초록 ▼

The invention consists of a prong protector for use with a nasal cannula, the nasal cannula having a body portion, a pair of nasal prongs extending from the body portion, and first and second supply tubes extending from opposite ends of the body portion. The prong protector includes a housing having

The invention consists of a prong protector for use with a nasal cannula, the nasal cannula having a body portion, a pair of nasal prongs extending from the body portion, and first and second supply tubes extending from opposite ends of the body portion. The prong protector includes a housing having an interior surface, for receiving the body portion of the nasal cannula thereon, and first and second sidewalls extending from said interior surface and a cover operatively attached to said housing for defining an open configuration and a closed configuration. The first and second sidewalls have an indented portion along a top edge for receiving the first and second supply tubes therein, such that, in use, the first and second supply tubes extend outside of said housing. The prong protector further includes restraining means for substantially preventing movement of the body portion within said housing.

대표청구항 ▼

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1. A prong protector for use with a nasal cannula, the nasal cannula having a body portion, a pair of nasal prongs extending from the body portion, and first and second supply tubes exten

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1. A prong protector for use with a nasal cannula, the nasal cannula having a body portion, a pair of nasal prongs extending from the body portion, and first and second supply tubes extending from opposite ends of the body portion, said prong protector comprising: i. a housing having an interior surface, for receiving the body portion of the nasal cannula thereon, and first and second sidewalls extending from said interior surface; ii. a cover operatively attached to said housing for defining an open configuration and a closed configuration; iii. said first and second sidewalls having an indented portion along a top edge for receiving the first and second supply tubes therein, such that, in use, the first and second supply tubes extend outside of said housing; and, iv. restraining means substantially preventing movement of the body portion within said housing. 2. A prong protector according to claim 1, wherein said indented portion is sized smaller than a diameter of the first and second supply tubes such that when said cover is in said closed configuration, the tubes are compressed between said cover and said indented portion, thereby preventing movement of the body portion within said housing. 3. A prong protector according to claim 1, wherein said restraining means comprises two or more protrusions extending from said interior surface, said protrusions positioned to receive a portion of the nasal cannula, in compressing relationship, therebetween. 4. A prong protector according to claim 3, wherein said two or more protrusions comprise two pairs of protrusions, each pair positioned to receive a respective one of the pair of nasal prongs therebetween. 5. A prong protector according to claim 3, wherein said protrusions are positioned to receive a portion of the first and second supply tubes therebetween. 6. A prong protector according to claim 1, wherein said restraining means comprises an internal frame structure shaped and dimensioned to surround at least a portion of the body portion on said interior surface. 7. A prong protector according to claim 1, further comprising at least one ventilation opening on said housing. 8. A prong protector according to claim 1, wherein said housing is manufactured from sterilizable plastics material. 9. A prong protector according to claim 1, wherein said cover is hingedly attached to said housing, and further comprises a latch for holding said cover in said closed configuration. 10. A prong protector according to claim 1, wherein said cover and said housing are arranged in a friction fit relationship. 11. A kit comprising: a nasal cannula having a body portion, a pair of nasal prongs extending from the body portion, and first and second supply tubes extending from opposite ends of the body portion; and, a prong protector comprising: i. a housing having an interior surface, for receiving the body portion of the nasal cannula thereon, and first and second sidewalls extending from said interior surface; ii. a cover operatively attached to said housing for defining an open configuration and a closed configuration; iii. said first and second sidewalls having an indented portion along a top edge for receiving the first and second supply tubes therein, such that, in use, the first and second supply tubes extend outside of said housing; and, iv. restraining means substantially preventing movement of the body portion within said housing. 12. A kit according to claim 11, wherein said indented portion is sized smaller than a diameter of the first and second supply tubes such that when said cover is in said closed configuration, the tubes are compressed between said cover and said indented portion, thereby preventing movement of the body portion within said housing. 13. A kit according to claim 11, wherein said restraining means comprises two or more protrusions extending from said interior surface, said protrusions positioned to receive a portion of the nasal cannula, in compressing relationship, therebetween. 14. A kit according to claim 13, wherein said two or more protrusions comprise two pairs of protrusions, each pair positioned to receive a respective one of the pair of nasal prongs therebetween. 15. A kit according to claim 13, wherein said protrusions are positioned to receive a portion of the first and second supply tubes therebetween. 16. A kit according to claim 11, wherein said restraining means comprises an internal frame structure shaped and dimensioned to surround at least a portion of the body portion on said interior surface. 17. A kit according to claim 11, further comprising at least one ventilation opening on said housing. 18. A kit according to claim 11, wherein said housing is manufactured from sterilizable plastics material. 19. A kit according to claim 11, wherein said cover is hingedly attached to said housing, and further comprises a latch for holding said cover in said closed configuration. 20. A kit according to claim 11, wherein said cover and said housing are arranged in a friction fit relationship.