U.S. patent application number 13/472178 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-06 for collection devices for catheter assemblies.
Invention is credited to Jamie Glen House.
Application Number | 20120226246 13/472178 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39618335 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120226246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
House; Jamie Glen |
September 6, 2012 |
Collection Devices for Catheter Assemblies
Abstract
A collection device for a catheter assembly is disclosed
providing for an easier catheterization process and fluid
collection with the device capable of being folded from a larger
form into a smaller, more mobile form. The collection device may
have attached to its top portion a connecting tube capable of being
stretched and compressed, thereby allowing the user more
flexibility and convenience while catheterized. Additionally, the
collection device may contain antiseptic agents, fold lines, a
drainage tube, fastening mechanisms, and leg strap holders in order
to make the device more convenient to use.
Inventors: |
House; Jamie Glen; (Colorado
Springs, CO) |
Family ID: |
39618335 |
Appl. No.: |
13/472178 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11652524 |
Jan 12, 2007 |
8177765 |
|
|
13472178 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/318 ;
493/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/318 ;
493/243 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/44 20060101
A61F005/44; B31B 1/26 20060101 B31B001/26 |
Claims
1. A urine collection device comprising: a collection receptacle
including a drainage port and a urine inlet adapted to receive
urine; wherein the collection receptacle is adapted to reversibly
fold into a smaller collection receptacle having a decreased volume
of no more than one-fifth of a volume of the collection receptacle,
the collection receptacle including a graduated visual measurement
scale adapted for measurement of a volume of urine in the
collection receptacle and the smaller collection receptacle.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the collection receptacle
includes a plurality of fasteners adapted to reversibly mate with a
plurality of receiving bodies to facilitate the fold into the
smaller collection receptacle.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the collection receptacle
includes a pull ring adapted to release the plurality of fasteners
when the pull ring is pulled.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the pull ring is located on the
outside of the center of the smaller collection receptacle.
5. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fasteners
include a magnetic fastener.
6. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fasteners
include a hook-and-loop fastener.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the collection receptacle
includes a zipper locking mechanism adapted to facilitate the fold
into the smaller collection receptacle.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a urinary catheter
attached to the urine inlet.
9. A urine collection device comprising: a large collection
receptacle including a urine outlet and a urine inlet adapted to
receive urine; wherein the large collection receptacle is
manipulated into a small collection receptacle having a decreased
volume of no more than one-fifth of a volume of the large
collection receptacle, the large collection receptacle including a
graduated visual measurement scale adapted for measurement of a
volume of urine in the large collection receptacle and the small
collection receptacle.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the large collection receptacle
includes a plurality of fasteners adapted to reversibly mate with a
plurality of receiving bodies to facilitate the manipulation into
the small collection receptacle.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the large collection receptacle
includes a pull ring adapted to release the plurality of fasteners
when the pull ring is pulled.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of fasteners
include a magnetic fastener.
13. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of fasteners
include a hook-and-loop fastener.
14. The device of claim 9, wherein the collection receptacle
includes a zipper locking mechanism adapted to facilitate the
manipulation into the small collection receptacle.
15. The device of claim 9, further comprising a tube attached to
the urine inlet.
16. A method of folding a collection receptacle including a
drainage port and a urine inlet adapted to receive urine, the
method comprising: folding the collection receptacle into a smaller
collection receptacle having a decreased volume of no more than
one-fifth of a volume of the collection receptacle; wherein the
collection receptacle includes a graduated visual measurement scale
adapted for measurement of a volume of urine in the collection
receptacle and the smaller collection receptacle.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the folding includes reversibly
mating a plurality of fasteners on the collection receptacle with a
plurality of receiving bodies.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising releasing the
plurality of fasteners to manipulate the collection receptacle from
the smaller collection receptacle into the collection
receptacle.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the releasing includes pulling
a pull ring on the smaller collection receptacle.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the folding includes sealing a
zipper locking mechanism in the collection receptacle.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/652,524, filed Jan. 12, 2007, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,177,765, the content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety into this disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to catheter
assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to
collection devices for catheter assemblies.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] The urinary catheterization procedure is a common medical
practice with the procedure being performed today in hospitals,
nursing homes, and home settings. When a patient requires a
catheter to remain in for a prolonged period of time, an indwelling
or Foley catheter is often used. This type of catheter has the
benefit of remaining in the bladder for up to one month which
decreases the inconvenience of repeated intermittent
catheterization. Indwelling urinary catheters are also used in
situations where an accurate measurement of urine is required.
