Device for relieving anxiety in respiratory patients

• US 5,704,344 A
• Filed: 09/06/1996
• Issued: 01/06/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jeanne M. Cole
• Original Assignee: Jeanne M. Cole
• Inventors: Cole, Jeanne M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Millin, Vincent
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wieland, Robert N.
• Application Number:
  US08/709,376
• Time in Patent Office: 487 Days
• Field of Search: 128/202.13, 128/203.23, 128/203.26, 128/203.16, 128/203.17, 128/200.14, 128/200.13, 128/200.24, 128/201.26, 128/201.23 , 128/202.16, 128/203.12, 128/203.27, 128/207.18, 128/911, 128/912
• US Class Current: 128/200.14
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/00 Inhalators drug delivery in endotracheal tubes A61M16/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/59 Aesthetic features, e.g. distraction means to prevent fears of child patients

Abstract

A patient device for assisting in the treatment of patients who use breathing devices is disclosed. The patient device includes a body which may have any of an infinite variety of shapes and appearances as long as the body is intended to appeal to and relieve the anxiety in the patient. In the preferred embodiment, the body incorporates an integrally formed mouth piece and/or face mask and channels for conducting gas. The device may also utilize visible vapor to produce a vapor effect which enhances the appearance of the patient device, further appeals to the patient, and encourages the patient to breath from the breathing device.

Claims

1. A device for altering the external appearance of a nebulizer, useable by a patient, having an output of medicinal vapor and an output conduit to conduct the medicinal vapor comprising:

a. a tube connected to the output conduit of the nebulizer, said tube having a first patient mouth engageable end portion and a second gas exit end portion to carry visible exit gases from the mouth of the patient;

b. a decorative member at least partially surrounding said tube, said member including a decorative exhaust port;

c. means for connecting said tube second gas exit end portion to said decorative exhaust port to direct visible exit gases therethrough.

2. The device of claim 1 in which said decorative member includes a groove for at least partially accommodating said tube.

3. The device of claim 2 in which said tube includes a central portion forming a tee fitting with the output conduit of the nebulizer, said first patient mouth engageable end portion and said second gas exit end portion connected to said tube central portion for communication therewith.

4. The device of claim 1 in said decorative member and said tube are integrally formed.

5. The device of claim 1 in which said decorative exhaust port includes an angular conduit for altering the direction of exit gases from said tube.

6. The device of claim 1 in which said decorative exhaust port positions outwardly from said first patient mouth engageable end portion for viewing by the patient.