# 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. - **Patent:** US 12734063 - **Original title:** Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine - **Granted:** 2026 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** medical_devices, healthcare, personal_care ## What it does 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 does NOT 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. ## 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 ## 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Hands-Free Device for Collecting and Moving Urine cover? 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. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? 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. ### What does this patent NOT 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. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734063/apparatus-and-methods-for-receiving-discharged-urine **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12734063 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Device for Collecting and Separating Bodily Fluids Using Pressure](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733848/fluid-control-devices-and-methods-of-using-the-same-12733848) — This patent describes a device that uses different levels of negative pressure to first isolate a portion of bodily fluid and then collect a separate sample from a fluid source. - [How Suction Controls Fluid Collection for Medical Tests](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733849/fluid-control-devices-and-methods-of-using-the-same) — This patent describes a device that uses different levels of suction to precisely control and separate bodily fluids, like blood, for collection and analysis. - [Standardizing Sizes for Adult Disposable Underwear](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12156789/crew-dragon) — A system for organizing adult diapers into specific size groups based on precise mathematical ratios of length, waist, and hip measurements to ensure consistent fit across a product line. - [How the Modern Waterbed Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3585356/waterbed-liquid-support) — A 1971 patent describing a liquid-filled, heated furniture support designed to cradle human bodies without letting them touch the bottom of the container. - [How a Device Delivers Aerosol with Controlled Airflow During Inhalation](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734317/systems-and-methods-of-aerosol-delivery-with-airflow-regulation) — This patent describes an aerosol delivery device that heats a substance from a cartridge to release an aerosol into an airflow passage specifically when a user inhales, and includes a rechargeable internal power source.