AU2018101187A4 - Urinary bag support halter For the support of urine collection bags commonly supported by means of elastic bands around the upper or lower leg. - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract This device relates to the provision of a structured support for urine collection bags attached to catheters, used in the treatment of incontinence, providing added security and alleviating strain on the catheter as well as providing easy access to the bag and support for the catheter. Diagram showing the position of the belt and braces from the front with the apron attached to the truss and the urine collection bag connected and the catheter coming through the grommet and into the bag. The braces are attached to the back and front of the belt by means of firm clips that can go over the apron to provide extra security by clamping it onto the belt. Figure 2

Description

[TITLE] Urinary bag support halter [SUBTITLE] For the support of urine collection bags commonly supported by means of elastic bands around the upper or lower leg.

Background [0001] Bladder control may be lost due to urinary incontinence (leaking), urinary retention (not being able to urinate), prostate problems, or surgery. This can be a short-term inconvenience for some, but for many it is a daily, and nightly, problem that can cause severe embarrassment to the user and lead to withdrawal and depression. Incontinence can come as a shock to users as well as carers and adds an extra burden of care in many situations.

[0002] New users are often not given very much information about the use and availability of the peripherals such as leg bags and floor bags or even how to care for their catheter. Not all chemists stock the urine collection bags or only have one type which may not even come with the simple elastic straps that are the primary support mechanism. The lack of readily available information, access to multiple types of bag and alternatives to the elastic straps can be frustrating to the user or carer.

Summary [0003] This innovation is based on observations made by carers and health workers and interviews with the wearers of: • indwelling catheters (urethral or suprapubic) for male or female use • external catheters (a penile sheath, also known as a condom catheter) for male use • intermittent catheters (short term catheters that are used when needed and can be self-administered) for male or female use.

All these users predominantly rely on urinary leg bags to contain their urine output.

[0004] These leg bags hold between 250ml (minimal-sized bag useful for short-term sporting or leisure activities) to 800ml and so, can weigh up to 800g; the majority of them can be emptied by means of a tap and so can be used all day, with the wearer going into the toilet to empty the bag. At night the leg bags connect to floor bags or bottles which hold 2 to 4 litres and can be washed and used multiple times.

Technical Problem [0005] When held only by the elastic straps there is often anxiety that the bag will slide down the leg and possibly pull on the catheter, causing pain and possible dislodgement of the catheter and possibly a trip to the hospital for re-catheterisation. It is suggested to empty the bag once it reaches halfway full, and users will soon get used to checking it. Not all leg bags have flocking on the back so the user is strapping a waterproof, non-breathable material to the upper or lower leg and risking sweat related ailments such as rashes or sores.

[0006] There are other support devices on the market or previously patented at present: • the elastic band system which may be supplied with the leg bag • belts with bags attached • belts with removable bags • one legged ‘britches’ incorporating a fixed pocket • a belt with hooks to go into the holes in the leg bag • a vest with an attached bag [0007] Most of these devices are hard to find, not available in Australia or they may not have gone into production at all; they were found during a world-wide search of patents before application. These devices can cause other problems such as: • elastic bands can cut off circulation or slip down the leg • belts can slip if the user’s waist is larger than their hips • bags or tubes can bend or kink on any device which holds the bag fixed in place as the user sits and stands or lies down • it can be awkward to insert an empty urine leg bag or remove an overfull bag when using attached, or built-in, bags or pockets, and the whole device needs to be replaced if there is a leak • there is a risk that open hooks can get turned around and may pierce a bag or cause discomfort to the user • a bag or pocket permanently attached to a vest could allow urine to move up the body by capillary action in the event of a leakage • any device that is not interchangeable from left to right may cause the wearer irritation as the catheter must continually be taped in the same position.

Solution to Problem [0008] This innovation incorporates a 'belt and braces' truss system that takes into consideration the more 'apple-shaped' users whose waists are larger than their hips and find that a belt is not sufficient to provide support for the bag once it starts to fill, as it can weigh as much as 800g once full. This truss supports the weight of the bag through the shoulders and the apron part can be worn on the left or right, allowing for repositioning of the catheter to give respite from adhesive tape. The user is not as reliant on the adhesive tape as the truss provides support whether standing, sitting or lying down as the catheter is held near the body as it goes through the grommet only inches below the belt. The truss has been tested for comfort and slippage while sleeping and provides support and security to the user.

[0009] The sample support halters that have been fabricated and the description in this application are based on the specific measurements of the following leg bag:

Make: Urimaax 500ml leg bag with 60mm inlet tube, flocked back, flip tap Distributor: Aaxis Pacific Manufacturer: Shanghai China Aaxis ltd [0010] There are other makes and model of leg bags available to the Australian market and we will be obtaining samples of these bags to create versions that will suit them or making a variation that is adaptable to compensate for the varying width between the holes used to thread the elastic when using the supplied bands. Other options or variations are listed under 'Variations/options' at the end of this document.

Brief description of Drawings [0011] Figure 1: This shows the measurements and placements of the grommet and buttons on the apron part of the device.

[0012] Figure 2: This shows the placement of the device on the body with the catheter coming through the grommet and the bag being supported on the buttons.

Description of Embodiments

Details of the urinary drainage bag support truss [0013] The truss system comprises: • a set of adjustable braces for those whose stomach measurement is greater than their hip measurement, attached to • a slimline 38mm wide adjustable belt with a metal tri-glide buckle, supporting • a 400mm x 130mm apron with ‘jeans’ buttons to support the bag.

Production [0014] The braces may be pre-purchased or fabricated as part of this process depending on cost and availability. They will be: • fully adjustable by means of a slider • made from 20mm or 25mm cotton belting in black or cream • attached to the belt at the front and back with traditional braces clips (fully detachable) [0015] The belt has been fabricated but if an alternative is available, it may be beneficial to purchase them. The belt will be adjustable but there may be scope for a standard version and a plus sized version.

Details of urinary bag support apron [0016] The 'apron' is constructed from a heavyweight fabric such as cotton duck or denim; it is folded over on itself and stitched, leaving a loop of fabric, which is threaded over the belt part of the device. It has a grommet to thread the catheter tube through which provides stability for the tube and keeps it in position. The urine collection bag attaches to the apron by means of two or four buttons which are spaced to support a variety of bags and may be marketed as support for... with the type named.

Production [0017] Portrait/Vertical 1. The heavy cotton fabric is cut to 800mm x 130mm and overlooked. 2. It is then folded with wrong sides out and sewn across the bottom and both sides, leaving 60mm unstitched on each side to allow access for the belt. 3. It is then turned right side out. 4. An 18mm or 20mm metal grommet is inserted through both layers, 90mm from the top and centred on the apron. 5. The 16mm or 17mm jeans buttons are attached in pairs 75mm apart horizontally, strengthened with a layer of heavy interfacing between the layers of heavy cotton a. 140mm from top b. 350mm from top 6. The apron is then pressed [0018] Landscape/Horizontal 1. The heavy cotton fabric is cut to 400mm x 260mm and overlooked. 2. It is then folded with wrong sides out and sewn across the bottom and both sides, leaving 60mm unstitched on each side to allow access for the belt. 3. It is then turned right side out. 4. An 18mm or 20mm metal grommet is inserted through both layers, 90mm from one side and centred vertically on the apron. 5. The 16mm or 17mm jeans buttons are attached in pairs 75mm apart vertically, strengthened with a layer of heavy interfacing between the layers of heavy cotton a. 140mm from side with grommet b. 350mm from side with grommet 6. The apron is then pressed 7. This can be worn on the left or right of the body with the bag facing whichever way is most suitable for the catheter tube.

[0019] There is a version of bag that is designed to be worn in the horizontal position. We will need to purchase some samples to adjust the dimensions for this version as wearing a bag that is designed for vertical use may lead to leakage if worn in a horizontal position.

Variations/options [0020] Original halter option: This would include the full harness described above and two aprons. Horizontally and vertically oriented placement of the bag will be catered for.

[0021] Belt only option: Not everyone requires a 'belt and braces' approach so a belt only option will be available for users with wider hips than waists. The belt will be as described above without the braces attached; the innovation is still that the aprons are interchangeable, there is a grommet to allow the tubing through and the bags are attached with buttons, not in a pocket. Horizontally and vertically oriented placement of the bag will be catered for.

[0022] Children's halter version: Like the halter option above but smaller and in fun, colourful versions. Horizontally and vertically oriented placement of the bag will be catered for.

[0023] Children's belt only version: Like the belt only option above but smaller and in fun, colourful versions. Horizontally and vertically oriented placement of the bag will be catered for.

Claims (6)

1. Claims

   1. A device comprising a fully adjustable ‘belt and braces’ truss system having removable and interchangeable parts which support a urine collection bag connected to a catheter.
2. 2. The device of claim 1 being a truss made from a slim, inobtrusive and adjustable belt with a slimline buckle, with braces/suspenders providing support for the apron part. The truss can be machine or hand washed as necessary.
3. 3. The apron part of the device of claim 2 being removable and usable on either side of the body and of a sturdy fabric which can be machine or hand washed many times.
4. 4. The attachment devices on the apron of claim 2 are spaced to support a urinary collection bag of between 250ml and 800ml using jeans type buttons which have a strong, fixed shaft and fit neatly through the holes provided for the original straps.
5. 5. The catheter mentioned in claim 1 is supported by threading it through the grommet near the belt of claim 2.
6. 6. The complete device of part 1 being a more supportive and secure option which provides some relief and assurance to the user and can be worn day and night.