Patent Publication Number: US-2023149619-A1

Title: Handheld portable oral aspirator

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/280,617 entitled “Handheld Portable Oral Vacuum Liquid Aspirator” filed Nov. 18, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/389,072 entitled “Handheld Portable Oral Aspirator” filed Jul. 14, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/423,566 entitled “Handheld Portable Oral Aspirator” filed Nov. 8, 2022 and is related to PCT Application entitled “Handheld Portable Oral Aspirator” filed concurrently on Nov. 18, 2022. The full disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a device to aid in suction for people with swallowing disorders and/or issues with hypersalivation, and more particularly, a portable handheld oral aspirator to evacuate liquid waste from a person&#39;s oral cavity, preferably without outside assistance. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Dysphagia and other oral conditions (e.g., cancer, cleft lip, cleft palate) may cause difficulty in swallowing. Although sometimes classified under “symptoms and signs” of other medical condition, dysphagia may be classified as a condition in its own right. People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may even experience pain while swallowing (“odynophagia”). Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble safely swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. When that happens, eating becomes a challenge. Dysphagia can present immediate problems, such as choking and aspiration of fluid into the lungs, and more long-term problems as it makes it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body and can lead to additional serious medical problems. Suction devices are typically used to assist in the removal of saliva and other liquids from the oral cavities of people affected with dysphagia or hypersalivation. 
     SUMMARY 
     A handheld portable oral aspirator device comprising a main unit having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may include a battery, circuity mounted on a substrate, and a vacuum pump. The upper portion may be configured to house a reservoir coupled to one of a vacuum pump and a vacuum passageway connected to the vacuum pump via a hose. A reservoir cap may be configured to be affixed to one of the reservoir and the upper portion. A flexible mouthpiece may be coupled to the reservoir cap. A handle may be coupled to one or more of the lower portion and the upper portion. The handle may include a trigger that is configured to cause the circuitry to activate the vacuum pump only when pressed. The device may include a charging base configured to receive the lower portion. The charging base may include charging circuitry configured to charge the battery. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and appended claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of an example handheld portable oral liquid vacuum aspirator device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of another example handheld portable oral liquid vacuum aspirator device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross section view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of a reservoir, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of another example of the reservoir, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom view of a reservoir cap of  FIG.  6   , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the reservoir of  FIG.  6    within an upper portion of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  are cross section views of different examples of triggers that may be used, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The figures are for purposes of illustrating example embodiments, but it is understood that the inventions are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. In the figures, identical reference numbers identify at least generally similar elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatuses configured to provide suction for patients to assist with dysphagia and hypersalivation. Conventional devices used to provide suction for patients to assist with dysphagia and hypersalivation, even those branded as “compact” or “portable,” are large and cumbersome. Most conventional suction devices have dimensions of close to, or even more than, a foot and weigh multiple pounds. Further, they are conspicuous and difficult, if not impossible, for patients to use. Accordingly, there is a need for a compact, portable, discreet, handheld, and user-controlled suction device to assist, but not limited to people with swallowing disorders to evacuate liquid waste from the oral cavity without outside assistance. 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of non-limiting illustration, certain examples. Subject matter may, however, be described in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any examples set forth herein. Among other things, subject matter may be described as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, examples may take the form of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , side views of a handheld portable oral liquid vacuum aspirator device  100  is shown. The device  100  may include a main unit  102 , a reservoir  116 , a reservoir cap  120 , and a flexible mouthpiece  118 . 
     In an example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the device  100  may be charged via a charging base  104  that is connected to a charging base power cord  106 . In an example, the base power cord  106  may be permanently affixed to the charging base  104 . In another example, the base power cord  106  may be removable and may plug into a proprietary or conventional (e.g., USB) port located on the charging base. 
     The charging base  104  may be countered to receive a lower portion  110  of the main unit  102  and serve as a table-top cup holder. In an example, the charging base  104  may include contact points that correspond to contact points on the main unit  102  to enable electricity from the power cord  106  to travel through the charging base  104  to a battery within in the main unit  102  for charging. In another example, the main unit  102  may include circuitry (e.g., a magnetic coil) configured to use inductive charging and/or wirelessly charging to charge the battery within the main unit  102 . In an example, the charging base  104  and/or the main unit  102  may have one or more indicators (e.g., lights) that provide information about charging of the main unit  102 . 
     In another example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the device  100  may be charged via a port  130  located on one or more of a lower portion  110  and an upper portion  114  of the main unit  102 . In this example, all battery and charging components (e.g., removable primary cell and/or secondary cell batteries) may be included within the main unit  102  and the main unit  102  may be powered by a power cord  132  that may be removably connected to the main unit  102  via the proprietary or conventional (e.g., USB) port  130 . In an example, the main unit  102  may have one or more indicators  134  (e.g., lights) that provide information about charging of the main unit  102 . 
