WO2016149785A1

WO2016149785A1 - Ostomy bag liner with vent guards

Info

Publication number: WO2016149785A1
Application number: PCT/CA2015/000184
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark D. WOLRICH
Original assignee: Colo-Majic Enterprises Ltd.
Priority date: 2015-03-25
Filing date: 2015-03-25
Publication date: 2016-09-29

Abstract

A vented ostomy bag liner apparatus and a method for venting gas from an ostomy bag liner is described. The vented ostomy bag liner includes a flexible container having a narrowed neck portion and operably held in an ostomy bag to receive and hold body fluid in an interior volume defined by the container. The vented ostomy bag liner also includes at least one channel proximate the narrowed neck portion. The at least one channel is operable to collect gas from the body fluid in the interior volume through at least one collection portion, at least one switchback portion in communication with the at least one collection portion, and at least one venting portion in communication with the at least one switchback portion. Collected gas travels into the at least one collection portion and is caused to change direction in the switchback portion before passing into the at least one venting portion. The venting ostomy bag liner apparatus further includes at least one opening in the at least one venting portion for venting the collected gas out of the at least one venting portion.

Description

OSTOMY BAG LINER WITH VENT GUARDS

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This disclosure relates to ostomy bag liners, and in particular, ostomy bag liners configured to vent gas therefore.

2. Description of Related Art

Colostomy and ileostomy patients use ostomy bags to collect their intestinal discharge from surgically created stoma. Liners for the ostomy bags permit users to reduce their costs of ostomy supplies because ostomy bags can be used multiple times while lower cost liners are discarded and replaced with new ones.

In some previous liners, the liner was airtight, which caused problems if the user produced a moderate or large amounts of bowel gas. In an airtight liner, the bowel gas within the liner may develop into a bulge over the abdomen which may inconvenience the user. To overcome this problem, some liners have incorporated openings into the wall of the liner such that gas can be vented outside the liner. However, these openings may be positioned in a location that may be conducive to release of liquid intestinal contents in addition to bowel gas, which may increase a likelihood of soiling skin or clothing.

SUMMARY

The disclosure describes a method of venting gas from an ostomy bag liner, the method involves collecting gas, from a fluid in a volume defined by the liner, in at least one collection portion of at least one channel having at least one switchback portion in communication with at least one venting portion of the channel. The gas travels into the at least one collection portion and changes direction in the switchback portion and then passes into the at least one venting portion. The method further involves causing the at least one channel to present greater resistance to liquid in the fluid than the gas in the fluid, such that the gas passes more freely through the at least one channel. The method further involves venting the gas passing through the at least one venting portion through at least one opening in the at least one venting portion.

Collecting the gas in the at least one collection portion may involve collecting the gas in at least one linear collection portion.

Collecting the gas may involve causing the gas to pass from the switchback portion into at least one linear venting portion.

Collecting the gas in the at least one collection portion may involve collecting the gas in at least one collection portion that is parallel to at least one venting portion.

Causing the at least one channel to present greater resistance to the liquid than the gas may involve causing the at least one channel to present greater resistance to flow of liquid by at least one of a dimension and a position of the at least one channel.

Causing the at least one channel to present greater resistance to the liquid than the gas may involve causing the gas to pass through at least one portion of the at least one channel having at least one of a width between about 1mm and about 20mm and a length between about 5mm and about 40mm.

Causing the at least one channel to present greater resistance to the liquid than the gas may involve collecting the gas in at least one channel located adjacent a narrowed neck portion of the ostomy bag liner.

The disclosure also describes a vented ostomy bag liner apparatus including a flexible container having a narrowed neck portion operably held in an ostomy bag to receive and hold body fluid in an interior volume defined by the container. The vented ostomy bag liner further includes at least one channel proximate the narrowed neck portion and operable to collect gas from the body fluid in the interior volume. The at least one channel includes at least one collection portion, at least one switchback portion in communication with the at least one collection portion, and at least one venting portion in communication with the at least one switchback portion such that collected gas travels into the at least one collection portion and is caused to change direction in the switchback portion before passing into the at least one venting portion. The vented ostomy bag liner apparatus further includes at least one opening in the at least one venting portion for venting the collected gas out of the at least one venting portion.

The at least one collection portion may include a linear collection portion.

The at least one venting portion may include a linear venting portion.

The at least one collecting portion and the at least one venting portion may be parallel to each other.

At least one portion of the at least one channel may have at least one of a width between about 1mm and about 20mm and a length between about 5mm and about 40mm.

At least one portion of the at least one channel may have a width and a length, the width being less than the length.

The width of the at least one portion may be about 10% to about 40% of the length of the at least one portion.

A width of the at least one collection portion may be generally equal to a width of the at least one venting portion.

