Wheelchair-Mountable Urine Collection System and Related Methods - Patent application

Abstract

Examples relate to devices, systems, and methods for collection of fluids such as urine. The portable urine collection system includes a urine collection device, a conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device, a urine collection container having an interior region, a pump, and a container support configured to be removably secured to a powered wheelchair adjustable between a seated position and a standing position. The pump is configured to draw at least a partial vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device, through the conduit, and into the urine collection container when the powered wheelchair is in each of the seated and standing positions. The container support is sized and dimensioned to support the urine collection container and the pump therein.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 148,723, filed February 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] An individual may have limited or reduced mobility, making the typical urination process difficult or impossible. For example, an individual may have undergone surgery or have a disability that reduces mobility. In another example, an individual may have limited mobility conditions, such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, fluid collection from an individual may be required for monitoring purposes or clinical testing.

[0003] To address some of these situations, bedpans and urinary catheters, such as Foley catheters, may be used. However, bedpans and urinary catheters are associated with several problems. For example, bedpans are prone to discomfort, leakage, and other hygiene issues. Urinary catheters are uncomfortable, can be painful, and can cause urinary tract infections. Conventional urine collection devices may also be limited to use when the patient is lying in bed in a supine position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 225668 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] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid collection devices and methods of using the fluid collection devices. In one embodiment, a portable urine collection system is disclosed. The portable urine collection system includes a urine collection device configured to be positioned at least proximate to a user's urethra, a conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device, a urine collection container having an interior region, a pump in fluid communication with the urine collection container, and a container support configured to be removably secured to a powered wheelchair adjustable between a seated position, a standing position, and a lying position. The pump is configured to draw at least a partial vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device through the first conduit and into the urine collection container when the powered wheelchair is in the seated position, the standing position, and the lying position. The container support is sized and dimensioned to support the urine collection container.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of assembling a portable urine collection system is disclosed. The method includes removably securing a container support to a powered wheelchair that is adjustable between a sitting position, a standing position, and a lying position. The method also includes inserting a pump into the container support, the pump being in fluid communication with a urine collection container and an interior region of the urine collection container. The method also includes positioning a urine collection device proximate to the user's urethra. The method also includes fluidly coupling the urine collection device to the urine collection container by a conduit. The pump is configured to draw at least a partial vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device through a first conduit and into the urine collection container when the powered wheelchair is in each of the sitting position, the standing position, and the lying position.

[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 consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, and in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements or features. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable urine collection system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portable urine collection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a power wheelchair in a seated position having a container support according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a side view of a power wheelchair in a standing position having a container support according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow diagram of a method for assembling a portable urine collection system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controller in a urine collection system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid collection devices and methods of using fluid collection devices. The devices and systems disclosed herein are configured to collect fluid from an individual. 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. The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a wheelchair mountable urine collection system and related methods. Many users of urine collection devices are over 65 years of age, have limited mobility, and often rely on wheelchairs as their primary mode of transportation. Many users also spend a significant portion of their day in a seated or supine position. Users and caregivers can then benefit from a discreet and mobile fluid collection system, allowing users to use the urine collection system to collect urine at home or on the go.

[0012] In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments described herein, the fluid collection system is compact and includes configurations that allow the fluid collection system to be fixed or fixable (e.g., attached or attachable) to a wheelchair. At least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the fluid collection system described herein have configurations that provide the technical effect of allowing a user to participate in social activities without having to alert others of the user's incontinence, while the fluid collection system is mobile and unobtrusive. At least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the fluid collection system described herein include an alert system configured to communicate with an electronic device to alert a user or caregiver to empty a fluid collection container when the fluid level approaches a predetermined level, to replace or recharge a battery, and / or to adjust a vacuum or suction level of a pump in the fluid collection system.

[0013] 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 the embodiments of the fluid collection system described herein. The system 10 includes a fluid collection device 12 (e.g., any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein), a fluid collection container 14, and a vacuum source 16 (or 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 the application of a suction (e.g., vacuum) force to an outlet of the conduit 17, a suction force may be introduced into a chamber of the fluid collection device 12 via an inlet of the conduit 17.

[0014] The suction force can be applied to the outlet of the conduit 17 directly or indirectly by the vacuum source 16. The suction force can be applied indirectly via the fluid collection container 14. For example, the outlet of the conduit 17 can be located in an interior region of the fluid collection container 14 or can be fluidly coupled to an interior region of the fluid collection container 14, and an additional conduit 17 can extend from the fluid collection container 14 to the vacuum source 16. Accordingly, the vacuum source 16 can apply suction to the fluid collection device 12 via the fluid collection container 14. The suction force can be applied directly via the vacuum source 16. For example, the outlet of the conduit 17 can be located within the vacuum source 16. The additional conduit 17 can extend from the vacuum source 16 to a point outside the fluid collection device 12, such as the fluid collection container 14. In such an example, the vacuum source 16 can be located between the fluid collection device 12 and the fluid collection container 14.

