Abstract: A pouch includes a front wall (22), a rear wall (24) having an entrance aperture (32), and a central partition (36). The partition divides the pouch into an entrance chamber (38) and a collection chamber (40) located one in front of the other. A pad (42) of superabsorbent material is located in the collection chamber (40) and extends above the lower level of the entrance aperture (32). In use, urine entering the pouch is directed downwardly and through a lower permeable region (36) of the partition, whereafter it is absorbed and gelled by the superabsorbent material pad. The urine is also wicked upwardly by the pad (42) so that the full height of the pouch can be used as a liquid-collection region.

Abstract: A device for firmly attaching human-waste-collection bags to the abdomen by using suction rings instead of adhesives. This device comprises of a cap (10) with suction rings, a round plastic sheet (11), a plastic bag (15), and a belt holder(14). A round body (12) of rigid material is used to sandwich the plastic sheet and bag by using the cap (10) at its front end. This device also has a belt holder (14) with a center hole (28) that fits on the rear ring surface (26) of the body (12). This belt holder is equipped with a regular elastic belt for pressing the overall devise firmly against the abdomen.

Abstract: A snap-in insert is disclosed for use with the faceplate of an ostomy appliance. The faceplate includes a convex pressure ring and an adhesive barrier pad or wafer that extends over the convex surface of that ring. The insert has an apertured support wall that is flexible but sufficiently stiff to support and thereby brace the barrier pad about the faceplate's stoma-receiving opening.

Abstract: A colostomy bag with a release valve and a method for releasing gas from the colostomy bag is provided. The release valve is attached to a colostomy bag for release of gas in the colostomy bag. The gas may be released manually by a person with the use of one hand. Accordingly, a person who is disabled or otherwise incapable of using two hands, may release gas from the colostomy bag and prolong the use of a single bag by extending the time it may take for the bag to fill. In addition, a method for releasing gas collected in a colostomy bag is provided such that the frequency of replacing and/or intermittently cleaning the colostomy bag is reduced.

Abstract: I, Gary Butler, summarize the invention as follows: the OSTOMY WASTE DISPOSAL KIT will enable ostomy patients to dispose of solid waste in a bucket at any location. It benefits patients in medical and nursing institutions, even on trips. By placing the bucket's safety chain around the patient's neck where the bucket is suspended under the ostomy pouch and the stool is deposited and the pouch then cleansed with the water in the squirt bottle, the kit could be utilized at any restroom at any location.

Abstract: A disposable human waste management device, such as faecal and urine management devices (10), which are provided with adhesives for attachment of the device to the skin. Such adhesives (20) provide secure attachment and are pleasing to the skin upon application, yet cause no discomfort upon removal. The device may also be used in combination with a disposable diaper.

Abstract: An ostomy siting device for determining and marking the position of a possible stoma comprising a stoma simulating first element and a second element simulating an adhesive wafer of an ostomy appliance and an optionally separately detachable collecting bag, said ostomy siting device having on the proximal side an adhesive surface for removable adhering to the abdominal skin of an ostomate to be provided a readily repositionable and reusable system for simulating the placement and physical configuration of the stoma and the collection system and for marking the optimum position of the stoma to be.

Abstract: A disposable cover for enclosing the outlet spout of a drainable stoma pouch. The cover includes front and rear walls sealed along side and bottom edges, with an unsealed upper edge. Preferably, one or more stiffening ribs extend longitudinally across the front and rear walls near the unsealed upper edge. The presence, spacing and relative orientation of such ribs on the external surfaces of the front and rear walls render the disposable cover self-opening such that it may be easily placed over to enclose the outlet spout of a drainable stoma pouch. Once positioned, the cover is clamped onto the tail section of the pouch to provide effective odor and moisture containment therein.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance having a body side member with an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, the wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and a separately exchangeable collecting bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy. The body side member includes a first flange connected thereto via a first connecting section and the collecting bag includes a second substantially annular flange which is connected to the collecting bag via a substantially annular second connecting section. The annular second flange is radially divided into an inner portion and an outer portion by at least one opening therethrough in an essentially circular zone corresponding to or larger than the outer radius of the first connecting section which reduces the risk of leakage and also reduces the necessary cleaning when substituting the collecting bag.

Abstract: A balloon-like member is received in the bowel and inflated to seal the stoma. The member includes a thin, flexible wall defining an opening. A rigid or semi-rigid cap retains the member and closes the opening in the member wall. Skin comfortable adhesive adheres the edge of the cap to the tissue surrounding the stoma. A flexible dilation tube facilitates insertion of the member and cooperates with a pump to inflate the member. The cap is preferably removeably attached to a standard two-piece ostomy faceplate and is provided with a filter element to vent flatus.

Abstract: Multilayer films comprising a quiet film layer having noise dampening properties and at least one second layer which are particularly useful for, ostomy bags (colostomy, ileostomy), trans-dermal delivery systems (TDDS), cosmetic patches, incontinence bags, medical collection bags, parenteral solution bags, and food packaging, as well as for protective clothing and soil fumigation applications. The quiet layer comprises a polymer resin or polymer resin composition having a Tangent Delta value of at least 0.25 at a temperature within the range of −5° C. and 15° C. or at least 0.32 at a temperature within the range of −12° C. to −5° C., and the at least one second layer has a storage modulus G′ equal to or greater than 2×104 N/cm2.

Abstract: The collecting bag comprises a bag member (1) formed by two film blanks with joined edges, an inlet opening being provided in one of said film blanks surrounded by connecting elements for connection of the bag to a body orifice. The bag is emptied through a narrowed, elongated discharge portion (8) ending in a discharge opening (9). Sealing plates (35a,35b) made from a resilient material, eg. foam, are attached to the discharge portion (8) at or near the discharge opening (9) to close the discharge opening by folding of the discharge portion (8).

Abstract: A waste evacuator to vacate waste products from a stoma having an inlet adapted to seal over the stoma and when operated to vacate waste products from the shortened bowel. The waste evacuator could be battery or manually operated.

Abstract: A ostomy drainage apparatus for increasing the amount of time between emptying cycles of an ostomy device. The ostomy drainage apparatus includes a container including an apex having a first opening. A lip extends upwardly away from the opening. A tubular member has an open first end and an open second end. The tubular member is generally hollow and is flexible. The first end is removably coupled to the lip of the container. A stoma engaging device removably engages the stoma of a user. A front wall has an aperture, and is removably coupled to the stoma engaging device such that fluid from the stoma may enter the ostomy bag through the aperture. The peripheral wall has a hole therein. A neck extends away from the hole. The second end of the tubular member may be removably coupled to the neck.

Abstract: A convex adapter for ostomy appliances, including an adapter ring formed entirely of soft, moisture-absorbent, hydrocolloid-containing adhesive material that retains its integrity on hydration and is shape-recoverable, and a thin stretchable cover film (preferably transparent or translucent) removably covering and extending over and beyond the ring's convex bodyside surface. A flexible but substantially non-stretchable release sheet is removably attached to the opposite pouchside surface of the ring and may be peeled away from the ring during an initial step in the use of the product. With the release sheet so removed, a user may grasp adapter ring and its cover film and reform the ring so that its opening is sized and shaped to match a patient's stoma, after which the reformed adapter ring is adhered to the adhesive faceplate of an ostomy appliance, the cover film is removed, and the combination faceplate/adapter is adhesively secured to a patient's peristomal skin surfaces.

Abstract: A disposable urine management device including a bag having an aperture which is surrounded by an adhesively-faced flange for releasable attachment to the uro-genital area of the wearer. An absorbent material is contained within the bag.

Abstract: The collecting bag comprises a bag member (1) formed by two film blanks with joined edges, an inlet opening being provided in one of said film blanks surrounded by connecting elements for connection of the bag to a body orifice. The bag is emptied through a narrowed, elongated discharge portion (8) ending in a discharge opening (9). Sealing plates (35a,35b) made from a resilient material, eg. foam, are attached to the discharge portion (8) at or near the discharge opening (9) to close the discharge opening by folding of the discharge portion (8).

Abstract: A vaginal device such as a cervical cap diaphragm vaginal ring or other intra-vaginal device designed for delivery of biologically active materials has a first member and a second member which are selectively attached to each other, at least one of the members comprising a releasable biologically active material.

