초록

A valve movable between open and closed positions is described. The valve preferably has an integral hinge and includes an inherent bias toward the closed position. The valve is particularly suitable as a component of an article for treating urinary incontinence.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A valve adapted to close a body orifice, the valve comprising:a proximal portion having surfaces defining an inlet adapted to be placed across the body orifice, a flange projecting from the proximal portion adapted to associate the valve with the body orifice; a bulbous distal portion spaced dist

1. A valve adapted to close a body orifice, the valve comprising:a proximal portion having surfaces defining an inlet adapted to be placed across the body orifice, a flange projecting from the proximal portion adapted to associate the valve with the body orifice; a bulbous distal portion spaced distally from said proximal portion; the bulbous distal portion having valve closing surfaces; surfaces defining an outlet situated distally from the inlet, inner surfaces defining a passage extending from the inlet to the outlet; abutment surfaces that are sized and shaped to complement the valve closing surfaces, a hinge affording movement of the bulbous distal portion between i) an open position with the valve closing surfaces spaced from the abutment surfaces to afford flow of fluid from the inlet through the outlet, ii) and a closed position with the valve closing surfaces engaging the abutment surfaces and closing at least a portion of the passage to resist flow of fluid out the outlet; and the valve being constructed so that a) the valve closing surfaces are inherently biased against the abutment surfaces when the bulbous distal portion is in the closed position, and b) the bulbuous distal portion is capable of remaining stable in the open position.