Patent ID: 6539939
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A multi-function oral breathing support system for providing inhaled medication and exercise to the lungs of a patient comprising, in combination:a one piece housing having a cylindrical distal region of a first length with a large diameter and a frusto-conical proximal region of a second length with a small diameter and a cylindrical intermediate region of a third length with an intermediate diameter there between, the second length of an extended length being greater than the first length and greater than the third length but less than the sum of the first and third lengths, the proximal region being formed with an open circular output end and the distal region being formed with an open circular input end, a circular plate formed adjacent to the interface of the distal and intermediate regions with a central aperture forming an annular bearing surface proximally and with peripheral air passageways there around, the system having a common central axis through the proximal and distal and intermediate regions and the input and output ends and the central aperture; a generally cup-shaped cap with a circular base and an integrally formed cylindrical sidewall slidably received through the input end and extending into the distal region of the housing, the base having an annular array of air ports with a tubular guide extending proximally from the base, the tubular guide being formed with internal threads; a valve assembly including a circular disc formed with a periphery selectively positionable in contact with the bearing surface and passageways for precluding the passage of air through the plate and selectively positionable out of contact with the bearing surface and passageways for allowing the passage of air through the air ports and passageways and output end, the valve assembly also including a thin rod with a distal end formed with external threads adjustably received within the guide; a coil spring positioned between the base and plate urging the base and cap distally and the plate into contact with the bearing surface and passageways and adapted to vary the amount of pressure required to allow passage of air through the cap into the housing by the inhaling at the output end by a patient, such pressure being variable as a function of the rotational orientation of the guide and cap with respect to the rod and valve assembly; an elastomeric exhaust valve fabricated of a soft resilient elastomeric material located on an upper radial extent of the intermediate region of the housing adapted to allow the exhaling of air to exterior of the housing by a patient independent of the pressure of the exhaling; a primary port on an upper radial extent of the proximal region of the housing configured with an upstanding support adapted to receive and support a bottle of medication with a downwardly extending nozzle extending through the primary port whereby depressing of the bottle will dispense a premetered dosage of medication into the housing for being inhaled by a patient; calibrating indicia on the exterior surface of the sidewall whereby varying the distance between the guide and rod will vary the force exerted by the spring and thereby varying the inhalation force required by the patient in order to create a sufficient vacuum to pull the disc from the plate and passageways and thereby allow a patient to inhale through the housing for the receipt of medication and exercise to the lungs; a mouthpiece releasably coupled to the output end of the housing with a central passageway there through; and an adapter selectively positionable between the output end and the mouthpiece, the adapter being in a T-shaped configuration with a generally cylindrical central opening there through and a downwardly extending supplemental opening adapted to couple to a container having a supplemental supply of medication for selective use by a patient.