Abstract:
The present invention is a multi-purpose oxygen face mask having a self-closable port, integral with the surface of said mask shell, configured to receive a tube or implement that passes through the mask shell and maintains delivery of oxygen.

Description:
INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/976,566, filed Oct. 1, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In-Mask Valve 
       [0002]    Thousands of patients with primarily respiratory diseases and disorders are admitted daily to hospitals in the USA. Often they require oxygen (O 2 ) via a face mask (FM). Disruption of the FM seal i.e., (1) to eat or (2) to drink, to (3) receive a feeding tube, to (4) undergo diagnostics procedures, for (5) suctioning/removal of secretions, and to (6) receive medications; occurs often throughout the day. These disruptions &#39;til now, are handled by removing the mask temporarily or temporarily switch to nasal O 2  and can precipitate drops in arterial O 2  with attendant risks to bodily functions. 
         [0003]    An In-Mask valve, properly situated, would allow performance of all these tasks without disrupting the integrity of the mask. As a practicing pulmonary specialist, I know this idea is long overdue and will make patient care much more efficient. 
         [0004]    In addition to patients having respiratory diseases, these masks are commonly employed by anesthesiologists, and surgeons on postoperative cases. 
         [0005]    The present invention is a multi-purpose oxygen face mask comprising: 
         [0000]    a mask shell;
 
a head strap connected to said mask shell at a point on a first side, and extending from said mask body around the rear of a patient&#39;s head and connects with said mask body at a second side; and
 
a self-closable access port, integral with the surface of said mask shell.
 
         [0006]    The port is configured to receive an implement that passes through the mask and maintains a substantially airtight seal. 
         [0007]    The face mask maintains oxygen flow and volume at a substantially constant level upon insertion of an implement through the access port. 
         [0008]    The access port is constructed and arranged to close about the perimeter of an implement inserted therethrough. 
         [0009]    The present invention is a method for accessing the region of the face covered by an oxygen face mask comprising:
       a. Providing a multi-purpose oxygen face mask comprising:
 
a mask shell;
 
a head strap connected to said mask shell at a point on a first side, and extending from said mask body around the rear of a patient&#39;s head and connects with said mask shell at a second side;
 
a self-closable access port, integral with the surface of said mask;
 
b. accessing the self closable access port;
 
c. opening the self closable accessport by inserting, an implement therethrough;
 
d. allowing the self closable access port to seal around the perimeter of said implement;
 
e. accessing the face area under an oxygen face mask of a patient that is wearing said mask shell using an implement inserted through a self closable access port.
       
 
         [0011]    The implement is not limited, but in a preferred embodiment is a straw, feeding tube, solution tube, suction tube, and the like. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a prior art oxygen face mask mounted on a person. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the face mask of the present invention with a self closing access port incorporated into the mask. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the mask in section with an implement inserted therethrough. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the mask in section without an implement inserted therethrough. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a partial side view of the mask in section with an implement inserted therethrough. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a partial side sectional view of an oxygen face mask of the present invention with a self closing valve in the closed configuration. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the access port with an implement inserted therethrough. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the access port in a closed position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the face mask of the present invention with a self closing access port incorporated into the mask. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the mask of  FIG. 9  in section with an implement inserted therethrough. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the access port with an implement inserted therethrough. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    The mask  10  has a shell  12  with a pair of straps  14  positioned on either side of shell  12 . Shell  12  has an oxygen tube  14  emanating therefrom that allows oxygen to flow into shell  12  as is commonly known in the art. Shell  12  has incorporated thereon access port  18 . In one embodiment, access port  18  is formed of a first flap  20  and second flap  22  that interface to define a slit  24 . An implement  28  is placed between first flap  20  and second flap  22  such that opening  26  is exposed. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , access port  40  is circular and has flaps  42 ,  44 ,  46 , and  48  that interface to form a plurality of slits along adjacent edges when closed. An implement  28  is centrally placed through access port  40  such that opening  50  is exposed. 
         [0025]    Shell  12  is placed over the nose and mouth of a person as is commonly known. Shell  12  is secured into position by placing each of side straps  14  behind the ear of a person as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and is commonly known. 
         [0026]    Shell  12 , as is commonly known and used in the art, is constructed and arranged in the present invention with an access port  18 . The access port  18  of the present invention is an incorporated opening integral with the surface of shell  12  that remains in a closed position were not used. Implement  28 , which include, but are not limited to, a straw, feeding tube, solution tube, suction tube, and the like are insertable through access port  18  without interrupting the oxygen therapy. 
         [0027]    The placement of the implement is described in terms of one embodiment. It is understood that the description is not limited and maybe applied to any configured embodiment. Implement  28  is placed along slit  24  is gently urged by pressure through access port  18  such that the access port  18  opens to form opening  26  that receives implement  28 . Access port  18  subsequently seals around implement  28  after insertion such that substantially the entire perimeter of implement  28  is in contact with the edges of flaps forming access port  18  in order that there is minimal loss of oxygen flowing into shell  12 . It is not necessary that an air tight seal be formed about the perimeter of implement  28 , only that enough of a seal is present to prevent any significant loss of oxygen flowing into shell  12  from oxygen tube  16 . 
         [0028]    Access port  18  is a self-closing slit or opening within a circular or oval region constructed and arranged such that it remains closed when not in use, and will close around a an implement  28  inserted therethrough. 
         [0029]    While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.