Exit Closure and Safety Systems for Drainable Pouches

Abstract

A drainable pouch is provided that includes an outlet closure and fastening system including a cover including at least one tab and at least one slot, and the drainable pouch is closed by folding up an outlet portion, where the folded up outlet portion is secured and hidden behind the cover when the at least one tab is received in the at least one slot.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drainable pouch and, more particularly, to a system for securing a drainable pouch outlet. [Background technology]

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

[0003] The ostomy pouch may be a closed end pouch for single use, in which case the entire pouch is discarded after being substantially filled with waste. Alternatively, the ostomy pouch may be a drainable pouch with a drain opening at its lower end, which may be closed during collection of waste from the body, but may be opened to drain waste from the pouch after a period of use. The drain opening of a drainable pouch is generally defined at the end of the narrowed outlet section, which is provided with a closure means for maintaining the drain opening sealed until waste has been drained from the pouch. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For the user's quality of life, a drainable pouch should be easy to drain without risking soiling of clothing or surroundings, easy to close securely after draining, and cleanable before reclosing, with the risk of unpleasant odors being significantly reduced. Most importantly, the closure means should provide a positive seal when closed to minimize the risk of leakage. It is further desirable for the closure means to provide a degree of freedom for the user.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system for closing and securing drainable pouch outlets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An outlet closure and fastening system for a drainable pouch is provided according to an embodiment. The outlet closure and fastening system can include a cover with at least one slot and at least one tab that secures and covers the outlet portion of the drainable pouch.

[0007] In one aspect, the drainable pouch may include a body side wall and a distal wall joined along respective peripheral edges to define a cavity for collecting bodily waste, a downwardly extending outlet portion terminating in a drain opening for draining bodily waste collected in the cavity, at least one tab, and at least one slot configured to receive the at least one tab. The at least one tab may be attached to one of the pouch walls and the at least one slot may be disposed on the cover. The at least one tab may be received in the at least one slot when the outlet portion is folded over in the closed position.

[0008] In embodiments, the at least one slot may be formed in the cover and the cover may be attached to the distal wall while the at least one tab may be attached to the body side wall. The outlet may be configured to fold back at least twice in the closed position and the outlet in the closed position may be secured behind the cover and hidden.

[0009] In one embodiment, the drainable pouch may further include a comfort layer attached to the distal wall, In such an embodiment, the cover may be integrally formed with the comfort layer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cover layer may be formed from a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a polymeric film, a laminate material including a woven fabric and a polymeric film, or a laminate material including a nonwoven fabric and a polymeric film.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cover may be sealed to the distal wall over the outlet. The cover may be configured to cover the outlet in the closed position when the at least one tab is received in the at least one slot.

[0012] In one embodiment, the outlet may include a closure member and a two-part fastening system including first and second fastener strips configured to secure the outlet in a closed position. The closure member may be attached to the body sidewall. In such an embodiment, the at least one tab may be integrally formed with the closure member.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first fastener strip may be attached to the closure member and a second fastener strip may be attached to the distal wall beneath the cover.

[0014] In an embodiment, the drainable pouch may be configured to be closed by folding the outlet portion three times. In such an embodiment, the closure member may include a first, second, and third fold portion, the first fold portion may be folded toward the distal wall in a first fold, the second fold portion may be folded toward the distal wall in a second fold, and the third fold portion may be folded toward the distal wall in a third fold. The first and second fastener strips may be engaged, and the at least one tab may be received in the at least one slot after the third fold. Also, the folded closed outlet portion may be hidden behind the cover. In an embodiment, the at least one tab may include a single tab extending from the third fold portion, and the at least one tab may include a single tab.

[0015] Other aspects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] Advantages of the present embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates the body side of an outlet of an ostomy pouch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the distal side of the outlet of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 1 in an open position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows the distal side of the outlet of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 1 in a closed position. [Figure 4A] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 1 in an open position. [Figure 4B] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet section of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 1 once folded up. [Figure 4C] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 1 folded twice. [Figure 4D]2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet section of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 1 folded three times and secured in place with a pair of fastener strips and a cover. [Figure 4E] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet section of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 1 folded three times and secured in place with a pair of fastener strips, a cover, and a slotted tab. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] While the present disclosure is susceptible to embodiment in various aspects, the presently preferred embodiments shown in the drawings will be described with the understanding that the disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0018] The present disclosure provides a drainable ostomy pouch that can include an outlet closure and fastening system. The outlet closure and fastening system may include tabs and slots for securely and easily closing the drainable pouch.

[0019] Turning now to the figures, Figures 1-4E show a drainable pouch 10 according to one embodiment. The drainable pouch 10 can include a distal wall 11 and a body side wall 13, which can be joined along their periphery 15 to define a cavity therebetween for collecting stoma waste. The drainable pouch 10 can include a downwardly extending outlet portion 14 terminating in a drain opening 27 for draining contents collected within the cavity after a period of use. The drain opening 27 of the drainable pouch 10 can be closed during use by folding the outlet portion 14 upward and securing it in the upwardly folded position as shown in Figures 3 and 4E. The drainable pouch 10 can be, for example, a drainable ostomy pouch.

[0020] 1 and 2 show body-side and distal views, respectively, of the outlet portion of a drainable ostomy pouch 10. The drainable pouch 10 may generally include a collection portion 12, an outlet portion 14, a tab 17, a cover 28 including a slot 32, a closure member 24, fastener strips 18, 30, and a drainage opening 27. In an embodiment, the closure member 24 may be formed as a single piece device including the first folded portion 22, the second folded portion 20, and the third folded portion 16. The third folded portion 16 may be formed integrally with the closure member 24, thereby providing the closure member 24 and the third folded portion 16 as a single piece device. In such embodiments, the closure member 24 may include a first laterally extending fold line 21 defined between the first and second folded portions 22, 20 and a second laterally extending fold line 19 defined between the second folded portion 20 and the third folded portion 16 that are configured to facilitate creasing and closing the outlet portion 14. The closure member 24 may also include a vertically extending or angled fold line 26 configured to facilitate opening of the discharge opening 27 by allowing the closure member 24 to bend outward at the fold line 26.

[0021] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the drainable pouch 10 includes one tab 17 configured to be received in the slot 32 to fold and secure the outlet 14 in a closed position. In this embodiment, the tab 17 is integrally formed with the closure member 24 extending from the third fold portion 16. In other embodiments, the tab 17 may be formed separately from the closure member 24. In some embodiments, the drainable pouch 10 may not include a closure member 24, and the at least one tab 17 may be conformed to a pouch surface at or near the outlet. In an embodiment, the drainable pouch 10 may include at least one tab 17 and at least one slot 32 configured to receive the at least one tab 17. For example, the cover 28 may include two slots 32 for receiving the at least one tab 17.

[0022] In one embodiment, the drainable pouch 10 may include two tabs and two slots. The two tabs may be located in different positions.

[0023] In other embodiments, the first, second, and third folded portions 22, 20, 16 may be formed as three individual members and separately attached to the body side of the outlet section 14. In some embodiments, the third folded portion 16 and the second folded portion 20 may be formed together as a unitary unit. In embodiments, the tab 17 may be integrally formed with the closure member 24 and configured to be inserted into the slot 32 when the outlet section 14 is folded back to the closed position as shown in FIG.

[0024] Closure member 24 may be formed from a suitable thin material, such as a thin polymeric material having a thickness of about 2 mils to about 40 mils, preferably about 5 mils to about 20 mils, and more preferably about 8 mils to about 15 mils. In an embodiment, tab 17 may be made from the same material as closure member 24.

[0025] In an embodiment, the drainable pouch 10 can include at least one tab 17 attached to the body-facing surface and at least one slot 32 disposed in the distal surface. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, a single piece closure member 24 including the tab 17 can be attached to the body-facing surface of the outlet 14, and a cover 28 including the slot 32 can be attached to the distal surface of the drainable pouch 10.

