FR2535966A1 - EXTERNAL APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING URINE IN WOMEN - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATED TO AN IMPROVED WOMEN'S APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING URINE. IT CONTAINS A RECEPTACLE 12 WHICH PRESENTS A CAVITY 16 THE UPPER EDGE OF WHICH SHAPES TWO SURFACES 22, 24 INTENDED TO BE APPLIED IN THE LABIAL FOLDERS OF THE USER, IN CONTACT WITH THE VESTIBULAR TISSUE SURROUNDING THE URINARY MEAT. A HOLLOW ROD 14 IS MADE FROM A SINGLE PIECE WITH THE RECEPTACLE 12 FROM WHICH IT RUNS DOWN TO BE CONNECTED TO A URINE COLLECTOR VESSEL THROUGH A VALVE BY MEANS OF WHICH A LIGHT PRESSURE IS ESTABLISHED AT THERE 'INTERIOR OF THE RECEPTACLE IN ORDER TO KEEP IT IN POSITION, COMFORTABLY. FIELD OF APPLICATION: UROLOGY.

Description

The invention relates to the field of devices or devices intended for

  The invention relates more particularly to the field of urine collection devices which are particularly designed to be comfortably held in essentially out-of-shape positions. The device has proven effective when used by a subject while standing, sitting

or dorsal decubitus.

  Some paraplegic women, quadriplegic,

  incontinence and others often need help when

  that urine is removed from there bladder The industry of urine collection devices for women produces various devices designed to bring different degrees

  assistance to such subjects A problem to which industry

  Another problem facing women is that a device that is easily worn and does not leak during use essentially means that the device must not only be able to be attached to the female forms by means available commercially and be maintained

  tightly in place by these means of fixation, but also

  the appliance must form an effective and leak-free joint when applied to female shapes (or the outer surface of the body). In addition, these appliances shall not cause blockage, pinching or pinching. irritation; they must be flexible, elastic, sterile, aseptic and generally

not very smooth and soft to the touch.

  The prior art, for the most part, has not addressed the problem of leakage associated with the application of a particular urine device to female forms and, therefore, most of the urine devices of

  the prior art does not claim a lack of leaks.

  The characteristic of sealing or absence of leaks depends fundamentally on the way in which the apparatus to

  Female urine is applied on female forms.

  Many of the difficulties presented by a female urine device for sealingly applying to female forms obviously result from the particular nature of the external female reproductive organs which obviously surround the orifice of the urethra. Reference can be made to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings for

  illustrate the application of the device on the surfaces cor-

  female porelles generally known.

  The medicine teaches that the external organs of the reproduction of the woman are the mount of Venus, the big and small lips, the clitoris, the urinary meatus and the orifice of the vagina, and it defines moreover the term "vulva" as including In addition, the "vestibule", with respect to the female forms, is medically defined as being located in a smooth, triangular region between the clitoris and the entrance.

  vagina, and bounded on each side by the labia minora.

  Finally, medicine teaches that the urinary meatus <also called orifice of the urethra) is located in a part

  rear (or lower) of the vestibule, about 2.5 cim

  under the clitoris, near the edge of the vagina, and that the urinary meatus is surrounded by a prominence

  mucous membrane <also called mucosa).

  The invention relates to a urine device for women that can be applied sealingly, avoiding leakage, on female forms, that the woman is standing, sitting or, in general, in supine position.

  The subject of the invention is therefore a device capable of

  ble to relieve incontinence women without

  For this purpose, the improved urine apparatus according to the invention is designed to be sealingly applied to the female body, this contact being improved.

  by a depression or negative pressure.

  A more particular object of the invention is

  to establish a slight depression for such a device

  this depression is relatively constant and

  can easily be maintained in the region where the

  he is in contact with the vestibular tissue and surrounds it.

  The subject of the invention is more particularly a dis-

  a positive tube comprising a discharge tube of predetermined height

  and a valve that is designed to establish a vacuum condition by holding a column of liquid

  of a height previously chosen and not practically

do not lie.

  Another object of the invention is

  valve that is virtually insensitive, in the process of

  It is a feature of the invention that the valve body is designed to have a hydrophobic filtered vent orifice allowing air or any other gas to flow through the air or any other gas entering through its outlet.

to spread through him.

  The subject of the invention is also an improved assembly comprising an apparatus, a valve and a collector which, when used together,

  cooperate to achieve a particular useful result.

  The subject of the invention is therefore a device

  which can be applied in a sealed manner, this

  application being improved by predetermined conditions

  depression, against certain vestibular tissues

  of the woman, and her second object is a perfective valve

  that allows the device to be placed in the con-

  predetermined and desired depression.

  Although a large number of valve shapes

  can be used, the preferred forms and

  Embodiments of the invention are valve type valves that require a predetermined pressure.

  to act and are normally in a closed position.

  In a representative embodiment, two filtered vent ports comprise a hydrophobic filter allowing

  the diffusion of a gas, but not liquids In a

  Positive positive that has a vertical tube of 20 cm between the device and the anti-reflux valve, the next cycle of pressure / depression occurs when the device for women is in place During, the flow of urine, a pressure (positive) 5 to 10 cm of water is present in

  the part of the device located above the valve

  as the flow ceases, this pressure drops immediately to a negative value, resulting in a depression of 30-40 cm of water. The upstream vent with hydrophobic filter of the valve can air to enter the device until In the embodiment described, this corresponds to a depression of about 8-10 cm of water. The device remains at this level, thus avoiding any leakage between the apparatus and the vestibular tissue, until the urine again flows freely through the apparatus, causing the pressure in the device to rise to a positive value of 5-10 cm of water, and the cycle is repeated. use of a second filter vent port on the downstream side of the valve allows the diffusion of any gas pressure accumulated in the collection bag and thus avoids any detrimental effect that these pressures could have on the valve. of the pressure inside the bag could cause the valve to be held in the closed position and thus prevent the introduction of additional fluid

  in the pocket, or, alternatively, could make

  create a high load or column of liquid on the inlet side of the valve, which could result in

a leak around the device.

  In accordance with the subject matter of the invention, there is disclosed herein a female urine device adapted to externally and sealingly apply to female forms. The female urine device according to the invention can be used to In addition, the invention may be used by the female subject to collect urine, while the subject is in the upright or upright position, in the supine position. or

sitting.

  The device seals when held comfortably in position.

  first, a tight contact with the mucous membrane

  urinating the urinary meatus, and then with the vestibule To establish this double sealing contact, the appliance has two raised sealing surfaces.

  applied on the back or underside of the

  The device positioned in front of a urine receiving cavity causes the cooperation of one of the two raised sealing surfaces and a raised portion of the apparatus to cause the tissue surrounding the urinary meatus to

  move sharply towards the inside of the receiver cavity.

  urine, so that the urine

  out of the urethral opening is then directed to the

  interior of this cavity The waterproof application of the

  It is further improved by the nature of the frontier

  overall tale and surface geometry of surfaces

  which have been designed to adapt essentially

  the angle and body surfaces of the vestibule

of the woman's body.

  More particularly, the apparatus is sealingly applied against the vestibule and isolates the orifice of the urethra from the orifice of the vagina. The body contact with the vestibule comprises in fact a series of sealed contacts between the labia minora, the prominence of the meatus between the opening of the vagina and the orifice of the urethra, and some

  other tissue located near the clitoris, but

  distant from the latter, in the direction of the orifice

of the urethra.

  A second embodiment of the invention has, instead of an ovoid or egg-shaped outer shape, two globally elliptical shaped beads, oriented in a gentle slope between the opposite ends of the major axis.

  This form has been established by the applica-

  empirical evidence on various women to establish a semi-universal configuration for body shapes

feminine adult.

  The second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is also used as part of an assembly in which the apparatus is initially placed by the application of a slight pressure on the rear face of this apparatus, either manually, or preferably by means of pants having a central opening to its fry When using a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, it appeared desirable to mount between the urine collector

  and the evacuation channel of the apparatus, an anti

  reflux or backflow When urine flows out of the

  through the connecting tube and the valve in the collar.

  urine reader, a depression is developed on surfaces

  of the device, this depression being caused by

  by the Venturi effect of the urine flow The level of depression reached depends on the length of the connection tube, its dieter and the height of the connection.

  in relation to the urine collector and the valve.

  parition of this condition of depression for the device in the areas in contact with the female body improves

  the tightness achieved with the vestibular tissues.

  This depression effect can become cumulative during successive expulsions of urine and it can

  to reach a level causing inconvenience to the use of

  To solve this problem, the valve may

  have one or more vent holes using hydrophobic filters allowing a vent to allow the ambient pressure to reach the interior of the assembly and reduce the level of depression to which the user

is subject.

  In summary, the second embodiment of the improved apparatus according to the invention is a one-piece exterior device for collecting the urine of the woman, designed to be placed in the folds of the lips of the user in order to to be in contact with the fabric

  vestibular surrounding the meatus and to be kept in

  and stabilized by mechanical means, the

  maintaining being however improved by a slight depression.

