Feces and urine collection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a feces and urine collection device (1) comprising a U-shaped airbag (2), a guide sleeve (11) received between two arms (3) of the airbag (2), and an extractable inner assembly (23) comprising a mobile collector unit, a drive member and a connector piece (55). The mobile collector unit is configured to collect the feces and urine and is movable in the sleeve (11), under the action of the drive member, between a collection position and an extraction position, at a distal end (13) and proximal end (12), respectively, of the sleeve (11). The device (1) further comprises a pneumatic urine pump (63) for suctioning and discharging the urine received in the mobile collector unit, an air pump connected to the airbag (2), to the drive member and to the pneumatic urine pump (63), and a unit controlling the air pump.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Device for collecting stool and urine

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sanitary articles for bedridden or seated persons, and relates more particularly to a device for collecting stools and urine.

[0002] Medical devices are known that envelop the user's pelvis to absorb and transform urine into gel and contain stools. Such medical devices require, on the one hand, to be replaced after each discharge due to their limited retention capacity and, on the other hand, these medical devices often lead to more or less prolonged contact between stools and urine and the user's skin and mucous membranes. This generates problems of irritation and infection. In addition, these medical devices have the disadvantages of, on the one hand, a high frequency of changing and, on the other hand, a long duration of intimate hygiene. The handling associated with changing this type of device makes the work of caregivers tiring with risks of musculoskeletal disorders in the long term.

[0003] Furthermore, the use of single-use medical devices that require frequent changing or replacement generates smelly and infected waste that must be transported and treated remotely.

[0004] Stool and urine suction devices such as KR101214456B1 are also known. However, such devices are not practical when it comes to cleaning and sterilizing them.

[0005] There are still rigid or inflatable medical devices that a caregiver can insert under the user's pelvis before elimination and remove after elimination. This device prevents skin contact with urine and feces but requires the availability, intervention, and handling of a caregiver.

[0006] Urinal-type medical devices are also known. Although they allow the user with full arm mobility to urinate without the intervention of a caregiver, these devices require the intervention of a caregiver to empty them. In addition, they do not treat stool discharge.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a stool and urine collection device that prevents irritation and infection with the user's body, is convenient to use for both the user and the caregiver, and is easily cleaned.

[0008] The Applicant therefore proposes to meet these needs by using a stool and urine collection device comprising an inflatable cushion to raise the user, at the time of elimination, a mobile collection unit configured to selectively collect stool and urine and capable of being moved in view to be taken remotely by the nursing staff for cleaning without the need for user manipulation.

[0009] The present invention therefore relates to a device for collecting stools and urine, characterized in that it comprises: - an inflatable, U-shaped cushion having two arms and a bottom, configured to be placed under the buttocks and thighs of a user; - a guide sleeve, configured to be received between the two arms and detachably attached to the cushion, the sleeve having a proximal end disposed at the bottom and an open distal end, opposite the proximal end, the guide sleeve further comprising at the proximal end a hole oriented upwards in use; - an extractable internal assembly comprising a mobile collecting unit, a drive member for the mobile collecting unit and a connecting end piece, • the mobile collecting unit, having a bottom, side walls extending from the bottom towards a collection opening, the mobile collecting unit being received in the guide sleeve, movable between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to collect stool and urine through the collection opening, the mobile collecting unit further comprising a removable filter basket configured to retain stool and allow urine to pass through and to be received in and fixed to the mobile collecting unit leaving between a bottom of the filter basket and the bottom of the mobile collecting unit a gap capable of receiving urine, the mobile collecting unit further comprising a urine suction nozzle having a first orifice opening at the gap and in communication with a second orifice opening outside the mobile collecting unit, and • the drive member of the mobile collecting unit being fixed in a sealed manner to the latter, and configured to move the latter, guided in the guide sleeve, between a stool and urine collection position at the proximal end of the guide sleeve, where the opening of the mobile collecting unit coincides with the hole in the guide sleeve, and an extraction position at the distal end of the guide sleeve, and implemented under the effect of a pneumatic force; - a pneumatic urine pump, configured to suck and discharge urine received in the mobile collection unit via a flexible urine transport tube connected to the second port of the urine suction nozzle, and configured to be attached to the airbag; - an air pump, configured to be connected to the airbag, to the drive member for pneumatic actuation thereof and to the pneumatic urine pump for pneumatic actuation thereof, the connecting end being configured to connect the drive member pneumatically to the air pump and mechanically to the pneumatic urine pump in a sealed and separable manner, the urine transport tube being further connected to the connecting end; and - an air pump control unit.

[0010] The mobile collecting unit may advantageously also include spacers configured to keep the filtration basket at a distance from the bottom of the mobile collecting unit so as to provide said gap.

[0011] Advantageously, the connecting tip has an air passage configured to connect the drive member with the air pump and a urine passage configured to connect the urine transport tube with the pneumatic urine pump, the mechanical connection between the connecting tip and the pneumatic urine pump being made at the urine passage.

[0012] Advantageously, the pneumatic urine pump comprises a chamber with three orifices, namely a first orifice through which an inflatable balloon received inside the chamber is in communication with the air pump, a second orifice to which the urine transport tube is connected and a third orifice through which the interior of the chamber opens onto the exterior of the chamber, the balloon being configured to, under the action of the air pump, be deflated so as to suck the urine into the chamber through the second orifice and inflated so as to expel the urine from the chamber through the third orifice, two non-return valves being mounted in the same direction and arranged at the second orifice and the third orifice and configured to prevent the return of urine into the urine transport tube and into the chamber, respectively.

[0013] Advantageously, the drive member is constituted by a flexible bellows sleeve, comprising a flexible casing equipped with stiffening rings received in sections of corresponding shape of the casing, the bellows sleeve having a first end fixed in a sealed manner to the mobile collector unit and a second end fixed in a sealed manner to the connecting end piece.

[0014] Advantageously, the second orifice of the suction nozzle opens into a projection of a side wall of the mobile collecting unit, the urine transport tube being received inside the bellows sleeve and the second end of the casing enveloping the projection.

