Drying holder for cleaned tracheostomy accessories
The drying holder addresses the inefficiency of existing drying methods for tracheostoma accessories by providing a structured design for secure positioning and enhanced air circulation, ensuring effective drying and reduced contamination risks.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102023005224
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-12-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for drying tracheostoma accessories, such as inner cannulas and speech valves, are inefficient due to their curved shape, leading to residual moisture and potential aspiration risks if not fully dried.
A drying holder with specifically designed slots and curves to securely position and dry inner cannulas, speech valves, and cleaning brushes, minimizing contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and enhancing air circulation for faster drying.
The drying holder ensures optimal drying of tracheostoma accessories by maintaining their position and reducing contamination risks, allowing for quicker readiness for use and improved hygiene.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] Drying holder for cleaned tracheostomy accessories
[0002] The holder according to claim 1 is intended to be used as an aid in the clinical or outpatient care of tracheostomized patients by nursing staff. It is also conceivable that it could be used by the patients themselves or their caregivers.
[0003] In the course of online research and discussions with intensive care nurses, the applicant was able to determine that there is no holder for drying inner cannulas and other tracheostomy tube accessories. Various sources also confirm this.
[0004] As a rule, these utensils, especially those directly related to inner cannulas, are “allowed to dry thoroughly” (according to BVMed - Federal Association of Medical Technology, February 2013).
[0005] According to www.pqsg.de - the online geriatric care magazine, the cannulas are dried and then placed in the storage box.
[0006] The Altenkirchen district states in a care plan that the processed tracheostomy tubes are stored in bowls to dry off any residual moisture, ensuring air circulation.
[0007] The applicant was unable to find a similar entry in DEPASTISnet during his research.
[0008] The applicant was also unable to find a similar entry in the DPMA register during his research.
[0009] The documents CN 2 14 970 681 U and CN 2 19 494 656 U are known as state of the art.
[0010] The invention defined in claim 1 is based on the problem that residual moisture can only drain off very poorly when lying down due to the curved shape of the inner cannulas. In the worst case, if a cannula with residual moisture is inserted into the patient, this can lead to a risk of aspiration.
[0011] The problem of poor drying also applies to cleaned speaking valves and the cleaning brush used to clean the inner cannula. These also dry poorly with the commonly used method.
[0012] Usually, the utensils are dried either in a bowl, directly on cellulose, or a similar absorbent material.
[0013] As described, residual moisture drains away very poorly in this way and moisture remains for many hours.
[0014] In addition, the underlay must be changed very frequently. Otherwise, the bacterial load increases excessively, which can have an impact on patient health. From a hygienic point of view, the above procedure is not optimal.
[0015] The latter problem is solved by the invention stated in claim 1, by the details in the subclaims.
[0016] The advantages achieved with the invention presented are that both the inner cores, speaking valves and the cleaning brush have an optimal position for drying.
[0017] All parts have a clearly defined location, minimizing contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
[0018] Contamination of the surrounding area is prevented by the removable drip tray, which allows the drained liquid to collect.
[0019] Depending on the design, the dimensions of the mount are 175 mm × 110 mm × 70 mm (width × depth × height). Deviations from this are possible if the design requires it. The wall thickness is generally 5mm for plastic.
[0020] Depending on the requirements and material, the used holder can be subjected to various cleaning procedures to meet a wide range of hygiene requirements.
[0021] The holder for the cleaned inner cannulas on the top consists of a slot that is approximately 2 mm wider than the diameter of the cannula.
[0022] The slot length is normally at least 15mm. Deviations are possible.
[0023] The center point of the curve starts at the end of the slot and has a maximum diameter of 2mm larger than the width of the slot.
[0024] This effectively locks the inner cannulas in place, as they have a lip at the top. This prevents them from accidentally falling out and allows them to be easily hung up for drying. On the top, both the slot and the curve are bevelled.
[0025] The storage for the cleaning brush extends over the entire width of the holder according to claim 1 so that liquid can drain off on both sides.
