GB2392842A

GB2392842A - Urinary device

Info

Publication number: GB2392842A
Application number: GB0220096A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Julie Larkin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-29
Filing date: 2002-08-29
Publication date: 2004-03-17
Also published as: GB0220096D0

Abstract

Urinary device comprising a plurality of tubular sections 2 having an inlet 3 at one end and an outlet 4 at the other end, telescopically arranged to nest inside each other when contracted and form a frusto-conical shape when extended. Preferably each section has a lip 5, 6 at the inlet and outlet ends enabling the sections to abut each other when the device is extended. The device may be made of plastics. A tubular insert may be provided which may be secured by folding the ends over the device or tying with a drawstring. The urinary device may also incorporate a reagent test strip. Further inventions claimed relate to a urinary device formed from a flat sheet of material which may have a teardrop shaped cross-section, or be fastened along the side edges by adhesive, and to a tubular urinary device having specified angles between the top and bottom edges.

Description

URINARY DEVICE

The present invention relates to urinary devices, and especially to female urinary devices.

5 Urinary devices are useful for women and girls who need to urinate from a standing position, for persons required to collect a sample of urine, for example for medical tests, and for people who have difficulty in using a toilet, for example due to some medical incapacity.

Urinary devices are known which are generally in the form of a funnel having 10 an enlarged inlet end to collect the urine, and an outlet through which the collected urine stream is discharged.

One form of urinary device, often used in hospitals for patients who are unable to use a toilet, comprises a solid funnel-shaped device typically made from cardboard or paper-mache. These devices are one-use devices, being 15 disposed of after use. The devices are used to direct the urine flow to a suitable container for disposal. Being large and solid, these devices are bulky and therefore are not convenient for general use other than in institutions such as hospitals. Further, as the devices are solid and formed of a cellulose material, these are easily damaged.

20 US Patent No. 5,605,161 discloses a disposable urinary device for medical testing purposes. Reagent test strips are known that, when exposed to urine, are able to indicate the presence of an analyte in the urine. Usually, it is necessary for a urine sample to be collected in a suitable container, into which the reagent test strip may be dipped. However, the collection of urine in a 25 suitable container without splashing urine on the user's body or clothes may be difficult. The device disclosed in US 5,605,161 overcomes this problem by providing a funnel-shaped body including a reagent test strip which is

exposed to a urine stream, and then is removed for analysis. The device according to this prior art includes a funnel-shaped body with an inlet opening

defined by a substantially rigid upper rim, and an outlet opening. The body is formed of a biodegradable material that may be flushed down a toilet after 5 use. In one embodiment, the body is pleated to allow the funnel to be collapsed longitudinally for packaging. A pair of positioning loops are provided near the inlet of the funnel into which the user may insert their index and middle fingers to open the inlet and position this against the user's body.

The device includes a reagent test strip arranged to come into contact with 10 the urine stream during use. The reagent strip may be provided in the form of a ring arranged around the circumference of the outlet of the funnel-shaped body of the device, which ring can be removed after exposure to urine for analysis. In an alternative embodiment, the test strip may be suspended within the body of the device on a piece of string. In this case, after exposure 15 to urine, the test strip may be removed from the device for analysis. With both arrangements, it is necessary for the reagent strip to be removed from the funnel-shaped body and handled after exposure to the urine.

EP-A-0,226,277 discloses a feminine urinary device in the form of an oblique conical funnel for directing a stream of urine from a standing female a 20 comfortable distance from the user. The device is formed from a blank of a pliable resilient material having at least temporary fluid resistance, such as paper, light-weight cardboard or certain types of plastics.

In one embodiment, the blank is formed into a conical funnel, with side portions of the blank overlapping and being joined by an adhesive to hold the 25 blank in the conical shape. The devices thus constructed may be collapsed by squeezing opposed sides of the device. From a collapsed configuration, a user can erect the device by inserting their fingers into the device through the rear opening, and pushing the side walls of the device apart. The inlet opening of the device according to this embodiment will be generally circular.

This shape is not ideal for collecting and directing the stream of urine without spillage. In an alternative embodiment, the blank is scored or creased to define four panels that form tapered lower left and right and upper left and right faces of a 5 generally conical shaped device. The device is held in the erected position by overlapping or connecting portions using an adhesive. The blank may include extensions that form handles for holding the device in use. With this embodiment, the device may be collapsed along the crease lines, and may be erected by opening up the sides. With this example, the inlet opening will 10 have four generally straight sides.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a urinary device comprises a plurality of generally tubular sections telescopically arranged with respect to each other, the sections forming a generally frusto-conical shape when extended having an inlet opening at one end and an outlet opening at 15 the other end, and being receivable within one section when contracted.

The urinary device according to this aspect of the present invention is advantageous over prior rigid funnel type devices in that it may be collapsed to a reduced size when not in use, thereby reducing the volume required for storage and making the device more portable. This is especially 20 advantageous where the device is to be carried in a handbag, backpack or the like. Compared to collapsible prior art devices having a concertina or

pleated structure, the device according to this aspect of the invention is advantageous as the inside of the device provides a relatively smooth surface for the flow of urine. This helps ensure that the urine flows freely from the 25 device. The device according to this aspect of the present invention is advantageous over known flexible devices in that the more rigid structure can make use easier, and allows the device to be more easily cleaned and reused.

