Stoma appliance

Abstract

According to this disclosure, a stoma appliance is provided for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma, comprising a main body including a stoma opening, a waste storage portion, and a first engaging portion, and a removable cover member including a second engaging portion, wherein the cover member is detachably engaged with the main body by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and is configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stoma appliance (ostomy device).

Background Art

[0002] Stoma appliances are widely known as medical devices for users having a stoma. Generally, a stoma appliance comprises an opening for receiving excrement discharged from the stoma, and an adhesive member that is adhesively attached to the user's body and holds the stoma appliance in a predetermined position. Excrement discharged from the stoma is stored in a stoma bag (excrement storage portion) defined by bonding two flexible wall sections to each other. In many cases, the pouch is provided with a discharge valve, allowing the user to discharge excrement accumulated in the stoma bag without removing and discarding the stoma bag from the stoma appliance.

[0003] In many cases, stoma appliances are integrated with a cover layer that is permanently attached during manufacturing. However, not all users desire that a stoma appliance is provided with a cover layer.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to improve one or more problems related to the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stoma appliance for receiving and storing excrement discharged from a stoma, comprising: a main body portion including a stoma opening, an excrement storage portion, and a first engagement portion; and a detachable cover member including a second engagement portion, wherein the cover member is detachably engaged with the main body portion by engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, and is configured to cover at least a part of a front surface of the main body portion.

[0006] One of the first and second engaging portions forms a receiving portion, and the other forms an insertion portion. The insertion portion has an upper connecting region and a free end extending downward from the upper connecting region, the free end being configured to be insertable into the receiving portion. The insertion portion may have a substantially trapezoidal shape that narrows towards the free end.

[0007] The upper coupling region is coupled to the cover member. The cover member has a front surface that faces away from the user's body during use and a rear surface that faces the user's body during use, and the upper coupling region is coupled to the rear surface of the cover member. The upper coupling region extends in the width direction of the cover member, and optionally extends upward to the upper end of the cover member.

[0008] The receiving portion provides a pocket, preferably formed to a size that can tightly receive the insert. The pocket has an upper opening for receiving the insert. Optionally, the pocket further has a lower opening for draining any liquid accumulated within the pocket.

[0009] The receiving portion further includes a foldable layer provided at the upper opening. The foldable layer has a free edge, which is located inside or outside the pocket and provides assistance for opening the pocket. The foldable layer forms a tubular portion extending in the width direction of the upper opening.

[0010] The receiving portion is provided on the main body. The main body has a side opposite to the user's body during use and a side facing the user's body during use, and the receiving portion is provided on the side opposite to the user's body.

[0011] The first engaging portion is a receiving portion, and the second engaging portion is an insertion portion.

[0012] The main body includes a discharge section, which can be in a closed state that holds excrement in the excrement storage section, and an open state that allows excrement to be discharged from the discharge section. The main body includes an adhesive member for attaching the main body to the user's body. Alternatively, the main body includes a coupling mechanism for connecting the main body to an adhesive member other than the adhesive member.

[0013] The cover member further includes a loop portion that extends around the lower part of the main body when engaged with the main body. The cover member further includes a fixing area for fixing the cover member to the adhesive member or for fixing the cover member directly to the user's body. The fixing area includes a fastener that can engage with a fastener provided on the adhesive member. Optionally, the fasteners of the fixing area and the fasteners of the adhesive member are hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0014] The main body has a first wall and a second wall, and the first and second walls are joined to each other at their peripheries to form a waste storage section. The first engaging section is formed by a film layer. In other words, the first and second walls are made of the same or similar material.

[0015] The second engaging portion is a stoma appliance having a reinforcing portion.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a cover member is provided which is configured to be engageable with the main body of a stoma appliance having one or more of the features outlined in the first aspect described above.

[0017] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a stoma appliance for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma, comprising: a first wall portion and a second wall portion connected to each other and defining a waste storage portion; an intermediate wall portion provided on the inside of the waste storage portion; an outer wall portion provided on the outside of the waste storage portion; an outer connecting region extending along the periphery of the first wall portion and the second wall portion and connecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion to each other; and an inner connecting region connecting the outer wall portion, the intermediate wall portion and the first wall portion to each other.

[0018] The inner joint region is formed to constitute a check valve mechanism between the intermediate wall and the first wall. The intermediate wall extends from the upper part of the first wall and / or the second wall, below the upper part of the outer wall. The inner joint region extends inward from both sides of the width of the first wall toward the central longitudinal axis of the first wall. The inner joint region extends downward beyond the lower edge of the intermediate wall, forming a flow path between the lower edge of the intermediate wall and the first wall. The inner joint region connects the outer wall, the intermediate wall, and the first wall to each other at the upper part of the outer wall. The inner joint region has an additional joint. Optionally, the additional joint is located approximately in the center of the first wall. Optionally, the additional joint is a single welding point.

[0019] The outer wall portion provides a first engaging portion for receiving a second engaging portion provided on a removable cover member. The first engaging portion provides a receiving portion formed by at least a portion of the inner mounting area. The first engaging portion has a drainage slit.

[0020] The ostomy appliance of this disclosure further includes a gas permeable filter. Optionally, the gas permeable filter is positioned on the upper part of the first wall.

[0021] The intermediate wall is joined to the upper part of the second wall. Optionally, the second wall has a stoma opening below the joint between the intermediate wall and the second wall.

[0022] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a stoma appliance for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma, comprising: a main body including a stoma opening, a waste storage section, and a receiving section; and a removable cover member that is received in the receiving section of the main body and is configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the main body.

[0023] The receiving portion comprises a mesh material. The receiving portion includes a pocket extending in the width direction on the side opposite to the body of the main body portion. The cover member is received in the pocket and covers substantially the entire front surface of the main body portion.

