WO2021087279A1

WO2021087279A1 - Urination capture and pain prevention device

Info

Publication number: WO2021087279A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/058242
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rebecca Hjorth; Bart Jan STORRS
Original assignee: RH Medical Design Company, LLC
Priority date: 2019-11-01
Filing date: 2020-10-30
Publication date: 2021-05-06

Abstract

A urination aid and method of use. The urination aid includes an interface defining a lip shaped to fit against a vagina of the user. The interface is a rounded tear drop shape. The interface defines an opening. The lip is rounded for the comfort of the user. The urination aid further includes an indicator extending from a first end of the interface. The indicator is rounded. The urination aid further includes a body extending from a bottom portion of the interface. The body defines a channel for shunting urine away from the user. A bottom of the body defines an outlet.

Description

TITLE: URINATION CAPTURE AND PAIN PREVENTION DEVICE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/929,565, filed November 1, 2019, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application incorporates by reference U.S. Application No. 15/968,422, filed May 1, 2018 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

I. Field of the Disclosure

The illustrative embodiments relate to a urine capture and pain prevention device. More specifically, but not exclusively, the illustrative embodiments relate to a system, method, and urine capture device and urination aid for capturing urine samples and treating women that may have various medical conditions.

II. Description of the Art

Many women experience significant urinary pain or discomfort due to vaginal issues, such as vaginal tearing, genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal atrophy. Women with any of these conditions and symptoms may experience mild discomfort to excruciating pain when urinating. These circumstances may cause significant distress and trauma. Many women must also provide urine samples for screening, medical treatment, and a host of other reasons or conditions. Providing a urine sample may be an uncomfortable and unsanitary experience for many women. Existing urination aids and urine capture devices may not fit the user well resulting in spillage or discomfort or may be hard to position due to their shape and structure.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The illustrative embodiments provide a urination aid, system, and method of use. The urination aid includes an interface defining a lip shaped to fit against a vagina of the user. The interface is a rounded tear drop shape. The interface defines an opening. The lip is rounded for the comfort of the user. The urination aid further includes an indicator extending from a first end of the interface. The indicator is rounded. The urination aid further includes a body extending from a bottom portion of the interface. The body defines a channel for shunting urine away from the user. A bottom of the body defines an outlet.

In another embodiment, of the urination aid the interface is a substantially rounded triangle or a rounded teardrop shape. The outlet is wider than the opening. The bottom is configured to receive a receptacle for receiving a specimen of urine. An interior or exterior surface of the body includes threads for interfacing with the receptacle.

Another embodiment provides a urination aid. The urination aid includes an interface defining a lip shaped to fit against a vagina of the user. A width of the interface proximate the indicator is narrower than a width of the interface opposite the indicator.

The lip is rounded for comfort of the user. The lip defines an opening. The urination aid further includes an indicator extending from a first end of the interface. The indicator is rounded. The urination aid further includes a body extending from a bottom portion of the interface. The body defines a channel for shunting urine away from the user. A bottom of the body defines an outlet.

In other alternative embodiments of the urination aids described and claimed, the outlet is configured to interface with a receptacle for capturing a urine specimen. The interface defines threads for attaching to the receptacle. The outlet is rounded and the interface interacts with the receptacle utilizing an interference fit. The indicator and the body is angled toward a rear end of the urination aid. The urination aid is disposable. The outlet is wider than the opening of the interface. A width of the interface approximately indicator is narrower than the width of the interface opposite the indicator. The lip curves outward from the rear end of the lip to a front end of the lip and the list and indicator fit against the urethral and vaginal openings of the user. An exterior portion of the body defines grips for the user to whole the body of the urination a and the channel defines ridges for guiding the urine through the urination aid. The indicator is utilized to locate the vagina. The interface fits inside the labia minor of the vagina and forms a tight seal around a urethral meatus of the user during utilization. The urination aid is biodegradable. The interface is deformable by the user during utilization. The urination aid is formed from a single piece of thermoplastic elastomer.

