Methods of Using Fluid Collection System

Abstract

According to one aspect, a fluid collection bag comprises an inlet opening adapted to receive an inlet tube located on a first side of the fluid collection bag. The first side of the fluid collection bag is generally parallel with a length of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag further comprises an outlet opening located on the first side of the fluid collection bag.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . A method of securing a fluid collection bag to an object, comprising:
 orienting a longitudinal axis of the fluid collection bag substantially parallel to the ground, the fluid collection bag including an inlet opening along a first side of the fluid collection bag and an outlet opening along the first side of the fluid collection bag, the first side of the fluid collection bag being opposite the ground, the inlet opening adapted to receive an inlet tube; and   removably associating the fluid collection bag with at least one attachment member.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one attachment member includes securement material. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one attachment member is part of a mounting bracket adapted to associate with or be affixed to a bed. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the inlet opening is adapted to receive the inlet tube oriented at an angle with respect to the first side of the fluid collection bag. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the fluid collection bag further includes an anti-reflux mechanism at or near the inlet opening. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the anti-reflux mechanism includes at least two sheets having different lengths, the at least two sheets being adapted to surround the inlet tube after the inlet opening has received the inlet tube. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the at least two sheets are comprised of flexible plastic. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the fluid collection bag has a height and a length, the height being generally perpendicular to the length of the fluid collection bag, the length being greater than the height of the fluid collection bag. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the fluid collection bag further includes a first end, a second end, at least one first end opening at or near the first end and at least one second end opening at or near the second end, the at least one attachment member being removably associated with the at least one first end opening and the at least one second end opening. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the fluid collection bag further includes at least one side opening at or near the first side of the fluid collection bag, the at least one attachment member being removably associated with the at least one side opening. 
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the at least one attachment member is part of a mounting bracket adapted to associate with or affix to the object, the mounting bracket including a base having a base length and a base width. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the base length generally corresponds to the length of the fluid collection bag. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the at least one attachment member extends from a first side of the base forming an angle between the base and the at least one attachment member, the first side of the base being generally located along the base length. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one attachment member includes an inlet tube guide. 
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the mounting bracket further includes a support member at or near the first side of the base, the support member extending from the base in a generally perpendicular direction opposite the at least one attachment member, a support angle being formed between the base and the support member. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the mounting bracket further includes at least one securement tab adapted to secure the mounting bracket to the object, the at least one securement tab being located along at least one of a first end and a second end of the base, the first end and second end being generally perpendicular to the first side of the base. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the object is a bed frame, a wheelchair, a walker or a pole. 
   
   
       35 . A method of securing a fluid collection bag to an object, comprising:
 associating a mounting bracket with the object, the mounting bracket including at least one attachment member;   orienting a longitudinal axis of the fluid collection bag substantially parallel to the ground, the fluid collection bag including an inlet opening along a first side of the fluid collection bag and an outlet opening along the first side of the fluid collection bag, the first side of the fluid collection bag being opposite the ground, the inlet opening adapted to receive an inlet tube; and   removably associating the fluid collection bag with the at least one attachment member of the mounting bracket.   
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the object is a bed frame, a wheelchair, a walker or a pole. 
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the fluid collection bag further includes at least one side opening at or near the first side of the fluid collection bag, the at least one attachment member being removably associated with the at least one side opening. 
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 35  further comprising securing the mounting bracket to the object with at least one securement tab. 
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the mounting bracket includes a base having a base length and a base width, a first side of the base being generally located along the base length, a first end of the base and a second end of the base being generally perpendicular to the first side of the base, the at least one securement tab being located along at least one of the first end and the second end of the base. 
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the at least one securement tab is adapted to bend around at least a portion of the object to secure the mounting bracket to the object.