[0006] There has been a significant increase in highly resistant
bacteria within institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Every attempt is being taken to decrease infection by destroying
the bacteria. Until that is done, however, attempts must be made to
decrease a patient's exposure to such potential harmful
bacteria.
[0007] One common complication of indwelling catheters, as a result
of infections often by bacteria, is a Urinary Tract Infection
(UTI). There have been many attempts to decrease the incidents of
urinary tract infections. A very common trend has been to supply
the indwelling catheter pre-attached to a large bedside collection
bag. These bedside collection bags are usually of a standard size
and can hold up to 2000 mL of urine. The indwelling urinary
catheter comes connected to the bedside collection bag to create a
"closed system" environment. By not switching from a 2000 mL
bedside collection bag to a smaller 500-700 mL leg/day bag, it is
hoped that urinary tract infection may be decreased. Every time a
urine collection bag is removed from a Foley catheter distal end
and replaced with another collection bag, the seal or closed system
is broken, and the risk for infection is increased thereby putting
the patient at risk.
[0008] Conventional urine collection bags have a drain port located
somewhere on the bag. Several times throughout the day the nurse or
caretaker is required to open the port and drain the urine into a
container for discard. Many times in the hospital setting the
patient must get out of bed and walk to the bathroom or shower, or
the patient may get out of bed for therapy or exercise. This large
2000 mL bedside collection bag becomes a very significant hindrance
to mobility and independence.
[0009] Because infection may arise during catheterization when a
large collection bag is replaced by a smaller one and because it is
inconvenient to have a large bag attached to a patient when the
patient desires to get out of bed, there is a need in the
healthcare industry for a sterile and convenient technique for
facilitating the catheterization process and being able to
effectively transition between a larger collection bag and a
smaller leg/day bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The current techniques for catheterization are inefficient
and inconvenient. Infection may arise when an original larger bag
is detached, and a smaller leg bag is attached to a distal end of a
catheter. The present invention addresses this healthcare problem
by providing various devices and techniques to facilitate the
catheterization process, and to simplify the transition between a
larger collection bag and a smaller leg bag. More specifically, the
present invention proposes a foldable collection receptacle with an
accordion-like connecting tube, while the collection receptacle is
capable of being manipulated between a larger and a smaller form
without disconnecting the connecting tube from the collection
receptacle.
[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a
collection assembly. The assembly includes a collection receptacle;
an accordion-like connecting tube attached to the top of the
collection receptacle; a drainage port located at a bottom of the
collection receptacle; a drainage tube; and a holder; wherein the
drainage tube is in fluid communication with the drainage port such
that the drainage tube can be manipulated in order to control flow
of fluid out of the collection receptacle; and wherein the holder
is positioned on the collection receptacle such that a tip of the
drainage tube may be stored within the holder when no fluid is
being drained from the collection receptacle.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a
collection device. The device includes a collection receptacle with
fold lines; a drainage port located at a bottom of the collection
receptacle; and a holder attached to the collection receptacle;
wherein the collection receptacle is initially a larger size which
can be folded into a smaller size; wherein the drainage tube is in
fluid communication with the drainage port such that the drainage
tube can be manipulated in order to control the flow of fluid out
of the collection receptacle; and wherein the holder is positioned
such that the tip of the drainage tube may be stored within the
holder when no fluid is being drained from the collection
receptacle.
[0013] In certain exemplary embodiments, an accordion-like
connecting tube is also included, and is positioned in between the
catheter and the collection receptacle. Such accordion-like
property allows a long enough tube to reach a side of the bed and
the ability to shorten when worn on the leg. Thus, this connecting
tube can extend from a few inches, such as about four inches, to
several feet, such as about two feet. Other lengths are also
possible and within the scope of the present invention.
