The invention relates to a system for urine flow measurement. Urine flow measurement, also referred to as uroflowmetry or urine stream measurement, is a urological examination for measurement data in respect of inter alia the speed, the force and/or the pattern of the urine flow of a patient. This examination can take place at a urology outpatient clinic, where a special toilet with a uroflowmeter is available. For a reliable result, it is however important that multiple urine flow measurements are performed, preferably at different times spread out over one or more twenty-four hour periods. Systems for urine flow measurement for home use have been developed for this purpose.

A system for urine flow measurement according to the preamble of claim 1 is suitable for home use and comprises:

- a collecting device provided with a bottom and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom for collecting urine of a user; and

- a measuring device for urine flow measurement, wherein the measuring device can be attached releasably to the collecting device.

Such a system is known from the international patent application

W02006001690. In the known system the collecting device has a double-walled funnel and the measuring device measures air displacement between the walls as a result of urine flow. The wall of the collecting device is provided with a cover for receiving the measuring device.

In practice there is a need for an even more mobile system, which is also suitable for use outside the home so as to also enable working or schoolgoing users to perform urine flow measurements with a reliable result.

The system according to the present invention has for this purpose the feature that the collecting device is provided on the underside with a chamber for receiving the measuring device, that the measuring device and the chamber are configured for releasable attachment of the measuring device in the chamber and that the measuring device is configured to weigh the collecting device.

The system according to the invention gives the user optimal mobility since it can be placed on any surface for use, for instance on the lowered cover of a normal toilet bowl. For urinating while standing, the simple action of placing the system on the toilet bowl suffices, whereby the inconvenience for the user is reduced to a minimum. The system is also suitable for urination training, which can take place most effectively in familiar surroundings. The collecting device is suitable as disposable article and the measuring device is intended for reuse, whereby optimal hygiene for the patient is guaranteed. The collecting device according to the invention is here less complex than the known collecting device because double walls are not necessary, whereby the system according to the invention is more economical.

It is noted that a traditional system for urine flow measurement is known from WO2017/036952, comprising a collecting device provided with a bottom and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom for the purpose of collecting urine of a user and a measuring device for urine flow measurement, which is configured to weigh the collecting device. The known system consists of four separate components, including a receptacle and scales and further an additional holder in which the receptacle with an additional funnel thereon has to be placed on the scales.

The system according to the invention comprises only two components: a collecting device and a measuring device which is attached directly in the collecting device without interposing of auxiliary means or other components. In assembled state, the system according to the invention can be manipulated as a whole, which significantly increases the convenience of use.

In a practical preferred embodiment the bottom is provided with one or more peripheral edges which extend from the bottom for the purpose of forming the chamber for receiving the measuring device. In a further elaboration of the practical preferred embodiment the measuring device is provided with a housing with a form

corresponding with the chamber for fitting accommodation in the chamber.

A reliable releasable attachment is realized in a subsequent embodiment, wherein the system comprises magnetic means for attaching the measuring device against the underside of the bottom of the collecting device.

The mobility of the system is maximal in a preferred embodiment wherein the collecting device can be pressed together from a position of use to a rest position, wherein in the rest position the collecting device has a reduced height relative to the position of use. In rest position the chamber protects the measuring device and the system can be easily brought along inconspicuously. Furthermore, in rest position the complete system or only the collecting device can even be sent to the user by post.

In a practical preferred embodiment the peripheral wall comprises substantially vertically running first wall parts and substantially obliquely running second wall parts, wherein the first and the second wall parts are connected alternatingly to each other by means of fold lines. The collecting device is preferably funnel-shaped. In another preferred embodiment the system further comprises suspending means for suspending the system in a toilet bowl. The suspending means make the system according to the invention optimally suitable for urinating while seated. The suspending means are preferably foldable. According to a further elaboration, the suspending means comprise a platform for supporting the system, a collar for supporting on an edge of the toilet bowl and attaching means for mutual attachment of the collar and the platform. The attaching means can preferably be attached releasably to the collar and/or the platform.

According to a very user-friendly preferred embodiment, the system is provided with discharge means for discharging collected urine into the toilet bowl. In a further elaboration the discharge means comprise a hose and a control mechanism for temporarily pressing shut the hose. The operating mechanism is preferably automatic and the discharge means are preferably self-discharging.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the measuring device comprises a load cell.

In a robust preferred embodiment the measuring device is provided with a watertight housing.

The measuring device preferably comprises a processing unit provided with memory means for storing the measurement data. The measuring device is preferably provided with a display for displaying information for the user.

The invention will now be elucidated in more detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention;

Figures 2A and 2B show an exploded view of the system of figure 1 from two different viewpoints;

Figure 3A shows a side view of a collecting device as part of the system of figure 1 in a position of use;

Figure 3B shows a side view of the collecting device of figure 3A in a rest position;

Figures 4A and 4B show a schematic side view of a second preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein figure 4A shows an exploded view of the second preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein figure 4B shows the second preferred embodiment of the invention in assembled state; and Figures 5A and 5B show a schematic bottom view of an alternative collecting device in two different positions.

Corresponding components are designated in the figures with the same reference numerals.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention. System 1 comprises a collecting device 10 for collecting urine of a user and a measuring device 20 for measuring the data of the urine flow. A known example of such a measurement is uroflowmetry or urine stream measurement, wherein inter alia the flow speed, force and/or the pattern of the urine flow are measured.

In assembled state of the system the measuring device 20 is attached to the underside of the collecting device. The attachment is preferably releasable.

In the first preferred embodiment the system is highly suitable for urine flow measurement when urination is done while standing. The system can for instance be placed on a lowered cover of a toilet bowl.

Figures 2A and 2B show an exploded view of system 1 from two different viewpoints.

Collecting device 10 is provided with a bottom 11 and a peripheral wall 12 extending from the bottom. Peripheral wall 12 widens in the direction away from the bottom 11. In the shown preferred embodiment collecting device 10 is generally funnel- shaped and the bottom is generally circular.

Collecting device 10 is provided on the upper side with one or more collar parts (ears) 15 extending from peripheral wall 12 in radial direction of the collecting device. A suitable material for the collar parts is plastic.

Bottom 11 of collecting device 10 is provided with one or more upright edges 13 extending from the bottom in longitudinal direction of the collecting device. Bottom 11 forms together with upright edges 13 a receiving space or chamber 14 for measuring device 20. A suitable material for the upright edge(s) is plastic.

Collecting device 10 is suitable as disposable article which is intended for single use, i.e. use by only one user. Collecting device 10 can however optionally also be reused after being cleaned.

Measuring device 20 is configured to weigh the collecting device 10 (with contents). The form of the housing is complementary to the form of chamber 14. The height of measuring device 20 is greater than the height of upright edges 13, so that bottom 11 rests on measuring device 20 in assembled state of system 1. Measuring device 20 is preferably accommodated in a watertight housing. Measuring device 20 is preferably provided with means 22 for displaying information, for instance a display or an LED. Bottom 11 is preferably transparent so that the information is visible during use. Information relating to the measurement data can optionally be displayed on the display prior to use.

In the shown preferred embodiment the system comprises magnets 21 for releasable attachment of measuring device 20 to collecting device 10.

A processor or processing unit is received in the housing. The housing further comprises measuring means and memory means for storage of relevant measurement data and a power supply.

Suitable measuring means comprise a weighing cell or load cell, particularly a piezoelectric load cell. The weighing cell measures the weight of the collected urine. The volume of the urine is calculated on the basis of this weight, via the density. The flow rate or the flow speed is determined by performing time recording during the urination. The measured and/or calculated data of the urine are stored in the memory means. Suitable memory means are electronic, non-volatile memory means, such as flash memory.

