AU2020357918B2

AU2020357918B2 - Ostomy appliance

Info

Publication number: AU2020357918B2
Application number: AU2020357918A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kimahni EMSLEY; Marcus Hoggarth; Oliver Poyntz; Daljinder SANGHERA
Original assignee: Convatec Ltd
Current assignee: Convatec Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-04
Filing date: 2020-10-02
Publication date: 2026-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-02
Also published as: EP4037625C0; AU2020357918A1; EP4257099A1; CN114502112B; CN114502112A; CA3156464A1; US20210100679A1; EP4037625A1; EP4257099B1; EP4257099C0; EP4037625B1; US12303423B2

Abstract

An ostomy appliance comprises: inner and outer walls of flexible sheet material joined together to define a cavity for containing a stomal output, the inner wall comprising an inlet for receiving the stomal output into the cavity; and a retractable drain being slidably movable between an extended configuration for draining the stomal output from the cavity and a retracted configuration for storage of the retractable drain; wherein the retractable drain comprises a closure portion which may be turned up to close an outlet opening of the retractable drain and a first fastener configured to fasten the closure portion in place once turned up. The closure portion may be operable to be turned up and fastened while the retractable drain is in the extended configuration; the retractable drain may be configured such that after fastening of the closure portion in the extended configuration, the retractable drain is slidably moveable into the retracted configuration; the closure portion may comprise a folding portion which is foldable to close an outlet opening of the drain; and/or the first fastener may comprise a pull tab for gripping by the user to slide the retractable drain from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

Description

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 1 -

Ostomy Appliance Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an ostomy appliance for managing effluent from a stoma.

Background of the disclosure There are many forms of ostomy appliance which try to provide an easily drainable

appliance which can be securely sealed when te drain is not in use.

US2005159717 discloses a bag for collecting body fluids, such as excrement, for a person

having undergone an ostomy. The bag comprises a receptacle pouch terminated by a

neck, a discharge channel linked to said neck and having a waste opening, an

opening/closing device to shift the discharge channel from a folded closed state to an

unfolded opened state and comprising first and second opening/closing means arranged

transversely relative to the discharge channel. A film of the receptacle pouch is provided

externally with a rigidifying member proximate the neck and the second opening/closing

means of the discharge channel is arranged, at least in folded closed state, in a slot located

between the rigidifying member and said film of the receptacle pouch.

WO2017136304 discloses a drainable ostomy pouch including a collection pouch having a

collection cavity, a retractable outlet movable between a first position retracted substantially

into the collection cavity and a second position extending outwardly from the collection

cavity, a discharge opening formed at a distal end of the retractable outlet and a closure

configured to selectively allow or prevent discharge of a waste material from the collection

cavity or the retractable outlet.

US2011028924 discloses a drainable ostomy pouch including a collection portion and a

drain chute portion extending from the collection portion and having a discharge opening

for permitting emptying of contents from the pouch. The drain chute is foldable between an

open condition in which the drain chute portion is extended from the collection portion, and

a closed condition in which the drain chute portion is folded towards the collection portion.

At least one flap retains the folded drain chute portion.

There remains a need for ostomy appliances with enhanced usability for ostomates,

particularly in the area of ease of use and improved sealing of the drain.

Summary of the disclosure

In this specification, the term "stomal output" refers to any gases or fluids or solids

produced by an ostomate that may be secreted from the stoma or that exit the stoma.

In this specification, the term "stoma" refers to an opening in the body. Generally the

stoma is a surgical opening in the torso of the body. In some instances, the term "stoma"

also refers to internal tissue, organs or portions thereof that are exposed by the opening.

By way of non-limiting example, internal tissue may be selected from colon, ileum, small

intestine, large intestine, jejunum, and duodenum, and combinations thereof. The internal

tissue may be an end or a loop of a small or large intestine.

In this specification, teh term "ostomate" refers to a subject that may have use of the

ostomy appliance disclosed herein. While ostomate usually refers to a subject with a

surgical opening, as used herein, "ostomate" may refer to a subject who has a stoma,

regardless of whether the stoma was created by surgery or other means.

The term "user" may refer to an ostomate, or to another person assisting the ostomate, for

example, with emptying of the stomal output from the cavity.

In this specification, the ostomy appliances disclosed herein may, for example, be used for

managing a stoma created by an esophagostomy, a gastrostomy, a cholecystostomy, a

choledochostomy, a cecostomy, a colostomy, a duodenostomy, an ileostomy, a

jejunostomy, an appendicostomy, a tracheostomy, a urostomy, a nephrostomy, an

ureterostomy, or a vesicostomy. The ostomy appliances disclosed herein may be used

with additional devices including, but not limited to, a shunt, a catheter, a plug or a fecal

management system.

Beneficially, the ostomy appliances of the present disclosure may permit an ostomate to

increase the period of use of each ostomy appliance compared to prior art appliances. This

may be achieved, for example, by providing an increased cavity volume for the ostomy

appliance while maintaining ostomate discretion and comfort. Additionally or alternatively,

this may also be achieved by providing means for draining the cavity of stomal output

reliably and hygienically so as to increase an ostomate's confidence in reusing the ostomy

appliance compared to some prior art appliances. Since the ostomate may be inclined to

use each ostomy appliance of the present disclosure for longer, the total number of ostomy

appliances used by the ostomate in a given time period may be reduced. This may produce

an environmental benefit in reducing the amount of environmental waste produced.

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 3 -

In this specification locations and orientations of features may be described with reference

to the ostomy appliance being "in use", "orientated as it would be in use" or similar. Such

terms refer to the intended orientation of the ostomy appliance when it is adhered to a body

of an ostomate with the ostomate in a standing position, irrespective of whether the ostomy

appliance is currently performing such a use or the actual position of the ostomate. The

terms "upper" and "lower" and related terms refer to the relative position of a part or portion

of the ostomy appliance when orientated as it would be in use. For example, a part such as

an apex of the ostomy appliance may be referred to as an "upper" apex in use of the

ostomy appliance. In such an example, said apex will be intended to be the uppermost

apex (in the vertical direction) of the ostomy appliance when attached to the body of a

standing ostomate. However the reader skilled in the art will appreciate that before

attachment to the ostomate said apex may not always be the uppermost apex and in

addition when attached the apex may not always be the uppermost apex if the ostomate

adopts a non-standing position, for example lying down.

In this specification the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the relative position of a part or

portion of the ostomy appliance with reference to the body of an ostomate when the ostomy

appliance is attached to the body. "Inner" refers to a position relatively closer to the body of

the ostomate than a comparative position that is "outer". "Outer" refers to a position

relatively further away from the body of the ostomate than a comparative position that is

"inner".

In this specification the term "peripheral region" refers to a portion situated on or towards

an edge of the item being referred to.

In this specification, the term "length" of a drain, refers to a dimension from an inlet of the

drain to an outlet of the drain, along an elongate axis of the drain. The "length" dimension is

measured along or parallel to the elongate axis. The term "depth" refers to a dimension

from an outer portion to an inner portion of a component. The term "width" of the drain,

channel or other component refers to a dimension across the drain, perpendicular to the

length and depth.

The term "turned up" used herein may include folding or rolling of the components.

The present disclosure provides an ostomy appliance comprising:

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inner and outer walls of flexible sheet material joined together to define a cavity for

containing a stomal output, the inner wall comprising an inlet for receiving the stomal output

into the cavity; and

a retractable drain being slidably movable between an extended configuration for

draining the stomal output from the cavity and a retracted configuration for storage of the

retractable drain;

wherein the retractable drain comprises a closure portion which may be turned up to

close an outlet opening of the retractable drain and a first fastener configured to fasten the

closure portion in place once turned up.

The closure portion is preferably operable to be turned up and fastened while the

retractable drain is in the extended configuration.

The retractable drain is preferably configured such that after fastening of the closure

portion in the extended configuration, the retractable drain is slidably moveable into the

retracted configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the closure portion may be configured to

be turned up by forming at least one fold across the retractable drain to inhibit passage of

stomal output through the outlet end, wherein the closure portion is preferably configured to

be folded into a plurality of folds across the retractable drain to inhibit passage of stomal

output through the outlet opening.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments at least a part of the first fastener may

be arranged on an intermediate portion of the retractable drain such that the first fastener is

adjacent to or overlapping the closure portion.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the first fastener may comprise:

a first flange attached to the intermediate portion of the retractable drain

adjacent to the closure portion; and

a second flange comprising a first fastening element for attachment to the

closure portion;

wherein the closure portion preferably further comprises a second fastening

element for attachment to the first fastening element.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the first fastener may be arranged

across the width of the retractable drain.

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Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the second flange may be configured to

extend over the closure portion when fastened.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the ostomy appliance may further

comprise a push element for pushing the retractable drain into the retracted configuration,

the push element preferably comprising a strip of material having higher rigidity than the

flexible sheet material of the inner wall and/or the outer wall.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the first fastener may be configured to

be operable independently of the push element, and preferably wherein the push element

and the first fastener are formed as separate components.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the retractable drain may further

comprise a first pursing strip and a second pursing strip arranged on the closure portion of

the retractable drain;

wherein the or each pursing strip may comprise a strip of flexible material having

higher rigidity that the material forming the retractable drain, the strip being arranged

across a width of the retractable drain;

wherein the first pursing strip may be arranged on an outer side of the retractable

drain, and the second pursing strip arranged on an inner side of the retractable drain, the

first pursing strip and the second pursing strip being positioned at the same distance along

the retractable drain such that they are arranged opposite each other.

comprise a lip pursing strip arranged adjacent to the outlet opening of the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments a plurality of pursing strips may be

arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart to define folding points of the retractable

drain between the pursing strips such that the retractable drain is foldable in increments

defined by a length of the pursing strips.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments each of the pursing strips may extend

the same distance along a length of the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the retractable drain may extend from a

lower part such as a lower apex of the cavity.

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Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the retractable drain may comprise one

or more portions of flexible sheet material.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the retractable drain may comprise:

an inner drain portion extending from a main body portion of the inner wall; and

an outer drain portion extending from a main body portion of the outer wall;

wherein the inner and outer drain portions are sealed at their lateral edges to define

a drain passage between the inner and outer drain portions.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the inner drain portion may be integrally

formed with the main body portion of the inner wall and/or the outer drain portion may be

integrally formed with the main body portion of the outer wall.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments one of the inner drain portion and the

outer drain portion may be longer than the other of the inner drain portion and the outer

drain portion, thereby defining a lip at the outlet opening of the retractable drain; and

preferably wherein a pursing strip is arranged on the lip.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments in the retracted configuration drainage

of the stomal output from the cavity into the retractable drain and along the retractable

drain may be inhibited by folds formed across the retractable drain during the sliding

retraction; and/or

wherein in the retracted configuration substantially all of the retractable drain may

overlie a main body portion of the outer and/or inner wall.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments in the retracted configuration the

retractable drain may be received in a channel arranged on an outer face of the inner wall

or an outer face of the outer wall; and preferably

wherein the channel is defined by a guide panel attached to a main body portion of

the inner wall or a main body portion of the outer wall.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the ostomy appliance further comprises

an inner comfort layer arranged over at least a part of the inner wall and an outer comfort

layer arranged over at least a part of the outer wall; wherein the inner comfort layer and/or the outer comfort layer may define an opening through which the retractable drain may be slidably moveable between the extended and retracted configurations; and wherein a closure for closing the opening may be arranged at or near to a lower end of the channel such that the closure may restrict sliding of the retractable drain from the retracted configuration.

The present disclosure also provides a method of storing a retractable drain of an ostomy

appliance comprising the steps of:

- turning up a closure portion arranged adjacent to an outlet opening of the

retractable drain to close the outlet opening;

- fastening the closure portion in place using a first fastener arranged on an

intermediate portion of the retractable drain; and

- sliding the retractable drain into a retracted configuration.

