A liquid collection system comprising at least one porous cartridge

Abstract

An exemplary liquid collection system includes a liquid collection assembly and at least one porous cartridge configured to be removably attached to the liquid collection assembly. The liquid collection assembly has a body and a connector piece. The connector piece has a conduit connector configured to connect to a conduit and an arm connector. The liquid collection system further includes an arm forming a part of the porous cartridge or liquid collection assembly. The arm has one or more arm walls defining an arm opening at one end, a cavity extending through at least a portion thereof, and one or more perforations extending through the arm wall to allow one or more bodily fluids to flow from outside the arm into the cavity. The porous cartridge has a porous material defining a hollow region. The hollow region is configured to accommodate the arm of the liquid collection assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 208,262, filed on June 8, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] A person, or an animal, may have limited or impaired mobility, making normal urination difficult or impossible. For example, a person may experience or have a disorder that impairs mobility. A person's movement conditions may be restricted, such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, there may be cases where the collection of body fluids is required for clinical trial purposes or health diagnosis.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Urethral catheters, such as Foley catheters, can resolve some of these situations, such as incontinence. However, urethral catheters can be accompanied by discomfort, pain, and can cause complications such as infections. Additionally, a urine bottle, which is a container used by bedridden individuals for urination, may be used in some cases. However, urine bottles are often inconvenient and can cause other hygienic problems such as spills.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Embodiments relate to a liquid collection system comprising at least one porous cartridge, a liquid collection assembly configured to house at least one porous cartridge, and a method of using the same. In an embodiment, a liquid collection system is disclosed. The liquid collection system comprises a liquid collection assembly. The liquid collection assembly has a body having a proximal region, a distal region opposite the proximal region, a front side, and a back side opposite at least one surface. The liquid collection assembly has a connector piece configured to be attached to or integrally formed with the body. The connector piece is disposed closer to the distal region of the body than the proximal region. The connector piece defines a conduit connector configured to be connected to a conduit and an arm connector. The conduit connector is disposed adjacent to the back side of the body, and the arm connector is disposed adjacent to the front side of the body. The liquid collection system further has an arm having one or more arm walls defining a cavity and an arm opening configured to be in liquid communication with the arm connector. The one or more arm walls define one or more perforations therethrough to allow liquid to flow from outside the arm into the cavity.

[0006] In an embodiment, a method of using a liquid collection system is disclosed. The method includes placing a first porous cartridge adjacent to an individual's urethral orifice. The first porous cartridge has at least one porous material defining a hollow region. The first porous cartridge is removably attached to a liquid collection assembly. The liquid collection assembly has a body having a proximal region, a distal region opposite the proximal region and disposed closer to the individual's gluteal cleft than the proximal region, a front side generally facing the individual's vaginal region, and a back side opposite at least one surface. The liquid collection assembly further has a connector piece configured to be attached to or integrally formed with the body. The connector piece is disposed closer to the distal region of the body than the proximal region. The connector piece defines a conduit connector configured to be connected to a conduit and an arm connector. The conduit connector is disposed on the back side of the body and the arm connector is disposed on the front side of the body. One of the first porous cartridge and the liquid collection assembly has an arm having one or more walls defining a cavity and an opening configured to be in liquid communication with the arm connector. The one or more walls define one or more perforations therethrough to allow liquid to flow from outside the arm into the cavity. At least a portion of the arm is disposed within the hollow region of the first porous cartridge. The method further includes receiving one or more body fluids from the individual's vaginal region within at least one porous material of the first porous cartridge and flowing at least a portion of the one or more body fluids received within the at least one porous material of the first porous cartridge into the cavity of the arm.

[0007] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments can be used in combination with each other without limitation. Further, upon a sufficient consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0008] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, and like reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements of the disclosure in different drawings or in the embodiments shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments relate to a liquid collection system comprising at least one porous cartridge, a liquid collection assembly configured to receive at least one porous cartridge, and a method of using the same. An exemplary liquid collection system has a liquid collection assembly and at least one porous cartridge configured to be removably attached to the liquid collection assembly (i.e., removably attached such that the liquid collection assembly and the porous cartridge are substantially undamaged). The liquid collection assembly has a body and a connector piece that is integrally formed with, attached to, or attachable to the body. The connector piece has a conduit connector configured to be connected to at least one conduit and an arm connector. The liquid collection system further has an arm forming part of the porous cartridge or the liquid collection assembly. The arm is connected to the arm connector of the connector piece or otherwise configured to be in liquid communication. The arm has one or more arm walls defining an arm opening at one end, a cavity penetrating at least a portion thereof, and one or more perforations penetrating the arm wall to allow one or more body fluids to flow from outside the arm into the cavity. The porous cartridge has a porous material defining a hollow region. The hollow region is configured to receive the arm of the liquid collection assembly. The porous cartridge is configured to be removably attached to the liquid collection assembly.

[0011] In use, the liquid collection system can be arranged such that the porous cartridge is positioned adjacent to an individual's vaginal region. For example, at least a portion of the porous cartridge is positioned within the folds of the individual's labia such that the porous cartridge is adjacent to or abuts the individual's urethral orifice. After placement of the liquid collection system, the porous cartridge can receive one or more body fluids (e.g., urine, blood, sweat, etc.) from the individual's urethral orifice or, more generally, the vaginal region. At least a portion of the body fluid can flow through the porous cartridge (e.g., flow into the porous material and then through one or more perforations formed in the arm and into the cavity of the arm). The body fluid can flow through the cavity of the arm, through the connector piece, and out of the conduit via the arm connector and the conduit connector. Thus, the body fluid discharged from the individual can be separated from the individual, thereby maintaining the individual's dryness and comfort. After at least a portion of the body fluid has been removed from the porous cartridge, the porous cartridge can be removed from the liquid collection assembly. Optionally, a new porous cartridge can be attached after the original porous cartridge has been removed so that the liquid collection assembly can be reused.

[0012] In an embodiment, the liquid collection assembly has a liquid storage container and a vacuum source. The liquid storage container and the vacuum source can be in liquid communication with the liquid collection assembly and the porous cartridge (e.g., via one or more conduits). For example, the vacuum source can be in liquid communication with the liquid collection assembly and the porous cartridge. The vacuum source can be configured to apply a vacuum to the arm and the porous cartridge. The vacuum can remove the body fluid contained by the porous cartridge more quickly compared to body fluid removal using suction (e.g., capillary action) and gravity. The body fluid removed from the porous cartridge can be placed within the liquid storage container.

[0013] The liquid collection system disclosed herein is an improvement over conventional liquid collection assemblies for one or more reasons. In one example, conventional liquid collection systems have a porous material that is non-removable from the liquid-impermeable body. Such conventional liquid collection systems may not be environmentally sustainable (e.g., produce excessive waste). In other conventional liquid collection systems, the porous material can be made removable from the liquid collection system by bending the liquid-impermeable body with the porous material disposed therein. However, when bent in such a manner, removal of the porous material can be complicated, and by compressing the porous material, at least a portion of the body fluid retained therein can be released, or the liquid-impermeable body can be damaged. The liquid collection system disclosed herein addresses these problems by providing a porous cartridge that can be easily removed from the liquid collection assembly without bending or substantially bending any other components of the liquid collection assembly. Thus, the liquid collection system disclosed herein reduces waste, makes the liquid collection assembly of the system reusable (e.g., after cleaning), prevents the release of body fluid from the porous cartridge, prevents damage to other components of the system, and can be easily used. The liquid collection system disclosed herein may include further improvements over conventional liquid collection systems, as described in more detail below.

[0014] Figures 1A through 1C are isometric front, isometric back, and top plan views, respectively, of a liquid collection system 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid collection system 100 taken along the 1D-1D plane shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E is a developed view of the liquid collection system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid collection system 100 includes a liquid collection assembly 102 and a porous cartridge 104. The liquid collection assembly 102 includes a body 106 and a connector piece 108. The porous cartridge 104 includes at least one porous material 109. The liquid collection system 100 further includes an arm 110 that may form a part of the liquid collection assembly 102 or the porous cartridge 108. The porous material 107 is configured to be disposed on the arm 110. The porous cartridge 104 is configured to be removably attached to the liquid collection assembly 102.

