Abstract
The invention relates to a housing (10) of a heat and moisture exchanger for tracheotomized and laryngectomized patients, comprising a cylindrical housing casing (12) and a filter retaining device, said filter retaining device (14) having at least one connecting piece (16) which is associated with a base surface of the housing (10) and the cylindrical housing casing (12) having at least three notched portions (18) that allow the cylindrical housing casing (12) to be dented in a defined fashion.
Claims
1. A housing (10) of a heat and moisture exchanger for tracheotomy and laryngectomy patients, comprising a cylindrical housing casing (12) and a filter retaining device (14), wherein the filter retaining device (14) comprises at least one web (16), allocated to a base surface of the housing (10), and wherein the cylindrical housing casing (12) has at least three notches (18), which enable a defined denting of the cylindrical housing casing (12).
2. The housing (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the notches (18) are disposed at an angle of approx. 15 to approx. 75 to one another.
3. The housing (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the notches (18) are disposed on the cylindrical housing casing (12), distributed over an angle of approx. 90 to approx. 180.
4. The housing (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one notch (18) is disposed on the inside of the cylindrical housing casing (12).
5. The housing (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one notch (18) is disposed on the outside of the cylindrical housing casing (12).
6. The housing (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter retaining device (14) comprises a stop (20) for the denting of the cylindrical housing casing (12).
7. The housing (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the stop (20) is disposed on the web (16).
8. The housing (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing is made of a material selected from a group comprising at least polypropylene and/or polyvinyl chloride.
9. The housing (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter retaining device (14) has a number of webs (16).
10. The housing (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that web ends (17) of the webs (16) are distributed over an angle of approx. 120 to approx. 200 on an inner circumference of the cylindrical housing casing (12).
11. The housing (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has a cover receiver (22) for a cover (30).
12. The housing (10) according to claim 11, with a cover (30), wherein the cover (30) is snapped in place on the housing (10).
13. A method for releasing a cover (30) from a housing (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a force is exerted, perpendicular to an outer surface of a cylindrical housing casing (12), such that the cylindrical housing casing (12) is dented in a manner defined by the notches (18), and the cover (30) is released from a snap-on connection (22, 32).
Description
[0038] Further advantageous designs can be derived from the following drawings. The illustrations depicted therein are not, however, to be interpreted as limiting, but rather, the features described therein can be combined with one another and with the features described above, to form further designs. Moreover, it should be noted that the reference symbols given in the description of the figures do not limit the scope of protection for the present invention, but refer only to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Identical components or components having the same function have the same reference symbols in the following.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a housing;
[0040] FIG. 2 shows the housing seen from above;
[0041] FIG. 3 shows the housing from FIG. 2 in a sectional view;
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a cover with lamellas;
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a cover seen from above;
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the cover in FIG. 5;
[0045] FIG. 7 shows another version of a cover, having bores;
[0046] FIG. 8 shows the cover from FIG. 7 seen from above;
[0047] FIG. 9 shows the cover from FIG. 8 in a sectional view;
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a shield;
[0049] FIG. 11 shows a variation of the shield having a circular design;
[0050] FIG. 12 shows a variation of the shield having an oval design;
[0051] FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of a shield;
[0052] FIG. 14 shows an assembly kit composed of a number of housings, a number of covers, and a number of shields; and
[0053] FIG. 15 shows a method for the use of a heat and moisture exchanger comprising the assembly kit from FIG. 14.
[0054] FIG. 1 shows a housing 10 of a heat and moisture exchanger for tracheotomy and laryngectomy patients. The housing 10 has a cylindrical housing casing 12 and a filter retaining device 14. A filter, not shown here, in particular made of an open-cell foam, is inserted in the housing 10, and inserted in a tracheostoma device such as a tracheostoma bandage or a tracheal cannula, such that the filter retaining device 14 sits proximal to the tracheostoma. The filter retaining device 14 prevents an unintentional inhalation of the filter. Furthermore, a cover receiver 22 encompassing the outside of the cylindrical housing casing can be seen in FIG. 1, designed as a beading on the distal surface.
[0055] FIG. 2 shows the housing 10 seen from above, wherein the filter retaining device 14 can be seen in detail. This has two webs 16 disposed in relation to one another, the web ends 17 of which, facing radially outward, are connected to the inner surface of the cylindrical housing casing 12, or transition into said inner surface. It can be seen that a stop 20 is disposed on one of the webs 16, forming an arc, i.e. a circular ring segment, in this design. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that the cylindrical housing casing 12 has three notches 18, which weaken the cylindrical housing casing 12 in a defined manner. A radial pressure applied to the cylindrical housing casing 12, for example, in the region of the notch 18.1 makes it possible for the cylindrical housing casing 12 to become dented. The defined denting is substantially limited in terms of its extent by the notches 18.2 and 18.3. The notches 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3 face radially toward the stop. Furthermore, the denting is limited by the stop 20, such that an unintended or excessive deformation, or uncontrolled breakage, cannot take place.
[0056] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the housing in FIG. 2 cut along III-III. This view likewise shows the cylindrical housing casing 12 and the filter retaining device 14 with the web 16. It can further be seen that the housing 10 has a beading on the distal surface, which forms the cover receiver 22. It can furthermore be seen in FIG. 3 that the notches 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3 extend over the entire height of the cylindrical housing casing 12. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the notches 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3 are formed such that they are continuous from the proximal inner edge 19 to the distal inner edge 21 of the housing 10. FIG. 4 shows a cover for the housing 10 of a heat and moisture exchanger. The cover 30 has a number of holes 34, delimited by lamellas 35. Furthermore, a snap-on element 33 can be seen in FIG. 4, provided in particular for receiving a shield.
[0057] FIG. 5 shows the cover 30 from FIG. 4 seen from above. It can be seen that the lamellas 35 run at a diagonal, and the direct view through the holes 34 is relatively narrow, although it can be seen in FIG. 6 that the holes are large enough, but they run diagonally through the cover.
[0058] As can furthermore be seen in FIG. 6, the sectional view of FIG. 5 cut along VI-VI, the holes 34 pass through the cover 30 at an angle 36 of approx. 45 to a perpendicular 38 to the surface 40 of the cover 30. Furthermore, the partially encompassing second snap-on element 33 can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 6, running along the outside of the cover rim 31. As can be seen by way of example in FIG. 5, the snap-on element 33 does not entirely encompass the cover rim 31, but instead has interruptions. It can furthermore be seen in FIG. 6 that the cover 30 comprises a cover rim 31 having a circular encompassing first snap-on element 32 on the inside. This snap-on element 32 interacts with the cover receiver 22 of the housing described above.
[0059] FIGS. 7 to 9 show another design of the cover, in which the holes 34 are designed as bores. The bores pass through the cover 30 perpendicular to the surface 40 thereof.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a shield 50 that is to be attached to the cover 30. The shield 50 has an at least partially encompassing, inner snap-on receiver 52, which forms a snap-on connection 52 with the second snap-on element 33 of the cover 30. The shield also has a breathing hole 54, which is designed, in particular, such that when it is placed on the cover 30, or after it has been placed on the cover 30, the holes are completely open. In this manner, an unimpaired breathing through the assembled heat and moisture exchanger is enabled. The shield 50 has a rim 56 that encompasses the housing 10 and the cover 30, which ensures in particular, that the housing 10 and the cover 30, and potential build-up of the tracheostoma bandage, the tracheal cannula or the tracheostoma button are not visible. In this manner, the aesthetic desires of a user are satisfied, because the assembled heat and moisture exchanger described herein also fulfills a decorative function.
[0061] FIG. 11 shows a variation of the shield 50, wherein the shield 50 is round, in particular approx. circular, in particular in its cross section.
[0062] FIG. 12 shows another design of the shield 50, wherein this shield has an oval cross section. In particular, the breathing hole 54 is also oval.
[0063] It can furthermore be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 that the breathing hole 54 has a funnel-shaped design. This funnel shape provides a comfortable seat for the finger on the assembled heat and moisture exchanger, in particular when the user desires to close it.
[0064] FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of a shield 50. The breathing hole 54 as well as the snap-on receiver 52 can be seen therein.
[0065] FIG. 14 shows an assembly kit for a heat and moisture exchanger. This has a number of housings 10 and a number of covers 30, as well as a number of shields 50. Two variations of the housing 10, the cover 30, and the shield 50 can be seen in the illustrated example. A user, or a medical caregiver, e.g. a physician of the user, can select the appropriate components for the heat and moisture exchanger. The size of the housing or the housing receiver in a tracheostoma bandage or suchlike, as well as the desired functionality as well as the desired design thereof, play a role thereby. It is preferably provided that the housing is designed as a disposable housing. This has a filter 60, supplied separately, or directly therewith, which is inserted in the housing. After use, or after a certain period of use, the housing, together with the filter, or just the filter, is replaced. Furthermore, the user can select a cover according to his own preferences, which on one hand, prevents a direct view of the filter, and on the other hand also prevents the filter from falling out in the distal direction. Furthermore, the cover has a protective function in so far as it prevents large particles, lint or suchlike, and in particular, the finger of the user when closing the heat and moisture exchanger, from coming in direct contact with the filter 60. The user can furthermore select a shield 50, which in particular is intended to satisfy an aesthetic demand. Moreover, the shields also fulfill the technical purpose of making a closing of the heat and moisture exchanger, e.g. with the finger, comfortable. For this, it is provided that, on one hand, the shield 50 is made of a rubbery-elastic material, and on the other hand, the breathing hole 54 has a funnel-shaped design.
[0066] FIG. 15 shows the use of the heat and moisture exchanger described herein, or its assembly kit, respectively. Pictogram A shows how a user places the housing 10 on a stable surface. If a filter has not yet been placed in the housing 10, the filter 60 is then inserted, and in the following step, as shown in Pictogram B, the cover 30 is placed on the housing 10, and snapped in place. Pictogram C shows that the snapping in place can take place easily by means of finger pressure. The following Pictogram D shows that the housing 10 provided with the cover 30 is placed in a shield 50. It is also proposed for this that the shield 50 be placed on a stable surface, and the housing 10, together with the cover 30, be pressed into the shield 50. As can be seen in Pictogram D, the cover 30 plays a central role here. This retains both the housing 10 as well as the shield 50. According to a preferred design, it is therefore not possible to connect the housing to the shield 50 without the cover 30. The cover 30 thus provides a coupling function.
[0067] Pictogram E shows that the fully assembled heat and moisture exchanger 10, 30, and 50 is placed in a tracheostoma bandage 65. Pictogram F illustrates that the heat and moisture exchanger can be worn for a certain period of time, wherein a maximum period of 24 hours is recommended. Depending on the soiling or formation of secretions, an earlier or later replacement can take place. After this time has elapsed, as is illustrated in Pictogram G, the heat and moisture exchanger is either removed, or the shield 50 is released from the cover 30. At this point, the housing 10, in particular the cylindrical housing casing 12, is dented in the region of the notches 18, until the cover is released from the housing 10.