The present disclosure also provides a method of draining an ostomy appliance comprising

the steps of:

- sliding a retractable drain from a retracted configuration to an extended

configuration;

- unfastening a first fastener arranged on an intermediate portion of the

retractable drain; and

- opening out a closure portion of the retractable drain to create an open

drain passage from a cavity of the ostomy appliance to an outlet opening of the retractable

drain.

Additionally or alternatively, the ostomy appliance of these methods may be an ostomy

appliance as previously described.

The present disclosure also provides an ostomy appliance comprising:

into the cavity;

drain; and

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 8

guide panel arranged on the inner wall or the outer wall, thereby defining a a channel for receiving the drain.

The channel is preferably configured such that the drain can be slidably received in

the channel.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the guide panel may be attached to an

outer face of a main body portion the inner wall or an outer face of a main body portion the

outer wall such that the channel is formed outside the cavity.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the guide panel may be attached by

welding or by adhesives.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments an upper portion of the guide panel may

be attached to the inner wall or the outer wall along a pair of lateral edges of the upper

portion, thereby forming a pair of channel edges.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the channel edges may be generally

parallel with each other along a majority of their length, and preferably wherein the channel

edges are generally parallel with an elongate axis of the drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the channel edges may diverge at a

lower end of the channel such that the channel comprises a mouth having an increased

width compared to an upper portion of the channel.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the channel may have a constant width

along a majority of a length of the channel, the constant width being marginally wider than

a width of the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the retractable drain may comprise a

closure portion configured to seal an outlet opening of the retractable drain while in the

extended configuration, and wherein the channel may have a length which is at least half

the length of the retractable drain when sealed and in the extended configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the guide panel may be arranged on a

main body portion of the inner wall or a main body portion of the outer wall.

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 9

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the guide panel may be formed from

flexible sheet material, and optionally wherein the guide panel may be formed from the

same material as the inner wall and/or the outer wall.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the channel may overlie the cavity such

that in the retracted configuration substantially all of the retractable drain overlies the

cavity.

comprise a comfort layer overlying at least a portion of the inner wall and/or the outer wall,

wherein the ostomy appliance may comprise an opening arranged adjacent to a lower

portion of the comfort layer through which the retractable drain may be moveable between

the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the guide panel may be arranged

between the inner wall or the outer wall and the comfort layer.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the channel may be aligned with the

retractable drain such that the retractable drain can be slidably retracted into the channel.

appliance comprising the step of sliding the retractable drain into a channel arranged

between a guide panel and an inner or outer wall of the ostomy appliance.

The present disclosure also provides an ostomy appliance comprising:

into the cavity;

drain; and

a guide panel arranged on the inner wall or the outer wall, thereby defining a

channel for receiving the retractable drain.

The channel preferably has a length sufficient such that in the retracted

configuration substantially all of the retractable drain is slidably received within the channel.

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Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments in the retracted position the retractable

drain may comprises a generally Z-shaped form having a first fold and a second fold, the

first fold and the second fold being arranged across the retractable drain such that the first

and second folds may inhibit drainage of stomal output through the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the first fold may be arranged across an

outlet of the cavity and the second fold may be arranged such that in the retracted

configuration a distal end of the retractable drain is arranged adjacent to the first fold.

appliance comprising the step of slidably moving the retractable drain from an extended

configuration for draining the stomal output from the cavity to a retracted configuration for

storage of the retractable drain;

wherein a guide panel is arranged on the inner wall or the outer wall, thereby

defining a channel for receiving the retractable drain;

wherein the channel has a length sufficient such that in the retracted configuration

substantially all of the retractable drain is slidably received within the channel.

a push element for driving the retractable drain into the channel to move the retractable

drain towards the retracted configuration.

The present disclosure also provides an ostomy appliance comprising:

into the cavity;

drain;

a guide panel arranged on the inner wall or the outer wall, thereby defining a

channel for receiving the retractable drain.

A push element is preferably attached to an intermediate portion of the retractable

drain, the push element being configured to drive at least a portion of the retractable drain

into the channel to slide the retractable drain into the retracted configuration.

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Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the push element may be attached to

the retractable drain at an intermediate point on the retractable drain, wherein the

intermediate point is preferably approximately halfway along a length of the retractable

drain when the retractable drain is in the extended configuration with an outlet opening

sealed.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments a lower portion of the push element may

be attached to the retractable drain at the intermediate point, and an upper portion of the

push element may not be attached to the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments at least a free end of the push element

may be received in the channel when the retractable drain is in the extended configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the push element may be at least

partially formed from a rigid material having higher rigidity than the flexible sheet material;

and optionally wherein the push element comprises an elongate strip of the rigid material.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments an attachment may be provided

between the push element and the retractable drain.

the retractable drain at a plurality of points or continuously along the retractable drain

between an upper limit of the attachment and a lower end of the push element.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments an upper end of the push element may

extend upwards from the attachment away from the lower end of the retractable drain, and

preferably wherein the upper end is at least partially still received within the channel when

the drain is in the extended configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the guide panel may be arranged on an

outer face of the inner wall or an outer face of the outer wall.

a comfort layer, wherein the guide panel may comprise a portion of the comfort layer.

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 12 -

welds or adhesive to form edges of the channel, thereby providing a guide for the push

element.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the guide panel may be formed from a

flexible sheet material, and preferably from the same material as the inner and/or outer

wall.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments a mouth of the channel may be

arranged adjacent to a lower part such as a lower apex of the cavity and preferably the

retractable drain is configured to be pushed upwards into the channel through the mouth of

the channel.

a width of the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the push element may extend across

substantially all of a width of the retractable drain, such that the push element is slidably

received within the channel along a direction aligned with an elongate axis of the

retractable drain in the extended configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the channel may have a depth

configured such that the retractable drain is a tight sliding fit in the channel in the depth

direction when the retractable drain is in the retracted configuration.

a first fastener element for fastening an outlet end of the drain in a closed position, wherein

the first fastener may be arranged between the outlet end of the drain and the proximal limit

of the attachment between the push element and the drain when the drain is in the

extended configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments a lower portion of the guide panel may

extend downwards from the channel, the lower portion of the guide panel being attached to

an intermediate portion of the push element, and optionally wherein the lower portion of the

WO wo 2021/064408 PCT/GB2020/052415 PCT/GB2020/052415 - 13 -

guide panel is attached to the push element across a majority of the width of the retractable

drain.

a comfort layer, wherein a lower portion of the guide panel may be arranged adjacent to the

mouth of the channel, the lower portion of the guide panel being attached to the comfort

layer.

appliance comprising the steps of:

- pushing a push element arranged on the retractable drain to drive at least a

portion of the retractable drain into a channel arranged between a guide panel and an inner

wall or an outer wall of the ostomy appliance.

a retractable drain, the method comprising the steps of:

- pulling a push element arranged on the retractable drain to draw at least a

portion of the retractable drain out of a channel arranged between a guide panel

and an inner wall or an outer wall of the ostomy appliance.

The present disclosure also provides an ostomy appliance comprising:

into the cavity;

drain;

an inner comfort layer arranged over at least a part of the inner wall; and

an outer comfort layer arranged over at least a part of the outer wall;

wherein in the retracted configuration the retractable drain is received in a channel

arranged between either the inner wall and the inner comfort layer or the outer wall and the

outer comfort layer, the dimensions of the channel being configured such that the

retractable drain is slidably held in the channel when in the retracted configuration;

wherein the inner comfort layer and/or the outer comfort layer defines an opening

through which the retractable drain is slidably moveable between the extended and

retracted configurations; and

WO wo 2021/064408 PCT/GB2020/052415 PCT/GB2020/052415 - 14 -

wherein a closure for closing the opening is arranged at or proximal to a lower end

of the channel such that the closure restricts sliding of the retractable drain from the

retracted configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the closure may comprise a first closure

element arranged on the inner comfort layer and a second closure element arranged on the

outer comfort layer.

comprise a guide panel arranged on an outer face of the inner wall or an outer face of the

outer wall; wherein the channel may be defined between the guide panel and the inner wall

or the outer wall; and wherein a lower portion of the guide panel may be arranged adjacent

to the opening of the channel, the lower portion of the guide panel being attached to the

comfort layer.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the lower portion of the guide panel may

be attached to the closure such that opening of the closure widens a lower portion of the

channel.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the channel may be defined between

the guide panel and the inner wall or the outer wall.

drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the comfort layer closure may be

independent of the push element.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the opening may comprise a gap in a

peripheral join attaching the inner comfort layer to the outer comfort layer, wherein the join

is preferably formed by welding or adhesive.

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appliance comprising the steps of:

- sealing an outlet opening of the retractable drain;

- sliding the retractable drain through a comfort layer opening into a

retracted configuration in which the retractable drain is slidably held in a channel;

- restricting sliding of the retractable drain from the retracted configuration by

closing the closure.

a retractable drain, the method comprising the steps of:

- unfastening a closure of an opening of the ostomy appliance;

- sliding the retractable drain through the opening from a retracted

configuration to an extended configuration; and

- unsealing an outlet end of the retractable drain.

The present disclosure also provides an ostomy appliance comprising:

into the cavity;

drain;

wherein the drain comprises a closure portion which may be turned up to close (e.g.

comprising a folding portion which is foldable to close) an outlet opening of the drain and a

first fastener configured to fasten the folding portion in place once turned up (e.g. after

folding)

The first fastener preferably comprises a pull tab for gripping by the user to slide the

retractable drain from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the first fastener may further comprise a

first fastening element for attachment to a second fastening element to fasten the folding

portion in place, the second fastening element being arranged on the retractable drain.

a first flange attached to the intermediate portion of the retractable drain

adjacent to the folding portion; and

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 16 -

a second flange comprising the first fastening element;

wherein the folding portion preferably further comprises the second

fastening element for attachment to the first fastening element.

across the width of the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments a distal end of the second flange may

comprise the pull tab.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the first fastener may be attached to the

retractable drain at a first fastener attachment and the second flange extends from a

proximal limit of the first fastener attachment towards the outlet end of the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments a length of the second flange may be

configured such that when the folding portion is unfolded, the pull tab does not extend to

the outlet opening of the retractable drain, and when the folding portion is folded, the pull

tab extends beyond a lower end of the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the folding portion may comprise a

plurality of segments having approximately equal segment lengths and separated by fold

lines, and wherein the length of the second flange may be longer than the segment lengths.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the length of each of the plurality of

segments may be defined by one or more pursing strips arranged on the retractable drain.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the folding portion may be configured to

be foldable a plurality of times, each fold comprising folding an end portion of the

retractable drain forwards and upwards to overlie the adjacent portion of the retractable

drain.

be arranged on an intermediate portion of the retractable drain such that the fastener is

adjacent to or overlaps the folding portion.

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Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the first fastener may comprise a flexible

sheet material, wherein the flexible sheet material is preferably more rigid than the flexible

sheet material of the inner and/or outer wall.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the first fastener may be arranged on a

lower half of the retractable drain.

The present disclosure also provides a method of draining an ostomy appliance

comprising;

pulling on a pull tab arranged on a first fastener of an ostomy appliance to

slide a retractable drain of the ostomy appliance from an extracted configuration to an

extended configuration.

The ostomy appliance of the present disclosure may beneficially require less dexterity for

extension and retraction of the retractable drain than previous appliances, for example

because the retractable drain may be pushed into the retracted configuration in a sliding

motion.

The ostomy appliance of the present disclosure may beneficially avoid accidental

unsealing. The closure portion may be turned upwards and fastened in place by the first

fastener which extends or folds down towards the outlet end. Pulling down on the pull tab

arranged on the first fastener may therefore be less likely to accidentally undo the

fastening. The retractable drain may therefore stay sealed more easily while sliding into the

extended configuration. The user can then unfasten and unfold or otherwise open out the

outlet end when ready.

The ostomy appliance of the present disclosure may beneficially allow for the retractable

drain to be fully enclosed within or behind at least one comfort layer when in the retracted

configuration. There may therefore be a reduced chance of accidental movement of the

retractable drain and/or inadvertent movement of the sealing folds when the ostomy

appliance is being worn by the user.

Beneficially, sealing the outlet end before retraction may allow for the outlet to be securely

sealed quickly, and remain reliably fastened in the sealed configuration during retraction of

the retractable drain. Similarly, keeping the outlet end sealed while extending it from the

retracted configuration to the extracted configuration may avoid inadvertent outflow of

WO wo 2021/064408 PCT/GB2020/052415 - 18 -

stomal output from the outlet end during extension, until the user is ready to open the outlet

end.

The configuration of the ostomy appliance of the present disclosure may provide for a pull

tab for use in extending the retractable drain to be easily kept clean, as the pull tab may be

configured to be distanced from the outlet end while the outlet end is open for drainage of

the stomal output.

Brief description of the drawings

One or more embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example

only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of ostomy

appliance according to the present disclosure in the extended configuration with the

closure portion unfastened and unfolded;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of components of the

ostomy appliance of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of some of the

components of the ostomy appliance of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of some further

components of the ostomy appliance of Figure 1;

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic rear view of the ostomy appliance of Figure 1;

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic front view of the ostomy appliance of Figure 1;

Figures 7a to 7 d schematically illustrate the retractable drain of the ostomy

appliance of Figure 1 in a) the extended configuration b) the extended configuration

with the closure portion folded c) the extended configuration with the closure portion

folded and fastened and d) the retracted configuration;

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of the retractable drain of the ostomy appliance

of Figure 1 in the retracted configuration with the comfort layer omitted;

Figures 9a to 9c schematically illustrate a cross-section of the ostomy appliance of

Figure 1 with the retractable drain in a) the extended configuration b) the extended

configuration with the closure portion folded and fastened and c) a partial view in

the retracted configuration; and

Figures 10a and 10b illustrate a schematic views of a further embodiment of ostomy

appliance according to the present disclosure with the retractable drain in the

extended configuration.

Detailed description of the disclosure

In the following description, the equivalent reference numerals are used in different

embodiments to denote equivalent or similar features.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have

the same meaning as is commonly understood by the reader skilled in the art to which the

claimed subject matter belongs. It is to be understood that the foregoing summary of the

disclosure and the following examples are exemplary and explanatory only and are not

restrictive of any subject matter claimed.

The following description is directed to embodiments of the disclosure. The description of

the embodiments is not meant to include all the possible embodiments of the disclosure

that are claimed in the appended claims. Many modifications, improvements and

equivalents which are not explicitly recited in the following embodiments may fall within the

scope of the appended claims. Features described as part of one embodiment may be

combined with features of one or more other embodiments unless the context clearly

requires otherwise.

In this specification, the use of the singular includes the plural unless the context clearly

dictates otherwise. In this specification, the use of "or" means "and/or" unless stated

otherwise. Furthermore, use of the term "including" as well as other forms, such as

"include", "includes," and "included," is not limiting.

As used herein, ranges and amounts can be expressed as "about" a particular value or

range. About also includes the exact amount. For example, "about 5 mm" means "about 5

mm" and also "5 mm." Generally, the term "about" includes an amount that would be

expected to be within experimental error. The term "about" includes values that are within

10% less to 10% greater of the value provided. For example, "about 50%" means

"between 45% and 55%." Also, by way of example, "about 30" means "between 27 and

33."

A first example embodiment of an ostomy appliance 1 according to the present disclosure

is shown in Figures 1 to 9. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ostomy appliance 1 may

generally comprise an inner wall 2, an outer wall 3, a separation wall 4, an inner comfort

layer 5, an outer comfort layer 6 and an ostomy wafer 7. The ostomy appliance 1 of this

PCT/GB2020/052415 20 -

example is a one-piece appliance wherein the ostomy wafer 7 is permanently attached to

the ostomy appliance 1, to the extent that the ostomy wafer 7 cannot easily be separated

without risk of damaging the ostomy appliance 1. However, the teachings of this disclosure

may also be applied, with suitable alteration where necessary, to a two-piece appliance.

For example, where the ostomy appliance 1 is a two-piece appliance the inner wall 2, the

outer wall 3, the separation wall 4, the inner comfort layer 5 and the outer comfort layer 6 may together form a pouch appliance that in use may be coupled to a body fitment

component that comprises the ostomy wafer 7.

The inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 are joined together to define a cavity for containing a

stomal output. The inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 are of flexible sheet material.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inner wall 2 is provided with a stomal inlet 20 for receiving

the stomal output into the cavity. The stomal inlet 20 may be an aperture that is stamped or

cut out of the inner wall 2.

The ostomy appliance 1 is configured as an open appliance and further comprises a

retractable drain 40. Figures 1 to 6 show the retractable drain 40 in an extended

configuration.

In this specification an "open appliance" refers to an appliance where it is intended that

stomal output is drained from the cavity. Thus, an open appliance may be configured as a

reusable appliance, such that it can be reused and emptied multiple times whilst attached

to the body, although this is not essential. In an open appliance the stomal output may be

drained intermittently as instigated by an action of the ostomate or may be drained

intermittently or continuously due to the cavity being fluidly connected to a drain, for

example a night drain line.

The retractable drain 40 may take the general form of an elongate extension of the inner

wall 2 and the outer wall 3 that together define an elongate drain passage that extends

from the cavity to an outlet opening 200 located at a lower end of the retractable drain as

shown in Figure 5.

As shown in Figure 3, the inner wall 2 may comprise a main body portion 2a and an inner

drain portion 41. Likewise, as shown in Figure 4, the outer wall 3 may comprise a main

body portion 3a and an outer drain portion 42. The inner drain portion 41 may extend from

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the main body portion 2a of the inner wall 2. The outer drain portion 42 may extend from

the main body portion 3a of the outer wall 3. The inner drain portion 41 and the main body

portion 2a may be formed from the same, integral, sheet of flexible sheet material, for

example by cutting or stamping them out of sheet material as a single part. Likewise, the

outer drain portion 42 and the main body portion 3a may be formed from the same,

integral, sheet of flexible sheet material, for example by cutting or stamping them out of

sheet material as a single part.

The main body portions 2a, 3a may be a quadrilateral-shaped portions. For example, the

main body portions 2a, 3a may each be a diamond-shaped portion, a rhombus-shaped

portion, or a square-shaped portion.

The main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and outer wall 3 may be joined together

around their peripheral edges by use of welding, adhesive or equivalent means. Welding is

a preferred method of joining the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. As shown in Figure 5, a

peripheral weld 8 may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the main body

portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 to create a fluid-tight seal there

between. The peripheral weld 8 may have a width of 1 to 3 mm, preferably about 2 mm.

Preferably the retractable drain 40 extends from at or near a lower apex 9b of the main

body portions 2a, 3a as shown in Figure 5.

The inner drain portion 41 and/or the outer drain portion 42 may be generally rectangular

along the majority of their length.

Lateral edges 43, 44 of the retractable drain 40 may be generally parallel to each other,

such that the retractable drain 40 has a constant width along a majority of its length, and

optionally along all of its length. The inner drain portion 41 may extend further from the

cavity (i.e. have a longer length) than the outer drain portion 42, forming a lip 201 at the

outlet opening 200 of the retractable drain 40 as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The outer and/or inner drain portion 41, 42 may have converging sides at their lower ends

adjacent the outlet opening 200. In the illustrated example of Figure 5 the lateral edges 43,

44 are parallel along their length and the lip 201 has a tapered shape.

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The inner drain portion 41 may be joined to the outer drain portion 42 at their respective

lateral edges 43, 44 to form a fluid tight seal. The join may be formed by use of welding,

adhesive or equivalent means. Welding is a preferred method of joining the inner drain

portion 41 and the outer drain portion 42.

The joins between the inner drain portion 41 and the outer drain portion 42 may preferably

comprise a continuation of the peripheral join extending around the main body portions 2a,

3a. For example, the peripheral weld 8 may start adjacent to the outlet opening 200 on a

left hand side of the ostomy appliance 1 (as viewed in Figure 5) and extend as a

continuous weld up the lateral edge 43, clockwise around the four sides of the main body

portions 2a, 3a and down the lateral edge 44 to a point adjacent to the outlet opening 200

on a right hand side of the ostomy appliance 1 (as viewed in Figure 5).

Communication between the cavity and the elongate drain passage may be via a drain inlet

45 that may be defined as the point of transition between the cavity and the retractable

drain 40. The drain inlet 45 may function to allow passage of stomal output from the cavity

into the retractable drain 40 when the retractable drain 40 is in the extended configuration.

The outlet opening 200 may to allow outflow of the stomal output from the retractable drain

40 when the retractable drain 40 is in the extended configuration.

In the illustrated example of Figure 2, the inner comfort layer 5 overlies the inner wall 2 and

the outer comfort layer 6 overlies the outer wall 3.

The inner comfort layer 5 and the outer comfort layer 6 may be formed of a flexible sheet

material. The flexible sheet material may comprise a fabric layer. The fabric layer may be a

textile layer. The textile layer may be a woven or a non-woven textile layer. Examples of

suitable materials include one or more of polyester, nylon, viscose, polyethylene and

polypropylene.

The inner comfort layer 5 and the outer comfort layer 6 may comprise at least one fabric

layer and at least one film layer. The at least one fabric layer may comprise a non-woven

textile layer but is preferably a woven textile layer. The woven textile layer may comprise

one or more of polyester, nylon, viscose, polyethylene and polypropylene. The film layer

may comprise one or more of polyurethane, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene chloride

(PVDC) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The at least one film layer may be laminated to

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 23 -

the at least one fabric layer, and optionally may be laminated to the at least one fabric layer

over an entire area of the inner comfort layer 5 and the outer comfort layer 6.

The inner comfort layer 5 may overlie the inner wall 2. The inner comfort layer 5 may cover

only a portion of the inner wall 2, for example at least the main body portion 2a. The inner

comfort layer 5 may cover all of the inner wall 2 (except for the stomal inlet 20 of the inner

wall 2).

The inner wall 2 and the inner comfort layer 5 may be joined together around their

peripheral edges by use of welding, adhesive or equivalent means.

As shown in Figure 5, a peripheral weld may extend around at least a portion of the

perimeter of the inner wall 2 and the inner comfort layer 5. The peripheral weld may extend

around the four sides of the inner comfort layer 5. The peripheral weld that joins the inner

wall 2 with the inner comfort layer 5 may be the whole or a portion of the peripheral weld 8

that joins the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3.

As shown in Figure 2, the inner comfort layer 5 is preferably provided with a wafer aperture

14 that is in register with the stomal inlet 20 of the inner wall 2.

The outer comfort layer 6 overlies at least a portion of the outer wall 3, for example at least

the main body portion 3a. The outer wall 3 and the outer comfort layer 6 may be joined

together around their peripheral edges by use of welding, adhesive or equivalent means. A

peripheral weld may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the outer wall 3

and the outer comfort layer 6. The peripheral weld may extend around the four sides of the

outer comfort layer 6. The peripheral weld that joins the outer wall 3 with the outer comfort

layer 6 may be the whole or a portion of the peripheral weld 8 that joins the inner wall 2 and

the outer wall 3.

In some embodiments, the peripheral weld 8 may be one weld that joins together the inner

comfort layer 5, the inner wall 2, the outer wall 3 and the outer comfort layer 6.

The main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 may be quadrilateral

in shape when the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 are in an unfolded configuration as

show in Figures 5 and 6. Preferably, the inner comfort layer 5 and the outer comfort layer 6

are also quadrilateral in shape when in an unfolded configuration as show in Figures 5 and

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 24 -

6. Preferably, in the unfolded configuration the main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2

and the outer wall 3 are flat or substantially flat. The figures illustrate a preferred example

wherein the main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2, the outer wall 3, the inner

comfort layer 5 and the outer comfort layer 6 are square in shape in the unfolded

configuration. The main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and outer wall 3 may have

a length of 120 mm to 200 mm, preferably 140 mm to 160 mm, for example 145 mm. The

main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and outer wall 3 may have a width of 120 mm

to 200 mm, preferably 140 mm to 160mm, for example 145 mm. The inner comfort layer 5

and the outer comfort layer 6 may have the same external shape and dimensions as the

main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 so that the main body

portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 are preferably covered up to their

edges.