Preferably each section is formed with an inwardly turned lip at its outlet end opening against which an outwardly turned lip formed at the inlet opening on the adjacent section abuts when the adjacent section has been fully extended.

This arrangement helps indicate when the sections are correctly arranged in 5 the extended position, ensures that the sections can be easily moved back from the extended position to the collapsed position after use, and helps obtain a watertight seal between the sections.

Whilst the device may include only two sections, it is preferred that the device comprise three or more sections. This has the advantage that the device, in 10 the collapsed position, is significantly more compact compared with a device formed from only two sections, whilst providing sufficient length to direct a urine stream away from the body.

Though the urinary devices of the first aspect of the invention can be disposable after a single use, they are particularly suitable for multiple use, 15 whereby the device is washed after each use. Preferably, though, a generally tubular or conical insert is positioned in the device in the extended position. In this way, urine flows through the insert and does not contact the device. The insert is therefore discarded after a single use, while the rest of the urinary device is retained. Preferably, the insert is secured to one or both of the inlet 20 or outlet of the device. This may be achieved by forming the insert from a flexible resilient material so that one or both of two ends of the insert can be folded backwards so that they are stretched around the inlet or outlet. Inserts formed in this way are very cheap and simple to produce. Alternatively, one or both ends of the insert may be provided with a drawstring so that when the 25 ends of the insert are folded backwards around the inlet or outlet, the drawstrings cause the insert to tighten around the inlet or outlet. The use of drawstrings to secure the insert to the device is advantageous since a single design of insert may be used in conjunction with different sizes of urinary device. Further, drawstrings provided at one or both ends of the insert can be

used to close ends of the insert after use, to ensure that urine coated on the inside of the insert cannot escape and soil the user during disposal of the insert. It is to be understood that other sealing means can be used to achieve the same result.

5 The insert may be formed with a tab portion extending from one end thereof.

When the urinary device has been used, and the insert is to be removed, the user can grasp the tab portion to pull the insert from the urinary device. This enables a user to remove the insert hygienically without touching areas of the insert which may have come in contact with urine.

10 The insert is preferably made from a thin flexible material such as paper or plastic. Where the insert is to be folded backwards around the inlet or outlet, portions or all of the insert may be made from rubber or other materials with good elasticity.

Urinary devices according to this aspect of the invention are preferably made 15 from a strong plastics material, and may be made by injection molding.

Preferably, the width of the inlet when the device is assembled and opened is greater than 90mm, and more preferably between 90mm and 150mm. The angle between a lower portion of the device and the plane of the inlet is preferably between 25 and 60 and more preferably in the range 30 to 40 .

20 The angle between an upper portion of the device and the plane of the inlet is ideally between 110 and 145 , and is preferably 135 . Urinary devices of the above dimensions ensure that the flow of urine is directed sufficiently away from the body to avoid splashing onto the body or clothing.

Preferably a reagent test member is provided in the device so that, when a 25 urine stream is passed through the device, the reagent test member is exposed to the urine stream. Preferred aspects of the reagent test member are discussed in connection with further aspects of the invention below.

Where a reagent test member is included, the device of the present aspect is advantageous over known pleated devices in that the smooth sides of the device ensure a regular stream of urine over the reagent test member. This ensures the reagent test member is exposed to urine uniformly to ensure 5 consistent results.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a urinary device is formed from a sheet of flexible material having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of one side edge of the sheet being joined to the inner surface of the opposite side edge to define a generally tubular shaped 10 member having a bottom portion, a top portion and two opposed side portions with an open inlet end and an open outlet end, the generally tubular shaped member having a tear-drop shaped crosssection, the plane of the open inlet end being at a non-perpendicular angle to the top and bottom portions of the member. 15 The device of this aspect of the present invention is advantageous over known generally rigid devices in that the device is able to be flattened, and therefore can occupy a very small volume, making the device more portable.

The device according to this aspect of the invention is also advantageous over generally conical devices formed from a sheet of material in which the 20 inner surface of one side edge of the sheet is attached to the outer surface of the opposite side edge of the sheet in that the resulting tear-drop shaped cross-section is more suited to the female anatomy, and therefore results in less spillage or splashing of urine in use.

The opposite side edges of the sheet of material may be attached to each 25 other by any suitable means, including by welding. However, it is preferred that the edges are joined by an adhesive, and more preferably by a pressure sensitive or contact adhesive. A suitable adhesive is 4140 double-sided polypropylene adhesive available from Action Tapes Limited. In this case, the

device can be stored in a flat, unassembled condition. When the device is to be used, the inner surfaces of the opposite edges of the sheet can be brought into contact and adhered to each other. In this case, it is preferred that the adhesive is provided along one edge of the sheet, and be covered by a 5 release strip. The release strip protects the adhesive prior to assembly of the device. When the device is to be used, the release strip is removed, allowing the edges to be adhered. This arrangement is advantageous as the device may be stored and transported in the flat condition, and assembled when required. This avoids the possibility of a fold line being formed along the 10 device, as may be the case where the device is stored in its assembled condition. This is advantageous as a fold line may be a point of weakness of the device, which would be susceptible to rupture and resultant leakage.

The urinary device according to this aspect can be made from paper, cardboard or plastic sheets, though plastic sheets are preferred, since they 15 are cheap and easy to produce and to cut to size. Further, plastic urinary devices are moisture-resistant.

