GB2206274A

GB2206274A - Ostomy storage and carrier tray

Info

Publication number: GB2206274A
Application number: GB08714638A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Patrick Robert William Knox
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-06-23
Filing date: 1987-06-23
Publication date: 1989-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2007-06-23
Also published as: GB8714638D0; GB2206274B

Abstract

A tray (10) for use by ostomy patients is of such size that it can contain those items which are required for changing an ostomy bag, the tray including a number of compartments (13, 16) within which these items are disposed and the tray being shaped so that it can be supported on the body of the patient by a belt (17) in such manner as to facilitate the changing of an ostomy bag. <IMAGE>

Description

OSTOMY STORAGE AND CARRIER TRAY Field of the Invention This invention relates to a storage and carrier tray for use by ostomy patients, i.e. patients who have undergone colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgery.

Description of the Prior Art There are at present no storage trays available for use by ostomy patients to facilitate changing of ostomy bags and it is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide such a tray and hence reduce the embarrassment associated with the changing of such bags, and with the carrying of the equipment required for this purpose.

During the first fortnight after an ostomy operation, the changing of an ostomy bag by the methods presently recommended can be painful and it is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of changing an ostomy bag which not only reduces embarrassment but which can also be less painful.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage and carrier tray for use by ostomy patients, which tray includes compartments within which are disposed those items required for changing an ostomy bag, the tray being provided with means whereby it can be supported on the body of the user.

The tray is preferably formed as a plastics moulding with one side thereof curved so as to facilitate close fitment of the tray adjacent the stomach of the user.

The tray support means may comprise attachment points for attachment of a belt which passes around the neck of the user.

The tray support means may additionally comprise attachment points for attachment of a belt which passes around the waist of the user, the waist-belt attachment points being located at the side of the tray which is curved for fitment against the stomach of the user whereas the neck-belt attachment points are located on the remote side of the tray.

The compartments of the tray may include a first or drainage compartment within which a water container is located and a second compartment within which a replacement ostomy bag, comfort accessories and/or medications are located. The first and second compartments may be provided within separate portions of the tray, which portions are hingedly connected together so that the two portions can be moved relative to one another between an "in use" position in which their upper surfaces are flush with one another to provide, in effect, a single working surface and a "carrying" position in which said upper surfaces are located in face-to-face engagement.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of changing an ostomy bag which includes the use of a storage and carrier tray as defined above.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a storage and carrier tray for use by an ostomy patient shown in its carrying positioning, Figure 2 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 but showing removal of a water container from the tray, Figure 3 is a view of the tray showing the two portions thereof moved relative to one another from the position shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a further view of the tray showing the two portions thereof in their in-use position, Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 4 but showing the lid of one of the compartments of the tray in an opened condi tion, Figure 6 is an underneath view of the tray as shown in Figure 4, Figure 7 Is a side view of the tray in use showing the method by which it is supported by belts which pass around the waist and the neck of the user of the tray, and Figure 8 is a front view showing the tray supported by the neck belt and the waist belt, in relation to the stoma of the user.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The tray shown in the drawings is formed from a plastics material by suitable moulding operations and consists of two portions 10 and 11 interconnected by a hinge connection 12.

The first portion 10 provides a first compartment 13 within which, in the carrying condition of the tray, a water container 14 is located. The portion 11 has a hinged lid 15 which covers a compartment 16 within which a replacement ostomy bag can be placed, together with comfort accessories, medications, and support belts 17 and 18 (see Figures 7 and 8). The first portion 10 is shaped on the side thereof remote from the hinge 12 to provide an inwardly curvate portion 19, the curvature of which corresponds to the average curvature of the stomach of a user so that, when the tray is in use in the manner shown In Figures 7 and 8, the tray fits closely to the torso of the user.

The tray is provided with a pair of fasteners 20 for holding the two portions 10 and 11 of the tray together in face to face contact so as to facilitate transport of the tray somewhat in the manner of a small attached case or brief case. When it is desired to use the tray preparatory to the changing of an ostomy bag, the fasteners 20 are released and the two portions 10 and 11 are moved from the relative positions shown in Figure 1 into the position shown in Figure 4, the lid 15 is lifted, the belts 17 and 18 are removed from the compartment 16 and are then attached to the tray in the manner shown in Figures 7 and 8. As will be seen, the neck belt 17 is attached to the tray at positions remote from the user whereas the waist belt 18 is attached to the tray at positions close to the waist of the user.

In use, the user opens the tray, attaches the belts 17 and 18 and positions himself and the tray as shown in Figure 7.

The used colostomy bag is emptied, disposed of and the orifice plus the immediately surrounding area is then washed with cotton wool and towel dried. The operations necessary for fitment of the replacement colostomy bag are then carried out.

Because all the items which the user will require are readily available and are positioned for use, the replacement of the colostomy bag can be carried out more expeditiously than has heretofore been possible. In addition, because the replacement of the ostomy bag is carried out in an upright position, the pain involved in replacement of the bag, particularly during the first two weeks after an ostomy operation, is considerably reduced. The ostomy bag replacement operation can be carried out more hygienically than has previously been possible and the embarrassment involved with the replacement operation is considerably reduced.

In the particular construction shown, the portion 10 of the tray includes a horizontal wall 21 beneath which a compartment is provided within which a flexible tube 22 is located and is held in position by resilient gripping engagement with holding formations 24 beneath the horizontal wall 21. It is to be noted that the compartment 13 is provided in its base with a discharge outlet 23 and the flexible tube 22 can be positioned in this outlet 23 to facilitate the disposal of liquid waste materials.

As an alternative to the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the horizontal wall 21 can be replaced by a hinged lid which defines a compartment for reception of the flexible tube 22.

An important advantage of the present invention is that it is of general application to all forms of ostomy patients and the references above to colostomy bags are to be construed accordingly.

The horizontal wall 21 and the lid 15 provide adequate working surfaces on which the appropriate items can be placed and these surfaces, together with the drainage areas of compartment 13, are cleaned after use to ensure that the required standards of hygiene are maintained.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A storage and carrier tray for use by ostomy patients, which tray includes compartments within which are disposed items required for changing an ostomy bag, the tray being provided with means whereby it can be supported on the body of the user.

2. A tray according to claim 1, which is formed as a plastics moulding with one side thereof curved so as to facilitate close fitment of the tray adjacent the body of the user.

3. A tray according to claim 1, which has tray support means comprising attachment points for attachment thereto of a belt which passes around the neck of the user.

4. A tray according to claim 3, in which the tray support means additionally comprise attachment points for attachment of a belt which passes around the waist of the user.

5. A tray according to claim 4, in which the waist-belt attachment points are located on one side of the tray and the neck-belt attachment points are located on the opposite side of the tray.

6. A tray according to claim 1, the compartments of which include a first or drainage compartment within which a water container is located and a second compartmept within which a replacement ostomy bag, comfort accessories and/or medications are located.

7. A tray according to claim 6, in which the first and second compartments are provided within separate portions of the tray, which portions are hingedly connected together so that the two portions can be moved relative to one another between an "in use position in which their upper surfaces are flush with one another to provide, in effect, a single working surface and a "carrying" position in which said upper surfaces are located in face to face engagement.

8. A tray for use by ostomy patients, which tray is formed to provide a working surface on which items required during the changing of an ostomy bag can be placed, the working surface being disposed adjacent a compartment which is provided in its base with a discharge outlet through which liquid waste materials can be discharged.

9. A method of changing an ostomy bag which includes the use of a tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

10. A tray for use by ostomy patients substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.