Abstract:
An expandable tubing system for delivering gases delivers various gases to patients. The system includes at least one expandable tube and a nasal cannula. The expandable tube includes a main tube which delivers gases from a gas supply to the nasal cannula or another device. The at least one expandable tube each include a first coupler, a second coupler, an inner tube, and an outer cover. The first coupler and the second coupler allow the inner tube to be connected in between two devices. The inner tube expands when filled with gases and retracts when emptied. The outer cover encircles and protects the inner tube. The nasal cannula includes a cannula coupler, a cannula tube, and a nosepiece. The cannula coupler connects the nasal cannula to the main tube. The cannula tube is transports gases from the cannula coupler to the nosepiece, which directs gases into the patient&#39;s nose.

Description:
[0001]    The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/127,428 filed on Mar. 3, 2015. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to devices that are used to deliver oxygen or other gases to people who experience difficulties breathing, or patients of medical procedures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a delivery system that incorporates expandable tubing and a nasal cannula that adheres to the user&#39;s nose and improves airflow. When not in use, the tubing retracts to minimize clutter and prevent tangling. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many people, including elderly people and those who suffer from respiratory disabilities or complications, require a supplemental supply of oxygen. Those undergoing surgery or similar medical procedures also require a supply of anesthetic. Current systems use great lengths of tubing to deliver gases from an oxygen tank or oxygen concentrator to the patient&#39;s mouth or nose. Because of this, it is not uncommon for tubes to become tangled. In addition, current nasal cannula devices are able to deliver oxygen to a person&#39;s nose; however, they do not optimize the amount of oxygen that flows into the nose. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there is a present need for a system which may be used to supply a person with oxygen or other gases, while minimizing the risk of tangling tubes. Moreover, there is a present need for said system to optimize the amount of oxygen that flows into the nose. The present invention makes use of tubes which are able to expand to a certain length during use, and retract to a relatively short and manageable length when not in use. The present invention also includes a nasal cannula which uses an adhesive strip that expands airways and improves airflow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the expandable tube in a retracted configuration. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a front schematic view of the expandable tube in the retracted configuration. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the expandable tube in an extended configuration. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a front schematic view of the expandable tube in the extended configuration. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the nasal cannula. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the nosepiece, wherein the preferred embodiment of the nosepiece comprises a nasal strip. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the nosepiece. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the nosepiece, wherein the alternative embodiment of the nosepiece comprises a head strap. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the valve. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0016]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention is an expandable tubing system for delivering gases. Specifically, the present invention may be used to deliver oxygen, medical air, nitrous oxide, and other gases for the purposes of aiding breathing, anesthesia, or sedation. The present invention comprises at least one expandable tube  1  and a nasal cannula  10 . The at least one expandable tube  1  is used to transfer gases to a patient. The expandable tube  1  is designed to expand when filled with gas and retract when not in use. This helps to limit the possibility of the expandable tube  1  getting tangled. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one expandable tube  1  comprises a main tube  2  which can be used to direct gases to the nasal cannula  10  or another device. Each of the at least one expandable tube  1  comprises an inner tube  5 , an outer cover  6 , a first coupler  7 , and a second coupler  8 . The first coupler  7  and the second coupler  8  are used to make connections between the expandable tube  1  and a gas supply  33 , a valve, or another device. The first coupler  7  and the second coupler  8  are in fluid communication with each other through the inner tube  5 . The first coupler  7  and the second coupler  8  are positioned opposite to each other along the inner tube  5 . 
         [0017]    In reference to  FIG. 3 , the inner tube  5  is the conduit through which oxygen or other gases are able to flow. When filled with gases, the inner tube  5  expands in length and diameter until the expandable tube  1  is in an expanded configuration. This is shown in  FIGS. 4-5 . When not in use, gases are permitted to escape the inner tube  5  so that the expandable tube  1  returns to a retracted configuration. This is shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . In the preferred embodiment, the inner tube  5  is made from rubber; however, any other suitable material may be used in alternative embodiments. The outer cover  6  encircles the inner tube  5  from the first coupler  7  to the second coupler  8 . The outer cover  6  is used as a protective barrier for the inner tube  5 , preventing the inner tube  5  from being punctured or otherwise damaged. The protective barrier also helps to prevent the inner tube  5  from expanding too far as a result of excess pressure within the inner tube  5 . To allow the inner tube  5  to retract, the outer cover  6  is able to fold and wrinkle such that both components have the same length. In the preferred embodiment, the outer cover  6  is made from nylon; however, any other suitable material may alternatively be used. Further, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer cover  6  is color coded to match a specific length. For example, expandable tubes which expand to 10, 25, and 50 feet may incorporate outer covers with the colors blue, green, and orange, respectively. Alternatively, any other color and length combinations may be used. 
