URINE COLLECTION CONTAINER BAFFLE STRUCTURE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

The examples relate to a baffle structure for a urine collection container, and related systems and methods. The urine collection system includes a urine collection device 112, a conduit 117a, a canister 114, and a baffle structure. The urine collection device 112 is configured to be positioned at least adjacent to the urethra of a user. The conduit 117a is in fluid communication with the urine collection device 112. The canister 114 has an interior region, and the baffle structure is positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister 114.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 193,235, filed May 26, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

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

[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 problems associated with them. For example, bedpans can be prone to discomfort, spills, and other hygiene issues. Urinary catheters can be uncomfortable, painful, and can cause urinary tract infections. Conventional urine collection devices may also be limited to use when the patient is restrained in bed in a supine position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 1,178,644 [Patent Document 2] GB 2490327 [Patent Document 3] Canadian Patent No. 2488867 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 001030 [Patent Document 5] China Utility Model Registration No. 211198839 [Patent Document 6] GB 2260907 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, 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 urine collection receptacle baffle structure, and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, the urine collection system includes a urine collection device, a conduit, a canister, and a baffle structure. The urine collection device is configured to be positioned at least proximate to a user's urethra. The conduit is in fluid communication with the urine collection device. The canister includes an interior region, and the baffle structure is positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister.

[0007] In one embodiment, the urine collection container includes a canister, a baffle structure, and a lid. The canister has an interior region, and the baffle structure is positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister. The lid is fixed or securable to the canister and includes a collection port and a vacuum port.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of collecting fluid includes positioning a baffle structure in an interior region of a canister. The method also includes positioning a fluid collection device at least proximate to a user's urethra, the urine collection device being in fluid communication with the canister via a conduit. The method also includes collecting urine discharged by the user in the urine collection device. The method also includes drawing urine from the urine collection device through the conduit and into the interior region of the canister, the urine contacting at least a portion of the baffle structure within the interior region of the canister.

[0009] 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 by considering the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, with the same reference numbers referring to the same or similar elements or features in the different views or embodiments shown in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable fluid collection system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a front view of a urine collection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates a side isometric view of a spiral baffle structure for a urine collection system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a side isometric view of a urine collection container including a canister, a lid, and the spiral baffle structure of FIG. 2A positioned within the urine collection container, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 illustrates a side isometric view of a horizontal lateral baffle structure for a urine collection system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a side isometric view of a urine collection receptacle including a canister, a lid, and the horizontal lateral baffle structure of FIG. 3A positioned within the urine collection receptacle, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a side view of a baffle structure within a canister of a urine collection system, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a side view of a baffle structure within a canister of a urine collection system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow diagram of a method for withdrawing fluid, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to urine collection containers and systems including baffle structures and related methods. The devices and systems disclosed herein are configured to collect fluids from a person. The fluid collected by the fluid collection device can include at least one of urine, vaginal secretions, penile secretions, reproductive fluids, blood, sweat, or other bodily fluids.

[0013] In conventional urine collection systems, the sound of urine splashing during urine collection and / or canister movement is often embarrassing to the user. For example, urine may enter the top of the canister and fall to the bottom of the canister or to the urine level in the canister, with the splashing sound increasing as the falling urine gains speed before contacting the bottom of the container or the urine level. The splashing sound may draw attention to the urine collection system during urine collection and / or movement by the user. Users of the urine collection system may feel discreet when using the urine collection system, especially when the urine collection system is used in an outpatient or other setting outside of a clinical environment. For example, some users may use the urine collection system while seated in a wheelchair with the urine collection canister positioned on the wheelchair support. As the wheelchair moves, the urine in the canister may create embarrassing splashing sounds, interfering with the discreetness desired by the user.

[0014] To improve upon conventional urine collection systems, the baffle structures described herein are positioned or positionable within the canister of the urine collection system. In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the urine collection systems described herein, the baffle structure can be inserted into the canister to act as a baffle system that prevents urine (or other fluids) from falling a greater distance and splashing within the canister, thereby providing the technical effect of preventing or reducing the distinct splashing sound common to conventional urine collection systems. The baffle structure can instead direct urine through the baffle structure to the bottom of the canister and / or the urine level within the canister.

[0015] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a fluid collection system 10 according to one embodiment. The fluid collection system 10 may be included in the embodiments of the fluid collection system described herein. The system 10 includes a fluid (e.g., urine) collection device 12 (e.g., any of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein), a fluid (e.g., urine) collection container 14, and a vacuum source 16 (e.g., a pump). The fluid collection device 12, the fluid collection container 14, and the vacuum source 16 may be fluidly coupled to one another via one or more conduits 17. For example, the fluid collection device 12 may be operably coupled to one or more of the fluid collection container 14 or the vacuum source 16 via the conduit 17. In some embodiments, the vacuum source 16 may be secured directly to the fluid collection container 14. Fluid (e.g., urine or other bodily fluid) collected within the fluid collection device 12 may be removed from the fluid collection device 12 via the conduit 17 secured to the fluid collection device 12. In response to suction (eg, vacuum) force applied at the outlet of conduit 17 , suction force can be introduced into the chamber of fluid collection device 12 via the inlet of conduit 17 .

