Urine collection device

1. A urine collection device comprising:

a collection housing to collect urine voided by a user, said collection housing comprising a funnel;

first and second outlets adapted to allow urine collected by said collection housing to drain from said device;

a transfer passage adapted to transfer urine collected by said collection housing to a receptacle;

said first outlet including a flow rate variation device so constructed and arranged that an initial drain flow rate through said variation device is greater than a second drain flow rate through said variation device, said first outlet being at a base of said funnel, and said flow rate variation device being accommodated in said base;

said second outlet comprising an overflow outlet adapted to allow urine collected by said collection housing to drain from said urine collection device at a third drain flow rate equal to or higher than said initial drain flow rate through said variation device; and

a transfer device attached to a wall of said funnel at a location above said base, said transfer device including said transfer passage and said overflow outlet, and being adapted for connection to said receptacle; said flow rate variation device continues to let fluid drain from said first outlet at said second drain flow rate.

2. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said flow rate variation device comprises an expandable plug accommodated in the base of said collection housing.

3. A urine collection device according to claim 2 , in which said plug is constructed and arranged to initially allow a greater initial drain flow rate, but expands on contact with liquid to provide said second reduced drain flow rate.

4. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said flow variation device is formed of a sponge material.

5. A urine collection device according to claim 4 , in which said sponge material is biodegradable.

6. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said transfer device has a connection comprising a connecting collar adapted to receive and retain said receptacle by an interference fit.

7. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said transfer device has a connection comprising a screw thread for securing said receptacle.

8. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said device is arranged such that said transfer passage allows urine to flow from said collection housing into said receptacle when the urine in said collection housing reaches a predetermined level, and said overflow outlet allows urine flow to drain once the level in said receptacle reaches a second predetermined level.

9. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said overflow outlet comprises passage arranged to at least one side of said transfer passage to divert flow away from said receptacle.

10. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said transfer passage is U-shaped, having a base which forms a weir over which urine flows from said collection housing into said receptacle.

11. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which the top of said transfer passage forms a further weir over which urine flows to said overflow outlet.

12. A urine collection device according to claim 9 , in which said overflow passage directs said overflow urine on at least one side of said transfer passage and through an outlet below said receptacle.

13. A urine collection device according to claim 12 , in which said outlet is suitably shaped or shielded to direct said overflow away from said receptacle, to avoid the outside of said receptacle coming into contact with urine.

14. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said device is so constructed and arranged that, in use, said receptacle is inclined from an upright position.

15. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said collection housing comprises a funnel-shaped member having a larger end and a narrower end.

16. A urine collection device according to claim 15 , in which said larger end forms a receiving end for positioning adjacent the user in use.

17. A urine collection device according to claim 15 , in which said first outlet is at said narrower end.

18. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said flow rate variation device is inserted directly into said narrower end of said funnel.

19. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said device is flushable and biodegradable.

20. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said flow rate variation device is mounted in said collection housing by rails.

21. A urine collection device according to claim 20 , in which said rails comprise a first pair of rails adapted to secure one side of said device and a second pair of rails adapted to secure the other side of said device.

22. A urine collection device according to claim 21 , in which said rails also comprise a first end rail adjacent said first pair of rails and a second end rail adjacent said second pair of rails.

23. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which said flow rate variation device is secured in said collection housing by adhesive.

24. A urine collection device according to claim 1 , in which collection housing includes a coupling member to connect said transfer device to said collection housing.

25. A urine collection device according to claim 24 , in which said coupling member includes a mounting projection that engages with said transfer device.

26. A urine collection device according to claim 25 , in which said mounting projection includes a sealing skirt portion that is adapted to form a seal with said transfer device.