WO1988004187A1

WO1988004187A1 - Resuscitation device

Info

Publication number: WO1988004187A1
Application number: PCT/US1987/003181
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lawrence Irwin; Frank Irwin
Original assignee: Augerscope, Inc.
Priority date: 1986-12-05
Filing date: 1987-12-03
Publication date: 1988-06-16
Also published as: DE3789312D1; AU1223088A; EP0336936A1; JPH02501444A; JPH082377B2; DE3789312T2; CA1317193C; EP0336936B1; EP0336936A4

Abstract

A mouth to mouth resuscitation device (12) embodying a novel, one piece resiliently deformable valving member (36) which permits flow of air through the device in a direction toward the patient but effectively blocks flow of air and fluids in the opposite direction.

Description

RE SU SC ITAT I ON DEVICE

£ £ I £ I __ I _: -t __ _ι -_ _l

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention -

The present invention relates generally to .τiouth to mouth resuscitation devices. More particu¬ larly, the invention concerns a resuscitation device embodying a novel valving member which permits flow of air through the device in a direction toward the patient .out effectively blocks flow of air and fluids in the opposite direction.

Discussion of the Prior Art -

Mouth to mouth resuscitation is a valuable, life saving expedient when properly accomplished. Ξowever, in the past, the procedure has not been wholly satisfactory for several reasons including the natural repugnance most people have of placing their mouth in contact with the patient's mouth knowing that the patient is likely to vomit during the procedure. In recent times, the possibility of transmission by the patient of acquired immune deficiency, oral herpes and other serious diseases has caused people to avoid giving mouth to mouth resuscitation. Finally, the dif¬ ficulty of practicing the procedure properly causes people to shy away from even attempting to render as- sistance.

Because of problems of the character outlined in the preceding paragraph, many types of devices have een suggested to allegedly simplify the administration

SUBSTITUTE SHEET of mouth to mouth resuscitation and to avoid the spread of germs. However, most of these prior art devices are chea , ine fective_gadgets.

Some of the more effective prior art devices of which the present inventor is aware include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,957,046 issued to Harris; 4,106,502 issued to Wilson and 4,535,765 issued to Pavluceio et al. The device of the present invention is readily distinguishable from these prior art dis- closures because of the unique valving arrangement embodied within the device. This novel device permits air to flow toward the patient but precludes the flow of air and fluids back to the person administering the mouth to mouth resuscitation. Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mouth to mouth resuscitation device having a pair of tubular members jointed together end to end with a valving mechanism therebetween to permit the flow of breathed air to the victim or person being resuscitated but not. permitting any exhaled air or vomit from the victim coming into contact with the other person.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device of the aforementioned character in which the valving mechanism is of simple construction but yet is highly reliable in use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a mouth to mouth resuscitation device that is simple in construction and design, consisting of a minimum of parts and of such low cost that the device is disposable thereby eliminating the need to sterilize it to permit reuse thereof.

In summary, as will be better understood from the description which follows, the mouth to mouth re¬ suscitating device of the present invention comprises a

SUBSTITUTESHEET first tubular member having a wall defining an inner, longitudinally extending surface and first and second end portions, the wall having an aperture therethrough to expel vomit or fluids from the patient; a second tubular member having first and second end portions, the second member being operably interconnected and substantially coaxially aligned with said first mem¬ ber and valving means carried within the first tubu¬ lar member and disposed intermediate said first and second end portions thereof for permitting the flow of air through said first tubular member in a first di¬ rection, but blocking the flow of fluids therethrough in the opposite second direction. The valving means comprises an annular portion and a yieldably deformable wall connected to and extending outwardly from the an¬ nular portion, the wall having a first portion nor¬ mally disposed in close engagement with the longitudinal¬ ly extending surface of said first tubular member and a second portion normally disposed in a first position n close engagement with the first portion of the yieldably deformable wall the second portion being yieldably deformable in response to fluid pressure to a second position to permit the flow of fluids toward the patient. ' Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a generally schematic view il¬ lustrating the use of the mouth to mouth resuscitating device of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the resuscitator of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the resuscitator illustrating in phantom lines the op¬ eration of the valving mechanism of the device.

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view il- lustrating the configuration of the valving mechanism in its normal closed position.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Figure 5 is a perspective view similar to Figure 4 but showing the valve in its open position permitting the flow of air therethrough toward the patien . Description of the Invention

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the mouth to mouth resuscitating device of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 12. The device comprises a first tubular member 14 having a cylindrically shaped section 16 defining an inner longitudinally extending surface 18. First tubular member 14 has a first end portion 20 and a second end portion 22. As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, tubular portion 16 of the first member is pro- vided with an aperture 24 extending through the wall of the tubular section.

Operably associated with first member 14 is a second tubular member 26. Member 26 has a first end portion 28 and a second end portion 30. As indicated in Figures 1 and 2, second end portion 30 of tubular member 26 is telescopically receivable within second end por¬ tion 22 of first member 14. When the first and second members are mated in the manner shown in Figures 2 and 3, they are coaxially aligned and releasably in- terconnected by interconnection means, the details of which will presently be described.

