Ergonomic Catheter Bag Quick Release

Abstract

The ergonomic catheter bag quick release is an apparatus in the form of a catheter tubing grip shell for creating a secure connection between a catheter and a catheter collection bag comprising a rigid catheter sleeve having a lever along its length to enable a substantial reduction in strength required to create a positive locked gripping connection over said connection between a catheter and a catheter collection bag. It is a catheter tubing grip shell with an ergonomically shaped lever that enables elderly and strength weakened patients to be able to secure the connection between a catheter and a catheter collection bag with far less than normal adult grip strength. It can optionally be fitted with a compressible sleeve to enable the creation of a water-leak resistant connection between a catheter and a catheter collection bag.

Claims

1. A hand held catheter tubing grip shell for securing an operable catheter to catheter bag connection comprising a cylindrical clam shell having a hinge along a longitudinal edge comprising a top half comprising a first end opposing a second end and a bottom half comprising a third end opposing a fourth end wherein said cylindrical clam shell is dimensioned to fit in a closed hand having a palm and at least one finger of a user with said finger wrapping completely around said cylindrical clam shell so as to make contact with said palm, and wherein each of said first, second, third, and fourth ends further comprises a half-circular opening positioned so as to create a circular opening at each opposing end of said cylindrical clam shell enabling it to close over a tube or pipe.

2. The device as in claim 1 wherein said hinge comprises tensioning to close and keep closed said cylindrical clam shell requiring up to three kilograms of force to open.

3. The device as in claim 1 wherein said top half comprises a female locking tab and said bottom half comprises a male locking tab.

4. The device as in claim 3 wherein said female locking tab comprises a first thumb tab.

5. The device as in claim 3 wherein said male locking tab comprises a second thumb tab.

6. The device as in claim 3 wherein said female locking tab comprises a first thumb tab and said male locking tab comprises a second thumb tab.

7. The device as in claim 1 comprising a layer of compressible material connectively attached to an interior of said top half and said bottom half.

8. The device as in claim 1 comprising a plurality of elevated ridges oriented radially along an internal side of said top half and said bottom half.

9. The device as in claim 1 comprising a plurality of elevated ridges oriented axially along an internal side of said top half and said bottom half.

10. A method of securing a connection between a catheter and collection bag by nesting said connection inside a hand held catheter tubing grip shell comprising a cylindrical clam shell having a lock and a circular opening on opposing ends, closing said hand held catheter tubing grip shell around said connection, and locking said lock.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ergonomic catheter bag quick release according to the invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomic catheter bag quick release showing a catheter and catheter collection bag being surrounded according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the invention.

[0024] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etcetera, indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0025] Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial descriptions (e.g., “above,” “below,” “up,” “left,” “right,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc.) used herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.

[0026] Throughout this specification, the word “cylindania”, or variations thereof, will be understood to imply the shape formed when a hollow tube is cut in half lengthwise (perpendicular the ends).

[0027] Index of labelled elements and features in the figures, listed in numeric order by figure.

[0028] Referring to the Figures, there is shown in FIG. 1, the following:

[0029] Element 100 is a cylindrical clam shell, catheter tubing grip shell, cylindania.

[0030] Element 110 is a catheter clam shell (sleeve) lid.

[0031] Element 112 is a catheter specimen tube insert notch.

[0032] Element 115 is a catheter tube end connection.

[0033] Element 120 is a catheter sleeve bottom.

[0034] Element 130 is a top longitudinal connecting edge (hinge)

[0035] Element 140 is a catheter sleeve lid sinistral opening.

[0036] Element 145 is a catheter sleeve bottom sinistral opening.

[0037] Element 150 is a catheter sleeve lid dextral opening.

[0038] Element 155 is a catheter sleeve bottom dextral opening.

[0039] Element 160 is a catheter sleeve lid sinistral cylindrical depression.

[0040] Element 165 is a catheter sleeve bottom sinistral cylindrical depression.

[0041] Element 170 is a catheter sleeve lid dextral cylindrical depression.

[0042] Element 175 is a catheter sleeve bottom dextral cylindrical depression.

[0043] Element 180 is a catheter sleeve lid sinistral radial depression.

[0044] Element 185 is a catheter sleeve bottom sinistral radial depression.

[0045] Element 190 is a catheter sleeve lid dextral radial depression.

[0046] Element 195 is a catheter sleeve bottom dextral radial depression.

[0047] Element 210 is a female locking tab.

[0048] Element 220 is a male locking tab.

[0049] Referring to the Figures, there is shown in FIG. 2, the following:

[0050] Element 230 is an open male locking tab.

[0051] Element 240 is an open female locking tab.

