U.S. patent application number 11/089980 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for divided nasal cannula assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Medical Device Group, Inc., a California corporation. Invention is credited to Wright, Clifford A..
Application Number | 20050161049 11/089980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34799515 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050161049 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wright, Clifford A. |
July 28, 2005 |
Divided nasal cannula assembly
Abstract
A nasal cannula system includes a nasal cannula for the delivery
of and collection of gases, wherein the nasal cannula is coupled to
a pair of extension tubes which are slidingly received within right
and left earpieces respectively for retaining and securing the
extension tubes to fix the cannula in a desired position for use by
a patient. Each nasal cannula includes an open recessed channel
disposed between a pair of bridges for retaining the extension tube
within the earpiece and a locking exit hole at its distal end for
helping to secure therein the extension tube to provide a fixed
distance adjustment between the nasal cannula and the ears of the
patient.
Inventors: |
Wright, Clifford A.; (San
Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON, PC
12390 EL CAMINO REAL
SAN DIEGO
CA
92130-2081
US
|
Assignee: |
Medical Device Group, Inc., a
California corporation
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Family ID: |
34799515 |
Appl. No.: |
11/089980 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11089980 |
Mar 24, 2005 |
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10751128 |
Jan 3, 2004 |
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10751128 |
Jan 3, 2004 |
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10634365 |
Aug 5, 2003 |
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10634365 |
Aug 5, 2003 |
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10224849 |
Aug 21, 2002 |
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6807966 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/207.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0666 20130101;
A61M 2202/0208 20130101; A61M 16/085 20140204; A61M 16/0672
20140204; A61M 16/0683 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/207.18 |
International
Class: |
A62B 007/00; A61M
015/08 |
Claims
1. A cannula assembly comprising: a nasal cannula having a
centrally disposed plug; a pair of extensions tubes connected to
the nasal cannula; and a pair of ear pieces each connected to a
separate one of the pair of extension tubes, wherein at least one
of said pair of extension tubes comprises a stop that limits an
adjustment distance between said nasal cannula and the ear
pieces.
2. The cannula assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said ear pieces
comprises a channel and wherein each of the channels slidably
receives a separate one of said extension tubes.
3. The cannula assembly of claim 2, wherein each of said ear pieces
comprises an extension tube entry hole and an extension tube exit
hole through which the extension tubes are threaded.
4. The cannula assembly of claim 3, wherein the exit hole of at
least one of the ear pieces is smaller than the stop such that the
stop prevents the tube from being pulled out of the ear piece.
5. The cannula assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said earpieces
comprises a tube entrance hole with a sufficient diameter for
receiving therethrough one of said pair of extension tubes.
6. The cannula assembly of claim 5, wherein said tube entrance hole
does not have a sufficient diameter for receiving said cannula.
7. The cannula assembly of claim 1, wherein a first open end of
said cannula is connected to one of the pair of extension tubes by
sliding the extension tube into the first open end and securing the
extension tube to the cannula with a friction fit, and wherein a
second open end of said cannula is connected to the other of the
pair of extension tubes by sliding the extension tube into the
second open end and securing the extension tube to the cannula with
a friction fit.
8. The cannula assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the pair of
extension tubes has a first end that is in fluid communication with
a fluid source and a second end that is in fluid communication with
the nasal cannula.
9. A cannula system comprising: a nasal cannula coupled to a pair
of extension tubes each of which is coupled to a separate ear
piece, wherein said nasal cannula has a single tube having a given
diameter and being disposed between the pair of extension tubes,
wherein each of said extension tubes has another given diameter
smaller than said given diameter of said single tube of said nasal
cannula; and wherein each ear piece has a tube entrance hole with a
sufficient diameter for receiving therethrough one of said pair of
slider extension tubes but not a sufficient diameter for receiving
therethrough said single tube.
10. The cannula system of claim 9, wherein at least one of said
pair of extension tubes comprises a stop that limits an adjustment
distance between the nasal cannula and the ear pieces.
11. The cannula system of claim 9, wherein each of the entrance
holes of the ear pieces leads to a corresponding channel in the ear
piece that slidably receives a separate one of said pair of
extension tubes.
12. The cannula system of claim 9, wherein one of said extension
tubes has a first open end that is in fluid communication with a
fluid source and a second open end that is in fluid communication
with the nasal cannula.
13. A method of delivering fluid to a user, comprising: providing a
nasal cannula with a first end and a second end; positioning the
cannula beneath the user's nose; providing a first extension tube
that is coupled at its first end to the first end of the nasal
cannula, wherein a second end of the extension tube is in fluid
communication with a fluid source; providing a second extension
tube that is coupled at its first end to a second end of the nasal
cannula, wherein a stop is coupled to the second end of the
extension tube; providing a pair of ear pieces, wherein each of the
ear pieces slidably receives a separate one of the pair of
extension tubes; hanging one of the ear pieces on one of the ears
of the user and hanging the other one of the ear pieces on the
other ear of the user; adjusting the distance between the nasal
cannula and the ear pieces by sliding at least one of the extension
tubes through its corresponding ear piece.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the nasal cannula comprises two
nostril tips and the nostril tips are each inserted into a separate
one of the nostrils of the user.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of inserting the
nostril tips of the nasal cannula includes trimming the length of
one or more of the nostril tips of the nasal cannula to custom fit
the nostril tips to the nostrils of the user.
16. A cannula system comprising: a pair of earpieces, wherein each
of the pair of earpieces comprises a tube entrance hole; a pair of
extension tubes each of which has a first open end and a second
open end; a nasal cannula having a single tube with at least one
gas inlet channel and at least one gas outlet channel, said single
tube being disposed between the pair of extension tubes; wherein
the first open end of one of the pair of extension tubes is in
fluid communication with the gas inlet channel and its second open
end is threaded through the tube entrance hole of one of the
earpieces and is in fluid communication with a fluid source; and
wherein the first open end of the other one of the pair of
extension tubes is in fluid communication with the gas outlet
channel and its second open end is threaded through the tube
entrance hole of the other one of the earpieces and is in fluid
communication with a gas collection system.