Abstract: The applicator is used for a placement of an excreta management device on a wearer. The applicator has a longitudinal centerline, a transverse centerline, a device facing surface and an opposing surface. The applicator comprises a handle disposed at transverse ends, a pressure portion disposed along the longitudinal centerline, a middle portion disposed between the handle and the pressure portion and a spacer. When the applicator folded into a pair of right and left pieces along the longitudinal centerline, the spacer is inserted between the right and left pieces. The pressure portion presses the excreta management device toward the wearer's skin during the use of the applicator. The opposing surface of the right piece and the opposing surface of the left piece are separated from one another at the middle portion by the spacer when the applicator is folded.

Abstract: A feces control device includes a tubular member in which an inflatable balloon is positioned on one interior sidewall for closing the passageway to movement of feces when the balloon is expanded and allowing flow when the balloon is contracted against the sidewall to which it is attached. A second balloon on the inner end of the tubular member when inflated presses against the inner end of an umbrella mounted on the inner end of the tubular member thereby expanding the umbrella to a radially outwardly and forwardly extending sealing position in the stoma or rectum. When the umbrella balloon is deflated, the umbrella memory causes it to collapse to a position coaxial with the tubular member. Inflation passageways in the sidewall of the tubular member may include tube portions for inflating the balloons or removing the device from the rectum.

Abstract: An ostomy cartridge for use in host device in a mammal includes a body formed at elastomeric partially of polymeric material and a stem. The stem is secured to the body and is operable to permit insertion of the body into the host device and removal of the body from the host device. The stem and the body cooperate with one another and the host device to prevent flow of liquid and solid waste through the host device to the exterior of the mammal with which the host device is associated.

Abstract: An improved ostomy face plate. The improved face plate includes a ring seal of silicone foam, a blotter ring disposed between the ring seal and the barrier seal, and an improved barrier seal compound with a low isobutylene content.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for collecting intestinal effluent. The apparatus comprises an ostomy pouch and an insert defining an interior volume. The insert is configured for positioning within the ostomy pouch and can define a pair of handles, a pair of pleated side panels, or a pair of handles and a pair of pleated side panels. The system comprises a skin adhesive barrier wafer positioned about a stoma, an ostomy pouch in communication with the stoma, and an insert. The insert defines an interior volume and is positioned within an inner chamber of the pouch. The insert can define a pair of handles, a pair of pleated side panels, or a pair of handles and a pair of pleated side panels. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A continent ostomy port device has a face plate defining a selectively sealable aperture which is alignable with the opening of a stoma formed in the body of a user of the device. A closure portion is adapted to permit selective and repeatable covering and uncovering of the aperture in the face plate. A catheter portion extends from one side of the face plate and extends proximally, and one end of the catheter portion is disposed interior of the user's body, within the ostomy site, when the port device is in normal use position. The catheter portion has continuous exterior and interior side walls, the latter defining a major lumen. The catheter portion is sized and shaped appropriately for non-surgical installation through a stoma to a sufficient distance that the presence of the catheter portion within the stoma provides a physical barrier which reduces the incidence of stoma prolapse, without the use of extraneous, externally applied materials or additional surgery.

Abstract: Essentially amorphous non-chlorinated polymeric films are provided which are effective barriers to odors and organic molecules, making them particularly useful for ostomy bags (colostomy, ileostomy), trans-dermal delivery systems (TDDS), cosmetic patches, incontinence bags, medical collection bags, parenteral solution bags, and food packaging, as well as for protective clothing and soil fumigation applications. The barrier layers of the present invention can be used as monolayers or can be a component film of a multilayer structure. The barrier films may be used with or without other film layers that promote reduced noise emission. Alternately, single and multi-layer films may omit the barrier layer in favor of the reduced noise emission layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable human waste management devices such as faecal and urine management devices (10) which are provided with adhesives for attachment of the device to the skin. In particular the present invention relates to adhesives (20) which provide secure attachment and are pleasing to the skin upon application, yet cause no discomfort upon removal. In particular the present invention relates to adhesives which provide secure attachment to oily and greasy skins. Preferably the adhesive also provides secure attachment under moist and wet skin conditions and which maintains adhesive peel strength even under exposure to excess water.

