FILTER ASSEMBLY FOR AN OSTOMY DEVICE

1 . A filter assembly for attachment to an ostomy pouch, the ostomy pouch being formed from a bodyside panel and a nonbodyside panel joined together, comprising:

a. a porous filter containing deodorizing material for deodorizing gas passing therethrough, said filter being attached to the nonbodyside panel, the nonbodyside panel having an outlet for outletting deodorizing gas therethrough to the outside of the pouch,

b. a composite two sided microporous membrane at least partly covering said filter for preventing ingress of liquids into the filter, said membrane being comprised of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene layer on one side and a support layer of hydrophobic material on the other side, said membrane at least partly overlying said filter with said support layer facing said filter, and

c. a connecting film having inner and outer ends, said connecting film being welded at its inner end to said polytetrafluoroethylene layer and its outer end to said nonbodyside panel.

2 . The filter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support layer is PET (Polyester).

3 . The filter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said film welded to the membrane layer is 75 microns or more in thickness and has thermal plastic properties suitable for high temperature and pressure welding.

4 . The filter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said deodorizing material is activated carbon.

5 . The filter assembly of claim wherein said composite microporous membrane is a laminate.

6 . The filter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said filter is welded to the nonbodyside panel on the inside of the ostomy pouch.