JP2000271162A - Plane-fit ostomy coupling, bag-side coupling member, coupling member, ostomy coupling, ostomy bag, and combination of ostomy bag with ostomy coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a plane-fit ostomy coupling. SOLUTION: A plane-fit ostomy coupling 110 includes a bag side coupling member 114 provided with a forward flange 116 whose outer wall is suspended backward. A recessed groove is formed between the outer wall and an inner wall 124 supported by the outer wall. A body side coupling member 112 carries a seal means in the shape of first and second seal fins projecting substantially in the radial direction. The seal fins can be warped in one direction so as to form a cylindrical band seal with respect to an outer wall 122 of the recessed groove. A wall 124 on the opposite side of the recessed groove and the body side coupling member are connected to each other. The fin in the radial direction may be used together with an ostomy coupling of another type. The plane- fit design can be adopted to the seal of another type.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of ostomy products, and more particularly to a coupling for detachably attaching an ostomy bag to a pad or a disk-shaped member (wafer) mounted on a body. The term ostomy is intended here to be broadly interpreted, and this term refers to colostomy,
Including ureterostomy and ileostomy.

[0002] The present invention relates in one aspect to a so-called two-piece coupling comprising substantially only two coupling members, a bag side coupling member and a body side coupling member.

[0003]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION There are many different designs for two-piece couplings. Typically, the body-side coupling member and the bag-side coupling member that engage with each other form a dead space between the bag and the body pad or disc-shaped member (wafer). In other words, the bag will be held away from the pad by a distance corresponding to the height of the coupling. In general, it is desirable for the coupling member to have a low profile (profile, shape, longitudinal section), so that dead space is kept to a minimum.

In US Pat. No. 4,872,869, one coupling is proposed. In this coupling, the ostomy bag is adapted to be flat or almost flat fitted to the body side pad. Such a configuration will be referred to herein as a flat fitting coupling.

In broad terms, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a planar mating coupling comprising a body-side coupling member and a bag-side coupling member that can be fixed to each other. .

[0006] The coupling preferably has one or more features, as described below.

[0007] 1. The body-side coupling member has an inner first wall and an outer second wall, and a connection channel is formed between the first wall and the second wall. One of the first wall and the second wall has a locking projection facing the inside of the channel, or supports the locking projection. First
The other surfaces of the wall and the second wall form a substantially smooth sealing surface (sealing surface).

[0008] Such a configuration provides significant technical advantages over the prior art.

In particular, in the coupling described in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,869, a feature is that the coupling for locking both cylindrical walls forming the channel of the body-side coupling member. In your profile. This locking profile acts in combination with the central rib, which allows the connection of the body-side member to be channeled.
l). The overlapping area (combination area) has two functions of a sealing function and a fixing function.

However, in creating the present invention, it is understood that there may be significant problems when a user attempts to separate the ostomy bag from a body part by releasing the prior art coupling. Was. This problem occurs because the connecting part of the body-side member is overlapped with both walls forming the channel, and
because it is expanded by ribs in the hannel). This can make it practically difficult to pull the connecting portion back from the channel without twisting or deforming the channel to some extent. The above problem becomes a serious problem because the coupling is retracted into the bag. Even if the front flange of the bag-side coupling member is bent, it is not easy to release both channel walls. This is because the configuration of the recess in the coupling member means that its front flange is not directly connected to the base of the channel.

Accordingly, such couplings require considerable sophistication to release and often pose a variety of problems for a large number of elderly and fistula-less artificial fistulas. Would be given.

However, according to the present invention, the sealing function (the inner first wall,
Alternatively, an outer second wall) and a locking function (locking function) are realized, thereby avoiding the above-mentioned many problems. The coupling can be released very easily without compromising its seal and without compromising the security of the coupling.

[0013] Preferably, the wall supporting the locking projection supports a plurality of locking projections. For example, the plurality of locking projections can be spaced apart from each other from an angle.

The present invention, in a closely related and specific aspect, provides a flat-fitting stoma coupling as follows.

That is, the coupling has a bag-side coupling member and a body-side coupling member. The bag-side coupling member includes an inner first wall and an outer second wall, and a channel is formed between the first wall and the second wall. This bag-side coupling member has a groove (channel).
A mounting flange extending outwardly from the second wall. And one of the first wall and the second wall is
At least one locking projection facing the first wall is provided.

On the other hand, the body-side coupling member has a projection which is received in use in a channel of the bag-side coupling member when used. The projection includes a formation for overlapping and engaging with one of the locking projections on the wall of the bag-side coupling member. The bag-side coupling member also includes a deflectable (flexible) seal for engaging without overlapping the other wall of the bag-side coupling member.

2. The bag-side coupling member is fixed to the ostomy bag. The ostomy bag includes first and second bag walls and an entrance opening to the first bag wall. The bag-side coupling member is supported by the first bag wall at the opening. Then, at least a part of the bag-side coupling member extends into the bag. Non-sealing means is provided so that, during use, a part between the bag-side coupling member and the inner surface of the second bag wall is not sealed.

This feature of the invention is that, for example, when the bag is used for the first time, the front wall of the bag located opposite the coupling member sticks to the coupling member. Avoid potential problems. This effect is similar to the problem of pancaking, where the front and rear walls of the bag sometimes stick together, preventing the entry of body waste into the bag.
By using a coupling member that extends at least partially into the bag, (in effect, by holding the walls some distance apart), a direct connection between the front and rear walls at the opening is made. It is possible to reduce the effect of a simple pancake. However, the bag wall has the potential problem that it seals the coupling member and tends to stick to the coupling member. This will again prevent the entry of body waste into the bag. However, by using the non-sealing means according to this aspect of the invention, this potential problem can be avoided or at least reduced.

The non-sealing means may comprise a non-planar surface of the coupling member, for example, one or more protrusions or recesses, or a undulating surface, whereby the surface of the coupling member may be Groove (c) between the opposite side of the bag wall
hannel) and space are more reliably formed. Optionally, the non-sealing means may include a non-stick coat (non-stick coat) supported by a coupling member or a bag wall.

[0020] The present invention, in certain closely related aspects, provides a bag-side coupling member for a planar mating coupling. This bag-side coupling member is connected to the connection groove (c
hannel) and a non-sealing means provided on the back surface of the connection channel.

3. The bag-side coupling member is supported by the ostomy bag. The ostomy bag includes first and second bag walls. The first bag wall has an entrance opening, and the bag-side coupling member is supported by the first bag wall of the opening. At least a portion of the bag-side coupling member extends into the bag, and the surface of the bag-side coupling member faces a second wall that is substantially non-planar.

