Abstract
A urinary incontinence device is provided. The incontinence device may generally be comprised of a pouch having an absorbent material therein. An outer material, that is impervious to liquid, retains the absorbent material as well as any liquid excreted by the patient. The device may be further used in conjunction with a waist strap or harness to further support the device.
Claims
1. A urinary incontinence device comprising: a pouch having at least one inner layer and an outer layer defining an opening, wherein one of the at least one inner layer is comprised of an absorbent material, and wherein the outer layer is made of a liquid impervious material; at least one securement mechanism coupled to the pouch; and at least one retainment mechanism configured to be coupled to the pouch.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein a size of the opening is adjustable, and wherein the opening is configured to receive a human penis.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the securement mechanism comprises a first end and a second end with each of the first end and the second end coupled to the pouch thereby forming a loop.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: an adhesive disposed on an outer surface of the pouch.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material contains sodium polyacrylate.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein there are two securement mechanisms, and wherein the at least one retainment mechanism is coupled to each of the two securement mechanisms.
7. The device of claim 2, further comprising: flaps disposed in proximity to the opening and being configured to adjust the size of the opening.
8. A male urinary incontinence device comprising: a pouch having an inner surface and an outer surface defining an opening with the opening being configured to receive a human penis; an absorbent material disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pouch, wherein the outer surface is made of a liquid impervious material; two securement mechanisms coupled to the pouch, wherein each of the two securement mechanisms comprises a first end and a second end with each of the first end and the second end coupled to the pouch thereby forming a loop; and a length of material having a first end and a second end with the first end being configured to be coupled to one of the two securement mechanisms and the second end being configured to be coupled to another of the two securement mechanisms.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the length of material has a fastening mechanism disposed on each of the first end and the second end of the length of material.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the outer surface comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the outer layer comprises the liquid impervious material, and wherein the inner layer comprises a cloth layer.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein the device is configured to hold up to 1 L of fluid.
12. A male urinary incontinence device comprising: a pouch having at least one inner layer and an outer layer defining an opening with the opening being configured to receive a human penis, wherein the at least one inner layer is comprised of sodium polyacrylate, and wherein the outer layer is made of a petroleum-based material; at least one flap disposed in proximity to the opening and being configured to adjust the size of the opening, wherein a positioning mechanism is disposed on one end of the at least one flap to secure a position of the at least one flap; two securement mechanisms coupled to the pouch, wherein each of the two securement mechanisms comprises a first end and a second end with each of the first end and the second end coupled to the pouch thereby forming a loop; an adhesive material being disposed on an outer layer of the pouch; and a length of material having a first end and a second end with the first end being configured to couple to one of the two securement mechanisms and the second end being configured to couple to another of the two securement mechanisms, wherein the length of material has a fastening mechanism disposed on each of the first end and the second end of the length of material.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the adhesive material is disposed on a back surface of the pouch.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the inner layer is removable.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the outer layer of the pouch is about 3 inches thick.
16. The device of claim 12, wherein a base of the pouch is wider than the opening of the pouch.
17. The device of claim 12, wherein the opening comprises a slat configuration or a door configuration affixed to a concave portion.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the human penis rests on the concave portion once the human penis is received through the opening.
19. The device of claim 12, further comprising: a receiving pouch affixed to the opening on an outer surface of a front side of the device, wherein the receiving pouch is configured to receive and house the human penis once received through the opening.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the receiving pouch comprises one or more urine-absorbent materials.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of a first embodiment with an attached support of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts a cutaway side view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in use.
[0036] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a urinary incontinence device of a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 6 depicts another perspective view of a urinary incontinence device of a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 7 depicts another perspective view of a urinary incontinence device of a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a retainment mechanism of a urinary incontinence device of a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 9 depicts a front perspective view of a urinary incontinence device of a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 10 depicts a rear perspective view of a urinary incontinence device of a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a receiving pouch of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a system comprising the receiving pouch of FIG. 11 and the urinary incontinence device of the third embodiment of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 13 depicts another perspective view of a system comprising the receiving pouch of FIG. 11 and the urinary incontinence device of the third embodiment of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.