[0015] Advantageously, the stiffening rings are of truncated cone shape, oriented with the small diameter base on the distal end side of the guide sleeve and the large diameter base on the proximal end side of the guide sleeve, and have an increasing size in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end so as to be able to fit into each other.

[0016] Advantageously, the connecting tip comprises a pneumatic connecting element for connection to the air pump, extending from the air passage, the pneumatic urine pump comprising a retaining ring for passage and retention of the pneumatic connecting element.

[0017] Advantageously, the pneumatic urine pump has arms, configured to engage with the inflatable cushion.

[0018] Advantageously, the airbag has knee-repellent extensions.

[0019] Advantageously, a textile is attached to the airbag, the guide sleeve being attached to the textile.

[0020] Advantageously, the stool and urine collection device further comprises a urine bag connected in a detachable manner to the pneumatic urine pump, where appropriate to its third orifice.

[0021] Advantageously, the stool and urine collection device further comprises two crotch bands forming a belt attached to the guide sleeve.

[0022] Advantageously, the mobile collecting unit has a groove around the entire periphery of the opening, the filter basket having a sealing lip, one edge of which is received in the groove, the device further comprising a locking ring having a rib configured to be received in the groove, the filter basket further comprising handles configured to engage with corresponding fixing elements arranged on the side walls of the mobile collecting unit.

[0023] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, several embodiments will be described below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] On these drawings:

[0025] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of the stool and urine collection device according to the present invention;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the guide sleeve of [Fig.l];

[0027] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the extractable internal assembly of [Fig.l];

[0028] [Fig.4] is a perspective and exploded view of the mobile collecting unit of the [Fig.l] ;

[0029] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the extractable internal assembly, pneumatic urine pump and urine bag of [Fig.l] in a collection position;

[0030] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the extractable internal assembly, the pneumatic urine pump and the urine bag of [Fig.l] in an extraction position;

[0031] [Fig.7] is an exploded perspective view of the bellows sleeve and connector end of [Fig.l];

[0032] [Fig- 8] is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the pneumatic urine pump of [Fig.l];

[0033] [Fig.9] is a perspective and exploded view of the connector tip, the pneumatic urine pump and the urine bag of [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig.10] is a schematic representation of the control box, air pump, air bag, connector tip and urine pneumatic pump; and

[0035] [Fig.11] is a cross-sectional view at the collection opening of the mobile collection unit.

[0036] Referring to [Fig.l], it can be seen that a stool and urine collection device 1 is shown, comprising an inflatable cushion 2. The inflatable cushion 2 is U-shaped and comprises two arms 3 extending substantially parallel, connected at the base of the U by a bottom 4. A receiving space 5 is defined between the arms 3 and the bottom 4. Advantageously, the free ends 6 of the arms 3 are extended by knee-pushing parts 7. The inflatable cushion 2 is configured to, in use, be placed under a person lying in bed with the bust raised or sitting, the bottom 4 of the U being placed under the buttocks, the arms 3 of the U under the thighs and the knee-pushing parts 7 to the left and right of the knees. Additionally, thigh clips may be used to secure the arms 3 of the inflatable cushion 2 to the thighs. The airbag 2 also has a semi-soft air nozzle (not shown) through which it is inflated and deflated.

[0037] The airbag 2 is initially placed in a deflated state under the user. The function of the airbag 2, in the inflated state, is to raise the user so that the anus, meatus or urine outlet of the user's penis are above the receiving space 5.

[0038] The knee-pushing parts 7 serve to keep the thighs sufficiently apart, particularly for seated persons, so that they do not interfere with the operation of the stool and urine collection device 1.

[0039] Advantageously, the knee-pushing parts 7 are of outwardly curved shapes.

[0040] For example, the inflatable cushion 2 is produced by welding two plastic films 8 welded together, along a weld line 9. The contour of the weld line 9 is made of a succession of inclinations of the internal and external edges relative to a median line which allows during inflation to pass from two inclined arms 3 to two parallel arms 3 at the end of inflation to ensure support for the buttocks and thighs of the user, preferably of a minimum height of 10 cm.

[0041] The welding line 9 occasionally includes wider areas pierced with slots 10, some of which can be used for the passage of thigh straps, in the form of straps passing respectively through a slot 10 on the side inside of arm 3 and a slot 10 on the outside of arm 3.

[0042] It should be noted that the inflatable cushion 2 is not limited to a U-shape and that those skilled in the art will be able to envisage other shapes, for example a horseshoe, provided that the inflatable cushion follows the shapes of the user's buttocks and thighs and ensures the function of raising the user for the flow of stools and urine by gravity. Advantageously, the stool and urine collection device 1 comprises a textile (not shown), attached to the inflatable cushion 2, on which the user rests and configured to allow breathing and perspiration of the skin above the inflatable cushion 2. The textile comprises a first fabric with warp threads having a percentage of elastane included in its composition, ensuring traction thereof in the longitudinal direction of the inflatable cushion 2. In addition, the textile comprises a second honeycomb weave fabric, for the comfort of the user, sewn to the first fabric.The textile is provided with hook and loop type attachment tabs which fit into slots 10 for attaching the textile to the airbag 2.

[0043] The stool and urine collection device 1 also comprises a guide sleeve 11. In [Eig.l], it can be seen that the guide sleeve 11 is arranged in the receiving space 5 of the inflatable cushion 2 against the bottom 4 of the U.

[0044] In [Fig. 2], it can be seen that the guide sleeve 11 is made in a cylindrical shape having a longitudinal direction. The guide sleeve 11 has a so-called proximal end 12 and an open so-called distal end 13, opposite the proximal end 12.

[0045] By proximal is meant a position, in use, at the bottom 4 of the U-shape of the inflatable cushion 2, i.e. in the vertical axis of the anus and the meatus of the user, and by distal is meant a position, in use, distant from the natural orifices of the user, i.e. at the ends 6 of the arms 3 of the U of the inflatable cushion 2.

[0046] The guide sleeve 11 has at the proximal end 12 an oblong hole 14 oriented upwards in use.

[0047] By top, in use, we mean the side facing the user and by bottom, we mean, in use, the side facing away from the user.

[0048] Preferably, the cylindrical guide sleeve 11 is assembled by welding a rectangular plastic film between these two longitudinal edges 15 with a circular plastic film to close the proximal end 12.

[0049] The guide sleeve 11 is further provided with fixing parts 16 configured to detachably fix the guide sleeve 11 relative to the airbag 2. In particular, the guide sleeve 11 is suspended from the airbag 2 via the textile, directly at its proximal end 12. Advantageously, the fixing part 16 is a semi-flexible molded part with a circular base 17 welded to the cylindrical film of the guide sleeve 11 from which extends a foot 18 ending in an ellipsoid shape 19 curved perpendicularly. In addition, the ellipsoid shape 19 may have perforations to accentuate its flexibility.

[0050] The fastening piece 16 is configured to be inserted into a buttonhole in the textile and thus releasably fix the guide sleeve 11 to the textile, itself fixed to the inflatable cushion 2. Advantageously, the fastening pieces 16 are configured to be able to be broken by sharply pulling on the guide sleeve 11, in the direction of the user's knees, in the event that it is difficult to detach or unbutton the fastening pieces 16 from the guide sleeve 11 to the textile.

[0051] It should be noted that the stool and urine collection device 1 may be reduced to the use of the inflated inflatable cushion, allowing intimate hygiene to be carried out through the intervention space left.

[0052] Advantageously and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the guide sleeve 11 is surmounted by a belt 20, connected to the guide sleeve 11 by two crotch strips 21. The guide sleeve 11 and the crotch strips 21 are welded together by a weld line 22 around the oblong hole 14.

[0053] Preferably, the crotch bands 21 are made of plastic film, with a fabric of natural or artificial fibers, glued to the inner face of the plastic film, on the user's skin side. It should be noted here that the crotch band 21a must first be separated from the crotch band 21b, forming a belt, secured together by hook and loop type fasteners of the collection sleeve 11, before pulling on the guide sleeve 11 for its removal.

[0054] The stool and urine collection device 1 also includes an extractable internal assembly 23 as seen in [Fig.3] in the deployed state.

[0055] The extractable internal assembly 23 comprises a mobile collecting unit 24.

[0056] In [Fig.4], it can be seen that the mobile collecting unit 24 is represented in perspective and exploded view. The mobile collecting unit 24, preferably made of flexible material, has a bottom 25, side walls 26 extending from the bottom 25 towards a collection opening 27. The collection opening 27 has a dimension corresponding to that of the oblong hole 14 of the guide sleeve 11. The mobile collecting unit 24 is configured to be received in the guide sleeve 11, movable between the distal end 13 and the proximal end 12. The mobile collecting unit 24 is configured to, when positioned at the proximal end 12, the collection opening 27 being opposite the oblong hole 14 of the collection sleeve 11, collect the stools and urine flowing through the oblong hole 14 and the collection opening 27. Advantageously and as shown in [Fig. 4], the side walls 26 are provided with ribs 84 acting as sliding pads, configured to facilitate the movement of the mobile collecting unit 24 inside the guide sleeve 11, in particular if the latter is twisted. Furthermore, the periphery of the collecting opening 27 is equipped with a groove 28.

[0057] The mobile collecting unit 24 also comprises a removable filter basket 29 configured to be received in and fixed to the mobile collecting unit 24, having an opening 30 of a dimension corresponding to that of the collecting opening. 27 and configured to retain the stools and allow the urine to pass through at a bottom 31 of the filtration basket 29. For example, the filtration basket 29 is made of a perforated molded part, separating the stools from the urine by filtration.

[0058] Advantageously, the mobile collecting unit 24 also comprises spacers 32 configured to keep the filter basket 29 at a distance from the bottom 25 of the mobile collecting unit 24 so as to generate a gap 33 between the bottom 31 of the filter basket 29 and the bottom 25 of the mobile collecting unit 24. The urine is received at the gap 33, the stools being retained by the filter basket 29. The spacers also have the function, by their rise on the walls 26, of preventing a collapse of the collection opening 27 of the mobile collecting unit 24. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will be able to envisage all types, numbers and distribution of the spacers 32 as long as they perform the function of generating a gap 33 between the bottom 31 of the filter basket 29 and the bottom 25 of the mobile collecting unit 24.

[0059] In [Fig. 4], it can be seen that the filter basket 29 is provided with handles 34 and that the walls 26 of the mobile collecting unit 24 are provided with corresponding fixings 35 for fixing the filter basket 29 to the mobile collecting unit 24. The filter basket 29 can be detached from the mobile collecting unit 24 to empty the contents by simple pouring, then washed and disinfected separately for reuse.

[0060] Advantageously, the filter basket 29 has a sealing lip 85, more flexible than the mobile collecting unit 24, extending from the periphery of the opening 30. The sealing lip 85 has the function of matching the shapes of the guide sleeve and the contours of the oblong hole 14, so as not to leave any gap for the passage of stools and urine between the oblong hole 14 and the opening 30 of the filter basket 29. The sealing lip 85 has an edge 86 configured to be received in the groove 28 of the mobile collecting unit 24. Furthermore, in order to further reduce the adhesion of stools to the surface of the filter basket 29 and to accelerate its cleaning, toilet paper P covers the sealing lip 85 up to the internal bottom 31 of the filter basket 29. To do this, and as can be seen in Figures 4 and 11, the mobile collecting unit 24 comprises a locking ring 87. The locking ring 87 has a geometry corresponding to the groove 28 and comprises a rib 88 configured to be received in the groove 28. The groove 28 has a width sufficient to receive, on the side inside the mobile collecting unit 24, the edge 86 of the sealing lip 85 of the filter basket 29 and, on the outside of the mobile collecting unit 24, the rib 88 of the locking ring 87 as can be better seen in [Fig. 11], the toilet paper P being interposed between them. The locking ring 87, via the rib 88, has the function of pinching the edge of the toilet paper P against the sealing lip 85 of the filter basket 29. Advantageously, the rib 88 has a projection 89 configured to engage with the groove 28.

[0061] The mobile collecting unit 24 further comprises a suction nozzle 36. The suction nozzle 36 is designed as a conduit having a first orifice 37 opening at the gap 33, preferably at the bottom 25 of the mobile collecting unit 24 as shown in Figures 5-6, and a second orifice 38 opening at a side wall 26, outside the mobile collecting unit 24. Preferably, and as shown in Figures 4-6, the mobile collecting unit 24 comprises a projection 39 extending from a side wall 26, through which the suction nozzle 36 extends and at which the second orifice 38 opens. The suction nozzle 36 has the function of allowing the urine contained in the gap 33 to be sucked up and conducted towards the outside. of the mobile collecting unit 24 under the effect of a suction force.

[0062] In Figures 5-6, it can be seen that the stool and urine collection device 1 comprises a urine transport tube 40, constituting the extractable internal assembly 23. The urine transport tube 40 is connected in a sealed manner to the second orifice 38 of the suction nozzle 36 by a proximal end 41 and extends to a distal end 42. The urine transport tube 40 is made of a flexible material, preferably elastomer, so as to be able to retract, exploiting the property of the elastomer, when it is desired to bring the proximal end 41 closer to the distal end 42. When the mobile collecting unit 24 is in the collection position, the urine transport tube 40 uses the properties of the elastomer, it is stretched in this position and its initial length is extended by approximately 30%.

[0063] The urine transport tube 40 has the function of transporting the urine collected at the suction nozzle 36.

[0064] The mobile collection unit 24 has the function of collecting stools and urine on the one hand and selectively extracting stools by moving the mobile collection unit 24 and urine by suction, on the other hand.

[0065] The extractable internal assembly 23 also includes a bellows sleeve 43. As can be seen in Figures 5-7, the bellows sleeve 43 includes a shell 44 having a proximal end 45 and a distal end 46. The bellows sleeve 43 is made of a flexible material, preferably molded from an elastomer, so that it can compress when the end is to be brought closer proximal 45 of the distal end 46. Advantageously and as can be seen in Figures 5-7, the casing 44 comprises several sections 47 of frustoconical shape connected together by a connecting part 48. Each frustoconical section 47 has a large diameter base 49 and a small diameter base 50, the large diameter base 49 being oriented proximally and the small diameter base 50 being oriented distally. Furthermore, the frustoconical sections 47 are of increasing size from the proximal end 45 of the casing 44 towards the distal end 46 of the casing 44 and dimensioned so as to be able to fit into each other when approaching the proximal end 45 of the casing 44 towards the distal end 46 of the casing 44.

[0066] Furthermore, the bellows sleeve 43 is equipped with stiffening rings 51, as can be seen in Figures 5-7. Corresponding to the frustoconical sections 47 of the casing 44, the stiffening rings 51 are frustoconical in shape, having a large diameter base 52 and a small diameter base 53, the large diameter base 52 being oriented proximally and the small diameter base 53 being oriented distally. Also, the stiffening rings 51 are of increasing size from the proximal end 45 of the casing 44 toward the distal end 46 of the casing 44 and dimensioned so as to be able to nest within each other when approaching the proximal end 45 of the casing 44 toward the distal end 46 of the casing 44.The stiffening rings 51 are received inside the casing 44 in the frustoconical sections 47 of the casing 44, corresponding in size, the large diameter base 52 of the stiffening rings 51 in contact with the large diameter base 49 of the frustoconical sections 47 and the stiffening rings 51 matching the shape of the corresponding frustoconical sections 47. In order to ensure a stronger hold between the stiffening rings 51 and the casing 44, the large diameter base 52 of the stiffening rings 51 has an excess thickness in the form of a bead 54 and the large diameter base 49 of the frustoconical sections 47 has a curvature adapted to receive the beads 54. The stiffening rings 51 have the function of punctually stiffening the flexible casing 44 so as to prevent the flexible casing 44 from being pulled towards its center and deformed, during the extraction of the air contained in the casing 44, in the depression phase of the air pump 79.It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the number of frustoconical section / stiffening ring pairs and their proximal / distal orientation provided that they fit into each other when the proximal end 45 of the casing 44 is brought closer to the distal end 46 of the casing 44.

[0067] The bellows sleeve 43 is attached to and sealingly connected to the movable collector unit 24 at the proximal end 45 of the casing 44. As can be seen in Figures 5-6, the proximal end 45 of the casing 44 covers the outside of the projection 39 of the mobile collecting unit 24. A clamping ring (not shown) ensures sealing.

[0068] Furthermore, the urine transport tube 40 runs inside the bellows sleeve 43.

[0069] The function of the bellows sleeve 43 is to drive the mobile collecting unit 24 in translation between a stool and urine collection position at the proximal end 12 of the guide sleeve 11 where the opening of the mobile collecting unit 24 coincides with the oblong hole 14 of the guide sleeve 11, as can be seen in [Fig.l], and an extraction position at the distal end 13 of the guide sleeve 11. The bellows sleeve 43 thus constitutes a drive member for the mobile collecting unit 24. The guide sleeve 11 ensures the translational guidance of the mobile collecting unit 24 in the longitudinal direction thereof.

[0070] The extractable internal assembly 23 also includes a mechanical and pneumatic connector tip 55. As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the connector tip 55 has a proximal face 56 and a distal face 57. The bellows sleeve 43 is attached to and sealingly connected to the connector tip 55 at the distal end 46 of the casing 44. As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the distal end 46 of the casing 44 covers the periphery of the proximal face 56. A clamping ring (not shown) provides sealing

[0071] The connector tip 55 has a urine passage 58 and an air passage 59. The distal end 42 of the urine transport tube 40 is sealingly connected to the urine passage 58. The urine passage 58 is configured to connect the urine transport tube 40 to the exterior of the connector tip 55. The air passage 59 is configured to connect the interior of the bellows sleeve 43 to the exterior of the connector tip 55. Advantageously, a pneumatic connection element 60 extends from the air passage 59 on the distal face 57 and perpendicular thereto.

