fastening system
The fastening system addresses the challenge of one-handed operation by using a protrusion and pocket design for secure, reversible attachment, enhancing usability and flexibility in medical devices like balanic sheaths.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023015140
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-12-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing fastening systems, such as hose clamps and urinary incontinence devices, require two hands for operation, posing challenges in flexibility and usability, especially in medical applications where one-hand operation is necessary.
A fastening system with a non-rigid clamping collar and elongated element design featuring a protrusion and pocket configuration that allows secure, one-handed assembly and disassembly, ensuring the protrusion remains locked in place under tension.
Facilitates one-handed operation and secure attachment of the elongated element to the clamping collar, enabling easy cleaning and use by both right- and left-handed users, with applications in medical devices like balanic sheaths.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Fastening system technical field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of fastening systems configured to reversibly assemble a non-rigid clamping collar to an elongated element. Prior art
[0002] Fastening systems facilitate the assembly and stability of many elements in our environment. One example of a fastening system uses a hose clamp to securely fasten two elements together while offering a degree of flexibility. In certain situations, it can be difficult to operate such a system with both hands, particularly when one hand is used to hold at least one of the elements being fastened together. In such cases, the ability to operate the fastening system with one hand becomes a significant advantage.
[0003] In addition, this type of device may be advantageous in the medical field; for example, in the case of male urinary incontinence, it may be necessary to fix a foreskin to a balanic sheath.
[0004] Urinary incontinence is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine through the urethra. Several types of urinary incontinence exist, depending on their underlying pathophysiological cause. But whatever the cause, the repercussions on the patient's daily life are numerous and can lead to significant social discomfort.
[0005] To address this problem of urinary incontinence, balanic sheaths have been proposed which attach mechanically to the patient's penis by "pinching", "squeezing" or equivalently "exerting pressure" on the patient's foreskin.
[0006] US patent 4,388,923 describes a urine collection device in the form of a condom that is only unrolled over the glans of the patient's penis. Once the device is placed over the glans, the patient retracts his foreskin over the device. The device further includes an elastic sheath that can be unrolled from either side of the condom, like an umbrella that folds in either direction. Thus, the sheath can be unrolled over the foreskin so as to enclose it and keep the device tightly in place. The device terminates in a tube that collects the patient's urine in a pouch.
[0007] This type of medical device has the disadvantage of having to be handled with two hands.
[0008] More generally, there is a need in certain technical fields to reversibly assemble a device comprising a clamp to a second element, the clamp being able to be used with one hand. Summary
[0009] This disclosure improves the situation.
[0010] This document relates to a fastening system configured for reversibly assembling an elongated element and a non-rigid clamping collar comprising: - the elongated element comprising: * a rod extending at least along one longitudinal direction and comprising a free end, * a protrusion extending, from the free end, transversely to the longitudinal direction over a length L and having a width f, - the non-rigid tightening collar including a pocket and designed to close on itself, * the pocket having a first opening comprising a passage of a width fp less than the length L of the protrusion and greater than the width f of the protrusion.
[0011] The fastening system allows for the reversible assembly of an elongated element to a non-rigid clamp. The reversible nature of this fastening system facilitates cleaning of the non-rigid clamp. Furthermore, the protrusion, due to its dimensions, can only be inserted into the pocket in one direction. The shape of the protrusion and the dimensions of the pocket ensure that the protrusion remains securely held within the pocket of the non-rigid clamp, thus securing the elongated element to the clamp without risk of the elongated element separating from the clamp when the latter is under tension. The protrusion is thus easily inserted into the pocket and correctly positioned. Moreover, the non-rigid clamp can be positioned with one hand.
[0012] The pocket may have a second opening, the first and second openings being symmetrical with respect to the center C of the pocket.
[0013] The distribution of the first and second openings by central symmetry allows the use of the fastening system by a right-handed or left-handed user with the help of one hand.
[0014] The protrusion may have a mean plane and a cross-section in the mean plane of generally rectangular shape; preferably the mean plane is curved.
[0015] The protrusion may have rounded angles and edges.
[0016] The pocket can be formed by a piece of fabric attached to the non-rigid clamping collar by sewing or gluing.
[0017] The protrusion can extend transversely on one side and the other of the stem.
[0018] The protrusion may extend more on one side than the other relative to the stem.
[0019] Offsetting the rod relative to the protrusion ensures the retention of the protrusion into the pocket. This means that there is a maximum blocking contact surface by the pocket.
[0020] The elongated element may have an L-shape. This facilitates handling and placement in the pocket.
[0021] The fastening system can be used to attach a medical device to a part of the human body.
[0022] Thus, the present document also relates to a medical device comprising a case and a fastening system of the aforementioned type and in which the elongated element is a lever arm mounted for rotation on the case.
[0023] The non-rigid clamping collar may be made of medical textile intended for contact with the skin. This medical textile may also have been manufactured in accordance with the OEKO-TEX® label.
