HK1208611B - Liquid sampler, kit of parts, and method for assembly - Google Patents

Description

Liquid sampler, kit of parts and method for assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of liquid collection devices, and more particularly to the field of devices that collect a predetermined volume of a predefined portion (e.g., a front section, a middle section, other small section) of a liquid stream.

Background

The development of clinical molecular diagnostics has led to sensitive DNA detection assays for testing chlamydia, gonorrhea and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Some of these assays have been used for urine samples. The main advantage of urine samples is that they can be obtained relatively easily in all age groups by non-invasive self-sampling methods and by both sexes. For STI diagnosis, a small fraction of fore-stream urine that is not diluted with mid-stream urine is recommended for analysis because it contains the highest concentration of pathogen DNA. When testing urine, degradation of DNA should be prevented by the addition of nuclease inhibitors or chaotropic agents. For other tests on urine, such as diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), biochemistry and monitoring the progression of diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension stress (hypertension), a more sterile fraction, e.g. mid-stream urine uncontaminated by fore-stream urine, should be isolated.

Urine samples are typically collected in small containers, which makes sampling difficult for men, but especially for women. In the case where a particular small portion of urine is required, such as the fore-stream urine, the urine flow must be interrupted, resulting in a awkward experience for the user and often inaccurate sampling of the urine.

But also for respective other purposes, such as drug testing; testing for stimulants in an athletic meeting requires urine collection, preferably under sanitary conditions, with minimal challenges to the subject.

Devices for collecting a first portion of urine are known in the art. WO2004/010873 discloses a liquid sampler in which liquid enters at an inlet. The sample enters the sample chamber through a valve, which then closes, diverting the remainder of the flow to the sampler overflow. As mentioned by the authors of this application, a disadvantage of the sampler is that the collected sample can be subjected to liquid or urine which is subsequently delivered in a liquid stream or urine sample. This dilution depends on the speed of operation and the effectiveness of the valve action, and may also depend on the delivery rate of the liquid stream or urine sample.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a good method and apparatus for collecting a predefined portion of a liquid flow.

In particular, it is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for automatically acquiring a predetermined volume of a predefined portion of a liquid flow.

This object is achieved by a method and a device and kit of parts according to embodiments of the invention.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for collecting a first portion of a fluid stream, the apparatus comprising: an inlet for receiving a liquid stream; an outlet for, for example, discharging an excess portion of the liquid stream, particularly while the liquid is flowing; a guide connected between the inlet and the outlet and adapted to direct a first portion of the flow towards a reservoir connected to the guide and to direct a subsequent portion of the flow to the outlet; wherein the guide comprises a displaceable element adapted to: when the element is in the first position, a passage of liquid between the inlet and the reservoir is created while blocking the passage of liquid between the inlet and the outlet, and when the element is in the second position, the passage of liquid between the inlet and the reservoir is blocked while creating the passage of liquid between the inlet and the outlet, the element comprising lifting means for displacing the element from the first position to the second position when a first part of the flow of liquid is collected in the reservoir.

The use of a displaceable element rather than a valve of a particular diameter is advantageous because it allows the first liquid portion to flow to the reservoir substantially unimpeded (i.e. at full speed), so that the risk of the first liquid portion mixing with the second liquid portion before the first portion has reached the reservoir is strongly reduced, if not completely eliminated.

The use of a displaceable element is further advantageous in that it completely prevents further entry of liquid after collection of a predetermined amount of the first liquid portion. This strongly reduces or completely eliminates the risk of mixing the first liquid fraction already collected in the reservoir with the subsequent liquid fraction.

The use of a displaceable element for closing the reservoir, rather than surface tension, is advantageous because it provides a mechanical break.

A device according to an embodiment of the invention is advantageous in that it can easily be dimensioned to take a predefined amount of the first liquid fraction substantially independently of the flow rate, which can vary between a wide range, for example from 1 to 55 milliliters per second (ml/sec).

An advantage of the device according to an embodiment of the invention is that it has an outlet which is adapted to discharge an excess of liquid flow compared to some prior art devices, in particular when liquid is still flowing, in which case the whole amount of liquid is first collected in the device, and then the device has to be tilted in order to remove the excess of liquid. Spillage is more easily avoided with the device of the present invention.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the displaceable element is an elongated element which is displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the direction from the inlet to the outlet.

It is advantageous to move the displaceable element in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of the liquid flow, e.g. perpendicular thereto or within a deviation of not more than 55 ° from this perpendicular direction, because this movement is substantially not resisted by the liquid flow, so that the force required to move the element in this direction is reduced.

The advantage of this device is that the flow friction is reduced, e.g. minimized, in several stages, thus ensuring an improved flow capacity while avoiding clogging, flooding and spillage. This also allows for improved mixing with substances that may optionally be present in the reservoir prior to liquid collection, independent of flow rate and variations in flow rate.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the lifting means contains a predefined volume of material having a mass density lower than the mass density of the liquid to be collected.

By always having such a low mass density material (relative to the mass density of the liquid to be collected), the lifting of the displaceable element is automatically obtained when the fluid is being collected.

For collecting the oil with a density of about 0.90 to 1.10kg/dm³A suitable material for a liquid of mass density, e.g. urine, is e.g. a low density foam, e.g.When such a material is immersed in such a liquid, the element will be lifted due to archimedes forces. The required amount of said material depends mainly on the weight of the movable element and is substantially independent of the amount of liquid to be collected.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the lifting device comprises at least one air chamber.

The use of an air chamber as the lifting means is advantageous in that it is very light and does not require additional material costs and does not have to be disposed of after use of the device.

When using an air chamber, the need for the above mentioned light materials (e.g. foam) can be omitted.

The air chamber and the low density material may be used alone or in combination.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the inlet is a tubular inlet and/or the outlet is a tubular outlet.

For ease of use of the device, a tubular inlet and/or outlet may be provided. The tubular inlet and/or outlet reduces the likelihood of spillage of the fluid.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the displaceable element has at least a first section having a first cross-section, a second section having a second cross-section smaller than the first cross-section, and a first channel extending from a first opening in the first section to a second opening in the second section, such that when in the first position the first opening is in fluid connection with the inlet for receiving a first part of the flow of liquid for directing the first part towards the reservoir through the first channel, and such that when in the second position the first opening is blocked from the inlet while the smaller cross-section of the second section allows the second part of the flow of liquid to pass from the inlet to the outlet; and the guide has an inner edge complementary to the second cross section.

The element may have at least two sections, for example two sections, in which case they may be referred to as "upper section" and "lower section", or more than two sections, for example three.

The cross-section is taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the displaceable element. An advantage of this arrangement is that the first liquid fraction cannot flow in a different manner than into the first opening and into the first channel and bypasses the element sideways towards the outlet when the element is in its first, e.g. upper, position.

The use of the first channel without any internal protrusion or moving parts is advantageous, since the inflow of liquid into the reservoir is not impeded and no downwardly directed force is exerted on the displaceable element, so that it can easily move upwards. The incoming flow is not impeded by any obstructions and there is only a minimal downward force on the displaceable element exerted by the incoming flow that can impede its upward movement.

When the displaceable element moves upwards, the inlet closes with substantially no resistance caused by the flow of liquid or by the weight of the liquid column volume above the reservoir, which may also be elevated.

The risk of mixing with another liquid is not possible due to the obstruction of access to the first channel. The mechanism allows a first volume of liquid based on a flow rate independent of the liquid.

The upward (not downward) movement of the first opening is advantageous in that further supply of liquid into the first channel is prevented, while some air can still be sucked into the first channel, so that liquid in the first channel can flow into the reservoir instead of remaining in the first channel due to the negative pressure that may otherwise be present after the first opening is closed. This avoids spillage when the reservoir is removed after liquid sampling.

An advantage of the inner edge of the guide is that it has a shape complementary to the shape of the second cross-section in order to prevent liquid from flowing via the inner edge to the reservoir. Another advantage of this edge is that during assembly the element can be inserted via the top and can rest against this edge without falling from the device, for example on the ground. Another advantage is that when the reservoir is removed from the guide, the displaceable element can again rest on this edge, again preventing the element from falling, for example, on the ground.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the cross-section of the first section is circular and the cross-section of the second section is elliptical, and wherein the guide has corresponding elliptical edges.

Although circular and oval shapes are not mandatory, a smooth surface is advantageous because it allows easy passage of the second and further portions of the flow to the outlet when the element is moved to its second (upper) position and the bypass channel is formed between the inner wall of the guide and the second section. By allowing the second part of the liquid to run off, the risk of mixing with the first small part is minimized and the user's convenience is increased to a large extent. (minimal risk of overflow and no bladder control is required in the case of urine collection).

Another advantage of using an elliptical shape instead of a smaller circular shape is that the risk of rotation of the element around its axis is easily eliminated.

In the device according to an embodiment of the invention, the displaceable element further comprises a second channel arranged for allowing air to escape from the reservoir into the outlet during collection of at least a fraction of the first part of the liquid flow when the element is in the first position, and arranged such that passage of liquid from the outlet to the reservoir is prevented when the element is in the second position.

This second channel may comprise third and fourth openings. Alternatively, the second channel may comprise a groove, trench or recess.

Advantageously, air in the reservoir may escape through a second passage different from the first passage, such that the flow created by the escaping air does not impede the incoming liquid flow as liquid enters the reservoir. In this way, incoming liquid can be collected at even higher flow rates.

It is advantageous that the second channel (for air venting) is integrated in the movable element such that it is also automatically opened and closed in the first and second element positions, respectively.

It is an advantage that when the movable element is in its second (upper) position, the second channel (air channel) is blocked by the upper part of the guide, since it is an additional mechanism preventing flow into the reservoir.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the guide has a first opening arranged between the inlet and the reservoir, and the element has a protrusion adapted to: blocking the first opening when in the second position and leaving the first opening open when in the first position for receiving the first fluid portion; the displaceable element has an upper section with a closed wall section and a lower section with a constriction or a second opening arranged such that, when in the first position, the closed wall section prevents passage of liquid from the inlet to the outlet so as to direct the first fluid portion towards the reservoir, and, when in the second position, allows passage of the second fluid portion from the inlet to the outlet.

An advantage of this arrangement is that the first liquid fraction cannot flow in a different manner than into the first opening and, when the element is in its upper position, bypasses the element towards the outlet.

Since access to the first opening is mechanically hindered when the required amount of liquid is collected in the reservoir, the risk of mixing with another liquid is strongly reduced thereby. The mechanism allows a first volume of liquid based on a flow rate independent of the liquid.

In an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the upper section and the lower section of the displaceable element are substantially planar.

An advantage of this embodiment is that it requires less material and is easier to produce.

In an embodiment, the device further comprises a second guide and a second movable element and a second reservoir for collecting a second part of the liquid flow.

The first guide and the first movable element and the first reservoir may be identical in shape and/or size to the second guide and the second movable element and the second reservoir, or may be different.

In an embodiment, the device further comprises a lid for closing the upper part of the guide.

Although not absolutely required for proper operation of the device, this may help to avoid spillage during and after collection of the liquid sample. It may also reduce the risk of incorrect use of the device (e.g. use of the guide opening instead of the input channel).

In an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the inlet comprises a funnel.

Preferably, in the case of urine collection, the funnel is shaped to allow use by both sexes. Alternatively, different funnels may be used for men and women. The funnel may be part of the inlet or may be a separate piece mounted thereto. In the latter case, the inlet preferably comprises a funnel support to which the funnel may be mounted.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the funnel is made of a material that can be reversibly folded and unfolded or reversibly snap compressed and decompressed.

The advantage is that the volume of the funnel can be reduced without damaging it, to allow transport via ordinary postal deliveries.

Devices according to embodiments of the invention may further comprise a clip for retaining the funnel to the funnel support and/or for retaining the funnel in a deployed or decompressed state and/or for allowing the device to be in an upright position on a substantially horizontal surface.

An advantage of such a clip is that it can hold the funnel in an "open" position for easy collection of liquid. Such a clip is convenient for the user as he/she does not have to exert a force on the funnel to keep it "open" and thus reduce the risk of spillage.

Such clips may also be used to allow the device to be placed in an upright position on a substantially horizontal surface. An advantage of such a device is that the reservoir can be positioned with its opening pointing upwards before and/or after use. In this way, when the device is (temporarily) placed on a surface, for example on a table, the contents of the reservoir, for example a preservation liquid (before use) or a urine sample (after use), will remain in the reservoir even when slightly tilted.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the device is at least partially made of a biodegradable material.

Preferably, the device is made entirely of such material, except for a reservoir that can be returned to the laboratory.

In the device according to an embodiment of the invention, the inlet, the outlet and the guide are combined or assembled as a single piece.

Assembly by the end user is simplified using fewer parts.

In the device according to an embodiment of the invention, the inlet, the outlet and the guide are made of a polymer, preferably selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene, or from biodegradable materials.

Polypropylene is considered a very suitable material for such applications, in particular due to its rigidity during transport and its folding ability, allowing an integrated hinge that is resistant to breakage based on folding lines.

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the device or its individual parts have dimensions such as to fit in a box of 380mm × 265mm × 32mm

Advantageously, such devices may be delivered by ordinary mail.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts comprising: a tubular inlet; a tubular outlet; a guide having at least three openings, a first opening connectable to the tubular inlet, a second opening connectable to the tubular outlet, and a third opening connectable to the reservoir; an element displaceable in the guide and adapted to: when the element is in the first position, a passage of liquid between the inlet and the reservoir is created while blocking the passage of liquid between the inlet and the outlet, and when the element is in the second position, the passage of liquid between the inlet and the reservoir is blocked while creating a passage of liquid between the inlet and the outlet, the element comprising a lifting device.

In a kit of parts according to an embodiment of the invention, two or more parts selected from the group consisting of the tubular inlet and the tubular outlet and the guide are combined or assembled as a single part.

A kit of parts according to embodiments of the invention may further comprise a reservoir.

In embodiments, the reservoir has a volume of 1 to 750ml, preferably 1 to 50ml, more preferably from 1 to 15ml, most preferably from 3 to 15ml, depending on the application.

In embodiments, the reservoir contains a DNA stabilizing reagent or a preservation liquid.

The reagents may be fixed or liquid substances.

A kit of parts according to embodiments of the invention may further comprise a funnel and a clip for mounting the funnel to the inlet of the guide.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method for assembling the apparatus, the method comprising: -providing a guide adapted to guide a first part of the flow towards a reservoir connected to the guide and to guide a subsequent part of the flow to the outlet; -connecting the inlet to the guide if the inlet is separate from the guide; -connecting the outlet to the guide if the outlet is separate from the guide; -connecting the reservoir to the guide; -inserting a displaceable element into the guide, the displaceable element being adapted to: when the displaceable element is in a first position in the guide, a passage of liquid between the inlet and the reservoir is created while blocking the passage of liquid between the inlet and the outlet, and when the displaceable element is in a second position in the guide, the passage of liquid between the inlet and the reservoir is blocked while creating a passage of liquid between the inlet and the outlet.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises: the cover is connected to the guide.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises: a funnel is connected to the inlet.

In an embodiment, the inlet comprises a funnel support and a partially folded funnel, the partially folded funnel being connected to the funnel support by means of a clip, and the method further comprises the step of pushing the clip towards the guide.

Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims where appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

The above and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the description(s) hereinafter.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention comprising an assembly, a reservoir, a movable element and a cover. The assembly includes an inlet and an outlet coupled to the guide.

Fig. 2 shows the assembly of fig. 1 in a line drawing.

Fig. 3 shows a top view of the assembly of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the assembly of fig. 2.

3 fig. 35 3 shows 3 a 3 cross 3- 3 sectional 3 view 3 of 3 the 3 assembly 3 of 3 fig. 33 3 according 3 to 3 line 3 a 3- 3 a 3. 3

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the "movable element" shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 7 shows a top view of the element of fig. 6 according to arrow VII.

Fig. 8 shows a bottom view of the elements of fig. 6 according to arrow VIII.

Fig. 9 shows a left side view of the element of fig. 6 according to arrow IX.

Fig. 10 shows a right side view of the element of fig. 6 according to arrow X.

Fig. 11 shows a cross-section of the element of fig. 6 in the plane B-B.

Fig. 12 shows a top view of the assembly of fig. 3 further including a cover.

Fig. 13 shows a cross-section of the assembly of fig. 12 with the movable element in a first (lower) position to direct a first portion of the flow into the reservoir.

Figure 14a illustrates the flow of liquid into and out of the reservoir through the assembly when the movable element is in its first (lower) position.

Fig. 14b shows an enlarged view of a part of fig. 14 a.

Fig. 15 shows a cross-section of the assembly of fig. 12 with the movable element in a second (upper) position to direct a second portion of the flow to the outlet.

Figure 16a illustrates the blocking of the flow of liquid into and gas out of the reservoir and shows the entry of fluid from the inlet into the outlet by bypassing the movable element when the movable element is in its second (upper) position.

Fig. 16b shows an enlarged view of a part of fig. 16 a.

Fig. 17 shows in perspective an example of a guide and an element (with the front half removed) of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, the element being in a first (lower) position for collecting liquid in a reservoir.

Fig. 18 shows the elements of fig. 17 in their entirety.

Fig. 19 shows a device according to a third embodiment of the device according to the invention for collecting a first part of the liquid flow in a first reservoir and for collecting a second part of the liquid flow in a second reservoir and for passing the excess part of the liquid into an outlet.

Fig. 20 shows an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention, comprising an assembly with a guide with an inlet and an outlet, and a movable element comprising three segments. The inlet contains a funnel support and a separate funnel and clip.

Fig. 21 shows the assembly of fig. 20 in a top view.

Fig. 22 shows a portion of the assembly of fig. 21 in an enlarged view.

Fig. 23 shows in an enlarged perspective view the first and second sections of the movable element of fig. 20.

Fig. 24 shows the assembly of fig. 20 in perspective view with the front half of the assembly removed for illustrative purposes.

Fig. 25 shows a bottom view of the element of fig. 23 according to arrow XXV.

Fig. 26 shows a right side view of the element of fig. 23 according to arrow XXVI.

3 figure 3 27 3 shows 3 a 3 cross 3- 3 section 3 of 3 the 3 element 3 of 3 figure 3 25 3 in 3 plane 3 a 3- 3 a 3. 3

Fig. 28 shows a left side view of the element of fig. 23 according to arrow XXVIII.

Fig. 29 shows the clip of fig. 20 in an enlarged perspective view.

Fig. 30 shows a portion of the funnel and clip and inlet of fig. 20 in a first installed position.

Fig. 31 shows a portion of the funnel and clip and inlet of fig. 20 in a second installed position.

The drawings are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.

Detailed Description

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice the invention.

The terms first, second, and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, spatial order, hierarchical order, or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, under … …, and the like in the description and in the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term 'comprising', used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the meanings set forth hereinafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "an apparatus comprising means a and B" should not be limited to an apparatus consisting of only components a and B. It is meant that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are a and B.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, although some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments as would be understood by those of skill in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

In this disclosure, the terms "reservoir" and "receptacle" are used as synonyms.

The present invention relates to a device suitable for: automatically capturing a predetermined volume of one or more predetermined portions of the flow, including for example, but not limited to, fore-stream and mid-stream urine, by concealing the flow into at least two substantially non-intersecting parts. If used for urine collection, the device may be used by both sexes, and by children (if potty trained) as well as adults and the elderly. The device may be used in a sitting or standing position. It may be held conventionally by a user to provide a liquid sample, such as a urine sample, in a collection funnel.

To collect a first part of a flow, for example a urine flow (called "fore-stream urine"), the device has a movable element which rapidly deflects the flow from the reservoir to the outlet tube as soon as the required volume is collected. The device can easily collect e.g. the first 1 to 15ml of a liquid stream or urine, but the size of the device can be varied to collect different volumes of liquid. The use of such an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention will improve the reproduction shape of the samples.

In the case of urine collection, the device allows and ensures collection of fore-stream urine that is not diluted by mid-stream urine, and can be used for, for example, medical analysis. In an alternative embodiment, the device also allows for the collection of midstream urine uncontaminated by fore-stream urine.

The device may, for example, be sized to handle flow rates ranging from less than 1 milliliter per second (ml/sec) to 55 milliliters per second (ml/sec). For urine collection, 30 milliliters per second (ml/sec) is typically taken as the upper limit for urine flow rate in healthy individuals. The flow rate that can be treated depends on the size of the device according to an embodiment of the invention.

The device operates with or without interruption of the flow of liquid, such as urine. There is no need to control the flow rate and, if properly used, no escape of liquid or contamination of the environment occurs. It is user friendly; for example, in the case of urine collection, a person is allowed to urinate continuously without the need for bladder control or having the device leave the urine stream. The user can thus deliver a small portion of his/her intact fore-stream urine into the device at a natural flow rate without user intervention other than holding the device properly. Limited manipulation by the user is required and when the device is used correctly there is no spillage and/or contamination of liquid or urine on the outer surface of the device. The device is thus hygienic.

In settings where it is desired to collect a predetermined amount of liquid and mix with a second substance (pre-filled reagent) already contained in the receptacle, a device according to embodiments of the invention will simplify sample acquisition and mixing, and will avoid overfilling of the receptacle and subsequent dilution of any pre-filled reagent. If a pre-filled agent is present, the pre-filled agent may be a standard substance or may not be a toxic and/or irritating ingredient. A device according to embodiments of the present invention will also avoid spillage of the liquid to be sampled on the outside of the receptacle, so it may be beneficial to collect toxic, infectious or unsanitary liquids, such as but not limited to urine, in a safer and cleaner manner, and optionally to mix with another potentially toxic substance, or to obtain a potentially dangerous mix of substances in a safer and cleaner manner. The fraction collected in the receiver will not be mixed with, nor diluted by, the liquid subsequently flowing through the device.

Devices according to embodiments of the invention may be designed to allow standard receptacles that may or may not contain DNA stabilizing reagents to be used for biological sample collection. If the receptacle contains a protective agent, a predefined portion of the liquid (e.g., the preceding paragraph) will immediately contact the stabilizing reagent or chaotropic reagent.

The device may be applied to the second sampling of a particular portion of urine, such as the first volume of the anterior segment and/or the mid-segment, but the device and technique are not limited to urine sampling.

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 has a main part (shown in the middle) which may be an assembly of three separate parts: an inlet 2, an outlet 4 and a guide 3. The invention will be further explained if the main part is an assembly of three separate parts, but the main part may also be a single integral part. The inlet 2 may comprise a tubular portion and a portion having a funnel shape into which the fluid flow is to enter. A first part of the fluid flow is to be picked up by a reservoir 5 connected at the bottom side of the guide 3. Excess part of the fluid flow will exit at the outlet 4. Also shown are an element 6 suitable for moving inside the guide 3 and a cover 8 for closing the guide 3, but the device 1 can also work without this cover 8.