[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.
[0047] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles a, an, and the are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective another, when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms including and having are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
[0048] FIG. 1-FIG. 4 depict numerous views of a first embodiment of a device 100 of the present invention. The device 100 of the instant figures is worn externally by the wearer, and thus, provides enhanced benefits not afforded by a catheter. This first embodiment is designed to be worn by individuals who are mobile. Generally, the device 100 has an opening 106, securement mechanisms 108, an attachment mechanism 124, a flap 114, an outer surface 104, a retainment mechanism 110 (of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4), and an adhesive area 112 (of FIG. 2).
[0049] The device 100 is shaped to form a pouch having an inner surface 102 (as depicted in FIG. 3) and an outer surface 104 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3). Between the inner surface 102 (of FIG. 3) and the outer surface 104 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) are a number of layers of various materials. The number of layers of the various materials may vary and may include about one layer to about ten layers, and more preferably may include about two layers to about four layers. Generally, the inner layer(s) comprise an absorbent material and the outer layer comprises a liquid impervious material. The pouch may have an overall length of about three inches to about twelve inches. The pouch also has a circumference of about eight inches. It should be appreciated that the dimensions provided herein are non-limiting and non-exhaustive and other dimensions are contemplated.
[0050] The pouch has an opening 106, which is sized to be configured to receive a human penis 202 (as depicted in FIG. 4) and to collect urine from a patient 200 (as depicted in FIG. 4), whether the patient 200 (as depicted in FIG. 4) is sick, bedridden, or incontinent. The opening 106 may be adjustable by way of, at least one, and in some embodiments, two flaps 114 (as depicted in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, there is an elastic material that surrounds the opening 106 that is configured to accommodate up to ten inches in diameter allowing for easy application and removal of the device 100.
[0051] The flap(s) 114 (of FIG. 1) have a positioning material located on a surface thereof and there is, in some embodiments, a complementary positioning material disposed on the outer surface 104 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) of the device 100. By tightening or pulling on the flaps 114 (of FIG. 1) and coupling the flaps 114 (of FIG. 1) to the pouch, the size of the opening can effectively be changed. This allows the opening to accommodate the human penis 202 (as depicted in FIG. 4) of varying sizes while remaining securely attached to the patient 200 (as depicted in FIG. 4).
[0052] It should be appreciated that a base or lower area of the pouch is wider than a neck area of the pouch, with the neck area being in proximity to the opening 106. The neck area of the pouch may be comprised of differing or additional materials configured to be comforting to the patient 200 (as depicted in FIG. 4) using the device 100. It is intended that the neck area will have a length configured to accommodate a shaft of the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) inserted therein. This allows for patient 200 (of FIG. 4) to minimize any contact with the collection area of the pouch as it begins to accumulate liquid waste therein.
[0053] Securement mechanisms 108 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) are coupled to an outer surface 104 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) of the device 100. Preferably these securement mechanisms 108 (of FIG.
[0054] 1 and FIG. 2) are coupled to the neck area of the pouch, however, the securement mechanisms 108 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) may be coupled anywhere on the outer surface 104 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) of the device 100. In at least one embodiment, the securement mechanisms 108 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) comprise a first end and a second end, with each of the first end and the second end being coupled to the device 100 thereby forming a loop. In yet another embodiment, the securement mechanisms 108 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) are elastic in nature. In a preferred embodiment, there are two securement mechanisms 108 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) with one securement mechanism 108 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) being coupled to the device 100 on an opposing side of the device 100. In another embodiment there is only one securement mechanism 108 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) disposed on the device 100.