FoCTiing a highly important aspect of the present invention is valving means carried within first tubular member 14 and disposed intermediate the first and second end portions thereof for permitting the flow of air through the tubular member 14 in a first di¬ rection as indicated by the arrow 32 in Figure 3, but blocking the flow of fluids through the valve in the opposite, second, direction indicated by the arrow 34. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in the present embodiment of the invention the valving means is provided

SUBSTITUTE SHEET as an integrally formed member 36 constructed of a resilient material such as rubber, neoprene, silicone or the like. Valve member 36 comprises an annular shaped, substantially rigid portion 38 and a de- formable wall 40 connected to, and extending outwardly from, annular portion 38. Wall 40 has a first portion 42 which is normally disposed in close engagement with the longitudinally extending surface 18 of the first tubular member 14 (Figure 3) and a second portion 44 normally disposed in a first position in close engage¬ ment with first portion 42 of the yieldably deformable wall 40.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, second por¬ tion 44 of wall 40 is yieldably deformable in response to air pressure from the first closed position shown in Figure 4 to the inflated, or outwardly extending, position shown in Figure 5. Referring to Figure 3, the solid lines illustrate the valve configuration in its normal closed position with the second portion 44 of the wall in close engagement with the first portion 42 of the wall. However, upon the flow of air through the device in the direction of the arrow designated by the numeral 46, the valve will move to its open position with second wall portion 44 moving into the orientation shown by the phantom lines in Figure 3. It is impor¬ tant to note that in this expanded or ballooned po¬ sition, second wall 44 moves into closing engagement with the edges of aperture 24 thereby sealing the aper¬ ture and preventing any flow of fluids therethrough in the direction of the arrow generally designated by the numeral 48. The purpose of this important aperture sealing feature will be discussed in the section which follows entitled, "Operation."

As best seen by referring to Figure 3, first tubular member 14 is provided with an enlarged diameter

SUI ^"UTESHEET portion 50 which is adapted to closely receive annular shaped portion 38 of the valving member. With portion 38 of the valving member in position within enlarged diameter portion 50 and in engagement with a shoulder 52 formed at the juncture of the enlarged diameter portion and portion 16 of the first valving member, second end portion 30 of second member 26 can be moved into clamping engagement with the valving member there¬ by sealably securing the valving means within the as- semblage formed by the first and second valve members. Also provided within, first tubular member 14 is a circumferential, internal groove 54. Closely receivable within groove 54 are circumferentially spaced protuberances 56, which protuberances form a part of the interconnection means of the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings . Protuberances 56 are of a size such that they will pass through the first end portion 22 of the first member as the walls are yieldably outwardly deformed. In this way second me - ber 26 can be telescopically received within the first end of the first member and mateably inserted until the protuberances snap into the circumferential groove 54. Once disposed within the groove, the protuberances will function to prevent accidental separation of the parts.. As indicated in Figure 3, the side walls of the circumferential groove 54 are slightly tapered so that a separating force exerted on the first and second tubu¬ lar members will cause a deformation of the first end portion 22 of the first member sufficient to permit the protuberances 56 to be moved free of the circum¬ ferential groove thereby enabling separation of the first and second tubular members.

Forming another part of the interconnection means of the present invention is an alignment means for aligning the first and second tubular members in a predetermined rotational orientation. I the

SUBSTITUTE SHfcET embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, this alignment means comprises a longitudinally extending protuberance 58 formed on second member 26 intermediate its ends. Longitudinally extending protuberance 58 is closely receivable within a longitudinally extend¬ ing internal channel 60 formed in first member 14 proximate circumferential groove 54. Upon mating the first and second tubular members so that protuberances 56 will snap into circumferentially extending groove 54, a relative rotational movement between the first and second tubular members will cause protuberance 58 to snap into longitudinally extending channel, or cavity, 60 thereby locking the components agai.nst further ac¬ cidental rotation with the parts thus rotationally aligned the end portions 20 and 28 of the first and second members will be correctly operationally aligned.

As best seen in Figure 3, first member 14 is provided with an external circumferentially extending groove 62 which closely receives a central flange 63 formed on a breathing mask 64. Breathing mask 64 functions to close off the entire mouth of the victim to compel the air being breathed into the mouth to flow into the lungs and not escape at the sides of the mouth which must be open to receive portion 20. Breathing mask 64 is preferably made of a yieldably soft plastic or rubber material which will snap into circumferentially extending groove 62 and will tend to closely conform to the patient's face during use.