Fig. 2 to 5 show the main parts in a perspective view, a plan view, a perspective sectional view and a front view, respectively. The guide 3 has a shape for retaining the element 6 and has a cylindrical portion 32 underneath for attaching the reservoir 5. The cylindrical portion 32 may be adapted for attachment of a commercial receptacle, for example by a push fit or threads. The collection funnel in the figures may be shaped to selectively collect urine from both women and men. In embodiments, the collection funnel is made of a relatively thin material, optionally with preformed fold lines, which can be reversibly folded (e.g., during production) and unfolded (e.g., by the end user) or reversibly snap-compressed (e.g., during production) and decompressed (e.g., by the end user) to reduce its volume, allowing the device comprising the funnel to be dispensed to the end user by ordinary mail. Alternatively, a preformed shape may be used. Instead of the funnel shown in fig. 2, other shapes or tubes for taking up the liquid and leading it to the inlet 2 may also be used, for example conical shapes.

Fig. 6 to 11 show the movable element 6 of fig. 1 in more detail and in several views. Fig. 6 shows the element 6 in a perspective view. Fig. 7 shows a top view of the element of fig. 6 according to arrow VII. Fig. 8 shows a bottom view of the elements of fig. 6 according to arrow VIII. Fig. 9 shows a side view of the element of fig. 6 according to arrow IX. Fig. 10 shows a side view of the element of fig. 6 according to arrow X. Fig. 11 shows a cross-section of the element of fig. 6 in the plane B-B. The element 6 is to be placed in the guide 3 of the main part. In its first (lower) position in the guide 3, the lower edge 34 of the first section 61, also referred to as "upper section", of the element 6 rests on the oval inner edge 31 of the guide 3 (see fig. 4).

The movable element 6 has several functions: a) it will act as a conduit (referred to as a "first channel") and initially pass the flow of liquid to the attached container (receiver) 5 via a first internal channel 63, b) the tube can be closed when the element 6 is moved to its second (i.e. upper) position, c) the first (upper) section 61 of the element 6 has a larger cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis than the second (lower) section 62, so as to prevent the entry of liquid from the inlet 2 into the outlet 4 when the element 6 is in its first (lower) position, forcing this portion of the flow of liquid through the conduit (first channel 63) into the reservoir 5, and so as to allow the flow of liquid from the inlet 2 into the outlet 4 while preventing the entry into the conduit (first channel 63) when the element 6 is in its second (upper) position. The element 6 extends at least partially into the reservoir 5. In the example shown, the upper part 61 is circular in cross-section and the lower part 62 is elliptical in cross-section, but other shapes are possible. A hydrodynamic shape, such as a smooth shape, is preferred to reduce obstruction of the liquid flow from the inlet 2 to the outlet 4. The (oval) shape of the outer surface of the second (lower) part 62 is substantially complementary to the (e.g. oval) shape of the inner edge 31 of the guide 3, and the size of the second section 62, also referred to as "lower section", is only slightly smaller than the size of the inner edge 31, in order to allow the element 6 to easily move upwards, while avoiding liquid flowing from the guide 3 into the reservoir 5 via the edge 31. The skilled person can find suitable gaps by routine tests or by trial and error. The inner edge 31 also enables the element 6 to be easily inserted into the guide 3 and prevents the element 6 from falling (for example on the ground) when the reservoir 5 is removed (after collection of a predefined (for example first) liquid portion). The use of a non-circular shape for the second (lower) section 62 of the element 6 in combination with the substantially complementary inner edge 31 avoids the element 6 from rotating about its longitudinal axis, thereby ensuring that the first opening 64 (i.e. the inlet of the first channel 63 for receiving liquid) and the fourth opening 68 (i.e. the air outlet of the second channel 65) remain well positioned towards the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 4, respectively. The use of an asymmetric shape for the second lower section 62 of the movable element 6 and a complementary shape for the edge 31 can prevent the movable element 6 from fitting incorrectly into the main element. Correct assembly can also be enhanced by providing a rib (not shown) on the upper section 61 of the movable part 6 adapted to slide in a corresponding groove in the guide 3 of the main housing, or by providing a rib (not shown) on the upper part 3 of the main housing and a corresponding groove in the upper section 61 of the movable element 6, or by using a flat surface on one side of the cylinder. Other known techniques for preventing improper assembly may also be used.

The size and weight of the movable element 6 and the size of the reservoir 5 together determine the amount of liquid volume to be collected. The skilled person can determine this amount, which is also referred to as the predetermined volume. When a predefined amount of the first liquid fraction, e.g. 1 to 15ml for fore-stream urine, has entered the reservoir 5, the element 6 will be moved upwards (i.e. away from the reservoir 5) due to its lifting means 69. This will cause the first opening 64 to be blocked from the inlet 2 in order to avoid further liquid entering the first channel 63 and thus the reservoir 5. At the same time, a bypass channel from the inlet 2 to the outlet 4 is created inside the guide 3 next to the element 6, due to the smaller cross section of the second (lower) section 62 than the cross section of the first section 61 (e.g. smaller cross diameter in the case of an oval shape) and thus due to the corresponding inner cross section of the guide 3.

The element 6 further comprises a second channel 66 formed between the third and fourth openings 67, 68, the second channel 66 being adapted to expel air from the reservoir 5 when the reservoir 5 is filled with a predefined (e.g. first) liquid fraction. Although fig. 9 shows square openings 67, 68, other shapes are possible, such as circular openings or elongated openings, such as rectangular openings or oval openings. This allows a smooth filling of the receiver 5, i.e. an easy and fast filling without jitter. This works as follows (see also fig. 14a and 14 b). When the reservoir 5 is empty and the element 6 is in its first (lower) position, the third opening 67 is in gas/air connection with the reservoir 5 and the fourth opening 68 is in gas/air connection with the outlet 4, so that when liquid enters the reservoir 5, air can escape from the reservoir 5 into the outlet 4 via the third opening 67 and the second and fourth channels 66, 68. When a predefined amount of a predefined (e.g. first) part of the flow has entered the reservoir 5 and the element 6 has moved to its second (upper) position, the third and fourth openings 67, 68 are closed by the wall sections of the guide 3 (see also fig. 16a and 16b) in order to prevent liquid, in particular a subsequent part of the preceding section, from entering the reservoir 5 via the second channel 66 (also referred to as "air channel").

As mentioned, the element 6 has lifting means for moving the element 6 upwards when the first liquid fraction has entered the reservoir 5. The lifting means may be adapted to float on the collected liquid, thereby moving upwards as the liquid enters the reservoir 5. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6-11, the element 6 has one or more air chambers 69 (i.e., compartments that are open at their lower ends but closed at their tops). By choosing an appropriate size and depending on the weight of the element 6, these one or more air chambers 69 will cause the element 6 to move downwards when the element 6 is at least partially submerged in the liquid in the reservoir 5 due to archimedes forces. Another way of providing the element 6 with sufficient floating capacity without using one or more air chambers 69 may be to cover the element 6 by a material having a lower mass density than the liquid to be collected (optionally mixed with a reagent as described above), for example in the case of urine collectionStyrofoam is a trademark of closed cell polystyrene foam, but other foam materials may be used as long as it has a lower mass density than that of a liquid.

In the embodiment of fig. 6-11, the guide 3 has an open top that can be closed by a lid or cap 8 in order to avoid contamination of the liquid sample and to ensure proper use of the device 1 (e.g. to avoid spillage).

The reservoir (or receptacle) 5 is used to collect, store and transport a predefined amount of the first (or later) part of the liquid flow. The reservoir 5 may be attached to the guide 3, e.g. to the cylindrical part thereof, by a threaded engagement, a friction fit or other engagement which is prone to breakage. In an embodiment, this reservoir 5 is partially pre-filled with a substance to be mixed with the liquid to be collected. For example, if the device 1 is used to collect fore-stream urine for DNA-based testing, it is recommended that DNA stabilizing reagents be added before the urine is collected. Volumes ranging from 1 to 15ml are well suited for collecting fore-stream urine for DNA-based STI testing. After use, the reservoir 5 is detached from the guide 3 and should be closed by a suitable lid or cap for transport, storage and analysis, without spillage or contamination. Such a reservoir 5 is commercially available.

Suitable materials for the device are: polypropylene, paper or biodegradable polymers, such as bioplastics commercially available from Platic technologies, Inc. (UK)But other materials may be used. For urine collection purposes, the material should be able to resist fluids at ambient or body temperature (i.e. about 15 ° to 40 °, e.g. 35 to 40 ℃) and hold the device 1 in shape for the duration of liquid collection (e.g. at least 5 minutes). The material should not have a physico-chemical effect on the sampled fluid, e.g. urine, and not contaminate the liquid, e.g. urine, or affect the medical analysis. In the case of biodegradable polymers, the material may provide advantages by being readily flushable after use.

With reference to fig. 1 and with reference to fig. 12 and 13, the device 1 can be produced and assembled as follows. The main parts comprising the inlet 2, the guide 3 and the outlet 4 as well as the movable element 6 can be produced by injection moulding. The main parts may be moulded as separate parts (i.e. guide 3, inlet 2, outlet 4) and assembled (i.e. by push-fitting), or may be produced by injection moulding as a single part. For assembling the device 1, the element 6 can be inserted into the guide 3 from the top. The element 6 should be oriented in such a way that: the first opening 64 is oriented towards the inlet pipe 2. Optionally, the second (lower) section 62 may be made asymmetric in order to avoid misplacement, e.g. the second section may have side ribs (not shown) and the edge 31 of the guide 3 may have corresponding recesses (not shown). In a particular embodiment of the invention, the top of the guide 3 may be sealed by a lid 8. The reservoir 5 may be attached to the cylindrical portion 32 of the guide 3 (fig. 4), for example by a push fit or by threads or in any other way known in the art. Optionally, an indicator, for example a colour or a note, may be applied to a portion of the element 6, for example between the lower edge 34 of the upper section and the third opening 67, to allow the user to visually check whether the movable part 6 is in the correct position before using the device 1. Assembly may occur at a fixed location (e.g., a production facility), or may be accomplished locally by, for example, an end user.

In an embodiment, the device 1 may be sized and configured in such a way that: it or its components may be stored in a relatively flat box having dimensions of less than, for example, 380mm by 265mm by 32mm, so that it or its components may be transported by ordinary mail. Such a box may fit into a "standard" mailbox, the exact dimensions of which may vary slightly from country to country. Such dimensions allow the device to be shipped via standard mailboxes, allowing for home self-sampling and delivery of the device 1 or its disassembled parts, and shipping the reservoir 5 with the liquid sample, either simultaneously or subsequently, also by mail. In an embodiment, the parts of the device 1, in particular the funnel, may be compressed or folded by using a snap operation. Of course, prior to use, the device 1 should be unfolded and/or splayed and/or assembled such that the device 1 retains its intended shape for optimal liquid collection.

The device 1 may be used to collect a predetermined volume of a predefined portion of the liquid flow. The volume to be collected is related to the size and weight of the different parts, which can be adjusted according to the required sampling specifications. If desired, the reservoir 5 may be pre-filled with a medicament that will be mixed with the liquid after sampling. The medicament may be a solid material or a fluid material.

To explain in detail how the device 1 will function, it is assumed that the device is for fore stream urine collection and that the reservoir 5 already contains a DNA preservation buffer solution, and that the components of the device 1 are enclosed in a box or letter and delivered by ordinary mail. The first step is to open the box or letter. The next step is to insert the element 6 into the guide 3, close the guide 3 by the lid 8, and if the funnel is folded, unfold the funnel, and if the guide and the inlet 2 and/or the outlet 4 are separate pieces, connect the inlet 2 and/or the outlet 4 to the guide 3. Optionally, an indicator, such as a color or a note, may be applied to a portion of the element 6, such as between the lower edge 34 of the upper section and the third opening 67, to allow the user to visually check whether the movable part 6 is in the correct position before using the device. Of course, some or all of the above assembly steps may be omitted if the device 1 is fully or partially pre-assembled.

The next step is to open the reservoir 5 while keeping it upright to avoid spillage and attach it to the guide 3 (or main part). This may be done, for example, by sliding or screwing. The person then holds the device 1 so that his or her urine will enter the funnel and so that the outlet 4 is directed into the toilet. The liquid sample may then be obtained in a standing or sitting position. The funnel may have a design that is suitable for both. When the person starts to urinate, the element 6 will initially be in its first (lower) position (fig. 13). Urine flowing into the funnel will flow via the inlet tube 2 into the first opening 64 of the element 6 and through the first channel 63 and will substantially end up at the bottom of the reservoir 5, wherein the urine, if present, will immediately mix with the preservation liquid. Due to the second channel 66 (also referred to as "air channel"), no significant liquid column back pressure builds up in the reservoir 5. Excess air will escape via the air passage 66 into the outlet 4. Since the fourth opening 68 is in communication with the outlet 4, escaping air will not interfere with (e.g., obstruct) the liquid from entering the reservoir 5, which is advantageous compared to some prior art systems. In FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b14b, liquid flow is shown in solid lines and gas flow is shown in dashed lines. When the liquid level in the reservoir 5 reaches the bottom end of the element 6, air is trapped in the air chambers 69, and the one or more air chambers 69 will act as a lifting means for moving the element 6 upwards, i.e. towards its second position. The lifting device provides the element 6 with a floating capacity in order to move the element 6 upwards when the reservoir is filled. As more liquid enters the reservoir 5, the element 6 starts to move upwards and air is expelled via the second channel 66 (see also fig. 15). The amount of liquid to be collected is mainly controlled by the size of the reservoir 5. However, in order to ensure that the element 6 is lifted when a predefined amount of liquid is present in the reservoir, the element 6 should have sufficient floating capacity to overcome its weight and the static friction between the element 6 and the guide 3, in particular between the second section 62 and the inner edge 31 of the guide 3. The float capacity may be increased by increasing the volume of the air chamber(s) 69 or by adding a material having a lower mass density than the mass density of the liquid to be collected, e.g. byTo be increased. By the time a predefined amount of liquid has flown into the reservoir 5, the element 6 has reached its second (upper) position and the first opening 64 has moved behind the wall section of the guide 3 such that the first channel 63 is separated from the inlet 2 and the third and fourth openings 67, 68 have moved against the wall section such that the second channel 66 is separated from the outlet 4. A very advantageous feature of this embodiment resides in the fact that: during the acquisition of the first liquid fraction, the incoming flow is not obstructed by any obstacles (including air pressure), and the flow will exert a downwardly directed force on the obstacles, which will prevent the element 6 from moving upwards. In other words, the downward force component exerted on the element 6 is negligible. Furthermore, the air flow escaping from the reservoir 5 when liquid enters the reservoir 5 does not disturb the liquid flow coming in through the first channel 63, since air escapes via the different channel 66. This allows the first liquid portion to enter the reservoir 5 more quickly. In this way, due to the limited flow capacity, e.g. due to internal flow friction, the first liquid fraction is avoided fromFollowed by mixing of the liquid fractions. The main advantage of this mechanism is that it enables a predetermined amount of liquid to be sampled substantially independently of the liquid flow rate, which may be constant or may vary between relatively wide ranges. Tests using prototypes sized for urine collection have shown good performance at flow rates from less than 1 to 55 milliliters per second (ml/sec), which is twice the maximum flow rate of about 30 milliliters per second (ml/sec) in healthy individuals. The prototype worked correctly even when tilted so that the elongated element 6 forms an angle of 15 ° with the vertical. In contrast, in the device described in WO2004010873, the flow rate is limited at several locations of the device (in particular in the valve inlet, shut-off chamber and valve outlet) and is decisive for which part of the liquid will be collected and which part of the liquid will overflow. Furthermore, in prior art devices, as long as the reservoir is not closed, mixing between the first and second liquid portions is not completely eliminated. Furthermore, the closing is based on surface tension, which is less reliable and less predictable than the mechanical blocking used in the present invention. In fact, considering the smaller cross section (for example the smaller diameter) of the second section 62, from the moment when the element 6 starts moving upwards, a passage is created inside the guide 3 from the inlet duct 2 to the outlet duct 4, in the form of a bypass channel, formed between the second (lower) section 62 of the element 6 and the inner surface of the guide 3, as represented by the dashed lines in fig. 16a and 16 b. As can be seen from the same figure, when the element 6 has been moved upwards to its second (upper) position, the first opening 64 is closed, thereby avoiding liquid from entering the first channel 63, and thus from the inlet 2 into the reservoir 5, and the third and fourth openings 67, 68 are closed, thereby the second (air) channel 66 is closed, thereby avoiding any liquid from flowing into the reservoir 5 via the outlet 4 when the element 6 is in its upper position, i.e. when the first liquid portion is being collected. Further filling of the reservoir 5 via either of the two different paths, i.e. the first channel 63 or the second channel 66, is thus avoided. No further liquid can enter the reservoir 5. Furthermore, the person providing the liquid sample does not have to control his/her bladder in order to control the liquidThe flow rate, in particular, he/she does not have to interrupt his/her urine flow, and can simply continue to urinate until it is finished. The next step is to remove the reservoir 5 from the guide 3 (or from the main part in the case of a single piece). In this way, the element 6 is removed from the reservoir 5 and the level of liquid in the reservoir 5 is lowered due to the removal of the element 6. Due to this level drop, the risk of spilling liquid is greatly reduced when removing the reservoir 5, or when closing the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 containing the fore-stream urine sample may then be closed by a lid or cap to prevent contamination and/or escape during transport or storage. The closed reservoir 5 may then be transported, for example, to a laboratory for, for example, medical analysis. Alternatively, a readout device, such as a color code on a test strip, may be provided on the device, positioned so as to be in contact with the collected liquid, so as to allow the user to read the test results.