The container may include a top container portion, the narrowed neck portion adjacent the top container portion, and a bottom container portion adjacent the narrowed necked portion. The top container portion may include first and second angled side edges extending outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the container and a top edge extending between the first and second angled side edges to define a top opening operable to receive the body fluids. The bottom container portion may include first and second lower side edges and a bottom edge. The first and second lower side edges may include respective first and second adjacent edge portions disposed adjacent the narrowed neck portion.

The at least one channel may be disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second adjacent edge portions.

The container may include first and second sheet portions bound to each other, each the sheet portion having bonded edges and unbonded edges. The bonded edges may include the first and second angled side edges, the first and second lower side edges, and the bottom edge, and the unbonded edges may include the top edge.

The at least one channel may be defined by a plurality of bond lines bonding the first and second sheet portions together at locations.

The plurality of bond lines may include first and second bond lines proximate to and extending from at least one of the first and second side edges. The first and second bond lines may include a first and a second straight portion respectively, and a first and a second curved portion respectively.

The first and second straight portions may be parallel and spaced apart from each other.

The first and second curved portions may extend from spaced apart locations on the at least one of the first and second side edges. At least one of the first and second straight portions may be parallel to, spaced apart from and adjacent to the at least one of the first and second side edge portions.

The bonded edges may be heat-bonded.

The plurality of bond lines may be heat-bonded. The first and second sheet portions may be formed of at least one of a biodegradable film, a compostable film and a polyethylene material.

The first and second sheet portions may have a thickness of between about 0.0015mm and about 0.0040mm.

At least one of the first and second angled edges may be at an angle between about 20 and 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the container.

The top edge may define an opening with a width between about 100mm and about 200mm,

The bottom edge may have a width between about 50mm and about 100mm.

The bottom edge and the narrowed neck portion may be spaced apart by a distance between about 100mm and about 200mm.

The narrowed neck portion and the top edge may be spaced apart by a distance between about 50mm and about 100mm.

The bottom container portion may have an average width greater than a width of the narrowed neck portion.

The narrowed neck portion may have a width between about 30mm and about 180mm. The at least one opening may have a diameter of about 0.60mm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate the embodiments, Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an ostomy system including an ostomy bag having an ostomy bag liner according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 is front view of a front side of the ostomy bag liner shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an opening in the ostomy bag liner shown in

Figure 1 , for admitting body fluid into the ostomy bag liner.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a channel of the ostomy bag liner shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a perspective view from a front side of an ostomy bag liner according to another embodiment.

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a channel of the ostomy bag liner shown in Figure 5. Figures 7 - 15 are front views of a front side of ostomy bag liners according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1 , an ostomy system according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10. The ostomy system 10 includes an ostomy bag 12 that may be formed of an air permeable material, for example, having a bag flange 16 operably configured to cooperate with a mating flange 18 secured to a user's body and surrounding an ostomy 20 of the user. The bag flange 16 has a generally circular opening 22 that is generally aligned with the ostomy 20 when the bag flange 16 is secured to the mating flange 18, to receive fluid from the ostomy. The ostomy bag 12 generally defines an interior volume 24 operable to hold an ostomy bag liner 30.

Referring to Figure 2, the ostomy bag liner 30 is shown in greater detail. The ostomy bag liner 30 may be made of plastic, waterproof cloth or a coated paper material. The ostomy bag liner 30 comprises a top container portion 32, a narrowed neck portion 34 adjacent the top container portion 32, and a bottom container portion 36 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 34. Referring back to Figure 1 , when the ostomy bag liner 30 is coupled with the ostomy bag 12, the top container portion 32 is disposed outside of the ostomy bag 12 such that it covers the flange 16, the narrowed neck portion 34 is generally contained within the opening 22 defined by the flange 16, and the bottom container portion 36 is generally contained within volume 24 of the ostomy bag 12. The ostomy bag liner 30 defines an interior volume 31 configured to receive and hold body fluids and solids from the ostomy 20 of the user.

Referring to Figure 2, the top container portion 32 comprises first and second angled side edges 38 and 40 and a curved top edge 42 extending between the first and second angled side edges 38 and 40. The first and second angled side edges extend outwardly at an angle 44 relative to a longitudinal axis 46 of the bag liner 30. The angle 44 can range from about 20 to 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis 46 of the liner 30, for example. In embodiment shown the angle 44 is 42 degrees, for example.