[0024] The receiving portion forms a translucent layer that conceals excreta stored in the excreta storage portion. The first wall portion and the second wall portion form a main body portion in the meaning defined in one or more claims (or clauses) described later.

[0025] It should be noted that one or more of any features of any aspect of the present invention may be combined. Specifically, the first wall and the second wall of the third aspect may form a main body portion in the meaning outlined in any of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a more readily understanding of the present disclosure, preferred embodiments will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] [Figure 1] Figure 1a is a rear view of a cover member of a stoma appliance according to the present disclosure, and Figure 1b is a side / cross-sectional view of the cover member. [Figure 2] Figure 2a is a front view of a main body portion of a stoma appliance according to the present disclosure, and Figure 2b is a side / cross-sectional view of the main body portion. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side / cross-sectional view of a stoma appliance according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a rear view of a cover member of a stoma appliance according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view of a cover member of a stoma appliance according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6a is a front view of a main body portion of a stoma appliance according to the present disclosure, and Figure 6b is a side / cross-sectional view of the main body portion. [Figure 7] Figure 7a is a front view of a main body portion of a stoma appliance according to the present disclosure, and Figure 7b is a side / cross-sectional view of the main body portion. [Figure 8]Figure 8a is a front view of the main body of the ostomy appliance of this disclosure, and Figure 8b is a side / cross-sectional view of the main body. [Figure 9] Figure 9a is a front view of the main body of the ostomy appliance of this disclosure, and Figure 9b is a side / cross-sectional view of the main body. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side / cross-sectional view of the main body of the ostomy appliance of this disclosure, showing an additional function for the use of the user's fingers. [Figure 11] Figure 11a is a front view of the main body of the ostomy appliance of this disclosure, and Figure 11b is a side view of the main body. [Figure 12] Figures 12a and 12b are front views of another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a stoma appliance for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma is shown. The stoma appliance of this disclosure comprises a main body 10 and a cover member 30.

[0029] The main body 10 includes a stoma opening 12, a waste storage section 14, and a first engagement section. In one embodiment, the main body 10 has a first wall 16 and a second wall 18, the first wall 16 and the second wall 18 joined to each other at their peripheries to form the waste storage section 14. In the illustrated example, the first wall 16 is made of a film layer and the second wall 18 is made of a plastic layer. Note that an intermediate layer (intermediate wall) may be provided inside the waste storage section 14 (this intermediate layer allows gas to be guided through a different path from the path through which liquid and solid waste is guided). The waste storage section 14 is always defined by a wall (or two or more walls joined to each other) surrounding its outer periphery, forming a pouch / bag that contains waste until the stoma appliance is emptied or discarded.

[0030] In this embodiment, the main body 10 has a side facing away from the user's body when in use (in the illustrated example, the side facing away from the user's body is the first wall portion 16). The main body 10 also has a side facing the user's body when in use (in the illustrated example, the side facing the user's body is the second wall portion 18).

[0031] In some embodiments, the main body 10 includes an adhesive member 20 for attaching the main body 10 to the user's body. The adhesive member 20 has a stoma opening 12, and the main body 10 is attached to the abdominal region around the user's stoma with the stoma opening 12 aligned with the stoma (this connects the exit of the user's stoma to the waste collection section 14 for fluid communication). The adhesive member 20 may be a hydrophilic colloidal wafer or similar known in the field of stoma appliances.

[0032] Instead of the adhesive member 20, the main body 10 may include a coupling mechanism provided around the stoma opening 12. This coupling mechanism can be coupled to an adhesive member other than the adhesive member 20 (hereinafter referred to as the mounting member to distinguish it from the adhesive member 20). The mounting member is provided separately from the main body 10 (and the excrement storage section 14) and can be attached to the user's body by adhesive or other means. After attaching the mounting member to a predetermined position on the user's body, the main body 10 can be coupled to the mounting member via the coupling mechanism provided on the main body 10 (it should be understood that the mounting member may be coupled to the main body 10 via the coupling mechanism before attaching it to the user's body). In either case, the main body 10 can be attached to and detached from the mounting member attached to the user's body. This makes it possible to replace the main body 10 more frequently compared to when using the adhesive member 20.

[0033] In some embodiments, the main body 10 includes a discharge section (not shown) that can be in a closed state and an open state. The discharge section of the main body 10 can be selectively opened and closed as desired. When the discharge section of the main body 10 is in the closed state, the waste storage section 14 is closed, and the waste is stored in the waste storage section 14 of the main body 10. When the discharge section of the main body 10 is in the open state, a discharge path is formed between the waste storage section 14 and the outside of the main body 10. This allows the waste stored in the waste storage section 14 of the main body 10 to be discharged from the discharge section of the main body 10 to the outside of the main body 10.

[0034] In one embodiment, the discharge section of the main body 10 can be made up of an elongated neck-shaped component that can be folded and unfolded. When closing the discharge path between the waste storage section 14 and the outside of the main body 10, the elongated neck is folded multiple times, and when opening the discharge path between the waste storage section 14 and the outside of the main body 10, the elongated neck is unfolded. In another embodiment, the discharge section can be made up of a valve component including a stopper or closing mechanism that can selectively open and close the waste storage section 14.

[0035] The cover member 30 engages with the main body 10 and is configured to cover at least a portion of the main body 10. In other words, when in use, the cover member 30 can cover at least a portion of the front surface of the main body 10 (i.e., the front surface of the first wall 16, i.e., the side of the main body 10 opposite the body). Note that the cover member 30 is detachable from the main body 10. That is, the cover member 30 can be attached to the main body and removed from the main body 10 (as desired by the user operating and using the ostomy appliance). It should be understood that this detachable cover member 30 can be attached to and removed from the main body 10 multiple times (i.e., as many times as desired by the user).

