Connector for connection to an ostomy appliance and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A connector 10 for connection to an ostomy appliance 1. It includes a conduit 12 having an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal passageway 16 through which waste from the ostomy appliance 1 is permitted to flow, and a structural member 14 including a filament extending along the passageway 16 and a bridging formation 30 extending radially across the increased width of the passageway 16.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector for connection to an ostomy appliance. [Background technology]

[0002] Ostomy appliances are well-known medical devices for users with a stoma. Generally, the appliance has an opening for receiving the stoma and an adhesive member that contacts the body to hold the appliance in place. Waste that leaves the stoma is collected in a collection volume formed from two flexible walls connected together. Often, the appliance includes an outlet valve that allows the user to remove and empty the waste collected in the collection volume without having to remove and discard the entire appliance.

[0003] Sometimes a user may wish to extend the time during which the appliance is idle, for example while sleeping. Typically, a large volume bag is used to contain waste while the user is sleeping. In this scenario, the outlet valve is connected by a tube to the large volume bag so that the bag can be filled with waste. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 127074 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 176731 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 018322 Summary of the Invention

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector for connection to an ostomy appliance, comprising: a conduit having an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal passageway through which waste from the ostomy appliance is permitted to flow; a structural component including a filament extending along the passageway and a bridging formation extending radially across the increased width of the passageway; A connector including:

[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a connector for connection to an ostomy appliance, comprising the steps of: The connector includes a conduit having an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal passageway through which waste from the ostomy appliance is permitted to flow, and a structural member extending along a length of the passageway; The method is: using a forming tool to simultaneously form the conduit and a portion of the structural member such that the conduit and the structural member form a second shape that conforms to a contour of the forming tool; removing the shaping tool from the portion of the conduit and the structural member, whereby the structural member maintains the second shape; A method is provided that includes:

[0008] Further preferred features relating to these aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] In order that the present disclosure may be readily understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an ostomy collection system. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the connector in use. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the connector in use. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment. [Figure 7D] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram showing steps of a method of manufacture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The ostomy device 1 (or ostomy appliance) is configured to be worn around the stoma (in the abdominal area) of a user so that waste material can be collected as it exits the stoma. The ostomy device comprises an adhesive wafer, a collection volume and an outlet 1a. The adhesive wafer comprises an opening through which the stoma passes and a suitable adhesive for adhering the wafer to the skin of the user. The collection volume is formed from two outer walls which are attached around their periphery to define a volume therein. The stoma opening connects to the collection volume and when the device is worn by the user, waste material exiting the stoma at the stoma opening is collected in the collection volume.

[0012] The collection volume is connected to an outlet 1a. The outlet 1a is selectively openable / closable to drain waste from the collection volume (e.g. into a toilet or other waste receptacle). The outlet 1a is formed in the "tail" portion of the device. The "tail" portion is narrower compared to the main collection volume. There are different outlet designs designed to accommodate different types / viscosities of waste exiting the ostomy device 1.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for use with waste products that have a high proportion of liquid (e.g. urostomy or ileostomy) In this situation, a valve or tap device is used as an outlet to allow the waste to be emptied from the ostomy device as desired.

[0014] The outlet 1a includes a mechanism that allows further components of a collection system to be attached. The collection system includes a secondary collection volume 2 that is connected to the ostomy device via a connector 10. This allows waste to flow into the ostomy device 1, through the connector 10 and into the secondary collection volume 2.

[0015] Connector 10 includes a conduit 12 and a structural member 14. Conduit 12 includes an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal passageway 16 (also referred to as passageway 16). Waste material is permitted to flow through the outlet.

[0016] The conduit 12 is formed by a wall having an inner surface 12a and an outer surface 12b. The inner surface 12a defines an interior passageway 16 (i.e., defines the periphery of the passageway 16). The outer surface 12b forms the exterior of the conduit 12. In some embodiments, the conduit 12 has a substantially constant diameter over its length (i.e., the diameter across the passageway 16 is substantially constant). In some embodiments, the wall of the conduit 12 is of constant thickness, such that the overall / external diameter of the conduit 12 is also substantially constant.

