To a human bodily fluid collection device and method of collecting and absorbing the same

• US 6,186,990 B1
• Filed: 01/23/1998
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Reachgood Industrial Company
• Original Assignee: Reachgood Industrial Company
• Inventors: Lin, Gary, Li, Hung Shou, Lin, Mike Deni, Chen, Chen-Hsiung
• Primary Examiner(s): Weiss, John G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHANOSKI, PAUL A
• Application Number:
  US09/012,566
• Time in Patent Office: 1,117 Days
• Field of Search: 604/317, 604/319, 604/329-331, 604/349-353, 445/1-4-3
• US Class Current: 604/349
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/44 Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aidsabsorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, A61F13/15; drainage appliances for wounds A61M27/00; emptying devices for urine bags B65B69/0016; Colostomy devices adhesives for colostomy devices A61L24/00; materials for colostomy devices A61L28/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 9/006 Urinals

Abstract

A collection device for human bodily fluids includes an expandable, liquid permeable and insoluble pouch containing a proper volume of hydrophilic material. This hydrophilic material allows quick absorption of such fluids and turns into gelled material. The gelled material is then trapped inside the pouch preventing possible spill and back flow. The hydrophilic material with a proper volume only allows expansion up to the predetermined size of the pouch without the pouch breaking up into fragments. This pouch may be made of different shapes and materials in order to fit in different types of human bodily fluid collection devices and reduce possible leakage and back flow. The hydrophilic material can be a polymer and may have antibacterial properties to reduce bacteria growth. A one-way valve, snap-fit seal, or screw-on cap may be added for further enhanced prevention of leakage and back flow. The versatility of this pouch helps speeding up manufacturing processes and reducing overall production costs.

Claims