Holes to aid tearing open a collection bag

Abstract

A collection container (14) and / or bag. More particularly, a urine collection container associated with an intermittent urinary catheter (12). Even more particularly, a urine collection container including finger holes (56, 58) to aid in tearing the collection container.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT)HOLES TO AID TEARING OPEN A COLLECTION BAGThe present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 682,913, filed August 14, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to collection containers and / or bags. In particular, the present disclosure relates to collection containers having tearcontrolling features. Even more particularly, the present disclosure relates to urine collection containers used with urinary catheters, such as, but not limited to, an intermittent urinary catheter wherein the container includes holes to aid in tearing open the collection container.BACKGROUND

[0002] Patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) or other neurogenic bladder conditions typically need to empty their bladders by urinary catheterization. In some instances, intermittent catheterization is a good option for many users who suffer from various abnormalities of the urinary system. With the advent of intermittent urinary catheters, individuals with problems associated with the urinary system can conveniently self-catheterize to drain the individual’s bladder.

[0003] Intermittent urinary catheters generally comprise a tube with a first insertion end that is inserted into a user’s urethra and a second drainage end. Often, intermittent urinary catheters include a urine collection container and / or bag connected to a drainage member located at the drainage end of the catheter. When the container is connected to the catheter, the catheter directs urine to flow into the attached collection container.

[0004] After catheterization, the user typically empties the urine out of the container into a toilet and then disposes the container into a suitable receptacle (e.g., a trash bin). Consequently, because a catheter user may have limited dexterity, it may be challenging for users to open a urine collection container. Accordingly, there is a need for improved urinary catheter collection containers allowing users to easily and cleanly empty the container.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] There are several aspects of the present subject matter which may be embodied separately or together in the subject matter claimed below. These aspectsAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or the claiming of such aspects separately or in different combination as set forth in the claims appended hereto.

[0006] In one aspect, a container is provided. The container includes a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall and a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge defined by the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall. The container also includes a seal joining at least a portion of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, wherein the seal includes a seal outer perimeter and a seal inner perimeter. The seal includes a widened seal portion extending along a portion of the first side edge. The widened seal portion includes a tear-starting formation located at the first side edge and configured to create a tear towards the second side edge. Additionally, the widened seal portion includes a first aperture in the widened seal portion located above the tear-starting formation and a second aperture in the widened seal portion located below the tear-starting formation.

[0007] In another aspect, a urinary catheter product is provided. The urinary catheter product includes an intermittent urinary catheter including a catheter tube with a proximal insertion end and a distal drainage end and a lumen extending between the proximal insertion end and the distal drainage end. The urinary catheter product also includes a container. The container includes a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall and a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge defined by the first flexible wall and second flexible wall. The container includes an inlet located in the top edge that is associated with the urinary catheter. Additionally, the container includes a seal joining at least a portion of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, wherein the seal includes a seal outer perimeter and a seal inner perimeter. The seal includes a widened seal portion extending along a portion of the first side edge. The widened seal portion includes a tear-starting formation located at the first side edge and configured to create a tear towards the second side edge. The widened seal portion also includes a first aperture in the widened seal portion located above the tear-starting formation and a second aperture in the widened seal portion located below the tear-starting formation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGSAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT)

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an example of a urinary catheter.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a front view of an example of a container of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the container of FIG. 2A.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of a proximal portion of the container ofFIG. 2A.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of another example of a container of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of another example of a container of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of the container being emptied.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] A more detailed description of the device in accordance with the present disclosure is set forth below. It should be understood that the description of the specific devices below is intended to be exemplary, and not exhaustive of all possible variations or applications. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limiting and should be understood to encompass variations or embodiments that would occur to persons of ordinary skill.

[0001] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4-5 show examples of a urinary catheter product 10 including a urinary catheter 12 and a collection container 14. The urinary catheter 12 can be an intermittent urinary catheter and is associated with the collection container 14.

