Patent ID: 6626168
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A61J,A61M

Abstract:
A nebulizer assembly comprising:a mask constructed from a resilient flexible material, said mask having a perimeter edge adapted for abutting a face of a user while the mask is worn such that a mouth and nose of the user are positioned within an interior space of said mask when said perimeter edge of said mask abuts the face of the user; a nebutizing assembly in environmental communication with said interior of said mask for delivering inhalable medication to said interior of said mask for facilitating inhalation of the medication by the user when said perimeter edge of said mask abuts the face of the user; said mask having a pair of apertures whereby said mask is adapted for permitting environmental communication between said interior of said mask and ambient air surrounding said mask whereby the medication mixes with the ambient air as the ambient air passes into said interior of said mask for facilitating free breathing of the user while the mask is worn; said mask including a nose bridge portion adapted for positioning adjacent to a nose of the user while the mask is being worn; a malleable metal clip coupled to an outer surface of said nose bridge portion of said mask, said metal clip being adjustable for facilitating abutment of a portion of said perimeter edge of said mask proximate said nose bridge portion against the face of the user; said mask being transparent for permitting visual inspection of the nose and mouth of the user while the mask is being worn; a mouth plate mounted on an interior surface of said mask, said mouth plate having a perimeter edge located opposite of said mask said mouth plate being positioned for covering the mouth of the user when the mask is worn; said mouth plate having a pair of holes whereby said mouth plate is adapted for permitting the user to breathe through the mouth of the user; a nipple extending from said mouth plate, said nipple being positioned for being received in the mouth of the user when the mask is positioned against the face of the user; a bracing member extending between an interior wall of said mask and an inwardly facing surface of said mouth plate for facilitating holding of said mask by the mouth of the user when the nipple is positioned in the mouth of the user; a plurality of slots positioned in said outer perimeter of said mask, said slots being adapted for coupling a resilient strap to said mask for facilitating securement of said mask to the user; said mask including a nose portion adapted for positioning adjacent the nose of the user; said mask including an aperture positioned at a base of said nose portion; said nebulizing assembly including a connection tube member having a first open end coupled to said aperture at said base of said nose portion of said mask; said nebulizing assembly including a nebulizer having a cylindrical open top end; said connection tube member having a second open end, said open top end of said nebulizer being insertable into said second open end of said connection tube; and an interior wall of said second open end tapering approaching a medial portion of said connection tube whereby said interior wall of said second open end frictionally engages said open top end of said nebulizer.