17. The cannula system of claim 16, wherein the ear pieces each
comprises a tube exit hole, and wherein each of the extension tubes
is threaded through a separate one of the exit holes.
18. The cannula system of claim 17, wherein the exit holes are
locking holes that frictionally lock the extension tubes to their
respective ear pieces so that the extension tubes cannot slide
through the exit holes without exerting an outside force on the
extension tubes.
19. The cannula system of claim 16, wherein the distance between
the nasal cannula and the earpieces is adjustable by sliding at
least one of the extension tubes in a distal or proximal direction
through the corresponding tube entrance hole of the corresponding
ear piece.
20. The cannula system of claim 18, wherein the distance between
the nasal cannula and the earpieces is adjustable by sliding at
least one of the extension tubes in a distal or proximal direction
through the corresponding tube entrance and exit holes of the
corresponding ear piece.
21. A nasal cannula system, comprising a nasal cannula coupled
between a pair of extension tubes, wherein one of said tubes
terminates at a distal end thereof in a stop and wherein the other
one of the extension tubes is adapted to be coupled to a fluid
supply.
22. The nasal cannula system according to claim 21, further
comprising means for supporting said nasal cannula and portions of
said pair of extension tubes from the ears of a user.
23. The nasal cannula system according to claim 22, wherein said
means for supporting includes an ear piece having a recessed
channel for receiving therein a portion of one of said extension
tubes.
24. The nasal cannula system according to claim 23, wherein said
means for supporting further includes another ear piece having
another recessed channel for receiving therein another portion of
another one of said extension tubes.
25. The nasal cannula system according to claim 21, further
comprising a securing arrangement attached to either one of said
pair of extension tubes for helping to hold the corresponding
extension tube in a fixed position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/751,128, entitled "Divided Nasal Cannula Assembly", filed Jan.
3, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10,634,365 entitled "Ear Cannula System and Method of
Using Same", filed Aug. 5, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/224,849 entitled "Oxygen
Delivery System and Method of Using Same", filed Aug. 21, 2002, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,966, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to an oxygen delivery
system and more particularly to an oxygen delivery system that
includes a divided nasal cannula assembly having earpieces and
extension tubes for securing the nasal cannula at a desired
position on a user.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Oxygen delivery systems that include nasal cannulas are well
known in the art. Examples of such prior art systems include U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,328,038 B1; 6,298,850; 5,682,881; 5,636,630; 5,438,979;
5,271,391; 5,117,818; 5,025,805; 4,836,200; 4,808,160; 4,753,233;
4,739,757; 4,699,139; 4,422,456; 4,406,283; 4,156,426; 4,106,505;
3,802,431; 2,868,199; 2,763,263; and 2,168,705.
[0004] While nasal cannulas are a convenient method of supplying a
patient with oxygen enriched gases, it would be highly desirable to
have a new and improved oxygen delivery system that includes a
nasal cannula that is easily adjusted for the comfort of the
patient and that is not prone to falling off the face of the
patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A nasal cannula assembly includes a split nasal cannula
having a pair of spaced nasal prongs for delivery and sampling of
gases respectively, which are inhaled and exhaled by a patient. One
side of the nasal cannula is coupled to a gas delivery source
through a gas delivery extension tube that passes through a front
eye hole, along a curved open recessed extension tube channel and
out of a locking eye hole, all forming part of an elongated
flexible earpiece that is adapted to be hooked onto a top portion
of one ear of the user. The other side of the nasal cannula is
coupled to a gas sampling source through a gas sampling extension
tube that passes through another front eye hole, along another
curved open recessed extension tube channel and out of another
locking eye hole, all forming part of another elongated flexible
earpiece that is adapted to be hooked onto a top portion of the
other ear of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 depicts a frontal view of a patient's head showing a
typical prior art nasal cannula arrangement for delivering oxygen
to a patient;
[0007] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a patient using a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts an ear cannula system, which is constructed
in accordance with the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 depicts an adjustment step in the novel method of
using the oxygen system;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a plastic clip forming part of
the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0011] ) FIG. 6 is a left side plane view of the plastic clip
forming part of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a front plane view of the plastic clip forming
part of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a right side plane view of the plastic clip
forming part of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a top plane view of the plastic clip forming part
of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of the plastic clip forming part
of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a bottom plane view of a mounting strap forming
part of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a left side plane view of the mounting strap
forming part of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a top plane view of the mounting strap forming
part of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a right side plane view of the mounting strap
forming part of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a section view of the mounting strap taken along
line 15-15 of FIG. 13;
[0021] FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of the mounting strap forming
part of the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a front plane view of an earpiece forming part of
the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a side plane view of the earpiece forming part of
the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a section view of the earpiece taken along line
19-19 of FIG. 18;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a top plane view of the earpiece forming part of
the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 21 is a pictorial view of the earpiece forming part of
the ear cannula system of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view taken along line 22-22 of
the earpiece of FIG. 19;
[0028] FIG. 23 is a pictorial view of a preferred embodiment of a
nasal cannula assembly, which is constructed in accordance with the
present invention and which forms part of the nasal cannula system
of FIG. 31;
[0029] FIG. 24 is a nasal oxygen/carbon dioxide cannula forming
part of the nasal/oral cannula assembly of FIG. 24;
[0030] FIG. 25 is a pictorial view of another preferred embodiment
of a nasal/oral cannula assembly, which is constructed in
accordance with the present invention for a nasal/oral cannula
system;
[0031] FIG. 26 is a pictorial view of a preferred embodiment of a
double nasal oxygen/carbon dioxide cannula assembly, which is
constructed in accordance with the present invention for a
nasal/oral cannula system;
[0032] FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of another preferred
embodiment of a nasal/oral cannula assembly, which is constructed
in accordance with the present invention for a nasal/oral cannula
system;
[0033] FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of still yet another
preferred embodiment of a nasal/oral cannula assembly, which is
constructed in accordance with the present invention for a
nasal/oral cannula system;
[0034] FIGS. 29-30 illustrate a cannula with equal oxygen delivery
to each nostril according to the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 31 is a pictorial view of a preferred embodiment of a
nasal cannula system, which is constructed in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Before discussing the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, it may be beneficial to briefly review a typical prior
art oxygen delivery system 510 that utilizes a nasal cannula 512.
