Abstract: A container for odorous material (in the present case an ostomy bag), consists of a front wall (10) and a rear wall (12) welded together around a peripheral seam (14). The walls are made of a plastics material through which odorous gas can permeate. The container carries or contains malodor counteractant material to counter, or mask, the odor. The malodor counteractant material may be provided in microencapsulated form, and coated (at 28) on the interior faces of the walls, or carried on an article (54) placed within the container.

Abstract: Guard devices adapted to protect a medical appliance attached to and in communication with an opening in the body having:a rigid, substantially U-shaped base member extending in a base plane and including a pair of opposing side members extending along the length of the device, both sides members having ends that together define an opening in the base member;a plurality of spaced-apart rigid cross-members extending between the side members and upwardly from the base plane, with the base members and the cross-members cooperatively defining a cavity adapted to completely enclose the medial appliance;one or more rigid base members extending between two or more of the aforementioned members; andmeans for securing the base member to the body of the person, wherein the body has an opening with a medical appliance attached thereto in communication therewith, so that the medical appliance is completely enclosed by the cavity defined by the base member and the cross-member.

Abstract: An improved ostomy face plate. The improved face plate includes a ring seal of silicons 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: A two part, polymerizable, skin sealant or shield which cures in situ to form a custom made, solid, shaped, skin friendly barrier which absorbs aqueous fluids without disintegrating.

Abstract: A wc-disposable ostomy bag has walls made of three layers. The central layer is of an alkali-soluble/water-resistant material such as carboxylated acrylic polymer and is about 100.mu. thick. The inner layer, presented to the contents of the bag, is of a water-resistant, ordor-proof material such as polyvinylidene chloride and is between about 2 and 3.mu. thick. The outer layer is a non-woven material such as formed by cellulose fibres in a binder of aqueous polyacrylate, which is broken up when wetted by an alkaline liquid.

Abstract: A concealed colostomy apparatus comprising a sleeve insertible into the bowel via a discharge opening thereof for retention therein, the sleeve then having a discharge end; a cap removably interfitting the discharge end of the sleeve; and a flexible pouch received in collapsed position into the sleeve to in turn receive feces from the bowel, the cap being removable to allow distending of the pouch outside the sleeve and continued filling of fecal matter into the pouch.

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

Abstract: A vented colostomy pouch includes a water proof bag having a waste aperture and a vent aperture, with an annular member being secured to the vent aperture and a plug type closure being removably connectable to the annular member to seal the vent opening. The plug and annular member are integrally formed as a unitary member from a plastic material with a flexible attachment interconnecting the annular member and plug. The attachment is deflectable to permit the plug to be inserted and removed from the annular member. The plug has cylindrical side walls that resiliently fit into mating sidewalls in the annular member, with sidewall friction being sufficient to prevent dislodgment without manually moving the plug. The plug is at least slightly longer than the annular member so that the plug clears the opening in the annular member when fully inserted.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag (colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy bag) comprising a bag of thermoplastic material having means to define an opening for receiving waste material from a stoma and means to secure the bag in place with the opening connected to the stoma, characterized in that at least the surface of the bag in contact with the skin of the wearer is flocked. Also described is an ostomy appliance comprising a re-usable outer bag and a disposable inner bag, means for securing the two bags together and to the stoma, means for inserting and removing the inner bag from the outer one, and means for closing, the outer bag once the inner one is in place, characterized in that at least the surface of the outer bag in contact with the skin of the wearer is flocked.

Abstract: A water-closet disposable pouch (8) has a pull-away tab (20) secured to one wall (10) by a weld or bond (22). Pulling away the tab (20) tears open the pouch wall (10) along the weld or bond by tearing out material (30) from the weld, thus creating one or more gaps (28). The tab (20) may be V-shaped, and define a flap or hatch area (26) of the wall behind the tab (20) which is released when the tab (20) is torn away. Any gas trapped in the pouch can escape through the opening when the gas is placed in a WC. In an alternative form, a tear-out filament is secured to or within a wall of the pouch parallel to a direction of orientation of the plastics material.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance or wound drainage device having a lower end with an adhesive composition thereon so that when the lower end is folded upon itself, the drainage opening is closed off, or, alternatively, the lower end is made of a material having intrinsic adhesive properties.

