Ostomy appliance connection assembly
The clamping device with a radial unlocking mechanism addresses the cumbersome nature of existing snap locks by allowing easy disengagement of ostomy appliance components, enhancing user convenience and maintaining component usability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022549856
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-02-20
- Filing Date
- 2021-02-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-19
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-02-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing ostomy appliance couplings, such as those with snap locks, are cumbersome to unlock due to the requirement of pinching the snap lock along an axial direction, which necessitates positioning fingers in a small space between the snap lock and the body, making it difficult for users.
A clamping device with a clamp ring and clamp lock that allows unlocking via radial movement of the clamp actuator, eliminating the need to position fingers between the clamp lock and the body, and enabling easy disengagement with a radial motion.
The radial unlocking mechanism simplifies the uncoupling process, providing a more user-friendly and efficient way to disconnect the pouch from the wafer without damaging either component, maintaining their functionality.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coupling assembly for an ostomy appliance, and an ostomy appliance including such a coupling assembly. [Background technology]
[0002] Many forms of ostomy appliances exist, designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit for ostomates. Ostomy appliances generally include a pouch for collecting stoma discharge and are typically attached to the body by a wafer, often via at least one adhesive layer on the wafer. The wafer extends around the ostomate's stoma. In "two-piece appliances," a bonding assembly is provided to allow the wafer to be removably attached to the pouch. Two-piece appliances allow the wafer to be separated from the pouch without damage, so that at least one of the components remains functionally usable. For example, the wafer can remain in place on the ostomate's body while the pouch can be replaced.
[0003] EP-A-2726033 discloses a coupling for an ostomy appliance. The coupling includes a substantially non-stretchable string that functions as a locking ring in the coupling. The string is twisted by use of a tab when moving from an unlocked position to a locked position. The string includes a locking element that can hold the string in the locked position. The locking element can include a snap lock to hold the clamp ring in the locked or closed position. However, unlocking such a snap lock can be cumbersome for the user. Summary of the Invention
[0004] As used herein, the term "stoma effluent" refers to any gas, fluid, or solid produced by an ostomate that may be secreted from or exit the stoma. Stoma effluent can include stoma gas, stoma fluid, and stoma solids.
[0005] As used herein, the term "stoma" refers to a bodily opening. Generally, a stoma is a surgical opening in the body trunk. In some cases, the term "stoma" also refers to an internal tissue, organ, or portion thereof exposed by the opening. By way of non-limiting example, the internal tissue may be selected from the colon, ileum, small intestine, large intestine, jejunum, and duodenum, and combinations thereof. The internal tissue may be an end or loop of the small intestine or large intestine.
[0006] As used herein, the term "ostomate" refers to a subject who may use the belt mount for an ostomy appliance disclosed herein. While an ostomate typically refers to a subject with a surgical opening, as used herein, "ostomate" can refer to a subject with a stoma, regardless of whether the stoma is created by surgery or other means. The term "user" can refer to the ostomate or another person assisting the ostomate, for example, emptying stoma output from the cavity.
[0007] The ostomy appliances disclosed herein can be used to manage a stoma created by, for example, an esophagostomy, gastrostomy, cholecystostomy, choledochostomy, cecostomy, colostomy, duodenostomy, ileostomy, jejunostomy, appendixostomy, tracheostomy, urostomy, nephrostomy, ureterostomy, or cystostomy. The ostomy appliances disclosed herein can be used with additional devices, including, but not limited to, shunts, catheters, plugs, or fecal management systems.
[0008] In this specification, features, locations, and orientations may be described with reference to the belt mount of an ostomy appliance "in use," "orientation when in use," or similar. Such terms refer to the intended orientation of the belt mount of an ostomy appliance when the ostomy appliance is currently in such use or when secured to the ostomate's body while the ostomate is standing, regardless of the ostomate's actual position. In particular, the terms "top" and "bottom" may refer to their locations on the ostomy appliance or its components when in use.
[0009] As used herein, a wafer may be intended for attachment to the ostomate's body around the stoma to attach an ostomy appliance to the ostomate. The term "wafer" may be used interchangeably with the terms "adapter," "ostomy wafer," "base plate," or "layered adhesive wafer." The wafer may include at least one adhesive layer on the body-facing side for adhering the wafer to the ostomate's body. A release liner may cover the body-facing side of the wafer, which is removed by the user before attachment to the skin. The wafer may also include additional features, such as a belt mount.