[0015] The body 106 of the liquid collection assembly 102 has a proximal region 112, a distal region 114 opposite the proximal region 112, a front side 116, and a back side 118 opposite the front side 116. Generally, in use, the distal region 114 is closer to the individual's gluteal cleft than the proximal region 112, and the front side 116 generally faces the individual's vaginal region. The body 106 may be formed from silicone, neoprene, thermoplastic elastomer, other liquid-impermeable materials, or combinations thereof.

[0016] The body 106 may have a central portion 120. In an embodiment, the central portion 120 includes portions of the body 106 other than the liquid reservoir 122 configured such that at least one of them contacts (supports) a part of the porous cartridge 104. In such an embodiment, the central portion 120 of the body 106 may include a bulge configured to contact the porous cartridge 104. The bulge may extend outwardly from the surface 115 of the body 106. The bulge may limit the amount of contact between the porous cartridge 104 and the body 106. This allows the body 106 to provide support to the porous cartridge 104 while substantially not restricting which parts of the porous cartridge 104 can contact the individual's vaginal region. In an embodiment, the central portion 120 may include portions of the body 106 other than the liquid reservoir 122 configured to contact or be integrally formed with the connector piece 108.

[0017] In an embodiment, the body 106 has one or more flanges extending from the central portion 120 and / or the liquid reservoir 122. The flanges may prevent or at least inhibit rotation of the liquid collection assembly 102 during use. The flanges may further increase the contact or pressing portion of the undergarment or other clothing against the liquid collection assembly 102. This may facilitate the fixation of the liquid collection system 100 to the individual's vaginal region. The flanges may further increase the width of the liquid collection assembly 102 sufficiently so that the individual's legs can contact the flanges. Contact of the individual's legs with the flanges can facilitate the fixation of the liquid collection assembly 102 to the individual. The flanges may further contact the individual's labia majora depending on the size of the individual's labia majora. Contact of the flanges with the labia majora may further inhibit rotation of the liquid collection assembly 102 during use and improve the comfort of the patient.

[0018] The flange may include any other part of the body 106 that is different from the central portion 120 and the liquid reservoir 122 of the body 106. In other words, the flange may extend laterally outward from the central portion 120 and the body 106. The flange may be distinguishable from the central portion 120 in that at least one of the flanges does not form part of a bulge, does not form part of a recess 124 that houses the conduit 126, and is thinner than the central portion 120 and is not attached to the connector piece 108. In embodiments, the flange may include a top flange 128 that forms a proximal region 112, a bottom flange 130 that forms a distal region 114 on the opposite side of the top flange 128, and at least one of one or more side flanges 132.

[0019] The flange of the body may extend from the central portion 120 at a distance in the range of about 1 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, about 3 mm or more, about 4 mm or more, about 5 mm or more, about 6 mm or more, about 7.5 mm or more, about 1 cm or more, about 1.25 cm or more, about 1.5 cm or more, about 2 cm or more, about 2.5 cm or more, about 3 cm or more, about 4 cm or more, about 5 cm or more, or about 1 mm to about 3 mm, about 2 mm to about 4 mm, about 3 mm to about 5 mm, about 4 mm to about 6 mm, about 5 mm to about 7.5 mm, about 6 mm to about 1 cm, about 7.5 mm to about 1.25 cm, about 1 cm to about 1.5 cm, about 1.25 cm to about 2 cm, about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm, about 2 cm to about 3 cm, about 2.5 cm to about 4 cm, or about 3 cm to about 5. The distance that the flange extends from the central portion 120 may be selected based on the assumed size of the individual's vaginal region (e.g., a larger flange is configured to be used for a larger vaginal region) or the rotational force that is assumed to be applied to the liquid collection assembly 102 during use. In some examples, at least a portion of the flange may extend further from the central portion 120 than other flanges. For example, some individuals may feel more comfortable with a longer bottom flange 130, so as shown, the bottom flange 130 may extend further from the central portion 120 than the top flange 128.

[0020] In an embodiment, one or more flanges may have a curved surface that is recessed relative to the front side 116 of the body 106. The curved surface of the flange may extend from the proximal region 112 to the distal region 114. Since the vaginal region is curved, the curved surface of the flange may enable the flange to better conform to the shape of the vaginal region. By conforming the flange to the shape of the vaginal region, the liquid collection assembly 102 may be made more comfortable, particularly when the flange contacts the labia majora, by more evenly distributing pressure throughout the vaginal region. In an embodiment, the central portion 120 may also have a curved surface that is recessed relative to the front side 116 of the body 106.

[0021] In an embodiment, the body 106 may have a liquid reservoir 122 at or near the distal region 114. The liquid reservoir 122 may extend outwardly from the front side 116 of the body 106. In use, the liquid reservoir 122 may be configured to be in liquid communication with the lowest point in the direction of gravity of the porous cartridge 104, near it, or in some other form. For example, the liquid reservoir 122 may receive a portion of the porous cartridge 104 therein. The liquid reservoir 122 may receive at least a portion of the arm 110. The liquid reservoir 122 may prevent or at least inhibit leakage of body fluid from the liquid collection assembly 102. The liquid reservoir 122 may include or at least be partially formed from at least a portion of a connector piece 108 (e.g., arm connector 134) disposed therein. The liquid reservoir 122 orients body fluid, any of which, toward the connector piece 108. The connector piece 108 may define one or more perforations configured to receive body fluid present in the liquid reservoir 122 therein.

[0022] In an embodiment, a central portion 120 of the main body 106 may define a recess 124 configured to receive the conduit 126. The recess 124 may extend from the proximal region 112 or in the vicinity thereof to the distal region 114 or in the vicinity thereof. Thereby, the conduit 126 can extend from the abdominal region of an individual or in the vicinity thereof to the connector piece 108. The bulge formed by the central portion 120 can facilitate the formation of the recess 124 without an increase in the thickness of the main body 106 that may reduce the compliance of the main body 106. Further, the presence of the recess 124 formed by the central portion 120 can reduce the thickness of the bulge. Thereby, the compliance of the main body 106 increases. By increasing the compliance of the central portion 120, at least one of the following can be achieved: the liquid collection system 100 can be more easily placed along the vaginal region, the use of the liquid collection system 100 can be more comfortable, and the liquid collection assembly 102 can be more easily fitted under underwear or other clothing.

[0023] In an embodiment, the recess 124 may be configured such that the body 106 covers less than 50% of the outer circumference of the conduit 126 and / or abuts against it. Thereby, the conduit 126 can freely enter and exit the recess 124 during use. Since the conduit 126 can freely enter and exit the recess 124, even if the conduit 126 bends so as to be separated from the vaginal region, the liquid collection system 100 can be easily arranged such that the porous cartridge 104 is adjacent to the vaginal region. Further, since the conduit 126 can freely enter and exit the recess 124, the movement of the conduit 126 can make it difficult for the porous cartridge 104 to move with respect to the vaginal region. This is because the movement of the porous cartridge 104 can cause leakage. In an embodiment, at least a part of the recess 124 may be configured such that the body 106 covers more than 50% (for example, from 51% to about 55%, from about 53% to about 57%, or from about 55% to about 60%) of the outer circumference of the conduit 126 and / or abuts against it. By covering more than 50% of the outer circumference of the conduit 126, the conduit 126 can be more firmly attached to the body 106, and the conduit 126 can provide an additional structure to the body 106. The ratio at which the body 106 covers and / or abuts against the conduit 126 can allow the conduit 126 to be easily fitted into and removed from the recess 124 due to the inherent elasticity of the body 106 and the conduit 126. Thus, the conduit 126 can be removed from the recess 124 so that the porous cartridge 104 is adjacent to the vaginal region or can be easily arranged when the conduit 126 moves.

[0024] The body 106 may have a length L measured from the proximal region 112 to the distal region 114. The length L of the body 106 may be about 20 cm or less, about 18 cm or less, about 16 cm or less, about 14 cm or less, about 12 cm or less, about 10 cm or less, about 9 cm or less, about 8 cm or less, about 7 cm or less, about 6 cm or less, 5 cm or less, about 4 cm or less, or from about 3 cm to about 5 cm, from about 4 cm to about 6 cm, from about 5 cm to about 7 cm, from about 6 cm to about 8 cm, from about 7 cm to about 9 cm, from about 8 cm to about 10 cm, from about 9 cm to about 12 cm, from about 10 cm to about 14 cm, from about 12 cm to about 16 cm, from about 14 cm to about 18 cm, or from about 16 cm to about 20 cm. Generally, the length of the body 106 is the maximum length of the liquid collection assembly 102 and the liquid collection system 100 excluding the conduit 126. Some conventional liquid collection assemblies and their liquid-impervious bodies may have a length of about 18 cm or more. On the other hand, the structure of the liquid collection system 100 may enable the body 106, and thus the liquid collection system 100 as a whole, to have a shorter length L than at least some conventional liquid collection assemblies. By shortening the length L of the body 106 and the liquid collection system 100, the liquid collection system 100 has more uniqueness compared to conventional liquid collection assemblies. Further, during use, by shortening the length L of the body 106, the liquid collection system 100 can be more spaced apart from an individual's gluteal cleft. Thereby, excrement moves from the gluteal cleft to the liquid collection system 100, reducing the possibility that the liquid collection system 100 interferes with the collection and excretion of excrement.

[0025] As described above, the liquid collection assembly 102 has a connector piece 108 that is attached to (e.g., by adhesion, welding, snap fit, etc.) or integrally formed with the body 106. The connector piece 108 is disposed at or near the distal region 114 of the body 106. Thereby, the connector piece 108 can accommodate body fluid flowing through the lowest point in the gravitational direction of the porous cartridge 104. In an embodiment, a part of the connector piece 108 may be disposed within the liquid reservoir 122 of the body 106. In an embodiment not shown, the connector piece 108 may form the liquid reservoir 122 in place of the body 106.

[0026] The connector piece 108 is configured to be connected to the arm 110 and the conduit 126. Thus, the connector piece 108 can have an arm connector 134 that is attached to the arm 110 or configured to be in liquid communication in some other form, and a conduit connector 136 that is attached to the conduit 126 or configured to be in liquid communication in some other form. The connector piece 108 is further configured such that the porous material 109 and the arm 110 can be in fluid communication with the conduit 126 even when the porous material 109 and the arm 110 are on the opposite side of the body 106 from the conduit 126. Thus, the connector piece 108 can have a channel 138 (e.g., a tube) extending from the arm connector 134 to the conduit connector 136. The channel 138 allows body fluid to flow from the front side 116 of the body 106 (e.g., from at least one of the porous cartridge 104, the arm 110, or the arm connector 134) to the back side 118 of the body 106 (e.g., to at least one of the conduit 126, the conduit connector 136). The body 106 can define a path that allows the connector piece 108 (e.g., the channel 138) to extend from the front side 116 to the back side 118.

[0027] The arm connector 134 of the connector piece 108 is disposed adjacent to the front side 116 of the main body 106. In one example, the arm connector 134 is at least partially disposed within the liquid reservoir 122 of the main body 106. As described above, the arm connector 134 is configured to be connected to the arm 110. For example, the arm connector 134 may have one or more first connector walls 140 that extend upward from an adjacent portion of the connector piece 108 (e.g., from the channel 138). The first connector wall 140 may be configured to receive the arm 110 or be received therein. The first connector wall 140 may define a first connector opening 142 at an upper portion (i.e., the portion most distant from the channel 138) or in the vicinity thereof. The first connector opening 142 is configured to receive body fluid from the arm 110 and provide a vacuum to the arm 110. The first connector wall 140 may further define one or more perforations (not shown) that are configured to receive one or more body fluids that are not received within the arm 110 and that are present within the liquid reservoir 122. The perforations may be formed in a portion of the first connector wall 140 adjacent to the channel 138 or in the vicinity thereof.

[0028] The conduit connector 136 of the connector piece 108 is disposed adjacent to the back side 118 of the main body 106. As described above, the conduit connector 136 is configured to be connected to the conduit 126. The conduit connector 136 may have one or more second connector walls 144 that extend upward from an adjacent portion of the connector piece 108 (e.g., from the channel 138). The second connector wall 144 may be configured to receive the conduit 126 or be received therein. The second connector wall 144 may define a second connector opening 146 at an upper portion (i.e., the portion most distant from the channel 138) or in the vicinity thereof. The second connector opening 146 is configured to provide body fluid received within the connector piece 108 to the conduit 126 and provide a vacuum to the channel 138.

[0029] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the connector piece 108 may have a rigidity that exceeds that of the main body 106. By making the rigidity of the connector piece 108 higher than that of the main body 106, the arm 110 and the conduit 126 may be more easily attached to the connector piece 108. In one example, when the connector piece 108 is formed of a material having a higher Young's modulus (elastic modulus), yield strength, or ultimate tensile strength than the material of the main body 106, the connector piece 108 may have a rigidity that exceeds that of the main body 106. In one example, when the thickness of the connector piece 108 exceeds that of the main body 106, the connector piece 108 may have a rigidity that exceeds that of the main body 106.

[0030] As described above, the liquid collection systems 100, 102 include the arm 110. The arm 110 may form part of the liquid collection assembly 102 (shown in FIG. 3) or may form part of the porous cartridge 104 (shown in FIG. 4). The arm 110 provides support to the porous material 109, enables the porous cartridge 104 to be detachably attached to the liquid collection assembly 102, accommodates body fluid from the porous material 109, and is configured to allow the accommodated body fluid to flow to the connector piece 108 and the conduit 126. In an embodiment, the arm 110 is detachably attached (e.g., by snap fit), non-detachably attached (e.g., by adhesion, welding, etc.) or integrally formed with respect to the arm connector 134 of the connector piece 108.

[0031] The arm 110 of the liquid collection assembly 102 may be an improvement over conventional liquid collection assemblies. For example, many conventional liquid collection systems introduce a vacuum at a portion of the porous material that is spaced from the location where the porous material contacts or is adjacent to the urethral opening. In this case, the vacuum near the urethral opening may be weakened. On the other hand, the arm 110 of the liquid collection assembly 120 disclosed herein may extend substantially throughout the porous material 109. Thereby, the vacuum may become more uniform or more targeted through the material 109 than in conventional liquid collection assemblies.

[0032] The arm 110 enables the porous cartridge 104 to be attached to the liquid collection assembly 102 without disposing most or all of the porous material 109 within a liquid-impermeable barrier (e.g., within the body 106). Thus, since the cross-sectional shape, width, and length of the porous material 109 are not restricted by the liquid-impermeable barrier, the arm 110 can provide the porous material 109 with various cross-sectional shapes, widths, and lengths. The arm 110 may have the same or a different cross-sectional shape as the porous material 109. The cross-sectional shape of the arm 110 can affect the distribution of the vacuum provided to the porous material 109. For example, the arm 110 can provide a uniform vacuum by the porous material 109 when the arm 110 has the same cross-sectional shape as the porous material 109. On the other hand, the arm 110 can provide a more targeted vacuum when the arm 110 has a different cross-sectional shape from the porous material 109. In one example, the arm 110 can have a generally circular cross-section, a cross-sectional shape having at least one vertex (e.g., a generally triangular cross-sectional shape or a generally circular cross-sectional shape with edges protruding to form vertices), or any other suitable cross-sectional shape.

[0033] The arm 110 provides support to the porous material 109. In some examples, the arm 110 can be flexible (e.g., formed from a flexible material) such that the porous material 109 can be bent to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the vaginal region. By bending the porous material 109 to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the vaginal region, leakage of body fluid can be minimized. Examples of materials that can form the flexible arm 110 can include high-density polyethylene or low-density polyethylene.

[0034] The arm 110 may have one or more arm walls 148. The arm wall 148 defines a bottom 152. The bottom 152 is configured to attach the arm 110 to the arm connector 134 of the connector piece 108. The bottom 152 may further define at least one arm opening 153 that enables the arm 110 to be in fluid communication with the connector piece 108. For example, the bottom 152 is configured to receive or be disposed within the arm connector 134. Thereby, body fluid flows through the bottom 152, exits from the arm opening 152, and flows into the connector piece 108. The arm wall 148 further defines a cavity 150 that extends upward from the arm opening 135 and one or more perforations 154 that penetrate the arm wall 148. The perforations 154 allow body fluid within the porous material 109 to flow through the arm wall 148 and be accommodated within the cavity 150. The body fluid accommodated within the cavity 150 may flow to the arm opening 153 and into the connector piece 108. The bottom 152, the cavity 152, and the perforations 154 can also provide a vacuum to the porous material 109.

[0035] How vacuum is provided to the porous material 109 is determined by the position of the perforations 154. In one example, the perforations 154 can extend from the bottom 152 or near it to the upper side 156 of the arm 110 or near it (i.e., the opposite side of the bottom 152 of the arm 110). Thereby, unlike some conventional liquid collection assemblies that introduce vacuum near the bottom of the porous material, the vacuum can be provided substantially uniformly along the length of the porous material 109. In one example, the perforations 154 can be disposed on the upper side 156 of the arm 110. Thereby, it is ensured that the vacuum is provided to adjacent portions of the porous material 109 (see FIG. 2E). In embodiments, the surface area density of the perforations 154 can generally be uniform. Thereby, the vacuum is provided more uniformly through the porous material 109. In embodiments, the surface area density of the perforations 154 can be non-uniform. Thereby, the vacuum is provided more preferentially to specific locations of the porous material 109, such as portions of the porous material 109 that are considered to accommodate more body fluid than other locations. By providing the vacuum more preferentially to specific locations of the porous material 109, the removal rate of body fluid from the relevant locations of the porous material 109 can be increased. In one example, the surface area density of the perforations 154 can be higher at locations on the arm wall 148 that are more spaced from the front side 116 of the main body 106 than at portions closer to the front side 116 of the arm wall 148. This is because body fluid is more likely to be accommodated in portions of the porous material 109 that are more spaced from the front side 116. In one example, the surface area density of the perforations 154 in the upper side 156 or near it (e.g., the upper half of the arm 110) can be higher than the surface area density of the perforations 154 at the bottom 152 (e.g., the lower half of the arm 110) or near it. Generally, this is because the urethral orifice is disposed adjacent to the upper half of the porous material 109.

[0036] In embodiments, as shown, the perforations 154 can include one or more elongated slits that extend along at least half of the length of the arm 110. In embodiments, the perforations 154 can include generally circular cutouts formed in the arm wall 148.

[0037] In an embodiment, the arm 110 may have one or more arm flanges 158 extending from an arm wall 148 of the bottom 152. The arm flange 158 may prevent over-insertion of the porous material 109 on the arm 110 such that the porous material 109 is damaged (e.g., the arm 110 penetrates through the porous material 109). The arm flange 158 may further provide support to the liquid reservoir 122 and / or may snap-fit the arm 110 into the liquid reservoir 122. In one example, the arm flange 158 may define one or more flange perforations 160 that allow body fluid to flow through the arm flange 158 to the lowest point in the gravitational direction of the liquid reservoir 122. Thereafter, the body fluid may be removed from the liquid reservoir 122 through the arm connector 134 or one or more perforations formed in the arm wall 148 adjacent to the bottom 152.

[0038] As described above, in an embodiment, the arm 110 may form part of the liquid collection assembly 102 instead of forming part of the porous cartridge 104. In such an embodiment, the arm 110 is attached to a body 106 (e.g., the liquid reservoir 122). The porous cartridge 104 may be removably attached to the liquid collection assembly 102 by sliding the porous material 109 along the arm 110. Removing the porous cartridge 104 from the liquid collection assembly 102 may include sliding the porous material 109 away from the arm 110. In an embodiment, the arm 110 may not form part of the liquid collection assembly 102, but instead may form part of a disposable cartridge attached to the liquid collection assembly 102. In such an embodiment, the arm 110 is attached to the porous cartridge 104. Attaching the porous cartridge 104 to the liquid collection assembly 102 includes attaching the arm 110 to the arm connector 134. Removing the porous cartridge 104 from the liquid collection assembly 102 includes removing the arm 110 from the arm connector 134. Note that including the arm 110 in the disposable cartridge results in more waste during use of the liquid collection system 100, while reducing the surface area of the liquid collection assembly 102 that may require cleaning.

[0039] As described above, the liquid collection assembly 102 may have a conduit 126. The conduit 126 can be used for the removal of body fluid from the connector piece 108. The conduit 126 has at least one wall that defines an inlet 162, an outlet 163 downstream of the inlet 162, and a path 164. The inlet 162 can be attached to the conduit connector 136 or otherwise be in liquid communication. For example, the inlet 162 can accommodate or be accommodated by the conduit connector 136. The outlet 163 of the conduit 126 can be operatively coupled to a vacuum source such as a vacuum pump.

[0040] As described above, the porous cartridge 104 has at least one porous material 109. As shown in FIG. 1D, the porous material 109 has at least one of a liquid-permeable membrane 166 and a liquid-permeable support 168. In an embodiment, the porous material 109 can be configured to draw any body fluid from the outside thereof toward the arm 110. Permeability as referred to herein can be suction, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and is described herein as "permeation" and / or "suction." The properties of "suction" and / or "permeation" may not involve the adsorption of body fluid into a part of the porous material 109, such as not involving the absorption of body fluid into the liquid-permeable support 168. In other words, even if the material is exposed to body fluid and removed from the body fluid for a while, absorption or dissolution of the body fluid into the material may substantially cease. Although it is desirable that no absorption or dissolution occurs at all, the expression "substantially no absorption occurs" may allow for a small amount of absorption or dissolution of body fluid into the porous material 109 (e.g., absorbent). This amount is less than about 30 weight percent, less than about 20 weight percent, less than about 10 weight percent, less than about 7 weight percent, less than about 5 weight percent, less than about 3 weight percent, less than about 2 weight percent, less than about 1 weight percent, less than about 0.5 weight percent, etc. of the dry weight of the porous cartridge 104. In an embodiment, the porous material 109 can have at least one absorbent or adsorbent material.

[0041] In an embodiment, the porous material 109 may include a liquid-permeable membrane 166 disposed on the outer surface 170 of the liquid-permeable support 168. The liquid-permeable membrane 166 may cover at least a portion (e.g., the whole) of the outer surface 170. The liquid-permeable membrane 166 may be configured to suck up body fluid from outside the porous material 109 (e.g., from the vaginal area such as the urethral orifice). Thereby, leakage of body fluid from the porous material 109 is prevented.

[0042] In an embodiment, the liquid-permeable membrane 166 may include any material capable of sucking up body fluid. For example, the liquid-permeable membrane 166 may include a cloth such as gauze (e.g., silk, linen, or cotton gauze), other flexible cloth, other smooth cloth, a non-woven material, or any other porous material disclosed herein. By forming the liquid-permeable membrane 166 of gauze, flexible cloth, and / or smooth cloth, rubbing caused by the porous material 109 can be reduced.

[0043] The porous material 109 may have a liquid-permeable support 168. The liquid-permeable support 168 is configured to support a liquid-permeable membrane 166. This is because the liquid-permeable membrane 166 may be a material that is relatively easy to fold, brittle, or otherwise deformable. The liquid-permeable support 168 may include any material that can suck up, absorb, adsorb, or otherwise transport liquids in other forms, such as any of the liquid-permeable membrane materials described above in the disclosure of this specification. For example, the liquid-permeable membrane material(s) may be utilized in a higher density or more rigid form than the liquid-permeable membrane 166 when used as the liquid-permeable support 168. The liquid-permeable support 168 may be formed of any liquid-permeable material that is less deformable than the liquid-permeable membrane 166. For example, the liquid-permeable support 168 may include a porous polymer (e.g., nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) structure or an open-cell foam such as spun nylon fibers. In some examples, the liquid-permeable support 168 may include a non-woven material. In some examples, the liquid-permeable support 168 may be formed from natural materials such as cotton, wool, silk, or a combination thereof. In such examples, the material may be coated, such as with a water-repellent coating, to prevent or limit the absorption of liquid into the material. In some examples, the liquid-permeable support 168 may be formed from cloth, felt, gauze, or a combination thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the liquid-permeable membrane 166 may be optional. For example, the porous material 109 may have a liquid-permeable support 168 (shown in FIG. 2D). In some examples, the liquid-permeable support 168 may optionally be omitted from the porous material 109. For example, the porous material 109 may have only the liquid-permeable membrane 166. In embodiments, the porous material 109 may have alternative or additional layers with respect to at least one of the liquid-permeable membrane 166 and the liquid-permeable support 168.

[0045] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the porous material 109 (e.g., one or more liquid-permeable membranes 166 or, more preferably, the liquid-permeable support 168) can be hydrophobic. When the contact angle of the porous material 109 with water (the main component of body fluid) exceeds about 90°, such as in the range of about 90° to about 120°, about 105° to about 135°, about 120° to about 150°, about 135° to about 175°, or about 150° to about 180°, the porous material 109 can be hydrophobic. The hydrophobicity of the porous material 109 can limit the absorption, adsorption, and dissolution of body fluid within the porous material 109. Thus, the amount of body fluid retained within the porous cartridge 104 is reduced. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the porous material 109 can be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In an embodiment, the liquid-permeable support 168 is more hydrophobic (e.g., has a larger contact angle with water) than the liquid-permeable membrane 166. If the hydrophobicity of the liquid-permeable membrane 166 is low, the porous material 109 can more easily accommodate body fluid from the urethral orifice. On the other hand, the hydrophobicity of the liquid-permeable support 168 restricts the body fluid retained within the porous material 109.

[0046] The porous material 109 can have at least one inner surface 172 (e.g., the inner surface 172 of the liquid-permeable support 168) that defines a hollow region 174. The hollow region 174 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the arm 110. For example, the hollow region 174 can generally have a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the arm 110. Thereby, the porous material 109 can slide on the arm 110. In some embodiments, the hollow region 174 can have a size slightly smaller than the arm 110. In such embodiments, by sliding the porous material 109 on the arm 110, the porous material 109 can elastically deform and be pressed against the arm 110. This can contribute to fixing the porous material 109 to the arm 110.

[0047] As described above, since the porous material 109 is not disposed within the liquid-impermeable barrier, it can have various shapes. In one example, the porous material 109 can have a generally circular cross-sectional shape (e.g., generally cylindrical shape). In one example, the porous material 109 can have a generally elliptical cross-sectional shape. In one example, the porous material 109 can have a cross-sectional shape having a vertex 176, such as a generally triangular cross-sectional shape or a generally circular cross-sectional shape with one or more sides protruding to form a vertex. The vertex 176 can facilitate insertion of the porous material 109 between the folds of the individual's labia minora. This can contribute to the fixation of the liquid collection system 100 to the individual's vaginal region. The vertex 176 can enable the porous material 109 to be disposed adjacent (e.g., in contact) to the urethral orifice. Thereby, the possibility of body fluid leakage from the liquid collection system 100 can be reduced.

[0048] In some embodiments, as described above, the porous material 109 is not disposed within a liquid-impermeable material. Thereby, body fluid can be removed more effectively by the porous material 109 than in at least some conventional liquid collection assemblies. For example, a conventional liquid collection assembly can have a liquid-impermeable body surrounding most of its porous material. Thereby, the proportion of the porous material that can contact the vaginal region is limited. The liquid collection system disclosed herein may not include a liquid-impermeable material disposed on the porous cartridge 104, except for a limited contact between the porous material 109, the bulge, and the liquid reservoir 122. Thus, the porous material 109 can freely contact more portions of the individual's vaginal region than the porous material of a conventional liquid collection system. Thereby, the individual can feel drier after urination.

[0049] In some embodiments (not shown), the porous material 109 can have a liquid-impermeable layer disposed on at least one or more portions thereof. The liquid-impermeable layer can be disposed on a portion of the porous material 109 that is less likely to contact the individual's vaginal region during use. The liquid-impermeable layer can prevent body fluid from leaking from the portion of the porous material 109. Further, a vacuum can be directed to a portion of the porous material 109 that is more likely to contact the vaginal region.

[0050] In some embodiments (not shown), the porous material 109 may have one or more inner support portions therein configured to provide a structure to the porous material 109. The one or more inner support portions may further facilitate fixing of the porous material 109, for example, by forming a snap fit to at least one of the main body 106 and the connector piece 108.

[0051] The liquid collection system 100 shown in FIGS. 1A - 1E is merely an example of a liquid collection system. For example, FIGS. 2A - 2C are an isometric rear view, an isometric front view, and a back plane view of a liquid collection system 200 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the liquid collection system 200 along the 2D - 2D plane shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2E is a developed view of the liquid collection system 200. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the liquid collection system 200 is the same as, or substantially similar to, any liquid collection system disclosed herein. For example, the liquid collection system 200 may include a liquid collection assembly 202 and a porous cartridge 204 removably attached to the liquid collection assembly 202. The liquid collection assembly 202 may have a main body 206 and a connector piece 208. The porous cartridge 204 may have at least one porous material 209. The liquid collection system 200 may further have an arm 210 that may form part of the liquid collection assembly 202 or the porous cartridge 204.

[0052] As described above, the flange may extend at various distances from the central portion 220. The extension distance from the central portion 220 of the flange may depend on personal preference and the comfort felt by an individual. In some embodiments, some individuals may feel comfortable with the bottom flange 230. In such embodiments, the bottom flange 230 may extend a long distance from the central portion 220, as shown in FIGS. 1A - 1E. In some embodiments, some individuals may feel less comfortable with the bottom flange 230 than with other flanges. In such embodiments, the bottom flange 230 may extend a shorter distance from the central portion 220 than the other flanges (illustrated in FIGS. 2A - 2E), or the bottom flange 230 may be completely omitted.

[0053] As described above, the arm 210 has one or more perforations 254 formed in one or more arm walls 248, and the perforations 254 can have various shapes. In an embodiment, as shown, the perforations 254 are substantially similar to one or more elongated slits shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, but a lattice structure can be formed by the elongated slits being interrupted by one or more generally horizontal beams 277. The horizontal beams 277 can provide additional structure (e.g., rigidity and / or strength) to the arm 210.

[0054] The lateral dimension (e.g., diameter) of the porous material 209 is variable. In an embodiment, the porous material 209 has an upper region 278 and a bottom region 280. The upper region 278 and the bottom region 280 may have different lateral dimensions. For example, the bottom region 280 includes a portion of the porous material 209 configured to be disposed within the reservoir 222 of the liquid collection assembly 202. Thus, the bottom region 280 may have a first lateral dimension that allows the bottom region 280 to be disposed within the reservoir 222 of the liquid collection assembly 302. The upper region 278 may include a portion of the porous material 209 that is not disposed within the reservoir 222. Thus, the upper region 278 may have a second lateral dimension different from the first lateral dimension of the bottom region 280. This is because the second lateral dimension of the upper region 278 is not limited by the dimensions of the reservoir 222. For example, as shown in the figure, the upper region 278 may have a second lateral dimension longer than the first lateral dimension. In another example, the upper region 278 may have a second lateral dimension shorter than the first lateral dimension. Thus, the upper and bottom regions 278, 280 of the porous material 209 allow the liquid collection assembly 202 to be used with porous materials of various thicknesses. The porous material 209 may be compressed during use. The upper region 278, which is wider than the bottom region 280, may accommodate such compression. For example, if the upper region 278 were not wider than the bottom region 280, a gap may be formed between the porous material 209 and the reservoir 222 when the porous material 209 is compressed. Body fluid may leak through the gap. The wider upper region 278 prevents, or at least inhibits, the formation of such a gap. The upper region 278, which is wider than the bottom region 280, may further improve the comfort of the liquid collection system 200. For example, the wider upper region 278 may at least partially prevent the formation of a step between the porous material 209 and the reservoir 222 that may undesirably push the reservoir 222 into the vaginal region of an individual.

[0055] In an embodiment not shown, the cross-sectional shape of the porous material 209 can be variable. For example, the bottom region 280 can have a first cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the liquid reservoir 222. Thereby, the bottom region 280 can be disposed within the liquid reservoir 222. On the other hand, the upper region 278 can have a second cross-sectional shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the liquid reservoir 222. Therefore, the upper and bottom regions 278, 280 of the porous material 209 enable the use of the liquid collection assembly 202 with porous materials having various cross-sectional shapes.

[0056] As described above, the arm of the liquid collection system can form part of the liquid collection assembly. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of a liquid collection system 300 according to an embodiment, showing spaced-apart liquid collection assembly 302 and porous cartridge 304. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the liquid collection system 300 is the same as or substantially similar to any liquid collection system disclosed herein. For example, the liquid collection assembly 302 can have a body 306 and a connector piece 308. The porous cartridge 304 can have at least one porous material 309.

[0057] The liquid collection system 300 has an arm 310. The arm 310 forms part of the liquid collection assembly 302. For example, the bottom (not shown, not visible) of the arm 310 can be disposed within the liquid reservoir 322 of the body 306. The bottom of the arm 310 can be attached (e.g., non-detachably attached) to at least one of the liquid reservoir 322 and the other components of the liquid collection assembly 302. For example, the bottom of the arm 310 can be attached to the liquid reservoir 322 or the other components of the liquid collection assembly 302 by adhesion, sewing, snap fitting, or any other suitable attachment.

[0058] The arm 310 is configured to removably connect the porous cartridge 304 to the liquid collection assembly 300. For example, as described above, the porous material 309 may define a hollow region (e.g., the hollow region 174 shown in FIG. 1D). By disposing the upper portion 356 of the arm 310 adjacent to the opening of the hollow region and sliding the arm wall 348 of the arm 310 into the hollow region, the porous cartridge 304 can be attached to the arm 310. The arm flange (e.g., the arm flange 158 shown in FIG. 1E) prevents over-insertion of the porous material 309 onto the arm 310. Further, by inserting the arm 310 into the hollow region, a portion of the porous cartridge 304 can be disposed within the liquid reservoir 322. This can contribute to fixing the porous cartridge 304 to the liquid collection assembly 302 by interference fit. The porous cartridge 304 can then be removed from the liquid collection assembly 302 by sliding the arm 310 out of the hollow region of the porous material 309.

[0059] As described above, the arm of the liquid collection system may form a part of the porous cartridge. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of a liquid collection system 400 according to an embodiment, showing the liquid collection assembly 402 and the porous cartridge 404 spaced apart from each other. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the liquid collection system 400 is the same as, or substantially similar to, any liquid collection system disclosed herein. For example, the liquid collection system 400 includes a liquid collection assembly 402 having a body 406 and a connector piece 408. The liquid collection system 400 further includes a porous cartridge 404 having at least one porous material 409.

[0060] The liquid collection system 400 has an arm 410. The arm 410 forms part of a porous cartridge 409. For example, the arm wall (not shown, not visible) of the arm 410 can be disposed within the hollow region of the porous material 409. The arm 410 can be attached to the porous material 409 using any suitable technique. For example, the arm 410 can be attached to the porous material 409 by adhesion, sewn to the porous material 409, form an interference fit with the porous material when disposed within its hollow region, or can have protrusions (e.g., hose-like protrusions with an extending outer periphery) for attaching the arm 410 to the porous material 409. Note that during the assembly of the porous cartridge 404, the arm flange 458 of the arm 410 can prevent over-insertion of the porous material 409 onto the arm 410.

[0061] In an embodiment, the arm 410 can be configured to be removably connected to the liquid collection assembly 400 to the porous cartridge 404. This is achieved by disposing the bottom 152 of the arm 410 within the liquid reservoir 422 of the liquid collection assembly 402. Accordingly, the porous cartridge 404 is removably connected to the liquid collection assembly 402. For example, disposing the bottom 152 within the liquid reservoir 422 can attach the porous cartridge 404 to the liquid collection assembly 402 by forming an interference fit between the bottom 452 and the liquid reservoir 422. Further, by inserting the bottom 452 of the arm 410 into the liquid reservoir 422, a portion of the porous material 409 can be disposed within the liquid reservoir 422. This can contribute to fixing the porous cartridge 404 to the liquid collection assembly 402 by interference fit. Thereafter, by removing the bottom 452 of the arm 410 from the liquid reservoir 422, the porous cartridge 404 can be removed from the liquid collection assembly 402.

[0062] The liquid collection system disclosed above utilizes an arm to removably attach a porous cartridge to the liquid collection system. On the other hand, the liquid collection system may have one or more anchors that are different from the arm for removably attaching the porous cartridge to the liquid collection system. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of a liquid collection system 500 having one or more anchors 590 according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the liquid collection system 500 may be the same as or substantially similar to any liquid collection system disclosed herein. For example, the liquid collection system 500 may include a liquid collection assembly 502 having a body 506 and a connector piece (not shown, not visible). The liquid collection system 500 may further have at least one porous cartridge 504 removably attached to the liquid collection assembly 502. The porous cartridge 504 has at least one porous material 509. The liquid collection system 500 may further have an arm 510 forming a part of one of the liquid collection assembly 502 and the porous cartridge 504.

[0063] The anchor 590 of the liquid collection system 500 is configured to removably attach the liquid collection assembly 502 and the porous cartridge 504 to each other. In an embodiment, the anchor 590 includes at least one first anchor 592 and at least one second anchor 594 that are configured to be removably attached to each other. The first anchor 592 may be attached to or form a part of the liquid collection assembly 502 (e.g., the body 506). The second anchor 594 may be attached to or form a part of the porous cartridge 504 (e.g., the porous material 509). Note that the anchor 590 may include only one or three or more anchors attached to or integrally formed with the liquid collection assembly 502 or the porous cartridge 504.

[0064] In a specific example, as shown in the figure, the first anchor 592 is a T-shaped track that defines a channel. The second anchor 594 has a head attached to the shaft, and the head of the second anchor 594 is configured to fit into and slide along the channel of the T-shaped track. In such an example, the first and second anchors 592, 594 are attached to each other by placing the head of the second anchor 594 into the channel of the first anchor 592 and sliding the head along the channel. Note that the anchor 590 may include another anchor other than the anchor 590 shown in FIG. 5. In one example, the anchor includes one or more magnets and at least one of one or more ferromagnetic materials and diamagnetic magnets. In such an example, one of the liquid collection assembly 502 and the porous cartridge 504 includes a magnet disposed therein or attached thereto, and the other of the liquid collection assembly 502 and the porous cartridge 504 includes a ferromagnetic material and / or a diamagnetic magnet disposed therein or attached thereto. In one example, the anchor 590 may include a low-adhesion adhesive disposed on one or both surfaces (one or more) of the liquid collection assembly 502 and the porous cartridge 504. In one example, the anchor 590 may include a snap, a hook-and-loop fastener, a thread, a clamp, a tape, other suitable fasteners, or a combination thereof.

[0065] In an embodiment, the arm 510 is configured to fix the porous cartridge 404 to the liquid collection assembly 402 together with the anchor 590. In an embodiment, the arm 510 is not configured to fix the porous cartridge 504 to the liquid collection assembly 502. In such an embodiment, the bottom 552 may be omitted or may not form an attachment with the liquid reservoir 522, the arm 510 may be omitted, or the arm 510 may be in other forms and may not fix the porous cartridge 504 to the liquid collection assembly 502.

[0066] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to bend at least the porous cartridge so that it conforms to the shape of the vaginal region. By conforming the porous cartridge to the shape of the vaginal region, the proportion of body fluid contained within the porous material can be increased, and leakage of body fluid from the porous material can be inhibited. Contact between an individual's leg and the liquid collection system can be utilized to maintain the bending of the porous cartridge. However, it can be difficult to maintain such contact when the individual is slender or mobile. Thus, in some embodiments, the liquid collection system disclosed herein may have a shape memory material configured to maintain the shape of the porous cartridge. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a liquid collection system 600 along its longitudinal axis, according to an embodiment. The liquid collection system 600 has at least one shape memory material 696 configured to maintain the desired shape of the porous cartridge 604. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the liquid collection system 600 is the same as, or substantially similar to, any liquid collection system disclosed herein. For example, the liquid collection system 600 may include a liquid collection assembly 602 and a porous cartridge 604. The liquid collection assembly 602 may have a body 606 and a connector piece (not shown). The porous cartridge 604 has at least one porous material 609. The liquid collection system 600 further has an arm 610 that may form part of the liquid collection assembly 602 or the porous cartridge 604.

[0067] The shape memory material 696 is sized, shaped, and arranged within the liquid collection system 600 such that at least the porous cartridge 604 (e.g., the porous material 609) retains a selected shape, such as a shape corresponding to the shape of the vaginal region. The shape memory material 696 is configured to be deformed in bending, shaping, or other forms (hereinafter collectively referred to as "shaping," "shaped," "shaping"). The shape memory material 696 can be more rigid and / or elastic than other parts of the liquid collection system 600 (e.g., the porous material 609). Thereby, at least a portion of the liquid collection system 600 corresponds to the selected shape of the shape memory material 696.

[0068] The shape memory material 696 may include at least one polymer and / or at least one metal. Generally, the shape memory material is configured to assume a temporary or permanent shape in response to a stimulus. The stimulus may include an external physical force (bending force), heat, an electrical bias, or a magnetic field. The term "shape memory material" is used herein to represent several "shape memory materials", but in some examples, materials described separately as "shape memory materials" do not necessarily have to return to the originally selected shape in response to being stimulated, as understood from the general definition of "shape memory material". Rather, at least a portion of the shape memory materials disclosed herein can simply maintain the selected shape regardless of subsequent stimuli when bent, fixed, or solidified into a particular shape and / or cooled to a particular shape. The shape memory material can return to its original shape or change to a new shape when stimulated. For example, a metal wire bent into a first shape can be utilized as a shape memory material, and then the metal wire can be deformed into a second shape by applying a physical force or heat. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the shape memory material can have a selected shape, and by applying a particular stimulus, the shape memory material can be deformed into an intermediate shape (e.g., elastic deformation or bending). In such embodiments, the shape memory material can return to its initial shape when the stimulus is removed so as not to maintain the intermediate shape.

[0069] In an embodiment, the shape memory material may include one or more metals such as a single metal, an alloy, or a shape memory alloy. Suitable shape memory metals can include aluminum, silver, copper, iron, nickel, zinc, tin, beryllium, steel (e.g., carbon steel, tempered steel, stainless steel), nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., nitinol), copper-based alloys (e.g., Cu-Zn-Al, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Al-Sn), other suitable metals, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the shape memory material may include one or more polymers. Suitable shape memory polymers can include polyurethane-based shape memory polymers, thermoplastic polymers, polynorbornene, other suitable polymers, or combinations thereof.

[0070] In an embodiment, as shown, the shape memory material 696 can be disposed, attached, or incorporated inside the arm 610. For example, as shown, the shape memory material 696 can be a wire disposed within the arm 610. The shape memory material 696 can extend across the entire length, substantially the entire length, or a portion of the length of the shape memory material arm 610. The shape memory material 696 can be formed into and maintain a selected shape. The shape memory material 696 can cause the arm 610 to have a shape generally following the selected shape of the shape memory material 696. Further, due to the arm 610, the porous material 609 can have a shape corresponding to the shapes of the arm 610 and the shape memory material 696. This is because during use, the arm 610 is disposed within the porous material 609.

[0071] In addition to or instead of the arm 610, the shape memory material 696 can be disposed within other components of the liquid collection system 600. For example, in addition to or instead of disposing, attaching, or incorporating the shape memory material 696 inside the arm 610, the shape memory material 696 can be disposed, attached, or incorporated inside the body 606 (such as a flange, bulge, liquid reservoir, etc.), the conduit 626, or the porous material 609. Note that the arm 610 has a greater influence on the shape of the entire porous material 609 and the porous cartridge 604 than the body 606 and the conduit 626. Therefore, the shape of the shape memory material 696 in the arm 610 can better control the shape of the porous material 609 than when the shape memory material 696 is disposed within the body 606 or the conduit 626. Also, when the shape memory material 696 is removed from the arm 610, the shape of the removed shape memory material 696 is less likely to protrude outside the porous material 609 than when a portion of the shape memory material 696 forming the porous material 609 is removed.

[0072] Further examples of shape memory materials that can be used in the liquid collection system disclosed herein are disclosed in PCT International Application No. PCT / US2020 / 042262, filed July 16, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 451,354, filed October 19, 2021. Each disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0073] The liquid collection system disclosed herein may have a plurality of porous cartridges. The plurality of porous cartridges allows for the replacement of a used porous cartridge (e.g., a porous cartridge containing body fluid) with a new porous cartridge. Thereby, the liquid collection assembly disclosed herein is reusable. In embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of porous cartridges of the liquid collection system are substantially identical. In such embodiments, a used porous cartridge can be replaced with a substantially identical new porous cartridge.

[0074] As described above, any liquid collection system disclosed herein can be used with a plurality of porous cartridges. In embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of porous cartridges can be different. For example, different porous cartridges can have different widths, different lengths, be made of different materials, or have different cross-sectional shapes. Unlike conventional liquid collection assemblies that can only have porous materials of a single size, in the case of a plurality of different porous cartridges, an individual using the liquid collection assembly can select a porous cartridge that fits better with the individual's vaginal area or a porous cartridge that the individual feels more comfortable with.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of a portion of a liquid collection system 700 having a plurality of porous cartridges having different lateral dimensions, according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the liquid collection system 700 and the plurality of porous cartridges are the same as, or substantially similar to, any liquid collection system and plurality of porous cartridges disclosed herein. The plurality of porous cartridges includes a first porous cartridge 704a and a second porous cartridge 704b. However, the liquid collection system 700 may have one or more additional porous cartridges.

[0076] The first porous cartridge 704 has a first lateral dimension. The first porous cartridge 704a may have the first lateral dimension along its entire length. The first lateral dimension may be sufficient to fit the first porous cartridge 704a within a fluid reservoir. The second porous cartridge 704b has an upper region 778b and a bottom region 780b. The upper region 778b has a second lateral dimension that is different (larger) from the first lateral dimension. The bottom region 780 has the first lateral dimension that allows the bottom region 780 to fit within a fluid reservoir. Thus, the first and second porous cartridges 704a, 704b have different lateral dimensions but may be used with the same liquid collection assembly (e.g., fit within the same fluid reservoir). An individual using the liquid collection system 700 may select the first or second porous cartridge 704a, 704b based on the size of the individual's vaginal region (e.g., an individual may select the first porous cartridge 704a and the second porous cartridge 704b when the vaginal region is relatively small and relatively large, respectively) or based on what the individual feels most comfortable with.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a side plan view of a portion of a liquid collection system 800 that includes a plurality of porous cartridges having different lengths, according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the liquid collection system 800 and the plurality of porous cartridges are the same as, or substantially similar to, any liquid collection system and plurality of porous cartridges disclosed herein. The plurality of porous cartridges includes a first porous cartridge 804a and a second porous cartridge 804b. However, the liquid collection system 800 may have one or more additional porous cartridges.

[0078] The first porous cartridge 804a has a first length. The second porous cartridge 804b has a second transverse dimension that is different from (larger than) the first transverse dimension. A person using the liquid collection system 800 can select the first or second porous cartridge 804a, 804b based on the size of the person's vaginal area (e.g., the person can select the first porous cartridge 804a and the second porous cartridge 804b when the vaginal area is relatively small and relatively large, respectively) or based on what the person feels most comfortable with.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a liquid collection system 900 for liquid collection according to an embodiment. The liquid collection system 900 includes a liquid collection assembly 902, at least one porous cartridge 904, a liquid storage container 990, and a vacuum source 992. The liquid collection assembly 902 and the porous cartridge 904 can be the same as or substantially similar to any liquid collection assembly and porous cartridge 904 disclosed herein. The liquid collection assembly 902, the porous cartridge 904, the liquid storage container 990, and the vacuum source 992 can be liquid-connected to each other through one or more conduits 926. For example, the liquid collection assembly 902 can be operatively coupled to one or more of the liquid storage container 990 and the vacuum source 992 via the conduit 926. Body fluids collected within the liquid collection assembly 902 and the porous cartridge 904 can be removed from the liquid collection assembly 902 and the porous cartridge 904 through the conduit 926. A vacuum can be introduced into the liquid collection assembly 902 and the porous cartridge 904 through the inlet of the conduit 926 in response to a suction force (e.g., vacuum) applied at the outlet of the conduit 926.

[0080] The vacuum source 992 can apply a vacuum directly or indirectly to the outlet of the conduit 926. The suction force can be applied indirectly through the liquid storage container 990. For example, the outlet of the conduit 926 can be disposed within the liquid storage container 990, and an additional conduit 926 can extend from the liquid storage container 990 to the vacuum source 992. Thus, the vacuum source 992 can apply suction to the liquid collection assembly 902 and the porous cartridge 904 through the liquid storage container 990. The suction force can be applied directly through the vacuum source 992. For example, the outlet of the conduit 926 can be disposed within the vacuum source 992. An additional conduit 926 can extend from the vacuum source 992 to a portion external to the liquid collection assembly 902, such as the liquid storage container 990. In this example, the vacuum source 992 can be disposed between the liquid collection assembly 902 and the liquid storage container 990.

[0081] The liquid storage container 990 can be sized and shaped to hold body fluid therein. The liquid storage container 990 can include a bag (e.g., a drainage bag), a bottle or a cup (e.g., a collection bottle), or any other sealed container that stores body fluid such as urine. In some examples, the conduit 926 can extend from the liquid collection assembly 902 and be attached at a first point inside the liquid storage container 990. An additional conduit 926 can be attached at a second point on the liquid storage container 990, extend to and be attached to a vacuum source 992. Thus, a vacuum can be extracted (e.g., suctioned) through the liquid storage container 990, through the liquid collection assembly 902, and through the porous cartridge 904. Body fluid such as urine can be discharged from the liquid collection assembly 902 and the porous cartridge 904 using the vacuum source 992.

[0082] The vacuum source 992 can include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, an electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetic drive pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to generate a vacuum. The vacuum source 992 can provide a vacuum or suction to remove body fluid from the liquid collection assembly 902 and the porous cartridge 904. In some examples, the vacuum source 992 can be driven by one or more power cords (e.g., connected to an outlet), one or more batteries, or even a manual power source (e.g., a manual vacuum pump). In some examples, the vacuum source 992 can be sized and shaped to fit outside, on, or inside the liquid collection assembly 902. For example, the vacuum source 992 can include one or more small pumps, or one or more micropumps. The vacuum source 992 disclosed herein can include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote control, or any other device suitable for operating the vacuum source 992.

[0083] Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0084] Terms indicating degree (e.g., "about", "substantially", "generally", etc.) indicate structurally and functionally insignificant variations. In one example, when a term indicating degree is included in a term indicating quantity, the term indicating degree is construed as ±10%, ±5%, or +2% of the term indicating said quantity. In one example, when a term indicating degree is used for a deformation of a shape, the term indicating degree indicates that the shape deformed by the term indicating degree has the appearance of the disclosed shape. For example, the term indicating degree can be used to indicate that the shape can have rounded corners instead of sharp corners, can have curved edges instead of straight edges, one or more protrusions can extend therefrom, can be elliptical, can be identical to the disclosed shape, etc.

Claims

1. A body having a proximal region, a distal region opposite the proximal region, a front side, and a back side opposite the front side, and A connector piece configured to be attached to or integrally formed with the body, disposed closer to the distal region of the body than the proximal region, and defining a conduit connector and an arm connector, wherein the conduit connector is configured to be connected to a conduit, the conduit connector is disposed adjacent to the back side of the body, and the arm connector is disposed adjacent to the front side of the body, and a liquid collection assembly having the connector piece; An arm having one or more arm walls defining a cavity and an arm opening configured to be in liquid communication with the arm connector, wherein the one or more arm walls define one or more perforations therethrough to allow liquid to flow from outside the arm into the cavity; At least one porous cartridge having at least one porous material defining a hollow region; The at least one porous cartridge is configured to be removably attached to the liquid collection assembly by sliding the at least one porous material along the arm such that at least a portion of the arm is disposed inside the hollow region of the at least one porous material; A liquid collection system.

2. The body Has a central portion attached to or integrally formed with the connector piece, and One or more flanges extending from the central portion, the liquid collection system according to claim 1.

3. The one or more flanges include a bottom flange extending from the central portion, The bottom flange forms the distal region, the liquid collection system according to claim 2.

4. The one or more flanges form a generally concave curved surface with respect to the front side of the body, the liquid collection system according to claim 2.

5. The body or the connector piece defines a liquid reservoir at or near its distal region, and at least a portion of the arm connector is disposed within the liquid reservoir, the liquid collection system according to claim 1.

6. The arm has an upper side opposite the arm opening, and the one or more perforations are formed in the upper side, the liquid collection system according to claim 1.

7. The liquid collection system according to claim 1, wherein the arm generally has a circular cross-sectional shape.

8. The liquid collection system according to claim 1, wherein the arm has a cross-sectional shape having at least one vertex.

9. The liquid collection system according to claim 1, wherein the density of the one or more perforations on the surface of the arm is higher in the upper side of the arm or in the vicinity thereof than in the arm opening or in the vicinity thereof.

10. Further comprising at least one conduit that is attached to or attachable to the conduit connector When the at least one conduit is attached to the conduit connector, the at least one conduit extends along or adjacent to at least a part of the back side of the body. The liquid collection system according to claim 1.

11. The liquid collection system according to claim 10, wherein the body defines a recess configured to accommodate and surround a part of the at least one conduit.

12. The liquid collection system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one porous cartridge and the liquid collection assembly are configured such that the at least one porous cartridge can be removed from the liquid collection assembly without substantially bending any component of the liquid collection assembly.

13. The liquid collection system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one porous cartridge has an upper region and a bottom region, and the upper region has a transverse dimension longer than that of the bottom region.

14. The liquid collection system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one porous cartridge has a cross-sectional shape having a vertex.

15. The liquid collection system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one porous cartridge includes a plurality of porous cartridges, and at least a part of the plurality of porous cartridges has at least one of different transverse dimensions and different lengths from each other.

16. The liquid collection system according to claim 12, further comprising one or more anchors configured to fix the at least one porous material to the liquid collection assembly.

17. The one or more anchors include at least one first anchor attached to the liquid collection assembly and at least one second anchor attached to or at least partially disposed within the at least one porous cartridge. The at least one first anchor has a T-shaped track that defines a channel. The at least one second anchor has a shaft and a head, and the head is disposed within the channel and configured to slide along the channel. The liquid collection system according to claim 16.

18. The liquid collection system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one shape memory material that is at least one of disposed internally, attached to, or incorporated into the arm.

19. A method of using a liquid collection system, wherein the liquid collection system includes a first porous cartridge, the first porous cartridge has at least one porous material that defines a hollow region and is removably attached to a liquid collection assembly, and the liquid collection assembly has a body having a proximal region, a distal region disposed on the opposite side of the proximal region and closer to the individual's gluteal cleft than the proximal region, a front side generally facing the individual's vaginal region, and a back side opposite the front side, a connector piece attached to or configured to be integrally formed with the body and disposed closer to the distal region of the body than the proximal region, the connector piece defining a conduit connector and an arm connector, the conduit connector being configured to be connected to a conduit, the conduit connector being disposed on the back side of the body, and the arm connector being disposed on the front side of the body, the liquid collection assembly has an arm, the arm having one or more walls that define a cavity and an opening configured to be in liquid communication with the arm connector, the one or more walls defining one or more perforations therethrough to allow liquid to flow from outside the arm into the cavity, and at least a portion of the arm being disposed within the hollow region of the first porous cartridge, the method comprising The first porous cartridge is detachably attached to the liquid collection assembly by sliding the at least one porous material along the arm such that at least a portion of the arm is disposed inside the hollow region of the at least one porous material. Placing the first porous cartridge adjacent to the urethral orifice of the individual. Receiving one or more body fluids from the vaginal region of the individual within the at least one porous material of the first porous cartridge. A method comprising flowing at least a portion of the one or more body fluids received within the at least one porous material of the first porous cartridge into the cavity of the arm. **Claim 20** Further comprising selecting the first porous cartridge from a plurality of porous cartridges prior to detachably attaching the first porous cartridge to the liquid collection assembly. The method of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of porous cartridges have at least one of different lateral dimensions and different lengths from each other. **Claim 21** Removing the first porous cartridge from the liquid collection assembly after receiving one or more body fluids from the vaginal region of the individual within the at least one porous material of the first porous cartridge. The method of claim 19, further comprising detachably attaching a second porous cartridge to the liquid collection assembly after removing the first porous cartridge from the liquid collection assembly.

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