Urine bag abstract
A disposable urine bag having sealed cavity members where one cavity
stores an extendable catheter and also acts as a urine storage reservoir.
A second sealed and peel-away cavity includes a catheter advancement
mechanism which provides for lubricated catheter advancement without
actual contact of the catheter by the human hand. An absorption
member is provided to semi-solidify urine stored in the urine storage
reservoir.
Urine bag claims
We claim:
1. A urine bag comprising:
a. two opposing polymer members forming a holding cavity means
for urine and a clean cavity means for a catheter insertion means,
and a seam means between said holding cavity means and said clean
cavity means;
b. said catheter insertion means including and connected in order
a bellows means connected to one end of said holding cavity means
and including a glands positioner;
c. a catheter extending through said bellows means including a
conical connector at one end for engaging with a tubular member
in the end of said holding cavity means; and,
d. a catheter holster means to captivate and seal said catheter
and urine storage means upon completion of a voiding cycle.
2. The urine bag of claim 1 including an absorbing means in said
holding cavity means.
3. The urine bag of claim 1 wherein said holding cavity means includes
a cavity drain means.
4. The urine bag of claim 1 wherein said holding cavity means includes
a leak-resistant holster cavity means.
5. The urine bag of claim 1 wherein said holding cavity means includes
a support hole means.
6. The urine bag of claim 1 including a tubular member and manipulation
point means in the end of said holding cavity means.
7. The urine bag of claim 1 wherein said seam means is a tearable
seam.
8. The urine bag of claim 1 wherein said seam means is a perforated
tearable seam means.
9. The urine bag of claim 1 including a lubricant in said bellows
means.
10. A urine bag comprising:
a. two opposing polymer members forming a holding cavity means
for urine and a cavity means for a catheter insertion means, and
a perforation means between said cavity means;
b. said catheter insertion means including and connected in order,
a bellows connected to one end of said holding cavity means, a tapered
and ring coupler, a manipulation point, an introducer with crossed
x slits, and a glands positioner at one end of said bellows means;
and,
c. a catheter including holes, extending through said catheter
insertion means and including a conical connector at one end for
engaging with a tubular member.
11. The urine bag of claim 10 including a urine or fluid absorption
material in said holding cavity means.
12. The urine bag of claim 10 wherein said holding cavity means
includes a cavity drain means.
13. The urine bag of claim 10 wherein said holding cavity means
includes a holster cavity means.
14. The urine bag of claim 10 wherein said holding cavity means
includes a support hole means.
15. The urine bag of claim 10 including a tubular member and manipulation
point means in the end of said holding cavity means.
16. The urine bag of claim 10 wherein said seam means is tearable
seam.
17. The urine bag of claim 10 wherein said seam means is a perforated
tearable seam means.
18. The urine bag of claim 10 including a lubricant on said bellow
means.
19. The urine bag of claim 10 including a fluid absorption material
in a disposable package in said holding cavity means.
20. The urine bag of claim 10 including a hydrogel in said holding
cavity means.
21. A urine bag comprising:
a. two opposing polymer members forming a holding cavity means
for urine and a cavity means for a catheter insertion means, and
a perforation means between said cavity means;
b. said catheter insertion means including and connected in order,
a bellows means connected to one end of said holding cavity means,
a tapered and ring coupler including internal annular grooves, a
manipulation point, an introducer with crossed slits, and a glands
positioner at one end of said bellows means; and,
c. a catheter including holes extending through said catheter insertion
means and including a conical connector at one end for engaging
with a tubular member.
22. The urine bag of claim 21 including a urine or fluid absorption
material in said holding cavity means.
23. The urine bag of claim 21 including a urine or fluid absorption
material in a dissolvable package in said holding cavity means.
24. The urine bag of claim 21 wherein said holding cavity means
includes a cavity drain means.
25. The urine bag of claim 21 wherein said holding cavity means
includes a leak-resistant holster cavity means.
26. The urine bag of claim 21 wherein said holding cavity means
includes a support hole means.
27. The urine bag of claim 21 including a tubular member and manipulation
point means in the end of said holding cavity means.
28. The urine bag of claim 21 wherein said seam means is tearable
seam.