[0026] It is shaped like a circular segment and is recessed into the top of the bracket according to claim 1 to a maximum of 50% of the material thickness. This ensures that stability is not compromised. Typically, however, only a recess of approximately 2.5 mm is necessary for a circle radius of 15 mm.
[0027] The groove is bevelled on both sides.
[0028] The storage area for the cleaned speaking valve, located on the top of the holder according to claim 1, consists of a circular opening. This opening is 3 mm larger in diameter than the bottom part of the speaking valve.
[0029] This means that after cleaning, the item can be placed in the holder while still wet to allow it to dry thoroughly.
[0030] On the top, the opening is bevelled.
[0031] The arrangement of claims 2 and 3 relative to one another is chosen such that the individual utensils do not touch and contaminate each other on the top side. Depending on the size of the holder, the mentioned details can also be mounted several times in a holder according to claim 1.
[0032] The beveled edges prevent material damage and reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, the edges are easier to clean because there are no burrs. The bevel is usually 45°.
[0033] A further advantage is the improved air circulation thanks to the recesses, which allows for even faster drying of the inner cannulas and speaking valves.
[0034] This means they are ready for use again within a shorter time after cleaning. Furthermore, the user-friendliness of removing the inner cannulas from the holder is improved.
[0035] The semicircular or semi-elliptical opposing recesses are designed in such a way that the recess begins at the top of the front of the cannula holder according to claim 1 and ends at the level of the front of the foot.
[0036] The depth is chosen so that there is still enough material at the narrowest point of the side wall to maintain stability.
[0037] The rear semicircular or semi-elliptical recess begins at the bottom of the back wall and is defined by the side walls. The height of the recess is chosen so that there is still enough material at the narrowest point of the back wall to maintain stability.
[0038] In addition, these recesses allow for material savings of approximately 45%, according to calculations. This makes sense from both an ecological and economic perspective.
[0039] Another advantage is the possibility of wall mounting the bracket according to claim 1. This allows for easy mounting using screws.
[0040] The holes are located on the rear panel at a distance of at least 20mm from the side panel and top of the bracket.
[0041] The receptacle for the replaceable drip tray is located at the base of the holder, on both opposite sides. This consists of a slot that ends at the rear wall of the holder according to claim 1.
[0042] It is approximately 0.5 mm higher than the rail in the drip tray and is located in the center of the base. The width of the slot corresponds to a maximum of half the wall thickness of the holder according to claim 1. It is located on both sides in the center of the base of the holder according to claim 1. The rail of the drip tray is approximately 0.5 mm thinner and narrower than the holder. It is located on the outside on both sides, halfway up the drip tray. This allows the tray to be easily inserted into the holder.
[0043] The shape of the positive and negative parts of the receptacle can vary depending on the manufacturing process for the holder according to claim 1. This is necessary to prevent problems with the fit.
[0044] The removable drip tray corresponds in its width to the holder according to claim 1, less two wall thicknesses of the base, less a play of approximately 1 mm.
[0045] The depth of the drip tray corresponds to the depth of the holder according to claim 1, less a wall thickness of the rear wall.
[0046] The rails are attached on both sides, left and right.
[0047] The height of the drip tray corresponds to the height of the base of the holder according to claim 1.
[0048] The interior of the bowl is designed to absorb dripping moisture.
[0049] The inner depth of the bowl varies depending on the overall height.
[0050] An example of how to carry out the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0051] Fig. 1 shows the front view of the holder according to claim 1.
[0052] The receptacle for the cleaned inner tubes is shown in detail here. The spacing of the individual slots is chosen so that the inner cannulas cannot touch each other on top.
[0053] Also visible are the chamfered edges, the rear recess to improve air circulation and save material, and the holes for wall mounting. In the lower part of Fig. 1 shows the holder for the drip tray.
[0054] Fig. 2 shows the side view of the holder according to claim 1.
[0055] In particular, the storage area for the cleaning brush is shown here. The depth of the groove should be a maximum of 50% of the material thickness of the holder according to claim 1, so as not to reduce its stability.
