U.S. patent application number 10/749362 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device attachment.
Invention is credited to Hatcher, Michelle Lynn.
Application Number | 20050144761 10/749362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34711060 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050144761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hatcher, Michelle Lynn |
July 7, 2005 |
Designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment
Abstract
A designer unisex horseshoe-shaped apparatus which is designed
and configured to provide color accenting for tracheostomy tubes
and other neck wearing devices. It is a designer attachment with a
non-medical appearance. Therefore, the present invention will
provide for any color, including gold and silver tone in order to
accent the user's wardrobe. Other embodiments may include, but not
limited to, stretching materials, any other suitable material and
adjustable hangings with designer clamps in the back being that
there are both adjustable and nonadjustable models. The present
invention may be comprised of, but not limited to, various
materials such as beads, chains, and fabrics including stretching
fabrics or the like in order to provide various designs. The
present invention is comprised of a closed-ended hook and go system
which helps to make it a safe attachment.
Inventors: |
Hatcher, Michelle Lynn;
(Tallahassee, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michelle Lynn Hatcher
2116 Wesley Ct.
Tallahassee
FL
32303
US
|
Family ID: |
34711060 |
Appl. No.: |
10/749362 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/3.4 ; 24/3.1;
63/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 27/001 20130101;
Y10T 24/13 20150115; Y10T 24/1374 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/003.4 ;
024/003.1; 063/003 |
International
Class: |
A44C 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment for the purpose of providing a decorative and colorful
way to attach a tracheostomy tube or other neck wearing device
comprising: means for securing the attachment to the tracheostomy
tube or other neck wearing device; means for stringing decorative
ornaments; means for connecting the securing device to the
attachment; means for the adjustable model to adjust to users
desired fit; means for holding attachment together at the ends;
means for connecting the closed-ended fastener; means for adjusting
fabric attachment to users desired fit; and means for fabricating
the body of the fabric attachment with any suitable fabric.
2. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for
securing the attachment to the tracheostomy tube or other neck
wearing device comprises a closed-ended fastener.
3. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for
stringing decorative ornaments comprises a stringing line.
4. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for
connecting the securing device to the attachment comprises a split
ring.
5. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for the
adjustable model to adjust to users desired fit comprises a
designer clamp.
6. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for
holding attachment together at the ends comprises a crimp bead.
7. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for
connecting the closed-ended fastener comprises a jump ring.
8. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for
adjusting fabric attachment to users desired fit comprises an
adjusting device.
9. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for
fabricating the body of the fabric attachment with any suitable
fabric comprises a fabric.
10. A designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment for the purpose of providing a decorative and colorful
way to attach a tracheostomy tube or other neck wearing device
comprising: a closed-ended fastener, for securing the attachment to
the tracheostomy tube or other neck wearing device; a stringing
line, for stringing decorative ornaments; a split ring, for
connecting the securing device to the attachment; a designer clamp,
for the adjustable model to adjust to users desired fit; a crimp
bead, for holding attachment together at the ends; a jump ring, for
connecting the closed-ended fastener; an adjusting device, for
adjusting fabric attachment to users desired fit; and a fabric, for
fabricating the body of the fabric attachment with any suitable
fabric.
11. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment as recited in claim 10, further comprising: a beads, for
providing the ornamental body of the attachment even though the
body of the attachment may be fabricated of beads, decorative metal
or any other suitable material, connected to said closed-ended
fastener.
12. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment as recited in claim 10, further comprising: an eyelet,
for connecting fabric to jump ring if desired or fabric can be sewn
to jump ring so that the eyelet can be eliminated.
13. The designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment as recited in claim 11, further comprising: an eyelet,
for connecting fabric to jump ring if desired or fabric can be sewn
to jump ring so that the eyelet can be eliminated.
14. A designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment for the purpose of providing a decorative and colorful
way to attach a tracheostomy tube or other neck wearing device
comprising: a closed-ended fastener, for securing the attachment to
the tracheostomy tube or other neck wearing device; a stringing
line, for stringing decorative ornaments; a split ring, for
connecting the securing device to the attachment; a beads, for
providing the ornamental body of the attachment even though the
body of the attachment may be fabricated of beads, decorative metal
or any other suitable material, connected to said closed-ended
fastener; a designer clamp, for the adjustable model to adjust to
users desired fit; a crimp bead, for holding attachment together at
the ends; a jump ring, for connecting the closed-ended fastener; an
eyelet, for connecting fabric to jump ring if desired or fabric can
be sewn to jump ring so that the eyelet can be eliminated; an
adjusting device, for adjusting fabric attachment to users desired
fit; and a fabric, for fabricating the body of the fabric
attachment with any suitable fabric.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to plurality of a
decorative securing attachment for users of tracheostomy tubes and
other neck wearing devices and, more particularly, to a plurality
of a novel and unique horseshoe-shaped attachment that will provide
users of tracheostomy tubes and other neck wearing devices with the
option of coordinating and accenting colors of their wardrobe with
the many selective colors, including gold and silver tone, of the
attachment to provide a more non-medical look for the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Tracheostomy tubes are well known in the art and are widely
used to enhance respiration. Often individuals with tracheostomy
tubes and other related medical devices are forced to settle for an
unpleasing appearance. Tracheostomy tubes are normally sold with
cotton twill, with the option to purchase a holder which resembles
a bandage. Both of these options draw negative attention to the
wearer and are not aesthetically pleasing to the users, especially
for women. What is needed are optional tracheostomy tube and other
neck wearing device attachments which are designed and configured
to be adaptable for modern tracheostomy tubes and neck devices,
also that are safe, aesthetically pleasing, easy to wear and be
easily detached and attached, and that will be quickly and easily
interchangeable.
[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a safe and more
colorful means by which attachments for securing today's
tracheostomy tubes and other neck wearing devices can be
personalized, i.e., where the user can coordinate the attachment
color with their wardrobe color. The user can change attachments
just as they change clothing.
[0004] A personalized and colorful attachment has the advantage of
providing a more non-medical look for user.
[0005] One such tracheostomy tube device which is useless today is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,039,142. In this patent is a
particularly effective organization of a tracheostomy tube in a
necklace. The necklace embodies a medallion element which in
service is adapted to overlie the incision or opening in the
patient's throat. In addition to providing the cover for the
incisional scar, the non-detachable medallion element receives and
is secured to and constitutes a screen upon the outer end of the
tube.
[0006] The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,039,142 is
substantially outdated. It is no comparison to present invention.
This patented device would not be compatible with the more
efficiently designed tracheostomy tubes used today that present
differently designed openings. For example, the present invention
does not overlie an incision or scar, which may be uncomfortable to
the wearer. In addition, the attachment of the present invention
extends from the tracheostomy tube ends, and may be quickly and
easily attached and detached, therefore not covering the opening
where air is passed, also the device of the present invention does
not require the use of a screen which had to be utilized with the
tracheostomy tube in U.S. Pat. No. 2,039,142.
[0007] Hence, it is seen that the previous invention does not
provide the benefits intended with the present invention, such as
providing optional tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachments. Additionally, prior technique does not suggest the
present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed
and claimed herein. The present invention achieves its intended
purposes, objectives and advantages over the prior art devices
through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component
elements, which are simple to use, with the utilization of a
minimum number of components, at a reasonable cost to manufacture,
assemble, test and by employing only readily available
materials.
[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide for a
designer tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device attachment
that will overcome the drawbacks, disadvantages and shortcomings of
prior tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device means
thereof.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to enhance the
appearance of tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
users.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide for a
non-medical look for users of tracheostomy tubes and other neck
wearing devices.
[0011] It is another object of the invention to enhance self-esteem
of the wearer by providing an attachment that may be coordinated
with the wardrobe for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide an
attachment which is safe for the user to wear during the
participation of sporting activities.
[0013] A final object of the present inventive attachment, to be
specifically enumerated herein, is to provide for a tracheostomy
tube and other neck wearing device attachment in accordance with
the preceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms
of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to
provide for a tracheostomy tube and other neck wearing device
attachment that will be economically feasible, long lasting and
relatively trouble free.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention provides a unisex horseshoe-shaped
apparatus which is designed and configured for tracheostomy tubes
and other neck wearing devices. It is a designer attachment with a
non-medical appearance. Other embodiments may include, but not
limited to, stretching materials and adjustable hangings in the
back. The present invention provides for a novel and unique
designer appearance which includes colors in addition to the
standard colors provided with the devices upon purchasing.
Therefore, the present invention will provide for any color,
including gold and silver tone in order to accent the user's
wardrobe. The present invention may be made of, but not limited to,
various materials such as beads, chains, and fabrics including
stretching fabrics or the like in order to provide various designs.
The present invention contains a closed-ended hook and go system.
Other embodiments may provide for adjustable styles including, but
not limited to, a designer clamp in the back and may provide for
adjustability and stretchability. It is important to note that none
of the embodiments of the present invention contain any piece that
might be placed in front of the opening of the tracheostomy tube or
airway. Likewise, the present invention also provides that none of
the embodiments would contain any piece that would cover the scar
area. Thus the present invention is designed and configured to
enhance the appearance of the user as well as provide for safety
features. In addition, the present invention may be utilized in
seconds in order to expedite it's attachment and utilization.
[0015] The present invention is utilized to support the
tracheostomy tube as well as other neck wearing devices such as a
voice box. Thus, the present invention provides comfort, style with
color as well as a safe securing attachment device for tracheostomy
tubes and other neck wearing devices. The present invention
provides for an attachment device which must be fitted properly,
unless adjustable, in order to achieve maximum comfort and
efficiency. For example, the adjustable embodiments of the present
invention are designed and configured in order to provide for a
fitting which can be accomplished during all phases of wearing the
present invention whether it be before or after application. The
present invention provides for, but not limited to, a
non-adjustable embodiment which requires proper measurement with a
proper measuring tool, preferably a flexible measuring tape, to
ensure a proper fit. The present invention provides detailed
instructions for proper measuring. For example, it is very
important when measuring to secure (attach) the tracheostomy tube
or other neck wearing device with an alternate holding device
before fitting to prevent expulsion of the tracheostomy tube or to
prevent falling and potential damage of other neck devices. Thus,
after the tracheostomy tube or other neck wearing device has been
secured (attached) it is important to proceed with proper
measuring. The user should measure from one end of the tracheostomy
tube or other neck wearing device to the other. Then the user
should adjust to a comfort level while measuring tape is in place.
When the user has found their desired level of comfort, the user
should record the measurement in order to place an order for the
proper size.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A complete understanding of the present invention may be
obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered
in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an attachment, illustrating
how the elements are assembled.;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view of an a tracheostomy tube employing
the present invention.;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an an adjustable
attachment.;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a the present invention
using different embodiments.; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a some of the available
components of the attachment before assembly is carried out.
[0022] For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and
components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout
the FIGURES.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a separated view of the proposed
attachment 12. FIG. 1 is comprised of a closed-ended closed-ended
fastener 1 for securing attachment 12 to a tracheostomy tube 5 (not
shown) or other neck wearing device, desired stringing line 2 for
stringing ornamentation, a split ring 3 for attaching closed-ended
fastener 1, desired ornamentation, which is beads 4 in this
drawing. The body of the attachment 12, may be fabricated of beads
4, decorative metal or any other suitable material. A crimp bead 7
or other securing device can be used to secure stringing line 2 in
any model except the fabric 11 model.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates the proposed attachment 12 connected to a
modern tracheostomy tube 5. FIG. 2 shows the tracheostomy tube 5
with the attachment 12 that is comprised of a closed-ended
closed-ended fastener 1 for securing attachment 12 to tracheostomy
tube 5, split ring 3 for attaching closed-ended closed-ended
fastener 1 to body, desired stringing line 2 for stringing desired
ornamentation, which is beads 4 in this drawing.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates some alternate embodiments of the
inventive attachment 12. This drawing shows an adjustable model of
the proposed attachment 12. The attachment 12 comprises a designer
clamp 6 to adjust the attachment 12 to users desired comfort level.
It is also comprised of a closed-ended closed-ended fastener 1 for
securing attachment 12 to tracheostomy tube 5, a split ring 3 for
attaching closed-ended fastener 1, desired ornamentation, which is
beads 4 in this drawing, stringing line 2 for stringing
ornamentation. A crimp bead 7 is used to hold the attachment 12
together at the ends.
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates alternate embodiments to show how using
different materials still achieves the purpose of the proposed
invention. FIG. 4 comprises a closed-ended fastener 1 for securing
attachment 12 to tracheostomy tube 5, an jump ring 8 for attaching
closed-ended fastener 1 and body of attachment 12, body consist of
desired type of fabric 11 but is not limited to one specific type,
an optional eyelet 9 for attaching the jump ring 8, the fabric 11
can be sewn around the jump ring 8 so that the eyelet 9 can be
omitted, an adjusting device 10 for adjusting to users desired
fit.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a drawing of the preferred elements used in the
previous drawings before assembly. Closed-ended closed-ended
fastener 1, stringing line 2 for stringing ornamentation, split
ring 3, beads 4, designer clamp 6, crimp bead 7, jump ring 8,
eyelet 9, adjusting device 10 for model consisting of fabric
11.
[0028] While the proposed invention has been shown and described
with reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
[0029] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit
particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered
limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and
covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute
departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
[0030] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be
protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently
appended claims.
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