Another embodiment provides a method of utilizing a urination aid. A urination aid is removed from a container. The urination aid is positioned against a vulval vestibule of the user for urination. A lip of the urination aid is a rounded tear drop shape and fits inside the labia minor of the vagina of the user and forms a tight seal around a urethral meatus of the user. An indicator extending from the lip interfaces with the vagina of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the illustrative embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and where:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a urination aid in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the urination aid of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the urination aid of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the urination aid of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a first side view of the urination aid of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a second side view of the urination aid of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows urination aids of different sizes in accordance with illustrative embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of the urination aid of FIG. 1 showing specimen receptacles in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 show various grips of the urination aid in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a urination aid in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cut-away view of a body of a urination aid with channels in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and FIG. 12 is a side view of a portion of the body of a urination aid in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The illustrative embodiments provide a urine capture and urination aid, system, device, apparatus, and method of use thereof. In one embodiment, the urine capture and female urination aid (referred to as a “urination aid”) is a disposable device that funnels urine away from the vagina of a female user. The urination aid minimizes contact of urine with the infected, sore, or affected areas to reduce or eliminate pain. The disposable device may be easily recycled. The disposable device may also be biodegradable to ensure environmental compatibility and waste reduction. Other embodiments may include a reusable device that may be washed or otherwise sanitized for repeated usage.

The illustrative embodiments may be particularly useful for women suffering from any number of issues, sicknesses, diseases, infections, or conditions such as genital herpes, vaginal tearing, sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal atrophy, or do any number of other sicknesses, diseases, infections, or so forth. For example, the urination aid may be particularly useful for females that have recently delivered a baby or experienced other vaginal trauma. The angled body of the urination aid channels urine toward the back of the toilet during usage. The body of the urination aid is angled in the direction of the rear end/indicator.

The urine capture and urination aid may be configured to interact with a specimen cup or tube for capturing urine samples. For example, a specimen cup may utilize an interference fit, latches, or threads to interface with the urination aid. In particular, the described embodiments may provide an opening, design, and indicator that interfaces with a user’s vagina to facilitate pain-free urination and sanitary urine sampling efforts. The indicator of the urination aid is larger to provide a better locating ability and securing position. The indicator may be utilized to ensure uniform positioning of the urination aid for comfort and to prevent spillage. The devices may prevent urine spillage during usage to provide a more sanitary experience. Previous urine capture devices would result in urine spillage on a user’s hand, leg, clothing, or the floor providing an unsanitary and unwanted experience. As a result, women may be able to more comfortable and more sanitarily provide a urine sample. The urination aid is a handheld device that helps shield the hand of the user from urine. Similarly, the placement of the urination aid against and within the vagina bypasses wounds, tears, or sores in or around the female genitalia and urethra. Likewise, the urination aid shunts urine away from the vulva for disposal or capture. In one embodiment, the urination aid is disposable, flushable, and biodegradable. As noted, the urination aid may also be a reusable device. An upper portion of the urination aid may have rounded tear drop shape, a rounded triangle shape, or a rounded trapezoid shape. The urination aid may be configured to interface with a user’s vulval vestibule. During utilization, the urination aid is gently placed inside the labia minor and forms a tight seal around the urethral meatus. The urination aid may be inserted slightly into the vaginally opening for proper positioning as herein described. The urination aid includes an opening that may be expanded by squeezing the edges. The size and shape of the opening may be expanded as needed to best fit the physiology, geometry, and physical needs of the user. In one embodiment, the urination aid may define ridges, indentations, or grips for the user to securely hold or grasp during urination. In other embodiments, the urination aid may be expandable or curved to direct the urine into a receptacle, such as a toilet or urinal, or to otherwise channel the urine away from the body of the user.

The urination aid may be manufactured from any number plastics, polymers, metals, papers, or a combination of materials. The size of the urination aid may be sized for any number of users including children, adolescents, teenagers, and women of all ages and body types. In one embodiment, the urination aid may contact and interface with the body of the user at the urethral orifice. The urination aid may be adjusted or modified by the user squeezing or otherwise adjusting the shape and/or size of the urination aid to fit the physiology and other needs of the user.

In one embodiment, the urination aid may come in various sizes. For example, the urination aid may come in small, medium, and large. Other sizes may also be generated as needed (e.g., extra small, extra large sizes, etc.). The urination aid includes various sizes to best accommodate users of various ages, physical stature, condition, and so forth.

The illustrative embodiments may provide an enhanced interface for better user comfort. For example, a first end of the urination aid may include the wider rounded teardrop shape or rounded triangular-shaped may interface well with female anatomy. The shape and configuration of the indicator on the first end provide the user with effective guidance for properly aligning the urination aid during utilization. For example, the indicator may be utilized to quickly locate the vagina of the user as the urination aid is placed sight unseen. The interface defines a rounded lip that is more comfortable to the user when positioned within the labia of the user.