Although the working principle has been described above for only one embodiment of the device, other embodiments of the device may be used. A second embodiment of the device 101 is shown in fig. 17 and 18. Fig. 17 shows an example of a guide 103 and a corresponding movable element 106 (with its front half removed) in a perspective view. Element 106 is in a first (lower) position to collect liquid (not shown) in reservoir 105. Figure 18 shows the element 106 in more detail. The apparatus 101 functions largely in the same way as the apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but with some differences. For example, the guide 103 has a first opening 132, the first opening 132 being arranged between the inlet 102 and the reservoir 105, and the element 106 has a projection 163 adapted to: when the element 106 is in its second (i.e. upper) position, the first opening 132 is blocked, and when the element 6 is in its first (i.e. lower) position, the first opening 132 is left open for receiving the first fluid portion. The element 106 has a first (upper) section 161 and a second (lower) section 162, the first (upper) section 161 having a closed wall section, the second (lower) section 162 having a narrowing (not shown in the drawings, but may have the shape of a guitar body) or having a second opening 165, the second opening 165 being arranged such that: when the element 106 is in the first (lower) position, the closed wall section leads from the inlet 102 to the outlet 104 so as to direct the first fluid portion towards the reservoir 105, while when the element 106 is in the second (i.e. upper) position, the second fluid portion is allowed to pass from the inlet 102 to the outlet 104. In this embodiment, no air chamber is used as a lifting device, but an object, e.g. a spherical or semi-spherical object 169, made of a material having a lower mass density than the mass density of the liquid to be collected is mounted to the element 106. In addition to this object 169, the first (upper) section 161 and the second (lower) section 162 of the element 106 may be substantially flat. This provides the advantage that it is easy to produce and requires less material.

Fig. 19 shows a device according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 19 shows a device 201 for collecting a first part of the flow in a first reservoir 205 and for collecting a second part of the flow in a second reservoir 209, and for passing the excess part of the flow into an outlet 204. The device 201 may comprise an inlet 202, a first guide 203, a tubular interconnect 207, a second guide 208 and an outlet 204. These parts may be separate parts to be assembled or may be provided as a single integral part. The first reservoir 205 may be connected to the first guide 203 and the second reservoir 209 may be connected to the second guide 208. First guide 203 may have a first element 206 movable therein, and second guide 208 may have a second element 210 movable therein. Optionally, a first cover is provided for enclosing the first guide member 203 and a second cover is provided for enclosing the second guide member 208. First guide 203 may be identical (e.g., in form and/or size) to second guide 208, but may also be different. The first reservoir 205 may be identical (e.g., in shape and/or size) to the second reservoir 209, or may be different. By using different reservoirs 206, 209 the risk of confusing which reservoir contains the first liquid part and which contains the second liquid part is eliminated.

Such a device 201 would ideally be suitable for collecting a first portion of the flow, such as fore-stream urine, in first reservoir 205 and a second portion of the flow, such as mid-stream urine, in second reservoir 209. Of course, this device 201 can also be used to collect only the second urine portion, whereby the first urine portion is disposed of after collection.

Fig. 20 to 31 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention. The device 301 looks and operates very similar to the device 1 of the first embodiment described above except where explicitly mentioned. Therefore, much of what has been described above applies to this fourth embodiment as well, unless otherwise stated.

Fig. 20 shows an exploded view of the device 301. It comprises a main housing 310, the main housing 310 may be a unitary piece or an assembly of three separate pieces: a guide 303, an inlet 302, and an outlet 304. Hereinafter, the terms "main housing" 310 and "component" are used to denote the same thing.

The inlet 302 may comprise a portion, referred to as a funnel support 309, adapted to receive a separate funnel part 322. The funnel support 309 may be an elongated portion having a specific shape, for example a conical shape having a U-shape or a V-shape at least one elongated portion. The funnel support 309 may have one or more slots for engagement with the clip 307, as will be further described. The clips 307 may also be used for other purposes, such as to maintain the funnel 322 in an open (deployed) position when the funnel 322 is at least partially collapsed (e.g., substantially closed) for transport, and/or to maintain the device 301 in an upright position when the device 301 is placed on a horizontal surface before or after urine sampling.

The funnel 322 of this embodiment may be made of thick paper, paperboard or cardboard, optionally coated with a liquid impermeable or liquid repellent coating, such as a varnish. The funnel 322 may be collapsed or compressed (in whole or in part) for ease of transport, and may be expanded or decompressed by the end user. A clip 307 mountable on the funnel support 309 may be used to mount the funnel 322 to the inlet 302 and/or to maintain the funnel 322 in its deployed shape during actual use of the device 301. This clip 307 may also serve as a support for stably positioning the device 301 after use.

The device 301 further comprises a movable element 306, the movable element 306 being movable in the guide 303 between a first position, in which a first part of the flow is directed towards the reservoir 305, and a second position, in which the remaining part of the flow is directed towards the outlet 304. The movable element 306 of this embodiment includes three sections referred to as a first section 361, a second section 362, and a third section 335. While the movable element 6 (fig. 1) of the first embodiment is composed of a single part, the movable element 306 of the fourth embodiment may be composed of two separate parts that fit together: a first part comprising first and second sections 361, 362 and a second part comprising a third section 335.

The device 301 further comprises a reservoir 305, which reservoir 305 may have an external thread for engaging with an internal thread of the guide 303.

Optionally, the device 301 may further comprise a cover 308 for closing the guide 303, but this is not necessary for proper operation.

The device 301 may be produced and assembled as follows. The main part 310 may be produced, for example, by injection molding, the main part 310 comprising the inlet 302, the guide 303 and the outlet 304, among other elements: a funnel 322, a movable element 306, a clamp 307, a cap 308 and a funnel support 309. The main part 310 may be moulded as separate parts (i.e. guide 303, inlet 302, outlet 304) and assembled (e.g. by push-fitting), or may be produced by injection moulding as a single part. To assemble the device 301, a first part of the element 306 comprising the first and second sections 361, 362 may be inserted into the guide 303 from the top. The element 306 should be oriented in such a way that: the substantially linear inner edge portion 331 of the guide 303 faces the substantially planar surface portion 360 of the second section 362 (fig. 22 and 23). This ensures that the movable element 306 is properly oriented into the guide 303, in particular the guide opening 304 towards the inlet 302 (fig. 26). The third section 335 may then be inserted from the bottom of the guide 303 and fitted to the first part of the element 306, for example by a push fit. The air cavity 369 formed in the third section 335 should face downward. Although not necessary for proper operation of the device 301, the top 303 of the guide may be sealed by a cover 308. The funnel 322 may be supported and shaped by a funnel support 309. The clamp 307 may hold the funnel 322 in place for transport purposes as well as during actual use. The reservoir 305 may be attached to the main housing 310 by means of threads 351 or in any other manner known in the art.

Fig. 21 shows the main part 310 of fig. 20 in a top view. The funnel support 309 and the clip 307 may comprise cooperating engagement means, such as openings 391, 392 in the funnel support 309 for receiving the projections, such as a clip 371 of the clip 307, but other known engagement means may be used. This engagement will be further described with respect to fig. 29-31.

Fig. 22 shows a portion of the assembly of fig. 21 in an enlarged view. Visible is a substantially oval opening for receiving the second section 362 of the movable element 306, but the opening has a linear portion, corresponding to the flat surface of the movable element 306, for preventing incorrect insertion of the element into the guide 303.

Fig. 23 shows the first and second sections 361, 362 of the movable element 306 of fig. 20 in an enlarged perspective view. The first segment 361 may be a substantially cylindrical body having zero or more longitudinal ribs 368. Providing such ribs may reduce friction between the movable element 306 and the inner wall of the guide 303.

When comparing fig. 23 with fig. 1 or 9, it can be seen that the two openings 67, 68 are replaced by a single trench 367, providing the same functionality, namely: when the element 306 is in its first (lower) position, an air passage is provided between the reservoir 305 and the outlet 304, and when the element 306 is in its second (upper) position, the air passage is blocked.

Fig. 24 shows the assembly 310 of fig. 20 and 21 in perspective view, but with the front half of the assembly removed for illustrative purposes. This figure shows that the lower portion of the guide 303 may have internal threads 351 for connecting with the reservoir 305 having external threads. However, as previously mentioned, such threads are not absolutely necessary, and the reservoir 305 may also be mated in other ways. Figure 24 also shows the particular shape of the funnel support 309 as part of the inlet 302. It can be seen that the funnel support 309 is conical towards the guide 303. The funnel 322 can be easily positioned therein such that any fluid entering the funnel 322 will flow towards the guide 303.

Fig. 25 shows a bottom view of the element of fig. 23 according to arrow XXV. This figure is similar to figure 8 of the first embodiment.

Fig. 26 shows a right side view of the element of fig. 23 according to arrow XXVI. This figure is similar to figure 10 of the first embodiment and shows a first opening 364 for receiving the first liquid portion. It can also be seen that the element 306 has ribs 368 and a third section 335.

3 figure 3 27 3 shows 3 a 3 cross 3- 3 section 3 of 3 the 3 element 3 of 3 figure 3 25 3 in 3 plane 3 a 3- 3 a 3. 3 This figure is similar to figure 11 of the first embodiment. The element 306 comprises a first channel 363 between the first opening 364 and the second opening 365 for guiding the first liquid part from the inlet 302 towards the reservoir 305. The element 306 also has at least one air chamber 369, the air chamber 369 being located at a lower portion of the element 306 for raising the element 306 when the reservoir 305 is being filled. An air chamber 369 is formed through the third section 335. Instead of having two openings and an internal second channel, the element 306 has a groove 367, but the groove 367 performs the same function, i.e. providing an open or closed air channel when the element 6 is present in the guide 303.

Fig. 28 shows a left side view of the element of fig. 23 according to arrow XXVII, and again shows the groove 367.

Fig. 29 shows the clip 307 of fig. 20 in an enlarged perspective view. They comprise a planar portion 373 and three elongated portions positioned obliquely thereto, e.g. substantially perpendicular thereto. Portion 372 is referred to as "funnel support" 372 and the other two portions are referred to as "two arms" 374, 375. The arms are positioned substantially parallel to the funnel support 372 and at a distance therefrom. The funnel 322 may then be inserted between the funnel support 372 and the two arms 374, 375. As shown in fig. 21 and as will be further explained below, an end portion of each arm 374, 375 includes a clip catch 371 for engaging one of the openings 392, 391 of the funnel support 309.

Fig. 30 shows a portion of the funnel 322 and clamp 307 and funnel support 309 of fig. 20, the funnel 322 and clamp 307 and funnel support 309 engaging each other in a first installation position, referred to as a "transport mode". Fig. 30 shows the clip 307 after its arms 374, 375 are inserted into a so-called mounting slot 393 (see fig. 21) of the funnel support 309 and after the clip 371 is engaged in an opening 392 referred to as a "shipping slot". In this mode, the funnel 322 is normally partially folded and mounted to the funnel support 309 by means of the clip 307.

Fig. 31 shows the funnel 322 and a portion of the clamp 307 and funnel support 309 after the clamp 307 is pushed in the direction of the guide 303 (right side of the figure) until the planar portion 373 of the clamp 307 contacts the clamp plane 394 of the funnel support 309. This will bring the funnel 322 into its working position, i.e. fully fitted to the inlet 302 and providing sufficient opening (e.g. sufficient width in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). In this configuration, the clamp 307 and the funnel support 309 engage one another in a second mounting position, referred to as an "activated mode". As can be seen in fig. 31, clip fasteners 371 (only one of which is visible) engage in openings 391 of the "locking slots". In this mode, the funnel 322 is folded open and fully inserted into the conical inlet 302 and the device 301 is ready to collect a first part of the liquid flow.

Even though the device is described above in the context of collecting urine, other applications are also envisaged, such as collecting a small portion of sloping sewage.

Although several variations may be observed between the device 1 of the first embodiment and the device 301 of the fourth embodiment, other embodiments not described are also contemplated. Such other embodiments may include one or more of the additional features described in the fourth embodiment, such as the longitudinal ribs 368, and/or the separate funnel 322, and/or the linear edge portion for proper insertion of the movable element into the guide, and/or the clip that may be mounted or mounted to the funnel.

