EP0685218B1 - First-aid portable apparatus for washing an eye and/or the skin - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to improvements brought to portable first aid devices for the washing of one eye and / or of the skin, in particular following a projection of chemical agent (acid, base, solvent, toxic) or thermal burn.

• la fontaine occulaire composée d'une vasque dans laquelle est intégré au moins un gicleur ; le liquide libéré par le gicleur est en général de l'eau ;
• le réservoir rigide constitué par au moins un flacon auquel est raccordée une tubulure terminée par une oeillère ; le dispositif est lui-même maintenu à l'intérieur d'une enceinte plus ou moins étanche à la poussière; ce dispositif ne demande aucun branchement puisqu'il fonctionne par gravité et les flacons, ou au moins un flacon, peuvent contenir un produit spécifique, par exemple un anti-acide.

We know various types of devices for washing an injured eye, among which the most commonly used are:

• the eye fountain composed of a basin in which is integrated at least one nozzle; the liquid released by the nozzle is generally water;
• the rigid reservoir consisting of at least one bottle to which is connected a tubing terminated by a blinker; the device is itself kept inside a more or less dustproof enclosure; this device does not require any connection since it works by gravity and the bottles, or at least one bottle, may contain a specific product, for example an antacid.

• ils se trouvent à des postes fixes et ne peuvent donc être portés individuellement, ce qui allonge le temps d'intervention sur l'oeil accidenté ; or un oeil atteint par un élément chimique ou par une brûlure thermique doit être lavé le plus rapidement possible pour limiter l'action et la pénétration du produit et éviter ainsi sa destruction partielle ou totale ;
• une personne dont un oeil a été atteint par un agent chimique n'a plus son acuité visuelle normale et doit se diriger éventuellement seule jusqu'au dispositif de lavage installé à poste fixe, ce qui risque d'entraíner encore un allongement du temps d'intervention ;
• le dispositif de lavage, qui n'est pas individuel, peut contribuer à une transmission microbienne ;
• l'action du jet de liquide dont l'intensité n'est pas réglable peut être traumatisante sur un oeil blessé.

The aforementioned devices have various drawbacks:

• they are located at fixed positions and cannot therefore be worn individually, which lengthens the intervention time on the injured eye; however, an eye affected by a chemical element or by a thermal burn must be washed as quickly as possible to limit the action and penetration of the product and thus avoid its partial or total destruction;
• a person whose eye has been hit by a chemical agent no longer has his normal visual acuity and must eventually go alone to the washing device installed at a fixed station, which risks further increasing the time of intervention;
• the washing device, which is not individual, can contribute to microbial transmission;
• the action of the jet of liquid whose intensity is not adjustable can be traumatic on an injured eye.

We also know a portable device composed a flexible plastic bag containing the product washing and tubing terminated by a blinker; this device works the same as before by gravity. However, this portable device has the disadvantage that the flexible plastic bag risks burst or be pierced during handling. Moreover its handling is not easy for an affected person to the eyes.

We also know (document FR-A-2 682 036) a individual portable bottle with a large opening dimension conformed to fit the eye contour; the bottle is filled with a washing solution and is closed with tight until use. However, this use bottle only contains just enough liquid for a first wash of a damaged eye; in addition, it allows only an eye wash and is not arranged to project sprayed liquid onto the eye so to accelerate the elimination of a foreign product.

FR-A-2 207 729 describes an apparatus for washing an eye according to the preamble of claim 1.

Now what about washing the skin damaged, in particular by a projection of a chemical agent or by a burn, it is recommended to spray water in the form of a spray or mist which moistens regularly and relatively evenly while resulting in less consumption of liquid. But by however, it is very difficult to project a jet of liquid, whether it is a continuous jet or a liquid jet sprayed directly into an eye due to the reflex eyelid occlusion.

The main purpose of the invention is to provide an improved device which eliminates the disadvantages aforementioned devices currently known and which gives better meet the various requirements of the practice.