In this regard, as best seen in FIG. 1, the nasal cannula 512
generally comprises a nosepiece or nasal assembly 514 having a
hollow body member 516 with two upstanding nose prongs or nasal
extension tubes 518 and 520 that are adapted to be placed in the
nasal cavities of the patient P. Oxygen (from a source not shown)
is supplied to the hollow body member 516 at one of its end
openings allowing the body member 516 to function as a gas
distribution manifold. Generally, a pair of gas supply tubes 522
and 524 are attached to the nosepiece 514, that is supported or
held in place by extending the gas supply tubes 522 and 524 from
the nosepiece 514 to respective ones of the ears of the patent P so
the tubes 522 and 524 pass behind respective ones of the ears of
the patient P. The extension tubes 522 and 524 are bent downward
behind the ears and traverse along the jaw area and are then
secured together by a cinch 526 or an adjustable loop that is
tightened below the chin of the patient to hold the nosepiece in
place. The tubes are then joined in by a reducer (not shown) so
that a single gas line is available to be attached to the oxygen or
air source. From the foregoing, it should be understood that the
looping tubes that extend around the ears of the user and along the
jaw area of the patient and down to the neck area are uncomfortable
and can be dislodged if the cinch 526 is not properly adjusted to
tighten the loops sufficiently around the ears of the patient P in
a somewhat uncomfortable manner.
[0037] Therefore there is a need for a new and improved oxygen
delivery system that includes a nasal cannula that is easily
adjusted for the comfort of the patient and that is not prone to
falling off the face of the patient.
[0038] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS.
2-3, there is shown a cannula system 10 that is constructed in
accordance with the present invention. The cannula system 10 is
illustrated being utilized by a patient P who is sitting in a
wheelchair 12 that is adapted to transport a source of oxygen or
air shown generally at 14.
[0039] Considering now the cannula system 10 in greater detail, the
cannula system 10, generally comprises a nasal cannula assembly 16
and a flexible tube member 20 that cooperate to facilitate the
delivery of air to the lung of the patient P. The flexible tube
member 20 is held within a securing arrangement 22 that permits the
tube member 20 to be secured to the shirt of the patient P or to a
bottom bed sheet of a bed should the patient be confined to a
bed.
[0040] In order to provide the nasal cannula assembly 16 with a
supply of air, the flexible tube member 20 is connected at one of
its ends to a universal connector 21 that permits the flexible tube
member 20 to be attached to the source of oxygen 14. A reduction
connector 24 is connected to the other end of the flexible tube
member 20 that permits the flexible tube member 20 to be attached
to the nasal cannula assembly 16. As will be explained hereinafter
in greater detail, the nasal cannula assembly 16 is adapted to be
comfortably supported from the ears of the patient P.
[0041] Considering now the nasal cannula assembly 16 in greater
detail with reference to FIG. 3, the nasal cannula assembly 16
generally includes a nasal delivery tube or cannula nosepiece 32, a
pair of adjustment or extension tubes 40 and 50 respectively, and a
pair of ear pieces 44 and 52 Respectively. The extension tubes 40
and 50 are slidably mounted to the ear pieces 44 and 52
respectively in such a manner to facilitate supporting the cannula
nosepiece 32 from the ear pieces 44 and 52 and to help facilitate
adjusting the distance between the nosepiece 32 and individual ones
of the ear pieces 44 and 52 so the cannula nosepiece 32 can be
properly position relative to the nostrils of the patient P.
[0042] Considering the nasal cannula assembly 16 in still greater
detail, the cannula nosepiece 32 includes a hollow body member 34
with two upstanding nose prongs or nasal extension tubes 36 and 38.
The nose prongs 34 and 36 are adapted to be placed in the nasal
cavities of the patient P as best seen in FIG. 2. In this manner,
when the cannula nosepiece 32 is supported in the nasal cavities of
the patient P it facilitates the delivery of oxygen to the lungs of
the patient P in a comfortable and convenient manner. The nose
prongs 34 and 36 are spaced apart from one another and have a
sufficient length so as not to be dislodged from nostrils the of
the patient. In this regard, the nose prongs 34 and 36 may be
adjusted by cutting or trimming their ends with a pair of scissors
(not shown) to a proper length to be comfortable to an individual
patient, such as the patient P.
[0043] The hollow body member 34 is connected at its distal end in
an airtight manner to the extension tube 40, which is plugged at
its distal end with a plastic stop 42. The extension tube 40 is
supported spaced from the ear of the patient P by the earpiece 44.
As best seen in FIG. 18, the earpiece 44 has a recessed channel 46
and a pair of locking eyeholes or tube guides 47 and 48
respectively. In this regard, the extension tube 40 is sufficiently
long to pass by its distal end through the front tube guide 47 and
then along the channel 46 exiting at a rear portion 49 of the
earpiece 44 through the rear tube guide 48. The channel 46 is
sufficiently narrow to hold or capture the extension tube 40
against the earpiece 44, but not so narrow as to prevent the
extension tube 40 from being pulled under a directed force through
the channel 46 to a desired position.
