Patent Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a method and a device for cleaning an open airway ended tube. The tube being designed for attachment to a continuous positive airway apparatus. The device includes a cleaning element for cleaning the inside of the open ended tube and a support member. The cleaning element attached to the support member. The support member including means for attaching the cleaning element to the support member and for retaining the cleaning element to the support member during cleaning. Additionally, one end of the support member capable of being secured during cleaning.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a device for cleaning air hoses and more particularly to an open ended airway tube designed to be attached to a continuous positive airway apparatus, such as a respirator and similar devices. 
     TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 
     The use of respirators and similar breathing apparatus have become a regular part of life for many. In addition to those needing respirators and similar devices for a medical condition, such asthma and emphysema, new strategies for healing illnesses are being developed that use oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy relies heavily on such breathing apparatus because the cost of a hyperbaric chamber is prohibitive for most folks. 
     The breathing apparatus is referred to herein as a continuous positive airway apparatus CPAP. This apparatus develops a concentrated oxygenated air stream within the apparatus using the environmental air. The CPAP apparatus includes an output. Connected to the output of the CPAP is a hose or an airway tube. The subject of this invention is the cleaning of the airway tube. 
     Typically manufacturers of such tubular airways recommend cleaning with the use of a mild soap. The mild soap is mixed with water and then applied to the internal surfaces of the tube to wash away any contaminants. Typically, the soapy water is swished about the inside of the tube and the tube rinsed off and left to air dry. 
     As readily apparent, this kind of method may be at least somewhat inefficient and very time consuming. Additionally, after repeated usage soap residue builds up on the interior walls of the tube and degrade the tube. Additionally, the water left to its own device does not completely dry before the user is ready for its next use. The user is then left with a wet hose or additional waiting time. 
     What is needed is a method and device for thoroughly and efficiently cleaning the airway tube. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the known devices and to solve the long felt needs in the art, it is a general object of the instant invention to provide a kit and a method for using the kit to efficiently and effectively clean hoses intended for use with CPAP apparatus. 
     It is an additional object of the method and kit of the instant invention to provide a device, which is easily assembled and easy to use to efficiently and effectively clean such hoses. 
     It is an additional object of the method in accordance with this invention, which enables a user to simply and effectively clean open ended airway tubes. 
     In accordance with the objects set forth above and as will be described more fully below, the device for cleaning an airway hose, defining an open ended tube, the airway hose specifically adapted for attachment to a continuous positive airway apparatus, in accordance with this invention, comprises:
         a cleaning member for cleaning the inside of the open ended tube;   a support member, the cleaning element attached to the support member, the support member including means for attaching the cleaning element to the support member and for retaining the cleaning element to the support member during cleaning;   and       

     one end of the support member capable of being fixed during cleaning. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning element comprises a cotton swab having a central opening and is replaceably attached to the support member. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the support member is made from a nylon-like material, which provides enough rigidity to be threaded through the central opening of the cleaning element. 
     In another exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention, the method of using the device according to the invention comprises the steps of:
         supplying a support member having proximal and distal ends and a cleaning member;   attaching the cleaning member to the support member such that the cleaning member is in close proximity to the proximal end;   inserting the distal end of the support member through the open ended airway tube;   securing the distal end of the support member; and       

     pulling open ended airway tube over the cleaning member. 
     It is an advantage of the device and method of the invention to provide a kit which enables the user to efficiently and effectively clean tubing intended for use with a CPAP. 
     It is an additional advantage of the device and method of the invention to provide an economical and readily usable kit which enables the user to efficiently and effectively clean tubing intended for use with a CPAP. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device in accordance with this invention ready for use; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the cleaning element; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the support member and support member with the cleaning element in accordance with this invention; 
         FIGS. 4 &amp; 5  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device in accordance with this invention in use; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the full kit of the cleaning device in accordance with this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to appreciate the invention herein, one must appreciate the need in the art as set forth in the Background and the objects and advantages as described in the Summary of the Invention, above. Most importantly, the structure of the instant invention herein resolves the long felt need to provide the user of a CPAP apparatus with a method and device for efficiently and effectively cleaning the airway supply hose. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 1 , there is shown the structure of invention, generally indicated by the numeral  20 . The exemplary embodiment of instant invention shown in  FIG. 1  includes a cleaning element  22  and a support member  24 . As shown particularly in  FIG. 2 , the cleaning element  22  has a central opening  26  providing the means for attaching the cleaning element  22  to the support member  24 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the support member  24  includes a retaining member  28  as a means for retaining the cleaning member  22  on the support member  24 . As will be explained in more detail below, the exemplary embodiment of the retaining member comprises the proximal end of the support member  24  being turned into a knot and fixed in position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in an exemplary embodiment of the structure in accordance with the invention, the support member  24  and the airway supply hoses have predetermined lengths. As illustrated, the support member  24  is a length somewhat greater than the length of the airway supply hose. 