[0015] The fluid collection container 14 is sized and shaped to hold fluid therein. The fluid collection container 14 can include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., a collection jar), or any other enclosed container for storing bodily fluids, such as urine. In some examples, a conduit 17 can extend from the fluid collection device 12 to the fluid collection container 14 and be attached to a first location within the fluid collection container 14. An additional conduit 17 can be attached to the fluid collection container 14 at a second location thereon and can extend to a vacuum source 16 and be attached to a pump 16. Accordingly, a vacuum (e.g., suction) can be drawn through the fluid collection device 12 and through the fluid collection container 14. Fluids, such as urine, can be evacuated from the fluid collection device 12 using the vacuum source 16.

[0016] The vacuum source 16 can include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a membrane pump, a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to generate a vacuum. 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 even a manual power source (e.g., a manual 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 micropumps. The vacuum sources disclosed herein can include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote, or any other device suitable for activating the vacuum source 16.

[0017] 2 illustrates an example of a urine collection system 200 according to one embodiment. Although reference is made to collection of urine with respect to the urine collection system 200, the urine collection system 200 may also collect other bodily fluids such as vaginal secretions, penile secretions, reproductive fluids, blood, and / or sweat. The urine collection system 200 may include a urine collection device 212, a first conduit 217a in fluid communication with an interior region of the urine collection device 212, a urine collection container 214 having an interior region in fluid communication with the interior region of the urine collection device 212 via the first conduit 217a, a second conduit 217b in fluid communication with the interior region of the urine collection container 214, a pump 216 (e.g., a vacuum source) in fluid communication with the interior region of the urine collection container 214 via the second conduit 217b, and a sensor 215. The urine collection device 212 is configured to be positioned at least proximate to a user's urethra. Although the urine collection device 212 shown in FIG. 2 includes a female urine collection device, the urine collection device 212 can alternatively include a male urine collection device. PCT International Application No. PCT / US2019 / 029616, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes various embodiments of both male and female fluid collection devices, for example. Additionally, the urine collection device 212 can be interchangeable between different types, variations, and sizes of male or female urine collection devices or other fluid collection devices in the urine collection system 200. In general, the urine collection device 212 can include a surface sized to be positioned proximate or adjacent to the urethra, the surface configured to wick urine or other fluid away from the user. The urine or other fluid can wick away from the surface to a reservoir within the urine collection device 212.

[0018] The urine collection system 200 also includes a first conduit 217a in fluid communication with an interior region (e.g., a reservoir) of the urine collection device 212 and an interior region of the urine collection container 214. The first conduit 217a can be positioned between the urine collection device 212 and the urine collection container 214. The urine collection system 200 can also include a second conduit 217b that provides fluid communication between the pump 216 and an interior region of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the pump 216 can be secured directly to the urine collection container 214 and the second conduit 217b may not be present in the urine collection system 200. The conduits 217a, 217b can include flexible tubing. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first conduit 217a is substantially opaque, thereby preventing the urine in the first conduit 217a from being viewed.

[0019] The urine collection container 214 may be reusable and dishwasher safe and may comprise a generally rigid material such as polycarbonate or glass. In some embodiments, the urine collection container 214 may be disposable. The urine collection system 200 and container support 302 may be configured to accommodate different volumetric sizes of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the lid 219 having multiple ports and / or adapters for attaching the conduits 217a, 217b may be fixed or securable to the urine collection container 214. Except for the ports and / or adapters for attaching the conduits 217a, 217b, the urine collection container 214 may be sealed and airtight to be effective to provide the technical effect of preventing leakage or spillage of urine collected in the urine collection container 214 as the wheelchair 300 changes position.

