Abstract:
The invention is a apparatus and method for holding the oxygen hose above a patient&#39;s head. It also flexes whenever the patient turns in bed. The device is a 32″-36″ fiberglass tubing with a flexible shaft to extend over different bed sizes. The oxygen tubing is then threaded through the eye hooks on the shaft and the attached mask can fit any patient. The base of the unit is metal and is placed near the oxygen tank or air pump as used with a cardio pulmonary air pump assistance unit by the patient&#39;s bed and is eminently flexible in any direction.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Number 457,928 filed on Apr. 21, 1999. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to adjustable and retractable oxygen tube supply devices and, more particularly, to a telescoping, flexible, portable oxygen supply tube support stand. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In an all too familiar hospital or extended care facility scene, the patient that requires oxygen or other similar gases, is often seen constantly fighting with the air tubing to keep it from becoming tangled or trapped when they move. Should the line become trapped under them or wrapped around an arm, the risk of the line becoming yanked away is great. Should the patient roll over while sleeping, the chances are even greater since they are not aware of it. If the mask becomes dislodged while sleeping, the patient is not afforded the medical benefits of the oxygen or gas. This may also present a constant worry to the patient, again resulting in a decrease of health. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which air tubing used with patients on oxygen or other gases, can be kept from becoming tangled or trapped while in a bed. The development of the Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand fulfills this need. 
     Within the related art, numerous applications exist for devices allowing patients to undergo oxygen therapy employing tubular recoil mechanisms for entanglement prevention. However, these devices limit the mobility of the patient who is connected wearing an oxygen mask connected to the oxygen tubing. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by for providing a patient wearing an oxygen mask much greater mobility, such as when rolling over in bed, while preventing the oxygen hose from becoming entangled. 
     In the related art, the following patents disclose a patient ventilating apparatus with a flexible tubular catheter. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,048, issued in the name of Brodsky et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,876, issued in the name of Brodsky et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,511, issued in the name of Simmons et al. describes an adjustable medical tube retainer and nasal dilator. U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,808, issued in the name of Pierce discloses a retractable tubing reel device for an oxygen supply tank. U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,757, issued in the name of Edwards describes a headband for supporting a nasal oxygen administering tube. U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,026, issued in the name of Underwood discloses an intravascular tube assembly with separators preventing entanglement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,688, issued in the name of Payton describes an adjustable and movable headpiece for providing a nebulized oxygen-enriched fog. U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,639, issued in the name of Peterson et al. discloses a medical tube restraining device. 
     Consequently, the development of present invention fulfills these cited needs in a manner not otherwise addressed in the art. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved oxygen tube support stand that allows bed ridden patients receiving oxygen the ability to roll over and/or move without worrying about the oxygen tubing becoming entangled or trapped. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved oxygen tube support stand device that is adjustable for different sized bed and patients. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a flexible telescoping shaft that flexes and bends as the patient moves allowing the patient exceptional mobility. 
     It is an advantage of the present invention that it has multiple uses with either hospital beds, beds in the home, or nursing home beds. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention that it provides a portable weighted base preventing the present invention from tipping over and can be easily moved from one bed to another. 
     Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand, as its name implies, is an apparatus to aid in the holding and retention of oxygen tubing used with patients in hospital beds. A large weighted base on the order of ten pounds is used as a counterweight on the floor next to the bed. A series of fiberglass rods extends up from the base to a height of approximately four to five feet. The rods form a structure that cantilevers over the center of the bed using a system of lockable angle adjusters. The tubing is then routed along these fiberglass rods from the oxygen tank or similar device. The tubing then hangs down from the end of the invention where the patient may utilize it through a mask or similar medical equipment. As the patient moves and rolls, the invention flexes and moves with the patient in a manner similar to that of a fishing pole. When the patient rolls back, the slack is taken up by the invention. The use of the Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand allows patients on oxygen and who are confined to a bed, the ability to roll over and/or move without worrying about the oxygen tubing becoming entangled or trapped. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand in the extended configuration in use over a conventional bed, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of a Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand in the retracted configuration, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway front view of a telescoping shaft pivotally connected to a second vertical member of a Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 a  is a partial cutaway perspective view of a the eyelet sections of a second vertical member, a first arm, and a pivot pin comprising a pivoting means for a Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a free end of a telescoping shaft configured with a spiral-shaped and oxygen tube protector from a Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand for receiving and supporting an oxygen delivery conduit, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 20 
                 Telescoping Flexible Oxygen 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Tube Support Stand 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 Weighted Base 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 Wheel Assembly 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 First Vertical Member 
               