  The apparatus comprises an open cup-shaped element

  and globally elliptical, and has a sensory bore

  centrally allowing the urine to flow freely

  through this element and in this bore The upper surface

  The upper part of the apparatus comprises a closed-loop, substantially elliptical and inwardly directed closed-loop surface, and a substantially continuous, curved bead which in fact projects upward portions of the upper surface of the apparatus. , far from the cusped surface

  and opposed to the curved bead, define, with this

  deny, double upper parts of a cavity located inside the element These double upper parts

  form two adjacent sealing surfaces which extend

  substantially continuous tooth on the outer perimeter of the device The inner surface is farther towards the top of the cavity than the outer surface A cylindrical shank or flange moves down the rear face of the element with which it is made of one piece and communicates with the opening of the bore and the cavity The configuration of this rod is designed to

  prevent any discomfort of fluid flow in the opening

  of the bore by forming a thin-walled chamber and a thick-walled bottom portion at the end of the chamber opposite the apparatus and adapted to be connected to the tube leading the valve. Thick and thin-walled and flexible chamber are designed to avoid the problem of wrinkling and avoid any discomfort caused by fluid flow in the

channel.

  Besides being of globally elliptical shape,

  the open cup-shaped element presents a geometry

  slightly inclined surface area which allows the appliance

  to be closely attached to the vestibular tissue indicated

  previously, without excessive pressure, and

  improve this tight and tight contact by applying a

  slight depression in the cavity of the apparatus.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as non-limiting examples and in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view downwards showing part of two sealing surfaces located around the cavity, the end of receiving urine from the device; FIG. 2 is a second perspective view

  down, showing the sur-

  sealing faces of Figure 1, but after the

  he was shot about 1800 around a central axis; Figure 3 is a top view of the urine receiving cavity of the apparatus, illustrating the substantially egg-shaped sealing surfaces; Figure 4 is a sectional view of a female apparatus taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2, showing an anti-pinch feature of a flow channel which is designed to allow urine to flow freely from the the cavity, even after the flow channel has been moved away from the central axis by an angle up to 900; FIG. 4A is a section similar to that of FIG. 4, but showing the folded flow channel and disposed in a position oriented substantially at 9 ° to that shown in Fig. 4 to more clearly illustrate the effectiveness of the anti-pinch device;

  FIG. 4B is an end view with sectional cutaway

  the apparatus shown in Fig. 4A, after being rotated 90 about the axis of its flow channel, to show the opening left by the anti-pinch device; Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the apparatus operably connected to a fluid reservoir and used with a preferred embodiment of a commercially available bodily attachment and collection device; Figure 6 is a perspective view showing in front of the preferred embodiment of the body fixation device; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing from the rear the preferred embodiment of the body fixation device applied to a woman's body; FIG. 8 represents the external members

  female reproduction and shows the regions of

  frontal tact of the sealing surfaces of the apparatus with the body of the woman; Figure 9 is a vertical median section of the female pelvic area, illustrating the approximate orientation and bodily contact of the apparatus while the subject is standing, supine or seated; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the female urine device according to the invention; Fig. 11 is an elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a top view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 13 is a section on line 13-13 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the device of Fig. 13 and illustrating the anti-pinch feature of the invention; FIG. 15 is an axial section of another

  variant of the invention, showing the use of a

  an attached molded cord that can be used to connect an evacuation tube to the women's apparatus; FIG. 16 is a partial axial sectional view of another embodiment of the device for connecting the evacuation tubing to the apparatus; FIG. 17 is a partial axial section of another embodiment of the tube connection device; evacuation to the device

  FIG. 18 is an elevation 2 with sectional cut

  of the assembly using the collector apparatus for women according to the invention; Fig. 19 is an elevation of a valve and filter device used throughout the assembly shown in Fig. 18; Figure 20 is an axial section along the line 20-20 of Figure 19;

* 2 535966 '

  Fig. 21 is a top view of the flapper valve used in the valve and filter device of Fig. 20;

  FIG. 22 is an elevation, with a sectional cut

  a second embodiment of the valve, of a type that can be used in the assembly shown in FIG. 18; and FIG. 23 is an exploded section of the valve

  along line 23-23 of Figure 22.

  The same numerical references designate the

  same elements in the different figures.

  FIG. 1 represents in perspective the apparatus which comprises a receptacle or receptacle 12 and a hollow rod 140

  container 12 has a cavity 16 which has an opening

  entry level 18 essentially constituting an extension

vertical position of the cavity 16.

  The latter is essentially oriented radially around a central axis 10, and the container 12 has an outer perimeter of globally ovoid or egg shape and an inner section of substantially

  elliptical or oval, these two forms being oriented

  pendicular to the central axis 20.

  The opening 18 has two generally elliptical sealing surfaces 22 and 24 of substantially convex cross section. Each sealing surface projects from the container 12 in a saddle-like manner in the direction of the central axis 20. Side view, each sealing surface has two ridges or beads arranged between two points (or vertices), and each tip is located substantially at a corresponding end of the major axis

of the container 12.

  The first surface 22 of sealing contact, sensitively

  Continuously, or inner surface, is located between a first tip or nose 26 which is intended to be sealingly applied against the body of the

  woman, at a first point just below the

  This first point is usually located between the

  and the orifice of the urethra and is usually close to the clitoris, but slightly offset from the latter in the direction of the urethral orifice. The inner sealing surface 22 also has a second tip or a back tip ( or "hump") 28 which is intended to seal against the woman's body at a second point located between the orifice of the urethra

  and the opening of the vagina The inner surface 22 of

  A first pair of spaced-opposed, opposing side edges or ribs 30, 32 are provided which are intended to seal against the underside or inner surfaces of the two small ones.

  lips, following two first elliptical regions.

  The second sealing surface 24 or outer surface is located essentially along the edge

  outer periphery of the first surface 22 of

  The contours of the outer surface 24 of water

  are the same as those of the first sealing surface 22 at the first or first point

  nozzle 26 The second sealing surface 24 also has

  a second pair of ridges or beads 34, 36 which are similarly designed to seal against the following two labia minora

  two second elliptical or oval regions opposite.

  Except at the junction of the surface 24 with the spout 26, each respective second elliptical or oval region is slightly radially and axially apart from the first adjacent elliptical region as illustrated.

in Figures 1 and 2.

  The outer sealing surface 24 has another tip or other nozzle 38 which is intended to seal against the body of the woman at a third point located between the second point and

the opening of the vagina.

  The geometry of the surface of the container 12 is such that the inner sealing surface 22 protrudes generally outwards and further away from the main part of the container 12 than does the outer sealing surface 24. the appearance of a saddle and is oriented in the direction of

the central axis 20.

  The contours of the inner and outer sealing surfaces 22 and 24 have an outwardly directed convexity, the curvature of which is significantly different from the cavity 16. Moreover, a smooth transition is formed between

  the inner sealing surface 22 and the cavity 16 to

to define the opening 18.

  The inner sealing surface 22 and the

  outer face 24 sealing each have a

  sufficiently thick wall so that each of these

  faces 22 and 24 retains its shape and does not deform when

  that the urine device is held in place against the

  body of the woman by a slight pressure applied embarrass-

  against the back or the underside of the

  container 12, in front of the cavity 16.

  22 and 24 of the device allow the device to establish a tight contact with the tissue surrounding the urinary meatus The curvature of the surfaces, the saddle-shaped contours and the section

  elliptical surface of the two sealing surfaces 22, 24 of the

  In particular, the "hump" or elevated tip 28 of the inner sealing surface 22 co-operate with the outer sealing surface 24 to gently cause a bulge of the prominence of the urinary meatus towards the interior of the cavity. 16 of the apparatus, which has the effect of directing the stream of urine to the cavity 16 of the container. Both sealing surfaces assume two functions First, if a urine sample is to be taken for analysis, it will not be contaminated by vaginal secretions and then the menstrual cycle.

  can be treated separately by normal use.

  of catamenial devices available in the

  without disturbing the treatment of the excremental liquid.

  Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the geometry of the inner and outer surfaces 22 and 24 of the sealing device 10, and Figures 8 and 9 show how the apparatus 10 makes a tight contact with the body of

wife.

  The hollow rod 14, shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, is oriented radially about the central axis 20 and is secured to a portion of the rear or bottom face of the container 12, in front of the cavity 16 The rod hollow 14 communicates with the cavity 16 for which

  it is an exit 40 If we look at

  down along the central axis 10 and towards the

  the interior of the hollow rod 14 is essentially circular. This rod 14 has a wall of substantially constant thickness and its external diameter gradually decreases and

  slightly from the container 12.