         [0018]    In reference to  FIG. 6 , the nasal cannula  10  comprises a cannula coupler  11 , a cannula tube  12 , and a nosepiece  13 . The nasal cannula  10  is used to direct oxygen or other gases into the nose of the patient. The cannula coupler  11  and the nosepiece  13  are in fluid communication with each other through the cannula tube  12 . The cannula coupler  11  is used to form a hermetic connection between the nasal cannula  10  tube and a valve or the expandable tube  1 . The cannula tube  12  is used to deliver gases from the cannula coupler  11  to the nosepiece  13 . The cannula coupler  11  and the nosepiece  13  are positioned opposite to each other along the cannula tube  12 . The nosepiece  13  is used to direct gases into the nose of the patient and may be mounted to the face of the patient. The cannula coupler  11  is in fluid communication with the second coupler  8  of the main tube  2 , allowing gases to flow from the main tube  2 , through the cannula tube  12 , out the nosepiece  13  and into the nose of the patient. 
         [0019]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the at least one expandable tube  1  comprises a pressure-regulating valve  9 . In reference to  FIG. 2 , the pressure-regulating valve  9  is used to maintain a constant pressure throughout the present invention. The first coupler  7  and the second coupler  8  are in fluid communication with each other through the inner tube  5  and the pressure-regulating valve  9 . In the preferred embodiment, the pressure-regulating valve  9  is positioned adjacent to the second coupler  8 ; however, in alternative embodiments, the pressure-regulating valve  9  may be incorporated at any location on the expandable tube  1 . Because the pressure inside the expandable tube  1  is what allows the inner tube  5  to increase in size, if the pressure falls too low, the expandable tube  1  can begin to retract. Moreover, if the pressure is too high, the inner tube  5  can expand too far or rupture. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure-regulating valve  9  automatically adjusts the pressure throughout the expandable tube  1 ; however, in alternative embodiments, this may be done manually. 
         [0020]    In reference to  FIGS. 7-8 , the nosepiece  13  comprises a first nasal insert  14 , a second nasal insert  15 , a circulation ring  16 , and a nasal strip  17 . The cannula tube  12  is in fluid communication with the circulation ring  16 . The circulation ring  16  is used with the nasal strip  17  to properly position the first nasal insert  14  and the second nasal insert  15  on the face of the patient. The first nasal insert  14  and the second nasal insert  15  are in fluid communication with the circulation ring  16  so that the circulation ring  16  may equally distribute gases to the first nasal insert  14  and the second nasal insert  15 . The cannula tube  12  is positioned outside the circulation ring  16  and delivers gases to the circulation ring  16 . The first nasal insert  14  and the second nasal insert  15  are positioned inside the circulation ring  16  and are angularly offset from each other about the circulation ring  16 . This configuration allows gases to be directed into the nose of the patient. The nasal strip  17  is perimetrically connected about the circulation ring  16  and is used to mount the nosepiece  13  to the patient&#39;s face. The nasal strip  17  is also used to expand the airways of the patient&#39;s nose so that the patient may breathe easier. The nasal strip  17  and the cannula tube  12  are diametrically opposed to each other about the circulation ring  16 . This configuration is designed such that the nasal strip  17  may be mounted over the bridge of the patient&#39;s nose, while the first nasal insert  14  and the second nasal insert  15  are placed adjacent to or within the patient&#39;s nostrils. 
         [0021]    In reference to  FIG. 7-8 , the nasal strip  17  comprises a nose pad  18 , at least one flexible rib  19 , and an adhesion layer  20 . The nose pad  18  provides a comfortable means of attaching the nasal strip  17  to the nose of the patient. In the preferred embodiment of the nasal strip  17 , the nose pad  18  is made from a cloth-like material. The at least one flexible rib  19  is integrated through the nose pad  18  and is used to open the patient&#39;s airways. The elasticity of the flexible rib  19  allows the nasal strip  17  to pull on the patient&#39;s nose after the nasal strip  17  is mounted onto the bridge of the patient&#39;s nose. The adhesion layer  20  is superimposed across the nasal strip  17  and allows the nasal strip  17  to adhere to the patient&#39;s nose and pull open the patient&#39;s airways. 
