Ostomy barrier appliance including belt tabs

Abstract

An ostomy appliance includes a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert, wherein the convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, and a belt tab for securing a belt to the barrier appliance, and a belt-side coupling member. The belt-side coupling member is adapted to be secured to the belt tab and thereby secure the belt to the barrier appliance.

Description

OSTOMY BARRIER APPLIANCE INCLUDING BELT TABSBACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ostomy appliances, more particularly, ostomy barrier appliances having belt tabs.

[0002] Ostomy pouches for collecting bodily waste are used by individuals (ostomates) who have had surgery such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. An ostomy pouch may be secured to an ostomate via an ostomy barrier appliance that is attached to the peristomal skin surface to seal around the stoma and protect the peristomal surface from exposure to stomal effluent.

[0003] An ostomy barrier appliance for a two-piece ostomy pouch system (e.g. ostomy base plate) can include an adhesive skin barrier, a body-facing side, a pouch-facing side, an opening, and a barrier-side coupling section formed on the pouch-facing side. During use, the body-facing side of the barrier appliance may be positioned relative to the ostomate so the opening is aligned with the stoma and adhesively adhered to the ostomate in a peristomal area. In a two-piece ostomy system, the ostomy pouch can include an opening and a pouch coupling section around the opening. The pouch coupling section is coupled to the barrier-side coupling section such that the opening in the barrier appliance and the pouch opening are aligned. In a one-piece ostomy system, a barrier appliance can be permanently attached to an ostomy pouch and secured to the ostomate as a single unit. In both configurations, the ostomy barrier appliance facilitates adhering the pouch to the ostomate such that bodily waste from the stoma may be received thereinto.

[0004] The topography of stomas and peristomal surfaces surrounding stomas varies among ostomates. For example, the amount of the stoma protrudes from the body of the ostomate may vary from ostomate to ostomate and in some cases the stoma may even be flush with the body or recessed. A convex ostomy barrier appliance that includes a convex insert may be used in instances where the stoma is retracted or sunken into the body of the ostomate. Such convex base plate may apply pressure to the body in the peristomal region so that the stoma may project outward and be received through a stoma opening defined in the convex base plate. Further, an adjustable convex insert may be used that allow the ostomate to adjust the convexity of the base plate and thereby allow the base plate to better conform to the body of the ostomate.

[0005] As noted above, the base plate may be adhesively secured to the body of the ostomate. Although the adhesive material used for such securement is typically sufficient to secure the base plate and the ostomy pouch to the body, some ostomates may wish to supplement such attachment of the base plate with an ostomy belt. The ostomy belt typically extends around the abdomen or waist of the ostomate and opposite ends of the ostomy belt are secured to opposite portions of the base plate. The ostomy belt provides additional support for the ostomy pouch and any effluent therein.SUMMARY

[0006] According to one aspect, an ostomy appliance includes a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert, wherein the convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, a first belt tab, and a second belt tab, wherein the first belt tab and the second belt tab are disposed on opposite sides of the convex insert. The ostomy appliance also includes a first plurality of apertures formed in the first belt tab and a second plurality of apertures formed in the second belt tab. The convex insert is adapted to have a first end of an ostomy belt coupled to a selected first aperture of the first plurality of apertures and a second end of the ostomy belt coupled to a selected second aperture of the second plurality of apertures.

[0007] In some cases, first belt tab comprises a first flange and the second belt tab comprises a second flange, wherein the first flange and second flange extend laterally away from an interior of the convex insert.

[0008] In some cases, the first end and an adjacent first portion of the ostomy belt are passed through the selected first aperture and secured to a second portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected first aperture. In some cases, the first portion and the second portion of the ostomy belt are secured to one another by a hook and loop closure. The second end and an adjacent third portion of the ostomy belt may be configured to pass through the selected second aperture and secured to a fourth portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected second aperture. The third portion and the fourth portion may be configured to secure to one another by a hook and look closure.

[0009] In some cases, the ostomy appliance includes a belt-side coupling member to secure the second end of the ostomy belt to the selected second aperture using a belt-side coupling member.In some embodiments, the belt-side coupling member is passed through the selected second aperture and secured to a portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected second aperture.

[0010] In some cases, the ostomy appliance includes a first belt-side coupling member to secure the first end of the ostomy belt to the selected first aperture and a second belt-side coupling member to secure the second end of the ostomy belt to the selected second aperture. The first beltside coupling member may be configured to pass through the selected first aperture and secured to a first portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected first aperture, and the second beltside coupling member may be configured to pass through the selected second aperture and secured to a second portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected second aperture.

[0011] In some cases, an ostomy pouch is secured to the ostomy appliance, and the first selected aperture and the second selected aperture are selected to accommodate an orientation of the ostomy pouch and the ostomy appliance as placed on an ostomate to attach the ostomy belt to the ostomy appliance.

[0012] In some cases, the first plurality of apertures comprises at least three apertures, and the second plurality of apertures comprises at least three apertures. In other cases, the first plurality of apertures comprises two apertures, and the second plurality of apertures comprises two apertures.

[0013] In some cases, the convex insert includes a first portion formed from a first polymeric material and a second portion formed from a second polymeric material, wherein the first polymeric material has a higher modulus than the second polymeric material. For example, the second portion may be a horizontally extending section of the convex insert configured to flex to accommodate user’s abdomen bending movements. The first portion may include the first and second belt tabs. The first polymeric material may comprise high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) or blends thereof, and the second polymeric material may comprise ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA foam or polyurethane (PU) foam.

[0014] In some cases, the first and second belt tabs have a thickness greater than a thickness of the rest of the convex insert.

[0015] In some cases, the convex insert includes a plurality of slits and / or grooves configured to facilitate flexing of the convex insert to accommodate user’s abdomen bending movements.

[0016] In some aspects, an ostomy appliance includes a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert. The convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, and a belt tab for securing a belt to the barrier appliance and a flange portion of the belt tab extends outward from the body side of theconvex insert. A belt-side coupling member has a base portion and an engagement member and the engagement member includes a planar portion vertically separated from the base portion and a lip extending from the planar portion toward the base portion. The belt-side coupling member is adapted to be secured to the belt tab such that the flange portion is entrapped between the base portion and the engagement member and a first face of the flange portion abuts a second face of the lip.

[0017] In some cases, the first face and a surface of the body side of the convex insert form an acute angle.

[0018] In some cases, the flange spans a portion of a perimeter of the convex insert.

[0019] In some cases, the belt-side coupling member is adapted to be secured at a plurality of locations along the flange.

[0020] In some cases, the ostomy appliance further includes an end portion disposed at an end of the flange, wherein the end portion extends outwardly from the body side of the convex insert and is transverse to the flange.

[0021] In some cases, the ostomy appliance includes a plurality of ribs disposed on the pouch side of the convex insert opposite the flange, wherein adjacent ribs are spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate at least a portion of the base portion of the belt-side coupling member when the beltside coupling member is attached to the convex insert. More particularly, the adjacent ribs define discrete attachment sections of the flange where the belt-side coupling member may be attached.

[0022] In some cases, the belt-side coupling member includes a living hinge that facilitates lifting the engagement member away from the base portion. More particularly, the flange comprises a first flange, the convex insert further includes a second flange that extends outward from the pouch side of the convex insert, and the belt-side coupling member includes a trough. Further, in some embodiments the first flange and the second flange are entrapped between the engagement member and the trough when the belt-side coupling member is secured to the convex insert.

[0023] In some cases, the flange includes a plurality of slots and the lip includes a protrusion that extends from the second face, wherein the protrusion is disposed in a selected one of the plurality of slots when the belt-side coupling member is attached to the convex insert.

[0024] In some cases, the flange comprises a flange portion of a plurality of flange portions, wherein the lip includes a protrusion that extends from the second face that is disposed in a gapformed between the flange portion and an adjacent one of the plurality of flange portions when the belt-side coupling member is secured to the convex insert.

[0025] In some cases, the flange comprises a first flange, the convex insert further includes a second flange that extends outward from the pouch side of the convex insert, and the belt-side coupling member includes a trough, wherein the first flange and the second flange are entrapped between the engagement member and the trough when the belt-side coupling member is secured to the convex insert.

[0026] In some cases, the ostomy appliance includes a plurality of ribs joined to the flange intermediate end portions of the flange, wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends radially from the flange. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of ribs define discrete positions for attaching the belt-side coupling member to the convex insert.

[0027] In some cases, the belt-side coupling device includes a locking member movable between a first position and a second position. In such cases, the locking member allows the engagement member to be lifted away from the base portion when in the first position and the locking member prevents lifting the engagement member away from the base portion when in the second position. More particularly, the locking member surrounds the base portion the engagement member when the locking member is in the second position.

[0028] In some aspects, an ostomy appliance includes a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert, wherein the convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, and a belt tab. The ostomy appliance also includes a plurality of attachment locations formed on the belt tab and a belt-side coupling member adapted to secure an ostomy belt to the belt tab. The belt-side coupling member is coupled to the belt tab at a selected attachment location of the plurality of attachment locations.

[0029] In some cases, a slot having serpentine edges is formed on the belt tab and the serpentine edges have notches that define the plurality of attachment locations.

