Respiratory mask

Abstract

The present invention relates to a respiratory mask configured to allow a user to be able to safely and efficiently perform artificial ventilation with a small force and, more specifically, to a respiratory mask comprising: a contact support part which comes into close contact with the periphery of the mouth and nose of a patient; a breathing part which is formed to extend to be rounded in the upper direction of the contact support part so that the breathing part is disposed to be spaced apart from the mouth and nose of the patient, and has an air inlet formed through the upper part thereof; and a finger gripping part formed on the breathing part and disposed on one side of the air inlet.

Description

breathing mask

[0001] The present invention relates to a respiratory mask, which is a medical device, and more particularly, to a respiratory mask configured to enable a user to perform artificial respiration safely and efficiently with little force.

[0002] Artificial respiration is a crucial life-sustaining technique in the medical field, a vital process for supporting and sustaining the lives of patients with respiratory distress. This type of artificial respiration is performed using a breathing mask, which seals tightly around the patient's mouth and nose to improve air supply and breathing efficiency.

[0003] While currently available respirators are functional, they still present challenges for some users. In particular, patients with small hands or large, thick jaws may find it difficult to secure the respirator to the face. This compromises the effectiveness of artificial respiration due to the mask's poor seal, and forces users to manipulate the mask with difficulty.

[0004] Additionally, the typical shape of the respiratory masks currently in use is not optimized for users with small hands or weak finger strength, making it difficult to ensure an effective seal and requiring significant effort to maintain a consistent seal even for the average user.

[0005] Furthermore, the number of healthcare providers capable of accurately performing mask ventilation may be limited depending on the situation, and because mask ventilation requires considerable effort, it is often difficult to maintain the procedure for a sufficient period of time alone. For patients for whom mask ventilation is likely to be difficult, two anesthesiologists typically take turns performing the procedure. However, some hospitals have only one anesthesiologist, which can lead to dangerous situations.

[0006] This has led medical professionals to experience a growing need for new technologies and designs that can improve respiratory masks and enhance user comfort.

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a respiratory mask configured to enable a user to perform artificial respiration safely and efficiently with less force in order to solve the limitations of the aforementioned respiratory mask and the user convenience problem.

[0008] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a respiratory mask configured to increase the efficiency and safety of artificial respiration in the medical field and to provide better medical services to various users.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] The respiratory mask of the present invention for achieving the above technical task is characterized by including a contact support part that is closely supported around a patient's mouth and nose; a breathing part that is formed to extend in a rounded manner in the upper direction of the contact support part and is positioned apart from the patient's mouth and nose, and has an air inlet formed at the upper portion; and a finger grip part formed in the breathing part and positioned at at least one of the periphery of the air inlet.

[0011] In addition, the finger grip portion is characterized in that it is formed in the shape of at least one step on the breathing portion.

[0012] In addition, the finger grip portion is characterized by including a folded surface formed in a downward direction from one side of the air inlet; and a horizontal surface formed in a horizontal direction from the folded surface.

[0013] In addition, the above-mentioned bending surface is characterized in that it is arranged in a rounded manner along one side of the circumferential direction of the air inlet.

[0014] In addition, the finger grip portion is characterized by further providing an anti-slip means.

[0015] The above aspects of the present invention are only some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and various embodiments reflecting the technical features of the present invention can be derived and understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art based on the detailed description of the present invention described below.

[0016] According to the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

[0017] First, the present invention improves the shape and configuration of a breathing mask so that a user can continuously perform efficient artificial respiration with the same or less force, thereby enabling medical professionals and general medical personnel to improve the efficiency of the artificial respiration system and more effectively support the maintenance of patient life.

[0018] In addition, the problem of difficult sealing between the respiratory mask and the face, especially for users with small hands or patients with large and thick chins, is solved, that is, the respiratory mask according to the present invention can fix the fingers by flattening the mask portion where the fingers touch at an appropriate depth close to the user's face, so that the user can perform artificial respiration more effectively.

[0019] Additionally, by introducing a new type of mask to address the issue of lack of user convenience, a high level of convenience and adaptability can be provided to all users of respiratory masks.

[0020] In addition, the present invention provides a breathing mask that can accommodate various patient profiles, and in particular, provides effective sealing and breathing support to users with small hands and patients with large and thick jaws.

[0021] Additionally, the invented respiratory mask includes an anti-slip means to ensure stable wearing and prevent the distance between the patient and the user from increasing.

[0022] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0023] Figure 1 is a substitute photo of a drawing showing a conventional breathing mask.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view according to one embodiment of the respiratory mask of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a side view according to one embodiment of the respiratory mask of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a one-hand operation state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a two-hand operation state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention, while different from each other, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the positions or arrangements of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled, if properly described. Like reference numerals in the drawings designate the same or similar functionality throughout the several aspects.

[0029] Hereinafter, in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to easily practice the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] First, to help understand the present invention, we will explain mask ventilation, a related medical technology.

[0031] Mask ventilation is a type of respiratory equipment used in the medical field, and refers to the process of providing artificial respiration to a patient. This process uses a breathing mask to supply air to the patient's lungs and remove carbon dioxide (CO2), supporting breathing.

[0032] Mask ventilation can be used primarily in the following situations:

[0033] First, it is used when a patient is not breathing or has irregular or weak breathing, and in such situations, it can help supply oxygen to the patient and maintain normal breathing.

[0034] Additionally, it can help patients undergoing anesthesia during surgery maintain proper breathing during the anesthesia period.

[0035] Additionally, it may be used to maintain or assist breathing while the patient is transported to another medical facility.

[0036] The mask ventilation process can proceed in the following steps:

[0037] First, have the patient wear an appropriately sized respirator mask. The mask should fit snugly around the patient's mouth and nose.

[0038] The user (a medical professional or general practitioner) can fit the breathing mask tightly to the patient's face and deliver air or an oxygen mixture into the patient's lungs through the mask. During the breathing cycle, the air delivered to the patient's lungs removes carbon dioxide and supplies oxygen. This process supports the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the patient's blood.

[0039] The breathing cycle is adjusted to the patient's condition, and the breathing frequency, volume, and pressure can be adjusted according to the patient's needs.

[0040] Fig. 1 is a photographic substitute for a drawing showing a conventional respiratory mask, and with reference to Fig. 1, the structure of a conventional respiratory mask and the problems associated with it will be described.

[0041] The respiratory mask currently in use is a round shape having a contact support portion (1) that is closely supported around the patient's mouth and nose, and a breathing portion (2) that is formed to be rounded in the upper direction of the contact support portion (1) and has an air inlet (2-1) arranged at the upper portion. The entire surface of the breathing portion, excluding the air inlet (2-1), is formed to be rounded radially from the contact support portion (1).

[0042] When using a breathing mask that adheres tightly to a patient's face, a mask in which all sides of the breathing part (2) are rounded upwards may be difficult to use on a patient with small hands or a large and thick chin, as the distance between the breathing mask, the patient's chin, and the user's hands increases, making the position of the user's hands wrapping the mask uncomfortable or preventing proper transmission of force. In other words, since existing breathing masks are formed in a round shape up to the part where the user must apply force with their fingers, the position of the user's fingers is not fixed, requiring more force, and there are frequent cases where the user's fingers slip when ventilating the mask and have to be repositioned. As a result, the efficiency of using the breathing mask is reduced, making it difficult to perform safe artificial respiration.

[0043] Therefore, if it is made flat to an appropriate depth close to the patient's face, the user will be able to perform artificial respiration more efficiently. In particular, for users with small hands or patients with thick chins, it is often difficult to make a perfect seal between the mask and the face or to forcefully seal it when performing artificial respiration with a mask. In other words, as the distance between the patient's chin and the mask increases, it is difficult for the user to completely wrap the mask with their hand and seal it, and if the user has to apply force with their fingertips to seal the mask and perform artificial respiration, it is difficult for the user to maintain artificial respiration for a long time.

[0044] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a new type of respiratory mask that can reduce the distance between the patient's chin, the mask, and the user's hands, and is configured to perform artificial respiration safely and efficiently.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of a respiratory mask of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view according to an embodiment of a respiratory mask of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of a one-hand operation state of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of a two-hand operation state of the present invention.

