GB2625467A

GB2625467A - A urine collection system

Info

Publication number: GB2625467A
Application number: GB2403356.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ruff Steve
Original assignee: Martin Baker Aircraft Co Ltd
Current assignee: Martin Baker Aircraft Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-29
Filing date: 2020-09-29
Publication date: 2024-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-29
Also published as: GB2625467B; GB202403356D0

Abstract

A urine collection system 1 comprises a urine receptacle 10 positioned adjacent the urinary meatus of the user for collecting excreted urine; an oversuit 20, which may be a flight suit or an immersion suit, suitable to be worn by the user over the urine receptacle and covering the majority of their torso; a fluid pump 30, mountable to the exterior of the oversuit; a reservoir 40 to store collected urine; a first conduit 50 connectable between the urine receptacle and the fluid pump and configured to pass through the wall of the oversuit; and a second conduit 60 connectable between the fluid pump and the reservoir. The oversuit further comprises at least one channel configured to receive at least a part of at least one of the first and second conduits. The oversuit may further comprise a port to allow the first conduit to pass from the interior to the exterior of the oversuit, which may self-seal using a duck-bill valve when the first conduit is not present.

Description

Title: A urine collection system

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a urine collection system and, more particularly, to a urine collection system which is integrated into or forms part of a flight suit.

There is often a need for a pilot to urinate during a flight. Where there are no on-board toilet facilities, such as in military fighter aircraft, it can be difficult for a pilot to urinate safety. If the pilot is forced to wait until they have landed before urinating, this may adversely affect their concentration levels and comfort during the flight, compromising safety. If the pilot deliberately reduces their fluid intake prior to a flight, the resultant dehydration during the flight may also compromise safety.

A pilot may have access to a urination receptacle in the cockpit, but would need to reposition themselves in the seat in order to urinate. The pilot may also need to unstrap partially or totally from the ejection seat and/or their torso harness. This can be unsafe. In the event that the pilot is unable to secure themselves back in the seat, the flight would have to be aborted.

There is also a risk of spillages when using a portable urination receptacle, which can distract the pilot's attention. The changing attitude of the aircraft may also further exacerbate the potential for spillages.

In order to urinate into the urine receptacle, the pilot may also need to remove at least a part of their flight suit, further increasing the risk to safety. In some jurisdictions, a pilot is required to wear an immersion suit at all times when flying over a body of water and so the removal of the immersion suit would mean that the pilot is non-compliant.

There is a need for a urine collection system which allows a user to urinate safely and hygienically without the need to unstrap from the seat and/or partially undress. The urine collection system should, as much as possible, reduce or avoid any distraction or discomfort for the pilot in use.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a urine collection system comprising: a urine receptacle positionable substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of the user for collecting excreted urine from the user in use; an oversuit suitable to be worn by the user over the urine receptacle and for covering the majority of their torso; a fluid pump, mountable to the oversuit; a reservoir to store collected urine; a first conduit connectable between the urine receptacle and the fluid pump and configured to pass through the wall of the oversuit; and a second conduit connectable between the fluid pump and the reservoir.

In at least one embodiment, the oversuit is an immersion suit, comprising a substantially water impermeable membrane.

In at least one embodiment, the oversuit comprises a port in the wall to receive the first conduit therethrough, such that the first conduit extends from the interior of the oversuit to the exterior of the oversuit.

In at least one embodiment, the port is configured so as to substantially self-seal when the first conduit is not received in the port.

In at least one embodiment, the port includes a duck-billed valve portion, configurable between a closed condition in which the walls of the valve portion are substantially collapsed and sealed, and an open condition in which the walls of the valve portion are configured to sealingly engage with the outer surface of the first conduit receivable therein.

In at least one embodiment, the oversuit comprises a pocket, in a leg area of the oversuit, for receiving the fluid pump.

In at least one embodiment, the oversuit comprises at least one channel configured to receive at least a part of at least one of the first and second conduits.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one channel is defined by at least one flap which is pivotally connected to the oversuit along one edge and releasably securable to the oversuit along the other edge, to retain a conduit under the flap.

In at least one embodiment, the urine receptacle is shaped according to the 20 anatomy of the user.

In at least one embodiment, the urine receptacle comprises a base and a wall surrounding the base to define a chamber therein.

In at least one embodiment, the urine receptacle further comprises a permeable membrane configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

In at least one embodiment, the permeable membrane is arranged in the urine receptacle so as to define a plenum between the membrane and the base, to receive fluid therein.

In at least one embodiment, the urine receptacle further comprises an exit port in fluid communication with the plenum.

In at least one embodiment, the fluid pump comprises a drive mechanism and 5 a pump module, wherein the pump module is removably connectable to the drive mechanism.

In at least one embodiment, the fluid pump comprises a power supply and user-operable switch.

In at least one embodiment, the fluid pump comprises a housing which is substantially planar, a face of the housing being configured to be arranged substantially parallel to a user's thigh in use.

In at least one embodiment, the urine collection system comprises a main and auxiliary reservoir to store collected urine, wherein each reservoir is selectively releasably connectable to the second conduit.

In at least one embodiment, the reservoir is a substantially flexible bag.

In at least one embodiment, the reservoir comprises a non-return valve at the connection to the second conduit, allowing fluid to pass into the reservoir and gas to escape from the reservoir but to prevent fluid escaping the reservoir.

In at least one embodiment, the reservoir contains a liquid-absorbing substance.

In at least one embodiment, the oversuit is a flight suit.

In at least one embodiment, the urine collection system further comprises a base garment suitable to be worn in the vicinity of the groin of a user, and configured to retain the urine receptacle substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of the user.

In at least one embodiment, the base garment comprises a pocket for retaining the urine receptacle therein.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the figures in which: FIGURE 1 illustrates the components of a urine collection system embodying the present invention; FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates a urine collection system embodying the present invention, in use; FIGURES 3a) and 3b) illustrates urine receptacles for a female user; FIGURE 4 illustrates a urine receptacle for a male user; FIGURE 5 illustrates a fluid pump; FIGURE 6 illustrates the removable pump module of a fluid pump; FIGURE 7 illustrates a urine collection system in use; and FIGURES 8a) to c) illustrate a port of a urine collection system embodying the present invention.

The present invention provides a urine collection system 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The urine collection system 1 comprises a urine receptacle which is positionable substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of a user for collecting excreted urine from the user in use.

The urine receptacle 10 may take various forms, depending on the gender, anatomy, size etc. of the user.

Figures 3a) and b) schematically illustrates two possible urine receptacles 10a, 10b for use by a female pilot.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a urine receptacle 10c for use by a male pilot.

The urine receptacle 10a-c comprises a base 11a-c and a wall 12a-c surrounding the base 11a-c to define a chamber 13a-c therein. For a female user, the opening of the chamber 13a, 13b is arrangeable adjacent the urinary meatus. For a male user, at least a part of the penis is receivable in the opening of the chamber 13c of the urine receptacle 10c.

The urine receptacle 10a-c may further comprise a permeable membrane 14a-c configured to allow fluid (e.g. urine) to pass therethrough. The membrane 14a-c may comprise a mesh or other permeable fabric. The permeable membrane 14a-c may be arranged in the urine receptacle 10a-c so as to define a plenum (not shown) between the membrane 14a-c and the base 11 a to 11c to receive fluid therein. The urine receptacle 10a-c may further comprise an exit port 15a-c in fluid communication with the plenum. Any urine collected in the plenum may therefore pass through the exit port 15a-c.

The urine collection system 1 further comprises an oversuit 20. The oversuit 20 is suitable to be worn by the user over the urine receptacle 10 and to cover the majority of their torso/body. The oversuit 20 may be a flight suit. The oversuit 20 may be an immersion suit. The oversuit 20 may be substantially fire retardant. The features of the oversuit 20 are not essential to the claimed invention but, in at least one embodiment, the oversuit is a garment which substantially covers the torso and limbs of a user.

The oversuit 20 may comprise various pockets on the exterior of the oversuit 20, for example in the thigh and/or shin area. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the oversuit 20 comprises two respective shin pockets 22. The oversuit 20 may alternatively or additionally comprise two thigh pockets. Other arrangements are possible.

The urine collection system 1 further comprises a fluid pump 30 (see figures 5 and 6) which is mountable to the exterior of the oversuit 20 (see Figures 2 and 7). In the arrangement shown in figure 2, the fluid pump 30 is mountable to the exterior of the oversuit 20, to allow user access. In another embodiment (not shown), the fluid pump 30 may be at least partially receivable in a thigh pocket of the oversuit 20.

The fluid pump 30 may comprise a drive mechanism 31 and a pump module 32. The pump module 32 may be removably connectable to the drive mechanism 31, as schematically illustrated in Figure 6.

The fluid pump 30 may further comprise a power supply (such as one or more batteries 33) and a switch 34. The power supply may comprise two 9-volt batteries 33.

The fluid pump 30 may further comprise a housing 35 which is configured to retain the drive mechanism 31, power supply 33 and switch 34 therein. The housing 35 may be hermetically sealed to prevent the ingress of liquid into the housing 35. In at least one embodiment, at least part of the housing 35 is substantially planar and a face of the substantially planar housing 35 is configured to be arranged, in use, substantially parallel to a user's thigh. With reference to Figure 2, the housing 35 may be generally sized so as to correspond with the internal volume of an optional thigh pocket, so that the pump 30 may be received in the thigh pocket without being unduly cumbersome to the user.

The pump module 32 may comprise an impeller 39, having a pump module inlet 36 and a pump module outlet 37. The pump module 32, when driven by the drive mechanism 31, creates a vacuum at the pump module inlet 36, thereby drawing any fluid present at the pump module inlet 36 through the pump module 32 and out the pump module outlet 37.

In at least one embodiment, only the components and internal surfaces of the pump module 32 come into contact with any liquid (e.g. urine). After the pump module 32 is used to convey urine therethrough, it can be removed and replaced with a new pump module 32. This is because the pump module 32 is the only wetted component, allowing further use of the drive mechanism 31.

The drive mechanism 31 may comprise at least one gearing arrangement.

The fluid pump 30 may be configured so as to provide a flow rate which is suitable for a range of users. The fluid pump 30 may be configured to provide the required urinary flow rate at the highest aircraft cockpit cabin altitude likely to be experienced.

The housing 35 may be comprised at least partially of aluminium. The housing 35 may act as a faraday cage preventing or substantially reducing the escape of any electromagnetic emissions therefrom. A radio frequency seal may be provided in or around the vicinity of the battery area.

The fluid pump 30 may further comprise a light 38 to indicate to the user whether the switch 34 has been operated. In at least one embodiment, the light 38 is night vision compatible (e.g. transmitting light in the 580 nm wavelength) so the light 38 is visible to the naked eye, but substantially invisible to a user wearing night vision equipment.

The urine collection system 1 further comprises a reservoir 40 to store any collected urine therein. In the arrangement illustrated in figure 2, a primary (main) reservoir 40 is shown as being stored in one of the shin pockets 22 of the oversuit 20. The urine collection system 1 may further comprise an auxiliary reservoir, storable in another shin pocket 22 of the oversuit, and the reservoirs 40 may be selectively releasably connectable to the urine collection system 1.

The reservoir 40 may be a substantially flexible bag. The reservoir 40 may comprise a non-return valve 41, allowing fluid to pass into the reservoir 40 and 15 for gas to escape from the reservoir 40 but to prevent fluid escaping the reservoir 40.

The reservoir 40 may contain a liquid absorbing substance. For example, the reservoir 40 may contain a gel pack which may be comprised of sodium polyacrylate crystals. These crystals may absorb and substantially solidify any received urine to substantially prevent leakage. This may also ease the replacement and storage of the reservoir 40, and facilitate cockpit egress with a full reservoir 40.

The urine collection system 1 further comprises a first conduit 50 having a first end 51 and second end 52. The first conduit 50 is connectable between the urine receptacle 10 and the fluid pump 30 and is configured to pass through the wall of the oversuit 20 (See Figure 7). As shown schematically in Figure 2, the first end 51 of the first conduit 50 is connected to the exit port 15a-c of the urine receptacle 10a-c. The second end 52 of the first conduit 50 is connected to the pump module inlet 36 of the pump module 32 of the fluid pump 30. In Figure 2, the passing of the first conduit 50 through the wall is not illustrated, to aid illustration of the overall system 1.

The urine collection system 1 further comprises a second conduit 60 having a 5 first end 61 and second end 62. The first end 61 is connectable to the pump module outlet 37 of the pump module 32 of the fluid pump 30. A second end 62 is removably connectable to the reservoir 40.

The oversuit 20 may further comprise a port 23 (shown in Figure 7) to receive the first conduit 50 therethrough, such that the first conduit 50 extends from the interior of the oversuit 20 to the exterior of the oversuit 20. In at least one embodiment, the port 23 is configured so as to substantially self-seal when the first conduit 50 is not received in the port 23.

With reference to figures 8a to Sc, in at least one embodiment, the port 23 comprises a duck-billed valve portion 24, configurable between a closed condition in which the walls of the valve portion 24 are substantially collapsed and sealed (as shown in figure 8b) and an open condition in which the walls of the valve portion 24 are configured to sealingly engage with the outer surface of the first conduit 50 receivable therein. A consequence of this is that when the port 23 is in either its closed or open configuration, it does not undermine any waterproof nature of the oversuit 20. The valve portion 24 may be biased towards the closed condition, as shown in Figure 8b. In at least one embodiment, the port 23 is configured such that, in use, the duck-billed valve portion 24 is on the internal surface of the oversuit 20, adjacent the user's leg.

Consequently, when the first conduit 50 is not received in the port 23, the pressure of the user's leg engaging against the valve portion 24 urges it to collapse.

The port 23 may comprise a main, substantially rigid, body 25 and a flange 26 which may be secured to the oversuit 20.

The oversuit 20 may comprise at least one channel configured to receive at least a part of at least one of the first 50 and second 60 conduits.

The at least one channel may be defined by at least one flap which is pivotably connected to the oversuit 20 along one edge thereof and releasably securable to the oversuit 20 along the other edge (for example by using Velcro) to retain a conduit 50, 60 under the flap. This arrangement serves to at least partially conceal the conduits 50, 60 so as to avoid them snagging on anything in the cockpit, or inadvertently being pulled and undermining the urine collection system 1. The arrangement also allows for one or more of the components of the urine collection system 1 to be removed and replaced from the oversuit 20.

The urine collection system 1 may further comprise a base garment 70 suitable to be worn in the vicinity of the groin of a user. The base garment 70 may be configured to retain the urine receptacle 10 substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of the user. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the base garment 70 generally takes the form of a pair of shorts, but this is not essential. The base garment 70 may cover/surround more or less of the user's body. In another embodiment, the base garment 70 may comprise a strap or harness which is suitable to position/retain the urine receptacle 10 substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of the user. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the base garment 70 comprises a pocket 71 for receiving the urine receptacle 10 therein.

In at least one embodiment, the conduits 50, 60 are comprised of a substantially inert material. In at least one embodiment, the conduits 50, 60 may comprise peroxide-cured silicon tubing.

In use, when a user wishes to urinate, they may activate the fluid pump 30 by operating the switch 34. As the user then begins to urinate, the vacuum in the first conduit 50 caused by the operation of the fluid pump 30 causes the excreted urine to pass through the fluid pump 30 and into the reservoir 40. In at least one embodiment, the urine collection system 1 is configured to collect and store excreted urine from the user whether they are in a seated or standing position. The light 38 indicates to a user when the fluid pump 30 is operational and thus when they may start urinating.

A urine collection system 1 embodying the present invention allows a user to urinate safely without having to unstrap from the ejection seat and/or torso harness, and also without the need to at least partially undress, or otherwise adjust their flight suit. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement avoids unnecessary distractions on the user during a flight/mission.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Representative Features 13 1. A urine collection system comprising: a urine receptacle positionable substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of the user for collecting excreted urine from the user in use; an oversuit suitable to be worn by the user over the urine receptacle and for covering the majority of their torso; a fluid pump, mountable to the oversuit; a reservoir to store collected urine; a first conduit connectable between the urine receptacle and the fluid pump and configured to pass through the wall of the oversuit; and a second conduit connectable between the fluid pump and the reservoir.

2. A urine collection system according to clause 1, wherein the oversuit is an immersion suit, comprising a substantially water impermeable membrane.

3. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the oversuit comprises a port in the wall to receive the first conduit therethrough, such that the first conduit extends from the interior of the oversuit to the exterior of the oversuit.

4. A urine collection system according to clause 3, wherein the port is configured so as to substantially self-seal when the first conduit is not received in the pod.

5. A urine collection system according to clause 3 or 4, wherein the port includes a duck-billed valve portion, configurable between a closed condition in which the walls of the valve portion are substantially collapsed and sealed, and an open condition in which the walls of the valve portion are configured to sealingly engage with the outer surface of the first conduit receivable therein.

Representative Features 14 6. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the oversuit comprises a pocket, in a leg area of the oversuit, for receiving the fluid pump.

7. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the oversuit comprises at least one channel configured to receive at least a part of at least one of the first and second conduits.

