GB2624023A

GB2624023A - An ostomy appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2624023A
Application number: GB2216472.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Howard Lee
Original assignee: Salts Healthcare Ltd
Current assignee: Salts Healthcare Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-04
Filing date: 2022-11-04
Publication date: 2024-05-08
Also published as: WO2024095002A1; GB202216472D0

Abstract

An ostomy appliance 10 including first 12 and second 14 walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries, a stoma-receiving opening 16 for receipt of a stoma. An outlet 22 extends away from the stoma-receiving opening and is moveable between an in-use position and a stowed position. A securing device 30 is provided on the first or second wall for securing the outlet in the stowed position and a stiffening member 26 is attached to the outlet. The securing device includes a protrusion which extends away from the first or second wall and a receiving formation defined at least partially by the protrusion for receipt of the the stiffening member when the outlet is in its stowed position. The securing device is resiliently deformable so as to permit the first portion of the stiffening member to be received by the receiving formation and to hold the stiffening member relative thereto.

Description

Title: An ostomy appliance

FIELD

This invention relates to ostomy appliances. In particular, this invention relates to drainable ostomy appliances.

BACKGROUND

Ostomy appliances are well known in the field. They are typically attached to a user via an adhesive member that surrounds the user's stoma with adhesive and they provide a collecting volume to collect waste exiting the stoma. A means of draining waste from the collecting volume is often provided -in many instances, this may be in the form of a drainage outlet in communication with the collecting volume which is formed from the walls of the ostomy appliance.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an ostomy appliance including: first and second walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries; a stoma-receiving opening for receipt of a stoma, in use; a collecting cavity defined between the first and second walls wherein the stoma-receiving opening is fluidly connected to the collecting cavity; a connection member connected to the first and/or second wall for attaching the appliance to a user or for attaching the appliance to a flange for attaching the appliance to a user; an outlet which extends away from the stoma-receiving opening, the outlet terminating in an opening, wherein the outlet is moveable between an in-use position and a stowed position; a securing device provided on the first or second wall for securing the outlet in the stowed position; and a stiffening member attached to the outlet, said stiffening member extending across the outlet and having a first portion; wherein the securing device includes: a protrusion which extends away from the first or second wall; and a receiving formation defined at least partially by the protrusion for receipt of the first portion of the stiffening member when the outlet is in its stowed position, wherein the securing device is resiliently deformable so as to permit the first portion of the stiffening member to be received by the receiving formation and to hold the stiffening member relative thereto.

The securing device may be movable between a first condition in which the outlet may be secured in its stowed position and a second condition in which the outlet may be permitted to adopt its in-use position.

The securing device may be biased, preferably resiliently biased, to adopt its first condition.

The stiffening member may include a second portion about which the stiffening member is pivotable, and the ostomy appliance may include a further protrusion which extends away from the first or second wall, and a further receiving formation may be defined at least partially by the further protrusion for receipt of the second portion of the stiffening member.

The further receiving formation may act as a fulcrum for the second portion of the stiffening member such that the user is able to pivot the first portion of the stiffening member towards the first receiving formation.

The protrusion and the further protrusion may be connected by a base which is attached to the first or second wall.

The stiffening member may include a first side and a second side, wherein the first side may be positioned closer to the stoma-receiving opening than the second side and a distance D1 may be defined between the first and second sides, wherein a distance D2 is defined between a part of the protrusion and a part of the further protrusion, and wherein the distance D2 is less than or equal to the distance Dl.

The securing device may include a lever which is manually moveable by a user so as to deform the receiving formation and permit release of the first portion of the stiffening member therefrom.

A portion of the lever may extend over the receiving formation away from the stoma-receiving opening.

The lever may extend towards the stoma-receiving opening.

The lever may extend in a direction away from, and inclined relative to, the first or second wall.

Movement of the lever in a direction towards the first or second wall may deform the protrusion to increase the distance D2.

The stiffening member may include first and second sides, wherein the first side is positioned closer to the stoma-receiving opening than the second side and wherein the first side forms at least part of the first portion.

The stiffening member may include first and second sides, wherein the first side is positioned closer to the stoma-receiving opening than the second side and wherein the second side forms at least part of the second portion.