[0030] In some cases, a plurality of apertures are formed on the belt tab that defines the plurality of attachment locations. In some embodiments, the belt-side coupling member is simultaneously coupled to more than one selected aperture of the plurality of apertures. In other embodiments, the belt-side coupling member includes at least one clip member and a trough, and the belt-side coupling member is coupled to the belt tab at the selected attachment location by inserting the clip member in an aperture associated with the selected attachment location and disposing an outer portion of the belt tab in the trough. Further, the outer portion comprises aplurality of protrusions, the belt-side coupling member includes a plurality of orifices, and the protrusions are disposed in corresponding orifices when the outer portion is disposed in the trough.

[0031] In some cases, the belt-side coupling member comprises a hook member and the hook member is passed through a selected aperture of the plurality of apertures to couple the belt-side coupling member to the belt tab. In some embodiments, the hook member comprises a plurality of hook members and the plurality of hook members is passed through selected apertures of the plurality of apertures. In some further embodiments, an outer portion of the belt tab is entrapped in the plurality of hook members.

[0032] In yet another aspect, an ostomy appliance includes a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert, wherein the convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, and a belt tab. A first hook member is formed in the belt tab by bending an outer portion of the belt tab on one side of the convex insert toward an opposite side of the convex insert. The ostomy appliance further includes a belt-side coupling member comprising a second hook member. The first hook member and the second hook member interfit to couple the belt-side coupling member to the belt tab at a selected attachment location of the plurality of attachment locations.

[0033] In some cases, a plurality of protrusions are disposed on an inner portion of the belt tab and a locking member is disposed on the belt-side coupling member. The locking member is disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of protrusions when the belt-side coupling member is coupled to the belt tab. In some embodiments, a ridge is disposed on the inner portion and the plurality of protrusions extend from the ridge toward the first hook member.

[0034] In some cases, the convex insert is a convexity adjustment device.

[0035] In some cases, the belt-side coupling member includes a slot and a first portion of the ostomy belt is passed through the slot and secured to a second portion of the ostomy belt that is not passed through the slot. In some such cases, the first portion is secured to the second portion by a hook and loop closure. In other cases, the first portion of the belt is sewn or adhesively secured to the second portion of the belt.

[0036] In some aspects, an ostomy appliance includes a belt tab, a flange portion disposed on the belt tab and extending outward from a surface of the belt tab, and a belt-side coupling member for securing an ostomy belt to the belt tab and having a base portion and an engagement member. Further, the engagement member includes a planar portion vertically separated from the base portion and a lip extending from the planar portion toward the base portion and the belt-sidecoupling member is adapted to be secured to the belt tab such that the flange portion is entrapped between the base portion and the engagement member and a first face of the flange portion abuts a second face of the lip.

[0037] In some aspects, an ostomy appliance includes a belt tab and a plurality of apertures formed in the belt tab, wherein an end of an ostomy belt is coupled to a selected aperture of the plurality of apertures.

[0038] In some aspects, an ostomy appliance includes a belt tab having a plurality of attachment locations formed thereon and a belt-side coupling member adapted to secure an ostomy belt to the belt tab, and the belt-side coupling member is coupled to the belt tab at a selected attachment location of the plurality of attachment locations.

[0039] In some aspects, an ostomy appliance includes a belt tab, a first hook member formed in the belt tab by bending an outer portion of the belt tab on one side of the belt tab toward an opposite side of the belt tab, and a belt-side coupling member for securing an ostomy belt to the belt tab and comprising a second hook member. The first hook member and the second hook member interfit to couple the belt-side coupling member to the belt tab at a selected attachment location of the plurality of attachment locations.

[0040] In some cases, the belt tab is formed separately from the convex insert or the barrier appliance, and secured to the convex insert or the barrier appliance using an adhesive, a film, a tape, a heat seal, and the like.

[0041] Other aspects and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the attached drawings wherein like numerals designate like structures throughout the specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is an example of an ostomy system in which a barrier appliance having belt tabs of the present disclosure may be incorporated;

[0043] FIGS. 1A and IB are examples of the ostomy system of FIG. 1 being worn on a body of an ostomate;

[0044] FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of a convex barrier appliance according to an embodiment;

[0045] FIG 2A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 2A-2A of the ostomy system of FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a convex insert for a convex barrier appliance according to an embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a belt-side coupling member that may be used with the convex barrier appliance including the convex insert of FIG. 3;

[0048] FIG. 5 is an isometric view showing a pouch side of the convex insert of FIG. 3 with the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 4 attached thereto;

[0049] FIG. 5A is a plan view of a body side of the convex insert of FIG. 3 and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 5 engaged with a coupling member of the convex insert;

[0050] FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken generally along the line 5B-5B of the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 5 A;

[0051] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a pouch side of a convex insert for a convex barrier appliance according to another embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 7 is an isometric view showing a body side of still another convex insert for a convex barrier appliance;

[0053] FIG. 7A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 7A-7A of the convex insert of FIG. 7;

[0054] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a belt-side coupling member that may be used with the convex insert of FIG. 7;

[0055] FIGS. 9 and 9A are partial isometric views showing a pouch side and a body side, respectively, of yet another convex insert for a convex barrier appliance;

[0056] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a belt-side coupling member that may be used with the convex insert of FIGS. 9 and 9 A;

[0057] FIG. 11 is an isometric view showing a body side of another convex insert for a convex barrier appliance;

[0058] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a belt-side coupling member that may be used with the convex insert of FIG. 11 ;

[0059] FIG. 13 is an isometric view showing a body side of another convex insert for a convex barrier appliance;

[0060] FIG. 14 is an isometric view showing a body side of yet another convex insert for a barrier appliance;

[0061] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a belt-side coupling member that may be used with the convex insert of FIGS. 13 and 14;

[0062] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another belt-side coupling member that may be used with the convex inserts of FIGS. 13 and 14;

[0063] FIG. 16A is another isometric view of the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 16 that shows an underside of such belt-side coupling member;

[0064] FIG. 17 is an isometric view showing a body side of another convex insert for a convex barrier appliance;

[0065] FIG. 17A is a plan view of a body side of the convex insert of FIG. 17 and an ostomy belt attached thereto;

[0066] FIG. 17B is a partial plan view of a body side of another embodiment of the convex insert of FIG. 17 and an ostomy belt attached thereto;

[0067] FIG. 17C is a sectional view taken generally along the line 17C-17C of FIG. 17B;

[0068] FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of a body side of a convex inset for a convex barrier appliance and a belt-side coupling member attached thereto according to an embodiment;

[0069] FIG. 18A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 18A-18A of FIG. 18;

[0070] FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of a body side of a convex insert for a convex barrier appliance and a belt-side coupling member attached thereto according to another embodiment;

[0071] FIG. 19A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 19A-19A of FIG. 19;

[0072] FIG. 19B is a partial isometric view of the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 19 separated from one another;

[0073] FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of a body side of a convex insert for a convex barrier appliance and a belt-side coupling member attached thereto according to an embodiment;

[0074] FIG. 20A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 20A-20A of FIG. 20;

[0075] FIG. 20B is a partial isometric view of the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 20 separated from one another;

[0076] FIG. 20C is an elevational view that illustrates attaching the convex insert and the beltside coupling member of FIG. 20 to one another;

[0077] FIG. 21 is a partial plan view of a body side of a convex insert for a convex barrier appliance and a belt-side coupling member attached thereto according to another embodiment;

[0078] FIG. 21A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 21A-21A of FIG. 21;

[0079] FIG. 2 IB is a partial isometric view of the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 21 separated from one another;

[0080] FIG. 22 is a partial plan view of a pouch side of a convex insert for a convex barrier appliance and a belt-side coupling member attached thereto according to an embodiment;

[0081] FIG. 22A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 22A-22A of FIG. 22;

[0082] FIG. 22B is a partial isometric view of the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 22 attached to one another;

[0083] FIG. 23 is a partial plan view of a body side of a convex insert of a convex barrier appliance and a belt-side coupling member attached thereto according to yet another embodiment;

[0084] FIG. 23A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 23A-23A of FIG. 23;

[0085] FIG. 23B is an isometric view of the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 23;

[0086] FIG. 23C is an elevational view of elevational view that illustrates attaching the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 23 to one another;

[0087] FIG. 24 is a partial plan view of a body side of a convex insert for a convex barrier appliance and a belt-side coupling member attached thereto according to an embodiment;

[0088] FIG. 24A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 24A-24A of FIG. 24;

[0089] FIG. 24B is a partial isometric view of the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member of FIG. 24;

[0090] FIG. 25 is a partial plan view of a body side of a convex insert for a convex barrier appliance and a belt-side coupling member attached thereto according to another embodiment;

[0091] FIG. 25A is a sectional view taken generally along the line 25A-25A of FIG. 25; and

[0092] FIG. 25B is a partial isometric view of the convex insert and the belt-side coupling member attached thereto of FIG. 25.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The present disclosure discloses an ostomy system having an ostomy barrier appliance wherein the ostomy barrier appliance is adapted to allow attachment of an ostomy belt thereto. Even though the ostomy barrier appliance may be adhesively attached to an ostomates body, some ostomates prefer the additional security provided by use of an ostomy belt in addition to adhesive attachment.