               
                   
                 50a 
                 Sealing Ring 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 Second Vertical Member 
               
               
                   
                 60a 
                 Eyelet 
               
               
                   
                 60b 
                 Eyelet Aperture 
               
               
                   
                 60c 
                 Eyelet Inner Surface 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 Pivoting Means 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 Pivot Pin 
               
               
                   
                 90 
                 Flexible Telescoping 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Shaft Assembly 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 First Arm 
               
               
                   
                 120a 
                 Eyelet 
               
               
                   
                 120b 
                 Eyelet Aperture 
               
               
                   
                 120c 
                 Eyelet Inner Surface 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 Second Arm 
               
               
                   
                 140 
                 Third Arm 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 Oxygen Supply Tube 
               
               
                   
                 160 
                 Supply Tuber Retaining Hook 
               
               
                   
                 220 
                 Retaining Clips 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand is disclosed, comprised of a portable weighted base  30  of a generally disc-shaped configuration, and a plurality of wheel assemblies  40  mounted underneath to make the present invention readily movable. A first vertical member  50 , having a first end and a second end, and of a generally linearly elongated tubular configuration, is mounted on the first end centrally on the upper surface of base  30  in a perpendicular fashion as shown. Many attachment means may be suitable to connect first vertical member  30  to base  30  as butt welding, bolting from beneath base  30  to a bracket mounted within first vertical member  30 , or perhaps attaching a threaded adapter onto the first end of first vertical member  30  and forming a threaded aperture in the center of base  30  for specially receiving the adapter. For purposes of disclosure the means chosen is not significant. 
     The second end of first vertical member  50  is designed so as to receive a second vertical member  60  also of a generally linearly elongated tubular configuration and having a first end and a second end. The inner diameter of first vertical member  50  is slightly larger than the outer diameter of a second vertical member  60 . The first end of second vertical member  60  is disposed within the first end of first vertical member  50  and communicates telescopingly therein in a semi-interference frictional arrangement. A sealing ring  50   a  is fitted over the joint between first vertical member  50  and second vertical member  60 . First vertical member  50  and base  50  may be constructed from metal such as steel and then painted for aesthetic purposes. However, it is desirable that second vertical member  60  be constructed of some other material such as stainless steel since it will be continually exposed to surface abrasion and oxidation as it telescopes in and out of first member  50 . A pivoting means  70  is joined at the second end of second vertical member  60 . Pivoting means  70  is shown in greater detail in FIG.  3  and described further hereinbelow. 
     A flexible telescoping shaft assembly  90  is attached to pivoting means  70  at its anterior end  110  and extends outwardly terminating at a posterior end  100 . The flexible telescoping shaft assembly  90  comprises a first arm  120 , a second arm  130  and a third arm  140 . First arm  120 , attached at the anterior end  110  of flexible telescoping arm assembly  90 , is of a generally linearly elongated tubular configuration of having an inner diameter capable of telescopingly receiving second arm  130 . Second arm  130  is of a generally linearly elongated tubular configuration having an outer diameter capable of being telescopingly received by first arm  120 . Third arm  140  is of a generally linearly elongated tubular configuration having an outer diameter capable of telescopingly being received within the inner diameter of second arm  130 . First arm  120 , second arm  130 , and third arm  140  are manufactured from either carbon-fiber composites or fiberglass formed and cut into tubing of the appropriate inner and outer diameter. The material selected is essential to the proper functioning of the device as it must be capable of large inelastic deformations as the patient rolls over in bed. It is envisioned that carbon-fiber composites or fiberglass would have the required strength and flexibility but for purposes of disclosure, these are not the only materials that may be suitable. 
