U.S. patent application number 10/010631 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-23 for mahoney's airway support device.
Invention is credited to Mahoney, James Christopher, Mahoney, Laura Rodgers.
Application Number | 20020059680 10/010631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26681401 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020059680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mahoney, James Christopher ;
et al. |
May 23, 2002 |
Mahoney's airway support device
Abstract
A pillow consisting of foam rubber material covered with a non
porous vinyl material, to support the airway of an unconscious
adult. Constructed to provide a natural airway while easing the
process for placement of an artificial airway. It is also intended
to maintain placement of the artificial airway during movement and
transport of said patients by emergency medical technicians.
Inventors: |
Mahoney, James Christopher;
(Sumter, SC) ; Mahoney, Laura Rodgers; (Sumter,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James Christopher Mahoney
2641 N. Main St. Extension
Sumter
SC
29153
US
|
Family ID: |
26681401 |
Appl. No.: |
10/010631 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60245997 |
Nov 6, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/638 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 1/04 20130101; A61M
16/0488 20130101; A61G 13/1215 20130101; A61G 13/121 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/638 |
International
Class: |
A47C 020/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An airway opening device comprising of a base platform with a
raised pillow made of foam rubber material that will support the
airway of an unconscious adult patient.
2. The device of claim 1 that is constructed with a immovable
supportive arch to maintain airway alignment in said patient.
3. The device of claim 1 that utilizes head immobilizers to secure
head movement with said device.
4. The device of claim 1 which may be used by emergency personnel
during the transport of said patients during pre hospital care.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of
misplacement of the endotracheal tube of the intubated patient in
the prehospital setting. Current practice involves the placement of
the endotracheal tube without securing of the head and shoulders to
an immovable object. The result leads to the possibility of
misplacement from the trachea to the esophagus of the patient. This
invention will provide immobilization to both areas to better the
effects of the resuscitation efforts.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention consist of a platform on which a unconscious
patient is placed and the head and shoulders secured in a manor to
prevent movement. The design is created to provide for a naturally
open airway passage in the adult patient. This invention also
allows for easy placement of the endotracheal tube and provides
support to maintain placement of the artificial airway. It is
specifically designed for use in the prehospital setting where
emergency medical technicians will be moving the patient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is the invention as viewed from the top side with the
unit place on flat surface. This view shows the size and dimensions
of the base unit. It also shows the straps that secure the unit to
the board (no. 4) and patient's chest (no. 3). Also displayed are
the Velcro pads on the lower platform of the unit (no. 5).
[0004] FIG. 2 is the side view of the unit and shows the dimensions
of height for the invention. First shown is the raised platform
(no. 1). Also shown is the arched rise in the pillow to support the
patients cervical spine (no. 2). The buckle portion of the chest
strap is also illustrated in this figure (no. 3).
[0005] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the foam block used to secure the
patient's head into position. The shaded portion indicates the
angle that will descend from the narrow top the wider bottom. This
figure also shows the dimensions of the block from this angle.
[0006] FIG. 4 shows dimensions of the foam block from the side
view. This view also shows the angle that is placed to assist with
head support (no. 6).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] This invention consist of a base pillow that is designed to
support the airway structures of the unconscious patient. The
pillow is made of high density foam rubber molded to have a 2 inch
platform for 8 inches in length and 14 inches in width. The
platform will support an arched curve for 4 inches and have a 4
inch straight edge at the end of the arch. This arch will extend 4
inches from the bottom of the base. The pillow will be covered with
a nonporous vinyl material. The material is sewn together with a
nylon type thread using a standard or industrial sewing machine.
The material must be stitched at the base of the arch to allow for
proper angle on arch.
[0008] The material is cut using the measurements of the foam and
allowing excess for stitching. Material is stitched together using
a nylon based thread and a external stitch pattern. The seams are
covered with a nylon fabric and stitched a second time to enhance
appearance. The 4 inch head rest is filled with poly fiber and
stitched closed with an external stitch. Included in the seams are
4 nylon straps with Velcro placed to secure on itself after being
placed on the immobilization board or stretcher. There is also a
fifth strap that is at least 24 inches in length with self closing
Velcro positioned. This strap will met with a sixth strap with a
plastic or metal ring through which the fifth strap is placed and
secured. This sixth strap will be at least 18 inches in length.
Both chest straps are sewn at the seam of base at the leading edge
of the arch on opposing sides of the base.
[0009] The head restraints are constructed of the same high density
foam rubber material. These are cut to measure 4 inches
wide.times.4 inches in length.times.4 inches in height, with a
width of only 2 inches on the top side. The inner side will have an
angle of 60 degrees to allow for support of the patient's head. The
non angled side will have a Velcro base and the bottom side will
also have Velcro to attach to the base unit. The blocks will be
accompanied by a nylon strap with Velcro to attach to the head
immobilizers themselves. This will serve to prevent movement of the
head during transport.
[0010] As stated the purpose is to prevent movement of the airway
structures during transport of an unconscious patient. To achieve
this, the invention is secured to a standard spinal immobilization
board using the Velcro straps(4). Then the patient is placed on the
board and device with the shoulders resting on the arch of the
raised platform(2). The head is allowed to rest onto the lower
platform which places the patient in a position to naturally open
the airway passage(5). When in this position an artificial airway
may be placed if necessary. After placement, the patient is secured
to the device with the chest straps(3). The longer of the straps
with Velcro will be placed through the ring on the shorter strap
and secured. The head immobilizers are then placed with the angled
side(6) towards the patient and secured with the nylon strap which
will also cross the patients forehead. The patient is next secured
to the immobilization board and prepared for transit.
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