Abstract:
A colostomy bag with a vent and a method for venting gas collected in the colostomy bag. A dual vent and cap assembly attached to a colostomy bag vents gas trapped in the bag either continuously or as periodically desired by a user. A method for venting gas collected in the colostomy bag provides that replacement and/or cleaning of the colostomy bag is reduced. Also, a method of using a disposable sleeve in combination with a clip may be used to hygienically clean the colostomy bag.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to human waste removal for use in the field of colostomy bags. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    After the surgical removal of the large intestine of a patient due to, for example, colon cancer, severe acute obstruction, trauma, gunshot wounds, and/or the like, a patient may require a means for removing bodily waste. A colostomy bag is generally used by a patient after the surgical removal of the large intestine performed during a colostomy. A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which an artificial permanent opening, referred to as a stoma, is provided and through which the colon may be artificially evacuated. Bodily waste exits the body by passing through the stoma into a colostomy bag. After the bag is full, the bag is usually detached from the stoma, discarded, and replaced. The frequent removal and replacement is burdensome, inconvenient, and often irritating to the patient. 
         [0003]    Further, the colostomy bag is generally fitted with a clamp such that the waste may be removed while the bag is still attached to the body of the user. During use, gases and other waste from the body fill the bag and may be released through removal of the clamp. The gas causes the bag to blow up and becomes uncomfortable and very bulky when worn by the user. The gas can be so great as to pull the bag away from the body. This causes discomfort to the user and/or exposes the user to infection. 
         [0004]    The discomfort caused by known colostomy bags limits the mobility of the user. The user may often become fearful of moving about because of a perceived embarrassment and discomfort should the bag be dislodged. Further, the known colostomy bags do not enable easy and/or convenient discharge of waste. For example, a person who is outdoors, or otherwise does not have access to a restroom or private area, may be inhibited from removing waste and/or cleaning the known colostomy bag. Because of the perceived embarrassment, discomfort, and other inconveniences of the known colostomy bags, the mobility of the user may become limited. 
         [0005]    Further, a colostomy bag generally requires at least two hands for handling during cleaning and/or removal and changing of the bag. Accordingly, many patients that use the known colostomy bag require assistance. For example, persons that are bedridden, paralyzed due to, for example, a stroke or spinal cord injuries, have limited use of their upper extremities, are missing an arm, or the like need assistance handling the known colostomy bag. 
         [0006]    The use of devices and methods relating to colostomy bags are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2003/0236509 A1 issued in the name of Silvestrini entitled “Colostomy Bag with Gas Release Valve and Method for releasing Gas Collected in the Colostomy Bag” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,553 B1 issued in the name of Hulett entitled “Colostomy Bag”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,594 issued in the name of Colacello et al. entitled “Colostomy Pouche with Vent Valve”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,974 issued in the name of Davis entitled “Universal Vent Device and Method for Ostomy Appliances”; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 295,220 issued in the name of Kay entitled “Drain Valve for Ostomy Receptacles”; and U.S. Pat. No. 205/0131360 A1 issued in the name of Villefrance et al. entitled “Drainable Ostomy Pouch with Integrated Closure”. 
         [0007]    A need, therefore, exists for a colostomy bag with a vent for release of gas and a method for venting gas such that the colostomy bag may not need to be cleaned and/or frequently changed. Further, a need exists for a colostomy bag and method for venting gas from the colostomy bag wherein the colostomy bag is easier to handle than conventional bags. Additionally needed is a bag that is easily cleaned by use of a single hand of a user. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention generally relates to a colostomy bag with a vent and a method for venting gas collected in the colostomy bag. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dual vent and cap assembly attached to a colostomy bag for venting gas trapped in the bag either continuously or as desired by a user. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for venting gas collected in a colostomy bag such that replacement and/or cleaning of the colostomy bag is reduced. Also, a method of using a disposable sleeve in combination with a clip may be used to hygienically clean the colostomy bag. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective of a colostomy bag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevational view of the colostomy bag of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the colostomy bag of  FIG. 2  taken across section line  3 - 3  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3   a  illustrates a copy  FIG. 3  taken across section line  3 - 3  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front elevational view of a colostomy bag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a band closure clip and adhesive adapted to form a seal retaining contents of the colostomy bag when the bag is in a closed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5   a  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a band closure clip and adhesive adapted to form a seal retaining contents of the colostomy bag when the bag is in a closed position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a front elevational view of a colostomy bag including a sleeve adapted to aid in the disposal of waste inside the colostomy bag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates an enlarged view of a vent piece, a port hole, and a cap in an open, vented and closed position respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The present invention generally relates to a colostomy bag with a dual vent and cap assembly and a method for releasing gas collected in the colostomy bag. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vent piece attached to a colostomy bag for release of gas in the bag. Venting of the bag allows for releasing gas collected in a colostomy bag such that replacement and/or cleaning of the colostomy bag is reduced. 