In addition to the unsealing effect, this feature can improve the area where the user can manually feel the profile of the coupling member through the bag wall material, thereby allowing the user to: When the bag is fitted to the body or when the bag is removed from the body, one's hands can be positioned better.

In creating the present invention, it has been understood that the nature of the recess in the bag-side coupling member that fits flatly will result in the coupling being substantially hidden from the user's view. This invisibility can make it more difficult to fit and remove the coupling.
Thus, by improving the tactility of the coupling through the second bag wall, the invisibility of the coupling member can be compensated.

In one preferred embodiment, the surface may have a plurality of projections spaced apart from each other, for example, a small crest (small dome). In other embodiments, the surface can include an annular protrusion.

[0025] The present invention, in certain closely related aspects, provides a bag-side coupling member for a planar mating coupling. This bag-side coupling member is connected to the connection groove (c
hannel) (coupling channel). The surface of the coupling member is formed in a direction away from the opening of the channel and is substantially non-planar. This allows the surface to be tactile by hand through the bag wall.

4. The bag-side coupling member includes a channel formed by the first and second walls, and a base located between the first and second walls. In this configuration, at least one of the portions comprises an area of reduced thickness.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the region of reduced thickness provides a natural hinge action whereby the bag-side coupling member is assembled to the body-side coupling. Or when the bag-side coupling member is separated from the body-side coupling, the area where the channel extends (spreads) increases.

In creating this aspect of the invention, it has been understood that a planar fitting channel for a bag-side coupling member is conceptually more problematic than an outer coupling member. This is because, as described above, in a concave structure, the channel is supported around its mouth rather than around its base. This means that the channel is harder and does not open freely, as does the channel supported by its base. In addition, in a recessed structure, no channel is accessible. When the bag-side coupling member and the body-side coupling member have to be released, the concave channel is formed.
Bending l) is generally more difficult.

However, by using the above aspect of the present invention, the area where the channel can be widened can be increased, and the above problem can be substantially alleviated.

Preferably, the first and / or second walls of the channel have regions of reduced thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the first wall and / or the second wall are tapered so as to become thinner toward the base. Additionally or alternatively, the base may include one or more recesses. With this configuration, the flexibility of the base of the channel can be increased.

5. The bag-side coupling member is fixed to the ostomy bag. The ostomy bag includes a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall is provided with an entrance opening. The bag-side coupling member is supported by the first wall at the opening.
The bag-side coupling member includes a groove (channel) and the groove (ch).
At least a portion of the annel) extends inside the bag. Groove (c
The hannel is formed by a substantially concentric outer wall and an inner wall. In this configuration, the inner wall projects from the inside of the bag to the outside through the opening. The inner wall is bulging relative to the outer wall (rather than the outer wall).

With this feature, there is a step at the relative height between the inner wall and the outer wall. Preferably, the outer wall supports at least one locking projection or comprises the at least one locking projection. Preferably, the inner wall is formed with a flat sealing surface.

According to this feature of the present invention, a concave coupling having a relatively large wall surface for sealing with a body-side coupling member without substantially increasing the depth of the coupling member in the bag. Can be provided. It will be appreciated that it would not be desirable for the coupling depth in the bag to be too great. This causes the bag to expand in the region of the coupling.

In a closely related specific aspect, the present invention provides a bag-side coupling member for a planar mating coupling. The bag-side coupling member includes a mounting flange, a first wall hanging from the flange, a concentricity with the first wall, and a connection groove (cha) with the first wall.
nnel). The second wall bulges (rather than the first wall) with respect to the first wall.

Coupling Seal Another aspect of the present invention relates to a sealing means for forming a seal between the bag-side coupling member and the body-side coupling member. Aspects of the present invention are applicable to planar fitting couplings as well as non-planar fitting couplings. This viewpoint can be applied to a two-piece coupling and also to a multi-piece coupling. It is applicable to couplings that are mechanically secured together as well as adhesive couplings.

There are many different designs for the seal. A particularly successful design in mechanical interlock couplings is illustrated in GB 1 571 657. This design includes a cylindrical rib housed in an annular channel. The outer edge of the rib has an external concave groove (c
It has a contour that interlocks with the inner edge of the wall of the hannel, holding together the coupling parts during use. The ribs also have inwardly sloping frusto-cone wipers that form a seal against the inner wall of the channel.

The above design has proven to be very reliable in practice. The wiper can be deformed sufficiently to accommodate the tolerance variation and relative movement of the coupling member. However, achieved
The minimum profile "height" of the coupling is limited by the presence of the wiper and needs to have at least some minimum length. The wiper cannot be too short, since this affects the complete sealing and sealing ability to accommodate size variations.

This reduces the dead gap between the ostomy bag and the human body (due to the non-planar mating coupling) and reduces In general, a low profile is desirable because it reduces bag protrusions.

Referring to GB-A-2567157,
An adhesive coupling is disclosed wherein a lip extending inside the ostomy bag material stretches and fits tightly around the chute of the bodyside member. This design has a difficult manufacturing problem that relies on the formation of precisely sized openings in the bag wall. Furthermore, it depends on the exact positioning of the opening and the bag-side coupling member around the opening. Such tolerances require very expensive production machines for large-scale production. A further problem is that the seal depends on the bag material properties and is not ideal for forming a resilient seal.

This aspect of the present invention has been devised in view of the above.

Compared to the prior art, the present aspect of the invention is that the coupling member wall or chute section (in at least one operating state, for example in the undeformed state)
The aim is to provide a closed-loop-shaped sealing fin which usually projects laterally. The sealing fins are made of an elastic and bendable material and are different from the bag wall.

When the wall or chute supporting the fin is on the bag-side coupling member, preferably the fin is axially offset at least to some extent with respect to the joint between the coupling member and the bag wall material. Extending from the specified position.

This aspect of the invention can provide significant advantages over the following prior art arrangements.

(A) Sealability is not limited by the positional accuracy of the coupling member with respect to the stoma opening in the bag wall, nor by the exact size of the stoma opening in the bag wall. Not done. Thus, conventional assembly equipment with reasonable tolerances can be used to attach the coupling member to the bag and to make stoma openings in the bag wall material.

(B) Hermeticity is not limited by the specific properties of the bag wall material.

(C) The seal fins are made of a relatively flexible and resilient material. Thereby, excellent sealing performance can be obtained with only a small assembly (insertion) force.

(D) Coupling members with very low profiles can be made. For example, a smaller insertion depth may be achieved while obtaining a more reliable seal when compared to an integrated frusto-cone bendable wiper.