The securing device may be formed as a unitary component.

The stiffening member may be positioned close to or adjacent the opening of the outlet.

The ostomy appliance may further include a second stiffening member positioned adjacent the first stiffening member further away from the opening than the first stiffening member, wherein the second stiffening member may include one or more or all of the features of the first stiffening member.

The ostomy appliance may further include a second stiffening member positioned opposite the first stiffening member wherein the second stiffening member includes one or more or all of the features of the first stiffening member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a rear view of an ostomy appliance in an in-use position including a stiffening member in accordance with the present disclosure, FIGURE 2 is a rear view of an ostomy appliance in an in-use position including two stiffening

members in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGURE 3 is a front view of the appliance of figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a rear view of a part of the appliance of figure 1; FIGURES is a front view of the appliance of figure 1 in a stowed position; FIGURE 6 is a front view of an ostomy appliance in a stowed position including a securing device which is wider than the stiffening member; FIGURE 7 is a side view of a securing device of the appliance of figure 1 in a first condition; FIGURE 8 is a side view of a securing device of the appliance of figure 1 in a first condition; FIGURE 9 is a side view of a securing device of the appliance of figure 1 in a second condition; FIGURE 10 is a side view of the appliance of figure 1 in an in-use position; FIGURE 11 is a side view of the appliance of figure 1 in a stowed position; FIGURE 12 is a magnified side view of a part of the appliance of figure1 with the securing device in a first condition; FIGURE 13 is a magnified side view of a part of the appliance of figure 1 with the securing device in a second condition; FIGURE 14 is a magnified side view of a part of the appliance of figure 1 with the securing device in a second condition; FIGURE 15 is a magnified side view of a part of the appliance of figure1 with the securing device in a first condition and the outlet in a stowed position; and FIGURE 16 is a magnified side view of a part of the appliance of figure 2 with the securing device in a first condition and the outlet in a stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to figures 1 to 16 there is provided an ostomy appliance 10. The ostomy appliance 10 has an upper end 11 and a lower end 13. The ostomy appliance 10 has first and second walls 12, 14 connected to each other at or near their peripheries, by any suitable means known in the art. For example, they could be adhered to each other, or heat welded.

The first wall 12 includes a stoma-receiving opening 16 for receipt of a user's stoma and also supports a connection member or flange 20 for attaching the appliance 10 to a user. In embodiments, the connection member 20 may be a hydrocolloid wafer for securing the ostomy appliance 10 to the skin of a user around their stoma. Alternatively, the connection member 20 may be for attaching the ostomy appliance 10 to a flange for attaching the appliance to a user (e.g. a two-piece appliance as it is known in the art).

The first and second walls 12, 14 define a waste collecting cavity 18 therebetween, which is fluidly connected to the stoma-receiving opening 16 such that waste from the stoma may be collected and stored within the cavity 18.

The ostomy appliance 10 may also include a comfort layer 17. The comfort layer 17 may be formed of a flexible material, which may be a woven material or a non-woven material as known in the art. In embodiments, the comfort layer 17 may be positioned over the first or second wall 12, 14 of the appliance 10. The comfort layer 17 may be connected to first or second wall 12, 14 of the appliance 10 at or near their peripheries, by any suitable means known in the art.

The lower end 13 end of the appliance 10 is provided with an outlet 22 formed by portions of the first and second walls 12, 14. The outlet 22 extends downwardly away from the stoma-receiving opening 16 and terminates at an opening 24. The opening 24 permits waste collected in the waste collecting cavity 18 to be expelled from the appliance 10.

The outlet 22 may be moved between an in-use position and a stowed positioned. In the in-use position, as shown in figure 10, the outlet 22 may be unfurled such that the user may drain or otherwise expel waste from the waste collecting cavity 18 through the opening 24. In this in-use position, the opening 24 may be open and closed by the user manipulating the walls 12, 14 of the outlet 22 close to the opening 24, or the opening 24 may be biased into an open state.

In the stowed positioned, as shown in figure 11, the outlet 22 may be at least partially folded or rolled up such that the opening 24 of the outlet 22 is sealed or otherwise held in a closed or shut condition so that waste collected in the waste collecting cavity 18 cannot escape or leak through the opening 24. In addition, maintaining the outlet 22 in a folded or rolled up condition during use of the appliance 10 minimizes the amount of waste that may collect within the outlet 22.

The appliance 10 also includes at least one stiffening member 26 which is/are provided to assist with opening and closing the opening 24 of the outlet 22 and for moving the outlet between the in use and stowed positions. In use, the outlet 22 may be stored, or stowed, by being rolled up or folded around the at least one stiffening member 26, as is generally known in the art. Such rolling up uses the laterally extending edges of the at least one stiffening member 26 as a fulcrum(s) to assist in fight closing of the outlet 22, to prevent leaking.

In some embodiments, the appliance 10 includes one stiffening member 26, as shown in figures 1 and 4. In other embodiments, the appliance 10 may include a first stiffening member 26a and a second stiffening member 26b, as shown in figure 2. The features of a stiffening member 26 will now be described. It should be understood that in embodiments including a first and second stiffening member 26a, 26b, the following features may be present on the first and/or second stiffening members 26a, 26b. In embodiments, the first and second stiffening member 26a, 26b may be identical. In other embodiments, the first and second stiffening member 26a, 26b may differ in features.

Figures 1 and 4 show an embodiment of an appliance having one stiffening member 26. The stiffening member 26 may be provided on the first or second wall 12, 14 of the outlet 22, and may be positioned close to, or immediately adjacent, the opening 24 of the outlet 22. The stiffening member 26 may be connected to an exterior surface of the first or second wall 12, 14 of the appliance 10, e.g., by the use of an adhesive or by welding.

The stiffening member 26 may extend substantially laterally across a portion of, or the entirety of, the outlet 22, such that it extends generally perpendicularly to the direction in which waste exits the appliance 10.

The stiffening member 26 need only be stiff in the sense that it is relatively stiff compared to the walls 12, 14 of the ostomy appliance 10. In embodiments, the stiffening member 26 may be injection moulded from a plastics material. The stiffening member 26 may be substantially square or rectangular in shape and may be generally planar such that it is of a constant thickness. In other embodiments, the stiffening member 26 may be provided in any other appropriate shape, and at least one surface of the stiffening member 26 may be contoured or otherwise generally non-planar.

In embodiments including a first and second stiffening member 26a, 26b, the first stiffening member 26a may be provided on the first or second wall 12, 14 of the outlet 22, and may be positioned close to, or immediately adjacent, the opening 24 of the outlet 22. In some embodiments, the second stiffening member 26b may be provided on the same wall 12, 14 as the first stiffening member 26 and positioned between the first stiffening member 26a and the stoma receiving opening 16. In other embodiments, the second stiffening member 26b may be provided on the other of the first or second wall 12, 14 to which the first stiffening member 26a is provided and may be positioned opposite the first stiffening member 26a or may be positioned closer to the stoma receiving opening 16 than the first stiffening member 26a.

The stiffening member 26 includes a first portion 261 and a second portion 262 positioned opposite the first portion 261. As shown in figure 4, the stiffening member 26 may include a first side 27 which is provided within the first portion 261, and a second side 28 which is provided within the second portion 262.

The first and second sides 27, 28 define a distance D1 which extends perpendicularly between the two sides 27, 28, as shown in figure 4. The distance D1 extends in a direction between the opening 24 of the outlet 22 and the stoma-receiving opening 16. In embodiments, this distance D1 may be constant across stiffening member 26.

The stiffening member 26 may also include a first lateral side 271 and a second lateral side 272, each side 271, 272 extending between the first portion 261 and the second portion 262 of the stiffening member 26. As shown in figure 4, the first lateral side 271 and second lateral side 272 may each extend in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the first side 27 and second side 28. The first lateral side 271 and second lateral side 272 define a width dimension W1 which extends perpendicularly between the two sides 271, 272. The width W1 extends in a direction across the outlet 22 and the opening 24 of the outlet 22, and generally perpendicular to the direction in which waste exits the appliance 10 through the opening 24. In embodiments, this width W1 may be constant across the stiffening member 26.

