U.S. patent application number 13/599046 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for urinary incontinence device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Windstar Power Management, LLC dba in Ohio as Continental Dry-Works. Invention is credited to Heather J. Wilcox, Nolan M. Wilcox.
Application Number | 20120330256 13/599046 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43242162 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120330256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilcox; Heather J. ; et
al. |
December 27, 2012 |
URINARY INCONTINENCE DEVICE
Abstract
A urinary incontinence device is provided which includes a body,
the body having a shell, and the shell forming a cavity adapted to
hold genitalia. An absorbent, suitable for absorbing urine, is at
least partially disposed within the cavity. A liquid-permeable
liner is attached to the body in a spaced-apart relation to the
absorbent to hammock the genitalia while maintaining a void space
between the liner and the absorbent.
Inventors: |
Wilcox; Heather J.;
(Columbus, OH) ; Wilcox; Nolan M.; (Columbus,
OH) |
Assignee: |
Windstar Power Management, LLC dba
in Ohio as Continental Dry-Works
Columbus
OH
|
Family ID: |
43242162 |
Appl. No.: |
13/599046 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12570188 |
Sep 30, 2009 |
8277426 |
|
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13599046 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/349 ;
604/385.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/471
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/349 ;
604/385.01 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/45 20060101
A61F013/45; A61F 5/453 20060101 A61F005/453 |
Claims
1. A urinary incontinence device, comprising: a shell, the shell
forming a concavity, the concavity: having an inner surface; and
formed to at least partially contain genitalia, the shell having a
periphery; and a liquid-permeable liner, the liner having: a
periphery generally corresponding to the shell periphery; and an
area, the liner area being generally smaller than the concavity
inner surface, the liner periphery attached to the shell periphery,
the liner cooperating with the concavity inner surface to at least
partially define a chamber.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the liner comprises hydrophobic
material.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the genitalia are male
genitalia.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein: the device further comprises an
absorbent, the absorbent at least partially disposed within the
concavity; and the liner is further sized and attached to cooperate
with the shell during use to enable the liner to hammock the male
genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the
absorbent.
5. A urinary incontinence device, comprising: a body, the body
comprising a shell, the shell forming a concavity, the concavity:
having an inner surface; and formed to at least partially contain
genitalia; and a liquid-permeable liner, the liner: attached to the
body and cooperating with the concavity inner surface to at least
partially define a chamber; and sized and attached to cooperate
with the body during use to enable the liner to hammock the
genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the
concavity inner surface.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the liner comprises a hydrophobic
material.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the genitalia are male
genitalia.
8. The device of claim 5, the body further comprising a crest, the
crest extending from the shell to form a topmost portion of the
body beyond the shell.
9. The device of claim 5, the body further comprising a tongue, the
tongue extending from the shell to form a bottommost portion of the
body beyond the shell.
10. The device of claim 5, wherein: the body has a periphery; the
liner has: a periphery generally corresponding to the body
periphery; and an area, the area being smaller than the concavity
inner surface; and the liner periphery is attached to the body
periphery.
11. The device of claim 5, wherein: the device further comprises an
absorbent, the absorbent at least partially disposed within the
concavity; and the liner is further sized and attached to cooperate
with the body during use to enable the liner to hammock the
genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the
absorbent.
12. A urinary incontinence device, comprising: a shell, the shell
describing a concavity, the concavity: having an inner surface; and
formed to at least partially contain genitalia; and a
liquid-permeable liner, the liner: attached to the shell and
cooperating with the concavity inner surface to at least partially
define a chamber; and sized and attached to cooperate with the
shell during use to enable the liner to support the genitalia while
maintaining a void space between the liner and the concavity inner
surface.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the liner comprises a
hydrophobic material.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the genitalia are male
genitalia.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein: the shell has a periphery; the
liner has: a periphery generally corresponding to the shell
periphery; and an area, the area being smaller than the concavity
inner surface; and the liner periphery is attached to the shell
periphery.
16. The device of claim 12, wherein: the device further comprises
an absorbent, the absorbent at least partially disposed within the
concavity; and the liner is further sized and attached to cooperate
with the shell during use to enable the liner to support the
genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the
absorbent.
