Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch having at least one arcuate spring member, and preferably two such spring members, adjacent the discharge opening at the lower end of the pouch is disclosed. Each wall of the pouch with such arcuate spring member is normally bowed outwardly from the other wall to hold the discharge opening in open condition for draining of the pouch's contents. To seal the discharge opening, the lower end of the pouch is folded upwardly to force the spring member(s) into flattened condition, and the pouch's lower end is then secured in such upwardly-folded condition.

Abstract: A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch (10) includes a front wall (12) provided with a comfort layer (16) and a vent (22). An apertured cover layer (24) is secured to the front wall (12) through the comfort layer (16) to define a chamber for a filter element (28) and to provide a smooth surface to which can be applied an adhesive sticker. The cover layer (24) includes a plurality of apertures (30), and the flow rate through the vent can be controlled by positioning the sticker to selectively block one or more of the apertures (30). An adhesive wafer (40) includes both circular and non-circular (race-track) cut out guidelines for enabling the aperture to be cut to any desired shape and size. The wafer (40) is secured to the pouch along a weld line having a shape corresponding to a combined circular and race-track silhouette.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch clamp/closure and a method of production are described. The clamp comprises a blade member and a trough member hingedly coupled to the blade member and having a blade member receiving channel. At least one of the members comprises integrally molded first and second portions, being respectively a rigid portion of a first relatively hard plastics, and a soft or comfortable-feel portion of a second relatively deformable plastics. The clamp can be formed using two-shot molding. The channel also includes an elongate constriction for releasably retaining the blade member in the channel, providing a mechanical interlock along the entire length of the clamp. The clamp also includes a snap lock at its distal end.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch (10) is described having an automatic pressure relief valve (82) which opens and closes automatically in response to the differential gas pressure across the valve to vent flatus. In one form, the valve comprises a diaphragm which seals against a seat by the use of a tacky gel or oil. The diaphragm is pinched towards one side and flexes as a flap. In one preferred form, the valve (84) is used in combination with a deodorizing filter (82). The filter may be mounted co-axially with the valve, or it may be mounted separately and offset from the valve. A sub-envelope assembly (80) is described carrying the valve (84) and the filter (82) and defining a buffer volume between the valve and filter to compensate for the different flow characteristics of the valve and filter.

Abstract: The valved ostomy drainage device of the present invention includes a primary conduit which may be inserted into either a colonoscopy or ileostomy. Once inserted, a balloon cuff or collar on the inner aspect of the conduit is inflated which holds the conduit in place in the ostomy. The conduit is anchored on the exterior surface of the patient by a soft, malleable ring which acts as a resilient pad seal and by an anchoring collar which mounts onto the exposed end of the conduit to sandwich the ring against the patient's abdomen. With the collar so mounted the remaining exposed end of the conduit is adapted for sealing by the releasable mounting thereon of a rigid sealing member such as a threaded cap or other means of closure.

Abstract: The invention concerns an outlet valve system for a collection bag for urine from urine-incontinent or urostomy operated humans. Collection bags for urine are well known and typically consist of plastic sheets which are joined by welding along their peripheries to form a cavity between the sheets in which the urine is collected. When out of bed the user normally carry the bag by the lower part of the leg and in order to discharge urine from the bag, the bag is supplied with an outlet valve system at its lowermost part. The valve system comprises a base member which is secured to the collection bag and a movable member which is sealingly fixed to the base member; the base member has an open conduct leading into the cavity of the collection bag and conducting liquid to the movable member. The movable member has a discharge tube which is rotatably displaceable with respect to the base member and which is rotated out of the plane defined by the outer surface of the collection bag.

Abstract: A ostomy drainage apparatus for increasing the amount of time between emptying cycles of an ostomy device. The ostomy drainage apparatus includes a container including an apex having a first opening. A lip extends upwardly away from the opening. A tubular member has an open first end and an open second end. The tubular member is generally hollow and is flexible. The first end is removably coupled to the lip of the container. A stoma engaging device removably engages the stoma of a user. A front wall has an aperture, and is removably coupled to the stoma engaging device such that fluid from the stoma may enter the ostomy bag through the aperture. The peripheral wall has a hole therein. A neck extends away from the hole. The second end of the tubular member may be removably coupled to the neck.

Abstract: A cleaning device for the anus including a cylindrical portion comprised of a flexible material. The cylindrical portion has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The closed lower end is concave defining a central alignment point.