         [0020]    The invention provides a colostomy bag that allows the bag to be emptied with one hand. The colostomy bag provides an efficient system for emptying and rinsing a colostomy bag. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment of the invention, the bag measures 0.5 inch in height, 2.5 inches in length, and 1.75 inches in width. 
         [0022]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  generally illustrates a perspective view of a colostomy bag  20 .  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  6  illustrates a front perspective view of the colostomy bag  20 . The colostomy bag  20  may have an exterior surface including a front and a rear side,  22 ,  24 , respectively and an interior  26 . The colostomy bag  20  may preferably be constructed with a reuseable, liquid impermeable material, such as, for example, plastic or the like. The colostomy bag  20  is generally illustrated in  FIG. 1  having an oblong shape. However, the colostomy bag  20 , may be constructed in the shape of a sphere, square, or the like. Further, the colostomy bag may be constructed from any one or more of various materials apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  3   a,    4 , and  6 , the colostomy bag  20  may have a first opening  28  on the rear side of the exterior surface that sealingly engages the bag to a stoma. The first opening  28  may be configured for receiving human waste via a stoma. A stoma is an artificial permanent opening in the abdominal wall created, for example, during a surgical procedure. The first opening  28  may be increased in diameter to adjust the opening for the stoma of a particular patient. The first opening may be increased in diameter by simply cutting along the edge of the opening with scissors, a knife, or the like (not shown). For example, the opening may be increased in size to an extent indicated by a diameter illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0024]    The colostomy bag  20  may receive human waste from, for example, a large intestine of the patient. The human waste may be evacuated from the patient, through the stoma and through the first opening  28  to the interior  26  of the colostomy bag  20 . The waste may continue to be collected in the colostomy bag  20  until the colostomy bag  20  is full. After the colostomy bag  20  is full, the colostomy bag  20  may be removed and/or replaced. Of course, the colostomy bag  20  may be removed and/or replaced prior to the colostomy bag  20  being filled. 
         [0025]    The colostomy bag  20  may further have a bottom end  30  located a distance from the first opening  28 . The bottom end  30  of the colostomy bag  20  may have a second opening  32  through which contents received in the interior  26  of the colostomy bag  20  may be emptied. For example, after the colostomy bag  20  is full, the colostomy bag  20  may be removed and the contents therein may be emptied through the second opening  32  of the bottom end of the colostomy bag. The second opening  32  may be releasably closed with a clip  34 . 
         [0026]    The band closure clip  34  facilitates opening and closing the bottom end  30  of the bag  30  as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 5 and 5   a.    
         [0027]    Alternatively, the second opening  32  may be permanently sealed. Further, the colostomy bag  20  may be constructed with only one opening, such as, for example, the opening, i.e. without the second opening  32 . Of course, if the second opening is permanently sealed, or if the colostomy bag is constructed with only two openings, the contents received in the interior  32  of the colostomy bag  20  may not be emptied. The colostomy bag  20  having only two openings may not be emptied and reused but simply discarded and replaced. 
         [0028]    Additionally, the colostomy bag  20  may have a third opening defining a port hole  36  in the front side  22  of the colostomy bag  20 . 
         [0029]    The bag  20  includes a dual vent cap assembly  38  for venting or sealing the bag  20  in communication with the port hole  36  allowing access to an interior region of the bag as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  4 ,  6 , and  7 . The dual vent cap assembly  38  fits onto the port hole  36  and sealingly engages the port hole  36  for connection to the bag  20 . 
         [0030]    The dual vent and cap assembly  38  includes a support base  40  having an opening  42  found therethrough encircled by a uniform raised rim  44  protruding outwardly therefrom. As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , and  6 - 7 , the support base opening  42  is circular. 
         [0031]    A hemi-spherical shaped vent piece  46  and a cap  48  are attached to a respective portion of the raised rim  44  and are each adapted to sealingly cover the centrally disposed opening  42  by forming a seal with the raised rim  44 . The support base  40  is affixed to a top portion of the front side  22  of the colostomy bag  20  via an adhesive backing  50  (shown in more detail in  FIGS. 3-3   a ). 
         [0032]    In an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the vent piece  46  includes a central tube  52  extending axially through the hemi-spherical vent piece  46  and further includes a gas absorbent material  54  such as charcoal for absorbing colostomy gases therein. Additionally, a plurality of vent openings  56  in open communication with the tube  52  are disposed through a peripheral wall  58  defining the hemi-spherical profile of the vent piece  46 . The vent piece  46  may attach to the rim  44  by use of a first resilient flexible retention member  60 , wherein the vent piece  46  remains loosely connected to the vent piece  46  until the vent piece  46  is used to cover the port hole  36 . 
         [0033]    The vent piece  46  is a hemi-spherical member, preferably made of hard plastic with the tube  52  embedded axially therethrough. The tube  52  is in open communication with the port hole  36  when the vent piece  46  sealingly engages through a friction fit to the rim  44 . 
         [0034]    The dual vent and cap assembly  38  includes a cap  82  loosely attached to the rim  44  via a second resilient flexible retention member  84 . The cap  82  may be removed to expose the port hole  36  to the interior of the bag wherein gas may be released to the atmosphere. Further, one of any number of different caps apparent to those skilled in the art may be incorporated with the colostomy bag without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0035]    An alternative embodiment of the dual vent cap assembly shown in  FIG. 3   a,  a vent piece  62  is oriented in a continuous venting configuration and may be retained in a fixed position relative to a support base  64  within a complementary formed recess  66  within the support base  64 . The vent piece  62  has a plurality of vent openings  68  in open communication with a side port  70  associated with the port hole  36  to allow continuous venting of the colostomy bag gases. A cap  72  is hingeably attached to a rim  74  of a dual vent cap assembly  76 . 
         [0036]    The vent piece  62  allows continuous be release of gas from the interior  26  of the colostomy bag  20 . Venting of the bag  20  prevents colostomy bag accidents, such as leakage or bursting. 
         [0037]    The dual vent and cap assemblies  38 ,  76  generally illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , and  6  is in an open position. 
         [0038]    Clip  34  is attached to the bottom opening  32  on the colostomy bag  20 . The clip  34  opens when inward pressure is applied at edges of the clip  34  and retracts to a shut position when pressure is released and is affixed to the bag  20  with the adhesive backing  50  for secure attachment. 
         [0039]    A user may apply pressure to the edges of the clip  34  to compress the clip  34 . By compressing the clip  34 , a gap defined by second opening  32  may be created as shown in more detail in  FIG. 5   a.  The gap  32  may allow the gas (not shown) and by contents to escape the interior  28  of the colostomy bag  20 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the clip  34  is generally illustrated in a closed position. After the user releases the clip  34  the clip may close the gap  78 , thereby sealing the interior  28  of the colostomy bag  20  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0041]    In one embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 6 , a disposable colostomy draining sleeve  80  is provided to remove contents of the bag  20  in a hygienic manner thereby preventing spillage while emptying the bag. Thus, the bag  20  may prevent soiling of outer-wear garments and decrease the occurrence of unpleasant odors and bacteria. 
         [0042]    Draining sleeve  80  is a long, plastic tube that connects to the bag via one or more adhesive patches  84  above or over the clip  34 . The draining sleeve  80  makes emptying of the bag  20  into a toilet bowl easier without spilling. 
         [0043]    To empty the bag  20 , the user attaches the draining sleeve  80  to the bottom of the bag  20  and employs one hand to open the clip  34 , allowing the contents to drain. 
         [0044]    After use, the draining sleeve  80  is discarded. The sleeve  80  may be made of a biodegradable material that may be easily flushed down a toilet. 
         [0045]    After the colostomy bag  20  is full, the human waste received in the colostomy bag  20  may be emptied by releasing the sealed second opening  32 . The colostomy bag may be cleaned as shown and the second opening  32  may be closed again. To rinse the bag  20 , the user removes the cap  72 ,  82  from the port hole  36 , squeezes in water and opens the clip  34  to drain the contents of the bag  20 . An open configuration  90  exposing port hole  36  is shown in  FIG. 7 . To vent the bag  20  as shown in  FIG. 7 , the user connects the vent piece to the port hole  36 , which allows pent-up gases to be released from the bag as shown in vented configuration  92  of  FIG. 7 . A closed configuration  94  is shown in  FIG. 7  wherein the cap  82  covers port hole  36 . To close the port hole  36 , the cap  82  is sealed. 
         [0046]    In use, the patient or caregiver squeezes the clip  34  at the bottom of the bag to create an opening. As used herein, a user is defined as a patient or a caregiver. The user then closes the clip  34  and opens the port hole  36  at the top of the bag. Water would be squeezed in to rinse the unit. The emptying process is then repeated. The patient would be able to secure the vent in position to release any built up gasses. The user may use the bag in either a closed or a vented configuration. 
         [0047]    Use of the colostomy bag allows for top to bottom emptying of the bag and facilitates cleaning. 
         [0048]    Alternatively, after the colostomy bag is full, the colostomy bag may be removed, discarded, and/or replaced. 
         [0049]    The appealing features of the bag  20  include ease of use, efficacy, practicality, and convenience. The bag  20  provides a more user-friendly way to care for disposing of colostomy bag contents. It can be operated with one hand and can thereby provide peace of mind for the user. In addition, the bag is more hygienic than conventional bags. The bag thus provides a patient using a colostomy bag with more independence in the patient&#39;s care by enabling a patient to empty the colostomy bag with one hand without assistance. 
         [0050]    Accidents, such as bursting or leaking, will be averted with the use of the bag. The bag will therefore make the daily care of elimination equipment a less cumbersome and more simple procedure. 
         [0051]    While several aspects have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist and these aspects are merely an example, and it is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those of ordinary skill in the art with a convenient guide for implementing a desired aspect of the invention and various changes can be made in the function and arrangements of the aspects of the technology without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.