In addition, a second end of the urination aid may be specially configured to interface with specimen cups, tubes, or receptacles for capturing urine or other fluid specimens. For example, a press and seal configuration may be utilized for a specimen receptacle to fit over the outlet of the urination aid. In another embodiment, a twist lock may be utilized for a specimen container or receptacle. The second end of the urination aid may include threads on an exterior surface or interior surface to interface with the receptacle for capturing the urine specimen. The second end/bottom of the urination aid may also utilize an interference fit to seal the receptacle for capturing the urine specimens. The bottom of the urination aid may be wider than the opening defined by the interface.

The illustrative embodiments provide at least two potential sizes for girls, women, and users of varying sizes and physiological parameters.

Turning now to FIGs. 1-8 illustrating various views of the urination aid 100. In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 may include an interface 102, a lip 103, an indicator 104, an opening 106, an outlet 108, and a body 110. The components of the urination aid 100 may further define a channel 114 for communicating urine through the urination aid 100. The urination aid may be specially configured to facilitate the collection of urine samples in a convenient and sanitary way. As a result, potential users may be more willing to visit the doctor and give urine samples. Portions of the urination aid 100 are smooth and low friction allowing for easy and pain-free placement of the urination aid within and adjacent the corresponding position of the user’s body.

In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 is a small disposable device that funnels or shunts urine away from the vagina to minimize urine’s contact with sores, tissue, problem spots, or skin. For example, the user may suffer from sores on the labia minora of the user’s vagina. In one embodiment, the interface 102 is a substantially teardrop, rounded trapezoid, or rounded triangle toroid. The interface 102 provides a lip 103 that is rounded and ergonomically shaped to comfortably fit against the body of the user. The lip 103 extends from the body 110 of the urination aid 100. As shown, the interface 102 may be narrower proximate the indicator 104 (i.e., the width of the opening 106 decreases toward the indicator 104). The lip 103 is rounded to comfortably fit or rest against the urethral and vaginal openings of the user during urination. The lip 103 provides a seal between the user and urination aid 110 during utilization. The lip 103 integrated with the body 110 of the urination aid 100. Rounded and smooth edges without creases or crevices keep the urination aid 100 even more sanitary and easy to clean (for the reusable version). The rounded nature of the lip 103 allows for a more comfortable and water-proof fit. The lip 103 of the interface 102 defines the opening 106 of the channel 114. The interface 102 and corresponding opening 106 is positioned against the vagina of the user. The opening 106 receives the urine and other fluids to shunt them away from the body of the user through the channel 114 to a toilet, specimen cup, receptacle, or other selected disposal area or device. The interface 102 and corresponding lip 103 may curve up slightly from the back end 130 to the front end 132. The interface 102 may curve up at the front end 132.

In one embodiment, the interface 102 is a rounded tear drop shape or rounded triangular shape. The tear drop shape has a wider opening in a front portion (opposite the indicator 104) of the urination aid near the urethra (when positioned) for better urine capture. The rounded tear drop shape allows for better urine capture and more protection closer to the vagina (i.e., the distal end of the vulva). The interface 102 may be narrower for increased comfort of the user.

In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 is flexible enough to allow the interface 102 and associated opening 106 to be expanded or contracted as needed. For example, portions of the urination aid 100 may be squeezed or otherwise deformed to best accommodate the anatomy of the user. One or more sides of the body 110, or interface may be squeezed to temporarily or permanently achieve the desired shape. In one embodiment, the interface 102 may include a number of manufactured weak spots, gaps, cut-aways, or bending points that may allow the interface 102 to be configured prior to usage. For example, the interface 102 may be permanently, semi-permanently, or temporarily deformed or shaped to accommodate the user. The urination aid 100 may also being squeezed or manipulated during utilization to best fit the anatomy of the user. The urination aid 100 may be manufactured from a plastic that may be pre-shaped by the user prior to usage. Users of the urination aid 100 are likely to utilize numerous urination aids 100 while recovering from one or more conditions. As a result, users may leam or experiment to find the best desired shape of the urination aid 100 that facilitates a watertight and comfortable seal.

The body 110 may be angled to better channel urine away from the body of the user. The body 110 angles toward the rear end 130 when the interface 102 is positioned mostly level. For example, the body may have an angle of 5 to thirty degrees, with 20 degrees being used in many embodiments. For example, when properly positioned by a user sitting on a toilet, the body 110 may channel urine away from the user toward the back of the toilet.

