Excrement collection bags and excrement collection systems

Abstract

A waste collection bag 10 for connection to an ostomy appliance, comprising a first wall 12 and a second wall 14 connected to form a pouch device including a collection volume, an inlet 20 connected to the ostomy appliance for admitting waste into the collection volume, and a support system 30 including a first attachment zone 32 including an opening 40, a second attachment zone 34 including an opening 42, and a flexible portion 36, the first attachment zone 32 being closer to the collection volume than the second attachment zone 34, and the flexible portion 36 extending between the first attachment zone 32 and the second attachment zone 34.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a waste collection bag.

[0002] Ostomy appliances are well-known medical devices for users with a stoma. Generally, the appliance has an opening for receiving the stoma and an adhesive member that contacts the body to hold the appliance in place. Waste that leaves the stoma is collected in a collection volume formed from two flexible walls connected together. Often, the appliance includes an outlet valve that allows the user to remove and empty the waste collected in the collection volume without having to remove and discard the entire appliance.

[0003] Sometimes a user may wish to extend the time during which the appliance is idle, for example while sleeping. Typically, a large volume bag is used to contain waste while the user is sleeping. In this scenario, the outlet valve is connected by a tube to the large volume bag so that the bag can be filled with waste. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,236 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 125908 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 085746 Summary of the Invention

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste collection bag for connection to an ostomy appliance, comprising: a first wall and a second wall connected to form a pouch device including a collection volume; an inlet connected to the ostomy appliance for admitting waste into a collection volume; Support system and Including, The support system is a first attachment zone including an aperture; a second attachment zone including an aperture; A flexible portion and Including, A waste collection bag is provided that includes a support system, the first attachment zone being closer to the collection volume than the second attachment zone, and the flexible portion extending between the first attachment zone and the second attachment zone.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a waste collection system comprising a stand or holder and a waste collection bag according to the first aspect.

[0008] Further optional features of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] In order that the present disclosure may be readily understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a waste collection bag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] A waste collection bag supported on a stand. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another stand design that can accommodate waste collection. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another stand design that can accommodate waste collection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 1 and 2, there is shown a waste collection bag 10 for connection to an ostomy appliance (not shown). The waste collection bag 10 includes a first wall 12, a second wall 14, an inlet 20 and a support system 30.

[0012] The first wall 12 and the second wall 14 are connected to form a pouch device that includes a collection volume. In other words, the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 and the connections therebetween define an interior volume in which waste material is collected. In this example, the collection volume is approximately 2 liters, however, it should be understood that the bag 10 can form any desired volume therein.

[0013] In some embodiments, the collection volume is formed in the lower portion 16a of the pouch apparatus and the support system 30 is formed in the upper portion 16b of the pouch apparatus. In this example, the collection bag 10 is about 37 to 38 cm long, preferably approximately 37.6 cm long overall, and the collection volume extends upward from the base of the collection bag 10 for about 75% to 85% of its total length. The remaining area at the top of the collection bag 10 (upper portion) includes the support system 30 that is used to support the collection bag 10 on a suitable stand, holder or hanger.

[0014] The inlet 20 is fluidly connected to the collection volume such that waste can flow from a connected device or appliance into the collection volume. In use, the inlet 20 is connected to an ostomy appliance (usually a urostomy appliance) via a tube / conduit. Waste then flows out of the user's appliance (which is glued around the stoma), through the connecting tube, and into the waste collection bag 10.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inlet 20 includes a body having two portions. A first portion 20a is attached between the first wall 12 and the second wall 14. A second portion 20b extends away from the first portion 20a and is configured to be connected to a tube / conduit 60.

[0016] As can be seen from the illustrative example in Figure 2, the inlet 20 is provided in a generally central area of ​​the upper portion 16b of the pouch device. In use, a connecting tube / conduit 60 extends away from the collection volume.

[0017] The support system 30 includes a first attachment zone 32, a second attachment zone 34, and a flexible portion 36. The first attachment zone 32 includes an opening 40 and the second attachment zone 34 includes an opening 42. Additionally, the first attachment zone 32 is closer to the collection volume than the second attachment zone 34. The flexible portion 36 extends between the first attachment zone 32 and the second attachment zone 34. The term flexible portion is used to describe a region that is relatively more flexible than the surrounding area or region.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first attachment zone 32 includes a plurality of openings 40. With reference to FIG. 1, the first attachment zone 32 includes four openings 40. The openings 40 are spaced across the upper portion of the pouch apparatus. In the illustrated example, the upper portion 16b of the pouch apparatus is between approximately 24 and 25 cm wide (preferably about 24.6 cm). The "outer" openings 40 (i.e., the openings closest to the edge of the collection bag 10) on either side of the first attachment zone 32 are approximately 4 cm from the edge. The "inner" openings 40 are approximately 4 cm from the outer openings 40. The distance between the "inner" openings 40 is approximately 8 cm.