[0044] As best seen in FIGS. 21-22, the rear portion 49 includes a
bridge 60 having an exit hole 62 that has a shape that is similar
to hole 43. The tube guide 47 and the bridge 60 cooperate to
capture the extension tube respectively at its entrance and exit
points to the channel 46. This assures the extension tube 40 cannot
be grasped and pulled out of the earpiece. This is an important
feature of the present invention as it helps to assure that the
cannula will remain secured to the earpiece via the extension tube
40, which can only be removed by pulling the extension tube 40 in a
direction toward the cannula and out of the earpiece via the tube
guide hole 43.
[0045] As best seen in FIG. 21, the recessed channel 46 terminates
at the hole 48. In this regard, the channel 46 rises upward through
the hole 48 to form a ramp 64 with about a forty-five degree upward
slant. This is an important feature of the present invention as the
ramp 64 is structured to cause the extension tube 40 to be pressed
against the flat top surface of the exit hole 62 with sufficient
force to wedge the tube 40 against this surface. In this regard,
the wedging force is sufficient to retain or secure the extension
tube 40 between the two holes, the exit hole 62 and tube guide 48
but not such a sufficient force as to prevent the extension tube 40
from being pulled back and forth through the two holes for distance
adjustment purposes. In this manner the patient P or a health care
provider (not shown) may adjust the distance between the nasal
cannula 32 and the ear piece 44 to help position the nasal cannula
32 in proper position relative to the nostrils of the patient P for
delivery of fluids to the lungs of the patient P.
[0046] From the foregoing those skilled in the art will understand
that the stop 42 is attached to the distal end of the extension
tube 40 after the tube 40 has been attached to the earpiece 44.
Those skilled in the art will further understand that extension
tube 40 is supported from the ear piece 44 in such a manner that
the tube 40 does not rub against and irritate the ear of the
patient P and that the extension tube 40 and ear piece 44 cooperate
with one another to support the nosepiece 32 much in the same way
as glass lens are supported but without the necessity of utilizing
the bridge of the nose since the nosepiece 32 is substantially
lighter in weight than that of glasses. This arrangement therefore
eliminates the necessity of looping tubes around the ears of the
user and along the jaw area and chin area thereby allowing the
nosepiece 32 to be worn and supported in a very comfortable manner
from the ears of the patient P.
[0047] As best seen in FIG. 3, the hollow body member 34 is coupled
at its proximate end to the other extension tube 50 whose distal
end is coupled in an airtight manner to the reduction connector 24.
In this manner, a fluid or air path is established between the
oxygen source 14 and the nasal cannula assembly 16 when the
extension tube 50 is interconnected to the reduction connector 24.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reduction
connector 24 has been described as being attached to the flexible
tube member 20. It should be understood however, by those skilled
in the art, that the reduction connector 24 could be attached to
the end of the extension tube 50 as part of the nasal cannula
assembly 16.
[0048] The extension tube 50 is slidably mounted to the earpiece 52
and cooperates with the earpiece 52 to further facilitate
supporting the cannula nosepiece 32. As the earpiece 52 is similar
in construction to the earpiece 44, earpiece 52 will not be
described hereinafter in greater detail. In a similar nature, as
the manner of adjusting the position of the cannula nosepiece 32
relative to the ear piece 52 is substantially similar as the
distance adjustment between the earpiece 44 and the cannula
nosepiece 32, no further disclosure relative to adjustment is
necessary.
[0049] From the foregoing it should be understood, that the nasal
cannula assembly 16 is light in weight, is easily attached to an
oxygen source, such as the oxygen source 14, utilizing a single
tube path, and can be easily adjusted to fit and be supported from
the ears of any patient, such as the patient P. Another important
feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is
that the nasal cannula assembly 16 is compact, simple in
construction and does not necessitate the utilization of looping
tubes around the ears of the user and along the jaw area and chin
area thereby allowing the cannula 32 to be worn and support in a
very comfortable manner.
[0050] Considering now the novel method of using the cannula system
10 with reference to FIGS. 2-4, the patient P first inserts the
nostril prongs 34 and 36 of the nosepiece 32 into his or her
nostrils to make certain that their overall length is a comfortable
fit within the nostrils. If not, the tips of the prongs 34 and 36
may be cut to adjust them to a sufficient length to facilitate the
comfort of the patient P. Next as best seen in FIG. 2, the patient
P hooks the earpieces 44 and 52 around his or her ears in the same
manner as if putting on a pair of glasses allowing the nasal
cannula nosepiece 32 to be freely supported by the ears of the
patient P. If the nose piece 32 is not properly supported within
the nostrils of the patient P, the patient P or a healthcare
provider may grasp the extension tube 40 between his or her thumb
and forefinger at about its exit point from the rear guide 48 of
the ear piece 44 and the earpiece 44 between the thumb and
forefinger of his or her other hand and then gently pull the
extension tube 40 rearward to cause the cannula nosepiece 32 to
move closer to the earpiece 44. Conversely, if the cannula
nosepiece 32 needs to be adjusted so that it is moved further away
from the earpiece 44, the patient may grasp the extension tube 40
between his or her thumb and forefinger at about its entry point
into the front guide 47 and the ear piece 44 between the thumb and
forefinger of his or her other hand and then gently pull the tube
40 forward to move the cannula nosepiece 32 further away from the
earpiece 44. This procedure is repeated until the cannula nosepiece
32 is positioned at a proper distance from earpiece 44. Once the
nasal cannula has been adjusted to a proper position, any excess of
the extension tube 40 that is disposed above the lip 51 of the
recessed channel 46 is pulled down into the channel 46 by the
patient grasping the tube exiting through hole 48 and pulling it
gently rearward until the excess extension tube 40 is completely
disposed within the channel 46. In this regard, the extension tube
40 is locked at about the exit hole 48 because it is wedged between
the bridge 60 and the bottom of the ramp 64.