[0020] The urine collection system may also include a sensor 215. According to one embodiment, the sensor 215 is secured to the urine collection container 214 and / or the lid 219 and is configured to detect at least a characteristic related to the volume of urine within the interior region of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the sensor 215 includes an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, a wetness sensor, a water sensor, a negative pressure sensor, a weight sensor, or an ultraviolet (UV) sensor. In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the urine collection system 200, the sensor 215 may provide the technical effect of continuous or periodic feedback of at least a characteristic related to the volume of urine, regardless of whether the sensor 215 touches the urine in the urine collection container 214. The sensor 215 may be secured to the urine collection container 214 or the lid 219 with at least a portion of the sensor 215 located within the interior region of the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the sensor 215 is positioned at the top of the urine collection container 214 and faces downward where urine is collected in the interior region of the urine collection container 214.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sensor 215 includes a weight sensor fixed to one of the urine collection container 214 or the container support 302, such weight sensor configured to detect the weight of the volume of urine collected in the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the sensor 215 includes a level transmitter configured to detect the level of urine in the urine collection container 214. The sensor 215 can include a laser level sensor that measures the distance between a laser transmitter of the sensor 215 to the surface of the urine and back to a detector of the sensor 215. The time elapsed between transmitting the laser and detecting the reflected laser can be measured by the sensor 215, and the distance between the sensor 215 and the level of the urine can be calculated by the sensor 215 or an associated controller. The laser can be transmitted through a transparent window on the urine collection container 214, or at least the transmitter of the sensor 215 can be positioned within the urine collection container 214.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sensor 215 may include an ultrasonic level sensor that utilizes the speed of sound to detect at least a characteristic related to the volume of urine in the urine collection container 214. For example, the sensor 215 may use the time it takes for a pulse to travel from the transducer to the surface of the urine and back to the transducer of the sensor 215 to measure the distance between a transducer of the sensor 215 and the surface of the urine in the urine collection container 214. The sensor 215 or a controller associated with the sensor 215 may use the distance between the sensor 214 and the surface of the urine in the urine collection container 214 to determine the volume of urine in the urine collection container 214.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sensor 215 also includes a controller. The controller can be included in the sensor 215 or can be a separate component configured to communicate with the sensor 215. For example, the sensor 215 can include a communication interface configured to communicate with a controller 321 (shown in FIG. 3A) attached to the wheelchair or the container support 302. The controller can include a processor configured to calculate the level or volume of urine in the urine collection container 214. The sensor 215 and / or the controller can include a communication interface configured to send notifications or alerts to other electronic devices. For example, the communication interface can be configured to send notifications or alerts at a selected radio frequency via BLUETOOTH or WI-FI to another electronic device, such as a user's or caregiver's mobile phone. The sensor 215 and / or the controller can be powered by an external or internal battery, such as a rechargeable battery. FIG. 5 provides additional details of the controller 500, which can include the controller of the urine collection system 200.

[0024] In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the urine collection system 200, the configuration of the controller provides the technical effect of wirelessly transmitting one or more alerts to at least one of the user's or caregiver's electronic devices. For example, the controller can be configured to transmit an alert to the user's or caregiver's electronic device when a characteristic related to the volume of urine detected by at least the sensor 215 indicates that the volume of urine in the urine collection container 215 has reached or exceeded a predetermined volume. For example, based on data from the sensor 215, the controller can wirelessly transmit and / or adjust an alert to the electronic device to notify the user or caregiver that urine in the urine collection device is a predetermined distance (e.g., about 2.5 cm) from and / or in contact with the sensor 215 and that emptying the urine collection container 214 is recommended. In some embodiments, the controller can wirelessly transmit and / or adjust the alert at a selected frequency, such as at a selected time and / or volume interval. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to coordinate an alert to notify a user or caregiver when the volume of urine in the urine collection container 214 reaches or exceeds two or more of: 50% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container, 75% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container, and / or 90% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container.

[0025] In some embodiments, the controller can wirelessly transmit an alert and / or adjust a battery charging alert to a user or caregiver's electronic device to notify the user or caregiver that charging of a rechargeable battery powering at least one of the pump 216 or the controller is recommended. The controller can wirelessly transmit an alert and / or adjust an alert to a user or caregiver's electronic device to notify the user or caregiver that replacement of a filter (such as filter 218) of the urine collection system 200 is recommended. In some embodiments, the controller can wirelessly transmit and / or adjust a solar panel alert to a user or caregiver's electronic device indicating the performance of the solar panel. In some embodiments, the controller can wirelessly transmit and / or adjust a location alert to a user or caregiver's electronic device indicating a change in location by the user is recommended. The alerts adjusted by the controller can include one or more of a light, a noise, and / or haptic feedback.

[0026] At least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the urine collection system 200 include a filter 218 that provides the technical effect of neutralizing and / or improving (e.g., ameliorating) the odor of air drawn from the interior region of the urine collection reservoir 214 by the pump 216. In some embodiments, the filter 218 is positioned at an exhaust port on the pump 216. In some embodiments, the filter 218 is positioned between at least a portion of the conduit 217b and a portion of the interior region of the urine collection reservoir 214 such that air being drawn from the interior region of the urine collection reservoir 214 is filtered before the air enters the conduit 217b or as the air enters the conduit 217b. In some embodiments, the filter 218 is positioned both at an exhaust port on the pump 216 and before the air enters the conduit 217b. In some embodiments, the filter 218 can be positioned at least partially within the second conduit 217b and / or throughout one or more portions of the second conduit 217b. The filter 218 may include an odor absorbing filter, such as an activated carbon and / or a zeolite filter.

[0027] In some embodiments, the filter 218 may include an aromatherapy pack or may secure an aromatherapy pack in close proximity to the exhaust of the pump, thereby producing a more pleasant smell. The filter 218 may include baking soda or other compositions that remove odors from the air and / or add a pleasant scent to the air. In some embodiments, the filter 218 is not present and the pump 216 includes an aromatherapy pack removably secured to the pump 216 in close proximity to the exhaust.

[0028] In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the urine collection system 200, the pump 216 is in fluid communication with the interior region of the urine collection container 214 and is configured to draw a vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container 214 effective to draw urine from the urine collection device 212 through a first conduit 217a and into the urine collection container 214. The pump 216 can be secured directly to the urine collection container 214 or a conduit 217b can fluidly couple the pump 216 to the interior region of the urine collection container.

[0029] The pump 216 may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a membrane pump, a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to create a vacuum. The pump 216 may provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from the fluid collection device 212. In some examples, the pump 216 may be powered by one or more batteries or other power sources. In some examples, the pump 216 may be sized and shaped to fit within the container support 302. The pump 216 may include one or more of a switch, button, plug, remote, or any other device suitable for activating the pump 216.

[0030] 3A and 3B show a container support 302 of a urine collection system mounted to a wheelchair 300. The container support 302 is configured to mount to the powered wheelchair 300 and to support the urine collection container 214 and / or pump 216 therein when secured to the powered wheelchair 300. The container support 302 includes one or more rigid walls. For example, the container support 302 can include at least a rigid bottom wall configured to support at least the urine collection container 214. In some embodiments, the container support 302 includes one or more side walls that are also generally rigid. In some embodiments, the container support 302 includes one or more side walls that are generally flexible. For example, the container support 302 can include one or more side walls that are generally flexible and / or adjustable, effective to allow for adjustment of the interior volume of the container support. The rigid walls of the container support 302 can include plastic, metal, wood, composite materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the rigid walls of the container support 302 can include a backing material or fabric.

[0031] The container support 302 can include a top wall or lid that is generally rigid or flexible. In some embodiments, the top wall or lid is adjustable between an open position and a closed position. For example, in the open position, the top wall or lid can be connected to the side walls via one or more hinges or connecting materials. When the top wall or lid is in the open position, a user or caregiver can insert and remove the urine collection container 214 and / or pump into the container support 302. The top wall or lid can include a locking mechanism, such as a latch, clamp, clip, or zipper, configured to selectively hold the top wall or lid in a closed position.

[0032] In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments, the receptacle support 302 includes one or more sound-deadening elements, such as foam and / or sound-deadening fabric, on an interior surface of one or more walls of the receptacle support 302, which provides the technical effect of reducing or eliminating operational noise of the urine collection system 200 (such as operation of the pump 216 and / or urine splashing) emanating from the receptacle support 302. In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments, the receptacle support 302 can include a window in a side wall or top wall, which provides the technical effect of allowing a user or caregiver to view the urine level in the urine collection receptacle 214. The side wall can be opaque, which can be effective in hiding unwanted views of the urine collection receptacle 214 otherwise housed within the receptacle support 302.

[0033] The container support 302 can be attached to a power wheelchair 300 that can be adjusted between a standing position and a sitting position. FIG. 3A shows the wheelchair 300 in a sitting position, and FIG. 3B shows the wheelchair in a standing position. In some embodiments, the container support 302 can be attached to a power wheelchair 300 that can be adjusted between a standing position, a sitting position, and / or a lying or flat position. When the pump 216 and the urine collection container 214 are positioned in the container support 302, the urine collection system 200 can collect and temporarily store urine from a user of the wheelchair 300 when the wheelchair 300 is in a standing position, a sitting position, and / or a lying position. A urine collection system that can be attached to a wheelchair 300 that has a standing position is beneficial because standing reduces pressure on the user's internal organs, improving lung volume and increasing oxygenation of the user's blood. Standing also reduces the user's risk of edema, deep vein thrombosis, and urinary tract infections.

[0034] The container support 302 can be fixedly or removably attached or secured to the backrest or under the seat of the wheelchair 300. In some embodiments, the container support 302 is mechanically attached to the wheelchair 300 by one or more fasteners, straps, support arms, clamps, clips, or any combination thereof. The container support 302 is sized and dimensioned to accommodate and / or support the urine collection container 214 and pump 216 therein. The container support 302 can be sized and dimensioned to accommodate and / or support the urine collection container and pump of other urine collection systems therein. The container support 302 can include a hole or opening in a top or side wall sized and dimensioned to allow a portion of the first conduit 217a to extend into the container support 302 to transfer urine from a urine collection device outside the container support 302 to the urine collection container 214 inside the container support 302. In some embodiments, the container support 302 includes a port or adapter configured to be attached or secured to the first conduit 217a. The urine collection system 200 can also include additional conduits positioned within the container support 302, such additional conduits providing fluid communication between the first conduit 217a and the urine collection container 214. Accordingly, the first conduit 217a can be attached to a port or adapter on the container support 302 outside of the container support 302, and the additional conduit can be attached to a port or adapter on the container support inside of the container support 302, the port or adapter providing fluid communication between the first conduit 217a and the additional conduit contained within the container support 302.

[0035] In some embodiments, the urine collection system 200 can include a rechargeable battery 308 electrically connected to the pump 216, where the rechargeable battery 308 is configured to power the pump 216. The rechargeable battery 308 can be removably attached or secured to the container support 302. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery 308 can be positioned within the container support 308 and can be invisible from outside the container support 302. For example, the rechargeable battery 308 can be attached within the container support 302 or can be attached to the pump 216. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery 308 can be electrically coupled to a battery or power source of the wheelchair 300 by an electrical cable 304. The electrical cable 304 can also be configured to be connected to a wall outlet to charge the rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the electrical cable 304 electrically couples the pump 216 to a battery or power source of the wheelchair 300.

[0036] In some embodiments, the container support 302 includes one or more solar panels 306 secured to an exterior portion of the container support 302, the one or more solar panels 306 being electrically coupled to at least one of the rechargeable battery 308 and / or the pump 216. The one or more solar panels 306 may be configured to at least partially recharge the rechargeable battery 308 and / or power the pump 216. In some embodiments, a controller 321 may be secured to an arm or other member of the wheelchair 300. The controller 321 may include a touch screen and may include any aspect of a controller described above in connection with the urine collection system 200.

[0037] 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 of assembling a portable urine collection system according to one embodiment. The method includes an operation 410 of releasably securing a container support to a power wheelchair that is adjustable between seated, standing, and lying positions. In some embodiments, operation 410 includes releasably securing the container support to a backrest of the power wheelchair. In some embodiments, operation 410 includes releasably securing the container support under a seat of the wheelchair.

[0038] The method 400 may include an act 420 of inserting a urine collection container and a pump in fluid communication with an interior region of the urine collection container into the container support. In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes an act of inserting one or more sound-absorbing elements into the container support before or after the urine collection container and pump are inserted into the container support. In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes an act of positioning a urine collection device proximate to the user's urethra.

[0039] The method 400 may include an act 430 of fluidly coupling the urine collection device to the urine collection container by a first conduit. The pump may be configured to draw a vacuum on an interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device, through the first conduit, and into the urine collection container when the powered wheelchair is in each of the sitting, standing, and lying positions.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes an act of electrically coupling a solar panel on an exterior portion of the canister support to a rechargeable battery that is electrically coupled to the pump. The method may include electrically coupling the rechargeable battery to one or more of a power source or an electrical outlet of the power wheelchair by a cable to recharge the rechargeable battery or to power the pump. In some embodiments, the method includes electrically coupling the pump to a battery or power source of the power wheelchair by a cable to power the pump.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method 400 includes activating a sensor secured to one of the urine collection container or container support to detect at least a characteristic related to the volume of urine in the urine collection container. The method 400 can include activating a controller to communicate with the sensor and adjust a user alert when the volume of urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds a predetermined volume. The controller can be configured to adjust the user alert to notify a user or caregiver that the volume of urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds a predetermined volume. The method 400 can include activating the controller to adjust a user alert to notify a user or caregiver that the volume of urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds two or more of 50% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container, 75% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container, or 90% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container. The method 400 can include activating the controller to adjust at least one of a filter change alert indicating that one or more activated carbon and zeolite filters are recommended to be changed, a battery charge alert indicating that a rechargeable battery is recommended to be charged, a battery change alert indicating that a rechargeable battery is recommended to be changed, a solar panel alert indicating a performance of a solar panel, or a position alert indicating that a change in position by a user is recommended. In some embodiments, the method includes securing the controller to an arm of the power wheelchair.

[0042] The operations of method 400 described above are for illustrative purposes. For example, the operations of method 400 may be performed in a different order, may be divided into multiple operations, may be modified, supplemented, or combined. In an embodiment, one or more of the operations of method 400 may be omitted from method 400. Any of the operations of method 400 may include using any of the portable urine collection systems disclosed herein.

