Exhalation valve for face mask with spacer chamber connection

• US 5,988,160 A
• Filed: 04/25/1997
• Issued: 11/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Canadian Monaghan Limited
• Original Assignee: Trudell Medical Limited
• Inventors: Morton, Robert, Foley, Martin P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lewis, Aaron J.
• Application Number:
  US08/842,956
• Time in Patent Office: 942 Days
• Field of Search: 128/200.14, 128/200.23, 128/203.12, 128/203.29, 128/205.25, 128/206.21, 128/207.12, 128/200.29, 128/205.233, 128/206.28 , 128/200.22
• US Class Current: 128/200.22
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/00 Inhalators drug delivery in endotracheal tubes A61M16/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0018 with exhalation check valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks

Abstract

A mask is provided for the inhalation of medication, such as asthmatic medication. The mask is molded of a resilient plastic or rubber material and has a central through opening and includes an open front portion adapted to receive an aerosolization chamber which receives medication from a metered dose inhaler. A sidewall expands outwardly from the open front portion and is adapted to fit sealingly on a face covering the mouth and nose. The sidewall is provided with an extension to accommodate the nose. A one-way exhalation valve is provided in the mask, preferably at the far end of the nose accommodating extension for conveying exhaled air to the outside, and preventing entrance of outside air therethrough into said mask.

Claims

1. In combination:

an aerosolization chamber for receiving an aerosol from a source of aerosol medication, the aerosolization chamber having an exit end;

a mask having an upstream end connected to the exit end of the aerosolization chamber;

wherein the mask is comprised of;

a first frustoconical portion of shallow taper;

a second frustoconical portion of greater taper located downstream of said first frustoconical portion;

a nosepiece extending from end to end of the second frustoconical portion, and wherein the second frustoconical portion opens radially into the nosepiece;

a wall extending from a point between the first frustoconical portion and the second frustoconical portion, the wall forming an upstream end of the nosepiece;

a one-way valve near the exit end of the aerosolization chamber and located in an opening in the mask, the one-way valve preventing backflow into the aerosolization chamber; and

a second valve located in an opening in the wall, the second valve operative to prevent air flow through the opening upon patient inhalation but which permits air flow through the opening upon exhalation into the mask so as to permit a patient wearing the mask to exhale air through the opening.

2. The invention of claim 1 further comprising:

a box-shaped housing forward of the wall and extending from the mask.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the mask is a pediatric mask adapted in size for a face of a child.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the mask is composed of silicone rubber.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the mask is composed of a translucent material adapted to permit seeing at least a limited distance therethrough.

6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the second valve is observable and which positively opens in a discernible manner upon exhalation.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein the wall includes a pair of openings.

8. The invention of claim 1 wherein the wall includes a pair of arcuate openings.

9. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a ring at the upstream end of the mask.

10. The invention of claim 1 wherein the mask further comprises a nosepiece portion shaped for positioning over the nose of the person wearing the mask.

11. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a ring at the upstream end of the mask wherein an inner surface of the ring is cylindrical.

12. The invention of claim 1 wherein the second valve includes a forwarding extending generally cylindrical section.

13. The invention of claim 1 wherein the second valve is recessed sufficiently to avoid damage.

14. In combination:

an aerosolization chamber for receiving an aerosol from a source of aerosol medication, the aerosolization chamber having an exit end;

a mask adapted in size for a face of a child, the mask having an upstream end connected to the exit end of the aerosolization chamber, wherein the mask is composed of a translucent material;

wherein the mask includes a first frustoconical portion of a shallow taper and a second frustoconical portion of greater taper located downstream of the first frustoconical portion;

a nosepiece extending from end to end of the second frustoconical portion with greater taper, wherein the second frustoconical portion with greater taper opens radially into the nosepiece;

a wall extending from a point between the first frustoconical portion and the second frustoconical portion, the wall forming an upstream of the nosepiece, the wall including a pair of openings;

a boxed-shaped housing upstream of the wall;

a one-way valve near the exit end of the aerosolization chamber and located to prevent backflow into the aerosolization chamber; and

a second valve located in the wall, the second valve operative to prevent air flow through the second valve upon patient inhalation but which permits air flow through said second valve upon exhalation into said mask so as to permit a patient wearing the mask to exhale air therethrough.