Abstract: A collecting bag for human body wastes, particularly a stoma bag, comprises a bag member formed by two oblong plastic film blanks with joined edges, of which one blank is designed with an inlet opening for connection to a body orifice, particularly a stoma. Between the edge sections of said joined film blanks a narrowed outlet opening is formed, which can be closed by means of a closure clip with a central part attached to one film blank and projecting end sections. At least the central part of the closure clip has along at least one of its longitudinal side edges a relatively soft, resilient edge zone.

Abstract: The waste collection pouch has a wall adapted to be situated adjacent the body and a stoma receiving inlet. A collar may be affixed to the wall around the inlet and coated with an adhesive layer. An adhesive layer is provided directly on the pouch wall, either covering the entire surface of the wall or a section along the periphery, so as to affix the pouch wall directly to the body. The pouch may have an oval shape with its major axis adapted to extend laterally or may be circular. The bottom edge may be linear or include an inwardly indented section.

Abstract: A collecting bag system for human body wastes comprises a collecting bag with a bag element formed by two predominantly oblong plastic film blanks with joined edges and with an inlet opening surrounded by connecting elements for connection to a body orifice, particularly a stoma, and a closeable outlet opening in an end section of one plastic film blank. The outlet opening is surrounded by a coupling ring with an outwardly facing engagement flange, and the system further comprises a bag extension with a coupling ring with a corresponding inward-facing engagement element for dismountable, sealing coupling to the coupling ring of the outlet opening. On the inside of the coupling ring of the outlet opening a closing membrane is placed with an annular coupling element for a sealing, but releasable coupling with an inward-facing engagement element on the coupling ring of the outlet coupling.

Abstract: A two-piece ostomy appliance is disclosed, one component being a collection pouch and the other an adhesive faceplate for peristomal attachment to a patient. The two components are provided with coupling rings for mechanically and detachably joining them together. One of the rings has a bead-providing collar and a rocking wedge body as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,008. The other ring is of channel-shaped cross section having spaced concentric inner and outer side walls each provided with ribs positioned in direct opposition and extending into the channel along a single plane normal to the axis of that ring. In a preferred embodiment, the rib of the outer wall is interrupted to provide at least one wide notch or recess and an integral pull tab projects radially outwardly from the outer wall at the location of the notch for initiating either partial or complete separation of the rings during use of the appliance.

Abstract: An adhesive plate with an indicator function, and an indicator therefor, according to one embodiment the adhesive plate being comprised of a hydrophilic composition containing a water-soluble coloring matter such as a food color, a dye, a pigment, or metallic salt applied onto or embedded in a part or the whole of a peripheral region of the plate spaced apart from the center thereof, the water-soluble coloring matter being dissolvable in liquid excrements or exudates so as to change color and provide visible indication of the end of the usable life of the adhesive plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a biodegradable, flushable ostomy bag liner including: inner walls (3, 4) formed from polyvinylacetate/polyvinylalcohol film of a grade which disintegrates within 60 seconds in water at 50.degree. C., but retains its structural integrity in water at 25.degree. C. for at least two days; outer walls (1, 2) formed from a non-woven fabric which disintegrates in water at 25.degree. C.; structure defining an opening (8) in the inner and outer walls for receiving bodily waste from the stoma of a patient; and adhesive flange (7) for securing the ostomy bag liner to the body wall of a patient, the adhesive flange (7) being secured to at least an inner wall (1) of the liner and surrounding the said opening (8); wherein the inner and outer walls (1, 2, 3, 4) are unconnected and form an non-laminar arrangement over the greater part of their area, but are connected together around their peripheral margins (5) and in the region of the adhesive flange (7).

Abstract: A suprapubic fluid collection device contains leakage from an ostomy site. The device comprises an adhesive patch, a collection bag, and a urinary catheter. The adhesive patch has adhesive on one side for securing the patch around the ostomy site and a ring member projecting from the other side. The ring member circumscribes the ostomy site. The collection bag has a first opening and a channel member circumscribing the first opening and projecting from the exterior of the collection bag. The channel member of the collection bag mates with and secures the ring member of the adhesive patch. The collection bag has a second opening formed therein and a drainage spout communicating with the interior of the collection bag. The urinary catheter extends within the interior of the collection bag between the second opening and the first opening. The catheter has a distal end for insertion within a human bladder and a proximal end.