  The hollow rod 14 has a thick wall

  sufficient and is made of a material sufficiently

  elasticity so that a "pinch", which would normally

  the flow of urine out of the cavity 16, does not

  not produce because the hollow stem 14 has a characteristic

  "anti-pinch" feature consisting of a hollow portion 42 of transition (which comprises an outside angle 42a, a horizontal edge 42b and an inside angle 42c) and a hollow sleeve 44, to reduce the risk of pinching . An evacuation channel (for cavity 16) is

  made in one piece with the back side or lower

  container 12, in front of the cavity 16, and

  comprises the hollow rod 14, the hollow portion 42 of transition

  As shown in FIG. 4, the hollow rod 14 is made in one piece with the hollow portions 42a, 42b and 42c of transition, and these are made in one piece with the hollow sleeve 44 which is itself made in one piece with the rear or bottom face of the container 12, in front of

the cavity 16.

  To describe the evacuation channel, we can indicate

  that the inside diameter of the hollow rod 14 decreases

  slightly and gradually outwards and away from

2535 66

  of the main part of the container 12, while

  the wall thickness of the hollow rod 14 remains substantially constant As part of the

  that anti-pinching of the discharge channel, the hollow rod 14 has a wall whose thickness is greater than that of the hollow walls 42a, 42b and 42c transition, which themselves have a greater wall thickness to her

hollow sleeve 44.

  The fact that rod 14, part 42 of transi-

  and the sleeve 44 are hollow allows communication

  Between the cavity 16 and the outlet 40 The relatively thin-walled hollow sleeve virtually eliminates the deleterious effects caused by pinching when the discharge channel bends during use.

  can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the evacuation channel

  can be bent up to 900 from the central axis without the flow passing through the outlet 40 being

practically affected.

  The gradually decreasing thickness of the various elements, in the axial direction - and upwards, from the rod 14 to the hollow sleeve 44 through the transition portion 42, allows the sleeve 44 to collapse inwards on one of its sides to form at least one opening of elliptical shape, that is to say an opening defined by a somewhat flattened end of the rod 14 where the latter is connected to the transition portions 42, this opening opening into the remaining inner portion of the sleeve 44 This is best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B and ensures the maintenance of an open discharge channel, even when the rod 14 is about 90 away from its normal position when -the patient moves from a standing or supine position to a

sitting -

  Just as the hollow rod 14, the hollow portion 42 of transition and the hollow sleeve 44 each have a substantially circular cross section The outer diameter of the hollow sleeve 44 is significantly greater than the outer diameter of the hollow portion 42 transition which has, it -Only, an outer diameter slightly greater than that of the hollow rod 14 When a slight pressure is applied in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis 20, against the rear or bottom face of the container 12, the inner and outer surfaces 22 and 24 sealing, and more particularly the hump 28, cooperate in a manner

  that these inner and outer surfaces 22 and 24 of

  effectively seal hermetically the cavity 16 of the container 12 by two sealing contacts with the

  The body of the woman One of the sealing contacts is

  These two sealing surfaces 22 and 24 not only provide the formation of a seal with a minimum pressure,

  but also stabilize the apparatus 10 towards the movements

  Vertical or lateral elements The apparatus 10 is made of rubber, or of a plastics material or any other similar material

  to rubber, this material being soft and convenient.

  The apparatus 10 can be held in position against the body of the woman by any one of a variety of

  commercially available devices designed for use in

  keep the device in tight contact with the body. For example, the apparatus 10 can be held in position by

  a belt or belt device The form of

  described, illustrated in FIG. 5, precisely shows such a device comprising a belt 46, four

  straps 48, 50, 52 and 54, and a buffer 56.

  The belt 46 is designed to fit around the subject's waist and is made of a suitably elastic material to remain substantially in position when pulled down under the action of the straps. The preferred belt is a commercially available type consisting of a mixture of fabric and elastic material It is equipped with a commercially available closure device 47 (for example of the type

  "VELCRO") to suit various sizes.

  The four straps 48, 50, 52 and 54 are also

  made of a suitable elastic material so that the pad 56 applies a slight pressure on the rear or bottom face of the receptacle 12, facing the cavity 16, when the belt and straps assembly is carried by a subject standing upright, seated or otherwise in supine position In the preferred embodiment, each strap comprises a fabric portion and a portion

* elastic Each part of fabric is connected to the belt

  46 and each elastic portion is connected to the buffer 56, as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 This method of attachment allows the buffer 56 to marry the shape of the rear or bottom face of the receptacle 12 in front of the cavity

  16 and thus to ensure the waterproof contacts described

  In the preferred embodiment, the two lower (or outer) straps 482 542 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, pass on either side of the rectum, follow the gluteal fold, and then are connected to the belt 46. this embodiment, the lower straps 48 and 54 are connected to the belt 46, either at the level of the hip bone or at the anterior superior pelvic ridge of the pelvis. FIGS.

  7 also represent the top straps (or

  50 and 52 which are connected to the belt 46 in positions close to the respective lower straps 48 and 54. In the preferred embodiment, in addition to being elastic and thus stretchable, these straps

  inside and outside can be adjusted in length.

  The pad 56 is made of a suitable material, soft and flexible In the preferred embodiment, the

  the stamp facing the woman's body is real-

  made of a soft material, similar to felt, while

  the back side of the stamp, which is directed out

  of the body, is armed with fiber The preferred buffer pre-

  has a shape substantially similar to that of a disk and is of a section somewhat greater than that of the rear or bottom face of the receptacle 12, in front of the cavity

  16 so that a slight pressure can be applied globally

  across the entire back or bottom of the receiver

  12, the straps 48, 50, 52 and 54 are usually connected to the outer edge of the pad 56 so that the latter can establish a contact on a large surface of the rear face or

  lower of the receptacle 12, in front of the cavity 16.

  Buffer 56 has a substantially central hole

  In the preferred embodiment, when the apparatus 10 is brought into sealed contact with the body

  of the woman, the hollow sleeve 44 protrudes outwardly.

  passing through hole 58 and away from the body of the subject As Dil is used in this preferred form of

  the apparatus 10 is connected by a con-

  venable 60 connection (such as a straight coupling) to

  a section of tube 62 of diameter and elasticity

  The tube section 62 is itself connected to a fluid reservoir 64 having a suitable connecting element 66 and a clamping element 68. During the day, the reservoir 64 may consist of a pocket applied to the leg and the at night, it may consist of a discharge bag Part of the tube section 62 is normally attached by a ribbon to the thigh of the

subject, above the knee.

  When the pipe section 62 is attached to the leg by a ribbon, the hollow rod 14 resists pinching on the rear or bottom face of the receptacle 12,

  face of the cavity 16 When the hollow rod 14 is remote

  generated by folding the central axis 20, the hollow sleeve 44 first, then the hollow part 42 of transition, and finally

  the hollow rod 14 are deformed.

  The larger diameter of the hollow sleeve 44 (relative to that of the hollow rod 14) substantially eliminates the evacuation channel from the central axis 20 while maintaining a free flow of urine out of the cavity 16. hollow 14 may be removed from the central axis 20 by folding to about 9002 and the urine arriving in the cavity 16 continues to flow from the latter through the outlet

in the tube 62.

  t 535566 The hole 58 of the stamp 56 is slightly larger than the hollow sleeve 44 to allow this folding or freedom of movement of the discharge channel or the

  section of tubes 62, without pinching or blocking or other.

  In this embodiment, the apparatus is

  manufactured by injection molding means, available

  in the trade Normally,

  Urine rubber, plastic or other rubber-like material is produced by an immersion process, and it is very difficult to control the wall thicknesses. In the present invention, the use of a method of injection molding,

  available commercially, allows you to master-with

  In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is made of a suitable thermoplastic rubber polymer or a medical grade elastomer (such as a liquid silicone rubber) A second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 14a. The apparatus 130 is a one-piece outdoor apparatus for females intended to collect urine and

  designed to be placed in the labial folds of the user.

  trice (usually along the inner surfaces or the lower faces of the lips) and is designed to be brought into contact with the vestibular tissue surrounding the meatus defining the urethral orifice. an open, substantially elliptical cup having a conical upper chamber 134 terminating at its narrow end in aperture 136 of a roughly centrally located channel so that urine can flow through the element 132 and the apparatus 130 The geometry of the upper surface of the apparatus 130 comprises a coiled surface 138 in the form of a closed loop, substantially elliptical, directed inward, and a ridge or bead 140 of substantially continuous curvature, protruding towards the top of the surface 138 The parts of the upper surface of the apparatus 130 which are remote from the cusped surface 138 opposite the curved bead 140 are designated by the surface 142 and define and form two adjacent surfaces 140 and 142 sealing The inner surface is further away towards the top of the cavity 134

than the outer surface 142.

  A flange or a cylindrical tubular element with a relatively thin wall 146 projects substantially

  perpendicular to the rear face (indicated overall-

  144 in FIGS. 11 and 13) of the element 132, and communicates with the opening 136.

  to form an evacuation channel for the cavity 134.

  This flange 146 is disposed around the axis 148 (see

  Figure 13) Other details of the flange or cylinder tube

  146 drique will be given below.

  The sealing surfaces 140 and 142 and the element 132 are oriented about an axis 150 which is substantially parallel to the axis 148 and which is offset by a distance D (FIG. 13). When the apparatus 130 is viewed from above (Figure 12), the projections of the sealing surfaces 140 and 142 are substantially elliptical It appears that the apparatus 130 has a major axis "A" which passes through the

  axes 148 and 150 and a minor axis "B" which is disposed laterally

  the axis 148, but perpendicular to the major axis "A" (Figure 12). These two axes "A" and "B" form a

  plane which is substantially perpendicular to the axis 148.

  Moreover, as shown in Figure 110 it appears that

  the lateral projection of the apparatus 130 is also sensitively

  elliptically along a second plane which contains the axis 148 or which is substantially parallel to it, with a half-small axis "C" oriented vertically, as is

the case of the axis 148.

  The origin (shown arbitrarily in FIG. 12) of a first radius of curvature R1, which generally describes the limit of the elliptical outer edge of the apparatus 130, is situated substantially in the plane formed by the "A" axes, "B" (Figure 12), or in a plane (no

  shown) substantially parallel to and perpendicular to

  A second radius of curvature R 2, having a second origin located in a position substantially as described above for the first origin, describes

  overall the location of the cusped surface 138 separated

  The third radii of curvature R 3, located in the plane formed by the axes "A", "C" (FIG. 11) and starting from a point of origin situated on the axis 150, exterior to the apparatus 130 (FIG. 13), describes the geometry of the slightly inclined surface (of the apparatus 130) at the entrance to the cavity 134, where the apparatus 130 generally makes contact with the vestibule and the lip pleats of the woman As best seen in Figure 13, the end surfaces of the apparatus 130 are defined by points of origin on the axis "A", the radius R 5 defining the outermost geometry of the apparatus 130, while

  that the radius R 4 defines the cusped surface 138.

  The vacuum seal achieved by the

  perfected with the woman's body is generally

  obtained when the following values are respected:

  With reference now to Figures 11 and 12,

  length 160, measured along axis "A", is

  between about 4.01 and about 4.78 cm. The length is preferably about 4.39 cm. The width 162, measured along the "B" axis, is between about 2.62 and about 3. 12 cm It is preferably equal to about 2.87 cm The nominal height "C" of the projection is between about 0.94 and about 1.19 cm The value "C" is preferably equal to about 1.07 cm The shift defined by the distance "D" is between about 0.178 and about 0.218 cm. This shift "D" is preferably about 0.198 cm. The radius R1 is between about 3.81 and about 4.57 cm, and it is preferably equal to about 4.19 cm The radius R 2 is between about 2.48 and about 2.98 cm and is

  preferably equal to about 2.73 cm. The radius R 3 is

  t 535966 taken from about 2.32 to about 2.83 cm and is preferably about 2.58 cm. The radius R 4 ranges from about 1.00 to 1.22 cm and is preferably about The radius R 5 is between about 1.143 and about 1.397 cm, and is preferably about 1.27 cm. The radius R 6 is between about 3.77 and about 4.61 cm and is preferably equal to

about 4,191 cm.

  Adjacent surfaces 140 and 142 sealing,

  which are continuous and constitute two adjoining surfaces.

  Sealing edges located over the entire periphery of the apparatus 130, allow the latter to establish a sealed and continuous contact with the woman by applying against the inner parts of the labial folds and against

  the remaining part of the aforementioned vestibular tissue.

  Referring now more particularly to cylindrical tube-like flange 146, as best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, flange 146 is comprised of a thin-walled member having a wall thickness of between about 0.635 and about 0.889 mm, and preferably about 0.787 mm, the length of the thin-walled portion, as measured from the rear face 144 of the member 132, being only slightly

  greater than the inside diameter of the flange 146

  152 thick-walled long has a central opening 154 and a lower counterbore 156 can receive a length of tube 158 whose caliber is

  substantially equal to that of the opening 154 in order to

  The tube 158 is fixed in the counter-bore 156 by suitable means known in the art, for example by means of an adhesive or by heat-sealing. can best see it in Figure 14, a deformation

  the flange 146 causes a slight closure of its dia-

  internal meter by bending on one side and stretching on the other side, without the channel being completely closed, which allows a free and unencumbered passage of the urine inside the flange 146, in the upper part thick

  152 and in the tube 158 to a suitable collector.

  This anti-pinch feature can be easily obtained and incorporated into a urine collection apparatus

  for women of the type described above.

  FIGS. 15 to 17 show other embodiments of the connecting means, and parts similar to those described above are designated by the same numerical references followed by the letters

  a, b and c In FIG. 15, the flexible flange 146 has

  carries a thickened portion 152a having a central bore 154a, and a tube connector 170 which has an enlarged flange 172 and is retained by molding within the thickened portion 152a.

  tube 170 has, at its apparent free end, several

  staged shoulders 174, of a type well known in the art, intended to widen the tube 158a and to be housed in this tube to communicate with the interior of the tube.

  the latter after it has been expanded on these shoulders.

  The connector 170 has a central bore (not shown) whose diameter is substantially equal to that of the bore 154a to allow free flow of urine from

  the women's apparatus (not shown).

  A second embodiment of the means of

  connection comprises the thin-walled flange 146b,

  partially cutaway, whose end ends 176, initially coaxial with this flange, are folded inwardly to form an inner rim 178 fixed to the tube 158b by an adhesive or by heat sealing, as

shown in Figure 16.

  Figure 17 represents another form of

  in which the thin-walled flange 146c, shown in FIG.

  partially cutaway, has an inner rim and a downwardly directed cylindrical flange 182. The inner flange 180 has a central opening adapted to receive a tube 158c, while the downwardly directed flange 182 forms a chamber or housing with the tube 158c to receive a sealing ring 184 made of an adhesive or any other known type of O-ring

  for sealing and retaining devices.

  The anti-pinch feature of each of the last three embodiments shown

  in Figures 15, 16 and 17 behaves the same -

  the manner shown in Figure 14, namely a thin-walled flange terminated by a rigid, thick-walled portion which guides the folding and stretching of

  146 a, 146 b or 146 c thin-walled portion without clamp

  or without complete blockage of the urine flow.

  The assembly according to the invention will now be described generally with reference to FIGS. 18 to 23, and in particular to FIG. 18. Apparatus 130 is preferably connected to a container or pocket 190 intended to collect Urine (Fig. 18) This urine collector 170 is usually a sealed, initially flat, plastic bag or pouch of a type well known in the art. Apparatus 130 may be attached initially to the desired vestibular tissue. of the woman, as described above, by the wearing of a fastening means applying a slight compression, such as

  that breeches 192 (of which only the fry is

  sectioned) which has a central opening allowing the passage of the descending parts 146 and 152. A mini-plug 194, fixed by an adhesive layer 196 to the panties 194, preferably serves to stabilize the

  collector 130 and to keep it in the pre-position

  To this action is added a slight depression applied to the cavity 134 of the apparatus. A method known for applying such a depression

  to the cavity 134 is to maintain a predetermined load

  For this purpose, the anti-reflux valve according to the invention is preferably mounted between the apparatus 130 and the collector 190 in order to adjust the height of the device. The improved valve 200 comprises a structure 202 which defines an inlet 204 and an outlet 206 and which encloses a shutter 208 of the valve type O. A preferred embodiment of the shutter 208 comprises a valve 210 which is connected. by a leg 212 to a sleeve

  circumferential circular 214 (see Figures 20 and 21).

  As best seen in FIG. 20, the inlet 204 of the valve has a rounded annular flange 220 projecting axially and serving as a seat against which the valve 210 can be placed in a normal position of its own. closure, and a second flange 222, located outside the first flange, is oriented axially and

  ends in the same plane as the edge 220 A shoulder-

  224 is located diametrically outside this second flange The outlet 206 of the valve comprises a shoulder 226 forming a contralescing, and an axial flange 228 The inlet 204 and the outlet 206 of the valve, arranged coaxially, cause clamping of the sleeve 214, in fluid-tight manner, between the flange 222 and the shoulder 226. This seal may be obtained either by bonding by means of a commercially available adhesive or, alternatively, by heat-sealing the two plastic parts. By maintaining the axial dimension of the flanges 222 and 228 to suit the thickness of the valve shutter 208, we obtain,

  between the valve 210 and the axial flange 220, an applica-

  The flange 220 serves as a seat for the valve 210 when the urine flows downwards, a predetermined charge of urine is established in the tube 158 and acts against the valve 210

  to move it to an open position in a way that

  naked. The valve 210 bears against the seat formed by the flange 220, which it covers in a substantially sealed manner, in order to maintain an initial charge or column of urine (or other liquid) in the tubular portion 230

  of the inlet 204 of the valve (the liquid not being

  The valve type shutter 208 is made of a suitable commercially available elastic substance which allows the initial charge or column of the liquid to take a predetermined value. The preferred shutter of the valve type consists of a polyester sheet with a thickness of about 0.13 mm The tab 212 and the sleeve 214 cooperate to return the valve 210 against the seat 220 and thus prevent the liquid from

  to flow from the tube 230 through the outlet 206 of the valve.

