Surgery – Body protecting or restraining devices for patients or infants – Restrainers and immobilizers
Patent
1999-03-31
2000-10-31
Brown, Michael A.
Surgery
Body protecting or restraining devices for patients or infants
Restrainers and immobilizers
128DIG25, 600 29, A61F 548
Patent
active
061386782
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a male incontinence guard of the kind that surrounds the wearer's penis, that is comprised of a relatively soft and generally elastic material, and that has a specific width and the outer surface of which coacts with a tape by means of which the incontinence guard can be affixed to the wearer's penis, wherein the inner surface of the guard that lies proximal to the penis in use includes at least one pressure element which functions to apply pressure to the corpus spongiosum penis when the tape is tightened to secure the guard around the penis, and therewith hold the penile urethra closed.
Incontinence quard users are generally males of different ages that suffer mild incontinence and elderly males and/or physically/mentally handicapped males that suffer heavier incontinence. Particularly with respect to the first group of males, i.e. those who are still physically and socially active, incontinence is a sensitive complaint which is preferably not talked about but which causes serious insecurity, particularly in gatherings of a social nature. Studies have shown that this group of males are very reluctant to discuss their problem with their doctor. A diaper is a common solution to this problem. However, diapers become ill-smelling and infected in use and cannot be worn discretely by the male user.
Also known to the art is an auxiliary aid which surrounds the wearer's penis and functions to compress the penile urethra. U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,900 teaches a device that includes generally the features set forth in the preamble of Claim 1. The means by which the penile urethra is closed has the form of an inflatable bag. This known device also includes a tape of given width and length that is placed around the penis and fixed in position with the aid of a Velcro-type fastener which joins both end parts of the device together. The device taught by this publication includes a "bag" which is connectable to a pipe or hose whose orifice contains a valve means and can be connected to an air source. Pressure is exerted against the penile urethra, when the "bag" is inflated. When the wearer wishes to urinate, he must first actuate the valve so as to release the pressure.
This known device is very complicated and is also expensive to produce. Furthermore, activation of the device requires the presence of an air source.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,611 teaches another type of penis clamp. This device functions in a manner similar to the aforesaid, i.e. squeezes together the penile urethra and therewith prevent an intentional urine discharge. One of the drawbacks with this known device is that it apparently causes the wearer particular discomfort. Another drawback is that it includes several pressure surfaces that are intended to compress the penile urethra at several different locations.
EP-A-0 465 530 teaches another device that has a similar function. This device is both complicated and expensive in manufacture. Neither can this device be worn. in a discrete manner that will save the wearer from embarrassment.
One object of the present invention is to provide an incontinence guard that is a functional improvement on those guards hitherto known.
Another object of the invention is to simplify the manufacture of such incontinence guards, and to provide an inexpensive but reliable product.
An incontinence guard that fulfils these objects is defined in the characterizing clause of claim 1.
So that the invention will be more readily understood and further embodiments thereof made apparent, the invention will now be described with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an inventive incontinence guard and shows the guard in a state ready to be placed around the penis of an incontinent;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are respective perspective views of the incontinence guard shown in FIG. 1, and show the guard in a use state;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the improved incontinence guard;
REFERENCES:
patent: 678943 (1901-07-01), Davis
patent: 2533924 (1950-12-01), Foley
patent: 2756753 (1956-11-01), Means
patent: 3155096 (1964-11-01), Outwin
patent: 3636948 (1972-01-01), Atchley
patent: 3866611 (1975-02-01), Baumrucker
patent: 4800900 (1989-01-01), French
patent: 4880016 (1989-11-01), Worth et al.
LandOfFree
Male incontinence guard does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Male incontinence guard, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Male incontinence guard will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2040748