[0051] Next as best seen in FIG. 4, the above described procedure
is repeated by the patient grasping the extension tube 50 between
his or her thumb and forefinger at about its exit point from the
rear guide of the earpiece 52 and the earpiece 52 between the thumb
and forefinger of his or her other hand and then gently pulls the
extension tube 50 rearward to move the nosepiece 32 closer to the
earpiece 52. Conversely, if the nosepiece 32 needs to be adjusted
so that it is moved further from the earpiece 52, the patient P may
grasp the extension tube 50 between his or her thumb and forefinger
at about its entry point into the front guide and the earpiece 52
between the thumb and forefinger of his or her other hand and then
gently pulls the tube 50 forward to move the nosepiece 32 further
away from the earpiece away 52. This procedure is repeated until
the nosepiece 32 is positioned at a proper distance from earpiece
52, thereby allowing the nose prongs 36 and 38 to be pulled up into
the nostrils of the patient where they are disposed in a
comfortable position and supported by the earpieces 44 and 52
supported from the ears of the patient P.
[0052] In a final step, the patient couples the distal end of the
extension tube 50 to the flexible tube 20, which was previously
coupled to the source of air 14 as best seen in FIG. 2. The patient
P may then turn on the supply of air using an actuation knob 70
allowing the free flow of oxygen to the nosepiece 32 for
distribution into the lungs of the patient P.
[0053] Considering now the securing arrangement 22 in greater
detail with reference to FIGS. 3-16, the securing arrangement 22
generally includes a flexible plastic strap 26 and a plastic clip
28. The flexible strap 26 is adapted to be secured in a friction
tight fit around the tube member 20 without pinching or closing off
the flow of fluids within the tube member 20, and is further
adapted to be coupled to the plastic clip 28 for holding the clip
28 in a stationary position relative to the strap 26. From the
foregoing it should be understood by those skilled in the art that
the securing arrangement 22 is composed on two plastic parts that
are coupled together without the use of any metallic parts, which
allows the arrangement 22 to be easily and quickly assembled at a
relatively low cost.
[0054] Considering now the flexible plastic strap 26 in greater
detail with reference to FIGS. 11-16, the strap 26 is generally
rectangular in shape having right side portion 54 and a left side
portion 56 which are separated from one another by centrally
disposed cutout section 58. The right side portion 54 and the left
side portion have an overall thickness that is substantially
greater the thickness of the cutout section 58. In this regard, the
thickness of the cutout section 58 is sufficient thin to allow the
plastic to wrap around the tube member 20 as best seen in FIGS.
3-4, without pinching the tube 20 so that it is incapable of a
sustained flow of fluid under pressure from the air source 14.
[0055] In order to facilitate securing the strap 26 around the tube
20, the right side portion 54 includes an upstanding post 60 having
a flange 62 at its distal end. The flange 62 is slightly offset
from the post 60 and is constructed to be received within a catch
64 that extends through the left side portion 56. More
particularly, the catch 64 has a slight boss 66 with a tapered
opening 68 on its one side in the same plane as the post 60 and
another slight boss 70 with a cylindrical opening 72 on its side
opposite to the post 60. With this construction, the flange 62
slides within the tapered opening 68 and passes through the opening
72 allowing the post 60 to snap into locking engagement within the
boss 70. As best seen in FIG. 12, the post 60 extends a significant
distance beyond the upper surface of the boss 70. This is an
important feature, as post 60 acts as an anchor point for the clip
28 as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail.
[0056] As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 15, the right side portion of
the strap 26 includes another slight boss 74 having a centrally
disposed opening 75 that is disposed opposite the post 60. The boss
74 functions as a finger receiving area for facilitating pressing
post 60 into hole 72 when the strap 26 is attached to tube 20 as
best seen in FIGS. 3-4. The right side portion 54 of the strap 26
also includes another post 76 that is disposed slightly outward
from the boss 74. The post 76 includes a flange 78 at its distal
end that is slightly offset from the post 76 to facilitate
capturing the post 76 in hole 92 of the clip 83 as best seen in
FIG. 10.
[0057] Considering now the plastic clip 28 in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 5-10, the plastic clip 28 includes a V-shaped
pincher 80 that is centrally disposed and integrally connected
between a right leg member 81 and a left leg member 82. The outer
surface area of the right leg member 81 and the left leg member 82
each include a plurality of finely spaced apart finger engagable
ridges indicated generally at 83 and 84 respectively. The ridges
83, 84 help keep the finger surfaces of the patient engaged with
the upper surfaces of the leg members 81, 82 when the leg members
81, 82 are pinched toward one another at about the pincher 80.
[0058] As best seen in FIG. 7, the right leg member 81 includes a
centrally disposed male member 85 which extends inward toward the
center of clip 28 and a female member 87 which is the disposed at
distal end of the right leg member 81 farthest from the pincher 80.
The left leg member 82 includes a centrally disposed female member
88 which extends inward toward the center of the clip 28 and a male
member 89 which is disposed at the distal end of the left leg
member 82 farthest from the pincher 80. The male member 85 and the
female member 88 are aligned so that when the right leg member 81
and the left leg member 82 are pinched toward one another the male
member 85 and the female member 88 will come into locking
engagement with one another. In a similar manner, the female member
87 and the male member 89 are aligned so that when the right leg
member 81 and the left leg member 82 are pinched toward one another
the female member 87 receives the male member 89.
[0059] In order to help facilitate the capture of a cloth material
between the female member 87 and the male member 89 each of the
members 87 and 89 include a plurality of ridges and valleys
indicated generally at 90 and 91 respectively.
[0060] As best seen in FIGS. 7-8, the right leg member 81 of the
clip 26 includes a tapered wall opening 92 that is dimensioned for
receiving in locking engagement the post 60. In this regard, the
flange 62 and post have a sufficient length to pass through the
opening 92 and to be captured against the inner wall of the right
leg member 81.
[0061] Considering now the earpiece 44 in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 17-21, the earpiece 44 and earpiece 52 are
identical to one another and both are composed of a soft
elastomeric material that is common to glassware earpieces. The
earpiece 44 is a molded and includes a front part 45, which
includes the front tube guide 47 having a generally U-shaped hole
43 extending therethrough, a central hook portion, which includes a
sharply curved rear channel section 46 that terminates in a lip 51
and a rear part 49 that includes the ram 64 disposed at about the
exit guide hole 48.
[0062] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS.
23-24 and 31, there is illustrated in a preferred embodiment a
nasal cannula system 108, which is constructed in accordance with
the present invention. The nasal cannula system 108 is illustrated
in FIG. 23 being utilized by a surgical patient (SP) who is lying
prone on an operating table 112 (FIG. 31) where it is desired to
deliver to the patient (SP) a supply 114 of air or oxygen under
pressure as well as to collect and analyze exhaled gases emitted
from the lungs of the patient (SP) via a gas collection system
118.
[0063] Considering now the nasal cannula system 108 in greater
detail with reference to FIGS. 23-24 and 31, the nasal cannula
system 108 generally comprises a nasal cannula assembly 110, that
is coupled between a flexible tube member 120 that facilitate the
delivery of oxygen from the oxygen supply 114 and another flexible
tube member 160 that facilitates the sampling of exhaled gas
exhaled from the lungs of the patient (SP). The flexible tube
member 120 is adapted to be coupled to the nasal cannula assembly
110 via a coupler 124, while the flexible tube member 160 is
adapted to be coupled to the nasal cannula assembly 110 via another
coupler 142. It should be noted that the nasal cannula assembly 110
is universal in nature and may be coupled in a reverse manner to
the flexible tube member 120 and 160 respectively.
[0064] As best seen in FIGS. 23 and 31, the distal end of the
flexible tube member 120, terminates in a coupler 121, and is held
within a securing arrangement 122 (FIG. 23) that permits the tube
member 120 to be secured to the shirt of the patient P or to a
bottom sheet. The securing arrangement 122 is similar to the
securing arrangement 22 described earlier and includes a flexible
plastic strap 126 and a plastic clip 128. The flexible strap 126 is
adapted to be secured in a friction tight fit around the tube
member 120 without pinching or closing off the flow of fluids
within the tube member 120, and is further adapted to be coupled to
the plastic clip 128 for holding the clip 128 in a stationary
position relative to the strap 126. From the foregoing it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that the securing
arrangement 122 is composed on two plastic parts that are coupled
together without the use of any metallic parts, which allows the
arrangement 122 to be easily and quickly assembled at a relatively
low cost. As the securing arrangement 122 is substantially similar
to the securing arrangement 22, the securing arrangement 122 will
not be described hereinafter in greater detail.
[0065] Considering now the nasal cannula assembly 110 in greater
detail with reference to FIGS. 23-24, the nasal cannula assembly
110 generally includes a divided or split oxygen/carbon dioxide
nasal cannula 132, a pair of adjustment or extension tubes
including a gas delivery extension tube 140 and a gas sampling
extension tube 150, and a pair 116 of flexible earpiece members 144
and 152 respectively that are adapted to partially hook on the ears
of the patient (SP). This is an important feature of the present
invention since the earpiece members 144 and 152 are not full ear
loops their smooth sharply rounded shapes allow them to secure to
top portions of a patient 's ears and not completely around them;
thus, the earpieces are universal in nature and will easily secure
to any ear regardless of size.
[0066] As best seen in FIG. 24, the divided or split oxygen/carbon
dioxide nasal cannula 132 includes a single delivery/collection
tube 134 for both the delivery of oxygen and the collection of
gases, such as carbon dioxide. The tube 134 has two upstanding
trimmable prongs 136 and 138 that are adapted to be inserted into
the nostrils (N) of the patient (SP). Exhale gases are collected
from the nasal prong 136 via the gas collection system 118 and
oxygen is delivered from the oxygen supply 114 via the nasal prong
138. A septum or partition 154 is present inside the tube 134 and
is disposed midway between the nasal prong 136 and the nasal prong
138 in order to separate the delivered oxygen from the exhaled
carbon dioxide.
[0067] While in the preferred embodiment of the present invention
the divided nasal cannula 132 has been described as having a septum
or partition 154 to facilitate separating the delivery gases from
the exhaled gases, it should be understood by those skilled in the
art that other types and kinds of cannula are contemplated. For
example, in FIG. 25 there is shown a schematic illustration of a
nasal cannula 232 for delivery of oxygen and collection of exhaled
gases according to the present invention. The oral/nasal cannula
232 includes a pair of nasal prongs 236 and 238 for insertion into
the nostrils N of a patient and a gas delivery prong 240 that is
coupled to a gas delivery extension tube (not shown) that is
similar to gas delivery extension tube 140. The cannula 232 also
has a gas collection tube 250 for collection of the exhaled gases
for analysis. The gas collection tube 250 is adapted to be coupled
to a gas sampling extension tube (not shown) that is similar to gas
sampling extension tube 150. As best seen in FIG. 25, the nasal
prongs 236, 238, the gas delivery prong 240 and the gas collection
tube 250 meet at a single junction, which is preferably minimized
to reduce void volume, thereby reducing mixing of the gases and
maintaining the response time.
[0068] FIG. 26 illustrates another cannula example, where a double
oxygen/carbon dioxide nasal cannula 332 includes a first pair of
nasal prongs 336 for insertion into nostrils N of the patient (SP).
First nasal prongs 3336 are connected to a first hollow tube 350,
which is adapted to be coupled to a gas delivery extension tube
(not shown) similar to gas delivery extension tube 140. First
hollow tube 350 is substantially perpendicular to first nasal
prongs 336. In addition, nasal cannula 332 has a second pair of
nasal prongs 338 for insertion into nostrils N. Second nasal prongs
338 are attached to a second hollow tube 340 in a substantially
perpendicular orientation. First nasal prongs 338 and first hollow
tube 350 are intended for the collection of exhaled gases from the
patient, while the second nasal prongs 338 and the second hollow
tube 340 are intended to deliver oxygen to the patient, so that
nasal cannula 32 is capable of simultaneous oxygen delivery and gas
collection.
[0069] Another illustrative example is shown in FIG. 27. In this
regard, a nasal cannula 476 has a pair of nasal prongs 478 for
insertion into the nostrils N of the patient (SP). Cannula 478
further includes an oral prong 480 for placement near the oral
cavity of the patient to form an oral/nasal cannula. Cannula 476
also has a gas collection tube 472 for collection of the exhaled
gases for analysis. Nasal prongs 478, oral prong 480 and gas
collection tube 472 meet at a single junction 484, which is
preferably minimized to reduce void volume. Although cannula 476
also features an oxygen tube 486 for lying near the nostrils N of
the patient (SP) and more preferably above or below the nostrils N
of the patient, substantially parallel with the upper lip of the
patient, oxygen is not delivered through a second set of nasal
prongs. Instead, oxygen tube 486 has two holes 488, through which
oxygen is delivered to the patient. Holes 488 are placed near the
nostrils of the patient yet do not enter the nostrils, thereby
preventing the delivered oxygen from entering as a forceful stream
of gases, which dilutes the exhaled gases and reduces the accuracy
of gas analysis.
[0070] FIG. 28 provides a detailed illustration of yet another
example of an oral/nasal cannula 596 according to the present
invention. FIG. 28 shows a portion of an oral/nasal cannula 596,
showing a section of a pair of nasal prongs 598 for receiving
exhaled carbon dioxide, an oxygen tube 500 and a pair of second
nasal prongs 502. As clearly illustrated, oxygen is delivered
through oxygen tube 500 and is then dispersed through second nasal
prongs 502. Preferably, the second nasal prongs 502 are constructed
from two cylinders, in order to ensure that oxygen is delivered to
the nostrils of the patient efficiently, yet is quickly dispersed
within the nasal cavity. The first cylinder is an inner cylinder
504, preferably made from a substantially porous hydrophobic
material. The material is preferably hydrophobic to prevent
absorption of moisture. Inner cylinder 504 is surrounded by an
outer cylinder 506, also preferably made from a substantially
porous hydrophobic material, such that oxygen is dispersed
throughout the nostrils of the patient, rather than entering the
nasal cavity as a highly pressurized stream of gas.
[0071] FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional view of the oxygen-delivery
portion of yet another exemplary oral/nasal cannula 620 according
to the present invention. In this example, cannula 620 has an
oxygen delivery tube 622 for delivery oxygen to two sets of outputs
624 and 626. Each set of outputs 624 and 626 includes at least two
outputs, although three are shown here for illustrative purposes,
without any intention of being limiting. Again the outputs could be
holes, with a porous screen, or nasal prongs as shown previously.
The advantage of this configuration is that oxygen is distributed
more evenly between both sets of outputs 624 and 626. Such a
situation arises because the resistance of both sets of outputs 624
and 626 to the flow of oxygen is much greater than the resistance
of the connecting portion of oxygen delivery tube 622.
[0072] FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the oxygen-delivery
portion of still yet another exemplary oral/nasal cannula 728
according to the present invention. The cannula 728 has an oxygen
delivery tube 730 for delivery oxygen to two sets of outputs 732
and 734. Each set of outputs 732 and 734 includes at least one
output, although only one is shown here for illustrative purposes,
without any intention of being limiting. Again, the outputs could
be holes, holes with a porous screen, or nasal prongs as shown
previously. Additionally, oxygen delivery tube 730 features a
centrally located input 736 for the delivery of oxygen. Preferably,
centrally located input 736 is located substantially equidistantly
to outputs 732 and 734. The advantage of this configuration is that
oxygen is distributed more evenly between both sets of outputs 732
and 734 even for their relatively lower resistance to air flow in
comparison to the resistance of oxygen delivery tube 730. Such a
situation arises because the resistance of each output 732 and 734
to the flow of oxygen is equal.
[0073] In summary then, while in the preferred embodiment of the
present invention a divided nasal cannula 132 was described as
having a septum or partition 154 to facilitate separating the
delivery gases from the exhaled gases, there is no intention of
limiting the scope of the present invention to this configuration
alone as other configurations are shown and contemplated by the
present invention.
[0074] Considering now the pair 116 of flexible earpiece members
144 and 152 in greater detail, as the earpiece members 144 and 152
are substantially identical, only earpiece member 144 will be
described hereinafter in greater detail.
[0075] As best seen in FIG. 23, earpiece member 144 is composed of
a soft flexible plastic material with an open recessed channel 146
that terminates at it front end 145 in a protection tip 147 having
a tube entrance hole 143, and at its rear end 149, in a locking
tube hole 148 that extends from a base portion of the channel 146
to a top lip portion of the channel 146. In this regard, the
locking tube hole 148 is generally an oval shaped hole. The shape
and orientation of the locking tube hole 148 relative to the distal
end of the open recessed channel 146 is an important feature of the
present invention as will be explained hereinafter in greater
detail. That is, the locking tube hole 148 cooperates with the gas
delivery tube 140 in such a manner so that when the gas delivery
tube 140 is slightly pulled upward, (near the locking tube hole 148
as best seen in FIG. 23, the tube 140 becomes lodged or locked
within the hole 148, thereby greatly reducing, if not completely
eliminating tube slippage from the earpiece 144.
[0076] As best seen in FIG. 23, the tube 134 is coupled between the
gas delivery extension tube 140 and the gas sampling extension tube
150. In this regard, the tube 134 has a greater diameter than the
extension tubes 140 and 150 respectively. This is an important
feature of the present invention as each individual tube entrance
hole, such as the tube entrance hole 143 of earpiece 144, has a
sufficiently large diameter to allow the extension tube 140 to pass
therethrough but not such a sufficiently large diameter to allow
the delivery/collection tube 134 to pass therethrough. In this
regard, earpiece 144 acts as a stop preventing the
delivery/collection tube from being captured in the earpiece.
144.
[0077] As best seen in FIG. 23, the tube 134 is coupled at its
proximate end to the gas sampling extension tube 150 whose distal
end is coupled in an airtight manner to the reduction connector
124. In this manner, a fluid or air path is established between the
oxygen source 14 and the nasal cannula assembly 110 when the
extension tube 150 is interconnected to the reduction connector
124. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
reduction connector 124 has been described as being attached to the
flexible tube member120. It should be understood however, by those
skilled in the art, that the reduction connector 124 could be
attached to the end of the extension tube 150 as part of the nasal
cannula assembly 110.
[0078] The extension tube 150 is slidably mounted to the earpiece
152 and cooperates with the earpiece 152 to further facilitate
supporting the cannula nosepiece 132. As the earpiece 152 is
similar in construction to the earpiece 144, earpiece 152 will not
be described hereinafter in greater detail. In a similar nature, as
the manner of adjusting the position of the cannula nosepiece 132
relative to the ear piece 152 is substantially similar as the
distance adjustment between the earpiece 144 and the cannula
nosepiece 132, no further disclosure relative to adjustment is
necessary except to mention, that when the extension tube 150 is
slightly pulled upward from the recessed channel within the
earpiece 152, the tube becomes secured within the earpiece 152 in
substantially the same manner as tube 140 becomes secured within
the earpiece 144.
[0079] Considering now the earpiece 144 in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 23-24, the earpiece 144 is composed of a soft
flexible plastic material that is non skin irritating and that is
sufficiently ridge to retain its shape so that it will remain
lodged between the head and a top back portion of the ear of the
patient when worn over extended periods of time. In this regard,
the texture and shape of the earpiece 144 permits the earpiece 144
to be worn while supporting the nasal cannula 132 without causing
any skin irritation. It should be understood by those skilled in
the art, that the earpiece 144 does not completely hook or loop
behind the ear of the patient, but instead only rests on the ear in
that small space that begins where the top portion of the ear
attaches to the head and then extends before dropping sharply
downward. The earpiece 144 is also configured to provide the
patient with a maximum degree of comfort when wearing the cannula
132 by supporting the cannula 132 from the extension tube 140 along
a support angle that extends between the distal end of the cannula
132 and the proximal tip 147 of the earpiece which is disposed in
the space between the ear and the head of the patient located at
the top front portion of the ear. This support angle is an angle of
about 30 degrees, which is a natural angle found in the face and
head structure of most people relative to the angle between the
base of the nose (where the cannula is disposed) and the front
portion of the ear (where the tip 147 of the earpiece 144 is
disposed when worn by the patient). To further enhance the comfort
of the patient when wearing the earpiece 144, the earpiece 144 is
further configured to be worn in the space between the head and a
top portion of the ear. In this regard, the earpiece has a width of
between about 5 mm and 10 mm to rest comfortably between the head
and ear of the patient (SP). A most preferred width is about 7.5 mm
which width allows the earpiece to be worn for extended periods of
time without causing any significant skin irritation to the patient
(SP).
[0080] Considering the earpiece 144 in still greater detail, the
earpiece 144 has a unitary construction that extends along it three
major sections that include: 1) its front or tube guiding portion
147, which is integrally connected to 2) its central or tube
retaining recessed channel portion 146, which is integrally
connected to 3) its rear or tube securing portion 149. The three
sections form a short generally U-shaped hook that has an overall
length that is only sufficient to be disposed in a limited space
that extends between the ear and the head at the front of the ear
extending rearward to where the ear falls sharply downward.
[0081] Considering now the front or tube guiding portion 147 in
greater detail, the front or tube guiding portion is identical in
construction to the front or tube guide portion 47. That is, the
tube guiding portion 147 has a centrally disposed tube guide hole
143 that extends from front to rear along the entire longitudinal
length of the tube guide portion 147. The tube guide hole 143 is
not round but instead it has a rounded bottom portion and a
straight top portion. This is an important feature of the present
invention as the tube guide portion 147 not only provides a front
bridge that guides the extension tube 140 into the recessed channel
portion 146 of the earpiece 144 but the tube guide portion retains
the extension tube 140 within the earpiece. The entrance shape and
exit shape of the hole 143 also helps to prevent the extension tube
140 from snagging or being crimped, thereby assure the free flow of
gases.
[0082] Considering now the central portion 146 in greater detail,
the central portion has a general U-shape with a radius of about 28
degrees. This radius angle is important as it allows the extension
tube 140 to be extended to the cannula 132 at about a 30-degree
angle as noted earlier. This U-shape also helps to assure the
extension tube is captured within the recessed channel and held for
sliding movement.
[0083] Considering now the its rear or tube securing portion 149 of
the earpiece in greater detail, the rear portion 149 is identical
in structure to the rear portion of earpiece 44 and includes a
bridge 160, an exit hole 162, an oval shaped tube locking hole 148
and a ramp 164. The locking hole 148, the bridge 160, the exit hole
162, and the ramp 164 cooperate to retain the extension tube 140
within the earpiece 144 as well as to help secure the extension
tube 140 within the earpiece 144 so that the extension tube, does
not crimp nor slip out of the earpiece. It should be understood by
those skilled in the art, that the unique structure of the earpiece
prevents the extension tube from being accidentally released from
it fixed position. This is an important feature of the present
invention as the earpieces secure the cannula 132 in a fixed
position so there is substantially no migration thereby greatly
reducing if not substantially eliminating creating irritation spots
on the skin of the patient.
[0084] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different
modifications are possible and are contemplated within the true
spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the earpiece
support tube 40 described as having its distal end plugged with a
removable plastic stop 42 could also be crimped or clamped at its
distal end to provide an airtight seal preventing fluid from
escaping from the distal end of the tube 40. As another example,
the securing arrangement 22 is described as being constructed of
all plastic parts could also have metal parts. Based on the
foregoing, there is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the
exact abstract or disclosure herein presented.
* * * * *