Abstract:
A multi-purpose oxygen face mask which functions as three different masks at once: regular, aerosol, and non-rebreather is disclosed. The mask fits over the nose and mouth area of the wearer and is secured by a head strap, a neck strap and a bendable aluminum strip over the nose area. The straps are secured by a multiple hole adjustment and securing system and those straps that come in contact with a patient&#39;s cheek and ear area are padded with a soft foam padding for increased comfort. A plurality of access ports with snap covers allows for the connection of standard hoses and attachments to configure to mask in the abovementioned manners. The ports are duplicated on either side of the mask to allow for access from the right or left side of the patient&#39;s body.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Number 415,787 filed on Mar. 10, 1997. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to oxygen masks and, more particularly, to oxygen masks that can serve the purpose of a regular oxygen mask, an aerosol oxygen mask, and a non-rebreather oxygen mask. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the related art, numerous attempts have been made to improve the function of oxygen masks used for patient care. These improvements have ranged from utilization improvements to patient comfort improvements. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Inventor 
                 Issue Date 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 D351,226 
                 Regina Parvatharaj 
                 Oct. 4, 1994 
               
               
                   
                 3,467,093 
                 L. F. Hotz, et al. 
                 Dec. 9, 1996 
               
               
                   
                 4,201,205 
                 Victor Bartholomew 
                 May 6, 1980 
               
               
                   
                 5,322,061 
                 Kevin Brunson 
                 Jun. 21, 1994 
               
               
                   
                 5,361,771 
                 Brian Craine, et al. 
                 Nov. 8, 1994 
               
               
                   
                 5,429,125 
                 Kurt Wagner, et al. 
                 Jul. 4, 1995 
               
               
                   
                 5,431,158 
                 Christopher Tirotta 
                 Jul. 11, 1995 
               
               
                   
                 5,492,114 
                 Holly Vroman 
                 Feb. 20, 1996 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Of considerable relevance is U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,551, issued to Hilliard. While the oxygen mask with nebulizer appears to incorporate two of three functions of the present invention, it does not provide for the use as a regular oxygen mask. Nor does it provide for the increased comfort of the wearer via use of two straps encircling the wearer&#39;s head. In addition other elements are different enough as to make the combination distinguished over the inventors&#39; own prior art. 
     Consequently, a need has therefore been felt for an improved but less complex mechanism that allows for a single medical appliance mask to incorporate the functions of three conventional masks while allowing for the increased comfort of the wearer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-purpose oxygen face mask. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved multi-purpose oxygen face mask that provides the functions of three conventional oxygen masks, namely, a regular mask, an aerosol mask, and a non-rebreather mask. Such versatility allows for the use of one mask in instances where up to three specific use masks were required. The use of standard connection ports allows for the use of existing hoses and attachments. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide an improved multi-purpose oxygen face mask that utilizes a moldable plastic body that is lightweight and sanitary and whose performance and durability has been proven in numerous applications 
     It is yet another Feature of the present invention to allow for the use of multiple attachment straps. The straps are adjustable to fit a wide range of patients, yet not of the elastic nature as to cause discomfort. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to allow for the use of a bendable aluminum bar to aid in the securing of the nose and upper cheek area of the mask to the patient&#39;s face. 
     Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-purpose oxygen face mask is disclosed which functions as three different masks cit once: regular, aerosol, and non-rebreather. The mask fits over the nose and mouth area of the wearer and is secured by a head strap, a neck strap and a bendable aluminum strip over the nose area. The straps are secured by a multiple hole adjustment and securing system. Those straps that come in contact with a patient&#39;s cheek and ear area are padded with a soft foam padding for increased comfort. A plurality of access ports with snap covers allows for the connection of standard hoses and attachments in order to configure the mask in the abovementioned manners. The ports are duplicated on either side of the mask to allow for access from the right or left side of the patient&#39;s body. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that the patient may wear it for long periods of time without the tight discomfort, chafing, rubbing or irritation that may result from long term use with a conventional oxygen mask. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that user comfort is increased thus making the wearer more inclined to utilize the invention, resulting in a higher level of medical care. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it can be manufactured from readily available materials, utilizing common manufacturing technologies and techniques. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the function of the mask may be changed or reconfigured while the mask is still in place on the patient. This capability allows for the simultaneous use of two or more functions, thus allowing for an increased oxygen flow at all times. The patient is not subjected to instances of no oxygen flow where one mask must be removed while a mask of a different function is put on. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the mask may be installed around a patient&#39;s head and not over it. In cases where other medical appliances such as sensors, probes, monitors, etc. are attached to a patient&#39;s head or neck area, it is extremely difficult to install an oxygen mask with a continuous, closed elastic loop over the patient&#39;s head. The current invention allows for the connection straps to be threaded around said appliances and connected at the side surface of the mask. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-purpose oxygen face mask shown in a utilized state on a patient according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of a multi-purpose oxygen face mask; 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a multi-purpose oxygen face mask; and 
     FIG. 4 is a descriptive flow chart depicting the setup sequences for the three operational modes of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  shown in a utilized state on a patient  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A mask body  15  manufactured from a suitable semi-flexible material such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) compose the main body of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5 . A head strap  20 , connected to the mask body  15  at a right head strap attachment point  25 , extends from the mask body  15  around the rear of the patient&#39;s  10  head and connects to the mask body  15  at a left head strap attachment point  30  (not shown in this view). It is envisioned that the right head strap attachment point  25  and the left head strap attachment point  30  (not shown in this view) would allow for rotation around the connection point as would be found with a hook and hole arrangement, to allow for user adjustment and subsequent comfort. Each side of the head strap  20  near the mask body  15  is equipped with a piece of soft foam rubber  35 . The purpose of the soft foam rubber  35  is to aid in the prevention of pressure sores over the cheek bones and the sensitive area above, and as will be seen later, below the patient&#39;s ears. Next a lower neck strap  40  is connected at a right lower neck strap attachment point  42  and extends around the rear of the patient&#39;s neck. It is connected at the other side at a left lower neck strap attachment point  43  (not shown in this view) in a manner similar to the head strap  20  and is also equipped with a piece of soft foam rubber  35 . The purpose of the lower neck strap  40  is to stabilize the mask body  15  around the patient&#39;s head to prevent accidental dislodging. Both the head strap  20  and the lower neck strap  40  are equipped with a multiple hole adjustment and securing system  45  which secures on the opposite side of the mask body  15  as will be seen in greater detail hereinbelow. The head strap  20  and the lower neck strap  40  are manufactured from a non-elastic strap material, thus the adjustment feature as made available by the multiple hole adjustment and securing system  45  is necessary. By limiting the amount of pressure placed by the mask body  15  against the patient&#39;s face, further-comfort is afforded to the patient. This is in lieu of the constant pressure regardless of placement as one would find with conventional, non-adjustable elastic straps. In addition to the two fastening systems afforded by the head strap  20  and the lower neck strap  40 , a third fastening means is provided by an aluminum nose clip  50 . Upon initial placement of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  upon the patient&#39;s face, the aluminum nose clip  50  is gently pinched around the patient&#39;s nose to provide a closer fitting of the mask body  15  around the patient&#39;s nose and cheek area. The aluminum nose clip  50  with its aluminum construction is easily formed by the care giver, yet retains its shape after initial adjustment for an indefinite period of time. Located on the lower portion of the mask body  15  near the patient&#39;s nose and mouth area is a right lower port  55 . Located directly above the right lower port  55  is a right upper port  60 . Located on the opposite side of the mask body  15  in relation to a vertical axis with reference to the right lower port  55  and the right upper port  60  is a left lower port  65  (not shown in this FIG.) and a left upper port  70  (not shown in this FIG.) respectively. The purpose and function of the right lower port  55 , the right upper port  60 , the left lower port  65 , and the left upper port  70  will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. 
     Referring next to FIG. 2, a left side elevational view of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  is shown. The rotational design of the left head strap attachment point  30  and the left lower neck strap attachment point  43  allows for movement of the patient&#39;s head, while yet maintaining a tight seal around the patient&#39;s nose, cheek, and chin area. A plurality of adjustment holes  72  in the head strap  20  and the neck strap  40  are terminated at the left head strap attachment point  30  and the left lower neck strap attachment point  43  respectively after an adequately tight fit is established thus forming the multiple hole adjustment and securing system  45 . Excess head strap  20  and excess neck strap  40  that remains after fastening the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  may either be left hanging or cut off after the initial fitting of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5 . It is envisioned that the left head strap attachment point  30  and the left lower neck( strap attachment point  43  would be of a hook type nature though it can be seen by those familiar in the art that other types of fastening systems such as pins, rivets, and the like could also be utilized. The left lower port  65  and the left upper port  70  are equipped with a lower port cap  75  and an upper port cap  80  respectively. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a front view of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  is depicted. The right lower port  55  and the right upper port  60  are equipped with a lower, port cap  75  and an upper port cap  80  as are the left lower port  65  and the left upper port  70  as previously mentioned. The lower port cap  75  and the upper port: cap  80  are of friction fit nature and are easily removed without the use of tools. The connection formed by the right lower port  55 , the right upper port  60 , the left lower port  65  and the left upper port  70  with the lower port cap  75  and the upper port cap  80  are of the same nature as one would find with connecting hoses and other medical appliances and would possess such details as alignment grooves, threaded connections and friction fit snap ridges. This feature allows quick interchanging with existing components found in a health care environment. Around the perimeter of the mask body  15  is a sealing ring  85  which provides an increased cross-sectional area to increase the air sealing properties of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  to the patient&#39;s face. 
     Referring finally to FIG. 4, a descriptive flow chart depicting the setup sequences for the three operational modes of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  (not shown in this FIG.) is disclosed. The flow chart depicted details the steps necessary to prepare the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  (not shown in this FIG.) for use with a patient. It does not detail other necessary steps associated with a conventional mask. Such steps include but are not limited to fitting the mask to the patient&#39;s face, adjusting oxygen or medicine flow rates, verifying procedures and the like. To use the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  (not shown in this FIG.) as a regular oxygen mask, the care giver would remove the lower port cap  75  (not shown in this FIG.) and the upper port cap  80  (not shown in this FIG.) from either the left or right side of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  (not shown in this FIG.) The side of the mask used depends on environmental conditions such as which side of the patient the existing oxygen connection is on as well as patient preference. Next the conventional oxygen tubing will be attached to the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  (not shown in this FIG.) making it ready for use. To use the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  (not shown in this FIG.) as an aerosol mask, the same procedures will be followed, but in lieu of attaching oxygen tubing, the care giver would connect the aerosol apparatus to the lower port, thus providing the necessary mixture of oxygen and medicine. To use the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  (not shown in this FIG.) as a non-rebreather mask, the same initial steps involved in setting the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  (not shown in this FIG.) as a regular mask would be followed, with the additional step of connecting a flutter valve to the upper port. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     In operation, the present invention can be easily utilized by the common health care provider in a simple and effortless manner that results in greater comfort and increased medical benefit for the patient. To use the present invention with its preferred embodiment can best be described in conjunction with the perspective view of FIG. 1, the elevational views of FIG.  2  and FIG. 3, and the descriptive flow chart of FIG.  4 . 
     The health care provider (or in some instances, the user himself) would first begin by selecting the mode of operation for the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5 . Then following the descriptive flow chart of FIG. 4, the health care provider would configure the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  for use and activate the oxygen supply. Next the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5  is secured to the patient&#39;s face by encircling the patient&#39;s head with the head strap  20  and connecting the loose end of the head strap  20  supplied with a plurality of adjustment holes  72  to the left head strap attachment point  30 . Next the lower neck strap  40  is attached in the same said manner using the left lower neck strap attachment point  43 . Finally the aluminum nose clip  50  is gently pinched around the patient&#39;s nose and upper cheek area. It should be ensured that the patient&#39;s cheek and ear area is adequately protected from the head strap  20  and the lower neck strap  40  via the soft foam rubber  35 . Finally, the complete operation of the multi-purpose oxygen face mask  5 , as well as the patients general state of well being should be verified in accordance with general patient care recommendations. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.