[0046] First, the structure of the respiratory mask according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0047] The respiratory mask of the present invention can be configured to include a contact support part (10), a breathing part (20), and a finger grip part (30).

[0048] The contact support portion (10) is a part of a respiratory mask (hereinafter referred to as the "mask") that adheres closely to the patient's face. The contact support portion (10) helps the mask to be stably fixed and adhere closely to the patient's face. The contact support portion (10) is generally made of a skin-friendly material and can be provided in various sizes and shapes depending on the shape of the patient's face.

[0049] The contact support portion (10) is a part that comes into contact with the skin, and therefore must be manufactured from a material that is safe and suitable for the skin. Materials such as medical silicone, rubber, soft foam, and plastic can generally be used.

[0050] The contact support member (10) should be made of a flexible and elastic material so that it fits well with the shape and size of the patient's face.

[0051] Additionally, the contact support member (10) may have special adhesive properties to secure the mask to the patient's face. This can prevent the mask from slipping or moving on the face.

[0052] In addition, since the degree of sealing of the mask may vary depending on the patient's face, the contact support portion (10) can be adjusted or provided in various sizes and shapes to suit various users.

[0053] The contact support member (10) must be in a form that fits closely around the patient's mouth and nose, and for this purpose, the contact surface must be designed to be smooth.

[0054] The breathing section (20) is a part of the mask that provides air supply and breathing space. It can be designed to be positioned in the upper part around the patient's mouth and nose so that the mask adheres tightly to the patient's face while still allowing breathing.

[0055] The respiratory part (20) is a part that supports air exchange between the user and the patient, and can be made of a skin-friendly and safe medical material, such as a transparent material such as silicone, rubber, or plastic.

[0056] The breathing part (20) is also a part that comes close to the patient's face and can be used together with the contact support part (10). The breathing part (20) is in close contact with the patient's mouth and nose together with the contact support part (10) to minimize air leakage and ensure that the supplied air is effectively delivered to the patient.

[0057] The breathing part (20) includes an air inlet (21) that serves to supply air into the inside of the mask. The air inlet (21) can supply fresh air or oxygen to the patient through the inside of the breathing part (20) to support the patient's breathing.

[0058] Meanwhile, the breathing section (20) may include a breathing valve. The breathing valve may serve to regulate air flow and discharge carbon dioxide (CO2) outside the mask.

[0059] The breathing unit (20) may have adjustable functions to suit the user's convenience. This allows the breathing volume, pressure, and supply amount to be adjusted to suit the user's needs.

[0060] The finger grip portion (30) is an important part that helps the user easily handle, i.e., grip and secure the respiratory mask with their hands. The finger grip portion (30) can be configured to enable the user's fingers to stably grip and manipulate the mask.

[0061] The finger grip portion (30) is located at a specific part of the respirator mask and can be positioned at a position where the user's finger can naturally grip it. The finger grip portion (30) can be formed on the outside of the mask and can be designed considering the user's convenience. The finger grip portion (30) can be positioned at at least one part of the circumference of the air inlet (21). The position of the finger grip portion (30) can correspond to a position that can increase the user's grip strength. Since the hand size or finger length may vary depending on the user, the finger grip portion (30) can be positioned at multiple positions taking this into consideration. The finger grip portion (30) is intended to increase the durability when ventilating the mask by allowing the user to easily grip it with little force, and can be implemented in various forms and structures as long as it can prevent slipping and increase the grip strength. However, for the sake of convenience, in this specification, the finger grip portion (30) is illustrated and described as being formed only at a part where the user's index finger is positioned when ventilating the mask.

[0062] The air inlet (21) may be positioned above the patient's mouth or above the area between the mouth and nose. Accordingly, the finger grip portion (30) may be formed on one side of the air inlet (31), i.e., in the direction in which the patient's chin is located. Accordingly, the term "one side of the air inlet (31)" may be understood to refer to the direction in which the patient's chin is located.