[0014] In certain exemplary embodiments, a clamp on the drainage
port or tube, or a screw or other flow-arresting device, is
included to prevent flow when such drainage port is not in use.
[0015] As used herein and throughout this disclosure, and in order
to understand the directional aspects of this invention, "proximal"
refers to the section of the device that is closer to the patient's
body (e.g., urethra) during catheterization while "distal" refers
to the section of the device that is farther away from the
patient's body during catheterization.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a reversible catheter assembly
which includes a collection receptacle with a drainage port and
clamp according to the prior art.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a catheter assembly with a
collection receptacle which possesses an accordion-like connecting
tube, a drainage port, and a drainage tube with an optional clamp
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3A shows a front view of a catheter assembly with a
foldable collection receptacle which possesses an accordion-like
connecting tube, a drainage port, a drainage tube, and fasteners
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3B shows a rear view of the catheter assembly in FIG.
3A but is in the smaller folded position according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention provides for catheter and catheter
assemblies with collection devices such that the operator may more
easily transition between a larger collection receptacle and
smaller collection receptacle thereby avoiding exposure to
infection. In particular embodiments and examples presented herein,
such catheters are described with respect to urinary
catheterization but it must be noted that such collection devices
according to the present invention are not limited to urinary
catheters alone but may be applicable to any catheter and catheter
assembly that could benefit from the use of such collection
devices.
[0021] An example of a conventional catheter assembly is shown in
FIG. 1 as assembly 100. Assembly 100 includes a collection
receptacle 150, a drainage port 151 with a drainage cover 152, a
mating collar 140, a catheter distal end 130, a mating stopper 111,
a catheter 120, and a sheath 110. The collection receptacle 150 may
be of any size such that it is be capable of storing a volume
between 300 mL and 5 L of fluid. Other volumes are also possible.
The collection receptacle 150 is rectangular in shape as shown in
FIG. 1 or it is any other shape including but not limited to a
pouch, an oval, a square, or any other geometric shape that would
maximize the volume capacity of the collection receptacle while
minimizing the bulkiness of the collection receptacle. The
collection receptacle 150 contains a drainage port 151 as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0022] The drainage port 151 is circular in shape or it is any
other shape including but not limited to an oval, a square, or any
other geometric shape that would allow for a desired rate of volume
flow (e.g., fast or slow) out of the collection receptacle 150 in
order to either empty the collection receptacle fully or partially
(e.g., to obtain a urine sample). The drainage port 151 is of a
size such that it allows for a desired rate of volume flow out of
the collection receptacle 150 in order to either empty the
collection receptacle fully or partially. The drainage port 151 is
located at the distal end (the bottom) of the collection receptacle
150 as shown in FIG. 1 such that it is in a position to efficiently
and optimally drain the contents of the collection receptacle 150
when the receptacle is filled with urine.
[0023] Assembly 100 also includes a drainage cover 152 covering the
drainage port 151. The drainage cover 152 is of any shape as
described above for the drainage port 151 as long as the drainage
cover 152 is able to effectively occlude the drainage port 151 when
the drainage cover 152 is closed (e.g., mated with the drainage
port) thereby preventing any leakage out of the collection
receptacle 150. The drainage port 151 is attached to the collection
receptacle 150 via any appropriate technique such that when the
drainage cover 152 is open (e.g., not mated with the drainage port
151), the drainage cover remains attached to the collection
receptacle thereby preventing the operator from misplacing or
losing the drainage cover 152 and also allowing the operator to
easily close the drainage cover after the desired amount of urine
is drained from the collection receptacle 150. The drainage cover
152 also possesses a grippable tab 153 that is used to open and
close the drainage cover.
[0024] Before catheterization, the mating stopper 111 is mated with
the mating collar 140 so that the catheter distal end 130 is
situated within the collection receptacle 150. In this way, the
urine outlet 131 is positioned within the collection receptacle 150
before the urine is drained into the receptacle. The connection
provided by the mating of the stopper and collar is strong enough
to effectively resist undesired disconnection before, during, and
after the desired amount of fluid is extracted from the patient.
