FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to garments configured for supporting bags, in particular undergarments for supporting stoma bags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Patients who undergo medical interventions involving the urinary, bowel or intestinal systems may receive a bypass of all or part of said systems such that body waste is directed through a stoma, for example a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. The body waste may exit through the stoma in a controlled manner: for example an internal pouch may collect body waste, allowing intermittent insertion of a catheter to drain and flush the pouch. However an internal pouch is not always appropriate or may be inadequate in isolation. In such circumstances, the body waste may exit the stoma involuntarily of the patient.

Bags are provided for collecting waste exiting a stoma. Conventionally stoma bags are supported by adhesive tape to the skin. The adhesive tape often causes discomfort or skin irritation. As the stoma bag fills, the weight increases and the stoma bag places more strain on the adhesion and may sag away from the body. It is often important for the ostomate to conceal the presence of the stoma bag for social reasons and it is therefore undesirable for the bag to sag away from the body.

Additionally, sagging of the stoma bag may cause the flange.-skin interface, or the bag-flange interface to leak odours or even waste material. The added strain on the adhesion to the skin may contribute to discomfort or irritation.

Undergarments previously available for use by ostomates typically comprise a hole and a large pouch. The undergarments are generally intended as "one-size-fits- all" such that the undergarment is generally ill-fitting for many ostomates. The locations and sizes of the holes and pouches are generally not optimal for many ostomates. The use of a pouch to support the stoma bag provides inadequate concealment of the stoma bag, particularly as the stoma bag fills. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment for supporting a stoma bag, the garment comprising at least one attachment member configured for attaching a stoma bag to the garment.

In at least one embodiment a garment is able to maintain the position of a stoma bag relative to the garment by attaching the stoma bag to an attachment member.

The garment may support a stoma bag whilst the stoma bag is connected to a stoma.

The/each attachment member may be configured to cooperate with an attachment feature of the stoma bag.

Additionally or alternatively, the/each attachment member may be configured to cooperate with an attachment feature of a flange associated with the stoma.

The/each attachment member may be configured, in use, to engage a portion of a stoma bag located between a front surface of the stoma bag and a wearer. The stoma bag generally has a stoma interface located between a front surface of the bag and the wearer, such that attachment of the stoma bag between the front surface and the wearer ensures that the stoma bag is supported nearer the stoma interface.

The/each attachment member may be adapted to engage a portion of the stoma bag flange, and/or a portion of a flange interface of the stoma bag. For example, the/each attachment member may comprise a fastener.

The/each attachment member may be configured to releasably engage the stoma bag. For example the attachment member may clip onto a portion of the stoma bag flange.

There may be two attachment members.

Where there are two attachment members, the attachment members may attach to the stoma bag from opposite sides.

Where there are two attachment members, the attachment members may apply a pull force to the stoma bag.

The/each attachment member may be adjustable.

The position/s of the/each attachment member may be configured to be adjustable with respect to the position of the stoma bag.

The/each attachment member may be elastically deformable. The/each attachment member may comprise a lateral support member. For example the/each attachment member may comprise a strap.

The lateral support member may be elastically deformable.

The lateral support member may be of adjustable length.

The lateral support member may at least partially encircle the wearer. For example the lateral support member may comprise at least a portion of a belt.

The/each attachment member may comprise a first attachment member portion and a second attachment member portion. For example a first attachment member portion may be configured for attaching to the stoma bag and a second attachment member portion may be configured for attaching to the garment.

The/each attachment member may be configured to exert a tensile force on the bag or a portion of the bag.

In at least one embodiment, the tensile force comprises a vertical component.

In at least one embodiment the tensile force varies proportionately to the gravitational force of the stoma bag.

The/each attachment member may be configured to support a stoma bag such that the stoma bag is supported by suspension from the garment.

The/each attachment member may be connectable to a stoma bag above a centre of gravity of the stoma bag. The centre of gravity of the stoma bag may be the centre of gravity of the stoma bag when the stoma bag is at least partially filled. Attaching the stoma bag above its centre of gravity aids orientation of the stoma bag.

The/each attachment member may be connectable to a stoma bag adjacent a stoma interface of the stoma bag. Attaching the attachment member(s) adjacent the stoma interface of the stoma bag ensures the stoma bag is supported adjacent the stoma. Supporting the stoma bag adjacent the stoma reduces the strain on the stoma bag interface that may otherwise occur.

The/each attachment member may be attached to the garment. The position of the garment may be relatively fixed with respect to the stoma, such that relative displacement between the/each attachment member and the stoma is reduced.

The/each attachment member may be disconnected or partially disconnected from the garment. For example, the/each attachment member may be loosened from the garment whilst attached to the stoma bag, such that the stoma bag may be removed from the stoma whilst still connected to the/each attachment member. In at least one embodiment the stoma bag may be removed for emptying and/or changing prior to removing the attachment member. When the stoma bag fills, access to the interface between the attachment member and the stoma bag may be restricted. Additionally, or alternatively, the/each attachment member may provide support to the stoma bag during removal and/or application. Removing the stoma bag from the flange or from the stoma may require dexterity that impedes manual support of the stoma bag during removal. Supporting the stoma bag with an attachment member during removal from the stoma reduces the risk of dropping the stoma bag or some of the contents.

The garment may be an undergarment. For example, the garment may be underwear concealable under outer clothing.

The garment may be an outer garment. For example, the garment may be swimwear.

The garment may comprise an opening for receiving a stoma flange. For example, the garment may be configured for positioning over a stoma prior to location of a stoma flange over the stoma.

The garment may comprise a covering for a stoma bag. For example, the garment may comprise a flap for concealing the stoma bag. Additionally or alternatively, the garment may comprise a pocket configured for receiving the stoma bag.

The covering may comprise an opening configured for emptying the stoma bag. For example a pocket may have an opening configured for emptying the stoma bag without removing the stoma bag from the garment.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting a stoma bag, the method comprising:

attaching a stoma bag to a garment;

connecting the stoma bag to a stoma.

The method may further comprise enclothing with the garment.

The stoma bag may be attached to the garment prior to enclothing.

Alternatively, the stoma bag may be attached to the garment subsequent to enclothing.

The stoma bag may be connected to a stoma prior to attachment of the bag to the garment. Alternatively, the stoma bag may be connected to the garment prior to connection of the stoma bag to the stoma.

The stoma bag may be connected to the stoma prior to enclothing.

Alternatively, the stoma bag may be connected to the stoma subsequent to enclothing.

The stoma bag may be connected to the garment at multiple garment attachment points.

The stoma bag may be sequentially connected to a first then a second garment attachment point.

The stoma bag may be connected and/or disconnected to the stoma whilst attached to at least one of the garment attachment points.

Additionally or alternatively the stoma bag may be connected to and/or disconnected from the stoma whilst detached from the garment attachment points.

It will be understood that features listed in connection with one aspect may be equally applicable to another aspect and have not been repeated, for brevity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a garment according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the attachment members of the garment of Figure 1 shown in relation to a stoma bag.

Figure 3 is a front view of the garment of Figure 1 with the stoma bag attached.

Figure 4 is a front view of a garment according to a second embodiment of the invention with a stoma bag attached.

Figure 5 is a front view of a garment according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a front view of a garment according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a front view of a garment according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 is a front view of the garment of Figure 7 with a stoma bag attached. Figure 9 is a front view of a garment according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is a front view of the garment of Figure 9 with a stoma bag attached. Figure 11 is a front view of a garment according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is first made to Figure 1 , a front view of a garment, generally depicted by reference numeral 10, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The garment 10 comprises attachment members 14, 16, which are configured for attaching a stoma bag to the garment 10.

In the embodiment shown, the attachment members 14, 16 include lateral support members 18, 20. The lateral support members 18, 20 are fixed to the garment 10 at connection points 22, 24. In the embodiment shown, the connection points 22,

24 are located at the side of the garment 10. The lateral support members 18, 20 are fixed to the garment 10 at the connection points 22, 24 by incorporation into sewn seams. The garment 10 further comprises an access opening 12 for providing access to a stoma.

The garment further comprises a waist opening 26 for accommodating a wearer's trunk and leg openings 28, 30 for accommodating the wearer's legs.

A more detailed representation of the elastically deformable lateral support members 18, 20 and the attachment members 14, 16 is shown in Figure 2. The attachment members 14, 16 are configured for attachment to lugs 32, 34 of a stoma bag interface 36 that connects the stoma bag 38 to the stoma. An elastically deformable lateral support members 18, 20. In the embodiment shown, the stoma bag interface 36 is configured to encircle at least a portion of the stoma, such that the attachment members 14, 16 support the stoma bag 38 adjacent the stoma interface 36.

Figure 3 shows the garment 10 of Figure 1 with the stoma bag 38 of Figure 2 attached. The attachment members 14, 16 are connected to the stoma bag 38 such that the elastically deformable lateral support members 18, 20 exert a tensile force on the stoma bag interface 36. The stoma bag 38 is supported by suspension from the garment 10 via attachment members 14, 16. The attachment members 14, 16 are connected to the stoma bag 38 above the centre of gravity 42 of the stoma bag 38 when the stoma bag 38 is in a substantially upright position, corresponding to a substantially upright position of the wearer's trunk. The centre of gravity 42 alters as the stoma bag 38 fills, however the stoma interface 26 is generally located towards the top of the stoma bag 38 such that the centre of gravity 42 is always below the stoma interface 40, when the stoma bag 38 is in a substantially upright position. Supporting the stoma bag 38 by suspension above its centre of gravity 42 aids in maintaining the orientation of the stoma bag 38 relative to the wearer.

Figure 4 shows a garment 1 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention attached to a stoma bag 138. The garment 1 10 comprises lateral support members 1 1 8, 120. The lateral support members 1 18, 120 form belt portions connected to the garment 1 10 at connection points 122, 124. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the belt portions encircle the wearer.

Figure 5 shows a garment 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The garment 210 comprises attachment member 214, 216 and lateral support members 218, 220. The garment further comprises a front portion 244 and a rear portion 246. The front portion 244 comprises an access opening 212 configured for accommodating access to a stoma. The access opening 212 is not enclosed at an upper portion 248 such that the garment 210 may be removed from the wearer and/or positioned over the stoma without any portion of the garment 210 passing over the stoma. This enables the garment 210 to be removed from and/or positioned over the stoma when, for example, a flange and/or a stoma bag is connected to the stoma. The attachment members 214, 216 can be attached to a stoma bag before and/or after the stoma bag is connected to the stoma. The lateral support members 218, 220 are configured to support the stoma bag and secure positioning of both the stoma bag and the garment 210 when connected to the stoma bag.

Figure 6 shows a garment 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The garment 310 comprises attachment members 314, 316 and lateral support members 318, 320, configured for attaching a stoma bag to the garment 310. The garment 310 further comprises a front portion 344 and a rear portion 346. The front portion 344 includes an access opening 312 which includes an upper portion 348 which can be open such that the access opening 312 is unenclosed similarly to the embodiment of Figure 5 for ease of positioning and/or removal of the garment 310. The access opening 312 may be enclosed by engaging upper garment portions 350, 352 such that the garment 310 fully encircles the wearer above the access opening 312.

Figure 7 shows a garment 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The garment 410 comprises attachment members 414, 416 and lateral support members 418, 420. The garment further comprises a first access opening 412 and a second access opening 454 for providing access to stomas in a first and a second position respectively. The attachment members 414, 416 can be adjusted by adjusting the effective length of the lateral support members 418, 420 using the adjustment members 456, 458. In the embodiment shown, adjustment of the effective length of the lateral support members 418, 420 results in a variable length of excess portions 460, 462 of the lateral support members 414, 416. The position of the ends 464, 466 of the excess portions 460, 462 is controlled using the adjustable securing members 468, 470.

In Figure 8 the garment 410 of Figure 7 is shown attached to a stoma bag 438.

The lateral support members 418, 420 of the attachment members 414, 416 have been adjusted for positioning the stoma bag 438 over the second access opening 454 and the securing members 468, 470 adjusted accordingly.

Figure 9 shows a garment 510 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The garment 510 comprises attachment members 514, 516 and elastic lateral support members 518, 520. The garment 510 further comprises a first access opening 512 and a second access opening 554. A stoma bag support 572 is provided for attaching a stoma bag to the garment 510. The stoma bag support 572 has a first attachment feature 574 configured for engaging one of the attachment members 514, 516 and a second attachment feature 576 configured for engaging a stoma bag interface.

Figure 10 shows the garment 510 of Figure 9 attached to a stoma bag 538, using the stoma bag support 572. The garment 510 further comprises a cover portion 580 for concealing the unused access opening 554. In the embodiment shown, the covering portion 580 is attached to the stoma bag support 572.

Figure 1 1 shows a garment 610 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. The garment comprises attachment members 614, 616 including lateral support members 618, 620. In the embodiment shown the attachment members 614, 616 are positioned for supporting a stoma bag over a first access opening 612. The lateral support members 618, 620 are of sufficient proportions that the second access opening 654 is concealed when unused.

Various modifications and improvements may be made to the above described embodiments without parting from the scope of the invention. For example, the lateral support members and attachment members may be on an internal surface of the garment, adjacent a wearer's skin. In this case, the stoma bag interface would pass through an opening in the garment and the attachment members would attach on the inside of the garment.

The garment may also include a covering to cover the stoma bag. This is particularly relevant for swimwear applications.

In other embodiments, the covering may include an access point for allowing a bag to be emptied through the front of the garment without having to remove the bag or remove the garment.