     The main unit  102  may be a discreet mug-shaped unit with the lower portion  110  that is contoured/shaped to fit a cup holder (e.g., in a vehicle, walker, or wheelchair) and a handle  108  that facilitates one handed operation by users. As described in additional detail below, the lower portion  110  may contain on or more components that enable vacuum operation (e.g., a pump, a battery, and circuitry). In an example, the handle  108  may include a trigger  112  that is configured to provide a user-friendly on/off switch that can be operated by the user with one hand. In another example, the handle  108  may include one or more buttons to control operation of the main unit  102 . In an example, the handle  108  may be connected to the lower portion  110 . In another example, the handle  108  may be connected an upper portion of the main unit  102 . In another example, the handle  108  may be connected to the lower portion  110  and the upper portion  114 . 
     The upper portion  114  of the main unit  102  may house a removable, and optionally disposable, reservoir  116  to collect any liquid suctioned through the flexible mouthpiece  118 . The upper portion  114  may have a larger diameter than the lower portion  110 . The reservoir  116  may be configured to be easy to clean and to keep sterile. In an example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the flexible mouthpiece  118  may be coupled to, and extend through, a reservoir cap  120  in an air-tight manner. In another example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the flexible mouthpiece  118  may fit over a protrusion  136  from the reservoir cap  120  (with or without the use of a gasket around the protrusion  136 ) in an air-tight manner. 
     The flexible mouthpiece  118  may be removable, and optionally disposable. The flexible mouthpiece  118  may be composed, at least partially, of silicone. In an example, one or more of the reservoir  116  and the flexible mouthpiece  118  may include a filter membrane. The reservoir cap  120  may be affixed (e.g., screwed) to the reservoir  116  in an air-tight manner. The upper portion  114  may have an opening  122  through which the reservoir  116  is visible, such that a liquid level within the reservoir  116  is visible. At least a portion of the reservoir  116  that is visible through the opening  122  may be semi-transparent (e.g., frosted) such that the liquid level is visible, but still somewhat concealed from easy view. This portion of the reservoir  116  may also have markings to show the fluid level. 
     The components of the device  100  may be of any size and volume. In a non-limiting example, the device  100  may have a height of approximately 6 in. The charging base  104  may have a height of approximately 1 in. The upper portion  114  may have a circumference of approximately 11 in. The lower portion  110  may have a circumference of approximately 4 in. The reservoir  116  may have a high of approximately 4 in and a circumference of approximately 10.75 in to fit snugly, but not too tightly, in the main unit  102 . The reservoir  116  may have a volume ranging from approximately 200 ml to approximately 500 ml. Overall, the main unit  102 , the reservoir  116 , the reservoir cap  120 , and the flexible mouthpiece  118  may have a dry weight of approximately 12.8 oz. Any and all other sizes, dimensions, and volumes of the device  100  and its components are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , an exploded view of the device  100  is shown. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the reservoir cap  120  may be removable from the reservoir  116 . In an example, the reservoir cap  120  and the reservoir  116  may have corresponding threads to allow the reservoir cap  120  to be screwed onto the reservoir  116 . The reservoir cap  120  may be configured to “click” into place when it is fully sealed. In another example, the reservoir cap  120  may be press fit onto the reservoir  116 . In any method used, the seal between the reservoir cap  120  and the reservoir  116  may be air/liquid tight. The reservoir  116  may fit into the upper portion  114  of the main unit  102 . The reservoir  116  may include a valve portion  202  that fits into a vacuum passageway  204 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , a cross section view of the device  100  is shown. As described above, the valve portion  202  of the reservoir  116  may fit into the vacuum passageway  204 . The valve portion  202  may include a one-way valve  302  that allows negative pressure to flow from a vacuum pump  304 , through a connecting hose  306 , through the vacuum passageway  204 , and into the reservoir  116  without letting any liquids flow back from the reservoir  116  into the vacuum passageway  204 . The valve portion  202  may be secured in the vacuum passageway  204  by an O-ring  312  that creates a water/airtight seal. Operation of the vacuum pump  304  may be controlled by circuitry mounted on a substrate  308 . The vacuum pump  304  may provide a negative pressure ranging from approximately 40 mm Hg to approximately 200 mm Hg. In an example, the substrate  308  may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The circuity on the substrate  308  may be coupled to one or more of the vacuum pump  304 , the trigger  112 , and a battery  310 . The battery  310  may also be coupled directly to the vacuum pump  304 . 