After the desired amount of fluid is extracted and/or the
catheterization process is completed, the operator may exert
sufficient force to disconnect the mating stopper 111 from the
mating collar 140 thereby possibly separating the collection
receptacle 150 from the catheter distal end 130. The operator then
places the collection receptacle 150 over a specimen bottle or a
toilet, and then grasps the grippable tab 153 with one hand and
removes the drainage cover 152 from the drainage port 151 thereby
allowing the collected urine to flow out of the collection
receptacle by way of gravity. Once the desired amount of drained
fluid is released (e.g., a sample size or the whole volume of
collected fluid) from the collection receptacle, the operator
replaces the drainage cover 152 so that it mates with the drainage
port 151. To close the drainage cover 152, the user mates the
drainage cover 152 with the drainage port 151 (e.g., including but
not limited to snapping the cover into the port) firmly enough to
provide a leak-free seal between the drainage cover and the
port.
[0025] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention
incorporated into a catheter assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 2, and
includes a collection receptacle 250, a drainage port 251 with a
drainage tube 254, a clamp 257, a holder 255, and a connecting tube
220. The collection receptacle 250 may be pouch shaped as shown in
FIG. 2 or it may be any shape including but not limited to a
rectangle, oval, square, or any other geometric shape such that the
volume capacity of the collection receptacle may be maximized while
the bulkiness of the collection receptacle may be minimized. The
collection receptacle 250 may be of any size or size range,
including but not limited to between 300 mL and 5 L. The collection
receptacle 250 may contain an antiseptic pellet (not shown) capable
of maintaining an internal sterile environment for the collection
receptacle. The antiseptic pellet may be a free pellet or it may be
"cage" ball pellet capable of releasing its antiseptic agent in a
time sensitive fashion. This "cage" ball may be capable of
releasing the antiseptic agent constantly over a defined time
period (e.g., 1-2 months). Such a time-released pellet may keep the
collection receptacle 250 and assembly 200 free of
contamination.
[0026] The connecting tube 220 may act as a sterile fluid conduit
by allowing a sterile passageway for fluid to drain into the
collection receptacle 250 from a catheter (not shown) connected at
attachment site 260. The connecting tube 220 may contain on its
inner surface any antiseptic agent (not shown) capable of
maintaining a sterile environment inside its surface and therefore
inside assembly 200. The antiseptic agent may effectively prevent
contamination and subsequent patient infection arising from
bacteria. The connecting tube 220 may be comprised of any suitable
material such that the tube can act like an accordion and be
capable of stretching to a length of approximately 4 feet and be
capable of compressing to a length of approximately 1 foot or less
when so manipulated. The material property that allows such
flexibility in length for the connecting tube is similar to that of
a bendable plastic straw. The longer length of the connecting tube
may be suitably used when the collection receptacle is larger
(e.g., 2-5 L) thereby providing maximum length from the patient to
the collection receptacle, and a maximum volume for fluid
collection (e.g., for when the patient is lying in bed).
Alternatively, the shorter length of the connecting tube may be
suitably used when the collection receptacle is smaller (e.g., 300
mL) thereby providing a more manageable length from the patient to
the collection receptacle, and a more convenient collection
receptacle size (e.g., for when the patient is mobile). The
connecting tube 220 may be permanently attached to the urine inlet
221 at attachment site 222 via any suitable permanent attachment
means known in the catheter art (e.g., heat sealing, clamping,
etc.). In this way, a sterile environment may be maintained within
catheter assembly 200. The connecting tube 220 may also be attached
permanently to a catheter (not shown) at the proximal end 260 of
assembly 200 as described above.
