Recyclable ostomy pouch

Abstract

An ostomy pouch is provided. The ostomy pouch can include a barrier side layer, a middle layer, a distal side layer, and a first coupling member. The middle layer can be coupled to the barrier side layer. The middle layer can include an inlet opening that receives a stoma. The first coupling member can couple the distal side layer to the middle layer at an outer edge. The distal side layer and the middle layer may include a collection cavity for receiving stoma effluent. The distal side layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The first coupling member can be peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the distal side layer.

Description

RECYCLABLE OSTOMY POUCHBACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure is related to a recyclable ostomy pouch.

[0002] Ostomy pouches for collecting body waste are used by patients who have had surgery such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. Ostomy pouches typically include flat, opposing side walls secured together along their edges to define a collection cavity. One of the side walls is provided with an opening to receive a stoma, and means to secure the pouch to the user, such as an adhesive barrier or skin adhesive, so that body waste discharged through the stoma is received within the cavity.

[0003] Currently, these pouches are composed of multiple layers of materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polymers, which provide the necessary strength, durability, and impermeability required for effective and comfortable use. However, the combination of these materials renders the pouches unsuitable for traditional recycling methods, as they cannot be easily separated into their individual components for processing. This results in a significant amount of waste generated by ostomy pouches, with users having to frequently discard and replace them, contributing to the growing problem of non-recyclable medical waste.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved ostomy pouch that is recyclable.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] A recyclable ostomy pouch is provided according to various embodiments.

[0006] In an aspect, the ostomy pouch can include a barrier side layer, a middle layer, a distal side layer, and a first coupling member. The middle layer can be coupled to the barrier side layer.The middle layer can include an inlet opening that receives a stoma. The first coupling member can couple the distal side layer to the middle layer at an outer edge. The distal side layer and the middle layer may include a collection cavity for receiving stoma effluent. The distal side layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The first coupling member can be peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the distal side layer.

[0007] In an embodiment, the distal side layer may include a recyclable polymer material. In such an embodiment, the recyclable polymer material may include a polyethylene material.

[0008] In an embodiment, the distal side layer may include a paper or fabric material.

[0009] In an embodiment, the middle layer may include an odor barrier. In such an embodiment, the middle layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The middle layer may include a second coupling member that couples to the distal side layer and barrier side layer and is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the middle layer. In a similar embodiment, the material may include a polyethylene material.

[0010] In an embodiment, the barrier side layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The barrier side layer is peelable or mechanically separable from the middle layer for recycling, biodegrading or composting the barrier side layer.

[0011] In another aspect, the ostomy pouch can include a barrier side layer, a barrier side middle layer, a distal side middle layer, a first distal side layer, a second distal side layer, and a first coupling member. The barrier side middle layer is coupled to the barrier side layer. The barrier side middle layer may include an inlet opening that receives a stoma. The first coupling member can couple the first distal side layer to the barrier side middle layer at their outer edges. The seconddistal side layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The first coupling member is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the second distal side layer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second distal side layer may include a face plate. In such an embodiment, the second distal side layer may include a recyclable polymer material. In a similar embodiment, the recyclable polymer material may include a polyethylene material. In another similar embodiment, the second distal side layer may include a paper or fabric material.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first distal side layer and the barrier side layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The first distal side layer and the barrier side layer are peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the first distal side layer and the barrier side layer.

[0014] In an embodiment, the distal side middle layer and the barrier side middle layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The distal side middle layer and the barrier side middle layer are peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the distal side middle layer and the barrier side middle layer.

[0015] In an aspect, the ostomy pouch can include a barrier side layer, a distal side layer, and a first coupling member. The barrier side layer may include an inlet opening that receives a stoma. The first coupling member can couple the distal side layer to the barrier side layer and can include a collection cavity for receiving stoma effluent. The distal side layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The first coupling member is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the distal side layer.

[0016] In an embodiment, the distal side layer may include a single polymer material. In such an embodiment, the single polymer material may include a polyethylene material. In a similarembodiment, the distal side layer may include a paper or fabric material. In another similar embodiment, the barrier side layer may include a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the ostomy pouch. The barrier side layer is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the barrier side layer.

[0017] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The benefits and advantages of the present embodiments will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] FIG. l is a front view of a recyclable ostomy pouch, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a recyclable ostomy pouch, according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a recyclable ostomy pouch, according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a front view of a recyclable ostomy pouch, according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the recyclable ostomy pouch of FIG.4.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a front view of a recyclable ostomy pouch, according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a recyclable ostomy pouch of FIG.6.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] While the present disclosure is susceptible to embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated. The words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. The words “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like may be used in the present disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these words. These words are only used to distinguish one category of information from another. The directional words “top,” “bottom,” up,” “down,” front,” “back,” and the like are used for purposes of illustration and as such, are not limiting. Depending on the context, the word “if’ as used herein may be interpreted as “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining.”

[0027] The present disclosure provides a recyclable ostomy pouch. The recyclable ostomy pouch may include separate individual components that can be made out of single polymers that are recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The components may include layers of pouch films, a face plate, inlet peripherals, and outlet peripherals. The inlet peripherals, can include, for example, a skin barrier, wafer, flange, coupling rings, stoma caps, gasket, stoma guards and stoma protectors. The outlet peripherals may include, for example, a drain tab, sealing system gaskets, lock and roll devices, and filters. The components may be attached, joined or bonded together with materials that can be peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the components.

[0028] Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-7 show a recyclable ostomy pouch 10, 110, 210,310, 410 according to multiple embodiments. The recyclable ostomy pouch 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 may generally include an inlet opening 12, 112, 212, 312, 412 a coupling device 14, 114, 214, 314, 414 and a collection cavity 16, 116, 216, 316, 416. The coupling device 14, 114, 214, 314, 414 can include or be part of a skin barrier, flange or gasket. The coupling device 14, 114, 214, 314, 414 may include an adhesive for mounting the recyclable ostomy pouch 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 to a user’s abdomen. The inlet opening 12, 112, 212, 312, 412 may surround a stoma when the recyclable ostomy pouch 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 is mounted on a user. The collection cavity 16, 116, 216 may collect ostomy effluent from the stoma through the inlet opening 12, 112, 212, 312, 412. The recyclable ostomy pouch 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 may be part of a one-piece recyclable ostomy system. In embodiments, the recyclable ostomy pouch 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 may be part of a two-piece recyclable ostomy system. The barrier side layer 118, 318, 418 can be a skin side layer or first side layer that contact patient skin.

[0029] FIG. 2, 5, and 7 are schematic illustrations of embodiments of the recyclable ostomy pouch 110, 310, 410. According to the illustrated embodiments, the recyclable ostomy pouch 110, 310, 410 can include a barrier or user-facing side layer 118, 318, 418, a distal or outside side layer 120, 320, 420, a middle layer 122, 322, 422, a first sealing or coupling member material 124, 324, 424 that forms a first seal or coupling 130, 330, 430 between the barrier side layer 118, 318, 418 and the middle layer 122, 322, 422, and a second sealing or coupling material 128, 328, 428 that forms a second seal or coupling 132, 332, 432 between the middle layer 122, 322, 422 and the distal layer 120, 320, 420.

[0030] The collection cavity 116, 316, 416 can be defined between the middle layer 122, 322,422 and the distal side layer 120, 320, 420, which may be sealed together by perimeter seal or coupling 132, 332, 432. The barrier side layer 118, 318, 418 and the distal side layer 120, 320, 420can be sealed or coupled to the middle layer 122, 322, 422 using a peripheral seal. The coupling device 114, 314, 414 can be sealed or coupled to the middle layer 122, 322, 422 using a seal or coupling material that forms a seal or coupling 126, 326, 426 where the coupling device 114, 314, 414 meets the middle layer 122, 322, 422.

[0031] The seals or couplings can be formed using seal or coupling materials that permit separating the various components from one another. That is, the first sealing or coupling member material 124, 324, 424 permits separation of the barrier side layer 118, 318, 418 from the middle layer 122, 322, 422. Likewise, the second sealing or coupling material 128, 328, 428 permits separating the middle layer 122, 322, 422 from the distal layer 120, 320, 420. And again, the seal or coupling material that forms a seal or coupling 126 between the coupling member 112, 312, 412 and the middle layer 122, 322, 422 and between the coupling member 112, 312, 412 and the barrier side layer 118, 318, 418 permits separation of the coupling member 112, 312, 412 from both the middle layer 122, 322, 422 and the barrier side layer 118, 318, 418. The seals, which are formed at the peripheries of the various components can be, for example, heat seals, fluoroelastomer (FR) seals, adhesive seals, ultrasound seals, and laser welded seals.