The advantage of the urination aid 100 being flexible is that most user’s wish to prevent urinating on their hand when using the urination aid 100. Each user may squeeze the urination aid 100 to adapt the interface 102 and corresponding opening 106 to their own physiology. For example, a narrower opening may be more beneficial for women with genital herpes whereas menopausal women may not need that same level of protection because of their respective pain and condition.

A back end 130 of the interface 102 extends to form the indicator 104. The indicator 104 is a rounded protrusion, solid arch, or extension from the back end 130 of the lip 103. As shown, the indicator 104 is a rounded oval or ovoid. The ovoid of the indicator 104 is rounded and smooth to minimize user pain. In one embodiment, the indicator 104 extends between 1 cm and 2 cm from the attached lip 103. The indicator 104 may extend at a slight diagonal or angle (e.g., 5-20°) toward the rear end 132. In other words, a top portion of the indicator is more rearward than a portion that connects to the lip 102. The urination aid 100 is unique in that it provides a small and comfortable indicator (the indicator 104) regarding proper placement of the lip 103 and the urination aid 100 overall. In one embodiment, the indicator 104 is utilized as a “vaginal locator.” First the user locates her vaginal with the indicator 104 and then slightly inserts the lip 103 towards the vulval vestibule and labia minor thus create a seal around the urethral meatus to prevent spillage during urination. The indicator 104 may be a solid structure or may define an opening for utilizing less materials during manufacturing. The indicator 104 may also provide an opening for storing, moving, or manipulating the urination aid 100 during manufacturing, storage, or so forth. FIG. 7 shows urination aids 702, 704 of different sizes in accordance with illustrative embodiments. In one embodiment, the urination aids 702, 704 may come in a small and large size. The urination aid 702 may be utilized by children and adolescents. The urination aid 704 may be utilized by teenagers and adults. As shown, the urination aids 702, 704 may include a ring 706. The ring 706 may be utilized as a stop when adding sample receptacles (e.g., see FIG. 8).

In one embodiment, the urination aid 702 may be approximately 3 inches tall (in length) with the opening 106 approximately 10 mm wide at the front end 132 of the interface 102 and approximately 5mm wide toward the back end 130 of the interface 102. The length of the lip 103 between the front end 132 and the back end 130 is approximately 21 mm.

In one embodiment, the urination aid 704 may be approximately 3.25 inches tall (in length) with the opening 106 approximately 12 mm wide at the front end 132 of the interface 102 and approximately 6 mm wide toward the back end 130 of the interface 102. The length of the lip 103 between the front end 132 and the back end 130 is approximately 28 mm.

As shown in FIG. 9, the body 110 or other portions of the urination aid 100 may include any number of grips 140, 142, 144 or gripping components. For example, the grips 140 may represent ridges or indentations defined within the body 110. The grips allow the user to hold and manipulate the urination aid 100. In one embodiment, the grips 140 may represent miniature protrusions, ridges, or patterns on the body 110 of the urination aid.

The grips 142 may represent cross hatching that prevents the urination aid 100 from slipping during utilization. The grips 144 may represent protrusions or raised components for better gripping the urination aid 100. For example, the grips 140, 142, 144 may be created during a manufacturing process, such as molding. In other embodiments, the grips 140, 142, 144 may extend to the lip 103 and the indicator 104. The grips may also represent any number of stickers, adhesives, bands, wraps, or so forth that may be attached to the urination aid 100. For example, the grips 140, 142, 144 may represent adhesive components attached to the urination aid 100 once molding or manufacturing is completed. In one embodiment, the grips 140, 142, 144 may also be decorative thereby making the urination aid 100 more aesthetically pleasing to girls, women, and other users that may benefit from using it. For example, the grips 140, 142, 144 may be patterned to include lettering, logos, caricatures, drawings, or so forth. The grips may alternatively include handles for moving, manipulating, and positioning the urination aid 100. The handles may be utilized by the user or third parties that are assisting the user. For example, horizontal extensions may extend perpendicularly from the body 110 of the urination aid 100 for users that are unable to utilize the urination aid 100 by herself.

FIG. 11 is a cut-away view of a body 1100 of a urination aid 1102 with channels in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the urination aid 1102 may define any number of channels 1104. The channels 1104 may prevent splashing within the urination aid and may ensure that the urine properly flows within the urination aid 100. Alternatively, the urination aid may include caps/covers, capture points, lumens, rifling or twists, or other components/structures for best conducting the urine from the opening 106 to the outlet 108 through the channel 114 (refer to FIGs. 1-5). The channels 1104 may extend straight or may be rifled to enhance fluid flow. In another embodiment, the body 110 may curve forward toward the front end 132 of the urination aid 100 (opposite the indicator 104). In one embodiment, the body 110 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the opening 106 defined by the interface 102.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a portion of a body 1200 of a urination aid 1202 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 the body 1200 of the urination aid 1202 may be curved. The curvature of the body 1200 and correspondingly channel 1204 may be utilized to better shunt the urine away from the user during utilization of the urination aid 100. Turning back to FIGS. 1-8, in other embodiments, the length of the body 110 and the associated channel 114 may be slightly or significantly extended to further channel the urine away from the body of the user. For example, additional portions of the body may be connected at the outlet 108. The size and shape of the lip 103, the indicator 104, and the opening 106 may vary to better fit individuals with different vagina and body sizes and shapes.

The urination aid 100 may be utilized in any number of circumstances. For example, the urination aid may be utilized while standing or sitting above or on a toilet, urinal, or other waste receptacle. The urination aid 100 may also be utilized in locations, circumstances, or environments where a traditional toilet or human waste disposal system is not available. The urination aid 100 may be utilized in any number of environments, such as homes, clinics, doctor’s offices, labs, and so forth. In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 has a unibody structure that is formed from a single piece of material that is molded, printed, extruded, or otherwise produced during manufacturing including an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 122. The upper portion 120 may extend below the interface 102 and lip 103. The upper portion 120 of the body 110 may extend nearly vertically below the lip 102 or may narrow slightly where the upper portion 120 and the lower portion 122 meet. The lower portion 122 may flare to the opening 108. The diameter or width of the lower portion 122 increases from the upper portion. In another embodiment, the urination aid 100 may be separated into two or more portions, such as an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 122. In another embodiment, the upper portion 120 and the lower portion 122 may be connected utilizing an interference fit, tabs, threading, or other mechanical attachments or locking mechanisms. In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 may be aesthetically designed to appeal to women or users that require the urination aid 100, but do not like they that want or need to use it. For example, the urination aid 100 may have a feminine design that some may interpret as indicative of the female figure, a dress, or other feminine aesthetics. The urination aid 100 is designed and configured to minimize the physical, emotional, and psychological pain that their illness, condition, or requirements (e.g., required urine or medical test) are imposed on them.

In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 is formed from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). The urination aid 100 may also be formed from polypropylene, silicon, rubber, metal, or composites.. However, any number of materials may be utilized to get a soft touch or soft exterior surface. In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 may include a rigid inner layer covered by a softer outer layer (not shown). For example, the outer material may include a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer. The urination aid 100 may be formed utilizing a two-component injection molding process to get adhesion to a substrate. Any number of materials may be added to color the urination aid 100 to a desired color (e.g., purple, pink, yellow, light blue, red, etc.). The urination aid 100 may be formed utilizing a single injection molding process and subsequently sterilized, powdered (e.g., sterilizers, medications, etc.), and packaged.

The sidewalls 124 of the urination aid 100 may be as thin as possible to conserve material while still preserving the structural and functional integrity of the urination aid 100. For example, the sidewalls 124 may be less than 3 mm thick. An exterior surface of the urination aid 100 may be coated in any number of antibiotics, antibacterial, or other materials or drugs to protect the user during utilization. The coatings may be in the form of a permanent or temporary coating that is applied in powder, liquid, gel, or other form. For example, the interface 102 may include lidocaine powder that provides temporary pain relief when the urination aid 100 is properly positioned and utilized. In some situations, the interface 102 and indicator 104 may be dipped or coated in one or more drugs (e.g., lotions, powders, creams/lotions, etc.) to further alleviate pain relief during utilization.

In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 is formed from metal and may be sterilized for reuse (e.g., utilization of an autoclave, infrared sterilizer, etc.). For example, a metal or plastic reusable version may be used in hospitals or clinics for collecting urine specimens.

The urination aid 100 may also be formed from a biodegradable material for quickly dissolving once disposed of. For example, the urination aid 100 may be formed from recycled cardboard or paper, bioplastic, stone paper, fiber, cornstarch, sugar, mushrooms, or so forth. The urination aid 100 may also be configured to dissolve or breakdown in one or more of water, heat, liquids, solvents, sunlight, or other materials or conditions. In one embodiment, the urination aid 100 may be composted.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of various specimen receptacles in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The urination aid 100 may be configured to interface with any number of specimen receptacles 180, 182, 184. The specimen receptacles 180, 182, 184 may represent any number of standard specimen cups or receptacles as are known in the art. As shown, the specimen receptacles 180, 182, 184 may be shallow or deep. The specimen receptacles 180, 182, 184 may include a cap or lid (not shown) for further securing urine or fluids for analysis and to prevent contamination.

The specimen receptacles 180, 182, 184 may connect directly to the body 110 of the urination aid 108 to seal the outlet. Alternatively, a connection or interface component may be utilized to secure the specimen receptacles 180, 182, 184 to the body 110 of the urination aid 100. For example, threads, tabs, or latches may be utilized to secure the receptacles 180, 182, 184 to the body 110. The specimen receptacles 180, 182, 184 may fit against the

In other embodiments, the second portion 122 of the urination aid 100 may be manufactured closed (no outlet 108) or sealed allowing the user to capture a urine specimen within the urination aid 100. The urine may be accessed through the opening 105 or poured out of the urination aid 100 as needed. A close-ended second portion 122 may similarly attach to the first portion 120 utilizing an interference fit, snap-on interface, tabs, threads, or so forth. The second portion 122 without an opening 108 may then be utilized to capture urine or fluid specimens. The second portion 122 may then have a lid or cap attached. Alternatively, the front end 132 of the urination aid 100 may be configured to pour the urine from the enclosed urination aid 100 to a specimen cup or receptacle without spillage.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a urination aid in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process of FIG. 10 may be implemented utilizing a urination aid, such as those shown in FIGs. 1-9. A user utilizing the urination aid may be suffering from any number of conditions or circumstances that encourage utilization of the urination aid. All or portions of the urination aid may be sterile to prevent any unwanted infections or contaminations. All or portions of the urination aid may also be coated in medications (e.g., powder, gel, liquid, etc.) or other compounds for treating the user, sterility of the urination aid, decontamination, or for pain-relief.

The process may begin by removing a urination aid from a container (step 1002).

In one embodiment, the container may be encased in disposable plastic or paper wrap. The container, receptacle, or cup may include written or visual instructions for using the urination aid and how to position the urination aid during use. Additional instructions may detail how to provide a urine or fluid sample if required (e.g., removing the receptacle, attaching a lid, etc.). During manufacturing, the urination aid may have been sealed in any number of containers, bags, cases, wrappers, or so forth. The urination aid may be secured and stored individually or as a group. In some embodiments, the urination aid may be retrieved from a dispenser. The urination aid may be removed through a zipper, perforation, ripped, punctured, or otherwise removed from the container. In other embodiments, the urination aid may be expanded to fit the body shape, size, and configuration of the user. For example, the interface of the urination aid may deform to fit within the labia minor and form a tight seal around the urethral meatus. The urination aid may be open for expelling waste through one or more channels of the urination aid into a toilet or other disposal location. In another embodiment, the urination aid may be enclosed for capturing urine or fluid samples (e.g., blood, pus, excretions, etc.). A cover or cap may be positioned on the top of the urination aid or a removable portion (e.g., second portion of FIG. 8) to protect and preserve the sample.

Next, a determination is made whether a urine specimen is required (step 1004). Urine is one example of a number of bodily fluids that may be captured utilizing the urination aid. For example, the user may be capturing a specimen for immediate analysis at a doctor’s office, clinic, or laboratory or may be capturing a specimen for transport and subsequent analysis.

If the urine specimen is required, the user attaches a specimen receptacle to the urination aid (step 1006). As previously noted, the user may also select a urination aid with a specimen cup attached or a urination aid that is self-enclosed.

Next, the urination aid is positioned against the user (step 1004\8). In one embodiment, a rounded lip of the urination aid comfortably fits against the urethral and vaginal openings of the vagina of the user to aid in shunting urine away from the body.

The urination aid is unique in that it provides a small and comfortable indicator (the indicator) regarding proper placement of the lip and the urination aid overall. In one embodiment, the indicator is utilized as a “vaginal locator.” First the user locates her vaginal with the indicator and then slightly inserts the lip towards the vulval vestibule and labia minor thus creating a seal around the urethral meatus. If a urine specimen is not required, the user positions the urination aid against the user (step 1008).

In another embodiment, the user may squeeze or otherwise deform or modify the shape of the urination aid (including the lip and opening). The shape of the urination aid may be modified during usage to best fit the physiology of the user (e.g., vagina size and shape) and the issues the user may be facing (e.g., sores, disease, etc.).

Next, the urination aid is disposed of (step 506). In one example, the urination aid may be disposed in a waste basket, garbage, or other container. In some embodiments, the urination aid may be configured to be recycled. The urination aids may also be composted, mulched, or otherwise processed. In another embodiment, the urination aid may dissolve in water and may thus be flushed after usage. In other embodiments, the urination aid may be reusable, and as a result, may be sterilized for reuse. For example, the urination aid may be repackaged for use in an office, clinic, hospital, laboratory, or so forth. In one embodiment, a specimen receptacle may be removed from the urination aid to be utilized for analysis or processing. A lid, cap, cover, or seal may be placed on the specimen receptacle. Alternatively, all or portions of the urination aid may be sealed, with a lid, cap, cover, top, or seal, for transport and/or analysis. The urination aid or the specimen receptacle may include a label or designated location for the user to write a name, date, condition, medical professional, or other relevant or stipulated information. For example, the designated location may include a label or may have a difference color.

The illustrative embodiments are not to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein. In particular, the illustrative embodiments contemplate numerous variations in the type of ways in which embodiments may be applied to urination aids. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects are considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the illustrative embodiments. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions may be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least all of the intended objectives.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodiments and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments disclosed with greater particularity.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A urination aid, comprising: an interface defining a lip shaped to fit against a vagina of the user, wherein the interface is a rounded tear drop shape, wherein the interface defines an opening, and wherein the lip is rounded for comfort of the user; an indicator extending from a first end of the interface, wherein the indicator is rounded; and a body extending from a bottom portion of the interface, wherein the body defines a channel for shunting urine away from the user, wherein a bottom of the body defines an outlet.

2. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein the outlet is configured to interface with a receptacle for capturing a urine specimen.

3. The urination aid of claim 2, wherein the interface defines threads for attaching to the receptacle.

4. The urination aid of claim 2, wherein the outlet is rounded, and wherein the interface interacts with the receptacle utilizing an interference fit.

5. The urination aid of claim 3, wherein the indicator and the body is angled toward a rear end of the urination aid.

6. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein the urination aid is disposable.

7. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein the outlet is wider than the opening of the interface.

8. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein a width of the interface proximate the indicator is narrower than the width of the interface opposite the indicator.

9. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein the lip curves upward from a rear end of the lip to a front end of the lip, and wherein the lip and the indicator fit against the urethral and vaginal openings of the user.

10. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein an exterior portion of the body defines grips for the user to hold the body of the urination aid, and wherein the channel defines ridges for guiding the urine through the urination aid.

11. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein the indicator is utilized to locate the vagina, and wherein the interface fits inside labia minor of the vagina and forms a tight seal around a urethral meatus of the user.

12. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein the urination aid is biodegradable.

13. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein the interface is deformable by the user during utilization.

14. The urination aid of claim 1, wherein the urination aid is formed from a single piece of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

15. A urination aid, comprising: an interface defining a lip shaped to fit against a vagina of the user, wherein a width of the interface proximate the indicator is narrower than the width of the interface opposite the indicator, wherein the is rounded for comfort of the user, and wherein the lip defines an opening; an indicator extending from a first end of the interface, wherein the indicator is rounded; and a body extending from a bottom portion of the interface, wherein the body defines a channel for shunting urine away from the user, wherein a bottom of the body defines an outlet.

16. The urination aid of claim 15, wherein the interface is a rounded tear drop shape, wherein the body and the indicator are angled toward a rear end of the urination aid.

17. The urination aid of claim 15, further comprising: a receptacle configured to connect to the bottom of the body for capturing a bodily fluid specimen.

18. A method of utilizing a urination aid, comprising: removing a urination aid from a container; and positioning the urination aid against a vulval vestibule of the user for urination, wherein an interface of the urination aid is a rounded tear drop shape and fits inside the labia minor of a vagina of the user and forms a tight seal around a urethral meatus of the user, and wherein an indicator extending from the lip interfaces with a vagina of the user.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the interface and indicator are substantially rounded for the comfort of the user.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: attaching a specimen receptacle to the urination aid for capturing a bodily fluid specimen.