[0036] The cover member 30 includes a second engaging portion. The cover member 30 can be engaged with the main body 10 by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

[0037] The first and second engaging portions will be described in detail below. In some embodiments, one of the first and second engaging portions forms a receiving portion 50, and the other forms an insertion portion 70. In the illustrated example, the first engaging portion of the main body 10 forms the receiving portion 50, and the second engaging portion of the cover member 30 forms the insertion portion 70. The cover member 30 can be detachably engaged with the main body 10 by the first engaging portion (receiving portion 50) receiving all or part of the second engaging portion (insertion portion 70).

[0038] In some embodiments (see Figures 2a and 2b), the receiving portion 50 provides a pocket 52. Ideally, the pocket 52 is sized to tightly receive the insertion portion 70 (or at least a part thereof). "Tightly receiving" means that the insertion portion 70 fits snugly, and that when the pocket 52 and the insertion portion 70 are fitted / engaged, there is minimal (lateral) movement between them (the insertion portion 70 can be pulled upward if desired). As shown in the illustrated example, the receiving portion 50 is provided on the first wall portion 16 of the main body portion 10 (i.e., the receiving portion 50 is provided on the side opposite the body portion 10). That is, the pocket 52 has an opening at its top and its sides / bottom is closed, thereby forming a receiving portion 50 for receiving the insertion portion 70 of the cover member 30.

[0039] In this embodiment, the receiving portion 50 is formed by a material layer (for example, the same or similar material as the material forming the main body portion 10) that extends in the width direction of a portion of the main body portion 10. As shown in Figure 2a, this material layer extends in the width direction of the main body portion 10, and the periphery of the material layer is bonded to the first wall portion 16 (this bonding process may be included in a manufacturing process that bonds the first wall portion 16 and the second wall portion 18 to each other). The pocket 52 is formed by this material layer extending in the width direction of the main body portion 10. That is, the pocket 52 is defined between this material layer and the first wall portion 16, and the size of the pocket 52 is determined by one or more bonding points between this material layer and the first wall portion 16.

[0040] In some embodiments (see, for example, Figures 2a, 6a, 7a, 8a, and 9a), the pocket 52 has a pair of connecting portions 52c to the main body 10. The pair of connecting portions 52c are spaced apart from each other so that the pocket 52 is formed between them (essentially, the pair of connecting portions 52c define the sides of the pocket 52). The pair of connecting portions 52c can be formed by welding or bonding the material layer forming the pocket 52 to the first wall portion 16 of the main body 10. In the illustrated example, the pair of connecting portions 52c are substantially linear and spaced apart from each other. As shown, the pair of connecting portions 52c taper slightly inward toward the lower end of the pocket 52. This allows the insertion portion 70 to be easily positioned in the correct location (details will be discussed later). It should be noted that the pair of connecting portions 52c may, if desired, be substantially parallel to each other or taper inward toward the upper end of the pocket 52.

[0041] In some embodiments, the pocket 52 has an upper opening 52a (see, for example, all figures showing a side view of the main body 10). The upper opening 52a of the pocket 52 can receive the insertion portion 70 (see Figure 3). As shown in the illustrated example, the upper opening 52a of the pocket 52 extends in the width direction of the main body 10. The upper opening 52a of the pocket 52 is substantially aligned with a horizontal axis that crosses the main body 10 and / or generally traverses a vertical axis that extends from the top to the bottom of the center of the main body 10.

[0042] In some embodiments, the pocket 52 has a lower opening 52b (see Figure 2b). This lower opening 52b allows for the drainage of liquid accumulated in the pocket 52 (for example, water may accumulate in the pocket 52 when a user takes a shower or swims, but this water can be drained from the pocket 52 through the lower opening 52b).

[0043] In another embodiment, the receiving portion 50 is connected to the first wall portion 16 at the lower end of the pocket 52 by a lower end coupling portion 54 (see, for example, Figures 6a and 6b). In such an embodiment, the pocket 52 is connected to the main body portion 10 at its lower end. As shown, the lower end coupling portion 54 is provided at the lower end of the pocket 52. Providing the lower end coupling portion 54 is advantageous because it improves the structural stability of the main body portion 10, thereby ensuring that the receiving portion 50 securely holds the insertion portion 70. In some embodiments, a drainage function can be provided by providing another (small) opening at the lower end of the pocket 52 (for example, this is advantageous when water accumulates in the pocket 52 after the user takes a shower, swims, or gets caught in the rain).

[0044] In some embodiments (see, for example, Figures 7a to 9b), the receiving portion 50 has a folded layer 56 at the upper opening 52a. That is, the upper part of the receiving portion 50 is provided with a double layer of material (this improves the structural stability of the pocket 52, making it less likely to deform from its intended shape). If the receiving portion 50 is formed from a plastic / film layer of the same material as the first wall portion 16, the receiving portion 50 will be thin, so it should be understood that providing the additional layer of the folded layer 56 provides stronger support and / or structure than in the case of a single layer.

[0045] In some embodiments, the folded layer 56 has a free edge 58. In some embodiments (see, for example, Figure 7b), the free edge 58 is located inside the pocket 52. In such embodiments, the folded layer 56 can form a tubular portion 60 (an example of which is shown in Figure 8b). The tubular portion 60 extends in the width direction of the upper opening 52a and forms a double layer of material on top of the pocket 52. The tubular portion 60 can naturally push the top of the pocket 52 outward, which facilitates pushing the insertion portion 70 into the upper opening 52a.

[0046] In another embodiment, the free edge 58 is located on the outside of the pocket 52 (see Figures 9b and 10). In such an embodiment, the free edge 58 functions as an aid to opening the pocket 52. Figure 10 shows how the free edge 58 provides a function to assist the user in opening the pocket 52. As shown, the user can insert their fingertips under the free edge 58 and use their fingertips as a lever to open the pocket 52.