Abstract: In a collecting bag comprising a bag member formed by two film blanks with joined edges and an inlet opening for connection of the bag to a body orifice provided in one of said film blanks, an elongated discharge portion ending in a discharge opening is connected with the bag member, said discharge portion having a width permitting opening and reclosing by manual unfolding and folding operations and defining a narrowed discharge passage for the discharge of more or less entirely liquid body wastes, a substantially free flow through the narrowed discharge passage in the open unfolded condition of the discharge portion and thereby a free discharge flow of the bag content being obtainable by arrangement of a flexible hose member in the discharge passage.

Abstract: An enterostomy device for providing fluids and nutrients through a stoma formed through the abdominal wall of a patient is described. The enterostomy device, which may be configured as either a gastrostomy device or a jejunostomy device, comprises a low-profile retaining member which is configured to be unobtrusively positioned within the stomach or the intestine, and which is configured to provide sufficient surface area for contacting the stomach or intestine to prevent unintentional removal or release of the enterostomy device from the patient. The enterostomy device is also structured with a low-profile port hub for facilitating the inflation of the retaining member and feeding and venting through the stoma.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment for management of body wastes includes a flat bag having an upper sheet provided with a hole and a guide means for body wastes formed around the hole. The guide means includes an elastically stretchable and flexible guide tube and a flange formed around an upper opening of the guide tube. The flange is applied on its upper surface with pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A coupling for an ostomy appliance, comprises two elements (10, 20), each including a base (11, 21), equipped with a central opening, and a tubular joining piece (12, 22) surrounding the opening. The joining piece (12) of the first element (10) comprises, on its internal face, an elastically deformable annular lip (18) whose free end (19) is directed towards the plane of the base (11) of the element. The joining piece (22) of the second element (20) includes, on its external face, means for axial retention (44) of the free end of this lip. This coupling includes a locking member (43), and the means for axial retention of the free end of the annular lip occupy a sector of the circumference of the joining piece of the second element, of which the midpoint is situated diametrically opposite the locking member under conditions of assembly and disassembly of the two elements of this coupling.

Abstract: A continent ostomy port device has a generally planar face plate defining a selectively sealable aperture which is alignable with the opening of a stoma formed in the body of a user of the device. A closure portion is connected to the generally planar face plate adjacent to the aperture and is adapted to permit selective and repeatable covering and uncovering of the aperture in the generally planar face plate. A catheter portion extends from one side of the face plate and extends proximally, and one end of the catheter portion is disposed interior of the user's body, within the ostomy site, when the port device is in normal use position. The catheter portion has continuous and generally cylindrical exterior and interior side walls, the latter defining a major lumen.

Abstract: A pad for use with a continent ostomy port includes a body portion having an internal wall defining an aperture appropriately sized to place around a stoma, the body portion of the pad being sized and shaped for placement against a user's skin beneath a face plate of an ostomy port. The pad is formed of a soft, flexible material to thereby cushion and protect the skin from contact with the ostomy port face plate.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch for both one and two-piece ostomy appliances having an integral closure at the bottom of the pouch to allow the pouch to be emptied and resealed without the use of a separate closure. The integral closure has mating male and female parts that are locked together either manually by finger pressure or by a sliding mechanism. The integral closure provides the ostomy appliance with a leak-proof, odor-proof seal when in a closed, sealed, and locked position. A slider, when the appliance is dosed, can be moved along the integral closure, thereby separating the mated male and female parts to provide an opening through which the stored contents within the ostomy pouch can be emptied. After the stored contents have been emptied, the slider can reseal the pouch by rejoining the male and female parts.

Abstract: An ostomy bag having a drainage aperture and a sealing device provided for selectively sealing the drainage aperture which is integral with the ostomy bag, wherein the integral sealing device includes a first elongate element secured to an outer surface of a first outer wall of the ostomy bag adjacent the drainage aperture and a second elongate element which is operatively connected to the first elongate element, at a first end of each elongate element, by a flexible hinge member, and wherein the integral sealing device further includes a first closure member at the second end of the first elongate element, and a second closure member at the second end of the second elongate element, the first and second closure members being engageable to secure the first and second elongate elements together to seal the drainage aperture.