[0027] The drainage port 251 may be situated as shown in FIG. 2 at
the bottom of the collection receptacle so as to maximize the
usability and drainability of the collection receptacle. The
drainage port 251 may be rectangular in shape as shown in FIG. 2 or
it may be any other shape such that the port can effectively and
efficiently allow the passage of fluid out of the collection
receptacle at a desired rate. Additionally, the drainage port 251
may be of any size. The drainage port 251 may also contain a
drainage tube 254 which may effectively provide a conduit for the
urine to drain out of the collection receptacle 250. A base portion
of the drainage tube 254 may be attached to and sealed with the
drainage port 251 via any attachment method including, but not
limited to, heat sealing in order to prevent leakage. The
attachment method may allow the drainage tube 254 to be in fluid
communication with the drainage port 251 such that the urine may
flow out of the collection receptacle and into the drainage tube
when the tube is removed from the holder 255 and pointed downward
as shown by arrow 271. The attachment method at urine inlet 221
between the collection receptacle and connecting tube and the
attachment of the drainage tube 254 with the drainage port 251 may
be such that during urine flow, no urine is able to leak through
and thus a leak free seal may be maintained between at the urine
inlet 221 and the drainage port 251. An optional clamp 257 may also
be present on the drainage tube 254 to further prevent premature
fluid leakage and to allow the user more control over the urine
flow. The clamp 257 may encompass the drainage tube 254 and may be
comprised of any material and may be formed in any shape such that
the clamp is capable of effectively allowing fluid to pass through
the drainage tube when it is in an open position, and then capable
of occluding the drainage tube when it is in a closed position
(e.g., not allowing fluid to pass).
[0028] At any point during the catheterization, the operator may
remove the drainage tube 254 from within the holder 255 thereby
exposing the drainage outlet 256. The drainage tube may be pulled
out of the holder 255 just prior to catheterization. The drainage
tube 254 may be manipulated by the user to adjust the amount and
flow rate of urine allowed to pass through the drainage tube 254.
In order to detach the drainage tube 254 from the holder 255 and
therefore drain the collection receptacle 250, the operator may
grasp the drainage tube anywhere along its body and pull down as
shown by arrow 271. This motion may allow the user to bend the
drainage tube 254 towards the ground to control urine flow.
[0029] For example, the operator may grasp the drainage tube 254
with one hand by forming a first around the tube. After pulling
down, the operator may rotate his or her wrist away from the
collection receptacle to expose the drainage outlet 256. By varying
the magnitude of the twist, the operator may control the flow rate
of urine out of the collection receptacle 250. To stop the flow of
urine out of the collection receptacle 250, the operator may grasp
the drainage tube as specified above and may manipulate the
drainage tube 254 to an almost horizontal position (e.g., parallel
to the floor) or the user may engage the clamp 257. The operator
may then insert the drainage outlet 256 and proximal portion of the
drainage tube 254 back into the holder 255.
[0030] In order to achieve all of these functions and limitations,
the collection receptacle 250 may be flexible and not easily broken
or ripped, and the drainage tube 254 may also be flexible and
capable of manipulation. The holder 255 may also be flexible and
may be attached to the collection receptacle 250 via any attachment
means including but not limited to adhesion. The holder 255 may be
attached to the collection receptacle at a location such that the
drainage tube 254 is able to rest within the holder as shown in
FIG. 2. Thus, the distance between the holder 255 and the drainage
port 251 must be roughly equivalent to the length of the drainage
tube in order for the drainage tube 254 to rest within the holder
255 without any support from the operator.
[0031] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
incorporated into a catheter assembly 300 is shown in FIG. 3A, and
includes an unfolded collection receptacle 358 with fold lines 357,
left fastener 361, bottom fastener 362, right fastener 363,
receiving bodies 364, drainage port 351, drainage tube 354, holder
355, connecting tube 320, pull attachment 365, and pull ring 366.
