Patent Description:
At times, a user may want to extend the time between emptying their appliance, for example, when they are sleeping. Typically, a larger capacity bag is used to contain waste while the user is sleeping. In this scenario, the outlet valve is connected to the larger capacity bag by a tube, so that the bag fills with waste.

<CIT> discloses a stabilised catheter tube for insertion into a body of a patient. Embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, we provide a connector for connecting to an ostomy appliance according to claim <NUM>.

According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a method of manufacturing a such connector for connecting to an ostomy appliance, according to claim <NUM>.

Further preferred features relating to the aspects of the invention are provided in the appended claims.

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

An ostomy device <NUM> (or ostomy appliance) is configured to attach around a stoma of a user (in the abdominal region), so that waste can be collected as it exits the stoma. The ostomy device includes an adhesive wafer, a collecting volume, and an outlet 1a. The adhesive wafer includes an opening through which the stoma passes and an adhesive which is suitable for adhering the wafer to the skin of the user. The collecting volume is formed of two outer walls attached about their periphery to define a volume within. The stoma opening connects to the collecting volume, so that when the device is attached to the user, waste exiting the stoma in the stoma opening is collected in the collecting volume.

The collecting volume is connected to the outlet 1a, which is selectively openable / closeable to drain waste from the collecting volume (into a toilet or other waste receptacle, for example). The outlet 1a may be formed in a "tail" portion of the device which is narrowed compared to the main collecting volume. There are different outlet designs that are designed to accommodate different types / consistencies of waste exiting the ostomy device <NUM>.

Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suited for use with a waste with a high proportion of liquid (e.g. urostomy or ileostomy). In this situation, a valve or tap device is used as an outlet, which allows the waste to be emptied from the ostomy device as desired.

The outlet 1a includes a mechanism that allows further parts of a collection system to be attached. The collection system includes a secondary collection volume <NUM> that is connected to the ostomy device via a connector <NUM>, so that waste may flow into the ostomy device <NUM> and through the connector <NUM> to the secondary collection volume <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> includes a conduit <NUM> and a structural member <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> has an entrance and an exit connected by an internal passage <NUM> (also called passage <NUM>), through which waste is permitted to flow.

The conduit <NUM> is formed by a wall having an internal surface 12a and external surface 12b. The internal surface 12a defines the internal passage <NUM> (in other words, defines a perimeter of the passage <NUM>). The external surface 12b forms the outside of the conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the conduit <NUM> has a substantially constant diameter along its length (i.e. the diameter across the passage <NUM> is substantially constant). In some embodiments, the wall of the conduit <NUM> is a constant thickness, so the overall / external diameter of the conduit <NUM> is also substantially constant.

The internal diameter of the conduit <NUM> (i.e. the size of the passage) depends on the type of ostomy the connector <NUM> is designed to be used with. For example, both urostomy and ileostomy typically output a high proportion of liquid waste and, thus, a connector <NUM> as described here could be appropriate for transporting the waste. However, a urostomy may output waste at a slower rate whereas an ileostomy may output at a much faster rate. Thus, the connector <NUM> may be altered in size to provide an adequately sized passage <NUM> for differing output rates.

In some embodiments, the internal diameter of the conduit <NUM> is between around <NUM> and <NUM>. The internal diameter of the conduit <NUM> for use in urostomy may be at the low end of the range (i.e. between around <NUM> and <NUM> and preferably around <NUM>). Further, the diameter of the conduit <NUM> for use in ileostomy may be at the high end of the range (i.e. between around <NUM> to <NUM> and preferably around <NUM>).

In some examples (such as those illustrated in the figures), the conduit <NUM> is a flexible tube. The conduit <NUM> may be made of any suitable material that provides the necessary attributes, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) may provide the necessary flexibility. A preferred material may be one that provides a rubber-like polymer.

In some embodiments, the conduit <NUM> forms a generally cylindrical shape. The flexibility of the conduit <NUM> allows it to change shape depending on the forces being put on the conduit <NUM> - however, it should be appreciated that the conduit <NUM> will return to its generally cylindrical shape once it is no longer being manipulated. For example, the conduit <NUM> can be bent, crushed and / or twisted, etc. and return to its initial shape once the forces causing that change in shape are removed (and preferably without damage).