[0047] Next, the cover member 30 and the second engaging portion (insertion portion 70) will be described. Basically, the insertion portion 70 is configured to be insertable into the receiving portion 50. By inserting the insertion portion 70 into the receiving portion 50, the cover member 30 is supported at a predetermined relative position to the main body portion 10 (i.e., the front position of the main body portion 10, which acts as the outer layer of the ostomy appliance).

[0048] Similar to the main body 10, the cover member 30 has a body-side surface that faces the user / main body 10 during use and a non-body-side surface that faces the opposite side of the user / main body 10 during use. That is, the cover member 30 has a front surface 32 that faces the opposite side of the user during use and a rear surface 34 to which the upper coupling region 72 is coupled (this rear surface 34 faces the main body 10 during use). As shown in the figure, the insertion portion 70 is provided on the rear surface 34 of the cover member 30.

[0049] In some embodiments, the insertion portion 70 is coupled to the cover member 30 and extends to a free end 74. That is, the insertion portion 70 has an upper coupling region 72 at its upper part. In the illustrated example, the insertion portion 70 extends substantially downward and extends to a free end 74 (see Figures 1a and 1b). Basically, the insertion portion 70 extends downward so as to be inserted into the upper opening 52a of the pocket 52, and the free end 74 of the insertion portion 70 is configured to be insertable into the pocket 52. That is, when the insertion portion 70 is engaged with the pocket 52 (receiving portion 50), the free end 74 of the insertion portion 70 is continuously pushed into the pocket 52, so that the rest of the insertion portion 70 is also received into the pocket 52, thereby providing a stable engagement between the cover member 30 and the main body 10.

[0050] The insertion portion 70 can be formed (or attached) to the cover member 30 in various ways. In some embodiments, the upper coupling region 72 extends in the width direction of the cover member 30 (see Figure 1a). That is, the insertion portion 70 includes a material layer that extends in the width direction of the cover member 30. This material layer may extend over only a portion of the width direction of the cover member 30, or it may extend over the entire width direction of the cover member 30. Three examples are shown in Figures 1a, 4, and 5 (in each figure, hatching indicates the insertion portion 70). As shown in Figure 1a, the upper coupling region 72 extends over the entire width direction of the cover member 30. The upper coupling region 72 extends substantially horizontally in the width direction of the cover member 30 and provides a band portion coupled to the rear surface 34 of the cover member 30.

[0051] In one embodiment, the band portion is welded to the peripheral edge, i.e., the outer peripheral edge 36, of the cover member 30. The band portion may be joined to the rear surface 34 of the cover member 30 by one or more additional welding points (regions) / joining points (regions). That is, the upper joining region 72 is located between two outer regions in the width direction of the cover member 30, or extends substantially across the entire width direction of the cover member 30. A balance is struck between providing structural strength to the joint between the insertion portion 70 and the cover member 30 (as increasing the welding (joining) region tends to increase the rigidity of the cover member 30) and the level / integrity of the joint.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the upper bonding region 72 is provided on the upper part of the cover member 30, extending across the entire width of the cover member 30. In this example, the entire upper bonding region 72 is attached to the material layer constituting the cover member 30 (for example, the rear surface 34), forming a part of the upper outer peripheral edge 36 of the cover member 30. That is, the upper bonding region 72 is welded to the material layer constituting the cover member 30, forming a part of the rear surface 34 of the cover member 30.

[0053] Alternatively, the insertion portion 70 may be formed as an outer layer of the cover member 30, and the upper joining region 72 of the insertion portion 70 may be joined to the outer peripheral edge 36 of the cover member 30. In some embodiments, the cover member 30 is composed of at least two layers (i.e., one layer provides the front surface 32 of the cover member 30, and the other layer provides the rear surface 34 of the cover member 30). These at least two layers are welded / joined together along the outer peripheral edge 36 of the cover member 30 to form the cover member 30. The insertion portion 70 forms part of one of these two layers (i.e., the rear surface 34). Note that the insertion portion 70 can be formed by cutting a slit in the rear layer covering the rear surface 34 of the cover member 30. That is, the rear layer can be welded along the entire circumference of the periphery of the cover member 30, and the rear layer can be cut into a desired shape to form a free end 74 used for insertion into the pocket 52.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the upper coupling region 72 is provided on the upper part of the first engaging portion (insertion portion 70). In this example, the insertion portion 70 is attached to the upper part of the rear surface 34 of the cover member 30. The upper coupling region 72 extends in the width direction of the cover member 30, and the free end 74 extends downward from the upper coupling region 72.

[0055] It should be understood that the upper connecting region 72 of the insertion portion 70 may be attached to the cover member 30 by a non-permanent attachment method. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 70 can be manufactured from a material that is less easy to clean but provides a structure advantageous to the ostomy appliance during use. This allows the insertion portion 70 to be removed from the cover member 30, and as a result, the remaining part of the cover member 30 can be cleaned. The cover member 30 can also be removed from the main body 10.

[0056] Basically, the cover member 30 has a cover member-side engaging portion on its rear surface 34, which extends spaced apart from the rest of the rear surface 34. This cover member-side engaging portion is configured to engage with a main body-side engaging portion provided on the first wall portion 16, which is the side of the main body portion 10 opposite the body.

[0057] In some embodiments, the free end 74 of the insertion portion 70 is reinforced (compared to the rest of the material layer constituting the cover member 30). This facilitates pushing the free end 74 into the pocket 52. For example, the free end 74 can be reinforced by adding one or more material layers or by adding welding points.

