Specialized Ostomy Faceplates for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept adapts ostomy faceplates for use in specific, demanding environments, such as high-humidity, high-wind, cold climates, disaster relief, and high-security settings, providing improved ostomy care and security for users in these niches.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed ostomy faceplates configured for use in close proximity with creases, rolls, or folds. However, these faceplates may not be suitable for extreme or specialized environments. This inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by providing tailored solutions for niche markets, ensuring users in these environments receive optimal ostomy care and security.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a family of ostomy faceplates with specialized features for use in specific environments. For high-humidity environments, a hydrophobic coating is applied to the faceplate. For high-wind conditions, the flange's substantially straight edge is designed to align with a patient's skin crease or fold, ensuring secure attachment. In cold climates, thermal insulation is integrated into the faceplate. A disaster relief kit includes a water-resistant pouch, while a high-security ostomy system features an encrypted pouch attachment mechanism. These adaptations enable ostomy users to receive effective care in challenging environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel, non-obvious features tailored to specific environments, such as hydrophobic coatings, thermal insulation, and encrypted pouch attachment mechanisms, which differentiate them from the original patent's claims.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include ostomy faceplates with adjustable flanges for use in varying skin types, or faceplates with built-in sensors to monitor skin health in extreme environments. Other variations might incorporate antimicrobial materials, UV protection, or ergonomic design for improved user comfort.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the ostomy care segment. Target markets include hospitals, clinics, and disaster relief organizations, as well as users in extreme or specialized environments. The inventive concept's adaptability to various niches ensures broad market appeal.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F5/448 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device design, specifically ostomy appliance engineering, focusing on patient-specific adaptations for challenging environmental conditions
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, understanding materials science, human anatomy, and adaptive medical technologies, with 3-5 years of experience in prosthetic and assistive medical device development
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental ostomy faceplate design provides a flexible template for environmental adaptations. The disclosed variations represent predictable engineering solutions that address specific use-case challenges using known materials and design techniques. The core structural elements of the original patent remain consistent, with modifications that would be considered routine problem-solving in medical device engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,454 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ostomy faceplates configured for use in close proximity with creases, rolls, or folds |
| Assignee(s) | Sanguine Technology, LLC |