A structural member <NUM> extends along the passage <NUM>. The structural member <NUM> is present to prevent (or at least inhibit of) the passage <NUM> from being occluded. This may occur when the connector <NUM> is under pressure / being compressed, being twisted / bent, or otherwise manipulated in a way that causes the passage <NUM> to become blocked and / or causes waste to be inhibited from flowing through the passage <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the structural member <NUM> extends along around half of a length of the passage <NUM>. The structural member <NUM> may be deliberately inserted into the area / region of the passage <NUM> that is likely to be more susceptible to blockages. For example, the conduit <NUM> that is located on a generally horizontal surface (i.e. a mattress of a bed) may be more prone to blockage due to the lack of gravitational pull. The structural member <NUM> may be strategically positioned within the passage <NUM> to address this potential problem. Alternatively, the structural member <NUM> may extend along a majority of the length of the passage <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the structural member <NUM> is a filament. In other words, the structural member <NUM> is a threadlike member or strand that extends along the passage <NUM>. In the present example, the structural member <NUM> is formed substantially solidly, so that it resists being compressed (i.e. the structural member <NUM> does not provide any additional channel or flow path within the passage <NUM>). In other words, the filament is less deformable than the conduit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the filament is less flexible than the conduit <NUM>. This may also be beneficial because movement of the filament within the conduit <NUM> (as a result of the difference in flexibility), in use, may act to break up or disturb regions of more viscous waste (i.e. that otherwise may get stuck in the conduit <NUM> and slow down the passage of waste through the connector <NUM>).

The filament structural member <NUM> is thin relative to the size of the passage (and preferably is a constant diameter along its entire length), so that it fits within the passage <NUM> easily. In some embodiments, the diameter of the filament may be between <NUM> to <NUM> and preferably around <NUM> to <NUM>.

Thus, in a urostomy connector <NUM> as discussed above (e.g. a preferred diameters of around <NUM>), the ratio of the diameter of the filament to the diameter of the passage <NUM> is around <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. In other words, the filament is under around <NUM>% of the diameter of the passage <NUM>. In embodiments, the diameter of the filament structural member <NUM> is not altered for use in an ileostomy connector <NUM> (e.g. having a diameter of around <NUM>), so the ratio of the diameter of the filament to the diameter of the passage <NUM> may be about <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. In other words the filament is under around <NUM>% of the diameter of the passage <NUM> - the filament may be smaller relative to the passage <NUM> in this case because the waste being handled may be at a higher rate or have a higher proportion of mucus / more solid waste.

In embodiments, the structural member <NUM> is made of a flexible material, so that it may flex / bend within the passage <NUM>. For example, the filament may be made from the same material as the conduit <NUM> (e.g. a TPE or TPU or other rubber-like polymer). A possible suitable TPE is Styreneethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS). Alternatively, a polylactic acid (PLA) may be used. However, a advantageous material for the filament may be polypropylene as it is less flexible than the conduit <NUM> around it and, as such, acts to prevent the conduit <NUM> from kinking.

Alternative flexible materials are available and preferably the material is PVC free and / or does not have a high coefficient of friction (e.g. is Silicon free). A low coefficient of friction is advantageous because it reduces the adherence between the structural member <NUM> and waste travelling through the passage <NUM>.

Further, the filament is not absorbent, so waste is able to flow freely through the conduit <NUM> (around / past the filament) to the secondary collecting volume <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the structural member <NUM> is not connected to the conduit <NUM> (or more specifically, is not attached / anchored to the internal surface 12a of the conduit) at any location. In other words, the structural member <NUM> is not held in a single axial position with respect to the conduit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the structural member <NUM> can move freely from side to side within the passage <NUM> (i.e. the structural member <NUM> can move generally transversely to the direction of the flow of waste through the passage <NUM>). In other words, the conduit <NUM> has a longitudinal axis (e.g. axis A illustrated on <FIG>) along the length of the connector <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> can move generally transversely to the axis. Furthermore, the structural member <NUM> may be flexible (and as such the structural member <NUM> may be manipulated to a more curved condition). This is illustrated in <FIG>, for example, where the structural member <NUM> is shown to form a general sine wave shape that contacts the internal surface 12a on both "sides" of the passage <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the structural member <NUM> may be unattached to the conduit <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that even if the structural member <NUM> were attached to the conduit <NUM> at two spaced positions along the length of the conduit, this would still allow the structural member <NUM> to move from side to side to some extent. The more anchor positions the structural member <NUM> had, the more restricted the radial movement of the structural member <NUM> would be. In some embodiments, one or more stake welds may be used to prevent the structural member <NUM> migrating along the conduit <NUM>.

Thus, the structural member <NUM> may be free to move with respect to the conduit <NUM> (and relative to the axis A). This movement may be advantageous to maintaining waste transport along the conduit <NUM>. For example, waste may include portions that have higher viscosity and do not flow easily along the conduit <NUM>. The movement of the structural member <NUM> (i.e. movement of the filament from side to side of the passage <NUM>) can be used in this situation to help break down regions of higher viscosity waste and aid the transport process / ensure the waste continues to flow away from the ostomy device <NUM>. Additionally, the user is able to manipulate the conduit <NUM> to encourage the structural member <NUM> within to move from side to side and, thus, break down areas of waste with higher viscosity.

The structural member <NUM> includes a spanning formation <NUM> that extends radially across an increased width of the passage <NUM>. In other words, the structural member <NUM> spans a wider diameter across the conduit <NUM> in one or more areas of the passage <NUM> than it does in the remainder of the passage <NUM>. The spanning formation <NUM> is formed to provide resistance against axial movement of the structure member <NUM> along the passage <NUM> (i.e. in the direction of A from <FIG>). The spanning formation <NUM> provides a transversely extending / projecting part(s) towards the opposing sides of the passage.

According to the invention (see, for example, <FIG>), the spanning formation <NUM> is formed from a length of shaped filament. In other words, the elongate threadlike filament that extends along the passage <NUM> also includes a portion which is shaped to span a wider section of the passage <NUM>. Thus, also the spanning formation <NUM> extends axially along the passage <NUM> over a short distance (e.g. around <NUM> to <NUM>).

In the illustrated example, the shaped filament is formed into a wave-like formation or a "zig-zag" formation. In other words, the shaping of the filament includes a plurality of "bends" formed in it to provide a portion that spans further widthways across the passage than the filament itself. A preferred example may include at least four bends.

It should be appreciated that the filament width (around <NUM>, as discussed above) may not change in the spanning formation <NUM>. However, the maximum width within the passage <NUM> covered by the spanning formation <NUM> (i.e. the "amplitude" of the wave, the distance between a maxima 30a, 30c on one side of the spanning formation <NUM> and the minima 30b on the other side of the spanning formation <NUM>) is much wider than the filament itself.

In the present example, the spanning formation <NUM> (i.e. the shaped filament) is substantially centred about an axis along the filament. In other words, the spanning formation <NUM> extends generally radially outwardly from the filament - and in the illustrated design, the spanning formation <NUM> extends equally either side of the filament but this is not necessarily the case. In some embodiments, the spanning formation <NUM> is generally formed in a single plane. However, if desired, the formation <NUM> could be formed to extend in more than one plane.

In some embodiments, the spanning formation <NUM> extends across at least <NUM>% of the diameter of the passage. However, it should be appreciated that the spanning formation <NUM> could extend across the entire passage <NUM> and contact the internal surface 16a of the passage. The spanning formation <NUM> may be wider than the diameter of the passage and, as such, the spanning formation <NUM> may slightly deform the natural shape of the conduit (i.e. the spanning formation extend up to around <NUM>% of the undistorted diameter of the passage).

In some embodiments, the structural member <NUM> includes two such spanning formations <NUM> (in other words, there is a first and a second spanning formation <NUM> included in the connector <NUM> and they are spaced apart along the structural member <NUM>). The first spanning formation <NUM> is positioned at one end of the structural member <NUM> (and possibly at an end of the conduit <NUM> also). The second spanning formation <NUM> may be located at a second / opposing end of the structural member <NUM> (and possibly at the opposing end of the conduit <NUM> also - if the structural member <NUM> extends substantially along the entire passage <NUM> length).