[0017] The inner diameter of the conduit 12 (i.e., the size of the passageway) will depend on the type of ostomy with which the connector 10 is designed to be used. For example, both urostomies and ileostomies typically output waste that is highly liquid, and therefore the connector 10 described herein may be suitable for transporting waste. However, while urostomies output waste at a slow rate, ileostomies may output waste at a much faster rate. Thus, the connector 10 may be sized to provide an appropriately sized passageway 16 for the different output rates.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the conduit 12 is between approximately 6 mm and 16 mm. The inner diameter of a conduit 12 intended for use in a urostomy may be at the lower end of that range (i.e., between approximately 7 and 10 mm, preferably approximately 8 mm). Additionally, the diameter of a conduit 12 intended for use in an ileostomy may be at the upper end of that range (i.e., between approximately 13 and 16 mm, preferably approximately 10 mm).

[0019] In some examples (such as those shown in the drawings), the conduit 10 is a flexible tube. The conduit 10 may be made from any suitable material that provides the required attributes. For example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) may provide the required flexibility. A preferred material may be one that provides a rubbery polymer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conduit 12 forms a generally cylindrical shape. The flexibility of the conduit 12 allows it to change shape in response to forces applied to the conduit 12, but it should be understood that the conduit 12 will return to its generally cylindrical shape once it is no longer being manipulated. For example, the conduit 12 may be bent, crushed, and / or twisted, etc., but will return to its initial shape once the force causing the shape change is removed (and preferably without damage).

[0021] Structural member 14 extends along passageway 16. Structural member 16 is present to prevent (or at least prevent) passageway 16 from becoming blocked. This can occur if connector 10 is under pressure / compressed, twisted / bent, or otherwise manipulated in such a way that passageway 16 becomes clogged and / or waste is prevented from flowing through passageway 16.

[0022] In some embodiments, the structural members 14 extend along approximately half the length of the passageway 16. The structural members 14 may be purposefully inserted in areas / regions of the passageway 16 that are prone to clogging. For example, conduits 12 that are placed on a generally horizontal surface (i.e., a bed mattress) are prone to clogging due to the lack of gravitational attraction. The structural members 14 may be strategically positioned within the passageway 16 to address this potential problem. Alternatively, the structural members 14 may extend along the majority of the length of the passageway 16.

[0023] 2-5, the structural members 14 are filaments. In other words, the structural members 14 are thread-like members or strands that extend along the passageways 16. In this example, the structural members 14 are formed substantially solid to resist being compressed (i.e., the structural members 14 do not provide additional channels or flow paths within the passageways 16). In other words, the filaments are not as deformable as the conduits 12.

[0024] In some embodiments, the filament is less flexible than the conduit 12. This can also be beneficial because movement of the filament within the conduit 12 during use (as a result of the difference in flexibility) can act to disrupt or disrupt regions of viscous waste (i.e., that might otherwise become lodged in the conduit 12 and slow the passage of waste through the connector 10).

[0025] The filament structural member 14 is thin relative to the size of the passageway (and preferably of constant diameter along its entire length) so that it fits easily within the passageway 16. In some embodiments, the filament diameter may be between 1 and 2 mm, preferably approximately 1.75 mm to 2 mm.

[0026] Thus, in the urostomy connector 10 described above (e.g., a preferred diameter of approximately 8 mm), the ratio of the filament diameter to the diameter of the passageway 16 is approximately 2:8 to 7:32. In other words, the filament is approximately 25% less than the diameter of the passageway 16. In an embodiment, since the diameter of the filament structural member 14 is not altered for use in the ileostomy connector 10 (e.g., approximately 10 mm in diameter), the ratio of the filament diameter to the diameter of the passageway 16 may be about 2:10 to 7:40. In other words, the filament is approximately 20% less than the diameter of the passageway 16. In this case, the filament can be even smaller relative to the passageway 16 because a higher velocity or a higher proportion of mucus / larger amount of solid waste is being handled.