An example of a suitable power supply is a battery, which can preferably be recharged wirelessly.

The measuring device is preferably configured for wireless communication with an external computer. The processing unit is for instance further provided with a transmitter for transmitting the data, preferably wirelessly, to a computer for further processing, including display, storage, analysis and so on.

A printed circuit board with the necessary electronics thereon is preferably received in the housing.

The memory can be read at any desired point in time so as to provide the measurement data and/or calculated results to an expert.

The analysis can serve as a basis for diagnosis by an attending medical specialist, such as a urologist.

Figure 3A shows a side view of the collecting device 10 as part of the system 1 in a position of use. Figure 3B shows a side view of the collecting device 10 of figure 3A in a rest position. Collecting device 10 can be pressed together from the position of use shown in figure 3A to the rest position shown in figure 3B. In the rest position the collecting device has a reduced height relative to the position of use. In the shown first preferred embodiment peripheral wall 12 can be pressed together. Peripheral wall 12 comprises substantially vertically running wall parts 12A and substantially obliquely running wall parts 12B, which are connected alternatingly to each other by means of fold lines 12C. A suitable material for the peripheral wall is silicone material.

Figures 4A and 4B show a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention. In contrast to the first preferred embodiment, in the second preferred embodiment system 1 is provided with additional suspending means 30 for suspending the system 1 in a toilet bowl. Figure 4A shows an exploded view of the system 1 and the suspending means 30. Figure 4B illustrates system 1 and suspending means 30 in assembled state in a toilet bowl 100. In the second preferred embodiment the system is highly suitable for urine flow measurement when urination is done while seated.

Suspending means 30 comprise a platform 32 for supporting the system 1 , a collar 31 for supporting on the edge of toilet bowl 100 and attaching means 33 for attaching collar 31 and platform 32. Collar 31 has a central opening 31 A for collecting device 10. Platform 32 provides space for upright edges 13 and is provided with drainage holes 32B. Attaching means 33 are preferably straps. Attaching means 33 are provided at a first outer end with first coupling means 33A for coupling with third coupling means 32A to platform 32. Attaching means 33 are provided at a second outer end with a second coupling means 33B for coupling with fourth coupling means 31 B on collar 31.

In the assembled state of figure 4B the collar can be clamped between the lowered seat part of toilet seat 110 and the edge 101 of toilet bowl 100.

A suitable material for the suspending means is plastic.

Figures 5A and 5B each show a schematic view of an alternative measuring device as part of a third preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention in two different positions. In contrast to the first and second preferred embodiment, in the third preferred embodiment system 1 is provided with discharge means for discharging the collected urine into a toilet bowl. The third preferred embodiment can be placed on a stand above the toilet bowl or be mounted in the toilet bowl using the suspending means.

Figures 5A and 5B show a cut-away measuring device 20 with a printed circuit board 23, processor 24, memory means 25 and measuring means 26 and discharge means 40. Discharge means 40 comprise a hose 41 and a control mechanism for temporarily pressing shut the hose. Hose 41 extends through a first continuous opening in collecting device 10 and through a second continuous opening in measuring device 20. In the shown preferred embodiment the control mechanism comprises a pivoting arm 42, a drive 43 for arm 42 and a support 44. Figure 5A shows a free position with open hose 41. In use of system 1 drive 43 moves arm 42 toward support 44 and herein presses hose 41 shut, as shown in figure 5B. After use of system 1 the drive moves arm 42 away from support 44 and hose 41 opens again, as shown in figure 5A.

The control mechanism preferably operates automatically, and the discharge means are preferably self-discharging. A suitable drive herefor is a servomotor, which can be controlled by processor 24.

It is noted, perhaps unnecessarily, that the invention is expressly not limited to the shown and described preferred embodiments, but extends generally to any embodiment falling within the scope of the appended claims, as seen in the light of the foregoing description and drawings.