[0056] The distance to the receptacles for the inner liners and to the receptacles for the cleaned speech valve is chosen so that the cleaning brush cannot contaminate them.
[0057] The side recess is also shown here.
[0058] Fig. 3 shows the top view of the holder according to claim 1.
[0059] Here, in particular, the holder for the cleaned inner cannulas is shown with its rounded end for better locking.
[0060] The groove for storing the cleaning brush as well as the openings for storing the cleaned speech valves 4) are also shown in detail here.
[0061] The bevel prevents damage to the material and any risk of injury and ensures easy cleaning.
[0062] Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the drip tray for the holder according to claim 1 in detail.
[0063] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of the drip tray. The rails for holding the tray in the holder are visible on both sides. The recessed area covers the entire area below the fixtures.
[0064] Fig. shows the front view. The shape of the rails on both sides is designed to ensure they can be securely inserted into the receptacles.
[0065] Fig. , corresponds to the side view of the drip tray.
[0066] The numbering of the features in the drawings was equivalent to the numbering of the patent claims. 1) Holder for cleaned inner liners with storage for cleaning brush and cleaned speaking valve with improved ergonomic properties 2) Holder for cleaned inner cannulas (“inner cores”) (Due to improved clarity, this has been moved to the Fig. 1 - 3 only marked 1 × each) 3) Storage for cleaning brush 4) Opening for storing the cleaned speaking valve 5) bevelled edges 6) Cutouts to improve air circulation and simplify removal of cleaned inner cannulas 7) Hole for wall mounting 8) Holder for drip tray and guide of this in the holder according to claim 1 9) Drip tray for holder according to claim 1, removable
Claims
[1] Holder for cleaned tracheostomy accessories, with the possibility of attaching inner cannulas by means of a slot on the top that is open to the front, each with a rounded end (2), storage of speaking valves by means of a cutout on the top (4) and storage for the cleaning brush on the top (3). The height of the holder is selected so that the inner cannulas hang freely, have a sufficient distance to the bottom of the drip tray (9) and can drain. The shape is designed to allow for ergonomic use and save material. This is achieved by two opposing round cutouts and one round cutout on the back (6). A drip tray (9) prevents draining liquid from entering the environment. This tray can be inserted into the slot at the base of the mount using a rail (8). Holes on the rear are provided for wall mounting (7). The material of the holder can vary depending on the required properties, especially with regard to antibacteriality, autoclavability, steam sterilizability and washability. The inner cannulas can be hung in the recesses in the front area with a slit and a rounded end to dry after cleaning. The larger diameter of the rounded end prevents it from accidentally falling out. The size of the slit and the rounded end vary depending on the diameter of the inner cannula. The number of slits can vary. [2] Holder according to claim 1, characterized by that on its upper side there is a round groove recessed into the surface, which serves as a storage space for the cleaning brush. It runs continuously from left to right and is located between the holder for the cleaned speaking valves according to claim 3 and the back. [3] Holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by There are circular openings on the surface next to the recesses and below the tray on both sides for storing the cleaned speaking valve. The openings are centered between the side wall and the outermost receptacle for cleaned inner cannulas. [4] Holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by Make sure the edges are beveled all around. The angle should be 45°. Rounding is also possible if necessary. [5] Holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by There are round and elliptical cutouts on the two opposite sides and in the back. These are sized so as not to compromise stability. [6] Holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized byThere are two cutouts in the rear panel for optional wall mounting. These are located on both sides at an equal distance from the rear panel and the top panel. The distance should be approximately 20 mm. [7] Holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that below the opposite recesses, on both sides of the base there is a receptacle for a drip tray in the form of a slot and the drip tray has the corresponding counterpart. [8] Holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by It features a removable drip tray. This can be inserted into the slots in the base using rails. Its recess covers the area below the fixtures. Its recess is designed to ensure sufficient material for the stability of the wall and floor.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Trachea cannula storage rack
CN214970681U
Drying storage rack for lumen instruments
CN219494656U
CN000214970681U
CN000219494656U