[0027] In an embodiment, the structural member 14 is made of a flexible material so that it flexes / bends within the passageway 16. For example, the filaments may be made of the same material as the conduit 12 (e.g., TPE or TPU or other rubbery polymer). A suitable TPE may be Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS). Alternatively, Polylactic Acid (PLA) may be used. However, an advantageous material for the filaments may be polypropylene, as it will be less flexible around the conduit 12 than the conduit 12 and therefore may act to prevent kinking of the conduit 12.

[0028] Alternative flexible materials may be used, and preferably are PVC-free and / or do not have a high coefficient of friction (e.g., silicone-free). A low coefficient of friction is advantageous because it reduces adhesion between the structural member 14 and waste moving through the passageway 16.

[0029] Furthermore, the filaments are not absorbent, which allows waste to flow freely (around / through the filaments) through the conduit 12 to the secondary collection volume 2.

[0030] In some embodiments, structural member 14 is not connected to conduit 12 at any point (or, more specifically, is not attached / secured to the inner surface 12a of the conduit). In other words, structural member 14 is not held in a single axial position relative to conduit 12.

[0031] In some embodiments, the structural member 14 is free to move between left and right sides within the passageway 16 (i.e., the structural member 14 is free to move in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which waste flows through the passageway 16). In other words, the conduit 12 has a longitudinal axis (e.g., axis A shown in FIG. 3) along the length of the connector 10, and the structural member 14 is free to move in a direction generally transverse to this axis. Additionally, the structural member 14 may be flexible (such that the structural member 14 may be manipulated into a bent state). This is shown in FIG. 3, where the structural member 14 is shown forming a generally sinusoidal shape that contacts the inner surface 12a on both "sides" of the passageway 16.

[0032] As mentioned above, the structural member 14 does not have to be attached to the conduit 12. However, it should be understood that even if the structural member 14 is attached to the conduit 12 at two locations spaced apart along the length of the conduit, the structural member 14 is still permitted to move between the left and right sides to some extent. The more fixed locations the structural member 14 has, the more restricted the radial movement of the structural member 14 will be. In some embodiments, one or more stake welds may be used to prevent the structural member 14 from moving along the conduit 12.

[0033] Thus, the structural member 14 may move freely relative to the conduit 12 (and relative to the axis A). This movement is advantageous in maintaining transport of waste along the conduit 12. For example, waste may contain viscous portions that do not flow easily along the conduit 12. Movement of the structural member 14 (i.e., movement of the filaments between the left and right sides of the passageway 16) may be used in this situation to help disrupt the areas of viscous waste to aid in the transport process / ensuring that waste continues to flow away from the ostomy device 1. Additionally, the user may manipulate the conduit 12 to encourage the internal structural member 14 to move between the left and right sides, thereby disrupting the areas of viscous waste.

[0034] The structural member 14 includes a spanning formation 30 that extends radially across the increased width of the passageway 16. In other words, the structural member 14 spans the conduit 12 at a wider diameter in one or more areas of the passageway 16 than in the remainder of the passageway 16. The spanning formation 30 is configured to resist axial movement of the structural member 14 along the passageway 16 (i.e., in the direction of A in FIG. 3). The spanning formation 30 provides a portion or portions that extend / project laterally toward the opposite side of the passageway.

[0035] In some embodiments (see, e.g., FIG. 5), the spanning formation 30 is formed from a length of shaped filament, that is, an elongated, thread-like filament extending along the passageway 16 that includes a portion that is shaped to span a wide section of the passageway 16. Thus, the spanning formation 30 extends axially along the passageway 16 for a short distance (e.g., approximately 3 to 5 cm).

[0036] In the illustrated example, the shaped filament is formed into a wavy or "zig-zag" shape. In other words, shaping the filament includes forming multiple "bends" to provide a portion that spans further widthwise across the channel than the filament itself. A preferred example may include at least four bends.

[0037] It should be understood that the filament width (approximately 1.75 mm as discussed above) does not change at the bridge formation 30. However, the maximum width within the passage 16 covered by the bridge formation 30 (i.e., the wave "amplitude," which is the distance between the maximum point 30a, 30c on one side of the bridge formation 30 and the minimum point 30b on the other side of the bridge formation 30) is significantly wider than the filament itself.

[0038] In this example, the spanning features 30 (i.e., the shaped filament) are substantially centered about an axis along the filament. In other words, the spanning features 30 extend generally radially outward from the filament. In the illustrated design, the spanning features 30 extend equally on both sides of the filament, although this is not necessarily the case. In some embodiments, the spanning features 30 are generally formed in a single plane. However, the features 30 may be formed to extend in more than one plane, if desired.

[0039] In some embodiments, the spanning formation 30 extends across at least 80% of the diameter of the passageway. However, it should be understood that the spanning formation 30 may extend across the entire passageway 16 and contact the inner surface 16a of the passageway. The spanning formation 30 may be wider than the diameter of the passageway, and therefore the spanning formation 30 may slightly distort the original shape of the conduit (i.e., the spanning formation extends approximately 105% of the undistorted diameter of the passageway).

[0040] In some embodiments, the structural member 14 includes two such bridge formations 30 (in other words, there is a first and a second bridge formation 30 included in the connector 10, which are spaced apart along the structural member 14). The first bridge formation 30 is located at one end of the structural member 14 (and preferably also at one end of the conduit 12). The second bridge formation 30 may be positioned at a second / opposite end of the structural member 14 (and preferably also at the opposite end of the conduit 12 (if the structural member 14 extends along substantially the entire length of the passageway 16)).

[0041] It should be understood that more bridge formations 30 may be provided, if desired. In such a configuration, bridge formations 30 may be present at both ends of the conduit 12 and at one or more locations along the conduit 12.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least one end of the conduit 12 is adapted to receive an adapter device 20. The adapter device 20 is configured to engage (via a fluid-tight connection) with one of the outlet 1a of the ostomy device 1 and / or the inlet of the secondary collection volume 2. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the adapter device 20 is inserted into the inlet and / or outlet of the conduit 12. In this example, the adapter device 20 includes a spigot-type fitting 20a that is pressed into the passageway 16, so that the adapter device 20 is held tightly to the conduit 12. This ensures that the connector 10 provides a sealed transport passage between the ostomy device 1 and the secondary collection volume 2.

[0043] In some embodiments, adapting the conduit 12 to receive the adapter device 20 involves removing any portion of the structural member 14 from the "end" of the conduit 12 (i.e., an appropriate distance within the passageway 16 adjacent the inlet / outlet). Thus, the conduit 12 has a generally unobstructed bore at one or both ends such that the adapter device 20 may be inserted without interference from any portion further down the passageway 16. In other words, the length of the structural member 14 is less than the length of the conduit 12. Thus, the adapter device 20 extends unobstructed by the structural member 14 into the inlet and / or outlet.

[0044] It should be understood that not all adapter devices provide a male connection that is received by the conduit 12. If the adapter device has a female connection that fits around the conduit 12, then both ends of the conduit 12 do not need to be adapted to accommodate the adapter device.

[0045] In some embodiments, the conduit 12 and the structural member 14 are formed separately (e.g., on two different extrusion lines). The structural member 14 is then inserted into the conduit 12 to form the connector 10. In some embodiments, the conduit 12 and the conduit 14 are formed simultaneously in a common extrusion machine.

[0046] An illustrative cross-sectional view of the connector 10 in use is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Figure 4A shows the conduit 12 in its natural round or annular state. A structural member 14 is shown in the center of the conduit 12 for illustrative purposes only. The structural member 14 can move between left and right sides within a passageway 16. Waste material can move freely through the passageway 16 around the structural member 14.

