Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a valve suitable for draining fluid from a urostomy pouch, wherein the valve comprises a first valve portion comprising a head portion, a stem, an inlet, a first bore, at least one outlet opening and a distal end closure, a second valve portion comprising a sleeve, a second bore and a valve outlet, wherein the first bore and the second bore form a channel to transport fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet, wherein the sleeve encircles the stem and is adapted to close the channel to prevent drainage of fluid, wherein the distal end closure of the first valve portion is adapted to close off the valve outlet of the second valve portion, wherein the valve comprises one or more arms mounted on the first valve portion. The arms/laterally projecting finger pieces in D1 provide means for unscrewing the valve.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose flexible arms/fingers that are used to establish a secure connection between a valve portion and a tube.

<CIT> stems from the field of dispensers of liquids and discloses arms which serve to keep a plug in place when the device is in a closed position and to resiliently keep said plug in an open position when fluid flow is desired.

Embodiments, and features of the various exemplary embodiments described in this application, may be combined with each other ("mixed and matched"), unless specifically noted otherwise. A urostomy appliance is typically used to collect urine from a urostomy connecting the urine system in the body with the abdominal surface of the user. The appliance is directly or indirectly adhered to the skin of the user around the urostomy. Urostomy appliances includes a collecting pouch for collecting the urine. The pouch is typically provided with an outlet including a valve at the bottom of it making it possible for the user to drain the urine into a suitable place during the day - e.g. a toilet. At night, a tube for a collecting bag may be connected to the valve.

However, there is still a need for a more convenient solution for the user.

Embodiments relate to a valve for draining fluid from a urostomy pouch, wherein the valve comprises a first valve portion comprising a head portion, a stem, an inlet, a first bore, at least one outlet opening and a distal end closure, and a second valve portion comprising a sleeve, a second bore and a valve outlet, the first bore and the second bore form a channel to transport fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet, the sleeve encircles the stem and is adapted to close the channel to prevent drainage of fluid, the distal end closure of the first valve portion is adapted to close off the valve outlet of the second valve portion, wherein the valve comprises one or more arms, the one or more arms extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the one or more arms having the distal end connected to the sleeve and the proximal end coupled to the head portion, wherein the one or more arms are arranged in a distance from the sleeve forming a gap between the one or more arms and the sleeve, wherein the one or more arms are adapted to be moved towards the sleeve into the gap, which displaces the sleeve away from the head portion of the first valve portion to open the channel and allow drainage of fluid through the valve, as the distal end closure is simultaneously moved into the second bore.

A valve as described above has the advantage that it is easy for a user to drain their urostomy pouch for fluid. The user may simply press or squeeze the one or more arms to the effect that the valve outlet is opened. As the one or more arms are moved towards the sleeve into the gap, the sleeve is moved away from the head portion of valve and the distal end closure simultaneously is moved into the second bore to the effect that the channel allows drainage of fluid through the valve. The user does not need to reposition the hands during opening of the valve. Thus, the valve is easy to use and the user is in control of the fluid flowing through the valve. Additionally, the valve operates so as to avoid any undesirable dripping or spillage.

Generally, the valve may be a urostomy valve, such as a urostomy pouch valve.

Whenever referring to the proximal end of the valve, the referral is to the end closest to the urostomy collecting pouch. Likewise, whenever referring to the distal end of the valve, the referral is to the end furthest away from the collecting pouch.

The axial direction, the longitudinal direction and the central longitudinal axis (L) of the valve extends from the inlet to the valve outlet. The radial direction is transverse the axial direction. The central longitudinal axis (L) is the axial axis passing through the centre of the valve in the longitudinal direction (as illustrated in <FIG>).

A collecting pouch of a urostomy appliance usually comprises a front wall on the distal side and a rear wall on the proximal side. The walls are made of gas and liquid impermeable foil material (for example of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) or ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA)) that is welded around the edges or the rim so as to form a pouch defining a collection chamber. The pouch includes a valve for leading out urine at the bottom of the pouch. The inlet opening is provided in the rear wall and placed in the upper part of the collecting pouch so that when a user stands up, the inlet opening will be above the midline of the collecting pouch. This leaves a larger collecting volume below the inlet opening. Thus, the top of the collecting pouch is defined as the part closest to the inlet opening, and the bottom is defined as the opposite part. Urostomy pouches are typically provided with an outlet at the bottom of the pouch that in its simplest form is an outlet closed by a detachable closure.

