GB2600671A

GB2600671A - A condenser device for a respiratory apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2600671A
Application number: GB2013699.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Seager Simon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-01
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2022-05-11
Also published as: GB202013699D0

Abstract

A condenser device 99 for respiratory apparatus, comprising a housing (11, Fig 3) with an inlet (4, Fig 4) for a first tube 300 and an outlet (5, Fig 3) for a second tube 400, and an intermediate reservoir with a reversable closure means (6, Fig 3). A bottom face (10, Fig 4) of the housing provides a substantially flat base and the outlet is located in a top face of the housing so as to hold the second tube substantially vertically. Where the condenser is for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, the first tube connects with a humidifier 105 and the second tube connects with a mask 100. A stand 200 may be provided for elevation of the second tube. The base of the housing may comprise a surface attachment means, such as a hook and loop pad, clamping means, suction cups, self-adhesive pads or the like.

Description

A CONDENSER DEVICE FOR A RESPIRATORY APPARATUS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a condenser device for a respiratory apparatus, in particular a device for tubing or pipes of a respiratory apparatus such as a continuous positive airway pressure apparatus or similar

Backaround

Increasing use of respirators and equipment for artificial ventilation of a patient is increasingly common.

For example users with sleep apnoea may require ventilation during the night, so as 15 to force or encourage breathing when natural processes fail. These users therefore typically require a ventilating machine, and a humidifier to increase moisture levels in the ventilated air that the user breathes.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a form of positive airway pressure 20 ventilation in which a constant level of pressure above atmospheric pressure is continuously applied to the upper airway. The application of positive pressure may be intended to prevent upper airway collapse, as occurs in obstructive sleep apnoea.

A typical issue is build-up of condensation in the tubing of the equipment. Another 25 typical issue is that the tubing can be uncomfortable or problematic depending and impinging on the user's sleep patterns and positions.

Prior Art

US 2017 0 049 987 (HIGGINBOTHAM) discloses a moisture trap assembly for a respiratory circuit comprises a flow connector unit comprising an inlet tube in fluid connection with an outlet tube and an annular lid comprising an air tight seal. The inlet and outlet tubes are adapted to fit the respiratory circuit. A receptacle is removably attached to the annular lid for collecting condensed moisture, wherein the receptacle comprise an actuator member configured to actuate the air tight seal of the annular lid upon attachment.

US 5 826 575 (LALL) discloses a ventilator exhalation gas condensate collection and 5 drainage system includes an exhalation filter and a fluid collector vial. Exhalation breathing gas flows through the collector vial for collection of condensate from the exhalation breathing gas. The exhalation filter includes a locking ring that can be turned to secure or release the fluid collector vial. A drain port on the collector vial can be connected to a drain tube, or can be capped by a drain port cap. A clamp on 10 the tube can be undamped to drain liquid from the collector vial. The collector vial includes a maximum fill line, to indicate when the collector vial should be emptied US 5 101 821 (CARIE) discloses a drain for removing condensate from a respiratory air fine comprising a hollow body having an inlet end, adapted for connection to the respiratory air line, and an outlet end. A normally closed float valve restricts the flow of air through the body during periods of relatively high pressure in the respiratory line, but opens in the presence of condensate to allow condensate to flow out of the body. A reed-type valve permits condensate to pass through the body from the inlet to the outlet, but restricts condensate from refluxing back into the respiratory line during periods of relatively low pressure in the respiratory line. The reed-type valve is of the type comprising two converging flexible members configured to allow condensate to flow in one direction through the body The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing 26 devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a condenser device for a respiratory apparatus; the device comprising a housing with an inlet for a first tube and an outlet for a second tube, and an intermediate reservoir, which reservoir includes a reversible closure means, wherein a bottom face of the housing provides substantially flat base, and the outlet is located in a top face of the housing, so as to hold the second tube substantially vertically.

In this way the device of the present invention may be envisaged to be connected into a set of tubing for a ventilating machine or apparatus suitable for helping users with sleep apnoea.

In some embodiments the base may comprise a surface attachment means. Such attachment means may comprise a clamping means.

Such attachment means may comprise a suction attachment means, for example 10 one or more suction cups. Such suction cups may comprise release means, for example handles.

The attachment means may comprise an adhesive attachment means. For example in some embodiments the attachment means may comprise one or more self-15 adhesive pads.

In this way the device of the present invention may be envisaged to be adhered or located on a surface such as a bedside table.

In this way the outlet for the second tube may be maintained in a vertical orientation at the housing.

in some embodiments the outlet may comprise a means for articulation, so as to permit articulation of the outlet and redefinition of the angle of the second tubing with 25 respect to the housing.

In this way for example the second tubing may be rearranged to exit the housing at a preferred angle. In some embodiments the articulation means may comprise a locking means, so as to allow a user to lock the angle of exit of the second tubing 30 from the housing.

The outlet or second tube or tubing is arranged in use to connect to a mask.

In this way the user may be enabled to maintain the second tubing at a preferred 35 angle for maintenance of the associated mask in a comfortable position or orientation when in use.

In some embodiments the second tubing may comprise a rigid, articulated or supported portion_ For example inn some embodiments the device may provide a support arranged to extend away from the housing, and support the tubing inn a 5 preferred orientation and/or shape.

Advantageously the device of the present invention may thereby enable the second tubing to allow for comfortable mask wearing, for example during sleep.

The first tube or tubing is arranged in use to connect to the apparatus, for example a dehumidifier_ The device is thereby arranged to collect humidity, and condense such humidity within the reservoir.

The closure means may comprise a lid or opening such as a hinged door. The closure means may be envisaged to be easily secured and opened, so as to allow removal of collected condensation.

In some embodiments it may be envisaged that the housing or closure means may comprise a tap, for example so as top allow draining of the reservoir.

In some embodiments the reservoir may be displaceable from the housing, so as to allow emptying of the reservoir. In some embodiments the closure means may 25 comprise a means of connecting the reservoir and housing.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric exploded view of an embodiment of apparatus comprising an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in the 5 embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3; and Figure 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment generally comprises a condenser device for a respiratory apparatus 199; the device 99 comprising a housing 11 with an inlet 4 for a first tube 300 and an outlet 5 for a second tube 400, and an intermediate reservoir, which reservoir includes a reversible closure means 6, wherein a bottom face 10 of the housing provides substantially flat base, and the tube outlet 5 is located in a top face of the housing, so as to hold the second tube 400 substantially vertically in use.

With particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a substantially circular base 10, with a continuous wall extending orthogonally to form a cylindrical housing 11, with a displaceable lid closure means 6.

The lid 6 has four equally spaced clips 1 which provide a locking means for the closure means. The clips operate on an overcentre mechanism and are arranged to clip over and around a lip around the housing.

The lid has a resiliently deformable silicone sealing gasket 9 secured around its lower face, which closes against the lip of the housing so as to form a sealing means for the reservoir that is then contained within the lid and housing.

In particular reference to the pictured embodiment three silicone gaskets are used to ensure the reservoir is completely air-and watertight. The clips on the lid compress the lid gasket 9 and the threaded inlet tube has a double gasket 7 to either side of the wall of the housing. The inlet tube is bipartite, with a part 4, 8 either side of the wall, which allows the user to tighten the outer part 4 to the inner part 8 ensuring a seal with the wall.

The reservoir thereby provides a sealed void for vaporised water build up in the tubes of the apparatus.

In particular the device allows water to travel back down the second or breathing tube 400 and into the reservoir, so as to not interfere with the flow of air reaching the user, thereby eliminating undesirable gurgling noises.

The connectors forming the inlet and outlet allow two standard 22mm CPAP hoses to 20 be attached ready for use.

The pictured embodiment of the device may therefore be installed onto any CPAP apparatus.

The pictured embodiment of the device further comprises a support 200 formed of a stand 21, 22 and a clip 23. The support is used to elevate the second or breathing tube, ensuring water droplets flow back down into the reservoir. The stand in use comprises a vertical elongate holder 21 and an orthogonal base 22 placed under the user's mattress wherein the holder's topmost part includes a loop to hold the hose.

The holder is substantially vertical and elongate, with a deviation to extend the loop laterally.

The support further includes the clip 23 wherein it may be envisaged that the clip can 35 be fixed to the user's headboard, to hold the hose as an alternative to the stand.

The pictured embodiment of the device comprises a surface attachment means comprised by a hook and loop pad such as Velcro (RTM), wherein a pad is placed on the base 10, and a corresponding pad with an adhesive lower face may be therefore stuck in use to a surface such as a bedside table.

The reservoir in use collects the water droplets from the CPAP mask hose without disrupting airflow, and the water is enabled to travel back down the tube into the reservoir, to eliminate gurgling noises.

The stand elevates the tube ensuring the water droplets flow back down into the reservoir.

The two inlet gaskets and threaded parts ensure the connection between the tubing and housing is sealed and a humidifier hose 300 connects to the inlet or first tubing 15 and to a humidifier and air movement equipment 105. The air then flows through the aperture in the lid to a mask 100.

The reservoir is cylindrical and 125mm in diameter.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A condenser device for a respiratory apparatus; the device comprising a housing with an inlet for a first tube and an outlet for a second tube, and an intermediate reservoir, which reservoir includes a reversible closure means, wherein a bottom face of the housing provides substantially flat base, and the outlet is located in a top face of the housing, so as to hold the second tube substantially vertically 2. A device according to claim 1 for CPAP, wherein the first tube connects with a humidifier, and the second tube connects with a mask_ 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 comprising a stand for elevation of the second tube.4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the stand comprises an holder is substantially vertical and elongate, with a deviation to extend the loop laterally.5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the base of the housing comprises a surface attachment means.6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the surface attachment means comprises a hook and loop pad.