[0002] An example of an intermittent urinary catheter 12 is illustrated in FIG. 1 . Intermittent urinary catheter 12 includes a catheter tube 16 having a proximal insertion end 18 and a distal drainage end 20. A lumen extends from the proximal insertion end 18 to the distal drainage end 20. The proximal insertion end 18 includes at least one opening 26 for receiving urine in communication with the lumen. In one embodiment, the at least one opening 26 for receiving urine may be an eyelet. The at least one opening 26 for receiving urine may vary in shape, size, and location without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0003] The distal drainage end 20 of the catheter tube 16 includes a drainage opening for draining urine from the lumen. In some examples, the distal drainageAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) end 20 includes a drainage member 22. The drainage member 22 may be, for example, but not limited to, a funnel or connector for connection to the collection container 14. Other drainage members known in the art may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0004] In an example, the intermittent urinary catheter 12 can optionally be a sleeved urinary catheter including a sleeve 24 and, optionally, an insertion aid 28, as shown in FIG. 1 . The sleeve 24 may be a protective or barrier sleeve. The sleeve 24 may define an internal cavity in which the catheter tube 16 may be located. In an embodiment, the sleeve 24 surrounds at least a portion of the catheter tube 16. In another embodiment, the sleeve 24 extends over and surrounds the length of the catheter tube 16. When insertion aid 28 is included, it may be located at a first end of the sleeve 17 and the second end of the sleeve 19 may be attached to the distal end of the catheter 12. For example, the second end of the sleeve 19 can be attached to the drainage member 22 or to the catheter tube 16 near the drainage end 20 of catheter tube 16. The first end 17 and second end 19 of the sleeve 24 can be attached to the insertion aid 28 and to the distal end of the catheter 12 (either to the distal drainage end 20 of the catheter tube 16 or to the drainage member 22), respectively, by, for example, welding, adhesive, bonding, or any other suitable attachment means.

[0005] The sleeve 24 may be made of a flexible material which may be vapor permeable or vapor impermeable, depending on the desired use and packaging. The material of the sleeve 24 also may be liquid impermeable or liquid permeable. The sleeve 24 may be formed of any of a variety of thin, flexible polymeric film materials, such as polyethylene, plasticized PVC, or polypropylene, but elastomeric film materials such as polyurethane, and particularly elastomeric hydrogel materials, may be suitable. In some embodiments, the sleeve 24 may contain a hydration medium.

[0006] In some examples, the urinary catheter tube 16 includes a hydrophilic polymer coating on an outer surface of the catheter tube 16. The hydrophilic polymer coating can be configured to absorb a hydration medium to lubricate the catheter tube 16 to aid in insertion into a urethra. Before packaging, the catheter tube 16 may be coated with a hydrophilic polymer solution and then cured to form the hydrophilic coating.

[0007] In another example, the urinary catheter 12 can include a grippingAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) member (not shown) configured to be moveable along the length of the catheter tube 16. The gripping member can be gripped by a user to assist in handling and inserting the urinary catheter 12 into the urethra.

[0008] Additionally, the urinary catheter product 10 can include a protective cap 30. The cap 30 is configured to cover at least a portion of the insertion aid 28 and / or the insertion end 18 of the urinary catheter tube 16. When the urinary catheter 12 includes an insertion aid 28, the protective cap 30 is configured to attach to the insertion aid 28 to cover the proximal insertion end 18 of the urinary catheter 12 when the proximal insertion end 18 is located within the insertion aid 28.

[0009] As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4-5, the urinary catheter 12 can be associated with a collection container / bag 14. The collection container 14 is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the urinary catheter 12 and to receive urine flowing through a urinary catheter 12. Without departing from the scope of the disclosure, the collection container 14 can also receive and hold other bodily and non-bodily fluids.

[0010] The collection container 14 includes a first flexible wall 32a joined to a second flexible wall 32b (Fig. 2A), forming a top edge 34, a bottom edge 36, a first side edge 38, and a second side edge 40 of the collection container 14. A perimeter seal 42 joins at least a portion of the first flexible wall 32a to at least a portion of the second flexible wall 32b. The perimeter seal 42 includes a seal outer perimeter 44. In an example, the seal outer perimeter 44 defines the boundary of the collection container 14. For instance, the seal outer perimeter 44 extends to the top edge 34, bottom edge 36, first side edge 38, and second side edge 40 of the collection container 14. Alternatively, the seal outer perimeter 44 is located near the top edge 34, bottom edge 36, first side edge 38, and second side edge 40 such that the portions of the first flexible wall 32a and second flexible wall 32b adjacent to the seal outer perimeter 44 are not sealed. The seal 42 also includes a seal inner perimeter 46 defining a chamber 48 between the first flexible wall 32a and the second flexible wall 32b.

[0011] The collection container 14 can be made of a polymeric material. For example, the walls of the collection container can be made of EVA / polyethylene film. Other suitable polymeric material can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Attorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT)

[0012] In an example, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4-5, the collection container 14 can be formed of two separate sheets. For instance, the collection container 14 can include a first flexible sheet defining the first flexible wall 32a and a second flexible sheet defining the second flexible wall 32b. The perimeter seal 42 can join at least a portion of the first flexible sheet to at least a portion of the second flexible sheet. In particular, the first and second flexible sheets can be joined to one another at their perimeters by the perimeter seal 42. Alternatively, in another example, the first flexible wall 32a and second flexible wall 32b may be formed from a single sheet of flexible material that is folded over to define the first flexible wall 32a and the second flexible wall 32b. The first flexible wall 32a and the second flexible wall 32b are connected at a fold and are sealed together along the remaining three sides. For instance, and for illustrative purposes only, the collection container can include a fold at the bottom edge 36 and can include a seal 42 along the top edge 34, first side edge 38, and second side edge 40 to form collection container 14.

[0013] In an example, seal 42 can be a continuous seal joining the first flexible wall 32a to the second flexible wall 32b. Alternatively, seal 42 can include multiple seals to join the first flexible wall 32a to the second flexible wall 32b. For instance, seal 42 can include separate top and bottom seals along the top edge 34 and bottom edge 36 and two separate side seals along the first side edge 38 and second side edge 40.

[0014] Additionally, the collection container 14 can include an inlet 50. Inlet 50 is configured to be coupled to urinary catheter 12, placing the urinary catheter 12 in fluid communication with the chamber 48 of the collection container 14. For example, the inlet 50 can be a port configured to receive the distal drainage end 20 of the urinary catheter 12. In particular, a drainage member 22 at the distal drainage end 20 of the urinary catheter tube 16 can be coupled to the port. Alternatively, the drainage member 22 could serve as the port. In an example, the inlet 50 can be sealed between the first flexible wall 32a and the second flexible wall 32b and is located closer to the first side edge 38 including a widened seal portion 52 than to the second side edge 40.

[0015] Furthermore, the perimeter seal 42 includes a widened seal portion 52 extending partially along the first side edge 38 and near the top edge 34, as shown FIGS. 2-5. For instance, the widened seal portion 52 is defined by a portion of theAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) seal outer perimeter 44 at the first side edge 38 and a portion of the seal inner perimeter 46 near the top edge 34. The widened seal portion 52 extends towards the second side edge 40 at a greater width than the perimeter seal 42 along the remainder of the first side edge 38. For instance, the first side edge 38 includes a narrow seal portion 53 including a first width w. The widened seal portion 52 is located above the narrow seal portion 53 and includes a width w’ that is wider than the width w of narrow seal portion 53. In other words, the perimeter seal 42 is wider at the widened seal portion 52 than the rest of the perimeter seal 42 of the first side edge 38. It will be understood that the terms first side edge and second side edge are used for illustrative purposes to orient one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that either edge can be the first side edge and the edge opposite that edge can be the second side edge.

[0016] The widened seal portion 52 of the collection container 14 is configured to be torn open to form an outlet 74 (shown in FIG. 6) in the collection container 14. A user may empty the contents of the collection container 14 through the formed outlet.

[0017] The widened seal portion 52 includes a tear-starting formation 54 and at least two apertures configured to be gripped by a user. The tear-starting formation 54 may be a weakened portion that is employed to initiate a tear. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, tear-starting formation 54 may be a slit located at the first side edge 38. In an example, the tear slit extends about 5 mm from the first side edge 38 towards the second side edge 40. In another example, the tear slit extends 5 mm from the first side edge 38. Alternatively, the tear-starting formation 54 could include a perforation, a weakened seal portion, a portion of the first and / or second flexible wall with less material, or any other suitable tear-starting formation without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The tear-starting formation is configured to tear in a direction from the first side edge 38 towards the inlet 50.