Operation Using the device of the present invention for emergency resuscitation, the victim's mouth is opened and the curved end 20 of tubular member 14 is placed on his tongue and then slid inwardly until the breathing mask 64 engages the victim's face. The person perform- ing the resuscitation then places the thumb and finger

SUBSTITUTE SHEET of one hand about the victim's nose to close off the nostrils and blows into the mouth piece 28. The air pressure flowing in the direction of the arrow 46 of

Figure 3 will cause the valving means to move into the open position shown by the phantom lines in Figure 3 to permit air to flow into the first tubular member and then into the patient through curved end 20. As in- dicated in Figure 3, deformation of the valving member also sealably closes the aperture 24 thereby preventing leakage of air through the aperture. This ensures that all of the air being breathed into the device by the person performing the resuscitation reaches the lungs of the patient. Between breaths the nostrils are released to permit the victim to exhale. When the vic- tim exhales, or when the person performing the resus¬ citation ceases to force air into the device, the valv¬ ing means will automatically move into its closing position shown by the solid lines in Figure 3. In this position, the valve will prevent any flow of fluid or air in the reverse direction, that is in a direc¬ tion toward the person performing the resuscitation. Air from the victim, or any fluids emitted from the patient, such as vomit, will pass through the aperture 24 and never reach the person providing the emergency assistance.

As earlier pointed out, the materials and manufacturing costs of the device of the invention are very low thereby permitting the device to be discarded after each use. However, if it is desired to reuse the device, the device can easily be disassembled and the component parts thereof sterilized as by boiling. Similarly, due to the ease of disassembly of the device, it is a simple matter to replace the valving mech¬ anism at any time with a new valving mechansim. Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A mouth to mouth resuscitating device comprising:

(a) a first tubular member having a wall defining an inner, longitudinally extending surface and first and second end portions, said wall having an aperture therethrough;

(b) a second tubular member having first and second end portions, said second member being op- erably inter-connected and substantially coaxially aligned with said first member;

(c) interconnection means for releasably interconnecting said first and second tubular members proximate the second ends thereof; and

(d) valving means carried within said first tubular member and disposed intermediate said first and second end portions thereof for permitting the flow of fluids through said first tubular member in a first direction, but blocking the flow of fluids through the valve in the opposite second direction, said valving means comprising an integrally formed member including:

(i) an annular portion;

(ii) ^a yieldably deformable wall connected to and extending outwardly from said annular portion, said wall having a first portion normally disposed in close engagement with said longitudinally extending surface of said first tubular member and a second portion normally disposed in a first position in close engagement with said first portion of said yieldably deformable wall, said second portion being yieldably deformable in response to fluid pressure to a second position to permit the flow of fluids through said first member in said first direction.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

2. A device as defined in Claim 1 in which said annular portion of said valving means is sealably clamped between said second end portions of said first and second tubular members when said first and second members are releasably interconnected by said in¬ terconnection means .

3. A device as defined in Claim 1 in which, in said second position, said second portion of said yieldably deformable wall of said valving means closes said apertured wall of said first tubular member.

4. A device as defined in Claim 1 in which said first end portion of each of said first and second tubular members is tapered for insertion into the mouths of persons using the device.

5. A device as defined in Claim 4 in which said first end portion of said first tubular member is generally arcuate in shape.

6. A mouth to mouth resuscitating device comprising:

(b) a second tubular member having first and second end portions, said second member being operably inter-connected and substantially coaxially aligned with said first member;

(c) interconnection means for releasably in¬ terconnecting said first and second tubular members proximate the second ends thereof; and

(d) valving means carried within said first tubular member and disposed intermediate said first and second end portions thereof for permitting the flow of fluid through said first tubular member in a first direction, but blocking the flow of fluids through the valve in the opposite second direction, said valving

SUBSTITUTESHEET means comprising an integral member constructed of a resilient material and including:

(i) a rigid, ring shaped portion received between said second end portions of said first .and second tubular members; (ii) a yieldably deformable wall connected to and extending outwardly from said annular portion, said wall having a first concave portion normally disposed in close engagement with said longitudinally extending surface of said first tubular member and a second con¬ cave portion normally disposed in a first position in close engagement with said first concave portion of said yieldably deformable wall, said second portion being yieldably deformable away from said first concave portion to a second convex position in response to fluid pressure to block said aperture and to permit the flow of fluids through said first member in said first direction.

7. A mouth to mouth resuscitation device as defined in Claim 6 in which said second end of said second tubular member is telescopically receivable within said second end of said first member.

8. A mouth to mouth resuscitation device as defined in Claim 6 in which said first tubular member is provided with a circumferential groove located prox¬ imate said longitudinally extending surface and in which said interconnection means comprises at least one pro¬ tuberance formed proximate said second end of said second member said protuberance ' being removably received within -said circumferential groove.

9 _ A mouth to mouth resuscitation device as defined in Claim 8 in which said first tubular member is provided with an enlarged diameter portion proximate said circumferential groove for closely receiving said

SUBSTITUTE S ijztz 1 rigid ring shaped portion of said integral member.

10. A mouth to mouth resuscitation device as defined in Claim 8 in which said interconnection means further comprises alignment means for aligning said first and second members in a predetermined ro¬ tational orientation.

11. A mouth to mouth resuscitation device as defined in Claim 10 in which said first tubular member is provided with a longitudinally extending channel and in which said alignment means comprises at least one longitudinally extending protuberance formed on said second member and being removably receivable within said longitudinally extending chamber formed in said first member.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET