Fluid collection device having sump between tube opening and barrier, and related system and method

Abstract

To provide a novel improved device for collecting urine.SOLUTION: A fluid collection device 200 includes a fluid impermeable barrier 202, a fluid permeable body 210, a tube 208, and a sump 209. The fluid impermeable barrier 202 has a distal end region 205 and defines an opening 206 and a chamber 204 in fluid communication with the opening. The fluid permeable body 210 is positioned within the chamber 204 at least partially in the distal end region 205. The tube 208 extends into the chamber 204 and has an end 208 positioned proximate to the distal end region 205 of the fluid impermeable barrier 202. The tube 208 includes a tube opening 219 at least proximate to the end of the tube 208 and oriented to face at least a portion of the fluid permeable body. The sump 209 is positioned in the area between the tube opening 209 and the distal end region 205.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 154,248, filed February 26, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] An individual may have limited or impaired mobility such that the normal process of urination is difficult or impossible. For example, an individual may have surgery or a disability that impairs mobility. In another example, an individual may have restricted mobility conditions such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, collection of fluids from an individual may be required for monitoring purposes or for clinical testing.

[0003] To address some of these situations, commodes and urinary catheters, such as Foley catheters, may be used. However, commodes and urinary catheters have several associated challenges. For example, commodes can be prone to discomfort, spills, and other hygiene challenges. Urinary catheters can be uncomfortable and painful and can lead to urinary tract infections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO / 2019 / 212949 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[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 problem]

[0006]

[0003] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid collection device having a defined drain pan, as well as related systems and methods. In one embodiment, the fluid collection device includes a fluid-impermeable barrier, a fluid-permeable body, a tube, and a drain pan. The fluid-impermeable barrier at least partially defines an opening and a chamber within the fluid collection device in fluid communication with the opening, the fluid-impermeable barrier having a proximal end region and a distal end region. The fluid-permeable body is positioned within the chamber and extends at least partially between the distal end region and the proximal end region. The tube extends into the chamber and has an end positioned proximate the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier. The tube includes a tube opening proximate the end of the tube and oriented toward at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body. The drain pan is positioned in the area between the tube opening and the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for collecting fluid includes positioning a fluid collection device on a user's skin. The fluid collection device includes a fluid-impermeable barrier at least partially having a proximal end region and a distal end region, the fluid collection device including a fluid-impermeable barrier defining an opening and a chamber within the fluid collection device in fluid communication with the opening. The fluid collection device also includes a fluid-permeable body positioned within the chamber and extending at least partially between the distal end region and the proximal end region. The fluid collection device also includes a tube extending into the chamber and having an end positioned proximate the distal end region of the chamber. The tube includes a tube opening at least proximate the end of the tube and oriented toward at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body. The method includes collecting fluid released from the user in the chamber of the fluid collection device and drawing fluid from the fluid collection device through the tube.

[0008] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with each other without limitation.In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, with the same reference numerals referring to the same or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fluid collection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a male urine collection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end region of a male fluid collection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end region of a fluid collection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end region of a fluid collection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3C] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end region of a fluid collection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3D] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end region of a fluid collection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of a distal end region of a fluid-permeable body according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a distal end region of a fluid collection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end region of a fluid collection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a tube according to one embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a female fluid collection assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] 8B is a cross-sectional schematic view of a distal end region of the fluid collection assembly of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] 1 is a flow diagram of a method for collecting fluid using a fluid collection device, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0003] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid collection device having a defined drain pan, as well as related systems and methods. The fluid collection device may include a fluid-impermeable barrier, a fluid-permeable body, and a tube. The fluid-impermeable barrier at least partially defines an opening and a chamber within the fluid collection device in fluid communication with the opening, and includes a proximal end region and a distal end region. The fluid-permeable body is positioned within the chamber and extends at least partially between the distal end region and the proximal end region. The tube extends into the chamber and has an end positioned within the chamber proximate the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier. The tube also includes a tube opening (e.g., an inlet) proximate the end of the tube and oriented toward at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body.

[0012] The defined drain receptacle of the fluid collection device can include an area or region within the urine collection device where fluid can collect for removal from the fluid collection device. From top to bottom in use, the fluid collection device can include an upper portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier, a portion of the fluid-permeable body that is uncovered or spaced apart from the upper portion to allow released urine to enter the fluid-permeable body, a tube opening of a vacuum tube, and at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body positioned between the tube opening and the bottom layer of the fluid-impermeable barrier of the fluid collection device. For example, fluid can be received in or within the fluid-permeable body, and the fluid can be drawn from the drain receptacle using a tube and thus into the defined drain receptacle. In some embodiments, the defined drain receptacle can include at least an area or region within the chamber having a tube opening of the tube spaced apart from the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier. Thus, as fluid collects in the drain receptacle between the tube opening and the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier, the tube can remove the fluid from the drain receptacle. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body extends between the tube opening and the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier, creating the technical effect of the fluid-permeable body providing a connection for the molecular bonds of water in the fluid. This configuration of the fluid-permeable body between the tube opening and the fluid-impermeable barrier also allows fluid in other regions of the fluid-permeable body to be drawn into the drain pan via the molecular bonds of water in the fluid, drawing the fluid through the tube opening and into the tube. The defined drain pan in the fluid collection device embodiments described herein can also provide the technical effect of preventing loss of vacuum on fluid being drawn from the fluid collection device, thereby improving fluid capture from the fluid collection device. The defined drain pan in the fluid collection device embodiments described herein also provides the fluid-permeable body creating the technical effect of network-promoting connection of the molecular bonds of the fluid being collected, thereby improving fluid removal from the fluid collection device.

[0013] With conventional fluid collection devices, fluid is often difficult or insufficiently removed from the fluid collection device when the fluid collection device is in a substantially horizontal position. In some embodiments of the fluid collection device described herein, the fluid collection device may include a horizontal drain pan for a vacuum-assisted fluid collection device, which creates the technical effect of the fluid collection device operating efficiently when in a substantially horizontal position. For example, some embodiments of the fluid collection device may be configured for use as a skin or wound care fluid collection device that may be placed on the skin, such as the abdomen, inner thigh, or chest, where there is typically no lowest point for fluid to pool within the fluid collection device. In some embodiments, the fluid collection device may include a male external catheter that may be generally horizontal during use, such as positioned in the scrotal area or on either side of or above the penis (below the navel). A defined horizontal drain pan can maximize fluid capture by the fluid collection device by optimizing the position and angle of contact of the tube opening within the drain pan.

