A tool for collecting saliva from a patient with a progressive disease

By designing an auxiliary tool for saliva collection in ALS patients that includes a mask, straps, catheter, and collection bag, the problems of saliva splashing and dripping were solved, achieving effective saliva collection and improving patient comfort.

CN224484540UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-14HANGZHOU GERIATRICS HOSPITAL

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HANGZHOU GERIATRICS HOSPITAL
Filing Date
2025-03-14
Publication Date
2026-07-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience saliva buildup due to weakness in the tongue and throat muscles, which can easily splatter or drip, causing contamination, affecting sleep, and making clothes clean.

Method used

An auxiliary tool including a mask, straps, catheter, and collection bag was designed. The mask covers the patient's mouth, and saliva is collected into the collection bag through the catheter. A moisture-absorbing core is used to absorb the saliva to prevent splashing and dripping.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents saliva splashing and dripping, reduces contamination, improves patient comfort, and is suitable for sitting, standing, and lying positions, making it convenient for medical staff to operate.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of auxiliary tools for collecting saliva of patients with gradual freezing, including mouth cover, bandage and liquid collecting bag, mouth cover includes cover support and cover plate, cover plate is located on the upper edge of cover support and cover plate is outwardly inclined to be arranged, bandage two ends are respectively connected in cover support two ends, wear mouth cover by bandage, bandage is wound in the back of patient, cover support inner surface is attached to patient chin, cover plate covers patient mouth, cover plate outer surface lower edge is equipped with liquid outlet, liquid collecting bag upper end is equipped with catheter, catheter outer end is connected to liquid outlet, so that liquid collecting bag hangs outside mouth cover, and patient saliva flows from liquid outlet to liquid collecting bag inside. The utility model can prevent patient saliva from splashing and falling to cause pollution by mouth cover, and patient saliva can be collected into liquid collecting bag by the connection of mouth cover and liquid collecting bag through catheter.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to an auxiliary tool for collecting saliva from patients with ALS. Background Technology

[0002] Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that primarily damages the upper and lower motor neurons and the muscles they innervate in the trunk, limbs, and face.

[0003] Excessive salivation is a common problem in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is due to weakness in the tongue and throat muscles, which prevents the automatic swallowing of saliva that accumulates in the mouth. Saliva buildup can cause choking, disrupt sleep, and easily stain clothing collars.

[0004] Therefore, designing an assistive tool that prevents saliva from splashing and dripping and causing contamination, while also being able to collect saliva from ALS patients, has become an urgent problem to be solved in the field of medical device technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an auxiliary tool for collecting saliva from patients with ALS. The mask can prevent the patient's saliva from splashing and dripping, thus preventing contamination. The mask and the collection bag are connected by a tube, allowing the patient's saliva to be collected into the collection bag.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A saliva collection aid for patients with ALS includes a mask, straps, a catheter, and a collection bag. The mask includes a support and a cover plate. The cover plate is located on top of the support and is tilted outward. The two ends of the straps are respectively connected to the two ends of the support. The mask is worn through the straps, which are wrapped around the back of the patient's head. The inner surface of the support fits the patient's chin, and the cover plate covers the patient's mouth. A saliva outlet is provided on the lower outer side of the cover plate. A catheter is provided at the upper end of the collection bag, and the outer end of the catheter is connected to the saliva outlet, so that the collection bag hangs outside the mask and the patient's saliva flows from the saliva outlet into the collection bag.

[0008] Preferably, there are three liquid outlets, one of which is located at the midpoint of the lower edge of the cover plate, and the other two are located at the two ends of the lower edge of the cover plate, with sealing parts on the outer cover of the liquid outlets.

[0009] Preferably, a cavity is provided inside the sealing member. A moisture-absorbing core is filled in the cavity of the sealing member. The moisture-absorbing core is made of high water-absorbing resin material. The sealing member is provided with a liquid collecting head, and the liquid collecting head is threadedly connected to the liquid outlet, so that the patient's saliva flows into the cavity through the liquid collecting head and is absorbed by the moisture-absorbing core. By absorbing saliva with the moisture-absorbing core, it is possible to prevent the saliva from flowing back to the patient's mouth and causing discomfort to the patient.