[0043] 5 is a schematic diagram of a controller 500 that can be used with any of the systems and methods described herein, according to one embodiment. For example, the controller of the urine collection system 200 and / or the controller 321 can include any aspect of the controller 500. The controller 500 can be configured to implement any of the example operations or steps disclosed herein, such as wired or wireless communication with the sensor 215 or other electronic devices, determining the volume of urine in the urine collection container 214, and / or transmitting and / or adjusting alerts as described herein.

[0044] The controller 500 includes at least one computing device 510 according to one embodiment. The at least one computing device 510 is an exemplary computing device that can be configured to perform one or more of the operations described above. The computing device 510 can include at least one processor 520, a memory 530, a storage device 540, an input / output ("I / O") device / interface 550, and a communication interface 560. Although an exemplary computing device 510 is illustrated in FIG. 5, the components illustrated in FIG. 5 are not intended to be limiting to the controller 500 or the computing device 510. In some examples, additional or alternative components can be used. Furthermore, in some examples, the controller 500 or the computing device 510 can include fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, the controller 500 may not include one or more additional computing devices 512. In some examples, the at least one computing device 510 can include multiple computing devices. The components of the computing device 510 illustrated in FIG. 5 are described in further detail below.

[0045] In some examples, the processor 520 includes hardware for executing instructions (e.g., instructions for performing one or more portions of any of the methods disclosed herein), e.g., instructions constituting a computer program. For example, to execute instructions, the processor 520 may retrieve (or fetch) instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, the memory 530, or the storage device 540, decode them, and execute them. In a particular example, the processor 520 may include one or more internal caches for data, such as tables related to volumetric tables. As an example, the processor 520 may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation lookaside buffers (TLBs). Instructions in an instruction cache may be copies of instructions in the memory 530 or the storage device 540. In some examples, the processor 520 may be configured to perform one or more portions of any of the example methods disclosed herein (e.g., including programming stored on or executed by the processor 520).

[0046] In some examples, the processor 520 is configured to perform any of the operations disclosed herein or to cause one or more portions of the computing device 510 or the controller 500 to perform at least one of the operations disclosed herein. Such a configuration may include one or more operating programs (e.g., computer program products) executable by at least one processor 520. For example, the processor 520 may be configured to automatically determine a volume of urine in a urine collection container, automatically determine a proximity of urine in the urine collection container to a sensor, automatically transmit an alert when a volume of urine in the urine collection container meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically transmit an alert when a filter change is suggested, and / or automatically transmit an alert when a battery change or recharge is suggested.

[0047] At least one computing device 510 (e.g., a server) may include at least one memory storage medium (e.g., memory 530 and / or storage device 540). The computing device 510 may include memory 530 operably coupled to the processor 520. The memory 530 may be used to store data, metadata, and programs for execution by the processor 520. The memory 530 may include one or more of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), solid-state disk (SSD), flash, phase-change memory (PCM), or other types of data storage. The memory 530 may be internal or distributed memory.

[0048] The computing device 510 may include a storage device 540 having storage for storing data or instructions. The storage device 540 may be operatively coupled to at least one processor 520. In some examples, the storage device 540 may comprise a non-transitory memory storage medium, such as any of the media described above. The storage device 540 (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium) may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more thereof. The storage device 540 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. The storage device 540 may be internal or external to the computing device 510. In some examples, the storage device 540 may include a non-volatile solid-state memory. In some examples, the storage device 540 may include a read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, the ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically alterable programmable ROM (EAROM), or a flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these. In some examples, one or more portions of the memory 530 and / or the storage device 540 (e.g., a memory storage medium) may store one or more databases.

[0049] In some examples, one or more of the history of the volume of urine in the urine collection container, the trend of the volume of urine in the urine collection container, the history of filter replacement, and / or the history of battery replacement or recharging may be stored in a memory storage medium, such as at least one processor 520 (e.g., an internal cache of the processor), memory 530, or one or more of storage devices 540. In some examples, the at least one processor 520 may be configured to access (e.g., via bus 570) a memory storage medium, such as memory 530 or one or more of storage devices 540. For example, the at least one processor 520 may receive data (e.g., a lookup table) and store it in the memory storage medium as a plurality of data points. At least one processor 520 can execute programming stored therein adapted to access data in a memory storage medium to automatically determine a volume of urine in the urine collection container, automatically determine the proximity of urine in the urine collection container to a sensor, automatically transmit an alert when the volume of urine in the urine collection container meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically transmit an alert when a filter change is suggested, and / or automatically transmit an alert when a battery change or recharge is suggested. For example, at least one processor 520 can access one or more lookup tables in a memory storage medium, such as memory 530 or storage device 540.

[0050] The computing device 510 also includes one or more I / O devices / interfaces 550 provided to enable a user to provide input to, receive output from, and otherwise communicate data to and from the computing device 510. These I / O devices / interfaces 550 may include a mouse, a keypad or keyboard, a touch screen, a camera, an optical scanner, a network interface, web-based access, a modem, a port, other well-known I / O devices, or a combination of such I / O devices / interfaces 550. A touch screen may be activated by a stylus or a finger.

[0051] The I / O device / interface 550 may include one or more devices for presenting output to a user, including, but not limited to, a graphics engine, a display (e.g., a display screen or monitor), one or more output drivers (e.g., a display driver), one or more audio speakers, and one or more audio drivers. In a particular example, the I / O device / interface 550 is configured to provide graphical data to a display for presentation to a user. The graphical data may represent one or more graphical user interfaces and / or any other graphical content with which a particular implementation may be realized.

[0052] The computing device 510 may further include a communication interface 560. The communication interface 560 may include hardware, software, or both. The communication interface 560 may provide one or more interfaces for communication (e.g., packet communication, etc.) between the computing device 510 and one or more additional computing devices 512 or one or more networks. For example, the communication interface 560 may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wired network, or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, e.g., WI-FI. The one or more additional computer devices 512 may include a user's smartphone, a caregiver's smartphone, an electronic device on a wheelchair, and / or a computer device of a medical system.

[0053] Any suitable network and any suitable communication interface 560 may be used. For example, the computing device 510 may communicate with one or more portions of an ad-hoc network, a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or the Internet, or a combination of two or more thereof. One or more portions of one or more of these networks may be wired or wireless. As an example, the controller 500 or one or more portions of the computing device 510 may communicate with a wireless PAN (WPAN) (e.g., a BLUETOOTH WPAN, etc.), a WI-FI network, a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, etc.), or other suitable wireless network, or a combination thereof. The computing device 510 may include any suitable communication interface 560 for any of these networks, where appropriate.

[0054] Computing device 510 may include a bus 570. Bus 570 may include hardware, software, or both that couples components of computing device 510 to one another. For example, bus 570 may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a Front Side Bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBAND interconnect, a low pin count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCIe) bus, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, or another suitable bus, or combination thereof.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "about" or "substantially" refer to an acceptable variation of ±10% or ±5% of the term modified by "about" or "substantially." Additionally, the terms "less than," "less than or equal to," "greater than," "greater than," or "more than or equal to" include as endpoints the value modified by the term "less than," "less than or equal to," "greater than," "greater than," or "more than or equal to."

[0056] 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 intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. a urine collection device configured to be positioned at least proximate to the urethra of a user; a first conduit in fluid communication with the urine collection device; a urine collection container having an interior region; a pump in fluid communication with the urine collection container and configured to draw at least a partial vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device, through the first conduit and into the urine collection container; a container support configured to be mechanically secured to a backrest of a power wheelchair and removably secured to said power wheelchair adjustable between a seated, standing and lying position, said container support having one or more side walls and a lid adjustable between an open position and a closed position, said container support being sized and dimensioned to support said urine collection container and said pump therein, said pump being configured to draw said urine from said urine collection device when said container support is secured to the backrest of said power wheelchair and said power wheelchair is in each of said seated, standing and lying positions; a port or adapter in fluid communication with the urine collection container and accessible from the exterior of the container support, the port or adapter configured to be attached or secured to the first conduit to allow fluid communication between the first conduit and an interior region of the urine collection container; 1. A portable urine collection system comprising:

2. 10. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, wherein the container support includes one or more sound-absorbing elements disposed on an inner surface of the one or more side walls of the container support, the one or more sound-absorbing elements including at least one of a foam material or a sound-absorbing fabric.

3. 10. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, wherein the lid of the container support includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively retain the lid in the closed position.

4. 2. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the pump and configured to power the pump; a solar panel secured to an exterior portion of the container support and electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery, the solar panel configured to at least partially recharge the rechargeable battery; a cable electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to couple to one or more of a power source or an electrical outlet of the powered wheelchair to recharge the rechargeable battery or to power the pump; 13. A portable urine collection system, comprising:

5. 2. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, the port or adapter is on an exterior side of the container support; The portable urine collection system comprises: and further comprising an additional conduit within the container support and attached to the port or adapter, the additional conduit configured to provide fluid communication between the first conduit and the urine collection container. A portable urine collection system.