     The airway supply hose, once removed from the CPAP defines an open ended tube  30  in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . The tube  30  attaches one end to the CPAP apparatus (not shown) and the other end to the user interface. Typically, a face mask (not shown) provides the user interface. 
     As noted above,  FIG. 2  illustrates in detail the cleaning element  22  having central opening  26 . The cleaning element  22  is attached to the support member  24  by threading distal end of the support member  24  through the central opening  26  as clearly illustrated in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 3 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 , the cleaning member  22  comprises a cotton swab having predetermined diameter. The predetermined diameter slightly larger, but compatible with the internal diameter of the tube  30  so that during use the interior surfaces of the tube are thoroughly contacted as will be explained more fully below. 
       FIG. 3 , illustrates in detail, the support member  24  with and without the cleaning member  22  attached. The support member  24  has a first end, defining a distal end  32  and a second end, defining a proximal end  34 . The distal end  32  is threaded through the central opening  26  of the cleaning member  22 . The proximal end  34  includes structure for retaining the cleaning member  22  on the support member defining a retaining member  36 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the support member  24  defines a rope-like chord of nylon mesh. The distal end  32  is singed to provide a structure which eases the access of the support member  24  through the central opening  26 . In further exemplary embodiments, the distal end  32  is shaped and molded into a pointed end further easing the entry of the support member  24  through the central opening  26 . The singed end of the distal end  32  provides additional rigidity to facilitate the insertion of the distal end  32  through the opening  26 . 
     The proximal end  34 , in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , is formed into a knot as shown. The knot is heat treated, singed again, as with the distal end  32 . The heat treatment fixes the knot and thus defines a member  36  for retaining the cleaning member  22  on the support member  24  during cleaning. 
     IN USE 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 , there is shown the method of use of the cleaning device in accordance with this invention. After assembly of the support member  24  and cleaning member  22 , the distal end  32  of the support member  24  is inserted into one end of the tube  30 . The distal end  32  is then affixed to a stationary household article, for example a dresser draw, which is first opened to allow the distal end  32  to be inserted into the drawer and then closed to secure the drawer with the distal end  32  affixed thereto. 
     Once so affixed, the support member  24  is in position to support the cleaning member  22  as the tube  30  is pulled over the cleaning member  22 . The oversized cleaning member  22  brushes up against the interior walls  40 . This operation can be repeated as often as required. It is suggested that each cleaning include a replacement of the cleaning member  22 . However, depending upon usage and the amount of containments dislodged by the cleaning member  22 , the same cleaning member  22  can be used for the different hoses connected with the same CPAP. However, it is strongly recommended that the cleaning member  30  be changed for each new CPAP. 
     Since the cleaning member  30  has a diameter greater than the largest tube to be cleaned connected with the CPAP apparatus, only one size cleaning member  30  is needed for the CPAP apparatus. In other words, the device  20  in accordance with the instant invention uses a single size cleaning member regardless of the make or model of the particular CPAP apparatus. And, each of the hoses of the CPAP apparatus can be cleaned with the same size cleaning element, despite the fact that there are different diameters for each of the hoses. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 6 , there is shown an additional exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device and method in accordance with this invention. In this embodiment, the same elements including support member  24  and a cleaning member  22  are included. However, the device includes an additional member, namely a cleaning fluid  50 . The cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the cleaning member  22  using an aerosol or pump sprayer  52 . By slightly moistening the cleaning member  22 , more containment is picked up by the cotton swab as the tube passes over it. 
     The cleaning fluid  50  may be of various types and may vary according to need. Accordingly, there is no best fluid to be provided. However, typically, the cleaning fluid has the composition of soap, vinegar and water solution in the ratio of one part soap, one part vinegar and twenty parts water. A low phosphoric soap is preferred so as to be less toxic to the environment. Of course, the cleaning fluid in accordance with the instant invention is non-toxic and safe as a cleaning fluid for human usage. 
     While the foregoing detailed description has described several embodiments of the method and cleaning device for cleaning an airway breathing hose in accordance with this invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. It will be appreciated there are variations of the support member, nylon works, but other material for the support member are also suitable. And, while the cleaning member is cotton herein, other various materials are similarly suitable for the purposes and functions of the method and device herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is fully disclosed in the exemplary embodiments discussed above and that there are numerous other embodiments that are not mentioned, but within the scope and spirit of this invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0