The top edge 42 defines a top opening 48 of the bag liner 30, which is operable to receive body fluids and solids from the ostomy 20 of the user when the bag liner 30 is coupled to the ostomy bag 12 and coupled to the mating flange 18. Referring to Figure 3, the bag liner 30 is shown installed in ostomy bag 12. It will be appreciated that by providing the curved top edge 42, a generally circular or generally elliptical form is established by the top container portion 32. This causes the top container portion 32 to extend relatively evenly about the bag flange 16 when the bag liner 30 is installed within the interior volume 24 of the ostomy bag 12, and provides for easy positioning of the ostomy bag liner 30 within the ostomy bag 12 (not shown in Figure 3). The top container portion 32 also has a length 50, which can be measured from the top edge 42 to the narrowed neck portion 34. The length 50 may be about 65mm, for example

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the narrowed neck portion 34 is operable to be positioned at the opening 22 defined by the flange 16 when the bag liner 30 is coupled to ostomy bag 12. The narrowed neck portion 34 has a width 52 that defines a narrow portion of the bag liner 30. The width 52 can range from about 30mm to 180mm, for example. In the embodiment shown the width is about 140mm, for example. The bottom container portion 36 is contained within the interior volume 24 of the ostomy bag 12 when the bag liner 30 is coupled to the ostomy bag 12 and is generally the portion of bag liner 30 configured to hold the body fluids and solids of the user. The bottom container portion 36 comprises first and second lower side edges 54 and 56, and a bottom edge 58 extending between the first and second lower side edges 54 and 56. Each of the first and second lower side edges 54 and 56 includes a respective adjacent edge portion 60 and 62. The first and second adjacent edge portions 60 and 62 are generally disposed adjacent the narrowed neck portion 34. The bottom container portion 36 also includes channels 70 and 72 configured to collect and vent the gas from the body fluids contained within the interior volume 31. The channels 70 and 72 are generally disposed adjacent the narrowed neck portion 34 and respectively, the first and second adjacent edge portions 60 and 62. The channels 70 and 72 may be defined by space between respective first lines 71 and 73 and respective second lines 75 and 77. Lines 71 , 73, 75 and 77 may be formed by securing together certain locations of the bottom container portion 36 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 34. The bottom container portion 36 may be secured in various ways to form lines 71 , 73, 75 and 77, such as through heat-sealing, adhesives, or stitching, for example.

The bottom container portion has a length 64. The length 64 can range from 100mm to 200mm, for example, and in the embodiment shown is about 150mm, for example. Additionally, the bottom container portion 36 as a width 66 at a widest part and a width 68 of the bottom edge 58. The widths 66 and 68 may range from between 120mm and 190mm and from 50mm and 100m respectively, for example. In the embodiment shown, the widths 66 and 68 are about 155mm and 90mm respectively, for example.

The channels 70 and 72 are operably configured to collect and vent gas from the body fluid in the interior volume 31 of ostomy bag liner 30 through respective first and second collection portions 74 and 76, respective first and second switchback portions 78 and 80 in communication with their respective collection portions 74 and 76, respective first and second venting portions 82 and 84 in communication with their respective switchback portions 78 and 80, and a respective first and second set of openings 86 and 88 located within their respective venting portions 82 and 84. First channel 70 will now be described in greater detail, with the understanding that the second channel 72 generally operates in substantially the same way.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the first channel 70 depicted in Figure 2. Channel 70 comprises the collection portion 74, the switchback portion 78 in communication with the collection portion 74, the venting portion 82 in communication with the switchback portion 78, and the openings 86 located within the venting portion 82. The collection portion 74 is operable to collect gas from the body fluid in the interior volume 31 of ostomy bag liner 30. Within the collection portion 74, the collected gas flows generally in the direction of arrow 90 toward the switchback portion 78. Within the switchback portion 78, the collected gas is caused to change direction as seen by arrow 92 before entering the venting portion 82. Within the venting portion 82, the collected gas flows generally in the direction of arrow 94 before being vented outside the bag liner 30 through the openings 86. The collection portion 74 and the venting portion 82 may be linear and parallel to each other, and may be parallel to the first adjacent side edge portion 60. Alternatively, the collection portion 74 and the venting portion 82 may be curved.

In addition to venting gas, all three channel portions 74, 78 and 82 are appropriately dimensioned to present greater resistance to liquid than gas from the body fluid contained within interior volume 31. Due to the natural tendency of gaseous molecules to possess greater kinetic energy than similar liquid molecules, the gaseous molecules are more capable than liquid molecules to traverse narrow, lengthy and winding channels. Accordingly, the collection portion 74 has a width 96 and a length 98. The collection portion width 96 can range between about 1 mm and about 20mm and the collection portion length 98 can range between about 3mm and about 60mm, for example. Experiments have demonstrated that a collection width 96 of about 2mm and a collection length 98 of about 9mm results in a suitable resistance to liquid while still enabling a sufficient flow of gas when the liner 30 is in operation. The switchback portion 78 also has a width 100 and a length 102. The switchback width 100 can range between about 2mm and about 40mm, for example, and the switchback length 102 can range between about 1 mm and about 40mm, for example. In the embodiment shown, the switchback width 100 is about 7mm and the switchback length 102 is about 8mm, for example. The venting portion 82 also has a width 104 and a length 106. The venting width 104 can range between about 1 mm and about 20mm, for example, and the venting length 106 can range between about 4mm and about 40mm, for example. In the embodiment shown, the venting width 104 is about 6mm for example and the venting length 106 is about 30mm, for example.

Generally, the collection and venting widths 96 and 104 are lesser than their respective collection and venting lengths 98 and 106, as a long and narrow channel would provide generally greater resistance to less mobile liquid molecules when compared with a short and wide channel. Accordingly, the collection and venting widths 96 and 104 may be between about 10% to 40% of their respective collection and venting lengths 98 and 106. In the embodiment shown, the collection width 96 is about 22% of the collection length 98 and the venting width 104 is about 20% of the venting length 106, for example. The switchback width 100 may also be lesser than the switchback length 102. Alternatively, the switchback width 100 may also be about equal the switchback length 102 as the switchback portion 78 is configured to change the direction of the gas. The switchback width 100 may be between 40% and 100% of the switchback length 102 for example, and is about 88% of the switchback length 102 in the current embodiment, for example.

The openings 86 located in the venting portion 82 can similarly be dimensioned to present greater resistance to the liquid than the gas in the body fluid contained within interior volume 31. In addition to increased kinetic energy when compared to liquid molecules, gaseous molecules also tend to diffuse to areas of low air pressure, such as those created by openings 86 in the bag liner 30. Liquid molecules do not share the tendency of gaseous molecules to flow towards such areas. Accordingly, the openings 86 have diameters 108 that may range from between about 0.5mm and about 10mm, for example, and in the embodiment shown are about 0.6mm, for example.

Referring back to Figure 2, it will be seen that the channels 70 and 72 are positioned at a location on the bag liner 30 to present greater difficulty to the movement of the liquid of the body fluid to the openings 86 and 88 than the gas of the body fluid. Due to the increased kinetic energy of gaseous molecules described above, gaseous molecules are less affected by gravitational forces and tend to fill the entire volume that they are contained within. Conversely, liquid molecules are affected by gravitational forces. When the bag liner 30 is in operation (i.e. coupled with the ostomy bag 12 and installed on the ostomy 20 of the user), the liquid of the body fluids contained within interior volume 31 has a tendency to collect near to the bottom edge 58 of the bottom container portion 36. Therefore, by positioning channels 70 and 72 near the narrowed neck portion 34 and away from the bottom edge 58, there is a decreased likelihood for liquid to flow through either channel 70 or 72.

Referring to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of the disposable ostomy bag liner is shown generally at 150. In this embodiment the ostomy bag liner comprises first and second sheet portions 152 and 154 that may be made of compostable film material such as for example, a sheet comprised of about 50% to about 95% BASF Ecovio® F compostable polymer Film C2331 with bio-based content and about 50% to about 5% BASF Ecoflex® C Blend certified compostable polymer Film 1200 available from BASF of Germany. Alternatively, the first and second sheet portions 152 and 154 may be made of biodegradable film or a low-density polyethylene. The sheet potions 152 and 154 may have a thickness of between about 0.015mm to about 0.040mm, for example.

Each of the first and sheet portions 152 and 154 has a respective top edge portion 156, a respective first angled side edge portion 158, a respective second angled side edge portion 160, a respective first lower side edge portion 162, a respective second lower side edge portion 164 and a respective bottom edge portion 166. The top edge portions 156 are disposed generally flat against each other and define a top opening 168. The first angled side edge portions 158 are bonded together to form a first angled side edge 170 and the second angled side edge portions 160 are bonded together to form a second angled side edge 172. Similarly, the first lower side edge portions 162 are bonded together to form a first lower angled side edge 174 and the second lower side edge portions 164 are bonded together to form a second lower side edge 176. The bottom edge portions 166 are bonded together to form a bottom edge 178. The first and second angled side edges 170 and 172, the first and second lower side edges 174 and 176, and the bottom edge 178 may collectively be referred to as bonded edges 180. The bonded edges 180 may be bonded together such as by heat- bonding or adhesive for example. In the current embodiment, the first and second angled side edges 170 and 172 are sealed by an outer edge bond line 183, while the first and second lower side edges 174 and 175 and the bottom edge 178 are double- sealed by the outer edge bond line 183 and an inner edge bond line 185. The top edge portions 156 defining the top opening 168 may be referred to as the unbonded edge 182. Together, the bonded edges 180 and unbonded edge 182 generally define a water-tight bag with an interior volume 151 having the top opening 168 between the first and second angled side edges 170 and 172.

Still referring to Figure 5, the bag liner 150 has a top container portion 184, a narrowed neck portion 186 adjacent the top container portion 184 and a bottom container portion 188 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 186. Additionally, the bag liner 150 has dimensions similar to the bag liner 30 depicted in Figure 2.