6. 10. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, further comprising a cable electrically coupled to the pump and configured to couple to a battery or power source of the powered wheelchair to power the pump.

7. 2. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, a second conduit providing fluid communication between the urine collection container and the pump; and one or more activated carbon and zeolite filters configured to remove odors from air passing therethrough, wherein the one or more activated carbons are positioned within the second conduit, between the interior region of the urine collection container and the second conduit, or at least proximate to an exhaust of the pump.

8. 10. The portable urine collection system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor secured to one of the urine collection container or the container support and configured to detect at least a characteristic related to the volume of urine in the urine collection container.

9. 9. The portable urine collection system of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes a weight sensor secured to the container support and configured to detect a weight of the volume of urine collected in the urine collection container.

10. 9. The portable urine collection system of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes a level sensor secured to one of the urine collection container or the container support and configured to detect the level of the volume of urine collected in the urine collection container.

11. 9. The portable urine collection system of claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to communicate with the sensor, the sensor configured to communicate an alert to the controller when the volume of the urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds a predetermined volume, and the controller configured to coordinate a user alert to notify the user or a caregiver that the volume of the urine in the urine collection container has reached or exceeded the predetermined volume.

12. 12. The portable urine collection system of claim 11, wherein the user alerts coordinated by the controller include at least one of a light, a noise, or tactile feedback.

13. 12. The portable urine collection system of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the user alert to notify the user or the caregiver when the volume of urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds two or more of: 50% of a maximum volume of the urine collection container, 75% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container, and / or 90% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container.

14. 12. The portable urine collection system of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to coordinate at least one of a filter replacement alert indicating that replacement of the one or more activated carbon and zeolite filters is suggested, a battery charging alert indicating that charging of a rechargeable battery is suggested, a battery replacement alert indicating that replacement of the rechargeable battery is suggested, a solar panel alert indicating performance of a solar panel, or a location alert indicating that a change in location by the user is suggested.

15. 12. The portable urine collection system of claim 11, wherein the controller is mounted on an arm of the powered wheelchair and includes a touch screen.

16. 1. A method of assembling a portable urine collection system, comprising: removably securing a container support to a backrest of a power wheelchair adjustable between sitting, standing, and lying positions, the container support including one or more side walls and a lid adjustable between open and closed positions; inserting a urine collection container into the container support, the pump being in fluid communication with an interior region of the urine collection container when the lid is in the open position; Positioning a urine collection device adjacent to a user's urethra; and fluidly coupling the urine collection device to the urine collection container by a first conduit by securing the first conduit to an exteriorly accessible port or adapter of the container support, wherein the pump is configured to draw at least a partial vacuum on the interior region of the urine collection container effective to draw urine from the urine collection device, through the first conduit, and into the urine collection container when the container support is secured to the back of the powered wheelchair and the powered wheelchair is in each of the seated, standing, and lying positions.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the container support includes one or more sound-absorbing elements disposed on an interior surface of the one or more side walls of the container support, the one or more sound-absorbing elements including at least one of a foam material or a sound-absorbing fabric.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising locking the lid of the container support in the closed position after inserting the urine collection container and the pump into the container support.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising attaching an additional conduit within the container support to the urine collection container, thereby fluidly coupling the first conduit to the urine collection container using the port or adapter.

20. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising electrically coupling a solar panel on an exterior portion of the vessel support to a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the pump.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising electrically coupling the rechargeable battery to one or more of a power source or an electrical outlet of the power wheelchair by a cable to recharge the rechargeable battery or to power the pump.

22. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising electrically coupling the pump to a battery or power source of the powered wheelchair by a cable to power the pump.

23. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising activating a sensor affixed to the container support to detect at least a characteristic related to the volume of urine in the urine collection container.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising activating a controller to communicate with the sensor and adjust a user alert when the volume of the urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds a predetermined volume, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a user alert to notify the user or a caregiver that the volume of the urine in the urine collection container has reached or exceeded the predetermined volume.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising initiating the controller to adjust the user alert to notify the user or the caregiver when the volume of urine in the urine collection container reaches or exceeds two or more of: 50% of a maximum volume of the urine collection container, 75% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container, and / or 90% of the maximum volume of the urine collection container.

26. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising initiating the controller to adjust at least one of a filter change alert indicating that replacement of the one or more activated carbon and zeolite filters is suggested, a battery charging alert indicating that charging of a rechargeable battery is suggested, a battery change alert indicating that replacement of the rechargeable battery is suggested, a solar panel alert indicating performance of a solar panel, or a location alert indicating that a change in location by the user is suggested.

27. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising fastening the controller to an arm of the powered wheelchair.

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