In use of the appliance 10, the outlet 22 may be moved from an in-use position to a stowed position by rolling the walls 12, 14 of the outlet 22 around the stiffening member 26, as is generally known in the art. Such rolling up of the walls 12, 14 uses a laterally extending edge of the stiffening member 26 as a fulcrum to assist in tight closing of the outlet 22 to prevent leakage of collected waste through the opening 24, and to prevent the build-up of waste within the outlet 22 when the outlet 22 is in a stowed position.

The appliance 10 also includes a securing device 30 which is connected, directly or indirectly, to the first or second wall 12, 14 of the appliance 10. As shown in figures 3, 5 and 6, the securing device 30 may be positioned within the lower end 13 of the appliance 10, and above the outlet 22. In embodiments, the securing device 30 may be permanently connected to the first or second wall 12, 14 by use of an adhesive or by welding. In other embodiments, the securing device 30 may be releasably connected to the first or second wall 12, 14, for instance by the use of a hook and loop fastener or other temporary and reversible form of connecting means. The securing device 30 is used to secure, or otherwise hold, the outlet 22 relative to the appliance 10 when the outlet 22 is in a stowed position. As shown in figures 5 and 6, the securing device 30 and the stiffening member 26 may be used together to secure the outlet 22 in a stowed position, such that the stiffening member 26 is received by the securing device 30 to secure the outlet 22 relative to the first or second wall 12, 14 of the appliance 10.

In the present embodiment, the securing device 30 is resiliently deformable or movable such that at least a part of it may be deformed or otherwise moved between a first condition in which the outlet 22 is secured in a stowed position and a second condition in which the outlet 22 may be permitted to be removed from the securing device 30 such that the outlet 22 may be moved into an in-use position. In embodiments, the securing of the outlet 22 in a stowed position is achieved by inserting or placing the stiffening member 26 within the securing device 30 and ensuring that the securing device 30 is in its first condition. To enable movement of parts of the securing device 30 between first and second conditions, the user may push the stiffening member 26 against a deformable or otherwise movable part of the of the securing device 30, which causes the part to move. In other embodiments, the user may manually deform or otherwise move a part of the securing device 30 between the first and second conditions by the use of a user actuatable part such as a lever 36, as explained in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the securing device 30 may be formed as a unitary component formed of a resilient material, such as, but not limited to, a plastic, rubber or a metal material. In other embodiments, some parts of the securing device 30 may be formed of a resilient material, which may be capable of flexing and bending, and other parts may be formed of a rigid material that does not significantly deform or move during use of the securing device 30. Relative resiliency and rigidity between parts of the securing device 30 may also be optimised or selected by the geometry of the securing device 30, such as by providing parts of different thicknesses to create flexible joints between parts. The relative resiliency and rigidity may also be optimised such that deformation or movement of parts of the securing device 30 cannot be effected until a sufficient force is applied to said parts, such as a force intentionally applied by a user of the appliance 10.

The ability of parts of the securing device 30 to flex and bend relative to other parts means that parts of the securing device 30 may function as a living hinge.

In other embodiments, the securing device 30 may be formed as a unitary component formed of a rigid material. Relative movement of parts of the securing device 30 may be permitted by the use of pivotable joints between parts, such as through use of pins or pintles to join parts together. The ability of parts of the securing device 30 to pivot relative to other parts means that parts of the securing device 30 may function similar to a pin hinge or a crocodile clip.

The use of a resilient material enables parts of the securing device 30 to be biased into one of the first or second conditions described above. In the present embodiment, the securing device 30 is biased into the first condition whereby the outlet 22 may be secured in a stowed position. In other embodiments, the securing device 30 may be biased through the use of resilient elements, such as by, but not limited to, springs or a compressible rubber element which contact a pad of the securing device 30.

As shown in figure 3, the securing device 30 extends between a first lateral side 301 and a second lateral side 302. A width dimension W2 is defined between the first lateral side 301 and the second lateral side 302. In embodiments, the width W2 of the securing device 30 may be less than the width W1 of the stiffening member 26, as shown in figure 5. In other embodiments, the width W2 of the securing device 30 may be equal to the width W1 of the stiffening member 26. In yet other embodiments, the width W2 of the securing device 30 may be greater than the width W1 of the stiffening member 26, as shown in figure 6.

