WO2001049349A1

WO2001049349A1 - Oxygen delivery apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2001049349A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/000522
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elizabeth Tillotson
Original assignee: Elizabeth Tillotson
Priority date: 2000-01-06
Filing date: 2001-01-08
Publication date: 2001-07-12
Also published as: AU2634701A

Abstract

The present invention provides a hand-held device (10) capable of delivering a flow of oxygen to its user. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a canister (12) adapted to releaseably store pressurized oxygen, a mouthpiece (14), and a valve (16) operably connected to the canister (12) and to the mouthpiece (14). The valve (16) in this embodiment selectively permits oxygen to flow from the canister (12) to the mouthpiece (14). The canister (12) in this embodiment can be removed from the mouthpiece (14) and replaced.

Description

TITLE: Oxygen Delivery Apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a portable oxygen delivery apparatus. More particularly, the

present invention relates to a hand-held inhaler having a pressurized oxygen canister.

BACKGROUND

The tissue cells of the average adult normally utilizes around 250 cc of oxygen per

minute, and the venous blood maintains a normal saturation level of 70 to 75 percent oxygen

under ordinary circumstances. The human body requires the oxygen to convert sugars from

food into energy. Many people can benefit from breathing pure oxygen or enhanced oxygen-

level air. As more baby boomers reach middle age, fitness and health trends continue to

increase in popularity. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the fitness and

health industry makes up "approximately 16.5 billion dollars in retail and service sales to the

national economy." Individuals engaging in regular and periodic workouts and athletes need

increased oxygen to recover from strenuous exercise or to enhance their performance during

their exertions. Participants in high altitude sports as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain

climbing, and the like gain particular benefits from an increased oxygen supply.

Other individuals may use extra oxygen to increase their mental alertness, such as long

distance drivers, business travelers, airline pilots, office workers, and other non-professionals

working monotonous, high risk jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers

will add 325,000 new jobs over the next seven years to the national job market. This will mean

a greater number of drivers, and greater competition. In turn, consumers will require faster,

more economical shipping. Greater demands will be placed on the drivers to perform with fewer delays. Drivers may be required to drive further and for longer periods of time to keep

up with the demands of the market. Currently, fatigue is the number one hazard for over-the-

road truck drivers.

Others who might benefit from an oxygen enriched environment are smokers, victims of

second hand smoke, seniors, and the like. Individuals suffering from hangovers and headaches

may also benefit. Studies have shown that low blood oxygen levels are related to decreased

night vision, fatigue, forced concentration, headaches, forgetfulness, incompetence, and

indifference.

One problem with conventional oxygen delivery devices, however, is that they are large

and heavy and not readily or conveniently available. This drawback makes them unattractive to

many users, particularly athletes and others, wishing to quickly obtain the non-medicinal benefits

of oxygen at irregular times. Another problem with conventional oxygen delivery devices is that

they required a relatively expensive storage tank and a complex valve system.

Accordingly, there is a need for a small, lightweight, consumer oriented, easily

transportable oxygen delivery apparatus that can deliver oxygen on demand. There is also a

need for an inexpensive, user-friendly valve system that can be actuated simply and quickly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable and transportable, e.g., hand-held, device

capable of delivering a flow of oxygen to its user. The invention comprises two principal

elements: 1) a pressurized oxygen canister, and 2) a mouthpiece. The canister is charged with

a mixture of oxygen and propellant that is suitable for human consumption through the mouth.

The canister is placed in the mouthpiece and may be activated by depressing the oxygen canister into the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is generally placed into the mouth of the user to

dispense the pressurized oxygen and propellant as desired. When depleted, the oxygen canister

may be discarded and replaced with a new canister in the same mouthpiece.

The oxygen canister has a structure capable of containing a pressurized medium with a

valve at one end, the valve being activated by depressing the canister as described above. The

mouthpiece is constructed of plastic materials sufficient for continued use, protection of the

oxygen container, and dispensing of oxygen and propellant into the user's mouth as previously

described.

In some embodiments, the present invention delivers quick or short breaths of pure

oxygen or highly concentrated oxygenized air that could be used during exercise or anytime that

a user wanted to supplement their oxygen supply. Or, the amounts delivered could be

continuous or controlled by the duration of the manual manipulation of the valve. This product

may be entirely disposable, may have a "refillable" canister, or may have a "reusable"

mouthpiece/valve assembly that can operably attach to replacement canisters. In operation, the

user would first place their mouth, nose, or both, over or into a mouthpiece or a small nose

cover. The user would then squeeze the container, or manually depress it or push it in, thereby

actuating a valve that starts the flow of oxygen.