[0018] A first aperture 56 is located in the seal 42 above the tear-starting formation 54 and a second aperture 58 is located in the seal 42 below the tearstarting formation 54. In particular, the first aperture 56 is located in the widened seal portion 52 at a location between the tear-starting formation 54 and the top edge 34. The second aperture 58 is located in the widened seal portion 52 between the tearstarting formation 54 and the bottom edge 36. The first aperture 56 and second aperture 58 can be grip opening supports. For instance, the first aperture 56 and theAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) second aperture 58 are sized and shaped to assist a user in gripping the container 14. In an example, a user can grip the container 14 by pinching two fingers from one hand together at the first aperture 56 and by pinching two fingers from the other hand together at the second aperture 58. In another example, the first aperture 56 and the second aperture 58 are sized and shaped to receive a user’s finger. For instance, the user may handle the container 14 by placing a first finger through one of the apertures 56, 58 and second finger from the user’s free hand through the other of the apertures 56, 58. By handling the container 14 as such, the user can tear open the container 14, as described in more detail herein.

[0019] Optionally, the first aperture 56 or second aperture 58 can also be used to hang the container 14. The first aperture 56 and second aperture 58 are configured to support the weight of the container 14 when the container 14 is hung from either the first aperture 56 or the second aperture 58. For instance, the container 14 can be hung from a bed, a wheelchair, a stand, or other suitable hanging apparatus using the first aperture 56 or second aperture 58.

[0020] Additionally, the seal inner perimeter 46 of the widened seal portion 52 can be shaped to assist tearing open the collection container 14 to form an outlet and / or to assist in directing fluid out of the collection container 14. In an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the seal inner perimeter 46 of the widened seal portion 52 includes an indent 60 adjacent to the tear-starting formation 54. The indent 60 is located between the first aperture 56 and the second aperture 58. In an example, the perimeter seal 42 extends about 10 mm from the first side edge 38 to the indent 60. In another example the perimeter seal 42 extends 10 mm from the first side edge 38 to the indent 60.

[0021] As disclosed herein, the first aperture 56 and the second aperture 58 are located within the widened seal portion 52. Including the apertures 56, 58 within the widened seal portion 52 contributes to the widened seal portion 52 including a width w’ that is wider than the width w of narrow seal portion 53. Accordingly, a user may need to tear through more sealed material to create an outlet in the container 14. The indent 60, in addition to the tear-starting formation 54, allows the collection container 14 to tear with a force of less than about 10 N. In a particular example, the indent 60, in addition to the tear-starting formation 54, allows the collection container 14 to tear with a force of less than 10 N. For instance, the indent 60 provides lessAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) sealed material for a user to tear through to reach the chamber 48. Additionally, by including an indent 60 in the seal inner perimeter 46, the volume of the chamber 48 is increased. Optionally, in an example, the seal inner perimeter 46 can include a second indent 61 located above the first aperture 56.

[0022] Additionally, in an example, the widened seal portion 52 includes an angled portion 62 below the second aperture 58. For example, the seal inner perimeter 46 of the angled portion 62 includes an angle A. In particular, the seal inner perimeter 46 angles away from the seal outer perimeter 44, forming an inclining “ramp” in the direction from the bottom edge 36 towards the tear-starting formation 54. In other words, the width of the widened seal portion 52 increases along the first side edge 38 in the direction from the narrow seal portion 53 to the second aperture 58. In an example, the angle A formed by the seal outer perimeter 44 and the seal inner perimeter 46 is about 15° to about 45°. More particularly, the angle A is about 30°. In a particular example, the angle A is 15°, 30°, 45°, or any suitable angle from 15° and 45°. After the collection container 14 is torn open at the tear-starting formation 54, a user can tip the collection container 14 to empty it of its contents. The angled portion 62 assists in directing any fluid within the collection container 14 towards the outlet.

[0023] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the seal inner perimeter 46 of the widened seal portion 52 does not include an indent 60 as described above. Instead, the seal inner perimeter 46 includes a uniform width w’ from the top edge 34 to the second aperture 58. An outlet can be formed in the collection container 14 by tearing through the perimeter seal 42 at the tear-starting formation 54. Despite not including an indent 60 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the outlet can be formed by configuring the perimeter seal 42 at the widened seal portion 52 to tear with a tearing force of about less than 10 N. For example, the outlet can be formed with a tearing force of about less than 10 N by providing a weakened seal 42, by extending the tear-starting formation 54 further into the seal 42, by providing thinner sheet material forming the collection container 14, or by any other suitable manner without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In a particular example, the outlet can be formed by configured the perimeter seal 42 at the widened seal portion 52 to tear with a tearing force of less than 10 N.

