Fluid Collection Device

Abstract

The examples relate to a fluid collection device having a fluid-permeable body with closed edges, and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the fluid collection device includes a tube having an inlet, a fluid-permeable body, and a fluid-impermeable barrier. The fluid-permeable body has a first side, a second side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge toward the inlet. The fluid-impermeable barrier covers the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges so as to be effective in preventing fluid communication through the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid-permeable body.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 159,186, filed March 10, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Bedpans and urinary catheters, such as Foley catheters, may 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 and painful, and can cause urinary tract infections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 028349 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019 / 214787 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,166 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] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid collection device having a fluid-permeable body with a closed edge, and related systems and methods. In an embodiment, the fluid collection device includes a tube having an inlet, a fluid-permeable body, a fluid-impermeable barrier, and a chamber. The fluid-permeable body has a first side, a second side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge toward the inlet. The fluid-impermeable barrier covers the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges to be effective in preventing fluid communication through the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid-permeable body. The fluid-impermeable barrier defines an aperture that provides fluid communication between the fluid-permeable body and at least a portion of the tube. The chamber is sized to receive at least a portion of the penis therein to position the portion of the penis adjacent to a portion of the fluid-permeable body.

[0007] In an embodiment, a method of collecting urine includes positioning the penis on a first side of a fluid-permeable body in a chamber of a urine collection device. The fluid-permeable body has a second side opposite the first side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge toward a distal end region of the urine collection device. The method also includes drawing urine through the fluid-permeable body to an inlet of a tube at the distal end region of the urine collection device. The second side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid-permeable body are covered by a fluid-impermeable barrier such that urine is drawn through the first side of the fluid-permeable body positioned against the penis. The method also includes drawing at least some of the urine out of the urine collection device through the inlet of the tube.

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

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

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1 is a front view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid collection device of FIG. 2A taken along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end region of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 is a front view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a rear view of the fluid collection device of FIG. 4A. [Diagram 5] 1 is a top view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 7A] 1 is a top view of a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the fluid collection device of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for assembling a portable urine collection system, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid collection devices having a fluid-permeable body with one or more edges, ends, and / or peripheries occluded by a fluid-impermeable barrier, and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the fluid collection device is configured as a urine collection device, such as a male external catheter urine collection device. The fluid collection device may also include a wound or skin drainage device that removes fluid from a user's wound and / or skin. In one, some, or all of the embodiments of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein, having one or more edges, ends, and / or peripheries of the fluid-permeable body occluded by a fluid-impermeable barrier provides the technical effect that fluid is more efficiently drawn into the fluid-permeable body and routed to a reservoir and / or tube for removal from the fluid collection device. In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein, the fluid-permeable body does not have edges, ends, and / or peripheries that are open to air and / or liquid flow because a fluid-impermeable barrier closes each of the edges, ends, and / or peripheries. In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the fluid collection devices disclosed herein, having edges, ends, and / or peripheries closed by a fluid-impermeable barrier provides the technical effect of increasing the overall wicking capacity of the fluid collection device, reducing loss of vacuum in the fluid collection device, reducing fluid spillage, and / or improving the drawing of fluid through the fluid-permeable body to a reservoir and tube for removal from the fluid collection device.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fluid collection system 10, according to an embodiment. The fluid collection system 10 may be included in any of the fluid collection system embodiments described herein. The system 10 includes a fluid (e.g., urine) collection device 12 (e.g., any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein), a fluid collection container 14, and a 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 tubes 17 or lines. 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 tube 17. In some embodiments, the pump 16 may be secured directly to the fluid collection container 14. Fluid (e.g., urine or other bodily fluid) collected in the fluid collection device 12 may be removed from the fluid collection device 12 via the tube 17 secured to the fluid collection device 12. In response to a suction (eg, vacuum) force applied to the outlet of tube 17 , a suction force may be introduced into the chamber of the fluid collection device 12 via the inlet of tube 17 .

[0013] The suction force may be applied directly or indirectly by the vacuum source 16 to the outlet of the tube 17. The suction force may be applied indirectly via the fluid collection container 14. For example, the outlet of the tube 17 may be disposed within or fluidly coupled to an interior region of the fluid collection container 14, and an additional tube 17 may extend from the fluid collection container 14 to the vacuum source 16. Thus, the vacuum source 16 may apply suction to the fluid collection device 12 via the fluid collection container 14. The suction force may be applied directly by the vacuum source 16. For example, the outlet of the tube 17 may be disposed within the vacuum source 16. The additional tube 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 embodiment, the vacuum source 16 may be disposed between the fluid collection device 12 and the fluid collection container 14.

[0014] The fluid collection container 14 is sized and shaped to hold fluid therein. The fluid collection container 14 may include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., a collection jar), or any other enclosed container for storing bodily fluids such as urine. In some embodiments, a tube 17 may extend from the fluid collection device 12 and be attached to the urine collection container 14 at a first point on the urine collection container 14. An additional tube 17 may be attached to the fluid collection container 14 at a second point on the fluid collection container 14 and may extend to and be attached to the vacuum source 16. Thus, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be drawn through the fluid collection device 12 via the fluid collection container 14. Fluids such as urine may be evacuated from the fluid collection device 12 using the vacuum source 16.

[0015] The vacuum source 16 may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a membrane pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a peristaltic pump, or any source configured to generate a vacuum (e.g., negative pressure). The vacuum source 16 may provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from the fluid collection device 12. In some embodiments, the vacuum source 16 may be powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a power socket), one or more batteries, or a manual power source (e.g., a manually operated vacuum pump). In some embodiments, the vacuum source 16 may be sized and shaped to fit outside, on, or within the fluid collection device 12. For example, the pump 16 may include one or more miniature pumps or one or more micropumps. The vacuum sources disclosed herein may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote, or any other device suitable for activating the vacuum source 16. An embodiment of the fluid collection system 10 may be included in any of the fluid collection systems described herein. For example, the fluid collection device 12 may include any of the fluid or urine collection devices described herein.