The parts of the valve may be made of e.g. a polyolefin material such as polyethylene. The sealing means may be made of LDPE.

In embodiments, the proximal end of the one or more arms are removably coupled to the head portion.

In embodiments, the head portion comprises one or more contact faces and the proximal end of the one or more arms extends towards the one or more contact faces, the one or more arms and the one or more contact faces being adapted to cooperate to displace the sleeve away from the head portion, when the arms are moved towards the sleeve into the gap.

In embodiments, the second valve portion comprises two oppositely positioned arms. Hereby, a stable and sturdy rotatable valve structure is achieved. In embodiments, the head portion comprises two contact faces.

In embodiments, the one or more arms comprise a curved segment and/or a linear segment. The one or more arms may extend from the sleeve to the head portion in a shape such that the proximal ends of the arms extend towards the one or more contact faces of the head portion.

The one or more arms may extend radially from the sleeve for providing a grip portion allowing a user to close the valve by a force applied on the distal end of the one or more arms. The one or more arms may have a circular segment shape. Arms may have a linear segment, a curved segment or/and circular segment shape.

In embodiments, the one or more arms are resilient, such that the one or more arms may be squeezed by finger force of a user allowing the one or more arms to be stretched longitudinally and flex back to shape after end of squeezing. The shape of the one or more arms may be changed temporarily during the squeezing of a user, afterwards the one or more arms retains the shape as in an un-squeezed configuration, when the valve and the arms are not influenced by any forces applied by the user.

In embodiments, the one or more contact faces each have a tapered surface tapering in distal direction. Hereby, the proximal end of the one or more arms may slide along the tapered surface of the one or more contact faces and thereby increase the longitudinal displacement of the two valve portions due to the extent of the tapered surface.

In embodiments, the two arms are arranged symmetrically along the central longitudinal axis (L).

In embodiments, the one or more arms comprises a semi-circular ring shape having a diameter of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>, when in an un-squeezed configuration.

In embodiments, the distal end closure of the first valve comprises a cylindrical shape forming a stem plug for the circular shaped valve outlet. The sleeve may be made of resilient material to form a seal around the stem plug.

It is convenient for some users that the movement in longitudinal direction of the valve portions is initiated before the valve outlet is opened and fluid starts flowing. It allows a user to initiate the opening of the valve slowly and to feel in control of the valve before fluid starts to flow. Thus, the user is in full control of handling the valve and the flow rate.

The first valve portion may comprise one or more ring-shaped seals on the stem. The one or more ring-shaped seals may be positioned on the stem between a lock protrusion and the one or more outlet openings.

The one or more outlet openings of the first valve portion may be arranged at the distal end of the stem. The one or more radial-facing and/or axial-facing outlet openings allows fluid to flow from the first bore into the second bore.

In embodiments, the first valve portion comprises a lock protrusion extending in a radial direction. The stem may comprise a lock protrusion extending outwardly in a radial direction. The lock protrusion may be arranged between the head portion and the one or more outlet openings on the stem of the first valve portion. The lock protrusion may comprise a substantially cylindrical shaped base having a cut off at the distal part of the lock protrusion to provide a radially outward half-moon-shaped face. The lock protrusion may have an icon, a letter or a color on the face.

In embodiments, the lock protrusion has a distal face comprising a half-moon-shaped face. The lock protrusion may extend radially outwards. Hereby, after manufacturing of the first and second valve portions, they may be assembled to form a valve. The tapered protrusion allows the stem to be pressed into position inside the sleeve.

In embodiments, the second valve portion comprises an elongated slot extending in the longitudinal direction, the elongated slot being adapted for accommodating the lock protrusion. The elongated slot is aligned with the position of the lock protrusion and supports the position of the sleeve in relation to the first valve portion. Hereby, the lock protrusion and the elongated slot provide a holding force that may be overcome by a force provided by a user's hands.

The elongated slot may comprise an eight-shaped slot having two minor tangentially extending flanges for providing two positions for the lock protrusion in the elongated slot.

In embodiments, the elongated slot comprises toothed sidewalls for providing a holding force for the lock protrusion to be positioned in different positions along the elongated slot. Hereby, the elongated slot provides several positions for the lock protrusion along the elongated slot, as the toothed sidewalls of the elongated slot provides a number of minor tangentially extending flanges.