[0014] A fluid collection device used in a horizontal position and having a horizontal drain pan can include, in top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top order, a portion of the fluid-permeable body that is uncovered and allows fluid to enter the fluid-permeable body, a tube opening of the vacuum tube, and at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body positioned between the tube opening and the fluid-impermeable barrier of the fluid collection device. In use, the horizontal drain pan need not be the lowest point of the fluid collection device, but rather the area within the horizontal drain pan where fluid is collected. For example, when a vacuum is applied to the fluid-permeable body, the entire fluid-permeable body between the tube opening and the fluid-impermeable barrier can be the horizontal drain pan. For example, in a male external catheter urine collection device, the upper side of the fluid-permeable body is generally uncovered (or spaced apart from the upper portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier) and can receive released urine, and the bottom side of the fluid-permeable body can be positioned against the bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier. In this case, the horizontal drain receptacle may include the entire area of ​​the fluid-permeable body between the opening in the fluid-impermeable barrier and the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier.

[0015] 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 any of the embodiments of 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 fluid collection container 14, and a pump 16 (or vacuum). The fluid collection device 12, the fluid collection container 14, and the pump 16 may be fluidly coupled to one or more tubes 17 or conduits. For example, the fluid collection device 12 may be operably coupled to one or more of the fluid collection container 14 or the pump 16 via the tube 17. In some embodiments, the pump 16 may be directly secured to the fluid collection container 14. Fluid (e.g., urine or other bodily fluid) collected in the fluid collection device 12 may be removed from the fluid collection device 12 via the tube 17 secured to the fluid collection device 12. In response to a suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied to an outlet of the tube 17, a suction force may be introduced into a chamber of the fluid collection device 12 via an inlet of the tube 17.

[0016] Suction force may be applied to the outlet of the tubing 17 directly or indirectly by the pump 16. Suction force may also be applied indirectly via the fluid collection container 14. For example, the outlet of the tubing 17 may be disposed within or fluidly coupled to the interior region of the urine collection container 14, with an additional tubing 17 extending from the urine collection container 14 to the pump 16. Thus, the pump 16 may apply suction force to the fluid collection device 12 via the fluid collection container 14. Suction force may also be applied directly via the pump 16. For example, the outlet of the tubing 17 may be disposed within the pump 16. An additional tubing 17 may extend from the pump 16 to a point outside the fluid collection device 12, such as to the fluid collection container 14. In such an example, the pump 16 may be disposed between the fluid collection device 12 and the fluid collection container 14.

[0017] The fluid collection container 14 is sized and shaped to hold fluid therein. The fluid collection container 14 may include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., a collection jar), or any other enclosed container for collecting bodily fluids such as urine. In some examples, a tube 17 may extend from the fluid collection device 12 and be attached to the fluid collection container 14 at a first point on the fluid collection container 14. An additional tube 17 may be attached to the urine collection container 14 at a second point on the urine collection container 14 and may also extend to and be attached to the pump 16. Thus, a vacuum (e.g., suction force) may be drawn into the fluid collection device 12 through the fluid collection container 14. Fluids such as urine may be evacuated from the fluid collection device 12 using the pump 16.

[0018] The pump 16 can include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to generate a vacuum. The pump 16 can provide a vacuum or suction force to remove fluid from the fluid collection device 12. In some examples, the pump 16 can be powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a power socket), one or more batteries, or even a manual force (e.g., a hand-operated vacuum pump). In some examples, the pump 16 can be sized and shaped to fit outside of, on, or within the fluid collection device 12. For example, the pump 16 may include one or more miniaturized pumps or one or more micropumps. The vacuum sources disclosed herein may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote controller, or any other device suitable for activating the pump 16.

[0019] 2A is a front view of a male urine collection device 200 according to one embodiment. The urine collection device 200 includes a fluid-impermeable barrier 202 that at least partially defines an opening 206 and a chamber 204 within the fluid collection device that is in fluid communication with the opening 206. In some embodiments, a bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 can define the opening 206, and an opposite or upper portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 can define an aperture 212. The fluid-impermeable barrier 202 includes a proximal end region 203 and a distal end region 205. The opening 206 can be positioned proximate to the proximal end region 203 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 or closer to the proximal end region 203 than the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, and the aperture 212 can be positioned proximate to the distal end region 205 or closer to the distal end region 205 than the proximal end region 203. In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 narrows between the proximal end region 203 and the distal end region 205. For example, the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 (and chamber 204) may include a substantially triangular frontal profile, with the distal end region 205 at the narrow end or tip of the triangular profile. The fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may include a shape that is substantially complementary to the chamber 204, such as a substantially triangular frontal profile. The fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may include a substantially flexible, fluid-impermeable material, such as a fluid-impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, etc.), a polyurethane film, a thermoplastic elastomer, oil, another suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier includes a paper-like or bag-like fluid-impermeable material and / or a fluid-impermeable fabric.

[0020] The urine collection device 200 also includes a fluid-permeable body 210 positioned within the chamber 204 and extending at least partially between the distal end region 205 and the proximal end region 203. The fluid-permeable body 210 may be shaped generally complementary to the shape of the chamber of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 is spaced from an edge of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 that extends at least partially between the distal end region 205 and the proximal end region 203. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 is positioned to abut the edge of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, such that the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 retains fluid within the fluid-permeable body 210 from the opening 206 to the drain basin 209.

[0021] The fluid-permeable body 210 is configured to wick and / or allow fluid transport away from the opening 206, thereby preventing fluid from leaking from the chamber 204. The fluid-permeable body 210 may also generally wick and / or allow fluid transport toward the drain sump 209. The fluid-permeable body 210 may include any material capable of wicking and / or allowing fluid transport. The permeability properties referred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as "permeability" and / or "wicking." Such "wicking" properties or other physical properties may preclude absorption into the fluid-permeable body 210, such as not including adsorption of bodily fluids into the fluid-permeable body 210. In other words, after the material is exposed to bodily fluids and separated from the bodily fluids for a period of time, the material may not substantially absorb or dissolve the bodily fluids. Although absorption or dissolution is undesirable, the term "substantially non-absorbent" may allow for absorption and / or dissolution (e.g., absorption) of a small amount of bodily fluid into the fluid-permeable body 210, such as less than about 30 wt% of the dry weight of the wicking material, less than about 20 wt%, less than about 10 wt%, less than about 7 wt%, less than about 5 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than about 2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, or less than about 0.5 wt% of the dry weight of the fluid-permeable body 210. In one embodiment, the fluid-permeable body 210 may include at least one absorbent or adsorbent material.

[0022] The fluid-permeable body 210 may include a fabric that moves fluid in one direction. Therefore, the fluid-permeable body 210 can remove fluid from the area around the penis, thereby keeping the area and the urethra dry. The fluid-permeable body 210 may generally allow fluid to flow toward the drain pan 209 and the tube 208 within the chamber 204. The fluid-permeable body 210 may include a porous or fibrous material, such as a hydrophilic polyolefin. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 is composed of, or consists essentially of, a porous or fibrous material, such as a hydrophilic polyolefin. Examples of polyolefins that can be used for the fluid-permeable body 210 include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the fluid-permeable body 210 may be manufactured according to various manufacturing methods, such as molding, extrusion, or sintering. The fluid-permeable body 210 may include varying densities or dimensions.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 can include two or more layers of fluid-permeable material. For example, the fluid-permeable body 210 can include a fluid-permeable membrane that covers or wraps around a fluid-permeable support, and both the fluid-permeable membrane and the fluid-permeable support can be disposed within the chamber 204. The fluid-permeable membrane can cover or extend across at least a portion (e.g., the entirety) of at least the side of the fluid-permeable support that faces the user's penis. The fluid-permeable membrane and the fluid-permeable support can be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening 206, thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber 204 and facilitating the removal of the fluid through the tube 208. The permeability properties referred to herein can be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as "permeability" and / or "wicking."

[0024] The fluid-permeable membrane and fluid-permeable support may also be capable of wicking fluid toward the interior of the chamber 204, generally toward the drain pan 209. The fluid-permeable membrane may comprise any material capable of wicking fluid. For example, the fluid-permeable membrane may comprise a fabric such as gauze (e.g., a polymer-based material such as silk, linen, polyester, or cotton gauze), nylon (e.g., spun nylon fibers), another soft fabric (e.g., a jersey knit fabric), or another smooth fabric (e.g., rayon, satin, etc.). Forming the fluid-permeable membrane from gauze, a soft fabric, and / or a smooth fabric may reduce chafing caused by the urine collection device 200. Other embodiments of fluid-permeable membranes and fluid-permeable supports are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 612,325, filed June 2, 2017, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 260,103, filed September 8, 2016, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 611,587, filed June 1, 2017, and PCT patent application Ser. No. PCT / US19 / 29608, filed April 29, 2019, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In many embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 includes a fluid-permeable support including a porous spun nylon fiber structure and a fluid-permeable wicking membrane comprising gauze at least partially encapsulating the spun nylon fiber structure.

[0025] The urine collection device 200 also includes a tube 208 that extends into the chamber 204 and has an end 218 positioned proximate the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. As shown in FIG. 2B , the tube 208 includes a tube opening 219 proximate the end 218 of the tube 208. Returning to FIG. 2A , a drain basin 209 may be defined as the region or area between the tube opening 219 and the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. At least a portion of the fluid-permeable body 210 may extend into the drain basin 209. Fluid released into the fluid-permeable body 210 may flow into and be stored in the drain basin 209 so as to be removed when a vacuum is drawn on the tube 208. The tube 208 may extend into the chamber 204 through an aperture 212 in the upper portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, a first portion of the tube 208, including the end 218 and the tube opening 219, can be fixedly coupled to the fluid-impermeable barrier proximate the aperture 212, and a second portion of the tube 208 can be removably fixed or coupled to the fluid collection device 200 proximate the aperture 212. The aperture 212 can be positioned proximate the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the end 218 of the tube 208 and / or the tube opening 219 is positioned between the distal end region 205 and the aperture 212. In some embodiments, the aperture 212 is not present, and the tube 208 exits the chamber 204 through the opening 206. U.S. Provisional Patent No. 63 / 067,542 describes embodiments of a male external catheter urine collection device, aspects of which may be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0026] 2B, which is a side view of the distal end of the urine collection device 200. When urine is released into the fluid-permeable body 210, it may flow to a lowest point and form a pool of urine 50 at the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. The end 218 of the tube 208 and the tube opening 219 are spaced apart from the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, such that a drain receptacle 209 for the pool of urine 50 is defined between the tube opening 219 and / or the end 218 of the tube 208.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body 210 is positioned between the tube opening 219 (and / or the end 218 of the tube 208) and the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. The tube opening 219 may be oriented toward at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body 210 that may be positioned between the tube opening 219 and the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 may cover the tube opening 219. As used herein, covering the tube opening 219 by the fluid-permeable body 210 includes extending at least partially (e.g., entirely) across the tube opening 219, even when the tube opening 219 is oriented downward. That is, the fluid-permeable body 210 may cover the tube opening 219 below the tube opening 219. The fluid-permeable body 210 can include a recess 226 proximate the distal end region 205, the tube opening 219 can be positioned at least partially (e.g., entirely) within the recess 226, and a distal portion or tip 225 of the fluid-permeable body 210 can reside between the tube opening 219 and the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. Thus, the tube opening 219 can be embedded within the fluid-permeable body 210. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 includes a bottom portion 224 extending from the distal end region 205 toward the proximal end region 203. The bottom portion 224 of the fluid-permeable body 210 can interface with the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, which is placed or positioned on a user. The bottom portion 224 of the fluid-permeable body 210 can be substantially planar. The fluid-permeable body 210 may also include a lip 222 positioned proximate the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. A recess 226 may be at least partially defined by the fluid-permeable body 210 between the lip 222 and the bottom portion 224 of the fluid-permeable body 210.

[0028] In some embodiments, the distal portion 225 of the fluid-permeable body 210 is shaped substantially complementary to the distal end region 205. The distal portion 225 of the fluid-permeable body 210 may be spaced apart from the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, such that a portion of the drainage basin 209 is free of the fluid-permeable body 210. In some embodiments, the distal portion 225 of the fluid-permeable body 210 interfaces with at least a portion (e.g., the entirety) of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 in the distal end region 205.

