WO2006047817A1

WO2006047817A1 - Oxygen- aerosol mask

Info

Publication number: WO2006047817A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001678
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anastasios Stampoultzis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-03
Filing date: 2005-11-02
Publication date: 2006-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2007-05-03

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a disposable oxygen / aerosol mask which has (a) Improved means of stabilizing the mask more securely, quickly and comfortably to the patient's face. (b) A soft thin membrane or diaphragm fitted to the inside of the mask at the point of the bridge of the nose, which acts as a barrier for any oxygen / enriched gases that could potentially leak into the vicinity of the patients eyes causing discomfort and irritation. (c) This soft thin membrane also acts as a cushion on the bridge of the nose enhancing the patient's comfort. (d) The soft thin membrane over the bridge of the nose acts to accurately locate the mask in the correct and most comfortable position for the patient. The improved method of attachment incorporates four (4) connection points two (2) on either side of the mask. This creates stability. The connection points are raised eyelets (refer diagram (2a) and (2b) marked 1 - 4). The connection method can utilize either elastic, tubing, cord or braiding. The preferred use is a loosely woven 4 needle knit braid, eight (8) strand 100% polyester weave, approx 1 meter length, this allows a degree of stretch.

Description

Method (a) — Using Clip Attachment

The threading procedure is as follows - See Diagram (2a) .and (2b)

Starting at the bottom end of eyelet (1) - feed the braid through eyelet (1). At this stage the closed end of the "attachment clip" (see diagram two a (2a) is threaded onto the braid extending from eyelet (l).The leading end of the braid is then threaded through eyelet (2), over the bridge of the nose and then threaded through eyelet (3). The leading end of the braid is then threaded through eyelet (4). The open end of the attachment clip is then clipped on to the loop created by the threading of the braid through eyelets (2) and (3) This creates a four (4) point connected loop that fits over the ears and around the back of the head of the patient without the need to move the patients head.

The fitting procedure is as follows —

Once the mask is placed over the patients nose and mouth, the loops created between eyelets (1) and (2) and (3) and (4) are joined behind the patients head by simply clipping the open end of the "attachment clip" over the loop between eyelets (3) and (4). By pulling the loose ends extending from eyelets (1) and (4) a comfortable firm and secure fit can be achieved for each individual patient.

This method allows for general use, but particularly when the patients head or ears are bandaged.

Method (b) - Without using the " attachment clip "

The threading procedure is as follows -

Using the same four (4) eyelet points as for Method (a) (refer diagram (4a) marked 1 — 4)

Starting at eyelet (1) - feed the braid through eyelet (1), then through eyelet (2), over the bridge of the nose and then thread through eyelet (3), the leading end is then threaded through the loop created by the threading of eyelets (1) and (2). The leading end is then threaded through eyelet (4). The loops on either side of the mask have now been joined to form two interlocking loops that fit behind the patients head. This procedure eliminates the need for an "attachment clip".

This method also allows for general use, but particularly when the patients head or ears are bandaged.

Method (c) — Using the patients ears as the attachment

The threading procedure is as follows —

Using the same four (4) eyelet points as for Method (a) (refer diagram (4b) marked 1 — 4)

Starting at eyelet (1) - feed the braid through eyelet (1), then through eyelet (2), over the bridge of the nose and then thread through eyelet (3), the leading end is then threaded through eyelet (4) Two loops have been created .One formed between eyelets (1) and (2) the other between eyelets (3) and (4). These are fitted over each ear and adjusted by way of a pulling motion on the cord hanging from eyelets (1) and (4) to suit the patients comfort.

Description of Prior Art

There are two relevant forms of prior art published relating to the disclosed and claimed invention

1) US Patent Number 4201205 issued to Bartholomew on 6^th May, 1980 characterized as an improved means of securing an Oxygen mask to the face of the patient.

Essentially it comprised in combination, non elastic flexible tubing which extends over and around the patients ears and is brought under the chin where it is tightened using an adjusting ring or clip, and the length of elastic tubing connected at two points, one on each side of the mask. 2) US Patent Number 0189616 Al issued to Wolf on 19^th December 2002 is characterized as an Oxygen mask having an improved means of fixing the mask to the face featuring a pair of elastic bands, each band affixed to one side of the mask forming loops that extend from each side of the mask, these are looped over the patients ears and adjusted at the bottom end.

Brief Description of Mask with new improvements

Provisional Patient Application Number 2004906313 — Designer A

Stampoultzis

The mask is made of plasticized molded polyvinyl chloride plastic to form a soft one piece covering for the mouth and nose of the patient. The largest part of the mask is the body which has a face conforming periphery and an enlargement to accommodate the nose.

Attached to that enlargement in the vicinity of the nostrils is the adaptor plug for the attachment of either a tube, nebuliser or other attachments designed for the mask. On either side of the nose enlargement are exhalation ports.

The new improvements include a soft membrane or diaphragm which is situated on the underside of the nose bridge, this membrane eliminates leakages of oxygen or enriched gases into the eyes of the patient. Therefore, greater patient comfort and efficiency of Oxygen use is achieved.

A four (4) point attachment system as shown in diagram (2a) and (2b) - {Method a) explaining the designers preferred method of attachment. Brief descriptions of drawings -

Diagram (1) is a birds eye view of the disclosed oxygen mask showing raised eyelets (1 - 4)

Diagram (2a)and(2b) are views showing the preferred threading procedure as described in Method (a) which includes the use of the attachment clip.

Diagram (3) is an isometric view of the disclosed oxygen mask showing the soft membrane / diaphragm which performs the following functions —

(a) Prevents leakage of Oxygen or enriched Gases into patients eyes.

(b) Acts to stabilize the mask on the patients nose.

(c) Locates the mask in the correct position.

(d) Creates a comfortable cushion on the bridge of the nose.

Diagram (4a) shows a inside and under view of the mask demonstrating the threading procedure explained in Method (b).

Diagram (5) illustrates an end elevation of the disclosed oxygen mask showing -

(a) eyelets (1 - 2)

(b) body of the mask

(c) exhalation ports - location of exhalation ports

(d) adaptor plugs

(e) loop created by threading braid through eyelets (1 and 2) using "Attachment Clip"

(f) shows braiding looped over the bridge of the nose

Diagram (6) is a plan showing the dimensions of the "Attachment Clip"

Claims

An Oxygen mask with an improved means of being secured over the nose and mouth of the patient. The improvements are -

(a) Methods of attachment as described in Methods (a) (b)&( c).

(b) The soft membrane / diaphragm.

(c) Raised eyelets (1) - (4)

(d) Use of a plastic attachment clip.

(e) Use of a loosely woven 4 needle knit braid, eight (8) strand 100% polyester braiding.