[0058] The free end 74 of the insertion portion 70 can have various shapes. In some embodiments, the free end 74 has a substantially trapezoidal shape (i.e., most of each side is substantially straight and has a pair of substantially parallel sides). In this example, the free end 74 narrows towards its lower end 74a (i.e., the end furthest from the upper coupling region 72). In some embodiments, the free end 74 has a laterally extending projection (not shown). This projection extends outward from the side edge 74b of the free end 74. When the free end 74 is inserted into the pocket 52, the projection is bent inward (i.e., toward the central longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 70), and then, once the free end 74 is inserted into the pocket 52, the projection returns to its original shape. This allows the projection to provide resistance to the cover member 30 detaching from the receiving portion 50 (i.e., it can prevent or reduce the cover member 30 from accidentally detaching). The free end 74 may have a pair of projections extending in opposite directions. In other words, both side edges 74b of the free end 74 may have protruding portions that extend laterally relative to the cover member 30 / insertion portion 70. Instead of the above-mentioned protruding portions, protruding portions that widen towards the lower end 74a of the free end 74 may be provided.

[0059] It should be understood that multiple free ends 74 extending downward from the upper coupling region 72 may be provided. For example, two adjacent free ends may be provided. In such an embodiment, the receiving portion 50 of the main body 10 is provided with two pockets capable of receiving and engaging each of the two free ends. Alternatively, instead of providing two pockets, one large pocket capable of receiving and engaging the two free ends may be provided.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cover member 30 includes a loop portion or bib portion (not shown) that extends around the lower part of the main body 10 when engaged with the main body 10. The loop portion includes a portion of material that extends from one side of the cover member 30 to the other, with openings at its upper and lower parts so that the lower part of the main body 10 passes through the loop portion. Instead of (or in addition to) the loop portion, a bib portion may be provided that extends along the lower periphery of the cover member 30 and has an open-top pocket that accommodates the lower part of the main body 10. In embodiments where a bib portion is provided, it should be understood that a drainage opening may be provided at its lower part (so that water accumulated in the cover member 30 can be drained).

[0061] In some embodiments, the cover member 30 includes a fixing area 78 for fixing the cover member 30 to the adhesive member 20 of the main body 10, or for fixing the cover member 30 directly to the user's body (as shown in Figure 1a). In the illustrated example, the fixing area 78 is coupled to the upper part of the adhesive member 20 of the main body 10, so that the upper part of the main body 10 is covered. In one embodiment, the fixing area 78 includes a fastener portion that can engage with a fastener portion provided on the adhesive member. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing area 78 includes a hook-and-loop fastener (hook-and-loop fastener portion) that can engage with a hook-and-loop fastener (hook-and-loop fastener portion) provided on the adhesive member. (Especially if, for example, it is desirable to fix the cover member 30 directly to the user's skin), it should be understood that the fixing area 78 may include adhesive, skin-friendly adhesive, gecko tape, or other fasteners for fixing the upper part of the cover member 30 in the "use" position.

[0062] The overall structure of the ostomy appliance of this disclosure, as well as the first engaging portion (receiving portion 50) and the second engaging portion (insertion portion 70) provided on the main body portion 10 and the cover member 30, have been described above. It should be understood that the receiving portion 50 and the insertion portion 70 may be provided in various ways. The following description shows examples of various configurations of the ostomy appliance of this disclosure (in particular, other features of the ostomy appliance of this disclosure will be described). However, it should be understood that it is not necessary to follow the specific configuration described below in order to provide the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion described above. In addition, any of the features described for the cover member 30 can be combined with any of the features described for the main body portion 10.

[0063] As described above, the excrement storage portion 14 is defined by the first wall portion 16 and the second wall portion 18 of the main body portion 10. Referring particularly to Figure 11b, the main body portion 10 of the stoma appliance of this disclosure further includes an intermediate wall portion 104, an outer wall portion 106, an outer connecting region 110, and an inner connecting region 112.

[0064] The intermediate wall 104 is located inside the waste storage section 14. In some embodiments, the main body 10 further includes a gas permeable filter 120. In the illustrated example, the gas permeable filter 120 is located in the first wall 16, which is the wall on the side opposite the body (more preferably, the gas permeable filter 120 is located on the upper part of the first wall 16). The intermediate wall 104 has one or more openings (or perforations) that connect the waste storage section 14 and the upper chamber 122. This allows gas present in the waste storage section 14 to be introduced into the upper chamber 122 through the openings in the intermediate wall 104, and then discharged into the atmosphere via the gas permeable filter 120 located in the first wall 16 of the upper chamber 122.

[0065] In other words, the intermediate wall portion 104 functions as a cover over the gas permeable filter 120, preventing the accumulation of waste on the surface of the gas permeable filter 120, and allowing waste gas to be discharged from the waste storage portion 14 (if waste gas is trapped inside the waste storage portion 14, the stoma appliance may swell, becoming noticeable or uncomfortable to use).

[0066] In the illustrated example, the intermediate wall 104 extends from the upper part of one wall (in this case, the second wall 18) to the central part of the other wall (in this case, the first wall 16). As shown in Figure 11b, the intermediate wall 104 is connected to the second wall 18 above the adhesive member 20. Excrement discharged from the user's stoma is introduced into the main body 10 through the stoma opening provided in the adhesive member 20 and flows downward toward the excrement storage section 14. The intermediate wall 104 extends across the interior of the excrement storage section 14 of the main body 10 and is connected to the first wall 16 (the wall on the side opposite the body) below the gas permeable filter 120.

[0067] The outer wall portion 106 is located outside the waste storage portion 14. In other words, the outer wall portion 106 is located outside the first wall portion 16 and the second wall portion 18. In this embodiment, the outer wall portion 106 is located on the front surface of the main body portion 10, i.e., the first wall portion 16.

[0068] The outer wall portion 106 provides a part of the first engaging portion (receiving portion) described above. That is, the outer wall portion 106 provides the first engaging portion of the main body portion 10 for receiving the second engaging portion (insertion portion) of the cover member 30. In other words, the outer wall portion 106 provides the receiving portion 50 of the main body portion 10 into which the insertion portion 70 of the cover member 30 is inserted, in order to engage the cover member 30 with the main body portion 10.

