ES2360015T3 - SHOWER PROTECTION FOR TRAQUEOTOMIZED AND / OR LARINGECTOMIZED PATIENTS. - Google Patents

Abstract

Shower protection (10) for tracheotomized and / or laryngectomized patients with - a clamping area (12) for clamping the shower protection (10) to the neck and - a covering area (14) intended to cover distance a body opening with an upper edge (20) and a lower edge (22), characterized in that at least one lip element (at least a partial length thereof is arranged along at least a partial length thereof) 24) in order to obtain a seal in case of use in the lower neck area.

Description

The present invention relates to a shower protection for tracheotomized and / or laryngectomized patients according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the case of surgical interventions in the upper respiratory tract, it may be necessary to place an artificial breathing opening (tracheostoma) of the trachea so that, overcoming the oral cavity and the larynx, air can be directly inspired inside the lung. In the case of laryngectomized patients, that is, of people without larynx, in which the larynx was surgically removed, it is necessary to keep the tracheostoma open in a durable and stabilized manner, for which, in particular, cannulas are introduced tracheal in the tracheostoma. In this case, however, it is also possible to use the so-called "tracheostoma buttons", in particular for patients who no longer need any tracheal cannula.

In addition, the so-called “Shunt valves” can be introduced into the tracheostoma, which allow voice recovery. Finally, filter systems can also be introduced into the tracheostoma, both in the case of tracheotomized patients and in the case of laryngectomized patients. Filter systems of this type are constituted either by a patch with a filter inserted or by a base plate, usually self-adhesive, as a rule made from plastic, into which filters of different types can be introduced.

In daily life, laryngectomized and / or tracheotomized patients, who can be designated globally as people who breathe through the neck, should take care that the auxiliary means introduced into them are protected against external influences. Among these, is the possible moisture penetration through the introduced tracheal cannulas, filters, etc. Therefore, for people who breathe through the neck it is necessary to protect the body opening located in the neck during hair washing, showering or bathing.

The state of the art discloses in this respect different devices, which can be arranged directly in a tracheostoma, patch or tracheal cannula. Thus, document DE 20 2005 008 069 U1 discloses a protection for the shower, so that patients with a tracheostoma are showered, to protect them from the penetration of water into the tracheostoma, the additional part for showering being formed with a water trap, which can be closed using a closing lid, with a groove for leaking water and through an annular groove made in the additional shower part which allows the assembly and disassembly of a filter housing, as well as the locking ring arranged in the filter housing that allows the combination with a tracheostoma patch or a tracheal cannula.

The drawback of devices of this type is that these, as a rule, can be arranged so that they fit only on specific products, so that in case of use of different products by the person who breathes through the neck they need also different shower protection devices, within the meaning of document DE 20 2005 008 069 U1.

US document No. 3,464,410 A discloses a stoma protection insert that has three overlapping sheets which are attached to each other by their edges with the aid of a ribbon edging.

The invention therefore poses the problem of providing a shower protection which, regardless of the auxiliary means used, allows the person who breathes through the neck in a simple manner, in particular, to shower, wash, including the wash your hair, or bathe.

To solve this problem, a shower protection is proposed for tracheotomized and / or laryngectomized patients according to claim 1, being arranged at least on the lower edge, along at least a partial length thereof, an element of lip in order to get a seal if used in the lower neck area. The shower protection according to the invention is characterized in that it takes place, by the coverage area arranged distanced from the neck covering the possible different auxiliary means that a person who breathes through the neck can use, a fastening of the shower protection on the neck of the person breathing through the neck. The coverage area, which can be structured as a semi-bowl, is placed at the same time with its upper edge below the chin, so that a seat that is well sealed is guaranteed here. By providing a lip element at the lower edge of the coverage area it is advantageously ensured that also in the lower area of the neck, more irregularly structured in terms of its surface area, a good seal is given in front to washing liquids, water, etc. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that a lip element of this type is also arranged at least along a partial length thereof. The lip element itself can be formed, in terms of its cross section, rectilinear, wedge-shaped, rounded or domed or with any other structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the lip element may be disposed not only in the area of the lower coverage area but also in a transition zone from the coverage area to the holding area.

