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: A flush fit ostomy coupling (110) includes a bagside coupling member (114) with a front flange (116) from which an outer wall (22) depends rearwardly. A channel is formed between the outer wall and an inner wall (124) supported by the outer wall. The bodyside coupling member (112) carries sealing means in form of first and second substantially radially projecting sealing fins (152). The sealing fins are able to deflect to form a cylindrical band seal against one wall (122) of the channel. The opposite wall (124) of the channel forms an interlock with the bodyside coupling member. The radial sealing fin may be used with other types of ostomy coupling. Also, the flush fit design may employ other types of seal.

Abstract: An ostomy coupling has first and second coupling members. These can be held together by a springy flexible split locking ring. A plurality of tabs, arranged, e.g., symetrically, on the limbs of the locking ring can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by movement of the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The movement of the locking ring which causes withdrawal of the tabs may be a vertically upward movement of the ring, or a vertically downward movement. The movement of the locking ring which causes withdrawal of the tabs alternatively may be a deformation of the ring in opposed horizontal directions. Preferably, however, the movement of the locking ring which causes a withdrawal of the tabs is a rotational movement relative to the second coupling member.

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 50, 60 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 70. A plurality of tabs 71 symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 70, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by an upward pull on the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The ring 70 is generally circular in its unstressed condition.

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 20, 40 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 30. A plurality of tabs 31, 32, symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 30, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by movement of the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The ring 30 is generally circular in its unstressed condition.

Abstract: A coupling, which may be an ostomy coupling but could be any kind of tube or pipe coupling, includes a first coupling member 10 and a second coupling member 30 which are mutually interengageable and which surround an orifice 70. The coupling also includes a resilient split ring 50 which encircles the two coupling members and has a handle member 51 which can be manipulated to cause the split ring to be deformed. This causes the radially-inwardly extending tabs 52 on the ring to be shifted between respective first positions in which the split ring is undeformed and the tabs lock the two coupling members together and respective second positions in which the split ring is deformed in such a way as to shift the tabs radially outwardly to positions where they permit separation of the two coupling members.The split ring is desirably made of a relatively rigid but springy plastics material, for example an acetal resin.

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 80, 90 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 100. A plurality of tabs 101 symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 100, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by movement of the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The split ring 100 is for the most part circular in its unstressed condition.

Abstract: A catheter holder has a pad of medical grade adhesive material having one surface for attachment to the skin of a wearer, and a pair of tapes secured to and extending from the other surface of the pad. A multiple use adhesive is placed on a surface of at least one tape which surface faces generally towards the other tape. With such an arrangement, the two tapes can be stuck together to enclose the catheter and at the same time the tape carrying the adhesive sticks to the adjacent wall of the catheter so preventing logitudinal movement of the catheter relative to the pad.

Abstract: A catheter retainer is disclosed that includes an adhesive pad with projections. The catheter is secured to the pad by being tied to the projections.

Abstract: A catheter attachment device comprises a first pad of medical grade adhesive having one surface covered by a removable protective layer, a second surface covered by a plastics film, and, attached to the film, a second pad of medical grade adhesive. A surface of this second pad which faces away from the first pad is covered by a removable protective layer and has a plastics film on its other surface. The two plastics films are attached to each other over a central region substantially smaller in area than the areas of both the first and second pads.