It should be appreciated that more spanning formations <NUM> could be provided if desired. In such a configuration the spanning formations <NUM> could be at either end of the conduit <NUM> and at one or more locations along the conduit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, at least one end of the conduit <NUM> is adapted to receive an adaptor device <NUM>. The adaptor device <NUM> is configured to engage (via a liquid tight connection) with one of the outlet 1a of the ostomy device <NUM> and / or the inlet of the secondary collection volume <NUM>. In the illustrated example in <FIG>, the adaptor device <NUM> is inserted into the entrance and / or exit of the conduit <NUM>. In this example, the adaptor device <NUM> includes a spigot type fitting 20a that is pushed into the passage <NUM> and, as such, the adaptor device <NUM> is held securely to the conduit <NUM>. This ensures that the connector <NUM> provides a sealed transport path between the ostomy device <NUM> and the secondary collection volume <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the adaption to the conduit <NUM> in order to receive the adaptor device <NUM> involves removing any parts of the structural member <NUM> from the "end" of the conduit <NUM> (i.e. an appropriate distance within the passage <NUM> adjacent to the entrance / exit). Thus, the conduit <NUM> has a generally unobstructed bore at one or both ends to allow the adaptor device <NUM> to be inserted without interruption from any parts present further down the passage <NUM>. In other words, the length of the structural member <NUM> is shorter than the length of the conduit <NUM>. Thus, the adaptor device <NUM> extends into the entrance and / or exit without being interrupted by the structural member <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that not all adaptor devices will provide a male connection which is received by the conduit <NUM>. If the adaptor device has a female connection that fits around the conduit <NUM>, then it will not be necessary to adapt the ends of the conduit <NUM> to accommodate the adaptor device.

In some embodiments, the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> are formed separately (e.g. in two different extrusion lines). Subsequently, the structural member <NUM> is inserted into the conduit <NUM> to form the connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the conduit <NUM> and the conduit <NUM> are formed simultaneously in a co-extrusion machine.

An illustrative cross-sectional view of the connector <NUM> being used is shown in <FIG>. The <FIG> shows the conduit <NUM> in its natural round or annular state. The structural member <NUM> is shown in the centre of the conduit <NUM> for illustration only - the structural member <NUM> is able to move from side to side within the passage <NUM>. Waste is free to travel allow the passage <NUM> around the structural member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the conduit <NUM> when it is being compressed - this could arise because the connector <NUM> is being bent sharply / kinked and /or because it is being twisted / experiencing a torsional force and / or because it is under a compressing force (e.g. being stepped on). As can be seen in the figure, the conduit <NUM> no longer has its natural round / annular shape - it is forced into a shape resembling an oval or lanceolate. The structural member <NUM> within the passage <NUM> resists deformation and provides a reinforcing function that prevents the conduit <NUM> from compressing completely (i.e. prevents the internal surface 12a from either "side" of the conduit <NUM> from coming into contact). Thus, the flow path through the passage <NUM> is prevented (or at least inhibited) from closing / becoming occluded.

A method by which the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is manufactured will now be described. Once the structural member <NUM> is located within the conduit <NUM> (step <NUM> in <FIG>), further steps may be followed as described below.

A shaping tool is used at step <NUM> to shape a portion of the conduit <NUM> and structural member <NUM> simultaneously. In other words, the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> are deformed from an original or first shape by the shaping tool. Thus, both the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> form a second shape conforming to a profile of the shaping tool at the same time in the same step.

At step <NUM>, the shaping tool is removed from the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM>. The structural member <NUM> maintains the second shape (i.e. the one formed in step <NUM> above). However, the conduit <NUM> returns to its original or at least approaches its original shape (i.e. before the shaping tool is used).

In embodiments, using the shaping tool (step <NUM>) includes the application of pressure and / or heat onto the portion of the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> being shaped. Pressure is used to impress the shape of the tool onto the conduit <NUM> / structural member <NUM>. Heat is used to raise the temperature of the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> during shaping. Importantly, a permanent deformation temperature of the structural member <NUM> is lower than the permanent deformation temperature of the conduit <NUM>. In other words, the temperature above which the structural member <NUM> is moulded / the shape is permanently changed is lower than for permanently shaping the conduit <NUM>.

This means when the shaping tool heats the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM>, it does so to a temperature which is above the permanent deformation temperature of the structural member <NUM> and below the permanent deformation temperature of the conduit <NUM>. When the shaping tool is removed, only the structural member <NUM> is permanently shaped. In other words, the structural member <NUM> maintains the moulded shape from the shaping tool whereas the conduit <NUM> returns to its original (substantially tubular) configuration.

When using such a method, the materials of the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> have to carefully considered to ensure that the desired permanent shaping of the structural member <NUM> is formed while the conduit <NUM> still returns to its original shape after the shaping. Thus, while the conduit <NUM> may remain made of a TPE or TPU, the structural member <NUM> may be made of a material having a lower deformation temperature such as Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or PLA.