  When the liquid column increases in height, the charge exerted by the liquid contained in the tube 230 eventually reaches a degree such that the valve 210 is moved away from the seat 220. Then, the height of the column

  of liquid decreases rapidly in tubes 230 and 158

  Since the liquid flows through the valve 210, most of this liquid usually flows immediately through the outlet 206 of the valve, preferably filling the collector 190 which is connected thereto. The height of the liquid in the tube 230 drops rapidly. at a level allowing the valve 210 to support again the weight of the liquid contained in the tube 230 At this moment, the valve 210 rises against the seat 220, under the action of return of the leg 212, and applies

  in a sealed manner against the seat 220.

  It has however been noted that the passage of the urine through the apparatus 130 and into the tube 158 and the valve causes, by a Venturi-like action, an initial depression which is applied by the apparatus to the body of the patient. the woman and, when the latter discharges an additional quantity of urine into the cavity 134 of the improved apparatus 130, a clear sensation of increasing discomfort is felt (with time) in the vestibular tissue against which the apparatus

  It has been observed indirectly that, when

  that urine is discharged into the cavity 134 of the apparatus, it causes a certain amount of air and other

  initially present in the cavity 134.

  removed from the cavity 134 an initial amount of air or other gases and causes an increase, with the

  time, feeling depressed.

  The inlet portion 204 of the valve 200 has, between the valve 210 and the improved apparatus 130, a first vent 240 through which air and certain other gases can pass so that an initial vacuum applied to the cavity 134 of the improved apparatus 130, can

to be maintained.

  Such a vent comprises a filter or a hydrophobic membrane 242 which covers this vent 240 and allows the inlet

  or the gas outlet, but because of its hydro-

  phobe, this filter or membrane prevents the passage of liquids, such as urine Inside the tubular portion 230, the liquid height is generally well

  higher than the level of the vent 240 and the hydro-

  phobe 242 prevents this flair liquid from the tubular section

  230 The filter membrane 242 has pores dimen: -

  such that the largest part of the gas can diffuse through it, but that urine or other liquids can not diffuse significantly or sensitively through this membrane With a pore size

  from about 3 micrometers to about 15 micrometers

  meters (constituting the preferred range of dimensions of

  pores), no urine diffusion was noted.

  The illustrated embodiment of the assembly comprises the improved apparatus 130, the outlet flange 146, 152 of which is connected to a length of flexible plastic tube 158 of suitable length, usually used to connect the apparatus 130 to the According to the present invention, in most applications it is preferable to use a tube length 158 of about 20 cm.

  the flow of urine, a (positive) pressure of 500-

  1000 Pa is present in the part of the set above lavalve When the flow of urine stops, this pressure drops immediately to a negative value resulting in a depression of 30004000 Pa The 240 vent with hydrophobic filter, placed in upstream in the valve 200, then allows to penetrate into the assembly until a condition of semi-equilibrium is reached In the embodiment described, this condition corresponds to a depression of about 800-1000 Pa L ' assembly remains at this level, ensuring a tight contact of the apparatus 130 with the vestibular tissue, until the urine flows again and causes a pressure rise in the set to a positive value of 500 -1000 Pa, and the

  cycle is then repeated. The equilibrium level of the

  The pressure is determined in part by the length of the pipe and the vertical distance the device is placed above the valve.

  valve (located above the upstream vent) presents

  typically an inner diameter of about 4.45 to about 7.10 mm, a preferred optimum inside diameter being about 5.08 mm to obtain the pressure cycle /

depression described above.

  It should be noted that when a woman discharges urine into the cavity 134 of the improved apparatus 130 and this urine flows down through the tube 158 and through the valve 200, it has been observed that small bubbles may appear in the urine column These bubbles appear first on the side of the semi-permeable membrane 242 turned towards the liquid and it appears

  it goes through the vent 240 and goes into the

  in the urine contained in the tubular section 230 of the valve 200 In the absence of the vent opening 240

  on the tubular portion 230, no bubbles are observed.

  In addition, it has been observed that the height of the liquid column in the valve 200 and in the tube 158, besides being caused by the action of return of the tab 212 of the shutter 208 of the valve type, is a

  phenomenon of surface tension of the particular liquid.

  For example, when the tube 154 used is in particular

  To bind a commercially available extruded latex tube having a nominal inside diameter of about 0.794 cm, it is observed that the height of urine in the valve 200 and in the tube 158 generally reaches about 7.5 or cm. above the vent port 240 Such a type

  of commercially available tube is now

  held to an inside diameter tolerance of about 0.40 cm.

  However, for a tube having a nominal inside diameter of about 0.953 cm, it has been observed that in such a tube 158 and in the tubular portion 230 of the valve 200 located above the vent inlet 240, no height or similar urine column can be maintained The urine column present in the tube 158 rises from the valve-type shutter 208 only until the vent opening 240, in general In addition, for a tube having a nominal nominal diameter of about 0.635 cm, it was noted that the bubbles (observed in the urine) could not rise in the tubular portion 230 of the valve 200. a tube of 0.794 cm nominal internal diameter was repeated and a substantial amount of commercially available soapy solution was added to the urine column, and the height of the urine in the urine column was observed. the tube 230 and in the tube 158 was significantly lower than that noted previously In the case of the tube 158, the preferred internal diameter is 0.794 cm. The preferred inside diameter of the inlet end portion 204 of

  the valve 200 is about 0.508 cm.

  The tube 158 is preferably substantially translucent, while the valve 200 is preferably made of a suitable and clear plastic material,

preferably transparent.

  A second suitable length of flexible plastic tube 198 connects the end portion

  206 output of the valve 200 to an inlet connection con-

  When the urine flows down through the outlet portion 206 of the valve 200 and it fills the manifold 190, the air and other entrained gases end up. by no longer

  to be trained, begin to accumulate in the

  190 and are eventually forced upward along the output tube 198, where they may interfere with the

  shutter type 20-8 shutter operation.

  Therefore, the outlet portion 206 of the valve 200 preferably has a second vent opening 244 allowing gases in the tube

  198 outlet to pass through the wall of the valve 200.

  This vent opening 244 of the valve also comprises a hydrophobic filter membrane 246 which covers it and which prevents the passage of liquids. The second membrane 246 is preferably made of the same material and has the same pore size as the first membrane 242. It should be noted that these two membranes may be molded as prisoners during manufacture of the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 206 of the valve 200, or alternatively may be formed of to form part of a plug (not shown) which is introduced into the orifices 240 and 244 of the valve It should be noted that the hydrophobic filter vent 244, placed downstream, allows the air to s' escape from the collector and / or pocket 190 placed on the leg, thereby allowing the fluid to reach a higher level before a backpressure appears

  interfering with the proper functioning of the whole, that is,

  say before the driven air acts against the valve 208 to hold it in the closed position, which has the effect of revealing an unwanted liquid load in the tube 158 and a risk of leakage of the liquid from

the collecting apparatus 130.

  Although not shown, it has been found that a valve having a single downstream vent port, i.e. vent port 244, provided with

  of a hydrophobic filter membrane 246, effectively stops

  the entrainment of air and other gases from

  pocket and, because of the flexible nature of the ob-

  208, it permits the introduction of a sufficient quantity of ambient air in the assembly to partially relieve the depression existing when the apparatus 130 is in contact with the vestibular and labial tissues. Such an embodiment is identical. to that previously described of the valve 200, except for the removal of the upper vent port 240 and the

associated hydrophobic filter 242.

  The first embodiment of the valve and filters (shown in FIGS. 19 to 21) described above is only one example of a series-mounted valve and filter assembly that can be used. A second embodiment of such a filter valve is shown in Figures 22 and 23 While the first valve, more particularly the inlet portion 204 and the outlet portion 206, can be molded in a simple blank mold, with minimal secondary intervention for producing the orifices 240 and 244, the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 requires a slightly higher tooling cost because of the greater number of parts produced. This embodiment of the valve 300 comprises a body

  main 302 having an input end 304 suitably

  configured to engage inside the tube 158, and an outlet opening 306 opening into a seat 308 oriented obliquely or obliquely O A shutter 310 with a valve, of a design substantially identical to that of the shutter 208 described previously, comprises a valve 312 bearing against the seat 308 and covering the opening 306, a hinge 314 and a surrounding body 316 A side opening 320, forming a chamber in the body 302 which comprises the seat 308, is closed by an element

  322 closure having a flange 324 intended to en-

  snap with the peripheral portion 316 of the shutter body 310 to maintain the latter in close contact with the seat 308, but to allow free movement of the valve 312 to an open position and provide ventilation through the opening 306 main body has an outlet opening 330 designed to be connectable to the evacuation tube 198 which leads to

at the collector 190.

  In this embodiment, a vent port 332, located upstream of the shutter 310, includes a pierced plug 334 capable of receiving a hydrophobic filter 336 which assumes the same function as the filters of the preceding embodiment. similar, a downstream vent orifice 340 is covered by a

  pierced cap 342 which carries a hydrophilic filtering membrane

  similar phobe 344 The mode of operation of this valve is substantially similar to that of the first

  embodiment when used in the

seems to be shown in Figure 18.

  It should be noted that the 200 and 300 valves

  clamshell type are only two forms of

  [0006] Variations or modifications of such poppet valves are generally well known in the art; however, the use of a valve having a vent port equipped with a filter

  in the application shown, is not

  Naked in the prior art A set of the type described

  constitutes a mechanical means of establishing a

  tactfully with the vestibular mucosa of the woman's anatomy and, after the first evacuation of urine, it

  ensures a continuous tight contact with these vestibular fabrics.

  lairs and labials, by maintaining a depression

  harmful effects of depression are usually eliminated.

  born by the presence of the hydro-filter vent orifices

  phobes that reduce the inconvenience caused to the patient, but maintain a depression suitable for sealing The set is inexpensive to manufacture

  and it can be reused, provided that generic techniques

  The female collection device can be injection molded into "Kraton", this material being produced by Shell Oil Company; polyethylene, and other rubber-like materials, flexible, moldable

  by injection, which are comfortable for the female body.

  The elements of the valves can be injection molded of a suitable plastic material, included in a wide range

  range available on the market, and inert to urine.

  Although particular dimensions have been given for a collector device that can be used

  by the "normal adult woman" it should be noted that-

  smaller devices can be used for small women and devices, having the same overall proportions, but of length and width less than the dimensions indicated above, are designed to be used by non-adult women, that is, say teenage girls with incontinence. In Figures 8 and 9, the MV of Venusian C is indicated as the clitoris, in VE the vestibule, in OR the orifice of the urethra, in GL the big lips, in PL the small lips, in OV the Vagina orifice, in view

  the urinary bladder, and in the UR the urethra.

  It goes without saying that many modifications can be made to the apparatus described and shown

  without leaving the frame of the invrention.

Claims (25)

