Urine collection device

Abstract

The present disclosure is related to devices for controlling the flow of urine primarily for bedridden patients while in a hospital setting. A device for protecting a patient from constant exposure to urine which may lead to discomfort, skin irritation, infection and subsequent death. The device is designed to secure the genitalia in a leak proof chamber and draw urine away from the skin.

Claims

1. A urine control device comprising of: a top cover portion capable of mating to a base portion, a base portion capable of mating with the top portion to create a leak proof chamber; wherein the base portion further comprises a membrane portion which is mechanically attached to the base portion via a snap ring; further wherein the membrane assembly has a flexible opening which may secure to a user in a leak proof manner.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an unassembled embodied urine control device with the embodied four components before assembly.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a partially assembled embodied urine control device with the device before positioning on a user, wherein the top cover is ready to mate with the fully assembled base portion once the base portion is applied to the user.

[0012] FIG. 3 depicts an unassembled embodied similar to that as shown in FIG. 1 but with an optional embodied strap system for securing the device to a user.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts the front view of a fully assembled embodied urine control device.

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts the rear view of a fully assembled embodied urine control device

[0015] FIG. 6 depicts the bottom surface view of a fully assembled embodied urine control device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction illustrated and the steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0017] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6, demonstrate one preferred embodiment of a urine control device as shown in its general environment. FIGS. 1 and 3 show a contemplated unassembled urine control device 100 comprising the four main components in FIG. 1 and a fifth optional user strap attachment component in FIG. 3. The four main components comprise of a top piece cover 200 which mates with a bottom base unit 300 and snap ring 400 which helps mechanically lock a membrane portion 500 onto the bottom base unit. Once the base assembly is completed as shown in FIG. 2 the base unit 300 mates with the top piece cover 100 to create a leak proof chamber 150 (shown in FIGS. 4-6).

[0018] The embodied top piece cover 200 shown throughout additionally has optional vent holes 240 when used in embodiments that use a pump system (not shown) to withdraw fluids from the chamber 150. The bottom base unit 300 has an internal cavity 310, which when defined by the internal surfaces of the top/cover piece 200 and bottom base unit 300 when mated together creates a leak proof chamber 150. The bottom base unit 300 bottom opening 312 to allow for a membrane portion 500 to be attached. The membrane portion 500 has a membrane opening so that at least the shaft of the penis and optionally the scrotum may be pulled through. The membrane opening is designed to stretch enough to expand to allow the genitalia to get through and then contract snugly against the genitalia to create a leak-proof seal. An additional cinch type mechanism such as a tie or elastic string may be optionally added to the membrane opening to assist with the leak-proof seal. Additionally, there is an attachment lip or ring around the top portion of the bottom piece used for mating with a paired attachment surface on the bottom part of the top piece. Further additional embodiments may include a strap support system comprising two or more strap supports. As shown in the current figures there are four strap supports with four strap support holes through which a strap end is pulled through in order to secure the device snugly to the patient.

[0019] When in use the healthcare personnel starts with the urine control device 100 in its two pieces the top and bottom portions and first places the bottom piece 300 onto the patient, by placing the bottom surface 305 of the bottom piece against the pelvic wall of the patient after pulling the patients genitalia through the membrane opening. In optional embodiments the personnel may pull only the shaft of the penis through and allow for the scrotum portion to be outside the chamber created by the device.

[0020] After the genitalia is secured within the internal cavity of the bottom piece the top piece cover is placed on the bottom piece and snap fit on creating a leak proof seal between the two pieces, and when the two pieces are mated together a cavity or chamber is created for the genitalia to reside in.

[0021] An additional embodiment includes a collection tube which draws the urine collected in the urine control device into a secondary collection reservoir so that urine is drawn away from the patient and the patients exposure to the urine on their genitalia surface is minimized. The collection tube may draw fluid out by mere capillary forces, gravitational pull or a form of negative pressure such as a vacuum, pressure bulb, or pump.

[0022] FIG. 2, demonstrates an embodied urine control device while assembled and including a strapping mechanism for further securing the device to the patient. The strapping shown secures around the legs and buttocks of the patient and is drawn tight against the patient by pulling the ends of the straps through strap support openings where they can be further tied or knotted to avoid loosening, or use an oxygen mask type one way draw which requires more force to release.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the urine control device without the straps, but also wherein the top piece is either transparent or translucent so that the healthcare personnel can monitor the patients' irritation or effectiveness without removing the entire device.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows the bottom surface of the bottom piece which is the portion of the device which comes into closest contact with the patient. The bottom surface of the bottom piece may further include padding or diaper type material (not shown) which may create an additional leak barrier and also provide padding between the device and the patient. Additionally, FIG. 4 shows a clear view of the membrane and membrane opening relationship with the bottom piece and the optional strap supports, and collection tube. Additionally, shown is the optional collection tube support band which helps protect the collection tube from being pinched or kinked near the device but also may be modified to allow for a strapping anchor point.

[0025] Not shown in the figures is the proprietary nature of the materials used in the urine control device. The device may be made from any biocompatible materials, however optional embodiments use different materials with different properties throughout the device. In a first contemplated embodiment the bottom piece is made from a highly flexible material such as vinyl so that it can flex and conform while against the users body, it has properties very similar to an oxygen mask. The top piece contemplated is generally more rigid and inflexible and provides more of the structural rigidity necessary especially when using a vacuum pull to continually remove urine from the device. The membrane portion may be a thin fluid proof barrier layer with high elasticity such as found in condoms, or latex or nitrile gloves. Additionally, highly absorbent diaper like materials may be placed in the internal cavity for devices that do not rely on a collection tube, or in highly susceptible leak spots such as on the underside of the membrane. In a second contemplated embodiment the bottom piece is made of a more rigid material and a more flexible top cover piece is secured onto the bottom piece to create the chamber. When a more rigid bottom piece is used there may optionally be some padding absorbent material secured to the underside of the bottom piece and in contact with the patients skin.