Abstract:
A stabilizer arm for a BVM resuscitator and method of use is disclosed. The stabilizer arm provides the necessary support to the reservoir bag to enable the user to exert downward pressure on the BVM resuscitator while simultaneously squeezing the reservoir bag. Due to the presence of the stabilizer arm, this pressure pushes the facial mask downward to assist in forming a tight mask to face seal. Multiple embodiments of the stabilizer arm are disclosed. The stabilizer arm may be internal, external or integrated into the wall of the reservoir bag of the BVM resuscitator and may be retro-fitted or original equipment manufactured. The external stabilizer arm may be designed to engage the neck of the outlet port of the BVM resuscitator with an open collar or a closed collar. The internal stabilizer arm may be configured to fit BVM resuscitators having single piece or multiple piece outlet valve design.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to improvements in bag valve mask resuscitators. Specifically, the present invention relates to internal and external stabilizer arms for bag valve mask resuscitators. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Bag valve mask (hereinafter BVM) resuscitators are commonly used in emergency care and critical care situations. When used in the field, BVM resuscitators deliver air under positive pressure to a patient not then capable of breathing independently. The BVM resuscitator commonly known in the art is a manually-operable, deformably-resilient, football-shaped bag formed from a ribbed, flexible thermoplastic which includes an air intake valve at one end and a breathing/exhaust valve at the other end to which a mask to cover the nose and face is affixed or operably connected. 
         [0005]    Present BVM resuscitators have design deficiencies which create challenges for the user. One such deficiency is the “softness” or collapsibility of the reservoir bag that is squeezed to create pressure and ventilate the patient. Present BVM resuscitators have reservoir bags constructed most commonly from silicone or the like, that collapse or fold and do not tolerate downward pressure from the hand operating the bag, thereby limiting the user to establishing and maintaining the mask-to-face seal with a single hand placed around the mask and face of the patient. 
         [0006]    Moreover, this circumferential seal must be made between the non-breathing patient&#39;s facial skin and the mask of the BVM resuscitator while simultaneously maintaining an open airway by keeping the patient&#39;s head in a constantly tilted position, all with a single hand. Thus, this collapsibility or folding of the reservoir bag, coupled with a problematic seal of the mask around the mouth and nose, frequently causes difficulty or outright inability to achieve a consistently tight seal for a single user. The absence of a tight seal permits the pressurized air to follow the path of least resistance, leaking out of the mask, thereby resulting in insufficient ventilation of the patient. 
         [0007]    A tight seal around the mask is much more easily attained, of course, when both hands are used to create pressure on opposite sides of the mask. Pressure exerted on the mask with both hands can more easily be controlled and adjusted to compensate for anatomical differences and any other reasons for poor seal. However, the use of two hands by the provider to apply pressure on the mask portion of the BVM resuscitator means that a second provider has to squeeze the bag in order for the unit to work. This unnecessarily consumes valuable manpower that could be utilized to perform other potentially lifesaving measures. 
         [0008]    Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved BVM resuscitator which would allow the user&#39;s “bagging hand” to apply downward force while simultaneously squeezing the reservoir bag, effectively allowing both hands to make the seal. The bagging hand would be allowed to fully squeeze the reservoir bag as normal. Such a device would successfully allow a single provider to use both hands to create the necessary mask-to-face seal while simultaneously squeezing the bag to create and maintain the necessary seal to more effectively ventilate the non-breathing patient. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention discloses a stabilizer arm for a BVM resuscitator and method of use. The stabilizer arm provides the necessary support to the BVM resuscitator to enable the user to exert downward pressure on the bag while simultaneously squeezing it. Due to the presence of the stabilizer arm, this pressure also pushes the facial mask downward to assist in forming a tight mask to face seal. Multiple embodiments of the stabilizer arm are disclosed. The stabilizer arm may be internal, external, or constructed into the material of the reservoir bag of the BVM resuscitator and may be retro-fitted or original equipment manufactured. The external stabilizer arm may be designed to engage the neck of the outlet port of the BVM resuscitator with an open collar or a closed collar configuration. The internal stabilizer arm may be configured to fit BVM resuscitators having a single piece or multiple piece outlet valve design. 
         [0010]    The external embodiment of the retro-fitted device is a rigid bar preferably shaped to the curvature of the reservoir bag having a member such as a curved hook that can attach around the valve of the BVM resuscitator. In other embodiments, the bar is not necessarily curved, but has a shape compatible with the BVM resuscitators currently in use so as to allow the stabilizer bar to rest close to or on the outer surface of the bag portion of the BVM resuscitator. The connective valve (between the bag and mask) portion of present BVM resuscitators is constructed from a harder plastic than the softer reservoir bags. This hard plastic region can serve as an anchoring point for the external stabilizer bar to attach and extend along the bag for the bagging hand to rest on and apply downward pressure. 
