Patent ID: 6494201
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: A61M,A62B

Abstract:
A portable oxygen dispenser for providing an emergency supply of oxygen-rich gas, comprising a closed cannister having a top closure portion and a side wall defining a cannister axis and containing a quantity of oxygen-rich gas in a pressurized condition; a dispensing orifice including an externally actuable valve structure at one axial end of said cannister for maintaining said dispensing orifice in a normally closed condition, said valve structure including a nozzle stem generally arranged along said cannister axis for opening said orifice when a force is applied thereto; a neck wall generally arranged about said nozzle stem and dimensioned to form a space between said nozzle stem and said neck wall; a generally conical diffusing member defining a diffusion axis and opposing axial ends one of which is a dispensing open end dimensioned to substantially correspond to said cannister and the other end of which is a closed infusion end provided with an inlet opening defining an axis generally transverse to said diffusion axis and stem engaging structure that selectively applies an axial force to said nozzle stem, said one dispensing end being configured to fit over and be supported on said cannister when not in use and constructed to be placed over the mouth and/or nose of a user; and a protective guide extending from said closed infusion end and slidingly engaging said neck wall with little clearance during use when said cannister and transverse axes are generally aligned and oxygen-rich gas is to be released and substantially limiting forces applied to said nozzle stem to axial forces along said cannister axis, whereby forces on said nozzle stem other than said axial forces along said cannister axis are avoided to thereby prevent damage to said nozzle stem during use of said diffusing member.