GB2398111A

GB2398111A - Medical drainage bag tap

Info

Publication number: GB2398111A
Application number: GB0302760A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel French
Original assignee: Mentor Medical Ltd
Current assignee: Mentor Medical Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-06
Filing date: 2003-02-06
Publication date: 2004-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-06
Also published as: GB2398111B; GB0302760D0

Abstract

A tap such as for use with a medical drainage bag (e.g., a urine bag, a urostomy bag, or a colostomy bag), comprises an outer portion 12 and rotatably mounted insert 14. Outer portion 12 is provided with flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 and insert 14 with a radially extending through hole such that in open position inlet 16 and outlet 18 are in fluid communication via the through hole. To facilitate rotation of insert 14 a cap portion 24 is provided, the cap featuring at least one grip tab 26 overhanging the radially outer surface of the outer portion 12. Rotational movement of the insert 14 is limited by the at least one grip tab 26 abutting the inlet 16 or outlet 18. There may further be provided complementary ridge and groove structures (102,108, figure 8) on the inner surface of the at least one grip tab 26 and the corresponding outer surface of the outer portion 12.

Description

TAP

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to taps for liquid containers, and in particular to taps for bags such as urine drainage bags, wound drainage bags, urostomy drainage bags, or colostomy drainage bags.

BACKGROUND

Urine bags, urostomy bags, and colostomy bags are used to collect bodily waste from individuals who are unable to pass waste in the normal way. Such bags typically are worn on the leg under clothing or are positioned alongside a user (e.g., at the bedside). During the day, for example, the user would have the outlet of the bag closed to collect waste in the bag, and would open the outlet to drain the bag as necessary. Overnight, the outlet of the bag would normally be connected in an open position to a bedside drainage bag for extra capacity.

I s SUMMARY

The invention provides taps having an outer portion and an insert. Such taps can be connected to a bag such as a urine bag or a urostomy bag, for example, and can be moved from a closed position to an open position in order to drain the bag as desired by a user. The taps provided herein are easily maneuverable with one hand, have a low profile and thus are unobtrusive under clothing, and have a relatively low risk of accidental operation.

The present invention provides a tap comprising an outer portion having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, and an insert securely mounted in the outer portion, wherein the insert includes a cap fitted over a longitudinal end of the outer portion and at least one grip tab extending from the cap over the outer surface of the outer portion.

The present invention also provides a tap comprising an outer portion having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, and an insert securely mounted in the outer portion for rotation about an axis between open and closed positions, wherein the insert includes a cap portion fitted over a longitudinal end of the outer portion and two grip tabs extending longitudinally from the cap portion over an outer surface of the outer portion and arranged opposite to one another with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the tap is operated by a user pressing radially inward on the two grip tabs and sliding them around the outer surface of the outer portion, and wherein the range of movement of the grip tabs is limited by the flow inlet and the flow outlet thereby preventing excessive rotation of the insert.

The present invention also provides a bag provided at an outlet with a tap according to the present invention.

IS The present invention provides a bag provided at an outlet with a tap comprising an outer portion having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, and an insert securely mounted in the outer portion for rotation about an axis between open and closed positions, wherein the insert includes a cap portion fitted over a longitudinal end of the outer portion and at least one grip tab extending from the cap portion over an outer surface of the outer portion, and wherein the tap is operated by a user pressing radially inward on the at least one grip tab and sliding it around the outer surface of the outer portion.

The present invention provides a bag provided at an outlet with a tap comprising an outer portion having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, and an insert securely mounted in the outer portion for rotation about an axis between open and closed positions, wherein the insert includes a cap portion fitted over a longitudinal end of the outer portion and two grip tabs extending from the cap portion over an outer surface of the outer portion and arranged opposite to one another with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the tap is operated by a user pressing radially inward on the two grip tabs and sliding them around the outer surface of the outer portion, and wherein the range of movement of the grip tabs is limited by the flow inlet and the flow outlet thereby preventing excessive rotation of the insert.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. l is a drawing of a bag provided with a tap according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show different perspective views of a tap according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insert portion of a tap according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views ofthe insert 14 and the outer portion 12 fitted together according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 6A depicting the open position and FIG. 6B depicting the closed position. Arrows in FIG. 6A indicate the direction of flow of material through the tap when in the open position.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show perspectives of the insert and outer portion of the tap according to the first embodiment of the present invention looking down the rotational axis of the tap from the bottom thereof, with the dotted lines indicating the path of the through hole. FIG. 7A depicts the open position and FIG. 7B depicts the closed position. Arrows in FIG. 7A indicate the direction of flow of material through the tap when in the open position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of tap 10, showing a snap feature employed in an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a drawing of a bag (e.g., a urine bag, a urostomy bag, or a colostomy bag) attached to tap 10. Figures 2 to 4 depict different views of tap 10. With reference to Figures I to 4, tap 10 of the present invention includes outer portion 12 and insert 14. Insert 14 can be securely mounted in outer portion 12 for movement between open and closed positions.

Outer portion 12 and inner portion l 4 can define any suitable shape (e.g. , cylindrical, barrel shaped, or oval).

Outer portion 12 is provided with flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18, both directed radially with respect to the axis of movement of insert 14. Flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 can be of any suitable length (e.g., 1 centimeter, 2 centimeters, or more than 2 centimeters), and can define any shape (e.g., cylindrical, square, or rectangular). Flow inlet 16 can be configured to adapt snugly to a bag (e.g., a urine bag) such that leakage does not occur at the junction of flow inlet 16 and the bag. Similarly, flow outlet 18 can be configured to fit snugly into drainage tubing such as that used overnight to drain the bag, so that leakage does not occur at the junction of flow outlet 18 and the tubing.

Outer portion 12 and insert 14 can be of a standard construction in terms of the way in which they control the flow of fluid through the tap upon movement of the insert. For example, insert 14 can include a radial throughhole that is aligned with flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 in the open position and is not in communication with flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 in the closed position. The throughhole can extend straight through insert 14 (e.g., straight through the center point of insert 14) if flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 are positioned directly across from each other on opposite faces of outer portion 12.

Alternatively, the throughhole can contain an angle or a curve if flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 are not positioned directly across from one another.

With further reference to Figures 2 to 4, outer portion 12 can define first longitudinal end 20 and second longitudinal end 22 (hidden by insert 14). As such, outer portion 12 can have a longitudinal axis that extends between the first and second longitudinal ends. Second longitudinal end 22 can be open, such that insert 14 can be positioned within outer portion 12. Insert 14 can include cap portion 24 that is fitted over second longitudinal end 22 of outer portion 12. The cap can have grip tabs 26 and 28 (of circumferential width less than the outer circumference of the outer portion) extending from cap portion 24, which can be arranged at 180 degrees with respect to each other about the axis of rotation of insert 14 and which can extend over a portion of the outer surface of outer portion 12. Figure 5 shows a side view of insert 14, depicting cap 24 and grip tab 26, as well as one end of throughhole 30.

In another embodiment of a tap provided herein, insert 14 can have only one grip tab (e.g., grip tab 26 or grip tab 28), which can be used to operate the tap. Alternatively, a tap provided herein can have grip tabs that are arranged at more than or less than 180 degrees with respect to one another about the axis of rotation of insert 14.

The outer surfaces of grips tabs 26 and 28 can be adapted to facilitate gripping by a user during operation of tap 10. As depicted in Figures 2 to 4, for example, an array of longitudinal grooves can be provided on the outer surface of each grip tab 26 and 28.

Alternatively, the outer surfaces of the grip tabs can define grooves running in any other direction, or can have any other type of raised sections or indentations that will facilitate gripping by a user. Tap 10 is operable by pressing on the outer surfaces of grip tabs 26 and 28 (e.g., with forefinger and thumb of the same hand), and applying a tangential force with the thumb and forefinger so as to slide the grip tabs over the outer surface of outer portion 12 and thus move insert 14 in the appropriate direction. Such operation is convenient because it can be accomplished with one hand.

Outer portion 12 can support grip tabs 26 and 28 by preventing any flexing of the grip tabs when a user presses radially inward thereon during operation of tap 10. Grip tabs 26 and 28 therefore can have a relatively small radial thickness without risk of breakage, which is advantageous in terms of further lowering the profile of the tap.

Figures 6A and 6B show cross-sectional views of tap 10 in open and closed positions, respectively. In Figure 6A, throughhole 30 is aligned with flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 such that fluid (e.g., bodily waste) can move through tap 10 as depicted by the arrows. In Figure 6B, throughhole 30 is not aligned with flow inlet 16 or flow outlet 18, and fluid (e.g., bodily waste) is prevented from moving through tap 10. To prevent leakage of bodily waste (e.g., urine) into outer portion 12 when tap 10 is in an closed position, the ends of throughhole 30 can be fitted with seal 32 so that the openings of throughhole 30 are snugly positioned adjacent to the junctions between flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 with the inner surface of outer portion 12. Seal 32 can be, for example, an o-ring. Alternatively, the junctions of flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 with the inner surface of outer portion 12 can be fitted with seal 32.

Flow inlet 16 and flow outlet 18 can serve to limit movement (e.g., rotation) of the insert. In this embodiment, tap 10 is designed such that it is in an open position when one of the grip tabs abuts either flow outlet 18 or flow inlet 16, and is in a closed position when the same grip tab abuts against the other of the flow outlet and flow inlet. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, for example, tap 10 is open when grip tab 26 abuts flow inlet 16, and is closed when grip tab 26 abuts flow outlet 18.

Tap 10 can be made from any suitable material. For example, tap 10 can be made from moulded plastic. Alternatively, the tap could be made from metals or other such materials capable of being fashioned into a close tolerance fit required to prevent leakage.

As described herein, the tap can be easily operated with one hand by, for example, resting flow inlet 16 in the hand and moving grip tabs 26 and 28 of insert 14 over and around the outer surface of outer portion 12 (e.g., with the forefinger and thumb of that hand).

Operation of tap 10 by application of a radially inward pressing force is advantageous in that it reduces the risk of the tap being operated accidentally. In addition, there is little risk of a user forcing the insert past the limits set by the flow inlet and flow outlet. Thus, a user can easily appreciate when tap 10 is in the open position and when it is not, and the mode of operation can be appreciated at first use.

The tap described herein has a low profile, which has the advantages that the tap is unobtrusive under clothing, and the risk of accidental operation (e.g., by catching on clothing or bumping against another individual or an object) is further reduced. Additionally, the tap is relatively economical to produce.

The configuration having at least one grip tab extending over the outer radial surface of outer portion 12 permits a relatively simple mechanism for securely retaining insert 14 in outer portion 12. This can be achieved by, for example, providing a snap feature on the inner surfaces of the grip tabs and the corresponding portion of the outer radial surface of the outer portion. As shown in Figure 8, for example, tap 100 can have ridge 102 on the inner surface of each grip tab 104 and 106, and complementary groove 108 on the corresponding portion of the outer radial surface of outer portion 110. The inclusion of such a snap feature can be incorporated relatively easily in the production of outer portion 110 and insert 112 (e.g., by plastic moulding). Alternatively, an insert could be retained in an outer portion by interaction of a lip at the second longitudinal end of the outer portion and a corresponding groove on the insert.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A tap comprising an outer portion having a flow

inlet and a flow outlet, and an insert securely mounted in the outer portion, wherein the insert includes a cap fitted over a longitudinal end of the outer portion and at least one grip tab extending from the cap over the outer surface of the outer portion.
2. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the insert is movable about an axis of rotation with respect to the outer portion.
3. A tap according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the insert comprises two grip tabs.
4. A tap according to any preceding claim, wherein the range of movement of the grip tabs is limited by the flow outlet and the flow inlet, thereby preventing excessive movement of the insert.
5. A tap according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one grip tab extends the full length of the outer portion.
6. A tap according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer surface of the at least one grip tab is provided with grooves.
7. A tap according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface of the grip tab and the corresponding outer surface of the outer portion comprise complementary ridge and groove structures, the interaction of which prevents the insert from being inadvertently removed from the outer portion.
8. A tap according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow inlet and flow outlet are positioned opposite to one another.
9. A tap according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer portion is cylindrical in shape.
10. A tap comprising an outer portion having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, and an insert securely mounted in the outer portion for rotation about an axis between open and closed positions, wherein the insert includes a cap portion fitted over a longitudinal end of the outer portion and two grip tabs extending longitudinally from the cap portion over an outer surface of the outer portion and arranged opposite to one another with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the tap is operated by a user pressing radially inward on the two grip tabs and sliding them around the outer surface of the outer portion, and wherein the range of movement of the grip tabs is limited by the flow inlet and the flow outlet thereby preventing excessive rotation of the insert.
A bag provided at an outlet with a tap according to any preceding claim.
12. A bag according to claim 10, wherein the bag is selected from the group consisting of a urine drain bag, a wound drain bag, a urostomy drain bag, and a colostomy bag.
13. A bag provided at an outlet with a tap comprising an outer portion having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, and an insert securely mounted in the outer portion for rotation about an axis between open and closed positions, wherein the insert includes a cap portion fitted over a longitudinal end of the outer portion and at least one grip tab extending from the cap portion over an outer surface of the outer portion, and wherein the tap is operated by a user pressing radially inward on the at least one grip tab and sliding it around the outer surface of the outer portion.
14. A bag provided at an outlet with a tap comprising an outer portion having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, and an insert securely mounted in the outer portion for rotation about an axis between open and closed positions, wherein the insert includes a cap portion fitted over a longitudinal end of the outer portion and two grip tabs extending from the cap portion over an outer surface of the outer portion and arranged opposite to one another with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the tap is operated by a user pressing radially inward on the two grip tabs and sliding them around the outer surface of the outer portion, and wherein the range of movement of the grip tabs is limited by the flow inlet and the flow outlet thereby preventing excessive rotation of the insert.
15. A tap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 7, and optionally Figure 8, of the accompanying drawings.
16. A tap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 in combination with Figures 2 to 7, and optionally Figure 8, of the accompanying drawings.