[0019] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of openings 40 in the first attachment zone 32 are generally circular (approximately 4.5 mm in diameter in this example).

[0020] In some embodiments, the second attachment zone 34 includes a plurality of apertures 42. Referring to the example in Figure 1, the second attachment zone 34 includes two apertures 42, each approximately 4 cm from the edge of the collection bag 10 and approximately 16 cm apart. In some embodiments, the apertures 42 are slots (i.e., elongated apertures) approximately 6 mm in length (i.e., in the length direction A of the collection bag 10) and 4 mm in width.

[0021] In some embodiments, the opening 42 of the second attachment zone 34 is substantially aligned with the outer opening 40 of the first attachment zone 32. In other words, in direction A, the opening 42 of the second attachment zone 34 lies above the opening 40 of the first attachment zone 32.

[0022] In some embodiments, the upper portion 16b of the pouch device is provided with a handle 50. In the illustrated example, the handle 50 provides an opening that forms part of the second attachment zone 34 (this function is described in more detail below).

[0023] In some embodiments, the flexible portion 36 extends across the pouch device. In the illustrated example, the flexible portion 36 is divided into two portions 36a, 36b. The first portion 36a extends from an edge of the upper portion 16b to the opening provided by the handle 50. The second portion 36b extends from the opposite side of the opening provided by the handle to a second edge of the upper portion 16b. In other words, the flexible portion 36 extends in a substantially straight line across the upper portion 16b (which is advantageous for the folding function provided by the flexible portion 36 as described below). It should be understood that in other embodiments, the flexible portion may be formed as one piece extending from one edge to the other across substantially the entire width of the upper portion 16b.

[0024] The term flexible portion describes an area that is relatively more flexible than the surrounding area or regions. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 36 is formed by the absence of reinforced or thickened material compared to the surrounding area. In this example, the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 are permanently connected together across the area that does not include the collection volume. This results in one sheet of material. This results in a reinforced upper portion 16b that can support the weight of the collection bag 10 even when full of waste. However, across the flexible portion 36, the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 are not connected together. This results in a relatively flexible area, as the two sheets of material can flex independently, rather than being constrained by having to move together. This is advantageous in allowing the collection bag 10 to fit multiple support stands and hangers.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 in the lower portion 16a of the pouch device are welded (preferably heat welded) around their periphery, and the area in the upper portion 16a is welded to a greater extent to provide a support system 30 with sufficient strength / rigidity to support the collection bag 10 (from a hanging position) when full of waste. The flexible portion 36 is a line formed across the upper portion 16b between the two areas that are substantially completely welded together (i.e., both sides of the line are welded across the bag 10). This line is left unwelded (which was mentioned above as being advantageous) so that the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 can be easily folded along this line. In other words, the flexible portion 36 is provided in a generally straight, elongated area across the bag. Relatively inflexible areas are provided both above and below the flexible portion 36. Each of the inflexible areas extends across the bag 10 adjacent to the flexible portion 36. It should be understood that the bag 10 may include a handle 50 and the flexible portion 36 may be interrupted in a central region for an opening to provide the handle 50. In such an example, the flexible portion 36 and the inflexible areas above and below it are formed into two portions extending on either side of the handle 50.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flexible portion 36 and the first and second attachment zones 32, 34 are all positioned in an upper portion of the collection bag 10. In other words, they are all positioned in a fixed location above the main collection volume (when the bag 10 is in use). It should be understood that the inlet 20 is generally centrally positioned and may be located directly below the flexible portion 36.

[0027] The waste collection bag 10 is adapted to provide at least two different configurations for connection to more than one type of support stand, holder or hanger.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the collection bag 10 in a "scissor" stand 100. Figures 3 and 4 show two other types of stand / hangers with which the collection bag 10 can be adapted.

[0029] The stand 100 includes four pins extending outwardly. The four openings 40 of the first attachment zone 32 are located over these four pins. In other words, these pins pass through the openings 40. The collection bag 10 is folded along the flexible portion 36. This causes the openings 42 of the second attachment zone 34 to also contact these pins. Thus, these pins pass through the openings 42 of the second attachment zone 34 as well as the openings of the first attachment zone 32. Furthermore, the openings provided by the handle 50 are widened outwardly so that they are located over the pins when the flexible portion 36 is folded. This causes the clamping pieces 100a on each side of the stand 100 to fold down and over the pins, securing the collection bag 10 in place. In other words, the first configuration of the collection bag 10 involves folding along the flexible portion 36 so that both the first attachment zone 32 and the second attachment zone 34 are used to engage the support stand 100 .

[0030] In some embodiments, the stand includes four upwardly projecting hooks (see stand 102 shown in FIG. 3). There are four hooks 102a along the backplate of the stand 102. In this example, the four openings 40 in the first attachment zone 32 are used to hang the collection bag 10. The remainder of the upper portion 16b of the pouch device is supported by the backplate of the stand 102, with the connecting tube 60 arranged above.