For these purposes, a portable first aid device as mentioned in the preamble, being arranged in accordance with the invention, is essentially characterized in that the dispensing device includes a jet adjustment member liquid leaving said valve, which member is capable of to be adjusted from a first extreme position for which the dispensing device projects a jet of finely sprayed liquid to a second position extreme for which the dispensing device dispenses a substantially continuous flow of washing liquid; in in addition to the dispensing device includes an eyecup functionally active at least when the organ of setting is in the above second extreme position for collect the liquid dispensed in continuous flow in order to to authorize an accidental eye bath.

Thus constituted, the apparatus of the invention allows adapt the washing process depending on the location (eye and / or skin) and the extent of the damage and particular it offers the choice between spraying the washing liquid which, flowing on the face, brings with him the foreign product or a washing total per eye wash in a blister that offers the advantage of complete and total contact of the washing with the entire surface of the eye and the eyelid.

In addition, it is a device that can, technically, be made with a shape and dimensions the making it easily portable by an individual (either in a garment pocket; either hung externally or internally on a part of clothing), while remaining in always on hand and ready to use.

In order to simplify as much as possible the structure of the device and therefore allow a relatively small manufacturing inexpensive allowing wide distribution of this type device, it is preferably provided that the adjusting member either arranged to selectively occupy only two functional positions corresponding to the above two extreme positions. Optionally, we can also do so that the regulating member is arranged to be able occupy a third non-functional intermediate position, in which the tank outlet valve cannot not be activated on opening.

In practice, it is interesting, in such a simplified realization, that the dispensing device has a movable head capable of selectively occupying the two aforementioned functional positions, and that this moving head is crossed by at least one conduit which has an inlet opening capable of receiving the liquid coming out of the tank outlet valve and which is capable of cooperating selectively with two orifices of respective exit arranged, the first, to project a jet finely sprayed liquid and, the second, to receive or build a blinker and deliver a continuous flow liquid in it. Advantageously then, the head mobile is substantially cylindrical in revolution and is rotatably mounted in the body of the dispensing device.

Although it is technically possible, to realize a relatively dispensing device compact suitable for styling the head of a can of liquid pressure washing, the eyecup is a forming organ a relatively bulky projection, the dimensions of which cannot be arbitrarily reduced in relation to morphological dimensions of the human eye. So we can then plan to make the eyecup in the form of a piece separate which is removably fitted into the second orifice and extends approximately radially over the head mobile. We can then consider fitting the eyecup in factory, the device then being marketed in its form complete, with the blink in place, but being relatively bulky, or the marketing of the device in a less bulky configuration with the blinker not mounted (for example placed in a pocket fixed to the pressurized liquid tank).

In an embodiment which does not seem to have present significant manufacturing difficulties easy to use, the moving head is mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and the two outlet ports are located on the wall side of the movable head with respective axes substantially horizontal; we can then predict that the two outlet ports are substantially diametrically opposites and that the passage of the movable head from one position functional to the other corresponds to a rotation of approximately 180 °.

In another possible embodiment, the head mobile is mounted for rotation about an axis substantially horizontal, and this moving head is, at least for its more large part, embedded in the body of the device dispenser, in a configuration analogous to a scroll wheel. In a first preferred embodiment, we provides that the rotating rotation of the movable head for selectively bringing an outlet functional is approximately 90 ° and that the outlet made active is arranged with its substantially vertical axis; in a second embodiment, it is expected that the rotation of the movable head from one to the other of the two functional positions is approximately 45 °, that both conduits are shaped so that the axes of their radially directed outlet ports are mutually about 135 ° apart, and that the outlet openings flow and spray are substantially aligned and diametrically opposite on either side of the moving head.

