CA2132712C - Fluid collection container - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible and expandable container (10) for collecting fluids under the influence of a vacuum: A rigid front wall (12) and a flexible rear wall (14) define a variable volume collection bag interior. A plurality of rigid, elongated panels (18) are spaced about and attached to the flexible rear wall (14). A rigid stent (16) is releasably engageable to the panels (18) to distend the rear wall (14) relative to he rigid front wall (12).

Description

w W~ 93/18803 ~ y ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PC'1"/1..1S93102554 FLUID COLLECTION CONTAINER
w FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a collapsible and ,.' expandable fluid collection container.
DACKGROUND OF THF INVENTION
Various autotxansfusion containers which operate under a vacuum to collect blood from a patient during surgery also may be used to rein~use the collected blood ib,to the "
patient;, pr~:or art' containers traditiomlly were formed from non~collapsible glass blood collection bottles. The art then evolved o pliable plastio collection bags which, when compressed, would increase the, reinfusiar~ flow of the 'calleCted liquids.
To prevent he vacuum from collapsing the container, the pliable,prior art conta3,ners are distended mechanically during the collecta.oz~ procedure. The'following patens are representative of such prior art devices; t7:S. Pat~r~t No.
4.4'~43.22U discloses the expanding of a ~~lindri.cal blood ,.
collection baq by engaging a plurality of sleeve-like loop ~annularly spaced about. the collection bag with the elongated tines of a tent. U.S. Patent No. 4;838.872 discloses a collapsible blood collection bag which is d~.stended by compressing stiffener members connected to the bag. U.S;
Patent No. 4,943.288 discloses a reinfusion bag which is maintained in ~n open configuration by separating frame members'attached to he bag'with a pair of crossed-locking arms which extend across the top and bottom of the r~~n~usion bag.
The prior art also'discloses non-mechanical me~.ns for holding the' collection bag in an open or expanded uUQ~"1°f'Tl3'T'c ~~'~9EE1' . ,..,, WO 93118803 1PC'f/~JS93102554 ~~ ~'~1~
configuration during,~he vacuum influenced fluid collection procedure. U.S. Patent No. 3,866,608 discloses the application of a seGOnd vacuum between the surface of the w Collection bag and a rigid outer container to prevent container collapse. U.S~ Patent No. 4,781,707 discloses a °
hermetically sealed chamber between a flexible collection bag and an outer container which prevents the collection bag from eolla~sing during the blood collection process.
These pr~.or axt devices have certain disadvantages. The portions of the plastic collection bags which are not directly attadhed to the mechanical support structure tend to partially co~.lapse when the vacuum is applied to the container interior: Consequently, the vblume scale provided on these plastic containers gives an inaccurate measure of the volume o~ fluids being collected. That discrepancy may prove harmful when a course of treatment is based on the amount of blood loss. The vacuum expanded containers provide a more reliable contaa.ner volume buff are more difficult t~
operate. Release of the outer vacuum which is required to allow the inner container to collapse during reinfusion of the collected-blood, has proven problematic.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates o a container for collecting body fluids; such as surgically and post-operatively shed blood, under,the influence of a vacuum. The container includes a rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall which is collapsible and dis'tehdible relative to the rigid Front wall. A plurality of rigid flat panels are spaced about and connected to the flexible year wa~.l and are'engageable with a rigid, elongated scent. The interlocked stem and flat panels provide a rigid con~igu~ation that prevents the flexible rear wall from collapsing.notwithstanding the vacuum applied to the collection container during blood collection. Upon , S~J~~TITU~'.E ~~~E°T

detachment of the stmt, the flexible rear wall is again collapsible which allows the autologuus blood to be reinfused to the patient.
It is among the various objects of the present invention to provide a collection container which is distendible and collapsible.
It is another of the various objects of the invention to provide a collection container having a relatively reliable volume when a vacuum is operating on the interior thereof.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid collection container, comprising:
a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall which is collapsible and distendible relative to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall; a plurality of stmt engaging members attached to and spaced about said flexible rear wall; a rigid. stmt releasably engageable to said plurality of spaced st mt engaging members to maintain said flexible rear wall in a distended position relative to said rigid front wall; said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction, and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid collection container, comprising: a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall which is collapsible and 3a distendible relative to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall; a plurality of stmt engaging members spaced about and.
attached to said collapsible and distendible rear wall so that said plurality of stent engaging members are contiguous when said rear wall is collapsed; a rigid stmt releasably engageable to said plurality of spaced stmt engaging members to maintain said collapsible and distendible rear wall in a distended position relative to said rigid front wall; said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction, and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there i.s provided a fluid collection container, comprising: a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall and a plurality of collapsible and distendible walls; a plurality of stmt connecting members connected to at least some of said plurality of collapsible and distendible walls, at least one of said plurality of stmt connecting members having a perimeter substantially coextensive with the perimeter of a collapsible and distendible wall to which it is connected; a rigid stmt releasably engageable to said plurality of stmt connecting members to maintain said plurality of collapsible and distendible walls in a distended position relative to said rigid front wall; said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction, and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and 3b having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid collection container, comprising: a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall, a pair of side walls and a rear wall extending between said pair of side walls, said pair of side walls and rear wall being collapsible and distendible relative to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall; a pair of flat members respectively connected to said pair of side walls, each of said flat members having a perimeter substantially coextensive with the perimeter of said respectively connected side wa7_1 and including an elongated flange having an elongated stmt-receiving space; a center flat member connected to said rear wall and including a projecting flange extending away from said rear wall; a rigid stmt releasably engageable to said pair of flat members and said central flat member to maintain said pair of side walls and said rear wall in a distended position, said rigid stmt including a central portion having a slot adapted to slidably receive said projecting flange and a pair of end portions diverging from said central portion adapted to be slidably received within said elongated stmt-receiving space; said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction, and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid collection container, comprising: a collection bag having a variable volume 3c interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall which is collapsible and distendible relative to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall; a plurality of stmt engaging members attached to and spaced about said flexible rear wall; a rigid stmt releasably engaged to said plurality of stmt engaging members and extending across said rear wall between said plurality of stmt engaging members for maintaining said flexible rear wall in a distended position relative to said rigid front wall; said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which disclose multiple embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated more fully from the following drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a front illustration of the fluid collection container in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a rear illustration of the fluid collection container in accordance with the invention;

3d Fig. 3A is a front illustration of the rigid front.
wall in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 3B is a rear illustration of the rigid front wall in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 3C is a top illustration of the rigid front wall in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 3D is a side illustration of the rigid front wall in accordance with the invention.

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WO 93/18803 ' ~ PCT/t3S93/02554 ~~.~?'~1~
Fig. 4A is a front illustration of the distended configuration of the flexible rear wall;
Fig. ~8 is a sectional illustration of the distended configuration of the flexible rear wall along line 4B of Fig BAs Fig. 5 is an exploded illustration of the assembly of the f7;exibl~ rear wall and the rigid front wall;
Flg. 6 is a seetianal illustration of the device with the scent engaging members in the distended (solid) and Collapsed ~~h~ntom). configuration;
Fig. '~A is a front elevation, partly broken away, of a rear wall. panel:
Fxg. 7B is a rear elevation of the ream panel o~ FIG: 7A':
Fib. 7C is 'a secti:anal illustration along line 7C of the rear ~anel:'illustrated in Figs. 7A-7S:
Fig. ZD is a side elevation of a rear panel iw accordance with the invention:
Fig. ~A ris a perspective illustration of the center p~rnel Fig. BB is a secti~nal illustrat~ron of the center panel '.
along the line 8B of Fig. 8A;
F;ig.;9 is a plan illustration of the scent in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 10 is an illustration of the attachment of the stmt and the scent engaging panels in acc~rdance with the .
invention, Fig. 11 is an illustration of the fluid collection container mounted to a chest drainage device;
dig, 12A is a diagramatic sectional illustration of a.vacuum limiter mounted to the fluid collection container in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 12~ is a sectio~nral illustration along line 12B of Fig. 12A~
Fig:. 13A is an illustration of a vacuum limit~r with a venting system for dissipating the effect of the vaeuum in he- container.; and ~ 1) B ST I T tJ 'f ~C ~ ~°i ~ ~'F

i.~t,,. , . . . ; : . . : ; : .. , . . ; ;
WC~ 93/18803 ~ ~I ~ ~ ~ rj ~ PCT/US93/02554 Fig. 13B is a sectional illustration of the vacuum limit~r with ~ venting system along fine 13B of Fig. 13A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FREFE~tRED EP~iHODIMENTS
The fluid collection container 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 includes a xigid front'wall 12 and a flexible rear wall 1~ which is collapsible and'expandable relative to the rigid (rant wall 12. In the distended ~onfiguxation, liquid and gaseous fluid from he body cava.ty or wound being drained flow under the influ~n~e o,f .v~auum into the collect a. on container ' 10 . In a collapsed conf i:guxation, the flexible rear wall 1~ is foldable relative to,the rigid front wall 12 t'o allow the co7:lected liquid fluids to be reinfused to the pat ~. end .
The flexible rear wall 14 is held open by interlocking a rigid, elongated stmt 16 to a plurality of stent engaging panels 18 attached at spaced locations ~bou~t the flexible rear wall 14. The interlocked stem 16 and stmt engaging panels 18 restrain the;flexible rear wall 1~ against collapsing under tie influence of the ~racuurrt operating on the ' interior o~ the collection bag during the collection procedure. To optimize the resistance o~ the flexible rear wall 14 to the'negat~.ve pressure in the'interior of the container, a substantial portion of the surface'of the flexible rear'wall'14 is attached ditec~ly to the stmt engaging panels 18;
After' attaching the scent -16 to the st~ent engaging pan,e7.s 18, a suction,inlet 20 is connected to a source of suction such as the wall outlet of a hospital suction system and a'fluid inlet 22 i's connected to a drain tube 30 which is placed in communication wi:~h the body ,site beinig drained..
Gas or air, and blood, are drawn from the cavity thraugh the drazn'tube 30; the f,lutid inlet 22 and a blood filter 26. The blood filter 26 prevents clots and other semi-salids in the colleot~ng body f-luids from being reinfused to the patient.
SUBSTi'~JTE SHE~'~

'V6r~Q 93I1~~03 . PC'Tl1JS93102554 _6_ The filter 26 is sealed relative to the fluid ,inlet 22 to prevent the collecting l~.quids from shunting directly to the vacuum inlet 20. The filtexad blood and other body liquids ' pass into the bottom of the container. The level of the accumulating li.duid is indicated by the volume wale 28 on ' i the transparent or opaque front wall. The collecting gas and ai,~ flow through the filter 26 end into'the container interior and then a:re e~hau ted through the suction inlet 20, After a sufficient volw~ne of liq~~id has been collected, the drain tube and suction lines are disconnebted. The stem 16 is detached from-the stet engaging panels 18 which allaws ;, the flexible rear wall 14 to collapse relative to the rigid front wall ~.2. The closed end of a,reinfusion line 25 leading from a reinfusion port 24 in the front wall 12 is spiked by the proximal end'of a connecting line (not shown) which may hen be connected'at a distal end o.the patient's circulatory system. Manual or mechanical campressian o~ the flexible rear wall 14 forces the blood and other body Fluids from the collebtion container through the reinfusion line 25 '' and back to the patient. A s).ot 27 in the rigid front wall 12 holds the reinfusion line 25 during nonuse. The collection container may be supported above the'patient's body so that the fluids are returned to he patient by gravity. Preferabllr, an adjustalale hanger o~ strap is looped '' from tl~e r~.gid front wall 12 over the top of the container 1:0 to the back of the flexible rear wall and may be attached to a bed rail or 'an L:V. rack.
The ind2vidual components of the collection container will now be explained in greater detail.
The collection bag portion of the container consists of the rigid front wall l2.and the flexible rear wall 1:4.
,The rigid from wall 12 illustrated in Figs. 3A--D is foamed of vtransparent polyGarbonate material, such as Mobay Corp. FAR-2458 or General Electric, 1,24R1i~2 and includes a front. f.aoe 50 and -a rear f ace 58 . The f L,ont . f ace. 50' ine ludes o:;
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~~I - VY~ 93/1803 ~ ~, y z ~ ~ ~ PC'T/ZJS93/02554 a projecting portion 5~ which contains the graduation scale 28 for measuring the amount of blood accumulating in the collection container 10: The reinfusion port 24 extends from fihe front gall 12 and is in communication with an opening 56 extending through the lower end of the front wall 12.
Preferably, the port 24 is injection molded with the front wall 12. A pair of projections 57 extend perpendicularly from the rear Face 58 a~.ong opposite edges of the opening 56 and provide support for the portion of the flexible rear wall 14 which deffines a rein~usi:on channel, when the rear wall 14 is attached to the (rout wall 12:.
The'~ear face 58 includes a rearwardly extending collar 60 which i5 attached to the suction inlet and the fluid inlet.) A pair of flanges 59, are integrally molded, to the rear face 58 and include respective U-shaped openings 61 for aligning the suction inlet and the fluid inlet within the container interior: Two rows of rib-shaped prajections 62 extend longitudinally along the rear face 58 app~site the rear wall 14; preventing the flexible rear wall from collapsing directly against the front wall which could block Mood flow to the rein~usion port during the reinfuoion procedure. Alternative2y, the rib-shaped projections may extend transversely relative to the axis of the front wa7.l.
The rib-shaped projections-62 deffine a vertical channel for the passage of blood to the front wallopening 56. Vertical spaoing of the projections 62 allowo transv~rs~ blood flow ixzto the channel.
A third row of rib-shaped projections 64 extends longitudia~ally along, he rear szde and provides an edge against which a label bearing the volume scale 28 may be aligned. A ~lat ~nargi:n 5i surrounds the rear face 58 and is connectable to the margin of the flexibl2 rear wall. The margin 51 is bordered by opposing lips 65.66 which deffine a shallow recess for holding the ultraviolet act~,vated adhesive used to join the front wall and rear wall together.
sussrt~ru~rs s~ss-r ,. . .
W4J 93/18803 v F'CT/Z1S93/02a54 N

The flexible rear wall 14 illustrated in Figs. 4A-B is formed of pliable polyvinyl chloride, such as Regalxte 299.-998, and includes a main collapsible portion 70, a top portion 72 and a lower portion 74, In the distended configuration; the main collapsible portion 70 includes a pair o~ spaced converging side portions 76~ a s~eond pair of spaced converging side portions 78 extending from the first pair 76, and a center portion 80 which extends between the second pair of spaced converging portions 78, brie main collapsible portion 70 preferably includes a pair of opposed, paraxlel lateral portions 81 which further increase the volume of the fully expanded 'collection container:
The top portion 72 includes a first chamber 82 which is adapted, to receive the vacuum inlet 20 and a second chamber 84 whidh is adapted' to receive the fluid inlet 22. The chamber walls 8~ surround the distal ends of the vacuum inlet and the (laid inlet; preventing inflowing body liquids from shunting directly to the suction inlet 2~. The lower portion 74 ~.ncludes an inclined reinfusion channel 91 which cor~perates with the opening 56 in the from wall 12 to form a path into the reinfusion port 24. A flat margin 90 of the flexible rear wall surrounds the main collapsible portion 70, tho top portion 72 and he lower portion 74 and includes an upstandingout~r edge~92. The edge-92 Cooperates with the libs 65,66 of the front wall margin 51 to hold the ultraviolet activated adhesive when the front wall 12 and rear wall ~14 are being attached.
The assembly of the rigid front wall 12 and the flexible rear wall.l4 is illustrated'in Fig. 5. 'the flat margin 51 of the rear f ace 58 of'the rigid front wall'12 and the margin 9Q
of the flexible side wall 14 are aligned to'pr~perly position respec~ive inbercozW ect'ing elements: Thus, the collar 60 is seated on the outer surf ace of the first and second chambers 82; 84 wa.th the inlet openings in the Collar 60 being aligned with the inlet ope~zings in the top wall of the first and Second Chambers 82-, 84: The flanges 59 abut the inner S lJ ~Sl'I'1° ~J T ~ '~~°i E ~'t' ,.:<. .. ,., . . , ., ,, ~ , . ' . , : . .. ;.
a. ..;~. "...,.: . . ..., .,~::.:
W~ 93/1843 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~'~ PC°f/US93/02554 _9_ surface of the first and second chambers 82, 84 opposite the collar ~0, and the xeinfusion channel 91 is positioned adjacent the opening 56: of the reinfusion port 24. The rigid front wall 12 and the flexible rear wall Z4 are then joined together preferably by bonding the flat margin 51 of the rigid front wall 12 and the flat margin 90 of ~ehe flexible reax ~aal1 with an ultraviolet activated adhesive such as Dymax 20n82-Vii.
The interlocking o~ the stent and scent engaging panels prevents the rear wall from collapsing against the front wall during vacuum collection. The stem engagi~,g panels illustrated iri Figs. 6 include'flat side panels 40, 42 and a flat wall panel 44; all of which are banded to the flexible rear will 14, preferably with an ultra-violet activated adhesive such as Dymax 20082-M: The side panels 40, 42 and center'pan~l 44 preferably are sgaced about the flexible rear wall 14 so that their edge are contiguous when the rear wall is collapsed. The side panels 40, 42 and center panel 44 also preferably have a perimeter coextensive with the perimeter of the respective por;.ions of the rear wall to which hey are connected. That arrangement of the panels j:
optimizes the vacuum resisting ,strength of the rear wall when ;:;
the stent is interlocked to the panel while still allowing the rear wall to be fully dollapsed .against the'front wall when the s~ent'is detached. As illustrated, the side panels 4a, ~2'are'bonded to the first pair.of converging portions of the flexible rear wall and'the center panel is bonded to the rear portion of the flexible rear wall.
~'he side panel 40 illustrated in Figs. ~A-D includes an.
elongated main flat body 100 formed of a rigid polycarbc~nate material such as Mobay Corp. FCR'-2458 or General Electrio 1.248112. A portion 106 of the side panel diverges from he ~'.
main body 100 and has a perimeter which substantially matches the perimeter of the lateral portion 81 of the Fully distended fle:~ible rear wall 14 shown in Figs. 4A~4B. An elongated flange 108 extends from the main body 100 and vUh~TITU't'c ~~~~'~' W~ 93!18803 , PCflL3~93/02554 _lo_ def fines a scent edge receiving space Ilo . The inner surf ace 113 of the flange 108 preferably is flared to facilitate insertion and removal of the stem . A plurality of ribs 114 extend lengthwise along the bottom~~wall 116 of the flange 108 and help to prevent the side panels ~0° 42 from bowing when a vacuum is applied to the fluid collection container l0. A
pair o~ spaced fingers 117 resiliently hold the reinfusion tube or other tubular equipment used with the container, The back of the side panel 40 includes a plurality of elongated recesses,lo4 which hold th.e ultraviolet activated adhesive .
useel to join the side panel and the flexible rear wall 14, The center panel 120 i~;lustrated in Figs. 8A-B includes an elongated main~flat body 122 formed of a'rigid polycarbonate maternal such as Mobay Corp. FCR 2458 or General Electric 1248112. A T-shaped flange 124 extends from the elongated main fl~.t body 122 and includes a slot 126 which is adapted to lockingly receive a projection from the scent. The back of the cenaer panel 120 includes an elongated recess for holding an ultra~riolet activated adhesive for bonding the center panel to the-flexible rear walZ,;
The rigid. elongated stent 16 illustrated in Fig; 9 is formed of a polycarbonate material such as Mobay Corp, FCR-2458 or General,~lectric 1248112° and includes a ffirst pair of spaced converging portions 152° a second pair of spaced converging portions 154 extending from the ffirst pair, and a central portion 156, extending between he se~and pair 154. A slot 158 longitudinally extends along the central portien arid slidably receives the T-shaped projectir~n of the center panel. A re ilient locking projection 160 extends upwardly from the central region and ~.ncludes a tapered locking portion 162 which is relea5ably engagea~le with the locking slot in the T-shaped flange. A recess 163 surrounds the resilient locking ~aortion 160 and provides an opining into which the locking portion depends when camminc~ against the leading edge of the T-shaped flange, and when depressed v~~~jT~~U ~ ~ ~~'i~~~

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communicates with the pleural cavity of the patient. Suction applied to the chest drainage device 204, which is governed by the regulator (not shown?, is correspondingly applied i through the tube 208 to the interior of the fluid collection i container and to the patient's pleural cavity through the thoracic drain tube 213. The regulated vacuum assists,~he flow o~ gas and liquid fluids from the patient's pleural a cavity along the thoracic drain tube 2~.3, through the fluad inlet 212 and the depending filter, and into the'interior of the fluid collection container 200. The blood and other body fluids accumulate in the fluid collection container 200 while the collecting gases are ~xhaust~d through the suction inlet 206; the tube 208, the chest drainage device 204 and ultimately into~the hospital suction supply system.
The fluid collection container is de~achably connected to the'chest drainage device by a hook 220 and a stabilizer, flange 222 The hook 220 extends from the top of the side panel and wraps around the tube 208. The stabiliser flange 222 extends from the same side wall panel axed abuts a compatible stabilizer ~~.ange 224 extending from the chest 1;
;:
drainage device, preventing tk~e fluad co~.lection container from pivoting: ,, in Figs. 12A-B, a vacuum limiter 300 limits (to within safe levers) 'the vacuum appliod to the fluid Collection container 302,; and ultimately to the wound or cavity being drained, preventing trauma and excessive bleeding which may result from high vacuum conditions. The vacuum limiter 300 includes a housing havs,ng a suotion chamber 304 and a fluid ,; inlet'chamber 306... An opening 308 extending through the top of the suction chamber 304 is flitted with a valve seat frame 310 and a collar 312 for holding the stem of an umbrella.
valve 314. A divider,plate 316 separates the suction chamber 30.4 between a suction source side 318 and a-fluid collection c~ntainer side 320. ~ A gas fluid outlet 322 extends from he collection container side 320 through the divider plate 316 and is.fitted with a resilient one-way duckbill valve 323 St~~~S'TITIJT~ ~t°1~~'T' ,,..., dY~ 93/8803 PCT/US93/02554 the face of the valve head 412 seals the opening 416 to the venting chamber when the valve 408 is in the normally closed position. A spring 418 biases the valve head 412 against the vent housing surrounding the opening 416. A lever 420 ' extends downwardly from the vacuum limner which has a male r projection 422 fog engaging a notch 424 in the scent. i Selective depression of the button 426 pivots the lever 420 against the va7.ve stem 410, reciprocally advancing the valve head 412 away from the w'a~.l of the vent chamber . In chi s o~aen position, atmospheric air bleeds through the grooves in he valve stem 414, into the Ve~,t chamber 404, through the vent part 406, and xnta the fluid collection side 407 of-the suction chamber, The atmospheric air then flows through tine suction, inlet 428 and into the collection bag diminishing the negative pressures operating therein, The present invent~.on thus provides a collapsible and expandable container for collecting f7:uids under the influence of a vacuum. Ta prevent the'pliabl2 container walls' from collapsing, a rigid scent is interlocked to a series of rigid stent engaging panels spaced about the surface of the container. Collapse of the bag walls, which facilitates rei,nfusion of the collected liquids, is permitted by the quick aa~d easy detachment of the stent.
It should be understood that the fpreg'oing description n~ the'in~rention is intended merely to be illustrative , there~f an~i that other equivalents, embodiments and ~odifacations of the invention may be apparent to those sgilled in the art.
SU~STiT~T~ ~~' =rT'

Claims (29)

CLAIMS:

1. A fluid collection container, comprising:

a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall which is collapsible and distendible relative to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall;

a plurality of stent engaging members attached to and spaced about said flexible rear wall;

a rigid stent releasably engageable to said plurality of spaced stent engaging members to maintain said flexible rear wall in a distended position relative to said rigid front wall;

said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction, and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected.

2. The fluid collection container recited in claim 1 wherein said non-collapsible, rigid front wall includes a rear surface which opposes said flexible rear wall, said rear surface having at least one rigid projection for preventing the rear wall from collapsing directly against said rear surface.

3. The fluid collection container recited in claim 2 wherein said at least one rigid projection includes a plurality of spaced rigid rib-shaped projections.

4. The fluid collection container recited in claim 3 wherein said plurality of spaced rigid rib-shaped projections extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of said non-collapsible, rigid front wall.

5. The fluid collection container recited in claim 1 further including a reinfusion port which is supported by said non-collapsible, rigid front wall and wherein said collection bag further includes a bottom wall having a portion thereof defining a reinfusion channel in communication with said reinfusion port.

6. The fluid collection container recited in claim 5 wherein a reinfusion tube is connected to said reinfusion port and said non-collapsible, rigid front wall further includes a slot adapted to hold said reinfusion tube.

7. The fluid collection container recited in claim 5 wherein said non-collapsible, rigid front wall includes a rear surface opposing said flexible rear wall and a pair of spaced rigid rib-shaped projections extending along said rear surface which form a pathway to said reinfusion channel.

8. The fluid collection container recited in claim 1 further comprising a flange extending from said front wall, said flange having a first opening adapted to receive said first port and a second opening adapted to receive said second port.

9. The fluid collection container recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible rear wall includes an open-ended flexible fluid collection bag, a marginal portion of said flexible fluid collection bag defining said open end being connected to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall.

10. The fluid collection container recited in claim 1 wherein said non-collapsible, rigid front wall further includes a non-collapsible, rigid belly projecting away from said flexible rear wall and defining a portion of said variable volume interior.

11. The fluid collection container recited in claim 1 wherein said non-collapsible, rigid front wall is transparent.

12. The fluid collection container recited in claim 11 wherein said transparent non-collapsible, rigid front wall further includes indicia for indicating the volume of the liquids accumulating in said variable volume interior.

13. A fluid collection container, comprising:
a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall which is collapsible and distendible relative to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall;
a plurality of stent engaging members spaced about and attached to said collapsible and distendible rear wall so that said plurality of stent engaging members are contiguous when said rear wall is collapsed;

a rigid stent releasably engageable to said plurality of spaced stent engaging members to maintain said collapsible and distendible rear wall in a distended position relative to said rigid front wall;

said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction, and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected.

14. The fluid collection container recited in claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of spaced stent engaging members includes a flat surface attached to said collapsible and distendible rear wall.

15. The fluid collection container recited in claim 14 wherein said flat surface of said plurality of spaced stent engaging members are co-planar when said collapsible and distendible rear wall is collapsed.

16. A fluid collection container, comprising:

a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall and a plurality of collapsible and distendible walls;

a plurality of stent connecting members connected to at least some of said plurality of collapsible and distendible walls, at least one of said plurality of stent connecting members having a perimeter substantially coextensive with the perimeter of a collapsible and distendible wall to which it is connected;

a rigid stent releasably engageable to said plurality of stent connecting members to maintain said plurality of collapsible and distendible walls in a distended position relative to said rigid front wall;

said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction, and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected.

17. The fluid collection container recited in claim 16 wherein said at least one of said plurality of stent connecting members includes a rigid, elongated flat panel.

18. The fluid collection container recited in claim 16 wherein alternating of said plurality of collapsible and distendible walls are connected to said plurality of scent connecting members.

19. The fluid collection container recited in claim 16 wherein said plurality of collapsible and distendible walls includes a pair of spaced converging side walls, a second pair of spaced converging side walls extending from said first pair, and a rear wall extending between said second pair of spaced converging side walls.

20. The fluid collection container recited in claim 19 further including a front wall, wherein said rear wall is parallel with said front wall of said collection bag when said plurality of collapsible and distendible side walls are fully distended.

21. The fluid collection container recited in claim 19 wherein said rear wall has a smaller perimeter than either of said first pair of converging side walls.

22. The fluid collection container recited in claim 19 wherein said at least one of said plurality of collapsible and distendible walls includes said first pair of converging side walls and said rear wall.

23. The fluid collection container recited in claim 16 wherein said at least one of said plurality of stent connecting members includes all of said plurality of stent connecting members.

24. A fluid collection container, comprising:

a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall, a pair of side walls and a rear wall extending between said pair of side walls, said pair of side walls and rear wall being collapsible and distendible relative to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall;

a pair of flat members respectively connected to said pair of side walls, each of said flat members having a perimeter substantially coextensive with the perimeter of said respectively connected side wall and including an elongated flange having an elongated stent-receiving space;

a center flat member connected to said rear wall and including a projecting flange extending away from said rear wall;

a rigid stent releasably engageable to said pair of flat members and said central flat member to maintain said pair of side walls and said rear wall in a distended position, said rigid stent including a central portion having a slot adapted to slidably receive said projecting flange and a pair of end portions diverging from said central portion adapted to be slidably received within said elongated stent-receiving space;

said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction, and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected.

25. The fluid collection container recited in claim 24 further including a pair of opposed lateral portions extending respectively between said front wall and said pair of side walls wherein each of said pair of side walls diverges from said opposed lateral portions towards said rear wall.

26. The fluid collection container recited in claim 25 wherein said opposed lateral portions extend perpendicularly from said front wall.

27. The fluid collection container recited in claim 24 wherein said rear wall includes a central region and a pair of lateral regions diverging from opposite sides of said central region, said central region being parallel with said rigid front wall when said collection bag is fully distended and wherein said central flat member is attached to said central region and has a perimeter substantially coextensive with said central region.

28. The fluid collection container recited in claim 25 wherein said rigid stent further includes a pair of lateral portions diverging respectively from opposite sides of said central portion and extending to said diverging end portions.

29. A fluid collection container, comprising:
a collection bag having a variable volume interior and including a non-collapsible, rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall which is collapsible and distendible relative to said non-collapsible, rigid front wall;

a plurality of stent engaging members attached to and spaced about said flexible rear wall;

a rigid stent releasably engaged to said plurality of stent engaging members and extending across said rear wall between said plurality of stent engaging members for maintaining said flexible rear wall in a distended position relative to said rigid front wall;

said collection bag including a first port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a tube for conducting the fluid to be collected and a second port in communication with said variable volume interior and having a proximal end which is connectable to a source of suction.