[0094] FIGS. 1, 1A, and IB illustrate an ostomy system 100 worn on a body 102 of an ostomate. Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, and IB, the ostomy system 100 may include an ostomy pouch 104, a barrier appliance 106, and an ostomy belt 108 that has first and second opposite ends 110 and 112 that may be secured to the barrier appliance 106. The barrier appliance 106 may be adhesively secured to the body 102. The ostomy pouch 104 may be attached to the barrier appliance 106 either by being permanently sealed therewith (in a one-piece ostomy system) or by interfitting a pouch coupling section of the ostomy pouch 104 to a base plate coupling section of the barrier appliance 106 (in a two-piece ostomy system).

[0095] In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 1A, the ostomy belt 108 may be attached to the barrier appliance 106 so that a primary axis 114 of the ostomy pouch 104 that extends from a top end 116 of the ostomy pouch 104 to an opposite bottom end 118 of the ostomy pouch 104 is substantially parallel to a vertical axis 120 of the body 102 of the ostomate and, thus, the ostomy pouch 104 extends substantially vertically from the ground when the ostomate is in an upright position (i.e., the primary axis 114 of the ostomy pouch and the vertical axis 120 of the body 102 are substantially parallel). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. IB, the ostomy belt 108 may be attached to the barrier appliance 106 so that the primary axis 114 of the ostomy pouch 104 is not substantially parallel to the vertical axis 120 of the body 102 and thus the ostomy pouch 104 is slanted (i.e., the primary axis 114 and the vertical axis 120 are not parallel) when the ostomate is in an upright position. In other embodiments, the ostomy pouch 104 may be worn at various different orientations according to user’s stoma and peristomal topography. As discussed in greater detail below, the barrier appliance 106 and the ostomy belt 108 disclosed herein may be configured to allow adjustment of such orientation of the ostomy pouch 104 relative to the vertical axis 120 of the body 102 to improve comfort of the ostomate when the ostomy pouch 104 is secured to the body 102.

[0096] FIG. 2 illustrates an example convex barrier appliance 106 that may be used with the ostomy system 100. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the convex barrier appliance 106 has a bodyside 126 and a pouch side 128. The convex barrier appliance 106 may include a tape 130 comprising a substrate or backing layer 132 having a body-side surface 134 and a pouch-side surface 136. An adhesive layer 138 may be disposed on the body-side surface 134 and a skin barrier 140 such as, for example, an adhesive hydrocolloid and the like, may be disposed on the adhesive layer 138. The example convex barrier appliance 106 may include a convex insert 142 secured to the pouch-side surface 136 of the backing layer 132. The tape 130, the skin barrier 140, and the convex insert 142 may be formed to substantially surround an inlet opening 144 of the convex barrier appliance 106 through which a stoma 146 of the body 102 may be passed so that effluent that exits the stoma 146 may be deposited into the ostomy pouch 104. The adhesive layer 138 of the tape 130 and the skin barrier 140 may facilitate securing the barrier appliance 106 to the skin of the body 102.

[0097] In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the convex insert 142 may be configured for sectional adjustment of the convexity of the convex barrier appliance 106. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the convex insert 142 may be relatively rigid.

[0098] In some embodiments in which the convex insert 142 is a convexity adjusting device, the convex insert 142 may include a plurality of radially extending members 148. Each radially extending member 148 may extend radially inward from proximate a base portion 150 to an end 154 of the radially extending member 148. In some embodiments, the base portion 150 may be substantially planar. The plurality of radially extending members 148 may be separated by gaps 156 therebetween. Each gap 156 may begin proximate the base portion 150 of the convex insert 142 and span the length of adjacent radially extending members 148 separated by such gap 156. As a user attaches the barrier appliance 106 to user’s body 102, the radially extending member 148 may be flexed to allow adjustment of the convexity of the barrier appliance 106.

[0099] As described in greater detail below, convex inserts are disclosed herein that may be used in place of the convex insert 142 of the example convex barrier appliance 106 and may include attachment portions that facilitate attaching the ostomy belt 108 to the barrier appliance 106.

[0100] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a convex insert 200 that may be used in a convex barrier appliance, such as the barrier appliance 106. The convex insert 200 is similar to the convex insert 142 described above. In some embodiments, the convex insert 200 may include a dome portion 151 connected to the base portion 150 and the radially extending members 148 maycomprise the dome portion 151. In some embodiments, the convex insert 200 may be a convexity adjustment device as described above. The convex insert 200 may include a first belt tab (or first attachment member) 202a and a second belt (or second attachment member) 202b disposed on opposite sides 204a, 204b of the convex insert 200. Each belt tab 202 may include a flange portion 206 that spans a section of the outer perimeter 152 and extends upward from a surface 208 of the body side 158 of the convex insert 200. Each flange portion 206 may be terminated by end portions 210 joined to the flange portion 206 and that also extends upward from the surface 208. In some embodiments, each end portion 210 may be transverse to the flange portion 206 to which such end portion 210 is connected. In other embodiments, each end portion 210 may extend along the surface 208 at an acute angle or an obtuse angle to the flange portion 206 to which such end portion 210 is connected. In some embodiments, one or more of the end portions 210 may be disposed along a portion of the outer perimeter 152 of the convex insert 200 as shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, on or more end portions 210 may be disposed on the surface 208 inside the outer perimeter 152.

[0101] In some embodiments, one or more of the flange portions 206 may extend from the surface 208 at a right angle, an acute angle, or an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the flange portion 206 may extend upward from the surface 208 of the convex insert 200 sufficiently to prevent a belt-side coupling member (described below) inadvertently detaching from the flange portion 206. In some embodiments, the flange portion 206 may extend upward from the surface 208 between approximately 3 millimeters and approximately 10 millimeters. In some embodiments, the flange portion 206 extends inward from the outer perimeter 152 (i.e., has a thickness of) between approximately 4 millimeters and approximately 20 millimeters so that the belt tab 202 has some flexibility but is not so flexible as to prevent the flange portion to remain engaged with the belt-side coupling member or otherwise compromise operation of the convex insert 200 and / or belt tab 202.

[0102] In some embodiments, the convex insert 200 may include an intermediate portion 162 between the outer perimeter 152 of the convex insert 200 and the dome portion 151 of the convex insert 200.

[0103] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a belt-side coupling member (or belt clip) 220 that may be used to secure the ostomy belt 108 to the convex insert 200. The belt-side coupling member 220 may comprise a base portion 222 having opposite first and second ends 224, 226, respectively,a slot or aperture 228 formed through the base portion 222, and an engagement member 230. In some embodiments, the slot 228 may be disposed intermediate the first end 224 and the engagement member 230. The engagement member 230 may include a first planar portion 232, a second planar portion 234, and a lip 236. The first planar portion 232 may include first and second opposite ends 238, 240, respectively. The first planar portion 232 may be connected along an edge 242 thereof proximate the first end 238 to the base portion 222 such that the first planar portion 232 (and thus the engagement member 230) may be urged, for example, by a force applied by a user, to rotate about the edge 242 toward and away from the base portion 222. In some embodiments, for example, a living hinge 244 may be formed parallel and proximate to the edge 242 or coextensive with the edge 242 to facilitate such rotation.

[0104] The second planar portion 234 may extend from the second end 240 of the first planar portion 232 in a direction toward the second end 226 of the base portion 222 to the lip 236. In some embodiments, the second planar portion 234 may be vertically separated from the base portion 222. The lip 236 may extend from the second planar portion 234 toward the base portion 222. In some embodiments, when no force is applied to the engagement member 230 (i.e., the engagement member 230 is in a resting position), the first planar portion 232 may extend away from the base portion 222 at an acute angle and the second planar portion 234 may extend from the first planar portion 232 toward the lip 236 in a direction substantially parallel to the base portion 222.

[0105] Whan used, the barrier appliance 106 may be positioned on the body 102 of the ostomate and secured to the body via the adhesive skin barrier 140 of the barrier appliance 106, the ostomy pouch 104 may be positioned such that the stoma 146 extends thereinto and the ostomy pouch 104 has an orientation desired by the ostomate, the ostomy pouch 104 may be secured to the barrier appliance 106, and the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to the barrier appliance 106. To attach the ostomy belt 108 to the barrier appliance 106, first and second belt-side coupling members 220 may be secured proximate respective first and second opposite ends 110, 112 of the ostomy belt 108. For example, to secure the first end 110 of the ostomy belt 108 to the first beltside coupling member 220, an edge (not shown) of the ostomy belt 108 proximate the first end 110 may be passed through the slot or aperture 228 and looped around a portion 246 of the belt-side coupling member 220 between the slot 228 and the first end 224 of the base portion 222. Thereafter, a portion of the ostomy belt 108 that has been passed through the slot 228 may be secured to aremaining portion of the ostomy belt 108 that has not been passed through the slot 228. The portion passed through the slot 228 and the remaining portion may be secured to one another, for example, by sewing, an adhesive, a hook and loop closure, one or more snaps, or other securement devices apparent to one who has ordinary skill in the art. The second belt-side coupling member 220 may be attached to the second end 112 of the ostomy belt 108 in a similar fashion. In some embodiments, the portion of the ostomy belt 108 proximate the first end 110 thereof may be permanently secured to the first belt-side coupling member 220 and the portion of the ostomy belt 108 proximate the second end 112 thereof may be releasably secured to the second belt-side coupling member 220. In this manner, the length of the ostomy belt 108 between the first and second belt-side coupling members 220 may be adjusted to accommodate the body 102 of the ostomate by temporarily releasing the portion of the ostomy belt 108 secured to the second belt-side coupling member 220, increasing or reducing an amount of the ostomy belt 108 passed through the slot 228, and resecuring the portion of the ostomy belt 108 passed through the slot 228 to the remaining portion not passed through the slot 228.