Abstract: An upright female urine collector having a horizontally accordion pleated rectangular shaped urine collection receptacle with a tube outlet, the tube housing a manually operated two way valve disposed to direct urine flow either to a sample reservoir containing a chemical reagent test strip or to a urine sample collector. The two way valve can be spring activated or can be hand turned for instant urine flow redirection. In an alternate embodiment, an upright female urine collector has a urine collection receptacle modified to retain the chemical reagent test strip in a trench with exit means for quick test results observation.

Abstract: An ostomy cartridge for use in host device in a mammal includes a body formed at elastomeric partially of polymeric material and a stem. The stem is secured to the body and is operable to permit insertion of the body into the host device and removal of the body from the host device. The stem and the body cooperate with one another and the host device to prevent flow of liquid and solid waste through the host device to the exterior of the mammal with which the host device is associated.

Abstract: An ostomy bag having a drainage aperture and a sealing device provided for selectively sealing the drainage aperture which is integral with the ostomy bag, wherein the integral sealing device includes a first elongate element secured to an outer surface of a first outer wall of the ostomy bag adjacent the drainage aperture and a second elongate element which is operatively connected to the first elongate element, at a first end of each elongate element, by a flexible hinge member, and wherein the integral sealing device further includes a first closure member at the second end of the first elongate element, and a second closure member at the second end of the second elongate element, the first and second closure members being engageable to secure the first and second elongate elements together to seal the drainage aperture.

Abstract: An enterostomy device for providing fluids and nutrients through a stoma formed through the abdominal wall of a patient is described. The enterostomy device, which may be configured as either a gastrostomy device or a jejunostomy device, comprises a low-profile retaining member which is configured to be unobtrusively positioned within the stomach or the intestine, and which is configured to provide sufficient surface area for contacting the stomach or intestine to prevent unintentional removal or release of the enterostomy device from the patient. The enterostomy device is also structured with a low-profile port hub for facilitating the inflation of the retaining member and feeding and venting through the stoma.

Abstract: A waste evacuator (2) to vacate waste products from a stoma having an inlet (3) adapted to seal over the stoma and when operated to vacate waste products from the shortened bowel. The waste evacuator could be battery or manually operated.

Abstract: A drainage system (10) for use with a Urostomy bag (100) is described. The drainage system includes a drainage tube (12) having a connector (18) at one end (12A) and a clamp (14) at the opposite discharge end (12B). An attachment clip (16) is mounted on the tube between the ends. The tube is connected by the connector to the bottom opening (100B) of the bag. When the bag is in position on a user (150), the clip attaches the discharge end of the tube to the user's clothing where the end is easily accessible.

Abstract: A colostomy container that is worn by individuals who are in need of a means of passing feces and urine. The container isolates flatus from fecal matter and is capable of containing both excrement elements in separate chambers. Particularly, the stool is collected in a bottom chamber that is disposable, and a spring actuated ball check prohibits reverse flow of fecal matter back into the stoma. The flatus is collected in a top chamber where it is deodorized with a graphite filter and vented. The center of the container is insulated with foam to reduce noise resulting from waste products exiting the stoma and entering the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering and deodorizing device for use with a colostomy pouch. The device of the invention comprises a housing having first and second chambers in gas flow communication with one another; gas inlet means adapted for connection to the colostomy pouch, for introducing into the first chamber gas flowing from the pouch; filtering means in the first chamber for filtering gas flowing through the inlet means; deodorizing means in the second chamber for deodorizing the filtered gas flowing from the first chamber; gas control means positioned downstream of the deodorizing means and operative between open and closed positions for regulating gas build-up in the pouch; and gas outlet means for discharging the gas flowing from the second chamber when the gas control means is in the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and measuring body fluid comprises a measurement container which is provided with a fluid inlet (2) at its uppermost end and at its lowermost end has a fluid outlet (3) where a rod-shaped valve means (4) is arranged, wherein the measurement container is constructed with an opening in the upper area through which opening the valve means may be activated, a fluid collection bag connected to the fluid outlet and suspended from the measurement container and flexible connecting element (7), e.g. a bellows, which is mounted on the one hand on a rim region of the opening in the measurement container and on the other hand on the valve means, as the flexible connection (7) allows axial movement of the valve manes (4, 5) relative to the measurement container (1).

