DEVICE AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING A DELIVERY TUBE
A support apparatus positions a gas delivery tube, such as a tube coupled to a CPAP machine, away from items that tend to entangle with the tube, such as a patient's body and the bedding on which the patient is laying. In one embodiment, the gas delivery tube is elevated above the patient so that the end of the tube to which the mask is coupled hangs over the patient. The support apparatus comprises adjustable members so that a height and reach of the apparatus is user adjustable. The apparatus comprise multiple attachment mechanisms that allow for coupling with a wide range of support structures, such as tables, nightstands, desks, headboards, bedframes, mattresses, and chairs, for example.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/708,145, filed on Aug. 15, 2005, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to devices for positioning delivery tubes.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are respiratory disorders affecting men, women and children in all age groups. Many devices used to treat people with respiratory or related afflictions use a length of plastic or other kind of tubing to deliver any variety of gases and/or medications to the patient. For example, people with respiratory failure, respiratory insufficiency, obstructive sleep apnea, or other similar airway diseases typically make use of respiratory therapy devices that include a face mask or nasal mask, connected to a therapy device, such as a gas delivery device, by some kind of tubing. The therapy machines may deliver pressurized air, oxygen, aerosols, or other gases to the patient. Some masks that are used in conjunction with therapy devices form a seal over the patient's nose or include fittings that go directly into the nostrils to provide a means of delivering air, oxygen, or other gases/aerosols. Typically, the tubing that connects the therapy device to the mask has no support and may rest on the bed, a chair, bedside, or on the patient. The position of the tubing may be problematic for the patient, causing the patients bedding, clothing, neck, head, or arms to become entangled in the tubing. If the tubing becomes entangled, the supply of air, oxygen, or other deliverable gas may be reduced or cut off. Similarly, because a portion of the tubing typically rests on the patient, such as on the patient's neck or chest, the patient can roll on the tube, causing the tube to compress and reducing or blocking the flow of the deliverable gas.
Additionally, because the tubing is supported by the connection of the mask to the patient, the patient needs to tighten the mask or the fittings to the nostril to secure the mask so that the weight of the tubing does not cause the mask seal to be broken, causing the deliverable gas to leak from the mask or fittings. However, tightening of the mask to that patient may cause discomfort and pain to the patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention described herein is a support arm for tubing and other components of devices commonly used for treating people with respiratory failure, respiratory insufficiency, obstructive sleep apnea, and other airway diseases.
In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting an air delivery tube having a first end of the tube being coupled to a continuous positive airway pressure machine and a second end of the tube being coupled to a mask configured for placement on a user, comprises an attachment mechanism for coupling to a structure proximate the user. The apparatus further comprise a vertical telescoping member having lower and upper ends defining a length of the vertical telescoping member therebetween, the lower end being coupled to the attachment mechanism, wherein the vertical telescoping member length is adjustable by the user, and a horizontal telescoping member having first and second ends defining a length of the horizontal telescoping member therebetween, the first end being releasably coupled to the upper end of the vertical telescoping member, wherein the horizontal telescoping member length is adjustable by the user and the horizontal telescoping member is rotatable around the first end. The apparatus may further comprise one or more tube attachment mechanisms coupled to the horizontal telescoping member and configured to secure the air delivery tube along a length of the horizontal telescoping member so that the second end of the air delivery tube hangs downwardly over the second end of the horizontal telescoping members.
In another embodiment, an apparatus for securing a gas delivery tube so that an end of the delivery tube is positioned substantially above a user comprises a first member coupled to a support structure, a second member coupled to the first member so that the first and second members form a substantially L-shaped support, the second member comprising at least one tube securing mechanism for coupling the gas delivery tube along at least a portion of a length of the second member, wherein a length of the first member is adjustable and the length of the second member is adjustable.
In another embodiment, a support apparatus comprises a first longitudinally extending member having an adjustable length, a second longitudinally extending member having an adjustable length, wherein the first and second members are releasably coupled to form a substantially L-shaped structure and means for supporting the L-shaped structure in a desired position, wherein the second member is configured to support a gas delivery tube such that an end of the gas delivery tube is positioned substantially over a user.
In another embodiment, a method of supporting a gas delivery tube so that the tube is distant from a patient's bed comprises coupling a first member to a second member in order to form a support apparatus, wherein the first member is length adjustable, coupling the support apparatus to a support structure, setting a length of the first member to a desired length, positioning the gas delivery tube along at least a portion of at least one of the first and second members, and securing the gas delivery tube to at least one of the first and second members.