[0010] As used herein, the term "pouch" can be used interchangeably with the term "bag" and can comprise at least one film forming a cavity for collecting stoma output. The pouch may comprise at least one filter for separating stoma solids from stoma liquid and / or gas. The pouch can comprise at least one outlet for selectively draining stoma output from the pouch.
[0011] The present disclosure provides a coupling assembly for an ostomy appliance comprising a clamping device, a first coupling, and a second coupling, wherein the clamping device comprises: a clamp ring attached to the first and / or second coupling, the clamp ring having an inner periphery adjustable between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration, wherein in the clamped configuration the clamp ring is for maintaining the first and second couplings in a coupled configuration; and a clamp lock attached to the clamp ring and adjustable to a locked configuration to lock the clamp ring in the clamped configuration, the clamp lock comprising a clamp actuator radially movable relative to the inner periphery to release the clamp lock from the locked configuration.
[0012] The snap lock in EP-A-2726033 has been found to be cumbersome to unlock because it requires pinching the snap lock along an axial direction, and therefore requires the user's fingers to be positioned in the small, if any, space between the snap lock and the ostomate's body. The present disclosure avoids such awkward use by enabling unlocking via radial movement of the clamp actuator. Thus, the user does not need to position their fingers between the clamp lock and the ostomate's body, but can simply push the clamp actuator radially with one finger or thumb.
[0013] The clamp actuator may be movable radially inward toward the inner circumference to release the clamp lock. The clamp lock may be attached to the clamp ring and extend radially outward from the clamp ring. The clamp lock may include a snap-fit mechanism.
[0014] The clamp lock may include a latch. The latch may include a lever engageable with a catch. The clamp actuator may be configured to disengage the lever from the catch when moved radially relative to the inner circumference to release the clamp lock from the locked configuration. The clamp actuator may be attached to the lever. The catch may include a hoop, and the lever may include a hook configured to engage the hoop in the locked configuration. The lever may be resiliently biased to engage the catch when the clamp ring is in the clamped configuration.
[0015] The coupling assembly may further include first and second tabs attached to and extending radially outward from the clamp ring. The first and second tabs may comprise a clamp lock. The lever may extend from the first tab, and the second tab may comprise a catch. The first and second tabs may be positioned around the clamp ring such that they are movable toward each other to reduce an inner circumference and adjust the clamp ring from an unclamped configuration to a clamped configuration.
[0016] The clamp ring may have an inner circumference that is larger in the unclamped configuration than in the clamped configuration. The clamp ring may be resiliently biased, like a spring, to return from the clamped configuration to the unclamped configuration. The clamp ring may include first and second clamp ring ends that are movable relative to one another between the clamped and unclamped configurations. The clamp ring may be split.
[0017] The second coupling can be configured to be mounted within the first coupling in the clamped configuration. The second coupling can be press fit into the first coupling in the clamped configuration.
[0018] The first and second couplings may be for attachment to a pouch and wafer of the ostomy appliance, respectively, or vice versa. Accordingly, the present disclosure further provides an ostomy appliance comprising the aforementioned coupling assembly, pouch, and wafer, wherein the first coupling is attached to the pouch and the second coupling is attached to the wafer, or vice versa, such that the wafer and pouch can be disconnected by disconnecting the first and second couplings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of an ostomy appliance with a coupling assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coupling assembly of FIG. 1 in an uncoupled and unclamped configuration. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the clamping device of the coupling assembly of FIG. 1 in a clamped configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling assembly of FIG. 1 in an unclamped configuration and a partially clamped configuration. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional side view across the width of the coupling assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021] In the following description, like reference numerals are used in different embodiments to denote like or similar features. 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 the claimed subject matter belongs. It is to be understood that the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following embodiments are exemplary and explanatory only and are not limiting of the claimed subject matter.
[0022] The following description is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure. The description of the embodiments is not intended to include all possible embodiments of the disclosure as claimed in the appended claims. Many modifications, improvements, and equivalents not expressly described in the following embodiments may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Features described as part of one embodiment may be combined with features of one or more other embodiments, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
[0023] It should also be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the present disclosure have been simplified to focus on elements relevant for a clear understanding of the present disclosure, while for purposes of clarity, it may be necessary to omit other elements that would be well understood by those skilled in the art. Because such elements are well known to those skilled in the art and do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, descriptions of such elements are not provided herein.
[0024] As used herein, the use of the singular includes the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the use of "or" means "and / or" unless stated otherwise.
[0025] 1 illustrates an ostomy appliance 10 according to the present disclosure, which includes a pouch 11 for receiving and storing stoma waste and releasably attached to a wafer 13 by a coupling assembly 12. The ostomy appliance 10 of the present disclosure may be a two-piece appliance.
[0026] As further illustrated in Figures 2-5, the coupling assembly 12 includes a first coupling 20, a second coupling 40, and a clamping device 60 that may be movable relative to one another. The coupling assembly 12 is configurable between a coupled configuration (a partially coupled configuration is shown in Figure 4) and an uncoupled configuration (as shown in Figure 2). In the coupled configuration, the ostomy appliance 10 is suitable for use in an ostomate by collecting stoma output, and the first and second couplings 20, 40 are coupled or attached to one another. In the uncoupled configuration, the first and second couplings 20, 40 are uncoupled or separated from one another so that the wafer 13 and / or pouch 11 are interchangeable.
[0027] In the following example, the pouch 11 is attached to the first coupling 20 and the wafer 13 is attached to the second coupling 40. The first and second couplings 20, 40 do not have to be coupled to separate the pouch 11 from the wafer 13, such as when the pouch 11 is exchanged while the wafer 13 remains attached to the ostomate's body. However, in other embodiments, the pouch 11 may instead be attached to the second coupling 40 and the wafer 13 may be attached to the first coupling 20. Additional elements may be attached between the pouch 11, wafer 13, and the first and / or second couplings 20, 40, but generally, uncoupling the first and second couplings 20, 40 results in the pouch 11 being disconnected and separated from the wafer 13.
[0028] The first coupling 20 and the second coupling 40 can extend around and form a connection opening 14 through which stomal waste can pass. Thus, stomal waste can pass from the stoma, through the wafer opening (not shown), through the connection opening 14, through the pouch opening (not shown), and into the pouch 11.
[0029] Coupling assembly 12, first coupling 20, second coupling 40, and / or clamping device 60 can be substantially annular and / or may comprise an open or closed ring. While coupling assembly 12, first coupling 20, second coupling 40, and / or clamping device 60 can comprise a substantially circular ring as shown, the ring may also have another elliptical shape, such as an oval, or a polygonal shape, such as an octagon.
[0030] The components of the present disclosure, particularly the coupling assembly 12, the first coupling 20, the second coupling 40, and / or the clamping device 60, may extend as follows: circumferentially around the connection opening 14. This may be circumferentially 15 around the outer circumference of the connection opening 14 and stoma; Radially from the connection opening 14, which may be radially outward 16 from the center of the connection opening 14 and stoma, which may be substantially aligned with the body of the ostomate; and / or Axial direction, which may be an axial direction 17 through the coupling opening 14, perpendicular to the circumferential direction and the radial direction.
[0031] Components of the present disclosure, particularly the coupling assembly 12, the first coupling 20, the second coupling 40, and / or the clamping device 60, can include: length, which may be their dimension in the circumferential direction 15 around the coupling opening 14; outer width, which may be their maximum outer dimension in the radial direction 16; width, which may be their dimension in the radial direction 16 from their inner periphery 25 to their outer periphery (i.e., the width of the annulus); and / or Thickness, which is their dimension in the axial direction 17.
[0032] The second coupling 40 can be configured to mount within the inner periphery 25 of the first coupling 20 in the clamped configuration. Thus, the second coupling 40 can form and be exposed to the coupling opening 14, while the first coupling 20 and / or the clamping device 60 are not. The second coupling 40 can be attached to the first coupling 20 by being press-fit into the first coupling 20 in the clamped configuration. The first and second couplings 20, 40 can comprise annulus sections having substantially U-shaped cross sections configured to mate with each other in the clamped configuration. In particular, the first coupling 20 can be at least partially mounted inside the second coupling groove 41 of the second coupling 40.
[0033] The first coupling 20, shown in more detail in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, may include a first coupling groove 21 that may face radially outward from the coupling opening 14 and may be configured to receive at least a portion of the clamping device 60 in the coupled configuration. The first coupling 20 may include a first coupling wall 22 that may extend axially such that its thickness is greater than its depth. The first coupling 20 may include first coupling inner and / or outer flanges 23, 24 that may extend radially outward from opposing axial edges of the first coupling wall 22. The first coupling outer flange 24 may have a width greater than that of the first coupling inner flange 23. The first coupling wall 22, inner flange, and / or outer flanges 23, 24 form the first coupling groove 21, and the first coupling 20 may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section (i.e., across its width). The pouch 11 or wafer 13 can be attached to the first coupling outer flange 24 .
[0034] The second coupling 40, shown in more detail in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, can include a second coupling groove 41 that faces radially outward from the coupling opening 14 and can be configured to receive at least a portion of the first coupling 20 in a coupled configuration. The second coupling 40 can include a second coupling wall 42 that can extend axially such that its thickness is greater than its depth. The second coupling 40 can include second coupling inner and / or outer flanges 43, 44 that can extend radially outward from opposing axial edges of the second coupling wall 42. The second coupling inner flange 43 can have a wider width than the second coupling outer flange 44. The second coupling wall, inner flange, and / or outer flanges 42, 43, 44 can form the second coupling groove 41, and the second coupling 40 can have a substantially U-shaped cross-section (i.e., across its width). The pouch 11 or wafer 13 can be attached to the second coupling inner flange 43 .
[0035] 2, 4, and 5 illustrate the transition of the coupling assembly 12 from an uncoupled configuration (FIG. 2), through a partially coupled configuration (FIG. 4), to a coupled configuration (FIG. 5). During coupling, the second coupling 40 can be mounted inside the inner periphery 25 of the first coupling 20, and in particular, the first coupling 20 can be partially mounted in the second coupling groove 41. The second coupling outer flange 44 may be chamfered therearound to help guide the first coupling 20 into the second coupling groove 41. In the coupled configuration, the first and second coupling walls 22, 42 can be adjacent and / or abutting one another, the first and second coupling inner flanges 23, 43 can be adjacent and / or abutting one another, and / or the first and second coupling outer flanges 24, 44 can be adjacent and / or abutting one another.
[0036] At least a portion of the first and second couplings 20, 40 may be elastically deformable and flexible to allow the second coupling 40 to be inserted and removed through the inner periphery 25 of the first coupling 20. For example, at least the second coupling outer flange 44 may be elastically deformable. Such elastic deformability can aid in forming a press fit and can result in a seal between the first and second couplings 20, 40. Alternatively, at least one separate sealing element can be provided between the first and second couplings 20, 40 to form a seal therebetween.
[0037] It will be understood that any other configurations of the first and second couplings 20, 40 may be implemented provided that they are movable between a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration and can be clamped together by the clamping device 60 in the coupled configuration.
[0038] The clamping device 60 is for clamping the first and second couplings 20, 40 together in a coupled configuration. As shown in more detail in Figures 3-5, the clamping device 60 comprises a clamp ring 61 attached around and to the first and / or second couplings 20, 40. In particular, the clamp ring 61 may be attached to the first coupling 40 and may be attached to and extend around the first coupling groove 21 thereof. The clamp ring 61 may be annular and extend circumferentially as shown.
[0039] The clamp ring 61 has an inner periphery 62 and is adjustable between a clamped configuration (shown in FIG. 3 ) and an unclamped configuration (shown in FIG. 3 ). In the clamped configuration, the clamp ring 61 preferably maintains the coupling assembly 12 in the coupled configuration by holding and / or compressing the first and second couplings 20, 40 together, and the inner periphery 62 of the clamp ring 61 may be smaller than in the unclamped configuration. In the unclamped configuration, the clamp ring 61 allows the coupling assembly 12 to be adjusted to the unclamped configuration, particularly by allowing the first and second couplings 20, 40 to separate.
[0040] The clamp ring 61 is preferably resilient in at least the radial direction 16 and can be resiliently biased to reduce the inner periphery 62 and return to the clamped configuration from the unclamped configuration. As in the illustrated embodiment, the clamp ring 61 is flexible and substantially inextensible along its length. The inner periphery 62 can be adjustable by the clamp ring 61 having first and second clamp ring ends 63, 64 that are movable relative to one another between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The clamp ring 61 can be split such that the first and second clamp ring ends 63, 64 are free ends. The first and second clamp ring ends 63, 64 can abut one another when in the clamped configuration.
[0041] The clamping device 60 may further include first and second tabs 70, 71 extending preferably radially outward from the clamp ring 61 for adjusting the inner circumference 62. The first and second tabs 70, 71 may be positioned about the clamp ring 61 so as to be movable toward one another to reduce the inner circumference 62 and adjust the clamp ring 61 from an unclamped configuration to a clamped configuration. Such adjustment or movement may be initiated by a user by pinching the first and second tabs 70, 71 together.
[0042] The clamp ring 61 may be resiliently biased to move the first and second tabs 70, 71 away from each other so that the clamp ring 61 can be adjusted from a clamped to an unclamped configuration. Notably, a user can simply release them without having to apply force to separate them.
[0043] The first and second tabs 70, 71 can be located on the top, or at least the top half, of the coupling assembly 12 and the ostomy appliance 10 for easy access during use. The first tab 70 can extend radially from the clamp ring 61 to a first tab outer end 73 and can extend circumferentially around the clamp ring 61 between a distal end 74 and a proximal end 75 of the first tab. The second tab 71 can extend radially from the clamp ring 61 to a second tab outer end 76 and can extend circumferentially around the clamp ring 61 between a distal end 77 and a proximal end 78 of the second tab. The first and second tab proximal ends 75, 78 can form the first and second clamp ring ends 63, 64 and can abut each other when in the clamped configuration. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first tab distal end 74 can be hooked so that a user's finger or thumb can fit underneath and grasp it during pinching.
[0044] The clamping device 60 includes a clamp lock 80 attached to the clamp ring 61 and adjustable to a locked configuration to lock the clamp ring 61 in a clamped configuration. The clamp lock 80 can be attached to the clamp ring 61 and extend radially outward from the clamp ring 61.
[0045] Clamp lock 80 includes a clamp actuator 81 that is movable radially relative to inner circumference 62 (i.e., inward along radial direction 16 or outward along radial direction 16) to release clamp lock 80 from a clamped configuration. Clamp actuator 81 may be movable radially inward along radial direction 16 toward inner circumference 62 to unlock clamp lock 80. Clamp lock 80 may be located on the top, or at least the top half, of coupling assembly 12 and ostomy appliance 10 for easy access thereto during use.
[0046] The clamp lock 80 can include a snap-fit mechanism, which may be a cantilever snap-fit mechanism, and / or a latch. The latch can include a lever 82 engageable with a catch 83. The clamp actuator 81 can be configured to disengage the lever 82 from the catch 83 when moved radially relative to the inner circumference 62, which can then unlock the clamp lock 80 from the locked configuration. The lever 82 can be resiliently biased to engage the catch 83 when the clamp ring 61 is in the clamped configuration. The clamp actuator 81 can be attached to, and thus form part of, the lever 82 as shown. The clamp actuator 81 can include a grip portion of the lever 82, which can include a plurality of indentations, as shown. Additionally, as shown, the catch 83 includes a hoop, and the lever 82 includes a hook 84 configured to engage the hoop in the clamped configuration.
[0047] The first and second tabs 70, 71 may include a clamp lock 80 as shown, although in other embodiments, additional tabs or the like may be provided for a user to grasp to clamp the clamping device 60. In particular, the clamp lock 80 may be in a locked configuration when the first and second tabs 70, 71 abut one another (as in FIG. 3), and in an unlocked configuration when the first and second tabs 70, 71 are separated from one another (as in FIGS. 2 and 4).
[0048] Lever 82 may extend circumferentially from first tab 70, from first tab proximal end 75, preferably adjacent first tab outer end 73. Lever 82 may extend to hook 84, which may include an outwardly protruding wall against which catch 83 may abut in the locked configuration. Lever 82 may thus extend from hook 84 through clamp actuator 81 to the free end of lever 82.
[0049] The second tab 71 may include a catch 83, which may be in the form of a hoop as shown, around which the hook 84 hooks in the locked configuration. The second tab 71 may include a second tab recess 86 at the second tab distal end 78, which may extend to a second tab opening 87 at the second tab outer end 76. The catch 83 may be formed on an edge of the second tab opening 87. In the locked configuration, the lever 82 may extend through the second tab recess 86 and be exposed at the second tab opening 87. In particular, the clamp actuator 81 may be exposed at the second tab opening 87, with the outwardly protruding wall of the hook 84 abutting the second tab opening 87 to lock the lever 82 in place.
[0050] In the unlocked configuration, the lever 82 may only partially reside in the second tab recess 86, or may not reside at all. During locking, the first and second tabs 70, 71 may be clamped toward one another. The lever 82 may be inserted into and move through the second tab recess 86. The clamp actuator 81 may slide under the catch 83 until the lever 82 moves far enough that the hook 84 reaches the catch 83, at which point the lever 82 springs radially outward such that the hook 84 moves radially outward and catches around the catch 83. The engagement between the lever 82, and particularly its hook 84 and catch 83, may maintain the clamp device 60 in the locked configuration.
[0051] While unlocked, the clamp actuator 81 can push radially inward and downward such that the hooks 84 are depressed below the catches 83. The clamp ring 61 may be resiliently biased to spring apart to the unlocked configuration.
[0052] The first coupling 20, the second coupling 40, and the clamping device 60 can be formed by molding each component separately and then assembling them together. The first and second couplings 20, 40 can be elastically deformable as described above, and the clamping device 60 can be more rigid than the first and second couplings 20, 40.
[0053] The first coupling 20, the second coupling 40, and / or the clamping device 60 may comprise at least one of polyethylene (PE), low density PE (LDPE), high density PE (HDPE), polypropylene homopolymer (PP-H), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ethylene-based octene plastomer (such as Exact (RTM) 0230), polypropylene (PP, such as Sabic (RTM) 58MNK10), thermoplastic materials, etc. In one embodiment, the first and second couplings 20, 40 may comprise PE, such as LDPE, and / or the clamping device 60 may comprise PP-H or ABS.
[0054] Various alternatives to the above-described embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The clamp ring 61 may be elastic, or may comprise a cable or the like. The clamp ring 61 may not be split, but instead may be provided with a flexible joint, catch, or the like between the first and second clamp ring ends 63, 64.
Claims
1. 1. A coupling assembly for an ostomy appliance comprising a clamping device, a first coupling, and a second coupling, wherein the clamping device: a clamp ring attached to the first and / or second coupling, the clamp ring having an inner periphery adjustable between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration, the clamp ring for maintaining the first and second coupling in a coupled configuration in the clamped configuration; a clamp lock attached to the clamp ring and adjustable to a locked configuration to lock the clamp ring in the clamped configuration, the clamp lock including a clamp actuator radially movable relative to an inner circumference to release the clamp lock from the locked configuration; Equipped with wherein the clamp actuator is movable radially inward toward the inner circumference to release the clamp lock; The clamp lock includes a latch. the latch comprises a lever engageable with the catch, the clamp actuator being configured to disengage the lever from the catch when moved radially relative to the inner circumference to release the clamp lock from the locked configuration; further comprising first and second tabs attached to the clamp ring and extending radially outward from the clamp ring; the first and second tabs include a clamp lock; The lever extends from the first tab toward the second tab, the second tab including a catch.
2. The coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the clamp lock is attached to the clamp ring and extends radially outward from the clamp ring.
3. The coupling assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamp lock comprises a snap-fit mechanism.
4. 4. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp actuator is attached to a lever.
5. The coupling assembly of claim 4 , wherein the catch comprises a hoop and the lever comprises a hook configured to engage the hoop in the locked configuration.
6. A coupling assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lever is resiliently biased to engage the catch when the clamp ring is in the clamped configuration.
7. 7. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second tabs are positioned about the clamp ring so as to be movable toward each other to reduce an inner circumference and adjust the clamp ring from an unclamped configuration to a clamped configuration.
8. the inner circumference of the clamp ring is larger in the unclamped configuration than in the clamped configuration; and / or the clamping ring is spring-biased to return from the clamped configuration to the unclamped configuration; and / or the clamp ring comprises first and second clamp ring ends movable relative to one another between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration; and / or The clamp ring is split and / or the second coupling is configured to be mounted within the first coupling in a clamped configuration; and / or the second coupling is press-fit into the first coupling in the clamped configuration; A coupling assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. An ostomy appliance comprising the coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, a pouch, and a wafer, the first coupling is attached to the pouch and the second coupling is attached to the wafer, or vice versa, such that disconnecting the first coupling from the second coupling disconnects the wafer and the pouch from each other; Ostomy appliance.
Citation Information
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