Patent Publication Number: US-2023139235-A1

Title: Head-Worn Oxygen Tube Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/273,282, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of oxygen tubes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a head-worn oxygen tube device. The device is primarily comprised of a body with a first end having at least one fastener and a second end having at least one fastener. The device can be worn on the head of the user such that each oxygen tube can be secured by the fastener. As a result of the length of the body, each fastener sits above each ear of the user such that each oxygen tube no longer rests on the ears of the user. However, the device still allows a nasal cannula to be worn and used. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many individuals are required to wear oxygen tubes for various health conditions. While worn, oxygen tubes often rest on the ears of the wearer to keep the oxygen cannula supported below the nose of the wear. However, oxygen tubes resting on a wearer&#39;s ears can cause hearing aids to malfunction. In addition, oxygen tubes resting on a wearer&#39;s ears can cause sores and discomfort to occur over time. 
     Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to improve the wearing experience of oxygen tubes. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a head-worn oxygen tube device that allows a user to comfortably wear oxygen tubes. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a head-worn oxygen tube device that prevents discomfort by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a head-worn oxygen tube device that prevents hearing aid malfunctions by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a head-worn oxygen tube device. The device is primarily comprised of a body with a first end having at least one fastener and a second end having at least one fastener. The device can be worn on the head of the user such that each oxygen tube can be secured by the fastener. Due to the length of the body, each fastener sits above each ear of the user. As a result, each oxygen tube no longer rests on the ears of the user, while still allowing a nasal cannula to be worn and used. 
     In this manner, the head-worn oxygen tube device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a device that can be used to improve the wearing experience of oxygen tubes. The device accomplishes this by reducing discomfort by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. In addition, the device prevents hearing aid malfunctions by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a head-worn oxygen tube device. The device is primarily comprised of a body with a first end having at least one fastener and a second end having at least one fastener. The body of the device is preferably made from a fabric material with elastic properties such that it can comfortably fit and stretch to the head of a user. In a differing embodiment, the body is made from a non-elastic fabric material having at least one body fastener such as, but not limited to, a buckle that allows a user to lengthen and shorten the overall length of the body based on the head size of the user. 
     In one embodiment, at least one sleeve may attach around the body via at least one opening that allows the body to be fed through the sleeve. The sleeve may be comprised of at least one gel that can be heated or frozen to provide relief to the head of the user while the device is worn. The sleeve and/or body may also be comprised of a padding for additional comfort. 
     In one embodiment, the first end and second end of the body are comprised of at least one attachment member that allows at least one fastener to removably attach to the first end and the second end. The attachment members may be, but are not limited to, a loop, a clip, a ring, etc. In another embodiment, the fasteners are fixedly attached to the first end and second end. The fasteners of each end engage one side of an oxygen tube such that the tube rests on each fastener above the ear of the user. The fasteners may be, but are not limited to, a u-shaped or J-shaped hook, a clip, a carabiner, a clasp, a tie, a set of jaws, etc. 
     The device is also comprised of a method of use. First, a user places the body on their head. Then, the fastener of the first end is attached to one oxygen tube on one side of the user&#39;s head. Next, the fastener of the second end is attached to the other oxygen tube on the other side of the user&#39;s head. 
     Accordingly, the head-worn oxygen tube device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it can be used to improve the wearing experience of oxygen tubes by reducing discomfort by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. In addition, the device prevents hearing aid malfunctions by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. In this manner, the head-worn oxygen tube device overcomes the disadvantages of existing head-worn oxygen tubes known in the art. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a head-worn oxygen tube device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a head-worn oxygen tube device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a head-worn oxygen tube device of the present invention while being worn on a head of a user also wearing an oxygen tube in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a head-worn oxygen tube device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to improve the wearing experience of oxygen tubes. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a head-worn oxygen tube device that allows a user to comfortably wear oxygen tubes. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a head-worn oxygen tube device that prevents discomfort by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a head-worn oxygen tube device that prevents hearing aid malfunctions by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a head-worn oxygen tube device primarily comprised of a body with a first end having at least one fastener and a second end having at least one fastener. The body of the device is preferably made from a fabric material with elastic properties such that it can comfortably fit and stretch to the head of a user. In a different embodiment, the body is made from a non-elastic fabric material. In this embodiment, the body has at least one body fastener such as, but not limited to, a buckle that allows a user to lengthen and shorten the overall length of the body based on the head size of the user. 
     At least one sleeve may attach around the body via at least one opening that allows the body to be fed through the sleeve. The sleeve may be comprised of at least one gel. As a result, the sleeve can be heated or frozen to provide relief to the head of the user while the device is worn. The sleeve and/or body may also be comprised of a padding for additional comfort. 
     In one embodiment, the first end and second end of the body are comprised of at least one attachment member. The attachment members allow at least one fastener to removably attach to both ends. The attachment members may be, but are not limited to, a loop, a clip, a ring, etc. In another embodiment, the fasteners are fixedly attached to the first end and second end. The fasteners of each end engage one side of an oxygen tube such that the tube rests on each fastener above the ear of the user. The fasteners may be, but are not limited to, a u-shaped or J-shaped hook, a clip, a carabiner, a clasp, a tie, a set of jaws, etc. 