The unfolded collection receptacle 358 as shown in FIG. 3A may be
of any size such that it is capable of receiving and storing up to
5 L of fluid. The receptacle may have fold lines 357 on its surface
as shown in FIG. 3A such that the unfolded collection receptacle
358 is capable of being folded (e.g., reduced from a size capable
of holding up to 5 L of fluid to a smaller size capable of holding
less than 5 L of fluid). The fold lines 357 are shown as residing
on the same side as the drainage port 351 and drainage tube 354 but
this is not a limiting characteristic for this exemplary embodiment
and they may be on the other side or on both sides of the
collection receptacle. The fold lines 357 may be situated such that
the operator is able to fold both sides of the receptacle along
with the bottom of the receptacle in the direction shown by arrows
370 while avoiding interfering with the integrity of the drainage
port 351 and the drainage tube 354. For example, the operator may
fold the left side of the receptacle toward the middle of the front
side of the receptacle such that the left fastener 361 is brought
closer to approximately the center of the front side (e.g., the
side opposite the drainage port 351 and tube 354) and is made to
mate with the left receiving body 364. Then, the operator may fold
the right side of the receptacle toward the middle of the front
side of the receptacle such that the right fastener 363 is brought
closer to approximately the center of the front of the receptacle
and is made to mate with the right receiving body 364. Finally, the
operator may fold the bottom of the receptacle toward the middle of
the receptacle such that the bottom fastener 362 is brought closer
to approximately the center of the front side of the receptacle and
is made to mate with the bottom receiving body 364. After all the
fasteners are mated with the receiving bodies, the smaller, more
mobile folded collection receptacle 390 is formed as shown in FIG.
3B. The leg strap holders 380 may be on the same side as the
drainage port 351 as shown in FIG. 3A but they may be on the left,
right, and bottom flaps of the collection receptacle. Thus, after
the smaller collection receptacle is formed (e.g., the flaps are
folded over), the leg strap holders 380 are now on the front side
of the collection receptacle as shown in FIG. 3B and do not
interfere with the user's operation of the drainage port 351 and
tube 354. After the folded collection receptacle 390 is formed, the
leg strap holders 380 are ready for the leg straps (not shown) to
be attached. This sequence of steps as described above does not
have to be strictly followed and the right side or the bottom may
be folded first, for example.
[0032] The fasteners described above may consist of snapping
protrusions that mate with receiving bodies 364 on the front side
of the collection receptacle. Once mated, the fasteners and
receiving bodies form the mated bodies 367, 368, and 369 as shown
in FIG. 3B. Alternatively, the fasteners may mate with each other.
Such a snapping material for the fasteners may be composed of
plastic but is not limited to such material. The fasteners may
alternatively be composed of magnetic, hook and loop mechanism
(such as VELCRO), or other materials that may be reversibly
attached to the collection receptacle or to each other so long as
the material is able to securely and reversibly bind to the surface
of the collection receptacle or to each other. The adhesive force
provided via the connection of the fasteners to each other or to
the receptacle may be strong enough so as to avoid premature
disconnection, but not so strong as to make it difficult for the
operator to achieve the desired disconnection.
[0033] Alternatively, a mating plastic zipper-like locking
mechanism may be used to seal off different chambers within the
unfolded collection receptacle 358 by gently pressing down on the
mating plastic zipper components strategically placed along folding
lines 357 throughout the unfolded collection receptacle 358. In
such a manner, a user may choose one or more chambers within the
unfolded collection receptacle 358 that may be used to collect
urine. For example, a user may wish to seal off the two side
chambers separated by the two vertical plastic zipper lines places
at the folding lines 357. In such a scenario, urine will only be
collected in the center two chambers, center top chamber 359 and
the chamber directly below it in the figure. A user may even wish
to exclude the lower center chamber as well by pressing and locking
the zipper mechanism horizontally separating the center top chamber
359 and the center lower chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, a
U-shaped continuous zipping mechanism may be used to separate one
or more chambers.
[0034] With each closing off of a chamber within the collection
receptacle, the volume able to receive and store urine is
decreased, thus making smaller urine volume measurements easier and
more accurate. A gradated visual measurement scale may also be
included on the surface of the receptacle (not shown) so that the
user may determine the exact volume of urine collected depending on
which chambers are being used and which have been excluded by the
plastic zipper locking mechanism. Such mechanism may be, for
example, similar to one used conventionally in plastic sandwich
bags. Because such plastic zipper locking mechanism is reversible,
a user may choose to open up a sealed and excluded chamber to allow
it to also be used to collect and house urine.
