URINE SAMPLE DEVICE
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device for collection of a mid-stream urine sample from a patient includes a catch device for the receipt of urine from a urine stream; a biasing component; and a release component; wherein the device has a first condition in which urine from a urine stream is unable to enter the catch device and a second condition in which urine from the urine stream is able to enter the catch device, said biasing component urging the apparatus towards the second condition and being operatively restrained by the release component; and wherein, with the device in the first condition, urine from a urine stream causes or is able to cause the release component to cease operatively restraining the biasing component whereby the device adopts the second condition under action of the biasing component.
8 Citations
38 Claims
-
1-22. -22. (canceled)
-
23. A device for collection of a mid-stream urine sample from a patient, the apparatus comprising:
-
a catch device for the receipt of urine from a urine stream; a biasing component; and a release component; wherein the device has a first condition in which urine from a urine stream is unable to enter the catch device and a second condition in which urine from the urine stream is able to enter the catch device, said biasing component urging the apparatus towards the second condition and being operatively restrained by the release component; and
wherein, with the device in the first condition, urine from a urine stream causes or is able to cause the release component to cease operatively restraining the biasing component whereby the device adopts the second condition under action of the biasing component; and
wherein in the first configuration said biasing component operatively urges the catch device into or towards an intended flow path of a urine stream.- View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
wherein the biasing component biases the support component towards a position where the second catch funnel is located to receive the urine stream from the patient; and wherein the release component releasably secures the support component against the bias of the biasing component, to be in a position where the first catch funnel is located to receive the urine stream; wherein the urine collection device can be initially provided in the first configuration, in which the release component secures the support component against the bias of the biasing component, with the support component being in a position where the first catch funnel is located to receive the urine stream from the patient, and in this first configuration a first sample of the urine stream can be received in the entry portion of the first catch funnel and transferred via the exit portion of the first catch funnel to a first urine collection chamber, and wherein the urine collection device is able to subsequently be provided in the second configuration, in which the release component no longer secures the support component against the bias of the biasing component, such that the biasing component acts to move the support component to a position where the second catch funnel is located to receive the urine stream from the patient, and in this second configuration a mid-stream sample of the urine stream can be received in the entry portion of the second catch funnel and transferred via the exit portion of the second catch funnel to a second urine collection chamber.
-
-
28. The device according to claim 27, wherein the support component slides between a first position, where the first catch funnel is located to receive the urine stream from the patient, and a second position, where the second catch funnel is located to receive the urine stream from the patient.
-
29. The device according to claim 23, wherein the biasing component is a resilient or elasticated component.
-
30. The device according to claim 23, wherein the biasing component is a spring.
-
31. The device according to claim 23, wherein the release component comprises a break portion that is weakened by contact with urine.
-
32. The device according to claim 31, wherein:
-
(a) the contact of the urine stream on the break portion causes the break portion to weaken and break, thereby releasing the support component or removing restraint of the biasing component;
or(b) the contact of the urine stream on the break portion causes the break portion to weaken and the combination of this weakening and the biasing force from the biasing component causes the break portion to break, thereby releasing the support component or removing restraint of the biasing component.
-
-
33. The device according to claim 31, wherein the break portion:
-
(a) is made from cellulose-based material, such as paper or card, or (b) is made from a polymer that dissolves or disintegrates in the presence of water, or (c) is made from a polymer that dissolves or disintegrates at the pH of urine, or (d) includes a pre-weakened section, e.g. a perforated section, that will break under the downward force of urine flowing onto it.
-
-
34. A device according to claim 23, wherein the catch device comprises a non-return means for securing a sample of urine collected within the device.
-
35. A garment for wearing by a human or non-human animal incorporating a device according to claim 23, which device is located on or in the garment for the collection of a urine sample from the wearer.
-
36. The garment according to claim 35, wherein the garment is a nappy, underpants, an incontinence clothing article, a belt that can strap around the lower torso, or a pair of shorts or trunks.
-
37. A device for collection of a mid-stream urine sample from a patient, the apparatus comprising:
-
a catch device for the receipt of urine from a urine stream; a biasing component; and a release component; wherein the device has a first condition in which urine from a urine stream is unable to enter the catch device and a second condition in which urine from the urine stream is able to enter the catch device, said biasing component urging the apparatus towards the second condition and being operatively restrained by the release component; and wherein, with the device in the first condition, urine from a urine stream causes or is able to cause the release component to cease operatively restraining the biasing component whereby the device adopts the second condition under action of the biasing component and wherein the biasing component is a spring.
-
-
38. A device for collection of a mid-stream urine sample from a patient, the apparatus comprising:
-
a catch device for the receipt of urine from a urine stream; a biasing component; and a release component; wherein the device has a first condition in which urine from a urine stream is unable to enter the catch device and a second condition in which urine from the urine stream is able to enter the catch device, said biasing component urging the apparatus towards the second condition and being operatively restrained by the release component; and wherein, with the device in the first condition, urine from a urine stream causes or is able to cause the release component to cease operatively restraining the biasing component whereby the device adopts the second condition under action of the biasing component and wherein the catch device comprises a non-return means for securing a sample of urine collected within the device.
-
Specification