Tool for disassembling components of a respiratory therapy system

Abstract

A handheld tool for disassembling components of a respiratory therapy system includes an elongated handle portion, a tip portion, and a forked portion, the tip portion being disposed at a first end of the handle portion and the forked portion being disposed at a second end of the handle portion. The tip portion includes a tapering wedge-shaped portion. The forked portion may include a pair of spaced-apart legs. The inner surface of each leg may include an engagement structure configured to engage with a predetermined component of the respiratory therapy system.

Description

Technical Field 1.1 Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to tools for use with medical devices, equipment and / or systems, particularly for monitoring, treating, preventing and / or improving respiratory-related disorders. Background Technology 1.2 Background Technology

[0004] A range of breathing disorders exist. Some disorders may be characterized by specific events such as apnea, hypoventilation, and hyperventilation.

[0005] Various respiratory therapies, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), non-invasive ventilation (NIV), invasive ventilation (IV), and high-flow therapy (HFT), have been used to treat one or more of the aforementioned respiratory disorders.

[0006] These respiratory therapies can be provided by respiratory therapy systems. Such systems can also be used to screen, diagnose, or monitor conditions without requiring treatment.

[0007] A respiratory therapy system may include multiple devices, including a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, an oxygen source, and data management. Many of these devices include multiple interconnected components, and the devices themselves are interconnected.

[0008] Proper use of such respiratory therapy systems requires regular cleaning and maintenance. For example, the humidifier reservoir may need to be removed from the main body of the humidifier unit and subsequently opened for cleaning. It may also be necessary to remove the padding module from the patient interface, for example, to replace the padding module at the end of its lifespan, or to resize the padding module for a better fit to the patient.

[0009] This maintenance may require disassembling snap-fit ​​or friction-fit components. However, many users of such respiratory therapy systems may experience decreased dexterity and / or relatively weak hand or grip strength, and may find disassembling the device difficult and / or painful. If maintenance is performed less frequently than optimally and / or poorly fitting components are not replaced to provide proper fit, this can lead to impaired clinical outcomes.

[0010] Technical Purpose

[0011] The purpose of this technology is to provide a handheld tool for disassembling components of a respiratory therapy system, which will make such disassembly easier.

[0012] Alternatively, the purpose of this technology is to at least provide the public with a useful option. Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to one aspect of the present technology, a hand tool for disassembling components of a respiratory therapy system is provided, the tool including an elongated handle portion, a tip portion and a forked portion, the tip portion being disposed at a first end of the handle portion and the forked portion being disposed at a second end of the handle portion, wherein the tip portion includes a tapering wedge-shaped portion.

[0014] In the example: a. The forked portion includes a pair of spaced-apart legs, wherein the inner surface of each leg includes an engagement structure configured to engage with a predetermined component of the respiratory therapy system. b. Each joint structure includes a concave joint surface; c. Each joint structure includes multiple substantially parallel channels; d. Each passage is open at its first end; e. Each channel is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handheld tool; f. The predetermined component is the connector for the CPAP pipe; g. The channel is configured to engage with the ribs provided to the CPAP pipe connector; h. Each forked leg bends out of the plane containing the handle portion; i. The joining structure includes ribs that are substantially aligned with the leg of the fork-shaped portion; j. Each leg also includes a flange portion configured to act as a cam surface or fulcrum portion during use; k. The flange portion is located on the opposite side of each leg; l. The outer surface of the handle portion is provided with multiple ribs or fins; m. The rib or fin is arranged substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tool; n. The handle portion includes two spaced-apart handle components; o. The handle component tapers outward between the forked portion and the pointed portion; p. The pointed portion includes a tapering wedge-shaped section; q. The pointed portion is provided with one or more protruding abutment portions; r. Each abutting portion includes an abutting surface that extends across the entire width of the wedge-shaped portion; and / or s. The abutting surface includes the surface of the thickened portion of the tip.

[0015] After reading the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the present technology, other aspects of the present technology (which should take all its novel aspects into consideration) will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Referring to the following figures, one or more embodiments of the present technology will be described below by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a handheld tool for disassembling components of a respiratory therapy system, according to one form of the present technology.

[0017] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the tip of the handheld tool shown.

[0018] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 An enlarged side view of the tip of a handheld tool.

[0019] Figure 2C yes Figure 1 A magnified top view of the fork-shaped part of the handheld tool.