Advantageously, the lip element is elastic. In this way, it can be located closely next to the irregular surface of the lower neck area. In addition, it is preferably formed flexibly, thereby ensuring good contact of the coverage area with the neck.

In an equally preferred embodiment, the lip element is positioned protruding from the bottom edge at an angle. At the same time, it is also preferably provided that the lip element be oriented proximally, that is to say towards the body. Preferably, the angle is in a range between about 10 ° and about 60 °, even more preferably in a range between about 25 ° and about 50 ° with respect to a plane, which includes the lower edge, which extends perpendicularly with respect to the lower edge.

Likewise, the lip element extends along the entire length of the lower edge and, alternatively, also along the total length of the upper edge of the coverage area. As mentioned above, an extension may preferably be provided in the area of the lower edge in the transition zone between the coverage area and the holding area.

Advantageously, in the transition zone, from the coverage area to the holding area, the lip element is formed by widening. In this way, a good contact is achieved in the shower protection according to the invention, also in the critical lateral zone of the coverage area, and thus, a good protection against penetrating liquids.

Advantageously, the clamping area comprises at least two clamping elements, which are arranged on both sides and opposite the coverage zone. Advantageously, the fasteners are formed as a band. The fasteners can be formed at the same time so that they can be connected to each other in the most diverse ways and ways, for example, by means of closure systems by bands, knots, buckles or the like. Preferably, however, a closure by means of a button is provided, and the closing element by means of a button, which is provided in one of the fastening elements, can be conducted through the opening by at least one opening. provided in the other fastener for closing. In order to provide for the possibility of adjustment, for different neck thicknesses, several openings can also be provided in one or both fasteners into which the closure element can also be interchangeably inserted by means of a button. With this, an optimal adaptation to a neck of a person breathing through the neck can be carried out. Obviously there are still a series of alternative embodiments with a view to the holding area of the shower protection according to the invention. Thus, it can be provided, for example, only on one side of the coverage area, a band-shaped fastener, which can easily be inserted into a closure element arranged on the opposite side of the coverage element. In addition, it can also be provided that at least two fasteners, which can be driven, are provided in order to obtain a stronger and more secure seat on at least one side of the coverage area, in a configuration in the form of a band, together and / or separately, around the neck of the person who breathes with the neck for the support of the shower protection according to the invention.

In another equally preferred embodiment, the coverage area has at least one reinforcing element. The reinforcing element contributes at the same time to the shape stability of the coverage area, so that it is permanently disposed of the neck of the person breathing with the neck. By means of the reinforcement element, a collapse of the coverage area is safely prevented, which would no longer be possible for the person who breathes through the neck to breathe through the tracheostoma. The reinforcing element at the same time can be arranged both inside and outside the coverage area, and can also be made of different materials. In particular, it can also be formed as an insert, so that the shower protection according to the invention is formed by at least two pieces. The reinforcing element is especially preferably formed, however, in a single piece, even more preferably of a single material, tightly connected or formed with the coverage area. Possible embodiments are not constituted by a single material, for example, the provision of metal plates or bridges in the area of openings in the coverage area, which make it possible to breathe a person breathing through the neck. However, these openings can be provided, for example, with metal or plastic rivets, so that, in this way, a reinforcement of the coverage area is achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing element has at least a first brace. Advantageously, the reinforcing element has at least two, even more preferably, at least three, first braces of this type.

Advantageously, the reinforcement element is arranged inside the coverage area, that is to say in the space formed by the coverage area, which should be designated as a half-shell.

Likewise, the first braces are formed approximately parallel to each other. In another preferred embodiment, the first braces pass from a floor area of the coverage area to a wall area thereof. The floor area may at the same time preferably have at least one opening, preferably several openings, which make it possible for the person breathing through the neck to breathe through the tracheostoma.