[0016] The suction force can be applied directly or indirectly to the outlet of the conduit 17 by the vacuum source 16. The suction force may be applied indirectly via the fluid collection container 14. For example, the outlet of the conduit 17 may be located within or fluidly connected to an interior region of the fluid collection container 14, and an additional conduit 17 may extend from the fluid collection container 14 to the vacuum source 16. Thus, the vacuum source 16 can apply suction to the fluid collection device 12 via the fluid collection container 14. The suction force may be applied directly via the vacuum source 16. For example, the outlet of the conduit 17 may be located within the vacuum source 16. The additional conduit 17 may extend from the vacuum source 16 to a point outside the fluid collection device 12, such as to the fluid collection container 14. In such an example, the vacuum source 16 may be located between the fluid collection device 12 and the fluid collection container 14.

[0017] The fluid collection container 14 is sized and shaped to hold a fluid therein. The fluid collection container 14 may include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle, a canister, or a cup (e.g., a collection jar), or any other enclosed container for storing a bodily fluid, such as urine. In some examples, a conduit 17 may extend from the fluid collection device 12 and be coupled to a first location within the fluid collection container 14. An additional conduit 17 may be coupled to a second location on the fluid collection container 14 and may extend to and be coupled to the vacuum source 16. Thus, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be applied through the fluid collection device 12 via the fluid collection container 14. Fluid, such as urine, may be evacuated from the fluid collection device 12 using the vacuum source 16.

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

[0019] 1B illustrates an example of a urine collection system 100 according to one embodiment. The urine collection system 100 may include a urine collection device 112, a first conduit 117a in fluid communication with an interior region of the urine collection device 112, a urine collection container, and a pump 116. The urine collection container may include a canister 114 and a lid 119 fixed or securable to the canister 114. The canister 114 may include a top region 124 and a bottom region 134 and may at least partially define an interior region in fluid communication with the interior region of the urine collection device 112 via the first conduit 117a. For example, the lid 119 may include a urine port 139 to which the first conduit 117a may be removably secured to provide fluid communication between the urine collection device 112 and the interior region of the canister 114. A second conduit 117b may provide fluid communication between the interior region of the canister 114 and the pump 116. For example, the lid 119 can include a vacuum port 129 to which the second conduit 117b can be removably secured to provide fluid communication between the pump 116 and an interior region of the canister. The vacuum port 129 and / or the urine port 139 can include an adapter that is removably secured to secure the respective conduit 117b, 117a to the vacuum port 129 and / or the urine port 139. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., both) of the first conduit 117a and the second conduit 117b may be removably connected or secured to the canister 114 to provide fluid communication with an interior region of the canister 114. For example, the canister can include at least one (e.g., both) of the urine port 139 and the vacuum port 129.

[0020] The urine collection device 112 can be configured to be positioned at least proximate to the urethra of a user. Although the urine collection device 112 shown in FIG. 1B includes a female urine collection device, the urine collection device 112 may alternatively include a male urine collection device. For example, PCT International Application No. PCT / US2019 / 029616 describes various embodiments of fluid collection devices for both men and women, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionally, the urine collection device 112 may be interchangeable between different types, varieties, and sizes of male or female urine collection devices or other fluid collection devices in the urine collection system 100. In general, the urine collection device 112 can include a surface sized to be positioned proximate or adjacent to the urethra and configured to absorb urine or other bodily fluids from a user. The urine or other fluids can be transported from the surface to a reservoir within the urine collection device 112.

[0021] The urine collection system 100 also includes a first conduit 117a in fluid communication with an interior region (e.g., a reservoir) of the urine collection device 112 and an interior region of the canister 114. The first conduit 117a may be positioned or positionable between the urine collection device 112 and the canister 114. The urine collection system 100 may also include a second conduit 117b that provides fluid communication between the pump 116 and an interior region of the canister 114. In some embodiments, the pump 116 may be secured directly to the canister 114 and there may be no second conduit 117b from the urine collection system 100. The conduits 117a, 117b may comprise flexible tubing. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first conduit 117a is substantially opaque, thereby preventing the urine in the first conduit 117a from being viewed.

