Patent ID: 7059327
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A tracheostoma valve comprising a valve housing defining a valve cavity and having at least one rearward and at least one forward aperture such as to define an air flow passage through the valve cavity between the rearward and forward apertures; and further comprising within the valve cavity a valve member deployable from a first collapsed configuration under vegetative breathing pressure wherein the air flow passage is open to a second expanded configuration under speech pressure whereat the valve member acts to restrict flow through the air flow passage, wherein the valve member comprises a rear portion fixedly mounted to an inner surface of the valve housing rearward of the forward aperture so as to surroundingly and sealingly engage over the rearward aperture, a forward portion, and a collapsibly expandable sleeve portion provided therebetween to surroundingly define a part of the air flow passage, such that the forward portion is deployable from a position in the unexpanded configuration whereat the air flow passage is open to a position in the expanded configuration whereat the forward portion acts to restrict air flow through the air flow passage; wherein: the forward portion incorporates a valve aperture and a valve seating surface is provided within the valve cavity on an inner surface of the valve housing such that when the valve member is in the expanded configuration the forward portion of the valve member seats against the valve seating surface in sealing manner to effect closure of the valve aperture therein and hence generally occlude the air flow passage; and the forward portion of the valve member comprises a partly apertured forward surface which forward surface is adapted to engage in fluid tight manner with the valve seating surface provided internally on the forward wall of the valve housing to effect closure of the air flow passage when the valve member is in the expanded configuration.