U.S. patent application number 11/270946 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-23 for medical device for overcoming airway obstruction.
Invention is credited to Simon Jacob Frank.
Application Number | 20060060205 11/270946 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35967991 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060060205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frank; Simon Jacob |
March 23, 2006 |
Medical device for overcoming airway obstruction
Abstract
A medical device for overcoming upper airway obstruction when a
patient is placed in a supine position, featuring a flat
rectangular support base that attaches to the support frame
perpendicularly, and a variation of lower jaw supports that attach
to the support frame after encircling the patient's lower jaw.
Inventors: |
Frank; Simon Jacob; (Davie,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RUBEN ALCOBA, ESQ.
2100 W. 76TH STREET
SUITE 413
HIALEAH
FL
33016
US
|
Family ID: |
35967991 |
Appl. No.: |
11/270946 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11125381 |
May 8, 2005 |
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11270946 |
Nov 10, 2005 |
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10901720 |
Jul 29, 2004 |
6926007 |
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11125381 |
May 8, 2005 |
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10610399 |
Jun 30, 2003 |
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10901720 |
Jul 29, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/846 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0694 20140204;
A61M 2209/084 20130101; A61F 5/3707 20130101; A61M 16/0683
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/846 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/37 20060101
A61F005/37; A61F 13/00 20060101 A61F013/00 |
Claims
1. A medical device used to overcome upper airway obstruction when
a patient is placed in a supine position comprising: a flat
rectangular support base; a support frame having a superior and
lateral sides, and the support frames lateral sides attach
perpendicularly to the flat rectangular support base, wherein the
superior and lateral sides of the support frame define a plurality
of holes; a hammock, the hammock comprising of a chin support, two
cables, and four attachment means, wherein the chin support defines
two tubular channels on the chin support's lateral sides, and
wherein the each cable is strung through each tubular channel so
that each cable's end flow from each side of the tubular channel,
and wherein each attachment means attaches to each end of the
cables, and each of the cable's attachments means of the hammock
attaches to the lateral sides of the support frame so that each
cable solely touches one side of the lateral support frame.
2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the flat rectangular
support base has an insertion side on the flat rectangular support
base, and the support frame has a reception site on each of the
lateral sides of the support frame, wherein the insertion side of
the flat rectangular support base is inserted within the reception
site of the support frame.
3. The medical device of claim 2, further comprising four receiving
attachment means, each receiving attachment means having a U-joint
end and a receiving end, the receiving end comprising of a hook and
loop material, wherein the four receiving attachment means are
placed on the lateral sides of the support frame so that each
lateral support frame has two receiving attachment means, and
wherein each receiving end of the receiving attachment means
attaches to each of the cable's attachment means.
4. The medical device of claim 3, wherein each of the receiving
ends of the receiving attachments means and each of the cable's
attachment means are made of a hook and loop material.
5. The medical device of claim 4, further comprising an anesthesia
hose support having a peg side and support side, wherein the
anesthesia support peg side is inserted into one of the holes of
the superior side of the support frame.
6. The medical device of claim 5, further comprising two lateral
plates, having two sides, a flat side and a U-shaped side, that
slide along the lateral sides of the support frame and run flush
with the lateral sides of the support base, until the U-shaped side
of the lateral plates is flush with the lateral sides of the
support frame.
7. The medical device of claim 6, further comprising an anesthesia
hose support having a peg side and support side, wherein the
anesthesia support peg side is inserted into one of the holes of
the superior sides of the support frame.
8. The medical device of claim 7, further comprising two lateral
plates, having two sides, a flat side and a U-shaped side, that
slide along the lateral sides of the support frame and run flush
with the lateral sides of the support base, until the U-shaped side
of the lateral plates is flush with the lateral sides of the
support frame.
9. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the harness comprises of
a rectangular chin support, having a midpoint and two ends, four
cables, and four cable attachment means, wherein the chin support
defines four apertures located on each of the corners of the
hammock, and wherein each cable is secured to the hammock at each
aperture location by means known in the art, and wherein each cable
attachment means attaches to each end of the cables, and each of
the cable's attachments means of the hammock attach to the lateral
sides of the support frame.
10. The medical device of claim 9, further comprises of a middle
strap 604 running perpendicularly from a midpoint of the harness,
the middle strap having a middle slit, and the middle strap further
defining a strap aperture on the end not connected to the harness,
a strap cable is secured to the strap aperture by means known in
the art, a strap cable attachment means attached to the strap
cable, and the strap cable attachment means attached to the
superior side of the support frame.
11. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a U-shaped
sleeve, having an inner and an outer side, mounted on the support
frame, wherein the outer side of the sleeve is made of hook and
loop material and the inner side of the sleeve is made of a rigid
material.
12. The medical device of claim 2, further comprising a U-shaped
sleeve, having an inner and an outer side, mounted on the support
frame, wherein the outer side of the sleeve is made of hook and
loop material and the inner side of the sleeve is made of a rigid
material.
13. The medical device of claim 9, further comprising a U-shaped
sleeve, having an inner and an outer side, mounted on the support
frame, wherein the outer side of the sleeve is made of hook and
loop material and the inner side of the sleeve is made of a rigid
material.
14. The medical device of claim 10, further comprising a U-shaped
sleeve, having an inner and an outer side, mounted on the support
frame, wherein the outer side of the sleeve is made of hook and
loop material and the inner side of the sleeve is made of a rigid
material.
15. The medical device of claim 1, in which the flat rectangular
support base has two vertical reception extensions, wherein each
vertical reception extension is located on each corner of the one
side of the flat rectangular support base, and the support frame
lateral side's free ends 104d are inserted within the vertical
reception extensions.
16. The medical device of claim 9, in which the flat rectangular
support base has two vertical reception extensions, wherein each
vertical reception extension is located on each corner of the one
side of the flat rectangular support base, and the support frame
lateral side's free ends 104d are inserted within the vertical
reception extensions.
17. The medical device of claim 10, in which the flat rectangular
support base has two vertical reception extensions, wherein each
vertical reception extension is located on each corner of the one
side of the flat rectangular support base, and the support frame
lateral side's free ends 104d are inserted within the vertical
reception extensions.
18. A method of using the medical device of claim 1, which
comprises the steps of: placing a patient's head on the rectangular
support base; next placing the chin support of the hammock around
the lower jaw of a patient so that tubular channels of the chin
support are approximately parallel to the sides of the face of the
patient; and lastly, adjusting the cable's attachment means so that
when the cable's attachment means are attached to the support frame
of the medical device, an upward pull is created on the lower jaw
of the patient.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES
[0001] The present application is a divisional of my application
Ser. No. 11/125,381 filed May 8, 2005 entitled "Medical Device for
Overcoming Airway Obstruction," which is currently pending
(attorney docket number 10020B) and is a continuation in part of my
application Ser. No. 10/901,720 filed Jul. 29, 2004, entitled
"Medical Device for Overcoming Airway Obstruction," which issued on
Aug. 29, 2005 and has been assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,007 B2 and
is a continuation of my application Ser. No. 10/610,399 filed Jun.
30, 2003, currently pending (attorney docket number 10020). All of
these applications are incorporated herein by this reference which
are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present
invention by their mention in the background.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Obstruction of the upper airway by the tongue is a common
complication when a sedated or unconscious patient is lying in the
supine position. The causes of unconsciousness may be sedation,
anesthesia, head trauma, drug overdose or any of a multitude of
medical causes. The patient may be in any emergency situation. The
direct cause is that gravity pulls the person's tongue downwards
(towards the cervical spine) and the tongue obstructs the airway
and impedes respiration, partially or completely. The airway
obstruction discussed above might cause a life-threatening
situation if the airway obstruction is not urgently cleared, for
hypoxemia and death can quickly ensue.
[0003] Anesthesiologists commonly overcome airway obstruction by
tilting the patient's head backwards and pulling the chin up
towards the ceiling and away from the body (cephalad). Obstruction
of the airway is overcome because the base of the tongue is
attached to the mandible, and by pulling the chin upward the tongue
will be simultaneously pulled upward. This practice is very
fatiguing and restricts the anesthesiologist's or emergency
responder's ability to perform other functions that require two
free hands.
[0004] An upper airway can also be maintained open by inserting
various medical tubes into the airway, for example,
nasal-pharyngeal, oral-pharyngeal, laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and
the cuffed oral pharyngeal. But as of today, there are no medical
devices in common use that attach externally to the face that will
maintain an open upper airway.
[0005] In the past, medical personnel have attempted to use
surgical tape to attempt to maintain an open upper airway.
Anesthesiologist would secure tape around the chin of a patient and
then attach the ends of the tape to an operating room table. Tape
procedures are unsatisfactory, for the tape attachment pulls back
and downwards and do not provide the upward pull required on the
chin to maintain an open upper airway. Tape quickly stretches and
traction is lost. Tape is not sufficiently adherent to cope with
the traction forces and detaches. Other complications with this
procedure are skin trauma and eye damage. The tape passes close to
the patient's eyes and contact with the eye is unavoidable if the
patient coughs or turns the head. The method of attaching tape to
the operating room table cannot be used to manage an obstructed
airway outside of the operating room, example, at a roadside motor
vehicle accident or during subsequent transportation to
hospital.
[0006] Chin props comprising a ball on the end of an arm secured to
the operating room table have also been used to push the chin up.
They too have proven to be unsatisfactory and are not commonly
used, because they are large and cumbersome and get in the way of
surgeons operating on the upper body. Furthermore, if misapplied
they may constrict the airway. Chin props with complex mechanisms
that attach to suitable operating tables, cannot be used to manage
an obstructed airway outside of the operating room, for example, at
a roadside motor vehicle accident or during subsequent
transportation to hospital.
[0007] Information relevant to attempts to address these problems
can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,494,048, 6,200,285 B1, and
6,196,224 B1. However, each one of these references suffers from
one or more of the following disadvantages: [0008] 1. Can cause eye
damage and skin trauma; [0009] 2. Require attachment to suitable
operating tables; [0010] 3. Obstruct the attendant's view of the
patient; [0011] 4. Do not provide sufficient upward leverage to the
chin; [0012] 5. Do not lend themselves to use in accident
situations; [0013] 6. Do not effectively overcome airway
obstruction; and [0014] 7. Difficulties in removal of devices,
should immediate endotracheal intubation be required.
[0015] Inside and outside the operating room, an urgent need exists
for equipment that overcomes upper airway obstruction and maintains
an open upper airway. This equipment should be compatible with and
improve the effectiveness of oral-pharyngeal and nasal-pharyngeal
airways and face masks. In the operating room, such equipment would
allow mask anesthesia to be used for sedated and anesthetized
patients instead of general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation
with immediate cost savings. Outside the operating room, a need
exists for portable, compact equipment that can overcome upper
airway obstruction and maintain an open airway and that can be used
in cramped quarters such as an ambulance, a hyperbaric chamber and
an MRI chamber.
[0016] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a medical
device is safe and reliable that will overcome upper airway
obstruction and that will maintain an open airway in the
anesthetized and sedated patient lying in a supine position in an
operating room and any unconscious patient lying in the supine
position at any site. To be effective, the equipment should be safe
and easy to use and reliable. The equipment should free up the
operators' hands; render oral and nasal pharyngeal airways more
effective and not interfere with but facilitate the use of a face
mask. The equipment should be free standing, compact and
portable.
SUMMARY
[0017] The present invention is directed to a medical device that
assists in overcoming airway obstruction and maintaining an open
airway when a patient, who may or may not be anesthetized, is
unconscious and placed in the supine position. This device
satisfies the following needs: [0018] 1. It frees the
practitioner's hands to do other tasks; [0019] 2. Does not obstruct
the view and allows the practitioner to visually monitor the
patient; [0020] 3. It is a compact and portable device; [0021] 4.
It does not cause eye damage or skin trauma; [0022] 5. Does not
require the use of specific operating room tables when operating
the device; and [0023] 6. Allows for the easy removal of the device
should the patient vomit or emergency endotracheal intubation be
required.
[0024] The medical device for overcoming airway obstruction
comprises of a rectangular cradle that has first and second
portions, wherein the first portion has a length that is at least a
distance that allows a patient's head to rest on and act as an
anchor to the cradle and the second portion has a length that is at
least a distance that allows a band to be placed under a patient's
chin and encircle the second portion so that an upward pull can be
generated on the chin by the band when the second portion is placed
in a perpendicular position to the first portion, and the cradle's
width is at least a distance that allows for the clearance of a
patient's side facial features when the patient's head rests on the
first portion of the cradle and a band is made to encircle the chin
of a patient and attach to the second portion of the cradle; and a
band that attaches to the second portion of the cradle when the
second portion is perpendicular to the first portion.
[0025] One of the many advantages of this invention is the
simplicity of its construction. The fact that the two main elements
of this invention are a perpendicular portions and a band that can
be easy attached to one of the portions of the plate after
encircling the chin of a patient whose head rests on the other
portion of the cradle after being placed in a supine position,
attest to the simplicity of construction and use of this device.
This invention takes precautions in preventing injuries that have
been previously caused by the prior art, for example, eye damage or
skin trauma. This invention also aids those in the emergency
transportation field, for they need to have the maximum use of
their hands when dealing with other aspects of emergency situations
facing them. In addition, not having to worry whether the patient
is breathing properly can allow emergency personnel to care for
other injuries sustained by the patient and to attend to other
patients.
[0026] A further advantage to this invention is that it is a
stand-alone medical device. The device does not need to be attached
to any supporting devices to become operable. When a patient's head
is made to rest on one of the surfaces of the perpendicular
portion, the weight of the patient's head on the portion is
sufficient to secure the cradle so that an upward pull on the chin
created between a band attached to the sides of the cradle not
carrying the weight of the patient's head and the patient's chin
will be maintained during the use of this device. Remember, as long
as this upward pull is maintained, the upper airway will be
maintained open, thus it is key that the tension created with this
device not be compromised and this is easily solved by using the
weight of the patient's head as the anchor to the device.
[0027] Yet another advantage to this invention is the placement of
the band on the second portion insures that the band does not come
in contact with the patient's eyes, this is very important for one
cannot prevent coughing and other involuntary movements of the
head.
DRAWINGS
[0028] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and drawings where:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the medical device in use
with a patient in a supine position;
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another version of the
medical device in use with a patient in a supine position;
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the medical device shown in FIG.
2, this view shows the second portion having an aperture within the
second portion;
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another version of the
present invention, this embodiment has a means for pivoting the
portions and a locking means for maintaining the portions in a
perpendicular position;
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a perspective of how the mask would attach to
the first strap of the medical device and surround the nose and
mouth of a patient in a supine position;
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the
medical device in use with a patient in a supine position;
[0035] FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the t-band piece of the
medical device;
[0036] FIG. 8 shows a rear view of the medical device shown in FIG.
7;
[0037] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another version of the
medical device of the present invention with a peg and hole
configuration;
[0038] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another version of the
medical device of the present invention with an attachable
anesthesia hose support for accommodating an anesthetic hose;
[0039] FIG. 11a shows a chin pad;
[0040] FIG. 11b shows the chin pad of FIG. 11a placed on a patient
in a supine position;
[0041] FIG. 11c shows the chin pad of FIG. 11a and patient of FIG.
11b in use with an anesthetic mask and the T-band of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 12a shows a harness of another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIGS. 12b-c illustrate the harness of FIG. 12a in
respectively loosened and tightened positions;
[0044] FIG. 12d shows the harness of FIGS. 12a-c in use with a
patient in a supine position;
[0045] FIG. 13a shows the soft hook and loop attachment means of
the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 13b shows the rigid hook and loop attachment means of
the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 14a shows a hammock that is used with yet another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 14b shows the hammock of FIG. 14a in use with a patient
in a supine position;
[0049] FIG. 14c shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 14a
wherein the attachment means are fixed;
[0050] FIG. 14d shows the hammock of 14c further comprising of a
middle strap that runs perpendicular from the hammock and the strap
further defines a middle slit;
[0051] FIG. 15a-d illustrate yet another embodiment of the
presently claimed invention further including two lateral
plates;
[0052] FIG. 16a-b illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention showing the support plate and the flat rectangular
support base detached;
[0053] FIG. 17a-b shows a further embodiment of the presently
claimed invention, highlighting how a support frame is attached to
a support base; and
[0054] FIG. 18 shows a U-shaped sleeve that is mounted on the
support frame of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, a medical device used to overcome upper
airway obstruction when a patient is in a supine position comprises
a flat rectangular cradle 10 that has a first 12 and a second
portion 14 wherein the first portion 12 has a length that is at
least a distance that allows a patient's head to rest on and act as
an anchor to the cradle and the second portion 14 is perpendicular
to the first portion 12 and has a length that is at least a
distance that allows a band 16 to be placed under a patient's chin
and encircle the second portion 14 so that an upward pull can be
generated on the chin by the band 16, and the cradle's width is at
least a distance that allows for the clearance of a patient's side
facial features when the patient's head rests on the first portion
12 of the cradle and a band 16 is made to encircle the chin of a
patient and attach to the second portion 14 of the cradle; and a
band 16 that attaches to the second portion 14 of the cradle when
the second portion 14 is perpendicular to the first portion 12.
[0056] The cradle can be made of wood, stainess steel, plastics or
polymers. The length of first 12 and second 14 portions of the
cradle must be at least a 1 to 1 ratio. The length of the first
portion 12 should be at least of a length that will allow a
patients head to rest on it and act as an anchor to the medical
device. The length of the second portion 14 should be of at least
of a length that will create an upward pull on the chin of a
patient when a band 16 is made to encircle the chin of the patient,
when a patient is placed in a supine position, and the second
portion 14 of the cradle 10. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the length of the portions will be eight inches to
twelve inches. Another embodiment of the invention has the first 12
and second 14 portions of the cradles being both eight inches in
length. The width of the portions is to be at least eight inches,
the preferred embodiment would have a width of twelve inches. The
width has to be of sufficient length to allow for the clearance of
the eyes when attaching the band 16 to the second portion 14 of the
portion 10. As seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the second portion 14 of
the cradle can define an aperture 14a that will merely make the
second portion of the cradles a physical skeleton to attach the
band 16 or straps yet to be defined.
[0057] The band can be made of an elastic material that has a
degree of tension sufficient to pull the weight of a person's chin
upward (when the patient is placed in a supine position) when
encircling the second portion of the cradle and the chin of the
patient. As seen in FIG. 2, the band 16 can also be made of fabric
and have two ends, if the band 16 is made of fabric, then it is
preferable that the ends of the bands 16a have either hook or pile
fasteners. When using a fabric band 16, it is essential that the
second portion 14 of the cradle have two receiving means 22 located
on opposite sides of the second portion 14 and running along the
length of the second portion 14 and situated a sufficient height to
allow for an upward pull to be generated on the chin of a patient
when the band 16 is placed around the chin of the patient and the
ends of the band 16a are attached to receiving means 22 of the
second portion 14 of the cradle. The receiving means 22 will also
comprise of either hook or pile fasteners, depending on what type
fasteners the ends of the band 16a utilize.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 2, the medical device can further comprise
of having a middle attachment means 18 attached second portion 14
of the cradle (middle attachment means 18 can simply be glued on to
the second portion 14), the middle attachment means 18 will attach
to the second portion 14 at the outer extremity of the second
portion 14a and be centered and run parallel along the width of the
cradle 10. The attachment means 18 can be made of a fabric and
contain hook or pile fasteners. The middle attachment means 18 is
attached to a first strap 20, the first strap 20 has either hook or
pile fasteners at its ends 20a (whether hook or pile fastener will
depend on what type of attachment means the ends are connecting
too). The first strap 20 will connect to the section (middle
juncture) of the band 16b surrounding the chin of the patient using
means known in the art (either hook or pile fasteners, this all
depends on what type of fasteners the band has at the middle
juncture of the band 16b to accommodate the connection). The first
strap might define a first strap slit 20b running parallel along
the length of the first strap. The first strap serves a duel
purpose, the first purpose is to further apply upward pressure to
the chin and the second purpose is to allow for the placement of a
mask 26 within the slit that would cover the mouth and nose of the
patient. The mask 26 would be used to provide either oxygen and/or
an anesthetic to the patient.
[0059] The medical device can further comprise a second strap 24,
the second strap 24 having attachment means located at the ends of
the strap 24a (the attachment means would be either hook or pile
fasteners). The second strap would encircle the rear of the
patient's neck and would attach to the middle juncture of the band
16b fasteners. The only purpose for the second strap 24 is to
secure the band 16 to the patient's chin, the invention does not
require the second strap 24, it is used only as a safety
precaution.
[0060] As seen in FIG. 4, another embodiment of the invention would
comprise of a pivoting means 34 for folding the medical device. The
pivoting means 34 would facilitate the transport of the device and
would most likely be used in the field by emergency personnel, such
as paramedics. The pivoting means 34 would connect the first 12 and
second 14 portions of the cradles and have a closed locking
position and an opening perpendicular locking position 36. The
locking means would be incorporated into the pivot by means known
in the art. As a safety precaution, the pivoting means, when placed
in the perpendicular position would be placed so that they would
not be able to rotate further than the perpendicular. This could
simply be accomplished by inserting a screw along side the pivot
(s) in either of the portions (allowing the head of the screw to be
raised at least a few centimeters above the pivot) so that the
portion not containing the screw could not be pivoted beyond the
perpendicular. All of the previous elements discussed could be
incorporated into this embodiment of the invention.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the medical
device 400 used to overcome upper airway obstruction when a patient
is in a supine position comprises a rectangular support base 412
that is attached to a support frame 414 by the pivoting means
described above; and a T-band 600, as illustrated in FIG. 7, that
attaches to the support frame 414 when the T-band 600 is placed
around the chin of a patient when the medical device 400 is
used.
[0062] The support frame 414 having a middle rod 402c that is
located in the middle of the superior edge of the support frame 414
and six superior rods 402b located on the superior edge of the
support frame 414, the superior rods 402b are positioned so that
they are equally spaced from the middle rod 402c and run toward the
outer edges of the support frame 414 in increments of one inch
starting from the middle rod 402c outward, more specifically, three
superior rods 402b are placed on each side of the middle rod 402c.
The middle rod 402c measuring at least 1/8 of an inch in diameter
and 1/4 of an inch in height. Each superior rod 402b measuring at
least 1/8 of an inch in diameter and 3/4 of an inch in height. The
support frame 414 further having 10 lateral rods 402a positioned on
the lateral edges of the support frame 414, wherein the first of
the lateral rods 402a is placed two inches from the superior edge
of the support frame 414 and the remaining lateral rods 402a are
positioned a distance of one inch from each other, more
specifically, five lateral rods 402a are placed on each of the
vertical sides of the support frame 414. Each lateral rod 402a
measuring at least 1/8 of an inch in diameter and 1/4 of an inch in
height. In this embodiment of the invention, the superior edge of
the support frame 414 shall have a length of 8 inches and the
lateral edges of the support frame 414 having a length of twelve
inches.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 7, the T-band 600 is a three sided strap,
wherein two sides 602 of the strap are perpendicular to a middle
side 604 of the strap and each side strap 602 measures at least
121/2 inches from where each side strap junctions with the middle
strap 604. The middle strap shall measure at least 131/2 inches
from where the middle strap 604 junctions to the side straps 602.
Each of the straps of the T-band 600 is at least 11/4 inches in
width. The T-band 600 further defines a middle slit 608 that is
defined within the middle strap 604 and runs from the junction of
the straps toward the end of the middle strap 604, the middle slit
608 being at least 51/2 inches in length. All of the straps shall
define at least six fenestrations 612 starting one inch from the
end of each strap and each fenestration 612 being 1/2 an inch apart
from each other, each fenestration shall be at least 3/16 of an
inch in diameter. The T-band 600 might further comprise an adhesive
layer 606 that is placed at the junction of the T-band 600 so that
the band bonds with the chin of patient when using the medical
device 400.
[0064] A method of overcoming upper airway obstruction when a
patient is in a supine position comprises the steps of placing the
above mentioned medical device 10 on a flat surface, resting the
back of a patient's head on the first portion 12 of the cradle, and
encircling the chin of the patient with the band 16 and attaching
the rest of the band to the second portion 14 of the cradle, the
band's attachment to the second portion 14 would be in a position
sufficiently high so that an upper pull can be generated on the
chin of the patient.
[0065] The above method describes the most rudimentary use of the
medical device described in this application. The medical device's
main purpose is to prevent the blockage of the upper airway. As
stated before, this is accomplished by pulling the chin up and away
from the body. The band 16 pulls the chin upward and the second
portion 14 of the cradle is used to ensure that the pressure
applied to the chin is maintained while freeing the hands of the
practitioner. The medical device can also be used as means to
secure a mask 26 to the face of a patient.
[0066] In another embodiment of this invention, As seen in FIGS.
9-11c, the medical device 100 used to overcome upper airway
obstruction when a patient is placed in a supine position comprises
a flat rectangular support base 102, a support frame 104 having
superior 104a and lateral 104b sides attached perpendicularly to
the flat rectangular support base 102, wherein the superior 104a
and lateral sides 104b of the support frame 104 define a plurality
of holes 105, a plurality of pegs 103 inserted into the holes 105
of the support frame 104, a T-band 110 attached to the pegs 103
inserted to the support frame 104 when the T-band 110 is placed
around the chin of a patient, wherein the T-band 110 has a hook and
loop material 110a (not seen in FIG. 11c) fixedly placed on the
cross section of the T-band 110 that is placed around the chin of
the patient, and a chin pad 108 having two sides, wherein one side
is made of adhesive material and the other side having a loop and
hook material, the chin pad's 108 side with the hook and loop
material attaches to the cross section of the T-band 110a having
the hook and loop material prior to placing the T-band 110 around
the chin of the patient.
[0067] The embodiment of FIGS. 9-11c can further comprise of an
anesthesia hose support 106 having a peg side 106b and a support
side 106a, wherein the anesthesia support peg side 106b is inserted
into one of the holes 105 of the superior side 104a of the support
frame 104.
[0068] The embodiment of FIGS. 9-11c can further comprise of two
lateral plates as seen in FIGS. 15a-15d, each lateral plate 120
having two sides, a flat side 120b and a U-shaped side 120a, that
slide along the lateral sides 104b of the support frame 104 and run
flush with the lateral sides of the support base 102, until the
U-shaped side 120a of the lateral plates is flush with the lateral
sides 104b of the support frame 104. The plates may be made of
stainless steel or any other material known in the medical
field.
[0069] A method of using the invention in FIGS. 9-11c, which
comprises the steps of first placing a patient's head on the
rectangular support base 102, then placing a chin pad 108 around
the chin of the patient so that the hook and loop material of the
chin pad does not face the chin of the patient, then placing the
cross section 110a of the T-band 110 around the chin pad 108, and
lastly, attaching the ends of the T-band 110 to the support frame
104 so that an upper pull is created on the lower jaw of the
patient.
[0070] Yet another embodiment of the invention is seen in FIGS.
12a-d, the medical device 100 used to overcome upper airway
obstruction when a patient is placed in a supine position comprises
a flat rectangular support base 102, a support frame 104, having
superior 104a and lateral 104b sides, attached perpendicularly to
the flat rectangular support base 102, wherein the superior 104a
and lateral sides 104b of the support frame 104 define a plurality
of holes 105, a harness 200, having a headband section 202, the
headband section 202 having a front 202a and a rear 202b section,
and two belt sections 204, each belt section 204 having a fixed end
204a and an adjustable end 204b, wherein the headband section 202
defines two apertures 202c in the rear of the headband 202b section
and further comprises of two tension strips 206, each tension strip
206 having a fixed end 206a and an adjustable end 206b, wherein the
fixed ends 206a of the tension strips 206 are attached on the
headband section 202 at locations that are flush with the outer
sides of the apertures 202c and the tension strips 206 run toward
the front 202a of the headband section 202, and wherein each belt
section 204 is fixedly attached to the front section 202a of the
headband section 202 and the belt sections 204 are further fixedly
attached to each other to form an x-junction 204c between the belt
sections 204 and wherein the adjustable ends of the belt sections
204b are threaded through the apertures 202c of the headband
section 202, the adjustable ends of the belt sections 204b of the
harness 200 attach to the lateral sides 104b of the support frame
104. In the above embodiment, the adjustable ends of the belt
sections 204b of the harness 200 comprise of hook and loop
materials. The adjustable ends 206b of the tension strips 206
attach to receiving headband sections 202d using hook and loop
materials. Other methods of attaching the adjustable ends of the
belt section 204b of the harness 200 to the support frame 104b and
the tension strips 206 to the headband 202 are well known in the
art.
[0071] The embodiment of FIGS. 12a-d can further comprise of two
lateral plates as seen in FIG. 15a-15d, each lateral plate 120
having two sides, a flat side 120b and a U-shaped side 120a, that
slide along the lateral sides 104b of the support frame 104 and run
flush with the lateral sides of the support base 102, until the
U-shaped side 120a of the lateral plates is flush with the lateral
sides 104b of the support frame 104. The plates may be made of
stainless steel or any other material known in the medical
field.
[0072] The above embodiment of the invention can further comprise
of an anesthesia hose support 106 having a peg side 106b and
support side 106a, wherein the anesthesia support peg side 106b is
inserted into one of the holes 105 of the superior side of the
support frame 104a.
[0073] A method of using the invention in FIGS. 12a-d, which
comprises the steps of first placing a harness 200 around the head
of a patient so that the adjustable ends 204b of the belts of the
harness 200 flow from the back of the neck of the patient, next,
resting the back of the patients head on the support base 102,
then, pulling the adjustable ends 204b of the belts and then
crossing them under the lower jaw of the patient so that an upward
pull is created on the lower jaw of the patient, and lastly
securing the adjustable ends 204b of the belts of the harness 200
to the lateral sides of the support frame 104b.
[0074] A further embodiment of the current invention is seen in
FIGS. 13a-14b, the medical device 300 used to overcome upper airway
obstruction when a patient is placed in a supine position comprises
a flat rectangular support base 102, a support frame 104 having
superior 104a and lateral 104b sides attached perpendicularly to
the flat rectangular support base 102, wherein the superior 104a
and lateral sides 104b of the support frame 104 define a plurality
of holes 105, a hammock 302, the hammock 302 comprising of a chin
support 304, two cables 306, and four cable attachment means 308,
wherein the chin support 304 defines two tubular channels 304a on
the chin support's lateral sides, and wherein each cable 306 is
strung through each tubular channel 304a so that each cable's end
flow from each side of the tubular channel 304a, and wherein each
attachment means 308 attaches to each end of the cables 306, and
each of the cable's attachments means 308 of the hammock 302 attach
to the lateral sides 104b of the support frame 104 so that each
cable 306 solely touches one side of the lateral support frame
104b.
[0075] The hammock of FIGS. 14a-b can comprise of another
embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 14c-d, wherein a hammock 600,
comprises of a rectangular chin support 602, having a midpoint 602c
and two ends 602d, four cables 608, and four cable attachment means
610, wherein the chin support 602 defines four apertures 602a
located on each of the corners of the hammock, and wherein each
cable 608 is secured to the hammock 602 at each aperture 602a
location by means known in the art, and wherein each cable
attachment means 610 attaches to each end of the cables 608, and
each of the cable's attachments means 610 of the hammock 602 attach
to the lateral sides 104b of the support frame 104. This embodiment
can further comprise of the harness having a middle strap 604
running perpendicularly from a midpoint of the harness 602, the
middle strap 604 having a middle slit 604a, and the middle strap
604 further defining a strap aperture 604b on the end not connected
to the harness 602, a strap cable 614 is secured to the strap
aperture 604b by means known in the art, a strap cable attachment
means 612 attached to the strap cable 614, and the strap cable
attachment means attaches to the superior side of the support frame
104a.
[0076] As seen in FIG. 13a, this embodiment can further comprise of
four flexible receiving attachment means 309, each receiving
attachment means 309 having a securing end 309b and a receiving end
309a, both ends made of hook and loop material, wherein the four
flexible receiving attachment means 309 are secured around the
lateral sides of the support frame 104b so that each lateral
support frame 104b is attached to two of the flexible receiving
attachment means 309, and wherein each receiving end 309a of the
receiving attachment means 309 attaches to each of the cable's
attachment means 308.
[0077] As seen in FIG. 13b, this embodiment can further comprise of
four rigid receiving attachment means 310, each receiving
attachment means 310 having a U-joint end 310a and a receiving end
310b, the receiving end 310b comprising of a hook and loop
material, wherein the four rigid receiving attachment means 310 are
placed on the lateral sides of the support frame 104b so that each
lateral support frame 104b is attached to two of the rigid
receiving attachment means 310, and wherein each receiving end 310b
of the receiving attachment means 310 attaches to each of the
cable's attachment means 308.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment of the above invention, the
receiving ends 310b of the receiving attachments means 310 and each
of the cable's attachment means 308 are made of a hook and loop
material.
[0079] The embodiment of FIGS. 13a-14b can further comprise of two
lateral plates as seen in FIGS. 15a-15d, each lateral plate 120
having two sides, a flat side 120b and a U-shaped side 120a, that
slide along the lateral sides 104b of the support frame 104 and run
flush with the lateral sides of the support base 102, until the
U-shaped side 120a of the lateral plates is flush with the lateral
sides 104b of the support frame 104. The plates may be made of
stainless steel or any other material known in the medical
field.
[0080] The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 13a-14b can
further comprise of an anesthesia hose support 106 having a peg
side 106b and support side 106a, wherein the anesthesia support peg
side 106b is inserted into one of the holes 105 of the superior
side of the support frame 104a.
[0081] A method of using the invention in FIGS. 13a-14b, which
comprises the steps of first placing a patient's head on the
rectangular support base 102, next placing the chin support 304 of
the hammock 302 around the lower jaw of a patient so that tubular
channels 304a of the chin support 304 are approximately parallel to
the sides of the face of the patient, and lastly, adjusting the
cable's attachment means 308 so that when the cable's attachment
means 308 are attached to the support frame 104b of the medical
device 300, an upward pull is created on the lower jaw of the
patient.
[0082] The inventions of FIGS. 9-15d, as seen in FIG. 16a-16b,
might further comprise the flat rectangular support base 102 having
an insertion side 102a on the flat rectangular support base 102,
and the support frame 104 further defining a reception site 104c on
each of the lateral sides of the support frame 104, wherein the
insertion side of the flat rectangular support base 102a is
inserted within the reception site 104c of the support frame
104.
[0083] In another embodiment of the present inventions, as seen in
FIGS. 17a-b, the flat rectangular support base 102 has two vertical
reception extensions 102b, wherein each vertical reception
extension 102b is located on each corner of the one side of the
flat rectangular support base 102, and the support frame lateral
side's free ends 104d are inserted within the vertical reception
extensions 102b.
[0084] In yet a further embodiment of the present inventions, as
seen in FIG. 18, a U-shaped sleeve 130, having an inner 130a and an
outer side 130b, is mounted on the support frame 104, wherein the
outer side 130b of the sleeve is made of hook and loop material and
the inner side 130a of the sleeve 130 is made of a rigid
material.
[0085] An advantage of the present invention is that a patient's
eyes are never in danger of being damaged, for when the band is
placed to encircle the chin of the patient and then attached to the
second portion of the cradle, the band attaches to the second
portion of the cradle at a position that does not allow the band to
rub against the eyes.
[0086] Another advantage of the present invention is that when
using the embodiment that defines an aperture in the second portion
of the cradle, a patient can be monitored from behind the patient,
there is no obstruction to seeing the patient.
[0087] A further advantage of the present invention is that it is
compact and rudimentary in its nature. The device can be made
operational by simply placing the device on a flat surface, placing
a patient's head on the device (the patient being in a supine
position) and encircling an elastic band around the patient's chin
and the second portion of the cradle.
[0088] An advantage of using the invention of FIGS. 9-11c is that
it allow medical personnel to have a choice where to attach the
T-band's ends to the support frame of the medical device. This
variation of the present invention also grants medical personnel
the ease of securing an anesthetic hose or any other types of
attachable devices to any side of the support frame. An advantage
of using the chin pad is that it improves the traction of the
T-band when exerting force on the lower jaw, thereby preventing the
T-band from slipping from the lower jaw. A further advantage of the
chin pad is that it protects the skin of the lower jaw from the
trauma caused by the contact with the band.
[0089] An advantage of using the invention of FIGS. 12a-d is that
the harness is secured to the head of the patient thereby reducing
the displacement that is generated when pulling on the skin of the
lower jaw when attaching the harness to the support frame. By
crossing the adjustable ends of the belt of the harness below the
lower jaw, a force of upward pressure is created within the belts
so that a greater force of traction is applied to the skin of the
lower jaw at the x-junction of the bands, when an upward pulling
force is applied to the ends of the harness belts when securing to
belts to the support frame.
[0090] An advantage of using the invention of FIGS. 13a-14b is the
simplicity of its use and the hammock's low cost of production. The
configuration of the cables with relation to the support frame when
the patient is placed in traction prevents the hammock from
slipping of the lower jaw of the patient.
[0091] When using the two lateral plates, all of the above
inventions have the advantage of allowing medical personnel to
stabilize the head of a patient, while providing upper airway
management, when transporting a patient.
[0092] An advantage of using the detachable support base and the
support frame with the current invention is that it allows for ease
in portability, transport, and storage.
[0093] Yet a further advantage to the device is that it does not
require attachment to other structures to become operational, it is
the ideal device for practitioners working in the field,
paramedics.
[0094] Another advantage of the invention is the simplicity in
which it can be taken off a patient should an emergency situation
arise, one would simply detach the band by pulling off the hook and
pile fasteners.
[0095] An advantage of using the embodiment of FIG. 18, is that it
promotes sterility, for the U-shaped sleeve can be disposable.
[0096] Finally, another advantage of this device is that it frees
the hands of the operator, thereby allowing the attendant to treat
other problems that the patient might be experiencing and to attend
to other patients.
[0097] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions
thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore the spirit and the
scope of the claims should not be limited to the description of the
preferred versions contained herein.
* * * * *