  1 One-piece, outdoor urine collection apparatus for women, designed to be placed in the user's labial folds and in contact with the vestibular tissue surrounding the meatus defining the urethral opening, the characterized in that it comprises a cup-shaped element (12) generally ovoid and open, having a cavity (16) and a light substantially   center, opening through this element, the perimeter edge   superior pheric of the latter presenting a surface   outer circumference (24) with a substantially convex curvature   substantially continuous curved reluctance (22) which extends upwardly from this surface and defines an upper portion of   the cavity in the element, the upper peripheral edge   and the bead together forming generally two adjacent sealing surfaces (22, 24), one interior of said adjacent surfaces being   significantly farther up than the other,   of said adjacent surfaces, in order to establish a sealed and continuous contact with the labial folds and the vestibular tissue.   2 Urine collecting apparatus according to the invention   1, characterized in that it comprises a discharge channel (14) made in one piece with said element, on its rear face and projecting to communicate with said light, and means for preventing   the pinching of this evacuation channel.   3 A soft and flexible apparatus, made in one piece and intended to be sealed against   the body of the woman, on the superficial tissue vestibu-   substantially a portion of said tissue proximate the clitoris and another portion of the tissue proximate the orifice of the urethra and offset toward the vaginal opening, to receive the urine removed by a woman, substantially following the labia minora , characterized in that it comprises a receptacle (12) having a saddle mouth intended to be applied against the vestibular tissue of the woman, this   saddle mouthpiece having at least two superstructures   substantially adjacent faces (22, 24) having a generally outwardly oriented convexity, one   (22) inner of said adjacent surfaces being lightly   more far up than the other (24) outside   one of said adjoining surfaces to make a sealed contact with the femoral vestibular tissue, the receptacle having an outlet (40) which allows the removed urine to flow therethrough, and means preventing said exit from closing and to hinder the flow of urine through this outlet.   4 o Soft and flexible device, made in one piece, designed to apply tightly against   the body of the woman, on the superficial tissue vestibu-   substantially along the inner folds of the labia minora, a portion of the tissue proximal to the clitoris and another portion of the tissue proximate the orifice of the urethra and offset to the orifice of the vagina, to receive the eliminated urine by a woman, the apparatus being characterized in that   it comprises a substantially oval receptacle (12)   having an open saddle-shaped mouth intended to be applied against the vestibular tissue of the woman,   this saddle-shaped mouthpiece presenting two sur-   substantially adjacent faces (22, 24), one of which,   upper (22), is slightly shifted upwardly relative to the other (24) outer, in order to establish a tight contact with the body of the woman following at least two parts of surfaces with contours generally different from the vestibular tissue, the receptacle being made in one piece with a tubular member (14) and having an outlet (40) which allows the removed urine to flow naturally, and means preventing the tubular member   to pinch and interfere with the natural flow of urine.   Apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that the outlet of the flow channel comprises a chamber (44), a transition portion (42) and a hollow connecting rod (14). which all communicate with said cavity and form together the means preventing pinching.   6 Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the chamber has a larger diameter than the transition portion which itself has a greater large diameter than the stem.   Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the thicknesses of the walls of the chamber, the   transition part and stem are inversely pro-   portionnal to their diameters, the wall of the chamber   being thinner than the transition part which is itself   even thinner than the stem, so that an angular movement of the stem up to 90 from its normal position causes a partial reversal of the chamber wall and the transition part, but maintains an open light in said rod, communicating with the chamber and with the cavity.   Apparatus for collecting urine, adapted to be applied externally and in a sealed manner against a woman's body, characterized in that it comprises a receptacle (12) having an opening and delimiting a cavity (16) which is oriented radially around an axis   center (20), this receptacle having a trans-   substantially elliptical versal which is oriented   at right angles to the central axis, said opening having two sealing surfaces (22, 24) each extending outwardly of the cavity, in the manner of a saddle, each sealing surface comprising two beads (30). , 32; 34, 36) disposed between two spouts (26, 28; 38) each located near a corresponding end of the major axis of the receptacle, the first sealing surface (22) having a first spout (26) for to apply tightly against the body of the woman at a first point which is located between the clitoris and the orifice of   the urethra, which is close to the clitoris, but is slightly   staggered in the direction of the orifice of the urethra, the first sealing surface having a second nose (28) adapted to seal against   the woman's body at a second point between the   urethra and the vaginal opening, and this first sealing surface having a first and second bead (30, 32) for sealingly applying against the two labia minora, the iong an opposing pair of first elliptical regions each located near one of the two small leaflets, the second sealing surface being disposed substantially along the outer peripheral edge of the emitter. sealing it joins the first nozzle, the second sealing surface (24) having a second pair of beads (34, 36) for sealingly applying against the two small lips, the l; ng   of an opposing pair of second elliptical regions   each gnee slightly from a first elliptical region   adjacent to and from the central axis, the second surface of   with a third spout (38) intended to apply   sealingly against the body of the woman, in   a third point between the second point and the original   the first sealing surface projecting further out of the cavity than the second sealing surface, the first and second sealing surfaces having a convex curvature which is directed outwardly and away from the cavity, the first and second sealing surfaces each having a wall sufficiently thick so that these two surfaces each retain their respective shape and do not deform when the apparatus for collecting urine is held against the woman's body by a slight pressure applied substantially along a lower face of the receptacle, in front of the cavity, so that, when a slight pressure is applied along the underside of the receptacle, in front of the cavity the first and second sealing surfaces cooperate to effectively isolate the vestibule from the vaginal opening to seal the urinary meatus re and for   that the receptacle cavity establishes two contacts of   with the woman's body, namely a first con-   tact formed around the vestibule of the woman's body and a   second contact formed around the urinary meatus of the woman.   Apparatus for collecting urine and adapted to be applied externally and in a sealed manner against a female body, characterized in that it comprises (a) a receptacle (12) having an opening and delimiting a cavity (16). ) which is oriented radially about a central axis (20), the receptacle   having a substantially elliptical cross-section   perpendicularly to the central axis, said opening having two sealing surfaces (22, 24) each extending outwardly of the cavity, at the   a saddle, each sealing surface   two beads (30, 32, 34, 36) arranged between   two beaks (26, 28 and 38), each beak being placed close to   at a respective end of the major axis of the receptacle, the first sealing surface (22) having a first lip (26) for sealingly applying against the female body at a first point which is located between the clitoris and the orifice of the urethra, which is close   of the clitoris, but is slightly shifted in the direction   the orifice of the urethra, the first surface of   a second beaker - (28) for sealingly applying against the body of the woman at a second point between the urethral opening and the vaginal opening, the first sealing surface having two beadlets (30, 32) for sealingly applying against the two labia minora, along a pair of opposite first elliptical regions each located near one of the two labia minora, the second surface (24) sealing material being arranged substantially   along the outer peripheral edge of the first over-   sealing face that it joins the first beak, the second   sealing surface having a second pair of booms   relets (34, 36) for sealingly applying against the two labia minora, along a pair of second opposing elliptic regions each spaced apart slightly from a first adjacent elliptical region and   of the central axis, the second sealing surface comprises   a third spout (38) for sealingly applying against the female body at a third point between said second point and the vaginal opening, the first sealing surface further away from the the second sealing surface, the first and second sealing surfaces having a convex curvature directed outwardly and away from the cavity, the first and second sealing surfaces having a sufficiently thick wall thickness for each retain its first shape and not deform when the apparatus for collecting urine is held against the body of the woman by a slight pressure applied substantially along a lower face of the receptacle, opposite of the cavity O and {b) a   hollow rod (14) made in one piece with the receptacle   tackle, the lower face of the latter O in front of the cavity, the hollow rod communicating with the cavity and providing the latter an outlet (40) so that, when a slight pressure is applied against the face   bottom of the receptacle, in front of the cavity, the   first and second sealing surfaces cooperate to effectively isolate the vestibule from the vaginal opening, to seal the urinary meateal and to   make two sealed contacts between the receptacle cavity and   tackle and the woman's body, the first contact   the vestibule of the woman's body and the second the urinary meatus of the body -   Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized   characterized in that the hollow rod is radially oriented around the central axis.   Apparatus according to one of claims 9 and   , characterized in that the hollow rod has a circular section and an inside diameter which extends outwards and away from the underside of the receptacle, in front of the cavity.   Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized   in that the hollow stem is made of a single   piece with a hollow part (42) of transition which itself   same is made in one piece with a hollow sleeve (44), itself made in one piece with the-face   bottom of the receptacle, in front of the cavity.   Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized   in that the hollow transition part and the man-   each are radially oriented around said central axis.   Apparatus according to one of claims 12   and 13, characterized in that the hollow portion of   and the hollow sleeve each have a circular section, the inside diameter of the hollow sleeve being greater than that of the hollow transition portion which, itself, is greater than the inside diameter of the stem.   hollow, the latter having a greater wall thickness   than that of the hollow transition part, which itself   same, has a wall thickness greater than hollow sleeve.   Characterized in that it comprises (a) a pad (56) having a front face which is intended to be directed towards the body of the woman, this pad being made of a soft and flexible material and several stretchable straps (48, 50, 52, 54) being connected to its outer peripheral edge, each stretchable strap having a first end which is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the pad and a second end which is connected to a belt (46) to be fitted around the pad. size of a woman, the belt and each strap each being of sufficient length so that the front face of the tampon applies a slight pressure to an area near the vestibule of the woman's body when the belt is worn in a normal fashion around the waist (b) an apparatus (10) for collecting urine and adapted to be externally sealingly applied to the body of the woman, which apparatus comprises receptacle (12) having an opening and delimiting a cavity (16) radially oriented about a central axis (20), the receptacle having a substantially elliptical cross section, oriented perpendicular to the central axis, the opening having two sealing surfaces (22, 24) each extending outwardly of the cavity, at the   a saddle, each sealing surface   two beads (30, 32, 34, 36) arranged between two spouts (26, 28; 38), each spout being placed near a respective end of the major axis of the receptacle,   the first sealing surface (22) having a first   first spout (26) for sealingly applying against the body of the woman, at a first point between the clitoris and the urethral orifice, close to the clitoris, but slightly offset from the clitoris in the direction the urethral orifice, the first sealing surface having a second nose (28) adapted to seal against the female body at a second point between the urethral opening and   is the vaginal opening, the first joint sealing surface   carrying a first pair of beads (30, 32) for sealingly applying against the two small   lips, along a pair of first elliptical regions   opposing plates each located near one of the two labia minora, the second sealing surface (24) being disposed substantially along the outer peripheral edge of the first sealing surface that it joins to the first nozzle, the second sealing surface   having a second pair of beads (34, 36) of   -25 to apply sealingly against the two labia minora, along a second pair of opposing elliptical regions each slightly spaced from a first adjacent elliptical region and the central axis, r the second surface of seal having a third nose (38) for sealingly engaging the female body at a third point between the second point and the vaginal opening, the first sealing surface further away from the the cavity as the second sealing surface, the first and second sealing surfaces having a convex curvature directed outwardly and away from the cavity, the first and second sealing surfaces each having a thickness sufficient wall to retain their respective shape and not to deform when the front face of the pad holds the device for collecting the urine in position against the body of the woman when a slight pressure is applied substantially along a lower face of the receptacle, in front of the cavity, so that, when a slight pressure is applied by the pad against the underside of the receptacle, opposite of the cavity, the first and second sealing surfaces   cooperate to effectively isolate the vestibule from the original   vagina, to isolate tightly the urinary meatus and to establish two sealed contacts between the cavity of the receptacle and the body of the woman, the first contact around the vestibule of the body of the woman and the second around the urinary meatus of the female, which allows the urine to flow freely from the bladder into the cavity, without leaking from the receptacle, 16 assembly characterized in that it comprises (a) a buffer (56) having a front face which is intended to be directed to the body of the woman, this pad being made of a soft and flexible material and   having a central hole (58), a plurality of straps   (48, 50, 52, 54) being connected to the peripheral edge.   than the outside of the pad and each comprising a first end which is connected to said outer peripheral edge of the pad and a second end which is connected to a belt (46) for adjusting around the waist of a woman, the belt and each straps individually long enough for the front face of the pad to apply slight pressure to an area near the vestibule of the woman's body when the belt is worn normally around the waist, and (b) a fluid reservoir (64) adapted to receive   and contain urine from the woman, this reservoir   see having connecting means which operatively connect it to a first end of a tube (62), (c) an apparatus (10) for collecting urine and adapted to be applied externally and in a manner   waterproof against the woman's body, this apparatus includes   (1) a receptacle (12) having an opening and delimiting   a cavity (16) which is oriented radially about a central axis (20), the receptacle having a substantially elliptical section in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, said opening having two sealing surfaces (22, 243 s each moving away from the cavity, in the manner of a saddle, each sealing surface having two beads (30, 32; 34, 36) disposed between two spouts (26, 28; 38), each spout being placed in close proximity one end of the main axis of the   receptacle, the first sealing surface (22) comprises   both a first nozzle (26) intended to be applied in a sealed manner against the body of the woman, at a first point located between the clitoris and the orifice of the urethra, close to the clitoris, but slightly offset in the direction of the orifice of the urethra, the first sealing surface having a second nose (28) for sealingly engaging the female body at a second point between the urethral opening and the orifice of the vagina, said first sealing surface having a   first pair of beads (30, 32) intended to apply   sealingly against the two labia minora,   along a first pair of opposite elliptic regions   each of which is located near one of the two small lips, the second sealing surface (24) being disposed substantially along the outer peripheral edge of the first sealing surface which it joins to the first nozzle, the second surface sealing member having a second pair of beads (34, 36) for sealingly applying against the two labia minora,   of a second pair of opposite elliptical regions   each gnee slightly from a first elliptical region   adjacent to the central axis, the second surface of   with a third spout (38) intended to apply   sealingly against the woman's body,   a third point between the second point and the original   vagina, the first sealing surface further away from the cavity than the second sealing surface, the first sealing surface having a convex curvature directed outwardly and away from the cavity , the first and second sealing surfaces   each having a wall thickness sufficient to   each of them serves its respective shape and does not deform when the front face of the tampon holds the apparatus for collecting the urine in position against the body of the woman, at the moment when a slight pressure is applied substantially along a lower face of the receptacle, opposite the cavity, and (2) a hollow rod (14) which is made in one piece with the underside of the   receptacle, in front of the cavity, this hollow hollow rod   nicking the cavity and providing the latter with an outlet (40) which is operably connected to a second end of said tube, so that when a slight   pressure is applied by the pad against the underside   the receptacle, in front of the cavity, the first and second sealing surfaces cooperate to effectively isolate the vestibule from the vaginal opening, to insulate the urinary meatus in an equal manner and to establish two sealing contacts between the cavity of the receptacle and the body of the woman, the first contact around the vestibule of the woman's body and the second around the urinary meatus of the body, which allows the urine to flow freely from the bladder into the reservoir, - without running away by the receptacle.   17 An assembly according to claim 16, characterized   characterized in that the hollow rod is oriented radially around the central axis.   18 assembly according to one of claims 16   and 17, characterized in that the hollow stem has a circular section and an inside diameter which extends outwards and away from the underside of the receptacle, in front of the cavity.   19 assembly according to one of claims 15   and 18, characterized in that four stretchable straps (48,   , 52, 54) are attached to the buffer.   An assembly according to claim 18, characterized   in that the hollow stem is made of a single   piece with a hollow portion (42) of transition which, itself,   same, is made in one piece with a hollow sleeve (44), itself made in one piece with the face   bottom of the receptacle, in front of the cavity.   21 An assembly according to claim 20, characterized   characterized in that the hollow transition portion and the hollow sleeve are oriented radially about the axis central.   Assembly according to one of the claims 20   and 21, characterized in that the hollow portion of   and the hollow sleeve each have a circular section, the inner diameter of the hollow sleeve being greater than that of the hollow transition portion which is itself greater than that of the hollow rod, the latter having an upper wall thickness. to her   of the hollow part of transition whose wall is, itself,   even, thicker than that of the hollow sleeve.   23A kitincharacterized in that it comprises (a) a device (10) for collecting and designed to apply hermetically and tightly against the body of the woman, the apparatus comprising a receptacle (12) having a cavity (16) radially oriented around   central axis (20), (b) an anti-flow channel   pinch made in one piece with the rear face of the receptacle, in front of the cavity, and comprising a   hollow rod (14), a hollow portion (42) of transition   in one piece with the rod, and a hollow sleeve (44) formed in one piece with the hollow transition part, the hollow sleeve also being formed in one piece with the underside of the receptacle, opposite   of the cavity, the hollow stem communicating with this   and providing to this cavity an outlet (40), the hollow stem, the hollow transition portion and the hollow sleeve being aligned each substantially in the direction of said central axis and each having a circular section, the inner diameter of the hollow sleeve being greater than to that of the hollow transition part which is itself greater than that of the hollow stem, the inside diameter   this hollow stem decreasing progressively   the hollow face of the receptacle, facing the cavity, said hollow rod having a wall thickness greater than that of the hollow transition portion which itself has a wall thickness greater than that of the hollow sleeve; way that, when the hollow rod is moved away from the central axis up to a value   about 900, the sleeve and the transition portion S 'in-   pour along a portion of their walls, the stem   hollow opening inside the sleeve and the communication   between the cavity and the outlet being maintained.   24 A female urine collection apparatus, made in one piece and designed to be placed in the user's labial folds in order to be in contact with the vestibular tissue surrounding the meatus that defines the orifice of the urethra, this apparatus being intended to be held in position by mechanical means acting   the position being assisted by a controlled depression, 1 apparatus being characterized in that it comprises an element (12) in the form of an open cup, substantially elliptical, traversed by a light   substantially higher than the upper surface of this   comprising a substantially elliptical inwardly directed loop-shaped surface (24), and a substantially continuous curved bead (22) projecting upwardly from the surface, portions of said upper surface, which are away from said cusped surface, in front of the curved bead, and portions of the surface of the curved bead defining   two upper zones forming a pair of adjoining surfaces   sealing edges (30, 32; 34, 36), one interior of said adjacent surfaces rising further from the   cavity than the other, external, of said adjoining surfaces.   a duct (14) comprising a flow channel formed in one piece with said element, on its face   back, and protruding to communicate with the   light, and means for preventing the flow channel from closing substantially and thereby impeding the natural flow of the urine of said   element, the apparatus being intended to be applied in   continuous and waterproof tact with labial folds and vestibular tissue. A soft, flexible, one-piece apparatus for collecting urine and designed to be sealed against the body of the farm, on the buccal surface tissue, along the folds   small lips, close to the clitoris and 'ori-   ureter, but in a position offset to the opening of the vagina, this device, intended to receive the urine removed from the body and to be held in place by a slight depression O being characterized in that it comprises a receptacle (12) substantially elliptical Fozie, having a light which passes through the apparatus and said receptacle, and an open mouth communicating with the opening of the light O the receptacle being intended to be placed in contact with the vestibular tissue of the subject, the mouth having a substantially elliptical O-shaped curved surface (24), and a substantially continuous curved bead (122) which rises from said surface, portions of the surface of the mouth being distant from the cusped surface,   in front of the curved bead, and parts of this stuffer   curved tongue defining two adjacent surfaces (30, 32, 34, 36) of an outwardly convex curvature,   around the mouth, one of the inner   adjacent faces rising more from the opening of the light than the other, outer, of said adjacent surfaces, a channel, formed by a substantially hollow cylindrical member (14) integrally formed with the receptacle, on its face rearward, projecting substantially perpendicularly from this receptacle and communicating with the opening of the lumen, and means being adapted to prevent the cylindrical member from closing substantially and thus to hinder the natural flow of urine from the receptacle , the apparatus being designed to make contact   continuous and waterproof with the vestibular tissue.   A urine collection assembly for women, characterized in that it comprises a sealed container (190) for collecting urine and having an inlet, a flow control device (200) comprising a   valve body (202) which is traversed by a flow channel   liquid and has an inlet (204) and a valve outlet (206) and a member (208) for controlling a predetermined flow of urine between the inlet and outlet of the valve. and through the valve body, and to maintain a previously chosen depression at   the inlet of said valve, the collector container   with the flow control device via the outlet of the valve and establishing said predetermined pressure, the assembly also comprising a one-piece female urine collection collector (130) for to be placed in the user's labial folds, to be placed in contact with the vestibular tissue surrounding the meatus defining the orifice of the urethra and to be held in place by a slight depression the apparatus comprising an element (12). ) in the form of an open cup; sensibly   elliptical, traversed by the opening of a sensi-   a central surface, an upper surface thereof comprising a substantially elliptical, inwardly directed loop-shaped surface (24), and a substantially continuous curved bead (22) extending upwardly from the surface, portions of the upper surface, remote from the cusped surface and opposite to the curved bead, defining two upper portions of a cavity (16) within said member, said two upper portions forming a pair of surfaces   adjacent sealing surfaces (30, 32, 34, 36), one   one of said adjacent surfaces rising further from the cavity than the other, outer, of said adjacent surfaces, flow means (14) comprising a flow channel which is formed in one piece with said element, its rear face, which protrudes so as to communicate with the opening of the light, this flow channel being connected to the inlet of the valve, the upper surface of said element being in contact with the vestibular tissue, the flow control device and the cooperating urine collection apparatus for applying to said flow control device said predetermined depression, the urine collection vessel thus communicating with the apparatus via the control device flow, and means for preventing the flow channel from closing substantially and hindering the natural flow of urine from the apparatus, the latter being intended for to be in touch   continuous and waterproof with the labial folds and the vestibular fabric   bible, and to allow a substantially uninter-   ruptured urine in the collecting container.   A urine collection assembly for women, characterized in that it comprises a sealed urine collection container (130) having an inlet, a flow control device (200) comprising a valve body (202) which has an inlet (204) and a valve outlet (206) and encloses a control element (208)   flow, means to maintain a flow   a predetermined amount of urine between said inlet and said valve outlet and through the control element   flow and the body, and means for   maintain predetermined flow rates of gas diffusion through   to at least two different parts of the body, the inlet of the collection container being connected to the outlet of the valve, and a soft and flexible device (130), made in one piece and intended to collect the urine, being designed to apply tightly against the woman's body, on the buccal surface tissue and along the folds of the labia minora, close to the clitoris and orifice of the urethra, but at a point offset to the orifice of the vagina, this apparatus being intended to receive   urine removed by a subject and to be kept in positive   slight depression, the apparatus comprising a substantially ellipsoid receptacle (12) which has the opening of a light passing through the apparatus and the   receptacle, and a mouth communicating with the opening   of the light to apply against the subject's buccal tissue, said mouth having a substantially elliptical, inwardly directed loop-shaped surface (24) and a substantially continuous curved bead (22) which protruding from said surface, portions of the surface of the mouth, remote from the cusped surface, facing the curved bead and portions of the curved bead defining two adjacent surfaces (30, 32; 3-4, 36) having a curvature convex directed outward and surrounding   the mouth, one inner, of said adjoining surfaces   more than one other outside, of said adjacent surfaces, flow means comprising a substantially hollow cylindrical member (14) formed integrally with the receptacle, at its rear face , this element projecting approximately perpendicularly from the receptacle and   communicating with the opening of the light, said   cylindrical mouth being connected to the inlet of the valve, the mouth of the receptacle being in contact with the vestibular tissue, the flow control device and the apparatus for collecting urine cooperating to maintain said predetermined flow of urine between the inlet and the outlet of the valve, and means being intended to prevent the cylindrical element from closing substantially and thus to hinder the natural flow of urine from said receptacle, the apparatus being intended for   establish a continuous and tight contact with the ves-   tibular for substantially continuously collecting urine in said collection vessel and for maintaining   said predetermined gas diffusion rates.   28 An assembly according to claim 27, characterized   characterized in that the flow control member is an elastic return valve comprising a flow control surface (210) and a seat (220) for controllably maintaining said urine flow at through the body of the valve.   29 An assembly according to claim 27, characterized   characterized in that the flow control member is a valve type check valve.   An assembly according to claim 29, characterized   characterized in that the means for maintaining said predetermined flow of urine and said means for   to maintain the predetermined delivery rates including   at least one hydrophobic semipermeable membrane (2420 or 246) disposed along one of said portions of the body of the valve, at least the downstream body portion having a vent hole (244) extending through the body and which houses said membrane so that the urine does not leak from the body of the valve, said membrane having pores sized so that the urine does not diffuse through it, but that the gases   can usually be spread through this membrane.   The assembly of claim 30, wherein   in that the pore size of the membranes is from about 3 to 15 micrometers.   32 An assembly according to claim 30, characterized   in that the vent holes (240, 244) and the mem- hydrophobic branes (242, 246) are two in number and   are placed in the body upstream and downstream of the valve.