[0069] The outer bonding region 110 extends along the periphery of the first wall portion 16 and the second wall portion 18. In other words, the outer bonding region 110 is a peripheral bonding region that seals the first wall portion 16 and the second wall portion 18 to form the main body portion 10 (typically, this peripheral bonding region is provided by a welded seam). The intermediate wall portion 104 is bonded to the outer bonding region 110 on the upper portion of the main body portion 10. Thus, the intermediate wall portion 104 is fixed to the periphery of the main body portion 10. Furthermore, the outer wall portion 106 is bonded to the outer bonding region 110 to form a layer covering the surface of the first wall portion 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall portion 106 extends over the entire central / lower portion of the main body portion 10. Thus, the outer wall portion 106 forms a portion integral with the main body portion 10.

[0070] The inner connecting region 112 connects the outer wall portion 106, the intermediate wall portion 104, and the first wall portion 16 to each other. In other words, the outer wall portion 106, the intermediate wall portion 104, and the first wall portion 16 are connected via the "front" layer of the bag (main body portion 10), and the waste storage portion 14 is defined between the intermediate wall portion 104 and the second wall portion 18. As shown in Figures 11a and 11b, the lower edge portion 104a of the intermediate wall portion 104 overlaps with the upper portion 106a of the outer wall portion 106. Therefore, in the overlapping region 150, the inner connecting region 112 can connect the outer wall portion 106, the intermediate wall portion 104, and the first wall portion 16 to each other.

[0071] In one embodiment, the inner connecting region 112 extends inward from both sides in the width direction of the main body 10 toward the central vertical axis of the main body 10. As shown in Figure 11a, the inner connecting region 112 has two horizontal regions 112a that extend in the width direction (approximately horizontal direction) of the first wall 16 on both sides of the central vertical axis of the main body 10, two vertical regions 112b that extend downward toward the lower part of the first wall 16 from each end of the two horizontal regions 112a toward the lower part of the first wall 16, and a horizontally extending central region 112c that connects the lower ends of the two vertical regions 112b to each other.

[0072] The vertical region 112b of the inner coupling region 112 extends downward beyond the lower edge 104a of the intermediate wall portion 104. Therefore, the outer wall portion 106 is coupled only to the first wall portion 16 by a portion of the vertical region 112b and the central region 112c. As a result, an opening is formed between the intermediate wall portion 104 and the first wall portion 16 (i.e., between the vertical regions 112b). Thus, the inner coupling region 112 constitutes a check valve mechanism between the intermediate wall portion 104 and the first wall portion 16. That is, the inner coupling region 112 extends downward beyond the lower edge 104a of the intermediate wall portion 104, thereby forming a flow path between the lower edge 104a of the intermediate wall portion 104 and the first wall portion 16.

[0073] Advantageously, the inner coupling region 112, and the coupling of the outer wall portion 106 to the first wall portion 16 by the inner coupling region 112, also enable the formation of a first engagement portion. In other words, the inner coupling region 112 enables the formation of a check valve mechanism and a receiving portion 50. The shapes of regions 112a, 112b, and 112c of the inner coupling region 112 on the outer wall portion 106 allow for the formation of a pocket 52 for the receiving portion 50 (the coupling portion 52c and lower end coupling portion 54 of the pocket 52 are included for reference in Figure 11a to show that the same coupling portion provides two different functions on different layers).

[0074] In some embodiments, a pair of horizontal regions 112a of the inner coupling region 112, extending inward from both sides in the width direction of the main body 10, are located on the upper part 106a of the outer wall 106. Thus, this pair of horizontal regions 112a forms the upper part of the receiving portion 50. That is, the upper opening 52a of the pocket 52 is formed between one horizontal region 112a and the other horizontal region 112a. A pair of vertical regions 112b of the inner coupling region 112 form a pair of coupling portions 52c, which are the sides of the pocket 52, and the flow path for the check valve inside the main body 10. The central region 112c of the inner coupling region 112 forms the bottom of the pocket 52. The lower opening 108 (drain outlet) of the pocket 52 is provided by an additional slit provided at the bottom of the pocket 52.

[0075] In some embodiments, the inner joint region 112 has an additional joint 116. In the illustrated example, the additional joint 116 is located approximately in the center of the first wall 16. In some embodiments, the additional joint 116 is a single welding point (i.e., a spot weld that penetrates the outer wall 106, the first wall 16, and the intermediate wall 104). In the illustrated example (see Figure 11a), the outer wall 106 is notched so that the additional joint 116 can penetrate to the intermediate wall 104 without affecting the formation of the receiving portion 50. That is, the notch 106b in the outer wall 106 is cut out from the rest of the outer wall 106 so that the pocket 52 is maintained. This makes it possible to provide an additional spot weld to improve the check valve function of the intermediate wall 104. In the illustrated example, the notch 106b has a substantially triangular shape with rounded corners. It should be understood that the notch 106b may be of any shape. The important point is to allow the spot weld / additional joint 116 to penetrate the outer wall 106 without affecting the pocket 52.

[0076] In all of the embodiments described above, a pocket 52 is provided on the front of the main body 10, and the insertion portion 70 of the cover member 30 is configured to be inserted into the pocket 52. This allows the main body 10 to maintain its shape even when the cover member 30 is attached to it. For example, unlike the ostomy appliances of this disclosure, if the attachment portion for attaching the cover member 30 to the main body 10 penetrates the entire main body 10, there is a very high risk that the shape of the ostomy appliance will deform when the waste collection portion 14 is filled with waste.

[0077] Furthermore, the free end 74 of the pocket 52 and insertion portion 70 of the ostomy appliance of this disclosure extends over approximately one-third of the width of the ostomy appliance. This provides a good (in this case, central) connection point between the main body portion 10 and the cover member 30.

[0078] Figures 12a and 12b show another embodiment. Parts identical or similar to those already described are given the same reference numeral followed by a prime symbol ('). The main body 10' of the stoma appliance of this disclosure includes a stoma opening and a waste collection section (these are not explicitly shown in the illustrated examples). The main body 10' further includes a receiving section 50'.

[0079] The receiving portion 50' includes a pocket 52'. In some embodiments, the pocket 52' extends in the width direction of the first wall portion 16' on the body side of the main body portion 10'. As shown in the illustrated example, the pocket 52' extends in the width direction of the lower part of the main body portion 10'.

[0080] In some embodiments, the receiving portion 50' is formed of a mesh material. That is, the pocket 52' extending in the width direction of the first wall portion 16' of the main body portion 10' is formed of a mesh material. Thus, the internal space of the pocket 52' is defined between the first wall portion 16' and the mesh material layer.

[0081] In one embodiment, the receiving portion 50' forms a translucent layer that conceals the excrement stored in the excrement storage portion. That is, the pocket 52' layer extending in the width direction of the first wall portion 16' is formed of a material that can conceal the contents of the excrement storage portion. A mesh material is selected so as to be able to conceal the excrement stored in the excrement storage portion. For example, by making the mesh openings sufficiently small, the contents of the excrement storage portion can be concealed at least partially.

[0082] The ostomy appliance of this disclosure includes a cover member 30' which is received in a receiving portion 50' of the main body 10' and is configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the main body 10'. In other words, the cover member 30' is receivable in a pocket 52'. When the cover member 30' is received in the pocket 52', it covers substantially the entire front surface of the main body 10' (for example, the first wall portion 16').

[0083] If the pocket 52' is formed of mesh material, it is preferable that the cover / pattern of the cover member 30' be visible to some extent through the mesh material. This can provide a desirable appearance for the user.

[0084] Figure 12a shows the insertion of the cover member 30' into the receiving portion 50' of the main body 10'. Arrow A indicates the movement of the cover member 30' to a predetermined position within the receiving portion 50'.

[0085] It should be noted that the cover member 30' may still include a fixing area (not shown) for directly fixing the upper part of the cover member 30' to the user's body or to the adhesive member of the main body 10', as described above.

[0086] An advantage of the embodiments of this disclosure is that users can select a cover component that suits them or their needs. The manufacturing of the main body of the ostomy appliance is the same regardless of the type or color of the selected cover component. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, thereby reducing material use and waste during the manufacturing process, and provides end users with a wide range of choices for ostomy appliances.

[0087] As used herein and in the claims, the words “comprises, comprising” and their variations mean that the specified features, steps, or integers are included. These terms should not be construed as excluding the existence of other features, steps, or components.

[0088] Furthermore, the present invention may be broadly comprised of the components, elements, steps, examples and / or features, or any combination of two or more thereof, that are individually or collectively referred to or shown herein. In particular, one or more features in any embodiment described herein may be combined with one or more features in other embodiments described herein.

[0089] Features disclosed in one or more published documents referenced herein may be used in combination with this disclosure to seek protection.

[0090] While specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, the appended claims are not limited to these embodiments. The claims should be interpreted literally and teleologically, and / or encompass equivalents.

[0091] Typical features

[0092] Typical features are described in the following clauses, and these may exist individually or in any combination with one or more features disclosed herein and / or in the drawings.

[0093] [Section 1] A stoma appliance for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma, A first wall portion and a second wall portion that are connected to each other and define the waste storage area, An intermediate wall portion provided inside the aforementioned waste storage section, The outer wall portion provided on the outside of the waste storage section, An outer connecting region extending along the periphery of the first wall portion and the second wall portion, connecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion to each other, A stoma appliance comprising the outer wall portion, the intermediate wall portion, and an inner connecting region connecting the first wall portion to each other.

[0094] [Section 2] The stoma appliance described in paragraph 1, The inner connecting region is formed to constitute a check valve mechanism between the intermediate wall and the first wall, in a stoma appliance.

[0095] [Section 3] A stoma appliance as described in paragraph 1 or 2, A stoma appliance in which the intermediate wall portion extends from the upper part of the first wall portion and / or the second wall portion to a position lower than the upper part of the outer wall portion.

[0096] [Section 4] The stoma appliance described in paragraph 3, The ostomy appliance wherein the internal connecting region extends inward from both sides in the width direction of the first wall toward the central longitudinal axis of the first wall.

[0097] [Section 5] The stoma appliance described in paragraph 4, The inner bonding region extends downward beyond the lower edge of the intermediate wall portion. A stoma appliance in which a flow channel is formed between the lower edge of the intermediate wall and the first wall.

[0098] [Section 6] A stoma appliance as described in any of paragraphs 3 to 5, The inner connecting region connects the outer wall, the intermediate wall, and the first wall to each other at the upper part of the outer wall.

[0099] [Section 7] A stoma appliance as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 6, The inner bonding region has an additional bonding portion, Optionally, the additional connecting portion is provided approximately in the center of the first wall portion. Optionally, the additional joint is a single welding point in the ostomy appliance.

[0100] [Section 8] A stoma appliance as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 7, The outer wall portion provides a first engaging portion for receiving a second engaging portion provided on a removable cover member, in a stoma appliance.

[0101] [Section 9] The stoma appliance described in paragraph 8, The stoma appliance provides a receiving portion formed by at least a part of the inner mounting area, wherein the first engaging portion is a receiving portion.

[0102] [Section 10] A stoma appliance as described in paragraph 8 or 9, The first engaging portion is a stoma appliance having a drainage slit.