17. A urinary incontinence device, comprising: a shell, the shell
describing a concavity, the concavity: having an inner surface; and
formed to at least partially contain genitalia; and a
liquid-permeable liner, the liner: attached to the shell and
cooperating with the concavity inner surface to at least partially
define a chamber; and sized and attached to cooperate with the
shell during use to enable the liner to at least partially maintain
separation between the genitalia and the shell inner surface.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the liner comprises a
hydrophobic material.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the genitalia are male
genitalia.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein: the shell has a periphery; the
liner has: a periphery generally corresponding to the shell
periphery; and an area, the area being smaller than the concavity
inner surface; and the liner periphery is attached to the shell
periphery.
21. The device of claim 17, wherein: the device further comprises
an absorbent, the absorbent at least partially disposed within the
concavity; and the liner is further sized and attached to cooperate
with the shell during use to enable the liner to maintain
separation between the genitalia while maintaining a void space
between the liner and the absorbent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims the
benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/570,188, filed Sep. 30,
2009, currently pending.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This description relates to absorbent devices, particularly
to devices for absorbing urine discharge resulting from male
urinary incontinence.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Urinary incontinence may be caused by a variety of factors.
It can occur, in varying degrees, in infants not yet toilet
trained, young children suffering from nocturnal enuresis (bed
wetting), men who have undergone a prostatectomy (surgical removal
of the prostate) or other urinary tract surgeries, such as a
cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder), in diabetics with
nerve damage, and in those who have had a stroke or spinal cord
injury or who suffer from Parkinson's disease or multiple
sclerosis. Aging is also a leading cause of incontinence. Other
causes include loss of control from such actions as coughing,
sneezing, and lifting, and an abnormal and overwhelming urge to
urinate caused, for example, by various bladder conditions such as
exposure to radiation therapy. Finally, those who are handicapped
or otherwise medically compromised may have problems with
incontinence. Urinary incontinence can be more than an
inconvenience and an embarrassment, it can cause discomfort from
being in wet or damp clothing as well as genital itching or a rash
or infection caused by contact with discharged urine.
[0004] Conventional absorbent devices to help manage urinary
incontinence include those which are positioned beneath
undergarments and next to the genitals. Discharged urine is
retained within an absorbent layer while a moisture barrier layer
is interposed between the retained urine and the undergarments and
other clothing. In this way, discharged urine is retained and not
allowed to leak onto, or otherwise soil, clothing. In addition, the
anxiety and potential embarrassment of being seen with soiled
clothing is avoided. The used absorbent device is then later
disposed of at an appropriate time. Such devices include diapers,
which enclose the genitals, perineum, and buttocks, and pads, which
enclose only the genital region.
[0005] While such absorbent devices may be effective in absorbing
urine and preventing soiled clothing, a bulky or protruding
appearance may call attention to the problem, the genitals may be
allowed to come into contact with discharged urine and may become
too warm, with resultant discomfort and the chance of rash or
infection, and, the device may cause further discomfort by not
remaining in place while allowing the wearer to move about freely
and engage in normal daily activities.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for a urinary incontinence device that
is not only effective, but that fits the genital anatomy
comfortably, particularly the male genital anatomy, allows
sufficient freedom of movement to permit normal daily activities,
may be worn discretely, and that helps the genitals from becoming
too warm and helps prevent the genitals from coming into contact
with discharged urine.
SUMMARY
[0007] Devices of the present invention help prevent soiling of
clothing with discharged urine, provide comfort to the genitalia
particularly the male genitalia, allow sufficient freedom of
movement to permit normal daily activities, and help separate the
genitalia from discharged urine, thus providing a more natural
feel. In one embodiment, a male urinary incontinence device
includes a body which has a shell which forms a cavity adapted to
hold male genitalia. Disposed within the cavity is an absorbent
suitable for absorbing and storing discharged urine. A moisture
barrier adjacent the body and placed between the absorbent and the
clothing of the wearer to help prevent soiling of the clothing. A
liquid-permeable liner is attached to the body so as to provide a
gap between the liner and the absorbent. This hammock-like effect
creates an air space and holds the male genitalia away from the
discharged urine stored in the absorbent. When necessary, the
device is removed and discarded.
[0008] In one embodiment, the shell is formed from a flexible,
semi-rigid shell. The body may further include a flexible,
non-rigid crest extending from the shell at the top of the device
and may further include a flexible, non-rigid tongue extending from
the shell at the bottom of the device. In a further embodiment, the
crest extends between about 15 percent and about 20 percent of the
length of the body. In a further embodiment, the crest extends
between about 2-5 cm from the shell. In a further embodiment, the
tongue extends between about 25 percent and about 30 percent of the
length of the body. In a further embodiment, the tongue extends
from the shell about 4 cm. In a further embodiment, the overall
length of the body is between about 16 cm and about 20 cm. In a
further embodiment, the tongue forms an angle of between about 30
degrees and about 50 degrees.
[0009] In one embodiment, the device forms a length external angle
of between about 70 degrees and about 100 degrees. In a further
embodiment, the device forms a width internal angle of between
about 85 degrees and about 105 degrees.
[0010] Additional objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art
upon consideration of the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out
the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in, and
constitute a part of, this specification, illustrate several
embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. For
purposes of illustration, drawings may not be to scale.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a male urinary incontinence
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane of the line 2-2 in FIG. 1 and illustrating an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane of the line 3-3 in FIG. 1 and illustrating an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view of an interior side of a male urinary
incontinence device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of
the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and including a
representation of the male anatomy while the device is in use.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view of an interior side of a male urinary
incontinence device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 and illustrating an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a top elevation view of a male urinary
incontinence device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, a male incontinence
device 10 includes a body 11 and a first liquid-permeable liner 24.
The device 10 has a top 13 which, when worn, points generally
toward the navel of the wearer, and a bottom 15 which, when worn,
points generally toward the perineum of the wearer. The device 10
further has an external side 17 which, when worn, faces away from
the wearer, and an interior side 19 which, when worn, faces the
wearer and, particularly, the genitalia 38 of the wearer. See, FIG.
5.
[0021] The body 11 forms a cavity 36 (see, also, FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and
7) adapted to hold human male genitalia 38 and includes a shell 14
and may further include a crest 26 at the top 13 and may further
include a tongue 28 at the bottom 15. Note that the neither the
crest 26 nor the tongue 28 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. Especially
when the shell 14 is comprised of flexible, semi-rigid material as
described below, the device 10 is easily moved to the side while
being worn to facilitate normal male urination. The device 10 also
includes at least one moisture barrier 12, 16 adapted to prevent
moisture, and specifically urine, from wetting the clothes of the
wearer.
[0022] As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, but also in FIG. 5, the
first liquid-permeable liner 24 cooperates with the body 11, and
particularly the shell 14 to create a gap D.sub.G and a chamber 32.
This effect is aided by securing the first liquid-permeable liner
24, having an area sufficient to prevent its total collapse into
the body 11. Thus, the first liquid-permeable liner 24 is
sufficiently suspended to create the gap D.sub.G and the chamber 32
and acts to hold the male genitalia 38 separated from discharged
urine stored in one or more absorbent 18, 20. In this
configuration, the first liquid-permeable liner 24 also provides
needed support to the male genitalia 38. The gap D.sub.G and the
chamber 32 also create an opportunity for air to circulate about
the genitals 38 for a further drying effect. While the first
liquid-permeable liner 24 may be secured about the periphery 34 of
the body 11, the first liquid-permeable liner 24 may also be
secured inboard of the periphery 34.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the device 10 forms a length
external angle .alpha. and, as shown in FIG. 8, a width internal
angle .theta.. The length external angle .alpha. is that angle
formed by the intersection of extending a tangent from the top 13
of the device 10 and from the bottom 15 of the device 10. The width
internal angle .theta. is that angle formed between an apex 40 of
the external side 17 of the device 10 and edges 42 at the widest
point W.sub.D of the device 10.
[0024] The length external angle .alpha. cooperates with the width
external angle .theta. to accommodate human male genitalia 38 (FIG.
5) and to minimize the characteristic visible "bulge" indicative of
men wearing an incontinence device. The length external angle
.alpha. is between about 70 deg. and about 100 deg. The width
internal angle .theta. is between about 85 deg. and about 105 deg.
Proportionally, the width internal angle .theta. is between about
85 percent and 150 percent of the length external angle
.alpha..
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the crest 26 extends from the
shell 14 and generally comprises soft, flexible material. The crest
26 forms a comfortable seal at the abdomen of the wearer and can
provide additional absorbent protection. Also shown in FIGS. 2 and
3, the tongue 28 extends from the shell 14 and also generally
comprises soft, flexible material. The tongue 28 forms a
comfortable seal beneath the scrotum and in the perineum.
Additionally, the tongue 28 may provide further absorbent
protection. The tongue 28 forms an angle .beta. of between about 30
deg. and 50 deg. Both the crest 26 and the tongue 28 provide a
comfortable transition from the device 10 to the human body.
[0026] In an embodiment, the periphery 34 of the device 10
comprises soft, flexible material for comfort and to help seal the
device 10 against the body of the wearer.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and in Table 1, below, the device 10
has an overall length L.sub.D, a width at the widest part W.sub.D,
a depth at the apex 40 of D.sub.A, a tongue length L.sub.T, and a
crest length L.sub.C. Proportionally, the width W.sub.D is between
about 50 percent and about 55 percent of the overall length
L.sub.D. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant
art, the indicated sizes are exemplary only, and smaller, larger,
and other intermediate sizes are possible without departing from
the spirit of the invention.
[0028] Table 1, below, lists representative dimensions for four
different sized devices 10. All dimensions are in centimeters
(cm).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Size L.sub.D W.sub.D D.sub.A L.sub.T L.sub.C
Small (cm) 16.5 9 5 5 3.5 Medium (cm) 17.5 9.5 5.5 5 3.5 Large (cm)
19 9.5 6.0 5 3.5 Extra-Large (cm) 19.5 10 6.0 5 3.5
[0029] Thus, as Table 1 above shows, the width at the widest point
W.sub.D is between about 9 cm and 10 cm, the ratio of the width
W.sub.D to overall length L.sub.D (W.sub.D/L.sub.D) is between
about 45 percent and about 65 percent, the depth of the device at
the apex 40 D.sub.A is between about 5 cm and about 6 cm, and the
ratio of the depth of the device at the apex 40 D.sub.A to a long
axis L.sub.D is between about 25 percent and about 40 percent.
[0030] In one embodiment, the shell 14 is flexible and semi-rigid
and may be molded from a sheet or batt of fibers by placing the
fiber sheet of batt between dies and, with the application of heat
and pressure, molded into the desired shape. The shell 14 may also
be resilient and attempt to return to its original shape when
distorting forces are removed. Conventional examples include
materials used to make particle masks so manufactured using natural
fibers, such as wool and cotton, and synthetic materials, such as
nylon, acrylonitrile, polyethylene, polyester, or polypropylene
fibers. These fibers are often mixed with chemical resins, such as
polyolefinic resins The nominal thickness of the shell 14 is about
2 mm. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art,
various foams and other plastics may also be employed in making the
shell 14. The shell 14 is flexible with the pressures due to normal
activities while being worn. At the same time, the shell 14 is
resistant to flattening out against the genitalia 38. The latter
may be aided in part, for example, by molding into the shell 14,
elongated ridges to improve shape retention as may be seen in
conventional dust masks. An exemplary shell 14 that has been used
successfully uses the material of the 8000 series N95 Particle Mask
from 3M, St. Paul, Minn. Other, non-limiting, examples include
those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,384,577 to Huber et al. and
3,220,409 to Liloia et al.
[0031] In a further embodiment, the shell 14 comprises rigid
material, plastic, for example. In such an embodiment, the shell 14
can provide further strength to help keep the body 11 from
collapsing around the genitalia 38, in the case of penile,
testicular, or scrotal surgery, for example.
[0032] The first liquid-permeable liner 24 is in contact with the
genitalia 38 and serves to allow discharged urine to pass through
freely and to keep the genitalia separated from the discharged
urine. Preferably, the first liquid-permeable liner 24 is
compliant, soft to the touch, and nonirritating. In addition, the
first liquid-permeable liner 24 is non-absorbent and preferably
formed from rapidly drying material which wicks away moisture
quickly. Typically, the liner 24 is a netting material, woven or
non-woven, comprised of, for example, polyester, nylon,
polypropylene, rayon, or cotton. Other materials include apertured
hydrophobic formed film. Exemplary, but non-limiting, formed films
include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,246 to Mullane et
al. and 4,342,314 to Radel et al. Other, non-limiting, liner
materials include that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,249 to
Takai et al.
[0033] A first absorbent 18 provides collection and storage of
discharged urine and is formed of material adapted to absorb and
retain human urine. Successful materials include processed wood
pulp and super-absorbent polymers found in conventional disposable
diapers and feminine hygiene products, such as
polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymers, ethylene maleic anhydride
copolymer, cross-lined carboxy-methyl-cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol
copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted
copolymer of polyacrylonitrile.
[0034] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 4, a second absorbent 20 may be
included to provide additional absorbent capacity. As shown in FIG.
4, the second absorbent may be limited to a central portion of the
device 10 where the majority of the discharged urine would collect.
Accordingly, the second absorbent 20 may provide a higher absorbent
density so that additional urine can be effectively absorbed and
stored.
[0035] Exemplary absorbent materials that have been used
successfully include those of Always.RTM. Ultra Thin.TM. pads
(Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio). See, for example, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,950,264 to Osborn, III; 5,520,875 to Wnuk et al.; and
6,601,705 to Molina et al. For other, non-limiting, absorbent
materials, see, also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,075,344 to Johnson;
3,926,891 to Gross et al.; and 4,293,609 to Erickson.
[0036] In a further embodiment, a second liquid-permeable liner 22
may be provided adjacent the absorbent 18, 20. The second
liquid-permeable liner 22 may comprise any suitable material for
enclosing the absorbent 18, 20. Exemplary materials include
apertured hydrophobic formed films discussed above as well as woven
and non-woven materials.
[0037] Turning again to FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, in a further embodiment,
a first moisture barrier 12 is provided on the external side 17 of
the device 10. A sheet of thin plastic of the type commonly found
in conventional incontinence devices and feminine pads have been
used successfully.
[0038] In a further embodiment, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a second
moisture barrier 16 is provided adjacent to the absorbent 18. As
with the first moisture barrier 12, the second moisture barrier 16
of the type of thin plastic sheet commonly used in conventional
incontinence devices and feminine pads have been used
successfully.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a male urinary
incontinence device 10 is shown which includes a shell 14, a
moisture barrier 16, an absorbent 18, and a second liquid-permeable
liner 22. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 does not include a
moisture barrier 12 on the external side of the device 10 and
includes just one absorbent 18. The first liquid-permeable liner 24
provides support for the genitalia 38 and helps separate the
genitalia 38 from urine stored in the absorbent 18. The shell 14
provides shape for the body 11 and helps to prevent the device 10
from collapsing around the genitalia 38. Finally, the moisture
barrier 16, placed between the absorbent 18 and the clothing of the
wearer to help protect the clothing from becoming soiled.
[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, an embodiment of a male
urinary incontinence device 10 is shown which includes neither a
crest 26 nor a tongue 28.
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
[0041] In a series of tests, a size small device 10 was used and
held in a position similar to that which it would be in when worn
and water streamed from a syringe-type delivery apparatus with a
slit to mimic the action of urine being excreted from a male penis.
In two tests, the absorbent from an Always.RTM. Regular feminine
hygiene pad absorbed 70 ml before reaching saturation. In one test,
the absorbent from an Always.RTM. Overnight feminine hygiene pad
absorbed 120 ml before reaching saturation.
[0042] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various
modifications may be adopted without departing from the spirit of
the invention of scope of the following claims.
* * * * *