• la figure 1 est une vue de côté schématique illustrant la conception générale d'un appareil perfectionné conforme à l'invention ;
• les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues en coupe diamétrale d'un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif dispensateur, montré respectivement dans ses deux positions fonctionnelles, apte à équiper l'appareil de l'invention ;
• la figure 3A est une vue de côté, en coupe selon la ligne BB de la figure 3B, d'un mode de réalisation préféré du dispositif dispensateur montré dans une première position fonctionnelle ;
• la figure 3B est une vue de face, en coupe selon la ligne AA de la figure 3A, du dispositif de la figure 3A montré dans la même position fonctionnelle ;
• la figure 3C est une vue de face, en coupe diamétrale, de la seule tête mobile du dispositif des figures 3A et 3B montrée dans l'autre position fonctionnelle; et
• les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues en coupe, respectivement de côté et de face, d'encore un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif dispenssateur montré dans une des positions fonctionnelles.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of certain embodiments given solely by way of nonlimiting examples. In this description, reference is made to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic side view illustrating the general design of an improved apparatus according to the invention;
• FIGS. 2A and 2B are views in diametral section of a first embodiment of the dispensing device, shown respectively in its two functional positions, able to equip the device of the invention;
• FIG. 3A is a side view, in section along the line BB of FIG. 3B, of a preferred embodiment of the dispensing device shown in a first functional position;
• Figure 3B is a front view, in section along line AA of Figure 3A, of the device of Figure 3A shown in the same functional position;
• FIG. 3C is a front view, in diametral section, of the single movable head of the device in FIGS. 3A and 3B shown in the other functional position; and
• Figures 4A and 4B are sectional views, respectively from the side and from the front, of yet another embodiment of the dispensing device shown in one of the functional positions.

In FIG. 1, to which reference is first made, are schematically represented, in side view, the general arrangements in accordance with the invention of a portable first aid device for washing an eye and / or skin, in particular following a projection of a chemical agent or a thermal burn. This device comprises a liquid reservoir 1 which contains washing liquid under pressure (for example under a pressure of the order of 10 ⁶ Pa) and which is shaped and arranged in any way appropriate to its function. The pressurized liquid consists of a liquid suitable for washing the eye or the skin (water or any suitable solution). The container 1 is equipped with an outlet valve which, being actuated for example by depressing the outlet nozzle 2, releases a jet of sprayed or atomized liquid.

In a common embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the tank 1 is cylindrical in shape of revolution and the outlet valve is arranged on its face upper (spray "bomb" arrangement).

On the top of the tank 1 is fixed, for example by interlocking, a device 3 dispenser of liquid which is functionally associated with the outlet valve for actuate the tip 2 thereof. This actuation function is symbolized in Figure 1 by an actuation button 4, the mechanical connection means between the button 4 and end piece 2 not being shown, but being able to be of any type known to those skilled in the art. Means of security (not shown) may be provided in addition, by example in combination with button 4, to view the absence of previous use of the device.

The dispensing device 3 ends with a nozzle liquid outlet 5, approximately horizontal axis (throughout the description, the vertical axis will be called the axis X of tank 1 which, for its use as a sprayer, is held approximately vertically, and by extension horizontal axis any axis perpendicular to the X axis); however, it will be understood that the orientation of the axis of the nozzle 5 is not critical.

Behind the outlet nozzle 5 is provided a member 6 for adjusting the jet of liquid coming from the valve. This adjusting member 6 is arranged to be moved between two extreme positions, namely a first extreme position for which the nozzle projects a jet of finely divided or sprayed liquid or even atomized under form of a fog and a second extreme position for which the nozzle delivers drops of liquid, in particular in the form of a substantially continuous flow of liquid.

The adjusting member 6 can be produced for example in the form of a rotating ring actuating a mechanism interior located upstream of the nozzle 5.

The jet of sprayed liquid is projected towards of the eye to lead, while streaming, any trace of a foreign product.

As for the continuous flow of liquid, it is intended to be collected in a blinker 7, from so that the injured eye can be bathed so complete with liquid. The eyecup can be fitted with a hole 8 in its lower part, so that it flows through it contaminated liquid on contact with the injured eye.

Between the two aforementioned extreme positions, the organ can adjust the power of the spray jet coming out of the nozzle 5.

It will be understood that to facilitate the projection of the spray jet towards the eye, the nozzle outlet 5 can receive any other suitable inclination horizontal, or even be vertical to facilitate the use of the blinker.

In general, the device, and in particular the dispensing device 2, can be arranged in any on the one hand, and to facilitate manufacturing with minimum cost, other go. In particular, the device can be manufactured, in its in whole or at least for the most part, in matters plastic. Manufacturing means can be provided or attachment (staple or fixing strip integral with the tank 1) so that the appliance can be kept on standby for use in a garment pocket or hanging on the back of a pocket, fixed around an arm or a leg, etc. A protective cap (not shown) can also be planned. The eyecup 7 can be secured to the nozzle 5 or still be removable; it is then only placed on the nozzle, for example by fitting, only if necessary and is until then kept in reserve in a pocket fixed to the tank.

In the case where we are considering more particularly a device of very great diffusion which must therefore be able be manufactured at lower cost, we can simplify notably the adjusting member 6 by providing an adjusting member which only have two functional positions corresponding respectively to the two extreme positions mentioned above, namely a spray position and a continuous flow position. Possibly, a third intermediate position, not functional, can be provided in which the tank valve cannot be actuated, this third position, which constitutes a security, making the device inactive.

Always to simplify both the use and the manufacture of the dispensing device, provision may be made the tank outlet valve is actuated other than through an actuation button 4; in particular it can be the whole dispensing device 3 which can be arranged to be movable relative to the tank 1, either by rotation or more commonly by vertical sinking (i.e. the X axis), to actuate the nozzle 2. Such arrangements are known to those skilled in the art.

In Figures 2A and 2B is shown a first embodiment of a dispensing device 3 ₁ arranged according to the arrangements which have just been indicated. The device 3 ₁ arranged according to the arrangements which have just been indicated. The device 3 ₁ comprises a body 9 suitable for covering the top of the reservoir and comprising means (not shown) cooperating with the end piece 2 to actuate the latter when it is pressed in relation to the reservoir 1. The body 9, in particular of revolution, is shaped to retain a movable head 10, substantially cylindrical of revolution, so that it can rotate on itself between two extreme positions, for example by rotation through 180 °. The movable head 10, which is substantially coaxial with the axis X of the reservoir 1, is crossed by a bent conduit 11. This conduit opens on the underside of the head 10 by an inlet orifice 12 coaxial with the axis 10 and therefore located opposite the nozzle 2; the conduit 11 opens onto the side wall of the head 10 through an outlet orifice 13.

Opposite the orifice 13 when the head 10 is in each of the two aforementioned functional positions, in particularly diametrically opposed as shown in the 2A and 2B, the body 9 has two orifices for outlet 14 and 15 directed radially.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the orifice 14 is arranged for the exit of a continuous flow of liquid and it can in particular be shaped in the form of a housing of relatively large section suitable for receiving by fitting the cylindrical foot 16 of an eye 7. In the functional position shown in FIG. 2A, the movable head 10 is oriented so that the outlet orifice 13 of the conduit 11 is located opposite the outlet orifice 14 of the device 3 ₁ .

As now shown in FIG. 2B, the outlet orifice 15 is shaped for the projection of a jet of sprayed liquid. In this position, the movable head 10 having rotated 180 ° relative to the position of FIG. 2A, the conduit 11 has its outlet orifice 13 situated opposite the outlet orifice 15 of the device 3 ₁ . The outlet orifice 14 being inactive, the eyecup 7 may possibly not be in place.

The actuation of the nozzle 2 of the reservoir is carried out by pressing vertically on the device 3 ₁ .