The main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 may have one or

more rounded apexes 9. All of the apexes 9 may be rounded. It is preferred that the main

body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 have three or four rounded

apexes 9. The radius of curvature of each rounded apex 9 may be about 30 mm.

When in use (i.e. when worn by an ostomate) the main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner

and outer walls 2, 3 may comprise an upper apex 9a which points generally vertically

upwards, the lower apex 9b (from which the retractable drain 40 extends) which points

generally vertically downwards and opposed lateral apexes 9c, 9d which point generally to

each side, as shown by way of example in Figure 5. The upper apex 9a may be joined to

the opposed lateral apexes 9c, 9d by first and second edges 10a, 10b and the lower apex

9b may be joined to the opposed lateral apexes 9c, 9d by third and fourth edges 10c, 10d.

In this configuration the main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 may be considered to be 'diamond-shaped'. One or more of the upper apex 9a, the lower

apex 9b and the opposed lateral apexes 9c, 9d may be rounded, for example as described

above.

One or more of the first, second, third and fourth edges 10a-d may be straight, i.e. the edge

10a-d may be straight from a first apex at one end of the edge to a second apex at an

opposite end of the edge. Where the apex 9 is rounded, the edge 10a-d may be straight

between the rounded apex(es) 9.

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The inner comfort layer 5 and the outer comfort layer 6 may define an opening 130

therebeween as shown in Figure 9b through which the retractable drain 40 is moveable

between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. The ostomy appliance

1 may comprise a closure 215 for closing the opening 130, the closure 215 being operable

to retain the retractable drain 40 when the retractable drain 40 is in the retracted

configuration. The closure 215 may comprise a first closure element 215a arranged on the

inner comfort layer 5 and a second closure element 215b arranged on the outer comfort

layer 6. The first closure element 215a and the second closure element 215b may

comprise any suitable fastener elements, for example hook-and-loop type fastener

elements.

The outer comfort layer 6 may comprise multiple parts. The external shape and dimensions

of the multiple parts when taken together may be the same as that of the outer wall 3, or at

least the main body portion 3a of the outer wall 3. For example, the outer comfort layer 6

may comprise a first part 6a and a second part 6b which may be joined to the main body

portion 3a of the outer wall 3 so that the first part 6a partially overlaps the second part 6b in

an overlap region 15 as shown in Figure 6. The first part 6a and the second part 6b may be

separable from each other in the overlap region 15 to form a window opening for viewing

the cavity. The overlap region 15 may extend obliquely from at or near a mid-point of the

first edge 10a to at or near a mid-point of the fourth edge 10d. Alternatively, the overlap

region 15 may extend obliquely from at or near a mid-point of the second edge 10b to at or

near a mid-point of the third edge 10c. In another alternative the overlap region 15 may

extend horizontally when the ostomy appliance 1 is in use.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the

outer wall 3 may comprise at least one peripheral region 11a-d which may be configured to

be folded in use between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. The main

body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 may comprise more than one

peripheral region 11a-d, for example, two or three peripheral regions 11a-d.

The at least one peripheral region 11a-d may have a substantially triangular shape with a

free edge that comprises the apex 9. The upper apex 9a may be in an upper peripheral

region 11a and the opposed lateral apexes 9c, 9d may be in left and right peripheral

regions 11d, 11c as shown in Figure 5.

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The at least one peripheral region 11a-d may comprise at least one lateral wing region and

preferably comprises at least two lateral wing regions 11c, 11d, for example being the left

and right peripheral regions 11d, 11c. The at least one lateral wing region 11c, 11d may

each comprise an apex 9c, 9d that is pointed sideways when the ostomy appliance 1 is in

use.

According to the present disclosure the main body portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and

the outer wall 3 may comprise at least one adjacent region 12a-d. Each of the peripheral

regions 11a-d may be located next to an adjacent region 12a-d. A dedicated adjacent

region 12a-d may be provided for each peripheral region 11a-d. Alternatively, an adjacent

region 12a-d may be adjacent more than one peripheral region 11a-d. The one or more

adjacent regions 12a-d may be located towards or in a central region of the main body

portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3.

In the illustrated example two peripheral regions 11c, 11d are provided - a left lateral wing

region 11d (as viewed in Figure 5) and a right lateral wing region 11c. In this example two

adjacent regions 12a-d are provided, one next to each of the left and right lateral wing

regions - a left adjacent region 12d and a right adjacent region 12c.

Each peripheral region 11a-d may be foldable about a fold line that extends between the

peripheral region 11a-d and its adjacent region 12a-d. The at least one lateral wing region

11c, 11d may be foldable about a fold line 16c, 16d that extends in a generally vertical

direction when the ostomy appliance 1 is in use.

The flexible sheet material of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 may be formed of

polyurethane, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and/or ethylene-vinyl

acetate (EVA). The flexible sheet material may have a thickness of 50 to 150 micrometres,

preferably 75 to 100 micrometres.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the at least one peripheral region 11a-d may comprise a

stiffening member 17. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one adjacent region 12a-d

may comprise a stiffening member 18. Complementary stiffening members 17, 18 may be

provided on both the peripheral region 11 a-d and the adjacent region 12a-d as shown in

Figure 1. Alternatively, stiffening members 18 may be provided only on the at least one

peripheral region 11a-d and not on the at least one adjacent region 12a-d. In a further non-

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 27 -

illustrated alternative, stiffening members 17 may be provided only on the at least one

adjacent region 12a-d and not on the at least one peripheral region 11a-d.

The one or more stiffening members 17, 18 are preferably covered by the inner comfort

layer 5 to avoid contact between the skin of the ostomate and the stiffening members 17,

18.

The stiffening members 17, 18 of the at least one peripheral region 11a-d and the at least

one adjacent region 12a-d may be separated from one another and may comprise two

parts. The stiffening members 17, 18 of the at least one peripheral region 11a-d and the at

least one adjacent region 12a-d may be separated by a gap 19 which may define the

location of folding of the at least one peripheral region 11a-d.

one adjacent region 12a-d may be located equidistant from the fold line 16c-d that extends

between the at least one peripheral region 11a-d and the at least one adjacent region 12a-

d.

Each stiffening member 17, 18 may have a rectangular shape. Each stiffening member 17,

18 may be of the same size. The stiffening members 17, 18 may have a length of 10 to 40

mm, a width of 10 to 30 mm and a thickness of 0.25 to 1.00 mm. The stiffening members

17, 18 may be formed of one or more of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene. ethylene

vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

The stiffening members 17, 18 may be integrated in, or affixed to, the main body portion 3a

of the outer wall 3 but is preferably integrated in, or affixed to, the main body portion 2a of

the inner wall 2. In some embodiments each stiffening member 17, 18 is adhered to the

main body portion 2a of the inner wall 2 using an adhesive. The stiffening members 17, 18

may be located on an inner or an outer face of the main body portion 2a of the inner wall 2.

In the example of Figure 2, the stiffening members 17, 18 are each a rectangular piece of

polystyrene measuring 30 mm by 20 mm by 0.50 mm that is adhered to the inner wall 2

One or more openings may be provided in the inner comfort layer 5 and/or the outer

comfort layer 6 which are configured to receive a portion of the at least one peripheral

region 11a-d of the inner wall 2 and outer wall 3 and to releasably retain the at least one

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peripheral region 11a-d in its folded configuration. The one or more openings may be so

configured by one or more of their location, size and orientation. In some embodiments the

one or more openings are provided in the inner comfort layer 5. In the following, the one or

more openings will be described as being only in the inner comfort layer 5. However,

openings of the same type as described may also or alternatively be provided in the outer

comfort layer 6.

The one or more openings may be slits 21 in the inner comfort layer 5. The slits 21 may be

straight slits. The slits 21 may pass through the full thickness of the inner comfort layer 5.

Where the inner comfort layer 5 is a laminate, the slits 21 may pass through one or more

layers of the laminate. The slits 21 may be orientated vertically when the ostomy appliance

1 is in use. The slits 21 may be orientated horizontally when the ostomy appliance 1 is in

use. The inner comfort layer 5 may comprise two slits 21. The two slits 21 may be located

symmetrically about a vertical mid-line of the ostomy appliance 1.

The ostomy wafer 7 may be located in register with the stomal inlet 20 of the inner wall 2.

The ostomy wafer 7 may extend through the wafer aperture 14 of the inner comfort layer 5.

The ostomy wafer 7 may be located in the upper peripheral region 11a of the inner wall 2

and the outer wall 3. The periphery of the ostomy wafer 7 preferably does not extend

beyond the periphery of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 in the unfolded configuration.

The ostomy appliance 1 may be provided with a gas vent 27 for venting of stomal gases

from the cavity. The ostomy appliance 1 may comprise a gas vent filter 24, which may be

an odour filter, for example a charcoal or activated carbon filter, for reducing the release of

unwanted odours from the cavity.

The gas vent 27 may be located, in use, in the upper half or more preferably upper quarter

of the ostomy appliance 1. In particular, the centre of the at least one gas vent aperture 28

may be located, in use, above the centre of the stomal inlet 20. The gas exits the ostomy

appliance 1 through the at least one gas vent aperture 28, the gas vent filter 24 and a filter

cap 25.

As shown in Figure 2, the separation wall 4 may be located between the main body

portions 2a, 3a of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. The separation wall 4 comprises a

separation filter 100 for filtering stomal gases and/or stomal liquids from stomal solids

contained in the stomal output. The separation filter 100 may thus prevent stomal solids

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from contacting the gas vent 27 and clogging or otherwise impairing the functionality of the

gas vent filter 24.

The cavity of the ostomy appliance 1 may be sub-divided into two volumes by the

separation wall 4 to form first and second chambers 101, 102 as best illustrated in Figure

9a. The first chamber 101 may extend between the separation wall 4 and the inner wall 2

and the second chamber 102 may extend between the separation wall 4 and the outer wall

3. The first and second chambers 101, 102 may have substantially the same volume or

they may have different volumes. The second chamber 102 may have a larger volume than

the first chamber 101.

The separation wall 4 may be joined to the inner wall 2 and outer wall 3 at or adjacent to a

part or the whole of the peripheral edges of the main body portions 2a, 3a, preferably by

use of welding, adhesive or equivalent means. Welding is a preferred method of joining and

the peripheral weld that joins the inner wall 2, outer wall 3 and separation wall 4 may be the

whole or a portion of the peripheral weld 8 that joins the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3.

As shown in Figure 5, the welding of the separation wall 4 may extend around the four

edges of the main body portions 2a, 3a. This portion of the weld may join both the inner

wall 2 and the outer wall 3 to the separation wall 4. A lower portion of the separation wall 4

may extend into an upper portion of the retractable drain 40 as shown in Figure 9. The

welding of the edges of the separation wall 4 may also extend down into the retractable

drain 40 to join the edges of the lower portion of the separation wall 4 to the edges of the

inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. However, the lowermost edge of the separation wall 4 is

left unattached from the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. In this way the folding of the

retractable drain 40 when moved into the retracted configuration folds the inner wall 2,

outer wall 3 and the separation wall 4 such that the first and second chambers 101, 102 are

sealed from each other (other than via the separation filter 100). However, the lowermost

edge being unattached permits stomal output from the first chamber 101 and the second

chamber 102 to enter the retractable drain 40 when the retractable drain 40 is in its

extended configuration.

The separation wall 4 may comprise a flexible sheet material, which may be formed of

acetate (EVA). The flexible sheet material of the separation wall 4 may have a thickness of

50 to 150 micrometres, preferably 75 to 100 micrometres.