[0022] The canister 114 may be reusable and dishwasher safe and may comprise a generally hard material, such as polycarbonate or glass. In some embodiments, the canister 114 may be disposable. The urine collection system 100 may be configured to accommodate different volumetric sizes of the canister 114. The canister 114 may be substantially cylindrical or frustoconical. In some embodiments, the canister may include other shapes and configurations, such as a generally square or rectangular side profile. In some embodiments, the lid 119 having multiple ports 129, 139 and / or adapters for attaching the conduits 117a, 117b may be fixed or securable to the canister 114. In some embodiments, the lid 119 may include additional ports or adapters than those shown in FIG. 1B. Except for the ports and / or adapters for attaching the conduits 117a, 117b, the canister 114 may be sealed and airtight to prevent urine collected in the canister 114 from leaking or spilling.

[0023] The pump 116 is in fluid communication with the interior region of the canister 114 and is configured to create a vacuum in the interior region of the canister 114 to draw urine from the urine collection device 112 through a first conduit 117a and into the canister 114. The pump 116 may be directly secured to the canister 114 or a conduit 117b may fluidly connect the pump 116 to the interior region of the canister 114. The pump 116 may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump and 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 116 may provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from the fluid collection device 112. In some examples, the pump 116 may be powered by one or more batteries or other power sources. The pump 116 may be included in a housing that also supports the canister 114. In some examples, the pump 116 may be sized and shaped to fit within a container support of a wheelchair. In some embodiments, the pump 116 may include a wall mounted pump. The pump 116 may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote control, or any other device suitable for activating the pump 116.

[0024] The urine collection system 100 may include a baffle structure positioned or positionable in an interior region of the canister 114. In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the baffle structures described herein, the configuration of the baffle structure provides the technical effect of improving discretion during urine collection and / or filling of the canister. For example, in contrast to conventional urine collection systems, at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the baffle structures described herein prevent urine or other fluids from splashing into the canister 114 as urine is drawn from the user and deposited into the canister 114. In conventional systems, splashing of urine into the canister draws attention to the urine collection system due to the sound made by urine splashing in the container during and after filling of the container. In urine collection systems designed for outpatient use, urine splashing during collection and transport is louder and / or causes additional embarrassment to the user.

[0025] To improve the urine collection system 100, a baffle structure may be positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister. The baffle structure may shorten the distance that urine free falls as it enters the canister 114, thereby reducing the amplification of splash sounds. To shorten the distance that urine free falls within the canister 114, the baffle structure may direct the urine to the bottom region 134 of the canister 114 (or the current urine level within the canister 114) to prevent or minimize splash sounds within the canister. Many embodiments of the baffle structures described herein may be removable from the canister 114 and reusable with another canister 114. In some embodiments, the baffle structure may be integrally formed (e.g., molded) with the canister 114.

[0026] 2A is an isometric side view of a spiral baffle structure 200 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a urine collection container 250 including a lid 119 secured to a top region 124 of a canister 114 and the baffle structure 200 positioned in an interior region of the canister 114 according to one embodiment. The baffle structure 200 can include one or more baffles. For example, the one or more baffles of the baffle structure 200 can include at least one plate 210 having or defining a plurality of holes 212 extending therethrough, and a spiral 220 secured to the plate 210. When the baffle structure 200 is positioned within the canister 114, the spiral 220 extends from the bottom region 134 at least partially toward the top region 124 of the canister 114, and the plate 210 is positioned proximate to the top region 124 of the canister 114. In some embodiments, the tip 222 of the spiral 220 opposite the plate 210 may rest on the bottom of the canister 114 .

[0027] In some embodiments, the canister 114 includes one or more sidewalls 125 having an inner perimeter 123 that at least partially defines an interior region of the canister 114. The plate 210 can include an outer perimeter 215 at the top region 124 of the canister 114 that is generally complementary to the inner perimeter 123 of the one or more sidewalls 125. The plate 210 can be sized such that the outer perimeter 215 interacts with or is adjacent to the inner perimeter 123 of the canister 114, or is spaced apart from the inner perimeter 123. In some embodiments, the spiral 220 includes an outer perimeter 225 at least partially between the top region 124 and the bottom region 134 of the canister 114 that is generally complementary to the inner perimeter 123 of the one or more sidewalls 125. The spiral 220 may be sized such that the outer periphery 225 interacts with or is adjacent to or spaced from the inner periphery 123 of the canister 114. For example, the canister 114 may include a frusto-conical shape that narrows between the top region 124 and the bottom region 134. The plate 210 may be substantially circular and the spiral 220 may include a width that generally complements the narrowing of the canister 114, decreasing as the distance of the spiral 220 increases from the plate 210 (e.g., the width or diameter of the spiral 220 at the tip 222 is smaller than the width or diameter of the spiral 220 at the top end proximate the plate 210). In some embodiments, the plate 210 may include shapes other than circles, such as ovals, triangles, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc. The contour of the top or bottom of the spiral 220 may also include shapes other than a circle, such as an oval, a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc. The shape of the plate 210 and / or the spiral 220 may be generally complementary to the shape of the vessel 114.