In embodiments, the valve is adapted to perform a maximum displacement in a longitudinal direction between the head portion and the sleeve of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>.

Generally, the valve may comprise a total length from the inlet to the valve outlet of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>. It may be a convenient valve size for most users, as the valve is relatively small, but still big enough to handle.

The second valve portion may comprise a shape having a size in cross-sectional direction of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In embodiments, the valve is adapted to perform a maximum displacement in a longitudinal direction between the head portion and the sleeve of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>. Thus, the maximum distance between the head portion and the sleeve may be <NUM>.

The second valve portion may comprise a ring-shaped sealing groove on the outer surface for connection with a urostomy appliance, such as a tube for a night collecting bag.

Embodiments relate to a urostomy pouch valve for draining fluid from a urostomy pouch, wherein the valve comprises a first valve portion comprising a head portion, a stem, an inlet, a first bore, at least one outlet opening and a distal end closure and a second valve portion comprising a sleeve, a second bore and a valve outlet; the first bore and the second bore forming a channel to transport fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet, and the distal end closure of the first valve portion is adapted to close off the valve outlet of the second valve portion, the sleeve encircles the stem and is adapted to close the channel to prevent draining fluid out of the urostomy pouch, wherein the valve comprises one or more arms, the one or more arms extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the one or more arms having the distal end connected to the sleeve and the proximal end coupled to the head portion, wherein the one or more arms are arranged in a distance from the sleeve forming a gap between the one or more arms and the sleeve, wherein the one or more arms are adapted to be moved towards the sleeve into the gap, which displaces the sleeve away from the head portion of the first valve portion to open the channel to allow drainage of fluid from the urostomy pouch through the valve as the distal end closure simultaneously is moved into the second bore.

The means for attaching the urostomy appliance to the user may include a base plate for attaching to the skin of the user and a wafer on the urostomy appliance for coupling the appliance to the base plate. Alternatively, the appliance may include a wafer that is adapted for directly adhering it to the skin of the user.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrates in a perspective view a valve for a urostomy appliance.

The valve <NUM> comprises a first valve portion <NUM> and a second valve portion <NUM>. The first valve portion <NUM> comprises a head portion <NUM>, a stem <NUM>, an inlet <NUM>, two radial-facing outlet openings <NUM>, a distal end closure <NUM> and two sealing rings <NUM>. The stem comprises a radially extending lock protrusion <NUM> cooperating with an elongated slot <NUM> on the second valve portion <NUM>. The second valve portion <NUM> comprises a sleeve <NUM> and two oppositely positioned arms <NUM>.

The elongated slot <NUM> comprises toothed sidewalls <NUM>. The minor tangentially extending flanges provide a holding force for keeping the lock protrusion <NUM> in a specific position to avoid unintentional movement in the longitudinal direction. The holding force provided by the lock protrusion <NUM> and the elongated slot <NUM> can be overcome by finger force of a user.

The second valve portion <NUM> comprises a ring-shaped sealing groove <NUM> on the outer surface allowing for connection with accessories for a urostomy appliance, such as a tube for a night collecting bag.

<FIG> illustrates two side views and two detailed cross-sectional views of a valve in a closed configuration and an opened.

The first valve portion comprises a head portion <NUM>, an inlet <NUM>, a stem <NUM>, a first elongated bore <NUM>, two radially facing outlet opening <NUM> and a distal end closure <NUM>. The head portion <NUM> comprises a flange forming a grip portion <NUM>. The second valve portion <NUM> comprises a sleeve <NUM>, a second bore <NUM> and a valve outlet <NUM>.

The second valve portion <NUM> encircles the first valve portion <NUM> and the first elongated bore <NUM> and the second elongated bore <NUM> are fluidly connected connecting the inlet <NUM> and the valve outlet <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> of the second valve portion <NUM> comprises two oppositely positioned arms <NUM>. The two arms <NUM> extend radially and comprise a curved shape. The distal end <NUM> of the two arms <NUM> extend radially away from the sleeve <NUM> of the second valve portion. The proximal end <NUM> of the arms extend towards the two tapered contact faces <NUM> on the head portion <NUM> of the first valve portion <NUM>.

The two arms <NUM> extend from the second valve portion <NUM> and curve towards the contact faces <NUM> on the head portion of first valve portion <NUM>. The two arms have circular segment shape.

