Abstract:
A system and method for supporting a patient gas delivery tube includes an elongated support member having a cylindric cross section and including first and second distal ends. A generally planar, rigid base secures the first distal end so as to extend from a surface of the base. The support member includes a biasing portion configured to bias arcuate movement between the first and second distal ends. A mount secured to the second distal end secures an associated tube to the second distal end.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/851,832 filed Sep. 11, 2015 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/051,981 filed Sep. 18, 2014, all of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates generally to securing flexible tubing. The application relates more particularly to securing breathing gas tubing while supplying gas to the facial area of a sleeping person. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Breathing, also known as respiration, includes a cycle if inhalation and exhalation. A rate at which breaths occur is usually measured in breaths per minute. A typical adult human has a breathing or respiratory rate of 12-20 breaths per minute, but what is typical varies by age, degree of physical exertion and overall health and physiology of human individuals. By way of example, a newborn baby may take 30-40 breaths per minute, while a septuagenarian may only take 12-28 breaths per minute. 
         [0004]    One of the more common breathing conditions is apnea, defined as a temporary cessation of breathing. Apnea can be voluntarily achieved by holding one&#39;s breath. Apnea can also be drug-induced, such as by opiate toxicity or tryptamine toxicity; mechanically induced by strangulation or choking; as a consequence of neurological disease or trauma; or by strong emotional episodes, such as laughing or crying. During apnea, there is no significant movement of muscles used during inhalation. 
         [0005]    Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. One may have sleep apnea if they snore loudly or feel tired even after a full night&#39;s sleep. The main types of sleep apnea are: obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax; central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn&#39;t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing; and complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Risks from sleep apnea include high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and heart attacks. 
         [0006]    One successful way to treat sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP (pronounced “see-pap”). This treatment uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open. This is accomplished by sealing a mask over a patient&#39;s airway with the mask supplying positive pressure by gas delivered to the mask from a pump or reservoir via a delivery tube or hose. While a patient may become accustomed to wearing a mask at night, they must always contend with the associated gas delivery hose, particularly as they toss or turn during sleep. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In accordance with an example embodiment of the subject application, a system and method for supporting a patient gas delivery tube includes an elongated support member having a cylindric cross section and including first and second distal ends. A generally planar, rigid base secures the first distal end so as to extend from a surface of the base. The support member includes a biasing portion configured to bias arcuate movement between the first and second distal ends. A mount secured to the second distal end secures an associated tube to that end. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is an example embodiment of a gas delivery hose support; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a first example embodiment of a fastening of a support member; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a second example embodiment of a fastening of a support member; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a first view of an example use of a gas delivery hose support by a human; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4B  is a second view of an example use of a gas delivery hose support by a human of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4C  is a third view of an example use of a gas delivery hose support by a human of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5A  is a a first example embodiment of a biasing portion of a support member; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5B  is a second view of the example embodiment of a biasing portion of a support member in  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6A  is a second example embodiment of a biasing portion of a support member; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6B  is a second view of the example embodiment of a biasing portion of a support member in  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a third example embodiment of a biasing portion of a support member; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an example embodiment of a telescoping joint; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9A  is an example embodiment of a hinged base portion; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 9B  is an example embodiment of the hinged base portion of  FIG. 9A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. 
         [0024]    In accordance with the subject application,  FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a gas delivery hose support  100 . Included is a generally planar, rigid base  104  configured to receive and support lower distal end  108  of an elongated support member  112  at a surface  114 . Support member  112  is suitably fastened to base  104  by any suitable means, such as a threaded connector, snap connector or slip connector as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Further example embodiments will be detailed below. As will also be detailed below, example embodiments herein provide for relative angular movement between lower distal end  108  and upper distal end  118  of support member  112 , illustrated as a biased C-clamp  120 , which is configured to receive and secure an associated gas delivery hose or tube  116  and configured to flex when a hose is inserted or removed. The hose is, in turn, connected to a gas reservoir, such as an air or oxygen cylinder, or a pump, such as an air pump, so as to provide a continuous flow of gas to an associated CPAP mask on an associated user. 
         [0025]    As will be detailed further below, angular movement between upper distal end  118  and lower distal end  108  allows for accommodation of movement of sleeping persons who are wearing a CPAP mask which is connected to a hose (note shown) at connector  120 . In an embodiment, angular movement between distal ends allows for side-to-side movement of connector  120 , thereby providing freedom of movement to a sleeping user while suspending the breathing hose above them. Biasing provides for a return to resting position of support member  112 , for example return to a center rotational position or return to a vertical position of the support member  112 . Biasing is suitably accomplished by a resilient construction of support member  112 , or by a biased pivot or hinge portion  130  between the distal ends as will be further detailed below. Pivot or hinge portion  130  is also suitably enabled for axial rotation R to permit further freedom of movement to an associated gas delivery hose or tube  116  connected at connector  120 . 
