US20210251798A1 - Urine Collection Bag Assembly - Google Patents
Urine Collection Bag Assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210251798A1 US20210251798A1 US17/239,476 US202117239476A US2021251798A1 US 20210251798 A1 US20210251798 A1 US 20210251798A1 US 202117239476 A US202117239476 A US 202117239476A US 2021251798 A1 US2021251798 A1 US 2021251798A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- collection bag
- inlet
- urine collection
- outlet
- control valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 210000002700 urine Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 120
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 230000002485 urinary effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 208000019206 urinary tract infection Diseases 0.000 description 11
- 210000001635 urinary tract Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008092 positive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/44—Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aids; Colostomy devices
- A61F5/4404—Details or parts
- A61F5/4405—Valves or valve arrangements specially adapted therefor ; Fluid inlets or outlets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
- A61B50/20—Holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
- A61B50/22—Racks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/44—Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aids; Colostomy devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/44—Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aids; Colostomy devices
- A61F5/4404—Details or parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/44—Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aids; Colostomy devices
- A61F5/4404—Details or parts
- A61F5/4407—Closure means other than valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/0017—Catheters; Hollow probes specially adapted for long-term hygiene care, e.g. urethral or indwelling catheters to prevent infections
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/02—Access sites
- A61M2039/0202—Access sites for taking samples
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
- A61M2202/04—Liquids
- A61M2202/0496—Urine
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices and more particularly to an improved urine collection bag for the collection and disposal of urine in patients which require urinary tract catheterization, as may be necessary due to a variety of medical conditions.
- Normal bladder function includes the cyclic filling of the bladder with urine and periodic voiding when pressure buildup reaches a certain level which may vary within a limited range from patient to patient.
- the bladder muscles control voiding of the bladder.
- the bladder When healthy, the bladder periodically empties or washes out, allowing bacteria and other potentially harmful micro-organisms to exit the body thus preventing infection.
- a Foley catheter or other indwelling catheter is often employed to open the bladder allowing the voiding of urine.
- the catheter is connected or coupled to a urine collection bag, typically through a length of tubing, and urine from the bladder is allowed to drip into the collection bag.
- a nurse typically applies a clamp to the tubing ahead of the bag, decouples the bag and replaces it with a new bag. After a new bag is attached, the clamp may be removed.
- Urinary tract infections are among the most common type of healthcare related infection. Virtually all healthcare related urinary tract infections are caused by the use of instrumentation in the urinary tract. Catheter related urinary tract infections are associated with increased morbidity, hospital costs and length of stay. Urine collection bags are often reservoirs for drug resistant bacteria and urine backflow from a collection bag is frequently the primary cause of urinary tract infections.
- the present invention improved urine collection bag assembly includes a urine collection bag having an inlet and an outlet, a one-way flow control valve at the inlet and a sampling valve at the outlet.
- a urine collection bag having an inlet and an outlet, a one-way flow control valve at the inlet and a sampling valve at the outlet.
- the one-way flow control valve is mounted at the top of, and just outside of, the urine collection bag and in an alternative embodiment, the one-way flow control valve is mounted on the side of the urine collection bag.
- the one-way flow control valve includes an inlet opening which connects via a length of flexible tubing to a urinary catheter and an outlet opening that drains into the urine collection bag.
- the sampling valve of the improved urine collection bag assembly is located at a lower end of the urine collection bag.
- the sampling valve allows for urine samples to be drawn from the bag.
- the sampling valve is a slide style valve which allows urine to flow from the urine collection bag through an inlet to the sampling valve and through an outlet located at a lower end of the sampling valve.
- the lower end of the sampling valve includes a threaded connection for the ready attachment of accessories such as urine collection or sampling bottles, as well as the attachment of screw caps when the sampling valve is not in use.
- the improved urine collection bag assembly improves upon the prior art by providing a one-way flow control valve in the fluid path between the urine collection bag and a urinary catheter. Therefore, in the event the urine collection bag assembly is elevated above the patient's bladder, urine is prevented from back-flowing from the collection bag, through the catheter and into the patient's bladder.
- the one-way flow control valve of the collection bag assembly and a catheter connection tube interconnecting the urine collection bag assembly and a urinary catheter may be equipped with antibacterial coatings to further minimize the likelihood that any urine residue that may reside in the catheter connection tube or the one-way flow control valve could cause a urinary tract infection should that residue inadvertently backflow into a patient's bladder.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic front plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the urine collection bag of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the urine collection bag of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic detail view of an exemplary one-way flow control valve suitable for use with the urine collection bag assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a sampling valve of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic, front view of a sampling valve of the present invention shown in the closed position.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic, front view of a sampling valve of the present invention shown in the open position.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a screw cap suitable for use with the sampling valve assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a front view a perspective view a rack hanger of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the urine collection bag of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the alternative embodiment of the urine collection bag of FIG. 1 .
- the urine collection bag assembly 10 of the present invention improves upon the prior art and reduces urinary tract infections by providing a one-way flow control valve 18 in the fluid path between a urine collection bag 12 and a urinary catheter (not shown). Therefore, in the event the urine collection bag assembly 10 is elevated above the level of the patient's bladder, a situation which commonly occurs when urine collection bags are hung from a rack, urine is prevented from back-flowing from the urine collection bag assembly 12 , through a catheter and into the patient's bladder.
- the present invention urine collection bag assembly 10 includes the urine collection bag 12 having an upper inlet 14 and a lower outlet 16 .
- the urine collection bag assembly 10 also includes the one-way flow control valve 18 disposed exterior to the urine collection bag and above the upper inlet 14 .
- a sampling valve 20 exterior to the urine collection bag and below the lower outlet 16 .
- the one-way flow control valve 18 , urine collection bag 12 and sampling valve 20 being in fluid communication.
- the one-way flow control valve 18 has an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the one-way flow control valve 18 being connected to the upper inlet 14 of the urine collection bag 12 .
- the one-way urine flow control valve 18 should present little resistance to fluid flow in one direction and high resistance to fluid flow in an opposite direction.
- Flap style flow control valves are well suited for use in the urine collection bag assembly of the present invention. Flap style valves incorporate a flexible flap element 22 (see FIG. 3 ) which opens in one direction in the presence of fluid flow, but closes if a reverse flow condition is experienced.
- a suitable flap style flow control valve is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
- the urine collection bag assembly of the present invention 10 includes an inlet adapter 24 .
- the inlet adapter 24 has an inlet 34 and an outlet 36 and includes legs 26 , a valve body portion 28 and curved rack hooks 30 .
- the legs 26 allow the inlet adapter 24 to be attached to a side of an upper end 32 the urine collection bag 12 .
- the valve body portion 28 is adapted to receive the one-way flow control valve 18 .
- the curved hooks 30 extend from the valve body portion 28 and allow the urine collection bag assembly 10 to be hung from a rack (not shown) which is the standard practice in most hospitals.
- the inlet end 34 of the inlet adapter 24 is configured to connect to flexible tubing 38 (see FIG. 1 ) which interconnects the urine collection bag assembly 12 with a urinary catheter (not shown).
- the outlet end 36 of the inlet adapter 24 interconnects via tubing with the inlet 14 of the urine collection bag 12 .
- the sampling valve 20 has a vertical, hollow cylindrical valve inlet portion 40 and a vertical, hollow cylindrical valve outlet portion 42 .
- the vertical, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions 40 and 42 being in fluid communication.
- Disposed between the sampling valve inlet portion 40 and the sampling valve outlet portion 42 is a horizontal, hollow cylindrical slide passageway 44 .
- Disposed within the slide passageway 44 is a valve slider 46 .
- the valve slider 46 has right and left cylindrical end portions 60 and 61 which have an outside diameter 48 which is configured to be a tight slip fit or friction fit with an inside diameter 62 of the hollow cylindrical slide passageway 44 .
- the cylindrical intermediate portion 50 Disposed between the end portions 60 and 61 of the valve slider 46 is a cylindrical intermediate portion 50 .
- the cylindrical intermediate portion 50 has an outside diameter 64 substantially smaller than that of the slide passageway 44 such that urine will freely flow through the vertical, hollow cylindrical valve inlet and outlet portions 40 and 42 , when the intermediate portion 50 of the valve slider 46 is moved to a position between the hollow cylindrical valve inlet and outlet portions 40 and 42 .
- the right and left end caps 52 and 54 are configured to have an inside diameter 66 which allows the right and left end caps 52 and 54 to freely slide over an outside diameter 68 of the slide passageway 44 .
- the dimensions of the right and left end portions 60 and 61 and right and left end caps 52 and 54 are configured such that when the left end cap 54 is pushed fully to the right, the sampling valve 20 is in a closed position. (See FIG. 5 .) Similarly, when the right end cap 52 is pushed fully to the left, the sampling valve 20 is in an open position. (See FIG. 6 .)
- the right and left screw caps 52 and 54 may be attached to the right and left end portions by a number of means.
- the left screw cap 54 is press fit and then glued to the end portion 61
- the right screw cap 52 is pinned and glued to the right end portion 61 via a pin 56 .
- the screw threads 72 allow for the ready attachment of accessories with mating threads 80 such as urine sampling bottles (not shown) or a screw cap 74 (see FIG. 7 ) when the sampling valve 20 is not in use.
- the screw cap 74 is equipped with a cylindrical inset 76 that engages and seals the lower end 70 of hollow cylindrical valve outlet portion 42 .
- the lower end 70 of hollow cylindrical valve outlet portion 42 is also equipped with a ledge 78 which acts as positive stop for the screw cap 74 .
- the urine collection bag 12 will typically be made by heat sealing or otherwise securing flexible, precut flat sheets of a biologically inert plastic material to form a bag having an internal volume. Suitable materials for the urine collection bag 12 include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polypropylene. Other materials may also be suitable.
- the urine collection bag 12 would also typically be printed with fully graduated volume measurements 82 (see FIG. 1 ). Typical dimensions for the urine collection bag 12 are a width approximately 22 centimeters and a height of approximately 30 centimeters. The urine collection bag 12 will typically have a volume of about 3000 milliliters.
- the one-way flow control valve 18 and sampling valve 20 will typically be made of an injection moldable biologically inert plastic material.
- Polyethylene and polypropylene are two such suitable materials, which are known in the art.
- Other plastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride are also suitable.
- the one-way flow control valve 18 of the collection bag 12 and a catheter connection tube 38 interconnecting the urine collection bag assembly 10 and a urinary catheter may be equipped with antibacterial coatings to further minimize the likelihood that any urine drips that may reside in the catheter connection tube 38 or the one-way flow control valve 18 would cause a urinary tract infection.
- this alternative embodiment includes a urine collection bag 12 , a one-way flow control valve 18 disposed near the top of the urine collection bag 12 and a sampling valve 20 disposed at a bottom of the urine collection bag 12 .
- the one-way flow control valve 20 includes an integral urine drip container 84 and the integral flow control valve and drip container are mounted to a side of the urine collection bag 12 , rather than exterior to the bag. Otherwise, the construction details are the same as for the principal embodiment.
Abstract
An improved urine collection bag assembly is presented. The improved urine collection bag assembly of the present invention features a one-way flow control valve to prevent the backflow of urine into a urinary catheter and subsequently, into a patient's bladder. The improved urine collection bag also features at a lower end a urine sampling valve. In the exemplary embodiment, the one-way flow control valve is a flap style valve and the sampling valve is a slider style valve.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/858,395, filed on Dec. 29, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/429,048 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,731), filed on Feb. 9, 2017 and issued on Jan. 16, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/331,794, filed on May 4, 2016, which are incorporated in their entirety herein by this reference.
- The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices and more particularly to an improved urine collection bag for the collection and disposal of urine in patients which require urinary tract catheterization, as may be necessary due to a variety of medical conditions.
- Normal bladder function includes the cyclic filling of the bladder with urine and periodic voiding when pressure buildup reaches a certain level which may vary within a limited range from patient to patient. The bladder muscles control voiding of the bladder. When healthy, the bladder periodically empties or washes out, allowing bacteria and other potentially harmful micro-organisms to exit the body thus preventing infection.
- A variety of medical conditions can interfere with the normal function of the bladder. When patients have difficulty urinating, a Foley catheter or other indwelling catheter is often employed to open the bladder allowing the voiding of urine. In typical applications, the catheter is connected or coupled to a urine collection bag, typically through a length of tubing, and urine from the bladder is allowed to drip into the collection bag. When the bag becomes full, a nurse typically applies a clamp to the tubing ahead of the bag, decouples the bag and replaces it with a new bag. After a new bag is attached, the clamp may be removed.
- Many problems may arise with catheters and urine collection bags used as described above and, most particularly, catheter associated urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections are among the most common type of healthcare related infection. Virtually all healthcare related urinary tract infections are caused by the use of instrumentation in the urinary tract. Catheter related urinary tract infections are associated with increased morbidity, hospital costs and length of stay. Urine collection bags are often reservoirs for drug resistant bacteria and urine backflow from a collection bag is frequently the primary cause of urinary tract infections.
- Medical professionals generally believe that the most common cause of urinary tract infections is the backflow of urine into the urinary tract when the urine collection bag is raised above the bladder level. Pathogens may enter the urinary tract by migration from a contaminated collection bag along the internal lumen of the catheter.
- Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a urine collection bag that prevents or reduces the possibility of urine backflow into a patient's bladder. Such a bag would dramatically reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection in the patient. Reductions in urinary tract infections would have a positive effect on patient health and would decrease the overall cost of treating patients with urinary tract catheters.
- The present invention improved urine collection bag assembly includes a urine collection bag having an inlet and an outlet, a one-way flow control valve at the inlet and a sampling valve at the outlet. Two embodiments of the urine collection bag assembly are presented. In one embodiment, the one-way flow control valve is mounted at the top of, and just outside of, the urine collection bag and in an alternative embodiment, the one-way flow control valve is mounted on the side of the urine collection bag. In either embodiment, the one-way flow control valve includes an inlet opening which connects via a length of flexible tubing to a urinary catheter and an outlet opening that drains into the urine collection bag.
- The sampling valve of the improved urine collection bag assembly is located at a lower end of the urine collection bag. The sampling valve allows for urine samples to be drawn from the bag. The sampling valve is a slide style valve which allows urine to flow from the urine collection bag through an inlet to the sampling valve and through an outlet located at a lower end of the sampling valve. The lower end of the sampling valve includes a threaded connection for the ready attachment of accessories such as urine collection or sampling bottles, as well as the attachment of screw caps when the sampling valve is not in use.
- The improved urine collection bag assembly improves upon the prior art by providing a one-way flow control valve in the fluid path between the urine collection bag and a urinary catheter. Therefore, in the event the urine collection bag assembly is elevated above the patient's bladder, urine is prevented from back-flowing from the collection bag, through the catheter and into the patient's bladder.
- Optionally, the one-way flow control valve of the collection bag assembly and a catheter connection tube interconnecting the urine collection bag assembly and a urinary catheter may be equipped with antibacterial coatings to further minimize the likelihood that any urine residue that may reside in the catheter connection tube or the one-way flow control valve could cause a urinary tract infection should that residue inadvertently backflow into a patient's bladder.
- The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic front plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the urine collection bag of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the urine collection bag ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic detail view of an exemplary one-way flow control valve suitable for use with the urine collection bag assembly of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a sampling valve of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic, front view of a sampling valve of the present invention shown in the closed position. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic, front view of a sampling valve of the present invention shown in the open position. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a screw cap suitable for use with the sampling valve assembly of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a front view a perspective view a rack hanger of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the urine collection bag of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the alternative embodiment of the urine collection bag ofFIG. 1 . - The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
- The urine
collection bag assembly 10 of the present invention improves upon the prior art and reduces urinary tract infections by providing a one-wayflow control valve 18 in the fluid path between aurine collection bag 12 and a urinary catheter (not shown). Therefore, in the event the urinecollection bag assembly 10 is elevated above the level of the patient's bladder, a situation which commonly occurs when urine collection bags are hung from a rack, urine is prevented from back-flowing from the urinecollection bag assembly 12, through a catheter and into the patient's bladder. - With reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention urinecollection bag assembly 10 includes theurine collection bag 12 having anupper inlet 14 and alower outlet 16. The urinecollection bag assembly 10 also includes the one-wayflow control valve 18 disposed exterior to the urine collection bag and above theupper inlet 14. At thelower outlet 16 of theurine collection bag 12 is located asampling valve 20 exterior to the urine collection bag and below thelower outlet 16. The one-wayflow control valve 18,urine collection bag 12 andsampling valve 20 being in fluid communication. - The one-way
flow control valve 18 has an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the one-wayflow control valve 18 being connected to theupper inlet 14 of theurine collection bag 12. The one-way urineflow control valve 18 should present little resistance to fluid flow in one direction and high resistance to fluid flow in an opposite direction. Flap style flow control valves are well suited for use in the urine collection bag assembly of the present invention. Flap style valves incorporate a flexible flap element 22 (seeFIG. 3 ) which opens in one direction in the presence of fluid flow, but closes if a reverse flow condition is experienced. One design for a suitable flap style flow control valve is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,481 entitled “URETHRAL CATHETER DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING,” which issued to Cheryl Mitts et al. on Aug. 12, 2008. Several other types of one-way fluid flow control valves including needle valves and check ball style valves are known in the valve design art and may also be suitable for use in with the improved urine collection bag assembly of the present invention. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 8 , the urine collection bag assembly of thepresent invention 10 includes aninlet adapter 24. Theinlet adapter 24 has aninlet 34 and anoutlet 36 and includeslegs 26, avalve body portion 28 and curved rack hooks 30. Thelegs 26 allow theinlet adapter 24 to be attached to a side of anupper end 32 theurine collection bag 12. Thevalve body portion 28 is adapted to receive the one-wayflow control valve 18. The curved hooks 30 extend from thevalve body portion 28 and allow the urinecollection bag assembly 10 to be hung from a rack (not shown) which is the standard practice in most hospitals. Theinlet end 34 of theinlet adapter 24 is configured to connect to flexible tubing 38 (seeFIG. 1 ) which interconnects the urinecollection bag assembly 12 with a urinary catheter (not shown). Theoutlet end 36 of theinlet adapter 24 interconnects via tubing with theinlet 14 of theurine collection bag 12. - With reference to
FIGS. 4-7 , thesampling valve 20 has a vertical, hollow cylindricalvalve inlet portion 40 and a vertical, hollow cylindricalvalve outlet portion 42. The vertical, hollow cylindrical inlet andoutlet portions valve inlet portion 40 and the samplingvalve outlet portion 42 is a horizontal, hollowcylindrical slide passageway 44. Disposed within theslide passageway 44 is avalve slider 46. Thevalve slider 46 has right and leftcylindrical end portions outside diameter 48 which is configured to be a tight slip fit or friction fit with an inside diameter 62 of the hollowcylindrical slide passageway 44. The fit between the inside diameter 62 of theslide passageway 44 and outsidediameter 48 of the right and leftcylindrical end portions valve slider 46 should be watertight. When either of the right or leftcylindrical end portions outlet portions portions - Disposed between the
end portions valve slider 46 is a cylindricalintermediate portion 50. The cylindricalintermediate portion 50 has anoutside diameter 64 substantially smaller than that of theslide passageway 44 such that urine will freely flow through the vertical, hollow cylindrical valve inlet andoutlet portions intermediate portion 50 of thevalve slider 46 is moved to a position between the hollow cylindrical valve inlet andoutlet portions - Secured to the
right end portion 61 of thevalve slider 44 is aright end cap 52 and secured to theleft end portion 60 of thevalve slider 44 is aleft end cap 54. The right and left end caps 52 and 54 are configured to have aninside diameter 66 which allows the right and left end caps 52 and 54 to freely slide over anoutside diameter 68 of theslide passageway 44. The dimensions of the right andleft end portions left end cap 54 is pushed fully to the right, thesampling valve 20 is in a closed position. (SeeFIG. 5 .) Similarly, when theright end cap 52 is pushed fully to the left, thesampling valve 20 is in an open position. (SeeFIG. 6 .) - The right and
left screw caps FIG. 4 , theleft screw cap 54 is press fit and then glued to theend portion 61, whereas theright screw cap 52 is pinned and glued to theright end portion 61 via apin 56. - Disposed at a
lower end 70 of the hollow cylindricalvalve outlet portion 42 arescrew threads 72. Thescrew threads 72 allow for the ready attachment of accessories withmating threads 80 such as urine sampling bottles (not shown) or a screw cap 74 (seeFIG. 7 ) when thesampling valve 20 is not in use. Thescrew cap 74 is equipped with acylindrical inset 76 that engages and seals thelower end 70 of hollow cylindricalvalve outlet portion 42. Thelower end 70 of hollow cylindricalvalve outlet portion 42 is also equipped with aledge 78 which acts as positive stop for thescrew cap 74. - The
urine collection bag 12 will typically be made by heat sealing or otherwise securing flexible, precut flat sheets of a biologically inert plastic material to form a bag having an internal volume. Suitable materials for theurine collection bag 12 include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polypropylene. Other materials may also be suitable. Theurine collection bag 12 would also typically be printed with fully graduated volume measurements 82 (seeFIG. 1 ). Typical dimensions for theurine collection bag 12 are a width approximately 22 centimeters and a height of approximately 30 centimeters. Theurine collection bag 12 will typically have a volume of about 3000 milliliters. - Similarly, the one-way
flow control valve 18 andsampling valve 20 will typically be made of an injection moldable biologically inert plastic material. Polyethylene and polypropylene are two such suitable materials, which are known in the art. Other plastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride are also suitable. - The one-way
flow control valve 18 of thecollection bag 12 and acatheter connection tube 38 interconnecting the urinecollection bag assembly 10 and a urinary catheter (not shown) may be equipped with antibacterial coatings to further minimize the likelihood that any urine drips that may reside in thecatheter connection tube 38 or the one-wayflow control valve 18 would cause a urinary tract infection. - With reference to
FIGS. 9-10 , an alternative embodiment of the urine collection bag assembly of the present invention is shown. Like the first embodiment, this alternative embodiment includes aurine collection bag 12, a one-wayflow control valve 18 disposed near the top of theurine collection bag 12 and asampling valve 20 disposed at a bottom of theurine collection bag 12. In this embodiment, the one-wayflow control valve 20 includes an integralurine drip container 84 and the integral flow control valve and drip container are mounted to a side of theurine collection bag 12, rather than exterior to the bag. Otherwise, the construction details are the same as for the principal embodiment.
Claims (18)
1. A urine collection bag assembly comprising:
a urine collection bag having an inlet and an outlet;
a one-way flow control valve disposed above and exterior to the inlet of the urine collection bag, the one-way flow control valve having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the one-way flow control valve connected to the inlet of the urine collection bag; the inlet of the one-way flow control valve being attachable to a urinary catheter, wherein the one-way flow control valve prevents the backflow of urine out of the urine collection bag;
a sampling valve disposed below and exterior to the inlet of the urine collection bag, the sampling valve having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the sampling valve connected to the outlet of the urine collection bag;
wherein, the sampling valve comprises:
vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions, the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions being in fluid communication;
a horizontally oriented, cylindrical passageway portion disposed between the vertically oriented hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions;
a cylindrical sliding element disposed within the passageway portion, the cylindrical sliding element including cylindrical end portions, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions when disposed between the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions;
the cylindrical sliding element having an intermediate portion disposed between the cylindrical end portions, wherein the intermediate portion allows fluid communication between the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions when the intermediate portion is disposed between the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions;
an end cap affixed to each of the end portions of the sliding portion; and
curved hooks extending upwardly from a top of the urine collection bag wherein the curved hooks allow the urine collection bag to be hung from a rack.
2. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 1 , wherein the end caps, the sliding element and the horizontally oriented, passageway portion are configured such that when one end cap is pressed to the extent of its depth, fluid communication between the vertically oriented, hollow inlet and outlet portions is prevented and when the other end cap is pressed to the extent of its depth, fluid communication between the vertically oriented, hollow inlet and outlet portions is allowed.
3. A urine collection bag assembly comprising:
a urine collection bag having an inlet and an outlet;
a one-way flow control valve having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the one-way flow control valve connected to the inlet of the urine collection bag; the inlet of the one-way flow control valve being attachable to a urinary catheter, wherein the one-way flow control valve prevents the backflow of urine out of the urine collection bag;
wherein, the one-way flow control valve is disposed above and exterior to the inlet of the urine collection bag;
wherein, the one-way flow control valve comprises a flap style flow control valve;
a sampling valve having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the sampling valve connected to the outlet of the urine collection bag;
wherein, the sampling valve comprises:
vertically oriented, hollow inlet and outlet portions, the vertically oriented, hollow inlet and outlet portions being in fluid communication;
a horizontally oriented, passageway portion disposed between the vertically oriented hollow inlet and outlet portions;
a sliding element disposed within the passageway portion, the sliding element including end portions, hollow inlet and outlet portions when disposed between the vertically oriented, hollow inlet and outlet portions;
the sliding element having an intermediate portion disposed between the end portions, wherein the intermediate portion allows fluid communication between the vertically oriented, hollow inlet and outlet portions when the intermediate portion is disposed between the vertically oriented, hollow inlet and outlet portions.
4. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 3 , wherein the flap style flow control valve is flexible.
5. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 3 , wherein the flap style flow control valve is attached to one side of the inner portion of the one way control valve.
6. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 3 , wherein the outlet of the sampling valve is threaded to threadably engage accessories.
7. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 6 , wherein one of the accessories is a screw cap, the cap having a raised inset which seals the outlet of the sampling valve when engaged.
8. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 3 , wherein the collection bag includes a graduated volume scale.
9. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 3 , further including a catheter connection tube wherein the catheter connection tube interconnects the inlet of the one-way flow control valve with a urinary catheter.
10. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 3 , wherein the urine collection bag, one-way flow control valve and sampling valve are made from biologically inert materials.
11. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 10 , wherein the urine collection bag, one-way flow control valve, and sampling valve each comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene and poly vinyl chloride.
12. A urine collection bag assembly comprising:
a urine collection bag having an inlet and an outlet;
a one-way flow control valve having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the one-way flow control valve connected to the inlet of the urine collection bag; the inlet of the one-way flow control valve being attachable to a urinary catheter, wherein the one-way flow control valve prevents the backflow of urine out of the urine collection bag, wherein the one-way control valve has a flexible flap element which opens in one direction in the presence of fluid flow, but closes if a reverse flow is experienced;
a sampling valve having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the sampling valve connected to the outlet of the urine collection bag the;
wherein, the sampling valve comprises:
vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions, the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions being in fluid communication;
a horizontally oriented, cylindrical passageway portion disposed between the vertically oriented hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions;
a cylindrical sliding element disposed within the passageway portion, the cylindrical sliding element including cylindrical end portions wherein at least one of the cylindrical end portions prevent fluid communication between the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions when disposed between the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions; and
the cylindrical sliding element having an intermediate portion disposed between the cylindrical end portions, wherein the intermediate portion allows fluid communication between the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions when the intermediate portion is disposed between the vertically oriented, hollow cylindrical inlet and outlet portions; and
an end cap affixed to each of the end portions of the sliding portion.
13. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 12 , wherein the end caps affixed to each of the end portions of the sliding portion further comprise an inside diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the horizontally oriented, cylindrical passageway, wherein the cylindrical end caps may slide along an exterior of the horizontally oriented, cylindrical passageway portion for the duration of their depths.
14. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 12 , wherein the one-way flow control valve is disposed on the side of the urine collection bag.
15. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 14 , wherein the collection bag includes a graduated volume scale.
16. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 14 , wherein the flexible flap element is affixed to one side of the inner portion of the one-way control flow valve.
17. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 14 , wherein the outlet of the sampling valve is thread to engage a cap, the cap having a raised inset which seals the outlet of the sampling valve when engaged.
18. The urine collection bag assembly of claim 14 , wherein the cylindrical sliding element has end caps affixed to each of the end portions of the cylindrical sliding portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/239,476 US20210251798A1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2021-04-23 | Urine Collection Bag Assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
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US201662331794P | 2016-05-04 | 2016-05-04 | |
US15/429,048 US9867731B2 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2017-02-09 | Urine collection bag assembly |
US15/858,395 US20180133048A1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2017-12-29 | Improved Urine Collection Bag Assembly |
US17/239,476 US20210251798A1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2021-04-23 | Urine Collection Bag Assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US15/858,395 Continuation US20180133048A1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2017-12-29 | Improved Urine Collection Bag Assembly |
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US18/394,394 Continuation-In-Part US20240130887A1 (en) | 2023-12-22 | Urine Collection Bag Assembly |
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US20210251798A1 true US20210251798A1 (en) | 2021-08-19 |
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US15/429,048 Active US9867731B2 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2017-02-09 | Urine collection bag assembly |
US15/858,395 Abandoned US20180133048A1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2017-12-29 | Improved Urine Collection Bag Assembly |
US17/239,476 Abandoned US20210251798A1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2021-04-23 | Urine Collection Bag Assembly |
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US15/429,048 Active US9867731B2 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2017-02-09 | Urine collection bag assembly |
US15/858,395 Abandoned US20180133048A1 (en) | 2016-05-04 | 2017-12-29 | Improved Urine Collection Bag Assembly |
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Cited By (1)
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US11957614B2 (en) | 2019-06-11 | 2024-04-16 | Convatec Technologies, Inc. | Urine collection bags for use with catheter products, kits incorporating the same, and methods therefor |
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US9867731B2 (en) * | 2016-05-04 | 2018-01-16 | Cheryl Mitts | Urine collection bag assembly |
CN110944705A (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2020-03-31 | C·R·巴德股份有限公司 | Urinary catheterization package and method thereof |
CN108852830A (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2018-11-23 | 张敏 | A kind of disposable plastic urine bag of precise measurement |
CN108901914A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2018-11-30 | 浙江农林大学 | A kind of dedicated urine collecting bag of dog cat |
GB2581832B (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2023-01-25 | Salts Healthcare Ltd | A valve for a urostomy appliance |
WO2023139595A1 (en) * | 2022-01-24 | 2023-07-27 | Nagaraj Satish Closepet | Flow control valve |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20180133048A1 (en) | 2018-05-17 |
US9867731B2 (en) | 2018-01-16 |
US20170319373A1 (en) | 2017-11-09 |
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