Abstract: A cleansing device (10) for use with a colostomy or other body waste bag. The device (10) includes a valve body (12) having a passage (14) and a gate valve (20) positioned in the passage (14), an elongated handle (34) controlling the gate valve (20), a hose (28) connected to the inlet (16) of the valve body passage and adapted to be secured to a source of irrigating water, and a tube (22) attached to the outlet (18) of the valve body passage including a main body portion (22a) and a nozzle portion (22b) bent backwardly with respect to the main body portion (22b) into the colostomy bag. The patient may grasp the valve body (12) with one hand to move the nozzle portion (22b) of the tube (22) upwardly into the discharge opening of the colostomy bag and may thereafter use the same hand to squeeze the handle (34) and direct a flow of irrigating fluid into the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding port is disclosed which incorporates a seal module which includes a valve housing and a resilient valve member contained therein. The valve housing defines an inner passageway to provide fluid communication into a long term indwelling catheter and includes a rigid compression collar portion which defines a valve member receiving cavity within the inner passageway. The resilient valve member has a diaphragm portion which has an "S" shaped slit therethrough, and an outer peripheral edge which generally conforms in shape to the valve member receiving cavity but is larger in dimension than the cavity when uncompressed. The resilient valve member also includes an outer wall portion which extends away from the outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm portion and which generally conforms in shape to the cavity.

Abstract: A manual gas venting and cutting apparatus for use in cutting an opening in and manually venting gas from the interior of a conventional unvented ostomy collection pouch includes a valve assembly having an open position, which permits gas to pass therethrough and a closed position, for preventing gas to pass therethrough. The valve assembly has an input portion for communicating with the interior of the ostomy collection pouch and an output portion for communicating with the atmosphere and a mounting device for mounting the valve assembly to a selected portion of the ostomy collection pouch. The mounting device releasably contains therein a portion of the valve assembly so as to position the input portion thereof proximate the interior of the ostomy collection pouch, and the output portion of the valve assembly proximate to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A manual gas vent assembly for use in venting gas from the interior of a conventional unvented ostomy collection pouch include a valve assembly having an open position, which permits gas to pass therethrough and a closed position, for preventing gas to pass therethrough. The valve assembly has an input portion for communicating with the interior of the ostomy collection pouch and an output portion for communicating with the atmosphere and a mounting device for mounting the valve assembly to a selected portion of the wall of the ostomy collection pouch. The mounting device releasably contains therein a portion of the valve assembly so as to position the input portion thereof proximate the interior of the ostomy collection pouch, and the output portion of the valve assembly proximate to the atmosphere. Also included is an absorbent pad suitable for receiving an antiseptic and/or deodorant.

Abstract: A urine drainage tap is provided which includes an elongated passage having a barrel disposed therein and a control member located in the barrel which is moveable in relation to the barrel for defining an open and closed position. The lever arm is connected to the control member to permit movement of the control member. In an important aspect of this invention, the lever arm is moveable so as to extend along the passage in substantially opposite longitudinal directions relative to the passage when the control member is in the open and closed positions so as to avoid the tendency for the patient to inadvertently open or close the control member by leaning on the lever arm.

Abstract: The one-way cross-slit valve of the invention is made of an elastomeric material and has a hollow cylindrical body with first and second ends and an axis and a passageway through the body, the passageway being entirely intercepted by a ridge and valley wall or web structure integrally joined to the cylindrical body. There are just two ridges in the form of lands that extend diametrically and intersect at a right angle at about the axis of the valve body and are slitted at the intersection to provide duckbill valve action. The ridges constitute the apices of mutually intersecting partially folded wall portions that are V-shaped in section, the V's spreading towards the first end where the intersecting walls join and form the valleys and the one-way action of the valve allowing fluid to move only towards the second end. The novel low profile gastrostomy tube combines a conventional dome and tubular shaft with the one-way cross-slit valve of the invention.

Abstract: A manual gas vent assembly for use in venting gas from the interior of a conventional unvented ostomy collection pouch include a valve assembly having an open position, which permits gas to pass therethrough and a closed position, for preventing gas to pass therethrough. The valve assembly has an input portion for communicating with the interior of the ostomy collection pouch and an output portion for communicating with the atmosphere and a mounting device for mounting the valve assembly to a selected portion of the wall of the ostomy collection pouch. The mounting device releasably contains therein a portion of the valve assembly so as to position the input portion thereof proximate the interior of the ostomy collection pouch, and the output portion of the valve assembly proximate to the atmosphere. Also included is an absorbent pad suitable for receiving an antiseptic and/or deodorant.

Abstract: A unique colostomy or ileostomy bag includes an anti-back flow member provided by a thin plastic tube. The structure of the thin plastic tube reduces any likelihood of waste contacting a patient's skin. The thin plastic tube has a relatively large opening compared to a seal positioned adjacent the patient. Thus, any waste passing through the seal tends not to contact the thin plastic member adjacent an entrance to the thin plastic member. Rather, the waste contacts the thin plastic member at a downstream position. At the downstream position, any waste on the thin plastic member would not be adjacent to patient, and would tend to not contact the patient. The thin plastic member has relatively little rigidity such that it presents little resistant to flow of the waste material between the sides of the thin plastic member. In this way, the waste moves easily between the sides of the thin plastic member and into a bag for storage.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device for easier insertion into an established stoma is provided with an apertured dome connected at its bottom wall to a tubular shaft, wherein the dome is particularly characterized by having the sidewall thinned from apex to bottom wall whereby the dome, when elongated with an obturator, stretches smoothly and readily to very close to the diameter of the tubular shaft. The device is ordinarily provided with a one-way valve mounted in the dome as well as with a retention flange at the outer end of the tubular shaft. Preferably the one-way valve is a cross-slit duckbill valve of novel design.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic clamp for closing the lower end of a drainable ostomy pouch, the clamp being similar to prior constructions in having a thin wedge member receivable in the channel of narrow trough member for clamping the outlet end of a collection pouch in folded and sealed condition. The two members have adjacent ends joined by a flexible hinge strap, and the end of the wedge member below the strap has a thin, integral guide blade projecting endwise therefrom. The guide blade is receivable in, and extendable through, a slit-like opening in the corresponding end of the trough member for guiding the closing of the clamp and for tightly maintaining the ends of the members together even if the hinge strap should become damaged in use.

Abstract: A closure member for a bag has a blade and a sheath. The sheath has side walls that are joined on inner edges and open on outer edges. The blade inserts between the side walls. A partition connects between the side walls near a locking end of the sheath. The partition has a shoulder. A retaining wall locates on the locking end of the sheath, spaced longitudinally from the partition. The blade has a locking member that will insert between the retaining wall and the partition. The locking member of the blade has a shoulder that snaps over the shoulder end of the retaining wall.

Abstract: An integral hinged clip having two limbs. One limb is held by two opposed resilient catch portions of the other limb within a channel defined by said other limb. The catch portions effecting said holding in their normal undeformed positions. The clip is useful as a closure for a drainable ostomy pouch.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising a receptacle having a front wall, a back wall, and a chamber for collection of liquid therein. The system has a housing secured to an upper portion of the receptacle, said housing having a drip chamber, an annular wall in a lower portion of the drip chamber defining a valve seat, with said seat being disposed at an acute angle relative to the horizontal when the receptacle is in an upright position. The system has an anti-reflux valve comprising a sheet of flexible material having an upper portion and a lower portion and extending across said drip chamber such that the sheet is sufficiently large to engage against said seat peripherally around the drip chamber.

Abstract: A vented valve assembly for venting gas from a body collection pouch comprises structure for manually venting the gas from the pouch. The structure for manually venting the gas from the pouch include a housing, the walls of which define a chamber. The housing also includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet adapted to be connected to the pouch. A valve for venting the gas from the pouch through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet is also provided which includes a valve seat located in the chamber adjacent the inlet, a valve stem extending in the chamber, a button attached to one end of the valve stem and extending out from the outlet, and a valve element attached to the other end of the valve stem and of a diameter smaller than that of the valve seat. The valve element being moveable between a closed position in close fit engagement with the valve seat and an open position remote from the valve seat upon the displacement of the button.

Abstract: An improved clamp is provided for closing a body waste collecting bag, molded from a plastic material piece and comprising two two legs hinged together about a film hinge, said legs being formed so as to clamp therebetween, in the operating condition, the films or sheets forming the collecting bag on the free emptying edge thereof, with removable means for immobilizing the legs with respect to each other, said legs with substantially rectangular flat contour being formed as the male and female parts of a resilient grip engagement coupling, said leg formed as the female part has a cross section somewhat in the form of a C with resiliently deformable wings, the leg formed as the male part has a partially conjugate cross section, and said legs defining simultaneously, at their end opposite the hinge end, a safety means also being of resilient grip type.

Abstract: A breathable barrier which includes:A. a first layer which is a porous sheet having a first side and a second side; andB. a second layer joined to the first side of the first layer, which second layer is a continuous film of a polymeric latex material, in which:the film is not microporous in that it is substantially free of voids which connect the two surfaces of the film; andthe film has an average thickness of from about 10 to about 250 microns;wherein the first layer side of the second layer is intimately comingled with at least some of the fibers at the surface of the first side of the first layer, none of the pores at the surface of the first side of the first layer are so large as to significantly adversely affect the barrier properties of the breathable barrier as a consequence of the comingling, and the breathable barrier has a water vapor transmission rate at 37.degree. C. and about 50 percent relative humidity of from about 100 to about 2,200 g/m.sup.2 /24 hours and is impermeable to 0.

Abstract: A urine meter attached to a flexible urine collection bag. The urine meter comprises a rigid container which is dischargeable into the collection bag. A valve is disposed at the bottom of the rigid container to permit small samples to be taken in a sterile, multiple use, manner. The valve also permits large urine samples to be taken from the container, by the release of a bias device on the valve. The large samples are taken infrequently. The small samples are taken from a reusable sampling port which reseals itself when the sampling device, such as a hypodermic needle, is withdrawn.

Abstract: An ileostomy valve comprising an attachment plate having a central opening passing therethrough which communicates with a support housing is shown. The support housing has an elongated central member which defines a passageway which communicates with the opening in the attachment plate and which terminates at the remote end of the elongated second member. A cover plate has a central drainage opening extending therethrough. The cover plate is positioned contiguous the attachment plate positioning the coacting member to engage and coact with the attachment plate. An elongated flexible tubing member extends through the central drainage opening in the covering plate, through the opening in the attachment plate, through the passageway in the elongated central member to the second opening in the elongated central member.

Abstract: Citrate esters are formed utilizing organic titanates as a catalyst allowing excess alcohol to be removed. Four citrate esters have been found which provide advantageous plasticizing properties to PVC compositions which include superior toxicity test results and superior soapy water extraction test results. The four citrate esters are: acetyltri-n-hexyl citrate, n-butyryltri-n-hexyl citrate, acetyltri-n-(hexyl/octyl/decyl) citrate, and acetyltri-n-(octyl/decyl) citrate. Articles formed from the PVC plasticized mixtures are extremely useful in the medical or health care field as they demonstrate a low order of toxicity.

Abstract: One end (4a) of a supply tube (4) opening out into the three-way connector is closed by a diaphragm (9) and filled with fresh fluid. This end is situated opposite one end of a duct (3b;36) to which a connection tube (3) is connected, with which it is axially aligned. This duct end has a pointed tip (8; 37) of hard plastic material. The end of the supply tube is axially displaceable in a chamber (2) of the three-way connector. By moving this end toward the tip of the duct end, the diaphragm is pierced by the tip, so that the fresh fluid can flow from the supply tube into the connection tube. One end of a drain tube (5) runs perpendicular to the duct end and opens out in the chamber. This closed three-way connector cannot be contaminated, is easy to use, and is largely proof against incorrect manipulation.

Abstract: A multiple sample valve assembly for a urine collection system with a valve for taking small urine samples in a safe manner. The valve also has a valve for taking large urine samples while having a frangible portion for indicating that the large sampling valve was used, so as to alert medical personnel to the possibility of contamination or infection if proper procedures are not undertaken. The element for indicating use comprises frangible panels or bands which may be disturbed by opening the valve.

Abstract: A bag having a flap valve beneath an opening at the top edge and a second valve including a longitudinally slidable valve member having a downwardly extending tube. When the slidable valve is in the open position the downwardly extending tube passes through the flap valve to provide sterile access to the liquid within the bag.

Abstract: A collection system for body fluids comprising, a receptacle having a collection chamber for retaining the body fluids, a first container having a supply chamber for retaining a bactericide, and a second container having a holding chamber, with the holding chamber being located above a lower portion of the collection chamber, and the supply chamber being located above a lower portion of the holding chamber. The system has a first valve member permitting the passage of bactericide from the supply chamber into the holding chamber, and a second valve member permitting the passage of the bactericide from the holding chamber into the collection chamber.

Abstract: A liquid collection system for collecting and discharging urine from a catheterized patient. A collection bag receives urine through the catheter, and has a drain system therein, which comprises a valve having a bactericide element over which the urine must flow as it is being drained from the bag. The bactericide element is held in an openable cage, so as to permit replacement of the bactericide element as an "as needed" basis. The bactericide disposed within the valve helps prevent retrograde contamination of the liquid collection system.

Abstract: A novel self actuating anti-reflex device is provided having two anti-reflex valves in fluid connection with each other and cooperatively functioning whereby the first self actuating valve permits passage of fluid and/or gaseous matter therethrough yet senses fluid or gaseous pressure within, for example, an attached receptacle for receiving the matter being passed therein and effectively closes the passageway to the receptacle in response to the fluid and/or gaseous pressure, whereby the second anti-reflex device self actuates permitting fluid and/or gaseous matter to exit therefrom wherein the second anti-reflex valve may optionally be made inoperative. A novel, fully portable drainage collection system incorporating the foregoing self actuating anti-reflex device is also provided and made adaptable for use in connection with the drainage of gastric matter using conventional gastric systems including suction systems in conjunction with the gravity drainage of gastric matter from patients.

Abstract: A continent ostomy valve comprising a drainage tube which is secured at one end within the stoma of the patient while the other end passes through an orifice in a disk-shaped valve body which includes releasable clamping means for selectively occluding the drainage tube. The outer end of the drainage tube is stored on the face of the valve body under a cover which encloses the valve body and provides a low profile of uniform configuration.

Abstract: A device for preventing or hindering obturation of an inlet valve of a urine collector bag, the device being a trifurcate member of unitary construction being generally planar and incorporated in the bag. The central limb of the device is curved in cross-section and seats the valve so that even when the bag or valve is crushed, twisted or shortened, the valve remains open, being supported and strengthened by the device. The limbs of the device are situated at the sides of the bag in use.

Abstract: An inhalator comprises a water level adjusting chamber which fluidly communicates a water supply chamber and a vaporizing chamber. A manually operable valve interrupts communication between the level adjusting and vaporizing chambers. Upon closing of the valve, a power supply circuit is turned on to energize a heater for heating water in the vaporizing chamber. The interruption of communication between the level adjusting and vaporizing chambers during the use is effective to obtain only a relatively small amount of water to be heated.

Abstract: Return valve for a bag (1) for collecting liquid excretions from a human body, which valve comprises a valve flap (9,10) made of flexible film and placed between a reservoir portion (8) of the bag and a portion having a coupling to be connected with corresponding fastening means placed around an opening in the body. In order to ensure an extreme security against leakage through the return valve, the return valve further comprises a second valve flap (13, 14) arranged downstream of the first valve in the direction of the flow of the liquid secretions, which second valve flap comprises a film portion passing the opening (at 11) of the first valve, and together with the valve flap of the first valve forming a passage to the region between the first and second valves.

Abstract: A container, which is flat in its empty condition, of plastic, rubber or another flexible material, especially for the collection of urine and/or faeces. The container comprises two outer walls (2) joined together in a surrounding seam (6), an inlet (54) and, if desired, an outlet (58). The inlet is provided with a non-return valve formed by enveloping a tube end (76) in two intermediate layers having the same extent as the outer walls (2) in the width direction of the container, the intermediate layers having free edges (80) spaced from the mouth (78) of the tube. The intermediate layers lie closely against each other in an area (56) situated between the edges (80) and the mouth (78) and delimited laterally by seams (72,74) joining the intermediate layers.

Abstract: A valve for a body fluid storage container comprises a valve body (11) and a manually operable valve member (10) rotatable in a through aperture (14) therein, between an open disposition in which a touch surface (30,31) of the valve member stands away from the fluid flow path (15) through the valve and a closed disposition in which it lies close to it. The valve member has a unitary construction in which a first limb (33) extends from an insert portion (37) of the valve member, at one end of the through aperture, to the touch surface, and a second limb extends from the touch surface to a retaining portion (40) which engages, at the other end of the through aperture, with a leading end (42) of the insert portion to hold the valve member in position in the valve body. This two-part valve provides a cheap disposable item for use with disposable containers.

Abstract: A drainage bag includes front and rear walls of plastics material and is combined with a support. The walls are welded together along their top edges in such a way as to define a plurality of linearly-spaced through holes which do not communicate with the interior of the bag. These holes are capable of accepting hooks or studs on a support (or hanger) separate from the bag. The support has spaced hooks or studs constructed to be respectively received in the holes.The hanger may be molded in one piece of synthetic plastic.