In some embodiments, the method includes cutting the conduit <NUM> and structural member <NUM>. When small quantities of connectors <NUM> are made, the conduit <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> (the filament) may be cut to size and the structural member <NUM> is inserted in the conduit <NUM>. However, in larger quantities, long lengths of filament may be inserted in the conduit <NUM> and kept in a prepared state ready for further processing (e.g. in a roll ready for use in a manufacturing machine(s)). Thus, the conduit <NUM> and filament may be found together in one continuous length and cut with a single action.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, cutting happens after using the shaping tool (at step <NUM>). In other words, the shaping tool may be used to shape the filament along a longer length than needed for a single spanning formation <NUM> and the extended shaped filament is cut to provide the ends of two connectors <NUM> (each having a spanning formation <NUM> adjacent an end of the conduit <NUM>). Thus, a double length spanning formation <NUM> is formed in one step and cut to provide two separate spanning formations <NUM>.

Lastly, the method includes the step of inserting an adaptor device <NUM> in an end of the conduit <NUM> (step <NUM>). As discussed above, the adaptor device <NUM> provides a connector for connecting directly to the outlet 1a of the ostomy appliance <NUM> or the secondary collection volume <NUM>.

An alternative structural member is illustrated in <FIG>. Where features are specifically described here and are analogous to features that have already been discussed, the reference numbers are the same with the addition of a prime symbol (e.g. <NUM> becomes <NUM>'). The example illustrated in <FIG> only provides a cross-sectional view of the connector <NUM>'. However, it should be appreciated that many of the features already described but not explicitly illustrated in <FIG> are still applicable, such as the materials used and the adaptions provided for an adaptor device <NUM>'.

In some embodiments, the structural member <NUM>' is formed to split the passage <NUM>' into two or more channels. In other words, a specific shape of structural member <NUM>' is chosen, so that it can be positioned in the passage <NUM>'. The passage <NUM>' is split by the structural member <NUM>' to provide multiple lumens.

In some embodiments, the structural member <NUM>' extends radially across the passage <NUM>'. For example, the structural member <NUM>' contacts an interior surface 12a' of the conduit <NUM>' in at least two locations.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the structural member <NUM>' is formed with a cross-sectional shape of a three-pointed star. In cross section (i.e. across the conduit <NUM>'), the points of the star extend outwards to contact the internal surface 12a' of the conduit <NUM>' wall. In other words, the structural member <NUM>' splits the passage <NUM>' into three channels 16a, 16b, 16c. It will be appreciated that other shapes of structural member <NUM>' could be used and achieve a similar outcome of multiple channels provided within the passage <NUM>'. For example, a star shape having more than three points could be used to split the passage <NUM>' into more than three channels. Furthermore, a structural member that engages the internal surface of the conduit <NUM>' at only two locations could be used to split the passage <NUM>' in two.

It should be appreciated that since the structural member <NUM>' is flexible the surfaces contacting the internal surface 12a' of the conduit <NUM>' does not provide a seal as such, so each channel formed is not necessarily sealed from the other channels. When the conduit <NUM>' is twisted / bent / compressed / etc. the structural member <NUM>' functions to strengthen the conduit <NUM>' and resists deformation. Further, the portions of the structural member <NUM>' that extend outwards to the internal surface of the conduit <NUM>' (e.g. the points of the star shape) may inhibit major deformation and maintain one or more of the channels 16a, 16b, 16c within the passage <NUM>' open for waste to flow.

An alternative embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. Where features are specifically described here and are analogous to features that have already been discussed, the reference numbers are the same with the addition of a double prime symbol (e.g. <NUM> becomes <NUM>"). New features also have a double prime but the references have not been used before. The example illustrated in <FIG> only provides a cross-sectional view of the connector <NUM>". However, it should be appreciated that many of the features already described but not explicitly illustrated in <FIG> are still applicable, such as the materials used and the adaptions provided for an adaptor device.

The conduit <NUM>" defines the internal passage <NUM>" for the waste to flow along. In this example, the internal surface 12a" includes an inwardly projecting member <NUM>".

In some embodiments, there are two or more inwardly projecting members <NUM>" (three in the illustrated example), which are spaced around the internal surface 12a" of the conduit <NUM>". The inwardly projecting members <NUM>" may be equally spaced around the internal surface 12a" of the conduit <NUM>".

In some embodiments, the inwardly projecting member(s) <NUM>" extend longitudinally along the passage <NUM>" (optionally, the inwardly projecting member(s) <NUM>" extend along a majority of the total length of the conduit <NUM>"). In other words, the inwardly projecting member <NUM>" is present from the entrance to the exit of the conduit <NUM>". Although it should be appreciated that they may not be directly adjacent the entrance and / or exit to accommodate an adaptor device <NUM>" as already discussed above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inwardly projecting members <NUM>" are raised and smooth bumps that extend inwards from the internal surface 12a" of the conduit <NUM>". However, it should be appreciated that this need not be the case and the shape of the projecting members <NUM>" could be generally rectangular or another shape (discussed below). The important aspect is that the internal projecting member(s) <NUM>" prevent or at least inhibit the passage <NUM>" being occluded under compression / other manipulation as discussed in detail elsewhere in the description.

The examples illustrated in <FIG> are similar to that described above in that they include one or more projecting member(s) <NUM>" extending radially inwards. The example in <FIG> also includes three inwardly projecting members <NUM>". The inwardly projecting members <NUM>" are generally triangular with a point extending furthest into the passage <NUM>".

The example in <FIG> provides only a single inwardly projecting member <NUM>". The member <NUM>" is generally circular in cross-section with a portion attached to the internal surface 12a" of the conduit.

In the example in <FIG>, the internal surface 12a" of the conduit <NUM>" is continuously undulate. This is formed from eight inwardly projecting members <NUM>" but it should be appreciated that this could be adjusted depending on the size of the members <NUM>" required and the size of the conduit <NUM>".

An alternative conduit <NUM>‴ is illustrated in <FIG>. Where features are specifically described here and are analogous to features that have already been discussed, the reference numbers are the same with the addition of a triple prime symbol (e.g. <NUM> becomes <NUM>‴). New features also have a triple prime but the references have not been used before. The example illustrated in <FIG> only provides a cross-sectional view of the connector <NUM>‴. However, it should be appreciated that many of the features already described but not explicitly illustrated in <FIG> are still applicable, such as the materials used.

In this embodiment, the conduit <NUM>'" includes an entrance and an exit connected by an internal passage <NUM>'" through which waste is permitted to flow. The conduit <NUM>'" has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments (as illustrated in <FIG>), the conduit <NUM>'" forms a sixpointed star shape in cross-section. However, it should be appreciated that a different shape could be used (for example, a star with a different number of points or another polygonal shape).

The conduit <NUM>'" is formed by a wall having an internal surface 12a‴ and external surface 12b‴. The internal surface 12a‴ defines the internal passage <NUM>‴. The external surface 12b‴ forms the outside of the conduit <NUM>‴. In the present example, the wall is of substantially constant thickness along its length, so the diameter of the passage <NUM>'" and conduit <NUM>'" is substantially constant along the majority of the connector <NUM>"'. In other words, both the internal shape of the wall and the external shape of the wall has the same cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the conduit <NUM>'" is formed of a suitable flexible material which permits an adaptor device to be inserted in the entrance and / or the exit. In this example, the conduit <NUM>‴ is stretched / deformed to an annular shape to accept the adaptor device (not shown) (for example, a spigot fitting that is pushed into the deformed conduit <NUM>‴). Additionally, the conduit <NUM>'" seals against the adaptor device to inhibit egress of liquid between the conduit <NUM>‴ and the adaptor device.

Embodiments of the disclosure described here provide a connector <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ that resists occlusion in the event the conduit <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ is compressed, twisted, bent, kinked, and/or other type of manipulation that could happen during use. Such occlusion could result waste becoming stuck in the passage <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ for longer than necessary and / or backing up the passage <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ and resulting in a leak at an earlier connection point (i.e. between the ostomy device and connector or in the ostomy device itself), which can be distressing to a user and / or cause a user to lose confidence in the system / connector provided.

Further, embodiments including a spanning formation <NUM> may be more advantageous since the spanning formation <NUM> provides a mechanism by which a filament within the conduit <NUM> resists unwanted migration along the conduit <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A connector (<NUM>) for connecting to an ostomy appliance including:
a conduit (<NUM>) having an entrance and an exit connected by an internal passage (<NUM>) through which waste from an ostomy appliance is permitted to flow, and
a structural member (<NUM>) including a filament, which extends along the passage, and a spanning formation (<NUM>) that extends radially across an increased width of the passage, and wherein the spanning formation (<NUM>) is formed from a length of shaped filament.