[0029] In some embodiments, the end 218 of the tube 208 includes a beveled end 218, and the tube opening 219 is positioned at the beveled end 218. While the ends of conventional tubes are typically perpendicular to the sidewall of a conventional tube, the beveled end 218 of the tube 208 is at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the sidewall of the tube 208. When the beveled end 218 and the tube opening 219 are generally horizontal, with the beveled end 218 angled relative to the sidewall of the tube 208, the tube 208 can be angled relative to the bottom portion 224 of the fluid-permeable body 210 and / or the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. For example, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A , the tube 208 can be angled from the beveled end 218 toward the aperture 212 and out of the chamber 204.

[0030] An embodiment having a beveled end 218 may be used when the urine collection device 200 is positioned generally horizontally on a user. In operation, when a vacuum is applied to the tube 208, the tube 208 draws fluid from the drain basin 209 into the tube 208 through the tube opening 219. The fluid-permeable body 210 provides a connection for molecular bonding of fluid (e.g., urine) within the chamber 204. Urine is drawn into the tube 208 through the tube opening 219, which may then draw urine within the fluid-permeable body 210 into the drain basin 209 via molecular bonding of water in the urine. The configuration of the drain basin 209 within the urine collection device 200 prevents loss of vacuum on fluid being drawn from the urine collection device 200, thereby improving fluid capture from the fluid collection device. In some embodiments, the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may be a low point of the urine collection device 200 during use, and the tube 208 may include an end that is generally perpendicular to the sidewall of the tube 208.

[0031] 3A shows the distal end region 305 of the urine collection device 300 in a substantially horizontal position during use. Although only the distal end region 305 of the fluid collection device 300 is shown, the fluid collection device 300 may include any aspect of the fluid collection device 200 unless otherwise stated. For example, the fluid collection device 300 may include a fluid-impermeable barrier 302 having a distal end region 305, defining an opening (not shown) in a bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and an aperture 312 in a top portion 303 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302, a chamber 304, a fluid-permeable body 310, and a tube 308 having an end 318 and a tube opening 319, which, unless otherwise stated, include any aspects of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, chamber 204, fluid-permeable body 210, and tube 208 having an end 218 and opening 219 of the urine collection device 200, defining the opening 206 and aperture 212. The fluid-impermeable barrier 302 may include a bottom portion 301 and a top portion 303, and the chamber 304 may be defined between the bottom portion 301 and the top portion 303. The bottom portion 301 can be positioned on a user and can define an opening (not shown), and the top portion 303 can define an aperture 312 positioned adjacent to the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302.

[0032] The fluid-permeable body 310 may include a bottom portion 324 positioned at least a portion of the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The fluid-permeable body 310 may include a recess 326 proximate the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302, and the tube opening 319 may be at least partially positioned within the recess 326. The fluid-permeable body 310 may also include a lip 322 positioned proximate the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The lip 322 may interface with or be positioned abutting a portion of the top portion 303 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The recess 326 may be at least partially defined by the distal portion 325 of the fluid-permeable body 310 between the lip 322 and the bottom portion 324 of the fluid-permeable body 310. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 310 is rounded from the bottom portion 324 to the lip 322. The lip 322 and distal portion 325 of the fluid-permeable body 310 may be shaped to complement and interface with the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 .

[0033] At least a portion of the fluid-permeable body 310 is positioned between the tube opening 319 and the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The tube opening 319 may be oriented toward at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body 310 that may be positioned between the tube opening 319 and the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. For example, the bottom portion 324 and / or the distal portion 325 of the fluid-permeable body 310 may be positioned between the tube opening 319 and the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. In some embodiments, the urine collection device 300 may be used in a generally horizontal position, with the bottom portion 324 of the fluid-permeable body 310 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 substantially horizontal, as shown in FIG. 3A . In the generally horizontal position, the beveled end 318 of the tube 308 is substantially horizontal and may be at least partially positioned within the recess 326. The tube 308 may be angled at an acute angle from the beveled end 318 to the aperture 312 relative to the bottom portion 324 of the fluid-permeable body 310 and / or the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. When in a generally horizontal position, the drain pan 309 of the urine collection device 300 may be at least partially positioned within the chamber 304 at the distal end region 305 between the tube opening 319 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302, and the bottom portion 324 of the fluid-permeable body 310 may be positioned between the tube opening 319 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 324 of the fluid-permeable body 310 may interface with or abut the tube opening 319. For example, a portion of the bottom portion 324 of the fluid-permeable body may cover or extend across at least a portion (e.g., the entirety) of the tube opening 319. Positioning the drain receptacle 309 at the beveled end 318 of the tube 308, and between the beveled end 309 and the fluid-impermeable barrier 302, allows urine 50 to be drawn through the fluid-permeable body 310 into the drain receptacle 309 and into the tube 308 through the tube opening 319 when a vacuum is applied to the tube 308. The end 318 of the tube 308 may be positioned adjacent a lateral edge or a distal end of the drain receptacle 309.In some embodiments, only the distal portion 325 of the fluid-permeable body 310 is positioned within the chamber 304 between the end 318 of the tube 308 and the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 .

[0034] In some embodiments, the urine collection device 300 may be configured to be used with the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 at its low point during use. When the distal end region 305 is at its low point during use, a tube having an end that is generally perpendicular to the sidewall of the tube may be used to draw urine 50 from the urine collection device 300. For example, the end of the tube may be inserted into the recess 326 with the distal portion 325 of the fluid-permeable body 310 positioned within the chamber 304 between the end of the tube and the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. When the distal end region 305 is at its low point during use, the drain pan 309 may be positioned within the chamber 304 between the end of the tube and the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. In some embodiments of the horizontally oriented fluid collection device, the drain pan 309 comprises the region of the fluid-permeable body 310 between the opening in the fluid-impermeable barrier and the tube opening 319. The drain pan 309 may extend further into the fluid-permeable body 310 to the end of the rim 322. The fluid-permeable body 310 may promote molecular bonding of the fluid held in the fluid-permeable body 310, and the tube opening 319 may abut and / or be adjacent to the fluid-permeable body 310 so that an air space between the tube opening 319 and the fluid 50 does not disrupt the molecular bonding.

[0035] 3B shows the distal end region 305 of the urine collection device 330 in a substantially horizontal position during use. While only the distal end region 305 of the fluid collection device 330 is shown, unless otherwise noted, the fluid collection device 330 can include any aspect of the fluid collection devices 200, 300. For example, the fluid collection device 330 may include a fluid-impermeable barrier 302 having a bottom portion 301 and a top portion 303. The fluid-impermeable barrier 302 may include the distal end region 305 and may define an opening (not shown) and a chamber 304.