[0028] In some embodiments, the plate 210 can include four theoretical quadrants 211 or areas of substantially equal dimensions, and the plurality of holes 212 can be positioned on the plate 210 such that at least one hole 212 of the plurality of holes 212 is positioned within each quadrant 211 of the plate 210. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 212 may be positioned on the plate 210 such that a large number of holes 212 of the plurality of holes 212 are positioned within each quadrant 211 of the plate 210.

[0029] The plate 210 may also define an opening 232 disposed on the plate 210 to be generally aligned with and / or positioned beneath the vacuum port 129 of the lid 119 when the lid 119 is secured to the canister 114. For example, the vacuum port 129 may be positioned generally at the center of the lid 119 and the opening 232 may be positioned generally at the center of the plate 210. In some embodiments, the vacuum port 129 may be positioned off-center on the lid 119 and the opening 232 may be positioned to be aligned with or beneath the vacuum port 129 when the vacuum port 129 is off-center. The opening 232 may allow the required air in the canister 114 to be sucked by the pump 116 through the vacuum port 129 when the pump 116 is actuated. In some embodiments, the opening 232 has an area or diameter larger than the area or diameter of each hole 212 of the plurality of holes 212. The plate 210 also at least partially defines an opening 232. from plate 210 in a direction away from helix 220 An extending lip 230 may also be included.

[0030] The plate 210 may also be spaced apart from the lid 119 when the baffle structure 200 is positioned in the interior region of the canister 114. For example, the plate 210 may be spaced apart from the lid 119 by about 0.64 cm to about 5.1 cm, from about 1.3 cm to about 2.5 cm, from about 2.5 cm to about 3.8 cm, from about 3.8 cm to about 5.1 cm, from about 0.64 cm to about 1.3 cm, from about 1.3 cm to about 1.9 cm, from about 1.9 cm to about 2.5 cm, from about lid 119, or from about lid 119. It may be spaced apart from the lid 119 by about 2.5 cm to about 3.2 cm, from about 3.2 cm to about 3.8 cm from the lid 119, from about 3.8 cm to about 4.4 cm from the lid 119, from about 4.4 cm to about 5.1 cm from the lid 119, less than about 5.1 cm from the lid 119, less than about 3.8 cm from the lid 119, less than about 2.5 cm from the lid 119, less than about 1.9 cm from the lid 119, or less than about 1.3 cm from the lid 119.

[0031] In use, when urine or other fluids enter the interior region of the canister 114 through the urine port 139 of the lid 119, the urine falls a short distance (e.g., a distance that is less than the distance to the bottom of the canister and / or a distance that is less than the distance to the urine level in the canister 114) until the urine contacts the plate 210 of the baffle structure 200. The urine can then fall through one or more of the plurality of holes 212 and fall a short distance until the urine contacts the spiral 220. The urine can then continue to flow through the spiral 220 until the urine reaches the bottom of the canister 114 or the urine level in the canister. At least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the baffle structure 200 then provide the technical effect of shortening the free fall distance of the urine as it enters and / or travels within the canister 114, thus reducing or preventing splashing noise within the canister 114 as the urine is collected. The baffle structure 200 can also prevent splashing and splashing of urine retained within the canister 114 when the canister 114 is moved.

[0032] 3A is an isometric side view of a horizontal lateral baffle structure 300, according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3B is an isometric view of a urine collection container 350 including the baffle structure 300 positioned within the canister 114 and a lid 119 secured to the top region 124 of the canister 114, according to one embodiment. The baffle structure 300 can include one or more baffles. For example, the one or more baffles of the baffle structure 300 can include one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, etc.) walls 320 and a plurality of plates 310 secured and spaced apart along the one or more walls 320. Each plate 310 of the plurality of plates 310 can include a plurality of holes 312. In some embodiments, the plurality of plates 310 includes at least a top plate, a bottom plate, and one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) middle plates positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0033] One or more walls 320 may be positioned and / or secured to the plurality of plates 310 to divide each plate of the plurality of plates 310 into a plurality of plate regions 315. For example, the baffle structure 300 includes four walls 320 dividing each plate 310 into four different plate regions 315. At least one hole 312 of the plurality of holes 312 may be positioned in each plate region 312 of the plurality of plate regions 315. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 312 may be positioned in each plate region 315 of the plurality of plate regions 315. The plurality of holes 312 of each plate region 315 may be positioned such that there is no alignment of the plurality of holes 312 of an adjacent plate 310 (e.g., the plurality of holes 312 of each plate region 315 is not aligned with the plurality of holes 312 of each plate region 315 of an adjacent plate 310, or the plurality of holes 312 of each plate region 314 is misaligned with the plurality of holes 312 of each plate region 315 of an adjacent plate 310). For example, the plurality of holes 312 in the top plate 310 may be arranged in a generally triangular or diamond shaped organization, and the plurality of holes 312 in the middle plate 310 adjacent the top plate 310 may be arranged in a generally square organization. In either case, each hole in the plurality of holes 312 may not be aligned with any hole in the plurality of holes 312 of an adjacent plate.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more (e.g., some or all) walls 320 of the plurality of walls 320 can include a plurality of holes 322. For example, the plurality of plates 310 can divide each wall 320 of the plurality of walls 320 into a plurality of wall regions 321. One or more holes 322 of the plurality of holes 322 can be positioned in each wall region 321 of the plurality of wall regions 321. In some embodiments, one or more (e.g., all) walls 320 of the plurality of walls 320 include a top portion 325 that extends above a top plate of the plurality of plates 310 and a bottom portion 327 that extends below a bottom plate of the plurality of plates 310. At least one (e.g., both) of the top portion 325 and the bottom portion 327 can include at least one hole 322 of the plurality of holes.

[0035] 3B, in some embodiments, the baffle structure 300 is removably positionable in the interior region of the canister 114. When positioned in the interior region of the canister 114, a top plate of the plurality of plates 310 is positioned proximate the top region 124 and a bottom plate of the plurality of plates 310 is positioned proximate the bottom region 134 of the canister 114. The plurality of plates 310 can include an outer periphery 311 that is generally complementary to an inner periphery 123 of one or more side walls 125 of the canister 114 when the baffle structure 300 is positioned in the interior region of the canister 114. In some embodiments, the canister 114 includes a frustoconical shape that narrows between the top region 124 and the bottom region 134. Each plate of the plurality of plates 310 can be substantially circular, with the top plate having a diameter greater than the diameter of the bottom plate. The urine collection container 350 may include a lid 119 removably secured or securable to the canister 114 with the baffle structure 300 positioned in an interior region of the canister 114. In some embodiments, the plurality of plates 310 may include shapes other than circles, such as ovals, triangles, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc. The shape of the plurality of plates 310 may be generally complementary to the shape of the container 114.

[0036] In use, urine entering the canister may fall a short distance before contacting a top plate of the plurality of plates 310. The urine may then pass through one or more of the plurality of holes 312 in the top plate and fall another short distance before contacting an adjacent middle plate of the plurality of plates 310. The urine may then pass through one or more of the plurality of holes 312 in an adjacent middle plate of the plurality of plates 310 and fall another short distance before contacting an adjacent plate of the plurality of plates 310, and so on. In at least one, some, or all embodiments, the plurality of plates 310 then reduces the free fall distance of urine as it enters and / or travels within the canister 114, thus providing the technical effect of reducing or preventing splashing noise within the canister 114 as urine is collected. The wall 320 also prevents or reduces the splashing and splashing noise of urine within the canister 114 as the canister is moved.

[0037] A comparative test was performed on a urine collection system without a baffle structure, a urine collection system including the baffle structure 200, and a urine collection system including the baffle structure 300 to determine the effect of the baffle structures 200, 300 on the sound generated during urine collection and movement of the canister 114. The baffle structures 200, 300 were observed to reduce splashing sound during filling of the canister 114 by shortening the distance that liquid must free fall into the pool of liquid collected within the canister 114.

[0038] 4, a canister 114 is shown with a baffle structure 400 positioned in an interior region of the canister 114, according to one embodiment. The canister 114 is shown without a lid 119, but the lid 119 can be secured to the canister with the baffle structure 400 positioned therein to form a urine collection container including the baffle structure 400. In some embodiments, the baffle structure 400 includes a plurality of downwardly sloping walls 410 that overlap adjacent ones of the plurality of downwardly sloping walls 410. Upon entering the interior region of the canister 114, the urine 50 can first contact an uppermost downwardly sloping wall of the plurality of downwardly sloping walls. The urine 50 can then flow to an end of the uppermost downwardly sloping wall and fall onto an adjacent downwardly sloping wall of the plurality of downwardly sloping walls 410. The urine can then flow down to an end of the adjacent downwardly sloping wall and fall onto an additional adjacent downwardly sloping wall of the plurality of downwardly sloping walls 410 below the adjacent downwardly sloping wall. This process can continue through the multiple downwardly sloping walls 410 until the urine 50 reaches the bottom of the canister 114 and / or the level of urine 50 retained within the canister 114. The multiple downwardly sloping walls 410 can be positioned such that there is no space within the canister 114 that extends continuously from the top of the interior region to the bottom of the interior region.

[0039] In some embodiments, the baffle structure 400 may be removably positionable or positionable in the interior region of the canister and may include one or more supports 420. A plurality of downwardly sloping walls 410 may extend inwardly and downwardly from the one or more supports 420 when the baffle structure 400 is positioned in the interior region of the canister 114.

[0040] 5, in some embodiments, the baffle structure may include a plurality of beads 500 positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister 114. The plurality of beads 500 may be one or more of silica beads, glass beads, carbon beads, clay beads, other desiccant beads, material shavings or other structures such as spiral strips, or combinations thereof. The plurality of beads 500 may be positioned in the interior region of the canister 114 to a predetermined or desired level.

[0041] 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 of collecting fluid, according to one embodiment. Method 600 includes an act 610 of positioning a baffle structure having one or more baffles in an interior region of a canister. In some embodiments, method 600 includes an act 620 of positioning a fluid collection device at least proximate to a user's urethra, the urine collection device being in fluid communication with the canister via a first conduit. In some embodiments, method 600 includes an act 630 of collecting urine discharged by a user in the urine collection device. In some embodiments, method 600 includes an act 640 of drawing urine from the urine collection device through the first conduit and into the interior region of the canister, the urine contacting at least a portion of the baffle structure in the interior region of the canister.

[0042] The baffle structure of method 600 may include any baffle structure described herein. In some embodiments, one or more baffles of the baffle structure of method 600 may include a plate having a plurality of holes and a spiral secured to the plate, and act 610 includes positioning the plate proximate to a top region of the canister with the spiral extending at least partially between the top and bottom regions of the canister. In some embodiments, one or more baffles of the baffle structure of method 600 may include one or more walls and a plurality of plates secured and spaced apart along the one or more walls, each plate of the plurality of plates including a plurality of holes. Act 610 may include positioning a top plate of the plurality of plates proximate to the top region of the canister and positioning a bottom plate of the plurality of plates proximate to the bottom region of the canister.

[0043] The acts of method 600 described above are for illustrative purposes. For example, the acts of method 600 may be performed in a different order, divided into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, or combined. In an embodiment, one or more of the acts of method 600 may be omitted from method 600. Any of the acts of method 600 may include using any of the baffle structures disclosed herein.

[0044] The terms "about" or "substantially" as used herein refer to an acceptable variation of ±10% or ±5% of the term modified by "about" or "substantially." Additionally, "less than," "less than or equal to," "greater than," "more than," or "more than or equal to" include the value modified by "less than," "less than," "greater than," "more than," or "more than or equal to" as endpoints.

[0045] Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. a urine collection device configured to be positioned proximate to at least the urethra of a user; a first conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device; a canister having a top region, a bottom region, and one or more sidewalls, the one or more sidewalls including an inner periphery defining an interior region of the canister that extends at least partially between the top region and the bottom region and that is in fluid communication with the first conduit; a baffle structure positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister, the baffle structure including one or more plates having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and an outer periphery generally complementary in shape to the inner periphery of the one or more side walls of the canister, the one or more plates including at least a top plate positioned proximate at least the top region of the canister when the baffle structure is positioned in the interior region of the canister; Equipped with the baffle structure is removably positionable in the interior region of the canister and includes a top plate having the plurality of holes and a spiral secured to the top plate, the spiral extending at least partially between the top and bottom regions and including an outer periphery generally complementary to the inner periphery of the one or more side walls, at least partially between the top and bottom regions.

2. 2. The urine collection system of claim 1, the canister includes a frusto-conical shape narrowing between the top region and the bottom region; the top plate is substantially circular; The spiral includes a width that decreases as the distance of the spiral increases from the top plate. A urine collection system comprising:

3. 3. The urine collection system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of holes in the top plate are positioned on the top plate such that at least one hole of the plurality of holes is positioned within each quadrant of the top plate.

4. 3. The urine collection system of claim 2, wherein said top plate defines an opening having an area or diameter greater than an area or diameter of each aperture of said plurality of apertures.

5. 5. A urine collection system according to claim 4, wherein the top plate includes a lip extending away from the spiral and defining the opening.

6. 5. The urine collection system of claim 4, further comprising a lid removably secured or securable to the canister and having a collection port in fluid communication with the first conduit and a vacuum port configured to provide fluid communication between a vacuum source and the interior region of the canister via a second conduit.

7. 7. The urine collection system of claim 6, wherein the top plate is spaced from the lid, and when the baffle structure is positioned in the interior area and the lid is secured to the canister, the vacuum port and the opening in the top plate are substantially aligned with the vacuum port positioned over the opening in the top plate.

8. 8. The urine collection system of claim 7, wherein said vacuum port is positioned generally in the center of said lid and said opening is positioned generally in the center of said top plate.

9. A urine collection device configured to be positioned at least adjacent to a user's urethra; a first conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device; a canister having a top region, a bottom region, and one or more sidewalls, the one or more sidewalls including an inner periphery defining an interior region of the canister that extends at least partially between the top region and the bottom region and that is in fluid communication with the first conduit; a baffle structure positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister, the baffle structure including a plurality of plates having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and an outer periphery generally complementary in shape to the inner periphery of the one or more side walls of the canister, the plurality of plates including at least a top plate positioned proximate at least the top region of the canister when the baffle structure is positioned in the interior region of the canister; Equipped with The baffle structure is removably positionable in the interior region of the canister and includes one or more walls and a plurality of plates secured and spaced apart along the one or more walls, the plurality of plates including the top plate and one or more additional plates, each plate of the plurality of plates including the plurality of holes.

10. 10. The urine collection system of claim 9, the plurality of plates includes at least the top plate, a bottom plate, and one or more middle plates positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate; The one or more walls include a plurality of walls positioned to divide each plate of the plurality of plates into a plurality of plate regions. A urine collection system comprising:

11. 11. A urine collection system as claimed in claim 10, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates includes at least one hole of the plurality of holes positioned in a respective plate region of the plurality of plate regions.

12. 12. A urine collection system as described in claim 11, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates includes a number of holes of the plurality of holes positioned in each plate region of the plurality of plate regions, the number of holes being positioned such that there is no alignment of the number of holes of adjacent plates of the plurality of plates.

13. 11. A urine collection system according to claim 10, wherein each wall of the plurality of walls includes a plurality of apertures.

14. 14. A urine collection system according to claim 13, comprising: the plurality of plates divide each wall of the plurality of walls into a plurality of wall regions; One or more holes of the plurality of holes in each wall of the plurality of walls are positioned in each wall region of the plurality of wall regions. A urine collection system comprising:

15. 11. A urine collection system according to claim 10, wherein each wall of the plurality of walls includes a top portion extending above the top plate and a bottom portion extending below the bottom plate.

16. 16. A urine collection system according to claim 15, wherein the top and bottom portions of each wall of the plurality of walls each include at least one aperture.

17. 11. The urine collection system of claim 10, the canister includes a frusto-conical shape narrowing between the top region and the bottom region; each plate of the plurality of plates is substantially circular; The top plate includes a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the bottom plate. A urine collection system comprising:

18. 2. The urine collection system of claim 1, further comprising a lid removably secured or securable to the canister and having a collection port in fluid communication with the first conduit and a vacuum port configured to provide fluid communication between a vacuum source and the interior region of the canister via a second conduit.

19. 2. The urine collection system of claim 1, further comprising a pump in fluid communication with the canister and configured to apply at least a partial vacuum to the interior region of the canister to draw urine from the urine collection device, through the first conduit and into the canister.

20. a canister having a top region, a bottom region, and one or more sidewalls, the one or more sidewalls including an inner periphery extending at least partially between the top region and the bottom region and defining an interior region of the canister; a baffle structure positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister, the baffle structure including one or more plates having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and an outer periphery generally complementary in shape to the inner periphery of the one or more side walls of the canister, the one or more plates including at least a top plate positioned proximate at least the top region of the canister when the baffle structure is positioned in the interior region of the canister; a lid fixed or securable to the canister, the lid including a sampling port and a vacuum port; Equipped with 11. A urine collection container comprising: a urine collection container including: a top plate removably positioned in the interior region of the canister, the top plate having the plurality of holes; and a spiral secured to the top plate, the spiral extending at least partially between the top region and the bottom region and including an outer periphery generally complementary to the inner periphery of the one or more side walls, at least partially between the top region and the bottom region.

21. 21. The urine collection container according to claim 20, the canister includes a frusto-conical shape narrowing between the top region and the bottom region; the top plate is substantially circular; The spiral includes a width that decreases as the distance of the spiral increases from the top plate. A urine collection container characterized by:

22. 22. A urine collection container according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of holes in the top plate are positioned on the top plate such that at least one hole of the plurality of holes is positioned within each quadrant of the plate.

23. 22. A urine collection container according to claim 21, wherein the top plate defines an opening having an area or diameter greater than the area or diameter of each aperture of the plurality of apertures.

24. 24. A urine collection container according to claim 23, wherein the top plate includes a lip extending away from the spiral and defining the opening.

25. 25. A urine collection container according to claim 24, wherein the top plate is spaced from the lid, and when the baffle structure is positioned in the interior area and the lid is secured to the canister, the vacuum port and the opening in the top plate are substantially aligned with the vacuum port positioned over the opening in the top plate.

26. 26. A urine collection container according to claim 25, wherein the vacuum port is positioned generally in the center of the lid and the opening is positioned generally in the center of the top plate.

27. A canister having a top region, a bottom region, and one or more side walls, the one or more side walls extending at least partially between the top region and the bottom region and including an inner periphery defining an interior region of the canister; a baffle structure positioned or positionable in the interior region of the canister, the baffle structure including a plurality of plates having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and an outer periphery generally complementary in shape to the inner periphery of the one or more side walls of the canister, the plurality of plates including at least a top plate positioned proximate at least the top region of the canister when the baffle structure is positioned in the interior region of the canister; a lid fixed or securable to the canister, the lid including a sampling port and a vacuum port; Equipped with 13. A urine collection container comprising: a baffle structure removably positionable in the interior region of the canister and including one or more walls and a plurality of plates secured to and spaced apart along the one or more walls, the plurality of plates including the top plate and one or more additional plates, each plate of the plurality of plates including the plurality of holes.

28. 28. A urine collection container according to claim 27, the plurality of plates includes at least the top plate, a bottom plate, and one or more middle plates positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate; The one or more walls include a plurality of walls positioned to divide each plate of the plurality of plates into a plurality of plate regions. A urine collection container characterized by:

29. 30. A urine collection container according to claim 28, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates includes at least one hole of the plurality of holes positioned in a respective plate region of the plurality of plate regions.

30. 30. A urine collection container according to claim 29, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates includes a number of holes of the plurality of holes positioned in each plate region of the plurality of plate regions, the number of holes being positioned such that there is no alignment of the number of holes of adjacent plates of the plurality of plates.

31. 30. A urine collection container according to claim 28, wherein each wall of the plurality of walls includes a plurality of apertures.

32. 32. A urine collection container according to claim 31, the plurality of plates divide each wall of the plurality of walls into a plurality of wall regions; One or more holes of the plurality of holes in each wall of the plurality of walls are positioned in each wall region of the plurality of wall regions. A urine collection container characterized by:

33. 30. A urine collection container according to claim 28, wherein each wall of the plurality of walls includes a top portion extending above the top plate and a bottom portion extending below the bottom plate.

34. 34. A urine collection container according to claim 33, wherein the top and bottom portions of each wall of the plurality of walls each include at least one aperture.

35. 29. A urine collection container according to claim 28, the canister includes a frusto-conical shape narrowing between the top region and the bottom region; each plate of the plurality of plates is substantially circular; The top plate includes a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the bottom plate. A urine collection container characterized by:

36. 1. A method of sampling a fluid, comprising: positioning a baffle structure in an interior region of a canister, said baffle structure including one or more plates having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and an outer periphery generally complementary in shape to an inner periphery of one or more side walls of said canister, said one or more plates including at least a top plate positioned at least proximate a top region of said canister; positioning a urine collection device at least adjacent to the user's urethra, said urine collection device being in fluid communication with said canister via a first conduit; Collecting urine excreted by the user in the urine collection device; drawing urine from the urine collection device through the first conduit and into the interior region of the canister, the urine contacting at least a portion of the one or more baffles within the interior region of the canister; Including, the baffle structure includes the top plate having the plurality of holes and a helix secured to the top plate, the helix extending at least partially between the top and bottom regions of the canister and including an outer periphery at least partially between the top and bottom regions that is generally complementary to the inner periphery of the one or more side walls; A method comprising:

37. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein positioning the baffle structure in the interior region of the canister includes positioning the top plate adjacent the top region of the canister with the spiral extending at least partially between the top and bottom regions of the canister.

38. A method for collecting a fluid, comprising: positioning a baffle structure in an interior region of a canister, said baffle structure including a plurality of plates having a plurality of holes extending therethrough and an outer periphery generally complementary in shape to an inner periphery of one or more side walls of said canister, said plurality of plates including at least a top plate positioned at least proximate a top region of said canister; positioning a urine collection device at least adjacent to the user's urethra, said urine collection device being in fluid communication with said canister via a first conduit; Collecting urine excreted by the user in the urine collection device; drawing urine from the urine collection device through the first conduit and into the interior region of the canister, the urine contacting at least a portion of the one or more baffles within the interior region of the canister; Including, 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the baffle structure includes one or more walls and a plurality of plates secured and spaced apart along the one or more walls, the plurality of plates including the top plate and one or more additional plates, each plate of the plurality of plates including the plurality of holes, and wherein positioning the baffle structure in the interior region of the canister includes positioning the top plate of the plurality of plates proximate the top region of the canister and positioning a bottom plate of the plurality of plates proximate a bottom region of the canister.

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