[0072] Advantageously, the bellows sleeve 43 is tightly connected to the mobile collecting unit 24 and to the connecting tip 55 by clamping rings. Similarly, the urine transport tube 40 is tightly connected to the suction nozzle 36 and to the connecting tip 55 by clamping rings.

[0073] In [Fig.9], it can be seen that the distal face 57 of the connecting tip 55 is equipped with arms 61. The arms 61 are provided with a notch 62, the role of which will be explained later in the description.

[0074] In Figures 1, 5-6 and 9, it can be seen that the stool and urine collection device 1 comprises a pneumatic urine pump 63. In [Fig.8], it can be seen that the pneumatic urine pump 63 comprises a rigid, three-way sealed chamber 64. orifice 65, 66, 67. An inflatable balloon 68 is received in the chamber 64 and is tightly connected to the first orifice 65. The pneumatic urine pump 63 also has an air pump connector 69 in communication with the first orifice 65. Preferably, the balloon 68 is made of a tight and expandable material such as latex.

[0075] The second 66 and third 67 ports constitute a urine inlet port into the chamber 64 and a urine outlet port out of the chamber 64.

[0076] The pneumatic urine pump 63 comprises a urine inlet connector 70 in communication with the urine inlet orifice 66. The pneumatic urine pump 63 is connected in a detachable and sealed manner to the connector tip 55 via the urine inlet connector 70 configured to mechanically and sealedly attach to a mechanical connector 71 of the connector tip 55, in communication with the urine passage 58 of the connector tip 55, so as to allow the urine transport pipe 40, and therefore the gap 33 of the mobile collecting unit 24, to be placed in communication with the chamber 64 of the pneumatic urine pump 63.

[0077] The pneumatic urine pump 63 also comprises a urine outlet connector 72 in communication with the urine outlet orifice 67. The pneumatic urine pump 63 is connected in a detachable and sealed manner, via the urine outlet connector 72, to a pipe 73 connected in a detachable manner to a urine bag 74, as can be seen in Figures 1, 5-6 and 9. In a known manner, the urine bag 74 may be made of two plastic films welded together. Advantageously, the urine bag 74 is placed higher than the suction nozzle 36 of the mobile collecting unit 24.In this way, and unlike devices where the urine bag 74 is attached to the user's calf or to bed rails with a urine-carrying conduit providing a downward slope, such an arrangement reduces the bulk and discomfort for the caregiver and is beneficial for the user who can thus turn from left to right and vice versa in bed. For example, the urine bag 74 has hook and loop type fasteners to keep it attached to the knee-pull portions 7 of the inflatable cushion 2.

[0078] A check valve (not shown) is disposed at the urine inlet orifice 66 and is configured to allow urine to be drawn into the chamber 64 and prevent urine from flowing back out of the chamber 64. Conversely, a check valve (not shown) is disposed at the urine outlet orifice 67 and is configured to allow urine to flow out of the chamber 64 and prevent urine from flowing back into the chamber 64. The valves are thus mounted in the same direction.

[0079] The pneumatic urine pump 63 according to the present invention makes it possible to externalize both the urine suction equipment and the source of excess air production. pressure / vacuum and to externalize the storage location of the aspirated urine in the urine bag 74.

[0080] In [Fig.9], it can be seen that the pneumatic urine pump 63 has two flexible arms 75 connected to it by a fixed connection 76. The arms 75 have a curvature 77 configured to match the internal shape of the arms 3, at the knee-pull portions 7, of the inflatable cushion 2. Advantageously, the curvature 77 and the knee-pull portions 7 are provided with corresponding hook-and-loop means. The arms 75 of the pneumatic urine pump 63 are thus configured to engage the inflatable cushion 2 in the inflated and deflated state so as to serve as fixed anchor points for the pneumatic urine pump 63 on the knee-pull portions 7.

[0081] Thus, because the connecting tip 55 is mechanically connected to the pneumatic urine pump 63 via the mechanical connection 71 of the connecting tip 55 and the urine inlet connection 70 of the pneumatic urine pump 63, the extractable internal assembly 23 is fixed to the inflatable cushion 2 via the pneumatic urine pump 63. The connecting tip 55 thus has a function of pneumatic and mechanical connection of the extractable internal assembly 23.

[0082] Furthermore, due to the detachable connection between the connector tip 55 and the pneumatic urine pump 63, the removable internal assembly 23 can be easily detached from the pneumatic urine pump 63 for cleaning. The cleaning of the removable internal assembly 23 can be carried out by washing-disinfecting machines, currently used for washing and disinfecting bedpans and urinals.

[0083] Advantageously and as can be better seen in Figures 5-6 and 9, the pneumatic urine pump 63 is provided with a retaining ring 78. The pneumatic connection element 60 of the connection tip 55 is received in the retaining ring 78 and guided and held by it. The holding ring 78 has the function of assisting in the complete connection of the connector tip 55 and the pneumatic urine pump 63 and of assisting in the fixing of the connector tip 55 and the pneumatic urine pump 63.

[0084] The pneumatic urine pump 63 has the function of extracting the urine collected in the mobile collection unit 24 and evacuating it to the outside, more precisely to the urine bag 74. As can be seen in [Fig. 10], the stool and urine collection device 1 independently supplies, with pulsed air or with air under vacuum, at a variable flow rate according to the needs, the three sealed cavities: the balloon 68 of the pneumatic urine pump 63, the inflatable cushion 2 and the bellows sleeve 43 of the extractable internal assembly 23. To do this, the stool and urine collection device 1 comprises an air pump 79, the connection to the air pump 69 of the pump pneumatic urine pump 63 being connected to the air pump 79 by an air-to-pneumatic urine pump 80 conduit. Air pulsed by the air pump 79 to the pneumatic urine pump 63 leads to the inflation of the balloon 68, as can be seen in [Fig. 6], and air drawn by the air pump 79 from the pneumatic urine pump 63 leads to the deflation of the balloon 68, as can be seen in [Fig. 5]. The deflation of the balloon 68 creates a vacuum in the chamber 64 of the pneumatic urine pump 63. This vacuum leads to the suction of the contents of the urine inlet connector 70, the urine transport tube 40, the suction nozzle 36 and thus the gap 33 of the mobile collecting unit 24. The inflation of the balloon 68 creates an overpressure in the chamber 64 of the pneumatic urine pump 63.This overpressure leads to the expulsion of the contents of the chamber 64 of the pneumatic urine pump 63 towards the urine outlet connector 72, the urine bag pipe 73 and the urine bag 74. The entry / exit of fluids (air, urine) is permitted / prevented depending on the overpressure and vacuum state of the chamber 64 by the non-return valves arranged at the urine inlet orifice 66 and the urine outlet orifice 67, and mounted in the same direction. The change in the overpressure or vacuum state of the chamber 64 is ensured by the balloon 68 and the two non-return valves.