The proximal ends of the two arms abut the contact faces <NUM> and by pressure of a user in the transverse direction on the two arms <NUM>, as illustrated by arrows Po, cause the valve outlet to open. The pressure causes a displacement in longitudinal direction of the sleeve <NUM> relative to the head portion <NUM> as well as the distal end closure <NUM> of the first valve portion being retracted from the valve outlet <NUM> and into the second bore <NUM> formed in the second valve portion.

The arms <NUM> extend from the sleeve in a position between a distal end and a proximal end. The arms are arranged in a distance from the sleeve in radial direction forming a gap between the one or more arms and the sleeve. When the arms are moved, radially inwards, towards the sleeve into the gap, the sleeve is moved away from the head portion of the first valve portion in longitudinal direction. Hereby, the channel is opened and drainage of fluid through the valve is possible, as the distal end closure is simultaneously displaced into the second bore.

The movement of the first and second valve portion also causes the lock protrusion <NUM> to pass along the elongated slot <NUM> comprising the toothed sidewalls <NUM>, when the holding force of the lock protrusion <NUM> and the elongated slot <NUM> is exceeded by the finger force of a user. The movement of the first and second valve portion is stopped when the lock protrusion <NUM> is positioned adjacent the distal or the proximal end walls.

<FIG> shows that the distal end closure <NUM> is positioned in the bore <NUM> of the second valve portion, when the valve is in the open configuration.

<FIG> illustrates the first valve portion comprising the head portion <NUM>, the inlet <NUM>, the stem <NUM>, the bore <NUM> and the tapered contact face <NUM> on a distal part of the head portion <NUM>. At the distal end of the first valve portion, two sealing rings <NUM> are positioned above proximately two outlet openings <NUM>. The two outlet openings <NUM> face radially outwards. The distal end closure <NUM> comprises a cylindrical shape forming a stem plug <NUM> for the circular shaped valve outlet. The lock protrusion <NUM> is arranged approximately on the middle of the stem <NUM> of the first valve portion <NUM> and extends radially from the stem.

The stem <NUM> comprises one or more ring-shaped seals for fluidly sealing between the stem and the sleeve <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top view, two side views and a perspective view of a valve in a closed configuration.

The arms <NUM> comprise a semi-circular ring shape. They are arranged on the lateral side of the sleeve spaced apart by the sleeve having a width of <NUM>.

In this embodiment, in closed configuration, the length of the valve is <NUM> and the width is <NUM>, which corresponds to the two arms <NUM> forming part of a circular ring having a diameter of <NUM>. The width of the two arms <NUM> is <NUM> and the cylinder-shaped sleeve has a diameter of <NUM>. The valve outlet <NUM> comprises a circular shape.

<FIG> illustrates the valve illustrated in <FIG>, in an opened configuration. <FIG> illustrates that the maximum distance between the first and second valve portion <NUM>,<NUM> is <NUM>, when the valve is fully opened and the lock protrusion <NUM> is located in the proximal end of the elongated toothed slit <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A valve (<NUM>) for draining fluid from a urostomy pouch, wherein the valve comprises a first valve portion (<NUM>) comprising a head portion (<NUM>), a stem (<NUM>), an inlet (<NUM>), a first bore (<NUM>), at least one outlet opening (<NUM>) and a distal end closure (<NUM>), a second valve portion (<NUM>) comprising a sleeve (<NUM>), a second bore (<NUM>) and a valve outlet (<NUM>), wherein the first bore and the second bore form a channel to transport fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet, wherein the sleeve encircles the stem and is adapted to close the channel to prevent drainage of fluid, wherein the distal end closure of the first valve portion is adapted to close off the valve outlet of the second valve portion, wherein the valve comprises one or more arms (<NUM>), characterized in that the one or more arms extending between a distal end (<NUM>) and a proximal end (<NUM>), the one or more arms having the distal end connected to the sleeve and the proximal end coupled to the head portion, wherein the one or more arms are arranged in a distance from the sleeve forming a gap between the one or more arms and the sleeve, wherein the one or more arms are adapted to be moved towards the sleeve into the gap, which displaces the sleeve away from the head portion of the first valve portion to open the channel and allow drainage of fluid through the valve, as the distal end closure is simultaneously displaced into the second bore.