System and method for delivering moisturizing liquid to lips of a subject

A system for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject includes an applicator for applying the moisturizing liquid to the lips supported by a support structure so that at least a part of applicator is deployed so as to engage a recess between the lips of subject without obstructing contact between the subject's upper and lower lips. The proximity of the applicator to the lips allows the use of simple contact-based implementations of the applicator. At the same time, disruption of speech and other normal oral movement is minimized by avoiding any obstruction to contact between the lips.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject suffering from dry lips, for example, after undergoing surgery.

It is common for patients recovering from surgery, particularly during recovery from general anesthesia, to suffer from dry or cracked lips. In some cases, this problem may persist for several days after surgery. During the recovery period, the patient is typically allowed only very limited amounts of water or cracked ice due to the risk of inducing vomiting. The discomfort caused by dryness of the lips is typically addressed by frequent intervention of nurses or family members manually moistening the lips or giving small amounts of cool water or chipped ice. This intervention is an added burden on healthcare staff, and may not always be feasible. Various other situations can arise, particularly for infirm and sick residents and patients in nursing homes and facilities, which result in discomfort and suffering from chronic and short term conditions which result in dry or cracked lips.

Various devices have been proposed for providing short-term solutions to moisturizing the lips and/or palate under such circumstances. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,679,551; 4,838,882; 4,917,674; 5,055,108; 5,062,795; and 6,536,423. Of these, U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,551 relates to a non-contact ultrasound spray arrangement which is complex and costly. The remaining references all relate to various devices which are positioned partly or entirely within the mouth cavity. Such devices may be somewhat effective, but are typically unpopular with patients who feel that their mouths are obstructed. In most cases, the devices extend between the lips of the patient, interfering with normal closing of the mouth and disrupting the patient's ability to resume speaking.

There is therefore a need for a simple but effective system and corresponding method for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject suffering from dry lips without preventing closing together of the subject's lips.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and corresponding method for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject suffering from dry lips.

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided, a method for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an applicator for applying the moisturizing liquid to the lips of the subject; and (b) employing a support structure to support the applicator so that at least a part of the applicator is deployed to engage a recess between the lips of the subject without obstructing contact between the upper and lower lips of the subject.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the support structure is supported primarily by at least one part of the body of the subject.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the support structure is supported at least in part by contact with the cheeks of the subject.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the support structure is supported at least in part by engagement with features of at least one ear of the subject.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the support structure includes a clamp for clamping the support structure to a bed.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the support structure includes a base configured to be self-supporting when placed on a flat surface.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the applicator includes an absorbent material moistened by the moisturizing liquid.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the applicator includes a conduit with a plurality of liquid release apertures.

According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a liquid supply arrangement including: (a) a reservoir for containing a quantity of the moisturizing liquid; (b) a supply arrangement in fluid communication with the reservoir and the applicator for supplying the moisturizing liquid to the applicator.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the liquid supply arrangement is a gravity-fed liquid supply arrangement.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the reservoir maintains the moisturizing liquid at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, the pressure generating liquid flow to the applicator.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the reservoir is pressurized by the weight of a part of the subject's body resting on the reservoir, thereby feeding the moisturizing liquid to the applicator.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the applicator includes a reservoir for containing a quantity of the moisturizing liquid.

There is also provided according to the teachings of the present invention, a system for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject, the system comprising: (a) a reservoir for containing a quantity of the moisturizing liquid; (b) an applicator for applying the moisturizing liquid to the lips of the subject; (c) a supply arrangement in fluid communication with the reservoir and the applicator for supplying the moisturizing liquid to the applicator; and (d) a support structure configured for supporting the applicator, wherein the support structure is configured to support the applicator relative to a part of the body of the subject so that at least a part of the applicator is deployed to engage a recess between the lips of the subject without obstructing contact between the upper and lower lips of the subject.

There is also provided according to the teachings of the present invention, a system for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject, the system comprising: (a) a reservoir for containing a quantity of the moisturizing liquid; (b) an applicator for applying the moisturizing liquid to the lips of the subject; (c) a supply arrangement in fluid communication with the reservoir and the applicator for supplying the moisturizing liquid to the applicator; and (d) a support structure configured for supporting the applicator, wherein the applicator is configured for dispensing the moisturizing liquid onto the lips through contact with the lips without insertion of the applicator into the mouth of the subject.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a system and corresponding method for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject suffering from dry lips.