[0085] The second major function of the pneumatic urine pump 63 is to be an anchor point for the drive member (43), which allows the movement of the mobile collecting unit (24).

[0086] In [Fig. 10], it can be seen that the air pump 79 is connected to the inflatable cushion 2, more precisely to the air nozzle, by an air-to-air cushion conduit 81. Advantageously, the deflation of the cushion 2 will be done by opening a solenoid valve to release the air to the outside, using the weight of the user. The air pump 79 is also connected to the connection nozzle 55, more precisely to the pneumatic connection element 60, by an air-to-connection nozzle conduit 82. Solenoid valves (not shown) are provided between the air pump 79 and the air conduits 80, 81, 82. Thus, the air pump 79 is configured to create an overpressure / depression in the bellows sleeve 43 via the connection nozzle 55 in order to lead to its deployment / retraction.The air pump 79 is also connected to the balloon 68, by the air conduit 80, creating an overpressure / depression in the balloon 68 and therefore in the chamber 64 of the pneumatic urine pump 63 in order to suck / expel the urine or air. Finally, the air pump 79 is configured to create an overpressure / depression in the inflatable cushion 2 in order to inflate / deflate it. The present invention therefore makes it possible to use only one air pump 79 to perform these three functions.

[0087] Advantageously, the pneumatic connection element 60 of the connection tip 55 and the retaining ring 78 of the pneumatic urine pump 63 are dimensioned such that the connection of the pneumatic connection element 60 to the air conduit towards the connection end piece 82 is made at the level of the retaining ring 78 so as to bring the connection end piece 55 against the pneumatic urine pump 63, as can be seen in Figures 5-6. The mechanical connection of the connection end piece 55 and the pneumatic urine pump 63 is completed by the clipping of the connection end piece 82, female air socket, with the pneumatic connection 60, male air socket, at the level of the retaining ring 78.

[0088] As can be seen in [Fig.9], the connecting end piece 55 comprises three arms 61 provided with notches 62 for receiving and holding the fixing pieces 16 of the guide sleeve. Thus, the guide sleeve 11 is suspended from the inflatable cushion 2 on the proximal side by means of the textile and on the distal side by means of the pneumatic urine pump 63 and the connecting end piece 55. The traction on the distal side of the fixing pieces 16 of the guide sleeve 11 by the notches 62 of the connecting end piece 55, secured to the pneumatic urine pump 63, makes it possible to stretch the film of the guide sleeve 11 and obtain a rectilinear sleeve, facilitating the translation of the extractable internal assembly 23.

[0089] Advantageously, the pneumatic urine pump 63 is equipped with a notch (not shown) configured to hold the conduit to the inflatable cushion 81.

[0090] In [Fig. 10], it can be seen that the stool and urine collection device 1 comprises a control unit 83 connected to the air pump 79. The control unit 83 is configured to control the operation of the air pump 79. Advantageously, the control unit 83 can be controlled directly from a control box, wired or remotely, for example by Bluetooth or from a smartphone. Advantageously, the control box 83 has a primary switching system which provides either pulsed air or vacuum air. The double pump used has a variable rotation speed, controlled electronically, to choose the pulsed or vacuum air flow compatible with the needs of the balloon 68, the inflatable cushion 2 and the bellows sleeve 43.The secondary system of the control box 83 distributes the air produced to the three cavities to be inflated or deflated by opening or closing three 2 / 2 solenoid valves independent of each other. The control box 83 can be controlled by radio frequency via a three-button remote control for simplified use at home or in a clinic. The control box 83 can be controlled by smartphone (Bluetooth) for use with an electric chair having a smartphone holder. The control box 83, fixed to the base of the bed, will also be controlled by push buttons on the control box 83, intended for caregivers, to align the inflatable cushion 2 and the user's pelvis in a seated position and for a back-and-forth test of the mobile collecting unit 24 (extraction position / collection position / extraction position) in the. guide sleeve 11 before deflation.

[0091] As seen previously, the mobile collecting unit 24, the bellows sleeve 43 and the connecting tip 55 are secured to each other to form the extractable internal assembly 23. The latter thus constitutes an inseparable and reusable entity, configured to be washed and disinfected, independently of the other constituent elements of the stool and urine collection device 1, in washer-disinfectors, thanks to the detachable connection between the connecting tip 55 and the pneumatic urine pump 63. The present invention thus has the advantage of having a reduced number of parts to clean, easy removal and easy installation, which reduces the inconvenience for the user and the nursing staff.

[0092] The stool and urine collection device 1 comprises an electropneumatic control part comprising the control unit 83, the air pump 79 and the pneumatic conduits 80, 81, 82, a part grouping reusable elements comprising the inflatable cushion 2 with a textile covering it, the extractable internal assembly 23 and the pneumatic urine pump 63, and a part grouping the single-use, disposable elements comprising the guide sleeve 11 with its two crotch bands (21a, 21b) and the urine bag 74.

[0093] The present invention has the advantage of allowing both the externalization of a control block comprising the control unit 83 and the air pump 79, the control box 83 being able to be fixed on the foot panel of a medical bed or under the armrest of an electric armchair, the externalization of the pneumatic urine pump 63 at the knee-pushing parts 7 by means of the corresponding loop and hook type, and the externalization of the urine bag 74 at the user's knees.

[0094] Advantageously, the pneumatic fittings are of the well-known clip-on type.

[0095] The embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 5-9 has the advantage of being compact.