     In operation, a user may pick up the main unit  102  by the handle and press the trigger  112  to activate the vacuum pump  304 . In an example, the device  100  may be configured so this may be done simultaneously. In an example, a resistance device  402 , such as a spring, may be used to provide resistant to the trigger  112 . The trigger  112  and or the resistance device  402  may be electrically coupled to one or more of the circuitry mounted on a substrate  308 , the vacuum pump  304 , and the battery  310 . The user may place the flexible mouthpiece  118  in his/her mouth to suction out excessive liquids. Once the liquids are removed, the user may either release the trigger  112  or put the main unit  102  down, either of which will automatically stop suction from the vacuum pump  304 . Optionally, the user may place the main unit  102  into the charging base  104  to recharge the battery  310 . Once fluid in the reservoir  116  has reached a certain level (e.g., approximately 6-8 oz) the vacuum pump  304  will no longer be able to suction. The user and/or a caregiver may then remove the reservoir  116  to empty and/or replace it. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , a side view of the reservoir  116  is shown.  FIG.  5    shows the valve portion  202  of the reservoir  116  that may fit into the vacuum passageway  204 . The valve portion  202  may extend into the vacuum passageway  204  and may include a gasket  502  to ensure an air-tight seal. The reservoir  116  may have a contour  504  to accommodate the vacuum passageway  204 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , a side view of another example of the reservoir  116  is shown. In this example, rather than connecting directly to the vacuum passageway  204  through the valve portion  202 , the reservoir  116  may be connected to one or more of the vacuum passageway  204  or directly to the vacuum pump  304  via a vacuum hose  602 . The vacuum hose  602  may be coupled to, and extend through, the reservoir cap  120  in an air-tight manner. In an example, a first seal  604  may ensure the vacuum hose  602  is coupled to the reservoir cap  120  in an air-tight manner. The flexible mouthpiece  118  may extend through the reservoir cap  120  in an air-tight manner. In an example, a second seal  606  may ensure the flexible mouthpiece  118  is coupled to the reservoir cap  120  in an air-tight manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , a bottom view of the reservoir cap  120  of  FIG.  6    is shown.  FIG.  7    shows the coupling of the flexible mouthpiece  118  and the vacuum hose  602  to the reservoir cap  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , a perspective view of the reservoir  116  of  FIG.  6    within the upper portion  114  of the device  100  is shown. In this example, the device  100  may include a separate device lid  802  that fits over the upper portion  114  and conceals the reservoir  116  and the reservoir cap  120 . The flexible mouthpiece  118  may extend through the device lid  802 . The upper portion  114  may or may not include the opening  122  through which the reservoir  116  is visible as shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D , cross section views of different examples of triggers  112  that may be used are shown.  FIG.  9 A  shows an example in which the trigger  112  covers only a portion of an inner surface of the handle  108 . In this example, the trigger  112  may be configured to be operated with a single finger.  FIG.  9 B  shows an example in which the trigger  112  covers the entire portion of the inner surface of the handle  108 . In this example, the trigger  112  may be configured to be operated with one or more fingers (e.g., all four fingers).  FIG.  9 C  shows an example in which the trigger  112  is covers only a portion of an outer surface of the handle  108 . In this example, the trigger  112  may be configured to be operated with a user&#39;s thumb.  FIG.  9 D  shows an example of a main unit  102  without a handle  108 . In this example, the trigger  112  may be operated when gripping the main unit  102 . 
     Additional examples of the presently described method and device embodiments are suggested according to the structures and techniques described herein. Other non-limiting examples may be configured to operate separately or may be combined in any permutation or combination with any one or more of the other examples provided above or throughout the present disclosure. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted. The scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes that come within the meaning and range and equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced therein. 
     In general, terminology may be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, terms, such as “and”, “or”, or “and/or,” as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context. 
     The terms “including” and “comprising” should be interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to.” If not already set forth explicitly in the claims, the term “a” should be interpreted as “at least one” and the terms “the, said, etc.” should be interpreted as “the at least one, said at least one, etc.” 
     It is understood that the circuitry mounted on a substrate  308  may include analog or digital hardware and computer program instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer to alter its function as detailed herein, a special purpose computer, ASIC, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the functions/acts specified. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, non-transitory computer readable medium (or computer-readable storage medium/media) stores computer data, which data may include computer program code (or computer-executable instructions) that is executable by a computer, in machine readable form. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer readable medium may comprise computer readable storage media, for tangible or fixed storage of data, or communication media for transient interpretation of code-containing signals. Computer readable storage media, as used herein, refers to physical or tangible storage (as opposed to signals) and includes without limitation volatile and non-volatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for the tangible storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, cloud storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other physical or material medium which may be used to tangibly store the desired information or data or instructions and which may be accessed by a computer or processor. 
     A computing device may be capable of sending or receiving signals, such as via a wired or wireless network, or may be capable of processing or storing signals, such as in memory as physical memory states, and may, therefore, operate as a server. Thus, devices capable of operating as a server may include, as examples, dedicated rack-mounted servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, set top boxes, integrated devices combining various features, such as two or more features of the foregoing devices, or the like. 
     It is the Applicant&#39;s intent that only claims that include the express language “means for” or “step for” be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Claims that do not expressly include the phrase “means for” or “step for” are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).