Hands-Free Device for Collecting and Moving Urine

This patent describes a device that collects urine from a person using a receptacle and then uses a vacuum to pull the urine away through a tube, held in place by a curved part between the legs.

What it covers

The device is designed to collect urine and transport it away from a person's body. It includes a container, called a receptacle, which has internal channels to guide urine to a collection area and then to a passage. A vacuum pump can connect to this passage, creating negative pressure to extract the urine from the device. To keep it in place, the device has a long, curved part, referred to as an elongate member, which fits between the user's thighs near the perineum. For example, a hospital patient recovering from surgery could use this device to continuously collect urine without needing to move or use a bedpan, as a small pump would draw the urine away.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover urine collection devices that rely solely on gravity for urine transport, as this device explicitly uses a vacuum pump and negative pressure.
• —Does not cover devices for collecting bodily fluids other than urine, as the abstract specifically refers to 'discharged urine'.
• —Does not cover urine collection systems for animals, as the patent specifies 'the body of a person'.
• —Does not cover devices secured to the user by adhesives, straps, or garments, as it specifies retention via an 'elongate member' positioned 'between the thighs'.
• —Does not cover simple bedpans or urinals that only collect urine without actively transporting it away from the device.

The clever bit

The clever part is combining a vacuum system to actively pull urine away from the body with a unique, curved elongate member designed to comfortably hold the device in place between a person's thighs, ensuring discreet and continuous collection.

Why it matters

This technology could significantly improve comfort and hygiene for individuals with limited mobility, such as hospital patients or the elderly. By enabling hands-free urine collection and removal, it reduces the need for frequent assistance and minimizes the risk of spills and skin irritation. This could enhance patient dignity and streamline caregiving processes in medical or home care settings.

Real-world examples

• 1.Hospital patient care
• 2.Home care for the elderly
• 3.Long-term care facilities
• 4.Personal care for individuals with mobility impairments