In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a support device configured for supporting a gas delivery tube comprises cutting a first material having a central aperture to a predetermined length, bending a first metal rod so that the first metal rod comprises a substantially L-shaped bend, wherein the first metal rod is sized so that an end of the first metal rod engages with a first end of the first material, and bending a second metal rod to form a support base, the support base having at least three sides, the at least three sides being substantially planar, and an attachment member extending substantially orthogonal to the plane of the support base, wherein the attachment member is sized for engagement with a second end of the first material.
In another embodiment, a support device kit comprises a longitudinal first member having a central aperture, a longitudinal second member having a substantially L-shaped bend, wherein an end of the second member is sized to engage the central aperture of a first end of the first member; and a longitudinal third member having at least three sides, the at least three sides being substantially planar, and comprising an attachment member extending substantially orthogonal to the plane of the at least three sides, wherein the attachment member is sized for engagement with the central aperture of a second end of the first member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, the support apparatus 110 rotates about the attachment to the endtable 120 such that the support apparatus 110 may be rotated as the patient 150 moves, in order to maintain the tube 130 substantially above the patient 150 so that the tube 130 descend vertically to the patient's breathing orifice(s) (e.g., mouth and/or nose). Because the support apparatus 110 secures the gas delivery tube 130 above the patient 150, a gas delivery mask 135 may be attached to the patient 150 using less pressure than necessary to maintain a seal between the mask 135 and the patient 150 if the tube 130 is only supported on the patient 150 and/or the patients bed. The reduced pressure required to maintain a suitable seal between the mask 135 and the patient 150 may provide increased comfort to the patient 150.
In the embodiment of
The vertical telescoping member 112 comprises a cylinder 138 and a rod 137 sized to fit within the cylinder 138 so that at least a portion of the rod 137 is slideably moveable within the cylinder 138. A length of the vertical telescoping member 112 may be adjusted by moving the rode 137 within the cylinder 138 to either extend or shorten a length of the vertical telescoping member 112. In the embodiment of
Similar to the vertical telescoping member 112, the horizontal telescoping member 114 comprises a cylinder 118 and a rod 117 sized to fit within the cylinder, wherein the rod 117 is slideably moveable within the cylinder 118. The horizontal telescoping member 114 comprises a coupling mechanism 119, such as a collet, that operates in a similar manner to that of the coupling mechanism 139, and is configured to secure the rod 117 to the cylinder 118 at a desired position.
Other coupling mechanisms, other than a collet, known in the art may also be used in conjunction with the vertical and horizontal telescoping members 112, 114. Additionally, other structures that allow for an adjustable length member may replace the vertical and/or horizontal telescoping members 112, 114 described herein. For example, the members 112, 114 may be replaced by multiple modular rods, wherein a number of the rods that are coupled together may be adjusted in other to adjust a length of the member.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The cylinder 610 is shown with a collet 620 configured to threadedly engage with a threaded portion 612 of the cylinder 610. The rod 600 is inserted through the collet 620 that is loosely attached to the cylinder 610 and when the rod 600 is in the desired position within the cylinder 610, the collet 620 is tightened (e.g., turned in a clockwise direction) so that the rod 600 is securely held in place within the cylinder 610. The collet 620 may be loosened (e.g., turned in a counterclockwise direction) so that the rod 600 may be moved to a different position within the cylinder 610 in order to adjust a length of the cylinder/rod assembly.
The exemplary support apparatus 700 further comprise a therapy device support 720 configured for supporting a therapy device, such as CPAP or oxygen delivery machine, for example. Advantageously, the therapy device support 720 elevates the therapy device to a level that is easily accessible by the user. The support apparatus 700 may be used when no nightstand or table for supporting the therapy device is available.
In one embodiment, the floor support 710, the therapy device support 720, and the mattress support plate 730 are each moveable along a length of the member 740. Additionally, each of these structures may be removed from the support apparatus by sliding off of a bottom end of the member 740. Accordingly, the position of these structures on the member 740 may be adjusted. For example, in one embodiment the therapy device support 720 may be positioned above the mattress support plate 730 so that it is closer to level to a top surface of the mattress 734. Alternatively, the floor support 710 and/or the mattress support plate 730 may be removed from the member 740.
The support base 1110 comprises a steel rod, for example, shaped to form a substantially rectangular structure. In other embodiments, the support base may comprises various other materials, such as aluminum, plastic, or combinations of materials, and the structure may be shaped differently, such as triangular, circular, or otherwise polygonal. The exemplary support base 1110 comprises a substantially horizontally extending attachment member 1115 sized to fit within the central aperture of the vertical member 1120 so that the vertical member 1120 is supported by the support base 1110.
The horizontal member 1130 comprises a bend 1132 such that a first end 1134 of the member 1130 may engage the vertical member 1120 while a second end 1136 remains substantially parallel to the support base 1110. Thus, in this embodiment, the horizontal member 1130 comprises a material that is sized to engage with the central aperture of the vertical member 1120 so that the horizontal member is supported by the vertical member and the support base 1110. In one embodiment, the horizontal member comprises the same material as the support base 1110.
In operation, the support base 1110 is inserted between a mattress and box spring on a bed and the support device 1100 is assembled as noted above. Alternatively, the support base 1110 may be placed on the floor, possibly with an object on top of a portion of the base 1110 in order to stabilize the base 1110. In another embodiment, the support device 1100 may be assembled prior to insertion of the support base 1110 under the mattress of a bed. The gas delivery tube of a therapy device may be supported by the horizontal member 1130 by securing portions of the tube to the horizontal member 1130, such as by using tape or Velcro, for example. In this way, the gas delivery tube may be positioned over the patient so that an end of the tube that couples with a gas delivery mask hangs over the patient. In other embodiments, the tube may be secured to the horizontal member 1130 using other attachment means such as string or zip ties, for example. Advantageously, the support device 1100 comprises only a few parts that are easily assembled and disassembled.
In the embodiment of
In one embodiment, the support device 1100 is manufactured by cutting a length of PVC pipe, or other material that is suitable for a vertical member, to a suitable height; bending a piece of metal rod to form a horizontal member; and bending another piece of metal rod to form a support base, where the metal rod is sized to engage with an aperture of the vertical member.
The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. An apparatus for supporting an air delivery tube, a first end of the tube being coupled to a positive airway pressure machine and a second end of the tube being coupled to a mask configured for placement on a user, the apparatus comprising:
- an attachment mechanism for coupling to a structure proximate the user;
- a vertical telescoping member having lower and upper ends defining a length of the vertical telescoping member therebetween, the lower end coupled to the attachment mechanism, wherein the vertical telescoping member length is adjustable by the user;
- a horizontal telescoping member having first and second ends defining a length of the horizontal telescoping member therebetween, the first end releasably coupled to the upper end of the vertical telescoping member, wherein the horizontal telescoping member length is adjustable by the user and the horizontal telescoping member is rotatable around the first end; and
- one or more tube attachment mechanisms coupled to the horizontal telescoping member and configured to secure the air delivery tube along a length of the horizontal telescoping member so that the second end of the air delivery tube hangs downwardly relative to the second end of the horizontal telescoping member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical telescoping member comprises a cylinder and a rod, wherein the rod is sized to fit within the cylinder so that at least a portion of the rod is slideably moveable within the cylinder.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vertical telescoping member further comprises a securing mechanism for releasably coupling the rod to the cylinder at a user determined position.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a collet.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the structure is selected from the group comprising: a table, a nightstand, a desk, a headboard, a bedframe, and a chair.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clamp configured for attachment on a vertically extending portion of the structure so that when the clamp is attached to the structure the vertical extending member extends substantially vertical.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clamp configured for attachment on a horizontally extending portion of the structure so that when the clamp is attached to the structure the vertical extending member extends substantially vertical.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air delivery tube contains compressed air.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the air delivery tube.
10. An apparatus for securing a gas delivery tube so that an end of the delivery tube is positioned substantially above a user, the apparatus comprising:
- a first member coupled to a support structure;
- a second member coupled to the first member so that the first and second members form a substantially L-shaped support, the second member comprising at least one tube securing mechanism for coupling the gas delivery tube along at least a portion of a length of the second member;
- wherein a length of the first member is adjustable and the length of the second member is adjustable.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the L-shaped support is rotatable about the support structure.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second member is rotatable about the coupling between the second member and the first member.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gas delivery tube comprises at least one of compressed air and oxygen.
14. A support apparatus comprising:
- a first longitudinally extending member having an adjustable length;
- a second longitudinally extending member having an adjustable length, wherein the first and second members are releasably coupled to form a substantially L-shaped structure; and
- means for supporting the L-shaped structure in a desired position;
- wherein the second member is configured to support a gas delivery tube such that an end of the gas delivery tube is positioned substantially over a user.