Abstract: A collecting bag comprising a bag member formed by two film blanks with joined edges, an inlet opening being provided in one of the film blanks surrounded by connecting elements for connection of the bag to a body orifice. The bag is emptied through a narrowed, elongated discharge portion ending in a discharge opening. A closure device provided at the discharge portion for bringing the bag from an open to a closed position of use includes a first closure means at the proximal or distal end of the discharge portion and a second closure means. The closure device is arranged for opening and closing of the bag in two distinct stages by successive operation of the first and second closure means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, said wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and an optionally separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy, said ostomy appliance further comprising a sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma wherein the sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma, said sealing member having a hole for accommodating the stoma and said sealing member having balanced plastic and elastic properties allowing an adaptation of the hole of the ostomy appliance to a stoma by a temporary enlarging the hole by everting or rolling up the inner rim of the hole for accommodating the stoma.

Abstract: An enterostomy device for providing fluids and nutrients through a stoma formed through the abdominal wall of a patient is described. The enterostomy device, which may be configured as either a gastrostomy device or a jejunostomy device, comprises a low-profile retaining member which is configured to be unobtrusively positioned within the stomach or the intestine, and which is configured to provide sufficient surface area for contacting the stomach or intestine to prevent unintentional removal or release of the enterostomy device from the patient. The enterostomy device is also structured with a low-profile port hub for facilitating the inflation of the retaining member and feeding and venting through the stoma.

Abstract: A filter and gas vent system incorporated in an ostomy bag during its manufacture includes a filter in the shape of a flat band, its deodorizing core being left open to the ambient air at two ends of the filter. The latter is held inside the bag by two weld seams joining walls of the bag to each other. A key feature of the invention is that each of the two weld seams extends from one of two side edges of the bag to its upper edge. The filter can thus be contained entirely in the bag, which thus isolates the ends from the outside. The material from which the core of the filter is made, often activated charcoal, no longer risks soiling the clothes or being driven off when the subject is showering. This invention also prevents the liquid matter collected in the bag from seeping out by passing along the core of the filter.

Abstract: A hand access device for use as a seal for sealing a surgeon's forearm on entry through a wound opening, for example, in an abdominal wall contains a substantially tubular sleeve of pliable gas tight material. The tube is turned axially back on itself to define an outer sleeve section and an inner sleeve section which define therebetween a sealed inflatable chamber. The inner sleeve section is engaged by the forearm which, on insertion, causes the sleeve to evert. The device has eversion limiting means in the form of inner and outer rings which are of elastomeric material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, the wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and a separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy, the ostomy appliance further comprising a separate sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma wherein the separately exchangeable receiving member or bag is secured releasably to the body side ostomy member by a mechanical fastening means.

Abstract: A waste evacuator (2) to vacate waste products from a stoma having an inlet (3) adapted to seal over the stoma and when operated to vacate waste products from the shortened bowel. The waste evacuator could be battery or manually operated.

Abstract: A drainage receptacle support system for use by a postoperative patient. The support device includes an adjustable belt and a plurality of pouches for individually receiving a drainage receptacle. A loop is provided on the back of the pouch for slidably receiving the belt, so that the pouch may be positioned directly underneath or directly above an insertion point for the drainage tubes. The loop is positioned so that the pockets are held in a generally upright position. Preferably the support device is lightweight and washable, and the pockets and the loop include padding to distribute the weight of the receptacle. Additionally, a releasable hinge is provided to secure excess slack from a drainage tube to the body of a wearer and gussets are used to accommodate larger drainage receptacles in pockets, and elongated pouches with two security hinges accommodate narrow drains with valves in the middle of the tubing.

Abstract: A colostomy bag includes a bag member having top and bottom ends, each end having an opening. The opening at the bottom end is sealable with a sliding tab zip-lock type closure means allowing the bag to be easily drained and reused. Mounted to the exterior of the bag member is a pouch having an auxiliary colostomy bag received therein for use in the event that the reuseable bag suddenly ruptures or begins leaking. Also attached to the exterior surface of the bag is a deodorizing means that emits a pleasant odor upon the bag member being moved or shifted.