[0106] After the first belt-side coupling member 220 is attached to the first end 110 of the ostomy belt 108, the user (who may be the ostomate or a care provider) may attach the first beltside coupling member 220 to the convex insert 200 by applying force to the engagement member 230 to urge the engagement member 230 to rotate about the edge 242 and away from the base portion 222 sufficiently so that the flange portion 206a of the first belt tab 202a of the convex insert 200 may be passed between the lip 236 and the base portion 222 of the first belt-side coupling member 220. The applied force may be released thereafter to return the engagement member 230 to the resting position thereof and thereby entrap the first belt tab 202a between the second planar portion 234 and the base portion 222 of the first belt-side coupling member 220. Further, the user may pull the belt-side coupling member 220 away from the convex insert 200 until an interior face 248 of the first flange portion 206a and an interior face 250 of the lip 236 are in contact with one another.

[0107] After the first belt-side coupling member 220 attached proximate the first end 110 of the ostomy belt 108 is secured to the first belt tab 202a of the convex insert 200 as described above, the ostomy belt 108 may be extended around the body 102 of the ostomate, and the second beltside coupling member 220 proximate the second end 112 of the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to the second belt tab 202b of the convex insert 200 in a manner substantially identical to thatundertaken to secure first belt-side coupling member 220 to the first belt tab 202a. Friction between the interior faces 250 of the lips 236 of corresponding first and second belt-side coupling members 220 and the first and second faces 248a, 248b, of the flanges 206 prevents movement of the first and second belt-side coupling members 220 relative to the first and second belt tabs 202a, 202b, respectively. Prevention of such movement of the first and second belt-side coupling members 220 also prevents movement of the ostomy belt 108 relative to the barrier appliance 106 and the body 102 of the ostomate and thereby reduces chafing, irritation, or other discomfort that may result due to the movement of the ostomy belt 108. Further, the ostomy belt 108 may be further tightened (e.g., by reducing the length of the ostomy belt 108 between the first and second belt-side coupling members 220) after the first and second belt-side coupling members 220 are attached to the first and second belt tabs 202a, 202b, respectively, to increase such friction between the faces 248 and 250. The first and second belt-side coupling members 220 may be secured at any position along the flange portions 206 of the first and second belt tabs 202 between opposite end portions 210 of such belt tabs 202. Thus, the ostomy belt 108 may be positioned on the convex insert 200 to accommodate the orientation of the ostomy pouch 104 on the body 102 of the ostomate. Further, even after the ostomy belt 108 is secured to the body 102 of the ostomate, force may be applied to the engagement member 230 of the first and / or second belt-side coupling member 220 to urge the engagement member 230 away from the base portion 222 of such belt-side coupling member 220, respectively, sufficiently to reposition the belt-side coupling members 220 along the corresponding first and / or second belt tabs 202 to reposition ostomy belt 108 as desired. In some embodiments, the user may apply force sufficient to urge the engagement member 230 away from the base portion 222 and thereby separate the faces 248 and 250 so the belt-side coupling member 220 may slide along the flange portion 206 but not enough force that that flange portion 206 is released from entrapment between the base portion 222 and the second planar portion 234 of the belt-side coupling member 220. The end portions 210 of the flange portion 206 of each belt tab 202 prevent the belt-side coupling member 220 secured to such flange portion 206 from inadvertently sliding off of such flange portion 206 when the belt-side coupling member 220 is attached to belt tab 202 or repositioned thereon.

[0108] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment 200a of the convex insert 200 shown in FIGS. 5, 5 A, and 5B. The convex insert 200a is similar to the convex insert 200 except the convex insert 200a may include a plurality of ribs 252 disposed on the pouch side 160 of the convex insert 200aopposite the flange portions 206a, 206b of the belt tabs 202a, 202b. In some embodiments, each rib 252 may be generally wedge-shaped and extend and taper radially inward from a position proximate the outer perimeter 152 to a position on the base portion 150 between the outer perimeter 152 and the dome portion 151 of the convex insert 200a. The ribs 252 may locally increase the thickness of a portion the convex insert 200a proximate the belt tab 202 and thus increase the stiffness of such portion. In some embodiments, the ribs 252 are spaced apart so that the distance between adjacent ribs 252 is sufficient to accommodate the base portion 222 of the belt-side coupling member 220 when the belt-side coupling member 220 is attached to the convex insert 200a as described above. Thus, in such embodiments, the ribs 252 define discrete attachment locations 254 where such belt-side coupling member 220 may be attached. In addition, the adjacent ribs 252 that define a particular discrete attachment location 254 may also prevent the belt-side coupling member 220 attached in such attachment location 254 from inadvertently moving beyond such attachment location 254 and thereby may reduce movement of the ostomy belt 108 and increase the comfort of the ostomate.

[0109] FIGS. 7 and 7A show an embodiment of a convex insert 200b that is similar to the convex insert 200 except each belt tab 202 of the convex insert 200b may include a pouch-side flange portion 300a, 300b disposed opposite the corresponding flange portions 206a, 206b. The pouch-side flange portion 300 may extend outwardly away from the pouch side 160 of the convex insert 200b. Each pouch-side flange portion 300 may be terminated by pouch-side end portions 302 joined to the pouch-side flange portion 300 and that may also extend outwardly away from the pouch side 160 of the convex insert 200b. In some embodiments, each pouch-side end portion 302 may be transverse to the pouch-side flange portion 300 to which such pouch-side end portion 302 is connected. In other embodiments, each pouch-side end portion 302 may extend along a pouch-side surface 306 of the pouch side 160 of convex insert 200b at an acute angle or an obtuse angle to the pouch-side flange portion 300 to which such pouch-side end portion 302 is connected. In some embodiments, one or more of the pouch-side end portions 302 may be disposed along a portion of the outer perimeter 152 of the convex insert 200b as shown in FIG. 7. In other embodiments, one or more end portions 302 may be disposed on the pouch-side surface 306 interior of the outer perimeter 152.

[0110] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a belt-side coupling member 220a that may be used to secure the ostomy belt 108 to the convex insert 200b. The belt-side coupling member 220a issimilar to the belt-side coupling member 220 except the base portion 222 of the belt-side coupling member 220a includes a trough 320 formed in the base portion 222 thereof. The belt-side coupling member 220a may be attached to the convex insert 200b in a manner similar to that described above in connection with attachment of the belt-side coupling member 220 to the base plate 200. In particular, the user may apply sufficient force to the engagement member 230 of the belt-side coupling member 220a to lift the engagement member 230 away from the base portion 222 of the belt-side coupling member 220a so that both the flange portion 206 and the pouch-side flange portion 300 of the of the belt tab 202 of the convex insert 200a may be passed between the lip 236 and the base portion 222 until the pouch-side flange portion 300 is aligned with the trough 320. Thereafter, the applied force may be released to return the engagement member 230 to the resting position thereof and thereby entrap the flange portion 206 and the pouch-side flange portion 300 of the belt tab 202 between the second planar portion 234 of the engagement member 230 and the base portion 222 of the belt-side coupling member 220a and dispose the pouch-side flange portion 300 in the trough 320. In some embodiments, the trough 320 may be sized and / or shaped so that the pouch-side flange portion 300 fits snugly in the trough 320 when the belt-side coupling member 220a is attached to the convex insert 200b.

[0111] FIGS. 9 and 9A show an embodiment of a convex insert 200c that is similar to the convex insert 200 except each flange portion 206 of each belt tab 202 of the convex insert 200c may include a plurality of spaced apart slots or through holes 322 formed in the flange portion 206 that define discrete attachment positions along the flange portion 206. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment a belt-side coupling member 220b that may be used to secure the ostomy belt 108 to the convex insert 200c. The belt-side coupling member 220b is similar to the belt-side coupling member 220 except the belt-side coupling member 220b may include a protrusion 324 that extends from the interior face 250 of the lip 236 toward the first end 224 of the base portion 222. The beltside coupling member 220b may be secured to the convex insert 200c by applying force to the engagement member 230 of the belt-side coupling member 220b to lift the engagement member 230 away from the base portion 222, passing the flange portion 206 between the lip 236 and the base portion 222 and past the protrusion 324, aligning the protrusion 324 with a selected one of the through holes 322, then releasing the force to return the engagement member 230 to the resting position thereof. Thereafter, the belt-side coupling member 220b may be urged laterally away from the convex insert 200c so that portions of the interior face 248 of the flange portion 206 on eitherside of the selected through hole 322 are urged against corresponding portions of the interior face 250 of the lip 236 on either side of the protrusion 324, and the protrusion 324 is passed through and / or is disposed within the selected though hole 322. In this manner, the flange portion 206 may be entrapped between the second planar portion 234 and the base portion 222 of the belt-side coupling member 220b. In some embodiments the protrusion 324 may be sized and shaped to fit snugly into the through hole 322 when disposed therein.

[0112] FIG: 11 shows an embodiment of a convex insert 200d that is similar to the convex insert 200b shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A except the flange portion 206a is replaced with a plurality of flange portions 206a-l through 206a-4 and the flange portion 206b is replaced with a plurality of flange portions 206b-l through 206b-4. Further the plurality of flange portions 206a-l through 206a-4 are separated by gaps 326a and the plurality flange portions 206b- 1 through 206b-4 are separated by gaps 326b. Although the convex insert 200d shown in FIG. 11 includes four flange portions 206a, 206b on each side 204a, 204b, respectively, thereof, more or fewer flange portions 206a, 206b separated by the gaps 326a, 326b, respectively, may be formed on each side 204a, 204b of the convex insert 200d.

[0113] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a belt-side coupling member 220c that may be used with the convex insert 200d shown in FIG. 11. The belt-side coupling member 220c is similar to the belt-side coupling member 220a shown in FIG. 8 except the belt-side coupling member 220c includes a protrusion 328 disposed on the interior face 250 of the lip 236. The belt-side coupling member 220c may be attached to the convex insert 200d in manner similar to that described above in connection with attachment of the belt-side coupling member 220a to the convex insert 200b. In particular, force may be applied to the engagement member 230 to lift the engagement member 230 away from the base portion 222 of the belt-side coupling member 220c sufficiently so that both the pouch-side flange portion 300 and the flange portions 206a- 1 through 206a-4 or the flange portions 206b- 1 through 206b-4 (depending on which side 204a or 204b of the convex insert 200d the belt-side coupling member 220c is being attached) may be passed between the lip 236 and the base portion 222. Thereafter, the pouch-side flange 300 may be aligned with the trough 320, the protrusion 328 may be aligned with and disposed in a selected one of the gaps 326, and the applied force may be released to return the engagement member 230 to the resting position thereof. Thus, the flange portions 206a or 206b on either side of the selected gap 326 and the pouch-side flange 300 may be entrapped between the second planar portion 234 of the engagement member 230 andthe base portion 222 of the belt-side coupling member 220c. In such configuration, the pouch-side flange portion 300 may be disposed in the trough 320 of the belt-side coupling member 220c and the protrusion 328 may disposed in the selected gap 326. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the protrusion 328 may be selected so that such protrusion fits snugly in the gap 326 and / or the size and shape of the pouch-side flange portion 300 is selected so that the pouch-side flange portion 300 fits snugly in the trough 320.

[0114] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a convex insert 200e that is similar to the convex insert 200c shown in FIG. 11 except the convex insert 200e may include ribs 330 that extend from the flange portions 206a and 206b that are not connected to the end portions 210. That is, the ribs 330 may be connected to the flange portions 206a-2, 206a-3, 206b-2, and 206b-3. The belt-side coupling member 220c (FIG. 12) may be attached to the convex insert 200e in manner substantially identical to that described above in connection with securing the belt-side coupling member 220c to the convex insert 200d. Further, the ribs 330 may facilitate alignment of the belt-side coupling member 220c with a discrete attachment position defined by the gaps 326a, 326b between the sections of the flange portions 206a, 206b, respectively.

[0115] In addition, in some embodiments, the convex insert 200e includes pouch-side flanges 300a, 300b similar to those of the convex insert 200d. In other embodiments, e.g., the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the pouch-side flange 300a may be replaced with a plurality of pouch-side flange portions 300a-l through 300a-4 separated by notches or pouch-side gaps. Similarly, the pouchside flange 300b may be replaced with a plurality of pouch-side flange portions 300b-l through 300b-4 separated by notches or pouch-side gaps.

[0116] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a convex insert 200f that is similar to the convex insert 200b shown in FIGS. 7 and 7a except the convex insert 200f may include a plurality of protrusions or ribs 332 that extend radially from each of the flange portions 206. The ribs 332 may be connected to the flange portion 206 and disposed intermediate the two end portions 210 that terminate the flange portion 206. In some embodiments, the ribs 332 that extend from the flange portion 206 may define discrete attachment positions between each end portion 210 and an adjacent ribs 332 and between ribs 332 adjacent to one another. The belt-side coupling member 220a (FIG. 8) may be secured to the convex insert 200f to attach the ostomy belt 108 thereto in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the convex insert 200e.

[0117] FIG. 15 shown a belt-side coupling member 350 that may be used to secure the ostomy belt 108 to the convex inserts 200b, 200d, 200e, 200f and other convex inserts that have both bodyside flange portions 206 and pouch-side flange portions 300. The belt-side coupling member 350 may include a base portion 352 having first and second ends 354, 356, respectively. The belt-side coupling member 350 may also include a slot 358 formed through the base portion 352 and an engagement member 360 disposed between the slot 358 and the second end 356 of the base portion 352. A first end 362 of engagement member 360 may connected to the base portion 352 along an edge 366 of the engagement member 360 proximate the first end 362. The engagement member 360 may extend from the edge 366 thereof toward the second end 356 of the base portion 352. The engagement member 360 may be configured so that the engagement member 360 may be urged, for example, by a force applied by a user to rotate about the edge 366 to lift away from the base portion 352. In some embodiments, a living hinge 368 may be formed coextensive with or proximate the edge 366 to facilitate such rotation. A lip 370 extends from the second end 364 of the engagement member 360 toward the base portion 352.

[0118] The base portion 352 may include an extension portion 372 and extension portion 372 and the engagement member 360 may extend in substantially parallel directions. A trough 374 transverse to the extension direction of the extension portion 372 may be formed proximate the second end 356 of the base portion 352. The trough 374 may be defined by a trough floor 376 and first and second sidewalls 378, 380 separated by the trough floor 376. The first sidewall 378 may be disposed between the first end 354 of the base portion 352 and the trough floor 376 and the second sidewall 380 may be disposed between the trough floor 376 and the second end 356 of the base portion 352. In some embodiments, the engagement member 360 may be configured so that an end portion 382 of the lip 370 rests atop an end portion 384 of the second sidewall 380 of the trough 374 when the engagement member 360 is in a released or resting position (i.e., when force is not being applied to the engagement member 360 to lift the engagement member 360 away from the base portion 352). Further, in some embodiments, an interior wall 386 of the lip 370 and the second sidewall 380 of the trough 376 may lie in parallel planes or lie in substantially parallel planes when the engagement member 360 is in the resting position. Still further, in some embodiments, the interior wall 386 of the lip 370 and the second sidewall 380 may be coplanar or substantially coplanar when the engagement member 360 is in the resting position.

[0119] The belt-side coupling member 350 may be attached to the convex insert 200b, 200d, 200e, 200f or another convex insert that has both the body-side flange portions 206 and the pouchside flange portions 300 in a manner substantially identical to that described above so that the body-side flange portion 206 is entrapped between the engagement member 360 and the extension portion 372 and the pouch-side flange portion 300 is disposed in the trough 374 of the belt-side coupling member 350.

[0120] FIGS. 16 and 16A show a belt-side coupling member 350a similar to the belt-side coupling member 350. The belt-side coupling member 350a is similar to the belt-side coupling member 350 except the belt-side coupling member 350a may include a region 388 disposed between slot 358 and the engagement member 360 that extends between the slot 350 and the extension portion 372 of the base portion 352 of the belt-side coupling member 350a. The beltside coupling member 350a also may also include a locking member 390. When the locking member 390 is in a first position (shown in FIGS. 16 and 16A), the locking member 390 may be disposed in the region 388 to separate the locking member 390 from the engagement member 360 and thus allow the engagement member 360 to be lifted away from the base portion 352. After the belt-side coupling member 350a is attached to the convex insert 200b, 200d, 200e, 200f or another convex insert that has both body-side flange portions 206 and pouch-side flange portions 300, the locking member 390 may be moved to a second position between the region 388 and such convex insert so that the locking member 390 surrounds both the extension portion 372 of the base portion 352 and the engagement member 360 and thus prevents lifting of the engagement member 360 away from the base portion 352. The locking member 390 may be sized so that the locking member 390 does not readily move without application of force by the user when in the second position. Further, the convex insert 200b, 200d, 200e, and 200f attached to the clip 350a may prevent sliding the locking member 390 beyond the first sidewall 378 of the trough 376 so that the locking member 390 cannot separate from the belt-side coupling member 350a after the belt-side coupling member 350a is attached to such convex insert. In some embodiments, the belt-side coupling member 350a includes an upraised guard section 392 that separates the region 388 from the slot 358 and at least partially surrounds the locking member 390. In some embodiments, the guard section 392 is configured to prevent inadvertent movement of the locking member 390 when such locking member is in the first position. In some cases, the guard second 392 may provide a rest or guide position for a finger or a thumb of the user to actuate the locking member 390.- l-

[0121] FIGS. 17 and 17A-17C show embodiments of convex insert 200g, 200g’ that are similar to the convex insert 200 shown in FIG. 3 except the belt tabs 202a, 202b, 202b’ may comprise annular flanges 406a, 406b, 406b’ respectively, instead of flange portions 206a, 206b that extend upwardly from the surface 208 of the convex insert 200. The annular flanges 406a, 406b, 406b’ may be disposed to extend substantially laterally (or radially) from the opposite sides 204a, 204b, 204b’ respectively, of the convex insert 200g, 200g’. Each annular flange 406 may comprise a plurality of apertures, slots, or openings 408. In the embodiment of the convex insert 200g as shown in FIGS. 17 and 17A, the annular flange 406a may include three apertures 408a-l, 408a-2, and 408a-3 and the annular flange 406b may include three apertures 408b- 1, 408b-2, and 408b-3. It should be apparent to one who has ordinary skill in the art that the annular flanges 406 may include more or fewer than three apertures 408. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C, each annular flange 406 (FIGS. 17B and 17C are partial views of the convex insert 200g’ and only one of the annular flanges 406b’ is shown) of the convex insert 200g’ may have two apertures 408b-l’, 408b-2’.

[0122] The convex insert 200g, 200g’ may be configured to maintain the desired flexibility while providing sufficient structural integrity to support the ostomy belt 108 without warping, buckling and / or breaking. In an embodiment, the convex insert 200g, 200g’ may be formed from two different polymeric materials including a first polymeric material having a higher modulus to provide the required structural integrity and a second polymeric material having a lower modulus to provide the desired flexibility. Suitable materials for the first polymeric material may include, but are not limited to, high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Suitable materials for the second polymeric material may include, but are not limited to, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA foam and polyurethane (PU) foam. In such an embodiment, a portion of the convex insert 200g, 200g’ - for example, a horizontally extending section that must flex to accommodate user’s abdomen bending movements - may be formed from the second polymeric material, while another portion may be formed from the first polymeric material. In another example, the belt tabs 202 may be formed from the first polymeric material, while another portion of the convex insert 200g, 200g’ may be formed from the second polymeric material. In such embodiments, the convex insert 200g, 200g’ may be formed via a two-shot molding process using the two different polymer materials.

[0123] In another embodiment, the convex insert 200g, 200g’ may include belt tabs 202 having a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the rest of the convex insert 200g, 200g’. In yet another embodiment, the convex insert 200g, 200g’ may include slits and / or grooves 409, 409’, some of which may extend horizontally, configured to facilitate flexing of the convex insert 200g, 200g’ with user’s abdomen bending movements.

[0124] In some embodiments, the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to the convex insert 200g without the use of a belt-side coupling member as shown in FIG. 17A. For example, the first end 110 of the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to the belt tab 202a of the convex insert 200g by passing a portion 410 of the ostomy belt 108 adjacent to the first end 110 through one of the apertures 408a (e.g., 408a-2 as shown in FIG. 17A) and secured to a remaining portion of 412 of the ostomy belt 108 that has not been passed through the aperture 408, for example, by a hook and loop closure, one or more snaps, or another securement device apparent to one who has ordinary skill in the art. The second end 112 (not shown) of the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to the belt tab 202b in a similar fashion. When attaching the ostomy belt 108, the user may accommodate the orientation of the ostomy pouch 104 on the ostomate by selecting the apertures 408a and 408b to which the first and second ends 110, 112 of the ostomy belt 108 are secured. For example, the first end 110 of the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to aperture 408a-l, and the second end 112 (not shown) of the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to aperture 408b-3 for a first orientation. Alternatively, the first end 110 may be secured to aperture 408a-3, and the second end 112 (not shown) may be secured to aperture 408b- 1 for a second orientation, and so on. Further, in some embodiments, the apertures 408 may be sized to restrict movement of the ostomy belt 108 within such opening and thereby prevent circumferential movement of the ostomy belt 108 about the convex insert 200g, which could cause chafing and / or other discomfort to the ostomate.

[0125] In other embodiments, the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to one or both of the belt tabs 202 (only one of the belt tabs 202b’ is shown) of the convex insert 200g’ using a belt-side coupling member 414 as shown in FIG. 17B. The belt-side coupling member 414 may include a base portion 416 having a first side 418 opposite a second side 420 and a third side 422 opposite a fourth side 424. A first slot 426 and a second slot 428 may be formed in the base portion 416. The second slot 428 may include an opening 430 along the fourth side 424. As shown in FIGS.17B and 17C, the second end 112 of the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to the belt-side coupling member 414 by passing the second end 112 and a portion 432 of the ostomy belt 108 through thefirst slot 426 and securing the portion 432 to a portion 434 that has not been passed through the first slot 426. The portions 432, 434 may be secured to one another by sewing, an adhesive, a hook and loop closure, and the like. Thereafter, the belt-side coupling member 414 and the portions 432, 434 may be then passed through the aperture 408b of the belt tab 202b’ of the convex insert 200g’, and a portion 436 of the ostomy belt 108 not passed through the aperture 408b may be slipped through the opening 430 and into the second slot 428. Thereafter, the portion 436 may be pulled away from the convex insert 200g’ to urge the portions 432, 434, and thus the belt-side coupling member 414, toward the aperture 408b to tighten the ostomy belt 108. FIGS. 17A shows the first end 110 of the ostomy belt 108 attached to the first belt tab 202a without using a belt-side coupling member and FIGS. 17B and 17C show the second end 112 of the ostomy belt 108 attached to the second belt tab 202b’ using the belt-side coupling member 414. It should be apparent to one who has ordinary skill in the art that in alternative embodiments the first end 110 may be attached to the first belt tab 202a using the belt-side coupling member 414 and the second end 112 of the ostomy belt 108 may be attached to the second belt tab 202b directly without using a belt-side coupling member, both the first and second ends 110, 112 of the ostomy belt 108 may be secured to first and second belt tabs 202a, 202b, respectively, without using a belt-side coupling member, or both the first and second ends 110, 112 may be attached to the first and second belt tabs 202a, 202b, respectively, using belt-side coupling members 414.

[0126] FIGS. 18 and 18A show an embodiment of a convex insert 200h that is similar to the convex insert 200 shown in FIG. 3 except each of the belt tabs 202 disposed on opposite sides 204a, 204b of the convex insert 200h may include an annular flange 406. Each annular flange 406 may include a slot 438 defined by opposing serpentine edges 440, 442 and notches 444, 446 formed in such opposing serpentine edges 440,442, respectively. A belt-side coupling member 448 that may be used to secure the ostomy belt 108 to the convex insert 200h may include a base portion 416. The base portion 416 may include first and second opposite sides 418, 420 and third and fourth opposite sides 422, 424. A hook member 450 may be disposed proximate the first side 418 and a slot 452 may formed in the base portion 416 between the hook member 450 and the second side 420. A first or second end 110, 112 of the ostomy belt 108 may be passed through the slot 452 and secured to a portion of the ostomy belt 108 not passed through such slot 452. To attach the belt-side coupling member 448 (and thus the ostomy belt 108) to the convex insert 200h, the beltside coupling member 448 may be rotated so that a major axis of the hook member 450 issubstantially parallel to the slot 438 or otherwise positioned to slide therethrough, aligned with a selected one of the notches 444, then rotated so that the major axis of the hook member 450 is transverse the slot 438, and disposed between the selected notch 444 and a notch 446 opposite thereof, and held in place by sidewalls of the selected notch 444 and the notch 446 opposite thereof. The belt-side coupling member 448 may be released from the convex insert 200h by rotating the belt-side coupling member 448 so that the major axis of the hook member 450 is substantially parallel to the slot 438 or otherwise positioned to be able to slide therethrough, and sliding the hook member 450 through the slot 438 to free the hook member 450 from the convex insert 20011.

[0127] FIGS. 19, 19A, and 19B show an embodiment of a convex insert 200i that is similar to the convex insert 200 shown in FIG. 3 except the annular flange 406 of the belt tabs 202 may include a plurality of spaced apart slots or through holes 454 disposed between inner and outer portions 456, 458 of the annular flange 406. FIGS. 19 and 19A also show a belt-side coupling member 460 similar to the belt-side coupling member 448 shown in FIGS. 18 and 18A except the belt-side coupling member 460 may include a plurality of clip members 462 that extend from the first side 418. Each clip member 462 may include a downward section 464 that extends downward from a top portion of the base portion 416 and an extension section 466 that extends outward from the downward section 464 in a direction away from the first and second sides 418, 420. Further, the downward section 464 may define a trough 468 disposed between the clip member 462 and the slot 452. The ostomy belt 108 may be passed through the slot 452 and attached to the portion of the ostomy belt 108 not passed through the slot 452 to secure the ostomy belt 108 to the beltside coupling member 460. The belt-side coupling member 460 may be attached to the belt tab 202 by tilting the belt-side coupling member 460 upward away from the surface 208 of the convex insert 200i, aligning the plurality of clip members 462 with selected slots 454, and inserting the extension section 466 of each clip member 462 through the selected slots 454 as shown by the arrow 470a (FIGS. 19A and 19B). Thereafter, the belt-side coupling member 460 may be urged downward as shown by the arrow 470b (FIGS. 19A and 19B) so that the downward section 464 of each clip member 462 is secured in the slot 454 and the outer portion 458 of the flange 406 proximate such slot 454 is disposed in the trough 468 formed by such downward section 464.

[0128] In some embodiments, the belt-side coupling member 460 may include a slot 452a instead of the slot 452. The slot 452a may be open along one of the third side 422 or the fourth side 424. The ostomy belt 108 may be attached to the belt-side coupling member 460 by forminga loop proximate one of the first and the second ends 110, 112 of the ostomy belt 108 and sliding such loop over a portion of the belt-side coupling member 460 between the slot 452 and the second side 420 of the base portion 416 of the belt-side coupling member 460.