         [0026]    Base  104 , as well as all or some of support member  112 , are suitably constructed from any rigid material, such as plastic, metal or wood. In certain embodiments, plastic may be more desirable given its relatively low cost and weight. In other embodiments, a medical grade composition, such as bacteria-resistant plastic, may be suitable, such as in clinical or hospital environments. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show example embodiments of a fastening of support member  112  to base  104  along cut line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 2 , connection is made with a flange  210  while in the example embodiment of  FIG. 3 , connection is made with a threaded connection  310 . 
         [0028]    In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , base  104  includes an opening or ring area  132  which provides for a relatively high moment of inertial relative to elongated member  112  by virtue of base dimensions while minimizing weight and construction material cost. Base projection  138  extends outward from ring area  132  and is positioned so as to project outside a pillow edge when ring area  132  is disposed under a pillow. First and second projections  134  add further angular rigidity relative to support  112 . 
         [0029]    In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , base  104  includes an opening or ring area  132  which provides for a relatively high moment of inertial relative to elongated member  118  by virtue of base dimensions while minimizing weight and construction material cost. Base projections  134 ,  136  extends outward from ring area  133  and is positioned so as to project outside a pillow edge when ring area  130  is disposed under a pillow. First base projection  134  and second projection  136  add further angular rigidity relative to support  112 . Base  104  is constructed so as to be readily place able under a sleeping area, such as under a pillow or under a mattress where it will be relatively immobile relative to a sleeping user. In a configuration, having a relatively short support member  112  advantageously allows for use of less material and provides a unit that is smaller, and thus more transportable, than a floor-supported base unit. Furthermore, when support member  112  is selectively removable from base  104 , the gas delivery host support  100  is rendered even more compact for transporting, such as in a user&#39;s suitcase. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate example use by a human of the gas delivery hose support  100  of  FIG. 1 . Hose  404  is connected hose support  100  at connector  120  and supplies CPAP device  406  with pressurized gas. CPAP device  406  is provided to one or more breathing orifices of human user  410 . In  FIG. 4A , user  410  is in a resting position on pillow  414  which is, in turn, disposed over base  104  of the gas delivery hose support  100 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates an example of rotation of connector  120  via biased pivot or hinge portion  130  during user movement as illustrated by angle A.  FIG. 4C  similarly illustrates user movement in the opposite direction. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a cut away view of an example embodiment of a biasing area  500  of a hose support such as hose support  100  of  FIG. 1 . In the illustrated example embodiment, support member  512  is comprised of support member portion  512   a  and support member portion  512   b . Portions  512   a  and  512   b  are suitably coaxial along axis A 1  and cylindric in cross section, such as having an oval or circular cross section. Portions  512   a  and  512   b  intersect at a biasing portion  220  engineered to permit flexing between the portions at an angle D 1 . Biasing portion  520  is suitably comprised of a first hollowed out portion  530  at a distal end of portion  512   a  and a second hollowed out portion  534  at a distal end of portion  512   b . A biasing member  540 , such as a spring, is disposed in the hollowed out portions  530  and  534  to maintain both portions  512   a  and  512   b  generally in coaxial alignment. In the illustrated example, spring  540  is disposed so as to be closely proximate to internal side wall  550  formed from hollowed out portions  530  and  534 . When support member portions  512   a  and  512   b , hollowed out portions  530  and  534  and biasing member  540 , are oriented coaxially as illustrated, angular movement between distal ends of portions  512   a  and  512   b  is enabled with relative deflection being a function of angular force being applied at the distal ends and biasing properties of the biasing member  540 . In the event of a spring biasing member, opposing force, tending to return the support member portions  512   a  and  512   b  to coaxial alignment, is a function of spring properties, including diameter, coil density and spring constant. 
         [0032]    With the biasing portion  520  constructed as detailed above, a hose secured at a distal end of an associated hose support is enabled to move relative to a generally fixed base securing. When the hose extends to a face of a CPAP user, the hose will be suspended above them so as preclude rolling on to the hose while sleeping. The hose will be urged to return to rest on an upright support member by operation of biasing portion  520 . Spring properties are suitably chosen to provide greater counter force to angular movement between portions  512   a  and  512   b  as greater angular deflection between the portions is realized. Thus, a sleeping user will be subtly urged to return toward a central position relative to the hose holder after turning one way or the other. 
