not intended to limit controller 500 or computing device 510. Additional or alternative components can be used in some examples. Further, in some examples, controller 500 or computing device 510 can include fewer components than those shown in FIG. 5. For example, controller 500 may not include one or more additional computing devices 512. In some examples, at least one computing device 510 can include multiple computing devices. The components of computing device 510 shown in FIG. 5 are described in more detail below.

[0038] In some examples, the processor(s) 520 includes hardware for executing instructions (e.g., instructions for performing any one or more portions of the methods disclosed herein), and executes, for example, instructions that constitute a computer program. For example, to execute instructions, the processor(s) 520 may retrieve (or fetch) instructions from internal registers, internal caches, memory 530, or storage device 540, and decode and execute them. In certain examples, the processor(s) 520 may include one or more internal caches for data such as a table related to a volume measurement table. As an example, the processor(s) 520 may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation lookaside buffers (TLBs). The instructions in the instruction cache may be a copy of the instructions in memory 530 or storage device 540. In some examples, the processor 520 may be configured to perform any one or more portions of the exemplary methods disclosed herein (e.g., including programs stored in or executed by the processor 520).

[0039] In some examples, the processor 520 is configured to perform any of the operations disclosed herein or cause at least one of the operations disclosed herein to be performed on one or more portions of the computing device 510 or the controller 500. Such a configuration may include one or more operation programs (e.g., a computer program product) executable by at least one processor 520. For example, the processor 520 may be configured to automatically determine the amount of urine in the urine collection container, automatically determine that the urine in the urine collection container is in proximity to the sensor, automatically send an alert when the amount of urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically send an alert when a filter replacement is proposed, and / or automatically send an alert when a battery replacement or recharge is proposed.

[0040] At least one computing device 510 (e.g., a server) may include at least one memory storage medium (e.g., memory 530 and / or storage device 540). The computing device 510 may include a memory 530 operably connected to a processor(s) 520. The memory 530 may be used to store data, metadata, and programs executed by the processor(s) 520. The memory 530 may include one or more of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), solid state disk (SSD), flash, phase change memory (PCM), or other types of data storage. The memory 530 may be internal memory or distributed memory.

[0041] Computing device 510 may include a storage device 540 having storage for storing data or instructions. The storage device 540 may be operably connected to at least one processor 520. In some examples, the storage device 540 may include a non-transitory memory storage medium such as any of those described above. The storage device 540 (e.g., non-transitory storage medium) may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, or a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. The storage device 540 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. The storage device 540 may be internal or external to the computing device 510. In some examples, the storage device 540 may include non-volatile, solid-state memory. In some examples, the storage device 540 may include read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, this ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these. In some examples, one or more portions of the memory 530 and / or the storage device 540 (e.g., memory storage medium(s)) may store one or more databases.

[0042] In some examples, one or more of a history of the amount of urine in the urine collection container, a trend of the amount of urine in the urine collection container, a history of filter replacement, and / or a history of battery replacement or charging may be stored in one or more of a memory storage device, such as at least one processor 520 (e.g., an internal cache of the processor), a memory 530, or a storage device 540. In some examples, at least one processor 520 may be configured to access (e.g., via a bus 570) one or more of a memory storage medium(s), such as the memory 530 or the storage device 540. For example, at least one processor 520 may receive data (e.g., a look-up table) and store it as multiple data points within a memory storage medium(s). At least one processor 520 may execute a program stored therein and configured to access data within the memory storage medium(s) to automatically determine the amount of urine in the urine collection container, automatically determine that urine in the urine collection container is proximate to the sensor, automatically send an alert when the amount of urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically send an alert when filter replacement is proposed, and / or automatically send an alert when battery replacement or charging is proposed. For example, at least one processor 520 may access one or more look-up tables within a memory storage medium(s), such as the memory 530 or the storage device 540.

[0043] The computing device 510 also includes one or more I / O devices / interfaces 550 provided to enable a user to input into, receive output from, and otherwise transfer data to and from the computing device 510. These I / O devices / interfaces 550 may include a mouse, a keypad or keyboard, a touch screen, a camera, an optical scanner, a network interface, web-based access, a modem, a port, other known I / O devices, or combinations of these I / O devices / interfaces 550. The touch screen may be actuated using a stylus or a finger.

[0044] The I / O device / interface 550 may include one or more devices for presenting output to a user, including, but not limited to, a graphics engine, a display (e.g., a display screen or monitor), one or more output drivers (e.g., a display driver), one or more audio speakers, and one or more audio drivers. In a particular example, the I / O device / interface 550 is configured to provide graphic data to a display for presentation to a user. The graphic data may represent one or more graphical user interfaces and / or any other graphic content that may be useful in a particular implementation.

[0045] The computing device 510 may further include a communication interface 560. The communication interface 560 can include hardware, software, or both. The communication interface 560 may provide one or more interfaces for communication (e.g., packet-based communication) between the computing device 510 and one or more additional computing devices 512 or one or more networks. For example, the communication interface 560 may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wired-based network, or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network such as WI-FI. The one or more additional computer devices 512 may include a user's smartphone, a caregiver's smartphone, an electronic device on a wheelchair, and / or a computer device of a healthcare system.

[0046] Any suitable network and any suitable communication interface 560 may be used. For example, computing device 510 may communicate with one or more parts of an ad hoc network, a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or the Internet, or a combination of two or more of these. One or more parts of these networks may be wired or wireless. As an example, one or more parts of controller 500 or computing device 510 may include a wireless PAN (WPAN) (e.g., BLUETOOTH® WPAN), a WI-FI network, a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (e.g., a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, etc.), or other suitable wireless network, or a combination thereof. Computing device 510 may include any suitable communication interface 560 for any of these networks, as needed.

[0047] Computing device 510 may include a bus 570. Bus 570 may include hardware, software, or both that couples the components of computing device 510 to each other. For example, bus 570 may include an accelerated graphics port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, a front side bus (FSB), a hypertransport (HT) interconnect, an industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, an infiniband interconnect, a low pin count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a microchannel architecture (MCA) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI express (PCIe) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, a video electronics standards local association (VLB) bus, or another suitable bus, or a combination thereof.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "about" or "substantially" refer to an acceptable variation of the term being modified by "about" or "substantially" of ± 10%, or ± 5%. Further, the terms "less than", "or less than", "greater than", "or more than" or "or greater than" include, as endpoints, the value being modified by "less than", "or less than", "greater than", "or more than" or "or greater than".

[0049] Although various aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. <Appendix> [1] A portable urine collection system comprising a urine collection device configured to be disposed at least proximate to a user's urethra, a conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device, and a urine collection assembly, wherein the urine collection assembly comprises a urine collection container having an internal region and an upper surface, a pump fixed to the urine collection container and configured to urge urine from the urine collection device through the conduit into the urine collection container, an exhaust port on the urine collection container and having a hydrophobic filter, the hydrophobic filter being configured to allow air from the urine collection container to exit through the exhaust port and to prevent urine in the urine collection container from exiting through the exhaust port, a sensor fixed to or fixable to the container and configured to detect a characteristic at least related to the amount of urine in the urine collection container, and a battery operably coupled to the pump, wherein the pump is fixed to the upper surface of the urine collection container, and the conduit is fixed to at least one of the upper surface of the urine collection container or the pump fixed to the upper surface of the urine collection container, The urine collection assembly is located below the upper end of the pouch of the wheelchair backrest, and has a size and dimensions that fit within the pouch of the backrest of the wheelchair so as to be invisible and within the pouch. A portable urine collection system. [2] The portable urine collection system according to [1] above, further comprising the wheelchair having the pouch on the backrest, wherein the conduit extends from the upper surface of the urine collection container, through the upper part of the pouch, around the backrest of the wheelchair, and at least close to the urethra of the user sitting on the seat of the wheelchair to the urine collection device disposed thereon. [3] The portable urine collection system according to [1] above, wherein the pump includes a peristaltic pump or a micropump. [4] The portable urine collection system according to [1] above, wherein the pump is fixed or fixable between the conduit and the urine collection container to the urine collection container. [5] The portable urine collection system according to [1] above, wherein the pump is fixed or fixable to the urine collection container, the conduit is fixed or fixable to the urine collection container, and by making the urine collection container at least partially vacuum, the conduit is at least partially vacuumed, and urine is effectively drawn from the urine collection device through the conduit into the internal region of the urine collection container. [6] The portable urine collection system according to [1] above, wherein the urine collection container has a generally rectangular outline and includes a neck protruding from the upper surface. [7] The portable urine collection system according to [6] above, wherein the urine collection container, the battery, and the pump together form a generally rectangular outline. [8] The portable urine collection system according to [7] above, wherein the generally rectangular outline has a height of about 15.2 cm to about 45.7 cm and a width of about 15.2 cm to about 45.7 cm, and the urine collection container has a depth of about 2.5 cm to about 15.2 cm. [9] The portable urine collection system according to [6] above, wherein the exhaust port is disposed or can be disposed on the neck of the urine collection container.

[10] The portable urine collection system according to [6] above, wherein the sensor is disposed or can be disposed close to or at the intersection between the upper surface of the urine collection container and the neck thereof.

[11] The portable urine collection system according to [1] above, further comprising a controller configured to communicate with the sensor and wirelessly transmit an alert to an electronic device when the characteristic at least related to the amount of urine detected by the sensor indicates that the amount of urine in the urine collection container has reached or exceeded a predetermined amount.

[12] The portable urine collection system according to [1] above, wherein the sensor includes a wetness sensor or a water sensor configured to detect contact of urine with the sensor.

[13] The portable urine collection system according to [1] above, wherein the sensor includes an ultrasonic sensor.

[14] A method of assembling a portable urine collection system, placing a urine collection assembly including a urine collection container with a pump and a battery fixed thereto in a pocket on the backrest of a wheelchair, wherein the pump is fixed to the upper surface of the urine collection container, and disposing the urine collection assembly below the upper end of the pocket so that the urine collection assembly is within the pocket on the backrest of the wheelchair and not visible; placing a urine collection device at least close to the urethra of a user; fluidly coupling the urine collection device to the urine collection container using a conduit, together with the pump positioned to urge urine from the urine collection device through the conduit into the urine collection container, wherein the conduit is fixed to at least one of the upper surface of the urine collection container or the pump fixed to the upper surface. The method wherein the urine collection container is provided with an exhaust port having a hydrophobic filter, and the hydrophobic filter is configured to allow air from the urine collection container to exit through the exhaust port when the pump is urging urine from the urine collection device through the conduit, and to prevent urine in the urine collection container from exiting through the exhaust port.

[15] The method according to

[14] above, further comprising wirelessly connecting a sensor within the container to an electronic device of a user or caregiver, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a characteristic at least related to the amount of urine in the urine collection container and to send a notification to the electronic device of the user or caregiver when the amount of urine in the urine collection container reaches a predetermined level.

[16] The method according to

[14] above, further comprising effectively fixing the conduit to the urine collection container to at least partially fluidly couple the urine collection device and the urine collection container to the conduit.

[17] A portable urine collection assembly, A urine collection container having an internal region, an upper surface, and a neck protruding from the upper surface, and having a generally rectangular outline, A pump attached to the upper surface of the urine collection container and configured to draw and / or expel urine from a urine collection device through a conduit into the urine collection container, A battery attached to the upper surface of the urine collection container and operably coupled to the pump, wherein the urine collection container, the battery, and the pump together form a generally rectangular outline, and the outline is sized and dimensioned to fit within the port of the backrest of a wheelchair such that the urine collection assembly is located below the upper end of the port of the backrest of the wheelchair and is not visible within the port of the backrest of the wheelchair. An exhaust port on the urine collection container and having a hydrophobic filter, wherein the hydrophobic filter is configured to allow air from the urine collection container to exit through the exhaust port and to prevent urine in the urine collection container from exiting through the exhaust port, and, A sensor that is fixed or fixable to the container and is configured to detect a characteristic at least related to the amount of urine in the urine collection container. A portable urine collection assembly comprising the same.

[18] The portable urine collection assembly according to

[17] above, wherein the pump includes a peristaltic pump or a micropump.

[19] The portable urine collection assembly according to

[17] above, wherein the exhaust port is disposed or disposably disposed on the neck of the urine collection container.