Claims (34)

1. A device (1; 201; 301) for collecting a first part of a liquid flow, said device comprising:

-an inlet (2; 202; 302), said inlet (2; 202; 302) being adapted to receive said liquid flow;

-an outlet (4; 204; 304), said outlet (4; 204; 304) being adapted to discharge an excess portion of the received liquid flow;

-a guide (3; 203; 303), said guide (3; 203; 303) being connected between said inlet (2; 202; 302) and said outlet (4; 204; 304) and being adapted to guide said first portion of said flow towards a reservoir (5; 205; 305) connected to said guide (3; 203; 303) and to guide a subsequent second portion of said flow to said outlet (4; 204; 304);

characterized in that the device further comprises a displaceable element (6, 206, 210; 306) moving within the guide (3; 203; 303), the displaceable element (6, 206, 210; 306) having a predefined shape with a first channel (63; 363), the first channel (63; 363) extending from a first opening (64; 364) to a second opening (65; 365) such that, when the displaceable element is in a first position, the first opening (64; 364) is in fluid connection with the inlet (2; 302) for receiving the first part of the liquid flow for guiding the first part of the liquid flow through the first channel (63; 363) towards the reservoir (5; 305) while blocking the passage of liquid between the inlet (2; 202; 302) and the outlet (4; 204; 304),

and wherein the predefined shape is adapted to block passage of liquid between the inlet (2; 202; 302) and the reservoir (5; 205; 305) while creating passage of liquid between the inlet (2; 202; 302) and the outlet (4; 204; 304) when the displaceable element is in the second position,

the displaceable element (6; 206, 210; 306) comprises a lifting means (69; 169; 369) for displacing the displaceable element from the first position to the second position when a first portion of the liquid flow is collected in the reservoir (5; 205; 305).

2. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that said displaceable element (6; 206; 306) is an elongated element movable along a direction (Z) substantially transverse to a direction (X) from said inlet (2; 202; 302) to said outlet (4; 204; 304).

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting device (169) contains a predefined volume of material having a mass density lower than the mass density of the liquid to be collected.

4. An apparatus (1; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting means comprise at least one air chamber (69; 369).

5. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet (2; 202; 302) is a tubular inlet and/or the outlet (4; 204; 304) is a tubular outlet.

6. The device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

-the displaceable element (6; 206, 210; 306) has a first section (61; 361), and a second section (62; 362), the first section (61; 361) having a first cross section, the second section (62; 362) having a second cross section smaller than the first cross section,

and wherein the first opening (64; 364) is located in the first section and the second opening (65; 365) is located in the second section;

and such that when in said second position, said first opening (64; 364) is blocked from said inlet (2; 302), while the smaller cross-section of said second section (62; 362) allows a second portion of said flow to pass from said inlet (2; 302) to said outlet (4; 304); and-the guide (3; 303) has an inner edge (31; 331) complementary to the second cross section.

7. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 6, characterized in that the cross section of the first section (61; 361) is circular and the cross section of the second section (62; 362) is elliptical, and in that the guide (3; 303) has a corresponding elliptical edge (31; 331).

8. Device (1; 301) according to claim 6, characterized in that the displaceable element (6; 306) further comprises a second channel (66; 366), the second channel (66; 366) being arranged for allowing air to escape from the reservoir (5; 305) into the outlet (4; 304) during the acquisition of at least a fraction of the first part of the flow when the displaceable element (6; 306) is in the first position, and being arranged such that liquid is prevented from passing from the outlet (4; 304) to the reservoir (5; 305) when the displaceable element (6; 306) is in the second position.

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said second channel (66) comprises a third and a fourth opening (67, 68).

10. The device (301) of claim 8, wherein the second channel (366) comprises a groove (367).

11. The device (201) of claim 1, further comprising a second guide (208) and a second movable element (210) and a second reservoir (209), the second reservoir (209) for collecting a second portion of the flow.

12. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a cover (8; 308), said cover (8; 308) being intended to close the upper part of said guide (3; 203, 208; 303).

13. The device (1; 201) according to claim 1, wherein said inlet (2; 202) comprises a funnel.

14. The device (301) according to claim 1, wherein the inlet (302) comprises a funnel support (321), the funnel support (321) being adapted to support a funnel (322).

15. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 13, characterized in that said funnel is made of a material that can be reversibly folded and unfolded or reversibly snap-compressed and decompressed.

16. The device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 13, further comprising a clip (307), said clip (307) being adapted to hold said funnel in a deployed or decompressed state and/or to allow said device to be in an upright position on a substantially horizontal surface.

17. The device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 14, further comprising a clip (307), said clip (307) being adapted to retain said funnel (322) to said funnel support (321).

18. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is at least partially made of biodegradable material.

19. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that said inlet (2; 202; 302), said outlet (4; 204; 304) and said guide (3; 203; 303) are combined or assembled as a single piece.

20. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that said inlet (2; 202; 302), said outlet (4; 204; 304) and said guide (3; 203; 303) are made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene, or from biodegradable materials.

21. Device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device or its individual parts have dimensions such as to fit in a box of 380mm x 265mm x 32 mm.

22. The device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, further comprising a readout device for reading out the results of a test performed on the liquid collected in the reservoir (5; 205, 209; 305).

23. A kit of parts for assembling a device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, comprising:

the inlet is a tubular inlet;

the outlet is a tubular outlet;

the guide member; and

the displaceable element.

24. Kit of parts according to claim 23, wherein two or more parts selected from the group consisting of the tubular inlet and the tubular outlet and the guide are combined as a single part.

25. Kit of parts according to claim 23, further comprising a reservoir (5; 205, 209; 305).

26. Kit of parts according to claim 25, wherein the reservoir (5; 205, 209) has a volume of 1 to 750 ml.

27. Kit of parts according to claim 25, wherein said reservoir (5; 205, 209) has a volume of from 1 to 50 ml.

28. Kit of parts according to claim 25, wherein said reservoir (5; 205, 209) has a volume of from 3 to 15 ml.

29. Kit of parts according to claim 25, wherein the reservoir (5) contains a DNA stabilizing reagent or a preservation liquid.

30. Kit of parts according to claim 23, further comprising a funnel (322) and a clip (307), said clip (307) being for mounting said funnel (322) to said inlet (302) and/or for keeping said funnel (322) in a deployed or decompressed state and/or for allowing the assembled parts to be in an upright position on a substantially horizontal surface.

31. Method for assembling a device (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:

-providing a guide (3; 203; 303), said guide (3; 203; 303) being adapted to guide a first part of the flow towards a reservoir (5; 205) connected to said guide (3; 203) and to guide a subsequent part of said flow to said outlet (4; 204);

-connecting the inlet to the guide (3; 203; 303) if the inlet (2; 202; 302) is separate from the guide;

-connecting the outlet (4; 204) to the guide (3; 203; 303) if the outlet is separate from the guide;

-connecting the reservoir (5; 205) to the guide (3; 203);

-inserting the displaceable element (6; 206) in the guide (3; 203),

the displaceable element having a predefined shape with a first channel (63; 363), the first channel (63; 363) extending from a first opening (64; 364) to a second opening (65; 365) such that, when the displaceable element is in a first position, the first opening (64; 364) is in fluid connection with the inlet (2; 302) for receiving the first part of the flow for directing the first part of the flow through the first channel (63; 363) towards the reservoir (5; 305),

while blocking the passage of liquid between the inlet (2; 202) and the outlet (4; 204) when the displaceable element is in a first position in the guide (3; 203),

and wherein the predefined shape is adapted to block the passage of liquid between the inlet (2; 202) and the reservoir (5; 205) while creating a passage of liquid between the inlet (2; 202) and the outlet (4; 204) when the displaceable element is in the second position in the guide (3; 203).

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising: a cover (8; 308) is connected to the guide (3; 203; 303).

33. The method of claim 31, further comprising: a funnel is connected to the inlet (2; 202; 302).

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the inlet (302) comprises a funnel support (309) and a partially folded funnel (322), the partially folded funnel (322) being connected to the funnel support (309) by means of a clip (307), and the method further comprises the step of pushing the clip (307) towards the guide (303).