[0024] Additionally, as shown in the example illustrated by FIG. 4, the seal innerAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) perimeter 46 of the widened seal portion 52 includes an angled portion 62 located below the second aperture 58. In particular, the seal inner perimeter 46 angles away from the seal outer perimeter 44, forming an inclining “ramp” in the direction from the bottom edge 36 towards the tear-starting formation 54. In other words, the width of the widened portion 52 increases along the first side edge 38 in the direction from the narrow seal portion 53 towards the second aperture 58. In an example, the angle A formed by the seal outer perimeter 44 and the seal inner perimeter 46 is about 15° to about 45°. More particularly, the angle A is about 30° In a particular example, the angle A is 15°, 30°, 45°, or any other suitable angle from 15°and 45°. After the container is torn open at the tear-starting formation 54, a user can tip the collection container 14 to empty it of its contents. The angled portion 62 assists in directing any fluid within the collection container 14 towards the outlet.

[0025] Turning again to FIGS. 2-5, the collection container 14 can include a handle seal portion 64 along the second side edge 40 near the top edge 34. In an example, the handle seal portion 64 can include a handle aperture 66 and / or a tearstopping formation 68.

[0026] Handle seal portion 64 may be formed by at least partially sealing the first wall 32a to the second wall 32b. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4, first wall 32a and second wall 32b are fully sealed to one another to form the handle seal portion 64. The handle seal portion 64 joins the first flexible wall 32a and the second flexible wall 32b to define a handle aperture 66. In an embodiment, the handle aperture 66 can be cut or punched-out of the first and second flexible walls, or it can be formed in any other suitable manner without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The handle aperture 66 can be spaced a distance from the top edge 34 and from the second side edge 40 of the collection container 14. A user can handle the collection container 14 by placing at least one finger through the handle aperture to grasp the collection container 14. In an example, the handle aperture 66 is sized to receive multiple fingers of a user’s hand. Additionally, as illustrated, the handle aperture 66 can be oval-shaped, but can vary in shape and size without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0027] As discussed above, the handle seal portion 64 can also include a tearstopping formation 68. The tear-stopping formation 68 can be located between the handle aperture 66 and the seal inner perimeter 46 of the second side edge 40. InAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) particular, the tear-stopping formation 68 is located between the handle aperture 66 and the inlet 50 and is positioned across from the tear-starting formation 54. In an example, the tear-stopping formation 68 is a tear-stopping aperture, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. The tear-stopping aperture can be cut or punched-out of the first and / or second flexible walls. Other suitable tear-stopping formations can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the tear-stopping formation 68 can include additional material, a thicker portion of first and / or second flexible wall, a more rigid portion of first and / or second flexible wall, or any tear-stopping formation disclosed in U.S. Publication 2020 / 0360174, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

[0028] Alternatively, handle seal portion 64 can be formed by partially sealing the first wall 32a to the second wall 32b. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, handle seal portion is defined by the perimeter seal 42 and a joining seal 65 joining the first wall 32a and second wall 32b. The joining seal 65 can extend from the perimeter seal 42 extending along the top edge 34 to the perimeter seal extending along the second side edge 40. Tear-stopping formation 68, such as a tear-stopping aperture, can be located in joining seal 65. Additionally, handle seal portion 64 can include a handle seal 67 joining the first wall 32a to the second wall 32b along the perimeter of the handle aperture 66. In this instance, the handle seal portion 64 includes an unsealed section 69 where the walls 32a and 32b are not sealed to one another.

[0029] The collection container 14 can also include a distal aperture 70 located near the bottom edge 36. For example, the collection container 14 can include an enlarged distal seal portion 72 adjacent to the bottom edge 36 and second side edge 40, and a distal aperture 70 located within the distal seal portion 72. The enlarged distal seal portion 72 can be formed by at least partially sealing the first wall 32a to the second wall 32b. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first wall 32a and the second wall 32b can be fully sealed to one another to form the enlarged distal seal portion 72. The distal aperture 70 can be cut or punched-out of the first and second flexible walls 32a and 32b. Alternatively, distal aperture 70 can be formed by any other suitable manner without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The distal aperture 70 can be sized and shaped to receive a user’s finger. A user may use the distal aperture 70 to assist in tipping the collection container 14 to empty it of its contents after the outlet has been formed.Attorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT)

[0030] In another example, the enlarged distal seal portion 72 can be formed by partially sealing the first wall 32a to the second wall 32b. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, enlarged distal seal portion 72 is defined by the perimeter seal 42 and a distal joining seal 73 joining the first wall 32a and second wall 32b. The distal joining seal 73 can extend from the perimeter seal 42 extending along the second side edge 40 to the perimeter seal 42 extending along the bottom edge 36. Distal aperture 70, can be located in distal joining seal 73. Alternatively, enlarged distal seal portion 72 can include a distal aperture seal (not shown) separate from the distal joining seal 73. By partially sealing the enlarged distal seal portion 72, enlarged distal seal portion 72 includes an unsealed section 75 where the walls 32a and 32b are not sealed to one another.

[0031] To use the urinary catheter product 10, a user may remove the cap 30 (if present) and insert the insertion aid 28 into the urethra. The user may then grasp the catheter tube 16 through the sleeve 24 and advance the catheter tube 16 through the insertion aid 28 and into and through the urethra until the one or more openings 26 enter the bladder. After entering the bladder, urine will drain through the catheter lumen, through the inlet 50, and into the collection container 14. After the bladder has been drained, the user can remove the catheter 12 from the urethra. At this point, the user can empty the collection container 14 of its contents into a suitable receptacle (e.g., a toilet).

[0032] To empty the collection container 14, the user may tear open an outlet by grasping the container 14 at the first aperture 56 and the second aperture 58. For example, the user can pinch two fingers from one hand at the first aperture 56 and can pinch two fingers from the other hand at the second aperture 58. The user can then pull the first aperture 56 and second aperture 58 in opposite directions to open the container 14. In another example, the user can place a first finger into the first aperture 56 and a second finger from the user’s other hand into the second aperture 58. The user can then pull the first aperture 56 and second aperture 58 in opposite directions to create a tear from the tear-starting formation 54, across the collection container 14 towards the second side edge 40 to form an outlet 74.

[0033] After the collection container 14 is torn open, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the user can empty the container 14 of its contents.

[0034] In an example, the user can remove a finger from the first aperture 56 orAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) second aperture 58 and grasp the collection container 14 by the handle aperture 66. Alternatively, the user can fold the torn top portion of the collection container 14 towards the second side edge 40 and, while keeping their finger in the first aperture 56, grasp the collection container 14 by the handle aperture 66. By grasping the handle aperture 66 in this manner, the user can also hold the torn top portion of the collection container 14 away from the outlet 74.

[0035] A user may then tilt the outlet 74 towards a suitable receptacle (e.g., a toilet) to pour out the contents of the container. For example, the user can use the handle aperture 66 to tilt the outlet 74 towards a receptacle. Additionally, while grasping the collection container 14 using the handle aperture 66, the user can place a finger from their free hand through the distal aperture 70 to assist with tilting the outlet 74 towards a receptacle. As the collection container 14 is tilted, the angled portion 62 under the second aperture 58 will assist in directing the flow of urine towards the outlet 74. Once the collection container 14 is emptied of its contents, the collection container 14 can be disposed of in a proper waste receptacle such as a trash can.

[0036] It will be understood that the embodiments and examples described above are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For these reasons, the scope hereof is not limited to the above description but is as set forth in the following claims, and it is understood that claims may be directed to the features hereof, including as combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT)What is Claimed:

1. A container comprising: a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall; a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge defined by the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall; a seal joining at least a portion of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, wherein the seal includes a seal outer perimeter and a seal inner perimeter; wherein the seal includes a widened seal portion extending along a portion of the first side edge, the widened seal portion comprising a tear-starting formation located at the first side edge and configured to create a tear towards the second side edge; and a first aperture in the widened seal portion located above the tear-starting formation and a second aperture in the widened seal portion located below the tearstarting formation.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the widened seal portion includes an angled portion below the second aperture.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the angled portion includes an angle of about 15° to about 45 “ defined by the seal outer perimeter and the seal inner perimeter.

4. The container of any one of claims 2-3, wherein the angled portion includes an angle of about 30° defined by the seal outer perimeter and the seal inner perimeter.