Indicating means, such as an arrow arranged on the upper face of the movable head 10, allow locate the active output 14 or 15.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate a preferred embodiment of the dispensing device designated here by the reference 3 ₂ . The device comprises a body 17 suitable for being fitted onto the reservoir 1 and which has two inner cheeks 18 supporting the horizontal axis of rotation of a rotating head 20 in the form of a disc or a wheel. The body 17 is hollowed out at 21 upwards and on the side, facing the head 20, in correspondence with an angular sector of approximately 90 ° of the said head. The rotating head 20 can be substantially flush with the level of the upper wall of the body 17, or even protrude substantially above the latter. The rotating head 20 is pierced with two substantially diametrical conduits 22 and 23, extending substantially 90 ° from one another, and offset axially with respect to one another so as not to communicate the one with the other. The conduit 22 ends with an outlet orifice 22 ₁ allowing the projection of a jet of sprayed liquid, while the conduit 23 ends with an outlet orifice 23 ₁ allowing a continuous flow of liquid. Thanks to this arrangement, one of the two conduits 22 or 23 can be brought selectively, by rotation of the head 20, in a vertical position approximately in the extension of the nozzle 2 of the valve of the reservoir 1.

In the position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, it is the conduit 22 provided for the projection of a jet of sprayed liquid from its orifice 22 ₁ which is in the functional position above the nozzle 2. In this embodiment the jet of liquid is projected upwards. The presence of the eyecup 7 at the end 23 ₁ of the other conduit 23, which is inactive, is optional.

In FIG. 3C, only the head 20 shown in the second functional position is shown, that is to say with the conduit 23 situated vertically approximately in the extension of the end piece 2. At the upper end of the conduit 23, the outlet orifice 23 ₁ is shaped to receive the tubular base 16 of the eyecup 7 which, here, opens upwards.

It will be noted that the upper body 17 can, if it is wishes to be shaped (in particular rounded) so that the rotating head 20 can be rotated by one position functional to the other while the blink 7 remains in position at the end of the corresponding conduit 23.

It will also be noted that, in this embodiment, the outlet orifices 22 ₁ and 23 ₁ of the device 3 ₂ belong to the movable head 20, while, in the preceding device 3 ₁ (as well as in the following device 3 ₃ ) the outlet openings are provided in the body.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate yet another embodiment of the dispensing device, designated by the reference 3 ₃ , which combines the provisions of the previous devices 3 ₁ and 3 ₂ . The device 3 ₃ comprises a body 24 arranged to fit onto the top of the tank 1. The body 24 comprises two outlet orifices, 25 and 26, approximately opposite one another and arranged respectively for the supply of a continuous flow of liquid (outlet orifice 25) and for the supply of a jet of sprayed liquid (outlet orifice 26). Here again, the outlet orifice 25 is arranged to receive the tubular base 16 of the eyecup 7.

The body 24 has two inner cheeks 27 supporting in rotation, by its horizontal axis 28, a rotating head 29 in the general form of a wheel. The body 24 is hollowed out, at its upper part, so that a small area of the head 29 is protruding for its actuation in rotation. The head 29 is traversed transversely by two bent conduits 30 and 31. The two conduits 30 and 31 respectively comprise two first sections 30 ₁ and 31 ₁ oriented approximately radially in the direction of the central axis of the head 29, being mutually inclined d 'about 45 °; the two sections 30 ₁ and 31 ₁ open at the lower part of the head 29 in a common chamber 32, open downwards extending angularly over approximately 45 °. The two conduits 30 and 31 also respectively comprise two second sections 30 ₂ and 31 ₂ , at right angles to the respective first sections 30 ₁ and 31 ₁ and oriented radially by forming between them an angle of approximately 135 °; the two sections 30 ₂ and 31 ₂ open radially to the side wall of the movable head 29.

By rotation of the movable head by approximately 45 °, one passes from a first functional position shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in which the duct 30 is active (section 30 ₁ substantially vertical and approximately in alignment with the end piece 2 of the reservoir and substantially horizontal section 30 ₂ cooperating with the outlet orifice 25 provided with the eyelet 7) in the second functional position in which the duct 31 is active (section 31 ₁ substantially vertical and approximately in the extension of the endpiece 2 of the tank and substantially horizontal section 31 ₂ cooperating with the outlet orifice 26 for projecting a jet of sprayed liquid).