[0052] The use of the phrase catheter bag includes, but is not limited to, catheter collection bag, night bag, day bag, night collection bag, day collection bag, and urine collection bag.

[0053] The use of the phrase human grip strength refers to the average strength of the average person during a self-initiated and self-actuated crush grip, pinch grip, or support grip grabbing movement of the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arm, and shoulders while grabbing or gripping an object. Average human grip strength is known to decrease as people age and become infirm or disabled. The elements of the present invention may be made from any rigid or compressible material that can be fashioned into the shape and size required that result in the requirement of less than average strength to enable a leak resistant or leak proof connection and/or a disconnection resistant or locking connection to connect a catheter collection bag and a catheter to open and close enabling a disconnection and connection respectively.

[0054] The use of the phrase human hand stability refers to the lack of movement of the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arm, and shoulders while moving. Average human hand stability is little to no shakiness of movement or motion. The sleeve (cylindrical tube shape) of the present invention is open for wrapping around a catheter to catheter bag connection enabling its application and use with less than average human hand stability.

[0055] In an embodiment, the device of the present invention is made from two sleeves dimensioned having an axially oriented cavity with an internal dimension of not greater than that of a catheter tube 110, a catheter tube end connection 115, a catheter bag tube end 185 connection, a catheter bag tube 180.

[0056] In an embodiment, the device of the present invention is made from a single composite of two or more sleeves nested together and dimensioned having an axially oriented cavity with an internal dimension of not greater than that of a catheter tube 110, a catheter tube end connection 115, a catheter bag tube end 185 connection, a catheter bag tube 180.

[0057] The device of the present invention is used to create a positive secure connection and/or disconnection that comprises a resistant or locking connection to connect a catheter collection bag and a catheter that requires less than average human grip strength and/or less than average human hand stability to open and close enabling a disconnection and connection respectively.

[0058] The device of the present invention is used to create a combination of a leak resistant or leak proof connection and/or disconnection that comprises a resistant or locking connection to connect a catheter collection bag and a catheter that requires less than average human strength and/or less than average human hand stability to open and close enabling a disconnection and connection respectively.

[0059] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus for a creating a water-leak resistant connection between a catheter and a catheter bag comprising a rigid catheter sleeve 150 having a rigid catheter sleeve lid 155 along its length and a compressible catheter sleeve 160 dimensioned to wrap around said water-leak resistant connection between said catheter and said catheter bag and overfill said rigid catheter sleeve 150 wherein closing said lid 155 when said apparatus is positioned to surround a connection between said catheter and said catheter bag which enables a compression of said compressible catheter sleeve 160 which thereby enables said water-leak resistant connection between said catheter and said catheter bag.

[0060] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein said water-leak resistant connection is instead a water-leak proof connection enabled by a compression of said compressible catheter sleeve 160.

[0061] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein said water-leak resistance connection is also disconnection resistant enabled by a compression of said compressible catheter sleeve 160.

[0062] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein said water-leak resistant connection is instead a water-leak proof and a disconnection resistant connection enabled by a compression of said compressible catheter sleeve 160.

[0063] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein closing said lid requires less than average human grip strength to shut.

[0064] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein closing said lid requires less than average human grip stability to shut.

[0065] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein closing said lid requires less than average human grip strength and less than average human grip stability to shut.

[0066] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein said compressible catheter sleeve has a plurality of elevated ridges oriented radially along its length.

[0067] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein said compressible catheter sleeve has a plurality of elevated ridges oriented axially around its circumference.

[0068] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein said rigid catheter sleeve 150 and said compressible catheter sleeve 160 are mated into a single sleeve further comprising a compressible material.

[0069] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein said rigid catheter sleeve 150 and said compressible catheter sleeve 160 are mated into a single sleeve further comprising a compressible material having a plurality of elevated ridges oriented radially along its length.

[0070] In an embodiment, there is an ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus wherein said rigid catheter sleeve 150 and said compressible catheter sleeve 160 are mated into a single sleeve further comprising a compressible material having a plurality of elevated ridges oriented axially around its circumference.

[0071] In an embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell 100 comprising a top cylindania having a top longitudinal connecting edge and a top longitudinal lever edge having a rectangular top lever arm with a female locking tab distal to said top longitudinal connecting edge attached, a bottom cylindania having a bottom longitudinal connecting edge and a bottom longitudinal lever edge having a rectangular bottom lever arm with a male locking tab distal to said top longitudinal connecting edge attached, and a hinge connecting said top longitudinal connecting edge and said bottom longitudinal connecting edge.

[0072] In an embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell comprising a top cylindania having a top longitudinal connecting edge and a top longitudinal lever edge having an ergonomically rounded rectangular top lever arm with a female locking tab distal to said top longitudinal connecting edge attached, a bottom cylindania having a bottom longitudinal connecting edge and a bottom longitudinal lever edge having an ergonomically rounded rectangular bottom lever arm with a male locking tab distal to said top longitudinal connecting edge attached, and a hinge connecting said top longitudinal connecting edge and said bottom longitudinal connecting edge.

[0073] In an alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell wherein said top lever arm is ergonomically rounded to nest in the palm of an open hand, and said bottom lever arm is ergonomically rounded to nest in the palm of an open hand.

[0074] In an alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell wherein said top lever arm further comprises a first thumb tab positioned on said top lever arm proximal to said female locking tab.

[0075] In an alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell wherein said top lever arm further comprises a second thumb tab positioned on said top lever arm proximal to said female locking tab.

[0076] In a alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell further comprising a top cylindania compressible catheter sleeve nested in said top cylindania and said bottom cylindania compressible catheter sleeve nested in said bottom cylindania.

[0077] In an alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell further comprising a compressible sleeve split open along a longitudinal side nested in said top cylindania and said bottom cylindania.

[0078] In an alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell wherein said top cylindania compressible catheter sleeve has a plurality of elevated ridges oriented radially along its length and said bottom cylindania compressible catheter sleeve has a plurality of elevated ridges oriented radially along its length.

[0079] In an alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell wherein said top cylindania compressible catheter sleeve has a plurality of elevated ridges oriented axially around its circumference and said bottom cylindania compressible catheter sleeve has a plurality of elevated ridges oriented axially around its circumference.

[0080] In an alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell wherein said compressible catheter sleeve has a plurality of elevated ridges oriented radially along its length.

[0081] In an alternate embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell wherein said compressible catheter sleeve has a plurality of elevated ridges oriented axially around its circumference.

[0082] In an embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a catheter tubing grip shell comprising a top cylindania having a top longitudinal connecting edge and a top longitudinal lever edge having an ergonomically rounded rectangular top lever arm with a female locking tab distal to said top longitudinal connecting edge attached, a bottom cylindania having a bottom longitudinal connecting edge and a bottom longitudinal lever edge having an ergonomically rounded rectangular bottom lever arm with a male locking tab distal to said top longitudinal connecting edge attached, and a hinge connecting said top longitudinal connecting edge and said bottom longitudinal connecting edge.

[0083] In an embodiment of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release apparatus, there is a method of securing a connection between a catheter and collection bag by nesting said connection inside a catheter tubing grip shell having a top lever arm and a bottom lever arm and forcing said top lever arm and said bottom lever arm together closing said catheter tubing grip shell around said connection.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, there is a hand held catheter tubing grip shell for securing an operable catheter to catheter bag connection comprising a cylindrical clam shell having a hinge along a longitudinal edge comprising a top half comprising a first end opposing a second end and a bottom half comprising a third end opposing a fourth end wherein said cylindrical clam shell is dimensioned to fit in a closed hand having a palm and at least one finger of a user with said finger wrapping completely around said cylindrical clam shell so as to make contact with said palm, and wherein each of said first, second, third, and fourth ends further comprises a half-circular opening positioned so as to create a circular opening at each opposing end of said cylindrical clam shell enabling it to close over a tube or pipe.

[0085] The maximum dimensions of the completed device are limited for ergonomic purposes of facilitating gripping to surround, enclose, and operate the device of the present invention with a persons hand by the dimensions (length/distance measurements) of a persons hand. Ergonomic gripping feels comfortable in fit in that it fits within the dimensions of a palm at maximum size and can completely enclosed by wrapping all of the fingers of the hand completely around the device so as to have all fingers be in contact at their tips with the palm of the hand.

[0086] Dimensioning the device to fit in a closed hand can be accomplished by any suitable means, but at least includes limiting the maximum circumference about any longitudinal point long the length of the closed device to less than the distance measurement from the base of the palm to the tip of the longest finger on the hand of a user so as to ensure a grip by the hand completely enclosing the device while closed over a catheter to catheter bag connection. There will be individually customizable preferences for size of the device limited only by the minimum size needed to enclose and encase a catheter to catheter bag connection all the way up to the largest circumference that a hand of a user could completely enclose by wrapping the finger(s) of the hand around the device and just barely being able to touch the palm of the hand with the finger tip of the finger wrapped around the device.

[0087] The maximum circumference of the device about a longitudinal point along its length should be limited to less than the reach distance of a finger wrapped around the device and able to make contact with the palm of the hand with the tip (end) of the finger. The maximum circumference of the device about its length is not limited like a point around its length because the devices length is ergonomically placed across the hand aligning with the base (attachment point of the finger to the hand) of the fingers where they connect with the palm. In other words, because the device is longer than it is wide the maximum circumference of the device about its length is not limited to the length of a hand from base of the palm to tip of the longest finger.