[0016] In many embodiments, the fluid collection device may be configured as a urine collection device. For example, Figures 2-5 show an embodiment of a male urine collection device having a fluid-permeable body with one or more edges, ends, and / or peripheries occluded by a fluid-impermeable barrier and a chamber sized to receive at least a portion of the penis therein so as to position the portion of the penis adjacent to a portion of the fluid-permeable body. As described in more detail below, an embodiment of the urine collection device may include a tube having an opening, a fluid-permeable body, and a fluid-impermeable barrier. The fluid-permeable body according to different embodiments may include a first side, a second side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge toward an inlet of the tube. The fluid-impermeable barrier may define an aperture that provides fluid communication between the fluid-permeable body and at least a portion of the tube. In some embodiments, the tube extends through an opening in the fluid-impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, the inlet of the tube is flush with the fluid impermeable barrier.

[0017] The fluid-impermeable barrier according to different embodiments may cover the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid-permeable body so as to be effective in preventing fluid communication through the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid-permeable body. In at least one, some, or all of the embodiments of the fluid collection device described herein, the second side of the fluid-permeable body may remain uncovered by the fluid-impermeable barrier (e.g., the fluid-impermeable barrier is not present on the second side of the fluid-permeable body), resulting in the technical effect of drawing urine discharged from the penis into the fluid-permeable body through the second side of the fluid-permeable body. In covering a portion of the fluid-permeable body described herein, the fluid-impermeable barrier may be adjacent to and / or interface with a reference portion of the fluid-permeable body. For example, the fluid-impermeable barrier may be adjacent to or interface with a first side of the fluid-permeable body, a proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body, and two side edges of the fluid-permeable body. In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier may be secured to a reference portion of the fluid-permeable body such that the fluid-impermeable barrier covers it by one or more of adhesives, press-fitting, molding, or combinations thereof. For example, the fluid-impermeable barrier may be secured to a first side of the fluid-permeable body, a proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body, and two side edges of the fluid-permeable body.

[0018] FIG. 2A is a front or top view of a male urine collection device 200, according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the urine collection device 200 along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A. The urine collection device 200 includes a fluid impermeable barrier 202 that at least partially defines an opening 206, and a chamber 204 within the fluid collection device in fluid communication with the opening 206. In some embodiments, a bottom portion 201 of the fluid impermeable barrier 202 may define the opening 206, and an opposite or top portion 209 of the fluid impermeable barrier may define an aperture 212. In the urine collection device 200, the opening 206 is defined by the bottom portion 201 of the fluid impermeable barrier 202 and is visible through a transparent top portion 209 of the fluid impermeable barrier 202. The fluid impermeable barrier 202 includes a proximal end region 203 and a distal end region 205. The opening 206 may be positioned proximal to the proximal end region 203 or closer to the proximal end region 203 than the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. The chamber 204 may be defined by the top portion 209 and the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and may extend between the proximal end region 203 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 includes edges 207a, 207b that narrow together between the proximal end region 203 and the distal end region 205. For example, the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 (and the chamber 204) may have a substantially triangular-shaped front profile, with the distal end region 205 at the narrowed end or tip of the triangular-shaped profile. The fluid impermeable barrier 202 may comprise a substantially flexible fluid impermeable material, such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, etc.), a polyurethane film, a thermoplastic elastomer, oil, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier comprises a fluid impermeable material such as paper or a fluid impermeable fabric.

[0019] The urine collection device 200 also includes a fluid-permeable body 210 positioned within the chamber 204 and extending at least partially between the distal end region 205 and the proximal end region 203. The fluid-permeable body 210 may have a shape generally complementary to the shape of the chamber 204 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. The fluid-permeable body 210 may include a distal portion positioned at or proximal to the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. The fluid-permeable body 210 also includes a proximal edge distal to the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 210 and two side edges extending between the proximal edge and the distal portion of the chamber 204. As described in more detail below, a proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body 210 may be positioned at a proximal end region 203 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, such as within a slot defined by a proximal edge portion 213 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. A side edge of the fluid-permeable body 210 may be positioned proximal to a side edge 207a, 207b of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202, such as within a side edge slot defined by side edge portions 217a, 217b of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 210 may be positioned within a slot defined by a distal edge portion 215 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202.

[0020] The fluid-permeable body 210 may be configured to be capable of wicking and / or transporting fluid away from the opening 206, thereby preventing fluid from escaping the chamber 204. The fluid-permeable body 210 may be capable of wicking and / or transporting fluid generally toward a reservoir. The fluid-permeable body 210 may include any material capable of wicking and / or transporting fluid. The property of permeability referred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar property or process, and is referred to herein as "permeability" and / or "wicking." Such "wicking" or other physical properties may exclude absorption into the fluid-permeable body 210, e.g., does not include adsorption of bodily fluids into the fluid-permeable body 210. In other words, there may be substantially no absorption or dissolution of bodily fluids into the material that occurs after the material is exposed to bodily fluids and removed from the bodily fluids for a period of time. Although absorption or dissolution is not desired, the term "substantially no absorption" may allow for only a small amount of absorption and / or dissolution (e.g., absorption) of bodily fluids into the fluid-permeable body 210, such as less than about 30 wt% of the dry weight of the fluid-permeable body 210, less than about 20 wt%, less than about 10 wt%, less than about 7 wt%, less than about 5 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than about 2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, or less than about 0.5 wt% of the dry weight of the fluid-permeable body 210. In embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 may include at least one absorbent or adsorbent material.

[0021] The fluid-permeable body 210 may include a one-way fluid transfer fabric. In this manner, the fluid-permeable body 210 may remove fluid from the area around the penis, thereby leaving the area and the urethra dry. The fluid-permeable body 210 may allow fluid to flow generally within the chamber 204 toward the reservoir and tube 208. The fluid-permeable body 210 may include a porous or fibrous material, such as a hydrophilic polyolefin. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 is made of, or consists essentially of, a porous or fibrous material, such as a hydrophilic polyolefin. Examples of polyolefins that may be used in the fluid-permeable body 210 include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the fluid-permeable body 210 may be manufactured by a variety of manufacturing methods, such as molding, extrusion, sintering, and the like. The fluid-permeable body 210 may have a variety of densities or dimensions.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 may include two or more layers of fluid-permeable material. For example, the fluid-permeable body 210 may include a fluid-permeable membrane that covers or wraps around a fluid-permeable support, both of which are disposed within the chamber 204. The fluid-permeable membrane may cover or extend over at least a portion (e.g., all) of at least the side of the fluid-permeable support that faces the user's penis. The fluid-permeable membrane and the fluid-permeable support may be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening 206, thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber 204 and facilitating removal of the fluid via the tube 208. The permeability property referred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and is referred to herein as "permeability" and / or "wicking."

[0023] Also, the fluid-permeable membrane and fluid-permeable support may generally be capable of wicking and / or transporting fluid toward the interior of the chamber 204, such as the reservoir. The fluid-permeable membrane may include any material capable of wicking fluid. For example, the fluid-permeable membrane may include fabrics such as gauze (e.g., polymer-based materials such as silk, linen, polyester, or cotton gauze), nylon (spun nylon fibers), other soft fabrics (e.g., jersey knit fabric or similar), or other smooth fabrics (e.g., rayon, satin, or similar). Forming the fluid-permeable membrane from gauze, soft fabrics, and / or smooth fabrics may reduce chafing caused by the urine collection device 200. Other embodiments of the fluid-permeable membrane and fluid-permeable support are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 612,325, filed June 2, 2017, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 260,103, filed September 8, 2016, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 611,587, filed June 1, 2017, and PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US19 / 29608, filed April 29, 2019, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In many embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 210 includes a fluid-permeable support including a porous spun nylon fiber structure and a fluid-permeable wicking membrane including gauze at least partially occluding the spun nylon fiber structure. For example, the fluid-permeable body 210 may include gauze or other wicking fabric positioned to contact the user's skin. In some embodiments, the gauze or other wicking fabric is wrapped around a body of spun nylon fiber material and / or covers both sides of the substantially planar spun nylon fiber material, hi some embodiments, the gauze or other wicking fabric covers the side of the substantially planar spun nylon fiber material that is directed toward the user's skin.

[0024] The urine collection device 200 also includes a tube 208 extending into the chamber 204 and having an end positioned proximal to the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. The tube 208 includes a tube opening or inlet proximal to the end of the tube 208. At least some of the fluid-permeable body 210 may extend into a reservoir region or area between the inlet and the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. Fluid drained into the fluid-permeable body 210 may flow and pool in the reservoir region for removal when a vacuum is applied to the tube 208. The tube 208 may extend into the chamber 204 through an opening 212 in the top portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. The opening 212 may be positioned proximal to the distal end region 205 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the end and / or entrance of the tube 208 may be located between the distal end region 205 and the aperture 212. In some embodiments, the aperture 212 is not present and the tube 208 may exit the chamber 204 through the opening 206. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 067,542 describes embodiments of a male external catheter urine collection device, aspects of which may be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] One or more edges, ends, and / or periphery of the fluid-permeable body 210 are occluded by a portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. Occluding the edges, ends, and / or periphery of the fluid-permeable body 210 with a portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 creates a barrier around the edges to prevent air, vacuum, and liquid loss while still maximizing contact of the fluid-permeable body 210 with the skin and fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 can include a proximal edge portion 213 that defines a proximal slot that occludes a proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body 210. Although the proximal slot defined by the proximal edge portion 213 and the proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body 210 is not shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the proximal slot defined by the proximal edge portion 213 and the proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body 210 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 shown in Figure 3 and described below. The proximal edge portion 213 may occlude at least some of the top side or face of the fluid-permeable body 210 within the proximal slot. In some embodiments, the proximal edge portion 213 extends continuously from the first edge 207a to the second edge 207b of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the proximal edge portion 213 occludes or covers the entirety of the proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 with the proximal slot. In some embodiments, the two portions of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 terminate between the opening 206 and the proximal end region 203 of the chamber 204, and the proximal edge portion 213 may occlude or cover all of the terminating edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 within the proximal slot.

[0026] The proximal edge portion 213 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may be secured to and / or extend from at least one of the bottom portion 201 and / or the top portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the proximal edge portion 213 is spaced from the top portion 209 and the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and secured to a proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 210. The proximal edge portion 213 may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, the proximal edge portion includes polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 210 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, when a penis is inserted into the chamber 204 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 through the opening 206, the penis may space at least some of the top portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 from the front or top side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210. When the penis is positioned within the chamber 204, the back side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) is covered by the bottom (or back) portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the back side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 is secured to the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. When the penis is positioned within the chamber 204, a gap or space is formed between at least some of the upper portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and the front or upper side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210, but the proximal edge portion 213 is configured to remain covering the proximal edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 and at least some of the front side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may include an opening or additional edge portion 216 that defines a slot 219 (illustrated in FIG. 2B ) that closes an edge of the fluid-permeable body 210 that at least partially surrounds the opening 206. The opening edge portion 216 and the slot 219 defined by the edge of the fluid-permeable body 210 that at least partially surrounds the opening 206 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 illustrated in FIG. 3 and described below. The opening edge portion 216 may close at least some of the top side or face of the fluid-permeable body 210 within the slot 219. In some embodiments, the opening edge portion 216 extends continuously around and surrounds the opening 206. In some embodiments, the aperture edge portion 216 extends only partially around the aperture 206 .