         [0011]    The connecting member of the stabilizer bar would reach around the neck of the valve portion of the BVM resuscitator, forming a fulcrum and causing the valve portion to act as a support for the stabilizer bar. The hard plastic valve region would be pulled upward, bracing the stabilizer bar in place and preventing downward pressure from the bagging hand to affect the shape or functionality of the bag. Simultaneously, this downward pressure would then transfer to the mask or seal of the BVM resuscitator on the opposite side of the mask from the hand presently holding the mask in place. This new ability to create opposing pressure on the mask would allow a single user to functionally create a seal which is equivalent to that produced by the two-person technique (the two person technique utilizes one provider to form the seal using two hands to hold the mask in place, and a second provider to squeeze the bag). 
         [0012]    Although the bagging hand is at an elevated position to the mask holding hand, the resulting downward pressure enabled by the new device is transferred to the bottom of the mask where the “seal” is necessary. This ability to generate pressure from the raised, bagging hand at the point of the seal resolves the difficulty a single BVM resuscitator user has in creating and maintaining the necessary seal. The new device improves the efficacy of the BVM resuscitator, reduces the manpower required to effectively ventilate a patient in need, and allows healthcare providers to more easily and timely create and maintain the necessary seal. The stabilizer bar of the present invention allows a single provider to readily establish the necessary seal, and more importantly, to maintain the seal more easily than the BVM resuscitators currently in use. 
         [0013]    This external retro-fitted stabilizer bar may be of variable dimensions, shapes, and materials and may simply hook snugly around the neck of the valve portion of the BVM resuscitator or may be secured in place by various means including but not limited to a snap closure. 
         [0014]    The retro-fitted stabilizer bar may also be internally fitted within the reservoir bag of the BVM resuscitator. The internal embodiment of the retro-fitted stabilizer bar is configured to fit BVM resuscitator bags having multiple piece outlet valve construction. In this embodiment, the stabilizer bar is a rigid bar coming to rest against or near the reservoir bag having a stabilizer ring that can attach to the valve connector tube of the BVM resuscitator. 
         [0015]    In another preferred embodiment, the internal stabilizer bar may be original equipment manufactured and configured to fit BVM resuscitator bags having single piece outlet valve construction. With original equipment manufactured designs, the rigid bar may be additionally reinforced and of a larger size than that of the retro-fitted version. In these embodiments, the stabilizer bar may be molded as one piece with the outlet valve. Alternately, the outlet connector tube of the outlet valve may be designed to attach to the stabilizer ring of the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar may be securely attached to the outlet valve via snap-on, twist and lock, screw attachment, glue/cement, or other connective or more permanent assemblies known in the art. 
         [0016]    Various alternate embodiments of the stabilizer arm include an angled or extended arm with attached lever. Such designs may be fixed or articulated. Other embodiments include double or multiple stabilizer arm designs, both internal and external to the reservoir bag or built into the actual body of the bag. The stabilizer bar may be lengthened or shortened in various alternate embodiments including but not limited to folding, telescoping, sliding, or snapping. This would allow the device to be extended to fit reservoir bags of varying size and to be stored in a compact space when not in use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention attached to the BVM resuscitator. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is an exploded assembly view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar and valve connector of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  is a partial assembly view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar valve connector assembly and inlet valve of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  is a bottom partial assembly view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar valve connector assembly and inlet valve of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6B  is a bottom partial cross-sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is an exploded assembly view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar and valve connector of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8A  is a partial assembly view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar valve connector assembly and inlet valve of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8B  is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective cross-sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10A  is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10B  is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10C  is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10D  is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly. 
           [0033]      FIG. 11A  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the external stabilizer bar of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the stabilizer bar of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11C  is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12B  is a schematic diagram of a generic embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the multi piece construction bag valve assembly. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the original equipment manufactured internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the one piece construction bag valve assembly. 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the original equipment manufactured internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the multi piece construction bag valve assembly. 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the stabilizer bar of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    Reference is made first to  FIG. 1  for a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , stabilizer bar  10  includes bar handle  14 , bar tip  16 , and a wider shoulder area  12 . The neck or hook portion  18  of bar  10  has hook tip  20  and forms C-shaped aperture  22 . Hook portion  18  has inlet or opening  24  just wide enough to fit around the valve neck of the BVM resuscitator. Stabilizer bar  10  is preferably made from a rigid plastic, capable of withstanding sustained downward force. Other rigid yet resilient materials known to those skilled in the art may also be used to construct the stabilizer bar. Neck or hook portion  18  has sufficient tensile strength and flexibility to fit around the valve neck snugly and remain in position under pressure without cracking As also shown in  FIG. 2 , wider shoulder area  12  is of sufficient width to receive the primary impact of the downward force and transmit the sustained pressure to the valve connector of the BVM resuscitator. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar  10  of the present invention attached to the BVM resuscitator  30 . The BVM resuscitator  30  has an inlet valve  36  through which air is delivered to the bag  32 . Although some reservoir bags do not have a handle, bag  32  has handle  34  that serves as a positioning guide for the hand of the user. At the opposite end of bag  32  is connector  40  that joins bag  32  to outlet valve  38 . Exit port  43  provides a release port for the release of exhaled air from the patient. Positioned on the side of outlet valve  38  is outlet port  42  through which pressurized air is delivered to the patient. As shown in  FIG. 3 , stabilizer bar  10  provides a rigid surface on the exterior of bag  32  for the user to exert downward pressure on connector  40  and outlet valve  38 . The stabilizer bar may be lengthened or shortened in various alternate embodiments including but not limited to folding, telescoping, sliding, or snapping. This would allow the device to be extended to fit reservoir bags of varying size and to be stored in a compact space when not in use. 
         [0044]    Reference is next made to  FIG. 4  which shows an exploded assembly view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar  50  and valve connector  60  of the present invention.  FIG. 4  shows the body  52  of the stabilizer bar  50  with curved handle  54  and end tip  56 . Body  52  is attached to stabilizer ring  58  and ring connector seat  72  of stabilizer bar  50 . As also shown in  FIG. 4 , valve connector  60  has connector tube  70  which fits inside stabilizer ring  58  and seals against valve connector seat  74 . This connection may be a snap connection as shown in  FIG. 4 . Various other ways of connection are anticipated, which include but are not limited to a twist and lock connection, screw connection, or any other method which provides a secure, rigid connection of the stabilizer bar  50  to the connector tube  70 . A detailed description of various alternate means of attachment is provided below with reference to  FIGS. 13-15 . 
         [0045]    As further disclosed in  FIG. 4 , valve connector  60  is attached to mask valve assembly  62 .  FIG. 5A  also illustrates the internal stabilizer bar valve connector assembly (stabilizer bar  50  connected to valve connector  60 ) and inlet valve  64  of the present invention. Next,  FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bag valve assembly with the internal stabilizer bar  50  positioned within bag  66 .  FIG. 6A  shows a bottom view of the internal stabilizer bar  50  connected to the valve connector assembly. The position of the internal stabilizer bar  50  within the bag valve assembly is shown in relation to bag  66 , valve connector  60 , and handle  68  in the bottom partial cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6B . 
         [0046]    Continuing in  FIGS. 7-9 , is another alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar and valve connector of the present invention.  FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded assembly view of the stabilizer bar  80  along with valve connector  90 .  FIG. 7  shows the body  82  of stabilizer bar  80 , having curved handle  84  and end tip  86 . In this embodiment, body  82  has proximal side wall  85   a  and distal side wall  85   b.  Within body  82  between side walls  85   a  and  85   b,  are a plurality of structural cross walls shown as  83   a,    83   b,    83   c,    83   d,  and  83   e.  These cross walls provide increased strength and rigidity to the body  82  of stabilizer bar  80 . The stabilizer bar may be lengthened or shortened in various alternate embodiments including but not limited to folding, telescoping, sliding, or snapping. This would allow the device to be extended to fit reservoir bags of varying size and to be stored in a compact space when not in use. 
         [0047]    Body  82  is attached to stabilizer ring  88  and ring connector seat  87  of stabilizer bar  80 . As also shown in  FIG. 7 , valve connector  90  has connector tube  100  which fits inside stabilizer ring  88  and seals against valve connector seat  104 . This connection may be a snap connection, twist and lock connection, screw connection, or any other method which provides a secure, rigid connection of the stabilizer bar  80  to the connector tube  100 . Additional detail regarding further alternate embodiments for making this connection are described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 13-15 .  FIG. 7  also shows valve connector  90  attached to mask valve assembly  92 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 8A  also illustrates the internal stabilizer bar valve connector assembly (stabilizer bar  80  connected to valve connector  90 ) and inlet valve  94  of the present invention. Next,  FIG. 8B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bag valve assembly with the internal stabilizer bar  80  positioned within bag  96  having handle  97 .  FIG. 9  shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the internal stabilizer bar  80  positioned within the bag valve assembly. The position of the internal stabilizer bar  80  within the bag valve assembly is shown in relation to bag  96 , valve connector  90 , and inlet valve  94 .  FIG. 9  also illustrates structural cross wall  83   b  positioned against distal side wall  85   b  of the stabilizer body  82 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of the stabilizer bar  270  showing the extension arm member  274  of the stabilizer bar comprised of two elements. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the first element  276   a  is movable with respect to the second element  276   b,  such that the extension arm member  274  may be extended for use and collapsed for storage. In various alternate embodiments, it is envisioned that the extension arm member may be comprised of more than two elements. In this manner, the stabilizer bar may be lengthened or shortened by various methods including but not limited to folding, telescoping, sliding, or snapping. This would allow the device to be extended to fit reservoir bags of varying size and to be stored in a compact space when not in use. 
         [0050]    Continuing with  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D , are four alternate embodiments of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the bag valve assembly.  FIG. 10A  illustrates the basic components of the bag valve assembly: the reservoir bag  110 , outlet valve assembly  112 , and the inlet valve assembly  114 . Additionally,  FIG. 10A  shows stabilizer arm  120  having the body  124  of the support arm extending from the neck of the outlet valve assembly toward the center of the bag and angle upward. The top of the arm is connected to a support lever  122 . The support lever is configured to receive the downward force from the user. In alternate embodiments, the support lever in  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D  may be configured to lengthen or shorten in various ways including but not limited to folding, telescoping, sliding, or snapping means from a shortened to an extended length. This would allow the device to be extended to fit reservoir bags of varying size and to be stored in a compact space when not in use. 
         [0051]      FIG. 10B  illustrates the same basic components of the bag valve assembly. In this embodiment, however, stabilizer arm  130  has body  134  spanning the length of the reservoir bag  110  with an extension rising from the body toward the top of the bag. In this embodiment, the top of the extension is connected to a support lever  132  which receives the downward force from the user. 
         [0052]      FIG. 10C  illustrates one of the many possible ways that the stabilizer bar  140  may be attached to the outlet valve assembly  112 . While the primary requirements are that the attachment be secure and rigid, many methods of attachment well known in the art will accomplish the functional requirements for this connection. The connection can be a snapping connection as shown in  FIG. 10C , or it can be any of a number of other options including but not limited to twist and lock or screw assembly attachment. The connection must be secure such that the stabilizer arm does not come loose during use. Such a fixed attachment ensures that the stabilizer bar  140  functions properly. For the original equipment manufactured stabilizer bar, the construction of the outlet valve assembly and stabilizer bar can be formed as a single unit, or can be constructed of multiple pieces that form the stabilizer bar and hold the bag in place. The stabilizer bar can also be integrated into the bag. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10D  illustrates the internal stabilizer bar  150  positioned within the bag valve assembly. In this embodiment, stabilizer bar  150  articulates around hinge  156 . The stabilizer bar  150  is composed of four parts: connector arm  154 , hinge  156 , upright arm  158 , and support lever  152 . In this embodiment, the stabilizer bar  150  articulates for easier placement and assembly. 
         [0054]      FIG. 11A  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the external stabilizer bar of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 11A , stabilizer bar  160  has arm  162  on top of the reservoir bag  110  and arm  164  on the bottom of the reservoir bag. Such a configuration adds additional structural support and rigidity to the connection between the bag  110  and the outlet valve connector  112 . Stabilizer bar  160  can be molded into outlet valve connector  112 .  FIG. 11C  shows a similar configuration with an internal stabilizer bar of the present invention. Here, stabilizer bar  180  is positioned inside reservoir bag  110  with arm  182  extending to the top of the bag and arm  184  extending to the bottom of the bag. Again, such a configuration is designed to increase the rigidity and support at the connection between the bag and the outlet valve assembly. Finally, the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 11B  illustrates the use of a stabilizer bar  170  having a plurality of arms  172   a,    172   b,  and  172   c.  This configuration may be positioned internal or external to the reservoir bag  110  or built into the material of the bag itself, and would also increase support at the connection between the bag and the outlet valve assembly. 
         [0055]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar  190  of the present invention. In  FIG. 12A , stabilizer bar  190  has the body  194 , tip  196 , and shoulders  192  of the primary embodiment, but also has a snap closure structure at the end of hook  198 . Aperture  202  is formed from hook  198  and closure arm  200 . Closure arm  200  has snap ring  206  which is configured to fit around snap post  204 . In this embodiment, the stabilizer bar  190  is securely attached to the neck of the outlet valve connector. It is envisioned, of course, that any connective device known in the art to fasten, clip, connect, or secure two members for support could be utilized in place of the snap closure. 
         [0056]      FIG. 12B  is a schematic diagram of a generic embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention. In  FIG. 12B , stabilizer bar  10  is shown having tip  16 , handle  14 , body  12 , hook  18 , end of hook  20 . As previously described, the stabilizer bar  10  has a handle portion  14  that extends over the reservoir bag and acts as the resting point for the bagging hand. The handle  14  of the stabilizer bar  10  would be wide enough to provide ample support but narrow enough to allow a bagging hand of various sizes (due to anatomical differences in providers) to press downward, but also allow the user to completely squeeze the bag. The preferred embodiment stabilizer bar would have a handle  14  which is ½ inch wide, and which extends over the bag (D 3  and D 4 ) 5 to 7 inches from the outlet valve connection. In alternate embodiments, the shape, width, length, and thickness of the stabilizer bar may vary. The thickness and dimensions of the various parts of the stabilizer bar  10  are configured to optimally fit the size of the reservoir bag and outlet valve connector (adult, child, infant, etc.). While thickness of the stabilizer bar could vary, the preferred embodiment would have a thickness of ⅛ inch. The stabilizer bar would have a shape or curvature compatible with the BVM resuscitators currently in use so as to allow the stabilizer bar to rest close to or on the outer surface of the bag portion of the BVM resuscitator. 
         [0057]    As described above, the stabilizer bar has a neck region or hook that is positioned around the hard plastic valve connector of the BVM resuscitator. While dimensions could range widely, the minimum opening is wide enough to allow the valve connector of the BVM resuscitator to slip into the opening and remain in the opening throughout placement and use of the stabilizer bar. In the preferred embodiment, this distance D 2  of opening  24  as shown in  FIG. 12B  is preferably 1⅛ inches. Aperture  22  allows the outlet valve connector of the BVM resuscitator to settle into position during placement of the stabilizer bar. As the stabilizer bar is pulled toward the bag (pulled away from the valve region and secured into place) so as to allow the bagging hand to rest on it in the appropriate region of the bag (the portion that allows the user to squeeze the bag appropriately) the valve region of the BVM resuscitator is forced into aperture  22 . While dimensions may vary, in the preferred embodiment distance D 1  of aperture  22  is preferably 1⅛ inches. 
         [0058]      FIG. 13  is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the multi piece construction bag valve assembly. Some current BVM resuscitator assemblies utilize multi piece construction, having an outlet valve assembly and an attachment ring. The attachment ring secures the reservoir bag to the outlet valve assembly. In this retro-fitted configuration, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the ring  222  may be removed from the outlet valve assembly  212  and replaced with stabilizer bar  220 . The stabilizer bar  220  connects to the attachment mechanism  224  on the connector tube. The reservoir bag  216  is held in place between the base of the stabilizer bar  220  and the valve connector seat  226 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 14  is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the original equipment manufactured internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the one piece construction bag valve assembly. Some current BVM resuscitator assemblies utilize single piece construction, having an outlet valve assembly with a channel for receiving the neck of the reservoir bag. The neck of the reservoir bag is stretched over the mouth of the outlet valve assembly and held in place within a channel where the bag rests on the outlet valve connector. As shown in  FIG. 14 , in alternate preferred embodiment  230 , the stabilizer bar  240  and the outlet valve assembly  232  are molded as a single piece during original manufacture. Alternately, the stabilizer bar may be attached and affixed to the outlet valve assembly by a variety of means including but not limited to adhesive, cement, or sonic welding. During assembly, the reservoir bag  236  is slipped over both the stabilizer bar  240  and the mouth  242  of the outlet valve assembly  232  and held in place within the channel  243  on the outlet valve connector  245 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 15  is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the original equipment manufactured internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positioned within the two piece construction bag valve assembly. As discussed above, in a BVM resuscitator having a single piece construction outlet valve assembly, the neck of the reservoir bag is stretched over the mouth of the outlet valve assembly and held in place within the channel on the outlet valve connector. As shown in  FIG. 15 , in alternate preferred embodiment  250 , the attachment mechanism  264  on the connector tube  265  is configured during original manufacture to securely attach to the stabilizer bar  260 . Reservoir bag  256  is attached to mouth  262  of the outlet valve assembly  252  and held in place within the channel  263  on the outlet valve connector  265 . During assembly, the stabilizer bar is connected to attachment mechanism  264 . 
         [0061]    Changes in the precise embodiments of the invention herein disclosed can be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention. Other designs may be evident to those skilled in the art upon viewing this device. Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with a number of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications to these embodiments that still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.