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Publication Number
US-11400007-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described is a wearable device that combines a mechanism which is configured for modifying a head angle of the subject when in the supine position in order to achieve a head tilt position and a mechanism for causing a forward movement of the mandibles in order to obtain an optimal open airway in a subject. Embodiments of the device are configured to be attached to a bed, stretcher, or other flat surface.
Core Innovation
A wearable device for opening and maintaining an airway in a subject includes a semi-rigid neck support positioned behind a neck to support the neck of the subject. The device performs a head tilt maneuver by modifying a head angle of the subject when the subject is in a supine position to achieve a head tilt position and maintain the head at an optimal angle, and also performs a jaw thrust maneuver to obtain and maintain an optimal jaw thrust by causing a simultaneous movement of the mandibles on both sides of the head of the subject.
The head tilt mechanism includes a flexible primary strap mechanically connected to a handle and configured to be worn on the head of the subject passing over the forehead or over the nose bridge. A pulley has a first end of the primary strap affixed, and the handle is a rotatable handle mechanically linked to the pulley. Activating the handle in a first direction causes a force on one end of the strap that pulls the head downwards, and activating the handle in an opposite direction reduces the force on the strap allowing the head to move upwards.
The head tilt mechanism is affixed to the neck support and the jaw thrust mechanism is attached to the neck support, so the device remains attached to the subject until no longer needed to maintain an open airway. The device is configured to obtain an optimal opening of the airway by activating the handle of the head tilt mechanism and activating the handle of the jaw thrust mechanism in response to measurements of the subject's condition by sensors configured to evaluate the state of respiration of the subject, including activation based on a respiratory emergency.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies one independent claim with four inventive features. It combines a head-tilt mechanism, a jaw-thrust mechanism, a semi-rigid neck support, and sensor-driven activation based on respiration-state measurements.
Wearable airway-opening device with semi-rigid neck support and coordinated head tilt and jaw thrust
A wearable device for opening and maintaining an airway in a subject, comprising a semi-rigid neck support behind a neck, a head tilt mechanism with a handle for modifying head angle to achieve and maintain an optimal head angle in a supine position, and a jaw thrust mechanism with a handle for causing a simultaneous movement of the mandibles on both sides to obtain and maintain an optimal jaw thrust in the supine position.
Strap-and-pulley head tilt with rotatable handle force control
The head tilt mechanism comprises a flexible primary strap mechanically connected to the handle and configured to be worn passing over the forehead or over the nose bridge, a pulley to which a first end of the primary strap is affixed, and a rotatable handle mechanically linked to the pulley, wherein activating the handle in a first direction causes a force that pulls the head downwards and activating the handle in an opposite direction reduces the force allowing the head to move upwards.
Neck-support attachment for maintaining airway until no longer needed
The head tilt mechanism is affixed to the neck support and the jaw thrust mechanism is attached to the neck support, thereby allowing the device to remain attached to the subject until it is no longer needed to maintain an open airway.
Sensor-driven activation to obtain optimal airway opening using respiration-state evaluation
The head tilt mechanism and the jaw thrust mechanism are configured to obtain an optimal opening of the airway by activating the handle of the head tilt mechanism and activating the handle of the jaw thrust mechanism in response to measurements of the subject's condition by sensors configured to evaluate the state of respiration of the subject.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a wearable device that combines a semi-rigid neck support with coordinated head-tilt and jaw-thrust mechanisms, including strap-and-pulley rotatable handle control and sensor-driven activation based on respiration-state measurements to achieve an optimal airway opening.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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