In another equally preferred embodiment of the shower protection according to the invention, the first brace is thickened in the transition between the floor area and the wall area. Through this accumulation of material in the aforementioned transition zone, the resistance of the covering element continues to increase, especially its shape stability.

In another equally preferred embodiment of the shower protection according to the invention, the reinforcing element has at least one second brace, which runs approximately transversely with respect to the first brace. At the same time, several second braces can be provided. Advantageously, the second brace crosses at least one of the first braces. If several first braces approximately parallel to each other are preferably arranged, then the second brace crosses at least the central brace or those in the central position although, in a preferred embodiment, it can also cross all the first braces. At the same time, the second one is formed in a preferred manner so that it is formed in its central area, in particular in the area of the crossings with the first braces, with a thickness (height) greater than the first braces . Alternatively, the second brace is arranged in the wall area of the coverage area, although it may alternatively also be arranged in the floor area, both on the floor and in the wall area [ of the coverage area].

These and other advantages of the present invention are explained in greater detail from the present figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a shower protection according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a top view on the shower guard of Figure 1,

Figure 3 shows a sectional view through the shower guard according to Figure 1 along a section III-III;

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a shower protection according to the invention corresponding to section III-III of the first embodiment according to Figure 1.

First, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the combinations of features shown in the figures. You can combine the characteristics that are disclosed in each case in the description, including the description of the figures, with those indicated in the figures. In particular, it should be noted that the reference signs included in the claims should not limit in any way the scope of protection of the present invention, but refer only to the embodiments shown in the figures. In particular, it should be noted that the formation of the reinforcement element shown in the figures, as well as the number of first and second braces of the reinforcement element do not limit in any way the object of the present invention, as well as the concrete formation of the area for securing the shower protection according to the invention.

Figure 1 designates a shower protection, designated globally by reference number 10, with a clamping zone 12 and a covering zone 14. The clamping zone 12 is simultaneously formed by two clamping elements 30.1 and 30.2 in the form of a band, which are arranged on both sides of the coverage area 14 and opposite each other. At the same time, the two fasteners 30.1 and 30.2 have, in each case, five openings 40, and in the fastener element 30.1 an interlocking element is arranged interchangeably by button 42. With this fastener element by means of button 42 if it is possible to pass it through an opening 40 of the other fastener 30.2, the shower protection can be attached to the neck of a person breathing with the neck.

The coverage area 14 is transformed into the holding area 12, with two transition zones 26.1 and

26.2. The coverage area 14 has, at the same time, an upper edge 20, which in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is transformed, in an aligned manner, in the transition zones 26.1 and 26.2 as well as in the fasteners 30.1 and 30.2 without highlighting. In this case, however, other alternative formations are possible, for example the clamping elements 30.1 and 30.2 may also be arranged, offset in relation to the upper edge 20 of the coverage area 14, lower on both sides of the coverage area 14.

In addition, the coverage area 14 has a lower edge 22, in which an elastic lip element 24 is arranged along its entire length. This lip element 24 has in the transition zones 26.1 and 26.2 widenings 28.1 and 28.2. In the widenings the lip element can also be made with a greater thickness, preferably it is formed however with a thickness that does not vary along its entire length.

Moreover, the transition from the coverage area 14 and its lower edge 22 in the clamping zone 12 and the clamping elements 30.1 and 30.2 cannot take place solely, as shown in Figure 1, with a rectangular arrangement , in this case, rounded formations of the lower edge 22 in the transition zone 26.1 or 26.2 are also possible, in particular, on the one hand, and in particular, an obtuse angle travel of the lower edge 22 during the transition to the area of the lower edge of the clamping element 30.1 and 30.2.