[0020] Figure 2D yes Figure 1 An enlarged side view of the fork-shaped part of the handheld tool.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of a type of hand tool used to separate the humidifier reservoir from the main body of the humidifier unit.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic end view of a hand tool used to open the latch of a humidifier reservoir.

[0023] Figures 5A to 5C This is a schematic side view of a handheld tool used to detach an air tube from a device.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of a handheld tool used in a technique for separating a catheter from a patient interface padded module.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a form of handheld tool used to separate the padding module of the patient interface from the frame of the patient interface.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a handheld tool for disassembling components of a respiratory therapy system, according to another form of the present technology.

[0027] Figure 8A yes Figure 8 Enlarged view of the fork-shaped support legs of the handheld tool.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the air circuit connector connected to the RPT device. Detailed Implementation

[0029] First refer to Figure 1 and Figures 2A to 2D One form of hand tool according to this technology is generally referred to as arrow 100. Hand tool 100 is configured for disassembling one or more components of a respiratory therapy device.

[0030] In one form of the present technology, tool 100 includes an elongated handle portion 110. A tip portion 120 is disposed at a first end of the handle portion 110, and a forked portion 130 is disposed at the opposite end of the handle portion 110.

[0031] The tip portion 120 is configured to assist in prying open or separating two components. The tip portion 120 includes a tapering wedge-shaped portion 140. The distal end 150 of the wedge-shaped portion 140 may be relatively thin, for example, having a thickness T1 of about 1.5 mm to 1.7 mm, so that the wedge-shaped portion 140 can be inserted into the gap between the two components. The wedge-shaped portion 140 may taper outward from the distal end 150. For example, the wedge-shaped portion 140 may have a length L1 of approximately 8 mm to 9 mm and may taper outward to a thickness T2 of about 12 mm. The width of the wedge-shaped portion 140 may also increase from the distal end 150. The distal end 150 may be curved.

[0032] The tip portion 120 may be provided with one or more protruding abutment portions 160, which are configured to limit the length of the tip portion 120 that can be inserted into the gap.

[0033] In the example shown, the tip portion 120 has an outer wall 170 defining a wedge-shaped portion 140 and an abutment portion 160. The outer wall 170 may surround a significantly thinner recessed inner portion 180. In addition to defining the wedge-shaped structure 140 and the stop structure 160, the outer wall 170 may increase the strength and rigidity of the tip portion 120. In an alternative form of the present technology, the tool 100 may not include the recessed portion 180, that is, the inner portion of the tip portion 120 may have the same thickness as the outer wall 170, such that the inner wall is not defined separately. In one example, a portion of the tool (e.g., the recessed portion 180) may include a QR code that may, for example, link to a website with instructions for using the tool.

[0034] In one form of this technology, the handle portion 110 may include a plurality of ribs or fins 190. The ribs 190 may extend substantially longitudinally along the handle portion 110. The ribs 190, particularly for torsional movements, make the handle portion 110 easier to grip, as further described below. The handle portion 110 may include one or more narrowing or necking portions 200 adjacent to the tip 120 to make the handle easier to grip when the tip portion 120 is inserted into a gap. In one example, the handle portion 110 is about 80 mm to 90 mm long, and the total length of the tool 100 is about 200 mm to 220 mm, for example, 211 mm. In one example, the handle portion 110 accounts for about 40% to 50% of the tool length.

[0035] The fork-shaped portion 130 may have two legs 210. In the example, each leg 210 is provided with a flange portion 220. Each flange portion 220 may include a curved edge 230 extending from the base 240 of the leg 210. The flange portion 220 may also include a generally straight edge 250 extending from a point adjacent to the end 260 of the leg 210, for example at an angle of about 36 degrees to the longitudinal axis L of the leg. The straight edge 250 may meet the curved edge 230 at a point approximately one-third of the length of the leg 210 from the base 240 of the leg 210. The height of each flange portion 220 (measured transversely to the longitudinal axis of the leg 210) may be about 26 mm. The flange portions 220 may be about 1.5 mm to 2 mm thick. The distance D1 between the centers of the flange portions 220 may be about 39 mm.

[0036] The flange portion 220 may serve as a cam surface and / or a fulcrum, as further described below. In the example, the flange portion 220 is disposed on each side of each leg 210. The flange portions 220 may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0037] The inner surface 212 of each leg 210 may include a engagement structure 214 configured to engage with predetermined components of the respiratory therapy system. In some examples, the engagement structure 214 includes ribs 270 extending inwardly from the flange portion 220. The distance between the ribs 270 may taper inwardly from an initial distance D2 of about 26.3 mm (at the opening of the fork) to a decreasing distance D3 of about 24.3 mm, for example, the width decreases by about 2 mm. In one example, the total width D4 of the fork portion 130 may be about 51 mm.

[0038] Next reference Figure 3The diagram illustrates a tool 100 of this technology that assists in separating a humidifier reservoir 300 from the housing 310 of a humidifier device (such as a humidifier integrated into a ResMed AirSense S11™ CPAP machine). As shown, the tip 120 of the tool 100 can be inserted into the gap between the reservoir 300 and the housing 310. The tool 100 can then be used to pry the reservoir 300 away from the housing 310.

[0039] The abutment portion 160 (if provided) prevents the user from accidentally inserting the tip 120 too far and damaging the humidifier.

[0040] Next reference Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a tool 100 of this technology that assists in opening the cap 320 of a humidifier reservoir 300 (e.g., a ResMed HumidAir 11™ standard tank). As shown, the tip 120 of the tool 100 can be inserted between a latch 330 and the body 340 of the reservoir 300. The tool 100 can then be rotated to disengage the latch 330, thereby allowing the cap 320 to be removed.

[0041] Next reference Figures 5A to 5C The tool 100 of this technology is shown to help remove an air circuit 350 (e.g., a catheter such as ResMed's ClimateLineAir™ CPAP tubing) from a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device) 360 (e.g., ResMed's AirSense S11™ CPAP machine) during use.

[0042] like Figure 5A As shown, the fork-shaped portion 130 of tool 100 is moved and passes over the connector or collar 370 of air circuit 350, such that the collar 370 is held by the fork-shaped support leg 210. Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, the tool 100 is then rotated to pry the collar 370 away from the body of the device 360. In one example, the end 260 of the fork-shaped leg 210 can be used as a fulcrum to rotate the tool 100. In another example, the flange portion 220 (if provided) can be used as a fulcrum to rotate the tool 100.

[0043] Next reference Figure 6 The illustration shows a tool 100 of the present technology that, in use, helps to separate a catheter 380 (e.g., a component of a catheter headband) from a cushion module 390 of a patient interface (e.g., ResMed's F30i™). As shown in the figures, the tip 120 of the tool 100 can be inserted into the space between the cushion module 390 and the catheter 380, and the tool 100 can be rotated to separate the parts.

[0044] Next reference Figure 7 The accompanying diagram illustrates a tool 100 of this technology that assists in separating a padding module 390 of a patient interface (such as ResMed's N20™ or F20™) from the frame 400 of the patient interface during use. As shown in the diagram, the tip 120 of the tool 100 can be inserted into the space between the padding module 390 and the frame 400, and the tool 100 can be rotated to separate the parts.

[0045] In this example, tool 100 is formed as a single piece. In one form of this technology, tool 100 is formed from plastic as a single injection-molded part.

[0046] Next reference Figure 8 and Figure 8A This illustrates another form of handheld tool 100 according to the present technology. (Similar to...) Figure 1 As shown in the example of Figure 2, the hand tool 100 includes an elongated handle portion 110, a tip portion 120 disposed at a first end of the handle portion 110, and a forked portion 130 disposed at the opposite end of the handle portion 110.

[0047] The tip portion 120 includes a tapering wedge-shaped portion 140. The distal end 150 of the wedge-shaped portion 140 may be relatively thin, for example, having a thickness of about 1.5 mm to 1.7 mm, so that the wedge-shaped portion 140 can be inserted into a gap between two components. The wedge-shaped portion 140 may taper outward from the distal end 150. For example, the wedge-shaped portion 140 may have a length of approximately 8 mm to 9 mm and may taper outward to a thickness of about 12 mm. The width of the wedge-shaped portion 140 may also increase starting from the distal end 150. The distal end 150 may be curved.

[0048] The tip portion 120 may be provided with one or more protruding abutment portions 160, which are configured to limit the length of the tip portion 120 that can be inserted into the gap. Figure 8 In the example shown, the abutment portion 160 includes an abutment surface 162 that extends across the entire width of the wedge-shaped portion 140. In this example, the abutment surfaces 162 are disposed on both sides of the wedge-shaped portion 140. Each abutment surface 162 may be substantially parallel to the distal end 150 of the wedge-shaped portion 140. In this example, the abutment surface 162 includes a surface with a thickness-increased portion 164 at a pointed tip. The thickness-increased portion 164 may extend from the abutment surface 162 to the handle portion 110.

[0049] Figure 8 The tip portion 120 of the example shown can be used in the same manner as the example shown in the preceding figures.

[0050] The handle portion 110 may include multiple ribs or fins 190. Figure 8 In the example shown, the rib 190 may extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis LL of the handle portion 110.

[0051] The handle portion 110 may include two spaced-apart handle members 112 connecting the tip portion 120 and the forked portion 130. In this example, no material is disposed in the space between the spaced-apart handle members 112 to minimize the weight of the tool 100. In this example, ribs or fins 190 may be provided on the outer surface 114 of the handle members 112.

[0052] In one example, the handle portion 110 accounts for approximately 40% to 60% of the length of the tool 100.

[0053] The forked portion 130 may have two spaced-apart legs 210. The inner surface 212 of each leg 210 may include an engagement structure 214 configured to engage with predetermined components of the respiratory therapy system. Each engagement structure 214 may protrude inwardly from the inner surface 212 of the corresponding leg 210 of the forked portion 130.

[0054] exist Figure 8 and Figure 8A In the example shown, the engagement structure 214 is configured to connect with the air circuit connector 370 (e.g., connector 372 of ResMed's Climateline™ CPAP tube, see...) Figure 9 The engagement structure 214 includes a plurality of substantially parallel channels 216. The channels 216 are oriented substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis LL of the tool 100 (e.g., transversely to the handle member 112). Figure 8A As best seen, each channel 216 is open at its first end 218.

[0055] Channel 216 is configured to be connected to CPAP tube connector 372 (e.g.) Figure 9 The corresponding rib 374 (as shown) engages with the connector 372. In the example, the engagement structure 214 may also include a concave engagement surface 219 configured to engage with a convex surface 376 disposed on each side of the connector 372. Typically, opposing engagement structures 214 work together to engage with the connector 372.

[0056] With engagement structure 214 engaged with connector 372, the patient can remove tube connector 372 from RPT device 360 ​​by pulling handle portion 110 directly away from respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device) 360 (e.g., ResMed's AirSense S11™ CPAP machine). In this example, handle member 112 may taper outward from fork portion 130 toward tip portion 120 (e.g., the outer surface of handle member 112 tapers outward, and optionally, the spacing between handle members 112 increases between fork portion 130 and tip portion 120) to help the patient grip handle portion 110 during this action. In this example, fork portion 130 is not used to pry connectors 370, 372 from RPT device 360; that is, no part of fork portion 130 serves as a fulcrum. Instead, the patient simply applies a force substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis LL of tool 100 (or handle member 112). The relatively large handle portion 110, and the tapered configuration of the ribs 190 and / or handle member 112, make it easier for patients (especially those with reduced dexterity and / or relatively weak hand or grip strength) to remove connectors 370, 372 from the RPT device 360.

[0057] exist Figure 8 and Figure 8A In the example shown, the legs 210 of the fork-shaped portion 130 are bent out of the plane of the handle portion 110. This helps the patient to properly orient the tool 100 so that the engagement structure 214 can engage with the connector 370 (e.g., ensuring that the patient does not hold the tool 100 upside down).

[0058] In other examples, engagement structure 214 may be configured to engage with other components and / or other configurations of the pipe connector 370. For example, in one example, engagement structure 214 may be provided with a plurality of parallel ribs (not shown) configured to engage with channels or grooves provided in the pipe connector (e.g., connectors for Fisher and Paykel Healthcare's ThermoSmart™ heating pipes).

[0059] As in the previous example, Figure 8 and Figure 8A The tool 100 can be formed as a single piece, for example, formed from plastic as a single injection-molded part.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that examples of this technology can make the disassembly of various CPAP device components easier, and thus enable patients (especially those with reduced dexterity and / or hand strength) to maintain their equipment more regularly and / or ensure that patients strive to replace poorly fitting components with better-fitting ones.

[0061] 5.1 Other Remarks

[0062] Unless otherwise expressly stated in the context and where numerical ranges are provided, it should be understood that every intermediate value (accurate to one-tenth of the lower limit unit) between the upper and lower limits of the range, as well as any other stated value or intermediate value within the stated range, is included within this technology. The upper and lower limits of these intermediate ranges (which may be independently included in the intermediate range) are also included within this technology, but are limited by any specifically excluded limits within the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of these limits, the range excluding any one or both of those included limits is also included within this technology.

[0063] Furthermore, where one or more values ​​are stated herein as part of the implementation of the technology, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, such values ​​may be approximate and may be used to any suitable significant number to the extent that the actual technical implementation allows or requires them.

[0064] In addition, the terms “approximately,” “substantially,” “about,” or any similar terms used herein mean + / - 5% to 10% of the stated values.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology pertains. While any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or testing of this technology, a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0066] When a particular material is identified for use in constructing a component, an obvious alternative material with similar properties may be used as a substitute. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, any and all components described herein should be understood as capable of being manufactured, and therefore can be manufactured together or separately.

[0067] It must be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” include their plural equivalents, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0068] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials that are the subject of those publications. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of this application. This document should not be construed as an admission that the present technology is not entitled to any prior disclosure due to a prior invention. Furthermore, the publication dates provided may differ from the actual publication dates, which may require independent verification.

[0069] The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood as referring to each element, component, or step in a non-exclusive manner, indicating the marked element, component, or step that may be present or utilized, or a combination with other unmarked elements, components, or steps.

[0070] The headings used in the detailed description are for the convenience of the reader only and should not be used to limit the subjects that can be found in this disclosure or throughout the claims. These headings should not be used to interpret the scope or limit of the claims.

[0071] Although the techniques described herein have been illustrated with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the techniques. In some instances, terms and symbols may imply specific details that are not required for practicing the techniques. For example, although the terms “first” and “second” may be used, they are not intended to indicate any order unless otherwise stated, but rather can be used to distinguish different elements. Furthermore, although process steps in a method may be described or illustrated in sequence, such ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering may be modified and / or aspects may be performed concurrently or even synchronously.

[0072] Therefore, it should be understood that numerous modifications can be made to this exemplary example, and that other arrangements can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of this technology.

Claims

1. A handheld tool for disassembling components of a respiratory therapy system, the tool comprising an elongated handle portion, a tip portion, and a forked portion, the tip portion being disposed at a first end of the handle portion, the forked portion being disposed at a second end of the handle portion, wherein the tip portion includes a tapering wedge-shaped portion.

2. The handheld tool of claim 1, wherein the forked portion includes a pair of spaced-apart legs, wherein the inner surface of each leg includes an engagement structure configured to engage with a predetermined component of a respiratory therapy system.

3. The handheld tool of claim 2, wherein each engagement structure includes a concave engagement surface.

4. The handheld tool according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each engagement structure comprises a plurality of substantially parallel channels.

5. The handheld tool of claim 4, wherein each channel is open at the first end.

6. The handheld tool according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each channel is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handheld tool.

7. The handheld tool according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the predetermined component is a connector for a CPAP tube.

8. The handheld tool of claim 7, wherein the channel is configured to engage with a rib disposed to the CPAP tube connector.

9. The hand tool according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein each forked leg is bent out of the plane of the handle portion.

10. The hand tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement structure includes ribs substantially aligned with the legs of the forked portion.

11. The handheld tool of claim 10, wherein each leg further includes a flange portion configured to function as a cam surface or fulcrum portion in use.

12. The handheld tool of claim 11, wherein the flange portion is disposed on the opposite side of each leg.

13. The hand tool according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the outer surface of the handle portion is provided with a plurality of ribs or fins.

14. The handheld tool of claim 13, wherein the ribs or fins are arranged substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

15. The hand tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle portion comprises two spaced-apart handle members.

16. The hand tool of claim 15, wherein the handle member tapers outward between the forked portion and the tip portion.

17. The hand tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip portion includes a tapered wedge-shaped portion.

18. The hand tool of claim 17, wherein the tip portion is provided with one or more protruding abutment portions.

19. The handheld tool of claim 18, wherein each abutment portion includes an abutment surface extending across the entire width of the wedge-shaped portion.

20. The handheld tool of claim 19, wherein the abutting surface includes the surface of the thickened portion of the tip portion.

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