[0088] In an alternative embodiment, there is a hand held catheter tubing grip shell wherein said hinge comprises tensioning to close and keep closed said cylindrical clam shell requiring up to three kilograms of force to open.

[0089] The amount of force needed to close the device is determined by the edge/hinge/connection between the top half and bottom half of the device. Ideally this amount of force is not greater than that force needed to fold the top half and the bottom half together along the edge/hinge/connection between them. This minimum force is determined by the weight of the device, the dimensions and configuration of the edge/hinge/connection between the top half and the bottom half, and the material used to manufacture the device. The minimum force needed would the force needed to move the weight of the top half towards the bottom half so as to close the shell and any force needed to over come the resistance of the edge/hinge/connection to move and close. The maximum force needed to close the device that is most useful if less than average grip strength by as much as ninety percent. Sufficient resistance to offer a minimum amount of force needed for tactile feedback of a hand to be able to feel the object and control its motion and to close and lock the device helps ensure ergonomic comfort in hold and controlling while comfortably fitting the palm of a hand.

[0090] Tensioning the hinge of the device is accomplished by constructing the hinge with materials that exhibit the needed strength characteristics so that the hinge is easy to move/fold by simply closing the hand around the device enabling the two halves (top and bottom) to be closed together. More flexible materials offer easier movement and rotation of the hinge, more rigid materials less. Other mechanical additions to the hinge or edge between the top and bottom halves of the device are accomplished by the addition of elements not shown in the figures, but that are used in the art of hinges to help close, keep closed, move, rotate, open, and keep open. Embodiments incorporating springs, levers, and other mechanical advantages are useful in versions of the present invention where in ease of movement, control, and use are contemplated ergonomically.

[0091] In an alternative embodiment, there is a hand held catheter tubing grip shell wherein said top half comprises a female locking tab and said bottom half comprises a male locking tab, an/or wherein said female locking tab comprises a first thumb tab, and/or wherein said male locking tab comprises a second thumb tab.

[0092] The amount of force needed to close and/or open the locking tab by sliding the two elements together to lock or sliding the two elements apart to unlock is determined by the dimensions, configuration of shape and fit between elements, and the materials used to manufacture the device and the female and male locking tab elements. The minimum amount of force needed to slid and lock the device is the amount of force needed to move the slidable element across the stationary element mating the female and male elements together and overcoming the force of friction needed to slid the locking elements into locked position. This amount of force is less than the force of movement of the thumb of a hand across a line, and is best implemented wherein the smallest amount of force needed to close and open the locking elements is minimized and easily accomplished within the capabilities of the thumbs motion across the palm for ergonomic purposes of competent control with a hand having as much as eighty percent less force than an average adult hand.

[0093] In an alternative embodiment, there is a hand held catheter tubing grip shell comprising a layer of compressible material connectively attached to an interior of said top half and said bottom half.

[0094] In an alternative embodiment, there is a hand held catheter tubing grip shell comprising a plurality of elevated ridges oriented radially along an internal side of said top half and said bottom half.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment, there is a hand held catheter tubing grip shell comprising a plurality of elevated ridges oriented axially along an internal side of said top half and said bottom half.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a method of securing a connection between a catheter and collection bag by nesting said connection inside a hand held catheter tubing grip shell comprising a cylindrical clam shell having a lock and a circular opening on opposing ends, closing said hand held catheter tubing grip shell around said connection, and locking said lock.

[0097] An advantage of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release is the enablement of creating a connection between a catheter and a catheter collection bag that requires less than normal strength to close and lock in order to provide a positive connection securing the connection between a catheter and a catheter collection bag with a simple male-female sliding lock enabling elderly and weakened patents to more effectively manage their own care.

[0098] An advantage of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release is the enablement of a leak resistant or leak proof connection to connect a catheter collection bag and a catheter that requires less than average human strength to open and close enabling a fast, simple, and easy to complete disconnection and connection respectively. An advantage of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release is the enablement of a leak resistant or leak proof connection to connect a catheter collection bag and a catheter that requires less than average human hand stability to open and close enabling a fast, simple, and easy to complete disconnection and connection respectively. An advantage of the ergonomic catheter bag quick release is the enablement of a leak resistant or leak proof connection to connect a catheter collection bag and a catheter that requires less than average human strength and less than average human hand stability to open and close enabling a fast, simple, and easy to complete disconnection and connection respectively.

[0099] The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.

[0100] Although the invention has been explained in relation to various embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.