The principles and operation of systems and methods according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates schematically a system, generally designated10, and a corresponding method according to the teachings of the present invention for delivering moisturizing liquid12to the lips of a subject14. In general terms, system10includes an applicator16for applying the moisturizing liquid to the lips of the subject, and a support structure18. Support structure18is arranged to support applicator16so that at least a part of applicator16is deployed so as to engage a recess between the lips of subject14without obstructing contact between the subject's upper and lower lips.

It will be noted that the positioning of applicator16as described herein, engaging the recess between the lips but without obstructing closure of the lips together, is highly advantageous. On one hand, the proximity of applicator16to the lips allows the use of simple contact-based implementations of applicator16, thereby providing continuous and mess-free relief to the discomfort of the subject without requiring complex or expensive applicator devices. At the same time, by avoiding any obstruction to contact between the lips, disruption of speech and other normal oral movement is avoided, thereby making the system as non-intrusive as possible. These and other advantages of the systems and methods of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description.

Before addressing the features of the present invention in more detail, it will be helpful to define certain terminology as used herein in the description and claims. Firstly, the term “recess” is used herein in the description and claims to refer to a geometrical form in two dimensions, corresponding to the outline of a body part, which can be closed by addition of a single straight line to enclose an area. This definition is represented graphically inFIG. 2in which the outline of the face14, taken in side view (or cross-section) exhibits a recess between the lips, while the lips are closed together, which can be closed in geometrically by addition of a single straight line, as illustrated by dashed line20. The area22enclosed by the body part together with the straight line is referred to as “within the recess”. An object located at least partially within the recess is referred to as “engaging the recess”, without necessarily requiring it to be in contact with sides of the recess continuously. In all of the above terminology, it will be noted that the definitions refer to geometrical relations in two dimensions only, and particularly relating to an outline as viewed in a cross-section in the sagittal plane with the mouth closed. Clearly, the geometry of the human mouth is somewhat convexly curved in the side-to-side direction, and the recess referred to above may be an open-ended channel in three dimensions, or may otherwise change towards its lateral edges.

When reference is made to an applicator being positioned such that is does not “obstruct contact between the subject's upper and lower lips,” this used to indicate that the lips are free to contact each other directly across the entire width of the mouth without any intervening object or material. This terminology thus excludes all types of devices which have portions extending into the mouth, or which are mounted in various manners to the lips or teeth.

Turning now to the remaining features of the schematic representation of system10illustrated inFIG. 1, the various implementations of the present invention preferably include a reservoir24for containing a quantity of moisturizing liquid12, and a supply arrangement, illustrated here as a fluid flow conduit26, in fluid communication with reservoir24and applicator16for supplying moisturizing liquid12to applicator16.

Liquid12itself may be any non-toxic liquid effective for moistening the lips. The liquid is typically water-based, and may have additives to provide a sweet taste or any other desired flavor, additives to improve efficacy for treatment of dry lips or any other desired additives. Where additives are present, they may be in the form of a solution, a suspension, an emulsion or any other form. Most preferably, plain water is used. In certain cases, particularly where the subject is at risk of infection, sterilized water may be used. In many cases, regular drinking water may be sufficient.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bshow an enlarged view of applicator16deployed in engagement with the recess between the lips of a subject while the subject's mouth is open and closed, respectively. As seen here, applicator16is preferably kept in proximity to the lips during movement of the mouth, but does not obstruct normal opening and closing movement of the mouth, or any other motion of the mouth normally required for speech or facial expression.

Turning now toFIGS. 4-11B, it should be noted that system10as described schematically with reference toFIGS. 1-3Babove may be implemented in a large number of practical implementations. More specifically, while maintaining the common functional features described thus far, each of applicator16, support structure18, reservoir24and supply arrangement26may be implemented in numerous ways. In order to give some indication of the scope of possible implementations, system10will be further illustrated with reference to seven non-limiting exemplary embodiments. The first three of these employ support structures18which are configured to be supported primarily by at least one part of the body of the subject, and most preferably, part of the head of the subject, thereby maintaining the desired position relative to the lips of the subject even if the subject moves around considerably. The latter four embodiments employ various support structures18which cooperate with the frame or other surfaces of a bed, an intravenous drip stand or other nearby furniture. It should be noted that, unless otherwise indicated, the various implementations of each component of system10may be used interchangeably between the embodiments, and are not limited to the specific combinations illustrated here.