     The device is also comprised of a method of use. First, a user places the body on their head. Then, the fastener of the first end is attached to one oxygen tube on one side of the user&#39;s head. Next, the fastener of the second end is attached to the other oxygen tube on the other side of the user&#39;s head. 
     Accordingly, the head-worn oxygen tube device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it can be used to improve the wearing experience of oxygen tubes by reducing discomfort by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. In addition, the device prevents hearing aid malfunctions by preventing oxygen tubes from resting on the ears of a user. In this manner, the head-worn oxygen tube device overcomes the disadvantages of existing head-worn oxygen tubes known in the art. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a head-worn oxygen tube device  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device  100  is primarily comprised of a body  110  with a first end  140  having at least one fastener  152  and a second end  160  having at least one fastener  172 . The body  110  of the device  100  is preferably made from a fabric material with elastic properties. In this manner, the body  110  can comfortably fit and stretch to the head  10  of a user. Said material includes, but is not limited to, spandex, knit, rubber, latex, neoprene rubber, elastane, etc. In a differing embodiment, the body  110  is made from a non-elastic fabric material. In this embodiment, the body  110  is comprised of at least one body fastener  112 . The body fastener  112  allows a user to lengthen and shorten the overall length of the body  110  based on the head  10  size of the user. The fastener  112  may be any fastener type known in the art but is preferably a sliding buckle or another similar fastener of the like. In one embodiment, the body  110  is made from a leather material. 
     In one embodiment, at least one sleeve  120  may attach around the body  110 . In one embodiment, the sleeve  120  has at least one opening  122  that allows the body  110  to be fed through the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve  120  may have at least one fastener  124  that attaches to at least one reciprocating fastener  114  located on the body  110 . The fasteners  114 , 124  may be any fastener type known in the art such as, but not limited to, hook and loop, magnet, adhesive, snap button, etc. The sleeve  120  is preferably made from a fabric material such as, but not limited to, vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, cotton, damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, polyester, satin, silk, spandex, suede, tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate, aramid, rayon, acetate, triacetate, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the sleeve  120  is comprised of at least one gel  126 . The gel  126  may be heated or frozen to provide relief to the head  10  of the user while the device  100  is worn. The gel  126  may be any type of reusable gel that can be heated and/or cooled. In one embodiment, the sleeve  120  or body  110  is comprised of a padding  130 . The padding  130  adds extra comfort to the sleeve  120  or body  110 . The padding  130  may be any type known in the art such as, but not limited to, foam, memory foam, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the first end  140  of the body  110  is comprised of at least one attachment member  150  that allows at least one fastener  152  to removably attach to the first end  140 . The attachment member  150  may be, but is not limited to, a loop, a clip, a ring, etc. In another embodiment, the fastener  152  is fixedly attached to the first end  140 . The fastener  152  engages one side of an oxygen tube  12  such that the tube  12  rests on the fastener  152  instead of on the ear  11  of the user. It should be appreciated that the length of the body  110  allows the fastener  152  to sit above the ear  11  of the user. The fastener  152  may be any fastener known in the art. In one embodiment, the fastener  152  is comprised of a u-shaped or J-shaped hook, as seen in  FIG.  2   . In another embodiment, the fastener  152  is comprised of a clip, a carabiner, a clasp, a tie, a set of jaws, etc. 
     The second end  160  of the body  110  is comprised of at least one attachment member  170  that allows at least one fastener  172  to removably attach to the second end  160 . The attachment member  170  may be, but is not limited to, a loop, a clip, a ring, etc. In another embodiment, the fastener  172  is fixedly attached to the second end  160 . The fastener  172  engages one side of an oxygen tube  12  such that the tube  12  rests on the fastener  172  instead of on the ear  11  of the user. It should be appreciated that the length of the body  110  allows the fastener  172  to sit above the ear  11  of the user, as seen in  FIG.  3   . The fastener  172  may be any fastener known in the art. In one embodiment, the fastener  172  is comprised of a u-shaped or J-shaped hook. In another embodiment, the fastener  172  is comprised of a clip, a carabiner, a clasp, a tie, a set of jaws, etc. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a flowchart of a method  200  of using one potential embodiment of a head-worn oxygen tube device  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device  100  is also comprised of a method of use  200 . First, a user places the body  110  on their head  10  [Step  202 ]. In an embodiment with a length adjustable body  110 , the body  110  can be adjusted to the desired length [Step  204 ]. Next, the fastener  152  of the first end  140  is attached to one oxygen tube  12  on one side of the user&#39;s head  10  [Step  206 ]. Then, the fastener  172  of the second end  160  is attached to the other oxygen tube  12  on the other side of the user&#39;s head  10  [Step  208 ]. 
     It should be appreciated that the device  100  can be used with any type of face and ear-worn mask known in the art and is not limited to only oxygen tubes  12 . 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “head-worn oxygen tube device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the head-worn oxygen tube device  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the head-worn oxygen tube device  100  of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the head-worn oxygen tube device  100  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the head-worn oxygen tube device  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the head-worn oxygen tube device  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the head-worn oxygen tube device  100  may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.