8. A urine collection system according to clause 7, wherein the at least one channel is defined by at least one flap which is pivotally connected to the oversuit along one edge and releasably securable to the oversuit along the other edge, to retain a conduit under the flap.

9. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the urine receptacle is shaped according to the anatomy of the user.

10. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the urine receptacle comprises a base and a wall surrounding the base to define a chamber therein.

11. A urine collection system according to clause 10, wherein the urine receptacle further comprises a permeable membrane configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

12. A urine collection system according to clause 11, wherein the permeable membrane is arranged in the urine receptacle so as to define a plenum between the membrane and the base, to receive fluid therein.

13. A urine collection system according to clause 12, wherein the urine receptacle further comprises an exit port in fluid communication with the plenum.

Representative Features 15 14. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the fluid pump comprises a drive mechanism and a pump module, wherein the pump module is removably connectable to the drive mechanism.

15. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the fluid pump comprises a power supply and user-operable switch.

16. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the fluid pump comprises a housing which is substantially planar, a face of the housing being configured to be arranged substantially parallel to a user's thigh in use.

17. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, comprising a main and auxiliary reservoir to store collected urine, wherein each reservoir is selectively releasably connectable to the second conduit.

18. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the reservoir is a substantially flexible bag.

19. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the reservoir comprises a non-return valve at the connection to the second conduit, allowing fluid to pass into the reservoir and gas to escape from the reservoir but to prevent fluid escaping the reservoir.

20. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the reservoir contains a liquid-absorbing substance.

21. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the oversuit is a flight suit.

Representative Features 16 22. A urine collection system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a base garment suitable to be worn in the vicinity of the groin of a user, and configured to retain the urine receptacle substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of the user.

23. A urine collection system according to clause 22, wherein the base garment comprises a pocket for retaining the urine receptacle therein.

This divisional application is divided from GB2315876.9 (the 'parent application') and the divisional specification as filed comprises the content of the parent application, including the original claims recited as 'representative features' above. The scope of this disclosure therefore includes the full content of the parent application. In any case, protection may be sought for any features disclosed in the parent application as filed.

Claims

Claims 1. A urine collection system comprising: a urine receptacle positionable substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of the user for collecting excreted urine from the user in use; an oversuit suitable to be worn by the user over the urine receptacle and for covering the majority of their torso; a fluid pump, mountable to the oversuit; a reservoir to store collected urine; a first conduit connectable between the urine receptacle and the fluid pump and configured to pass through the wall of the oversuit; and a second conduit connectable between the fluid pump and the reservoir; wherein the oversuit comprises at least one channel configured to receive at least a part of at least one of the first and second conduits.
2. A urine collection system according to claim 1, wherein the oversuit is an immersion suit, comprising a substantially water impermeable membrane.
3. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the oversuit comprises a port in the wall to receive the first conduit therethrough, such that the first conduit extends from the interior of the oversuit to the exterior of the oversuit.
4. A urine collection system according to claim 3, wherein the port includes a duck-billed valve portion, configurable between a closed condition in which the walls of the valve portion are substantially collapsed and sealed, and an open condition in which the walls of the valve portion are configured to sealingly engage with the outer surface of the first conduit receivable therein.
5. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the oversuit comprises a pocket, in a leg area of the oversuit, for receiving the fluid pump.
6. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel is defined by at least one flap which is pivotally connected to the oversuit along one edge and releasably securable to the oversuit along the other edge, to retain a conduit under the flap.
7. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the urine receptacle is shaped according to the anatomy of the user.
8. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the urine receptacle comprises a base and a wall surrounding the base to define a chamber therein.
9. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid pump comprises a power supply and user-operable switch.
10. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid pump comprises a housing which is substantially planar, a face of the housing being configured to be arranged substantially parallel to a user's thigh in use.
11. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, comprising a main and auxiliary reservoir to store collected urine, wherein each reservoir is selectively releasably connectable to the second conduit.
12 A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir is a substantially flexible bag.
13. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir comprises a non-return valve at the connection to the second conduit, allowing fluid to pass into the reservoir and gas to escape from the reservoir but to prevent fluid escaping the reservoir.
14. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir contains a liquid-absorbing substance.
15. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the oversuit is a flight suit.
16. A urine collection system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a base garment suitable to be worn in the vicinity of the groin of a user, and configured to retain the urine receptacle substantially adjacent the urinary meatus of the user.
17. A urine collection system according to claim 16, wherein the base garment comprises a pocket for retaining the urine receptacle therein.