# US 5,704,344 A · Device for relieving anxiety in respiratory patients

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- Number: US 5,704,344 A
- Document ID: US5704344A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/709,376
- Filed: 1996-09-06
- Granted: 1998-01-06
- Earliest claimed: 1996-09-06
- Inventors: Jeanne M. Cole
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5704344A

## CPC

- A61M 15/00: Inhalators {(drug delivery in endotracheal tubes A61M16/04)}
- A61M 2205/59: Aesthetic features, e.g. distraction means to prevent fears of child patients
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}

## Abstract

A patient device for assisting in the treatment of patients who use breathing devices is disclosed. The patient device includes a body which may have any of an infinite variety of shapes and appearances as long as the body is intended to appeal to and relieve the anxiety in the patient. In the preferred embodiment, the body incorporates an integrally formed mouth piece and/or face mask and channels for conducting gas. The device may also utilize visible vapor to produce a vapor effect which enhances the appearance of the patient device, further appeals to the patient, and encourages the patient to breath from the breathing device.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device for altering the external appearance of a nebulizer, useable by a patient, having an output of medicinal vapor and an output conduit to conduct the medicinal vapor comprising:
a. a tube connected to the output conduit of the nebulizer, said tube having a first patient mouth engageable end portion and a second gas exit end portion to carry visible exit gases from the mouth of the patient;
b. a decorative member at least partially surrounding said tube, said member including a decorative exhaust port;
c. means for connecting said tube second gas exit end portion to said decorative exhaust port to direct visible exit gases therethrough.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1 in which said decorative member includes a groove for at least partially accommodating said tube.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The device of claim 2 in which said tube includes a central portion forming a tee fitting with the output conduit of the nebulizer, said first patient mouth engageable end portion and said second gas exit end portion connected to said tube central portion for communication therewith.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1 in said decorative member and said tube are integrally formed.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1 in which said decorative exhaust port includes an angular conduit for altering the direction of exit gases from said tube.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1 in which said decorative exhaust port positions outwardly from said first patient mouth engageable end portion for viewing by the patient.