29. The urine bag of claim 21 wherein said seam means is a perforated
tearable seam means.
30. The urine bag of claim 21 including a lubricant in said catheter
insertion means.
31. The urine bag of claim 21 wherein said bellow means is blow
molded.
Urine bag description
CROSS REFERENCES TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
This patent application relates to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 07/989517 filed Dec. 11 1992 entitled "Disposable Urine
Bag", and to the same assignee as the present patent application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a bodily waste collector bag,
and more particularly, pertains to a disposable urine bag and a
process for extending an extendable catheter disposed from the interior
of the urine bag.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Prior art urine bags have a multiplicity of members constructed
in a fashion where the catheter is an external device which must
be attached to the urine bag. Other prior art urine bags have required
a great deal of dexterity to manipulate the catheter from out of
the bag. Accidental touching of the catheter could result in contamination
of the sterile surface of the catheter. Subsequent to urine disposition
within the bag, the urine bag required sealing by a cap or other
device to contain the urine within the urine bag. Disposing of some
of the prior art urine bags created a problem in that a bag and
a catheter, as separate units, had to be disposed of carefully.
Prior art urine bags could also be accidentally punctured prior
to disposal, thus creating an undesirable fluid leakage around and
about the urine bag and the person.
The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art urine
bag devices by providing a single unit, disposable urine bag having
a self-contained, extendable catheter and having a urine absorbing
chemical or mechanism within the urine bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a single
unit disposable urine bag having a self-contained and stored extendable
catheter with an advancement mechanism, which is a part of the urine
bag. A highly absorbent chemical stored in the urine bag cavity
reacts with urine to produce a semi-solid like mass within the confines
of the urine bag, thus alleviating spillage of urine from the urine
bag. Alternatively, a drain is incorporated to drain urine from
the interior of the urine bag cavity, such as for testing of the
urine or disposal of the urine.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a flexible disposable urine bag having one or more cavities
formed between joined flexible top and bottom plastic members. Formable
and sealable pockets or cavities are formed by electronic, RF, ultrasonic,
induction, thermal adhesive or other suitable welds between the
flexible top and bottom flexible polymer members. An advancement
mechanism is secured within one sealed and detachable cavity of
the collection device with its majority structure extending from
the sealed edge of a sealed reservoir or cavity area containing
an advanceable catheter. The advancement mechanism can also lubricate
and slidably seals the catheter to prevent leakage of urine from
the sealed cavity reservoir, and also allows for easy passage of
the catheter out of the reservoir without contact with human hands.
The stored catheter, having a conical-shaped rubber or rigid polymer
stop member is positioned in alignment with a sealable advancement
mechanism for subsequent extension therethrough. A perforation separates
the urine bag cavities from each other which is used for an aseptic
presentation of the catheter advancement mechanism and the catheter.
One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is
a disposable urine bag having a self-stored and contained extendable
catheter with an advancing mechanism for a non-contact, easy to
use device, having a lubricant reservoir within the advancement
mechanism. The advancement mechanism for the urine bag includes
a seal which mates with an extendable catheter.
Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention
is a perforated tear seam between upper and lower flexible top and
bottom bag members forming the cavities.
Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention
is the use of a highly absorbent chemical which combines with the
urine or fluid to form a non-leaking, semi-solid mass within the
disposable urine bag. While the specification is directed towards
urine, the teachings of the present invention can be extended to
any type of fluid.
Having thus described embodiments of the present invention, it
is one object of the present invention to provide a single-unit
disposable urine bag having a self-contained catheter with an advancing
mechanism, chemical absorbent, and cavity drain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant
advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated
as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts
throughout the figures thereof and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the urine bag having a self-contained
catheter and catheter advancement mechanism;
FIG. 2 illustrates a top view in horizontal cross section of the
urine bag along line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view in cross section of the urine bag
along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the catheter advancement
mechanism prior to catheter advancement;
FIG. 5 illustrates the first advancement of the catheter and compression
of the bellows mechanism subsequent to removal of the right cavity
half; and,
FIG. 6 illustrates the bellows in the relaxed mode subsequent to
a number of catheter advancements by manipulation of the catheter
advancement mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a urine bag 10 the present invention,
including a self-contained catheter 12 and a catheter advancement
mechanism 14 in the urine bag 10. The urine bag 10 is of one-piece,
and separable, polymer construction having a left cavity 16 for
holding urine and a detachable adjacent right cavity 18 by a tearable
perforation or like seam 40 for providing an aseptic cavity for
enclosing medical structures as later described in detail. The closed
cavity provides for protection against skin flora, handling and
provides for an aseptic environment. The urine bag 10 is of a continuous
construction and includes an essentially planar top flexible polymer
member 20 and an opposing essentially planar bottom flexible polymer
member 22 between edges 24 and 26. Ends 28 and 30 are suitably sealed
by seals 32 and 34 such as by ultrasonic welding, gluing or other
suitable processes known in the art, and are shown as being hatched
to define such sealed areas. Edges 24 and 26 can also be secured,
such as by welding or ultrasonic sealing or other like securing
processes. Another configured welded or glued seal 36 which is
also cross hatched, serves to orm a barrier between the left and
right cavities 16 and 18 and also to anchor the catheter advancement
mechanism 14 to the left cavity 16. Cavity 18 is to facilitate the
presentation of the catheter in an aseptic manner. The left cavity
16 is bounded by the top flexible polymer member 20 the bottom
flexible polymer member 22 end seal 32 and seal 36. The right cavity
18 is bounded by the top flexible polymer member 20 the bottom
flexible polymer member 22 the end seal 34 and the seal 36. The
left cavity 16 stores the catheter 12 prior to use and is a collector
and reservoir for urine. Also, a highly absorbent chemical 37 such
as potassium or sodium polyacrylate, can be provided within the
left cavity 16. Alternatively, a cavity drain 38 having an attached
sealing cap 39 can also be included. The cavity drain 38 drains
the left cavity 16 and is secured thereto by the weldment seal
36. The highly absorbent chemical 37 which can be in a pouch which
dissolves with contact to water, urine or other fluid, and in granular
form or other suitable form, is placed within the compartment 16.
Urine or other aqueous medium is absorbed by the absorbent chemical
medium 37 which expands to form a semi-solidified, gel-like material
which has a putty-like consistency, thus eliminating any potential
cavity leakage problems should a subsequent event such as a cavity
puncture occur, or also for sanitary disposal.
The right cavity 18 houses one end of the catheter advancement
mechanism 14 and includes a perforated tearable seam or a tearable
seam 40 which allows the right cavity 18 to be separated from the
left cavity member 16 thus exposing the distal end of the catheter
advancement mechanism 14 just prior to deployment of the catheter
12 from the left cavity 16 as later described in detail. Also included
is a leak-resistant small holster cavity 44 into which the distal
end of the catheter 12 secures to preclude leakage of urine from
the catheter 12 and left cavity 16 after urine bag usage. The holster
cavity 44 secures to the left cavity 16 under the weldment seal
36. The catheter 12 includes a conical connector 62. A support hole
72 provides for securing of the urine bag to a stand or clothing
of the user.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top view in horizontal cross section of the
urine bag 10 generally along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 where all numerals
correspond to those elements previously described. The top flexible
member 20 has been removed for purpose of brevity and clarity of
illustration. Weldment areas 32 34 and 36 are illustrated in cross
hatching for purposes of brevity and clarity. Illustrated in particular
is the engagement of the catheter 12 with the catheter advancement
mechanism 14. The two-section, soft polymer catheter advancement
mechanism 14 includes, but is not limited to, a first flexible polymer
portion having a soft pliable plastic conically shaped glands positioner
50 a narrow manipulation point 51 a tapered coupling 47 and an
introducer 53 extending to the right of the glands positioner 50.
The second flexible polymer portion includes a tapered and ringed
coupler 55 a plurality of bellows members 46a-46n and a tubular
member/manipulation point 54 which is anchored to the top and bottom
flexible polymer members 20 and 22 by weldment seal 36. This bellows
structure can be injection molded, blow molded or dipped polymer
material. The tapered coupling 47 secures by suitable bonding and
frictional engagement over and about the tapered and ringed coupler
55 to form the joined flexible portions of the catheter advancement
mechanism 14. The catheter 12 includes a distal tip 58 one or more
ports 60 in the distal tip 58 and a conical connector 62 at its
proximal end, which acts as a stop against the tubular member/manipulation
point 54 to preclude removal of the catheter completely from the
confines of the left cavity 16 during deployment of the catheter
advancement mechanism 14. The catheter 12 slidingly aligns through
the tubular member/manipulation point 54 through the center of
the bellows members 46a-46n, through the tapered and ringed coupler
55 through the manipulation point 51 through the glands positioner
50 and through the introducer 53 which has a double slotted end
through which the distal end of the catheter 12 passes during deployment.
The catheter 12 also passes through a U-cup seal 56 and lubricant
70 which are illustrated in the following figures. The catheter
12 is appropriately dimensioned to allow unrestricted passage and
wiping of excessive lubricant by lumen 63 formed by the interior
of the catheter advancement mechanism 14 illustrated in FIG. 4.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view in cross section along line 3--3
of FIG. 2 of the urine bag 10 where all numerals correspond to those
elements previously described. Illustrated in particular are the
cavities 16 and 18 and the previously described components therein.
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the catheter advancement
mechanism 14 subsequent to removal of the right cavity 18 along
the tear line 40 of FIG. 2 and ready for deployment of the catheter
12 where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described.
The bellows 46 include bellow members 46a, 46b, and 46n, which can
be a blow molded polymer. The tapered and ringed coupler 55 includes
internal annular grooves 55a-55d any of which can provide for suitable
nesting of a pliable U-cup seal 56 which can be of a suitable size
to match the diameter of the catheter 12. Lubricant 70 is contained
in a lumen 63 of the manipulation point 51 between the U-cup seal
56 and the ever narrowing lumen 63. The narrowest point 63a of the
lumen 63 allows an appropriate amount of lubricant 70 to be applied
to the advancing catheter 12. The tip of the introducer 53 includes
two crossed slits forming an "x" to allow egress of the
proximal end of the catheter 12 during deployment through the two
expanded crossed slits which then separate and move outwardly.
MODE OF OPERATION
FIGS. 5-6 best illustrate the mode of operation including the advancement
of the catheter 12 through the urine bag 10.
FIG. 5 illustrates the first advancement of the catheter 12 and
compression of the bellows 46 where all numerals correspond to those
elements previously described. The first advancement of the catheter
12 and compression of the bellows 46 is accomplished by manually
compressing the flexible tubular member/manipulation point 54 against
the catheter 12 and applying a forward force to the right, while
with the other hand the glands positioner 50 is held against the
gland. The introducer 53 is inserted into the meatus urethra and
the catheter 12 is advanced to open and pass through the "x"
slits in the end of the introducer 53. Continued forward force is
applied to insure that the catheter 12 enters the meatus urethra.
If the catheter 12 has penetrated, the flexible manipulation point
51 is squeezed with the same hand to maintain the position of catheter
12 in the meatus urethra, and pressure is manually released at the
flexible tubular member/manipulation point 54. This lets bellows
section 46 spring back to the position shown in FIG. 6. This sequence
is repeated until full insertion of the catheter 12 is complete.
As this is accomplished, the flexible tubular member/manipulation
point 54 and the glands positioner 50 are also relatively re-positioned
proximally with respect to the catheter 12 having previously exposed
the distal tip 58 of the catheter 12.
FIG. 6 illustrates the bellows 46 in the relaxed mode subsequent
to a second and required number of additional advancements of the
catheter 12 through the catheter advancement mechanism 14 until
the catheter 12 has advanced sufficiently through the meatus urethra
for required urine drainage. Removal of the catheter 12 is accomplished
by grasping and applying pressure at the manipulation point 51 and
then withdrawing the catheter 12 from the meatus urethra. The distal
tip 58 is then secured within the holster cavity 44 thereby sealing
the catheter 12 from inadvertent spillage. The interior of the holster
cavity 44 is tapered to appropriately accommodate various diameter
catheters.
Various modifications can be made to the present invention without
departing from the apparent scope hereof. |