The securing device 30 includes a protrusion 31 and a receiving formation 32. As shown in figure 7, the protrusion 31 may extend away from the first or second wall 12, 14 of the appliance 10 between a first end 31a which is positioned close to or adjacent the first or second wall 12, 14 and a free second end 31b which is remote from the first or second wall 12, 14. The protrusion 31 may extend in a direction which may generally perpendicular to, or inclined relative to, the first or second wall 12, 14 to which the securing device 30 is connected. In embodiments, at least a part of the protrusion 31 of the securing device 30 may be formed of a resilient material as described above, such that it may be movable, or otherwise deformable, which permits the stiffening member 26 to be secured by, and removed from, the securing device 30, as described in more detail below.

The receiving formation 32 is at least partially defined by the protrusion 31, and is shaped so that, in use, it may receive a first or second portion 261, 262 of the stiffening member 26 when the outlet 22 is in a stowed position, as shown in figures 14 and 15. The shape of receiving formation 32 need not be identical to the shape of the first or second portion 261, 262 of the stiffening member 26 which it may receive. As shown in figures 7 and figures 12 to 16, the shape of the receiving formation 32, or at least a part of the receiving formation 32, as seen from a side view of the securing device 30 may be substantially curved and may be constant in shape as it extends from a first lateral side 301 to a second lateral side 302 of the securing device 30. The curved shape of the receiving formation 32, or at least a part of the receiving formation 32, may assist with pivoting the stiffening member 26 into the receiving formation 32, as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the receiving formation 32 may be provided in other shapes which are not curved and may change in shape as it extends from a first lateral side 301 to a second lateral side 302 of the securing device 30.

In embodiments, and as shown in figure 7 and figures 12 to 16, the securing device 30 may also include a further protrusion 33 and a further receiving formation 34. The further protrusion 33 may extend away from the first or second wall 12, 14 of the appliance 10 between a first end 33a which is positioned close to or adjacent the first or second wall 12, 14 and a free second end 33b which is remote from the first or second wall 12, 14. The further protrusion 33 may in a direction which may generally perpendicular to, or inclined relative to, the first or second wall 12, 14 to which the securing device 30 is connected. In embodiments, at least a part of the further protrusion 33 of the securing device 30 may be formed of a resilient material as described above, such that it may be movable, or otherwise deformable, which permits the stiffening member 26 to be secured by, and removed from, the securing device 30, as described in more detail below.

The further receiving formation 34 is at least partially defined by the further, protrusion 33, and is shaped so that, in use, it may receive the other of the first or second portion 261, 262 of the stiffening member 26 which is not received by the receiving formation 32 when the outlet 22 is in a stowed position. The shape of the further receiving formation 34 need not be identical to the shape of the first or second portion 261, 262 of the stiffening member 26 which it may receive. As shown in figure 7, the shape of the further, receiving formation 34, or at least a part of it, as seen from a side view of the securing device 30 may be substantially curved, and may be constant in shape as it extends from a first lateral side 301 to a second lateral side 302 of the securing device 30. The curved shape of the further receiving formation 34, or at least a part of it, means that when the first or second portion 261, 262 is inserted into the further receiving formation 34, it may be inserted at an angle and the curved shape of the further receiving formation 34 may allow room for the portion 261, 262 to rotate or pivot without them being obstructed by the further receiving formation 34, as shown in figures 13 and 14. In other embodiments, the further receiving formation 34 may be provided in other shapes which are not curved, and may change in shape as it extends from a first lateral side 301 to a second lateral side 302 of the securing device 30, whilst still allowing room for the first or second portion 261, 262 of the stiffening member 26 to rotate or pivot.

As shown in figure 7, the protrusion 31 and the further protrusion 33 may be connected to each other at their respective first ends 31a, 33a by a base 35. The base 35 may be directly or indirectly attached, or otherwise connected, to the first or second wall 12, 14 to which the securing device 30 is connected to and may serve as the primary, or sole, point of connection between the securing device 30 and the first or second wall 12, 14 of the appliance 10. In embodiments, the base 35 may be permanently connected to the first or second wall 12, 14 by use of adhesive or by welding. In other embodiments, the base 35 may be releasably connected to the first or second wall 12, 14, for instance by the use of a hook and loop fastener or other temporary and reversible form of connecting means. In embodiments, at least a part of the base 35 of the securing device 30 may be formed of a resilient material as described above, such that it may be movable, or otherwise deformable. For instance, a part of the base 35 may move or deform when the first and/or second protrusion 31, 33 moves or deforms. In other embodiments, the base 35, or at least a part of the base 35, may be made from a comparatively rigid material which does not move or deform when the first and/or second protrusion 31,33 moves or deforms.

In embodiments, the base 35, or at least a portion of the base 35, may be substantially planar, i.e., flat, such that when the stiffening member 26 is fully received by the securing device 30 it may rest on a surface of the base 35 without deforming. In other embodiments, it may be shaped such that an outwardly facing surface 35a of the base 35, i.e., a surface which faces away from the first or second wall 12, 14, may be convex or concave. Such curved surfaces my act to deform the stiffening member 26 when it is fully received by the securing device 30, which may enhance the tightness of the closure of the outlet 22. In the case of a concave surface it may allow for different size stiffening strips 26 to be used as a smaller stiffening strip 26 may be fully received with little deformation of the stiffening strip 26 such that at least a part of the stiffening strip 26 is not in contact with the concave surface, whereas a comparatively larger stiffening strip 26 may bow or otherwise deform such that at least a part of it is in contact with the concave surface, or at least positioned closer to the concave surface than a smaller stiffening strip 26 would be when fully received by the securing device 30.

The securing device 30 may also include a lever 36, which is manually movable by a user of the appliance 10 so as to deform a part of the securing device 30 and permit the release of the stiffening member 26 and the outlet 22 which is received by the securing device 30.

As shown in figures 7 and 12, the lever 36 may be connected to the protrusion 31 and may extend in a direction away from the rest of the securing device 30 and generally towards the stoma-receiving opening 16 and/or the upper end 11 of the appliance 10. In embodiments, the part of the lever 36 which is connected to the protrusion 31 be formed integrally with the protrusion 31 and form a part of the protrusion 31. The part of the lever 35 which is connected to, and in embodiments forms a part of, the protrusion 31 may extend over the receiving formation 32 which is at least partially defined by the protrusion 31, and this part of the lever 36 which extends over the receiving formation 32 may partially define the receiving formation 32.

When the securing device 30 is in its first condition, into which it may be biased as discussed above, the lever 36 may extend away from, and may be inclined relative to, the first or second wall 12, 14 to which the securing device 30 is attached. In other embodiments, the lever 36 may extend in a direction which is substantially parallel to the first or second wall 12, 14 to which the securing device 30 is attached.

As shown in figure 7, an opening 37 may be formed between a part of the protrusion 31 which is close to or adjacent its free second end 31a (which, in embodiments, may include a part of the lever 36) and a part of the further protrusion 33 which close to or adjacent its free second end 33a. As shown in figures 8 and 9, a distance 02 is defined between the protrusion 31 and the further protrusion 33, or in other words, a distance D2 is defined between a first side 37a of the opening 37 which is adjacent the protrusion 31 and a second side 37b of the opening 37 which is adjacent the further protrusion 33. This distance D2 extends perpendicularly between the protrusion 31 and the further protrusion 33.

In use of the securing device 30, deformation or movement of the securing device 30, in particular by movement of at least the first protrusion 31, between the first condition in which the outlet 22 is secured in a stowed position and the second condition in which the outlet 22 may be permitted to adopt its in-use position, may cause the distance 02 between the change, as shown in figures 8 and 9. In other words, said movement of the protrusion 31 may cause the size of the opening 37.

Use of the securing device 30 will now be described by way of example. In the foregoing description of the use of the securing device 30, reference is made to an appliance 10 including one stiffening member 26 provided on the outlet 22. However, it should be understood that the securing device 30 may also operate in the same manner when used with appliances 10 that include two stiffening members 26a, 26b, or more than two stiffening members 26, as shown in figure 16.

When the securing device 30 is in the first condition, into which it may be biased as discussed above, the distance D2 may be less than or equal to the distance D1 which is defined between the first and second laterally extending sides or edges 27, 28 of the stiffening member 26. At this stage, the outlet 22 may be held in its in-use position such that it can be used to empty waste from the waste collecting cavity 18 through the opening 24.