[0036] The urine collection device 330 can include a fluid-permeable body 340. The fluid-permeable body 340 can include any aspect of the fluid-permeable body 210, 310, such as the material of the fluid-permeable body 210. The fluid-permeable body 340 can include a bottom portion 344 positioned on at least a portion of the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and an top portion 342 positioned adjacent to or interfacing with at least a portion of the top portion 303 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. A distal portion 345 of the fluid-permeable body can be connected to the top portion 342 and the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340. The fluid-permeable body 340 can include a tubular channel 346 extending between the top portion 342 and the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340. The tubular channel 346 can extend into the fluid-permeable body 340 to the distal portion 345 of the fluid-permeable body 340. The fluid-permeable body 340 may be shaped to complement and interface with the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 .

[0037] The urine collection device 330 can also include a tube 338 having a tube opening 349 spaced from an end 348 of the tube 338. In some embodiments, the end 348 of the tube 338 is capped, closed, or covered such that there is no fluid communication through the end 348 of the tube 338. The tube opening 349 may be defined and / or positioned in a sidewall of the tube 338 rather than being positioned at the end 348 of the tube 338. With the tube opening 349 in the sidewall of the tube 348, the tube opening 349 may be oriented toward the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and / or the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340.

[0038] At least a portion of the fluid-permeable body 340 is positioned between the tube opening 349 and the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The tube opening 349 may be oriented toward at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body 340 that may be positioned within the chamber 304 between the tube opening 349 and the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. For example, the bottom portion 344 may be positioned between the tube opening 349 and the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. In some embodiments, the urine collection device 330 may be used in a generally horizontal position, with the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 substantially horizontal, as shown in FIG. 3B . In the generally horizontal position, the covered or capped end 348 of the tube 338 may abut or interface with the distal portion 345 of the fluid-permeable body 340 within the tubular channel 346. A tube opening 349 in the sidewall of the tube 338 may be oriented downwardly toward the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The tube 338 may be substantially horizontal, at least within the distal region of the tubular channel 348, as the tubular channel 348 approaches the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. In some embodiments, the tube 338 exits the chamber 304 through an opening (next to the penis).

[0039] When in a generally horizontal position, the drain receptacle 339 of the urine collection device 330 may be at least partially positioned within the chamber 304 adjacent the distal end region 305, between the tube opening 349 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302, and the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340 may be positioned between the tube opening 349 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. When the fluid-permeable body 330 wraps around the end 348 of the tube 338, the drain receptacle 339 may extend through the distal portion 345 of the fluid-permeable body 340. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340 may interface with or be adjacent to the tube opening 349. For example, a portion of the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340 may cover or extend at least partially (e.g., entirely) across the tube opening 349. The orientation of the tube opening 349 toward the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 allows urine 50 to be drawn through the fluid-permeable body 310 into the drain receptacle 339 and also through the tube opening 349 into the tube 338 when a vacuum is applied to the tube 338.

[0040] 3C shows the distal end region 305 of the urine collection device 360 ​​in a substantially horizontal position during use. The urine collection device 360 ​​may include the fluid-permeable body 310 of the urine collection device 300 and the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and tube 338 of the urine collection device 330. The capped or covered end 348 of the tube 338 may be positioned in the recess 326 of the fluid-permeable body 310. Similar to the drain pan 339, a drain pan 369 may be positioned between the tube opening 349 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. Similar to withdrawing urine from the urine collection device 330 described above, urine may be withdrawn from the urine collection device 360 ​​when it is in a horizontal position.

[0041] 3D shows the distal end region 305 of the urine collection device 370 in a substantially horizontal position during use. Although only the distal end region 305 of the fluid collection device 370 is shown, unless otherwise noted, the fluid collection device 370 may include any embodiment of the fluid collection devices 200, 300, 330, 360. For example, the fluid collection device 370 may include a fluid-impermeable barrier 302 having a bottom portion 301 and a top portion 302. The fluid-impermeable barrier 302 includes the distal end region 305 and may define an opening (not shown) and a chamber 304.

[0042] The urine collection device 370 may include a fluid-permeable body 380. The fluid-permeable body 380 may include any aspect of the fluid-permeable body 210, 310, such as the material of the fluid-permeable body 210. The fluid-permeable body 380 may include a bottom portion 384 positioned on at least a portion of the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The fluid-permeable body 310 may include a recess 386 proximate the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The fluid-permeable body 380 may also include a lip 382 positioned proximate the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The lip 382 may interface with or be positioned abutting a portion of the top portion 303 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The recess 326 may be at least partially defined by the distal portion 385, top portion 382, ​​and bottom portion 384 of the fluid-permeable body 380. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 384 , the distal portion 385 , and the top portion 382 are three separate pieces or elements positioned within the chamber 304 .

[0043] The urine collection device 370 can also include a tube 338 having a tube opening 349 spaced from an end 348 of the tube 338. The tube opening 349 can be oriented toward the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and / or the bottom portion 344 of the fluid-permeable body 340. The bottom portion 384 can be positioned between the tube opening 349 and the fluid-permeable barrier 302. In some embodiments, the urine collection device 370 can be used in a generally horizontal position, with the bottom portion 384 of the fluid-permeable body 380 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-permeable barrier 302 substantially horizontal, as shown in FIG. 3D . In the generally horizontal position, the covered or capped end 348 of the tube 338 can abut or interface with the distal portion 385 of the fluid-permeable body in the recess 386. A tube opening 349 in the sidewall of the tube 338 may be oriented downwardly into the bottom portion 384 of the fluid-permeable body 380 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. The tube 338 may be substantially horizontal and may exit the chamber 304 through the opening (next to the penis).