         [0033]    In the illustrated example embodiment of  FIG. 5B , adjoining ends  560  and  564  of support member portions  512   a  and  512   b , respectively, are comprised of complementary frusto-conical portions, suitably matingly engaged when the support member portions  512   a  and  512   b  are disposed coaxially. This complementary mating engagement facilitates angular displacement between the support member portions  512   a  and  512   b  while maintain general coaxial alignment between the support member portions  512   a  and  512   b  during a pivot between them, thus keeping the support member portions  512   a  and  512   b  from separating completely and function to realign along axis Al when urged to the coaxial position by the biasing portion  520 . 
         [0034]    In the illustrated example of  FIG. 5 , hose support can be assembled/disassembled for transportation or storage by separating support portions  512   a  and  512   b . In a more particular example, a spring  540  is suitably placed in hollowed out portion  530  and hollowed out portion  534  during assembly, or alternatively fixed in an interior of one portion and removably placeable into the other. 
         [0035]    Referring next to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , illustrated is an example embodiment of a biasing area  600  suitably implemented in connection with a support member such as detailed above. Flexible member  604  is disposed between a hollowed out portion of upper support member portion  612   a  and hollowed out portion of lower support member portion  612   b  having generally the same radial dimensions as upper support member portion  308 . Upper support member portion  612   a  can include a concave bevel portion  620  at a lower distal end thereof. Lower support member portion  612   b  can include a convex bevel portion  624  at an upper distal end thereof. When a corresponding CPAP support unit is assembled, the lower distal portion is disposed end-to-end with upper distal portion such that complementary bevel portions are matingly engaged and enabled to pivot against one another while an opposing force is supplied by spring member  604  to angular displacement D 2  relative to axis A 2 . Flexible member  604  can be suitably affixed to one of upper support member portion  612   a  or lower support member portion  612   b  to permit ease in assembly or disassembly of the two portions, or alternatively placed in the hollowed out areas of both portions during assembly. In various embodiments, flexible member can be any suitable flexible material including such non-limiting examples as a flexible rubber, a flexible plastic, a flexible polymer, a flexible composition, a flexible solid plug, a flexible tube, or other flexible materials or shapes as would be understood in the art. In various embodiments, the flexible member can be configured to be removable or fixed in one or both of the hollowed out portions of the support members. 
         [0036]    Referring next to  FIG. 7 , illustrated is an example embodiment of a biasing area  700  suitably implemented in connection with a support member  712  having an upper portion  712   a  and lower portion  712   b . In the illustrated example, a plurality of helical springs, illustrated by spring  714  and spring  716  are implemented and are generally coaxial along axis A 3  and both secured to a bottom portion  720  of a hollowed out portion  724  of lower portion  712   b . Spring  714  has a greater radial width than spring  716 . Aggregate properties, including spring constants, lengths, coil widths and coil densities determine deflection counter forces. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, engineered biasing over various deflection points is thus enabled by selection of springs and spring properties for spring  714  and spring  716 . 
         [0037]    Also illustrated in the example of  FIG. 7 , hollowed out portion  724  suitably includes a plurality of internal diameter widths, such as w 1  and w 2 . When springs  714  and  716  flex during a bending of support member  712 , force properties will be altered when one or more springs encounters an internal wall of the hollowed out portion  724 . Thus, lengths and widths of internal walls are suitably engineered to tune flexure properties as desired. 
         [0038]    Referring next to  FIG. 8 , illustrated is an example embodiment of a telescoping joint  800  suitably implemented on support member  812 , comprised of upper portion  812   a  and lower portion  812   b . In the illustrated example, lower portion  812   b  has a greater radial diameter than upper portion  812   a  so as to allow nesting therebetween. Interaction between coaxial threaded portions  820  and  824  with support member portions  812   a  and  812   b  allows for selectively lengthening or shortening a length of support by loosening threaded member  820  relative to threaded member  824 , adjusting relative position between the member portions, and then retightening the same. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate another example embodiment of a base portion  900  in accordance with an extended position in  FIG. 9A  versus a folded position in  FIG. 9B . A hinge portion  904 , suitably comprised of two sections  904   a  and  904   b  when oriented to coincide with base opening  920 . The hinge area is suitably disposed between first side  930  and second side  934  and is suitably implemented to allow for folding of base portion  900  to have a smaller surface area for packing in smaller suitcases, briefcases, carry-on baggage, and the like. In an embodiment, the hinge can be configured to inhibit collapsing during use. For example, the hinge can be disposed on the bottom surface of the base portion  900  such that the base must be lifted off of a surface before the base can be folded. Any suitable hinge or flexible member can be suitably implemented as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0040]    While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the spirit and scope of the inventions.