[0010] Preferably, the moisture-absorbing pad is fixedly adhered to the inner surface of the mask through a magic tape. The medical staff can replace the moisture-absorbing pad on the mask.

[0011] Preferably, a moisture-absorbing pad is provided on the inner surface of the mask. The moisture-absorbing pad is in a "U" shape and is arranged along the left, lower, and right sides of the mask. The moisture-absorbing pad is made of high water-absorbing resin material. The moisture-absorbing pad is elastic and conforms to the patient's skin, which can relieve the pressure of the mask and make the patient wear comfortably; the moisture-absorbing pad can also absorb saliva and prevent the saliva from overflowing from the peripheral gap of the mask and causing pollution.

[0012] Preferably, a rotatable rotary joint is provided at the outer end of the catheter, and the rotary joint is threadedly connected to the liquid outlet. Since the rotary joint can rotate, when the medical staff rotates the rotary joint, it will not cause the catheter to twist, which is convenient for disassembling and assembling the catheter at the liquid outlet.

[0013] Preferably, the strap includes a drawstring and two hanging straps. The hanging straps are in a ring shape. The two hanging straps are respectively fixed at both ends of the mask holder. The two hanging straps are respectively hung on the patient's ears. A buckle is provided at the end of the hanging strap far from the mask holder. The two ends of the drawstring respectively pass through the two buckles and are fixedly adhered through a magic tape. The hanging straps can prevent the mask from accidentally falling off, and the drawstring can adjust the length of the strap, which is suitable for the heads of patients with different body types.

[0014] Preferably, an anti-pressure pad is provided on the surface of the drawstring that fits the back of the patient's head. The anti-pressure pad is made of rubber sponge material. By means of the anti-pressure pad, the pressure of the drawstring is relieved, making the patient wear comfortably.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the saliva collection assistance tool for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis adopting the above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] When using the saliva collection assistance tool for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis of the present utility model, the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis wears a mask, and the mask can prevent the patient's saliva from splashing and flowing down and causing pollution: when the patient is in a sitting position, the medical staff connects the catheter to the liquid outlet in the middle of the mask plate, and the saliva splashed onto the inner surface of the mask plate will flow downward and incline into the liquid outlet, and is collected into the liquid collection bag through the catheter; when the patient is in the left lateral position, the medical staff connects the catheter to the liquid outlet at the left end of the mask plate, and the saliva flowing from the left corner of the patient's mouth will enter the liquid outlet and is collected into the liquid collection bag through the catheter; when the patient is in the right lateral position, the medical staff connects the catheter to the liquid outlet at the right end of the mask plate, and the saliva flowing from the right corner of the patient's mouth will enter the liquid outlet and is collected into the liquid collection bag through the catheter.

[0017] In the preferred option, medical staff can select one of the three outlets to connect a catheter as needed, and seal the other two outlets with a sealing device to prevent the patient's saliva from flowing out of the other two outlets and causing contamination. The same mask is suitable for both the patient's side-lying and sitting positions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side view of the assistive tool after wearing a mask in Example 1.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid collection bag in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a side view of the assistive tool after wearing a mask in Example 2.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing component in Example 3.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing component in Example 3.

[0023] Attached reference numerals: 1. Mask; 11. Mask plate; 12. Mask support; 13. Liquid outlet; 14. Moisture-absorbing pad; 2. Strap; 21. Tie strap; 22. Hanging strap; 23. Buckle; 24. Pressure-resistant pad; 3. Sealing component; 31. Moisture-absorbing core; 35. Liquid collection head; 4. Tube; 41. Screw connector; 5. Liquid collection bag. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model in order to achieve the intended utility model purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structure, features and effects of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] like Figures 1 to 2The illustrated saliva collection aid for ALS patients includes a mask 1, straps 2, a catheter 4, and a collection bag 5. The mask 1 is arc-shaped and can be referenced from existing catering masks (manufactured by Yiwu Yazhong Home Furnishings Co., Ltd.). The mask 1 includes a support 12 and a cover plate 11. The cover plate 11 is located on top of the support 12 and is tilted outwards. The two ends of the straps 2 are respectively connected to the two ends of the support 12. The mask 1 is worn through the straps 2, which are wrapped around the back of the patient's head. The inner surface of the support 12 fits the patient's chin, and the cover plate 11 covers the patient's mouth. A saliva outlet 13 is located at the midpoint of the lower outer edge of the cover plate 11. The collection bag 5 has a catheter 4 at its upper end, and the outer end of the catheter 4 is connected to the saliva outlet 13, allowing the patient's saliva to flow from the saliva outlet 13 into the collection bag 5. ALS patients wear mask 1, which can prevent the patient's saliva from splashing and causing contamination. Saliva splashed onto the inside of the mask plate 11 will flow downwards into the outlet 13 and be collected into the collection bag 5 through the catheter 4. It is suitable for patients who go out in wheelchairs.

[0027] The collection bag 5 is a 3*3cm square transparent plastic bag. The collection bag 5 is small in size and hangs outside the mask 1, making it convenient for patients to carry. Moreover, medical staff can see the amount of liquid in the collection bag 5, making it convenient to replace it in a timely manner.

[0028] Reference Figure 2 The outer end of the catheter 4 is provided with a rotatable screw connector 41, which is threadedly connected to the outlet 13. Since the screw connector 41 is rotatable, medical staff can rotate the screw connector 41 without causing the catheter 4 to twist, making it convenient to install and remove the catheter 4 at the outlet 13.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The strap 2 includes a drawstring 21 and two hanging straps 22. The hanging straps 22 are looped and fixed to both ends of the mask holder 12. The two hanging straps 22 are hung around the patient's ears. The end of the hanging strap 22 away from the mask holder 12 has a buckle 23. The two ends of the drawstring 21 pass through the two buckles 23 and are then secured with Velcro. The hanging straps 22 prevent the mask 1 from accidentally falling off, and the drawstring 21 allows for adjustment of the length of the strap 2 to suit patients with different head shapes.

[0030] The strap 21 has an anti-pressure pad 24 on the side that contacts the back of the patient's head. The anti-pressure pad 24 is made of rubber sponge material. The anti-pressure pad 24 relieves the pressure of the strap 21, making it comfortable for the patient to wear.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] like Figure 3 The saliva collection aid shown is based on Example 1. The difference between this example and Example 1 is that:

[0033] There are three liquid outlets 13. One liquid outlet 13 is located at the midpoint of the lower edge of the cover plate 11, and the other two liquid outlets 13 are respectively located at both ends of the lower edge of the cover plate 11. A sealing member 3 is covered outside the liquid outlet 13. Medical staff can choose one of the three liquid outlets 13 to connect the catheter 4 according to needs, and use the sealing member 3 to seal the other two liquid outlets 13 to prevent the patient's saliva from flowing out of the other two liquid outlets 13 and causing pollution. The same mask 1 is applicable to the patient's lateral lying position and sitting position: when the patient is in the sitting position, the medical staff connects the catheter 4 to the liquid outlet 13 in the middle of the cover plate 11, and the saliva splashed onto the inner surface of the cover plate 11 will flow downward and incline into the liquid outlet 13, and is collected into the liquid collection bag 5 through the catheter 4; when the patient is in the left lateral lying position, the medical staff connects the catheter 4 to the liquid outlet 13 at the left end of the cover plate 11, and the saliva flowing from the patient's left corner of the mouth will enter the liquid outlet 13 and is collected into the liquid collection bag 5 through the catheter 4; when the patient is in the right lateral lying position, the medical staff connects the catheter 4 to the liquid outlet 13 at the right end of the cover plate 11, and the saliva flowing from the patient's right corner of the mouth will enter the liquid outlet 13 and is collected into the liquid collection bag 5 through the catheter 4.

[0034] Among them, a moisture absorption pad 14 is provided on the inner surface of the mask 1. The moisture absorption pad 14 is in a "U" shape and is arranged along the left, lower and right sides of the mask 1. The moisture absorption pad 14 is made of high water absorbent resin material. The moisture absorption pad 14 has elasticity and fits with the patient's skin, which can relieve the pressure of the mask 1 and make the patient wear comfortably; the moisture absorption pad 14 can also absorb saliva and prevent saliva from overflowing from the peripheral gap of the mask 1 and causing pollution.

[0035] Among them, the moisture absorption pad 14 is fixedly adhered to the inner surface of the mask 1 through a magic tape. Medical staff can replace the moisture absorption pad 14 on the mask 1.

[0036] Embodiment 3

[0037] As Figures 4 to 5 shown in the saliva collection assistance tool for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This embodiment is based on Embodiment 2. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is as follows:

[0038] A cavity is provided inside the sealing member 3, and a moisture absorption core 31 is filled in the cavity of the sealing member 3. The moisture absorption core 31 is made of high water absorbent resin material. The sealing member 3 is provided with a liquid collection head 35, and the liquid collection head 35 is threadedly connected to the liquid outlet 13, so that the patient's saliva flows into the cavity through the liquid collection head 35 and is absorbed by the moisture absorption core 31. By absorbing saliva with the moisture absorption core 31, it is possible to prevent saliva from flowing back to the patient's mouth and causing discomfort to the patient.

[0039] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A saliva collection aid for patients with ALS, characterized in that: It includes a mask (1), straps (2) and a liquid collection bag (5). The mask (1) includes a mask holder (12) and a mask plate (11). The mask plate (11) is provided above the mask holder (12) and the mask plate (11) is inclined outward. The two ends of the straps (2) are respectively connected to the two ends of the mask holder (12). The mask (1) is worn by the straps (2) which are wound around the back of the patient's head. The inner surface of the mask holder (12) fits the patient's chin, and the mask plate (11) covers the patient's mouth. There is a liquid outlet (13) provided at the lower edge of the outer surface of the mask plate (11). The upper end of the liquid collection bag (5) is provided with a conduit (4), and the outer end of the conduit is connected to the liquid outlet (13), so that the liquid collection bag (5) is hung outside the mask (1), and the patient's saliva flows from the liquid outlet (13) into the liquid collection bag (5).

2. The saliva collection aid for ALS patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the liquid outlets (13) is three. One liquid outlet (13) is provided at the midpoint of the lower edge of the mask plate (11), and the other two liquid outlets (13) are respectively provided at both ends of the lower edge of the mask plate (11). The liquid outlet (13) is covered with a sealing member (3).

3. The saliva collection aid for ALS patients according to claim 2, characterized in that: There is a cavity inside the sealing member (3), and a moisture absorption core (31) is filled in the cavity of the sealing member (3). The moisture absorption core (31) is made of superabsorbent resin material. The sealing member (3) is provided with a liquid collection head (35), and the liquid collection head (35) is threadedly connected to the liquid outlet (13), so that the patient's saliva flows into the cavity through the liquid collection head (35) and is absorbed by the moisture absorption core (31).

4. The saliva collection aid for ALS patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is a moisture absorption pad (14) provided on the inner surface of the mask (1). The moisture absorption pad (14) is in a "U" shape and is arranged along the left, lower and right sides of the mask (1). The moisture absorption pad (14) is made of superabsorbent resin material.

5. The saliva collection aid for ALS patients according to claim 4, characterized in that: The moisture absorption pad (14) is fixedly adhered to the inner surface of the mask (1) through a magic tape.

6. The saliva collection aid for ALS patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer end of the conduit (4) is provided with a rotatable rotary joint (41), and the rotary joint (41) is threadedly connected to the liquid outlet (13).

7. The saliva collection aid for ALS patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The straps (2) include a binding strap (21) and two hanging straps (22). The hanging straps (22) are in a ring shape. The two hanging straps (22) are respectively fixed to the two ends of the mask holder (12). The two hanging straps (22) are respectively hung on the patient's ears. A buckle (23) is provided at the end of the hanging strap (22) far from the mask holder (1)2). The two ends of the binding strap (21) respectively pass through the two buckles (23) and are fixedly adhered through a magic tape.

8. The saliva collection aid for ALS patients according to claim 7, characterized in that: A pressure prevention pad (24) is provided on the surface of the binding strap (21) that fits the back of the patient's head. The pressure prevention pad (24) is made of rubber sponge material.