[0129] FIGS. 20 and 20A-2C show an embodiment of a convex insert 200j and a belt-side coupling member 460a that are similar to the convex insert 200i and the belt-side coupling member 460, respectively, shown in FIGS. 19, 19A, and 19B. Specifically, the belt-side coupling member 460a may include a single clip member 462 having the downward section 464. In contrast to the belt-side coupling member 460, however, the downward section 464 of the clip member 462 may include an extension section 466a, which includes a forward portion 472a and a rearward portion 472b. The forward portion 472a extends away from the first side 418 and the rearward portion 472b extends toward the first side 418 and partially overlaps the trough 468. In use, the ostomy belt 108 may be attached to the belt-side coupling member 460a. Thereafter, the belt-side coupling member 460 may be tilted away from the body side 158 of the convex insert 200j (as shown in FIG. 20C) so that the forward portion 472a of the extension section 466a and at least a portion of the downward section 464 of the clip member 462 are passed through the slot 454. Thereafter, force may be applied to the belt-side coupling member 460a to urge the belt-side coupling member 460a, as shown by the arrow 474a, to pivot about the downward section 464 and urge the rearward portion 472b of the extension section 466a to also pass through the slot 454. Thereafter the beltside coupling member 460a may be pulled laterally away from the convex insert 200j as shown by the arrow 474b so that at least a portion the outer portion 458 of the flange 406 may be entrapped in the trough 468 between the clip member 462 and the rearward extension portion 472b.

[0130] FIGS. 21, 21A, and 21B show embodiments of a convex insert 200k and a belt-side coupling member 460b that are similar to the convex insert 200i and the belt-side coupling member 460, respectively, shown in FIGS. 19, 19A, and 19B. The annular flange 406 of the belt tab 202 of the convex insert 200k may include a plurality of protrusions 476 that extend upward away from the body side 158 of the convex insert 200k and the belt-side coupling member 460b may include a plurality of holes 478 formed in base portion 416 thereof. One or more protrusions 476 may be aligned with the slots 454 in the convex insert 200k and the holes 478 may be aligned with the clip member 462 such that when the clip member 462 is disposed in a selected slot 454, the protrusions 476 aligned with such selected slot 454 may be disposed and secured in the holes 478 aligned with the clip member 462. Having the protrusions 476 disposed in the holes 478 in this manner preventsdetachment of the belt-side coupling member 460 from the belt tab 202. In some embodiments, the annular flange 406 may comprise a recessed portion (or shelf) 480 between the slots 454 and the outer portion 458 thereof. In such embodiments, the recessed portion 480 is recessed toward the pouch side 160 of the convex insert 200k relative to a surface 482 of the inner portion 456 of the annular flange 406. The protrusions 476 may be disposed on the recessed portion 480 so that such protrusions do not extend substantially beyond the surface 482 and push into the body 102 of the ostomate to cause discomfort thereto.

[0131] FIGS. 22, 22A, and 22B show embodiments of a convex insert 2001 and a belt-side coupling member 490. The outer portion 458 of the annular flange 406 of the convex insert 2001 may be bent toward the inner portion 456 of the annular flange 406 to overlap the pouch side 160 of the of the convex insert 2001 to form a first hook member 492 along an edge 494 of the annular flange 406. The first hook member 492 forms an opening on the pouch side 160 of the convex insert 2001 on the annular flange 406. In some embodiments, the first hook member 492 spans all or a substantial portion of the edge 494 of the annular flange 406. A second hook member 496 is formed along the first side 418 of the base portion 416 of the belt-side coupling member 490. During use, the first hook member 492 of the annular flange 406 interfits the second hook member 496 of the belt-side coupling member 490 so that the belt-side coupling member 490 remains attached to the annular flange 406 when the ostomy belt 108 secured to the belt-side coupling member 490 is pulled taut around the body 102 of the ostomate.

[0132] FIGS. 23, 23A-23C show embodiments of a convex insert 200m and a belt-side coupling member 490a. The outer portion 458 of the annular flange 406 of the convex insert 200m may be bent toward the inner portion 456 to overlap the body side 158 of the convex insert 200m and form the first hook member 492. In addition, the convex insert 200m may include an arcuate ridge 500 proximate the inner portion 456 of the annular flange 406 and a plurality of protrusions 502 extending radially outward from the arcuate ridge 500 toward the first hook member 492. Adjacent pairs of the protrusions 502 may be separated by a gap 504. The belt-side coupling member 490a may include a plurality of second hook members 496, each of which is similar to the second hook member of belt-side coupling member 490 described above. At least one of the second hook members 496 may include a locking member 506 that extends outwardly therefrom. When the first hook member 492 and the second hook member 496 are interfit with one another to connect the belt-side coupling member 490a to the convex insert 200m, the locking member506 may be inserted into the gap 504 between selected adjacent protrusions 502 and held in place by such protrusions 502. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 23C, the locking member 506 may be urged upward from the base portion 416 of the belt-side coupling member as shown by arrow 508 to facilitate interfitting the second hook member 496 with the first hook member 492, and thereafter the belt-side coupling member 490a may be urged forward as shown by arrow 510 toward the arcuate ridge 500 to urge the locking member 506 between the selected protrusions 502.

[0133] FIGS. 24, 24 A, and 24B show embodiments of a convex insert 200n and a belt-side coupling member 490b. The annular flange 406 of the convex insert 200n may include a plurality of slots or holes 512 formed between the inner portion 456 and the outer portion 458 of the annular flange 406. Adjacent pairs of slots 512 may be separated by cross members 514 that span radially between the inner portion 456 and the outer portion 458. The belt-side coupling member 490b may include a plurality of hook members 496. To connect the belt-side coupling member 490b and the convex insert 200n, each of the hook members 496 may be passed through corresponding slots 512 such that a cross member 514 separating the slots 512 is disposed between adjacent hook members 496. Thereafter, the belt-side coupling member 490b may be pulled radially away from the convex insert 200n until adjacent sections of the outer portion 458 separated by the cross member 514 are disposed in and entrapped by the hook members 496.

[0134] FIGS. 25, 25 A, and 25B show embodiments of a convex insert 200o and a belt-side coupling member 490c. The convex insert 200o is similar to the convex insert 200n and the beltside coupling member 490c is similar to the belt-side coupling member 490b except the belt-side coupling member 490c may include only one hook member 496. In use, the hook member 496 may be passed through a selected one of the slots 512 formed in the flange member 406 such that a section of the outer portion 458 of the flange 406 proximate the selected slot 512 is disposed in and entrapped by the hook member 496 of the belt-side coupling member 490c.

[0135] While various embodiments of the convex insert 200 and the belt-side coupling members 220, 350, 414, 448, 460, and 490 have been illustrated and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made and are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the belt tabs 202 of the convex inserts 200 and 200a-200o and the belt-side coupling members 220, 350, 414, 448, 460, and 490 disclosed herein may be adapted for use with a barrier appliance that does not comprise a convexity adjustment device such as, for example, a barrier appliance that insteadincludes a flat base plate. In addition, the belt tabs 202 described herein may be formed separately from the convex inserts 200 or 200a-200o (or other barrier appliance) and then secured to the convex insert 200 or 200a-200o, for example, via an adhesive, film, tape, heat seal, or another way of attachment apparent to one who has ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, although the present disclosure has been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present disclosure may be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present disclosure as described herein.

[0136] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0137] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0138] Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An ostomy appliance, comprising:a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert, wherein the convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, a first belt tab, and a second belt tab, wherein the first belt tab and the second belt tab are disposed on opposite sides of the convex insert;a first plurality of apertures formed in the first belt tab; anda second plurality of apertures formed in the second belt tab;wherein the convex insert is adapted to have a first end of an ostomy belt coupled to a selected first aperture of the first plurality of apertures and a second end of the ostomy belt coupled to a selected second aperture of the second plurality of apertures.

2. The ostomy appliance of claim 2, wherein first belt tab comprises a first flange and the second belt tab comprises a second flange, wherein the first flange and second flange extend laterally away from an interior of the convex insert.

3. The ostomy appliance of claims 1 or 2 in combination with an ostomy belt, wherein the first end and an adjacent first portion of the ostomy belt are passed through the selected first aperture and secured to a second portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected first aperture.

4. The ostomy appliance and ostomy belt of claim 3, wherein the first portion and the second portion are secured to one another by a hook and loop closure.

5. The ostomy appliance of claims 3 or 4, wherein the second end and an adjacent third portion of the ostomy belt are passed through the selected second aperture and secured to a fourth portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected second aperture, wherein the third portion and the fourth portion are secured to one another by a hook and look closure.

6. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1-4, further including a belt-side coupling member to secure the second end of the ostomy belt to the selected second aperture.

7. The ostomy appliance of claim 6, wherein the belt-side coupling member is passed through the selected second aperture and secured to a portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected second aperture.

8. The ostomy appliance of claims 1 or 2 in combination with an ostomy belt, further including a first belt-side coupling member to secure the first end of the ostomy belt to the selected first aperture and a second belt-side coupling member to secure the second end of the ostomy belt to the selected second aperture, wherein the first belt-side coupling member is passed through the selected first aperture and secured to a first portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected first aperture, and the second belt-side coupling member is passed through the selected second aperture and secured to a second portion of the ostomy belt not passed through the selected second aperture.