[0031] An alternative stand having four upper hooks may not include a backplate, in which case the remainder of the upper portion 16b of the pouch apparatus folds over the top of the stand.

[0032] In some embodiments, hangers may be used (e.g., in a hospital environment where the bag is likely to be hung from the side of a bed). These types of hangers 104 (one of which is shown in FIG. 4) have two widely spaced hooks 104a. The outer opening 40 of the first attachment zone 32 or the opening 42 of the second attachment zone 34 may be used to hang the collection bag 10 from the two hook hanger. It should be understood that if the hanger has four hooks, the opening 40 of the first attachment zone 32 can accommodate it.

[0033] Generally, the second configuration involves using only the first attachment zone 32 or the second attachment zone 34 to engage the support stand or hanger 102,104.

[0034] Additionally, the handle 50 provides an additional manner in which the collection bag 10 may be supported, thereby allowing a user to carry the collection bag 10 between multiple locations. Additionally, the handle 50 provides a large opening to allow a user to hang the collection bag 10 when not in use. For example, a user may want to hang the collection bag 10 in a shower stall or other environment when the collection bag 10 has been washed and is drying.

[0035] In some embodiments, the material of the waste collection bag 10 preferably does not include polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For example, a suitable material may be a polyphenylene ether (PPE) or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, or preferably uncoated polyethylene (PE). A suitable PE may be low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0036] It should be understood that the first and second walls 12, 14 and the inlet 20 are preferably made from similar and / or compatible materials to ensure that the inlet 20 will be sealed to the walls 12, 14 with a reliable and consistent seal when welded.

[0037] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprises" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. These terms should not be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0038] The present invention may also broadly reside in the components, elements, steps, examples, and / or features referred to or shown herein, either individually, or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more of said components, elements, steps, examples, and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment described herein.

[0039] Protection may be sought for any feature disclosed in one or more of the publications referenced herein in connection with this disclosure.

[0040] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, the appended claims are not intended to be limited to only those embodiments, and the claims should be construed literally, literal, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. A waste collection bag connected to an ostomy appliance, a first wall and a second wall connected to form a pouch device including a collection volume; an inlet connected to the ostomy appliance for admitting waste into a collection volume; Support system and Including, The support system comprises: a first attachment zone including an opening; a second attachment zone including an opening; A flexible portion and Including, A waste collection bag, wherein the first attachment zone is closer to a collection volume than the second attachment zone, and the flexible portion extends between the first attachment zone and the second attachment zone.

2. 10. The waste collection bag of claim 1, wherein the first attachment zone and / or the second attachment zone include a plurality of openings.

3. 3. The waste collection bag of claim 2, wherein the first attachment zone includes four openings.

4. 3. The waste collection bag of claim 2, wherein the second attachment zone includes two or three openings.

5. 3. The waste collection bag of claim 2, wherein one or more of the openings in the second attachment zone are slots.

6. 2. The waste collection bag of claim 1, wherein the collection volume is formed in a lower portion of the pouch device and the support system is formed in an upper portion of the pouch device.

7. 7. The waste collection bag of claim 6, wherein the upper portion includes a handle.

8. 8. The waste collection bag of claim 7, wherein the handle includes an opening in the upper portion.

9. 9. The waste collection bag of claim 8, wherein the opening in the handle forms one or more of the openings in the second attachment zone.

10. 2. The waste collection bag of claim 1, wherein the flexible portion extends across the pouch device.

11. 8. The waste collection bag of claim 7, wherein the flexible portion is divided into two portions, a first portion extending from an edge of the upper portion to the opening in the handle, and a second portion extending from the opposite side of the opening in the handle to a second edge of the upper portion.

12. 7. The waste collection bag of claim 6, wherein the upper portion is formed from the first and second walls permanently attached together, and the flexible portion is an area where the first and second walls are not connected.

13. 13. The waste collection bag of claim 12, wherein the permanent attachment is formed by a heat welding process.

14. 2. The waste collection bag of claim 1, wherein the inlet includes a body having a first portion attached between the first and second walls and a second portion extending away from the first portion and configured to be connected to a tube / conduit.

15. 15. The waste collection bag of claim 14, wherein the inlet is provided in a generally central region of the upper portion of the pouch device such that when a tube / conduit is attached, the tube / conduit extends away from the collection volume.

16. 10. The waste collection bag of claim 1, comprising at least two different configurations for connection to more than one type of support stand, holder, or hanger.

17. 17. The waste collection bag of claim 16, wherein the one of the configurations includes folding along the flexible portion whereby both the first attachment zone and the second attachment zone are adapted to engage the support stand or holder.

18. 17. The waste collection bag of claim 16, wherein one of the configurations includes using only the first attachment zone or the second attachment zone to engage the support stand or retainer.

19. 17. The waste collection bag of claim 16, wherein the additional hanging arrangement is provided by the or said handle.

20. 20. A waste collection system comprising a stand or holder and a waste collection bag according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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