GB2423475A

GB2423475A - An external male urinary incontinence control clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2423475A
Application number: GB0504005A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas John Jenkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-26
Filing date: 2005-02-26
Publication date: 2006-08-30
Also published as: GB0504005D0

Abstract

An external male urinary incontinence control device comprising two plastic plates 1, 3 which are manually compressed against the ventral and dorsal aspects of the penile shaft to exert comfortable pressure on the urethra and press on straps 5, 6 which are easily released with a pull tab 7. The inner surface of the lower plate 3 may be upwardly curved. The outer surface of the plates 1, 3 may be covered with strips of hook and loop tape 2, 4 and the inner surfaces of the straps 5, 6 may be formed from corresponding hook and loop tape. One strap 5 may form a hinge and the other strap 6 may be used for fastening the clamp. Preferably the straps 5, 6 are replaceable and the clamp may be soaked in antiseptic solution to maintain hygiene.

Description

I

AN EXTERJ'4AL MALE URINARY INCONTINENCE CONTROL DEVICE The device described relates to a means of controlling moderate to severe male urinary incontinence. Such a condition can be embarrassing and inconvenient, particularly to individuals who are active, sporting, or are frequent travelers. Urethral clamps are available but have a nonadjustable pressure, which weakens quickly, offering a short effective life, and can be uncomfortable.

Male urinary flow may be effectively and painlessly stopped by exerting pressure on the urethra with the forefinger across the middle of the ventral aspect of the penile shaft and the thumb on the dorsal aspect, the pressure exerted being unique to the individual. This leads to the design of a simple device that simulates the finger and thumb action, and permits a pressure comfortable to the user to be maintained for a useful period of several hours depending on fluid intake. A pull-tab 7 permits easy release.

The technique for fitting and releasing the finger and thumb (FAT) clamp is easy to learn, but setting the optimum pressure requires a little practice. It is advisable to use an absorbent pad folded in to a semicone to cover the fitted device. The pad will be held comfortably in place by wearing close fitting briefs or a jock strap, and should remain reasonably dry all day If urine comes in contact with the device it may be soaked in an antiseptic solution and dried naturally. It would therefore be recommended that at least three devices be available for rotation. This device is only recommended for use during normal waking hours.

The construction of the FAT clamp will now be explained referring to the drawings.

FIG I shows the upper, or thumb plate I which is a rectangular piece of smooth, stiff plastic of rectangular section. The upper surface of plate I is covered by a strip of Velcro (R.TM) hook and loop type tape 2 which has an adhesive underside and an upper surface of hooks. (+ve) FIG 2 shows the lower, or finger plate 3 a rectangular piece of smooth, stiff plastic with an upward curved. sect5on and a flat lower face. The lower surface of plate 3 is covered by a strip of Velcr Ipe tape 4 which has an adhesive upper face and a lower surface of hooks (+ve) similar to I. (rPl) Two strips 5 & 6 of Velcro type tape, which have an upper surface of loops (-ye) are pressed up on to the underside of plate 3 symmetrically about the center line, with a 10mm gap between the adjacent ends, as in FIG 3. With the plates I and 3 about 10mm apart and parallel, the free end of strip 5 is folded over on to strip 2 and pressed down to form a hinge between the two plates. The pull up tab 7 is made by pressing a 5mm strip of adhesive tape across the free end of tape 6 on the (-ye) side With the hinge wide open and the finger plate held across the middle of the veniral aspect of the penile shaft, the thumb plate can be folded over the penis and an appropriate pressure exerted to prevent flow of urine. At this point the finger and thumb plates should be approximately parallel, and folding over tape 6 and pressing down can hold the position. If the finger and thumb plates are not parallel at the required pressure then the underside of tape 5 can be removed and replaced appropriately by increasing or decreasing the adjustment gap between tapes 5 and 6.

The plastic finger and thumb plate material can be manufactured in lengths from which the plates may be cut to required length, or molded as separate plates. All plate edges should be rounded.

The drawings show an average requirement for dimensions.

Viz. Finger Plate = 70mm X 20mm X 5mm at the center of the curved section.

Thumb plate = 70mm X 20mm X 2mm rectangular section.

Velcro type tape = 20mm wide, one side hook (+ve) with the other side adhesive.

Velcro type tape = 20mm wide, one side loops (-ye) with the other side plain. (rM)

The Velcri and loop type fixing tapes have proved to be effective for about one month despite frequent washing in disinfectant, and are easily replaced.

Any similar system of fixing straps may be utilised which can be easily adjusted to achieve optimum separation of the parallel plates and permit reliable fix and simple release. The important requirement is to be able to maintain a comfortable, effective pressure.

Claims

1. An external male urinary incontinence control device using two long life plastic plates, one on the ventral and one on the dorsal aspects of the penile shaft which are pressed by the users finger and thumb to exert a comfortable pressure on the urethra to control urine flow. The pressure is maintained by press on straps that may be easily released with a pull up tab.

2. The device as claimed in claim I may be soin an antiseptic solution for several hours to maintain hygiene. The Velcro type straps should continue to function for about a month, and may easily be replaced by the user.