Abstract: An ostomy bag cleaning appliance for cleaning an ostomy bag comprising a housing with a sealable top to prevent soiled water from splashing outside the cleaning appliance when in use, a mounting plate located within the housing for mounting a soiled ostomy bag, and a nozzle that projects through the mounting plate and into the mounted ostomy bag. A conventionally known attachment appliance which corresponds to the dimensions of the user's ostomy bag, can be affixed to the mounting plate so that an ostomy bag can be installed within the cleaning appliance. The head of the nozzle projects through an opening in the mounting plate and into the ostomy bag and provides a multi-directional stream of water into the ostomy bag. The nozzle provides a stronger flow of water downwards into the ostomy bag causing sufficient agitation to break up solid body waste within the ostomy bag.

Abstract: A device for conducting away urine and excrera to be used by a person relieving him or herself, consisting of sheet material having a top portion (11) with an inlet opening (12) and a bottom portion (11a) with a discharge opening (14) and a surface area (21) having coated theron an adhesive substance (19) to facilitate the opening of inlet (12). Further, the device is useful for the disposal of excrements by a being particularly a human having an artificial intestinal or urethral orifice.

Abstract: A guard for isolating patient skin from a medical appliance is formed from a nonwoven fiber web member soft nonadhesive material having a medication dispersed throughout the member. A continuous adhesive layer is attached to a planar surface of the nonwoven fiber web member suitable for attachment to a medical device so as to place the nonwoven fiber web member between the medical appliance and patient skin. The medication within the nonwoven fiber web member releases medicated powder to alleviate skin abrasion and chafing associated with prolonged contact with the medical appliance.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is disclosed in which the adhesive faceplate for holding the appliance in place is of inverted triangular shape with rounded corners. The faceplate includes an adhesive layer composed of a hydrocolloid-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive, a protective release sheet removably covering the bodyside surface of the adhesive layer, and a flexible backing layer covering the opposite (pouchside) surface of the adhesive layer and permanently securing the faceplate to an ostomy pouch about the perimeter of a stoma-receiving opening. Because of its orientation, the triangular faceplate has one of its side edges extending across the upper end of the pouch (i.e., facing upwardly when the pouch is worn), resulting in a construction in which the area of the faceplate's adhesive layer is wider above the faceplate's opening than below it.

Abstract: A collection device for human bodily fluids includes an expandable, liquid permeable and insoluble pouch containing a proper volume of hydrophilic material. This hydrophilic material allows quick absorption of such fluids and turns into gelled material. The gelled material is then trapped inside the pouch preventing possible spill and back flow. The hydrophilic material with a proper volume only allows expansion up to the predetermined size of the pouch without the pouch breaking up into fragments. This pouch may be made of different shapes and materials in order to fit in different types of human bodily fluid collection devices and reduce possible leakage and back flow. The hydrophilic material can be a polymer and may have antibacterial properties to reduce bacteria growth. A one-way valve, snap-fit seal, or screw-on cap may be added for further enhanced prevention of leakage and back flow. The versatility of this pouch helps speeding up manufacturing processes and reducing overall production costs.

Abstract: The invention provides a vessel for biological materials comprising a multilayer polymeric barrier material that has very low permeability to small molecules, such as water and oxygen, high flexibility and softness, and is resistant to tearing. The invention is particularly useful for forming vessels that receive biological fluids, such as ostomy bags and bags for storing blood, blood products, and IV solutions. The vessel comprises a flexible, multilayer, polymeric barrier material comprising (1) a first sandwich polymer layer, (2) at least one sandwiched, oriented liquid crystal polymer layer, and (3) a second sandwich polymer layer, the first and second sandwich layers disposed to sandwich the liquid crystal layer therebetween.

Abstract: A multilayer heat-sealable chlorine-free film of relatively low modulus, high interlaminar strength, and low noise upon flexing is provided. The film includes an odor barrier layer and at least one directly adjoining heat-sealable skin layer. The barrier layer is composed of either an aliphatic or partially aromatic polyamide resin, or a blend thereof, blended with an ionomer resin consisting essentially of a partially neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, and the heat-sealable skin layer or layers bonded directly to the barrier layer are composed of copolymers of ethylene and an ester-containing comonomer. High resistance to delamination of the barrier layer and skin layer(s) is achieved without tie layers therebetween. Pouches formed of such multilayer chlorine-free films are also disclosed.