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a portable hand-held canister

adapted to releaseably store pressurized oxygen, a mouthpiece, and a valve operably

connected to the canister and to the mouthpiece. The valve selectively permits oxygen to flow

from the canister to the mouthpiece. Some embodiments may further comprise a removable mask operably attached to the mouthpiece. This mask is designed to substantially cover the

user's mouth and nose.

The present invention offers many advantages over known portable oxygen delivery

devices. For example, the present invention is lightweight and easy for users to carry. Also, the

present invention can be disguised as, or built into, other devices commonly carried by its users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 A is a side plan view of one embodiment of an oxygen delivery apparatus.

Figure IB is a front plan view of the embodiment in Figure 1 A.

Figure 2A is a side plan view of a oxygen delivery apparatus embodiment, having a

mouthpiece.

Figure 2B is a front plan view of the embodiment in Figure IB.

Figure 3 A is a side plan view of a oxygen delivery apparatus embodiment, having a

generally cylindrical outer shape.

Figure 3B is a front plan view of the embodiment in Figure 3 A.

Figure 4 is an expanded side plan view of a oxygen delivery apparatus embodiment,

having a squeeze-actuated valve.

Figure 5 A is a top plan view of a oxygen delivery apparatus embodiment, having a

hinged lid.

Figure 5B is a side plan view of a canister for the embodiment of Figure 5 A.

Figure 5C is a front plan view of the embodiment of Figure 5 A.

Figure 5D is a side plan view of the embodiment of Figure 5A. Figure 5E is a rear plan view of the embodiment of Figure 5A.

Figure 5F is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of Figure 5A.

Figure 6A is a side plan view of a oxygen delivery apparatus embodiment, having a

hinged lid and two canisters.

Figure 6B is a top plan view of the embodiment of Figure 6A.

Figure 6C is a front plan view of the embodiment of Figure 6A.

Figure 6D is a side plan view of the embodiment of Figure 6A.

Figure 6E is a rear plan view of the embodiment of Figure 6A.

Figure 6F is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of Figure 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figs. 1A-1B depict one embodiment of an oxygen delivery apparatus 10. This oxygen

delivery apparatus 10 comprises a canister 12, a tubular mouthpiece 14, and a valve 16.

The canister 12 may be any device capable of storing oxygen under pressure and

should have a port assembly 18 at one end (not shown) for charging and/or discharging the

canister 12. The port assembly 18 may include a spring loaded valve (not shown) that

automatically prevents oxygen from flowing through the port assembly 18 when the canister 12

is not engaged with the valve 16. The canister 12 is preferably constructed from sturdy yet

lightweight materials, such as molded plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, or a combination thereof.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the canister 12 has a generally cylindrical shape.

This cylinder is between about two and four inches in length, between about one-half inch and

two inches in diameter, and has a capacity of between about three and eight grams of gas.

Accordingly, this canister 12 embodiment can provide between about 50 and 250 individual uses or between about 1 and 10 minutes of continuous gas flow. These embodiments are

desirable because the canister 12 provides a reasonable storage capacity, but can be still easily

held in the user's hand. However, canisters 12 having other shapes, sizes, and capacities are

within the scope of the present invention. These shapes, sizes and capacities may be optimized

for a particular use. For example, canisters 12 designed to be carried by runners should

normally be smaller and lighter than those designed for use by truckers.

The mouthpiece 14 in Figs. 1A-1B comprises an "L" shaped hollow tube 21. The tube

21 has a generally circular opening 22 at one end thereof for insertion within the user's mouth.

The opposite end 24 of the tube 21 is shaped and sized to receive the canister 12. In some

embodiments, such as that shown in Figs. 2A-2B, the mouthpiece 14 also comprises a

removable mouth and nose piece ("mask") 26. This mask is operatively attached to the

opening 22 and adapted to sealably engage with the user's nose and mouth region or to abut the

adjoining regions so that a significant portion of the released oxygen is inhaled by the user.

The valve 16 can be any device that allows the user to selectively discharge the

pressurized oxygen from the canister 12. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figs.

1A-1B and 2A-2B, the user actuates the valve 16 by pushing the canister 12 into the

mouthpiece 14. These embodiments may be adapted to continuously deliver oxygen as long as

the user continues to squeeze the canister 12 or may be adapted to deliver one metered dose

each time the canister 12 and the mouthpiece 14 are compressed together. The valve 16 or the

canister 12 may also include a return spring or check valve (not shown) designed to stop the

flow of oxygen when the user releases the canister 12. In addition, the valve 16 or the canister

12 may include a pressure relief valve designed to controUably release the oxygen if the pressure differential between the interior of the canister 12 and exterior of the canister 12 exceeds a

preselected value.

The valve 16 and the mouthpiece 14 in some embodiments comprise a non-friction or

low-friction material, such as plastic, and are designed to provide smooth gas-flow passageway.

These embodiments are desirable because the non-friction design and materials can help reduce

any heating effects caused by the release of the pressurized oxygen.

As noted in Appendix A, atmospheric conditions include 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen

and traces of other gases. Thus, it is possible to combine higher levels of oxygen with non-

combustible or inert materials like nitrogen to obtain the benefits of an enriched oxygen mixture

without the attendant difficulties of pure or nearly pure oxygen, for example 30% oxygen and

70% nitrogen or even higher concentrations of oxygen.

In some embodiments, the canister 12 is removably attached to the valve 16.

Accordingly, the canister 12 in these embodiments may be to be either refilled, or disposed of

and replaced, when empty. In a one embodiment, the valve 16 and mouthpiece 14 slide over

the port assembly 18 and compressibly engage the canister 12. In an alternative embodiment,

mouthpiece 14 and the valve 16 threadably engage the canister 12.

Fig. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the canister 12

and the mouthpiece 14 are substantially coaxial. In this embodiment, the user actuates the valve

16 by first gripping the canister 12 and then pushing the canister 12 into the mouthpiece 14.

The mouthpiece 14 in this embodiment may be used with or without the removable mask 26

described with reference to Fig. 2. These embodiments may be desirable because the same

force used to actuate the valve 16 also holds the mask 26 against the user's mouth and nose. These embodiments may also be desirable because the oxygen delivery apparatus 10 may be

disguised as another generally cylindrical object, such as a pen, a relay baton, a walking stick,

or a cane.

Fig. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the mouthpiece

14 comprises a flexible portion 30. The user actuates the valve 16 in this embodiment by

squeezing a portion of the flexible portion 30 radially inward. These embodiments may be

desirable because the valve 16 design may prevent accidental activation.

Figs. 5A-5F show an alternate embodiment of the present invention having a hinged lid

32 at the opposite end 24 from the mouthpiece 14. The mouthpiece 14 comprises an "L"

shaped hollow tube 21. Unlike the circular opening of the embodiment of Figs. 1 A-1B, the

tube 21 in Figs. 5A-5F has a generally ovular opening 22 at one end thereof for insertion within

the user's mouth. The opposite end 24 of the tube 21 has a square outer configuration and is

shaped and sized to receive the canister 12. The user actuates the valve 16 by pushing the

hinged lid 32 down onto the canister 12.

Figs. 6A-6F show an alternate embodiment of the present invention having two

canisters 12, 34 and a hinged lid 32. Like the embodiment of Figs. 5A-5F, the mouthpiece

comprises an "L" shaped hollow tube 21, and the tube 21 has a generally ovular opening 22 at

one end. Unlike the embodiment of Figs. 5A-5F, the opposite end 24 of the tube 21 is shaped

and sized to receive two canisters 12, 34. The first canister 12 is located adjacent to the

mouthpiece 14 and the valve 16 of the first canister 12 is actuated by pressing the hinged lid 32

down onto the canister 12, which forces the canister 12 against the mouthpiece 14, causing the release of oxygen. The pressurized canister 12 and the spring-loaded valve 16 regulate the

amount of oxygen released.

The second canister 34 in Figs. 6A-6F is the spare canister and is located next to the

first canister 12 and opposite the ovular opening 22 in the mouthpiece 14. When the first

canister 12 is empty, the second canister 34 can be moved into place adjacent to the

mouthpiece for actuation. The oxygen delivery device of Figs. 6A-6F may range in size from

50 to 250 mg, and will deliver 40 to 200 meg of oxygen per actuation to the user.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain

examples thereof, it may be also embodied in other specific forms without departing from the

essential spirit or attributes thereof. For example, the present invention may include a strap

which is removably attached to the oxygen delivery apparatus 10. This strap allows the device

to hang from the user's neck, wrist, or clothing. The strap may also contain a grounding wire

designed to prevent electrostatic discharges near the oxygen delivery apparatus 10. The

present invention may also include a mounting means so that the oxygen delivery apparatus 10

can be removably attached to a surface. In addition, the canister 12, the valve 16, the

mouthpiece 14, and the mask 26, or a sub-combination thereof, may be integrally formed from

a single piece of material. These embodiments may be desirable because the oxygen delivery

apparatus 10 would require fewer parts.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the accompanying figures and this description

depicted and described embodiments of the present invention, and features and components

thereof. With regard to means for fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting the components

of the present invention to form the mechanism as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, such means were intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as machine

screws, nut and bolt connectors, machine threaded connectors, snap rings, screw clamps,

rivets, nuts and bolts, toggles, pins and the like. Components may also be connected by

welding, friction fitting, adhesives, or deformation, if appropriate. Unless specifically otherwise

disclosed or taught, materials for making components of the present invention were selected

from appropriate materials, such as metal, metallic alloys, fibers, polymers and the like, and

appropriate manufacturing or production methods including casting, extruding, molding and

machining may be used. In addition, any references to front and back, right and left, top and

bottom and upper and lower were intended for convenience of description, not to limit the

present invention or its components to any one positional or spacial orientation. Therefore, it is

desired that the embodiments described herein be considered in all respects as illustrative, not

restrictive, and that reference be made to the appended claims for determining the scope of the

invention. Having described my invention,

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A portable oxygen delivery apparatus, comprising:

a) a canister adapted to store pressurized oxygen;

b) a mouthpiece; and

c) a valve operably connected to the canister and to the mouthpiece, wherein the

valve selectively permits oxygen to flow from the canister to the mouthpiece.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister is removably attached to the valve.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the canister is refillable.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is transportable in a pocket of

conventional clothing without enlargement or other modifications to the pockets.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is transportable in a pocket of

conventional clothing without disassembly or other modifications to the apparatus.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister, the mouthpiece, and the valve are

adapted to be hand-held.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister has a length of between two inches and

four inches.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister has a length of at least two inches.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister has a length of four inches or less.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the canister has a diameter of between one and a half

inches and two inches.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister has a diameter of at least one and a half

inches.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister has a diameter of two inches or less.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister has a capacity of between three grams of

gas and eight grams of gas.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister has a capacity of at least three grams of

gas.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister has a capacity of eight grams of gas or

less.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a removable mask operably attached to

the mouthpiece.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is integrally formed as part of the

canister, and wherein oxygen is released upon application of radial force to the canister.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canister and the mouthpiece are substantially

coaxial.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve is adapted to provide one metered supply

of oxygen when actuated.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve has a spring element, the spring element

being biased to close the valve and wherein the valved is opened when a force is applied to one

of the canister, the mouthpiece or the valve in opposition to the bias.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the valve is adapted to provide a substantially

continuous supply of oxygen when actuated.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressurized oxygen is an oxygen mixture of

oxygen combined with one or more other non-combustible gases.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the oxygen mixture is pressurized to a pressure

greater than the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the oxygen mixture is pressurized to a pressure

greater than 20 psi.

25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the oxygen mixture is pressurized to a pressure less

than 50 psi.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hinged element pivotably connected to

an end of the mouthpiece.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the valve is actuated by pressing the hinged element

toward the canister.

28. A handheld oxygen delivery apparatus, comprising:

a) a canister housing defining a canister chamber;

b) a pressurized oxygen canister received within the canister housing;

c) a mouthpiece in communication with the canister chamber;

d) a valve operably connected to the pressurized oxygen canister and to the

mouthpiece, wherein the valve selectively permits oxygen to flow from the

pressurized oxygen canister to the mouthpiece.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a second pressurized oxygen canister

received in the canister housing.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the canister is removably attached to the valve.

31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the valve is actuated by biasing the pressurized

oxygen canister with respect to the mouthpiece and whereby oxygen is released when pressure

is applied in opposition to the bias.

32. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressurized oxygen canister is a disposable

element.

33. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the pressurized oxygen canister is a disposable

element.