Ostomy appliance

Abstract

An ostomy appliance including: first and second walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries, the first wall having a stoma-receiving opening; a connection member connected to the first wall for attaching the appliance to a user; a waste collecting chamber defined by the first and second walls for receiving waste and / or gas from the stoma-receiving opening; a gas vent for permitting gases to escape to atmosphere; a third wall positioned between the first and second walls; wherein the third wall is permanently connected to the first wall at a connection spaced from the peripheral connection of the first and second wall to each other; and a first connection prevention member positioned between the second and third walls for preventing permanent connection of the third wall to the second wall.

Description

[0001] OSTOMY APPLIANCE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an ostomy appliance for collecting human waste. It should be understood that the invention can be utilised in drainable and non-drainable ostomy appliances.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is known to provide an ostomy appliance (‘bag’ or ‘pouch’ as they are commonly known in the art) with one or more intermediate walls to provide a tortuous path for gas to exit the ostomy appliance through a gas vent. Such tortuous paths are created to prevent or at least inhibit a filter, covering a gas vent, from becoming blocked with waste in a waste collecting cavity. In some prior art ostomy appliances such intermediate walls are provided directly opposite a stoma receiving opening, meaning that they can come into direct contact with bodily waste entering the ostomy appliance. These walls assist with preventing ballooning when gas inside the ostomy appliance inflates the ostomy appliance without escaping which may cause a pouch to detach from a user or to burst. At this point, a user will typically have to replace their ostomy appliance.

[0006] Further, despite intermediate walls working reasonably effectively to prevent bodily waste from reaching the end of the tortuous path and making direct contact with (and blocking) a filter, they often allow bodily waste to travel part way through the tortuous path, for example in between the intermediate walls. This then ensures that those walls stick together thus preventing gas from escaping (even if the filter itself is not directly covered in waste / liquid. As gas pressure increases in the waste collecting cavity, this further exacerbates the problem, because the walls which are already stuck together are pressed further into contact by the gas pressure in the main cavity.

[0007] When bodily waste (in the form of solid or liquid) passes through and is trapped between intermediate walls, the intermediate walls can stick together which is referred to as ‘pancaking’. When pancaking occurs in an ostomy appliance, there is an extremely limited or no path for waste gas to exit the ostomy appliance which leads to the further problem of ballooning.

[0008] A number of manufacturers have attempted to solve the above problem. However, in doing so, the cost of the appliances has increased significantly. This presents an issue for healthcare markets where this problem still persists but users cannot afford the cost of the appliances.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an ostomy appliance which addresses these problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect, we provide an ostomy appliance including: first and second walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries, the first wall having a stoma-receiving opening; a connection member connected to the first wall for attaching the appliance to a user; a waste collecting chamber defined by the first and second walls for receiving waste and / or gas from the stoma-receiving opening; a gas vent for permitting gases to escape to atmosphere; a third wall positioned between the first and second walls; wherein the third wall is permanently connected to the first wall at a connection spaced from the peripheral connection of the first and second wall to each other; and a first connection prevention member positioned between the second and third walls for preventing permanent connection of the third wall to the second wall.

[0011] The connection member may prevent permanent connection of the third wall to the second wall during use of a connection tool to permanently connect the third wall to the first wall.

[0012] The first connection prevention member may be connected, e.g., adhered, to a portion of the second and / or third wall so as to overlie the connection.

[0013] A periphery of the first connection prevention member may be positioned inwardly from the peripheral connection of the first and second walls and / or a periphery of the third wall.

[0014] The first connection prevention member may be substantially smaller than the first and / or second and / or third wall.

[0015] The first connection prevention member may have a higher melting point than the first and / or second and / or third walls.

[0016] The first connection prevention member may be or may include polyester.

[0017] The first connection prevention member may be a further wall or film.

[0018] The connection may extend laterally across the appliance.

[0019] The first connection prevention member may be substantially the same shape as the connection.

[0020] The first connection prevention member may be larger than the connection. The connection and / or the first connection prevention member may be generally circular.

[0021] The connection and / or the first connection prevention member may be positioned to a first side of the gas vent.

[0022] The connection and / or the first connection prevention member may be positioned above the stomareceiving opening.

[0023] The connection may be a spot or linearly extending weld.

[0024] The ostomy appliance may include a plurality of connections and / or a plurality of first connection prevention members.

[0025] The ostomy appliance may include a fourth wall positioned between the second and third walls.

[0026] The ostomy appliance may include a second connection prevention member positioned between the third and fourth walls or second and fourth walls for preventing connection of the fourth wall to the third wall or the fourth wall to the second wall.

[0027] The first connection prevention member may be positioned between the other of the third and fourth walls or second and fourth walls for preventing connection of the fourth wall to the third wall or the fourth wall to the second wall respectively.

[0028] The second connection prevention member may include one or more or all the features of the first connection prevention member as set forth in the statements of invention.

[0029] The fourth wall may be connected to the second wall at a position spaced from the peripheral connection of the first wall and second wall to each other, e.g., by a spot or linearly extending weld.

[0030] The connection may extend laterally across the appliance.

[0031] The ostomy appliance may include: a further chamber defined by at least the third and fourth walls which are connected to each other; and a gas opening provided in either or both of the third or fourth walls for permitting waste gases to pass therethrough from the waste collecting chamber; wherein the gas vent permits gases in the further chamber to escape to atmosphere; and wherein movement of the first and second walls away from each other, as a result of waste or gases entering the waste collecting chamber, increases or at least maintains the volume of the further chamber or effects movement of the third and fourth walls away from each other.

[0032] The further chamber may be positioned, in use, above the waste collecting chamber.

[0033] At least a portion of the further chamber may be positioned, in use, above the stoma receiving opening.

[0034] The connection of the walls to each other may be by way of ultrasonic, radiofrequency or heat welding.

[0035] According to a second aspect, we provide a method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance, including the steps of: a) providing a first wall; b) providing a second wall; c) providing a third wall; d) providing a first connection prevention member; e) layering the first, second and third walls and first connection prevention member in the order first wall, third wall, first connection prevention member, second wall; f) connecting the first and second walls together at their peripheries to form a peripheral connection which defines a waste collecting cavity; and g) forming a connection between the first and third walls spaced from the peripheral connection by applying a connection tool to the second wall at a position which overlies the first connection prevention member.

[0036] The method may include the step of: h) attaching the first connection prevention member to the second and / or third wall.

[0037] The method may include the step of: i) cutting a stoma-receiving opening in the first wall.

[0038] The method may include the step of: j) attaching a connection member to the first wall, optionally around the stoma-receiving opening; and / or

[0039] The method may include the step of: k) cutting a gas vent in the second wall; and / or The method may include the step of: l) attaching a filter to the second wall;

[0040] Each of steps i) to I) may occur prior to step e).

[0041] The method may include the steps of: m) providing a fourth wall; n) providing a second connection prevention member; and replacing steps e) and g) with steps o) and p) below; o) layering the first, second, third and fourth walls and first and second connection prevention members in the order first wall, third wall, second connection prevention member, fourth wall, first connection prevention member, second wall; and p) forming a connection between the first and third walls spaced from the peripheral connection by applying a connection tool to the second wall at a position which overlies the first and second connection prevention members.

[0042] The method may include the step of: q) attaching the second connection prevention member to the fourth wall.

[0043] The connection tool may be a welding tool, e.g., ultrasonic, radiofrequency or heat welding tool.

[0044] The method may be for manufacturing an ostomy appliance in accordance with the statements of invention above.

[0045] The second aspect may include one or more or all the features of the first aspect.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0047] In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of an ostomy appliance according to the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 2 is a side cutaway view of the appliance of figure 1 .

[0050] Figure 3 is an exploded view showing various components parts of the appliance of figure 1.

[0051] Figure 4 is a side cutaway view of the appliance of figure 1 in a deflated condition;

[0052] Figure 5 is a side cutaway view of the appliance of figure 1 in an inflated condition; and

[0053] Figure 6 is a side cutaway view of a second embodiment of an ostomy appliance according to the present disclosure.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0055] Referring firstly to figures 1 and 2 these show an ostomy appliance in accordance with the present disclosure, generally at 10. The general construction of the ostomy appliance 10 is similar to those well known in the art in the sense that it includes a pair of outermost walls, first 11 and second 12, which are connected to each other at or near their peripheries, 51 and 52 respectively, for example by heat welding or using an adhesive. The ostomy appliance shown is a closed appliance, meaning that its contents cannot be emptied, but it should be appreciated that the invention also relates to drainable ostomy appliances such as those having an outlet (shown in broken lines at 33 in figure 1 , by way of example). A closed ostomy appliance may also be referred to as a colostomy appliance, for receipt of more solid waste, compared with ileostomy for example. A drainable ostomy appliance for receipt of more liquid faecal waste may be referred to as an ileostomy appliance. Whilst not shown, the appliance 10 may include further external walls to provide more skin comfort to a user, and to conceal some or all of any waste in the appliance 10.

[0056] The first wall 1 1 has a stoma-receiving opening 32 and is connected to a generally circular connection member 31 in the form of a flange for adhering the appliance 10 to a user around their stoma. The connection member 14 could be any appropriate shape, however. The ostomy appliance 10 as can be seen from figure 2, may define a number of chambers therein. A waste collecting chamber 20 is defined between the first 11 and second 12 walls and communicates with the stoma-receiving opening 32 and, in the case when the appliance is a drainable ostomy appliance, the outlet 33. The waste collecting chamber 20 may be provided as the primary chamber for receiving bodily waste and / or gas from the stoma-receiving opening 32. The appliance 10 includes a third wall 13 positioned between the first and second walls 11 , 12. The appliance 10 may include a fourth wall 14 positioned between the second and third walls 12, 13. A further chamber 21 may be defined, in part, by the third 13 and fourth 14 walls. The further chamber 21 may be positioned above the waste collecting chamber 20 when the ostomy appliance 10 is in use. At least a portion of the further chamber 21 may be positioned above the stomareceiving opening 32.

[0057] A gas vent, e.g. an aperture, is provided in the second wall 12 for permitting gases to escape to atmosphere, or for permitting gases in the further chamber 21 to escape to atmosphere. The gas vent is covered by a filter 30 as shown in figures 1 and 2. In an alternative embodiment, the gas vent may be provided in the first wall 11 to permit waste gases to exit the ostomy appliance 10. In such a configuration, the gas vent should communicate directly with the chamber 21 , so that gases in the waste collecting chamber 20 have to pass through the chamber 21 and then to the gas vent.

[0058] As mentioned above, the third 13 and fourth 14 walls may be positioned in between the first 11 and second 12 walls (as shown more clearly by the exploded view of the ostomy appliance in figure 3). The order of the walls may be as follows: first wall 11 , third wall 13, fourth wall 14 and second wall 12. In embodiments, the fourth wall 14 may be omitted. In the present embodiment, the third 13 and fourth 14 walls therefore may be sandwiched in between the first 11 and second 12 walls and there may be some portions of the peripheral connection / weld which may be shared between a number of the walls. Essentially, though, the third 13 and fourth 14 walls may be connected at or near their upper ends to the first 11 and / or second 12 walls, with lower portions of the walls 13, 14 extending downwardly between the walls 11 , 12 towards a bottom of the appliance 10. A top of the fourth wall 14 may be positioned below the gas vent. A top of the third wall 13 may extend above the gas vent and up to the periphery of the first and second walls 11 , 12. The connections may be carried out by way of heat welding but any known method of connecting walls could be utilised, for example an adhesive could be used. In embodiments, ultrasonic, radiofrequency or other types of plastic welding may be used.

[0059] The layering / welding connections of the walls of the appliance 10 may be as follows. The outer peripheries 51 , 52 of the first 11 and second 12 walls may be welded to each other generally around a whole periphery of the first 11 and second 12 walls (save at the outlet 33 if one exists). The third wall 13 may have an arcuate upper periphery 53 which is sandwiched between the respective upper peripheries of the walls 11 , 12 before welding all three walls together. The fourth wall 14 may be connected to the second wall 12 at a position spaced from the peripheral connection of the first and second walls 11 , 12 to each other. The fourth wall 14 may be connected to the second wall 12 by a weld 72 which extends laterally across the walls 12, 14. In embodiments, the weld may be a spot weld. The weld 72 may be just below the filter 30, e.g., at or near the filter 30. The linear weld 72 may connect at its ends to the peripheral weld which joins the first and second walls 11 , 12 to each other.

[0060] The third 13 and fourth 14 walls also may be connected to each other in a number of locations. Firstly, the third 13 and fourth 14 walls may be welded together over a relatively central area 82 which is positioned over the stoma receiving opening 32. The central welded portion 82 may permit a user to view the stoma through the walls 13, 14 during use, which is advantageous. The area 82 may have an upper portion which is semi-circular and a lower portion which is substantially trapezoidal. Thus, it may be shaped substantially as the silhouette of a dome. At each side of the appliance 10, e.g. at each side of the area 82, the third and fourth walls 13, 14 may be connected to each other by respective weld lines 54, 85 (to the left) and 86 (to the right). The welds 54 may follow or form part of the peripheral connection between the first and second walls 11 , 12. The welds 85, 86 may each curve and extend downwardly towards the bottom of the appliance and inwardly away from the peripheral weld between the first and second walls 11 , 12.

[0061] The appliance 10 also includes one or more further connections between the respective walls. In the present embodiment, the one or more further connections may be spot welds. The term spot weld is intended to mean that walls are welded to each other over a small area, which is typically circular. It should be appreciated that connections could be provided by other means, and if welding is desired, the area of the weld might be any other appropriate form.

[0062] There is a connection, or first spot weld, 61 which connects the first wall 11 to the third wall 13. In other words, the third wall 13 is permanently connected to the first wall at a connection spaced from the peripheral connection of the first and second walls 11 , 12 to each other. The connection 61 may be positioned to a first side of the appliance 10. In the present embodiment, the connection may be positioned to a right side of the appliance, in front view. In embodiments, the connection may be positioned to a left side of the appliance. The connection 61 may be positioned to a first, right, side of the gas vent / filter 30. The connection 61 may be positioned to a second, left, side of the gas vent / filter 30. In particular, the connection 61 may be positioned near or adjacent the gas vent / filter 30. The connection 61 may be positioned a similar distance from a top of the appliance 10 as the gas vent / filter 30. In embodiments, the connection 61 may be positioned closer to the top of the appliance 10 than the gas vent / filter 30. The connection 61 may be positioned above the stoma-receiving opening 32. The connection 61 may be positioned a short distance below the upper periphery of the appliance 10. In embodiments, the connection 61 may extend laterally across the appliance 10. In embodiments, this may not be the case. In embodiments, the connection 61 may be a linearly extending weld.

[0063] The connection 61 may be generally circular. In embodiments, the connection 61 may be other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] In embodiments a plurality of connections may be provided. For example, two connections 61 may be provided either side of the gas vent / filter 30 at substantially the same height from a top of the appliance 10. In embodiments, more than two connections 61 may be provided. The connections may be substantially the same as each other.

[0065] During manufacture, a connection tool for connecting the first wall 11 to the third wall 13 may be applied to a portion C of a surface of the second wall 12. The connection tool may be a welding tool or the like which applies heat to the first, second and third walls 11 , 12, 13 to cause the connection 61 to form.

[0066] A first connection prevention member 62 is provided to prevent the second wall 12 becoming permanently connected to the first and third walls 11 , 13. The first connection prevention member 62 is positioned between the second and third walls 12, 13 (as can be seen in figure 2) for preventing permanent connection of the third wall 13 to the second wall 12. The first connection prevention member 62 may prevent permanent connection of the third wall 13 to the second wall 12 during use of a connection tool as described above to permanently connect the third wall 13 to the first wall 11.

[0067] The first connection prevention member 62 may be positioned to the first side of the appliance 10. The first connection prevention member 62 may be positioned to the first side of the gas vent / filter 30. In particular, the first connection prevention member 62 may be positioned near or adjacent the gas vent / filter 30. The first connection prevention member 62 may be positioned above the stoma-receiving opening 32. The first connection prevention member 62 may be positioned a short distance below the upper periphery of the appliance 10. In embodiments, the first connection prevention member 62 may extend laterally across the appliance 10. In embodiments, the first connection prevention member 62 may extend generally linearly across the appliance 10. In particular, the first connection prevention member 62 may be positioned on the same side as the connection 61 and / or may overlie the connection 61 and / or the area C.

[0068] As can be seen in the figures, the first connection prevention member 62 may be a film or the like which extends across an entirety of the area C (as shown in figure 1). The first connection prevention member 62 may have a higher melting point than the first and / or second and / or third walls 11 , 12, 13. The first connection prevention member 62 may remain solid during a connection operation in which the first, second and third walls 11 , 12, 13 and connection prevention member 62 are heated by a connection tool up to or above the melting point of the first, second and third walls 11 , 12, 13 but below the melting point of the first connection prevention member 62. This may be advantageous in preventing permanent connection of the second wall 12 to the third wall 13 in the area C. The first connection prevention member 62 may be formed from, or include, polyester. In embodiments, the first connection prevention member 62 may include, or be formed from, a material which sublimates, e.g., at a temperature higher than a melting point of the first, second and third walls 11 , 12, 13.

[0069] The first connection prevention member 62 may be attached, connected or adhered, to the second or third wall 12, 13. The first connection prevention member 62 may be attached, connected or adhered to the second or third wall 12, 13 in the area C where the connection tool will be applied to the appliance 10. In other words, the first connection prevention member 62 may be attached, connected or adhered to a portion of the second and / or third wall 12, 13 so as to overlie the connection 61. In particular, the first connection prevention member 62 may be provided as a film sticker or the like which may be applied to the second or third wall 12, 13 at the area C on the respective wall. This sticker may be applied prior to the second and / or third walls 12, 13 being layered up in the manufacturing process to be formed into an ostomy appliance.

[0070] As described above, the first connection prevention member 62 may overlie the connection 61 . In particular, the first connection prevention member 62 may be coaxial with the connection 61. The first connection prevention member 62 may be substantially smaller than the first and / or second and / or third walls 11 , 12, 13. In embodiments, the first connection prevention member 62 may be smaller than the filter 30. In embodiments, the first connection prevention member 62 may be provided as a further wall positioned between the second and third walls 12, 13. In such embodiments, the further wall may be connected at or near its upper end to the first 11 and / or second 12 walls, with a lower portion of the further wall extending downwardly between the walls 11 , 12 towards a bottom of the appliance 10. The connection may be carried out by way of heat welding but any known method of connecting walls could be utilised, for example an adhesive could be used.

[0071] A periphery of the first connection prevention member 62 may be positioned inwardly from the peripheral connection of the first and second walls 11 , 12 and / or a periphery of the third wall 13 and / or a periphery of the fourth wall 14. Generally, the first connection prevention member 62 may have a complementary, or substantially the same, shape as the connection 61. The first connection prevention member 62 may be larger than the connection 61 . In embodiments, the first connection prevention member 62 may be substantially the same size as the connection 61. The first connection prevention member 62 may be generally circular. A plurality of first connection prevention members 62 may be provided. In particular, a first connection prevention member 62 may be provided for each connection 61. Each of the first connection prevention members 62 may overlie each respective connection 61 for preventing permanent connection between the second and third walls 12, 13 at the point of the connection 61.

[0072] The first connection prevention member, advantageously, permits the connection operation described above to be used. This is advantageous because it simplifies the manufacturing process by permitting connection operations to be completed on a complete, or nearly complete appliance, rather than needing to be completed at distinct stages within the manufacturing process. For example, it would have been previously necessary to complete the connection operation for connection 61 prior to the second wall 12 being layered onto the first and third walls 11 , 13, or the second wall 12 would have needed to have been moved to enable the connection tool to form the connection 61 which increases manufacturing complexity. Therefore, using the first connection prevention member 62 reduces cost which is advantageous.

[0073] Two further connections, or spot welds, 93 and 94 may be provided, which connect the third 13 and fourth 14 walls to each other. Those spot welds 93, 94 may be positioned one at either side of the weld area 82 and generally slightly lower than a centre of the stoma receiving opening 32. The spot welds 93, 94 may be substantially the same size and / or shape as the connection 61. In embodiments, the spot welds 83, 94 may be larger, or smaller, than the connection 61 and may be different shapes to the connection 61.

[0074] The further chamber 21 in this embodiment may be defined as the space enclosed between the peripheral weld at the upper part 53 of the third walls, the area weld 82, the welds 85 and 86 and the weld 72.

[0075] The further chamber 21 , unlike the waste collecting chamber 20, may not be provided for waste collection, but rather acts as a gas passage for waste gases to exit the ostomy appliance 10 to atmosphere. To provide this gas passage, at least one gas opening 40 may be provided in the third wall 13. The gas opening 40 may permit waste gases within the waste collecting chamber 20 to pass through the third wall 13 and into the further chamber 21 . Preferably there may be a plurality of gas openings 40, although there could be one. In this example the openings 40 may be in the form of right-angle slits provided in the third wall 13. The gas openings 40 could be provided as a plurality of perforations in the third wall 13. Despite the figures showing the gas opening 40 as being provided on the third wall 13, the gas opening(t) 40 may in addition or instead be provided on the fourth wall 14.

[0076] In some embodiments, a fifth wall 15 may be provided within the further chamber 21 positioned in between the third 13 and fourth 14 and / or second 12 walls in order to divide the further chamber 21 into two sub-chambers. The fifth wall 15 may at least partially cover the gas vent and provide a tortuous path within the further chamber 21 for waste gas to escape to atmosphere.

[0077] The ostomy appliance 10 may be configured such that when waste and / or gases enter the waste collecting chamber 20 from the stoma-receiving opening 32, the first 11 and second 12 walls are caused move away from each other. This is shown by the difference between figures 4 and 5. In figure 4 little or no bodily waste and / or gas is inside the waste collecting chamber 20 (e.g. it is deflated) whereas in figure 5 bodily waste 90 and / or gas has been introduced into the waste collecting chamber 20 which expands and inflates the chamber 20, thus moving the walls 11 , 12 away from each other (other than at their regions of connection, of course). The arrows F at the bottom of the ostomy appliance 10 in figure 5 show how the first 11 and second 12 walls of the ostomy appliance 10 move away from each other when waste and / or gas is introduced into the waste collecting chamber 20.

[0078] The movement of the first 11 and second 12 walls away from each other in turn, due to the weld 61 between the third 13 and first 11 walls and the weld 72 between the fourth 14 and second 12 walls, may ensure the third 13 and fourth 14 walls also move away from each other (other than at their regions of connection, of course). Therefore, the movement of the first 11 and second 12 walls away from each other, as a result of waste and / or gases entering the waste collecting chamber 20, may effect movement of the third 13 and fourth 14 walls away from each other and / or increase or at least maintain the volume of the further chamber 21 .

[0079] This increase in volume may be beneficial for a user of the ostomy appliance 10 as it prevents or at least inhibits the walls 12, 13, 14 that define the further chamber 21 from sticking together, if bodily waste / liquid has inadvertently entered the further chamber 21. By ensuring that the defining walls of the further chamber 21 are kept apart or move away from each other when waste and / or gas enters the waste collecting chamber 20, gas may be permitted to pass from the waste collecting chamber 20 through gas openings 40 and into the further chamber 21 where it can then escape the ostomy appliance 10 to atmosphere through the gas vent and filter 30. Thus, the present invention actively maintains an open path for waste gases to follow to atmosphere.

[0080] Whilst it is not intended for any waste to flow from the waste collecting chamber 20 into the further chamber 21 , it is sometimes the case that a small amount of liquid waste may flow through the gas openings 40 provided in the third wall 13 when, for example, a user lies down to sleep. Advantageously, any of the waste which does inadvertently enter the further chamber 21 may fall under gravity to the waste collecting chamber 20 through advantageously positioned drainage outlets 41 . The present invention may include two such drainage outlets 41 , one to each side of the appliance 10, which may be defined by continuations of the walls 13, 14 towards the bottom of the appliance 10. Each drainage outlet 41 may extend to one side of the stoma receiving opening 32 and downwardly towards a bottom of the appliance 10. Each drainage outlet 41 may taper, i.e. reduces in cross-section, as it extends towards the bottom of the appliance 10.

[0081] The distal, lowermost, end of each drainage outlet 41 may be moveable relative to the first and second walls 11 , 12. Thus, the ends of the drainage outlets 41 may be permitted to move freely between the first 11 and second 12 walls of the ostomy appliance 10, which is advantageous, as it may assist in any trapped liquid being shaken into the waste collecting chamber whilst the user is moving around, e.g. walking. Advantageously, the spot welds 93, 94, which are positioned substantially at entrances to the drainage outlets 41 , may ensure that the walls 13, 14 in that region do not separate from each other, when the bag inflates / fills. This prevents or at least inhibits waste / liquid within the waste collecting chamber 20 from passing into the further chamber 21 through the drainage outlets 41.

[0082] A second embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. Features shared in common with the first embodiment have been provided with the same reference numerals with the addition of 100. Only the differences between the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0083] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The appliance 110 may look substantially the same from the front as the first embodiment shown in figure 1. In this second embodiment a top of the fourth wall 114 may extend past the gas vent / filter 130 and may extend towards and up to the peripheral connection of the first and second walls 111 , 112. The top of the fourth wall 114 may be connected to the first and second walls 111 , 112 and / or the third wall 113 at a top of the peripheries of the first, second and third walls 111 , 112, 113. In particular, the fourth wall 114 may be substantially the same as the third wall 113. A connection between the fourth and second wall 114, 112 may be provided below the filter 130 as shown in the first embodiment. The connection may be a linear weld as shown in the first embodiment. In embodiments, the connection may be a spot weld or the like.

[0084] A second connection prevention member 164 may be provided in the appliance 110. The second connection prevention member 164 may prevent connection of the fourth wall 114 to the second wall 112. The connection member 162 may prevent connection of the third wall 113 to the fourth wall 114 instead of the second wall as in the first embodiment. The second connection prevention member 164 may include one or more or all the features of the first connection prevention member 162. In particular, the second connection prevention member 164 may be substantially the same as the first connection prevention member 162. In embodiments, the second connection prevention member 164 may differ to the first connection prevention member 162. The first connection prevention member 162 may be positioned between the second and third walls 112, 113. The second connection prevention member 164 may be positioned between the fourth and second walls 114, 112.

[0085] The first connection prevention member 162 may be attached, connected or adhered, to the third wall or fourth wall 113, 114, optionally in the area C as described above in respect of the second and third walls 12, 13 in relation to the first embodiment. The second connection prevention member 164 may be attached, connected or adhered, to the fourth wall 114, optionally in the area C as described above in respect of the first connection prevention member 62 in respect of the second and third walls 12, 13 in relation to the first embodiment. If the first connection prevention member 162 is connected to the second wall 112 the second connection prevention member 164 may be connected to the fourth wall 114 between the third and fourth wall. If the first connection prevention member 162 is connected to the third wall 113 the second connection prevention member 164 may be connected to the fourth wall 114 between the second and fourth wall.

[0086] In particular, the connection 161 , first connection prevention member 162 and second connection prevention member 164 may be aligned so that when the connection tool is applied to area C the connection tool overlies each of the portions of the first and third walls 111 , 113 which will form the connection 161 , the first connection prevention member 162 and the second connection prevention member 164. Accordingly, when the connection tool forms the connection 161 the first and second connection prevention members 162, 164 may prevent permanent connection of the third wall 113 to the fourth wall 114 and the fourth wall 114 to the second wall 112 in the area C. In other words, the first connection prevention member 162 and second connection prevention member 164 may overlie the connection 161. The connection 161 , first connection prevention member 162 and second connection prevention member 164 may be generally coaxial.

[0087] There is also provided a method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance. The method of manufacture may be for an ostomy appliance in accordance with the first or second embodiments described above.

[0088] The method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance includes the steps of: a) providing a first wall; b) providing a second wall; c) providing a third wall; d) providing a first connection prevention member; e) layering the first, second and third walls and first connection prevention member in the order first wall, third wall, first connection prevention member, second wall; f) connecting the first and second walls together at their peripheries to form a peripheral connection which defines a waste collecting cavity; and g) forming a connection between the first and third walls spaced from the peripheral connection by applying a connection tool to the second wall at a position which overlies the first connection prevention member.

[0089] For each of steps a) to c) the first, second and third walls 11 , 12, 13 may be provided as part of respective films (first, second and third films). The first, second and third films may be at least partially cut prior to each of steps a) to c) to at least partially form the first, second and third walls 11 , 12, 13. For example, a portion of the peripheries of the first, second and third walls may be at least partially cut to at least partly form the first, second and third walls 11 , 12, 13 to then be used in step e). It is to be understood, therefore, that the terms first, second and third walls in the context of the manufacturing process also mean the provision of the films which will ultimately form the first, second and third walls 11 , 12, 13.

[0090] Steps a) to e) may occur concurrently / simultaneously, e.g., on a reel feed machine. In embodiments, this may not be the case. For example, steps a) to e) may occur sequentially.

[0091] Steps f) and g) may occur concurrently / simultaneously. In embodiments step g) may follow step f). In embodiments, steps f) and g) may occur after steps a) to e).

[0092] The method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance may include the step of: h) attaching the first connection prevention member to the second and / or third wall.

[0093] Step h) may occur between steps a) to d) and step e). In particular, step h) may occur subsequent to step d). The method of attaching may be by adhesive. This may be advantageous in simplifying the process of layering up the appliance at step e). Step h) may be completed by a pick and place machine.

[0094] The method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance may include the steps of: i) cutting a stoma-receiving opening in the first wall; and j) attaching a connection member to the first wall.

[0095] Steps i) and / or j) may occur prior to step e). In particular, steps i) and / or j) may occur before, or immediately after, step a). Step i) may be completed by using a press or die cutting machine. Alternatively, or additionally, step i) may be completed by a laser or oscillating knife. Step j) may be completed by use of a pick and place machine or the like and applying a bead of adhesive around the connection member to adhere the connection member to the first wall 11. Alternatively, the connection member may be welded to the first wall. This may be advantageous in simplifying manufacture of the ostomy appliance and so making the ostomy appliance cheaper to manufacture.

[0096] The method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance may include the steps of: k) cutting a gas vent in the second wall; and l) attaching a filter to the second wall.

[0097] Steps k) and / or I) may occur prior to step e). In particular, steps k) and / or I) may occur before, or immediately after, step b). Step k) may be completed in a similar manner to step i). Step I) may be completed in a similar manner to step j). This may be advantageous in simplifying manufacture of the ostomy appliance and so making the ostomy appliance cheaper to manufacture.

[0098] The method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance may include the steps of: m) providing a fourth wall; n) providing a second connection prevention member; and replacing steps e) and g) with steps o) and p) below; o) layering the first, second, third and fourth walls and first and second connection prevention members in the order first wall, third wall, second connection prevention member, fourth wall, first connection prevention member, second wall; and p) forming a connection between the first and third walls spaced from the peripheral connection by applying a connection tool to the second wall at a position which overlies the first and second connection prevention members.

[0099] The fourth wall 14 may be formed in a similar way as described for the first to third walls for steps a) to c).

[0100] The method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance may include the step of: q) attaching the second connection prevention member to the fourth wall.

[0101] Step q) may occur between steps a) to n) and step o). In particular, step q) may occur subsequent to step n). The method of attaching may be by adhesive. This may be advantageous in simplifying the process of layering up the appliance at step o). Step q) may be completed by a pick and place machine. The second connection prevention member may be attached to the fourth wall between the third and fourth wall if the first connection prevention member is attached to the second wall. The second connection prevention member may be attached to the fourth wall between the fourth and second wall if the first connection prevention member is attached to the third wall.

[0102] This may be advantageous in simplifying manufacture of the ostomy appliance as it permits the connection to be formed at the end of the manufacturing process rather than having to be completed partway through. It also removes the need for complicated moving of the walls once layered up. This assists in reducing the cost to manufacture.

[0103] The method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance may include the step of: r) connecting the third and fourth walls to each other at their peripheries by welds 54, 85, 86; optionally also connecting the third and fourth walls together at the central area 82 and / or the spot welds 93, 94.

[0104] Step r) may occur prior to step o). This may be advantageous in partly forming an interior of the ostomy appliance to be inserted later on, e.g., to permit different modular assembly lines to be used depending on capacity and materials available.

[0105] The connection tool for forming the connection may be a welding tool, e.g., ultrasonic, radiofrequency or heat welding tool, as discussed in respect of the first and second embodiments.

[0106] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0107] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(t) described herein.

[0108] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0109] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An ostomy appliance including: first and second walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries, the first wall having a stoma-receiving opening; a connection member connected to the first wall for attaching the appliance to a user; a waste collecting chamber defined by the first and second walls for receiving waste and / or gas from the stoma-receiving opening; a gas vent for permitting gases to escape to atmosphere; a third wall positioned between the first and second walls; wherein the third wall is permanently connected to the first wall at a connection spaced from the peripheral connection of the first and second wall to each other; and a first connection prevention member positioned between the second and third walls for preventing permanent connection of the third wall to the second wall.

2. An ostomy appliance according to claim 1 wherein the connection member prevents permanent connection of the third wall to the second wall during use of a connection tool to permanently connect the third wall to the first wall.

3. An ostomy appliance according to claim 1 wherein the first connection prevention member is connected, e.g., adhered, to a portion of the second and / or third wall so as to overlie the connection.

4. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein a periphery of the first connection prevention member is positioned inwardly from the peripheral connection of the first and second walls and / or a periphery of the third wall; and / or wherein the first connection prevention member is substantially smaller than the first and / or second and / or third wall.

5. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the first connection prevention member has a higher melting point than the first and / or second and / or third walls.

6. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the first connection prevention member is or includes polyester.

7. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the first connection prevention member is a further wall or film.

8. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection extends laterally across the appliance.

9. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the first connection prevention member is substantially the same shape as the connection; optionally wherein the first connection prevention member is larger than the connection; optionally wherein the connection and / or the first connection prevention member is generally circular.

10. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection and / or the first connection prevention member are positioned to a first side of the gas vent; and / or wherein the connection and / or the first connection prevention member is / are positioned above the stoma-receiving opening.

11. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection is a spot or linearly extending weld.

12. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim including a plurality of connections and / or a plurality of first connection prevention members.

13. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claims including: a fourth wall positioned between the second and third walls; and a second connection prevention member positioned between the third and fourth walls or second and fourth walls for preventing connection of the fourth wall to the third wall or the fourth wall to the second wall; and wherein the first connection prevention member is positioned between the other of the third and fourth walls or second and fourth walls for preventing connection of the fourth wall to the third wall or the fourth wall to the second wall respectively.

14. An ostomy appliance according to claim 13 wherein the second connection prevention member includes one or more or all the features of the first connection prevention member as set forth in claims 1 to 12.

15. An ostomy appliance according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the fourth wall is connected to the second wall at a position spaced from the peripheral connection of the first wall and second wall to each other, e.g., by a spot or linearly extending weld; optionally wherein said connection extends laterally across the appliance.

16. An ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 13 to 15, including:a further chamber defined by at least the third and fourth walls which are connected to each other; and a gas opening provided in either or both of the third or fourth walls for permitting waste gases to pass therethrough from the waste collecting chamber; wherein the gas vent permits gases in the further chamber to escape to atmosphere; and wherein movement of the first and second walls away from each other, as a result of waste or gases entering the waste collecting chamber, increases or at least maintains the volume of the further chamber or effects movement of the third and fourth walls away from each other.

17. An ostomy appliance according to claim 16 wherein the further chamber is positioned, in use, above the waste collecting chamber; and / or wherein at least a portion of the further chamber is positioned, in use, above the stoma receiving opening.

18. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection of the walls to each other is by way of ultrasonic, radiofrequency or heat welding.

19. A method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance, including the steps of: a) providing a first wall; b) providing a second wall; c) providing a third wall; d) providing a first connection prevention member; e) layering the first, second and third walls and first connection prevention member in the order first wall, third wall, first connection prevention member, second wall; f) connecting the first and second walls together at their peripheries to form a peripheral connection which defines a waste collecting cavity; and g) forming a connection between the first and third walls spaced from the peripheral connection by applying a connection tool to the second wall at a position which overlies the first connection prevention member.

20. A method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance according to claim 19, including the step of: h) attaching the first connection prevention member to the second and / or third wall.

21. A method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance according to claim 19 or claim 20, including the steps of: i) cutting a stoma-receiving opening in the first wall; and / or j) attaching a connection member to the first wall, optionally around the stoma-receiving opening; and / ork) cutting a gas vent in the second wall; and / or l) attaching a filter to the second wall; optionally wherein each of steps i) to I) occurs prior to step e).

22. A method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 19 to 21 , including the steps of: m) providing a fourth wall; n) providing a second connection prevention member; and replacing steps e) and g) with steps o) and p) below; o) layering the first, second, third and fourth walls and first and second connection prevention members in the order first wall, third wall, second connection prevention member, fourth wall, first connection prevention member, second wall; and p) forming a connection between the first and third walls spaced from the peripheral connection by applying a connection tool to the second wall at a position which overlies the first and second connection prevention members.

23. A method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 19 to 22, including the step of: q) attaching the second connection prevention member to the fourth wall.

24. A method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein the connection tool is a welding tool, e.g., ultrasonic, radiofrequency or heat welding tool.

25. A method of manufacturing an ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein the ostomy appliance is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 18.

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