In an interior space 34 of the coverage area 14, formed as a half-plate, a reinforcing element with a total of four first braces 32.1 to 32.4 is arranged, which are arranged transforming from a floor area 16 of the area of coverage 14 to a wall area 18 of the coverage area 14. At the same time, a second brace 38 is also provided in the wall area 18, which extends completely above the first two braces 32.2 and 32.3 central , and that leaves in the area of the first 32.1 and 32.4 outer braces. At the same time, the second brace 38 is formed thickened towards the center, in order to confer greater resistance to the reinforcing element.

Figure 2 shows the protection for the shower 10 according to the invention of Figure 1 in a top view. At the same time, the openings 36 arranged in the floor area 16 of the cover areas 14, which allow the person breathing with the neck to breathe through the tracheostoma with the shower protection 10 on, can be recognized especially well. In addition, the formation of the closure element by means of button 42, as well as the arrangement of the reinforcement element, with the first braces 32 and the second braces 38, in the interior space 34 of the coverage area 14 can also be well recognized.

Figure 3 shows the protection for the shower 10 according to Figure 1 along a section III-III. In this case, the formation of the second brace 38, arranged in the wall area 18 of the coverage area 14, as well as a formation of the same type, which has a height or thickness, which does not, can be recognized especially well. exceeds the height of the first brace 32.3. Alternatively, it can be provided, however, in a preferred embodiment that the height of the first brace 38 protrudes just in the area of the first brace

32.3 or 32.2 above the height of these first braces 32.2 and 32.3. Furthermore, it can be well recognized in Figure 3 that the lip element 24 is disposed on the inner edge 22, and that it protrudes from it at a right angle. At the same time, the lip element 24 is formed with a slight reinforcement of cross-sectional material, approximately wedge-shaped, starting from the connection area at the lower edge 22.2 and narrowing its free end. However, other formations of the lip element 24 are also possible.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the shower protection 10 according to Figures 1 to 3, only the differences with respect to them being indicated below. The lip element 24 is oriented at the same time in the area of the proximal lower edge 24 towards the body of a person breathing through the neck and formed at an angle of approximately 30 °, referred to plane 44, which extends perpendicularly with respect to the lower edge 22 and which encompasses this lower edge 22.

By means of the present invention, a shower protection is therefore provided which, thanks to the provision of a specific lip element precisely in the lower area of the neck, offers an outstanding seal and also, by means of the provision of an element of reinforcement arranged in the inner zone of the coverage area, not only allows its formation of a single piece or with a single material (except the closing element by button), but can be manufactured economically and can be formed optically pleasing way.

Claims (13)

1. Shower protection (10) for tracheotomized and / or laryngectomized patients with

-

a fastening area (12) for fastening the shower protection (10) to the neck and

-

a coverage area (14) intended to cover at a distance a body opening with an upper edge (20) and a

bottom edge (22),

characterized in that at least one lip element (24) is arranged at least on the lower edge (22) along at least a partial length thereof in order to achieve a seal in case of use in the lower neck area .

2.

Shower protection according to claim 1, characterized in that the lip element (24) is elastic.

3.

Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lip element

(24) protrudes from the bottom edge (22) at an angle. 4. Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lip element (24) is oriented proximally. 5. Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lip element (24) extends along the entire length of the lower edge (22).

6.

Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a transition zone (26.1, 26.2), from the cover area (14) to the holding area (12), the lip element (24) is formed (28.1, 28.2) widening.

7.

Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding area

(12) comprises at least two fasteners (30.1, 30.2), which are arranged on both sides and opposite in the coverage area (14).

8.

Shower protection according to claim 7, characterized in that the fasteners (30.1, 30.2) are formed as a band.

9.

Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coverage area

(14) has at least one reinforcing element.

10.

Shower protection according to claim 9, characterized in that the reinforcing element is arranged inside (34) of the coverage area (14).

eleven.

Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the floor area

(16) at least one opening (36) is provided.

12.

Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shower protection is formed in one piece.

13.

Shower protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shower protection is formed from a single material.