Universal respiratory equipment cap

Abstract

This invention provides a universal respiratory equipment cap which can be used to effectively block a number of different medical devices used in the respiratory care units of hospitals, EMT vehicles and the like. The cap has a small end and a large end, each with “blocks” or “plugs” of different diameters. A middle section has a flange which is tapered, thereby allowing for the blocking of additional diameters of tubes and devices. The flange creates two cavities into which anti-bacterial pads can be inserted to further enhance the effectiveness of the device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional No. 62/421,993, filed 14 Nov. 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the general field of medical equipment, and more specifically toward a cap that can be used to “block” various respiratory products used in multiple areas of hospital, long term facilities and at home.

Statement of Problem Solved

There are many forms of cross contamination in the medical industry. One common and a well-known contamination issue that all medical facilities share is referred to as Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI). At times the absence of the right tool or failing to foresee the consequence of a task performed by staff can contribute to HAI. To mitigate this ongoing issue, a change in procedural task is needed or a new tool that can be incorporated to aid the process by providing the proper environment which can decrease the chance of cross contamination. Specifically, the respiratory setting in ICU, Transitional Units, rehabs and patients own home are the focus of this argument. This involves ventilator and cpap circuits, resuscitation bag and mask, cool and heated aerosol tubing. These devices present surface areas (inner and outer diameter) that can come in contact with patients directly or indirectly. It is during temporary separation of these devices from the patient and failing to protect the surface areas mentioned when potential contact with bacteria and growth can occur.

The product covered by this patent application, Unicap1™, is a respiratory equipment cap designed for providing the means to cover the vulnerable, exposed portions of patient medical equipment in the hospital or home-care setting comprising of a multipurpose hollow plastic or silicon cap block. The barrier cap which is intended to protect the exposed surfaces areas is consist of a small end, middle portion and a large that are comprised of cavities for optional pad inserts upon request where the pads additionally are comprised of an antibacterial compound selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol of different percentage strength (70 percent or greater), or chlorhexidine. The plastic or silicone cap block can also be provided with silver ion coding prior to packaging. The exterior shapes of hexagonal and elliptical (circular) grips will differentiate between with or without antibacterial agent to provide clarity for users and prevent any confusion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Unicap1 creates a barrier and decreases cross contamination when placed on exposed surface areas of respiratory devices such as ventilator and cpap circuits on standby (temporary not in use on patient), aerosol tubing (cool or heated systems) while not in use, resuscitation bag and masks not in use, other devices such as Heat Moist Exchangers (HME) and filters not in use, and various inline suctions and swivel connectors while not in use. The antibacterial agents and silver coding methods are all supplemental features designed to aid the cap in decreasing cross contamination. They are identified with hexagonal grip exterior shape and elliptical grip (circular) exterior shape.

The cap that protects the exposed surfaces while not in use which are problematic in collecting unwanted bacterial growth that a patient may have not already been exposed to. Other potentials of cross contaminations are sealing or covering an existing infected surface areas earlier mentioned. This barrier also protects other patients indirectly as well by preventing staff from brushing against such surfaces unknowingly and walking into other patient area to provide care and possibly transporting bacteria to other guests of the hospital. The duality of this form of protection creates an isolation where transport of HAI is decreased thus decreasing cross contamination, mortality rates and increased stay of guests in hospital driving up the cost of medical expense. This unwanted outcome is detrimental to patients and hospital rating with respect to level of care and unintended consequences namely HAI and mortality rate.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a barrier and decrease HAI from respiratory equipment while not in use on patients who trust their healthcare community for professional and high level of medical care. This decreases the length of stay in hospitals thus decreasing the costs.

It is another object of the invention to provide a better level of care in the respiratory settings by the hospital staff where a conscientious effort to perform tasks more efficient and orderly without creating another problem. This can decrease the rate of mortality thus decreasing costs.

A further object of the invention is to provide education/awareness to the staff by bringing forth how every staff member is responsible for their actions and continue to be part of the problem or choose to become part of a solution. The use of the cap with proper universal hygiene before and after contact with patients is an absolute necessity. This provides a proactive and a conscientious approach by staff members with regards to task they perform on daily bases.

An additional object of the invention calls for studies to be done (both internally and independently with the cooperation of the facilities) to observe the change or effectiveness of the Unicap1 invention VS. cross contamination. As more staff use the product as intended it is more likely other ideas and suggestions can be born to improve upon the idea and decrease HAI even more so thus improving the level of care across the board. This provides a proactive and a conscientious approach by staff members with regards to task they perform on daily bases.