[0032] In an embodiment, the recyclable ostomy pouch layers and coupling member can be made from separate components. The components can be made out of single polymers, which can be recyclable, biodegradable and / or compostable. The components can be sealed or coupled to one another using materials that can be peelable or mechanically separatable. In an embodiment, the barrier side layer 118, 318, 418 can be made from one or more compostable polymers and / or recyclable single-polymers. The distal side layer 120, 320, 420 can be a load bearing layer made from a single polymer that is recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, and provide an odor barrier.The middle layer 122, 322, 422 can be an odor barrier made from a single polymer that isrecyclable, biodegradable and / or compostable. The sealing or coupling member materials 124, 126, 128, 130, 324, 326, 328, 330, 424, 426, 428, 430, can be, for example, peelable adhesives or micro seals that can allow for components to be removed for recycling, biodegrading or composting the components.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a recyclable ostomy pouch 210. According to the illustrated embodiment, the recyclable ostomy pouch 210 can include a barrier or user-facing side layer 218, a first distal layer or first outside layer 220, a barrier or user-facing side middle layer 222, a distal or outside middle layer 224, a second distal or outside layer 226, a first sealing or coupling member material 228 and a second sealing or coupling member material 230. The first and second sealing member 228, 230 can form a first seal or coupling 232 between the barrier side layer 218, the first distal layer 220, the barrier middle layer 222, and the distal middle layer 224.

[0034] The collection cavity 216 can be located between the barrier side middle layer 222 and the distal side middle layer 224. The coupling device 214 can be sealed or coupled to the barrier middle layer 222 using a seal or coupling material that forms a seal or coupling 234 at where the coupling device 214 meets the barrier middle layer 222. The second distal layer 226 can be coupled to the first distal layer 220 at their ends using the coupling member 236.

[0035] In an embodiment, the barrier side layer 218 and the first distal side layer 220 can be load bearing layers made from a single material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The barrier side middle layer 222 and the distal side middle layer 224 can be odor barrier layers made from a single material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. The second distal layer can be a face plate that can be decorative and discreet and can be made from a single material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable.

[0036] In an embodiment, the first distal side layer 220 and the barrier side layer 218 can be the outer layers of the recyclable ostomy pouch 210 and can include recyclable materials such as, for example, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, liner low density polyethylene, metallocene liner low density polyethylene, ionomers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene methyl acrylic acid copolymers, polypropylene homo-polymers, polypropylene copolymers, thermal plastic elastomers, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene terephthalate, amorphous nylon, nylon homopolymers and copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and polylactic acid. The outer layers can also include biodegradable or compostable material, such as kraft paper, cotton paper, bond paper, coated paper, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics. The outer layer material can contain, for example, 0-5% additives and colorants. The additives can include anti-slip agents, anti-block agents, antioxidants, anti-static agents, and polymer processing aids.

[0037] In an embodiment, the outer layers 218, 220 can include materials that are jointed or sealed together using adhesives or heat seals that create a secure bond that prevents leakage while allowing for the outer layers to be removed or detached for recycling, biodegrading or composting.

[0038] The barrier side middle layer 222 and distal side middle layer 224 can be inner layers of the recyclable ostomy pouch 210 and can be load bearing layers and / or odor barrier layers made from a single material that is recyclable, biodegradable and / or compostable. The inner layers can be made from materials such as polyethylene terephthalate, amorphous nylon, nylon homopolymers and copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, metal oxide coated polyolefin films, metal oxide coated polyolefin copolymers, and absorbent and super absorbent coated films. Other similar materials will berecognized by those skilled in the art. The inner layers can be sealed or coupled together using heat seals for creating a secure bond that prevents discharged contents or stoma effluent from leaking or breaking through the ostomy pouch while allowing for the inner layers to be removed or detached for recycling, biodegrading or composting.

[0039] The second distal side layer 226 can be a faceplate made from, for example, woven or nonwoven materials that include polyolefins, polyesters, nylon, cotton, and natural fibers. The second distal side layer 226 can be joined to the outer layers 218, 220 by peelable adhesives or glues, or a mechanical locking device that allows for the second distal side layer 226 to be removed or detached for recycling, biodegrading or composting its materials.

[0040] In an embodiment, the recyclable ostomy pouch 210 can include other components, including, for example, the gasket, flange, drain tab, lock and roll device, and filters. These components can be made out of a recyclable single-material of low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, liner low density polyethylene, metallocene liner low density polyethylene, ionomers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers, polypropylene homo-polymers, polypropylene copolymers, thermal plastic elastomers, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene terephthalate, amorphous nylon, nylon homopolymers and copolymers, and polylactic acids. These components may also include additives and colorant of a specific weight, for example, 0-5% weight. These additives and colorants can include anti-slip agents, anti-block agents, antioxidants, anti-static agents, and polymers aids used in processing. The components can be jointed to the pouch films or other interfaces by peelable adhesives or glues or mechanical locking devices for recycling, biodegrading or composting.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the recyclable ostomy pouch 310. According to theillustrated embodiment, the recyclable ostomy pouch 310 can include an outlet 334, a plug 336, and sealing or coupling material 338. The outlet 334 can be used to empty the contents of the recyclable ostomy pouch 310. The plug 336 can close the outlet 334 and prevent contents of the recyclable ostomy pouch 310 being emptied. The plug 336 can be attached to the outlet 334 by the sealing or coupling material 338. The plug 336 can be peelable or mechanically separatable from the outlet 334 for recycling. The plug 336 and outlet 334 can be made from one or more compostable polymers and / or recyclable single-polymers.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the recyclable ostomy pouch 410. According to the illustrated embodiment, the recyclable ostomy pouch 410 can include an outlet 434 and closing mechanism 436, 438 (FIG. 7). The closing mechanism 436, 438 can be peelable or mechanically separatable from the outlet 334 for recycling. The closing mechanism 436, 438 can be made from one or more compostable polymers and / or recyclable single-polymers.

[0043] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An ostomy pouch comprising: a barrier side layer; a middle layer, wherein the middle layer is coupled to the barrier side layer, wherein the middle layer comprises an inlet opening that receives a stoma; a distal side layer; and a first coupling member that couples the distal side layer to the middle layer at an outer edge, wherein the distal side layer and the middle layer define a collection cavity for receiving stoma effluent, wherein the distal side layer comprises a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, and wherein the first coupling member is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the distal side layer.

2. The ostomy pouch of claim 1, wherein the distal side layer comprises a recyclable polymer material and provides an odor barrier.

3. The ostomy pouch of claim 2, wherein the recyclable polymer material comprises a polyethylene material.

4. The ostomy pouch of claim 1, wherein the distal side layer comprises a paper or fabric material.

5. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the middle layer comprises an odor barrier.

6. The ostomy pouch of claim 5, wherein the middle layer comprises a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, wherein the middle layer comprises a second coupling member that couples to the distal side layer and barrier side layer and is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the middle layer.

7. The ostomy pouch of claim 6, wherein the material for the middle layer comprises a polyethylene material.

8. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the barrier side layer comprises a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, and wherein the barrier side layer is peelable or mechanically separable from the middle layer for recycling, biodegrading or composting the barrier side layer.

9. An ostomy pouch comprising: a barrier side layer; a barrier side middle layer, wherein the barrier side middle layer is coupled to the barrier side layer, wherein the barrier side middle layer comprises an inlet opening that receives a stoma; a distal side middle layer; a first distal side layer, wherein the first distal side layer is coupled to the barrier side middle layer at their outer edges;a second distal side layer; and a first coupling member that couples the first distal side layer to the second distal side layer at their outer edges, wherein the second distal side layer comprises a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, and wherein the first coupling member is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the second distal side layer.

10. The ostomy pouch of claim 9, wherein the second distal side layer comprises a face plate.

11. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the second distal side layer comprises a recyclable polymer material.

12. The ostomy pouch of claim 11, wherein the recyclable polymer material comprises a polyethylene material.

13. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the second distal side layer comprises a paper or fabric material.

14. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 9-13, wherein the first distal side layer and the barrier side layer comprise a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, wherein the first distal side layer and the barrier side layer are peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the first distal side layer and the barrier side layer.1 . The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 9-14, wherein the distal side middle layer and the barrier side middle layer comprise a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, wherein the distal side middle layer and the barrier side middle layer are peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the distal side middle layer and the barrier side middle layer.

16. An ostomy pouch comprising: a barrier side layer, wherein the barrier side layer comprises an inlet opening that receives a stoma; a distal side layer; and a first coupling member that couples the distal side layer to the barrier side layer and defines a collection cavity for receiving stoma effluent, wherein the distal side layer comprises a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, and wherein the first coupling member is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the distal side layer.

17. The ostomy pouch of claim 16, wherein the distal side layer comprises a single polymer material.

18. The ostomy pouch of claim 17, wherein the single polymer material comprises a polyethylene material.

19. The ostomy pouch of claim 16, wherein the distal side layer comprises a paper or fabric material.

20. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the barrier side layer comprises a material that is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the ostomy pouch, and wherein the barrier side layer is peelable or mechanically separable for recycling, biodegrading or composting the barrier side layer.

Images