[0026] The first laterally extending fold line 21 may be disposed between the first fold portion 22 and the second fold portion 20 and may be configured to fold the outlet portion 14 such that the first fold portion 22 is disposed distal to the outlet portion 14 after the first fold as shown in FIG 4B. The second laterally extending fold line 19 may be disposed between the second fold portion 20 and the third fold portion 16 and may be configured to fold the outlet portion 14 such that the first and second fold portions 22, 20 are disposed distal to the outlet portion 14 after the second fold as shown in FIG 4C.

[0027] The closure member 24, including the laterally extending fold lines 19, 21 and fold line 26, can provide two axes of operation, including a lateral axis for folding and sealing, and an axial axis for opening the drainable pouch 10. The laterally extending fold lines 19 and 21 and the axially extending fold line 26 can be defined by creases or cuts in the closure member 24. For example, the creases can be provided by cutting into the closure member 24 via any known method, such as laser cutting or die cutting. Alternatively, the creases can be defined by living hinges formed during the molding or extrusion process of the one-piece closure member 24, each of which can include creases on both the distal and pouch-facing faces of the closure member. In some embodiments, the closure member 24 can include three separately formed folding members 20, 22, 16, where the laterally extending fold lines 19, 21 can be defined by spaces between the folding members 20, 22, 16.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a distal view of the outlet of the drainable ostomy pouch 10 of FIG. 1 in an open position. As shown in FIG. 2, the drainable pouch 10 can include a cover 28 including a slot 32 defined therein, a second fastener strip 30, and an optional stiffener 34 on the distal side. The cover 28 can be formed from any suitable material, such as a nonwoven, woven, polymeric material, or the like. In an embodiment, the cover 28 can be formed from a nonwoven or woven material of a desired color to allow flexibility when the outlet 14 is folded and secured under the cover 28 as shown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the cover 28 can be made from a translucent material to allow a user to see that the outlet 14 is closed and secured under the cover 28.

[0029] In embodiments, the optional stiffener 34 may be made from the same material as the closure member 24 .

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a distal view of the outlet of the drainable ostomy pouch 10 of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

[0031] 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet section of the drainable ostomy pouch 10 of FIG. 1 in an open position. Specifically, the drainable pouch 10 may include a collection section 12, an outlet section 14, a cover 28 with a slot 32, first and second fastener strips 18, 30, a closure member 24 including first, second and third folds 22, 20, 16 and a tab 17, a stiffener 34, and a drainage opening 27. The drainable pouch 10 may be configured to be closed by folding the outlet section 14 three times toward a distal surface and engaging the first and second fastener strips 18, 30. The first and second fastener strips 18 and 30 may include fastener elements adapted for releasable interlocking engagement.

[0032] To close the outlet section 14, the outlet section 14 can be folded toward the distal surface of the drainable ostomy pouch 10 along the laterally extending fold lines 19, 21. In this embodiment, the drainable ostomy pouch 10 can be configured to close and conceal the outlet section 14 by folding it over three times, engaging the fastening members 18, 30, hiding it under the cover 28, and engaging the slot 32 with the tab 17, thereby securing the outlet section 14 in the closed and concealed position as shown in Figures 4A-4E. In other embodiments, the drainable ostomy pouch can be configured to close after folding the outlet section one or two or more times.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first and second fastener strips 18 and 30 may comprise hook-and-loop type fasteners and / or a pressure sensitive adhesive. The use of the first and second fastener strips 18 and 30 allows the discharge opening 27 to be maintained in a closed position without a breakaway force being sufficient to overcome the retention force.

[0034] In an embodiment, the outlet fastening system may include a cover 28 attached to the distal side of the pouch 10 above the outlet section 14 and a tab 17 attached to the body side of the pouch over the outlet section 14. The cover 28 may include a slot 32 defined therein configured to receive the tab 17. The fastening system may be configured such that when the outlet section 14 is folded in the closed position, the tab 17 is received within the slot 32 and the folded outlet section 14 is secured and hidden behind the cover 28, as shown in Figures 3 and 4E.

