COLLECTION CONTAINER

Abstract

A collection container can include a first end, a second end, and a central recess disposed between the first end and the second end. The central recess can be configured to receive a sample. The collection container can have a first stopper disposed adjacent to the first end and a second stopper disposed adjacent to the second end. The first stopper and the second stopper can be configured to together grasp opposite sides of a toilet bowl upon installation of the collection container on the toilet bowl. The first stopper and the second stopper selectively hold the collection container in place on the toilet bowl during collection of the sample.

Claims

1. A collection container for use with a toilet bowl to collect a sample, comprising: a first end; a second end; a central recess disposed between the first end and the second end, the central recess configured to receive the sample; a first stopper disposed adjacent the first end; and a second stopper disposed adjacent the second end, the first stopper and the second stopper configured to together grasp opposite sides of the toilet bowl upon installation of the collection container on the toilet bowl and to selectively hold the collection container in place on the toilet bowl during collection of the sample.

2. The collection container of claim 1, wherein the first end includes a first arm.

3. The collection container of claim 2, wherein the first arm includes a first handle.

4. The collection container of claim 3, wherein the first stopper is located on the first arm between the central recess and the first handle.

5. The collection container of claim 4, wherein the second end includes a second arm.

6. The collection container of claim 5, wherein the second arm includes a second handle.

7. The collection container of claim 6, wherein the second stopper is located on the second arm between the central recess and the second handle.

8. The collection container of claim 7, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is rounded.

9. The collection container of claim 7, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle has a hole configured to hang the collection container.

10. The collection container of claim 5, wherein the first arm and the second arm disposed in a same plane as the central recess.

11. The collection container of claim 1, wherein the central recess has a pour spout.

12. The collection container of claim 1, wherein each of the first stopper and the second stopper is hollow.

13. The collection container of claim 1, wherein each of the first stopper and the second stopper has an arcuate surface with a curvature configured to match the curvature of the toilet bowl.

14. The collection container of claim 1, wherein each of the first stopper and the second stopper is hollow and has an arcuate surface with a curvature configured to match the curvature of the toilet bowl.

15. The collection container of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end have triangular cut outs.

16. The collection container of claim 1, wherein the collection container is formed as a unitary piece.

17. The collection container of claim 1, wherein the collection container is formed from polypropylene.

18. A sample collection kit, comprising: a collection container for use with a toilet bowl to collect a sample, including: a first end; a second end; a central recess disposed between the first end and the second end, the central recess configured to receive a sample; a first stopper disposed adjacent the first end; and a second stopper disposed adjacent the second end, the first stopper and the second stopper configured to together grasp opposite sides of the toilet bowl upon installation of the collection container on the toilet bowl and to selectively hold the collection container in place on the toilet bowl during collection of the sample; and a collection cup including: a cup body; and a lid configured to seal the cup body, the lid having a scoop depending from an inner surface of the lid, the scoop configured to be inserted into the central recess of the collection container for the collecting of the sample.

19. A method of collecting a sample, the steps comprising of: providing a toilet with a toilet bowl; providing a collection container including: a first end; a second end; a central recess disposed between the first end and the second end, the central recess configured to receive a sample; a first stopper disposed adjacent the first end; and a second stopper disposed adjacent the second end, the first stopper and the second stopper configured to together grasp opposite sides of the toilet bowl upon installation of the collection container on the toilet bowl and to selectively hold the collection container in place on the toilet bowl during collection of the sample; disposing the collection container on the toilet bowl, whereby the first stopper and the second stopper together grasp opposite sides of the toilet bowl; receiving the sample in the collection container; and removing at least a portion of the sample from the collection container with a collection receptable, whereby the sample is collected.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the collection receptable includes a collection cup including a cup body and a lid configured to seal the cup body, the lid having a scoop depending from an inner surface of the lid, the scoop configured to be inserted into the central recess of the collection container for the collecting of the sample; and the method further comprises the step of scooping the sample with the scoop out of the collection container.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a collection container;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view thereof;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view thereof;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view thereof;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the collection container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the collection container coupled to a toilet, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the collection container coupled to the toilet and a collection cup scooping a sample from the collection container, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a left side elevational view of the collection cup;

[0033] FIG. 12 is a left side elevational view of the collection cup according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0034] FIGS. 13A and 13B are a flow diagram illustrating a method of collecting the sample.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0036] Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0037] As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

[0038] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0040] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0041] The present technology relates to a collection container 100, sample collection kit 200, and method 300 for collecting a sample, shown generally in the accompanying figures.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, a collection container 100 can include a first end 104, a second end 106, and a central recess 108 disposed between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The central recess 108 can be configured to receive a sample 101. The collection container 100 can have a first stopper 110 disposed adjacent to the first end 104 and a second stopper 112 disposed adjacent to the second end 106. The first stopper 110 and the second stopper 112 can be configured to together grasp opposite sides of a toilet bowl 103 upon installation of the collection container 100 on the toilet bowl 103. The first stopper 110 and the second stopper 112 can selectively hold the collection container 100 in place on the toilet bowl 103 during collection of the sample 101.

[0043] The first stopper 110 and the second stopper 112 can be spaced apart on the collection container by a length (L1), as shown in FIG. 6. The toilet bowl 103 can have a length (L2), as shown in FIG. 9. The length (L1) can be substantially similar to the length (L2) across the outer rim of the toilet bowl 103. The length (L1) can be substantially similar to the length (L2) of the toilet bowl such that the first stopper 110 and the second stopper 112 together grasp opposite sides of a toilet bowl 103 upon installation of the collection container 100. Advantageously, this can militate against the collection container 100 from moving while in use on the toilet bowl 103.

[0044] The collection container 100 can also have a width W1, as shown in FIG. 7. The width W1 can be such that the collection container 100 can sit within the toilet bowl 103. The width W1 can smaller than the width of the toilet bowl such that the user may dispose of toilet paper within the gaps between the collection container 100 and the toilet bowl 103 and allow the toilet paper to fall into the toilet bowl 103. Advantageously, this can allow the user to clean themselves and dispose of the toilet paper without waiting until they have removed the collection container 100 from the toilet bowl 103.

[0045] The collection container 100 can be a unitary piece. The unitary collection container 100 can provide support when the collection container 100 is in use by militating against the collection container 100 drooping into the toilet bowl 103 when the user is depositing a sample 101 in the collection container 100. The unitary collection container 100 can also allow for an easier clean up process. The user must only clean one piece instead of having to deconstruct a multi-piece collection container, clean each individual piece, and reassemble the multi-piece collection container.

[0046] The collection container 100 can be formed from a rigid material. The rigid material can allow for the collection container 100 to stay in place while in use and militate against the collection container 100 drooping into the toilet bowl. Additionally, the rigid material can be non-porous. The non-porous nature of the material can allow for easy clean up and sterilization. The non-porous material can also militate against the spread of disease and cross contamination by reducing the amount of sample 101 that remains on the collection container 100 after each use. As a non-limiting examples, the collection container 100 can be formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene, acrylic, and/or vinyl. In a particular embodiment, the collection container 100 can be formed from polypropylene. One of ordinary skill in the art can select other suitable materials for forming the collection container 100 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 3, the central recess 108 can have a pour spout 114 with a pour spout length (L3). Advantageously, the pour spout 114 can militate against spillage while pouring a liquid sample 101 into a collection cup. The pour spout 114 can also militate against spillage during the cleaning of the collection container 100 by allowing the user to direct a stream of liquid. The pour spout length (L3) can be selected to allow the collection container 100 to sit within the toilet bowl 103. The pour spout length (L3) can be selected to allow for a gap between the pour spout 114 and the front of the toilet bowl 103 such that the user may dispose of toilet paper within the gap and allow the toilet paper to fall into the toilet bowl 103. Advantageously, this can allow the user to clean themselves and dispose of the toilet paper in the toilet bowl 103 without waiting until they have removed the collection container 100 from the toilet bowl 103. One of ordinary skill in the art can select a suitable pour spout length (L3).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1-7 the first end 104 of the collection container 100 can have a first arm 116. The first arm 116 can further include a first handle 118. The first stopper 110 can be located on the collection container 100 between the central recess 108 and the first handle 118. The second end 106 of the collection container 100 can have a second arm 120. The second arm 120 can further include a second handle 122. The second stopper 112 can be located on the collection container 100 between the central recess 108 and the second handle 122. As a non-limiting example, each of the first handle 118 and the second handle 122 can be rounded. Advantageously, the rounded nature of each of the first handle 118 and the second handle 122 can allow for a better grip of the collection container 100 during placement on the toilet bowl 103, removal from the toilet bowl 103, and during the cleaning process. Further, each of the first handle 118 and the second handle 122 can have a hole 124 configured to hang the collection container 100. Desirably, the hole 124 can allow the collection container 100 to hang for storage purposes as well as to hang to dry after the collection container 100 has been cleaned.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the first arm 116 and the second arm 120 can be disposed in the same plane as the central recess 108. Advantageously, the planar feature can allow the collection container 100 to sit closer to the user and militate against the sample 101 splashing up onto the user.

[0050] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, each of the first arm 116 and the second arm 120 can be tapered toward the central recess 108. Advantageously, the tapering feature can allow the collection container 100 to sit flush with the rim of the toilet and militate against the toilet seat sitting awkwardly against the collection container 100 while in use. One of ordinary skill in the art can also select the suitable angle at which the first arm 116 and the second arm 120 taper toward the central recess 108.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the first stopper 110 and second stopper 112 can be hollow. Desirably, hollow stoppers can allow the collection container 100 to stack easily during transport and storage. Further, the first stopper 110 and the second stopper 112 can be curved toward the central recess 108. The first stopper 110 and second stopper 112 can have an arcuate surface with a curvature configured to match the curvature of the toilet bowl 103. The matching curvature of the arcuate surface of each of the first stopper 110 and the second stopper 112 and the toilet bowl 103 can facilitate a more secure connection between each of the first stopper 110 and the second stopper 112 and the toilet. Advantageously, the secure connection helps the collection container 100 remain in place on the toilet while in use further militating against possible mess. One of ordinary skill in the art can select a suitable curvature to match the curvature of the toilet bowl 103.

[0052] The first end 104 and the second end 106 can have one or more apertures formed therein, such as triangular cut outs 126 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The triangular cut outs 126 can allow the collection container 100 to be manufactured using less material. The triangular cut outs 126 can also allow the collection container 100 to be lighter and therefore easier to maneuver while placing on the toilet and while cleaning. One of ordinary skill in the art can select the suitable area of the triangular cut outs 126.

[0053] The present disclosure also contemplates a sample collection kit 200, as shown in FIG. 10. The sample collection kit 200 can include the collection container 100, as described hereinabove. The sample collection kit 200 can further include a collection cup 202. The collection cup 202 can have a cup body 204 and a lid 206. The lid 206 can have a scoop 208 depending from an inner surface of the lid 206. The scoop 208 can be configured to be inserted into the central recess 108 of the collection container 100 for the collecting of a sample 101. The scoop 208 can have a wall of a height that is at least half the width of the scoop. The scoop 208 can allow the user to easily scoop their sample 101 and subsequently hold the sample 101 in the scoop 208 while the lid 206 is attached to the cup body 204. The scoop 208 can have an inner angle (A1) of about 90 degrees or less, shown in FIGS. 11-12. Advantageously, the scoop 208 can hold the sample 101 during transport to allow the sample 101 to be easily removed from the collection cup 202.

[0054] The sample collection kit 200 can also include a set of plastic gloves (not shown) to keep the user clean during use and prevent contamination or the spread of infection. Further, the sample collection kit 200 can include a means for cleaning the surface of the collection container 100, such as one or more alcohol towelettes, that can be employed before and after each use.

[0055] This present disclosure further contemplates a method 300 of collecting a sample 101, shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In a first step 302, a toilet with a toilet bowl 103 and toilet seat can be provided. A collection container 100, as described hereinabove, can be provided in a second step 304. In a third step 306, the toilet seat can be raised to allow the collection container 100 to be disposed on the toilet bowl 103. In a fourth step 308, the collection container 100 can be disposed on the toilet bowl 103, whereby the first stopper 110 and the second stopper 112 together grasp opposite sides of the toilet bowl 103. The sample 101 is then received in the collection container 100 in a fifth step 310. In a sixth step 312, at least a portion of the sample 101 is removed from the collection container 100 by a collection receptable, and the sample 101 is therefore collected. In a seventh step 314, the user can raise the toilet seat. The user can then remove the collection container 100 from the toilet bowl 103, in an eighth step 316. In a ninth step 318, the user can dispose of any sample 101 remaining in the collection container 100. The user can then clean the collection container and store away for repeated use in a tenth step 320. The collection receptable used in the method 300 can be a collection cup 202, as described herein. The method 300 can further comprise a step 322 of scooping the sample 101 with the scoop 208 out of the collection container 100.

[0056] Advantageously, the collection container 100 described herein can create a stable attachment with a toilet bowl 103 and allow the user to deposit a sample 101 without mess. Further, the sample 101 collection kit including the collection container 100 and sample 101 cup can allow for the user to collect a stool sample 101 without contamination and mess. The present disclosure provides ways to facilitate easier stool collection by a patient, protect the sample 101 from bio-contamination, and enable easier sample 101 disbursement into collection receptacles by a patient or lab technician. These aspects can improve patient compliance and thereby make diagnostic data more readily available for patients, diagnostic centers, clinicians, and labs.

[0057] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.