     As second arm  130  is extended or retracted, it frictionally engages the inner wall of first arm  120  and held into position thereby until such time as it is desired to again adjust the position of second arm  130 . Likewise, as the third arm  130  is telescopingly extended, it frictionally engages the inner wall of second arm  130  and held into position thereby until such time as it is desired to again adjust the position of second arm  130 . In this fashion, the flexible telescoping shaft  90  assembly can be extended for use or retracted for storage when not in use. Built in stops in both third arm  140  and second arm  130  would prevent third arm  140  from completely extending and exiting out of second arm  130 , and likewise, to prevent second arm  130  from extending and exiting out of first arm  120 . 
     Attached at the posterior end  100  of flexible telescoping shaft assembly  90  is an oxygen supply tube retaining hook  160 . The supply tube retaining hook  160  is of a semi-spiral design whereby the oxygen supply tube  150  must be threaded around at least two spiral sections before entering a semi-enclosed section which bends in a ninety degree turn downward. In this fashion, the supply tube retaining hook  160  can receive and releasably hold an adequate length of a flexible, corrugated oxygen supply tube  150  (not part of the disclosure). One end of oxygen supply tube  150  is generally attached to an oxygen delivery apparatus  200  and an oxygen supply tank  210  (both of which are not part of the disclosure). Oxygen supply tube  150 , which delivers oxygen to a patient from oxygen supply tank  210 , is suspended with a plurality of retaining clips  220  which are staggered along the surface of telescoping shaft assembly  90  and second vertical member  60 . Retaining clips  220  are of common design and may be attached via adhesive or screws. The other end of oxygen supply tube  150  is connected to an oxygen delivery mask strapped over the patients mouth while laying in bed. 
     Telescoping shaft assembly  90  is designed so as to bend effortlessly without undue restraints yet be of such strength so as to spring back to initial form. This design provides mobility to the patient and prevents oxygen supply tube  150  from constricting. It further allows a patient to safely move about in bed without fear of being entangled in oxygen supply tube  150  or constricting it and cutting off the source of vital rehabilitative oxygen. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, Telescoping Flexible Oxygen Tube Support Stand  20  is shown in the retracted configuration wherein third arm  140  is completely retracted within second arm  130 , and second arm  130  is completely retracted within first arm  120 . First arm  120  may then be pivoted about pivoting means  80  so that it extends upwardly as shown for more compact storage. Typically, oxygen supply tube  150  may be disconnected from the oxygen source by a quick connect/disconnect connector so that it may remain attached to device  20  while it is storage. This enable the device  20  to be deployed rapidly when required. A wheel assembly  40  enables the device  20  to be easily moved about a level surface. Wheel assembly  40  consists of a plurality of four wheels attached to the bottom surface of base  30 . Wheel assembly  40  may be equipped with locking wheels if so desired that would further inhibit the movement of device  20  unless it is desired to move it. 
     FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway view of pivoting means  80  pivotally connecting second vertical member  60  to first arm  120 . For purposes of disclosure, pivoting means  80  is comprised of forming the ends of both second vertical member  60  and first arm  120  into eyelets  60   a  and  120   a  wherein the inward facing surfaces  60   c  and  120   c , respectively, of eyelet  60   a  and  120   a  is smooth. The inwardly facing smooth surfaces  60   c  and  120   c  are designed to mate with each other and are pressed together so that a frictional force is developed when they are rotated relative to one another. Eyelet  60   a  and  120   a  of second vertical member  60  and first arm  120  are pressed together with pivot pin  70  which is pressed into an aperture  60   b  and  120   b  in the center of eyelet  60   a  and  120   a , respectively. The composition of eyelet  60   a  and  120   a  are shown in greater detail in FIG. 3 a.    
     Finally, in FIG. 4, shown is a partial cutaway view of the posterior end  100  of telescoping shaft assembly  90  showing supply tube retaining hook  160  supporting oxygen supply tube  15  in an overhead fashion and one of the plurality of eye hooks  220  for holding oxygen supply tube  220  snug against third arm  140 . 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     In operation, the present invention is rolled up against the bed of a patient either at home or in the hospital. An oxygen delivery tube is threaded through a series of retaining hooks located along the length of the vertical support shaft and the flexible telescoping shaft that extends over the bed. A hook at the end of the telescoping shaft supports the oxygen delivery tube in an overhead fashion. The end of the oxygen delivery tube is then connected to the patients oxygen mask. The other end of the tube is connected to a common medical oxygen supply. Both the height of the vertical support shaft and the length of the overhead telescoping shaft may be adjusted to give the occupant of the bed optimum slack in the oxygen supply tube. As the patient rolls over in bed, the flexible arms of the telescoping overhead shaft are designed to be flexible yet prevent the oxygen delivery tube from becoming entangled. When the device is no longer desired, the telescoping arms may be retracted and the device wheeled away. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.