[0035] In one embodiment, the cover 28 may be formed from a separate piece from the comfort layer fabric, film, or combination that is die cut and sealed in place to the pouch. For example, the cover 28 may be formed from a laminate material including a nonwoven and a polymeric film, or a laminate material including a fabric and a polymeric film.

[0036] In embodiments, the drainable pouch 10 may include a comfort layer attached to the distal pouch wall 11 and / or the body-facing wall 13, where the cover 28 may be integrally formed with the comfort layer. In such embodiments, the cover 28 may seal only to the pouch above the outlet port 14, allowing for covering of the outlet port 14 when folded closed.

[0037] In an embodiment, the tab 17 may be configured to fit through a slot 32 in the cover 28, which may be configured to receive the tab 17 such that the cover 28 may cover the outlet 14 in the closed position. The slot 32 may be an opening in the cover material that allows the tab 17 to pass through.

[0038] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations are effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure. It is understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. This disclosure is intended to encompass all modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims and are covered by the claims.

Claims

1. a body side wall and a distal wall joined along their respective peripheries to define a cavity for collecting bodily waste in said cavity; a downwardly extending outlet portion terminating in a discharge opening for discharging bodily waste collected within said cavity; at least one tab attached to one of the body side wall and the distal wall; at least one slot disposed in the other of the body side wall and the distal wall and configured to receive the at least one tab; The at least one tab is received within the at least one slot when the outlet is folded up to a closed position.

2. 2. The drainable pouch of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot is defined in a cover, the cover is attached to the distal wall, and the at least one tab is attached to the body side wall.

3. 3. The drainable pouch of claim 2, wherein the outlet portion is configured to fold over at least twice in the closed position, and wherein the outlet portion in the closed position is secured and hidden behind the cover when the at least one tab is received in the at least one slot.

4. 3. The drainable pouch of claim 2, wherein the outlet portion is configured to be folded up once in the closed position, and wherein the outlet portion in the closed position is secured and hidden behind the cover when the at least one tab is received in the at least one slot.

5. 3. The drainable pouch of claim 2, wherein the outlet portion is configured to fold over at least three times in the closed position, and wherein the outlet portion in the closed position is secured and hidden behind the cover when the at least one tab is received in the at least one slot.

6. 6. The drainable pouch of claim 2, further comprising a comfort layer attached to the distal wall, the cover being integrally formed with the comfort layer.

7. 7. The drainable pouch of claim 2, wherein the cover is formed from a woven or nonwoven fabric.

8. The drainable pouch of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the cover is formed from a polymeric film material.

9. 7. The drainable pouch of claim 2, wherein the cover is formed from a laminate material comprising a woven fabric and a polymeric film, or a laminate material comprising a nonwoven fabric and a polymeric film.

10. 10. The drainable pouch of claim 2, wherein the cover is sealed to the distal wall over the outlet.

11. 11. The drainable pouch of claim 2, wherein the cover is configured to cover the outlet in the closed position when the at least one tab is received in the at least one slot.

12. 12. The drainable pouch of claim 2, wherein the outlet comprises a closure member and a two-part fastening system comprising a first fastener strip and a second fastener strip configured to secure the outlet in the closed position.

13. 13. The drainable pouch of claim 12, wherein the closure member is attached to the body sidewall over the outlet, and the at least one tab is integrally formed with the closure member.

14. 14. The drainable pouch of any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the first fastener strip is attached to the closure member and the second fastener strip is attached to the distal wall under the cover.

15. 15. The drainable pouch of claim 12, wherein the closure member includes first, second and third fold portions, the drainable pouch configured to be closed by folding the outlet portion three times, the first fold portion being folded toward the distal wall in a first fold, the second fold portion being folded toward the distal wall in a second fold, and the third fold portion being folded toward the distal wall in a third fold, the first and second fastener strips being engaged, the at least one tab being received in the one slot after the third fold, and the folded closed outlet portion being hidden behind a cover.

16. 16. The drainable pouch of claim 12, wherein the at least one tab comprises a single tab extending from a third fold portion, the at least one tab comprising a single tab.

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