5. The container of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the widened seal portion includes an indent located between the first aperture and the second aperture.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the widened seal portion extends about 10 mm from the seal outer perimeter to the indent.

7. The container of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the tear-starting formation is configured to create a tear with a force of less than about 10 N.

8. The container of any one of claims 1 -7, comprising a tear-stopping formation at a location opposite the tear-starting formation.

9. The container of any one of claims 1 -8, comprising a handle aperture in the seal adjacent to the second side edge.Attorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT)10. The container of any one of claims 1 -9, comprising a distal aperture located adjacent to the bottom edge.11 . The container of any one of claims 1 -10, comprising an inlet in the top edge.

12. The container of any one of claims 1 -11 , wherein the inlet is configured to receive a urinary catheter.

13. The container of any one of claims 1 -12, wherein the inlet includes a port.

14. The container of any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the inlet is located closer to the first side edge including the widened seal portion than to the second side edge.

15. The container of any one of claims 1 -14, wherein the tear-starting formation is configured to tear in a direction from the first side edge towards the inlet.

16. The container of any one of claims 1 -15, wherein the seal outer perimeter extends to the top edge, bottom edge, first side edge, and second side edge.

17. The container of any one of claims 1 -16, wherein the first aperture and second aperture are configured to support the weight of the container when the container is hung from the first aperture or second aperture.

18. A urinary catheter product comprising: an intermittent urinary catheter including a catheter tube with a proximal insertion end and a distal drainage end and a lumen extending between proximal insertion end and the distal drainage end; and a container comprising a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall; a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge defined by the first flexible wall and second flexible wall; an inlet located in the top edge, wherein the inlet is associated with the urinary catheter. a seal joining at least a portion of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, wherein the seal includes a seal outer perimeter and a seal inner perimeter; wherein the seal includes a widened seal portion extending along a portion of the first side edge, the widened seal portion comprising a tear-starting formation located at the first side edge and configured to create a tear towards the second side edge; and a first aperture in the widened seal portion located above the tear-starting formation and a second aperture in the widened sealAttorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT) portion located below the tear-starting formation.

19. The product of claim 18, wherein the widened seal portion includes an angled portion below the second aperture.

20. The product of claim 19, wherein the angled portion includes an angle of about 15° to about 45 “defined by the seal outer perimeter and the seal inner perimeter.21 . The product of any one of claims 19-20, wherein the angled portion includes an angle of about 30° defined by the seal outer perimeter and the seal inner perimeter.

22. The product of any one of claims 18-21 , wherein the widened seal portion includes an indent located between the first aperture and the second aperture.

23. The product of claim 22, wherein the widened seal portion extends about 10 mm from the seal outer perimeter to the indent.

24. The product of any one of claims 18-23, wherein the tear-starting formation is configured create a tear with a force of less than about 10 N.

25. The product of any one of claims 18-24, comprising a tear-stopping formation at a location opposite the tear-starting formation.

26. The product of any one of claims 18-25, comprising a handle aperture in the seal adjacent to the second side edge.

27. The product of any one of claims 18-26, comprising a distal aperture located adjacent to the bottom edge.

28. The product of any one of claims 18-27, wherein the inlet includes a port.

29. The product of any one of claims 18-27, wherein the inlet is located closer to the first side edge including the widened seal portion than to the second side edge.

30. The product of any one of claims 18-29, wherein the tear-starting formation is configured to tear in a direction from the first side edge towards the inlet.31 . The container of any one of claims 18-30, wherein the seal outer perimeter extends to the top edge, bottom edge, first side edge, and second side edge.

32. The product of any one of claims 18-31 , wherein the distal drainage end of the catheter includes a connector.

33. The product of any one of claims 18-32, wherein the distal drainage end is coupled to the inlet.Attorney Docket No. 3400-0359.01 (826PCT)34. The product of any one of claims 18-33, wherein the urinary catheter includes an insertion aid.

35. The product of claim 34, wherein the urinary catheter includes a sleeve extending from the distal drainage end to the insertion aid.

36. The product of any one of claims 18-35, wherein the urinary catheter includes a cap.

37. The product of any one of claims 18-36, wherein the first aperture and second aperture are configured to support the weight of the container when the container is hung from the first aperture or second aperture.

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