[0029] The open edge portion 216 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may be secured to and / or extend from the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the open edge portion 216 is secured to an edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 that is spaced from the top portion 209 and the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and at least partially surrounds the opening 206. The open edge portion 216 may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, the open edge portion 216 includes polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 210 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0030] 2A, when a penis is inserted into the chamber 204 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 through the opening 206, the penis may space at least some of the upper portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 from the front or top side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210. When the penis is positioned within the chamber 204, a gap or space is formed between at least some of the upper portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and the front or top side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210, but the opening edge portion 216 is configured to remain covering the edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 surrounding the opening 206 and at least some of the front side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210.

[0031] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may include side edge portions 217a, 217b that define side slots that occlude the side edges of the fluid-permeable body 210. Although the side slots defined by the side edge portions 217a, 217b and the side edges of the fluid-permeable body 210 are not illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the side slots defined by the side edge portions 217a, 217b and the side edges of the fluid-permeable body 210 may be similar or identical to the slots 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 illustrated in Figure 3 and described below. The side edge portions 217a, 217b may occlude at least some of the top side or face of the fluid-permeable body 210 within the side slots. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 217 a , 217 b extend continuously from the proximal edge portion 213 of the fluid impermeable barrier 202 to the distal end region 205 of the fluid impermeable barrier 202 .

[0032] The side edge portions 217a, 217b of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may be secured to and / or extend from at least one of the bottom portion 201 and / or the top portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 217a, 217b are spaced from the top portion 209 and the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and secured to the side edges of the fluid-permeable body portion 210. The side edge portions 217a, 217b may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 217a, 217b include polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 210 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0033] 2A, when a penis is inserted into the chamber 204 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 through the opening 206, the penis may space at least some of the upper portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 from the front or top side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210. When the penis is positioned within the chamber 204, a gap or space is formed between at least some of the upper portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and the front or top side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210, but the side edge portions 217a, 217b are configured to remain covering the side edges of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 and at least some of the front side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210.

[0034] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may include a distal edge portion 215 that defines a distal slot that occludes a distal edge of the fluid-permeable body 210. Although the distal slot defined by the distal edge portion 215 and the distal edge of the fluid-permeable body 210 is not illustrated in FIG. 2A, the distal slot defined by the distal edge portion 215 and the distal edge of the fluid-permeable body 210 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 illustrated in FIG. 3 and described below. The distal edge portion 215 may occlude at least some of the top side or face of the fluid-permeable body 210 within the distal slot.

[0035] A distal edge portion 215 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 may be secured to and / or extend from at least one of the bottom portion 201 and / or the top portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the distal edge portion 215 is spaced from the top portion 209 and the bottom portion 201 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and secured to a distal edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 210. The side distal edge portion 215 may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the distal edge portion 215 includes polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 210 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0036] 2A, when a penis is inserted into the chamber 204 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 through the opening 206, the penis may space at least some of the top portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 from the front or top side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210. When the penis is positioned within the chamber 204, a gap or space is formed between at least some of the top portion 209 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 and the front or top side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210, but the distal edge portion 215 is configured to remain covering the distal edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 210 and at least some of the front side of the fluid-permeable body portion 210.

[0037] 3, a cross-sectional view of a distal end region of a urine collection device 300 is illustrated. The cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 3 may be similar or identical to the cross-sectional view of the urine collection device 200, but with the top portion 209 and bottom portion 201 of the fluid impermeable barrier 202 removed. In some embodiments, the urine collection device may include a fluid impermeable barrier 302 and a fluid permeable body portion 310. Unless otherwise stated, the fluid impermeable barrier 302 may include any aspect of the fluid impermeable barrier 202 and / or edge portions 213, 215, 216, 217a, 217b of the fluid impermeable barrier 202 described above. In some embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier 302 includes a distal edge portion 305 that defines a distal slot 307 sized to receive the fluid permeable body portion 310 therein.

[0038] The fluid-permeable body 310 may include any of the aspects of the fluid-permeable body 210 described above. For example, the fluid-permeable body 310 may include a fluid-permeable porous fibrous structure 311 and an outer fluid-permeable wicking material 312. The outer fluid-permeable wicking material 312 may be positioned to contact the penis during use of the urine collection device 300. In some embodiments, the outer fluid-permeable wicking material 312 surrounds or wraps around the fluid-permeable porous fibrous structure 311. In some embodiments, the outer fluid-permeable wicking material 312 covers only the top side of the fluid-permeable porous fibrous structure 311.

[0039] The fluid-permeable body 310 includes a distal edge 317 positioned within a distal slot 307 defined by a distal edge portion 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302. In some embodiments, the distal edge 317 is occluded within the distal slot 307 such that the distal edge portion 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 extends around the distal edge 317 to cover at least a portion of the top side of the fluid-permeable body 310. In some embodiments, the distal edge portion 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 may extend over the top side of the fluid-permeable body 310 until the distal edge portion 305 intersects with the tube 308. The distal edge portion 305 may be adjacent to and / or interface with the top side of the fluid-permeable body 310, the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310, and the bottom side of the fluid-permeable body 310. In some embodiments, the distal edge portion 305 may be secured to the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body portion 310 by one or more of an adhesive, a press fit, molding, or combinations thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, the end of the tube 308 may include a beveled end, with an inlet located at the beveled end. The beveled end of the tube 308 may be at an acute or obtuse angle relative to a sidewall of the tube 308. By having the beveled end angled relative to a sidewall of the tube 308, when the beveled end and inlet are generally horizontal, the tube 308 may be at an angle relative to the fluid permeable body portion 310, and the urine collection device 300 may be used in a substantially horizontal position.

[0041] FIG. 4A is a front view of a urine collection device 400 and FIG. 4B is a rear view of the urine collection device 400, according to an embodiment. Although referred to as a urine collection device 400, the urine collection device 400 may also be used in other fluid collection applications in a user's body, such as draining a wound or collecting fluid from a user's skin. In some embodiments, the urine collection device 400 may be used without or in the absence of other materials or elements. In some embodiments, the urine collection device 400 may be positioned within a chamber defined by the fluid-impermeable barrier 202 described above in connection with FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, and may replace the fluid-permeable body portion 210 illustrated in FIG. 4A. The urine collection device 400 may include a fluid-impermeable barrier 402 and a fluid-permeable body portion 410. Unless otherwise stated, the fluid-permeable body portion 410 may include any aspect of the fluid-permeable body portions 210, 310 described above, and the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 may include any aspect of the fluid-impermeable barriers 202, 302 described above.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 410 includes a distal (or middle) portion and two or more arms 411a, 411b extending from the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410. In the urine collection device 400, the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410 is covered by a distal edge portion 409 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402. The distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410 is in fluid communication with each of the arms 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410. Each of the two or more arms 411a, 411b may include a terminal edge, an outer edge extending between the terminal edge and the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410, an inner edge extending between the terminal edge and the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410, a front side or face, and a rear side or face. In Figure 4A, the front side or face of each arm 411a, 411b is exposed and visible, while in Figure 4B, the back side or face of the fluid-permeable body portion 410 is covered by a fluid-impermeable barrier 402.

[0043] One or more edges, ends, and / or periphery of the fluid-permeable body 410 are occluded by a portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402. Occluding the edges, ends, and / or periphery of the fluid-permeable body 410 with a portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 creates a barrier around the edges to prevent air, vacuum, and liquid loss while still maximizing contact of the fluid-permeable body 410 with the skin and fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 can include proximal edge portions 403a, 403b that define proximal slots that occlude the terminal edges of each arm 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410. Although the proximal slot defined by the proximal edge portions 403a, 403b and the terminal edges of each arm 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410 is not shown in Figure 4A, the proximal slot defined by the proximal edge portions 403a, 403b and the terminal edges of the arms 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 shown in Figure 3 and described above. The proximal edge portions 403a, 403b may occlude at least some of the top side or face of the fluid-permeable body 410 within the proximal slot. In some embodiments, the proximal edge portions 403a, 403b occlude or cover the entire terminal edge of each arm 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body portion 410 with a proximal slot. The proximal edge portions 403a, 403b may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, the proximal edge portions 403a, 403b include polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 410 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0044] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 may include side edge portions 407a, 407b that define side slots that occlude the outer edges of the arms 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410. Although the side slots defined by the side edge portions 407a, 407b and the outer edges of the arms 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410 are not shown in FIG. 4A, the side slots defined by the side edge portions 407a, 407b and the outer edges of the arms 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410 may be similar or identical to the slots 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 shown in FIG. 3 and described above. The side edge portions 407a, 407b may occlude at least some of the upper sides or faces of the arms 411a, 411b within the side slots. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 407a, 407b extend continuously from the proximal edge portions 403a, 403b of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 to the distal end region 405 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402. The side edge portions 407a, 407b may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier 402. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 407a, 407b include polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 410 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0045] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 may include side edge portions 409a, 409b that define side slots that occlude the inner edges of two or more arms 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410. Although the side slots defined by the side edge portions 409a, 409b and the inner edges of the arms 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410 are not shown in FIG. 4A, the side slots defined by the side edge portions 409a, 409b and the inner edges of the arms 411a, 411b of the fluid-permeable body 410 may be similar or identical to the slots 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 shown in FIG. 3 and described above. The side edge portions 409a, 409b may occlude at least some of the upper side or face of the arms 411a, 411b in the side slot. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 409a, 409b extend continuously from the proximal edge portions 403a, 403b of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 to the distal end region 405 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402. The side edge portions 409a, 409b may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier 402. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 409a, 409b include polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 410 by an acrylic adhesive. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 409a, 409b may be absent to allow urine to be drawn into the inner side edge of the fluid-permeable body portion 410.

[0046] Although the arms 411a, 411b are angled relative to one another, in some embodiments the urine collection device 400 may include multiple arms 411a, 411b that are substantially parallel to one another. The arms 411a, 411b that are substantially parallel to one another may be spaced apart from one another or may abut / interface with adjacent ones of the arms 411a, 411b. In some embodiments the urine collection device 400 may include three, four, five, or more arms 411 that are substantially parallel to one another. The side edge portions 407a, 407b, 409a, 409b may form channels for the flow of fluid collected within the arms 411a, 411b. In some embodiments each of the arms 411a, 411b may include a spun nylon fiber material and a single sheet of wicking material (such as gauze) may overlay all of the arms 411a, 411b. In some embodiments, the wicking material completely surrounds the spun plastic layer in each arm 411a, 411b.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 may include a distal edge portion 409 and a distal end region 405 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 that define a distal slot that occludes a distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410. Although the distal slot defined by the distal edge portion 409 and the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410 is not illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the distal slot defined by the distal edge portion 409 and the distal edge of the fluid-permeable body 410 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 illustrated in Figure 3 and described above. The distal edge portion 409 may occlude and cover at least some (e.g., all) of the top and bottom sides of the fluid-permeable body 410 within the distal slot.

[0048] The urine collection device 400 may also include a tube 408 in fluid communication with a distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410. In some embodiments, the tube 408 extends through the distal end region 405 of the fluid-impermeable barrier, with a tube opening or inlet of the tube 408 positioned within the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410. In some embodiments, the inlet is generally flush with the distal end region 405 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 402 and in fluid communication with the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 410.

[0049] 4B illustrates the rear side of the urine collection device 400. In some embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier 402 covers at least a portion (e.g., all) of the rear side of the arms 411 a, 411 b and distal portion of the fluid permeable body portion 410.

[0050] 5 is a top view of a urine collection device 500, according to an embodiment. The urine collection device may include a fluid impermeable barrier 502 and a fluid permeable body portion 510. Unless otherwise stated, the fluid impermeable barrier 502 may include any aspect of the fluid impermeable barriers 202, 302, 402, and the fluid permeable body portion 510 may include any aspect of the fluid permeable body portions 210, 310, 410.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 510 includes a cup-shaped distal portion having an exterior (or first side) and an interior (or second side). In FIG. 5, the exterior of the cup-shaped distal portion of the fluid-permeable body is covered by a cup-shaped distal end region 505 of a fluid-impermeable barrier 502. The interior of the cup-shaped distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 510 at least partially defines a chamber 504 sized to receive at least a portion of the penis (e.g., glans) therein such that the portion of the glans is positioned at least proximally (e.g., adjacent) to the interior of the cup-shaped distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 510.

[0052] The fluid-permeable body may also include a number of tabs 511 extending from and in fluid communication with a distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 510. While the urine collection device 500 includes three tabs 511 on the fluid-permeable body 510, other embodiments may include four, five, six, etc. tabs. The multiple tabs 511 may be positioned circumferentially around the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 510. In some embodiments, an edge of the tabs 511 may intersect the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 510. Each of the tabs has an outer side (or first side) and an inner side (or second side). In FIG. 5, a portion of the inner side of the center tab 511 is visible, and the outer sides of the right and left tabs 511 are covered by the fluid-impermeable barrier 502.

[0053] The fluid-impermeable barrier 502 may include a distal end region 505 that covers the outside of the cup-shaped distal portion of the fluid-permeable body 510. The distal end region 505 may define an aperture 512 through which the tube 208 may extend or have fluid communication with the chamber 504 via the aperture 512. The fluid-impermeable barrier 502 may also include a plurality of tabs 503 that cover the outside of the tabs 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510. The fluid-impermeable barrier 502 may also occlude or cover one or more edges, ends, and / or peripheries of the tabs 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510. In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 502 may include a proximal edge portion 513 that defines a proximal slot that occludes a terminal edge of each tab 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510. Although the proximal slot defined by the proximal edge portion 513 and the terminal edges of each tab 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510 is not shown in FIG. 5, the proximal slot defined by the proximal edge portion 513 and the terminal edges of the tabs 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 shown in FIG. 3 and described above. The proximal edge portion 513 may occlude at least some of the inside or face of the fluid-permeable body 510 within the proximal slot. In some embodiments, the proximal edge portion 513 occludes or covers the entire terminal edge of the tab 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510 with the proximal slot. The proximal edge portion 513 may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, the proximal edge portion 513 comprises polyvinyl chloride foam, which may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 510 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 502 may include a side edge portion 517 that defines a side slot that occludes a side edge of the tab 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510. Although the side slot defined by the side edge portion 517 and the outer edge of the tab 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510 is not shown in FIG. 5, the side slot defined by the side edge portion 517 and the outer edge of the tab 511 of the fluid-permeable body 510 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 shown in FIG. 3 and described above. The side edge portion 517 may occlude at least some of the inside or face of the tab 511 within the side slot. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 517 extend continuously from the proximal edge portion 513 of the fluid impermeable barrier 502 to the distal end region 505 of the fluid impermeable barrier 502. The side edge portions 517 may include any of the fluid impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid impermeable barrier 502. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 517 include polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 510 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0055] In some embodiments, the fluid collection device described herein may be configured as a drainage device for bodily fluids from wounds or other bodily fluids. Figures 6, 7A and 7B illustrate embodiments of fluid collection devices that may be positioned adjacent to the skin at various locations on the body to remove fluids from the user's skin and / or wounds. The fluid collection device may include a fluid-permeable body having edges and a back side that are covered and / or blocked by a fluid-impermeable barrier such that fluid and air may be aspirated or drawn into the fluid-permeable body only through the front side of the fluid-permeable body. The fluid collection device may include a tube 308 with a beveled end, thereby allowing the fluid collection device to be used when positioned substantially horizontally on a user. In operation, when a vacuum is applied to the tube 308, the tube 308 draws fluid through the inlet into the tube 308 through the fluid-permeable body. The fluid-permeable body provides a connection for molecular bonding of fluid within the fluid-permeable body. Fluid drawn into tube 308 through the inlet may then also draw urine in fluid-permeable body 310 into the reservoir due to molecular binding of moisture in the urine. The configuration of the fluid-permeable body and fluid-impermeable barrier may prevent loss of vacuum to fluid being drawn from the fluid collection device, thereby improving fluid capture from the fluid collection device.

[0056] With particular reference to Figure 6, which is a front view of a fluid collection device 600, according to an embodiment. The fluid collection device 600 may include a fluid impermeable barrier 602 and a fluid-permeable body portion 610. Unless otherwise stated, the fluid impermeable barrier 602 may include any aspect of the fluid impermeable barriers 202, 302, 402, 502, and the fluid-permeable body portion 610 may include any aspect of the fluid-permeable body portions 210, 310, 410, 510.

[0057] The fluid-permeable body 610 may be substantially planar or flat and may include multiple side edges. For example, the fluid-permeable body 610 of the fluid collection device 600 has a generally rectangular outline and has four side edges. In FIG. 6, the side edges of the fluid-permeable body 610 are covered by the side edge portions 615 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602 and are not shown. The fluid-permeable body 610 may include a front side (shown in FIG. 6) and a back side (not shown). The front side of the fluid-permeable body 610 is positioned to be placed at least proximal (e.g., adjacent) to the user's skin and / or wound. In some embodiments, the front side of the fluid-permeable body 610 includes a wicking material such as gauze or other wicking fabric. The wicking material of the fluid-permeable body 610 may cover the spun nylon fiber material of the fluid-permeable body 610 positioned between the wicking material and the back side of the fluid-impermeable barrier 602 .