[20] The portable urine collection assembly according to

[17] above, wherein the pump is fixed or fixable to the urine collection container, the conduit is fixed or fixable to the urine collection container, and by making the urine collection container at least partially vacuum, at least partially vacuuming the conduit in fluid communication with the internal region of the urine collection container, and is configured to effectively draw urine from the urine collection device through the conduit into the internal region of the urine collection container.

[21] The portable urine collection assembly according to

[17] above, wherein the generally rectangular contour has a height of about 15.2 cm to about 45.7 cm and a width of about 15.2 cm to about 45.7 cm, and the urine collection container has a depth of about 2.5 cm to about 15.2 cm.

[22] The portable urine collection assembly according to

[17] above, wherein the sensor is disposed or disposably disposed between the upper surface and the neck of the urine collection container or in proximity to their intersection.

[23] The portable urine collection assembly according to

[17] above, further comprising a controller configured to communicate with the sensor and wirelessly transmit an alert to an electronic device when the characteristic at least related to the amount of urine detected by the sensor indicates that the amount of urine in the urine collection container has reached or exceeded a predetermined amount.

[24] The portable urine collection assembly according to

[17] above, wherein the sensor includes a wet sensor or a water sensor configured to detect contact of the urine with the sensor.

[25] The sensor includes an ultrasonic sensor, and the portable urine collection assembly according to

[17] above.

Claims

1. 1. A portable urine collection system comprising: A urine collection device configured to be placed at least proximate to the urethra of a user; a conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device; and a urine collection assembly, The urine collection assembly comprises: a urine collection container having an interior region, a concave outer surface, and a top surface having a port; a pump secured to the urine collection receptacle and configured to urge urine from the urine collection device, through the conduit and into the urine collection receptacle; an exhaust vent on the urine collection receptacle and having a hydrophobic filter, the hydrophobic filter configured to allow air from the urine collection receptacle to exit through the exhaust vent and to prevent urine within the urine collection receptacle from exiting through the exhaust vent; a sensor secured or securable to the urine collection receptacle and configured to detect a characteristic related to at least an amount of urine in the urine collection receptacle; and a battery operably coupled to the pump and disposed within a concave area of ​​the concave outer surface of the urine collection receptacle; the conduit is secured to the port on the top surface of the urine collection container; the portable urine collection system includes a pouch removably secured to a wheelchair backrest; the urine collection assembly is sized and dimensioned to fit within the pouch; A portable urine collection system, wherein the urine collection assembly positioned within the pouch is below a top end of the pouch.

2. 2. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, wherein the conduit is configured to extend to the urine collection device positioned at least proximate to the urethra of the user.

3. The portable urine collection system of claim 1 , wherein the pump comprises a peristaltic pump or a micropump.

4. 2. A portable urine collection system according to claim 1, wherein the pump is fixed or securable to the urine collection container, between the conduit and the urine collection container.

5. 2. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, wherein the pump is fixed or fixable to the urine collection receptacle and the conduit is fixed or fixable to the urine collection receptacle, and wherein applying at least a partial vacuum to the urine collection receptacle is configured to apply at least a partial vacuum to the conduit to effect drawing urine from the urine collection device, through the conduit and into the interior region of the urine collection receptacle.

6. 2. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, wherein the urine collection container has a generally rectangular outline and includes a neck protruding from the top surface.

7. 7. The portable urine collection system of claim 6, wherein the urine collection container, the battery, and the pump together define a generally rectangular outline.

8. 8. The portable urine collection system of claim 7, wherein the generally rectangular outline has a height of about 15.2 cm to about 45.7 cm and a width of about 15.2 cm to about 45.7 cm, and the urine collection container has a depth of about 2.5 cm to about 15.2 cm.

9. 7. The portable urine collection system of claim 6, wherein the vent is located or positionable on the neck of the urine collection container.

10. 7. The portable urine collection system of claim 6, wherein the sensor is located or positionable between the recessed area and the neck of the urine collection container or adjacent to the intersection thereof.

11. 2. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, further comprising a controller, the controller configured to communicate with the sensor and to wirelessly transmit an alert to an electronic device when the characteristic related to at least the amount of urine detected by the sensor indicates that the amount of urine in the urine collection receptacle has reached or exceeded a predetermined amount.

12. 10. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a wetness or water sensor configured to detect urine contacting the sensor.

13. The portable urine collection system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an ultrasonic sensor.

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