Exhalation valve
First Claim
1. A mask for the inhalation of medication comprising:
- a front portion having an inlet adapted for connection to a source for providing an aerosol medication, wherein said mask has minimal dead space inside yet provides efficient inhalation and exhalation flow paths that purge said mask of exhaled air;
a side wall expanding outwardly from said front portion to a rear portion adapted to fit sealingly on a human face;
a wall located adjacent said front portion, and a valve integrally formed in an opening in said wall, wherein said wall and said valve form a single piece of material, said valve adapted for positioning adjacent nostrils of a nose; and
wherein said valve is adapted to permit air flow through said opening upon a patient breathing in a first direction, and to prevent air flow through said opening upon the patient breathing in a second direction opposite the first direction and wherein said valve comprises an exhalation valve in fluid communication with an extension projecting from said side wall.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A mask for the inhalation of medication comprising:
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a front portion having an inlet adapted for connection to a source for providing an aerosol medication, wherein said mask has minimal dead space inside yet provides efficient inhalation and exhalation flow paths that purge said mask of exhaled air; a side wall expanding outwardly from said front portion to a rear portion adapted to fit sealingly on a human face; a wall located adjacent said front portion, and a valve integrally formed in an opening in said wall, wherein said wall and said valve form a single piece of material, said valve adapted for positioning adjacent nostrils of a nose; and wherein said valve is adapted to permit air flow through said opening upon a patient breathing in a first direction, and to prevent air flow through said opening upon the patient breathing in a second direction opposite the first direction and wherein said valve comprises an exhalation valve in fluid communication with an extension projecting from said side wall. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A mask for use with an aerosol delivery device, the mask comprising:
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an inlet for receiving an end of a medication aerosol delivery device, said inlet adapted for substantial alignment with a mouth of a patient wearing said mask; a nosepiece integral with said mask, said nosepiece projecting outwardly from a wall of said mask, and adapted to extend over a nose of a patient wearing said mask; an exhalation valve located adjacent said nosepiece, said exhalation valve adapted for positioning adjacent the nostrils of the nose, said exhalation valve comprising a one-way valve to permit air flow out of said mask upon exhalation, and to prevent air from entering into said mask upon patient inhalation; and wherein said mask is adapted to cover the mouth and nose of the patient and further wherein said exhalation valve is integral with said wall of said mask, said wall and said exhalation valve comprising a single piece of material. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A mask for use with an aerosol delivery device, the mask comprising:
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an aerosol inlet configured for positioning substantially in front of a mouth of a patient wearing said mask, said aerosol inlet adapted for receiving a source of aerosol medication; said mask adapted for fitting over said mouth and a nose of said patient, said mask comprised of a first frustoconical portion of first taper and a second frustoconical portion of a greater taper than said first frustoconical portion; and a one-way valve recessed in an extension projecting outwardly from said mask and surrounding an opening in said mask adjacent nostrils of said patient, said one-way valve operative to prevent air flow through said opening in a first direction, but which permits air flow through said opening in a second direction, wherein said extension prevents tampering with said one-way valve. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification