Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus for stabilizing an implanted peritoneal dialysis catheter, having a valve at a distal end, said catheter at a proximal end having tubing exiting from the abdomen of a user, comprising: (a) a belt body of elasticized fabric adapted to encircle a user without slipping; (b) an adhesive-backed fabric band semi-permanently attached to said tubing of said catheter; (c) a first fastener attached to said adhesive-backed band to firmly secure and stabilize said tubing of said catheter to said belt body at a point proximate to where said tubing of said catheter exits the user; (d) a second fastener to hold said catheter against said belt body at a point spaced from said first fastener; and (e) a receptacle spaced from said first and said second fasteners for securely holding said valve against said belt body.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus for stabilizing an implanted peritoneal dialysis catheter, having a valve at a distal end, said catheter at a proximal end having tubing exiting from the abdomen of a user, comprising: (a) a belt body of elasticized fabric adapted to encircle a user without slipping; (b) an adhesive-backed fabric band semi-permanently attached to said tubing of said catheter; (c) a first fastener attached to said adhesive-backed band to firmly secure and stabilize said tubing of said catheter to said belt body at a point proximate to where said tubing of said catheter exits the user; (d) a second fastener to hold said catheter against said belt body at a point spaced from said first fastener; and (e) a receptacle spaced from said first and said second fasteners for securely holding said valve against said belt body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said belt body has a first end and a second end, further comprising hook and pile fastener material at said first and second ends of said belt body to fasten said belt about the patient.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said adhesive-backed band is attached in cylindrical fashion around said tubing of said catheter at a proximal end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said adhesive-backed band is further comprised of a pile outer surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first fastener further comprises a first flap adapted to fold over said tubing of said catheter, pressing against said adhesive backed fabric band, and subsequently attaching securely upon itself, thereby firmly stabilizing said tubing against said belt body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said first flap further comprises a first inner and a first outer surface, wherein said first inner surface is further comprised of first hook and pile members, and said first outer surface is fabric.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second fastener is attached to said belt body at a medial point along said tubing of said catheter, said second fastener further comprising a second flap adapted to fold over said tubing and subsequently attaching securely upon itself, thereby further stabilizing said tubing against said belt body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said second flap further comprises a second inner and a second outer surface, wherein said second inner surface is further comprised of second hook members, and said second outer surface is pile fabric.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle comprises a receptacle, integrally attached to said belt body, said valve being insertable into said receptacle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second fasteners and said receptacle are longitudinally spaced along said belt body to hold said catheter substantially parallel to said belt body.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fasteners are formed from a clamping device fabricated of plastic.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fasteners are formed from a clamping device fabricated of rubber or any rubber like material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fasteners are formed from a clamping device fabricated of metal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fasteners are formed from a clamping device fabricated of fabric.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said belt body is preferably about two inches in width.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said belt body may be one of various lengths, depending on the circumference of the abdomen of different users.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said lengths are preferably at least one of: 20-30 inches, 26-36 inches, 30-40 inches, 34-44 inches and 40-50 inches.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
174 words
A method for using said apparatus of claim 6, comprising the steps of: placing said belt body around one's waist; positioning said belt body so that said first flap of said first fastener is located approximately above said exit site; making said short flexible loop with said proximal end of said tubing; placing said tubing, leaving said flexible loop in said tubing, parallel to said belt and atop said first fastener; securing said adhesive-backed band around said tubing in the vicinity of said first flap so that said adhesive-backed inner surface of said band is in firm contact around said tubing; overlaying said first flap over said tubing; squeezing said first flap and said tubing together with thumb and index fingers, thereby securing said tubing firmly adjacent to said belt body atop a hook and pile outer surface of said adhesive-backed band and attaching said first flap again to said first fastener; inserting said valve end of said catheter inside said pocket; and closing said second flap of said second fastener over said tubing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method according to claim 18 for using said apparatus, further comprising the steps of: pinching said first flap at a bottom portion of said first flap, thereby snugging up said tubing to prevent movement of said tubing of said catheter at said exit site; and pinching said second flap at another bottom portion of said second flap, thereby snugging up said tubing to further secure said tubing to said belt body.