Ostomy appliances

Abstract

The ostomy appliance 10 includes an interior collection volume defined by a first wall 12 and a second wall 14 connected together about a periphery, a stoma receiving opening 16 defined in the first wall 12, a comfort layer 30 positioned adjacent the second wall 14 and attached to the periphery, an outlet portion 20 including a valve 20 having an outlet, the valve 20 having a closed state in which waste material is prevented or inhibited from exiting through the outlet and an open state in which waste material is permitted to exit through the outlet, and a support panel 40 extending across the first wall 12 or the second wall 14 to provide an opening 42, the outlet portion 20 having a stored position in which the valve 22 is received in the opening 42.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to an ostomy appliance.

[0002] Ostomy appliances are well known in the art. They are typically attached to a user via an adhesive member that extends around the user's stoma, which has an adhesive, and provide a collection volume to collect waste exiting the stoma. A mechanism for draining the collection volume is often provided. Typically these are in the form of a tap, allowing the user to remove and empty the waste collected in the collection volume without having to remove and discard the entire appliance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ostomy appliance, comprising: an interior collection volume defined by a first wall and a second wall connected together about a periphery; a stoma receiving opening defined in the first wall; a comfort layer positioned adjacent to the second wall; and an outlet portion including a valve having an outlet, the valve having a closed state in which waste material is prevented or inhibited from exiting through the outlet, and an open state in which waste material is permitted to exit through the outlet; a support panel extending across the first wall or the second wall to provide an opening; Including, The outlet portion has a stowed position in which the valve is stowed in the opening.

[0004] The comfort layer may be attached around the periphery. The support panel may extend across the second wall. The comfort layer extends over the support panel.

[0005] The support panels may be attached at a location spaced from the periphery. The support panels may be attached across an area extending from the periphery so as to be adjacent to the opening (or adjacent to but spaced from the periphery). The support panels may be attached on either side of the opening (i.e., to the same wall of the brace and to the left and right of an axis passing through the opening). This attachment may define the lateral extent of the opening. The support panels may be attached along a apex above the opening, forming a housing extending upwardly from the opening.

[0006] The support panel may extend around four surfaces of the outlet portion when in the stowed position (which may be formed from a panel extending around and over the outlet portion and an adjacent wall, which may be the second wall defining the interior collection volume).

[0007] The support panel may include or be attached to an extension portion. The extension portion may extend toward a bottom of the comfort layer. The comfort layer may be connected to the support panel or to the extension portion.

[0008] The outlet portion may include an engagement formation. The engagement formation is present for engaging with a corresponding formation to hold the outlet portion in the retracted position. The engagement formation may be formed or provided on a first wall side of the outlet portion. The corresponding formation may be formed or provided on the support panel. Alternatively, the corresponding formation may be formed or provided on the extension portion. The engagement formation and the corresponding formation may have respective hook and loop fasteners.

[0009] The support panel may be more rigid than the first and / or second walls (may be made to be formed of a different material than the first and / or second walls and / or may be formed from a thicker layer than the first and / or second walls).

[0010] The lower portion of the comfort layer may be unconnected to the second wall. A second comfort layer may be provided adjacent to the first wall and connected around its periphery.

[0011] The valve may include a closure device. The closure device may be movable between a position blocking the outlet and a second position in which the outlet is open. The closure device may have a blocking member that is inserted into the outlet when the valve is in its closed position. The ostomy appliance may be a urostomy appliance / pouch / bag or an ileostomy appliance / bag / pouch. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] 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:

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ostomy appliance. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the ostomy appliance. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ostomy appliance. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the ostomy appliance. [Diagram 5] 1 shows an exploded cross-sectional side view of a layer arrangement in an ostomy appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] With reference to the drawings, an ostomy appliance 10 (or appliance 10 (also known as a pouch or bag)) is shown. The ostomy appliance 10 includes a first wall 12, a second wall 14, and a comfort layer 30. The first wall 12 and the second wall 14 are connected together around a periphery to define an interior collection volume. In the illustrated example, the first wall 12 resides on the "body" side of the appliance 10 (i.e., closer to the body than the interior collection volume when the appliance 10 is in use) and the second wall 14 resides on the "non-body" side of the appliance 10 (i.e., furthest from the body than the interior collection volume when the appliance 10 is in use).

[0015] A stoma receiving opening 16 is defined in the first wall 12. The stoma receiving opening 16 is fluidly connected to the interior collection volume such that, in use, waste that enters the appliance through the stoma receiving opening flows into the collection volume. In some embodiments, an adhesive member 18 (shown in FIG. 5) is attached to the first wall 12 and extends around the stoma receiving opening 16. The adhesive member 18 allows a user of the appliance 10 to attach the appliance 10 to the abdomen around the stoma.

[0016] The comfort layer 30 is positioned adjacent to the second wall 14 and is also attached around the periphery. In other words, the comfort layer 30 is attached around the same seam / location where the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 are connected. The comfort layer 30 is also present on the “non-body” side of the brace 10.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lower portion of the comfort layer 30 is not connected to the second wall 14. In other words, the comfort layer 30 extends and is attached around most of the periphery of the second wall 14. However, at the bottom (where the outlet portion 20 is located), the comfort layer 30 remains unattached / provides an opening for accessing the second wall 14.

[0018] In some embodiments, the comfort layer 30 is provided by two sheets of material that provide the front surface of the appliance 10. An upper sheet 30a is connected to the periphery in an arc across the top of the appliance 10, and a lower sheet 30b is connected to the periphery on each side of the appliance 10. The upper and lower sheets 30a and 30b overlap. This overlap is generally horizontal and aligned with the stoma receiving opening 16. As a result, the user can move the sheets 30a, 30b apart to view the interior of the appliance 10 as desired.

[0019] In some embodiments, the brace 10 further includes a second comfort layer 32 adjacent the first wall 12 (see FIG. 5). The second comfort layer 32 is connected around the periphery (in this example around the entire periphery) and is positioned against the body in use.

[0020] The appliance 10 also includes a support panel 40 and an outlet portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the support panel 40 extends across the second wall 14 (although it should be noted that in some embodiments, the support panel 40 extends across the first wall 12). The support panel 40 provides an opening 42.

[0021] It should be understood that the comfort layer may cover one side of the brace 10 or both sides of the brace 10. The comfort layer may be attached to the periphery of the brace 10 or may form a complete cover within which the brace 10 is placed. It covers the support panel 40 to enhance the usability and appearance of the brace 10.

[0022] In some embodiments, the support panel 40 is attached at a location spaced from the periphery (in the example shown, the support panel 40 is attached to the second wall 14, but it will be appreciated that it may be attached to the first wall 12 if it extends across the first wall 12). In other words, the support panel 40 is attached to the second wall 14 between the outer edges / comfort layers 30 of the walls 12, 14 and the opening 42.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support panels 40 are attached to either side of the opening 42. In other words, the brace 10 has a central longitudinal axis, and the support panels 40 are attached to the second wall 14 on either side of that axis (with the opening 42 therebetween, in this example generally central with respect to that axis).

[0024] In some embodiments, the support panel 40 is also attached along the top (i.e., above the opening 42). This allows the support panel 40 to form a housing 44 that extends upwardly from the opening. In other words, the housing 44 is attached to the second wall 14 on three sides of the opening 42 providing an open fourth side (which receives the outlet portion 20).

[0025] In some embodiments, the support panel 40 is welded to the second wall 14. The weld extends around the opening 42 and / or around the periphery and / or around the outlet portion 20.

[0026] In some embodiments, the support panel 40 is attached across an area of ​​the second wall 14 (rather than just a thin weld line or thin adhesive area). This area may extend from the periphery to adjacent the opening 42 on one or both sides of the opening 42. A second area may extend from below the opening 42 toward the outlet portion 20. A third area may extend across one side of the outlet portion 20.

[0027] In this example, the support panel 40 is attached (e.g., using welding or adhesives, etc.) only to the second wall 14 and there is no through connection with the first wall 12 (i.e., neither wall 12, 14 is attached together, for example, when attaching the support panel 40 to the second wall 14). In other words, the support panel 40 only interacts with / is only attached to one wall (the second wall 14 or the first wall 12).

[0028] In some embodiments, the support panel 40 extends across the entire bottom of the second wall 14 and over the valve 22 / outlet portion 20 (as described above with respect to areas that may be bonded to the wall 14). In some embodiments, the support panel 40 is more rigid than the first wall 12 and / or the second wall 14 (as well as the comfort layer 30). In other words, the support panel 40 is flexible but more massive (i.e., made from a non-flexible / massive material) than the membrane walls (i.e., the flexible and very thin material that forms the walls 12, 14 of the brace 10). This is achieved simply by using a material that is thicker than the membranes of the first wall 12 and second wall 14.

[0029] In some embodiments, the support panel 40 includes or is attached to an extension portion 46. In the illustrated example, the extension portion 46 extends downward / towards the bottom of the comfort layer / towards the end 22a of the valve 22 (when the outlet portion 20 is in its unstowed / in-use position).

[0030] In some embodiments, the support panel 40 is connected to the comfort layer 30 (i.e., the outer surface of the support panel 40 is attached to the inner surface of the comfort layer 30). Alternatively, the extension portion 46 is connected to the comfort layer 30 (again, the attachment is between the outer surface of the extension portion 46 and the interior of the comfort layer 30). This connection may be permanent (e.g., a weld, adhesive, or similar mechanism for attaching materials together) or may be removable (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, gecko tape, etc.).

[0031] The outlet portion 20 includes a valve 22 having an outlet. The valve 22 has a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, waste material is prevented (or at least inhibited) from exiting through the outlet. In the open state, waste material is permitted to exit through the outlet.

[0032] The outlet portion 20 has a stowed position (see Figures 3 and 4) in which the valve 22 is received in the opening 42. In the illustrated example, the outlet portion 20 moves to its stowed position by folding upward / towards the stoma receiving opening. In some embodiments, the facing material may be creased, wrinkled or scored, i.e., a crease / score / score line may be provided across a portion of the support panel 40 to facilitate folding the outlet portion 20 into the stowed position in an ideal position.

[0033] In the stored position, one end of the valve 22 is located within an opening 42 provided by the support panel 40. To reach this position, the valve 22 is folded towards / away from the body such that the support panel 40 holds the outlet portion 20 (and valve 22) in a fixed position / against the second wall 14 when the interior collection volume fills with waste during use.

[0034] As mentioned above, the support panel 40 provides a housing 44. The valve 22 has an end 22a, a first and second side 22b, a front surface 22c, and a rear surface 22d. That is, when the outlet portion 20 is in its stored position in the housing 44, the housing 44 extends around the four surfaces of the valve 22 (i.e., the end 22a, the first and second sides 22b, and the rear surface 22d). The front surface 22c is aligned with the second wall 14. In other words, the support panel 40 is connected to the walls 12, 14 and provides a pocket in which the outlet valve can be stored. When the appliance 10 is being emptied, the valve 22 is removed from the pocket and opened to allow waste to flow out of the appliance 10. Then, once used, the valve 22 is stored again in the pocket.

[0035] It should be understood that when the support panel is attached to the first wall, the outlet portion 20 is folded back towards the body for storage as described above. In this case, the housing extends around one end 22a, the first side and the second side 22b, and the front 22c and rear 22d sides are aligned with the first wall 12 or the second comfort layer 32.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outlet portion 20 includes an engagement formation 50 that engages with a corresponding formation 52 to hold the outlet portion 20 in the stowed position. In the illustrated example, the engagement formation 50 is formed on a first wall side of the outlet portion 20. The corresponding formation 52 is provided on the extension portion 46. In other words, the engagement formation 50 is provided on the back surface 22d of the valve 20. The corresponding formation 52 is provided on an inner surface of the extension portion 46. That is, when the outlet portion 20 is folded into its stowed position, the two formations 50, 52 come into easy contact to provide an additional mechanism to hold the outlet portion 20 in a fixed position.

[0037] It should be understood that the corresponding formations 52 may be present on the support panel 40 (and potentially on the inside of the housing 44) rather than on the extension portion 46. Additionally, the engagement formations may be provided on the front surface 22d of the valve 22 while corresponding formations are present on the second wall 14 (or support panel 40).

[0038] In this embodiment, the engagement formation 50 and the corresponding formation 52 include respective hook-and-loop fasteners (although this need not be the case and different removable connection mechanisms may be used to hold the outlet portion 20 in the stowed position).

[0039] In some embodiments, the valve 22 includes a closure device 24 that is movable between a position blocking the outlet and a second position in which the outlet is open. This may involve the closure device 24 having a blocking member that is inserted into the outlet when the valve 22 is in its closed state (and the blocking member is removed from the outlet when the valve 22 is in its open state).

[0040] This embodiment of the present invention is advantageous because the outlet portion 20 (and thus the valve 22) is retained by the support panel 40. In particular, when the brace 10 is in use, the outlet portion 20 is retained against the second wall 14, providing a smooth profile for the user (e.g., no or reduced bulging under clothing). In particular, the comfort layer 30 covers the outlet portion 20 and the second wall 14, thereby hiding the outlet portion 20 from view and providing a smooth profile.

[0041] Importantly, the appliance 10 is particularly suitable for urostomies or ileostomies. In a urostomy, the waste discharged by the stoma is primarily liquid (e.g., urine or urine / mucous mixture) and has a relatively low viscosity (compared to, e.g., solid waste from an ostomy), which means that the waste "flows" like water or a low-viscosity substance. That is, the valve 22 needs to close well enough to prevent liquid leakage. Other ostomy appliances that only have an opening at the outlet that relies on multiple folds / rolling of the outlet to close are not suitable for urostomies / ileostomies (i.e., liquid waste) because the outlet does not seal / close well enough to stop leakage.

[0042] However, urostomy valves need to be bulkier (to provide a liquid seal) than their soft closure counterparts, which means that they are difficult to make invisible, for example under clothing. The present invention aims to improve the silhouette of such appliances 10 and thus the user experience of people who need to use such appliances 10.

[0043] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprises" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. These terms should not be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0044] The present invention may also broadly reside in the components, elements, steps, examples, and / or features referred to or shown herein, 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.

[0045] Protection may be sought for any feature disclosed in one or more of the publications referenced herein in connection with this disclosure.

[0046] 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.

Claims

1. An ostomy appliance, an interior collection volume defined by a first wall and a second wall connected together around a periphery; a stoma-receiving opening defined in the first wall; a comfort layer positioned adjacent the first wall or the second wall; an outlet portion including a valve having an outlet, the valve having a closed state in which waste material is prevented or inhibited from exiting through the outlet, and an open state in which waste material is permitted to exit through the outlet; a support panel extending across the same first and second walls as the comfort layer to provide an opening; Including, The outlet portion has a storage position in which the valve is stored in the opening.

2. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the support panel extends across the second wall.

3. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the support panel is attached at a location spaced from the periphery.

4. The ostomy appliance of claim 3 , wherein the support panel is attached across an area extending from the periphery adjacent the opening.

5. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the support panels are attached to both sides of the opening.

6. The ostomy appliance of claim 5, wherein the support panel is attached along a ridge above the opening to form a housing extending upwardly from the opening.

7. 10. The ostomy appliance of claim 1, wherein the support panel extends around four surfaces of the outlet portion when the outlet portion is in its stowed position.

8. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the support panel includes an extension portion.

9. The ostomy appliance of claim 8 , wherein the extension portion extends toward the bottom of the comfort layer.

10. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the comfort layer is connected to the support panel.

11. An ostomy appliance as described in claim 8, wherein the comfort layer is connected to the extension portion.

12. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the outlet portion includes an engagement formation that engages a corresponding formation when the outlet portion is in the retracted position.

13. The ostomy appliance of claim 12, wherein the engagement formation is formed on a first wall side of the outlet portion and the corresponding formation is provided on the support panel.

14. The outlet portion includes an engaging formation that engages with a corresponding formation when the outlet portion is in the storage position; The ostomy appliance of claim 8 , wherein the corresponding formation is provided on the extension portion.

15. The ostomy appliance of claim 12, wherein the engaging formation and the corresponding formation include respective hook-and-loop fasteners.

16. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the support panel is more rigid than the first wall and / or the second wall.

17. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein a lower portion of the comfort layer is not connected to the second wall.

18. 10. The ostomy appliance of claim 1, further comprising a second comfort layer adjacent to the first wall and connected around the periphery.

19. 10. The ostomy appliance of claim 1, wherein the valve includes a closure device movable between a position blocking the outlet and a second position in which the outlet is open.

20. 20. The ostomy appliance of claim 19, wherein the closure device includes a blocking member that is inserted into the outlet when the valve is in its closed state.

21. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the ostomy appliance is a urostomy appliance.

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