[0058] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 602 may include a side edge portion 615 that defines a side slot that occludes a side edge of the fluid-permeable body 610. Although the side slot defined by the side edge portion 615 and the side edge of the fluid-permeable body 610 is not illustrated in FIG. 6, the side slot defined by the side edge portion 615 and the side edge of the fluid-permeable body 610 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 illustrated in FIG. 3 and described above. The side edge portion 615 may occlude at least some of the front side or face of the fluid-permeable body 610 within the side slot. For example, the side edge portion 615 may cover at least some of the wicking material of the fluid-permeable body. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 615 define openings through which fluid may be drawn into the fluid collection device 600. The wicking material of the fluid-permeable body portion 610 may extend across at least some (e.g., all) of the openings 606. The side edge portions 615 may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 615 include polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 610 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0059] The fluid impermeable barrier 602 may cover all of the rear side of the fluid-permeable body 610 such that fluid and air may be drawn into the fluid collection device 600 through the opening 606. The fluid impermeable barrier 602 may also define an aperture at the rear side or edge of the fluid collection device 600. In some embodiments, the aperture is located proximate to at least one side edge of the fluid collection device 600. A tube may extend into the fluid collection device 600 through the aperture and / or the aperture may otherwise provide fluid communication between the tube 308 and the fluid-permeable body 610 within the fluid collection device 600. Thus, when a vacuum is drawn on the tube 308, the tube 308 draws fluid through the aperture 606 into the fluid-permeable body 610 and into the tube 308. The fluid impermeable barrier side edge portions 615 prevent air and fluid from ingressing at the side edges of the fluid permeable body portion 610 and provide an enhanced vacuum.

[0060] 7A illustrates a rear view and FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of a fluid collection device 700, according to an embodiment. The fluid collection device 700 may include a fluid impermeable barrier 702 and a fluid-permeable body portion 710. Unless otherwise stated, the fluid impermeable barrier 702 may include any aspect of the fluid impermeable barriers 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, and the fluid-permeable body portion 710 may include any aspect of the fluid-permeable body portions 210, 310, 410, 510, 610.

[0061] The fluid-permeable body 710 may be substantially planar or flat and may include multiple side edges. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 710 may be substantially cylindrical and may include opposing side portions. The fluid-permeable body 710 of the fluid collection device 700 may include a middle portion 713 and one or more arms 711a, 711b extending from the middle portion 713. The arms 711a, 711b may extend from opposing regions of the middle portion 713. In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable body 710 may have a zigzag configuration, such as a Z-shaped, N-shaped, W-shaped, M-shaped, Y-shaped, or X-shaped configuration, where the middle portion 713 extends between the two arms 711a, 711b. The zigzag configuration increases or expands the surface area over which the strip or tubular fluid-permeable body 710 can efficiently draw fluid into the fluid-permeable body 710 by vacuum through the tube 308. The middle portion 713 and the arms 711 a, 711 b can each include one or more side edges or portions. In FIG. 7B, the side edges or portions of the middle portion 713 and the arms 711 a, 711 b are covered by the side edge portions 715 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 702 and are not shown.

[0062] The fluid-permeable body portion 710 may include a front side (as shown in FIG. 7B) and a back side (covered by the fluid-impermeable barrier 702 in FIG. 7A). The front side of the fluid-permeable body portion 710 is positioned to be placed at least proximal (e.g., adjacent) to the user's skin and / or wound. In some embodiments, the front side of the fluid-permeable body portion 710 includes a wicking material, such as gauze or other wicking fabric. The wicking material of the fluid-permeable body portion 710 may cover a spun nylon fiber material of the fluid-permeable body portion 710 positioned between the wicking material and the back side of the fluid-impermeable barrier 702.

[0063] In some embodiments, the fluid-impermeable barrier 702 may include a side edge portion 715 that defines a side slot that occludes a side edge or portion of the fluid-permeable body 710. Although the side slot defined by the side edge portion 715 and the side edge or portion of the fluid-permeable body 710 is not illustrated in FIG. 7B, the side slot defined by the side edge portion 715 and the side edge or portion of the fluid-permeable body 710 may be similar or identical to the slot 307 defined by the distal end region 305 of the fluid-impermeable barrier 302 and the distal edge 317 of the fluid-permeable body 310 illustrated in FIG. 3 and described above. The side edge portion 715 may occlude at least some of the front side or face of the fluid-permeable body 710 within the side slot. For example, the side edge portion 715 may cover at least some of the wicking material of the fluid-permeable body. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 715 define openings through which fluid may be drawn into the fluid collection device 700. The wicking material of the fluid-permeable body portion 710 may extend across at least some (e.g., all) of the openings. The side edge portions 715 may include any of the fluid-impermeable materials described above with respect to the fluid-impermeable barrier 202. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 715 include polyvinyl chloride foam. The polyvinyl chloride foam may be secured to the fluid-permeable body portion 710 by an acrylic adhesive.

[0064] The arms 711a, 711b may be spaced apart from the middle portion 713 such that a gap is positioned between at least a portion of the side edges 715 of the arms 711a, 711b and the side edges 715 of the middle portion 713. In some embodiments, the side edge portions 715 of the fluid impermeable membrane 702 of the arms 711a, 711b may at least partially (e.g., entirely) interface or abut with the side edge portions 715 of the middle portion 713. The gap or interface between the side edges 715 of the arms 711a, 711b and the side edges 715 of the middle portion 713 may extend at least partially from one end edge to the distal end edge, such as at least approximately one-quarter, at least approximately one-third, at least approximately one-half, at least approximately two-thirds, or at least approximately three-quarters from one end edge to the distal end edge.

[0065] The fluid impermeable barrier 702 may cover all of the rear side of the fluid-permeable body 710 such that fluid and air may be drawn into the fluid collection device 700 through an opening in the front side of the fluid collection device 700. The fluid impermeable barrier 702 may also define an aperture 712 at the rear side or edge of the fluid collection device 700. A tube may extend into the fluid collection device 700 through the aperture 712 and / or the aperture 712 may otherwise provide fluid communication between the tube 308 and the fluid-permeable body 710 within the fluid collection device 700. Thus, when a vacuum is drawn on the tube 308, the tube 308 draws fluid through the aperture into the fluid-permeable body 710 and into the tube 308. The side edge portions 715 of the fluid impermeable barrier prevent air and fluid from entering the side edges or portions of the fluid-permeable body 710, providing an enhanced vacuum.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method 800 for collecting fluid from a user, according to an embodiment. The method 800 includes an operation 810 of positioning the penis on a first side of a fluid-permeable body in a chamber of a urine collection device. The fluid-permeable body may include a second side opposite the first side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge toward a distal end region of the urine collection device. The method may also include an operation 820 of drawing urine through the fluid-permeable body and into a tube at the distal end region of the urine collection device. The second side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid-permeable body may be covered by a fluid-impermeable barrier such that urine is drawn through the first side of the fluid-permeable body positioned against the penis. The method may also include an operation 830 of drawing urine out of the urine collection device through the tube.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method 800 also includes the act of inserting the penis through an opening in a bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier. A portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier may cover an edge of the fluid-permeable body that at least partially surrounds the opening such that the penis is positioned between a top portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier and a portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier that covers an edge of the fluid-permeable body that at least partially surrounds the opening.

[0068] In some embodiments, the method 800 includes the act of inserting at least a portion of the penis into a cup-shaped distal portion of a fluid-permeable body that at least partially defines a chamber. The fluid-permeable body may include a first tab extending from the distal portion and positioned circumferentially around the distal portion and two or more additional tabs. The first tab may have a first side, a second side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge toward the inlet. The two or more additional tabs may each have a first side, a second side covered by a fluid-impermeable barrier, a proximal edge covered by a fluid-impermeable barrier, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge of the additional tab toward the tube and covered by a fluid-impermeable barrier.

[0069] The operations of method 800 described above are for illustrative purposes. For example, the operations of method 800 may be performed in a different order, divided into multiple operations, modified, supplemented, or combined. In embodiments, one or more of the operations of method 800 may be omitted from method 800. Any of the operations of method 800 may include using any of the fluid collection systems disclosed herein.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "approximately" or "substantially" refer to an acceptable variation of up to ±10% or ±5% of the term modified by "approximately" or "substantially." Additionally, the terms "less than," "or less than," "greater than," "more than," or "or more than" include the value modified by the term "less than," "or less than," "greater than," "more than," or "or more than" as terminal values.

[0071] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated, and the various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

Claims

1. 1. A urine collection device comprising: a tube having an inlet; a fluid-permeable body having a first side, a second side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge toward the inlet; a fluid-impermeable barrier secured to substantially all of the proximal edge and two side edges of the fluid-permeable body such that the fluid-impermeable barrier covers and abuts substantially all of the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of the fluid-permeable body to be effective in preventing fluid communication into the fluid-permeable body through the proximal edge and the two side edges of the fluid-permeable body, the fluid-impermeable barrier defining an aperture providing fluid communication between the fluid-permeable body and at least a portion of the tube; a chamber sized to receive at least a portion of the penis therein so as to position the portion of the penis adjacent to a portion of the fluid-permeable body; 1. A urine collection device comprising:

2. 2. A urine collection device according to claim 1, the fluid impermeable barrier includes a bottom portion defining an opening sized to receive at least a portion of a penis, a top portion opposite the bottom portion, a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a proximal edge portion defining a proximal slot, the fluid impermeable barrier defining the chamber between the top portion and the bottom portion of the fluid impermeable barrier; the fluid-permeable body is positioned within the chamber, the fluid-permeable body including a distal portion positioned at or proximal to the distal end region of the fluid-impermeable barrier, the proximal edge being positioned within the proximal slot such that the proximal edge abuts the proximal edge portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier; A urine collection device, wherein the tube extends into the chamber and the inlet is positioned within the chamber proximal to the distal end region of the fluid impermeable barrier.

3. 3. A urine collection device according to claim 2, comprising: the fluid-impermeable barrier includes an additional edge portion defining an additional slot surrounding the opening such that the fluid-impermeable barrier extends continuously from the bottom portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier, through the opening, and at least partially into the chamber; The fluid-permeable body portion includes an additional edge portion positioned within the additional slot, the additional edge portion abutting the additional edge portion of the fluid-impermeable barrier to surround at least a portion of the opening.

4. 3. A urine collection device according to claim 2, comprising: the fluid impermeable barrier includes a first side edge portion defining a first side slot and a second side edge portion defining a second side slot, each of the first side slot and the second side slot extending at least partially between the proximal edge portion and the distal end region of the chamber; 11. A urine collection device comprising: a first side edge positioned within the first side slot, the first side edge abutting the first side edge portion; and a second side edge positioned within the second side slot, the second side edge abutting the second side edge portion.

5. 3. A urine collection device according to claim 2, wherein said distal portion of said fluid permeable body covers said inlet.

6. 2. A urine collection device according to claim 1, The fluid permeable body comprises: a cup-shaped distal portion having a first side and a second side, the second side at least partially defining the chamber sized to receive therein at least the portion of the penis so as to position the portion of the penis adjacent to the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body; a first tab extending from the distal portion and having the first side, the second side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges extending from the proximal edge toward the inlet; two or more additional tabs, each extending from the distal portion and having a first side, a second side, a proximal edge, and two side edges extending from the proximal edge of the additional tab toward the inlet, the first tab and the two or more additional tabs being positioned circumferentially around the distal portion; Including, The fluid impermeable barrier comprises: covering the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of each of the first tab and the two or more additional tabs of the fluid-permeable body portion effective to prevent fluid communication through the first side, the proximal edge, and the two side edges of each of the first tab and the two or more additional tabs; and A urine collection device comprising: a first side of the distal portion of the fluid-permeable body;

7. 7. A urine collection device according to claim 6, wherein the fluid impermeable barrier covers at least a portion of the second side of each of the first tab and the two or more additional tabs proximal to the proximal edge and the two side edges of each of the first tab and the two or more additional tabs.

8. 2. A urine collection device according to claim 1, wherein said fluid-permeable body portion comprises a fluid-permeable porous fibrous structure and an outer fluid-permeable wicking material.

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