15. The support apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first longitudinally extending member extends substantially vertically and the second longitudinally extending member extends substantially horizontally.
16. The support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the supporting means comprises a clamp.
17. The support apparatus of claim 16, wherein the supporting means is configured for attachment to a substantially horizontally extending structure.
18. The support apparatus of claim 16, wherein the supporting means further comprises an adjustment plate that couples to the clamp so that the attachment means is configured for attachment to a substantially vertically extending structure.
19. The support apparatus of claim 17, wherein the horizontally extending structure comprises a portion of a table, nightstand, chair, desk or headboard.
20. The support apparatus of claim 18, wherein the vertically extending structure comprise a portion of a chair or a headboard.
21. The support apparatus of claim 16, wherein the supporting means comprises a floor support.
22. The support apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a therapy device support coupled to one of the longitudinally extending members and configured to support a therapy device to which the gas delivery tube is coupled.
23. The support apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a mattress support plate coupled to one of the longitudinally extending members and configured for insertion between a box spring and a mattress of a bed.
24. A method of supporting a gas delivery tube so that the tube is distant from a patient's bed, the method comprising:
- coupling a first member to a second member in order to form a support apparatus, wherein the first member is length adjustable;
- coupling the support apparatus to a support structure;
- setting a length of the first member to a desired length;
- positioning the gas delivery tube along at least a portion of at least one of the first and second members; and
- securing the gas delivery tube to at least one of the first and second members.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the second member is length adjustable and the method further comprises: setting a length of the second member to a desired length.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the support structure is selected from the group comprising: a table, a nightstand, a desk, a headboard, a bedframe, a mattress, and a chair.
27. A method of manufacturing a support device configured for supporting a gas delivery tube, the method comprising:
- cutting a first material having a central aperture to a predetermined length;
- bending a first metal rod so that the first metal rod comprises a substantially L-shaped bend, wherein the first metal rod is sized so that an end of the first metal rod engages with a first end of the first material; and
- bending a second metal rod to form a support base, the support base having at least three sides, the at least three sides being substantially planar, and an attachment member extending substantially orthogonal to the plane of the support base, wherein the attachment member is sized for engagement with a second end of the first material.
28. A support device kit comprising:
- a longitudinal first member having a central aperture;
- a longitudinal second member having a substantially L-shaped bend, wherein an end of the second member is sized to engage the central aperture of a first end of the first member; and
- a longitudinal third member having at least three sides, the at least three sides being substantially planar, and comprising an attachment member extending substantially orthogonal to the plane of the at least three sides, wherein the attachment member is sized for engagement with the central aperture of a second end of the first member.
29. The support device kit of claim 28, wherein the first member comprise PVC tubing, and the second and third members comprise a metal rod.
30. An apparatus for supporting a gas delivery tube coupled to a gas mask, the apparatus comprising:
- an attachment mechanism for coupling to a first structure;
- a substantially vertical telescoping member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion coupled to the attachment mechanism, wherein the vertical telescoping member length is adjustable by a user;
- a substantially horizontal telescoping member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the horizontal telescoping member coupled to the vertical telescoping member, wherein the horizontal telescoping member length is adjustable by the user; and
- one or more gas delivery tube attachment mechanisms coupled to the horizontal telescoping member and configured to secure a gas delivery tube so that an end of the air delivery tube hangs downwardly from the second end portion of the horizontal telescoping member, wherein the air delivery tube has a mask intended to be placed over a user breathing orifices attached there to.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the vertical telescoping member comprises a cylinder and a rod, wherein the rod is sized to fit within the cylinder so that at least a portion of the rod is slideably moveable within the cylinder.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the vertical telescoping member further comprises a securing mechanism for releasably coupling the rod to the cylinder at a user determined position.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a collet.
34. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the structure is selected from the group comprising: a table, a nightstand, a desk, a headboard, a bedframe, and a chair.
35. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clamp configured for attachment on a vertically extending portion of the structure so that when the clamp is attached to the structure the vertical extending member extends substantially vertical.
36. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clamp configured for attachment on a horizontally extending portion of the structure so that when the clamp is attached to the structure the vertical extending member extends substantially vertical.
37. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the gas delivery tube is an air delivery tube.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 11, 2006
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2007
Inventor: Edric Adams (Costa Mesa, CA)
Application Number: 11/464,138
International Classification: E21F 17/02 (20060101);