(E) Due to the flexibility of the fins, wide dimensional tolerances can be accommodated without reducing the seal, as compared to some prior art designs.
Preferably, the body-side and bag-side coupling members have a fin projecting from a chute on the member, the fin projecting from the other coupling member relative to the surface of the second chute wall (ie, the cylindrical wall). It is configured to match. Preferably, when the coupling members are assembled together, the chute fits one inside the other.

The fins can be provided on the bag-side coupling member or on the body-side coupling member.

If desired, the coupling member may include one such fin, two fins, or more.

[0051] The coupling member including the fins may be produced by various techniques. The embodiment includes the following steps.

(A) Multi-shot (for example, two-shot) molding.

(B) Injection molding (similar to multi-shot molding, but with this technique the plastic material can be set before the next plastic material is molded).

(C) Manufacturing using preformed components that are assembled sequentially to form a finished part, held in its assembled state by mechanical interlocking, gluing, or welding. .

(D) Integral molding of a member made of a flexible polymer using, for example, injection molding.

Another related aspect of the present invention is the use of one or more sealing elements supported by and typically extending or projecting radially from the first wall of the coupling. It is. The one or more sealing elements are formed from a plastic material that is more flexible than the material of the first wall.

In a preferred configuration, the one or more sealing elements usually extend or project radially, at least in a non-curved state (eg, when the coupling member is separated).

The combination of a radially extending or projecting seal and a sealing material, usually more flexible than the structural part of the coupling, ensures that a low coupling profile is achieved without compromising the sealing. enable.

Such a design is particularly suitable for two-piece mechanical interlocking couplings, but many other coupling types, for example those with locking rings, or those fixed together by gluing Suitable for use in

[0060] Preferably, the one or more sealing elements are integrally formed with the first wall. For example, an injection molding process or a multi-shot molding process can be used. Reference is made to the technique described in GB-A-2 323 285.

Preferably, in any of the above aspects, the at least one sealing element or fin extends beyond the cylindrical band or region, rather than forming a so-called "point seal" at only one axial point. An axially extending seal is formed. By expanding the seal in the axial direction,
The seal can withstand the relative movement or distortion of the coupling member without compromising complete sealing. Preferably, at least one sealing element or fin comprises:
It is in the form of a wiper that can bend to some extent in contact with the opposed coupling member. Such a curvature allows the sealing element to be securely mounted on the opposing surface with a moderate but sufficient force to achieve a seal. Preferably, the wider (cylindrical band) seal described above can be achieved.

[0062] Preferably, at least one sealing element or fin tapers towards its free edge.

Preferably, at least one sealing element or fin is different from the material of the ostomy bag. Preferably, the sealing element is on a plane offset from the plane of the ostomy bag material.

If desired, one or more sealing elements can project radially inward from the first wall of the coupling member. However, in a particularly preferred form of the invention, one or more sealing elements project radially outward from the cylindrical ribs of the coupling member. Such designs can be more easily molded when multiple sealing elements are used.

In a closely related aspect, the present invention provides
2 of the type comprising first and second coupling members removably secured together by a mechanical interlock
A first coupling member for use in a piece ostomy coupling is provided. The first coupling member is
(Second relatively soft plastic material
A first portion of a first relatively rigid plastic material integrally formed with the portion. The first part is the second
A locking profile is provided to form a mechanical interlock with the coupling member. And the second part is provided with a sealing element.

In a closely related aspect, the present invention provides
A first coupling member for use in a type of coupling that includes first and second coupling members mechanically secured together. The first coupling member has at least one generally radially projecting from the cylindrical wall.
It has two normally annular sealing fins. The fin tapers in thickness towards the free edge.

Although the above aspects of the invention may be used independently, further advantages may be achieved by combining one or more aspects.

[0068]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a two-piece ostomy coupling 10 generally includes a body-side coupling member 12 and a bag-side coupling member 14.

The bag-side member 14 has a flange 16.
The flange 16 is, in this embodiment, attached to the outer surface of the bag wall 18 by gluing, welding or other suitable fixing method. However, as described further below, the flange 1
6 can be mounted on the inner surface of wall 18 if desired. The flange 16 has a stoma aligned with the corresponding opening 20 in the bladder wall 18. A cylindrical outer wall 22 extends rearward into the bag independently of the inner edge of the flange 16, and a cylindrical inner wall 24 is disposed concentrically with the outer wall 22. The inner wall 24 and the outer wall 22 are connected to each other by a connecting concave groove (c).
hannel) and are joined together by the floor 26 of the channel. The positioning ribs 28 project from the floor 26 to a lesser extent than the inner and outer walls. In the present embodiment, the positioning rib 28 has a substantially tapered shape.
From the following description, it will be appreciated that other shapes for the ribs 28 may be used as desired.

As with the extension of the front flange 16, there are a number of radially projecting belt tabs and / or pull tabs 32 which can be gripped on the flange 16 as described below.

The floor 26 of the concave channel is formed by a rib 28
A radially outer portion 26a between the
And a second radially inner portion 26b between the inner wall 24 and the inner wall 24. The radially inner portion 26b is made of WO-A-93 / 23
229, and as described below, in this embodiment, a plurality of regularly spaced recesses 30 are provided to facilitate molding of the coupling member.
Contains.

On its inner surface, the outer wall 22 carries a plurality of spaced apart projections 34. These help to form a corresponding configuration and interlock structure of the bodyside member. Each projection 34 includes a generally flat or undercut rear surface 36 and an upper ramp surface 38.

As disclosed in WO-A-93 / 23229, during the production of the bag-side coupling member, the spacing between the projections 34 is such that the part of the mold tool (not shown) below the projections 34 By rotating the tool relative to the coupling member (or vice versa) until a portion of the mold tool can be withdrawn from the space (or vice versa).
Allowed to be removed from inside. The indentation is keyed to the molded member and allows for controlled rotation.

The body side member 12 has an annular flange 40. An annular flange 40 is attached to an adhesive "wafer" or pad 42 for attachment to human skin. Pad 42 may be made from Stomadhesive or other known skin adhesives. Such adhesives are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described further here.

The flange 40 includes a small hole 44. Small hole 4
4 is bounded by a generally annular structure 46 formed to fit within the channel of the bag-side member. Structure 46
Includes a radially outer locking rib 48 for mating between the outer wall 22 and the positioning rib 28 of the bag-side member 14. The locking rib 48 has a substantially round or tapered tip 50.
And a stepped or undercut locking structure 52 for cooperating with the protrusion 34. This structure also applies to the inner wall 24
A radially inwardly directed seal wiper 54 to form a seal against a radially outer surface. The wiper 54 is at least partially deformable or deflectable and bends beyond its upper end and taper toward its tip. A generally annular groove 56 between the wiper 54 and the locking rib 48 is configured to cooperate with the positioning rib 28, as described further below.

To assemble the coupling member, the bag-side member 14 is positioned with respect to the body-side member 12 and urged by the body-side member. Under very gentle pressure, the locking rib 48 can pass over the ramp surface 38 of the projection 34 until the projection snap fits against the locking structure 52 of the locking rib. During such a combination, the fit usually does not occur simultaneously all around the coupling. Rather, the fit begins within one annular region and proceeds around the coupling, tending to achieve a perfect circle. Due to such fitting, the bag-side member may be inclined with respect to the axis of the body-side member. In this embodiment, the positioning rib 28 and the positioning groove
Groove 56 acts to prevent such tilting and also ensures that the bag-side member is accurately centered on body-side member 12. Because there is no interlock between the wiper 54 and the inner wall 24, the seal wiper 54 can be accurately mated to the smooth surface of the inner wall 24 to form an all-reliable seal around the wall. It will be appreciated that accurate alignment is important.

Positioning rib 28 and positioning groove 5
The relative shape of 6 can be varied as desired. However, the smoothly tapered shape shown is
It is generally preferred for ease of molding and optimal guidance during assembly of the coupling member.

In the assembled state (shown in FIG. 3), the bag is substantially flush with the body-side pad 42, and there is no useless dead space between the bag and the body-side pad 42. Almost no. In the preferred embodiment shown, the ribs 28 are sized for the groove 56 so that the ribs 28 do not attempt to separate the locking ribs 48 and the wipers 54. Nevertheless, the fit between the locking projections 34 and the undercuts 52 of the locking ribs 48 provides a reliable fixation to prevent accidental release of the bag.

The bag-side member 14 is detached from the body-side member 12 by, for example, grasping and pulling one of the tabs 32 to separate the engaged coupling members. The plastic material of the outer wall 22 of the bag-side member 14 can be sufficiently deformed to release with an appropriate separating force. In particular, the deformation of the inner wall 24 of the bag-side member 14 is not required. This is because the inner wall does not interlock with the body-side member and the body-side structure 46 is not obstructed by the wall.

In the embodiment shown, the flange 16 of the bag-side coupling member 14 is fixed to the outer surface of the bag wall 18. However, if desired, the flange can be secured to the interior surface of the bladder wall (ie, relative to the virtual bladder wall 18 ').

The coupling members are preferably integrally formed with each other. Suitable plastic materials include, for example, low and high density polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyvinyl chloride (PV)
C), acetyl plastic, ABS, polyamide, and any combination thereof. For example, different plastics may have two properties to give one a generally hard or rigid property and the other a more bendable property.
One coupling member may be used. The material is
For example, it may be used depending on the weldability of the material to the bag wall for the bag-side coupling member or the adhesive wafer laminate for the body-side coupling member.

FIG. 5-8 shows a modified example of the bag-side coupling member 70. This is the same as the bag-side coupling member 14 of the first embodiment, except for the following features.

(A) The positioning rib 28 of the first embodiment is omitted. This means that the complementary structure (46) of the body side coupling member has been simplified by removing the annular groove (56).
If desired, positioning ribs 28 and positioning grooves (groov
e) It will be appreciated that it is also possible to include 56.

(B) The inner wall 24 is longer in the axial direction than the outer wall 22 and protrudes from the flange 16. Depending on the thickness of the material, such as the bag wall material, and the manner in which the flange 16 is secured to the bag wall, the inner wall 24 may protrude beyond the bag wall.

The increased length of the inner wall 24 can improve the ease of aligning the bag side and body side coupling members for assembly. It can also provide a large sealing area for the sealing element 54 of the body side coupling member.

It will be appreciated that the increased length of the wall 24 does not increase the profile height of the entire coupling, since the length is matched within the height of the bag-side coupling member.

(C) The coupling member 70 has a rear surface 7
2 support a number of collision projections 74. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 8, the protrusion 74 performs two functions.

First, the projections 74 serve as anti-sealing means to reduce the tendency of the plastic coupling member to stick to the back wall 76 of the bag. Such sticking is similar to the well-known problem of pouch pancaking, which may otherwise impede the movement of fecal matter from the bag-side coupling member 70 into the bag. Protrusion 74
(And the clearance between adjacent protrusions 74) appears to significantly reduce the sticking problem.

Second, the projections provide a three-dimensional indication that the user can feel with his / her finger through the bag wall material. Thereby, the range in which the user can feel the shape of the coupling member with his / her finger through the bag wall material can be enlarged, and the user can better arrange his / her finger when fitting the bag to the body. It will be appreciated that the concave nature of the bag side-by-side coupling member results in a coupling that obscure the user's field of view considerably, and this loss of field of view makes it more difficult to align and remove the coupling. There will be. Thus, the improved tactile sensation of the coupling through the second bladder wall compensates for the loss of visibility of the coupling member.

The non-planar configuration of the rear surface may be used to improve the tactile sensation of the coupling through the bag wall,
Will be appreciated. Additionally or alternatively, a non-stick coating may be applied to the rear surface 7 of the coupling 70.
It will be appreciated that the second or facing bladder wall 76 may be applied to impart or enhance a non-stick effect.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a further variation of the bag-side coupling member 80. FIG. This is very similar to the bag-side coupling member 70 shown in FIGS. However, in this example, the inner wall 24 has a concave groove.
The thickness is tapered toward the joint with the floor 26 in l). This reduced thickness allows for concave grooves (cha) when bent.
nnel) to provide an improved natural hinge effect so that it can be easily opened. This solves the problem that the channel does not move smoothly as a result of being supported by the flange 60 extending from the outer wall 22 around the mouth of the channel. As a result of such a smooth movement, a large insertion force is required to assemble the bag-side coupling member to the body-side coupling member, and a large peeling force is required to separate the coupling member. It may be. By providing a natural hinge effect, the interior wall 24 can bend during assembly or when the bag-side coupling member is peeled off, allowing it to be used without compromising the sealing and securing characteristics of the coupling.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the two-piece ostomy coupling 110 generally includes a body-side coupling member 112 and a bag-side coupling member 114.

The bag-side member 114 has a flange 116. In this embodiment, the flange 116 is attached to the outer surface of the bladder wall 118 by gluing, welding, or other suitable fastening method. However, as in the first embodiment, the flange 116 can be attached to the inner surface of the wall 118 if desired, as described further below. Flanges 116 are provided with corresponding openings 12 in bladder wall 118.
It has a small hole that is aligned with zero.

A cylindrical outer wall 122 extending backward from the inner edge of the flange 116 into the bag hangs down, and a cylindrical inner wall 124 is arranged concentrically inside the outer wall 122. The inner wall 124 and the outer wall 122 have a concave channel.
Once formed, they are connected to each other by a floor 128 of a concave channel.

As described below, a plurality of radially projecting belt tabs and / or pull tabs 130 are provided to enable the flanges 116 to be securely gripped. To aid in the formation of the coupling member as well as the recess 30 of the first embodiment, the floor 128 of the channel 126 includes, in this example, a plurality of regularly spaced recesses 132. .

The inner wall 124 bears on its outer surface a plurality of spaced apart projections 134. These serve to form an interlock with the corresponding configuration of the body side coupling member 112. Each protrusion 134 includes a generally planar flat or undercut rear surface 136 and an upwardly facing ramp surface 138.

The body-side member 112 includes an annular flange 14.
0 is provided. An annular flange 140 is attached to an adhesive "wafer" or pad 142 for attachment to human skin. Pad 142 may be made from Stomadhesive or other known skin adhesives. Such adhesives are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described further here.

The flange 140 includes a small hole 144. The eyelet 144 is bounded by a generally annular structure 146 configured to fit within the recessed channel 126, and includes a first portion of a relatively stiff plastic material and a first portion of a relatively soft plastic. 2 parts. The first portion includes on its inner surface a generally cylindrical rib 148 having a locking structure 150 that is stepped or undercut to cooperate with the projection 134.

The second portion includes at least one (two in this example) substantially radial sealing fins 152 projecting radially outward from the ribs 148. Each fin 152 extends from the base support region 154, extends outwardly from its rib 148, and tapers.

The fin 152 has a concave channel 126.
The dimensions are slightly "oversized" to fit within. Therefore, as can be seen in FIG.
When the coupling members 112 and 114 are assembled, the tip of the fin 152 may be
22 and is bent. Each fin 152
The bent tip of this is thus very superior when compared to other types of prior art low side seals which only provide point sealing properties by thus spreading each seal on the cylindrical band. It is possible to achieve sealing properties. In particular, this seal achieves the following advantages.

(A) It is possible to withstand the movement and bending of the coupling members 112 and 114 which cannot be avoided when used while worn on the body without losing integrity.

(B) Since the seal portion bends relatively easily,
When combining the two coupling members, not much insertion force is required.

(C) Since the seal fins protrude substantially in the radial direction, the length of each fin does not increase the height of the coupling member. Thus, a very low cross section of the coupling member can be achieved. In the embodiment shown, a cross-sectional height of less than 5 mm has been achieved. 4.4
Preferably it is ~ 4.5 mm or thinner.

(D) The seal portion can absorb the variation in the size tolerance between the two coupling members. This means that no excessively precise tolerances are required in the manufacture of the coupling member. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the occurrence of defective products.

(E) As the material used for the seal fins 152, a material that maximizes the sealing characteristics can be selected. And the structural strength of the other part of the coupling member and the connection safety of the two coupling members are not affected by the selected material.

Because each fin 152 is tapered, any deflection of the fin 152 will occur at the tip. As a result, a desirable cylindrical seal can be achieved instead of a point seal. The dimension of the fin 152 is slightly larger than the maximum dimension of the concave groove in consideration of the manufacturing tolerance of the coupling member.

In the illustrated example, two seal fins are illustrated.
There may be more than one. When more fins are provided in the illustrated embodiment, the fins may protrude radially outward for ease of molding.

In this embodiment, the seal fins 15
2 is made of a soft material different from the cylindrical rib 148. Convenient manufacturing techniques for manufacturing the body-side coupling member 112 composed of two materials are two-shot molding and insert injection molding. In this embodiment, the base support region 154
Provides an additional contact area between the hard and soft materials and achieves a solid integral connection during the two-shot molding process. Of course, any suitable manufacturing technique can be used, including assembling the individual component parts by hand.

A suitable material for rib 148 and flange 140 is STD PVA copolymer. Seal fin 15
A suitable material for 2 is synthetic rubber. Such materials can be selected that chemically adhere when two-shot molding is performed. If a non-adhesive material is used, a mechanical connection is required.

It is preferable to use different materials for the seal fins 152 and the ribs 148. However, if necessary, the seal fins 152 and the ribs 148 may be made of the same material (for example,
(Flexible polymer).

As shown by the broken line in FIG. 14, the flange 140 of the bag-side coupling member 114 may have a mount 160 integrally formed for disposing the gas filter 162. The mount 160 may be a carrier type that can be opened and closed, and in this case, the filter 162 can be replaced. Also, mount 160 may be of the sealed closed type. In the illustrated example, the mount 160 has a form in which the flange 140 is extended laterally. However, mount 160 may be in any form. For example, the flange 140
Or may be part of the flange 140. Providing such an integral filter assembly has the additional advantage of simplifying manufacture because the filter can be automatically aligned. Furthermore, the filter and the coupling member can be attached to the bag in one fusing step (rather than attaching the filter and the coupling member separately).

In use, the coupling members 112 and 114
To assemble, the structure 146 of the body-side coupling member 112 is pressed into the concave groove 126 of the bag-side coupling member 114. This pressing can be performed with only a small insertion force. The lock portion 150 is formed by a protrusion 134 of the concave groove inner wall 124.
Together with constitute a snap fit. As described above, the seal fins 152 form a seal against the inner surface of the concave groove outer wall by bending.

To separate the two coupling members, the user grasps one of the belt tabs / pull tabs 30 and tears off the bag-side coupling member 114 from the body-side coupling member 112. Since the bag-side coupling member 114 is sufficiently soft, both coupling members can be peeled off with a slight separation force. However, in normal use while mounted, the mutual coupling between the lock portion 150 and the protrusion 134 allows the two coupling members to be firmly connected.

As in the first embodiment, the concave groove outer wall 122 and the concave groove inner wall 124 extend rearward from the front flange 116 of the bag-side coupling member. Therefore, the concave groove 126 is concave toward the inside of the bag. This gives the impression that the coupling is very low, as the bag fits very closely to the adhesive pad 142 and most of the cross-sectional height of the coupling is hidden within the bag. The modified features described in FIGS.
If necessary, they can be incorporated into specific examples.

In another embodiment, the concave groove inner wall 124
And, the outer wall 122 may protrude forward from the front flange 116 as needed. In this case, the flange 11
6 is located substantially in the same plane as the bottom 128 of the concave groove 126.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 140 of the bag-side coupling member 114 fits the outer surface of the bag wall. However, in another embodiment, the bag-side coupling member is fixed to the inner surface of the bag wall (broken line in FIG. 12). In such an alternative configuration, an integral filter mount 160 can be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the female coupling member 114 (with the concave groove 126) is located on the bag side, and the male coupling member 112 (with the protruding structure 146) is located on the body side. This is because the manufacturing cost of a male member formed by two-shot molding is slightly higher than that of a female member formed by single-shot molding. Generally, the bag-side member is replaced more frequently than the body-side member, so it is advisable to use a cheaper coupling member on the side that is frequently replaced. However, if necessary, the male member and the female member may be exchanged so that the female member is used on the body side and the male member is used on the bag side.