The device may be used with an insert as described with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. In this case, the device itself is not required to be water resistant. The use of an insert makes the device re-useable.

20 Preferably a reagent test member is provided in the device so that, when a urine stream is passed through the device, the reagent test member is exposed to the urine stream. Preferred aspects of the reagent test member are discussed in connection with further aspects of the invention below.

The inclusion of a reagent test member in a urinary device according to this 25 aspect is of particular advantage as this provides a portable, convenient and disposable medical test device that can be used with greater ease and less risk of contamination than known devices.

The urinary device may be formed with an angular extension portion at the inlet. The inclusion of an extension portion results in an inlet that can be offered up to the body approximately at a right angle. This makes it easier to collect the urine without splashes compared with an inlet that contacts the 5 body at a shallow angle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a urinary device is formed from a sheet of flexible material having an inner surface, an outer surface and side edges, at least one of which is provided with adhesive for joining said side edge to the opposite side edge to define a generally tubular shaped 10 member having a bottom portion, a top portion and two opposed side portions with an open inlet end and an open outlet end, the plane of the open inlet end being at a non-perpendicular angle to the top and bottom portions of the member. A urinary device of this type has the advantage that it may be provided to the 15 user in a flat, unassembled condition and assembled immediately before use, using the adhesive to attach one side edge to the opposite side edge. This is more convenient for a user than a device which is rigid since it occupies less space in storage and is more discreet in public. This urinary device is also advantageous over other known flexible devices that are provided in an 20 assembled state, since pre-assembled devices are either stored in their generally conical state and therefore have the same problem as rigid devices, or are stored in a collapsed state, which causes creases and folds to form which would be susceptible to rupture and resultant leakage in use.

Providing adhesive, preferably a pressure sensitive or contact adhesive, on at 25 least one side edge enables a firm seal to be made between the two side edges, so that the device is held in its assembled state and is therefore easy to manage in use. It is preferred that adhesive is provided on only one edge of the sheet. A suitable adhesive is 4140 double-sided polypropylene

adhesive available from Action Tapes Limited. Preferably, the adhesive is covered by a release strip to protect the adhesive prior to assembly of the device. In this way, when the device is to be used, the release strip is removed and the edges can be adhered together.

5 The side edges of the device can be joined by joining the inner surface of one side edge of the sheet to the outer surface of the opposite side edge. The device formed in this way is quick and simple to erect, and is easy to hold in use. Alternatively, the side edges of the device can be joined by joining the inner 10 surface of one side edge of the sheet to the inner surface of the opposite side edge, such that the generally tubular shaped member has a tear drop shaped cross section. A tear-drop shaped cross-section is more suited to the female anatomy, and therefore results in less spillage or splashing of urine in use.

The urinary device according to this aspect can be made from paper, 15 cardboard or plastic sheets, though plastic sheets are preferred, since they are cheap and easy to produce and to cut to size. Further, plastic urinary devices are moisture-resistant.

The device may be used with an insert as described with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. In this case, the device itself is not required 20 to be water resistant. The use of an insert makes the device re-useable.

Preferably a reagent test member is provided in the device so that, when a urine stream is passed through the device, the reagent test member is exposed to the urine stream. Preferred aspects of the reagent test member are discussed in connection with further aspects of the invention below.

25 The inclusion of a reagent test member in a urinary device according to this aspect is of particular advantage as this provides a portable, convenient and

disposable medical test device that can be used with greater ease and less risk of contamination than known devices.

The urinary device may be formed with an angular extension portion at the inlet. The inclusion of an extension portion results in an inlet that can be 5 offered up to the body approximately at a right angle. This makes it easier to collect the urine without splashes compared with an inlet that contacts the body at a shallow angle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a urinary device comprises a generally tubular member having a bottom portion, a top portion 10 and two opposed side portions defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, in which the plane of the inlet opening is at an angle of between about 110 and 145 with the top portion, and at an angle of between about 25 and 60 of the bottom portion. Preferably the angle between the plane of the inlet opening and the top portion is about 135 . Preferably the angle 15 between the plane of the inlet opening and the bottom portion is between about 30 and 40 .

A urinary device of this type is advantageous in that the shape makes this ideal for use by females with minimal risk of spillage and associated spoiling.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a urinary device further 20 comprises a reagent test member. Such a reagent test member, when exposed to urine, is able to indicate the presence or absence of a substance in the urine. Typically this indication is by way of a colour change of the test member. The reagent test member according to this aspect is advantageously provided with the urinary device of any of the preceding 25 aspects.

Where a reagent test member is provided, it is preferred that this is visible without the need to remove this from the urinary device. This is

advantageous as the handling of the test member after exposure to urine may be considered unhygienic. The ability to view the test member without removal from the device may be achieved by providing the test member on the outer wall of the device, or by forming the device of a transparent or 5 translucent material, or forming a portion of the device with a transparent or translucent material to form a window, through which the test member may be viewed. In one example, the test member is attached to the interior of the urinary device, for example the interior of the lower portion, in the region of the outlet.

10 This ensures that, in use, a large amount of urine flows over the test member.

The test member may alternatively be positioned on the upper portion of the device or one of the side portions, though the flow of urine over the test area will be less. The test member may be attached to the urinary device by welding to the interior of the device, by using adhesive, or by forming a slot on 15 the interior of the urinary device to receive the test member. By forming a slot in the device to receive a test member, the test member may be replaced, once used, by a new test member. This method of incorporating a medical test in a urinary device is especially useful if the urinary device is reusable.

In another example, the urinary device may be provided with recesses to 20 receive protrusions formed on the test member so that the test member can be clipped to the urinary device. Alternatively, a slot may be formed on the exterior of the urinary device to receive the test member. A window, formed in the wall of the urinary device is aligned with the slot. In this way, urine flowing through the urinary device passes over the window, and thus comes in 25 contact with the test member. Including the medical test in the urinary device in this way allows the user to remove the test without having to reach into the urinary device, which can soil the user's hands.

Optionally, a plurality of medical tests may be included in the urinary device using any one of the methods described above. This can be achieved by arranging a series of medical tests along the lower portion of the urinary device, or by arranging a number of medical tests around the outlet of the 5 device. This allows a user to carry out a number of different medical tests simultaneously, instead of having to use a new urinary device per necessary test. Alternatively, the plurality of tests may be essentially identical so as to compare the result of one test with that of another to improve the accuracy or reliability of the results.

10 In a further embodiment, the test member may be attached to an insert that is receivable within the urinary device. Preferably, the medical test is welded onto the insert, though it may be attached by adhesive or other means. A number of medical tests may be incorporated in the insert, in the same way as described above.

15 Alternatively, the test member may be attached to a mesh or gauze positioned over the outlet. The mesh or gauze may extend over a portion of the outlet, or over the whole of the outlet. This has the advantage that the test member is fixed in position while urine flows through the device and therefore ensures that the urine will flow over the test area as required.

20 The gauze upon which the test member is attached may be formed with a shroud capable of being attached to the urinary device to position the medical test over the outlet. The shroud may be made from a material with good elasticity such as rubber, which could be stretched around the outlet like a sock, to hold the gauze over the outlet. This is especially beneficial where the 25 urinary device is generally rigid. Optionally, the shroud may be provided with fasteners to co-operate with fasteners formed on the urinary device. This may be advantageous where the urinary device is reusable since it would be desirable to replace the medical test with an unused test. More than one

medical test may be carried by the mesh or gauze, so as to allow a user to perform more than one test simultaneously.

The test member may be attached to a cord so that the test may depend from the cord into the urinary device. The cord itself may be attached to one of the 5 upper, lower or side portions of the device, or may be detachable from the urinary device so that the urinary device may be reused with a fresh medical test. The inclusion of a test in this way allows the user to pull the cord from the device to examine the results of the test. Again, a number of medical tests may be provided in the urinary device, each depending from the same 10 cord, or optionally from individual cords, to allow the user to carry out a plurality of tests at the same time.

Any of the above-described urinary devices may additionally be provided with a handle. This handle may take the form of a circular holder, which extends around the exterior of the urinary device and which is connected to a handle 15 to be grasped by the user. Providing a handle may make use of the urinary device more comfortable for the user, and may be more hygienic since the user's hands are further removed from the flow of urine.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which: 20 Figure 1 is a section through a urinary device having telescopic components, shown in the extended position; Figure 2 is a section through the urinary device of Figure 1, shown in the contracted position; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the urinary device of Figures 1 and 2, shown 25 with an insert; Figure 4 is a section through the urinary device of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a section through the urinary device of Figures 1 and 2, the device including a reagent test member separably attached over the outlet; Figure 6 shows the urinary device of Figures 1 and 2 including a reagent test member fixedly attached over the outlet; 5 Figure 7 shows a section of the urinary device of Figures 1 and 2 comprising a slot on the inner wall of the device to receive a reagent test member; Figure 8 shows a urinary device formed with a slot on the outer wall to receive a reagent test member; Figure 9 shows a section of the urinary device of Figures 1 and 2, comprising 10 a reagent test member attached to a cord; Figure 10 shows the urinary device of Figures 1 and 2, formed with a plurality of slots on the outer wall to receive reagent test members; Figure 11 shows the urinary device of Figures 1 and 2, comprising a plurality of reagent test members arranged on an insert located therein; 15 Figure 12 shows the urinary device of Figures 1 and 2, including a plurality of reagent test members arranged over the outlet; Figure 13 shows a side perspective of a urinary device according to another aspect of the invention; Figure 14 shows a section through a-a of the urinary device shown in Figure 20 1 3;

Figure 15 shows a section through the urinary device shown in Figure 13, whereby the device has been flattened for storage; Figure 16 shows a top view of a blank used for forming the urinary device of Figure 13;

Figure 17 shows a section through another example of a urinary device; Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a urinary device including an angular extension; Figure 19 is a top view of a blank used for forming a urinary device, further 5 comprising a reagent test member; Figure 20 shows a section through a urinary device having a medical test attached thereto; Figure 21 shows a slot formed on the inner surface of a urinary device, for receiving a reagent test member; 10 Figure 22 shows a urinary device formed with a slot on the outer surface to receive a reagent test member; Figure 23 shows a section through a urinary device having a medical test strip depending therein; Figure 24 shows a urinary device having a reagent test member mounted on 15 a mesh positioned over the outlet; Figure 25 shows a section of a urinary device including a reagent test member separably attached over the outlet; Figure 26 shows a urinary device including a reagent test member attached to an insert positioned in the urinary device; 20 Figure 27 shows a section through a urinary device having a plurality of medical tests attached thereto; Figure 28 shows a plurality of slots formed on the inner surface of a urinary device, for receiving reagent test members; and,

Figure 29 shows a urinary device having a plurality of reagent test members mounted on a mesh positioned over the outlet. Figures 1 and 2 show a urinary device that is formed from four generally

tubular sections 2 arranged telescopically with respect to each other. The 5 device in Figure 1 is shown in the extended position and has an inlet opening 3 and an outlet opening 4. The sections 2 are formed with an outwardly turned lip 5 at one end and an inwardly turned lip 6 at the other end. When the urinary device is extended, as shown in Figure1, the outwardly turned lip 5 on one section engages with the inwardly turned lip 6 on an adjacent section, 10 indicating that the device is fully extended and ready for use. This creates a watertight seal between the sections.

When not in use, the device can be contracted, whereby the sections are nested inside one another so that the size of the device in the longitudinal direction is minimised. This can be seen in Figure 2. To move from the 15 contracted to the extended position, the tubular sections 2 are telescopically extended. The outermost and innermost tubular portions are shown not to have lips at the inlet 3 and outlet 4 openings respectively since they are unnecessary.

However, these portions may also be provided with both outwardly and 20 inwardly turned lips so that the device may be tailor made for the user by adding or removing a component, extending or reducing the overall length of the device.

Though four sections 2 are shown in the figures, the device may be made with any other number of sections 2, such as two or five.

25 The sections 2 are made from a strong plastics material and by injection moulding or other suitable technique. The largest section at the inlet end has an upper portion extending at an angle of around 135 to the plane of the inlet

opening 3, and a lower portion extending at an angle of around 30 to the plane of the inlet opening 3. This helps ensure optimum collection of the urine stream. Other shapes may be used.

Figure 3 shows a disposable insert 7 positioned in the urinary device of 5 Figures 1 and 2. The insert 7 is generally frusto-conical or tubular and has an opening at both of its ends 8. When positioned in the device, the ends 8 of the insert 7 extend beyond the inlet 3 and outlet 4 openings. One end of the insert 7 is attached to the inlet opening 3 and the other end of the insert 7 is attached to the outlet opening 4, by folding the ends backwards and around 10 the inlet and outlet openings respectively.

The insert 7 may be made from material with elastic properties so that the ends 8 can be stretched over the inlet 3 and outlet 4. However, the insert shown in Figure 3 is provided with drawstrings 9 so that the ends of the insert may be tightened around the inlet 3 and outlet 4, thus securing the insert 7 in 15 position. This insert 7 is formed from temporarily fluid-resistant paper or flexible plastic.

Figure 4 shows one method of incorporating a reagent test member 10 in the urinary device of Figures 1 to 3. Reagent test members are known comprising a chemical that reacts to the presence of a substrate in urine, for 20 example by changing colour. Such members can be used to check for sugar level in urine, to test for pregnancy and for other tests. The reagent test member 10 is attached to a disposable insert 7 so that it is positioned near the outlet 4 of the device on the lower side of the device. In this way, a large volume of urine flow will flow over the test member 10. The test member 10 is 25 welded or attached by adhesive to the insert 7. In this example, the insert 7 does not include drawstrings to secure this to the device.

Figure 5 shows another example of how a reagent test member 10 can be provided in a urinary device. The test member 10 is mounted on, or

incorporated in, a mesh 11, which is attached to a shroud 12 which can be stretched over the outlet 4 of the urinary device. The shroud 12 is formed from a thin rubber material, or other material with elastic properties, so that it can stretch over the urinary device and form a tight fit, holding the mesh 11, 5 and thus the medical test 10, in position over the outlet 4. In this way, the shroud 12 and mesh 11 can be disposed of after the test, and a new shroud 12 with a fresh test may be positioned over the outlet of the device.

Alternatively, the mesh 11 may be permanently attached to the innermost section of the device by adhesive or other suitable means. The mesh may 10 extend over the whole of the outlet 4 as shown in Figure 6, or it may extend only over a portion thereof.

The reagent test member 10 may be positioned on the inner wall of the urinary device as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The test member 10 is shown attached to the last section of the device, although it may be attached to 15 another section, closer to the inlet. The test member in Figure 7 is attached to the urinary device using adhesive or by welding. In this situation, the test member cannot easily be replaced or removed after use. Where a reusable urinary device is provided with a reagent test member 10, the test member can be positioned in slots 13 on the inner surface of a tubular section, as 20 shown in Figure 7. The reagent test member slides under lips or flanges forming the slot.

The urinary device shown in Figure 8 is formed with a window 14 formed in the lower wall of the last portion, near the outlet opening 4. Flanges or lips arranged around the window 14 form a slot 13 to receive a reagent test 25 member so that the test member can be positioned over the window 14 area.

Urine flowing through the device therefore comes in contact with the test member as it passes over the window 14.

Another method of incorporating a reagent test member is shown in Figure 9.

The reagent test member 10 is attached to a cord 15 so that it can hang down into the device, in the path of flowing urine. The cord 15 is separably attached to the urinary device by, for example, tying the free end of the cord 15 to a 5 hook 16 provided on the urinary device.

Figures 10 to 12 show embodiments of the invention comprising a plurality of reagent test members in a single urinary device. Each of the test members may be provided to test for a different analyte, or the test members may test for the same analyte so that the result of one test can be compared with the 10 result of another test to improve accuracy or reliability.

The test members 10 can be provided generally linearly along the lower portion of a device or an insert 7, or around the outlet of a device or an insert 7. Figure 10 shows three slots 3 formed on different tubular sections 2 of a urinary device similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. The slots 3 are 15 arranged around windows 14 formed in the wall of the tubular sections 2. A plurality of test members 10 can therefore be arranged linearly in the urinary device by sliding a test member 10 into each slot 2. This method of attaching the test members to the urinary device is the same as that depicted in Figure 8, though any of the methods described herein may also be used to include 20 the test members in the urinary device.

Figure 11 shows a plurality of test members arranged around the outlet of the device. The test members are attached to an insert 7 located in the device.

Optionally, the insert can be rotated within the device to arrange a particular test or tests so that the majority of urine flows over that test or tests.

25 Figure 12 shows a urinary device having a mesh or gauze 11 over the outlet of the device, analogous to the device described with respect to Figures 5 and 6. However, it can be seen from this figure that more than one test member is carried on the mesh 11 across the outlet.

An alternative urinary device as shown in Figures 13 to 17 is a simple urinary device which may be disposable. The device is formed from a stamped sheet of flexible material such as polypropylene having an inner 17 and an outer 18 surface, as shown in Figure 16. The inner surface 17 of one side edge 19 is 5 joined to the inner surface 17 of the opposite side edge 19 to form a generally tubular shaped member having a bottom portion 20, a top portion 21 and two opposed side portions 22. When assembled, the member has a tear-drop-

shaped cross-section, as can be seen in Figure 14, and comprises an open inlet end 23 and an open outlet end 24. As can be seen in Figure 13, the 10 plane of the open inlet end 23 is at a non-perpendicular angle to the top 21 and bottom 20 portions of the tubular member.

The way in which the side edges 19 are joined along their inner surfaces 17 enables the member to lie generally flat, as shown in Figure 15, without the need for fold or crease lines along either the top 21 or bottom 20 portions.

15 In use, the inlet end 23 of the device is positioned near the body of the user and held in one hand, the thumb positioned generally over the top portion 21 and the four fingers positioned along the bottom portion 20. By applying pressure to the top 21 and bottom portions 20, the device is gently squeezed into an open position.

20 The urinary device according to this example of the invention is made from a flexible plastics material such as 1000 gauge polythene. The inner surfaces 17 of the side edges 19 are joined by pressure sensitive or contact adhesive positioned along one or both side edges 19. In this way, the urinary device may be provided to the user in an unassembled state, as shown in Figure 16.

25 The adhesive is covered by a release strip 25 which can be removed when the device is to be used. The side edges 19 are then joined together to form the member shown in Figures 13 to 15. In an alternative example, the side edges 19 may be joined by other adhesive, or by welding.

The inlet should be wide enough to ensure that the full flow of urine is captured, and it has been found that the width of the inlet, indicated generally as W in Figure 16, should be at least 90mm, and is preferably 125mm. The angle a between the plane of the inlet and the lower portion is 30 and the 5 angle between the plane of the inlet and the upper portion is 135 .

The blank shown in Figure 16 can also be used to form a urinary device having the cross section shown in Figure 17. This device has generally the same conical shape as that shown in Figure 13, though the device is constructed by attaching the inner face 17 of one side edge 19 to the outer 10 face 18 of the opposite side edge. Using the blank shown in Figure 16, the release strip 25 is removed to reveal the pressure sensitive adhesive 28. The inner face 17 of the side edge 19 can then be adhered to the outer face 18 of the opposite side edge so that the two edges overlap, as shown in Figure 17.

Of course, the same result is obtained if the adhesive is applied to the outer 15 face of one side edge, which is then adhered to the inner face of the opposite side edge.

The urinary device shown in Figure 18 has generally the same conical shape as that shown in Figures 13 to 15 and may have a tear drop shaped or circular cross section according to Figures 14 or 17 respectively. However, 20 the device also has an integrally formed angular extension 26 at the inlet end 23 of the device. The edges 27 of the angular extension 26 can be between 10mm and 30mm long and are joined by welding or adhesive. This device can be also be supplied in an unassembled condition, the blank for which is not shown.

25 The urinary devices shown in Figures 13 to 18 can also be provided with a reagent test member 10. Reference is made to the description associated

with Figures 3 to 12 for additional detail relating to the use of such a test member in a urinary device. The test member 10 in Figure 19 is attached to

the blank for forming the urinary device using welding or adhesive. The test member 10 is positioned on the blank so that, when the urinary device is assembled, the test member 10 is near the outlet end 24 of the device and is on the bottom portion 20, as can be seen in Figure 20.

5 Alternatively, the reagent test member 10 can be positioned in a slot 13 formed on the inner surface 17 of the urinary device, as shown in Figure 21.

The slot 26 is in the form of lips or a pocket under which the reagent test is retained. This option is suitable for reusable urinary devices, since a used reagent test can be removed and replaced by a fresh test. In this way, the 10 reagent test member 10 can be inserted into the slot 13 before the side edges 19 of the blank have been joined together to form the tubular member. This is also suitable where a number of different test strips are provided for detecting the presence of varied substances in which a user selects and inserts the appropriate test strip.

15 The urinary device in these examples can be formed from a transparent material to enable the user to view the result of the test through the urinary device or may include a transparent section acting as a window.

The slot 13 could equally be provided on the outer surface 18 of the device, whereby an aperture or window 14 formed in the wall of the device is aligned 20 with the slot 13 so that urine passing over the window comes into contact with the test member 10 positioned in the slot 13. This can be seen in Figure 22.

The urinary device shown in Figure 23 includes a reagent test member 10 that is attached to a cord 15 so that the test member 10 is suspended into the urinary device. The other end of the cord 15 is shown to be permanently 25 attached, though it may also be separable.

The urinary device shown in Figure 24 has a mesh 11, attached over the outlet end 24. The mesh is permanently attached to the urinary device. The

mesh 11 carries a reagent test 10. The figure shows the reagent test 10 to be positioned on the mesh 11 nearer to the bottom portion 20 than the top portion 21 of the device so that a greater flow of urine passes over the test area. However, the reagent test 10 may be positioned elsewhere on the 5 mesh 11, for example in the centre.

The mesh shown in Figure 25 is attached to a shroud 12 which can be stretched over the outlet 24 of the urinary device. The shroud 12 is formed from a thin rubber material, or other material with elastic properties, so that it can stretch over the urinary device and form a tight fit, holding the mesh 11, 10 and thus the medical test 10, in position over the outlet 24. In this way, the shroud 12 and mesh 11 can be disposed of after the test, and a new shroud 12 with a fresh test may be positioned over the outlet of the device.

The urinary device depicted in Figure 26 includes a disposable insert 7, upon which a reagent test member 10 is mounted. The reagent test 10 is welded or 15 attached by adhesive to the insert 7.

Figures 27 to 29 show examples of how a number of test members 10 can be arranged in any one of the urinary devices shown in Figures 13 to 18. A plurality of test members 10 can be arranged along the length or part thereof of the urinary device, as shown in Figure 27. Figure 28 shows the test 20 members located around the outlet of the device. The test members in this figure are shown to be positioned in slots 13 formed on the interior surface 17 of the device.

The urinary device depicted in Figure 29 includes a mesh or gauze 11 over the outlet, as described with reference to Figures 24 and 25. In this example, 25 though, it can be seen that there are a number of test members 10 located on the mesh 11.

It is to be understood that the test members may be attached to the device in any arrangement using any method of attachment described herein.

It will be appreciated that features from the different examples described herein may be used in combination, and that reagent test members may be 5 incorporated in any of the ways described with any of the urinary devices described, or in other known urinary devices.

Claims

1. A urinary device comprising a plurality of generally tubular sections telescopically arranged with respect to each other, the sections forming a 5 generally frusto-conical shape when extended having an inlet opening at one end and an outlet opening at the other end, and being receivable within one section when contracted.

2. A urinary device according to Claim 1, wherein each section is formed

with an inwardly turned lip at its outlet end opening, against which an 10 outwardly turned lip formed at the inlet end opening on the adjacent section abuts when the adjacent section has been fully extended.

3. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the sections are made from a plastics material.

4. A urinary device according to any one of the previous claims, further 15 comprising a generally tubular insert arranged to be positioned in the device when the device is in the extended position.

5. A urinary device according to Claim 4, wherein the insert is secured to one or both of the inlet or outlet openings of the device.

6. A urinary device according to Claim 5, wherein the insert is secured to 20 one or both of the inlet or outlet openings by folding a respective end of the insert backwards around the respective openings.

7. A urinary device according to Claim 6, wherein one or both ends of the insert are provided with drawstrings to tighten the ends of the insert around the inlet or outlet openings when the insert is folded around the inlet or outlet 25 openings.

8. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the insert is formed with a tab portion extending from one end thereof.

9. A urinary device according to any of Claims 4 to 8, wherein at least part of the insert is made from a plastics or rubber material.

5

10. A urinary device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the angle between a lower portion of the device and the plane of the inlet is between 25 and 60 , and preferably between 30 and 40 .

11. A urinary device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the angle between an upper portion of the device and the plane of the inlet is 10 between 1 10 and 145 , and is preferably about 135 .

12. A urinary device formed from a sheet of flexible material having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of one side edge of the sheet being joined to the inner surface of the opposite side edge to define a generally tubular shaped member having a bottom portion, a top portion and 15 two opposed side portions with an open inlet end and an open outlet end, the member having a tear drop shaped cross section, the plane of the open inlet end being at a non-perpendicular angle to the top and bottom portions of the member.

13. A urinary device according to Claim 12, wherein the side edges are 20 joined by a pressure sensitive or contact adhesive.

14. A urinary device according to Claim 13, wherein the adhesive is provided along one edge of the sheet, and is covered by a release strip which is removable when the device is to be used.

15. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the 25 angle between the bottom portion of the device and the plane of the open inlet is between 25 and 60 , and preferably is between 30 and 40 .

16. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the angle between the top portion of the device and the plane of the open inlet is between 110 and 145 , and is preferably about 135 .

17. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 12 to 16, wherein the 5 device is formed with an angular extension portion at the inlet.

18. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 12 to 17, formed from paper or lightweight cardboard.

19. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 12 to 17, formed from a plastics material.

10

20. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 12 to 19, further comprising an insert.

21. A urinary device according to Claim 20, wherein the insert is formed from a plastics material.

22. A urinary device formed from a sheet of flexible material having 15 opposed side edges, at least one of which is provided with adhesive for attaching that side edge to the opposite side edge to define a generally tubular shaped member having a bottom portion, a top portion and two opposed side portions with an open inlet end and an open outlet end, the plane of the open inlet end being at a non-perpendicular angle to the top and 20 bottom portions of the member.

23. A urinary device according to Claim 22, in which the adhesive is pressure sensitive or contact adhesive.

24. A urinary device according to Claim 22 or 23, wherein the adhesive is covered by a release strip which is removable when the device is to be used.

25. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 22 to 24, wherein the side edges are joined by joining the inner surface of one side edge of the sheet to the outer surface of the opposite side edge.

26. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 22 to 24, wherein the 5 side edges are joined by joining the inner surface of one side edge of the sheet to the inner surface of the opposite side edge.

27. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 22 to 26, wherein the angle between the bottom portion of the device and the plane of the open inlet is between 25 and 60 , and preferably is between 30 and 40 .

10

28. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 22 to 27, wherein the angle between the top portion of the device and the plane of the open inlet is between 110 and 145 , and preferably is about 135 .

29. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 22 to 28, wherein the device is formed with an angular extension portion at the inlet.

15

30. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 22 to 29, formed from paper or lightweight cardboard.

31. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 22 to 29, formed from a plastics material.

32. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 22 to 231, further 20 comprising an insert.

33. A urinary device according to Claim 32, wherein the insert is formed from a plastics material.

34. A urinary device comprising a generally tubular member having a bottom portion, a top portion and two opposed side portions defining an inlet 25 opening and an outlet opening, in which the plane of the inlet opening is at an

angle of between about 110 and 145 with the top portion, and at an angle of between about 25 and 60 with the bottom portion.

35. A urinary device according to Claim 34, wherein the angle between the plane of the inlet opening and the top portion is about 135 .

5

36. A urinary device according to Claim 34 or 35, wherein the angle between the plane of the inlet opening and the bottom portion is between about 30 and 40 .

37. A urinary device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one reagent test member.

10

38. A urinary device comprising at least one reagent test member able to indicate the presence or absence of a substance in the urine when exposed to urine.

39. A urinary device according to Claims 37 or 38, wherein said reagent test member is visible without the need to remove it from the urinary device.

15

40. A urinary device according to Claim 39, wherein at least a portion of the device is formed with a transparent or translucent material to form a window, through which said test member may be viewed.

41. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 37 to 40, wherein said test member is attached to an interior of the urinary device.

20

42. A urinary device according to Claim 41, wherein said test member is attached to the urinary device by adhesive.

43. A urinary device according to Claim 41, wherein said test member is attached to the urinary device by forming at least one slot on the interior of the urinary device to receive said test member.

44. A urinary device according to Claim 41, further provided with recesses to receive protrusions formed on said test member so that said test member can be clipped to the urinary device.

45. A urinary device according to any of Claims 37 to 39, wherein said test 5 member is provided on an exterior of the device and a window is formed in a wall of the device in alignment with the or each test member.

46. A urinary device according to Claim 45, in which at least one slot is formed on the exterior of the urinary device to receive said test member.

47. A urinary device according to Claim 45, in which the exterior of the 10 device is formed with recesses to receive protrusions formed on said test member so that the test member can be clipped to the urinary device.

48. A urinary device according to Claims 37 or 38, wherein the test member is attached to a generally tubular insert positioned in the device.

49. A urinary device according to Claim 48, wherein said test member is 15 welded onto the insert.

50. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 37 to 39, wherein said test member is attached to a mesh or gauze positioned over an outlet of the device.

51. A urinary device according to Claim 50, wherein the gauze is formed 20 with a shroud capable of being attached to and detached from the urinary device.

52. A urinary device according to Claim 51, wherein the shroud is made from a material with sufficient elasticity to hold the gauze over the outlet.

53. A urinary device according to Claim 51, wherein the shroud is provided with fasteners to co-operate with fasteners formed on the urinary device, to hold the gauze over the outlet.

54. A urinary device according to Claim 37 or 38, wherein the test member 5 is attached to a cord so that the test member depends from the cord into the device.

55. A urinary device according to any one of Claims 37 to 54, wherein a plurality of test members are provided in the device.

56. A urinary device according to Claim 55, wherein the test members are 10 arranged sequentially along a bottom portion of the device.

57. A urinary device according to Claim 55, wherein the test members are arranged around an outlet of the device.

58. A method of carrying out a medical test, comprising the steps of urinating into a urinary device according to any one of Claims 37 to 57, and 15 viewing the result of the medical test.

59. A method of assembling a urinary device according to Claims 14 or 24, or any claim dependent thereon, comprising the steps of removing the release strip to reveal the adhesive and bringing into contact the opposite side edges of the sheet of flexible material such that they are adhered to each other to 20 form a generally tubular member.

60. A method of assembling a urinary device substantially as described with respect to any of the accompanying drawings.

61. A method of carrying out a medical test substantially as described with respect to any of the accompanying drawings.

62. A urinary device substantially as shown in, or as described with respect to any of the accompanying drawings.