The user of the appliance 10 may then roll up or fold the outlet 22 around the stiffening member 26, as is generally known in the art and as described above, until the outlet 22 is held in a stowed position, and the stiffening member 26 may be brought into close proximity of the securing device 30, as shown in figure 12.

The user may then move the securing device 30 into its second condition. When the securing device 30 is moved to the second condition, by deformation or movement of at least the first protrusion 31, the distance D2 may be increased such that the size of the opening 37 is comparatively increased, such that the stiffening member 26 and a portion of the closed outlet 22 may be passed through the opening 37 and into the receiving formation 32 and the further receiving formation 34. In embodiments, the securing device 30 may be moved to the second condition by pushing the stiffening member 26 against the protrusion 31, and in some embodiments the further protrusion 33, such that the force applied to the stiffening member 26 causes the at least the protrusion 31 to deform to the second condition. In other embodiments, the user may use the lever 36 described above to manually move the protrusion 31 between the first and second conditions, and thus deform the receiving formation 32. As shown in figure 13, the user may press on the lever 36 such that its angle of inclination relative to the first or second wall 12, 14 to which it is attached is changed. In embodiments, it may be moved such that the angle of inclination relative to the first or second wall 12, 14 is reduced, but such that the lever 36 still extends away from the first or second wall 12, 14. In other embodiments, the lever 36 may be moved such that the lever 36 now extends towards the first or second wall 12, 14 and may be inclined relative to the first or second wall 12, 14.

In embodiments, the distance D2 in the second condition may be greater than the distance Dl. In other embodiments, the distance D2 in the second condition may be comparatively increased compared to the distance D2 in the first condition, but may still be less than or equal to the distance D1 but such that the stiffening member 26, or at least a part of the stiffening member 26, may be inserted through the opening 37 when the stiffening member 26 is oriented at an angle relative to the base 35 and/or the first or second wall 12, 14 to which the securing device 30 is attached.

As shown in figure 13, the further receiving formation 34 may act as a fulcrum F for the second portion 262 of the stiffening member 26. The user may first insert the second portion 262 through the opening 27 until it is received by the further receiving formation 34, and then may pivot the first portion 261 of the stiffening member 26 about the fulcrum F formed by the second portion 262 and the further receiving formation 34 until the first portion 261 is received by the receiving formation 32. The ability of the user to use the second portion 262 of the stiffening member 26 and the further receiving formation 34 as a fulcrum F is advantageous because the distance D2 need not be greater than the distance D1 of the stiffening member 26, due to the stiffening member 26 being initially insertable through the opening 37 at an angle so that it is first received by the further receiving formation 34 and subsequently pivoted towards the receiving formation 32, as shown in figure 14.

Once the stiffening member 26 is received by the receiving formation 32 and the further receiving formation 34, the securing device 30 may be moved back to its first condition. As described above, the distance D2 will be changed so the size of the opening 37 is reduced and is now less than or equal to the distance D1, meaning that passing the stiffening member 26 back through the opening 37 may be difficult, or prevented entirely and the stiffening member 26, and in turn the outlet 22, are now secured to the securing device 30 in a stowed position, as shown in figure 15.

Figure 16 shows an embodiment of an appliance 10 having a first and second stiffening member 26a, 26b. In such embodiments, the user of the appliance 10 may roll up or fold the outlet 22 around the stiffening member 26, as is generally known in the art and as described above and use the securing device 30 as described above to secure the outlet 22 to the securing device 30 in a stowed position.

The use of a stiffening member 26 or a plurality of stiffening members 26a, 26b to assist in moving the outlet 22 between in-use and stowed positions in conjunction with a securing device 30 is advantageous as the securing device 30 provides a strong and reliable mechanical connection between the outlet 22 and the appliance 10. The materials and/or geometry of the securing device 30 may be optimised such that the outlet 22 may only be released from the securing device 30 when a sufficient force is applied to the securing device 30. As such, instances of the outlet 22 inadvertently moving from a stowed position to an in-use position may be reduced or eliminated.

In addition, when the stiffening member 26, or plurality of stiffening members 26a, 26b, and the outlet 22 are secured by the securing device 30 the receiving formation 32, and further receiving formation 34, may be constructed such that they compress the walls 12, 14 of the outlet 22 against the stiffening member 26, or plurality of stiffening members 26a, 26b are folded or wrapped around. This further improves the tight closing of the walls 12, 14 of the outlet 22 to prevent leakage of collected waste through the opening 24. The prevention of leakage ensures that when the appliance 10 is used to collect waste, the waste cannot leak out of the opening 24 and onto the securing device 30, thereby enhancing the hygienic use of the securing device 30.

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

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

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

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

Claims

CLAIMS1. An ostomy appliance including: first and second walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries; a stoma-receiving opening for receipt of a stoma, in use; a collecting cavity defined between the first and second walls wherein the stoma-receiving opening is fluidly connected to the collecting cavity; a connection member connected to the first and/or second wall for attaching the appliance to a user or for attaching the appliance to a flange for attaching the appliance to a user; an outlet which extends away from the stoma-receiving opening, the outlet terminating in an opening, wherein the outlet is moveable between an in-use position and a stowed position; a securing device provided on the first or second wall for securing the outlet in the stowed position; and a stiffening member attached to the outlet, said stiffening member extending across the outlet and having a first portion; wherein the securing device includes: a protrusion which extends away from the first or second wall; and a receiving formation defined at least partially by the protrusion for receipt of the first portion of the stiffening member when the outlet is in its stowed position, wherein the securing device is resiliently deformable so as to permit the first portion of the stiffening member to be received by the receiving formation and to hold the stiffening member relative thereto.
2. An ostomy appliance according to claim 1 wherein the securing device is movable between a first condition in which the outlet may be secured in its stowed position and a second condition in which the outlet may be permitted to adopt its in-use position.
3. An ostomy appliance according to claim 2 wherein the securing device is biased, preferably resiliently biased, to adopt its first condition.
4. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the stiffening member includes a second portion about which the stiffening member is pivotable; and wherein the ostomy appliance includes a further protrusion which extends away from the first or second wall; and wherein a further receiving formation is defined at least partially by the further protrusion for receipt of the second portion of the stiffening member.
5. An ostomy appliance according to claim 4, wherein the further receiving formation acts as a fulcrum for the second portion of the stiffening member such that the user is able to pivot the first portion of the stiffening member towards the first receiving formation.
6. An ostomy appliance according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the protrusion and the further protrusion are connected by a base which is attached to the first or second wall.
7. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 4 wherein the stiffening member includes a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is positioned closer to the stoma-receiving opening than the second side and a distance D1 is defined between the first and second sides; wherein a distance D2 is defined between a part of the protrusion and a part of the further protrusion; and wherein the distance D2 is less than or equal to the distance Dl.
8. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the securing device includes a lever which is manually moveable by a user so as to deform the receiving formation and permit release of the first portion of the stiffening member therefrom.
9. An ostomy appliance according to claim 8 wherein a portion of the lever extends over the receiving formation away from the stoma-receiving opening.
10. An ostomy appliance according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the lever extends towards the stoma-receiving opening.
11. An ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the lever extends in a direction away from, and inclined relative to, the first or second wall.
12. An ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 8 to 11 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 7 wherein movement of the lever in a direction towards the first or second wall deforms the protrusion to increase the distance D2.
13. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the stiffening member includes first and second sides, wherein the first side is positioned closer to the stoma-receiving opening than the second side and wherein the first side forms at least part of the first portion.
14. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 4 wherein the stiffening member includes first and second sides, wherein the first side is positioned closer to the stoma-receiving opening than the second side and wherein the second side forms at least part of the second portion.
15. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the securing device is formed as a unitary component.
16. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the stiffening member is positioned close to or adjacent the opening of the outlet.
17. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim further including a second stiffening member positioned adjacent the first stiffening member further away from the opening than the first stiffening member, and wherein the second stiffening member includes one or more or all of the features of the first stiffening member as claimed in claims 1 to 15.
18. An ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 16 further including a second stiffening member positioned opposite the first stiffening member, and wherein the second stiffening member includes one or more or all of the features of the first stiffening member as claimed in claims 1 to 15.