FIG. 15 shows a modified embodiment of the coupling 110 '. This variant embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above, and is therefore given the same reference numerals where appropriate. The main difference from the second embodiment is that the seal fins 152 'project inward in the radial direction, and the lock portion 150' is located at the radially outer end of the structure portion 146 '. This coupling functions in the same way as in the first embodiment to achieve a reliable seal.
Also, the sectional height is low as in the case of the first embodiment. However, the first embodiment is currently preferred in that it can be easily molded.

FIG. 16 shows a three-piece ostomy coupling 200 according to still another embodiment. This coupling is connected to the bag-side coupling member 202.
And a body-side coupling member 206 for holding a resilient split lock ring 206. For details on the function of the split lock ring, see
(GB-A-2299761), please refer to it. Briefly, the lock ring 206 includes a number of lock tabs 208. The lock tab 208 protrudes through an opening 210 formed in the body-side coupling member 204 and engages with the bag-side coupling member 202 to connect them. The upper end of the tab 208 is tapered so that the bag-side coupling member 202 can be snap-fitted. To separate the two coupling members, the ring 206 is operated. For example, the ring 206 is pivoted to retract the tab by cam action on the end face (not shown) of the opening 210. When tab 208 retracts in the radial direction,
The bag side coupling member 202 is replaced with the body side coupling member 204.
Can be separated from

In this embodiment, the body-side coupling member 204 includes an annular fin 212 substantially in the radial direction similarly to the fin 152 described above. The fins 212 are made of a resilient plastic, and are supported by a base 214 integrally molded in a concave portion of the body-side coupling member 204. The fins 212 are tapered toward the tip and form an elastic seal to the surface 216 of the bag-side coupling member 202 when the two coupling members are combined. This seal fin provides similar sealing properties and advantages as fin 152 described above. Although only one seal fin 212 is illustrated, multiple fins can be used if desired.

FIG. 17 shows a three-piece type coupling 220 as still another embodiment. The coupling 220 in FIG. 17 is similar to the coupling 200 in FIG. 16, except that the seal fin 222 is held by the bag-side coupling member 224. Body side coupling member 226 includes an inner cylindrical wall 228 that defines a concave groove for receiving bag side coupling member 224. The seal fins 222 press against the cylindrical wall 228 to form an elastic cylindrical band seal. In the illustrated example, one fin 222 is formed to simplify molding.
More seal fins may be formed.

Referring to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the ostomy bag 310 has a front wall 312 and a rear wall 314. Both walls are made of a plastic film and are welded to each other at a peripheral seam 316. The rear wall 314 has a substantially circular fistula 318. A bag-side coupling member is located on the periphery of the fistula 318. The bag-side coupling member can be detachably attached to the body-side coupling member worn on the body.

The bag-side coupling member 320 includes a first annular member 324 fixed to the bag rear wall 314, a second annular member 326, and an annular member sandwiched between the first and second annular members 324 and 326. And a seal diaphragm 328. The first and second annular members 324, 326 can be made of, for example, plastic or cardboard, and the sealing diaphragm 328 can be made of a flexible and flexible material. For example, rubber,
Soft rubber or a soft and flexible thermoplastic elastomer.

The members 324, 326, 328 can be secured to each other by any suitable means. For example, gluing, possibly welding, or mechanical fixing or interlocking.

The second annular member 326 includes a layer of adhesive 330, which allows the bag-side coupling member 320 to be detachably attached to the body-side coupling member 322. The adhesive is preferably one that can be re-positioned (also called an adhesive that can be peeled off and resealed). Such adhesives are known to those skilled in the art.

The body-side coupling member 322 has a cylindrical chute 332, from which a flange 334 projects in a substantially radial direction. The flange 334
It is attached to a pad 336 made of a wafer of skin-compatible adhesive. This adhesive is, for example, Brist
It is a stomadhesive manufactured by ol-Myers-Squibb.

[0127] Flange 334 provides mounting surface 338. The adhesive 330 of the bag-side coupling member 320 can be attached to the mounting surface 338 of the body-side coupling member 322 to fix both coupling members.

The outer diameter of the chute 332 is smaller than the inner diameters of the first and second annular members 324 and 326. Thus, the chute 332 is received inside the two annular members. However, the outer diameter of the chute 332 is larger than the inner diameter of the flexible diaphragm 328. Thereby, the diaphragm 3
28 engages around the chute 332 to form a seal.

This sealing effect is shown in more detail in FIG. When the bag-side coupling member approaches the body-side coupling member, the chute 332 forcibly expands the opening formed in the diaphragm 328. Further, the flexible diaphragm material flexes toward the fistula 318 in the bag. The diaphragm material easily deforms to accommodate such expansion and deflection, and fits taut around chute 332. Thus, the diaphragm 328
A highly reliable airtight seal can be constructed around the chute 332 with only a very small insertion force required to penetrate the chute 332 therethrough.

When the bag-side coupling member 320 is removed from the body-side coupling member 322, the chute 332
It can be easily removed from the inside of the opening of the seal diaphragm 328. Then, the diaphragm 328 returns to a normal flat shape due to its own elasticity.

FIG. 20 shows a modification of the bag-side coupling member 320. In this variation, the annular members 324, 326 are formed as an integral annular member 324 '. A flexible diaphragm 328 of an elastic material is molded integrally with the annular member 324 '. This molding, for example,
It can be performed using two-shot molding or insert injection molding. This allows
It is possible to form an integrally formed coupling from two plastic materials.

As shown, the coupling member 32
4 'has an adhesive layer 330 as in the case of FIG.

In yet another form, the coupling member can be integrally molded from a single flexible plastic material. For example,
For example, a thermoplastic elastomer is used.

FIG. 21 shows still another embodiment of the ostomy coupling. This ostomy coupling is similar to that shown in FIG. 20, except that the seal fins 366 are formed not on the female coupling member but on the male coupling member.

The seal fins 366 protrude substantially radially from a support portion 372 made of the same material. The support portion 372 is a two-shot molding process (or
By an insert injection molding step), the male coupling member is molded integrally with the other parts. The support 372 provides sufficient contact area between the two materials to achieve a secure bond during the molding process.

The outer diameter of the flexible fin 366 is larger than the inner diameter of the female coupling member 380. Thereby, when both coupling members are combined, an elastic seal is formed there.

Although the coupling member in the preferred embodiment is substantially circular, other closed loop shapes can be employed if desired.

The above description is merely illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it is believed that any modification may be made within the scope or principle of the present invention. While the features believed to be particularly important are set forth in the appended claims, novel features or ideas described in the specification and drawings are protected, whether or not expressly stated. Hope that.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a body side and a bag side member of a first embodiment of an ostomy coupling.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic sectional view showing details of a coupling member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the coupling member in an assembled state;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the bag-side member of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a partial schematic view showing a modified shape of the bag-side coupling member.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the bag-side coupling member of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the bag-side coupling member of FIG. 5;

8 is a diagram showing an anti-seal of the bag-side coupling member shown in FIG.
(tick) Partial schematic view showing the effect of the protrusion.

FIG. 9 is a partial schematic view showing a hinged connection in a further modified embodiment of the bag-side coupling member.

FIG. 10 is a partial schematic view showing a hinged connection in a further modified embodiment of the bag-side coupling member.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an ostomy coupling.

FIG. 12 is a partial schematic view of the coupling member in a disassembled state.

FIG. 13 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view showing a coupling member assembled together.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the bag-side coupling member of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a partial schematic view of a modified embodiment of an ostomy coupling.

FIG. 16 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view according to an embodiment of a three-piece ostomy coupling.

FIG. 17 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment of a three-piece ostomy coupling.

FIG. 18 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a stapled ostomy coupling.

FIG. 19 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view showing a coupling member assembled together.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a bag-side coupling member according to a modified embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a partial schematic view of a modified embodiment of an adhesive stoma coupling.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Coupling 12 Body side member 14 Bag side member 16 Flange 18 Bag wall 20 Opening 22 Outer wall 24 Inner wall 26 Floor 28 Rib 30 Depression 32 Tab 34 Projection 36 Rear 38 Lamp surface 40 Flange 42 Pad 44 Small hole 46 Structure 48 Rib 50 Tip 52 Lock structure 54 Wiper 56 Positioning groove (groove) 60 Flange 70 Bag side coupling member 72 Rear surface 74 Projection 76 Rear wall 80 Bag side coupling member 110 Coupling 112 Body side coupling member 114 Bag side coupling member 116 Flange 118 Sack wall 120 Opening 122 Outer wall 124 Inner wall 126 Concave channel 128 Floor or bottom 130 Tab 132 Recess 134 Projection or protrusion 136 Rear surface 138 Lamp surface 140 Flange 142 Pad 144 Small hole 1 6 Structure 148 Rib 150 Lock structure or lock portion 152 Fin 154 Base support area 160 Mount 162 Gas filter 200 Coupling 202 Bag side coupling member 204 Body side coupling member 206 Split lock ring 208 Lock tab 210 Opening 212 Fin 214 Base 216 Surface 220 Coupling member 222 Fin 224 Bag side coupling member 226 Body side coupling member 228 Cylindrical wall 310 Bag 312 Front wall 314 Rear wall 316 Seam 318 Fistula 320 Bag side coupling member 322 Body side coupling member 324 First annular member 326 Second annular member 328 Diaphragm 330 Adhesive 332 Chute 334 Flange 336 Pad 338 Mounting surface 366 Fin 372 Support 380 Female coupling member

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 24, 2000 (200.4.2
4)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 9

FIG. 8

FIG. 10

FIG. 11

FIG.

FIG. 13

FIG. 14

FIG.

FIG.

FIG. 16

FIG.

FIG.

FIG.

FIG. 21

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Peter Leslie Steer United Kingdom, Earl H. 104 Jasette, Sussex, East Grinstead, Kings Court, Woodlands Rise (72) Inventor Keith G.M. Hollands United Kingdom, BN 15.9 Youwable, West Sussex, Sompting, Corkham Lane 7 (72) Inventor Timothy Kay Thorndale United Kingdom, Earl H 6.0A, Sally, Holy, Poby Cross Road No. 3, Woodcroft

Claims (55)

[Claims] An inner wall and an outer wall defining a concave channel therebetween, and a mounting flange extends outward from the outer wall at a point away from a floor of the channel. A bag-side coupling member having at least one lock projection facing the second inner wall and the outer wall; and a concave groove (chann) of the bag-side coupling member in use.
el), wherein the projection includes a configuration for interlocking with a locking projection on the first wall of the bag-side coupling member, the projection including a configuration for engaging the second wall of the bag-side coupling member.
A body-side coupling member with a deflectable seal for uncoupled locking with the wall of
Flat fitting ostomy coupling. 2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein said flange extends from and adjacent to the mouth of the channel. 3. The bag-side coupling member has a concave groove (c).
3. The coupling according to claim 1, further comprising a locating rib protruding from the floor of the hannel at a lower height than the first and second walls. 4. The body-side coupling member includes a positioning groove between the locking form and the seal, and the positioning groove, when the coupling member is assembled, engages the positioning rib. 4. The coupling of claim 3, wherein the coupling is configured to receive. 5. The positioning groove (g)
5. The coupling of claim 4, wherein the coupling is shaped so that it does not fit tightly within the roove. 6. The second wall of the bag-side coupling member is generally smooth facing the first wall where the seal that can be deflected to one side abuts when the coupling member is assembled. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which has a suitable sealing surface. 7. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall is bulged and protrudes from the outer wall. 8. An inner wall defining an indented channel therebetween and an outer wall, wherein a mounting flange extends outwardly from the outer wall at a point away from the floor of the channel. However, the bag-side coupling member bulging out and protruding from the outer wall, and a concave groove (chann) of the bag-side coupling member for use.
and a body side coupling member with a protrusion received therein for connection locking therewithin el). 9. The coupling of claim 8, wherein said flange extends from a point adjacent to the mouth of the concave channel. 10. The coupling according to claim 8, wherein the inner wall protrudes so as to be larger than the flange. 11. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the concave channel includes a wall portion having a reduced thickness to provide a natural hinge point. 12. An outer wall having an inner wall defining a concave channel therebetween, and a mounting flange extending outwardly from the outer wall at a point away from the floor of the channel. Or at least a portion of the outer wall or floor of the channel is reduced in thickness to provide a natural hinge point to allow for temporary expansion of the channel. A bag-side coupling member containing the bag-side coupling member for use.
and a body side coupling member with a protrusion received therein for connection locking therewithin el). 13. The thinned portion includes a tapered portion.
2. The coupling according to 2. 14. The coupling according to claim 11, wherein the inner wall includes a portion where the thickness is reduced. 15. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the bag-side coupling member has an anti-adhering means at a rear portion of the floor of the concave channel. 16. A bag-side cup comprising an inner wall and an outer wall defining a concave channel therebetween, the mounting flange extending outwardly from the outer wall at a point away from the floor of the channel. A ring member and a concave groove (chann) of the bag-side coupling member for use.
el), a body-side coupling member provided with a protruding portion that is received for connection and locking with the body-side coupling member, wherein the bag-side coupling member bears against a rear portion of the floor of the concave channel. A flat fitting ostomy coupling, comprising an attaching means. 17. The coupling according to claim 15, wherein the anti-adhesive means includes a coating of an anti-adhesive substance. 18. The coupling according to claim 15, wherein the anti-adhering means includes a non-planar area. 19. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the rear surface of the floor of the channel is substantially non-planar. 20. A bag-side cup comprising an inner wall and an outer wall defining a concave channel therebetween, the mounting flange extending outwardly from the outer wall at a point away from the floor of the channel. A ring member and a concave groove (chann) of the bag-side coupling member for use.
el) having a body-side coupling member with a protrusion received for coupling engagement therewith, wherein the rear surface of the floor of the concave channel is substantially non-planar , Flat fitting ostomy coupling. 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of protrusions at the rear of the floor of the channel.
Coupling as described. 22. A pouch-side coupling member for coupling to a body-side coupling member of a flat-fitting stoma coupling, comprising substantially concentric inner and outer walls defining a concave channel therebetween. A fixed flange extending generally radially outward from a point away from the floor of the concave channel, wherein only the first inner wall and the outer wall of the inner wall and the outer wall are the concave channel. A bag-side coupling member comprising a locking projection facing the inside of the bag, wherein the second inner and outer walls have a generally smooth sealing surface. 23. The coupling member according to claim 22, wherein said flange extends from a point adjacent to the mouth of the concave channel. 24. The coupling member according to claim 22, wherein the first wall includes a plurality of locking protrusions at intervals. 25. The coupling member according to claim 22, wherein the inner wall is bulged and protrudes from the outer wall. 26. A pouch-side coupling member for coupling to a body-side coupling member of a flat-fitting stoma coupling, comprising substantially concentric inner and outer walls defining a concave channel therebetween. A bag-side coupling member, comprising: a fixing flange extending substantially radially outward from a point away from the floor of the concave groove (channel), wherein the inner wall projects so as to expand from the outer wall. . 27. The coupling member according to claim 22, wherein the concave channel includes a wall portion having a reduced thickness to provide a natural hinge point. 28. A pouch-side coupling member for coupling to a body-side coupling member of a flat-fitting stoma coupling, comprising substantially concentric inner and outer walls defining a concave channel therebetween. A fixed flange extending generally radially outward from a point distant from the floor of the recessed channel, wherein at least a portion of the floor of the inner or outer wall, or of the floor of the recessed channel, A pouch-side coupling member including a portion that is reduced in thickness to provide a natural hinge point to allow for temporary expansion of the concave channel. 29. The reduced thickness portion includes a tapered portion.
9. The coupling member according to 8. 30. The coupling member according to claim 27, wherein the inner wall includes a portion where the thickness is reduced. 31. The coupling member according to claim 22, wherein the bag-side coupling member has an anti-adhering means at a rear portion of a floor of the concave channel. 32. A pouch-side coupling member for coupling to a body-side coupling member of a flat-fitting stoma coupling, comprising substantially concentric inner and outer walls defining a concave channel therebetween. A bag comprising: a fixing flange extending substantially radially outward from a point away from the floor of the concave groove (channel); and an anti-sticking means at the rear of the floor of the concave groove (channel). Side coupling member. 33. The coupling member according to claim 31, wherein the anti-sticking means includes a coating of an anti-sticking substance. 34. The coupling member according to claim 31, wherein the anti-adhering means includes a non-planar region. 35. The coupling member according to claim 22, wherein a rear surface of the floor of the concave channel is substantially non-planar. 36. A pouch-side coupling member for coupling to a body-side coupling member of a flat-fitting stoma coupling, comprising substantially concentric inner and outer walls defining a concave channel therebetween. A fixed flange extending generally radially outward from a point distant from the floor of the concave channel, wherein the rear surface of the floor of the concave channel is substantially non-planar. , Bag side coupling member. 37. The method of claim 35, further comprising a plurality of protrusions at the rear of the floor of the channel.
The bag-side coupling member as described in the above. 38. A first removably secureable together for securing the bag to a pad worn on the body.
And a first coupling member for use in an ostomy coupling of the type including a second coupling member, carried by a wall of the first coupling member and from a wall of the first coupling member. A coupling member comprising a radially extending or projecting seal member, the seal member being made of an elastic material softer than the material of the wall and different from the wall material of the bag. 39. The coupling member according to claim 38, wherein the wall is a plastic material. 40. The coupling member according to claim 38, wherein the sealing member is a plastic material. 41. The coupling member according to claim 40, wherein the seal member is formed integrally with the wall. 42. The coupling according to claim 38, wherein the wall carries or has a locking configuration for forming a mechanical connection lock with the second coupling member. Element. 43. The seal member is tapered toward its free end edge.
43. The coupling member according to any one of items 42 to 42. 44. The seal member of claim 3, wherein the seal member can be at least partially deflected in use.
44. The coupling member according to any one of items 8 to 43. 45. The coupling member according to claim 38, wherein the seal member projects substantially radially outward. 46. The coupling member according to claim 38, wherein the seal member projects substantially radially inward. 47. The coupling member according to claim 38, comprising a plurality of said seal members. 48. An ostomy coupling comprising first and second coupling members that can be removably secured together to attach the ostomy bag to a pad worn on the body, wherein the coupling comprises: The first coupling member includes a seal member carried by the wall of the first coupling member and extending or projecting radially from the wall of the first coupling member, wherein the seal member includes An ostomy coupling made of an elastic material softer than the material and different from the wall material of the bag. 49. The first and second coupling members can be mechanically fixed together.
8. The coupling according to 8. 50. The coupling of claim 48, wherein said first and second coupling members can both be secured by a removable adhesive. 51. A coupling according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the seal member forms a generally cylindrical band seal when the coupling members are assembled together in use. 52. The sealing member according to claim 48, wherein the sealing member is tapered toward its distal end.
The coupling according to any one of the above. 53. The coupling according to claim 48, wherein said coupling is a flat fitting coupling. 54. An ostomy bag provided with the coupling member according to any one of claims 22 to 47. 55. A combination of an ostomy bag and an ostomy coupling as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21 or 48 to 53.