[0103] [Section 11] A stoma appliance as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 10, Further including a gas permeable filter, The stoma appliance optionally includes a gas permeable filter positioned on the upper part of the first wall.

[0104] [Section 12] A stoma appliance as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 11, The intermediate wall portion is connected to the upper part of the second wall portion, Optionally, the second wall portion has a stoma opening below the joint between the intermediate wall portion and the second wall portion, wherein the stoma appliance.

[0105] [Section 13] A stoma appliance for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma, The main body includes a stoma opening, a waste storage area, and a receiving area. A stoma appliance comprising: a removable cover member that is received by the receiving portion of the main body and is configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the main body.

[0106] [Section 14] The stoma appliance described in paragraph 13, The receiving portion is a stoma appliance containing a mesh material.

[0107] [Section 15] A stoma appliance as described in paragraph 13 or 14, The receiving portion includes a pocket extending in the width direction on the side opposite the body of the main body, which is a stoma appliance.

[0108] [Section 16] The stoma appliance described in paragraph 15, The cover member is received in the pocket and covers substantially the entire front surface of the main body of the ostomy appliance.

[0109] [Section 17] A stoma appliance as described in any of paragraphs 13 to 16, The receiving portion forms a translucent layer that conceals the excrement stored in the excrement storage portion of the stoma appliance.

[0110] [Section 18] A stoma appliance as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 17, A stoma appliance wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion form the main body portion in the sense defined in one or more of the following clauses.

Claims

1. A stoma appliance for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma, The main body includes a stoma opening, a waste storage section, and a first engaging section, It comprises a removable cover member including a second engaging portion, The cover member is detachably engaged with the main body by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and is configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the main body, in a stoma appliance.

2. The ostomy appliance according to claim 1, A stoma appliance in which one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion forms a receiving portion and the other forms an insertion portion.

3. The ostomy appliance according to claim 2, The insertion portion has an upper coupling region and a free end extending downward from the upper coupling region. The free end is configured to be insertable into the receiving portion of the stoma appliance.

4. The ostomy appliance according to claim 3, The insertion portion has a substantially trapezoidal shape that narrows towards the free end, comprising a stoma appliance.

5. A stoma appliance according to claim 3 or 4, The upper connecting region is connected to the cover member, forming a stoma appliance.

6. The ostomy appliance according to claim 5, The cover member has a front surface that faces away from the user's body during use, and a rear surface that faces towards the user's body during use. The upper connecting region is connected to the rear surface of the cover member, and the stoma appliance.

7. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 3 to 6, The upper connecting region extends in the width direction of the cover member, and optionally, the upper connecting region extends upward to the upper end of the cover member, in a stoma appliance.

8. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 7, The receiving portion provides a pocket, and preferably the pocket is formed to a size that can tightly receive the insertion portion, in a stoma appliance.

9. The ostomy appliance according to claim 8, A stoma appliance wherein the pocket has an upper opening for receiving the insertion portion, and optionally the pocket further has a lower opening for draining fluid accumulated in the pocket.

10. The ostomy appliance according to claim 9, The receiving portion further comprises a foldable layer provided in the upper opening, wherein the stoma appliance.

11. A stoma appliance according to claim 10, The aforementioned folding layer has a free edge, The free edge is located inside or outside the pocket and provides assistance for opening the pocket, the ostomy appliance.

12. A stoma appliance according to claim 10, The foldable layer forms a tubular portion extending in the width direction of the upper opening, in a stoma appliance.

13. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 8 to 12, The receiving portion is provided on the main body portion of the ostomy appliance.

14. The ostomy appliance according to claim 13, The main body has a side facing away from the user's body during use and a side facing the user's body during use. The receiving portion is a stoma appliance provided on the side opposite the body.

15. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 14, The first engaging portion is the receiving portion, The second engaging portion is the insertion portion of the stoma appliance.

16. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The main body includes a discharge section, The stoma appliance wherein the discharge section can be in a closed state that holds the excrement in the excrement storage section, and in an open state that allows the excrement to be discharged from the discharge section.

17. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The stoma appliance comprises a main body portion including an adhesive member for attaching the main body portion to the user's body, or a coupling mechanism for connecting the main body portion to an adhesive member other than the adhesive member.

18. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The ostomy appliance further includes a loop portion that extends around the lower part of the main body when the cover member is engaged with the main body.

19. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The ostomy appliance further includes a fixing area for fixing the cover member to an adhesive member, or for fixing the cover member directly to the user's body.

20. A stoma appliance according to claim 19, The fixing region includes a fastener that can engage with a fastener provided on the adhesive member, and optionally, the fastener of the fixing region and the fastener of the adhesive member are hook-and-loop type fasteners, wherein the ostomy appliance.

21. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 20, The main body has a first wall and a second wall, A stoma appliance in which the first wall portion and the second wall portion are joined to each other at their peripheral edges to form the excrement storage portion.

22. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 21, The first engaging portion is formed by a film layer, and the stoma appliance is provided.

23. A stoma appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 22, The second engaging portion is a stoma appliance having a reinforcing portion.

24. A cover member configured to be engageable with the main body of a stoma appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A stoma appliance for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma, A first wall portion and a second wall portion are connected to each other and define the waste storage area, An intermediate wall portion provided inside the aforementioned waste storage section, The outer wall portion provided on the outside of the waste storage section, An outer connecting region extending along the periphery of the first wall portion and the second wall portion, connecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion to each other, A stoma appliance comprising the outer wall portion, the intermediate wall portion, and an inner connecting region connecting the first wall portion to each other.

26. A stoma appliance for receiving and storing waste discharged from a stoma, The main body includes a stoma opening, a waste storage area, and a receiving area. A stoma appliance comprising: a removable cover member that is received by the receiving portion of the main body and is configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the main body.

Images