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The separation wall 4 may comprise a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating applied to

the flexible sheet material and/or the flexible sheet material may be hydrophobic and/or

oleophobic.

The ostomy appliance 1 may further comprise a protective structure 110 comprising a

protective panel 26 for substantially protecting the gas vent 27 from liquid located in the

cavity and second chamber 102. The protective panel 26 may be attached to the outer wall

3 and more preferably the inner wall 2, outer wall 3 and separation wall 4. The protective

panel 26 may define a protective chamber 111 around the gas vent 27 and the protective

chamber 111 may be located within the cavity and second chamber 102. The protective

structure 110 may comprise a protective chamber gas inlet 112 for allowing the stomal gas

to migrate into the protective chamber 111 from the second chamber 102. The stomal gas

may thus migrate through the protective chamber 111 to the gas vent 27 such that it can

exit the ostomy appliance 1.

The retractable drain 40 is movable between a retracted configuration for storage, as

shown in Figure 8, and the extended configuration, as shown in Figure 1, for draining

stomal output from the cavity. In the retracted configuration the retractable drain 40 may be

accommodated within the periphery of the main body portion 2a of the inner wall 2 and/or

the main body portion 3a of the outer wall 3 and/or the one or more comfort layers 5, 6. The

retractable drain 40 may be accommodated within a void space between the main body

portion 2a of the inner wall 2 and the inner comfort layer 5 or between the main body

portion 3a of the outer wall 3 and the outer comfort layer 6. Movement of the retractable

drain 40 into the retracted configuration will be described in more detail below.

The retractable drain 40 may comprise a lower section 40a and an upper section 40b as

shown in Figure 5.

The retractable drain 40 may comprise a closure portion 202 which may comprise a part of

the lower section 40a of the retractable drain 40. The closure portion 202 may comprise a

section of the retractable drain 40 which extends up from the outlet opening 200 to an

upper limit 203c as shown in Figure 6. The length of the closure portion 202 may be from

one-third to one-half of the length of the retractable drain 40.

The closure portion 202 may be configured to be folded or otherwise turned up on itself to

close off the outlet opening 200 while the retractable drain 40 is in the extended

configuration.

The closure portion 202 may be folded into a plurality of segments having approximately

equal segment lengths and separated by folds. The closure portion 202 may therefore be

successively folded one or more times such that the segments overlie each other.

Preferably, the closure portion 202 may be configured to be folded to form a plurality of

folds across the width of the retractable drain 40 to inhibit and preferably prevent passage

of stomal output out of the outlet opening 200. For example, the segments and fold lines

may have appropriate lengths and locations respectively such that the closure portion 202

can be folded or rolled repeatedly in the same sense, folding forwards and upwards

towards the upper end of the retractable drain 40 with each fold. The folds may be

generally perpendicular to an elongate axis 204 of the retractable drain 40 and extend

across the whole width of the retractable drain 40 to close off the drain passage at each

fold location.

Passage of stomal output through the closure portion 202 may initially be inhibited by

folding the lip 201 over to close the outlet opening 200 of the retractable drain 40.

One or more pursing strips 209-211 may be provided on the closure portion 202. The

pursing strips 209-211 may function to both provide localised rigidity to the retractable drain

40 and also to define the locations and orientations of the segments and folds of the

closure portion 202.

The pursing strips 209-211 may comprise strips of material attached to the retractable drain

40. The pursing strips 209-211 may be formed from a material, preferably a flexible

material, having a higher rigidity than the material of the retractable drain 40 and having

some resilience such that once attached to the retractable drain 40 the pursing strips 209-

211 can each be squeezed laterally to arch the pursing strip (and therefore the attached

drain material) and thereby open the elongate drain passage.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a first pursing strip 209 may be attached to the inner drain

portion 41. A second pursing strip 210 may be attached to the outer drain portion 42. A lip

pursing strip 211 may be attached to the inner drain portion 41 below the first pursing strip

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209 and adjacent to the outlet opening 200 of the retractable drain 40. Preferably, the lip

pursing strip 211 may be arranged on the lip 201.

As shown in Figure 5, a longitudinal gap 220 may be provided between a lower edge of the

first pursing strip 209 and an upper edge of the lip pursing strip 211. The longitudinal gap

220 may define the location of a first fold 202a of the closure portion 202.

The first and second pursing strips 209, 210 may be positioned at the same point along the

retractable drain 40 such that they are arranged directly opposite each other. They may

therefore be laterally squeezed together to form a pair of opposing arcs, opening the drain

passage to facilitate flow of the stomal output through the elongate drain passage.

Preferably, each of the pursing strips 209-211 may extend the same distance along a

length of the retractable drain 40.

A first fastener 203 may be used to fasten the closure portion 202 in place in its folded

state. The first fastener 203 may be arranged on the retractable drain 40, adjacent to or

overlapping the closure portion 202.

As shown in Figure 6, the first fastener 203 may comprise a first flange 203a and a second

flange 203b. The second flange 203b may extend from the first flange 203a, the first flange

203a and the second flange 203b may be one integral piece and may meet at a fold line

such that the second flange 203b is rotatable about the fold line.

The first flange 203a may be attached to the retractable drain 40 while the second flange

203b hangs free of the retractable drain 40. The first flange 203a may extend across the

width of the retractable drain 40 and be attached to the retractable drain 40 at an

attachment point, line or zone. The first flange 203a may be attached within an upper

region of the closure portion 202. An upper limit of the attachment point, line or zone may

coincide with the upper limit 203c of the closure portion 202. The attachment of the first

flange 203a may preferably be formed using an adhesive or by welding.

The fold line between the first flange 203a and the second flange 203b may be located

coincident with the upper limit 203c. The second flange 203b may be a free flange (i.e. may

be unattached to the retractable drain 40 except by its connection to the first flange 203a).

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When folded down, the second flange 203b may extend from the upper limit 203c towards

the outlet opening 200 such that it extends over the closure portion 202.

The first fastener 203 may include a pull tab 203d for gripping by the user to slide the

retractable drain 40 from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. In the

illustrated embodiment, a free end of the second flange 203b may comprise the pull tab

203d.

The second flange 203b may comprise a first fastening element 212a for attachment to a

corresponding second fastening element 212b arranged on the closure portion 202. The

second fastening element 212b may be attached to the inner drain portion 41 or the first

pursing strip 209, such that after the closure portion 202 is folded upwards to close the

outlet opening 200, the second fastening element 212b is arranged on an outer face of the

retractable drain 40 for fastening to the first fastening element 212a. The first fastening

element 212a and the second fastening element 212b may comprise any suitable fastener

elements, for example hook-and-loop type fastener elements.

The first fastener 203 may be formed from a flexible sheet material. The flexible sheet

material may be more rigid than the flexible sheet material of the inner drain portion 41

and/or the outer drain portion 42.

As described above, the closure portion 202 may comprise a plurality of segments, the

segments having approximately equal segment lengths and being separated by fold lines.

The length of the second flange 203b may be longer than one segment length but shorter

than two segment lengths such that when the closure portion 202 is unfolded, the pull tab

203d does not extend to or beyond the outlet opening 200 of the retractable drain 40 and

when the closure portion 202 is folded, the pull tab 203d extends beyond a distal end 214

of the folded retractable drain 40 as shown in Figure 9b.

The ostomy appliance 1 may further comprise a guide panel 206 and a push element 207

to assist in movement of the retractable drain 40 between its extended and retracted

configurations.

As shown in Figure 2, the guide panel 206 may be arranged on the outer wall 3. The guide

panel 206 may comprise flexible sheet material. The material may be the same as the

flexible sheet material of the inner wall 2 and/or the outer wall 3.

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As shown in Figure 4, the guide panel 206 may comprise an upper portion 206a which may

be arranged on the main body portion 3a of the outer wall 3 and a lower portion 206b which

may extend down from the upper portion 206a to overlie an upper region of the retractable

drain 40.

The upper portion 206a may have an upper section 206c extending down from an upper

edge of the guide panel 206 of uniform width and a lower section 206d which is flared in

that its width increases compared to the uniform width of the upper section 206c. The

upper section 206c may transition smoothly into the lower section 206d as shown in Figure

5 such that lateral edges 213a and 213b of the upper portion 206a may each have the form

of a straight edge with a smoothly outwardly-curved lower end.

The lower portion 206b may have a lower section 206f extending up from a lower edge of

the guide panel 206 of uniform width and an upper section 206e which is flared in that its

width increases compared to the uniform width of the lower section 206f. The lower section

206f may transition smoothly into the upper section 206e as shown in Figure 6 such that

lateral edges 213c and 213d of the lower portion 206b may each have the form of a straight

edge with a smoothly outwardly-curved upper end.

The lateral edges 213a, 213b of the upper portion 206a may meet the lateral edges 213c,

213d of the lower portion 206b at apexes 213e and 213f.

The upper portion 206a of the guide panel 206 may be attached to the outer face of the

outer wall 3 along the lateral edges 213a, 213b of the upper portion 206a. The attachment

may be formed by any suitable means, for example by welding or using an adhesive. The

upper portion 206a of the guide panel 206 may be positioned to overlie the cavity when

viewed from the front (as arranged when the ostomy appliance 1 is being worn).

The lateral edges 213c, 213d of the lower portion 206b are preferably not attached to the

retractable drain 40 along all, or a majority of their length.

The upper portion 206a may define a channel 205 between the upper portion 206a of the

guide panel 206 and the outer wall 3. The channel 205 may therefore be arranged outside

the cavity. The sides of the channel 205 may be demarcated by the attachment of the

lateral edges 213a, 213b. A lowermost point of the lateral edges 213a, 213b may define a

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 35 -

location of a mouth 205a of the channel 205 as shown in Figure 5. The mouth 205a may be

located at the transition point between the upper portion 206a and the lower portion 206b of

the guide panel 206. For example the mouth 205a may be located at the level of the

lowermost point of attachment of the upper portion 206a of the guide panel 206 to the outer

wall 3. In particular, the mouth 205a may be located at the level of the apexes 213e and

213f as shown in Figure 5.

The guide panel 206 as a whole may be aligned with the elongate axis 204 of the

retractable drain 40 and the upper portion 206a may have a length selected such that the

channel 205 has a length sufficient to receive and retain greater than 50% of, optionally

greater than 75%, optionally greater than 90%, optionally substantially all of the length of

the retractable drain 40 when the retractable drain 40 is in the retracted configuration.

The channel 205 may have a constant width along a majority of its length. This channel

width may be marginally wider than the width of the retractable drain 40, such that at least

a portion of the retractable drain 40 may in use be slidably received in the channel 205,

with limited lateral movement. For example, the channel 205 may be 2 to 5 mm wider than

external width of the retractable drain 40, typically 2 to 3 mm wider. The retractable drain

40 may thereby be constrained to move into the channel 205 in a direction substantially

parallel with the elongate axis 204.

As shown in Figure 2, the push element 207 may comprise an elongate strip of sheet

material having higher rigidity than the flexible sheet materials of the inner wall 2, the outer

wall 3 and/or the guide panel 206. The push element 207 may be a generally planar.

The push element 207 may comprise an upper section 207a and a lower section 207b. The

upper section 207a may have a rounded upper edge 207c. The lower section 207b may

have a straight lower edge 207d. On assembly of the ostomy appliance 1, the upper

section 207a may be slidably received in the channel 205 and the lower section 207b may

be fixedly attached to the lower section 40a of the retractable drain 40 and/or the lower

portion 206b of the guide panel 206 as explained further below.

The width of the push element 207 may be the same or less than the width of the

retractable drain 40 and therefore may have a width narrower than the constant width of

the channel 205 such that the push element 207 may be slidably received in the channel

205. The width of the push element 207 may be 85 to 100% of the width of the retractable

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drain 40. The width of the channel 205 may thereby restrict lateral movement of the push

element 207 as it moves into the retracted configuration and ensure that it moves in line

with the elongate axis 204.

The lower section 207b of the push element 207 may be attached to the retractable drain

40, in particular to the lower section 40a of the retractable drain 40 and preferably to the

outer drain portion 42 of the outer wall 3. Preferably the push element 207 is only attached

to the retractable drain 40 at the lower section 207b. The push element 207, for example

the lower section 207b thereof, may be attached to the retractable drain 40 at an

attachment 207e as shown in Figure 6. The attachment 207e may be a point, line or zone

of attachment. The attachment 207e may use, for example, adhesive or welding. The

attachment 207e may extend over a majority or a whole of the lower section 40a of the

retractable drain 40.

An upper limit 208a of the attachment 207e may be located at an intermediate point of the

retractable drain 40 which may be the intersection between the upper section 40b and the

lower section 40a of the retractable drain 40. For example, the upper limit 208a may be

located approximately half-way along the length of the retractable drain 40 when the

retractable drain 40 is in the extended configuration with the closure portion 202 folded and

fastened.

The attachment 207e is preferably in the form of an attachment zone extending across all

or substantially all of the width of the push element 207 from the upper limit 208a of the

attachment 207e to the lower edge 207d of the lower section 207b of the push element

207. The whole face of the lower section 207b may be attached to the retractable drain 40.

Once assembled and in the extended configuration, the upper section 207a of the push

element 207 may extend upwards from the upper limit 208a of the attachment 207e to be

slidably received in the channel 205 wherein the rounded upper edge 207c of the push

element 207 extends through the mouth 205a of the channel 205 sliding between the outer

wall 3 and the guide panel 206.

The upper section 207a is preferably unattached to the retractable drain 40. The upper limit

208a may therefore represent the uppermost position on the retractable drain 40 at which

the push element 207 is attached to the retractable drain 40 (when the retractable drain 40

is in the extended configuration). The upper section 207a may have a length configured to

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be long enough such that at least a part of the upper section 207a is still received in the

channel 205 when the retractable drain 40 is in the extended configuration.

The first fastener 203 may be directly attached, for example using adhesive, to the push

element 207, preferably to the lower section 207b of the push element 207. As noted

above, the push element 207 may be directly attached to the outer drain portion 42 of the

outer wall 3. The first fastener 203 may thereby be indirectly attached to the outer wall 3.

The first fastener 203 and the push element 207 may be arranged such that the first

fastener 203 is operable to fasten the closure portion 202 in a folded or otherwise turned-

up state when the retractable drain 40 is in the extended configuration. The first fastener

203 may be arranged to hang below the upper limit 208a of the attachment 207e of the

push element 207 to the retractable drain 40. The fastening of the first fastener 203 may

therefore be independent of the position of the upper section 207a of the push element 207

in the channel 205. The first fastener 203 may thereby be configured to be operable

independently of the position of the push element 207. The first fastener 203 and the push

element 207 may be formed as separate components. In particular, this enables the

fastening and unfastening of the first fastener 203 when the retractable drain 40 is in the

extended configuration.

The lower portion 206b of the guide panel 206 may be attached to the retractable drain 40

at an intermediate location along the retractable drain 40. Additionally or alternatively, as

shown in Figure 9b, the lower portion 206b of the guide panel 206 may be attached to the

lower section 207b of the push element 207 which, as noted above, may itself be attached

to the retractable drain 40.

The lower portion 206b, for example a lower end thereof, may be attached to the

retractable drain 40 and/or the push element 207 at an attachment 207f as shown in Figure

9b. The attachment 207f may be a point, line or zone of attachment. The attachment 207f

may use, for example, adhesive or welding. Note, the attachments 207e and 207f are

shown schematically in Figure 9b but omitted, for clarity, from Figures 9a and 9c.

An upper limit 208b of the attachment 207f may be located at an intermediate point of the

retractable drain 40. For example, the upper limit 208b may be located approximately half-

way along the length of the retractable drain 40 when the retractable drain 40 is in the

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extended configuration with the closure portion 202 folded and secured. The attachment

207f may be positioned opposite the location of the attachment 207e.

The lower portion 206b of the guide panel 206 may thereby act as a tether, preventing

movement of the push element 207 fully out of the channel 205 on extension of the

retractable drain 40. The attachment 207f may preferably extend across the width of the

retractable drain 40 and/or the push element 207, thereby assisting in maintaining the

alignment of the retractable drain 40 and push element 207 within the channel 205 during

retraction of the retractable drain 40.

The lower section 207b of the push element 207 may overlap the closure portion 202 of the

retractable drain 40. The overlap may have a length which is the same as or longer than

the length of a fold segment of the closure portion 202. As shown in Figure 6, a longitudinal

gap 221 may be provided between the lower edge 207d of the push element 207 and an

upper edge of the second pursing strip 210. The longitudinal gap 221 may define the

location of a second fold 202b of the closure portion 202.

Therefore, once the closure portion 202 is folded, the segments of the closure portion 202

below the second fold 202b may overlie the lower section 207b of the push element 207,

and the lower edge 207d of the push element 207 may be arranged adjacent the distal end

214 of the folded retractable drain 40.

In use, the ostomy appliance 1 may be mounted to the body of the ostomate using the

ostomy wafer 7. The ostomy appliance 1 may adopt an unfolded configuration and a folded

configuration. Preferably in both the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration the

periphery of the ostomy wafer 7 does not extend beyond the periphery of the inner wall 2

and the outer wall 3 such that the ostomy wafer 7 is hidden from view.

Advantageously, the ostomy appliance 1 may be mounted to the ostomate with the lower

apex 9b lowermost, e.g. closest to the ground when the ostomate is standing. It has been

found that the combination of a cavity formed from an inner wall 2 and an outer wall 3 of

rectangular, preferably square, shape which are orientated with one apex 9 lowermost may

provide beneficial shaping of the ostomy appliance 1 when filled. In particular, it has been

found that the edges 10a-d of the inner wall 2 and outer wall 3 may be subjected to less

crinkling when the cavity is filled and also that the opposed lateral apexes 9c, 9d may be

able to lie closer to the body of the ostomate when the cavity is filled. This can lead to a

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reduced degree of pulling on the ostomy wafer 7 and a reduction in the visual bulk of the

ostomy appliance 1 beneath clothing.

In addition, it has been found advantageous to position one apex 9 lowermost where the

ostomy appliance 1 is intended to be mounted to the torso region of the ostomate. In this

way discretion may be enhanced as the ostomy appliance 1 may more easily be perceived

by third parties as a loose article of clothing, e.g. a shirt tail, rather than a medical device.

In the folded configuration the cavity may have a first useable volume which may be 120 to

400 ml. In the unfolded configuration the cavity may have a second useable volume which

may be 350 to 650 ml.

Typically, a user after first mounting the ostomy appliance 1 will configure the ostomy

appliance 1 into its folded state. The ostomy appliance 1 can be brought into the folded

state by folding the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 as well as the inner comfort layer 5 and

the outer comfort layer 6 of one or more of the peripheral regions 11 la-d inwardly or

outwardly into their folded configuration to overlie the at least one adjacent region 12a-d.

This folding involves an 'external' fold (towards or away from the body of the ostomate) of

the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 (and where present the inner comfort layer 5 and the

outer comfort layer 6) such that the inner wall 2 (I) and the outer wall 3 (O) are each rotated

about the fold line 16c-d in the same sense, i.e. either both the inner wall 2 and the outer

wall 3 being folded towards the body of the ostomate or both the inner wall 2 and the outer

wall 3 being folded away from the body of the ostomate. For example, in the case of an

external fold towards the body of the ostomate, after the external fold has been completed,

the wall layers are ordered OIIO when listed from an outer side of the ostomy appliance to

an inner side of the ostomy appliance (where 'O' stands for an outer wall layer and 'l'

stands for an inner wall layer). In another example, in the case of an external fold away the

body of the ostomate, after the external fold has been completed, the wall layers are

ordered IOOI when listed from an outer side of the ostomy appliance to an inner side of the

ostomy appliance. This is in contrast to the formation of a pocket where the inner wall 2

and outer wall 3 are pushed 'internally' to form a pocket. In the case of a pocket the wall

layers are ordered OOII when listed from an outer side of the ostomy appliance to an inner

side of the ostomy appliance.

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When in use and in its folded configuration, the at least one peripheral region 11a-d may

preferably be located between the adjacent region 12a-d and a body of an ostomate

wearing the ostomy appliance 1.

A portion of the at least one peripheral region 11a-d may be inserted into one of the

openings, for example slits 21, to releasably retain the at least one peripheral region 11a-d

in its folded configuration. The one or more openings of the at least one comfort layer 5, 6

may be configured to receive and to releasably retain an apex 9 of the at least one

peripheral region 11a-d.

In some embodiments both lateral wing regions 11c, 11d may be folded inwardly. The

ostomy appliance 1 may thus be folded into a substantially hexagonal shape in its folded

state.

In some embodiments only one lateral wing region 11c, 11d is folded inwardly. Additionally

or alternatively, other peripheral regions 11a, 11b may be folded inwardly, for example the

upper peripheral region 11a encompassing the upper apex 9a may be folded downwardly.

Additional openings in the inner comfort layer 5 may be provided to retain these other

peripheral regions, for example horizontally-orientated openings.

Advantageously, the stiffening members 17, 18 may act to rigidify the one or more

peripheral regions 11a-d to make them easier to fold and to improve retention in the

openings, for example slits 21. Further, the stiffening members 17, 18 may

advantageously help to define and control the location of fold lines 16c-d.

In its folded state the ostomy appliance 1 can receive a quantity of stomal output while

retaining the one or more peripheral regions 11a-d in their folded configuration.

Advantageously, during this period of use the ostomy appliance 1 may be more discreet

due to its reduced footprint. In some embodiments the ostomy appliance 1 provides a

relatively slim width due to the folded lateral wing regions 11c, 11d which is more easily

hidden under clothing.

As the cavity continues to fill a point will be reached where the one or more peripheral

regions 11a-d will be unfolded so that the ostomy appliance 1 is brought into its unfolded

configuration. The at least one peripheral region 11a-d may be spontaneously unfoldable

from its folded configuration when the cavity is subject to a build-up of pressure. The build- up of pressure may be due to an increase in gas pressure and/or fluid pressure.

Advantageously, the unfolding may take place without manual intervention by the

ostomate, i.e. solely under the driving force of the build-up of internal pressure in the cavity

which overcomes the retaining force imparted by the inner comfort layer 5 on the at least

one peripheral region 11a-d.

Thus, as the cavity fills the at least one peripheral region 11a-d can 'spring' or 'slide' or

'pop' free of the opening in the inner comfort layer 5 allowing the at least one peripheral

region 11a-d to unfold and increase the useable volume of the cavity.

Advantageously, the user may also choose to manually unfold the at least one peripheral

region 11a-d which promotes user-control of their ostomy appliance 1.

During use, the user can inspect the cavity by pulling apart the first part 6a and the second

part 6b of the outer comfort layer 6 to open a window opening 33. The oblique angling of

the window opening 33 may beneficially maximise the size of the window opening 33 and

may also provide a more ergonomic orientation of the window opening 33 when the ostomy

appliance 1 is mounted to the torso of an ostomate.

In use, inside the cavity stomal output is received in the first chamber 101 from the stomal

inlet 20. Stomal liquid and stomal gas are filtered through the separation filter 100 to the

second chamber 102 whilst the stomal solids remain in the first chamber 101. The stomal

liquid substantially remains within the second chamber 102 (although residual amounts will

also remain in the first chamber 101) and the stomal gas is able to exit the ostomy

appliance 1 via the gas vent 27. The stomal solids are substantially prevented from

reaching the gas vent 27 by the separation filter 100. The protective structure 110 receives

the gas through the protective chamber gas inlet 112 and communicates the gas through

the protective chamber 111 to the gas vent 27.

The functioning of the retractable drain 40 will now be described starting with the

retractable drain 40 in the extended configuration as shown in Figure 1 to 6.

In the extended configuration, as shown in Figures 7a and 9a, the retractable drain 40 may

extend through the opening 130 and the retractable drain 40 and its closure portion 202

may be entirely unfolded such that stomal output may move from the cavity down the

elongate drain passage of the retractable drain 40 and out of the outlet opening 200.

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Passage of the stomal output out of the outlet opening may be facilitated by pressing on

the pursing strips 209-211 to hold open the outlet opening 200 and/or to curve the lip 201

into a chute shape to guide the exiting flow of stomal output.

After emptying the cavity, the outlet opening 200 may be sealed to prevent flow of stomal

output out of the retractable drain 40. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, with the retractable drain

40 in the extended configuration, the outlet opening 200 may first be sealed by operation of

the closure portion 202 which may be folded over at least once, and preferably a plurality of

times. For example, the lip 201 may first be folded upwards about the first fold 202a to

overlie the first pursing strip 209. Next the lip 201 and the next segment bearing the first

pursing strip 209 and second pursing strip 210 may be folded upwards, about the second

fold 202b to overlie the first flange 203a and lower section 207b of the push element 207 as

shown in Figure 7b. The second flange 203b of the first fastener 203 may then be folded

over to fasten the closure portion 202 in its folded position by securing together the first and

second fastening element 212a, 212b as shown in Figure 7c. The user may then, if

desired, let go of the retractable drain 40 if needed without stomal output being released

through the outlet opening 200.

To move the retractable drain 40 into the retracted configuration after folding and fastening

of the closure portion 202, the user may grip the folded and fastened end of the retractable

drain 40 and push upwards such that the push element 207 moves further up into the

channel 205 as shown in Figure 9b.

Movement of the push element 207 may be used to create one more folds in the

retractable drain 40 so as to shorten its length in the retracted configuration and to close off

the elongate drain passage.

Due to the attachment 207e between the push element 207 and the outer drain portion 42,

the resulting upward movement of the push element 207 causes the lower section 40a of

the retractable drain 40 to be carried up and the unattached upper section 40b of the

retractable drain 40 to start to bend away from the push element 207 as shown in Figure 9b

resulting in the formation of a first fold 216 and a second fold 217 in the retractable drain

40.

As the push element 207 moves up the second fold 217 will start to form at the location of

the upper limit 208a since the upper section 40b is unattached to the push element 207

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 43 -

and is thus free to move away therefrom. The associated first fold 216 forms intermediate

the upper end of the retractable drain 40 and the second fold 217 as shown in Figure 9b.

At the same time upward movement of the push element 207 may likewise cause the

formation of a first fold 218 and a second fold 219 in the lower portion 206b of the guide

panel 206 as shown in Figure 9b. The second fold 219 will start to form at the location of

the upper limit 208b since lower portion 206b above the upper limit 208b is unattached to

the push element 207 and is thus free to move away therefrom. The associated first fold

218 forms intermediate the upper end of the lower portion 206b and the second fold 219 as

shown in Figures 9b and 9c.

Continued upward movement of the push element 207 may thus cause the retractable

drain 40 to double back on itself and the lower portion 206b of the guide panel 206 to

double back on itself.

In the fully retracted configuration as shown in Figure 9c, the retractable drain 40 may

comprise a generally Z-shaped form by virtue of the fully formed first fold 216 and second

fold 217.

The first fold 216 and the second fold 217 preferably extend fully across the retractable

drain 40 such that the first and second folds 216, 217 close off the elongate drain passage

and inhibit drainage of stomal output through the retractable drain 40. As can be seen in

Figure 9c, the lower end of the separation wall 4 extends below the final location of the first

fold 216 such that the second fold 216 may effectively seal of the lower end of the first and

second chambers 101, 102 when the retractable drain 40 is in its retracted configuration.

The first and second folds 216, 217 may be folded in opposite senses such that the upper

section 40b of the retractable drain 40 overlies the cavity adjacent to the main body portion

3a of the outer wall 3 and the lower section 40a of the retractable drain 40 overlies the

upper section 40b, such that all of the retractable drain 40 directly or indirectly overlies the

main body portion 3a of the outer wall 3.

In the retracted configuration, the first fold 216 may have rolled up the upper section 40b of

the retractable drain 40 to be located at or adjacent the drain inlet 45. The second fold 217

may be located approximately halfway along the length of the retractable drain 40 such that

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in the retracted configuration the distal end 214 of the retractable drain 40 (with the closure

portion 202 folded) is arranged adjacent to the first fold 216 as shown in Figure 9c.

The channel 205 may have a depth between the guide panel 206 and the outer wall 3

configured such that the retractable drain 40 is a tight sliding fit in the channel 205 in the

depth direction when the retractable drain 40 is in the retracted configuration.

The folds 216, 217 formed in the retractable drain 40 as it moves into the retracted

configuration may thereby be formed generally perpendicular to the length of the

retractable drain 40. This may also assist in ensuring that greater than 50% of, optionally

the retractable drain 40 (with the closure portion 202 folded) may be received within the

channel 205 in the retracted configuration.

The channel 205 of the upper portion 206a of the guide panel 206 may have a length which

is at least half the length of the retractable drain 40 when the retractable drain 40 is in the

extended configuration with the closure portion 202 folded. Preferably, the channel 205

may have a length marginally longer than the length of the push element 207 such that a

majority of or substantially all of the push element 207 may be received in the channel 205

in the retracted configuration.

Once the retractable drain 40 is in its retracted configuration the fastening element 215a,

215b may be secured together as shown in Figure 9c.

As the outlet opening 200 of the retractable drain 40 may be sealed before retraction, and

may then substantially wholly be received through the opening 130 between the inner

comfort layer 5 and the outer comfort layer 6, the outlet opening 200 of the retractable drain

40 may remain sealed while in the retracted configuration.

Further example embodiments of an ostomy appliance 1 according to the present

disclosure are described below. Only those features that differ in this embodiment

compared to the previous embodiment will be described in detail in the following

description. For features that are common to one or more embodiments, reference should

be made to the description as a whole.

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 45 -

In any embodiment, the lower portion 206b of the guide panel 206 may take a different

form to that shown in Figures 1 to 9. An alternative form of guide panel is shown in Figures

10a and 10b. The guide panel 306 may comprise an upper portion 306a defining the

channel 205 as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 9 demarcated between lateral edges

313a and 313b of the upper portion 306a. The mouth 205a of the channel 205 may be

located at the transition point between the upper portion 306a and the lower portion 306b of

the guide panel 306.

The lower portion 306b of the may have a lower edge 306c shaped such that it does not

extend outside the outer comfort layer 6 in use. The lower portion 306b may therefore have

a truncated shape compared to the lower portion 206b of guide panel 206. The lower edge

306c may be shaped to match the curve of the lower apex of the outer comfort layer 6. The

lower portion 9b may be attached to the lower apex of the outer comfort layer 6, for

example by use of adhesive or by welding, at or adjacent to the opening 130 of the comfort

layer. Opening of the closure 215 to open opening 130 may tend to open out the mouth

205a of the channel 205, facilitating extension and retraction of the retractable drain 40 in

use.

The lower portion 306a may be unattached to the drain 40. A separate tether may be

provided for tethering the push element 207 in the channel 205. The separate tether may

be attached to the drain by an attachment 330 formed, for example, by use of adhesive or

by welding.

In any embodiment, the outlet opening 200 of the retractable drain 40 may be configured

for connection of a night bag or other appliance for receiving stomal output from the

retractable drain 40.

Other features of the ostomy appliance, for example the shape and construction of the

ostomy appliance inner and outer walls and comfort layer, may vary from those shown in

the illustrated embodiment.

In any embodiment, the retractable drain may alternatively be formed as a one-piece tube

rather than from two sheets joined by lateral welds. The retractable drain may be integrally

formed with the inner wall and/or the outer wall of the appliance. Alternatively, or in

addition, one or more parts of the retractable drain may be formed from flexible sheet

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material or other material separately to the formation of the inner wall and/or the outer wall,

and assembled by any suitable means, for example by welding or using adhesives.

The fastening elements illustrated are hook-and-loop type elements. Alternatively, any form

of suitable fastener elements may be used (for example, poppers, zippers or adhesives).

The channel may be formed on the inner wall rather than outer wall of the cavity.

The guide panel is preferably formed separately to the comfort layer. Alternatively, the

guide panel may comprise a portion of the comfort layer. Alternatively, or in addition, the

guide panel may be arranged on the inner wall or the outer wall and attached to the comfort

layer instead of or as well as being attached to the wall.

In addition or alternatively to the closure 215 and first fastener 203, alternative means of

sealing the outlet opening 200 in the extended configuration may be provided. In any

embodiment, the upper limit 208a of the attachment of the push element 207 to the

retractable drain 40 may be arranged approximately halfway along the length of the

retractable drain 40 with the outlet opening 200 of the drain sealed in the extended

configuration.

One or both comfort layers 5, 6 may optionally be omitted or formed from alternative

materials to display the outer wall 3 and/or inner wall 2, for example for hospital use.

In the illustrated embodiment, the closure portion 202 is configured to be turned up by

folding. Alternatively, or additionally, in any embodiment the closure portion 202 may be

turned up by rolling.

Examples The following table presents example configurations of an ostomy appliance 1 according to

the present disclosure. These examples are not intended to be limiting on the present

disclosure in any way or to limit the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the examples

are provided to aid a better understanding of the present disclosure.

The examples refer to features described in further detail elsewhere in the present

disclosure. The skilled reader will understand that reference should be made to said further

description where necessary for a fuller understanding of the examples. Where said further

WO wo 2021/064408 PCT/GB2020/052415 PCT/GB2020/052415 - 47 -

description refers to optional characteristics of said features then the skilled reader will

understand that the following examples may optionally also include one or more of said

optional characteristics.

General Construction

In the following examples in the table, the ostomy appliance 1 is a one-piece ostomy

appliance 1 wherein the ostomy wafer 7 is permanently attached to the ostomy appliance

1, to the extent that the ostomy wafer 7 cannot easily be separated without risk of

damaging the ostomy appliance 1. However, as noted above the teachings of this

disclosure may also be applied, with suitable alteration where necessary, to two-piece

appliances. The ostomy appliance 1 of the following examples is particularly suited as an

ileostomy appliance but is not limited to this function.

In the following examples in the table, the ostomy appliance 1 comprises an inner wall 2

and an outer wall 3 which are diamond-shaped having four apexes - an upper apex 9a

which points generally vertically upwards, a lower apex 9b which points generally vertically

downwards and opposed lateral apexes 9c, 9d which point generally to each side. A

retractable drain 40 is present and extends from the lower apex 9b. The apexes 9a-9d are

rounded with a radius of curvature of about 30mm.

In the following examples in the table, the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 comprise a left

lateral wing region 11d terminating in lateral apex 9d and a right lateral wing region 11c

terminating in lateral apex 9c. As described above, the lateral wing regions 11c, 11d are

foldable about fold lines 16c, 16d to overlie adjacent regions 12c, 12d in a folded

configuration of the ostomy appliance 1.

In this table, the term "Wall Size" refers to the length of the sides of the inner wall 2 and the

outer wall 3. The 'length' is measured as the perpendicular distance between opposite

sides of the inner wall 2/outer wall 3. In the following examples in the table the length of

each side is the same, i.e. the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 are generally square-

shaped but with rounded corners as noted above.

In this table, the term "Separation Filter" refers to whether a separation wall 100 as

described above is present. The separation wall 100, where present, is located between

the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. The separation wall 4 comprises a separation filter

PCT/GB2020/052415 - 48

100 for filtering stomal gases and/or stomal liquids from stomal solids contained in the

stomal output.

The inner wall 2 and outer wall 3 are formed from EVA/PVdC multi-layered film of 75

micrometres thickness. The separation wall 100 (where present) is formed from PE film of

51 micrometres thickness or EVA (with 4.5% VA) film of 50 micrometres thickness.

The following examples may comprise at least an inner comfort layer 5 as described above

that comprises two vertical slits 21 as described above for receiving the lateral apexes 9c,

9d of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 when the ostomy appliance 1 is in its folded

configuration.

In the following examples the ostomy appliance is an open appliance that comprises a

retractable drain 40. The retractable drain may be a retractable drain 40 as described

above.

In this table, the term "Wafer Size" refers to the length of the sides of the ostomy wafer 7.

The 'length' is measured as the perpendicular distance between opposite sides of the

ostomy wafer. In the following examples in the table the length of each side is the same,

i.e. the ostomy wafer 7 is square-shaped but with rounded corners as shown in the

appended figures.

In this table, the term "Wafer Type" refers to the configuration of the ostomy wafer 7: "Flat"

refers to an ostomy wafer 7 that is flat in shape. "Convex" refers to an ostomy wafer 7 that

is convex in shape. "Flexible" refers to an ostomy wafer 7 that is flexible.

In this table, the term "Wafer Aperture Type" refers to the nature of the aperture in the

ostomy wafer 7: "Pre-Cut" refers to the presence of a pre-formed aperture in the ostomy

wafer 7 for engaging in, on, over or against the stoma of an ostomate. "Cut-To-Fit" refers to

an ostomy wafer 7 configured to allow an ostomate to cut an aperture therein for engaging

in, on, over or against their stoma. In this way the aperture may be tailored to the specific

requirements of each ostomate.

In this table, the term "Aperture Size" refers to the diameter of the pre-formed aperture in

the ostomy wafer 7 in the case of a Pre-Cut ostomy wafer and refers to the range of possible aperture diameters that may be formed in the ostomy wafer 7 in the case of a Cut-

To-Fit ostomy wafer.

In this table, the column "Colour" refers to the colour of the outermost layer of the ostomy

appliance. "Neutral" refers to the presence of an outer comfort layer 6 having an opaque,

neutral colour. In these examples the outer wall 3 is transparent and the inner wall 2 is

opaque, e.g. white. "Clear" refers to an ostomy appliance without an outer comfort layer 6.

In these examples the outermost layer is the outer wall 3 which is transparent. The inner

wall 2 is opaque, e.g. white. All examples are provided with an inner comfort layer 5 that is

an opaque, neutral colour. By "transparent" is meant a material that is substantially or fully

transparent, or sufficiently translucent to permit viewing of the fill-level of the cavity through

the outer wall 3.

Table

Wafer Wafer Wall Example Wafer Aperture Separation Size Aperture Size Colour Filter? No. Type Size (mm) (mm) Type (mm) 1 Flat Cut-To-Fit 10-50 Neutral 98 140 140 Yes

2 Flat 98 Pre-Cut 25 140 140 Neutral Yes

3 Flat 98 Pre-Cut 30 140 Neutral Yes

4 Flat Pre-Cut 35 140 Neutral Yes 98

5 Flat 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-60 170 170 Neutral Yes

6 Flat 107 Pre-Cut 25 170 170 Neutral Yes

7 Flat 107 Pre-Cut 30 170 Neutral Yes

8 Flat 107 Pre-Cut 35 170 Neutral Yes

9 Flat 107 Pre-Cut 40 170 170 Neutral Yes

10 Flat 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-60 170 170 Clear Yes

11 Flat 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-60 170 170 Clear No

12 Flat 107 107 Pre-Cut 25 170 170 Clear Yes

13 Flat 107 Pre-Cut 30 170 170 Clear Yes

14 Flat 107 Pre-Cut 35 170 Clear Yes

15 Flat 107 Pre-Cut 40 170 170 Clear Yes

16 Convex 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-55 170 170 Clear Yes

17 Convex 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-55 170 Neutral Yes

18 Convex 98 Cut-To-Fit 10-45 140 Neutral Yes

19 Convex 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-45 170 170 Neutral Yes

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20 Convex 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-45 170 Clear Yes

21 Convex 107 107 Pre-Cut 25 170 170 Neutral Yes

22 Convex 107 Pre-Cut 30 170 170 Neutral Yes

23 Convex 107 Pre-Cut 35 170 Neutral Yes

24 Convex 98 Cut-To-Fit 10-35 140 Neutral Yes

25 Convex 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-35 170 170 Neutral Yes

26 26 Convex 107 Pre-Cut 25 170 Neutral Yes

27 Convex 107 Pre-Cut 30 170 Neutral Yes

28 Convex 107 Pre-Cut 35 170 Neutral Yes

29 Convex 98 Cut-To-Fit 10-25 140 Neutral Yes

30 Convex 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-25 170 170 Neutral Yes

31 Flexible 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-55 170 170 Clear Clear Yes

32 Flexible 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-55 170 170 Neutral Yes

33 Flexible 98 Cut-To-Fit 10-45 10-45 140 Neutral Yes

34 Flexible 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-45 170 Neutral Yes

35 Flexible 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-45 170 Clear Yes

36 Flexible 107 Pre-Cut 25 170 Neutral Yes

37 Flexible 107 Pre-Cut 30 170 Neutral Yes

38 Flexible 107 Pre-Cut 35 170 Neutral Yes

39 Flexible 98 Cut-To-Fit 10-35 140 Neutral Yes

40 Flexible 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-35 170 Neutral Yes

41 Flexible 107 Pre-Cut 25 170 Neutral Yes

42 Flexible 107 Pre-Cut 30 170 Neutral Yes

43 Flexible 107 Pre-Cut 35 170 Neutral Yes

44 Flexible 98 Cut-To-Fit 10-25 140 Neutral Yes

45 Flexible 107 Cut-To-Fit 10-25 170 Neutral Yes

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the disclosure

have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the

disclosure, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that the reader skilled

in the art will appreciate may also be required. Because such elements are well known to

the reader skilled in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better

understanding of the disclosure, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

Claims

13 Feb 2026

Claims

1. An ostomy appliance comprising: inner and outer walls of flexible sheet material joined together to define a cavity for 5 containing a stomal output, the inner wall comprising an inlet for receiving the stomal output into the cavity; and 2020357918

a retractable drain being slidably movable between an extended configuration for draining the stomal output from the cavity and a retracted configuration for storage of the retractable drain; 10 a push element for pushing the retractable drain into the retracted configuration, the push element comprising a strip of material having a higher rigidity than the flexible sheet material of the inner wall and/or the outer wall, wherein the retractable drain comprises a closure portion which may be turned up to close an outlet opening of the retractable drain and a first fastener configured to fasten the 15 closure portion in place once turned up; wherein at least a portion of the closure portion and the first fastener are positioned in a channel when the retractable drain is in the retracted configuration; wherein the first fastener is configured to be operable independently of the push element and wherein the push element and the first fastener are formed as separate 20 components.

2. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure portion is operable to be turned up and fastened while the retractable drain is in the extended configuration.

25 3. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the retractable drain is configured such that after fastening of the closure portion in the extended configuration, the retractable drain is slidably moveable into the retracted configuration.

4. An ostomy appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 30 closure portion is configured to be turned up by forming at least one fold across the retractable drain to inhibit passage of stomal output through the outlet end, wherein the closure portion is preferably configured to be folded into a plurality of folds across the retractable drain to inhibit passage of stomal output through the outlet opening.

13 Feb 2026

5. An ostomy appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the first fastener is arranged on an intermediate portion of the retractable drain such that the first fastener is adjacent to or overlapping the closure portion.

5 6. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first fastener comprises: a first flange attached to the intermediate portion of the retractable drain 2020357918

adjacent to the closure portion; and a second flange comprising a first fastening element for attachment to the closure portion; 10 wherein the closure portion preferably further comprises a second fastening element for attachment to the first fastening element.

7. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first fastener is arranged across the width of the retractable drain. 15 8. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second flange is configured to extend over the closure portion when fastened.

9. An ostomy appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 20 retractable drain further comprises a first pursing strip and a second pursing strip arranged on the closure portion of the retractable drain; wherein the or each pursing strip comprises a strip of flexible material having higher rigidity that the material forming the retractable drain, the strip being arranged across a width of the retractable drain; 25 wherein the first pursing strip is arranged on an outer side of the retractable drain, and the second pursing strip arranged on an inner side of the retractable drain, the first pursing strip and the second pursing strip being positioned at the same distance along the retractable drain such that they are arranged opposite each other.

30 10. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a lip pursing strip arranged adjacent to the outlet opening of the retractable drain.

11. An ostomy appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retractable drain comprises: 35 an inner drain portion extending from a main body portion of the inner wall; and an outer drain portion extending from a main body portion of the outer wall;

13 Feb 2026

wherein the inner and outer drain portions are sealed at their lateral edges to define a drain passage between the inner and outer drain portions.

12. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inner drain portion is 5 integrally formed with the main body portion of the inner wall and/or the outer drain portion is integrally formed with the main body portion of the outer wall. 2020357918

13. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein one of the inner drain portion and the outer drain portion is longer than the other of the inner drain portion 10 and the outer drain portion, thereby defining a lip at the outlet opening of the retractable drain; and preferably wherein a pursing strip is arranged on the lip.

14. An ostomy appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the retracted configuration drainage of the stomal output from the cavity into the retractable 15 drain and along the retractable drain is inhibited by folds formed across the retractable drain during the sliding retraction; and/or wherein in the retracted configuration substantially all of the retractable drain overlies a main body portion of the outer and/or inner wall.

20 15. An ostomy appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure portion comprises a folding portion which is foldable to close an outlet opening of the drain.

16. An ostomy appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 25 first fastener comprises a pull tab for gripping by the user to slide the retractable drain from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

17. An ostomy appliance comprising: inner and outer walls of flexible sheet material joined together to define a cavity for 30 containing a stomal output, the inner wall comprising an inlet for receiving the stomal output into the cavity; a retractable drain being slidably movable between an extended configuration for draining the stomal output from the cavity and a retracted configuration for storage of the drain; 35 an inner comfort layer arranged over at least a part of the inner wall; and

13 Feb 2026

an outer comfort layer arranged over at least a part of the outer wall; and a push element for pushing the retractable drain into the retracted configuration, the push element comprising a strip of material having higher rigidity than the flexible sheet material of the inner wall and/or the outer wall; 5 wherein in the retracted configuration the retractable drain and at least a portion of the closure portion and the first fastener are received in a channel arranged between either 2020357918

the inner wall and the inner comfort layer or the outer wall and the outer comfort layer, the dimensions of the channel being configured such that the retractable drain is slidably held in the channel when in the retracted configuration; 10 wherein the inner comfort layer and/or the outer comfort layer defines an opening through which the retractable drain is slidably moveable between the extended and retracted configurations; wherein a closure for closing the opening is arranged at or proximal to a lower end of the channel such that the closure restricts sliding of the retractable drain from the 15 retracted configuration; wherein the first fastener is configured to be operable independently of the push element, and wherein the push element and the first fastener are formed as separate components.

20 18. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 17, wherein the closure comprises a first closure element arranged on the inner comfort layer and a second closure element arranged on the outer comfort layer.

19. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising a guide 25 panel arranged on an outer face of the inner wall or an outer face of the outer wall; wherein the channel is defined between the guide panel and the inner wall or the outer wall, wherein a lower portion of the guide panel is arranged adjacent to the opening of the channel, the lower portion of the guide panel being attached to the comfort layer, wherein the lower portion of the guide panel is attached to the closure such that opening of 30 the closure widens a lower portion of the channel.

20. An ostomy appliance as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising a push element for driving the retractable drain into the channel to move the retractable drain into the retracted configuration a guide panel arranged out an outer face of a main body portion 35 of the inner wall or a main body portion of an outer face of the outer wall;

13 Feb 2026

wherein the channel is defined between the guide panel and the inner wall or the outer wall and wherein a lower portion of the guide panel extends downwards from the channel, the lower portion of the guide panel being attached to an intermediate portion of the push 5 element, and optionally wherein the lower portion of the guide panel is attached to the push element across a majority of the width of the retractable drain.