Abstract: An ostomy coupling has first and second coupling members. These can be held together by a springy flexible split locking ring. A plurality of tabs, arranged, e.g., symetrically, on the limbs of the locking ring can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by movement of the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The movement of the locking ring which causes withdrawal of the tabs may be a vertically upward movement of the ring, or a vertically downward movement. The movement of the locking ring which causes withdrawal of the tabs alternatively may be a deformation of the ring in opposed horizontal directions. Preferably, however, the movement of the locking ring which causes a withdrawal of the tabs is a rotational movement relative to the second coupling member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chlorine-free multilayer film material comprisinga) a gas-barrier layer (1) comprising a non-chlorine containing organic polymer which is substantially impermeable to oxygen gas;b) two tie layers (2) each contacting one side of said barrier layer;c) an inner surface layer (3);d) an outer surface layer (4); ande) two intermediate layers (5) positioned between said surface layers (3,4) and said tie layers (2), said barrier layers (5) comprising an ethylene-propylene copolymer having a flexural modulus of less than 200 MPa and preferably less than 150 MPa. a process for the manufacture of this film material and its use for the manufacture of bags and pouches for ostomy/urostomy use.

Abstract: The malodours of an ostomy bag are reduced by including therein an article including a hygroscopic matrix and additive. The matrix is selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and glycerol. The additive is selected from food preservatives, fragrances, disinfectants, and odor absorbers.

Abstract: An ostomy bag cover for an ostomy bag of the type having an inlet, a connecting member for connecting the inlet in communication with a stoma on a wearer's body and a closable outlet at the bottom of the ostomy bag for emptying the contents therefrom. The cover is in the form of a hollow body and includes a ribbed aperture formed therein adapted to be disposed in close tolerance with the inlet of the ostomy bag and to receive the connecting member therethrough. Said ribbed aperture provides an improved fit of the ostomy bag cover in relation to the ostomy bag inlet thereby providing the wearer with greater comfort by reduced contact of the wearer's skin with the ostomy bag, the connecting member, or the ostomy inlet. A second aperture is formed in the bottom of the hollow body between spaced side portions thereof and is adapted to be disposed in proximity with the outlet of the ostomy bag. A releasable fastener is mounted on the space sides for releasably closing the second aperture in the hollow body.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer for an ostomy pouch, and the combination of such a wafer and pouch, in which the adhesive layer of the wafer is composed of a hydrocolloid-containing skin barrier material and is contoured to provide a relatively thick body portion surrounded by a relatively thin peripheral portion, are disclosed. The wafer has a stoma-receiving opening, and the adhesive layer is of developed shape so that most, if not all, of the relatively thick body portion is located immediately below and to the sides of the stoma-receiving opening. The relatively thin peripheral portion of the adhesive layer is preferably embossed to provide a pattern of discrete, non-connecting depressions separated and isolated from each other by flat-top ridges dimensioned and arranged so that a skin surface engaged by said embossed surface primarily contacts only such ridges.

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 50, 60 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 70. A plurality of tabs 71 symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 70, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by an upward pull on the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The ring 70 is generally circular in its unstressed condition.

Abstract: An ostomy collecting system has a collecting bag having an inlet opening in a bag wall and surrounding connecting elements for connection with a stoma, and a carrier device for the collecting bag. Which is a base plate and a substantially annular first flange connected to the base plate via a first connecting section. The connecting elements comprise a substantially annular second flange, fixedly connected to the collecting bag via a substantially annular second connecting section. The two flanges are connected with the base plate and the collecting bag, respectively, in such a manner that the outer radius of said second connecting section exceeds the outer radius of said first connecting section by a value which at least equals the total thickness of the two flanges.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag, such as an ostomy bag or like drainage bag, for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag having a wall portion (1) formed of a water-softenable or hot-water-soluble first film material, the wall portion (1) having an opening (4) therein for receiving the bodily waste or bodily fluid; a water-impermeable, water-insoluble polymeric film material (7) being adhered to the outer surface of the said wall portion (1) so as to surround said opening, the water-impermeable, water-insoluble layer (7) being adhered to the said wall portion by means of a cyanoacrylate layer (6) interposed therebetween; and the outer surface of the water-impermeable, water-insoluble layer (7) having secured thereto an adhesive flange (5) for securing the drainage bag to the body wall of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ostomy bag having a multi-piece construction with peelable skin surfaces, and multiple perforated layers which are made of dissolvable material. Absorbent material is placed between the layers to facilitate dissolution of the bag when placed in a toilet. The multiple layers of material also permit ready identification to the wearer, by its color change appearance of the inventive applicance, that the layers thereof are properly assembled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cover for an ostomy bag which is opaque to camouflage waste in the ostomy bag. The cover is also moisture resistant to prevent the deterioration of the cover when exposed to moisture as well as to prevent the cover from separating from an ostomy bag when exposed to moisture. The cover may also include decorative patterns.

Abstract: A cleansing device (10) for use with a colostomy or other body waste bag. The device (10) includes a valve body (12) having a passage (14) and a gate valve (20) positioned in the passage (14), an elongated handle (34) controlling the gate valve (20), a hose (28) connected to the inlet (16) of the valve body passage and adapted to be secured to a source of irrigating water, and a tube (22) attached to the outlet (18) of the valve body passage including a main body portion (22a) and a nozzle portion (22b) bent backwardly with respect to the main body portion (22b) into the colostomy bag. The patient may grasp the valve body (12) with one hand to move the nozzle portion (22b) of the tube (22) upwardly into the discharge opening of the colostomy bag and may thereafter use the same hand to squeeze the handle (34) and direct a flow of irrigating fluid into the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A medical device for holding a feeding tube providing substantially rigid fastening of the tube to the patient. The device includes a drainage bag cooperatively disposed about the tube for containing any drainage that may occur through a body opening in which the tube is inserted. The drainage bag may be provided with a feeding tube-engaging port capable of accommodating feeding tubes of various diameters.

Abstract: Multilayered barrier structures containing a gas barrier layer of a non-chlorine containing organic polymer which is substantially impermeable to oxygen gas and a moisture barrier layer of a mesophase propylene-based material are provided. These structures are environmentally compatible and radiation resistant, and exhibit one or more additional properties, including gas barrier properties, moisture barrier properties, toughness, heat sealability, softness, and quietness during wrinkling. Also provided are methods of preparing and using such multilayered barrier structures, and articles, such as films, pouches, and tubings, formed from these structures.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer for an ostomy pouch, and the combination of such a wafer and pouch, in which the adhesive layer of the wafer is composed of a hydrocolloid-containing skin barrier material and is contoured to provide a relatively thick body portion surrounded by a relatively thin peripheral portion, are disclosed. The wafer has a stoma-receiving opening, and the adhesive layer is of developed shape so that most, if not all, of the relatively thick body portion is located immediately below and to the sides of the stoma-receiving opening. The relatively thin peripheral portion of the adhesive layer is preferably embossed to provide a pattern of discrete, non-connecting depressions separated and isolated from each other by flat-top ridges dimensioned and arranged so that a skin surface engaged by said embossed surface primarily contacts only such ridges.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is a convex product where a layer of adhesive is present to the convex side of the product. The adhesive is present on a thermoplastic carrier sheet disposed between the adhesive and a ring-shaped body having a convex proximal side, and the carrier sheet is attached, e.g. by welding, to the ring-shaped body along the inner periphery and the outer periphery thereof. At its peripheral, plane part, the appliance has a plane layer of a thermostable material, such as paper, in close connection with the adhesive. The thermostable material extends radially outside the outer periphery of the ring-shaped body and provides stability during thermoforming.

Abstract: An ostomy coupling includes a first coupling ring attached to a medical grade adhesive pad, a second coupling ring attached to an ostomy pouch, and an intervening ring. The intervening ring is slidable along the lower portion of the cylindrical wall of the first coupling ring. The intervening ring is also finger-engageable so as to facilitate the pushing together of the first and second coupling rings into a coupling arrangement while minimizing pressure on the stomal area.

Abstract: The ostomy pouch has a coupling or securement member formed as a washer-shaped wafer of adhesive material, preferably a hydrocolloid. The pouch is secured directly onto the abdominal wall with the adhesive wafer aligned with the stoma. Flushability of the pouch is enhanced by forming the pouch with converging side walls within an optimum angular range and a predetermined pouch width and pouch height. The pouch also has a predetermined wall thickness and the wafer is of predetermined thickness. Thus when the pouch is deposited in a water-saver toilet, bottom end first in a carrier sleeve, the pouch can flow in streamlined fashion through the passages of a toilet and any sewer pipe or septic line connected to the toilet. If the flush capacity of the toilet and the flow rate of water through the toilet and sewer line are increased, the ostomy pouch can be deposited in the toilet without a carrier sleeve.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch is disclosed in which a flexible, shape-recoverable plastic dome is secured internally to a wall of the pouch over a vent opening. A peripheral portion of the dome spaced from the apex is provided with at least one slit therethrough traversing a radially and axially extending plane of the dome. The slit is curved or arched towards the apex and defines outer and inner lips that normally have their opposing edges in juxtaposition to restrain the escape of gases from the pouch but permit such escape in quantity when the apical portion of the dome is depressed (by axially squeezing the dome). The lips advantageously have beveled opposing surfaces with the surface of the outer lip generally facing towards the vent opening and that of the inner lip generally facing away from the vent opening.

Abstract: Vented ostomy pouches are disclosed in which a first wall is securable to a patient's peristomal skin surfaces and the obverse second wall is provided with an outlet opening for the escape of gases from the pouch. A deodorizing gas filter extends over the outlet and a third wall, or internal barrier wall, is located within the pouch and divides it into two chambers. The barrier wall operates to block the passage of solids and most liquids from the first chamber to the second but is provided with at least one vent that permits the flow of gases into the second chamber from the first. A filter-protecting panel in the second chamber directs such gases along a circuitous route as they travel from the vent to the outlet. A connection, preferably in the form of a spot weld, joins the barrier wall to the bodyside first wall of the pouch at about the elevation of the filter to prevent the barrier wall from blocking against other surfaces and obstructing the flow of gases through the vent and filter.

Abstract: A medical device for protecting a catheter penetration site on the skin of a patient includes a resilient pad having a patient contacting side and at least one void therein for receiving and retaining a catheter at a catheter penetration site. The device has an adhesive on the patient contacting side of the pad for releasably adhering the pad to the patient's skin at the catheter penetration site and also includes a sufficient quantity of an antimicrobial agent to create a zone of microbial inhibition around the catheter penetration site.

Abstract: A multilayer film generally includes a first exterior layer of polyurethane and a second exterior layer which can be formed from polyurethane, a homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene, a blend of homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene and elastomer, high density polyethylene, or mixtures of the foregoing. Such multilayer film is highly flexible and is advantageously used for various medical applications, such as the production of flexible pouches for the packaging and administration of medical solutions, drainage pouches, compression devices, and thermal blankets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collecting bag in particular for collecting body excreta running from an artificial anus, the bag being provided with padding designed, when the bag is in place, to surround the artificial anus in order to protect it. The padding is constituted by a cushion adapted to be inflated, and inflation means are also provided to enable the patient to inflate the cushion to the desired extent. In order to avoid excessively reducing the volume of excreta that can be collected, the cushion preferably extends along the periphery of the bag. It is also preferably disposed between the front wall and the back wall of the bag so as to hold them apart from each other. In this way, excreta, including solid excreta, have no difficulty in penetrating into the bag as stiffened by the inflated cushion, which thus transforms the bag into a kind of box.

Abstract: A coupling, which may be an ostomy coupling but could be any kind of tube or pipe coupling, includes a first coupling member 10 and a second coupling member 30 which are mutually interengageable and which surround an orifice 70. The coupling also includes a resilient split ring 50 which encircles the two coupling members and has a handle member 51 which can be manipulated to cause the split ring to be deformed. This causes the radially-inwardly extending tabs 52 on the ring to be shifted between respective first positions in which the split ring is undeformed and the tabs lock the two coupling members together and respective second positions in which the split ring is deformed in such a way as to shift the tabs radially outwardly to positions where they permit separation of the two coupling members.The split ring is desirably made of a relatively rigid but springy plastics material, for example an acetal resin.

Abstract: A manual gas vent assembly for use in venting gas from the interior of a conventional unvented ostomy collection pouch include a valve assembly having an open position, which permits gas to pass therethrough and a closed position, for preventing gas to pass therethrough. The valve assembly has an input portion for communicating with the interior of the ostomy collection pouch and an output portion for communicating with the atmosphere and a mounting device for mounting the valve assembly to a selected portion of the wall of the ostomy collection pouch. The mounting device releasably contains therein a portion of the valve assembly so as to position the input portion thereof proximate the interior of the ostomy collection pouch, and the output portion of the valve assembly proximate to the atmosphere. Also included is an absorbent pad suitable for receiving an antiseptic and/or deodorant.

Abstract: The cleaning attachment mates with a standard urostomy collector connector, has a hose barb which is secured by the urostomy connector jaws, and mates with a standard household faucet so that water can flow through the cleaning attachment through the urostomy connector, and onto the urostomy collector bag for cleaning the collector.

Abstract: A post-surgical drainage carrier for carrying a post-surgical drainage container used for draining fluids from patients after surgery. The post-surgical drainage carrier includes a pouch and a belt. The pouch includes a front pouch sidewall and a back pouch sidewall. The front pouch sidewall terminates at a pouch lip which is interconnected with a pouch extension at first and second lip attachment points which may extend downwardly and inwardly to open a pouch mouth for easily placing the drainage container within the pouch interior.

Abstract: A vent device, in particular for a stoma bag, constituted by an essentially flat housing comprising a base having a face inside the housing and a face outside the housing, and adapted to be fixed via said outside face to an exposed face of said bag and provided with an opening communicating with said bag, and also provided with a valve of the type that is closed at rest, the valve being formed by a valve member adapted to bear against the inside face of said opening in said base, and being integral with resilient means for urging said valve member against said base with a predetermined return force, wherein the housing further includes a removable cover adapted to close said base and wherein the valve member is secured to said cover.

Abstract: A unisex stoma protection device comprises a plate having a screened aperture which is aligned to fit over a stoma to protect the stoma from airborne pollutants. The device is held in place on the neck due to the curvature of the plate and a chain which is attached to the plate and extends around the patient's neck. The plate traps moisture adjacent the stoma.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer is disclosed having a thin barrier layer of soft, pliant adhesive material with particles of one or more hydrocolloids dispersed therein. A flexible and preferably stretchable cover layer extends along one side of the barrier layer and a removable release sheet protects the opposite side of the barrier layer. The wafer has a central zone and a relatively large outer zone surrounding that central zone, with the material of the barrier layer in the outer zone having generally uniform molecular orientations in radial directions over an arc of 360 degrees and being of relatively uniform tensile strength in all such radial directions. Also disclosed are injection/compression molding methods for making such wafers.

Abstract: An ostomy bag cover is formed of a single piece of a soft knit fabric, folded and sewn so that there are no rough edges in contact with the patient. The cover contains the ostomy bag and isolates the patient from direct contact of the plastic bag with the skin. The cover has a distal side panel and left and right proximal side panels that meet at a vertical midline on the patient side of the cover. The panels are left detached from one another from the top seam partway down the midline to define a vertical slot through which the fitting or flange of the ostomy bag protrudes. Another slot is provided along the bottom seam to accommodate a drain tube.

Abstract: An adhesive faceplate for detachable connection to an ostomy pouch is disclosed. The faceplate has an integrated convex pressure ring for promoting stomal protrusion and a so-called floating flange (i.e., coupling ring) for mechanical attachment to the mating coupling ring of an ostomy pouch. The convex pressure ring is provided with a deep annular recess behind the faceplate's coupling ring to accommodate a user's fingers during a coupling operation, thereby facilitating attachment of a pouch. The pressure ring also includes a thin, inwardly-extending connecting portion which is heat sealed to the backing layer of the faceplate's adhesive wafer and, when that backing layer is formed of a porous material, such heat seal effectively closes the pores of the backing layer in the area of the seal.

Abstract: The fecal collector that includes a bag of elastomeric heat-sealable film having an opening for receiving fecal discharge and a thin attachment patch having a central opening in register with the opening of the bag. The patch includes a skin barrier layer of rubbery pressure-sensitive adhesive having hydrocolloid particles dispersed therein and having a backing layer secured to one side of the skin barrier layer. The backing layer is formed of stretchable and contractable heat-sealable material and is joined to the bag along a narrow annular heat seal line immediately surrounding the openings of the bag and patch. Because of the elastic properties of the materials, the openings may readily expand and contract to accommodate anatomical changes commonly occuring during defecation, thereby preventing disruption of the adhesive attachment between the patch and the patient.