The top container portion 184 includes the top opening 168 and the first and second angled side edges 170 and 174. The first and second angled side edges extend outwardly at an angle 181 relative to a longitudinal axis 171 of the bag liner 150. In the current embodiment, the angle 181 is identical to the angle 44 of the bag liner 30, and is about 42 degrees, for example. The narrowed neck portion 186 has a width 173 that defines a narrow portion of the bag liner 150. The width 173 is identical to the width 52 of bag liner 30, and is about 140mm in the current embodiment, for example.

The bottom portion 188 includes the first and second lower side edges 174 and 176, and the bottom edge 178. The first and second lower side edges 174 and 176 include respective first and second adjacent edge portions 175 and 177 which are adjacent the narrowed neck portion 186. The bottom container portion 188 has a length 179. The length 179 is identical to the length 64 of bag liner 30, and is about 150mm in the current embodiment, for example. The bottom container portion 188 also has a width 187 at a widest part and a width 189 of the bottom edge 178. Widths 187 and 189 are identical to widths 66 and 68 of bag liner 30, and are about 155mm and 90mm in the current embodiment, for example.

The bottom portion 188 also includes first and second channels 190 and 192, disposed adjacent the narrowed neck portion 186, and adjacent respective first and second adjacent edge portions 175 and 177. Channels 190 and 192 are similar to channels 70 and 72 and are operable to collect and vent gas from body fluid contained within the interior volume 151 of bag liner 150. Channels 190 and 192 have respective first and second collection portions 194 and 196 operable to collect the gas, respective first and second switchback portions 198 and 200 in communication with their respective collection portions 194 and 196, respective first and second venting portions 202 and 204 in communication with their respective switchback portions 198 and 200, and respective first and second sets of openings 203 and 205 located within the first and second venting portions 202 and 204 operable to vent the gas.

The first and second channels 190 and 192 may be defined by respective first channel bond lines 206 and 208 and respective second channel bond lines 210 and 212 bonding the first and second sheet portions 152 and 154 together at specified locations adjacent the narrowed neck portion 186 of bag liner 150. The channel bond lines 206, 208, 210 and 212 may be bond together such as by heat-bonding or adhesive for example. Additionally, a double seal provided by a double-weld line may be used to secure channel bond lines 206, 208, 210 and 212. It can be appreciated that by forming the channels 190 and 192 in the same way as bonded edges 180, the process of manufacturing the bag liner 150 can be simplified by forming the channel bond lines 206, 208, 210 and 212 and the edge bond lines 183 and 185 in a single step. Additionally, it is possible for the first channel bond lines 206 and 208 to converge with the inner edge bond line 185, such that the channel and edge bond lines 206, 185 and 208 are formed from a single continuous line seal, as shown in the current embodiment. First channel 190 and first and second bond lines 206 and 210 will now be described in greater detail, with the understanding that the second channel 192 generally operates in substantially the same way.

Referring to Figure 6, an enlarged view of the first channel 190 depicted in Figure 5 is provided. As previously described, the first channel 190 is defined by the space between the first bond line 206 and the second bond line 210 as well as the first bond line 206 and the adjacent edge portion 175. Both bond lines 206 and 210 extend from spaced apart locations on the adjacent edge portion 175 of bonded lower side edge 174 and are generally proximate the narrowed neck portion 186.

The first bond line 206 has a straight portion 212 and a curved portion 216. The second bond line 210 similarly has a straight portion 214 and a curved portion 218. In the current embodiment, the first straight portion 212 and second straight portion 214 are spaced apart from and parallel to each other, and a distance 220 separating them generally defines a width of the collection portion 194. Additionally, a portion 221 of the first straight portion 212 of first bond line 206 may overlap with a portion 223 of the straight portion 214 of second bond line 210, and a length 222 of overlap between the two portions 221 and 223 generally defines a length of the collection portion 194. Additionally, the straight portion 212 of first bond line 296 is spaced apart but generally parallel to the adjacent edge portion 175 of lower side edge 174. A distance 224 between the straight portion 214 and the adjacent edge portion 175 generally defines a width of the venting portion 202. Additionally, a length 226 of overlap between the first bond line 206 and the adjacent edge portion 175 generally defines a length of venting portion 202. Finally, a second portion 228 of the straight portion 214 of second bond line 210 is parallel to and spaced apart from a portion 230 of the adjacent edge portion 175. A distance 232 between the second portion 228 and the portion 230 generally defines a width of the switchback portion 198.