Of course, the arrangement of the movable head is not restricted to rotating heads and it is possible to envisage tilting head, sliding head systems or other.

As it goes without saying and as it already results from this above, the invention is in no way limited to those of its modes of application and embodiments which have been more particularly envisaged; on the contrary, she embraces all variants.

Claims (12)

1. A portable first aid appliance for washing an eye and/or the skin with a washing liquid, said appliance comprising a tank (1) of liquid under pressure and fitted with an outlet valve (2), and a liquid dispenser device (3, 3₁, 3₂, 3₃) functionally associated with said valve, the appliance being characterized in that the dispenser device (3, 3₁, 3₂, 3₃) comprises a member (6, 10, 20, 29) for adjusting the jet of liquid leaving said valve, which member is suitable for being adjusted from a first extreme position in which the dispenser device sprays a jet of finely-divided liquid to a second extreme position in which the dispenser device dispenses a substantially continuous flow of washing liquid, and in that the dispenser device includes an eye cup (7) that is functionally active at least when the adjustment member is in the said above-specified second extreme position to collect the liquid dispensed as a continuous flow so as to enable the injured eye to be bathed.
2. An appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment member (10, 20, 29) is adapted to occupy selectively only two operating positions corresponding to said two above-mentioned extreme positions.
3. An appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjustment member is adapted to be capable of occupying an intermediate third position that is nonoperating and in which the outlet valve of the tank cannot be actuated to be opened.
4. An appliance according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the dispenser device (3₁, 3₂, 3₃) comprises a moving head (10, 20, 29) suitable for selectively occupying said two above-mentioned operating positions, and in that said moving head has at least one duct (11; 22, 23; 30; 31) passing therethrough which possesses an inlet orifice suitable for receiving the liquid leaving the outlet valve (2) of the tank (1) and which is suitable for selectively co-operating with two respective outlet orifices (14, 15; 22₁, 23₁; 25, 26) of the dispenser device, the first of which is adapted to spray a jet of finely-divided liquid and the second of which is adapted to receive or to constitute an eye cup (7) for delivering a continuous flow of liquid into the eye cup.
5. An appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that the moving head (10, 20, 29) is substantially a circular cylinder mounted to rotate in the body of the dispenser device.
6. An appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that the eye cup (7) is releasably received in the second orifice and extends approximately radially from the moving head.
7. An appliance according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the moving head (10) is mounted to rotate about a substantially vertical axis (X) and in that the two outlet orifices (14, 15) are situated in the side wall of the moving head and have respective axes that are substantially horizontal.
8. An appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the two outlet orifices (14, 15) are substantially diametrically opposite, and in that moving the moving head (10) from one operating position to the other corresponds to rotating it through about 180°.
9. An appliance according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the moving head (20, 29) is mounted to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis, and in that said moving head is, at least for the most part, received within the body (17, 24) of the dispenser device (3₂, 3₃) in a configuration analogous to a knurled wheel.
10. An appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that both outlet orifices are provided on the moving head (20) and are spaced apart from each other by an angular distance that does not exceed about 90°, in that rotation of the moving head (20) to bring a selected one of the outlet orifices into its operating position is through about 90°, and in that the active outlet orifice is disposed with its axis substantially vertical.
11. An appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that rotation of the moving head (29) from one of its two operating positions to the other is through about 45°, in that the two ducts (30, 31) are shaped in such a manner that the axes of their radially-directed outlet orifices are spaced apart by about 135° relative to each other, and in that the continuous flow and spray outlet orifices (25, 26) are substantially in alignment and are diametrically opposite on either side of the moving head (29).
12. An appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the dispenser device includes indicator means for indicating the active operating position of the adjustment member.

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