Turning specifically toFIGS. 4A,4B and5, this illustrates a first embodiment of system10wherein support structure18is primarily supported by contact with the cheeks of subject14. In this case, support structure18is formed as a resilient frame40, shown here with a roughly arcuate shape, with cheek contact regions42provided by grip elements44. Grip elements44are preferably formed from relatively soft resilient material, such as natural or synthetic rubber or silicone, which provide firm but comfortable grip on the cheeks of the subject. Grip elements44may be slidably mounted on the arms of frame40to provide adjustment of the size of the subject. Frame40is typically formed from low-cost injection-molded plastic.

A central portion of frame40preferably includes a flattened region46which protrudes inwardly, forming a convex contour which contrasts with the generally concave curvature of the inside of the arcuate shape. This portion provides support for, and defines the shape of, the applicator16of this embodiment, as will now be described.

Applicator16in this embodiment includes an absorbent material moistened by liquid12which serves to disperse the liquid over a desired contact area through capillary action. Liquid12is applied to the lips as they come into contact with the moistened absorbent material. In the preferred case illustrated here (FIG. 4A), the absorbent material is implemented as a layer48of woven or non-woven cloth or open-cell foam material wrapped around flattened region46of frame40.

Supply of liquid12to layer48occurs via fluid flow conduit26which has one or more liquid release aperture50, as revealed inFIG. 4B. Parenthetically, it should be noted that a structure such as shown inFIG. 4B, without absorbent material, may be used directly as an applicator, optionally provided with a plurality of openings to distribute the liquid more evenly across the lips. Conduit26as shown here passes along one side of frame40, typically held in place by a number of clips integrally formed with the frame, and extends around the inward-facing edge of flattened region46where aperture50is located. In this manner, fluid supply is ensured primarily to the absorbent material on the side of flattened region46facing the lips. In the case shown here, conduit26passes through a lateral opening formed in frame40so as to pass neatly from the outside to the inside of the arcuate frame.

FIG. 5illustrates the system in use with grip elements44gripping the subject's cheeks and applicator16engaged in the recess between the lips of the subject, but without obstructing contact between the lips.

The device ofFIGS. 4A-4Bmay be used to advantage with substantially any form of reservoir24and liquid supply arrangement. In the example illustrated inFIG. 5, a gravity-fed liquid supply arrangement with a suspended flexible reservoir “bag” of a type familiar from intravenous drip (“I.V.”) arrangements is shown. A simple flow regulating control52, also of a type commonly used in I.V. sets, may be used to limit the flow rate to a suitable flow rate. Additionally, or alternatively, this and other embodiments of the present invention may include a flow limiting element53incorporated within conduit26, or at any other point along the flow path, to limit the flow rate to a suitable level. Suitable flow rate limiting elements may be implemented using well developed technology (e.g., flow labyrinths or pressure-regulating diaphragms) common in drip irrigation systems which provide a desired flow rate largely independent of variations in the supply pressure.

According to one particular example of a flow limiting element, a capillary tube is incorporated within the flow path. Preferably, the capillary tube has an internal diameter of between about 0.05 mm and about 0.2 mm, and most preferably about 0.1±0.03 mm. To facilitate attachment of the capillary tube, and external diameter of about 3 mm has been found convenient. A length of the capillary is preferably between about 5 and about 30 mm, and most preferably about 8±3 mm. Such a capillary can conveniently be attached at the end of conduit26or otherwise be deployed to define an outlet to applicator16. In experiments performed by the applicant, a glass capillary tube of internal diameter 0.1 mm and length 8 mm has been found effective when used with an infusion bag supply positioned 70-110 cm above the outlet to maintain flow rates of around 10 cc. per hour.

Turning now toFIG. 6, there is shown an alternative embodiment of system10, in this case employing a support structure18which suspends applicator16from a hat or head-band60substantially encircling the crown of the subject14. In the case illustrated here, reservoir24is shown mounted directly on head-band60. Optionally, reservoir24may have an opening61for convenient refilling of reservoir24. Applicator16may be suspended from head-band60via any suitable suspension arrangement. Preferably, one or more stiff arm is used to retain the applicator in place. Optionally, the arm may be deformable in order to allow repositioning of the applicator in the correct position for the subject. According to a particularly preferred option illustrated here, conduit26may itself be implemented as a tube sufficiently stiff to provide the repositionable deployment as described.

Applicator16as illustrated here is a hollow body, typically of plastic, with an array of small openings for releasing liquid. The size of the openings, as well as coatings or other surface properties of the applicator, may be chosen to provide drip-free retention of liquid at the openings through surface tension effects. Liquid is then released by contact against the lips of the subject.

Turning now toFIGS. 7A and 7B, this illustrated a further alternative embodiment of system10in which support structure18is implemented with an eye-glasses-type support frame which engages at least one and preferably both ears of the subject14. In the version shown here, support structure18also features a bridge portion lying across the bridge of the subject's nose. These features together provide a well defined support geometry, allowing precise positioning of applicator16within the recess between the lips of the subject.

One attractive option for this implementation is positioning reservoir24over and/or behind the ears. In order to ensure comfortable balance between the two sides, it may be preferably to provide two similar reservoirs on opposite sides of the support structure, one resting on each ear. flow conduit(s)26are preferably implemented as part of support structure18, or as thin tubes passing within the structure. Flow from reservoirs24to applicator16is preferably achieved through capillary action drawing water through the fine tubes of support structure18to applicator16.

Applicator16as shown here, best seen inFIG. 7B, is implemented in a manner conceptually similar to that ofFIG. 4A, with an absorbent material deployed around a tube with drop release apertures.

Turning now toFIGS. 8A and 8B, there is shown an implementation of system10in which support structure18is an adjustable jointed stand with a base configured to be self-supporting when placed on a flat surface, such as the surface of a bed. This allows positioning of applicator16in an appropriate position for short term use by a subject confined to bed, such as for example while recovering from anesthesia. Applicator16, shown more clearly inFIG. 8B, is similar to that ofFIG. 6.

A reservoir24is here provided at or near the base of stand18, and is connected to applicator16via a conduit26. A driving force for supplying liquid to applicator16is provided by a spring-clamp80applied so as to apply pressure to external surfaces of flexible reservoir24. The pressure of the spring-clamp maintains moisturizing liquid12within reservoir24at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, thereby generating liquid flow to the applicator.

Turning now toFIGS. 9A and 9B, these show a further variant embodiment based on a raised reservoir24mounted on a bracket90which holds it at a level above the subject by clamping to part of a bed frame. Applicator16is here shown as a tube with a number of apertures formed at the end of a semi-rigid conduit26connecting applicator16to reservoir14.

FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate an implementation generally similar to that ofFIGS. 8A and 8B, but in which reservoir24is pressurized by the weight of a part of the subject's body, in this case the head, resting on reservoir24, thereby feeding the moisturizing liquid to applicator16. Most preferably, reservoir24may be located within or under a pillow to be used by the subject. Applicator16itself is shown here as a single drop emitter mounted at the end of conduit26.

Turning finally toFIGS. 11A and 11B, it should be noted that not all embodiments necessarily require a distinct conduit26connecting between reservoir24and applicator16as shown in the previous embodiments. Instead, in this embodiment, reservoir24is formed as an integrated part of applicator16. The device is thus essentially a hanging reservoir24with an applicator16formed in its lower portion. The device is hung from a suitable stand, thereby achieving the desired positioning of the applicator16in the recess between the lips of the subject without obstructing contact between the lips.

Once again, it should be stressed that the various implementations of different elements of system10shown herein are not limited to the particular combinations illustrated. Thus, for example, the embodiments ofFIGS. 4A,4B and5may be implemented using a head mounted reservoir such as was shown inFIG. 6, or various other gravity-fed, pre-pressurized or body-weight pressurized reservoir arrangements. A manually-operable supply (e.g., a squeezable reservoir or a small manually-operable pump such as is common in liquid soap dispensers) also falls within the scope of the present invention.