Referring to Figure 7, a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 300. The ostomy bag liner 300 has a top container portion 301 , a narrowed neck portion 303 adjacent the top container portion 301 , and a bottom container portion 305 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 303. The top container portion 301 includes bonded angled side edges 302 and 304 and an unbonded top edge 312 defining a top opening 314. The bottom container portion 305 includes bonded lower side edges 306 and 308, a bonded bottom edge 310 and channels 307 and 309. The bonded edges 302 and 304 are sealed by edge bond line 320, and bonded edges 306, 308 and 310 are double-sealed by edge bond lines 320 and 322. The channels 307 and 309 are formed by respective first bond lines 324 and 325 and respective second bond lines 326 and 327. In contrast to the bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the angled side edges 302 and 304 are at a decreased angle 316 relative to a longitudinal axis 318 of the bag liner 300 when compared to the angle 181 relative to the longitudinal axis 171 of bag liner 150. The angle 316 may be about 20 degrees, for example. The bag liner 300 thus has less pronounced first and second angled side edges 302 and 304.

Referring to Figure 8, a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 330. The ostomy bag liner 330 has a top container portion 331 , a narrowed neck portion 333 adjacent the top container portion 331 , and a bottom container portion 335 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 333. The top container portion 331 includes bonded angled side edges 332 and 334 and an unbonded top edge 342 defining a top opening 344. The bottom container portion includes bonded lower side edges 336 and 338, a bonded bottom edge 340 and channels 337 and 339. The bonded edges 332 and 334 are sealed by edge bond line 350 and bonded edges 336, 338 and 340 are double-sealed by edge bond lines 350 and 352. The channels 337 and 339 are formed by respective first bond lines 354 and 355 and respective second bond lines 356 and 357. When compared to bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the angled side edges 332 and 334 are at an increased angle 346 relative to a longitudinal axis 348 when compared to angle 181 of bag liner 150. The angle 346 may be about 90 degrees, for example. The bag liner 330 thus has more pronounced first and second angled side edges 332 and 334, and a larger top container portion 331 , which may be more easily disposed around the flange 16.

Referring to Figure 9, a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 360. The ostomy bag liner 360 has a top container portion 362, a narrowed neck portion 364 adjacent the top container portion 362, and a bottom container portion 366 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 364. The top container portion 362 includes bonded angled side edges 368 and 370 and an unbonded top edge 372 defining a top opening 374. The bottom container portion 366 includes bonded lower side edges 376 and 378, a bonded bottom edge 380, and channels 382 and 384. The bonded edges 368 and 370 are sealed by edge bond line 388, and bonded edges 376, 378, and 380 are double-sealed by edge bond lines 388 and 390. The channels 382 and 384 are formed by respective first bond lines 392 and 393 and respective second bond lines 394 and 395. In contrast to bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the narrowed neck portion 364 has a decreased width 386 when compared to narrowed neck width 173 of bag liner 150. The width 386 may be about 30mm, for example. The bag liner 360 thus has a narrower narrowed neck portion 364 capable of more easily fitting around a smaller bag flange, and thus a smaller ostomy bag.

Referring to Figure 10, a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 400. The ostomy bag liner 400 has a top container portion 402, a narrowed neck portion 404 adjacent the top container portion 402, and a bottom container portion 406 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 404. The top container portion 402 includes bonded angled side edges 408 and 410 and an unbonded top edge 412 defining a top opening 414. The bottom container portion includes bonded lower side edges 416 and 418, a bonded bottom edge 420, and channels 422 and 424. The bonded edges 408 and 410 are sealed by edge bond line 428, and bonded edges 416, 418, and 420 are double-sealed by edge bond lines 428 and 430. The channels 422 and 424 are formed by respective first bond lines 432 and 433 and respective second bond lines 434 and 435. In contrast to bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the narrowed neck portion 404 has an increased width 426 when compared to the narrowed neck width 173 of bag liner 150. The width 426 may be about 180mm, for example. The bag liner 400 thus has a wider narrowed neck portion 404 when compared to bag liner 150, and is thus capable of fitting around a wider bag flange of a larger ostomy bag.

Referring to Figure 11 , a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 440. The ostomy bag liner 440 has a top container portion 442, a narrowed neck portion 444 adjacent the top container portion 442, and a bottom container portion 446 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 444. The top container portion 402 includes bonded angled side edges 448 and 450 and an unbonded top edge 452 defining a top opening 454. The bottom container portion includes bonded lower side edges 456 and 458, a bonded bottom edge 460, and channels 462 and 464. The bonded edges 448 and 450 are sealed by edge bond line 468, and bonded edges 456, 458, and 460 are double-sealed by edge bond lines 468 and 470. The channels 462 and 464 are formed by respective first bond lines 472 and 473 and respective second bond lines 474 and 475. In contrast to the bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the bag liner 440 has a decreased length 466 between the narrowed neck portion 444 and the bonded bottom edge 460 when compared to the bottom container length 179 of bag liner 150. The length 466 may be about 150mm, for example. The bag liner 440 thus has a shorter bottom container portion 446 operable to fit a smaller ostomy bag.

Referring to Figure 12, a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 490. The ostomy bag liner 490 has a top container portion 492, a narrowed neck portion 494 adjacent the top container portion 492, and a bottom container portion 496 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 494. The top container portion 492 includes bonded angled side edges 498 and 500 and an unbonded top edge 502 defining a top opening 504. The bottom container portion includes bonded lower side edges 506 and 508, a bonded bottom edge 510, and channels 512 and 514. The bonded edges 498 and 500 are sealed by edge bond line 518, and bonded edges 506, 508, and 510 are double-sealed by edge bond lines 518 and 520. The channels 512 and 514 are formed by respective first bond lines 522 and 523 and respective second bond lines 524 and 525. In contrast to bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the bag liner 490 has an increased length 516 between the narrowed neck portion 494 and the bonded bottom edge 510 when compared to bottom container length 179 of bag liner 150. The length 516 may be about 200mm, for example. The bag liner 490 thus has a longer bottom container portion 496 operable to receive an increased amount of fluids and solid from the ostomy 20 of the user when the bag liner 490 is coupled to ostomy bag 12, and may be operable to fit a larger ostomy bag.

Referring to Figure 13, a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 530. The ostomy bag liner 530 has a top container portion 532, a narrowed neck portion 534 adjacent the top container portion 532, and a bottom container portion 536 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 534. The top container portion 532 includes bonded angled side edges 538 and 540 and an unbonded top edge 542 defining a top opening 544. The bottom container portion 536 includes bonded lower side edges 546 and 548, a bonded bottom edge 550, and channels 552 and 554. The bonded edges 538 and 540 are sealed by edge bond line 558, and bonded edges 546, 548, and 550 are double-sealed by edge bond lines 558 and 560. The channels 552 and 554 are formed by respective first bond lines 562 and 563 and respective second bond lines 564 and 565. In contrast to the bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the bag liner 530 has a gently curved tapered bonded lower side edges 546 and 548 that taper inwardly toward the bonded bottom edge 550 of the liner. The bag liner 530 thus defines a narrower bottom container portion 536 operable fit into a smaller ostomy bag.

Referring to Figure 14, a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 570. The ostomy bag liner 570 has a top container portion 572, a narrowed neck portion 574 adjacent the top container portion 572, and a bottom container portion 576 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 574. The top container portion 572 includes bonded angled side edges 578 and 580 and an unbonded top edge 582 defining a top opening 584. The bonded edges 578 and 580 are sealed by edge bond line 598, and bonded edges 586, 588, and 590 are double- sealed by edge bond lines 598 and 600. The channels 592 and 594 are formed by respective first bond lines 602 and 603 and respective second bond lines 604 and 605. The bottom container portion 576 includes bonded lower side edges 586 and 588, a bonded bottom edge 590, and channels 592 and 594. In contrast to the bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the bag liner 570 has an increased width 596 defining a widest point of bottom container portion 536 between bonded lower side edges 546 and 548 when compared to bottom container width 189 of bag liner 150. The width 596 may be about 190mm, for example. The bag liner 570 thus defines a wider bottom container portion 576 operable to receive an increased amount of fluid and solid from the ostomy 20 of the when the bag liner 530 is coupled to ostomy bag 12, and operable to fit into a larger ostomy bag.

Referring to Figure 15, a disposable ostomy bag apparatus according to an alternative embodiment is shown generally at 610. The ostomy bag liner 610 has a top container portion 612, a narrowed neck portion 614 adjacent the top container portion 612, and a bottom container portion 616 adjacent the narrowed neck portion 614. The top container portion 612 includes bonded angled side edges 618 and 620 and an unbonded top edge 622 defining a top opening 624. The bottom container portion 616 includes bonded lower side edges 626 and 628, a bonded bottom edge 630, and channels 632 and 634. The bonded edges 618 and 620 are sealed by edge bond line 638, and bonded edges 626, 628, and 630 are double-sealed by edge bond lines 638 and 640. The channels 632 and 634 are formed by respective first bond lines 642 and 643 and respective second bond lines 644 and 645. In contrast to the bag liner 150 depicted in Figure 5, the bonded lower side edges 626 and 628 are straight rather than generally curved, which results in a greater width 636 of bonded bottom edge 630 than bonded bottom edge width 189 of bag liner 150. The bag liner 610 thus defines a larger and more angular bottom container portion 616 operable to receive an increased amount of body fluids and solids from the ostomy 20 of the user when the bag liner 610 is coupled to ostomy bag 12. Additionally, liner 610 may also be less expensive to manufacture due to its more angular and uniform shape.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A method of venting gas from an ostomy bag liner, the method comprising: collecting gas, from a fluid in a volume defined by the liner, in at least one collection portion of at least one channel having at least one switchback portion in communication with at least one venting portion of the channel such that the gas travels into said at least one collection portion and changes direction in said switchback portion and then passes into said at least one venting portion; causing said at least one channel to present greater resistance to liquid in the fluid than said gas in the fluid, such that said gas passes more freely through said at least one channel; and venting said gas passing through said at least one venting portion through at least one opening in said at least one venting portion.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein collecting said gas in said at least one collection portion comprises collecting said gas in at least one linear collection portion.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein collecting said gas comprises causing said gas to pass from said switchback portion into at least one linear venting portion.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein collecting said gas in said at least one collection portion comprises collecting said gas in at least one collection portion that is parallel to at least one venting portion.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein causing said at least one channel to present greater resistance to said liquid than said gas comprises causing said at least one channel to present greater resistance to flow of liquid by at least one of a dimension and a position of said at least one channel.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein causing said at least one channel to present greater resistance to said liquid than said gas comprises causing said gas to pass through at least one portion of said at least one channel having at least one of a width between about 1 mm and about 20mm and a length between about 5mm and about 40mm.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein causing said at least one channel to present greater resistance to said liquid than said gas comprises collecting said gas in at least one channel located adjacent a narrowed neck portion of the ostomy bag liner.