9. The ostomy appliance of any of one claims 1-8 in combination with an ostomy pouch, wherein ostomy pouch is secured to the ostomy appliance, and the first selected aperture and the second selected aperture are selected to accommodate an orientation of the ostomy pouch and the ostomy appliance as placed on an ostomate to attach the ostomy belt to the ostomy appliance.

10. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first plurality of apertures comprises at least three apertures, and the second plurality of apertures comprises at least three apertures.

11. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first plurality of apertures comprises two apertures, and the second plurality of apertures comprises two apertures.

12. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the convex insert includes a first portion formed from a first polymeric material and a second portion formed from a second polymeric material, wherein the first polymeric material has a higher modulus than the second polymeric material.

13. The ostomy appliance of claim 12, wherein the second portion is a horizontally extending section of the convex insert configured to flex to accommodate user’s abdomen bending movements.

14. The ostomy appliance of claims 12 or 13, wherein the first portion includes the first and second belt tabs.

15. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the first polymeric material comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) or blends thereof, and the second polymeric material comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA foam or polyurethane (PU) foam.

16. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the first and second belt tabs have a thickness greater than a thickness of the rest of the convex insert.

17. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the convex insert includes a plurality of slits and / or grooves configured to facilitate flexing of the convex insert to accommodate user’s abdomen bending movements.

18. An ostomy appliance, comprising:a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert, wherein the convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, and a belt tab for securing a belt to the barrier appliance;a flange portion of the belt tab extending outward from the body side of the convex insert; anda belt-side coupling member having a base portion and an engagement member, wherein the engagement member includes a planar portion vertically separated from the base portion and a lip extending from the planar portion toward the base portion;wherein the belt-side coupling member is adapted to be secured to the belt tab such that the flange portion is entrapped between the base portion and the engagement member and a first face of the flange portion abuts a second face of the lip.

19. The ostomy appliance of claim 18, wherein the first face and a surface of the body side of the convex insert form an acute angle.

20. The ostomy appliance of claims 18 or 19, wherein the flange spans a portion of a perimeter of the convex insert.

21. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the belt-side coupling member is adapted to be secured at a plurality of locations along the flange.

22. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 18-21, further including an end portion disposed at an end of the flange, wherein the end portion extends outwardly from the body side of the convex insert and is transverse to the flange.

23. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 18-22, further including a plurality of ribs disposed on the pouch side of the convex insert opposite the flange, wherein adjacent ribs are spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate at least a portion the base portion of the belt-side coupling member when the belt-side coupling member is attached to the convex insert.

24. The ostomy appliance of claim 23, wherein adjacent ribs define discrete attachment sections of the flange where the belt-side coupling member may be attached.

25. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 18-24, wherein the belt-side coupling member includes a living hinge that facilitates lifting the engagement member away from the base portion.

26. The ostomy appliance of claim 25, wherein the flange comprises a first flange, the convex insert further includes a second flange that extends outward from the pouch side of the convex insert, and the belt-side coupling member includes a trough, wherein the first flange and the second flange are entrapped between the engagement member and the trough when the beltside coupling member is secured to the convex insert.

27. The ostomy appliance of claim 18, wherein the flange includes a plurality of slots and the lip includes a protrusion that extends from second face, wherein the protrusion is disposed a selected one of the plurality of slots when the belt-side coupling member is attached to the convex insert.

28. The ostomy appliance of claim 18, wherein the flange comprises a flange portion of a plurality of flange portions, wherein the lip includes a protrusion that extends from the second face that is disposed in a gap formed between the flange portion and an adjacent one of the plurality of flange portions when the belt-side coupling member is secured to the convex insert.

29. The ostomy appliance of claim 28, wherein the flange comprises a first flange, the convex insert further includes a second flange that extends outward from the pouch side of the convex insert, and the belt-side coupling member includes a trough, wherein the first flange and the second flange are entrapped between the engagement member and the trough when the beltside coupling member is secured to the convex insert.

30. The ostomy appliance of claim 18, further includes a plurality of ribs joined to the flange intermediate end portions of the flange, wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends radially from the flange.

31. The ostomy appliance of claim 30, wherein the plurality of ribs define discrete positions for attaching the belt-side coupling member to the convex insert.

32. The ostomy appliance of claim 18, wherein the belt-side coupling member includes a locking member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the locking member allows the engagement member to be lifted away from the base portion when in the first position and the locking member prevents lifting the engagement member away from the base portion when in the second position.

33. The ostomy appliance of claim 32, wherein the locking member surrounds the base portion the engagement member when the locking member is in the second position.

34. An ostomy appliance, comprising:a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert, wherein the convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, and a belt tab;a plurality of attachment locations formed on the belt tab; anda belt-side coupling member adapted to secure an ostomy belt to the belt tab; wherein the belt-side coupling member is coupled to the belt tab at a selected attachment location of the plurality of attachment locations.

35. The ostomy appliance of claim 34, wherein a slot having serpentine edges is formed on the belt tab, the serpentine edges having notches that define the plurality of attachment locations.

36. The ostomy appliance of claim 35, wherein a plurality of apertures are formed on the belt tab that define the plurality of attachment locations.

37. The ostomy appliance of claim 36, wherein the belt-side coupling member is simultaneously coupled to more than one selected aperture of the plurality of apertures.

38. The ostomy appliance of claim 36 or 37, wherein the belt-side coupling member includes at least one clip member and a trough, and the belt-side coupling member is coupled to the belt tab at the selected attachment location by inserting the clip member in an aperture associated with the selected attachment location and disposing an outer portion of the belt tab in the trough.

39. The ostomy appliance of claim 38, wherein the outer portion comprises a plurality of protrusions, the belt-side coupling member includes a plurality of orifices, and the protrusions are disposed in corresponding orifices when the outer portion is disposed in the trough.

40. The ostomy appliance of claim 36, wherein the belt-side coupling member comprises a hook member and the hook member is passed through a selected aperture of the plurality of apertures to couple the belt-side coupling member to the belt tab.

41. The ostomy appliance of claim 40, wherein the hook member comprises a plurality of hook members and the plurality of hook members is passed through selected apertures of the plurality of apertures.

42. The ostomy appliance of claim 41, wherein an outer portion of the belt tab is entrapped in the plurality of hook members.

43. An ostomy appliance, comprising:a barrier appliance comprising a convex insert, wherein the convex insert has a body side, a pouch side, and a belt tab;a first hook member formed in the belt tab by bending an outer portion of the belt tab on one side of the convex insert toward an opposite side of the convex insert; anda belt-side coupling member comprising a second hook member;wherein first hook member and the second hook member interfit to couple the belt-side coupling member to the belt tab at a selected attachment location of the plurality of attachment locations.

44. The ostomy appliance of claim 43, further including a plurality of protrusions disposed on an inner portion of the belt tab and a locking member disposed on the belt-side coupling member, wherein the locking member is disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of protrusions when the belt-side coupling member is coupled to the belt tab.

45. The ostomy appliance of claim 44, further including a ridge disposed on the inner portion and the plurality of protrusions extend from the ridge toward the first hook member.

46. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 43-45, wherein the belt-side coupling member includes a slot and a first portion of the ostomy belt is passed through the slot and secured to a second portion of the ostomy belt that is not passed through the slot.

47. The ostomy appliance of claim 46, wherein the first portion is secured to the second portion by a hook and loop closure.

48. The ostomy appliance of claim 46, wherein the first portion of the belt is sewn or adhesively secured to the second portion of the belt.

49. An ostomy appliance, comprising:a belt tab;a flange portion disposed on the belt tab and extending outward from a surface of the belt tab; anda belt-side coupling member for securing an ostomy belt to the belt tab and having a base portion and an engagement member, wherein the engagement member includes a planar portion vertically separated from the base portion and a lip extending from the planar portion toward the base portion;wherein the belt-side coupling member is adapted to be secured to the belt tab such that the flange portion is entrapped between the base portion and the engagement member and a first face of the flange portion abuts a second face of the lip.

50. An ostomy appliance, comprising:a belt tab; anda plurality of apertures formed in the belt tab;wherein an end of an ostomy belt is coupled to a selected aperture of the plurality of apertures.

51. An ostomy appliance, comprising:a belt tab having a plurality of attachment locations formed thereon; anda belt-side coupling member adapted to secure an ostomy belt to the belt tab;wherein the belt-side coupling member is coupled to the belt tab at a selected attachment location of the plurality of attachment locations.

52. An ostomy appliance, comprising:a belt tab;a first hook member formed in the belt tab by bending an outer portion of the belt tab on one side of the belt tab toward an opposite side of the belt tab; anda belt-side coupling member for securing an ostomy belt to the belt tab and comprising a second hook member;wherein first hook member and the second hook member interfit to couple the belt-side coupling member to the belt tab at a selected attachment location of the plurality of attachment locations.

53. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 49-52, wherein the ostomy appliance comprises a barrier appliance.

54. The ostomy appliance of claim 53, wherein the belt tab is formed separately from the barrier appliance, and secured to the barrier appliance using an adhesive, a film, a tape, a heat seal, and the like.

55. The ostomy appliance of claim 53 or claim 54, wherein the barrier appliance comprises a convex insert.

56. A one-piece ostomy pouch system comprising the ostomy appliance of any one of the preceding claims.

57. A two-piece ostomy pouch system comprising the ostomy appliance of any one of the preceding claims.

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