[0024] The case may be a balanic case. Brief description of the drawings
[0025] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which: Fig. 1
[0026] [Fig.1] illustrates a schematic representation of a non-rigid clamping collar of a fastening system according to the invention. Fig. 2
[0027] [Fig.2] represents a side view of an elongated element of a fastening system according to the invention. Fig. 3
[0028] [Fig.3] represents a rear view of the elongated element of [Fig.2]. Fig. 4
[0029] [Fig.4] represents a top view of the elongated element of [Fig.2]. Fig. 5
[0030] [Fig.5] schematically and kinematically represents the assembly of an elongated element with a non-rigid clamping collar of a fastening system according to the invention, in the case of manipulation with a right hand. Fig. 6
[0031] [Fig.6] schematically and kinematically represents an assembly of an elongated element with a non-rigid clamping collar of a fastening system according to the invention, in the case of manipulation with a left hand. Fig. 7
[0032] [Fig.7] notably represents a 3D view of a medical device with a fixation system according to the invention, in the form of a balanic sheath connected to a pocket of urine collection. Fig. 8
[0033] [Fig-8] represents the balanic sheath of the medical device of [Fig.7] and comprising an elongated element in the form of a lever arm mounted for rotation thereon. Fig. 9
[0034] [Fig.9] represents in 3D the use of the medical device of figure [Fig.7] with a focus on the balanic sheath. Description of the implementation methods
[0035] As illustrated in [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 6], this document relates to a fastening system 1 configured to reversibly assemble an elongated element 10 and a non-rigid clamping collar 40 comprising: - the elongated element 10 comprising: * a rod 11 extending at least along one longitudinal direction X and comprising a free end 12, * a protrusion 13 extending, from the free end 12, transversely to the longitudinal direction X over a length L and having a width f, - the non-rigid tightening collar 40 comprising a pocket 41 and adapted to close on itself, * the pocket 41 having a first opening 42a including a passage 43 of a width fp less than the length L of the protrusion 13 and greater than the width f of the protrusion 13.
[0036] In use, the elongated element 10 and the non-rigid clamping collar 40 cooperate so that the protrusion 13 has an insertion position where its width f faces the opening 43, and a fixation position where its length L faces the opening 43. Thus, the width fp of the opening 43 is less than the length L of the protrusion 13 to prevent the protrusion 13 from exiting the pocket 41 in its fixation position, but is greater than the width f to allow the protrusion 13 to pass through in its insertion position. Thanks to this specific configuration, the protrusion 13 can be reversibly inserted into the pocket 41 through the opening 43.
[0037] The ratio fp / f between the width of the passage 43 and the width of the protrusion 13 can be between 1 and 1.7. The ratio fp / L between the width of the passage 43 and the length of the protrusion 13 can be between 0.2 and 0.9.
[0038] The rod 11 can extend along the longitudinal direction over a length of between 1 and 30 cm. An average thickness of the rod 11 can be between 0.1 and 5 cm.
[0039] The protrusion 13 may have a mean plane 131 and a cross-section in the mean plane of general rectangular shape, possibly with rounded vertices.
[0040] By mean plane of a solid, we mean a plane between two opposite faces of the solid and whose intersection with this solid is at every point equidistant from the two opposite faces, the distance to these opposite faces being taken orthogonally to the mean plane.
[0041] The protrusion 13 may have rounded angles and edges.
[0042] The ratio f / L between the width f of the protrusion 13 and its length L can be between 0.5 and 0.9; preferably between 0.6 and 0.8; always preferably between 0.65 and 0.75.
[0043] The protrusion 13 can extend transversely on either side of the rod 11. For example, it may extend equally on one side and the other of the rod 11; thus, the elongated element 10 can have a T-shape. Alternatively, it can extend more on one side than the other relative to the rod 11; thus, the elongated element 10 can have an L-shape with a splay. Generally, the L-shape with a splay is preferred.
[0044] The pocket 41 may have a second opening 42b, the first 42a and second 42b openings being symmetrical with respect to the center C of the pocket 4L
[0045] The purpose of this specific positioning of the first 42a and second 42b openings is to allow the system to be manipulated with both the right and left hands.
[0046] Preferably, the first and second openings 42a, 42b do not have planar symmetry with respect to each other. Thus, if we consider a transverse plane (i.e., perpendicular to the extension of the non-rigid clamping collar 40 passing through the center of the pocket 41), neither of the first and second openings 42a, 42b is centered with respect to this transverse plane.
[0047] The pocket 41 can be formed by a piece of fabric attached to the non-rigid clamping collar 40 by sewing or gluing (e.g., heat sealing).
[0048] The pocket 41 is preferably rectangular in shape. For example, the passage(s) 42a, 42b are made in one of its lengths and at a distance from the vertices.
[0049] Preferably, the pocket 41 is arranged at a first end 40a of the non-rigid clamping collar 40.
[0050] The non-rigid hose clamp 40 may further include a fastener 46. This fastener 46 may be a textile hook and loop system, more commonly known in France as "Velcro" or "scratch". The fastener 46 allows the non-rigid hose clamp 40 to be held closed. This fastener 46 may, however, be made differently, for example using mushroom-shaped protrusions (also known as "Dual Lock" or "Duotec," or "Mushroom fastener" in English), the caps of the mushrooms locking together.
[0051] In this case, a part 46a of the fastener 46 is preferably disposed at a second end 40b of the non-rigid clamping collar 40 opposite to the first end 40a where the pocket 41 is provided. The other part 46b of the fastener 46 is then provided on an intermediate part 40c of the non-rigid clamping collar 40 between the two ends 40a, 40b. Alternatively, the other part 46b can form the surface of the non-rigid clamping collar on which the pocket 41 is provided.
[0052] Figs. 5 and 6 schematically and kinematically represent the assembly of an elongated element 10 with a non-rigid clamping collar 40 of a fastening system 1 according to the invention, in the case of manipulation with a right hand (Fig. 5) or in the case of manipulation with a left hand (Fig. 6).
[0053] During the transition from step A to B ([Fig. 5] or [Fig. 6]), only the width f of the protrusion 13 can enter the first opening 42a of the pocket 41 in the case of manipulation with the right hand, and the second opening 42b in the case of manipulation with the left hand. The length L of the protrusion 13 cannot enter the pocket 41 through the first 42a or second opening 42b, regardless of whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed.
[0054] During the transition from step B to C ([Fig.5] or [Fig.6]), the manipulator rotates the non-rigid clamping collar 40 by 90° relative to the rod 11. As the first opening 42a, respectively the second opening 42b, includes a passage 43 with a width fp greater than the length L of the protrusion 13, when the manipulator has rotated by 90°, it can no longer remove the protrusion 13 from the pocket 41, unless it rotates again by 90° in the other direction.
[0055] During the transition from step C to D ([Fig.5] or [Fig.6]), the non-rigid clamping collar 40 is wound around itself.
[0056] During the transition from step D to E ([Fig.5] or [Fig.6]), the non-rigid clamping collar 40 is kept wound on itself by means of the fastening means 46.
[0057] As illustrated in [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], the present document relates to a medical device 80 comprising a case 81 and a fastening system 1 of the aforementioned type and in which the elongated element 10 is a lever arm 100 mounted for rotation on the case 81 by another end 14 of the rod 11 opposite to the free end 12.
[0058] The non-rigid clamping collar 40 may be made of medical textile intended for contact with the skin. Furthermore, the medical textile may be manufactured in accordance with the OEKO-TEX® label.
[0059] The case 81 can be a balanic case 810.
[0060] The balanic sheath 810 can be connected to a urinary bag 85 via successively a fitting 82, a tubular connector 83 and a tube 84.
[0061] The lever arm 100 can be rotatably mounted on a glans cup 820, which forms part of the glans sheath 810. The axis of rotation can be a flange passing through both the lever arm 100 and a connection provided on the sheath, or a portion of the lever arm 100 that is thinner than elsewhere, for example, by means of a notch. 15. In the latter case, the lever arm 100 and the case 81 can be made from the same block of material.
[0062] Fig.9 represents in 3D the use of the medical device 80 of figure [Fig.7] with a focus on the balanic sheath 810.
[0063] In operation, as illustrated by step A of [Fig.9], the preputial-covered glans cup 820 is positioned on the uncovered glans of the penis, around the urinary meatus.
[0064] During step B of [Fig.9], the foreskin is unrolled along the glans cupule 820.
[0065] In step C of [Fig.9], the non-rigid clamping collar 40 is closed around the foreskin 9 with one hand using the fastening system 1 of the aforementioned type and allows the glans sheath 810 to be held in place on the glans.
Claims
Demands
1. A fastening system (1) configured to reversibly assemble an elongated element (10) and a non-rigid clamping collar (40) comprising: - the elongated element (10) comprising: * a rod (11) extending at least along a longitudinal direction (X) and including a free end (12), * a protrusion (13) extending, from the free end (12), transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) over a length L and having a width f, - the non-rigid clamping collar (40) comprising a pocket (41) and adapted to close on itself, * the pocket (41) having a first opening (42a) comprising a passage (43) of a width fp less than the length L of the protrusion (13) and greater than the width 1 of the protrusion (13).
2. A fastening system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pouch (41) has a second opening (42b), the first (42a) and second (42b) openings being symmetrical with respect to the center (C) of the pouch.
3. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (13) has a mean plane (131) and a cross-section in the mean plane of generally rectangular shape; preferably the mean plane is curved.
4. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (13) has rounded angles and edges.
5. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pocket (41) is formed by a piece of fabric attached to the non-rigid clamping collar (40) by sewing or gluing.
6. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (13) extends transversely on one side and the other of the rod (11).
7. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (13) extends more on one side than the other relative to the rod (11).
8. A medical device (80) comprising a sheath (81) and a fastening system (1) according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the elongated element (10) is a lever arm (100) rotatably mounted on the sheath (81) by a
9. other end (14) of the stem (11) opposite the free end (12). Medical device (80) according to claim 8, wherein the non-rigid clamping collar (40) is made of medical textile intended to be in contact with the skin and preferably manufactured in accordance with the OEKO-TEX® label.
10. Medical device (80) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the case (81) is a balanic case (810).