8. A vented ostomy bag liner apparatus comprising: a flexible container having a narrowed neck portion operably held in an ostomy bag to receive and hold body fluid in an interior volume defined by said container; at least one channel proximate said narrowed neck portion and operable to collect gas from the body fluid in the interior volume, said at least one channel having: at least one collection portion; at least one switchback portion in communication with said at least one collection portion; at least one venting portion in communication with said at least one switchback portion such that collected gas travels into said at least one collection portion and is caused to change direction in said switchback portion before passing into said at least one venting portion; and at least one opening in said at least one venting portion for venting said collected gas out of said at least one venting portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said at least one collection portion includes a linear collection portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9 wherein said at least one venting portion includes a linear venting portion.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 8 - 10, wherein said at least one collecting portion and said at least one venting portion are parallel to each other.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 8 - 11 , wherein at least one portion of said at least one channel has at least one of a width between about 1 mm and about 20mm and a length between about 5mm and about 40mm.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 8 - 12, wherein at least one portion of said at least one channel has a width and a length, said width being less than said length.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said width of said at least one portion is about 10% to about 40% of said length of said at least one portion.

The apparatus of any one of claims 8 - 12, wherein a width of said at least one collection portion is generally equal to a width of said at least one venting portion.

The apparatus of any one of claims 8 - 15, wherein said container includes a top container portion, said narrowed neck portion adjacent said top container portion, and a bottom container portion adjacent said narrowed necked portion, wherein: said top container portion includes first and second angled side edges extending outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of said container and a top edge extending between said first and second angled side edges to define a top opening operable to receive the body fluids; and said bottom container portion includes first and second lower side edges and a bottom edge, wherein said first and second lower side edges include respective first and second adjacent edge portions disposed adjacent said narrowed neck portion.

The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said at least one channel is disposed adjacent to at least one of said first and second adjacent edge portions.

The apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein said container comprises first and second sheet portions bound to each other, each said sheet portion having bonded edges and unbonded edges wherein: said bonded edges include said first and second angled side edges, said first and second lower side edges, and said bottom edge; and said unbonded edges include said top edge.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of bond lines bonding said first and second sheet portions together at locations to define said at least one channel.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said plurality of bond lines includes first and second bond lines proximate to and extending from at least one of said first and second side edges, wherein said first and second bond lines include a first and a second straight portion respectively, and a first and a second curved portion respectively.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said first and second straight portions are parallel and spaced apart from each other.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or 21 , wherein said first and second curved portions extend from spaced apart locations on said at least one of said first and second side edges, and wherein at least one of said first and second straight portions is parallel to, spaced apart from and adjacent to said at least one of said first and second side edge portions.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 - 22, wherein said bonded edges are heat-bonded.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 - 23, wherein said plurality of bond lines are heat-bonded.

25. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 - 24, wherein said first and second sheet portions are formed of at least one of a biodegradable film, a compostable film and a polyethylene material.

26. The apparatus of claim 18 - 25, wherein said first and second sheet portions have a thickness of between about 0.0015mm and about 0.0040mm.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 - 26, wherein at least one of said first and second angled edges are at an angle between about 20 and 90 degrees relative to said longitudinal axis of the container.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 - 27, wherein said top edge defines an opening with a width between about 100mm and about 200mm,

29. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 - 28, wherein said bottom edge has a width between about 50mm and about 100mm.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 - 29, wherein said bottom edge and said narrowed neck portion are spaced apart by a distance between about 100mm and about 200mm.

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 - 30, wherein said narrowed neck portion and said top edge are spaced apart by a distance between about 50mm and about 100mm.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 - 31 , wherein said bottom container portion has an average width greater than a width of the narrowed neck portion.

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 8 - 32, wherein said narrowed neck portion has a width between about 30mm and about 180mm.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 8 - 33, wherein said at least one opening has a diameter of about 0.60mm.