[0063] The finger grip portion (30) may be formed in the form of at least one step. That is, the finger grip portion (30) may be configured to include a folded surface (31) formed downwardly on one side of the air inlet (21) where the contact support portion (10) is formed, and a horizontal surface (32) formed in a horizontal direction from the folded surface (31). The horizontal surface (32) may be connected to the breathing portion (20) formed to be rounded again.

[0064] The folded surface (31) and the horizontal surface (32) can form a step. The folded surface (31) is folded downward from one side of the circumference of the air inlet (21), and the folded surface (31) itself can be arranged to be rounded along one side of the circumference of the air inlet (21). The fold angle of the folded surface (31) can be vertical, acute, or obtuse.

[0065] The horizontal plane (32) may also be horizontal or inclined. Depending on the inclination of the horizontal plane (32), the folded surface (31) and the horizontal plane (32) itself may be arranged in an acute or obtuse angle when viewed from the side.

[0066] Since the finger grip part (30) also belongs to the respiratory part (20) in a large category, it can be configured with the same material as the respiratory part (20).

[0067] Through the configuration of the folded surface (31) and the horizontal surface (32), the user can, as illustrated in Fig. 4, hold the mask close to the patient's face by wrapping the area where the folded surface (31) and the horizontal surface (32) are formed with the user's index finger when using one hand. That is, since the configuration of the finger grip portion (30) widens the range in which the user can apply force to the finger, the user can easily grip the mask more easily than before, thereby securing the contact support force of the mask toward the patient for a long time.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 5, even when using two hands, the user can easily wrap the finger grip portion (30) with the user's thumb or index finger to easily fit the mask to the patient's face, and the contact support force of the mask can be secured with less force than before.

[0069] Meanwhile, an anti-slip means (not shown) made of a transparent material can be further placed on at least one of the folded surface (31) and the horizontal surface (32).

[0070] The anti-slip means (not shown) is a configuration that helps the user's fingers to be positioned stably without slipping from the folded surface (31) and horizontal surface (32) of the finger grip portion (30).

[0071] The above-mentioned anti-slip means can be configured by adding texture or textures to the surface of the finger grip portion (30) to prevent slipping. That is, the above-mentioned anti-slip means can be configured in the form of protrusions on the folded surface (31) and the horizontal surface (32), or can be configured by attaching an anti-slip pad or the like. Through this, the user's fingers can be supported so that they do not slip from the surface of the finger grip portion (30).

[0072] Additionally, a rubber band or strap may be added around the finger grip portion (30) to securely secure the user's fingers. Such a band or strap provides a connection between the finger grip portion (30) and the fingers while the mask is being used, and can also serve as an anti-slip function.

[0073] Additionally, a rubber pad or anti-slip coating may be added to the surface of the finger grip portion (30) to prevent the user's fingers from slipping on the surface. Such rubber pads or coatings can provide anti-slip properties while maintaining user convenience.

[0074] Additionally, slipping of the fingers can be prevented by adding an anti-slip pattern or design to the surface of the finger grip portion (30).

[0075] The present invention, having the above-described features and effects, can improve the efficiency and safety of artificial respiration in the medical field and provide better medical services to various users.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above with specific details such as specific components and limited examples and drawings, these are provided only to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations from this description.

[0077] Therefore, the idea of ​​the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described above, and all things that are modified equally or equivalently to the following claims as well as the claims are considered to fall within the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. A contact support part that is closely supported around the patient's mouth and nose; A breathing part formed by extending in a rounded manner in the upper direction of the above contact support part and positioned away from the patient's mouth and nose, and having an air inlet formed at the upper part; and A respiratory mask formed in the above breathing section and including a finger grip portion positioned at least at one of the periphery portions of the air inlet.

2. In paragraph 1, The above finger grip part, A breathing mask formed in the form of at least one step in the above breathing section.

3. In paragraph 1, The above finger grip part, A folded surface formed downward on one side of the periphery of the air inlet; and A respiratory mask comprising a horizontal plane formed in a horizontal direction from the above-mentioned folded surface.

4. In paragraph 3, The above-mentioned folded surface is, A breathing mask arranged in a rounded manner along one side of the air inlet.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A respiratory mask having an anti-slip means further disposed on the above finger grip portion.

Images