US20120330256A1 - Urinary incontinence device - Google Patents

Abstract

A urinary incontinence device is provided which includes a body, the body having a shell, and the shell forming a cavity adapted to hold genitalia. An absorbent, suitable for absorbing urine, is at least partially disposed within the cavity. A liquid-permeable liner is attached to the body in a spaced-apart relation to the absorbent to hammock the genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the absorbent.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/570,188, filed Sep. 30, 2009, currently pending.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This description relates to absorbent devices, particularly to devices for absorbing urine discharge resulting from male urinary incontinence.
BACKGROUND
• Urinary incontinence may be caused by a variety of factors. It can occur, in varying degrees, in infants not yet toilet trained, young children suffering from nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), men who have undergone a prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) or other urinary tract surgeries, such as a cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder), in diabetics with nerve damage, and in those who have had a stroke or spinal cord injury or who suffer from Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. Aging is also a leading cause of incontinence. Other causes include loss of control from such actions as coughing, sneezing, and lifting, and an abnormal and overwhelming urge to urinate caused, for example, by various bladder conditions such as exposure to radiation therapy. Finally, those who are handicapped or otherwise medically compromised may have problems with incontinence. Urinary incontinence can be more than an inconvenience and an embarrassment, it can cause discomfort from being in wet or damp clothing as well as genital itching or a rash or infection caused by contact with discharged urine.
• Conventional absorbent devices to help manage urinary incontinence include those which are positioned beneath undergarments and next to the genitals. Discharged urine is retained within an absorbent layer while a moisture barrier layer is interposed between the retained urine and the undergarments and other clothing. In this way, discharged urine is retained and not allowed to leak onto, or otherwise soil, clothing. In addition, the anxiety and potential embarrassment of being seen with soiled clothing is avoided. The used absorbent device is then later disposed of at an appropriate time. Such devices include diapers, which enclose the genitals, perineum, and buttocks, and pads, which enclose only the genital region.
• While such absorbent devices may be effective in absorbing urine and preventing soiled clothing, a bulky or protruding appearance may call attention to the problem, the genitals may be allowed to come into contact with discharged urine and may become too warm, with resultant discomfort and the chance of rash or infection, and, the device may cause further discomfort by not remaining in place while allowing the wearer to move about freely and engage in normal daily activities.
• Thus, there is a need for a urinary incontinence device that is not only effective, but that fits the genital anatomy comfortably, particularly the male genital anatomy, allows sufficient freedom of movement to permit normal daily activities, may be worn discretely, and that helps the genitals from becoming too warm and helps prevent the genitals from coming into contact with discharged urine.
SUMMARY
• Devices of the present invention help prevent soiling of clothing with discharged urine, provide comfort to the genitalia particularly the male genitalia, allow sufficient freedom of movement to permit normal daily activities, and help separate the genitalia from discharged urine, thus providing a more natural feel. In one embodiment, a male urinary incontinence device includes a body which has a shell which forms a cavity adapted to hold male genitalia. Disposed within the cavity is an absorbent suitable for absorbing and storing discharged urine. A moisture barrier adjacent the body and placed between the absorbent and the clothing of the wearer to help prevent soiling of the clothing. A liquid-permeable liner is attached to the body so as to provide a gap between the liner and the absorbent. This hammock-like effect creates an air space and holds the male genitalia away from the discharged urine stored in the absorbent. When necessary, the device is removed and discarded.
• In one embodiment, the shell is formed from a flexible, semi-rigid shell. The body may further include a flexible, non-rigid crest extending from the shell at the top of the device and may further include a flexible, non-rigid tongue extending from the shell at the bottom of the device. In a further embodiment, the crest extends between about 15 percent and about 20 percent of the length of the body. In a further embodiment, the crest extends between about 2-5 cm from the shell. In a further embodiment, the tongue extends between about 25 percent and about 30 percent of the length of the body. In a further embodiment, the tongue extends from the shell about 4 cm. In a further embodiment, the overall length of the body is between about 16 cm and about 20 cm. In a further embodiment, the tongue forms an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 50 degrees.
• In one embodiment, the device forms a length external angle of between about 70 degrees and about 100 degrees. In a further embodiment, the device forms a width internal angle of between about 85 degrees and about 105 degrees.
• Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
• The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification, illustrate several embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. For purposes of illustration, drawings may not be to scale.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a male urinary incontinence device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane of the line2-2 inFIG. 1 and illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane of the line3-3 inFIG. 1 and illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a view of an interior side of a male urinary incontinence device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 and including a representation of the male anatomy while the device is in use.
• FIG. 6 is a view of an interior side of a male urinary incontinence device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane of the line7-7 inFIG. 6 and illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a top elevation view of a male urinary incontinence device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In one embodiment, shown inFIG. 1, amale incontinence device10 includes abody11 and a first liquid-permeable liner24. Thedevice10 has atop13 which, when worn, points generally toward the navel of the wearer, and abottom15 which, when worn, points generally toward the perineum of the wearer. Thedevice10 further has anexternal side17 which, when worn, faces away from the wearer, and aninterior side19 which, when worn, faces the wearer and, particularly, thegenitalia38 of the wearer. See,FIG. 5.
• Thebody11 forms a cavity36 (see, also,FIGS. 2,3,5, and7) adapted to holdhuman male genitalia38 and includes ashell14 and may further include acrest26 at thetop13 and may further include atongue28 at thebottom15. Note that the neither thecrest26 nor thetongue28 are shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. Especially when theshell14 is comprised of flexible, semi-rigid material as described below, thedevice10 is easily moved to the side while being worn to facilitate normal male urination. Thedevice10 also includes at least onemoisture barrier12,16 adapted to prevent moisture, and specifically urine, from wetting the clothes of the wearer.
• As best seen inFIGS. 2,3, and7, but also inFIG. 5, the first liquid-permeable liner24 cooperates with thebody11, and particularly theshell14 to create a gap D_Gand achamber32. This effect is aided by securing the first liquid-permeable liner24, having an area sufficient to prevent its total collapse into thebody11. Thus, the first liquid-permeable liner24 is sufficiently suspended to create the gap D_Gand thechamber32 and acts to hold themale genitalia38 separated from discharged urine stored in one or more absorbent18,20. In this configuration, the first liquid-permeable liner24 also provides needed support to themale genitalia38. The gap D_Gand thechamber32 also create an opportunity for air to circulate about thegenitals38 for a further drying effect. While the first liquid-permeable liner24 may be secured about theperiphery34 of thebody11, the first liquid-permeable liner24 may also be secured inboard of theperiphery34.
• As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, thedevice10 forms a length external angle α and, as shown inFIG. 8, a width internal angle θ. The length external angle α is that angle formed by the intersection of extending a tangent from the top13 of thedevice10 and from the bottom15 of thedevice10. The width internal angle θ is that angle formed between an apex 40 of theexternal side17 of thedevice10 andedges42 at the widest point W_Dof thedevice10.
• The length external angle α cooperates with the width external angle θ to accommodate human male genitalia38 (FIG. 5) and to minimize the characteristic visible “bulge” indicative of men wearing an incontinence device. The length external angle α is between about 70 deg. and about 100 deg. The width internal angle θ is between about 85 deg. and about 105 deg. Proportionally, the width internal angle θ is between about 85 percent and 150 percent of the length external angle α.
• As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, thecrest26 extends from theshell14 and generally comprises soft, flexible material. Thecrest26 forms a comfortable seal at the abdomen of the wearer and can provide additional absorbent protection. Also shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, thetongue28 extends from theshell14 and also generally comprises soft, flexible material. Thetongue28 forms a comfortable seal beneath the scrotum and in the perineum. Additionally, thetongue28 may provide further absorbent protection. Thetongue28 forms an angle β of between about 30 deg. and 50 deg. Both thecrest26 and thetongue28 provide a comfortable transition from thedevice10 to the human body.
• In an embodiment, theperiphery34 of thedevice10 comprises soft, flexible material for comfort and to help seal thedevice10 against the body of the wearer.
• As shown inFIGS. 2-4 and in Table 1, below, thedevice10 has an overall length L_D, a width at the widest part W_D, a depth at the apex 40 of D_A, a tongue length L_T, and a crest length L_C. Proportionally, the width W_Dis between about 50 percent and about 55 percent of the overall length L_D. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, the indicated sizes are exemplary only, and smaller, larger, and other intermediate sizes are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.
• Table 1, below, lists representative dimensions for four differentsized devices10. All dimensions are in centimeters (cm).

• 	TABLE 1
  	Size	LD	WD	DA	LT	LC

  	Small (cm)	16.5	9	5	5	3.5
  	Medium (cm)	17.5	9.5	5.5	5	3.5
  	Large (cm)	19	9.5	6.0	5	3.5
  	Extra-Large (cm)	19.5	10	6.0	5	3.5

• Thus, as Table 1 above shows, the width at the widest point W_Dis between about 9 cm and 10 cm, the ratio of the width W_Dto overall length L_D(W_D/L_D) is between about 45 percent and about 65 percent, the depth of the device at the apex 40 D_Ais between about 5 cm and about 6 cm, and the ratio of the depth of the device at the apex 40 D_Ato a long axis L_Dis between about 25 percent and about 40 percent.
• In one embodiment, theshell14 is flexible and semi-rigid and may be molded from a sheet or batt of fibers by placing the fiber sheet of batt between dies and, with the application of heat and pressure, molded into the desired shape. Theshell14 may also be resilient and attempt to return to its original shape when distorting forces are removed. Conventional examples include materials used to make particle masks so manufactured using natural fibers, such as wool and cotton, and synthetic materials, such as nylon, acrylonitrile, polyethylene, polyester, or polypropylene fibers. These fibers are often mixed with chemical resins, such as polyolefinic resins The nominal thickness of theshell14 is about 2 mm. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, various foams and other plastics may also be employed in making theshell14. Theshell14 is flexible with the pressures due to normal activities while being worn. At the same time, theshell14 is resistant to flattening out against thegenitalia38. The latter may be aided in part, for example, by molding into theshell14, elongated ridges to improve shape retention as may be seen in conventional dust masks. Anexemplary shell14 that has been used successfully uses the material of the 8000 series N95 Particle Mask from 3M, St. Paul, Minn. Other, non-limiting, examples include those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,384,577 to Huber et al. and 3,220,409 to Liloia et al.
• In a further embodiment, theshell14 comprises rigid material, plastic, for example. In such an embodiment, theshell14 can provide further strength to help keep thebody11 from collapsing around thegenitalia38, in the case of penile, testicular, or scrotal surgery, for example.
• The first liquid-permeable liner24 is in contact with thegenitalia38 and serves to allow discharged urine to pass through freely and to keep the genitalia separated from the discharged urine. Preferably, the first liquid-permeable liner24 is compliant, soft to the touch, and nonirritating. In addition, the first liquid-permeable liner24 is non-absorbent and preferably formed from rapidly drying material which wicks away moisture quickly. Typically, theliner24 is a netting material, woven or non-woven, comprised of, for example, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, rayon, or cotton. Other materials include apertured hydrophobic formed film. Exemplary, but non-limiting, formed films include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,246 to Mullane et al. and 4,342,314 to Radel et al. Other, non-limiting, liner materials include that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,249 to Takai et al.
• Afirst absorbent18 provides collection and storage of discharged urine and is formed of material adapted to absorb and retain human urine. Successful materials include processed wood pulp and super-absorbent polymers found in conventional disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products, such as polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymers, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-lined carboxy-methyl-cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile.
• Turning now toFIGS. 2 and 4, a second absorbent20 may be included to provide additional absorbent capacity. As shown inFIG. 4, the second absorbent may be limited to a central portion of thedevice10 where the majority of the discharged urine would collect. Accordingly, thesecond absorbent20 may provide a higher absorbent density so that additional urine can be effectively absorbed and stored.
• Exemplary absorbent materials that have been used successfully include those of Always® Ultra Thin™ pads (Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio). See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,264 to Osborn, III; 5,520,875 to Wnuk et al.; and 6,601,705 to Molina et al. For other, non-limiting, absorbent materials, see, also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,075,344 to Johnson; 3,926,891 to Gross et al.; and 4,293,609 to Erickson.
• In a further embodiment, a second liquid-permeable liner22 may be provided adjacent the absorbent18,20. The second liquid-permeable liner22 may comprise any suitable material for enclosing the absorbent18,20. Exemplary materials include apertured hydrophobic formed films discussed above as well as woven and non-woven materials.
• Turning again toFIGS. 2,3, and7, in a further embodiment, afirst moisture barrier12 is provided on theexternal side17 of thedevice10. A sheet of thin plastic of the type commonly found in conventional incontinence devices and feminine pads have been used successfully.
• In a further embodiment, shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, asecond moisture barrier16 is provided adjacent to the absorbent18. As with thefirst moisture barrier12, thesecond moisture barrier16 of the type of thin plastic sheet commonly used in conventional incontinence devices and feminine pads have been used successfully.
• Turning now toFIG. 3, an embodiment of a maleurinary incontinence device10 is shown which includes ashell14, amoisture barrier16, an absorbent18, and a second liquid-permeable liner22. The embodiment shown inFIG. 3 does not include amoisture barrier12 on the external side of thedevice10 and includes just oneabsorbent18. The first liquid-permeable liner24 provides support for thegenitalia38 and helps separate thegenitalia38 from urine stored in the absorbent18. Theshell14 provides shape for thebody11 and helps to prevent thedevice10 from collapsing around thegenitalia38. Finally, themoisture barrier16, placed between the absorbent18 and the clothing of the wearer to help protect the clothing from becoming soiled.
• Turning now toFIGS. 6 and 7, an embodiment of a maleurinary incontinence device10 is shown which includes neither acrest26 nor atongue28.
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
• In a series of tests, a sizesmall device10 was used and held in a position similar to that which it would be in when worn and water streamed from a syringe-type delivery apparatus with a slit to mimic the action of urine being excreted from a male penis. In two tests, the absorbent from an Always® Regular feminine hygiene pad absorbed 70 ml before reaching saturation. In one test, the absorbent from an Always® Overnight feminine hygiene pad absorbed 120 ml before reaching saturation.
• While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the spirit of the invention of scope of the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A urinary incontinence device, comprising:

a shell, the shell forming a concavity, the concavity:

having an inner surface; and

formed to at least partially contain genitalia, the shell having a periphery; and

a liquid-permeable liner, the liner having:

a periphery generally corresponding to the shell periphery; and

an area, the liner area being generally smaller than the concavity inner surface, the liner periphery attached to the shell periphery, the liner cooperating with the concavity inner surface to at least partially define a chamber.

2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the liner comprises hydrophobic material.

3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the genitalia are male genitalia.

4. The device ofclaim 3, wherein:

the device further comprises an absorbent, the absorbent at least partially disposed within the concavity; and

the liner is further sized and attached to cooperate with the shell during use to enable the liner to hammock the male genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the absorbent.

5. A urinary incontinence device, comprising:

a body, the body comprising a shell, the shell forming a concavity, the concavity:

having an inner surface; and

formed to at least partially contain genitalia; and

a liquid-permeable liner, the liner:

attached to the body and cooperating with the concavity inner surface to at least partially define a chamber; and

sized and attached to cooperate with the body during use to enable the liner to hammock the genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the concavity inner surface.

6. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the liner comprises a hydrophobic material.

7. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the genitalia are male genitalia.

8. The device ofclaim 5, the body further comprising a crest, the crest extending from the shell to form a topmost portion of the body beyond the shell.

9. The device ofclaim 5, the body further comprising a tongue, the tongue extending from the shell to form a bottommost portion of the body beyond the shell.

10. The device ofclaim 5, wherein:

the body has a periphery;

the liner has:

a periphery generally corresponding to the body periphery; and

an area, the area being smaller than the concavity inner surface; and

the liner periphery is attached to the body periphery.

11. The device ofclaim 5, wherein:

the device further comprises an absorbent, the absorbent at least partially disposed within the concavity; and

the liner is further sized and attached to cooperate with the body during use to enable the liner to hammock the genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the absorbent.

12. A urinary incontinence device, comprising:

a shell, the shell describing a concavity, the concavity:

having an inner surface; and

formed to at least partially contain genitalia; and

a liquid-permeable liner, the liner:

attached to the shell and cooperating with the concavity inner surface to at least partially define a chamber; and

sized and attached to cooperate with the shell during use to enable the liner to support the genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the concavity inner surface.

13. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the liner comprises a hydrophobic material.

14. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the genitalia are male genitalia.

15. The device ofclaim 12, wherein:

the shell has a periphery;

the liner has:

a periphery generally corresponding to the shell periphery; and

an area, the area being smaller than the concavity inner surface; and

the liner periphery is attached to the shell periphery.

16. The device ofclaim 12, wherein:

the device further comprises an absorbent, the absorbent at least partially disposed within the concavity; and

the liner is further sized and attached to cooperate with the shell during use to enable the liner to support the genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the absorbent.

17. A urinary incontinence device, comprising:

a shell, the shell describing a concavity, the concavity:

having an inner surface; and

formed to at least partially contain genitalia; and

a liquid-permeable liner, the liner:

attached to the shell and cooperating with the concavity inner surface to at least partially define a chamber; and

sized and attached to cooperate with the shell during use to enable the liner to at least partially maintain separation between the genitalia and the shell inner surface.

18. The device ofclaim 17, wherein the liner comprises a hydrophobic material.

19. The device ofclaim 17, wherein the genitalia are male genitalia.

20. The device ofclaim 17, wherein:

the shell has a periphery;

the liner has:

a periphery generally corresponding to the shell periphery; and

an area, the area being smaller than the concavity inner surface; and

the liner periphery is attached to the shell periphery.

21. The device ofclaim 17, wherein:

the device further comprises an absorbent, the absorbent at least partially disposed within the concavity; and

the liner is further sized and attached to cooperate with the shell during use to enable the liner to maintain separation between the genitalia while maintaining a void space between the liner and the absorbent.

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