[0047] 4B shows the conduit 12 when it is compressed. This condition may occur because the connector 10 is sharply bent / kinked and / or is twisted / torsional and / or is under compressive force (e.g., stepped on). As can be seen, the conduit 12 no longer has its original round / annular shape. It has been subjected to forces that make it resemble an oval or lanceolate. The structural members 14 within the passageway 16 provide a stiffening function to resist deformation and prevent the conduit 12 from being fully compressed (i.e., preventing the inner surfaces 12a from both "sides" of the conduit 12 from contacting), thus preventing (or at least inhibiting) the flow path through the passageway 16 from closing / blocking.

[0048] The manner in which the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5 is manufactured is described below. Once the structural member 14 is positioned within the conduit 12 (step 100 in Figure 10), further steps are followed which are described below.

[0049] In step 102, a forming tool is used to simultaneously form a portion of the conduit 12 and the structural member 14. In other words, the conduit 12 and the structural member 14 are deformed from their original or first shape by the forming tool, i.e., both the conduit 12 and the structural member 14 form a second shape that matches the contours of the forming tool, simultaneously in the same step.

[0050] In step 104, the shaping tool is removed from the conduit 12 and the structural member 14. The structural member 14 maintains the second shape (i.e., the one formed in step 102 above). However, the conduit 12 returns to, or at least approaches, its original shape (i.e., the shape it had before the shaping tool was used).

[0051] In an embodiment, using the forming tool (step 102) involves the application of pressure and / or heat to the portions of the conduit 12 and structural member 14 to be formed. Pressure is used to imprint the shape of the tool into the conduit 12 / structural member 14. Heat is used to raise the temperature of the conduit 12 and structural member 14 being formed. It is important that the temperature of permanent deformation of the structural member 14 is lower than the temperature of permanent deformation of the conduit 12. In other words, the temperature at which the structural member 14 is molded / permanently changes its shape is lower than the temperature to permanently mold the conduit 12.

[0052] This means that the shaping tool heats the conduit 12 and the structural member 14 to a temperature above the temperature of permanent deformation of the structural member 14, but below the temperature of permanent deformation of the conduit 12. When the shaping tool is removed, only the structural member 14 undergoes the permanent shaping. In other words, the structural member 14 retains its molded shape from the shaping tool, while the conduit 12 returns to its original (substantially tubular) configuration.

[0053] If such a method is used, the materials of the conduit 12 and the structural member 14 must be carefully considered to ensure that the desired permanent shape of the structural member 14 is formed while still allowing the conduit 12 to return to its original shape after molding. Thus, the structural member 14 can be made from a material that has a low deformation temperature, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or PLA, while the conduit 12 remains made from a TPE or TPU.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method includes cutting the conduit 12 and structural member 14. When small quantities of connector 10 are made, the conduit 12 and structural member 14 (filament) are cut to size and the structural member 14 is inserted into the conduit 12. However, for larger quantities, a longer length of the filament may be inserted into the conduit 12 and kept ready for further processing (e.g., in a roll for use in one or more manufacturing machines). Thus, the conduit 12 and filament may be found together in one continuous length and cut in one action.

[0055] Further, in some embodiments, cutting occurs after use of a shaping tool (at step 104). In other words, a shaping tool may be used to shape the filament along a length longer than required for one bridge formation 30, and the extended shaped filament is cut to provide two connectors 10 (each having a bridge formation 30 adjacent one end of the conduit 12). Thus, a double length bridge formation 30 is formed in one step and cut to provide two separate bridge formations 30.

[0056] Finally, the method includes inserting the adapter device 20 into one end of the conduit 12 (step 106). As mentioned above, the adapter device 20 provides a connector for direct connection to the outlet 1a of the ostomy appliance 1 or to the secondary collection volume 2.

[0057] An alternative structural member is shown in FIG. 6. Where features are specifically described herein and are similar to features already described, the reference numerals will remain the same with the addition of a prime (e.g., 10 becomes 10'). The example shown in FIG. 6 provides only a cross-sectional view of connector 10'. However, it should be understood that many of the features already described but not explicitly shown in FIG. 6 (e.g., materials used and fit provided for adapter device 20') are still applicable.

[0058] In some embodiments, structural member 14' is formed to divide passageway 16' into two or more channels. In other words, the particular shape of structural member 14' is selected so that it can be placed in passageway 16'. Passageway 16' is divided by structural member 14' to provide multiple lumens.

[0059] In some embodiments, the structural member 14' extends radially across the passageway 16'. For example, the structural member 14' contacts the inner surface 12a' of the conduit 12' in at least two locations.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the structural member 14' is formed with a cross-sectional shape of a three-pointed star. In cross section (i.e. across the conduit 12'), the points of the star extend outward to contact the inner surface 12a' of the conduit 12' wall. In other words, the structural member 14' divides the passageway 16' into three channels 16a, 16b, 16c. It will be appreciated that other shapes of structural member 14' may be used to achieve a similar result to the number of channels provided within the passageway 16'. For example, a star shape having more than three points may be used to divide the passageway 16' into more than three channels. Additionally, a structural member that engages the inner surface of the conduit 12' at only two points may be used to divide the passageway 16' into two.

[0061] It should be understood that because structural member 14' is flexible, the surface that contacts inner surface 12a' of conduit 12' does not provide such a seal, and therefore each formed channel is not necessarily sealed from the others. When conduit 12' is twisted / bent / compressed / etc., structural member 14' functions to strengthen conduit 12' and resist deformation. Additionally, the portion of structural member 14' that extends outwardly to the inner surface of conduit 12' (e.g., the point of the star shape) may resist significant deformation to keep one or more of channels 16a, 16b, 16c in passageway 16' open for the flow of waste.

[0062] An alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 7A. Where features are specifically described herein and are similar to features already described, the reference numbers will be the same with the addition of a double prime (e.g., 10 becomes 10"). New features will also have a double prime, but this reference number has not been used previously. The example shown in FIG. 7 provides only a cross-sectional view of connector 10". However, it should be understood that many of the features already described but not explicitly shown in FIG. 7 (e.g., materials used and fits provided for adapter devices) are still applicable.

[0063] The conduit 12'' defines an interior passageway 16'' along which waste material flows. In this example, the interior surface 12a'' includes an inwardly projecting member 18''.

[0064] In some embodiments, there are two or more inwardly projecting members 18" (three in the example shown), which are spaced around the inner surface 12a" of the conduit 12". The inwardly projecting members 18" may be equally spaced around the inner surface 12a" of the conduit 12".

[0065] In some embodiments, one or more inwardly projecting members 18" extend longitudinally along the passageway 16" (optionally, one or more inwardly projecting members 18" extend along a majority of the length of the conduit 12"). In other words, the inwardly projecting members 18" are present from the inlet to the outlet of the conduit 12". Nevertheless, it should be understood that they do not have to be directly adjacent to the inlet and / or outlet to accommodate the adapter device 20" already described above.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the inwardly projecting members 18" are raised smooth bumps extending inwardly from the inner surface 12a" of the conduit 12". However, it should be understood that this is not necessarily the case and the projecting members 18" may be generally rectangular or other shapes (described below). The important aspect is that the internally projecting member(s) 18" prevent or at least inhibit the passageway 16" from becoming blocked when subjected to compression / other operations as detailed elsewhere herein.

[0067] The examples shown in Figures 7B through 7D are similar to those described above in that they include one or more protruding members 18" that extend radially inward. The example in Figure 7B also includes three inwardly protruding members 18". The inwardly protruding members 18" are generally triangular with a point that extends furthest into the passageway 16".

[0068] The example in FIG. 7C provides only a single inwardly projecting member 18''. Member 18'' is generally circular in cross section and has a portion attached to the inner surface 12a'' of the conduit.

[0069] In the example in FIG. 7D, the inner surface 12a" of the conduit 12" is continuously corrugated. It is formed from eight inwardly projecting members 18", but it should be understood that this can be adjusted depending on the size of the members 18" required and the size of the conduit 12".

[0070] An alternative conduit 12''' is shown in FIG. 8. Where features are specifically described herein and are similar to features already described, the reference numerals will remain the same with the addition of a triple prime designation (e.g., 12 becomes 12'''). New features also have a triple prime, but this reference numeral has not been used heretofore. The example shown in FIG. 8 provides only a cross-sectional view of connector 12'''. However, it should be understood that many of the features already described but not explicitly shown in FIG. 8 (e.g., materials used) are still applicable.

[0071] In this embodiment, the conduit 12''' includes an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal passageway 16''' through which waste material is permitted to flow. The conduit 12''' has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments (shown in FIG. 8), the conduit 12''' in cross section forms a six pointed star shape. However, it should be understood that different shapes (e.g., stars having a different number of points or other polygonal shapes) may also be used.

[0072] The conduit 12 is formed by a wall having an inner surface 12a''' and an outer surface 12b'''. The inner surface 12a''' defines an interior passageway 16'''. The outer surface 12b''' forms the exterior of the conduit 12'''. In this example, the wall is of a substantially constant thickness over its length and therefore the diameter of the passageway 16''' and the conduit 12''' is also substantially constant along the majority of the connector 10'''. In other words, the inner shape of the wall and the outer shape of the wall have the same cross-sectional shape.

[0073] In some embodiments, the conduit 12''' is formed from a suitable flexible material that allows for the insertion of an adapter device at the inlet and / or outlet. In this example, the conduit 12''' is stretched / deformed into an annular shape to receive the adapter device (not shown) (e.g., a spigot fitting that is pressed into the deformed conduit 12'''). Additionally, the conduit 12''' seals against the adapter device to inhibit seepage of liquid between the conduit 12''' and the adapter device.

[0074] The disclosed embodiments described herein provide a connector 10, 10', 10", 10''' that resists occlusion in the event that the conduit 12, 12', 12", 12''' is compressed, twisted, bent, kinked, and / or other types of manipulation that may occur during use. Such occlusion may result in waste becoming stuck in the conduit 16, 16', 16", 16''' longer than necessary and / or backing up the conduit 16, 16', 16", 16''' as well as causing leaks at the initial connection point (i.e., between the ostomy device and the connector or in the ostomy device itself), which may cause distress to the user and / or cause user distrust of a given system / connector.

[0075] Additionally, embodiments that include bridge formations 30 may be advantageous because the bridge formations 30 provide a mechanism for the filaments within the conduit 12 to resist undesired movement along the conduit 12 .

[0076] Optional features of the present disclosure are outlined in the following clauses. [Clause 1] A connector for connection to an ostomy appliance, comprising a conduit having an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal passageway through which waste material is permitted to flow, the connector having a structural member extending along the passageway. [Clause 2] The connector of clause 1, wherein the structural member extends along approximately half the length of the passage, and optionally the structural member extends along a greater length. [Clause 3] A connector as described in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined along the length of the conduit, and the structural member is permitted to move generally transverse to the axis. [Clause 4] A connector as described in Clause 3, wherein the structural member moves freely within the conduit. [Clause 5] A connector as described in clause 3 or 4, wherein the structural member is not fixed to any portion of the conduit. [Clause 6] A connector as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the structural member is a filament. [Clause 7] The connector of clause 6, wherein the filament is flexible. [Clause 8] A connector as described in clause 6 or 7, wherein the filament has a diameter of between approximately 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably approximately 1.75 mm. [Clause 9] A connector as described in clauses 6 to 8, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the conduit to the diameter of the filament is approximately 32:7, or approximately 40:7. [Clause 10] A connector described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the diameter of the conduit is approximately 8mm or 10mm. [Clause 11] A connector described in any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the conduit is flexible and / or has a substantially constant inner diameter along its length. [Clause 12] A connector as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the conduit is made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and / or the structural member is made from TPE or optionally in particular from styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). [Clause 13] A connector described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein at least one end of the conduit is adapted to receive an adapter device inserted into the inlet and / or outlet of the conduit. [Clause 14] A connector as described in Clause 13, wherein the length of the structural member is shorter than the length of the conduit, such that the adapter device extends into the inlet and / or outlet without being obstructed by the structural member. [Clause 15] An ostomy appliance as described in Clause 13 or 14, wherein the conduit is formed from a suitable flexible material to allow insertion of an adapter device at the inlet and / or outlet, preferably the material of the conduit seals against the adapter device and inhibits seepage of liquid between the conduit and the adapter device. [Clause 16] An ostomy collection system comprising an ostomy appliance, a further collection device, and a connection mechanism, the ostomy appliance comprising: an adhesive member for attachment around the user's stoma; a collection volume for storing waste; an outlet for waste to exit said collection volume; and having The further collection device comprises: an inlet connected to the containment vessel; 16. An ostomy collection system, wherein the connection mechanism comprises a connector as described in any one of clauses 1 to 15.

[0077] The present invention may also broadly reside in the components, elements, steps, examples, and / or features referred to or shown herein, either individually, or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more of said components, 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 described herein.

[0078] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, the appended claims are not intended to be limited to only those embodiments, and the claims should be construed literally, literal, and / or to encompass equivalents.

[0079] Representative features are described in the following clauses, which may be combined, alone or in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of this specification.

Claims

1. A connector for connection to an ostomy appliance, a conduit having an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal passageway through which waste from the ostomy appliance can flow; a structural member including a filament extending along the passageway and a bridging formation extending radially across the increased width of the passageway; Including the connector.

2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the bridge formation is formed from a length of shaped filament.

3. The connector of claim 2 , wherein the shaped filaments are formed into wavy formations.

4. The connector of claim 3 , wherein the shaped filament has multiple bends formed therein.

5. The connector of claim 4 , wherein the shaped filament is centered about an axis along the filament.

6. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the bridge formations are formed generally in a single plane.

7. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the bridge formation extends axially along the passageway.

8. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the structural member further includes a second bridge formation.

9. The connector of claim 8 , wherein the bridge formation and the second bridge formation are spaced apart from each other and disposed on opposite ends of the conduit.

10. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the bridge formation extends across at least 80% of the diameter of the passage and less than 105% of the diameter of the passage.

11. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the structural member has a temperature of permanent deformation that is lower than a temperature of permanent deformation of the conduit.

12. 1. A method of manufacturing a connector for connection to an ostomy appliance, comprising: The connector includes a conduit having an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal passageway through which waste from the ostomy appliance is permitted to flow, and a structural member extending along a length of the passageway; The method comprises: using a forming tool to simultaneously form the conduit and a portion of the structural member such that the conduit and the structural member form a second shape that conforms to the contour of the forming tool; removing the forming tool from the conduit and the portion of the structural member, wherein the structural member maintains a second shape; A method comprising:

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein applying a forming tool to the portion of the conduit and structural member includes applying pressure to the portion.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein applying a forming tool to the portion of the conduit and structural member includes applying heat to the portion.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein applying heat comprises heating the portion to a temperature above a temperature of permanent deformation of the structural member but below a temperature of permanent deformation of the conduit.

16. The method of claim 12 including inserting the structural member into the passage of the conduit.

17. The method of claim 12 , including the step of severing the conduit and structural member, severing both the conduit and structural member in a single action.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cutting step occurs simultaneously with or after using the shaping tool.

19. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising inserting an adapter into one end of the conduit that provides a connector for direct connection to an outlet of an ostomy appliance or a medical waste container.

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