[0096] Advantageously, the inflatable cushion 2 is also provided with handles 90. These handles 90 make it possible, among other things, to orient the inflatable cushion 2, inflated, at the edge of a medical bed with adjustable height, perpendicular to the length of the bed, so that a person with limited mobility can sit on it, equipped or not with the guide sleeve 11 attached to it and the extractable internal assembly 23 inserted in the guide sleeve 11. After the person has sat on the inflatable cushion, it is possible to pull and pivot the user's pelvis, so that it is placed in an optimal position in a bed (close to the pivot axis of the bed's backrest) or on an electric chair, often having a space, at the rear of the seat, to pull the user to the bottom of the seat.

[0097] The operation of the stool and urine collection device 1 according to the present invention will be described below.

[0098] For completely independent use of the device 1 for a bedridden patient, the caregiver in the clinic or the home caregiver inserts the extractable internal assembly 23 (with the mobile collecting unit 24 first) into the guide sleeve 11 held vertically and attaches the three attachment pieces 16 (distal side) of the guide sleeve 11 to the three notches 62 of the arm 61 of the connector 55. Then, the caregiver takes the inflatable cushion with the textile, attached to it by hook and loop strips and attaches the three attachment pieces 16 (proximal side) to the textile. Then, the caregiver helps the patient to turn onto the side (lateral decubitus) and places the deployed crotch band 21a flat, corresponding to the position of the patient's pelvis, and folds the inflatable cushion 2 under the patient.Then, the caregiver helps the patient to re-rotate, in the opposite direction, to lie down on the crotch band 21a, the flexible guide sleeve 11 and the inflatable cushion 2, pulls, folds down the adhesive fasteners of the hook and loop type of the belt 20. Then, the caregiver pneumatically connects the control box 83 fixed on the foot panel of the medical bed to the inflation cushion 2 and activates by push button the inflation of the inflatable cushion 2 and by asking the patient to straighten the backrest of the medical bed. During inflation, the caregiver ensures the correct alignment of the inflatable cushion 2 provided with pull handles, the correct alignment of the guide sleeve 11 (oblong hole 14 / anus) after the attachment of the two crotch bands 21a, 21b forming belt 20.When the inflation of the cushion 2 stops, the caregiver fits the connector tip 55 with the pneumatic urine pump 63, pneumatically connects the control box 83 to the pneumatic connector 60 and to the connector to the air pump 69, ensuring that the pneumatic conduits 80, 81, 82 pass between the legs. Finally, the caregiver, using a push button on the control box 83, controls an instruction to inject overpressure air into the bellows sleeve 43, ensures, using sensory and visual cues, that the mobile collecting unit 24 is properly aligned with the oblong hole 14 of the guide sleeve 11. This is followed by an instruction to inject air under depression to bring the mobile collecting unit 24 into the extraction position. The caregiver gives the patient the three-button remote control to control the deflation of the inflatable cushion 2.

[0099] Before the flow of stool and / or urine, the user commands the control unit 83 to operate the air pump 79 to inflate the airbag 2. Air is then pulsed into the airbag conduit 81 and due to the inflation of the airbag, the user is in a raised position.

[0100] A command from the control unit 83 stops the air pump 79 when the pressure in the measured airbag 2 has reached a booster pressure value.

[0101] It should be noted that pre-inflation may be carried out beforehand to ensure seating comfort and favorable positioning in relation to the user's body.

[0102] A control of the air pump 79 draws air from the conduit to the connector end 82. The air passes through the air passage 59 of the connector end 55 inside the casing 44 of the bellows sleeve 43 where an overpressure is generated. A thrust force is then exerted against the projection 39 of the mobile collector unit 24. This thrust leads to the translational movement of the mobile collector unit 24 inside the guide sleeve 11 from the distal end 13 thereof to the proximal end 12 thereof, accompanied by the deployment of the bellows sleeve 43. During this movement, the stiffening rings 51 gradually separate from each other.

[0103] Once the mobile collecting unit 24 is in the collecting position which is also the abutment position against the proximal end 12 of the guide sleeve 11, this causes a rapid rise in the internal pressure in the bellows sleeve, detected by a pressure sensor, and the air pump 79 is stopped.

[0104] Advantageously, the mobile collecting unit 24 is equipped with flexible sensory markers 91, for example in the form of protrusions extending from the mobile collecting unit 24 upwards, so that the passage of the sensory markers 91 near the anus informs by touch that the mobile collecting unit 24 has passed beyond the anus and that it is in the collecting position.

[0105] When stool and urine flow, they pass through the oblong hole 14 of the guide sleeve 11, and flow through the collection opening 27, the stool being retained by the filter basket 29 and the urine being collected at the gap 33 of the mobile collection unit 24.

[0106] The patient, after having eliminated urine or stools or stools and urine, can, using a control (in the case of control by three-button remote control), control a urine pumping cycle followed by movement of the mobile collecting unit 24 into the extraction position by introducing air under vacuum into the bellows sleeve 43, the stopping of the air pump 69 of which will be controlled by a measurement of the air under vacuum.

[0107] In case of simultaneous flow of stool and urine, the urine pump is activated first.

[0108] In the extraction position, the mechanical connection between the connector tip 55 and the pneumatic urine pump 63 is dissociated; it is then possible for the nursing staff to extract the extractable internal assembly 23 as well as its contents. The filtration basket 29 is then detached by the handles 34 of the mobile collection unit 24 as well as the locking ring 87. The toilet paper P is no longer retained, the stools contained in the filtration basket 29 are thrown into the toilet. After the waste has been evacuated, the extractable internal assembly 23, the filtration basket 29 and the locking ring 87 are washed and disinfected in dedicated machines.

[0109] At this stage, it is possible for the nursing staff to carry out an intimate hygiene of the user.

[0110] A command from the control unit 83 operates the air pump 79 to deflate the airbag and then a command from the control unit 83 stops the air pump 79.

[0111] A new extractable internal assembly 23 can be pneumatically connected to the conduit to the connector tip 82 and mechanically to the pneumatic urine pump 63.

[0112] It should be noted that the stool and urine collection device according to the present invention may comprise sensors connected to the control unit 83, in particular end-of-stroke sensors of the mobile collection unit 24, stool and / or urine flow sensors in the mobile collection unit 24.

[0113] It is understood that the embodiments which have just been described have been given for informational and non-limiting purposes and that embodiments may be added thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A stool and urine collection device (1), characterized in that it comprises: - an inflatable cushion (2), U-shaped, having two arms (3) and a bottom (4), configured to be placed under the buttocks and thighs of a user; - a guide sleeve (11), configured to be received between the two arms (3) and detachably attached to the cushion (2), the sleeve (11) having a proximal end (12) disposed at the bottom (4) and an open distal end (13), opposite the proximal end (12), the guide sleeve (11) further comprising at the proximal end (12) a hole (14) oriented upwards in use; - an extractable internal assembly (23) comprising a mobile collecting unit (24), a drive member (43) of the mobile collecting unit (24) and a connecting end piece (55), • the mobile collecting unit (24), having a bottom (25), side walls (26) extending from the bottom (25) towards a collection opening (27), the mobile collecting unit (24) being received in the guide sleeve (11), movable between the distal end (13) and the proximal end (12) and configured to collect the stools and the urine through the collection opening (27), the mobile collecting unit (24) further comprising a removable filter basket (29) configured to retain the stools and allow the urine to pass through and to be received in and fixed to the mobile collecting unit (24) leaving between a bottom (31) of the filter basket (29) and the bottom (25) of the mobile collecting unit (24) a gap (33) capable of receiving the urine,the mobile collecting unit (24) further comprising a urine suction nozzle (36) having a first orifice (37) opening at the gap (33) and in communication with a second orifice (38) opening outside the mobile collecting unit (24), and, • the drive member (43) of the mobile collecting unit (24) being fixed in a sealed manner to the latter, and configured to moving the latter, guided in the guide sleeve (11), between a stool and urine collection position at the proximal end (12) of the guide sleeve (11), where the opening (27) of the movable collecting unit (24) coincides with the hole (14) of the guide sleeve (11), and an extraction position at the distal end (13) of the guide sleeve (11), and implemented under the effect of a pneumatic force; - a pneumatic urine pump (63), configured to suck and discharge the urine received in the mobile collecting unit (24) via a flexible urine transport tube (40) connected to the second orifice (38) of the urine suction nozzle (36), and configured to be attached to the inflatable cushion (2); - an air pump (79), configured to be connected to the inflatable cushion (2), to the drive member (43) for pneumatic actuation thereof and to the pneumatic urine pump (63) for pneumatic actuation thereof, the connecting end piece (55) being configured to connect in a sealed and detachable manner the drive member (43) pneumatically to the air pump (79) and mechanically to the pneumatic urine pump (63), the urine transport tube (40) being further connected to the connecting end piece (55); and - a control unit (83) of the air pump (79).

2. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting tip (55) has an air passage (59) configured to connect the drive member (43) to the air pump (79) and a urine passage (58) configured to connect the urine transport tube (40) to the pneumatic urine pump (63), the mechanical connection between the connecting tip (55) and the pneumatic urine pump (63) being made at the urine passage (58).

3. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pneumatic urine pump (63) comprises a chamber (64) with three orifices (65, 66, 67), namely a first orifice (65) through which an inflatable balloon (68) received inside the chamber (64) is in communication with the air pump (79), a second orifice (66) to which the urine transport tube (40) is connected and a third orifice (67) through which the interior of the chamber (64) opens onto the exterior of the chamber (64), the balloon (68) being configured to, under the action of the air pump (79), be deflated so as to suck urine into the chamber (64) through the second orifice (66) and inflated so as to expel urine from the chamber (64) through the third orifice (67), two non-return valves being mounted in the same direction and arranged at the second orifice (66) and the third orifice (67) and configured to preventing the return of urine into the urine transport tube (40) and into the chamber (64), respectively.

4. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive member (43) is constituted by a flexible bellows sleeve (43), comprising a flexible casing (44) equipped with stiffening rings (51) received in sections (47) of corresponding shape of the casing (44), the bellows sleeve (43) having a first end (45) fixed in a sealed manner to the mobile collecting unit (24) and a second end (46) fixed in a sealed manner to the connecting end piece (55).

5. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the second orifice (38) of the suction nozzle (36) opens into a projection (39) of a side wall (26) of the mobile collecting unit (24), the urine transport tube (40) being received inside the bellows sleeve (43) and the second end (46) of the casing (44) enveloping the projection (39).

6. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the stiffening rings (51) are frustoconical in shape, oriented with the small diameter base (53) on the distal end (13) side of the guide sleeve (11) and the large diameter base (52) on the proximal end (12) side of the guide sleeve (11), and have an increasing size in the direction from the proximal end (12) to the distal end (13) so as to be able to fit into each other.

7. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connecting tip (55) comprises a pneumatic connection element (60) for connection to the air pump (79), extending from the air passage (59), the pneumatic urine pump (63) comprising a retaining ring (78) for passage and retention of the pneumatic connection element (60).

8. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pneumatic urine pump (63) comprises arms (75), configured to engage with the inflatable cushion (2).

9. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inflatable cushion (2) comprises knee-pushing extensions (7).

10. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a textile is attached to the inflatable cushion (2), the guide sleeve (11) being attached to the textile.

11. Device for collecting stools and urine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises a urine bag (74) connected in a detachable manner to the pneumatic urine pump (63), where appropriate to its third orifice (67).

12. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it further comprises two crotch bands (21a, 21b) forming a belt (20) fixed to the guide sleeve (11).

13. A stool and urine collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mobile collecting unit (24) has a groove (28) over the entire periphery of the opening (27), the filter basket (29) having a sealing lip (85) one edge (86) of which is received in the groove (28), the device (1) further comprising a locking ring (87) having a rib (88) configured to be received in the groove (28), the filter basket (29) further comprising handles (34) configured to engage with corresponding fixing elements (35) arranged on the side walls (26) of the mobile collecting unit (24).

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