[0035] The center top chamber 359 may be opened and closed via pull
ring 366. The pull ring 366 may be attached to the center top
chamber 359 via a pull attachment 365. The pull ring 366 may be of
any shape and configuration such that the user is able to grasp it
and pull the sealed portion of the collection receptacle
corresponding to the center top chamber 359 sufficiently to release
the bound fold lines 357 (e.g., bound in any manner as described
above). In this way, the user is able to easily manipulate the size
of the collection receptacle from small to large and vice versa.
The user may form and undo formed chambers simply by pulling at the
opposite sides of the receptacle at the folding lines 357 which
separate a used versus unused chamber, thereby allowing urine to
flow into that chamber as well.
[0036] The folded embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 3B and is labeled as the folded collection receptacle 390. The
size of the folded collection receptacle 390 (e.g., 300 mL to 1000
mL) may be smaller than the size of the unfolded collection
receptacle 358 (e.g., up to 5 L). The ability to convert the
unfolded collection receptacle 358 into the folded collection
receptacle 390 enables a patient to increase his or her mobility
since a larger receptacle (e.g., the unfolded collection receptacle
358) is typically used for when the patient is in bed while a
smaller, and more easily transportable receptacle (e.g., the folded
collection receptacle 390) is typically used for when the patient
is out of bed and walking around. Thus, this exemplary embodiment
of the present invention may have particular advantages for the use
of Foley catheters, or indwelling catheters, wherein the unfolded
collection receptacle 358 may be used for the patient while he or
she is in bed, and the receptacle can then be folded into the
folded collection receptacle 390 if and when the patient desires to
get out of bed but does not wish to disconnect the catheter or the
collection receptacle.
[0037] In order to increase the convenience and portability of the
folded collection receptacle 390, the receptacle may contain leg
strap holders 380 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and as described
above. These straps may be situated such that they do not interfere
with the drainage port 351 and drainage tube 354 when the
collection receptacle is in the folded form. In this way, the front
side of the receptacle may be attached to the patient's leg while
the back side of the receptacle, which contains the drainage port
and tube, may be available for the operator to manipulate. The
drainage tube 354 may also be attached to the bottom of the
receptacle when the receptacle is in the folded form as shown in
FIG. 3B. The leg strap holders 380 may be attached to the
receptacle via any method commonly used and known to one of
ordinary skill in the catheter arts (e.g., heat sealing, adhesion,
etc.) and the leg strap holders 380 may be made from the same
material as the collection bag, or cloth material with VELCRO or
rubber, for example, so that they may be reliably and reversibly
secured around the leg of the patient.
[0038] The drainage port 351, the drainage tube 354, and the holder
355 may effectively serve the same functions and be capable of
performing the same operations while being subject to the same
parameters as described above in assembly 200 (e.g., drainage port
351 may be use to empty the collection receptacle 350 using the
drainage tube 354, etc.). Additionally, the inner surface of the
connecting tube 320 may be coated with an antiseptic agent as
described above to prevent contamination. Also, the collection
receptacles as described in assembly 300 (e.g., both the unfolded
and the folded collection receptacles) may contain an antiseptic
pellet in order to maintain sterility as described. Finally, a
catheter may be attached at attachment site 360 as described
above.
[0039] All of the materials used for the present invention may be
comprised of artificial or naturally occurring non-degradable
biocompatible polymer or rubber compounds such that the materials
used for the present invention serve the functions delineated in
this application. Such compounds can include, but are not limited
to, polyester based biocompatible polymers, nylon-based
biocompatible polymers, latex based biocompatible polymers, Teflon,
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
polymers, silicone polymers, polyurethane polymers, silicone
polyurethane polymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyethylene polymers, and thermoplastic polymers.
[0040] The manufacturing methods that can be employed for the
present invention include, but are not limited to, conventional
techniques used in the industry to produce similar function
products, as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.
[0041] The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the
present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and
modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above
disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
[0042] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the
present invention, the specification may have presented the method
and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of
steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not
rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method
or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of
steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore,
the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification
should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition,
the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present
invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps
in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily
appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *