U.S. patent number 3,923,054 [Application Number 05/469,410] was granted by the patent office on 1975-12-02 for resuscitation device.
Invention is credited to George H. Bauer, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,923,054 |
Bauer, Jr. |
December 2, 1975 |
Resuscitation device
Abstract
A resuscitation device designed to allow one man to perform
external cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
simultaneously comprising an airway means having an operator mouth
piece means attached at one end and a patient mask attached to the
other end, flow regulating means disposed in operative position
between the operator mouth piece and the patient mask, and head
support means attachable to the patient mask means, whereby both
hands of the operator are free to perform other functions, such as
external cardiac massage, during the entire resuscitation
procedure.
Inventors: |
Bauer, Jr.; George H.
(Metairie, LA) |
Family
ID: |
23863680 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/469,410 |
Filed: |
May 13, 1974 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/202.18;
128/203.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M
16/0048 (20130101); A61M 2209/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61M
16/00 (20060101); A61M 016/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/145.5-145.8,146.3-146.5,146.7,28,30,30.2,142,1B |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gaudet; Richard A.
Assistant Examiner: Recla; Henry J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stein & Orman
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A resuscitation device of the type designed and constructed for
use by a single individual in rendering artificial respiration to a
victim, said device comprising: airway means; operator mouthpiece
means attached in fluid communicating relationship with said airway
means; patient mask means attached in fluid communicating
relationship with said airway means; flow-direction regulating
means disposed in operative position between said operator
mouthpiece means and said patient mask means providing a one-way
flow from said mouthpiece means to said patient mask means during
insufflation of the lungs of the victim and a one-way flow from
said patient mask means to the atmosphere during deflation of the
lungs of the victim; and head support means attached to said
patient mask means, said head support means comprising a base means
for supporting the head of the victim including longitudinal
adjustment means mounted thereon in parallel relation to a
longitudinal axis of said base means; and securing means attaching
said patient mask means to said adjustment means, whereby said
patient mask means may be removable and longitudinally adjustable
to said head support means.
2. A device as in claim 1 wherein said head support means further
comprises pillow means disposed on said base means in supporting
relation to the head of a patient.
3. A device as in claim 1 wherein said airway means comprises a
predetermined length and is formed from substantially flexible,
heat-resistant material.
4. A device as in claim 1 wherein said operator mouthpiece is
removably attachable to said airway means.
5. A device as in claim 1 wherein said patient mask means is
removably attachable to said airway means.
6. A device as in claim 1 wherein said flow direction regulating
means comprises a first valve means disposed within said operator
mouthpiece means and a second valve means disposed within said
patient mask means.
7. A device as in claim 6 wherein said first and second valve means
comprise first and second two-way valves, respectively.
8. A device as in claim 7 wherein said first valve means further
comprises a first aperture formed in a side wall of said first
valve means between the operator and said first two-way valve, and
wherein said second valve means further comprises a second aperture
formed in a side wall of said mask means between the patient and
said second two-way valve, whereby the flow of air through said
device defines a closed path from the atmosphere through said first
aperture to the operator, from the operator through said airway
means to the patient, and from the patient through said second
aperture to the atmosphere.
9. A device as in claim 8 wherein said first and second valve means
are detachable from said operator mouthpiece means and patient mask
means, respectively.
10. A device as in claim 1 wherein said patient mask means further
comprises retention means attached thereto, whereby said patient
mask means may be secured to the patient.
11. A device as in claim 1 wherein said base means includes drawer
means disposed therein, whereby accessories for said device may be
stored therein.
12. A device as in claim 1 wherein said pillow means comprises a
substantially rigid inner core and a relatively softer outer
portion disposed in substantially surrounding relation to said
inner core, both said inner core and said outer portion being
configured to supportingly engage the head of a patient in a
position conducive to artificial respiration.
13. A device as in claim 1 wherein said patient mask means further
comprises retention means attached thereto, said retention means
comprising a plurality of predetermined lengths of substantially
elastic material fixedly attached at one end thereof to
substantially opposite sides of said patient mask means, said
plurality of retention means further comprising buckle means
attached to each of the free ends thereof.
14. A device as in claim 13 wherein said securing means comprise a
plurality of strap means attached at one end thereof to
substantially opposite sides of said base means in corresponding
relation to said buckle means, whereby said head support means may
be removably attached to said patient mask means.
15. A device as in claim 13 wherein said adjustment means comprises
a plurality of adjustment tracks, each one of said plurality of
adjustment tracks being formed in a side wall of said base means in
substantially opposed relation one from another, said adjustment
means further comprising at least one release mechanism movably
disposed within each of said plurality of adjustment tracks, at
least one of said release mechanisms further including a female
connector means mounted thereon, and wherein said securing means
comprises a plurality of strap means, at least one of said
plurality of said strap means including male connector means
attached to one end thereof whereby said one strap means may be
removably connected to said one release mechanism, the remainder of
said plurality of said strap means attached at one end thereof to
the remainder of said release mechanisms, free ends of said
plurality of strap means being in corresponding relation to said
buckle means, whereby said head support means may be removably and
adjustably attached to said patient mask means.
16. A device as in claim 15 wherein said adjustment tracks comprise
substantially L-shaped grooves including stop means comprising a
plurality of teeth means formed on the relatively narrow portion of
said base means defined by said grooves, and wherein said release
mechanisms comprise a body means including an aperture formed
therethrough, said aperture including an enlarged, substantially
cylindrical portion; a locking pin means extending through said
aperture, said locking pin means comprising a handle means formed
on one end thereof and locking head means correspondingly
configured as said adjustment tracks, and shaft means
interconnecting said handle means and said locking head means
through said aperture, said shaft means including shoulder means
formed thereon within said enlarged portion of said aperture; and
biasing means disposed with said enlarged portion in abutting
relation between one end of said enlarged portion and said shoulder
means, whereby said locking head means is normally urged into
engagement with said teeth means to hold said release mechanism at
predetermined points along said adjustment tracks.
17. A device as in claim 16 wherein said adjustment means further
comprises guide rails formed in a side wall of said base
substantially parallel to and coextensive with said adjustment
tracks, and wherein said release mechanisms further comprise guide
tips formed on said body means for cooperatively engaging said
guide rails.
18. A device as in claim 1 further comprising cover means removably
attachable to said base means, said cover means including hand
gripping means disposed thereon, and latch means mounted on the
open periphery thereof in engaging relation to said base means,
whereby said device may be conveniently carried.
19. A device as in claim 18 wherein said cover means further
comprises a plurality of bracket means mounted on the inside
thereof, whereby said airway means, said operator mouthpiece means,
said patient mask means and said flow regulating means may be held
inside said cover means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a resuscitation device of the type
designed and constructed for use by a single individual in
rendering artificial respiration. The device is constructed so that
both hands of the individual administering mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation are left free for performing other first aid
procedures. An external power source is not required in the
operation of the device of the subject invention.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The technique of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation where air is forced
directly into a victim's lungs in an effort to restore those organs
to their normal operation has long been recognized as an effective
life-saving technique. In the most simple form of administering
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, the individual endeavoring to assist
the party whose respiratory system has been temporarily disabled is
required to establish physical contact between his mouth and that
of the patient. As a result, there has been an understandable
reluctance on the part of some people to render such first aid
assistance. Of course, when such respiratory failure is also
accompanied by severe facial injury, this form of mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation is virtually impossible. In recognition of these and
various other obvious shortcomings of literal mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation, numerous devices have been built and are described
in the prior art for use in resuscitation where physical contact
between the operator and the victim is eliminated.
One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,899, relating
to an extremely sophisticated heart and lung resuscitator. The
device of that patent basically comprises a portable unit including
lung ventilation means and cardiac compression means, both
connected to a pneumatic control circuit which coordinates their
respective functions. The pneumatic control circuit is mounted
within a shoulder lift ordinarily placed beneath the shoulders and
upper back of the victim. By virtue of its construction, this
device provides for simultaneous ventilation of the victim's lungs
and external cardiac massage. Additionally, once the unit is
operational, the operator is free to perform other first aid
measures. However, the device of this patent contains several
inherent limitations.
First, and perhaps most important, the device of U.S. Pat. No.
3,509,899, is limited in its applicability by its dependence on a
pressurized source of ventilating gas. Absense or failure of the
oxygen tank would render the device virtually useless. Other
serious limitations derive directly from the complexity of the
pneumatic control circuit. This complexity not only increases the
cost of the device, but also compounds the difficulties of
maintenance and operation. Finally, as is apparent from studying
the patent, while the device is portable in that it does not depend
on any external power source other than an oxygen tank, it would
require a healthy adult operator to transport and operate it.
Other devices in aid of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,887,104, and 2,887,105. Actually, both these
patents relate to mask-to mask resuscitators for use in toxic
atmospheres. Neither of the devices disclosed in these patents
shows means for positioning the victim's head and neck in a
position conducive to resuscitation.
Finally, both U.S. Pat. No. 3,099,985, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,219,030,
disclose devices for use in mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Both
these patents are directed to the valve means of the respective
devices, and neither would free the hands of the operator for
performing first aid measures other than mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation. Specifically, neither of the devices of these
patents discloses means for securely attaching the resuscitator to
the victim, nor for positioning the victim in that position most
conducive to resuscitation efforts.
It is thus apparent that there is a great need in the art for a
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation device which incorporates a number of
desirable attributes. Because of its intended use in emergency
situations, such a device should be simple to operate and maintain.
Similarly, it should be truly portable, requiring no external power
source of any kind. For both aesthetic and health reasons it should
provide for a one-way flow of air from the operator to the victim.
So that it may be reasonably made available to all accident
victims, it must be of a simple construction which will be
inexpensive to manufacture. Finally, since emergency situations
often require treatment in addition to mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation, the hands of the operator must be left free to
perform other lifesaving functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a resuscitation device designed and
constructed so as to allow one man to perform, simultaneously,
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and other first aid measures, such as
external cardiac massage. Heretofore, two persons have been
required to perform these separate tasks efficiently. The device of
the present invention is designed to keep the hands of the operator
free at all times and to be efficiently, easily and rapidly used,
sanitary, portable and inexpensive. No external power source is
required for the operation of the device of this invention.
The resuscitation device basically comprises airway means, an
operator mouthpiece means attached to one end of the airway,
patient mask means attached to the other end of the airway, flow
regulating means disposed between the operator mouthpiece means and
the patient mask to control the flow of air therebetween, and head
support means attachable to the patient mask in such a way as to
hyperextend the patient's neck and thereby open his airway. As will
be described in more detail hereinafter, it should also be noted
that the entire resuscitation device is stored and transported
within a single box-like carrying case. Additionally, means may be
provided within the carrying case for storage of additional
emergency paraphernalia, such as a trecheostomy kit.
The airway of the present device preferably comprises a flexible
hose of approximately two to three feet in length. The hose's
flexibility not only allows for mobility of the operator during use
of the device, but also facilitates storage of the airway within
the carrying case. Of course, it should be obvious that the airway
should preferably be constructed from heat resistent material so
that it may be sterilized. Similarly, the operator mouthpiece
means, the patient mask means and the flow regulating means should
all be constructed from heat resistant, sterilizable material. In
the preferred embodiment of this invention, the flow regulating
means comprise a first valve means removably attachable between the
operator mouthpiece means and one end of the airway and a second
valve means removably attachable between the other end of the
airway and the patient mask means. Both the first and second valve
means are of generally the same construction, and, together, they
provide for a one-way flow of air through the airway from the
operator to the patient. That is, when the operator inhales through
the operator mouthpiece means, he inhales atmospheric air through
an opening formed in the side wall of the operator mouthpiece. When
the operator exhales, the first valve means functions to close this
hole in the operator mouthpiece and allow the air to pass through
the airway. When the operator is exhaling, the second valve means
allows the flow of air to pass through the patient mask means into
the patient's lungs. As the patient exhales, the second valve means
operates to close the airway and simultaneously expose an opening
to the atmosphere, whereby exhaled gases from the patient pass into
the atmosphere rather than back to the operator.
So that the patient mask means may be retained on the patient in a
position conducive to the administration of artificial respiration,
the patient mask further includes retention means attached thereto.
In the preferred embodiment, the retention means comprises at least
two predetermined lengths of substantially elastic material fixedly
attached at one end thereof to substantially opposite sides of the
patient mask means. Buckles are attached to each of the free ends
of the two elastic belts. In order to retain the patient mask means
on the patient, these buckles are engaged by correspondingly
disposed securing means attached to the base means of the
device.
In the preferred embodiment, this securing means comprise two
straps attached at one end thereof to substantially opposite sides
of the base means. It is the free ends of these straps that are
engaged by the buckles attached to the free ends of the retention
means in order to affix the patient mask means over the patient's
airway.
In order to pull the patient's jaw open, the base means of the
present invention further comprises adjustment means, whereby the
securing means is attached to the base means by engagement with the
adjustment means. The adjustment means of the present invention
comprises at least two adjustment tracks correspondingly formed in
side walls of the base means in substantially opposed relation one
from the other. The adjustment means further comprise at least one
release mechanism movably disposed within each of the tracks. At
least one of the release mechanisms further includes a female
connector means mounted thereon, and at least one of the strap
means includes a male connector means attached at one end thereof,
whereby that strap means may be removably connected to the
corresponding release mechanism. The remainder of the strap means
are fixedly attached at one end to the remainder of the release
mechanisms. As previously stated, the free ends of each of the
strap means are in corresponding relation to the patient mask means
buckle means, whereby the head support means may be both removably
and adjustably attached to the patient mask means.
It should also be noted that the head support means of the present
invention includes a pillow disposed on its upper surface in
supporting relation to the head of the patient. Preferably, this
pillow has a hard inner core to help maintain its shape and a soft
outer covering so as to conform to the contour of the patient's
head and neck better. Furthermore, storage means may be integrally
formed within the head support means for the purpose of making
other emergency equipment readily available.
In an emergency situation, where mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is
appropriate, the operator first removes the cover from the device
and then assembles the operator mouthpiece, the airway, the flow
regulating means and the patient mask. The resuscitator, after
having laid the patient's head on the pillow, then places the
patient mask over the patient's mouth and nose. The patient mask
retention means are then buckled to the corresponding strap means
forming a part of the securing means of the head support. The male
connector is then inserted into the female connector. The operator
then grasps the straps extending from the buckles of the patient
mask retention means and pulls the mask tight over the patient's
face. Finally, the operator depresses the release mechanisms of the
adjustment means with his palms and slides these mechanisms forward
(toward the operator) in such a way as to cause the bottom of the
patient mask to pull the patient's jaw open. It should be noted
that the retention means of the patient mask are formed of a
substantially elastic material, thus relieving the operator of the
necessity of making fine adjustments in the fit of the patient mask
to the patient. This entire installation procedure will take no
more than 5 to 10 seconds, and the operator is now ready to begin
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
The resuscitator then places the mouthpiece in his mouth and begins
his task of resuscitation. Of course, it is obvious that his hands
are now free to allow for other emergency procedures, such as
external cardiac massage. When the operator inhales, the first
valve means functions to close the airway while at the same time
opening an aperture in a side wall, whereby the operator inhales
atmospheric air. Exhalation by the operator serves to close this
aperture in the first valve means and simultaneously to position
the second valve means so that the air will pass directly into the
victim's lungs. When the victim exhales, the second valve means
functions to close the airway, while at the same time opening an
aperture to allow the exhaled gases to escape into the
atmosphere.
While the patient mask means of this device has been generally
described as fitting an adult victim, it should be obvious that a
child-sized mask would be an obvious substitute for the mask means
described herein.
Thus, by virtue of the structure of the present invention, there is
provided a mouth-to-mouth resuscitation device which is simple to
operate and maintain and is truly portable, requiring no external
power source. Furthermore, the present device is inexpensive to
manufacture, thereby increasing its potential availability to
accident victims. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the
construction of the present device is such that it may be used by a
single operator while still leaving the hands of the operator free
to perform other life-saving procedures. This, of course, allows
the second member of the usual two-man rescue team to provide care
to other injured persons.
This invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture
possessing the features, properties and the relation of elements
which will be exemplied in the article hereinafter described, and
the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the cover means of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the interior of the cover means, showing
the location and storage of various parts of the present
device.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of the present invention in
use.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary isometric view, partially in section, of an
adjustment track of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the adjustment track shown in FIG. 5
showing the placement of a release mechanism of the present
invention therein.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side view of a release mechanism of the
present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view, partially in section, of a release
mechanism of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a release mechanism including female
connector means mounted thereon showing a strap means including
male connector means attached thereto in engaging relation to the
release mechanism.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the drawer means of the present invention
showing a trecheostomy kit stored therein.
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary isometric view of another embodiment,
partially in section, of an adjustment track of the present
invention.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the adjustment
track shown in FIG. 5 showing the placement of a release mechanism
of the present invention therein.
FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment, partially in
section, of a release mechanism of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the operator mouthpiece means and
first valve means of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the second valve means of the
present invention.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring first to FIG. 3, this invention relates to a
resuscitation device generally indicated as 10, which is designed
and constructed so as to allow one man to perform mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation and other first aid measures simultaneously. The
device will hereinafter be described with particular reference to
its use on adult victims, but it should be obvious that it could be
modified easily, both for pediatric use and for use on victims
having severe facial or neck injuries. The resuscitation device
basically comprises airway means 12, an operator mouthpiece means
14 attached to one end 15 of airway 12, patient mask means 16
attached to the other end 17 of airway 12, flow regulating means
comprising first valve means 18 and second valve means 20 disposed
between the operator mouthpiece 14 and the patient mask 16 to
control the flow of air therebetween, and head support means
generally indicated as 22 attachable to patient mask 16. The entire
resuscitation device is stored and transported in a box-like
carrying case, the cover of which is generally indicated as 24 in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
Cover 24 includes handle means 26 and fasteners 28 and 30 disposed
on opposite sides 32 and 34, respectively, of cover 24. Fasteners
28 and 30 engage corresponding elements disposed on sides 36 and
38, respectively, of base means 40. As seen in FIG. 2, the top,
interior surface 42 of cover 24 includes a plurality of bracket
means 44 mounted thereon, whereby various parts of the resuscitator
device may be stored therein. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows bracket
means 44 disposed for storage of airway 12, operator mouthpiece 14
and first valve means 18, patient mask 16, pediatric mask 46, and
second valve means 20.
Operator mouthpiece 14, patient mask 16, first valve means 18,
second valve means 20, and airway 12 are all preferably formed from
heat-resistant material so that they may be sterilized.
Furthermore, airway 12 comprises a predetermined length
(approximately two feet) of flexible material. The flexibility of
airway 12 is important both for its storage and to allow the
operator freedom of movement while using the device. It could also
be noted that the peripheral edge 48 of patient mask 16 is flexible
so that an air-tight seal may be formed when it is placed over the
patient's mouth and nose.
The structure and operation of operator mouthpiece 14 and first
valve means 18 are best seen in FIG. 14. First valve means 18
comprises a first two-way valve 50 disposed within end 52 of first
valve 18, and a first aperture 54 formed in a side wall of first
valve means 18. A flap 56 is mounted for pivotal movement within
first valve means 18 in covering/uncovering relation to first
aperture 54, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 14. First two-way
valve 50 is similarly mounted for pivotal movement as shown by
arrows B. End 52 of first valve means 18 is removably attachable to
end 15 of airway 12. By virtue of this construction when the
operator inhales through mouthpiece 14 first two-way valve 50
closes and flap 56 falls, exposing aperture 54. This results in the
operator's inhaling fresh air through aperture 54. When the
operator exhales, flap 56 closes aperture 54 and first two-way
valve 50 opens to allow air to pass through airway 12.
Second valve means 20, best seen in FIG. 15, is constructed and
operated in substantially the same manner as first valve means 18.
The second valve means 20 is connected to end 17 of airway 12 by
inserting end 58 into end 17. It is connected to the patient mask
16 by inserting end 60 into female connector 62 formed on the
patient mask 16. Mounted within second valve means 20 for pivotal
movement is second two-way valve 64. A second aperture 66 is formed
in a side wall of second valve means 20 substantially adjacent end
60, and a flap 68 is disposed for pivotal movement in
covering/uncovering relation thereto. When the operator exhales
through airway 12, second two-way valve 64 opens, as shown by arrow
C, and flap 68 covers second aperture 66, as shown by arrow D. This
necessarily allows free passage of air into the victim. When the
operator ceases exhaling, flap 68 uncovers second aperture 66, and
second two-way valve 64 falls, as shown by arrows E and F
respectively. The victim can then exhale directly to the atmosphere
through second aperture 66, thereby preventing any contamination of
the operator.
As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, patient mask 16 further comprises
retention means comprising two predetermined lengths 70 and 72 of
elastic material fixedly attached at one end, 74 and 76
respectively to opposite sides of patient mask 16. Attached to the
free end of each length 70 and 72 are buckles 78 and 80.
Head support means 22 comprises base 40, pillow 82 disposed on base
40 in supporting relation to the patient's head, and securing means
generally indicated as 84 in FIG. 3 attached to base 40. If
desired, an accessory drawer 86 may be formed in base 40, as shown
in FIG. 3. Such a drawer 86 may be used, for example, for providing
ready access to a trecheostomy kit such as that generally indicated
as 88 in FIG. 10. Of course, drawer 86 is not limited in its
intended use to the storage of a trecheostomy kit but could be
utilized for the storage of any applicable accessory device.
As best seen in FIG. 4, pillow 82 preferably comprises a
substantially rigid inner core 90 and a relatively softer outer
portion 92 disposed in surrounding relation to inner core 90. Both
inner core 90 and outer portion 92 are configured to supportingly
engage the head of a patient in a position conducive to the
uninterrupted flow of air to the patient's lungs. More
specifically, pillow 82 is configured to allow the back of the
patient's head to rest relatively lower than his neck.
Securing means 84 of the resuscitation device preferably includes
two straps 94 and 96 disposed on opposite sides of base 40. Free
ends 98 and 100 are disposed in corresponding relation to buckles
78 and 80, whereby head support means 22 may be removably attached
to patient mask 16 by passing ends 98 and 100 through buckles 78
and 80.
In order to retain the resuscitation device in its optimum
operating position, the preferred embodiment of the device further
comprises adjustment means generally indicated as 102 in FIG. 3
mounted on base 40. In this preferred embodiment, securing means 84
is attached to adjustment means 102.
In the preferred embodiment of the resuscitation device adjustment
means 102 comprises two adjustment tracks 104, each one of tracks
104 being formed in a side wall of base 40 in opposite relation one
from the other. Adjustment means 102 further comprises a release
mechanism 106 movably disposed within each adjustment track 104. As
shown in FIG. 6, strap 96 may be removably attachable to the
release mechanism 106. Strap 96 includes male connector 108
attached at one end thereof in corresponding relation to female
connector 110 mounted on corresponding release mechanism 106. Strap
94 is similarly attachable to corresponding release mechanism 106.
Detail views showing a preferred construction for adjustment tracks
104 and release mechanisms 106 are shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13.
Referring first to FIG. 11, adjustment tracks 104 comprise
substantially L-shaped groove 112 including a plurality of teeth
114 formed on the relatively narrow portion 116 of base 40 defined
by groove 112. As best seen in FIG. 13, release mechanism 106 of
this preferred embodiment comprises a body 118 including an
aperture 120 formed therethrough. Aperture 120 further includes an
enlarged, substantially cylindrical portion 122. A shaft 124
extends through aperture 120. Attached to one end of shaft 124 is
handle 126, and attached to the other end of shaft 124 is locking
head 128. Locking head 128 is correspondingly configured as
adjustment track 104 for mating engagement therewith. A shoulder
portion 130 is formed on shaft 124 within enlarged portion 122, and
a spring 132 is disposed within enlarged portion 122 in abutting
relation between one end of enlarged portion 122 and shoulder 130.
By virtue of the biasing force of spring 132, locking head 128 is
normally urged into engagement with teeth 114 to hold release
mechanism 106 at a predetermined point along adjustment track 104.
Of course, it should be obvious that by depressing handle 126 to
overcome the biasing force of spring 132 release mechanism 106 may
be repositioned along adjustment track 104.
FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 present detailed views of another embodiment for
adjustment tracks 104 and release mechanism 106. The embodiment
shown therein differs from that of FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 in the
formation of upper guide rail 134 and lower guide rail 136 in a
side wall of base 40 substantially parallel to and co-extensive
with L-shaped groove 112. In this embodiment, release mechanism 106
further comprises upper guide tip 138 and lower guide tip 140
formed on body 118 for cooperatively engaging guide rails 134 and
136, respectively.
In order to provide a complete and full disclosure of the
resuscitation device of this invention, the following description
of its assembly and use is provided.
When it is desired to use the resuscitation device, the operator
first removes cover 24 by releasing fasteners 28 and 30. He then
places the victim's head and neck on pillow 82. Next, airway 12 is
removed and operator mouthpiece 14 and first valve means 18 are
attached to end 15 thereof. The appropriate patient mask 16 is
selected and it is connected to end 17 of airway 12 at female
connectors 62. Patient mask 16 is then placed over the patient's
mouth and nose, and straps 94 and 96 are passed through buckles 78
and 80. Male connector 108 is then inserted into female connector
110, and straps 94 and 96 are tightened by pulling on their free
ends 98 and 100. At this point it should be noted that fine
adjustment of patient mask 16 is not necessary because of the
resilient nature of retention means length 70 and 72. As a final
adjustment the operator depresses handles 26 of release mechanism
106 with his palms and slides mechanisms 106 along adjustment
tracks 104 toward the patient's feet in such a way as to cause the
bottom of patient mask 16 to pull the patient's jaw open.
Accordingly, it is desirable to form the bottom of head support
means 22 from non-skid material. The operator now places mouthpiece
14 in his mouth and commences resuscitation efforts. As previously
described, because of the unique structure and placement of first
valve means 18 and second valve means 20, the operator constantly
inhales fresh air; upon his exhaling a closed flow of air is
provided to the patient's lungs; and the patient exhales into the
atmosphere without thereby contaminating the operator.
It will thus be seen that the objects made apparent from the
preceding description are efficiently attained, and since certain
changes may be made in the above construction without departing
from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended
to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention
herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention
which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
Now that the invention has been described,
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