         [0022]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 9 , the nosepiece  13  comprises a head strap  21  instead of the nasal strip  17 . The head strap  21  may be positioned around the patient&#39;s head or neck to secure the nasal cannula  10  to the user. The head strap  21  comprises a first end  22  and a second end  23 . The first end  22  and the second end  23  are both connected outside the circulation ring  16 . The first end  22  and the second end  23  are angularly offset from each other about the circulation ring  16  so that the head strap  21  may be easily positioned about the patient&#39;s head or neck. 
         [0023]    In reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 , the present invention further comprises at least one valve  24 . The at least one valve  24  is used to control the flow of gases through the present invention. Further, the at least one valve  24  may be used to toggle between delivering gases to the nasal cannula  10  and another device. Each of the at least one valve  24  comprises a valve body  28 , an inlet  29 , a plurality of outlets  30 , and a directional control knob  31 . The inlet  29  is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of outlets  30  through the valve body  28 . In the preferred embodiment of the at least one valve  24 , there are two outlets  30 ; however, any number of outlets  30  may be used, based on the needs of the patient. The directional control knob  31  is operatively integrated into the valve body  28  and is used to direct fluid flow from the inlet  29  to a selected outlet from the plurality of outlets  30 . 
         [0024]    In reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 , the at least one valve  24  comprises a main valve  25 . The second coupler  8  of the main tube  2  is in fluid communication with the inlet  29  of the main valve  25 . The cannula coupler  11  is in fluid communication with the selected outlet of the main valve  25 . This configuration allows the main valve  25  to be used to direct gases from the main tube  2 , to the nasal cannula  10 , or to another device. 
         [0025]    In reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 , the at least one expandable tube  1  further comprises a first auxiliary tube  3  and the at least one valve  24  comprises a first auxiliary valve  26 . The first auxiliary tube  3  allows nasal cannula  10  to be used further away from a gas supply  33 . Also, the first auxiliary tube  3  allows the nasal cannula  10  to be distanced from the main valve  25 . The first coupler  7  of the first auxiliary tube  3  is in fluid communication with the selected outlet  30  of the main valve  25 . The first auxiliary valve  26  is used to provide added control over the flow of gases through the present invention. For example, the main valve  25  may be used to select the nasal cannula  10  or another device, while the first auxiliary valve  26  may be used to adjust the flow of gases to the nasal cannula  10 . Accordingly, the second coupler  8  of the first auxiliary tube  3  is in fluid communication with the inlet  29  of the first auxiliary valve  26  and the cannula coupler  11  is in fluid communication with the selected outlet  30  of the first auxiliary valve  26 . 
         [0026]    In reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 , the at least one expandable tube  1  further comprises a second auxiliary tube  4  and the at least one valve  24  comprises a second auxiliary valve  27 . The second auxiliary tube  4  and the second auxiliary valve  27  are used to connect a second device to the present invention. The first coupler  7  of the second auxiliary tube  4  is in fluid communication with another outlet of the main valve  25 , wherein the other outlet  30  is one of the plurality of outlets  30 . The second coupler  8  of the second auxiliary tube  4  is in fluid communication with the inlet  29  of the second auxiliary valve  27 . This configuration allows the main valve  25  to be used to select the nasal cannula  10  or a second device, while the second auxiliary valve  27  may be used to adjust the flow of gases to the second device. 
         [0027]    In reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 , the present invention further comprises a flow meter  32  and a gas supply  33 . The gas supply  33  is used to pump oxygen, medical air, nitrous oxide, or other gases through the expandable tube  1  and to the patient. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas supply  33  is a gas canister; however, an air compressor or any other source may be used. The flow meter  32  is used to monitor the flowrate of gases being pumped through the present invention. The first coupler  7  of the main tube  2  is in fluid communication with the flow meter  32  and the gas supply  33  is in fluid communication with the first coupler  7  of the main tube  2  through the flow meter  32 . While this configuration represents the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may also work without the use of the flow meter  32 . In this situation, the gas supply  33  is in direct fluid communication with the first coupler  7  of the main tube  2 . 
         [0028]    Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.