WO2017039997A1

WO2017039997A1 - Ostomy puch suppport

Info

Publication number: WO2017039997A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/046703
Authority: WO
Inventors: John A. BARONE
Original assignee: Barone Stoma Guard, Llc
Priority date: 2015-09-04
Filing date: 2016-08-12
Publication date: 2017-03-09

Abstract

An ostomy pouch support appliance, and an associated pouch support system, in which a rigid, unitary appliance body has a central, hollow, convex cavity region that covers the stoma port of the pouch, top and bottom back surfaces that extend upwardly and downwardly from the rear cavity that overlay a portion of the annular adhesive region of the torso attachment ring that is mounted to the stoma port, and a guide above the convex cavity region for receiving a conventional waist belt.

Description

OSTOMY POUCH SUPPORT

Background

[0001] The present invention relates to ostomy pouches, and in particular, to a supporting appliance that can withstand body movements as may arise during vigorous activities such as sports, dancing, and the like.

Summary

[0002] The disclosure is directed to a pouch support appliance, and an associated pouch support system, in which a rigid, unitary appliance body has a central, hollow, convex cavity region that covers the stoma port of the pouch, top and bottom back surfaces that extend upwardly and downwardly from the rear cavity that overlay a portion of the annular adhesive region of the torso attachment ring that is mounted to the stoma port, and a guide above the convex cavity region for receiving a conventional belt.

[0003] The appliance indirectly secures the pouch firmly against the torso, without any new adhesive or other new attachment between the appliance and the torso or the pouch and the torso. Instead, a conventional garment belt (i.e., men's or women's dress or athletic belt) applies a mild bias or pressure to a front surface of the appliance sufficient to keep the adhesive surface of the attachment ring against the skin.

[0004] The convex central region protects the stoma and stoma port of the pouch from impacts that can occur during active movement of the user. The top and bottom regions bear indirectly (through the front and back of the pouch) on the portions of the annular adhesive region of the torso attachment ring that is mounted to the stoma port. In addition or alternatively, the edges or margins of the cavity can indirectly capture or bear on the inner, rigid portion of the attachment ring that mates with a corresponding mounting ring on the stoma port of the pouch. [0005] The appliance has been satisfactorily tested on a black belt martial arts instructor engaged in combative movements with contact, against an opponent. The overall contour from side to side and the modest depth of the cavity can be optimized to protect the stoma, while remaining comfortably and unobtrusively in place beneath a garment.

Brief Description of the Drawing

[0006] Representative embodiments of the invention will described below with reverence to the accompanying Drawing, in which:

[0007] Figures 1 and 2 show the front and back of an ostomy pouch, particularly an ileostomy pouch;

[0008] Figure 3 shows the hidden side of the attachment ring for the pouch of Figures 1 and 2;

[0009] Figure 4 shows the stoma port on the back side of the pouch before the attachment ring is secured;

[0010] Figures 5 and 6 show the front and back, respectively, of one embodiment of a stoma protection appliance according to the principles of the present invention for use with an ostomy pouch such as shown in Figures 1 -4;

[0011] Figures 7 and 8 show bottom and side views, respectively, for the appliance depicted in Figures 5 and 6;

[0012] Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a stoma protection appliance according to the principles of the present invention; and

[0013] Figure 10 sows a detail of the auxiliary belt-mounting feature of the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

Detailed Description

[0014] In the accompanying Figures, like numerals represent like features. The present description begins with a summary of the context in which the present invention is to be used, and is followed by a disclosure of two representative embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Figures 1 and 2 show the front and back of an ostomy pouch, particularly an ileostomy pouch 10, having a top portion 12 and a bottom portion 14. However, the inventive concept is applicable to other types of ostomy pouches. A drain plug 16 is provided at the lower end and a stoma port 18 is provided on the back of the upper portion of the pouch. The pouch support appliance disclosed herein, will be overlaid on the footprint generally designated in phantom as 20. A pouch attachment ring 22 is at the back, having a substantially annular outer portion or rim 24 with an adhesive layer covered by a release layer, and inner, rigid mounting rim 26 covered also covered by a protective layer, with an opening 28 for the stoma.

[0016] Figure 3 shows the hidden side of the attachment ring 22 with the rigid inner mounting rim 26 exposed. Figure 4 shows the stoma port 18 on the backside of the pouch 10 before the attachment ring 22 is secured. The stoma port 18 has an opening 32 and surrounding rigid mounting rim 34. The rim 30 shown in Figure 3 is adapted to sealingly and releasably engage the rim 34 in Figure 4 and thereby configure the completed pouch as shown in Figure 2.

[0017] It should be appreciated that all of the foregoing components and relationships are conventional. When the user removes the release and protective layers over rims 24 and 26 (Figure 2), the adhesive surfaces are placed against the user's bare skin on the abdomen, with the openings 28 and 32 around the projecting stoma.

[0018] Although the adhesive is designed to keep the pouch in place for one, two or three days, the adhesives alone are not reliable under conditions of vigorous body movement, such as dancing and sports. Although some appliances are known to supplement the adhesive attachment, these are bulky and only marginally more reliable. [0019] Figures 5 and 6 show one embodiment of an appliance according to the principles of the present invention. The appliance 100 has a rigid, unitary body 102, having a front, a back, a top region 104 and a bottom region 106, with a central region 108 between the top and the bottom regions. The rigid central region has a hollow convex portion 1 10 with an apex that is forward of the top and bottom regions, and defines a back cavity 1 12. The top and bottom regions have back surfaces 1 14, 1 16, that extend upwardly and downwardly from the back cavity. The front of the top region has a guide 1 18 for receiving a belt, preferably a dress or athletic belt of a type that would normally be worn with such garments. Preferably, the body 104 is oblong from top to bottom, and the central region 108 is also preferably oblong, especially on ellipse, that spans the body from side to side. The top and bottom back surfaces 1 14, 1 16 are substantially crescent-shaped, and contoured in directions from top toward to bottom and side toward side. The top and bottom have front surfaces 120, 122 that are also contoured in directions from top toward bottom and side toward side.

[0020] The guide 1 18 preferably laterally spans at least half of the top region and rigidly overhangs a portion of the top front surface at an angle, thereby defining a downward facing slot 124 adjacent the convex projection 1 10. In this manner, a portion of a worn dress or athletic belt can be captured in the slot and bear upon the top front surface 120 of the appliance 100. The free edge 126 of the belt guide 1 18 is preferably spaced from the upper edge of the convex projection 1 10 so that the belt can be easily slipped under the opening and into the slot. Such a guide can accommodate any width of waist belt. Although loops on the top front of the body could be provided as an alternative attachment means for the belt, manufacturing of loops would be more complicated, the loops would provide less surface area of vertical contact on the belt, may not accommodate all belt widths, and would take more effort to mate with the belt.

[0021] In a further preference, a rigid garment guide 128 in the bottom region extends obliquely downward from the convex projection thereby defining another downward facing slot 130. The upper edge of the user's underwear can readily be located within that slot.

[0022] In further preferences, the backs of the upper and lower regions 1 14, 1 16 are covered with a soft padding material, whereas the body 102 is integrally formed as a rigid unitary part. The curves in the back of the body are preferably formed by curved rigid material with a layer of resilient padding material of uniform thickness, but alternatively the curves could be fully or partially formed with resilient material of non-uniform thickness. The projection 1 10 and associated cavity 1 12 overlie the stoma and the rigidity protects the stoma from impacts, while the surfaces 1 14, 1 16 press against the pouch and enhance the pressure with which it is retained against the abdomen. The projection 1 10 can be perforated 132.

[0023] A further option is to include auxiliary support tabs 134 projecting laterally from each side of the central region, each tab having an opening 136 for receiving a free end of a ribbon belt or the like.

[0024] It should be appreciated that the top and bottom surfaces 1 14, 1 16 at the back of the appliance overlay portions of the pouch attachment ring 22. Depending on how the appliance 100 is positioned on the front of the pouch (as represented at 20 in Figure 1 ), the back surfaces 1 14, 1 16 could overlie portions of the outer rim 24 or the inner rim 26. The exact relationship of the appliance 100 relative to the attachment ring 22 is not critical, so long as the cavity 1 12 protects the stoma and the user's belt provides some pressure through the appliance at 1 18 and, indirectly through the front of the pouch, onto the attachment ring 22.

[0025] Figures 7 and 8 show bottom and side views of the device depicted in Figures 5 and 6.

[0026] Figures 9 and 10 show another embodiment 200 which is identical to that shown in Figures 5-8 except for a more robust means for securing the "T" shaped ends of a typical pouch support belt. Whereas tabs 134 and cut out 136 shown in Figure 6 are suitable for use with a ribbon or cord belt by a person who has a sedentary life style, the recess 202 and cut out 204 in the bottom of the recess within the thick sides 206 of the central region 208 can withstand a more active lifestyle. However, for maximum protection, especially for athletics, dancing, manual labor, and the like, a waist belt with belt guide 210 of this embodiment, or 1 18 of the previously described embodiment, should be used with or without an optional ribbon belt for engaging cut outs 204 or 136. It should be appreciated that other forms of auxiliary retention means at the sides of the oblong central region can be provided for capturing an end-effector on a free end of a ribbon belt or the like.

Claims

1 . An ostomy pouch support appliance 100 comprising:

a body 102 having a front, a back, a top region 104, a bottom region 106, and opposite sides;

wherein

the back of the body is curved from top to bottom and side to side, with a back cavity 1 12 between the top and bottom regions ; and

attachment means are provided on the rigid body for receiving a belt, by which the appliance is pressed against an ostomy pouch worn by a subject.

2. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 1 wherein the attachment means includes a belt guide on the front of the body above the cavity.

3. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 2, wherein the belt guide 1 18 extends laterally along and overhangs the front of the body at an angle above the cavity, forming a lateral slot.

4. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 2, wherein the cavity is formed as a rigid central region that projects convexly outward with an apex forward of the top and bottom regions.

5. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 2, including auxiliary retention means, for capturing an end-effector on a free end of a ribbon belt or the like.

6. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 3, including:

a rigid garment guide extending obliquely downward from the front of the body below the cavity, thereby defining another downward facing slot; auxiliary retention means, for capturing an end-effector on a free end of a ribbon belt or the like; and

a multiplicity of perforations that extend through the front of the body.

7. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 1 , wherein

the cavity is formed by a rigid central region that projects convexly outward with an apex forward of the top and bottom regions;

the attachment means includes a belt guide on the front of the body above the cavity, extending laterally along and overhanging the front of the top region of the body at an outward angle, forming a lateral slot laterally along and overhanging the front of the top region of the body;

a rigid garment guide extends obliquely downward from the front of the lower region of the body, thereby defining another downward facing slot;

auxiliary retention means are provided on the body, for capturing an end- effector on a free end of a ribbon belt or the like; and

a multiplicity of perforations extend through the central region; and the curves in the back of the body are provided by a resilient layer adhered to the back of the upper and lower regions.

8. An ostomy pouch support appliance 100 comprising:

a rigid, unitary body 102 having a front, a back, a top 104, a bottom 106 and a central region 108 between the top and the bottom;

wherein

the central region has a hollow convex portion 1 10 that projects forward of the top and bottom and defines a back cavity 1 12;

the top and bottom have back surfaces 1 14, 1 16 that extend upwardly and downwardly from the rear cavity; and

the front of the top has a guide 1 18 for receiving a belt.

9. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 8, wherein

the unitary body is oblong from top to bottom;

the central region is oblong, especially an ellipse, that spans the body from side to side;

the top and bottom back surfaces are contoured in directions from top toward bottom and side toward side;

the top and bottom have front surfaces 120, 122 that are contoured in directions from top toward bottom and side toward side; and

the guide 1 18 for receiving a belt rigidly overhangs a portion of the top front surface 120 and thereby defines a downward facing slot 124 adjacent the convex projection, whereby a portion of a belt can be captured in the slot and bear upon the top front surface of the appliance.

10. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 8, wherein

the support appliance is an integrally formed unit;

the belt guide 1 18 extends obliquely downward to an inner end 126 that is spaced from the convex projection 1 10;

a rigid garment guide 128 extends obliquely downward from the convex projection, thereby defining another downward facing slot 130.

1 1 . The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 10, wherein the top and bottom back surfaces are substantially crescent-shaped, and are covered with padding.

12. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 10, wherein the central region is perforated 132.

13. The ostomy pouch support appliance of claim 10, including auxiliary retention means at the sides of the oblong central region, for receiving a free end of a ribbon belt or the like.

14. An ostomy pouch support system, comprising:

an elongated ostomy pouch 10 having a top 12, a bottom 14, a front, and a back;

a stoma port 18 with opening 32 and rigid mounting rim 34 on the back of the pouch, toward the top, for receiving a person's stoma;

a drain port 16 at the bottom;

a pouch attachment ring 22 having a rigid mounting rim 30 engaging the mounting rim 34 on the stoma port and at least one flexible annular rim 24 including adhesive for adhering the pouch to the person's skin;

a support appliance 10 on the front of the pouch, said appliance including a rigid body 102 having a front, a back, a top, a bottom and a central region 1 10 between the top and the bottom;

wherein

the central region has a hollow convex portion that projects forward of the top and bottom and defines a back cavity 1 16 situated over the stoma port 18;

the top and bottom have back surfaces 1 14, 1 16 that extend upwardly and downwardly from the rear cavity and overlay portions of the pouch attachment ring 22; and

the front of the top has a guide 1 18 for receiving a belt, which when tightened presses the appliance against the attachment ring.

15. The ostomy pouch support system of claim 14, wherein

the unitary body is oblong from top to bottom;

the top and bottom back surfaces are contoured in directions from top toward bottom and side toward side; the top and bottom have front surfaces that are contoured in directions from top toward bottom and side toward side; and

the guide for receiving a belt rigidly overhangs a portion of the top front surface and thereby defines a downward facing slot adjacent the convex projection.

16. The ostomy pouch support system of claim 15, wherein

the support appliance is an integrally formed unit;

the belt guide extends obliquely downward to and inner end that is spaced from the convex projection;

a rigid garment guide extends obliquely downward from the convex projection, thereby defining another downward facing slot.

17. The ostomy pouch support system of claim 14, wherein the top back surface overlays the annular rim of the attachment ring.

18. The ostomy pouch support system of claim 14, wherein the top back surface overlays the mounting rim of the attachment ring.