Another object of the invention is to provide new designs based on feedback of users and independent studies on the cap that can perform the similar tasks more effectively and possibly apply the same concept in another areas both respiratory and non-respiratory areas.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective, front view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, front view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention in use.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the invention in use with another piece of respiratory apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a yet another perspective view of the invention being used to seal off another part of respiratory apparatus devices.

FIG. 6 is a perspective, back view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the invention being used on its large end to seal off a respiratory device.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the invention being used on its small end to seal off a respiratory device.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing the various diameters in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective, front view of one embodiment of the invention. Unicap1 has an overall shape of a cone divided into 3 portions—a large end 1, a small end 2, and a middle portion 3—and comes in 2 versions, a circular and hexagonal. There are 2 fittings components to the cap. They fit internally to an object, and or fit externally. The largest side of the block is the base and is called the Large End 1, which has a large cylinder with a small inner tube that is blocked. This large side serves as external component by the covering over an object. The Middle Portion 3 of the block (side B) has a tapered shape out cylinder much like a cone and has middle small flange that leads to middle large flange. This middle portion serves as an internal component inserting into an object. The top of the block called the Small End 2 has a small tube that protrudes out of a cylinder and is blocked. This small side serves as both an internal and external component. From the middle portion 2, there is a small flange 7, inside of which is a small tube 5, and there is a large flange 8, inside of which is a large tube 5. The diameter of the large flange 8 is greater than that of the small flange 7, such that is “tapers off”, allowing for an additional “plug”. In between the large flange 8 and large tube 5 is a large cavity 9; in between the small flange 7 and the small tube 4 is a small cavity 10. The middle portion 2 is a solid piece of material extending from the outer surfaces of the intersection of the small flange and large flange all the way through the device, creating a block 6 that “blocks off” the various suction tubes and other devices the invention is used to plug when not in use. Into either or both of the large cavity 9 and small cavity 10, a pad (not shown in these figures) can be inserted. The pad can be soaked in some sort of antibacterial substance prior to being inserted, to increase the sterility of the device.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of unicap1 with (hexagonal grip) with large end (similar internal dimensions or fitting with elliptical large side) being previewed. The cap is blocked and does not allow fluid or gases to travel through. The cavity presented is designed to have an inserted pad treated with antibacterial agent prior to packaging and to receive by covering respiratory devices mentioned earlier. This cap externally covers 15 mm adaptors, various brands of inline suction such as “Ballard” and “Halyard”, various brands of HME and other inline filters using standard 15 mm fittings, the Y section of ventilator circuit and end of most cpap circuits (corrugated or flexible tubing using standard 15 mm fittings). Other respiratory devices such as different parts of nebulizers depending on manufacturer may also be applicable providing the use of standard 15 mm fittings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, front view of another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a view of an isometric angle of unicap1 with the exterior of the large flange 8 having an outer grip 11. The outer grip in this figure is a texture that has been molded into the outer surface of the large flange, but it is contemplated that textured grips could be applied to accomplish the same goal—namely, to facilitate a user gripping the device and forcing one or more tubes against the block 6. The cap is blocked and does not allow fluid or gases to travel through. The cavity presented is designed to have an inserted pad treated with antibacterial agent prior to packaging and to receive by covering respiratory devices mentioned earlier. This cap externally covers 15 mm adaptors, various brands of inline suction such as “Ballard” and “Halyard”, various brands of HME and other inline filters using standard 15 mm fittings, the Y section of ventilator circuit and end of most cpap circuits (corrugated or flexible tubing using standard 15 mm fittings). Other respiratory devices such as different parts of nebulizers depending on manufacturer may also be applicable providing the use of standard 15 mm fittings.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention in use. This is another isometric view or angle of the elliptical cap demonstrating fitting of the small end 2 (similar dimension to hexagonal small end) of the cap into a respiratory object with a 15 mm dimensions. In a case of an object having an extended or long connectivity, the small end of the cap not only inserts into the object but also uses its cavity cover over the object as well. This give the small end the ability to be inserted into an object or cover over an object. Again this cavity can also have a pad inserted which is treated with antibacterial agent prior to packaging. The small end is blocked and does not allow fluid or gases to travel through thus creating a barrier. This cap internally and or externally can attach to 15 mm adaptors, insert into various brands of inline suction such as “Ballard” and “Halyard”, insert into various brands of HME and other inline filters using standard 15 mm fittings, insert into the Y section of ventilator circuit and end of most cpap circuits (corrugated or flexible tubing using standard 15 mm fittings). Other respiratory devices such as different parts of nebulizers depending on manufacturer may also be applicable providing the use of standard 15 mm fittings.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the invention in use with another piece of respiratory apparatus. FIG. 4 is another isometric view or angle of the elliptical cap demonstrating fitting of the large end 1 (similar dimension or fitting of large end hexagonal) of the cap covering a respiratory resuscitation bag with a standard 15 mm dimension fitting. This give the large end ability to cover over an object. Again the cavity on the large end also has the ability to have an inserted pad treated with antibacterial agent prior to packaging. The large end is blocked and does not allow fluid or gases to travel through thus creating a barrier. This cap externally can attach to 15 mm adaptors, insert into various brands of inline suction such as “Ballard” and “Halyard”, insert into various brands of HME and other inline filters using standard 15 mm fittings, insert into the Y section of ventilator circuit and end of some cpap circuits (corrugated or flexible tubing using standard 15 mm fittings). Other respiratory devices such as different parts of nebulizers depending on manufacturer may also be applicable providing the use of standard 15 mm fittings are followed.