[0044] Similar to the drain pans 339, 369, the drain pan 379 may be positioned between the tube opening 349 and the bottom portion 301 of the fluid impermeable barrier 302. Similar to withdrawing urine from the urine collection devices 330, 360 described above, urine may be withdrawn from the urine collection device 370 when the urine collection device 370 is in a horizontal position.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates the distal end of a fluid-permeable body 410 that may be used in a male urine collection device. For example, the fluid-permeable body 410 may be positioned within the chamber 204, 304 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, 302. The fluid-permeable body 410 may comprise any of the materials described above in connection with the fluid-permeable body 210. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 410 includes a first portion 422 and a second portion 424. The first portion 422 may be positioned near or adjacent to the bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier, and the second portion 424 may be positioned near or adjacent to the top portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier. Alternatively, the first portion 422 may be positioned near or adjacent to the top portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier, and the second portion 424 may be positioned near or adjacent to the bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier. An open region 414 may be positioned between the first portion 422 and the second portion 424 of the fluid-permeable body 420. In some embodiments, the second portion 424 of the fluid-permeable body 410 may be absent and the first portion 422 of the fluid-permeable body 410 may be positioned adjacent to a bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier, with the channel walls 416 positioned near or adjacent to a top portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 410 may be used with the channel walls 416 near the bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier.

[0046] The fluid-permeable body 410 may also include a channel 412 dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the tube 408. The channel 412 may be at least partially defined by a first portion 422 of the fluid-permeable body 410. In some embodiments, the channel 412 may be defined by a top portion 422 of the fluid-permeable body 410 and a channel wall 416. The channel 412 may be generally tubular. The channel wall 416 may comprise any of the materials of the fluid-permeable body 210. In some embodiments, the channel wall 416 is integrally formed with the first portion 422 of the fluid-permeable body 410, and the channel 412 resides between the first portion 422 and the channel wall 416. The channel 412 may extend from proximate a distal end 425 of the fluid-permeable body 410 toward an opening in the fluid-impermeable barrier.

[0047] A urine collection device having a fluid-permeable body 410 can also include a drain pan 409 of the urine collection device and a tube 408 configured to provide fluid communication between the chamber and a vacuum source. The tube 408 may include any aspect of the tubes 208, 308 described herein. In some embodiments, the tube 408 includes an opening 419 at an end 418 of the tube 408 that is generally perpendicular to the sidewall of the tube 408 (e.g., a beveled end may not be present in the tube 408). When the fluid-permeable body 410 and the tube 408 are positioned within the chamber of the fluid-impermeable barrier, the drain pan 409 can be formed at least partially within the fluid-permeable body 410 between the tube opening 419 and the distal end of the fluid-impermeable barrier. A channel 412 can form a pocket for the tube 408 that directs or biases the end 418 and the tube opening 419 to remain in contact with the fluid-permeable body 410. Additionally, the channel 412 may terminate or terminate at a distance or apart from the distal portion 425 of the fluid-permeable body 410, such that the duct opening 419 is maintained at a distance from the fluid-impermeable barrier. In use, the fluid-permeable body 410 may direct urine towards the duct opening 419, similar to the fluid-permeable body 210 described above in connection with the urine collection device 200.

[0048] 5 is a front isometric view of the distal end of a fluid collection apparatus 530. While only the distal end of the fluid collection apparatus 530 is shown, unless otherwise noted, the fluid collection apparatus 530 may include any aspect of the fluid collection apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the fluid collection apparatus 530 includes a fluid-impermeable barrier 532 having a distal end region 535, a bottom portion 531, and a top portion 533. The chamber 534 and aperture 539 may be at least partially defined by the fluid-impermeable barrier 532.

[0049] The fluid collection device 530 also includes a fluid-permeable body 540. Unless otherwise noted, the fluid-permeable body 540 may include any aspect of the fluid-permeable body 210, such as the materials and layers described in connection with the fluid-permeable body 210. The fluid-permeable body 540 may include a crescent-shaped protrusion 548 that at least partially defines a pocket 546 between a portion of the crescent-shaped protrusion 548 and a distal portion 545 of the fluid-permeable body 540. The pocket 546 may be dimensioned to receive an end and at least a portion of the tube 508.

[0050] The tube 508 can extend through an aperture 539 in the top portion 533 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 532 and into a pocket 546. The tube 508 can include a flat end or a beveled end similar to or the same as the beveled ends of the tubes 208, 308. The end of the tube 508 can be positioned within the pocket 546, such that a tube opening at the end of the tube 508 is enclosed within the pocket 546 by the fluid-permeable body 540. With the end of the tube 508 positioned within the pocket 546 and spaced apart from the distal end region 535 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 532 and the bottom portion 531 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 532, a drain receptacle 549 can be defined between the end of the tube 508 and the fluid-impermeable barrier 532 at the distal end region 535 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 532. Urine can be drawn into the tube 508 in a manner similar to other urine collection devices, such as the urine collection device 200.

[0051] In some embodiments of the urine or fluid collection devices 200, 300, 330, 360, 370, 400, and 500, the fluid-impermeable barrier defining the chamber may include a silicone shell configured to retain its shape at the distal end region. In some embodiments of the urine or fluid collection devices 200, 300, 330, 360, 370, 400, and 500, at least one of a wire coil or plastic may be positioned proximate the distal end of the fluid-impermeable barrier and configured to inhibit collapse of the chamber proximate the distal end region. In some embodiments of the urine or fluid collection devices 200, 300, 330, 360, 370, 400, and 500, the chamber may include a filler material in a portion of the chamber proximate the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier. The filler material may include at least one of netting, beads, or straws to inhibit collapse of the chamber proximate the distal end region.

[0052] Aspects of the fluid-permeable body and drain pan of urine or fluid collection devices 200, 300, 330, 360, 370, 400, and 500 may be applied to other urine collection devices. For example, PCT International Application No. PCT / US2019 / 029616, U.S. Patent Application No. 15,260,103, U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 433,773, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 067,542 describe various embodiments of fluid collection devices for both men and women, including fluid-permeable and fluid-impermeable materials, that may be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, and their disclosures are incorporated by reference in their entireties. In some embodiments, the fluid collection device may include a female urine collection device having a substantially tubular, fluid-impermeable barrier defining an aperture at a proximal end of the fluid-impermeable barrier and an opening positioned between the distal and proximal end regions of the fluid-impermeable barrier. The fluid-permeable body of the female urine collection device can include a substantially cylindrical portion that extends across at least a portion (e.g., the entirety) of the opening. The fluid-permeable body can also include a distal portion that defines a recess for receiving the end of the tube therein, similar to fluid-permeable bodies 340, 350.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fluid collection device may be used to remove fluid from a wound or other area of ​​the body where fluid may collect or be released (excluding the urethra). FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a fluid collection device 600. The fluid collection device 600 may be used, for example, in removing wound drainage from a wound. The fluid collection device 600 may include a fluid-impermeable barrier 602 defining an opening 606 and an aperture 612. The opening 606 may be positioned on a side of the fluid collection device 600 that is to contact or at least be placed in close proximity to the user's skin 60. The aperture 612 may be positioned substantially opposite the opening 606. The fluid-impermeable barrier 602 may include a distal end region 605 and may at least partially define a chamber 604 within the fluid collection device 600.

[0054] The fluid collection device 600 also includes a fluid-permeable body 610. The fluid-permeable body may include any aspect of the fluid-permeable body 210, such as the material of the fluid-permeable body 210. The fluid-permeable body 610 may include a bottom portion 624 extending across at least a portion (e.g., the entirety) of the opening 606, such that the bottom portion 624 of the fluid-permeable body 610 may be positioned at least proximate to the skin 60. For example, a fluid-permeable membrane of the fluid-permeable body 610 may be disposed on the skin 60. The fluid-permeable body 610 may include a recess 626 proximate the distal end region 605 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602, and the tube opening 619 of the tube 608 may be positioned at least partially within the recess 626. The fluid-permeable body 610 may also include a lip 622 positioned proximate the distal end region 605 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602. The lip 622 may interface with or be positioned against a portion of the top portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602 and / or a portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602 that defines the distal end region 605 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602. A recess 626 may be at least partially defined by the distal portion 625 of the fluid-permeable body 610 between the lip 622 and the bottom portion 624 of the fluid-permeable body 610. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 610 is rounded from the bottom portion 624 to the lip 622. The lip 622 and distal portion 625 of the fluid-permeable body 610 may be shaped to complement and interface with the distal end region 605 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602.

[0055] The tube 608 can extend through the aperture 612 into the chamber 604 and can include a beveled end 618. In some embodiments, a conduit including an end and a tube opening extending from an upper portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602 is fixedly formed within the chamber 604, and the tube 608 can be detachably fixed and connected to the fluid collection device 600 proximate the aperture 612. The tube opening 619 can be positioned at the beveled end 618 of the tube 608. The beveled end 618 of the tube 608 is at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the sidewall of the tube 608. The tube 608 can be angled relative to the bottom portion 624 of the fluid-permeable body 610 when the beveled end 618 and the tube opening 619 are generally horizontal and / or parallel to the bottom portion 624 of the fluid-permeable body 610, with the beveled end 618 angled relative to the sidewall of the tube 608. For example, the tube 608 may be angled from the beveled end 618 to the aperture 612 and out of the chamber 604 .

[0056] An embodiment having a tube 608 with a beveled end 618 may be used when the fluid collection device 600 is positioned generally horizontally on a user. In operation, when a vacuum is applied to the tube 608, the tube 608 draws fluid from the drain basin 609 into the tube 608 through the tube opening 619. The fluid-permeable body 610 provides a connection for molecular bonding of fluid within the wound and / or chamber 604. Fluid being drawn into the tube 608 through the tube opening 619 can then draw fluid within the fluid-permeable body 610 into the drain basin 609 via molecular bonding of water within the fluid. The configuration of the drain basin 609 within the urine collection device 600 can prevent loss of vacuum for fluid being drawn from the fluid collection device 600, and / or the fluid-permeable body 610 can promote molecular bonding of fluid within the drain basin 609 between the fluid-permeable body 610 and the tube opening 619, thereby improving fluid capture from the fluid collection device 600.

[0057] In some embodiments, tube 608 may be positioned generally horizontally within chamber 604. For example, tube 608 may include a tube opening spaced from the end of tube 608, similar or identical to tube 338. The tube opening may be oriented toward bottom portion 624 of 606 and / or fluid-permeable body 610.

[0058] As mentioned above, some embodiments of a fluid collection device may include a tube having a tube opening offset from the end of the tube and / or in a sidewall of the tube (rather than defined at the terminal end of the tube). FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a tube 700 according to one embodiment. The tube 700 may be used in any of the fluid collection devices described herein. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the tube 700 may be the same as or substantially similar to any of the tubes disclosed herein. For example, the tube 700 may include at least one wall 702 defining an inlet 704 (or tube opening), an outlet (not shown), and a passageway 708 extending from the inlet 704 to the outlet. The tube 700 also includes at least one tube porous material 710 disposed in the passageway 708. Note that while the inlet 704 of the tube 700 is shown and discussed, the same principles discussed herein with respect to FIG. 7 also apply to the outlet.

[0059] Wall 702 includes a laterally extending portion 702a and an end portion 702b. Laterally extending portion 702a extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 712 of tube 700. End portion 702b extends from laterally extending portion 702a and forms an end 720 of tube 700. For example, end portion 702b may extend from laterally extending portion 702a in a direction that is obliquely angled or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 712 of tube 700.

[0060] The wall 702 can define an inlet 704. However, the inlet 704 is not at the end 720 of the tube 700. Instead, the inlet 704 may be adjacent the end 720 (as shown) or spaced apart from the end 720. The inlet 704 is defined by a laterally extending portion 702a of the wall 702, and when the inlet 704 is adjacent the end 720, it is defined by an end portion 702b of the wall 702. Note that in some embodiments, the tube porous material 710 may be omitted from the tube 700.

[0061] In some embodiments, the dimensions and / or cross-sectional shape of some of the tubes disclosed herein may differ from the inlets and outlets of a device to which the tubes are configured to be attached. The different dimensions and / or cross-sectional shape of the tubes relative to the inlets and outlets of a device may prevent direct attachment of such tubes to the inlets and outlets of the device. Furthermore, the walls of some of the tubes disclosed herein may exhibit a relatively low Young's modulus and / or a relatively low thickness, which may prevent the formation of an interference fit with the device. Therefore, direct attachment of such tubes to the device may be difficult. Accordingly, the tubes disclosed herein may include one or more adapters configured to facilitate attachment between the tubes disclosed herein and the inlets and / or outlets of the device.

[0062] As mentioned above, embodiments of the fluid collection device described herein may be included in a female urine collection device, such as a female external catheter. FIG. 8A is a side view of a fluid collection system 822 in fluid communication with a fluid collection assembly 840. The fluid collection assembly 840 may include a female external catheter having a substantially tubular fluid-impermeable barrier 842 having a proximal end region 864 and a distal end region 862. The fluid-impermeable barrier 842 may define at least one opening 844, a chamber within the fluid collection assembly 840, and an aperture 803 in the proximal end region 864. The fluid collection assembly 840 also includes at least one fluid-permeable body 850 disposed within the chamber.

[0063] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a distal end region 862 of a fluid collection system 822 according to one embodiment. The tube 800 can include at least one wall 802 defining an inlet 804 and a passageway 808, and a tube porous material 810 disposed within the passageway 808. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection assembly 840 is the same as or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein. The tube 800 can be substantially similar to the tube 700 shown in FIG. 7. For example, the inlet 804 of the tube 800 is not at the terminal end 820 of the tube 800. Instead, the wall 802 includes a laterally extending portion 802a and a terminal end portion 802b extending from the laterally extending portion 802a. The terminal end portion 802b of the wall 802 defines the terminal end 820 of the tube 800. The laterally extending portion 802a at least partially defines the inlet 804 of the tube 800. The inlet 804 is adjacent to the assembly porous material 850, which prevents the need to offset the inlet 804 relative to the distal end 866 of the assembly porous material 850. Furthermore, over-insertion of the tube 800 into the fluid collection assembly 840 would result in the distal portion 802b of the wall 802 contacting the fluid-impermeable barrier 842, rather than the fluid-impermeable barrier 842 blocking the inlet 804.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fluid collection assembly 840 may be oriented generally horizontally. When the distal end region 862 is not the gravimetric low point of the chamber 846, the fluid collection assembly 840 may be oriented generally horizontally. Instead, at least a portion of the backside 868 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 842 (e.g., the side of the fluid-impermeable barrier 842 generally facing the opening 844), or the intersection between the backside 868 and the distal end region 862, is the gravimetric low point of the chamber 846. The fluid collection assembly 840 may be generally horizontal when the patient is sitting or standing. When the fluid collection assembly 840 is oriented generally horizontally, bodily fluids may generally collect in a portion of the chamber 846 along the backside 868 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 842. The inlet 804 of the tube 800 may be oriented to generally face the backside 868 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 842. In some embodiments, the inlet 804 of the tube 800 can be oriented to generally face the front side of the fluid-impermeable barrier 842, which at least partially defines the opening 844. Because the inlet 804 generally faces toward the stored bodily fluid, the inlet 804 can remove bodily fluid from the chamber 846 more quickly and efficiently than conventional tubes when the fluid collection assembly 840 is oriented generally horizontally.

[0065] 9 is a flow diagram of a method 900 for collecting fluid from a user, according to one embodiment. Method 900 includes an act 910 of positioning a fluid collection device on the user's skin. Method 900 also includes an act 920 of collecting fluid expelled from the user in a chamber of the fluid collection device. The method also includes an act 930 of drawing fluid from the fluid collection device through a tube.

[0066] Any of the fluid collection devices (including urine) described herein can be used in method 900. In some embodiments, the fluid collection device of method 900 includes a fluid-impermeable barrier at least partially defining an opening and a chamber within the fluid collection device in fluid communication with the opening, the fluid-impermeable barrier having a proximal end region and a distal end region. The fluid collection device of method 900 can include a fluid-permeable body positioned within the chamber and extending at least partially between the distal end region and the proximal end region. The fluid collection device of method 900 can include a tube extending into the chamber and having an end positioned proximate the distal end. The tube can include a tube opening proximate the end of the tube and oriented toward at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body that can be positioned within the chamber between the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier and the end of the tube.

[0067] In some embodiments, method 900 includes an act of covering the tube opening with a fluid-permeable body and / or embedding the tube opening at least partially within the fluid-permeable body. In some embodiments, method 900 includes an act of inserting a tube at least partially through a channel of the fluid-permeable body. In some embodiments, method 900 includes inserting the tube opening into a recess in the fluid-permeable body with the tube opening oriented toward a portion of the fluid-permeable body that may be positioned between the tube opening and the distal end of the fluid-impermeable barrier.

[0068] In some embodiments, method 900 includes an act of inserting a user's penis into an opening in a fluid-impermeable barrier. Act 910 of positioning the fluid collection device on the user's skin can include positioning a bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier with a bottom portion that interfaces with the user such that the bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier and the bottom portion of the fluid-permeable body are substantially horizontal when the user is supine. In some embodiments, the end of the tube can be capped or covered, and the tube can include a sidewall that defines a tube opening, the tube opening being oriented toward the bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier, and the tube being generally horizontal. In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier defines an aperture positioned between the opening and the distal end, and the tube extends through the aperture to the chamber. In some embodiments, the end of the tube positioned within the chamber can include a beveled end, the tube opening can be positioned at the beveled end, and the tube can be angled relative to the bottom portion of the fluid-permeable body from the beveled end toward the aperture and out of the chamber.

[0069] In some embodiments, the act of positioning the fluid collection device on the user's skin 910 may include positioning the fluid collection device on the user's skin at the wound with the opening in the fluid-impermeable barrier covering the wound and the bottom portion of the fluid-permeable body positioned over the wound.

[0070] The acts of method 900 described above are for illustrative purposes. For example, the acts of method 900 may be performed in a different order, separated into multiple acts, modified, added, or combined. In one embodiment, one or more of the acts of method 900 may be omitted from method 900. Any of the acts of method 900 may include using any of the urine collection devices disclosed herein.

[0071] As used herein, the terms "about" or "substantially" refer to an acceptable variation of the term modified by "about" or "substantially" of ±10% or ±5%. Furthermore, the terms "less than," "or smaller," "greater than," "more than," or "or more" include, as endpoints, the value modified by the term "less than," "or smaller," "greater than," "more than," or "or more."

[0072] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and not limitation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 200,300 Fluid collection device, 202,302 Fluid-impermeable barrier, 210,310 Fluid-permeable body, 208,308 Pipe.

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. A fluid collection device comprising: a fluid-impermeable barrier at least partially defining an opening and a chamber within the fluid collection device in fluid communication with the opening, the fluid-impermeable barrier having a proximal end region and a distal end region; a fluid-permeable body positioned at least partially within the chamber and extending at least partially between the distal end region and the proximal end region; a tube extending into the chamber and having an end positioned proximate the distal end region of the chamber, the tube including a tube opening at least proximate the end of the tube and oriented toward at least a portion of the fluid-permeable body; A fluid collection device comprising:

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