[0055] A retainment mechanism 110 (of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4) is utilized to further secure the pouch to the patient 200 (of FIG. 4). Here, as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the retainment mechanism 110 takes the form of a belt. In some examples, the belt may have a thin material on a front side and/or a back side of the belt. In other examples, the retainment mechanism 110 may be separable and may attach to the device 100 (e.g., via Velcro or another fixation means) each time the device 100 is used. In some examples, the retainment mechanism 110 may be affixed to the device 100 such that it is not separable from the device 100. In some examples, the retainment mechanism 110 is optional.
[0056] The retainment mechanism 110 is further size adjustable to accommodate a waist area of the patient 200 (of FIG. 4). As various patients can fluctuate from one to another in size, a fastening mechanism, such as a hook and loop fastener, may be utilized to provide differing sizes of the retainment mechanism 110. Further, each of a first end and a second end of the retainment mechanism 110 is coupled to one of the two securement mechanisms 108 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). This forms a complete device 100 consisting primarily of the pouch and the retainment mechanism 110.
[0057] An adhesive area or patch 112 (of FIG. 2) may further be present on an outer surface 104 (of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) of the device 100. In some embodiments, a non-stick covering may be present on the adhesive area 112 (of FIG. 2) until it is desired to utilize the adhesive area 112 (of FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the adhesive area 112 (of FIG. 2) is on a front of the device 100, whereas in other embodiments it is on the side or rear of the device 100. In other embodiments, the adhesive area 112 (of FIG. 2) is present at more than one location on the device 100.
[0058] Generally, when desired, the adhesive area 112 (of FIG. 2) can be exposed, allowing the adhesive to be affixed to an article of clothing of the user. In other embodiments the adhesive area 112 (of FIG. 2) may be coupled directly to a skin surface of the patient 200 (of FIG. 4). This provides an additional point of contact to alleviate any strain or stress placed on the device 100 or the user as the device 100 becomes saturated. The adhesive area 112 (of FIG. 2) may be utilized in conjunction with the retainment mechanism 110 (of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4) or may be utilized solely on its own.
[0059] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, a sectional side view of the device 100, namely the pouch, is shown. Here, the layers of the pouch are visible, as are the interrelationships between those layers. The pouch generally has an inner surface 102, an absorbent layer 118, a cloth layer 116, an outer surface 104, and a petroleum based (plastic) layer 120.
[0060] In use, the outer surface 104 comprises a liquid impervious material. The outer surface 104 abuts the plastic layer 120 and may be integrated with the plastic layer 120. In some embodiments, the outer surface 104 is simply an outer surface of the plastic layer 120. The plastic layer 120 is preferably about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches in thickness. In yet other embodiments, this outer surface 104 is a distinct and separate layer.
[0061] The inner surface 102 comprises a liquid absorbent material and abuts a cloth layer 116. The inner surface 102 may be integrate with the cloth layer 116. In some embodiments, the inner surface 102 is simply an inner surface of the cloth layer 116. In yet other embodiments, this is a distinct and separate layer.
[0062] Between the plastic layer 120 and the cloth layer 116 is an absorbent layer 118. The absorbent layer 118 is preferably comprised of sodium polyacrylate, but may be comprised of a blend of materials configured to readily absorb moisture. In at least one embodiment, it is desired that the absorbent layer 118 is capable of absorbing up to 2 L of fluid and more preferably up to 1 L of fluid.
[0063] In other embodiments, the absorbent layer 118 and the cloth layer 116 are separable from the plastic layer 120. In some instances, an additional layer, between the absorbent layer 118 and the plastic layer 120 exists such that this removal is facilitated without losing the liquid collected therein. In yet other embodiments, additional absorbent material may be disposed on the cavity formed in the pouch 107. However, such material may be provided for comfort purposes as generally it is desired to pull moisture away from the skin surface.
[0064] Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred implementation of a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the device 100 is shown coupled to the patient 200. In practice, the human penis 202 of the patient 200 is inserted in the opening 106 (see FIG. 1). The retainment mechanism 110 is disposed around a waist of the patient 200 and the fastening mechanism(s) 122 is manipulated such that the device 100 is held in place. The device 100 can then be held in place until it has become saturated and needs to be changed or until it is otherwise desirable to remove the device 100.
[0065] FIG. 5-FIG. 8 depict various views of a urinary incontinence device 100 of a second embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment described in FIG. 1-FIG. 4 and contains substantially similar components. However, the second embodiment may be used for bedridden males and infant males. Specifically, the second embodiment may be useful for individuals who are not mobile.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the second embodiment of the device 100 may be a diaper style device whereby a first end 133 contacts a front side of the patient 200 (of FIG.
[0067] 4) and a second end 135 contacts a back side of the patient 200 (of FIG. 4). The device 100 may include an opening 113 comprising a non-slip or rubber band-type material configured to receive the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) therethrough. The retainment mechanism 110 (as depicted in at least FIG. 8) may be secured via a securement mechanism to an outside of the second end 135 to affix the device 100 on the patient 200 (of FIG. 4). In other examples, the retainment mechanism 110 is a belt having a large width to ensure comfort for the patient 200 (of FIG. 4) and may comprise a flexible or stretchable material.
[0068] In other examples, the retainment mechanism 110 (of FIG. 8) may be separable and may attach to the device 100 (e.g., via Velcro or another fixation means) each time the device 100 is used. In some examples, the retainment mechanism 110 (of FIG. 8) may be affixed to the device 100 such that it is not separable from the patient 200 (of FIG. 4). The retainment mechanism 110 (of FIG. 8) is also size adjustable to accommodate a waist area of the patient 200 (of FIG. 4).
[0069] Moreover, one or more straps 117 (of FIG. 7) may be located on the outer surface 104 (as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) of the device 100. The one or more straps 117 (of FIG. 7) may be configured to affix the pouch in a closed position once the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) is received therein.
[0070] Further, between an inner surface 102 (of FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7) and the outer surface 104 (of FIG. 7) of the device 100, one or more layers 131 (of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) of various materials may be present. The one or more layers 131 (of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) may comprise one or more hypoallergenic materials. In other examples, the one or more layers 131 (of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) may comprise one or more non-woven hypoallergenic materials. In some examples, the one or more layers 131 (of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) may be chemically treated to be odor-secure. The number of the one or more layers 131 (of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) may vary and may preferably include a range of layers from about two layers to about four layers. Generally, the inner layer(s) comprise an absorbent material and the outer layer comprises a liquid impervious material.
[0071] Moreover, the device 100 may include flaps 114A, 114B (as shown in FIG. 5-FIG. 6). In some examples, the flaps 114A, 114B may comprise an elastic or a Velcro material. By tightening or pulling on the flaps 114A, 114B and coupling the flaps 114A, 114B to the device 100, the size of the opening 106 (of FIG. 1) can effectively be changed. This allows the opening to accommodate the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) of varying sizes, while remaining securely attached to the patient 200 (of FIG. 4).
[0072] FIG. 9-FIG. 10 depict various views of a urinary incontinence device (e.g., the device 100) of a third embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the third embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment and the second embodiment described infra.
[0073] The third embodiment of FIG. 9-FIG. 10 may be used for men who are incontinent, bedridden, or are recovering from a surgery, as well as for infant care. In some examples, the device 100 replaces a need for a catheter for an adult recovering from surgery, as the device 100 may collect urine and keep the user dry. When used for infant care, the opening 107 may be covered by a material. Moreover, when used for infant care, the device 100 may comprise soft materials, such as soft plastic materials and soft Velcro materials, among other materials not explicitly listed herein. The device 100 helps contain urine and/or fecal matter and ensures that the urine and/or fecal matter do not mix. This helps keep the infant or adult male dry for approximately twelve hours.
[0074] As depicted in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the retainment mechanism 110 is configured as a belt, which may have a thin material on a front side and/or a back side of the belt. In other examples, the retainment mechanism 110 may be separable and may attach to the device 100 (e.g., via Velcro or another fixation means) each time the device 100 is used. In some examples, the retainment mechanism 110 may be affixed to the device 100 such that it is not separable from the device 100. In examples, the retainment mechanism 110 may be useful for mobile individuals and may prevent rolling of the device 100 on larger individuals.
[0075] In some examples and as depicted in FIG. 9, the one or more layers 131 (of FIG. 5) may comprise a sturdy and absorbent material centered in the device (e.g., a material 126), which is surrounded one each side by a lightweight material 139. It should be appreciated that the absorbent material, such as the material 126, may be removable from the device 100 once saturated with urine.
[0076] In some examples, and as depicted in FIG. 9, the device 100 may have an opening 107, which is sized to be configured to receive the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4). The opening 107 may have a downward angle portion that points away from the retainment mechanism 110 (of FIG. 9). The opening 107 may be shaped as a slat with a thin opening such that the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) can be received through the opening 107 without moving significantly. In other examples, the opening 107 may have a door configuration such that the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) may be received therethrough. In some examples, the opening 107 may include a slat or door configuration affixed to a concave portion such that when the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) is received through the opening 107, the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) may rest on the concave portion. It should be appreciated that the slat or door configuration of the opening 107 is contemplated, as it can accommodate any sized/shaped human penis.
[0077] In some examples, a material may be located on the interior of the opening 107 and may be used to adhere to flesh of the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4). In some examples, the material may be a soft rubber material, an elastic material, a nylon material, and/or a spandex material, among others not explicitly listed herein. In some examples, the elastic material may be an elastic spanx material. In examples, the material may be located on a portion of the interior of the opening 107. In some examples, the material may be located on an entirety of the interior of the opening 107. As depicted in FIG. 10, a rear of the third embodiment of device 100 may cover an entirety of the back side of the patient 200 (of FIG. 4).
[0078] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a receiving pouch of the present invention. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 depict perspective views of a system comprising the receiving pouch of FIG. 11 and the urinary incontinence device of the third embodiment of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 of the present invention. The device 100 of FIG. 11 and the system of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 may be used for men who are incontinent, bedridden, or are recovering from a surgery. In some examples, the device 100 replaces a need for a catheter for an adult recovering from surgery, as the device 100 may collect urine and keep the user dry.
[0079] The device 100 (as depicted in FIG. 11) may be configured as a receiving pouch 119 and may comprise one or more materials that are approximately one inch thick. The receiving pouch 119 includes the opening 106, which is sized to receive the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) and to collect urine from the patient 200 (of FIG. 4). One or more straps 117A, 117B (as depicted in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13) may be located on an outer surface of the receiving pouch 119 and may be configured to affix the receiving pouch 119 in a closed position once the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) is received therein, allowing the patient 200 (of FIG. 4) to quickly and easily secure the receiving pouch 119 in a closed position.
[0080] To form the system of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the receiving pouch 119 of FIG. 11 may be affixed to an outer surface of a front side of the device 100 (as depicted in FIG. 9) such that the opening 107 of the device 100 of FIG. 9 affixes to the opening 106 of the receiving pouch 119 of FIG. 11, allowing the human penis 202 (of FIG. 4) to be received through the opening 107 of the device 100 of FIG. 9 and rest in the receiving pouch 119 of FIG. 11. In some examples, the receiving pouch 119 of FIG. 11 may be affixed to the front side of the device 100 (of FIG. 9) via one or more affixation means, such as an adhesive material.
[0081] The embodiments of the present invention described herein provide for a male incontinence device that may be worn by a user as needed, such as, before, during, or after surgery or by those generally having incontinence issues. Such a device is intended to replace traditional catheters which can be painful to use and can cause serious infections amongst other problems.