FIG. 5 is a yet another perspective view of the invention being used to seal off another part of respiratory apparatus devices. FIG. 5 is a side view of both hexagonal and elliptical cap connected to a respiratory object with the same 15 mm fitting. This demonstrates a similar fitting to an inline suction unit which either can have a cap inserted inside or cover the external part of an inline suction. It will be at the discretion of the user to decide which best suits their need while providing protection to the surface. This is a demonstration of both large end 1 and small end 2 of the caps (regardless hexagonal or elliptical) will fit the respiratory object providing the standard 15 mm respiratory design is observed by the manufactures.

FIG. 6 is a perspective, back view of one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a hexagonal cap with small end 2 for preview. The small end is blocked and does not allow fluid or gases to travel through. The small flange 7 encircles the small tube 4, creating the small cavity in between the two. The cavity presented is designed to have an inserted pad treated with antibacterial agent prior to packaging. The cap can be inserted into a respiratory object and is able to receive or covering respiratory devices mentioned earlier. This cap can both internally and or externally fit 15 mm adaptors, various brands of inline suction such as “Ballard” and “Halyard”, various brands of HME and other inline filters using standard 15 mm fittings, the Y section of ventilator circuit and end of most cpap circuits (corrugated or flexible tubing using standard 15 mm fittings). Other respiratory devices such as different parts of nebulizers depending on manufacturer may also be applicable providing the use of standard 15 mm fittings.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the invention being used on its large end 1 to seal off a respiratory device. FIG. 7 is a cross section of the Unicap1 (either elliptical or hexagonal). The overall length and internal shape/design of the both caps remain the same. The illustration demonstrates the large cavity 9 in the large end and the fitting of the large end of the cap covering a respiratory object. This can be with or without silver ion coating. The illustration demonstrate not a through path for fluid or gas to travel through.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the invention being used on its small end 2 to seal off a respiratory device. FIG. 8 is a cross section of the Unicap1 (either elliptical or hexagonal). The overall length and internal shape/design of the both caps remain the same. The illustration demonstrates the cavity in the small end 2 and the fitting of the small end of the cap inserted into a respiratory object which also covers the exterior of the respiratory object. This is also a demonstration of small side's internal and external fitting ability. This can be with or without silver ion coating. The illustration demonstrate not a through path for fluid or gas to travel through.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing the various diameters in a preferred embodiment of the invention with dimension lines. This view shows the internal components of the various sections. At the small end 2 of the invention, a small tube 4 is encircled by a small flange 7, creating a small cavity 10 between the inner surface of the small flange 7 and the outer surface of the small tube 4. In the middle portion 3, a block 6 extends from one side of the cap to the other. Coming off the block 6, the small flange 7 extends toward the small end 2 and the large flange 8 extends toward the large end 1. At the large end 1 of the invention, a large tube 5 is encircled by a large flange 8, creating a large cavity 9 between the inner surface of the large flange 8 and the outer surface of the large tube 5. This view shows how the cap can be used to “plug” tubes of several different diameters.

It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

REFERENCE NUMBERS USED

• • 1. Large end, generally
  • 2. Small end, generally
  • 3. Middle portion, generally
  • 4. Small tube
  • 5. Large tube
  • 6. Block
  • 7. Small flange
  • 8. Large flange
  • 9. Large cavity
  • 10. Small cavity
  • 11. Outer grip

Claims

1. A respiratory equipment cap, consisting of a small end, a middle portion and a large end,

where the small end additionally comprises a small tube, where the small tube has a small tube inner diameter and a small tube outer diameter, and where the small tube outer diameter is 14.9 mm, where the small tube inner diameter is 11.5 mm, where the small tube has an open end and a closed end,

where the large end additionally comprises a large tube, where the large tube has a large tube inner diameter and a large tube outer diameter, and where the large tube outer diameter is 14.9 mm and the large tube inner diameter is 9.1 mm, where the large tube has an open end and a closed end,

where the middle portion additionally comprises a block, a small flange and a large flange, where the block extends across an entire circumference of the cap, and where the block has an outer circumference, and where the outer circumference of the block additionally comprises the small flange and the large flange, where the small flange has a small flange inner diameter and a small flange outer diameter, and where the small flange inner diameter is 20 mm and where the small flange outer diameter is 22.3 mm, where the large flange has a large flange inner diameter and a large flange outer diameter, and where the large flange inner diameter is 22.2 mm and where the large flange outer diameter is 25.5 mm,

and where a small cavity is created between the outer diameter of the small tube and the inner diameter of the small flange, and where a large cavity is created between the outer diameter of the large tube and the inner diameter of the large flange,

and additionally comprising a pad, where the pad additionally comprises an antibacterial compound selected from the group consisting of silver ion, isopropyl alcohol, and chlorhexidine.

2. A respiratory equipment cap, comprising a small end, a middle portion and a large end where the small end additionally comprises a small tube, where the small tube has a small tube inner diameter and a small tube outer diameter, where the small tube has an open end and a closed end,

where the large end additionally comprises a large tube, where the large tube has an open end and a closed end, where the large tube has a large tube inner diameter and a large tube outer diameter,

where the middle portion additionally comprises a block, a small flange and a large flange, where the block extends across an entire circumference of the cap, and where the block has an outer circumference, and where the outer circumference of the block additionally comprises the small flange and the large flange, where the small flange has a small flange inner diameter and a small flange outer diameter, where the large flange has a large flange inner diameter and a large flange outer diameter,

and where a small cavity is created between the outer diameter of the small tube and the inner diameter of the small flange, and where a large cavity is created between the outer diameter of the large tube and the inner diameter of the large flange,

3. The cap of claim 2, where the exterior shape is hexagonal.

4. The cap of claim 2, where the exterior shape is elliptical.

5. The cap of claim 2, where the large flange has an exterior shape, and the exterior shape is circular.

6. The cap of claim 5, where the exterior shape additionally comprises an outer grip.

7. The cap of claim 6, where the cap is single-use.

8. The cap of claim 5, where the small tube outer diameter is less than 15 mm.

9. The cap of claim 8, where the small tube inner diameter is less than 12 mm.

10. The cap of claim 5, where the large tube outer diameter is less than 15 mm.

11. The cap of claim 10, where the large tube inner diameter is greater than 9 mm.

12. The cap of claim 5, where the small flange inner diameter is greater than 19 mm.

13. The cap of claim 12, where the small flange outer diameter is greater than 22 mm.

14. The cap of claim 5, where the large flange inner diameter is greater than 22 mm.

15. The cap of claim 14, where the large flange outer diameter is greater than 25 mm.

16. The cap of claim 5, where

and where the small flange inner diameter is 20 mm and where the small flange outer diameter is 22.3 mm,

and where the large flange inner diameter is 22.2 mm and where the large flange outer diameter is 25.5 mm,

and where the small tube outer diameter is 14.9 mm, where the small tube inner diameter is 11.5 mm,

and where the large tube outer diameter is 14.9 mm and the large tube inner diameter is 9.1 mm,

and additionally comprising a pad, where the pad additionally comprises an antibacterial compound selected from the group consisting of silver ion, isopropyl alcohol, and chlorhexidine.

17. The cap of claim 5, additionally comprising an antibacterial pad.

18. The cap of claim 17, where the pad additionally comprises an antibacterial compound selected from the group consisting of silver ion, isopropyl alcohol, and chlorhexidine.

19. The cap of claim 17, additionally comprising an anti-bacterial treatment, where the antibacterial treatment is applied to the cap prior to the cap being sealed in a contamination-proof container.

20. The cap of claim 5, where the cap is single-use.