CA2080567A1 - Equine mask - Google Patents
Equine maskInfo
- Publication number
- CA2080567A1 CA2080567A1 CA002080567A CA2080567A CA2080567A1 CA 2080567 A1 CA2080567 A1 CA 2080567A1 CA 002080567 A CA002080567 A CA 002080567A CA 2080567 A CA2080567 A CA 2080567A CA 2080567 A1 CA2080567 A1 CA 2080567A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mask
- animal
- interior
- horse
- medication
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61D—VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS
- A61D7/00—Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals
- A61D7/04—Devices for anaesthetising animals by gases or vapours; Inhaling devices
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A mask is provided for administering medication, particularly asthmatic medication, to equine animals, particularly horses. The mask has a body that fits over the nostrils of the horse. An aerosolization chamber is secured to the body and opens into the interior thereof, and is supplied with misted medi-cations such as from a metered dose inhaler, for inhalation by the animal. The mask and body is also provided with one or more exhalation ports, and a strap or band or the like for securing the body to the animals face overlying the nostrils.
A mask is provided for administering medication, particularly asthmatic medication, to equine animals, particularly horses. The mask has a body that fits over the nostrils of the horse. An aerosolization chamber is secured to the body and opens into the interior thereof, and is supplied with misted medi-cations such as from a metered dose inhaler, for inhalation by the animal. The mask and body is also provided with one or more exhalation ports, and a strap or band or the like for securing the body to the animals face overlying the nostrils.
Description
2~8~a~3~
EQUINE MASK
Ba ~ Invention Many people sufEer breathing problems, particularly asthma, from allergic reactions. Asthma is frequently triggered by grasses, grains, and dust.
Alternatively, wet materials, particularly molds often trigger asthmatic attacks. Much work has been done to ameliorate asthmatic attacks in human beings. Metered dose inhalers (MDI) have been developed which will deliver a metered dose of medication upon depression of an outlet valve. Epinephrine was one of the first such anti-asthmatic drugs to be packaged in metered dose inhalers. However, epinephrine has undesirable side effects, and better medi-cations have been developed, such as metaproterenol, and albuterol. These have a more direct action on the bronchi and do not have nearly as many side effects.
The metered dose inhalers do not themselves produce a sufficiently aeroso-lized form of medication to be highly effective. Various efforts have been made to provide chambers between the metered dose inhalers and the users, say for example Nbwacki et al US patent 4,470,412, and Foley et al US patent 5,012,803. The aerosolizing chambers disclosed and claimed in the two fore-going patents are relatively inexpensive and highly effective in producing more efficient use of the medication.
There is another class of suEEerers of asthma that has not as yet been given adequate attention. Members of the equine family oEten suffer from asthma. For example, it is estimated that there are 10,000,000 horses in the United States. It is further estimated that 60~ of the horses are asthmatic.
This means that there are something on the Grder oE 6,000,000 asthmatic horses in the United States alone. Although prospectively one does not tend to think of horses and other animals of the equine Eamily as being su~Eerers of asthma, it would be appreciated that such animals are constantly around grasses, 2 ~ ~ ~ r gl ,s, dust, molds, etc. which are recYK~ni~ed allergens. ~he problem is par-ticularly acute with horses that have ~o perform physically, such as race horses, working farm horses, etc. Some little work has been done with nebuli-zers, but these have not been very effective. Futhermore, it is believed that there is no anti-asthrnatic medication with special efficacy in the equine family. Further, it is believed that it will be many years before any such specific anti-asthmatic medication is developed. However, we have found that human type anti-asthmatic medications are effective with horses and the like.
The problem is to deliver anti-asthmatic medication to equine animals. It is true that horses can be taught some tricks, and certain working activities, but there is no evidence to indicate that a horse can be told when to inhale, and when to hold its breath, etc.
Objects_and Summary of the Present Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a delivery system for suppling asthmatic medication to members of the equine family.
~ lore particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an equine mask cooperable with a modular medication inhaler as disclosed and claimed in the aforesaid Foley et al US patent 5,012,803 for supplying anti-asthmatic medication to equine animals.
Further objects include the provision of a mask which is readily attached over the nostrils and mouth of an equine animal, which mask has provision for causing the animal to gasp, and thereby draw in more medication, and which mask further has a visible exhalatlon valve so that one may observe the breathing pattern of such an animal.
In carrying out the foregoing and other objects of the present invention we take advantage of the fact that horses are accustomed to having devices placed over their mouths and adjacent portions of the head, feedbags being common examples. We provide a mask covering the nostrils and mouth of a horse 2 ~ r~ ~
w h is lightly sealed to the adjacent areas of the horse's head, but allowing a certain amount of air to pass under the seal along the horse's mouth, as this is comforting to the horse; Fig. 21 is a view generally similar to Fig. 6, but showing a moclification using a ne~ulijer rather than a metered dose inhaler;
and Fig. 22 is a fragmentary view showing a modification of a portion of Fig.
21. Either the mask is readily attached to the horse or other equine animal by means of attachments secured to the normal harness of the horse, or by means of a strap, such as one embodying hook and loop fasteners (Viz., VELCRO). An aerosolizing chamber as previously noted in accordance with US patent 5,012,803 is secured to the mask, preferably in a horizontal position for most effective distribution of the medication. Rubber flap exhalation valves are provided in the mask adjacent each nostril of the horse or the like, with the flaps of the exhalation valves readily visable so that the breathing pattern of the horse can be observed. The aerosolizing chamber is connected to the mask by a bypass passageway which enables the owner or veterinarian to control to some extent the inhalation of the horse or the like, thereby producing gasping to clear the airways, and to pull in the medication.
A knob cancby also is provided on the mask which is readily grasped by the hand of an owner or veterinarian in order properly to position the mask rela-tive to the nostrils and the mouth of the animal.
The_Drawin~s The present invention will best be understood from the following specifi-cation when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side view of the front end of a horse with the mask, etc. of the present lnvention in place;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the horse and mask of Fig. 1 on a slightly enlarged scale;
Fig. 3 is an enlar~ed side view partially in section of the metered dose r' ~ler and the aerosoli~ation chamber;
Fig. 4 is a detail oE a mc~ification oE a portion of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a detail similar to Fig. 4 of a further modification;
Fig. 6 is a view generally similar to Fig. 1 showing a perferred form of the invention;
Fig. 7 is an axial view of the gasket for fitting the mask to the horse;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view through the gasket of Fig. 7 as taken substan-tially along the line 8-~ in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a supplementary inhalation device joining the aerosolization charnber to the mask;
Fig. 9A is a perspective view oE a portion of the supplementary inhala-tion area of Fig. 9;
Fig. 9B is a perspective view of the remaining portion of the supplemen-tary inhalation device of Fig. 9;
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view of the front portion of the horse's head with a modification of the invention applied thereto;
Fig. 11 is a view generally similar to Fig. 10, but showing a modification of the invention;
Fig. 12 is another view similar to Fig. 10 showing a further modification of the invention;
Fig. 13 is a view of the mask and cooperating parts of Fig. 12 showing an air bulb for blowing up the seal of the gasket to the horse;
Fig. 14 is a view generally similar to Fig. 10 showing a modiEication of the invention applied only to the horse's nostrils, and with the mouth held shut;
Fig. 15 is a front view of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a top view fo~n of the invention shown in Fig. 15;
Fig. 17 is a view generally similar to Fig. 10 and showing another embodi-ment of the invention;
2 ~
Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view of the seal for the mask;
Fig. 19 is a modification of the embodiment of the invention ~hown in Fig. 14:
Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 20-20 in Fig. 19;
Fig. 21 is a view generally similar to Fig. 6, but showing a modification using a nebulizer rather than a metered dose inhaler;
Fig. 22 is a fragmentary view showing a modification of a portion of Fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a preferred form of the equine mask that has evolved to production status, and comprising a perspective view;
Fig. 24 is a side view of the mask shown in Fig. 23;
Fig. 25 is a view of a portion of a mask that fits over the front portion of the horse's head, not including the various fittings adaptable thereto;
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a M.D.I. (metered dose inhaler) plate for attachment to the mask;
Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an adapter plate for securement to the plate shown at the left or front portion of the mask in Fig. 25;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 25, with the plate of Fig. 27 mounted thereon;
Fig. 29 i9 a perspective view of an adapter plate generally similar to that in Fig. 27, on a smaller scale, but with a dry powder adapter plate to accept a metered dose dry powder inhaler;
Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a mask with a different adapter plate thereon, speciEically an oxygen dilutor unit;
2 ~
Fig. 31 is a view similar t~ Fig 23, but with an air filter p.~te attached to the mask;
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of an adapter plate generally similar to Fig. 27, but on a somewhat enlarged scale, and showing further details of the exhalation valves;
Fig. 33 is an exploded view of the valve just noted in connection with Fig. 32; and Fig. 34 is an exploded perspective view generally similar to Fig. 33, but with the parts inverted relative to Fig. 33.
Detailed Disclosure of the Illustrated Embodiments Preference now should be made in greater particularity to the drawings, and first to Figs. 1 and 2 wherein there is shown the front portion of a horse 32 including the head 34. A harness 36 of a conventional nature is applied over the horse's head. A mask or bag 38 is placed over the nostrils and over the mouth 40 of the horse. The mask 38 has a surrounding band 42 adjacent the upper edge thereof, and suitable links 44 are secured to this band and are recelved over a portion of the harness 36 to hold the mask in place. The band 42 is of the size to fit snuggly about the horse's head just above the mouth and nostrils, and the size may vary depending on the type of horse and the individual animal. The mask 38 may ~e molded resinous plastic rnaterial, and this may be reinforced with a cloth or webbing. The mask must be somewhat fle~ible, but it must also have sufficent rigidity to prevent colapse against the horse's nostrils upon inhalin~.
m e mask is provided with two one way exhalation valves 46. These may be ~lap Yalves for suitable external clearance to allowed outward flexing thereoE
upon exhalatlon, and backed by a spider to be closed upon inhalation. ~le valves 46 are respectively adjacent the horse's nostrils for minimurn interfer-ence with exhalation.
A medication aerosolization inhaler 4a extends forwardly from the lower -5a-front portion of the mask 3~, and communicates with the interior of th~ d~
p~ .it inhalation by the horse oE mc~ication as the horse inhales. The con-struction of this inhaler is structurally substantially, anr~ functionally iden-tical with the inhaler shown in Foley et al US patent 5,012,803. The inhaler 48 includes a cylindrical body 50 which has an open upstream, inlet or entering end 52, and a ~o~nstream or exit end r~, An inlet ~itting 56 is secured to the inlet end 52 of the cylinder 50 by means of a concentric pair of cylindrical flanges 58 fitting respectively inside and ~utside of the entering end 52 of the body 50. The inlet fittin~ 56 inclu~es a well 60 which re-~eives a m~tered dose inhaler canister 62. The fitting includes a lateral passageway 64 for conducting medication 66 from the canister into the inhaler bcdy 50. The lower end of the canister is provided with a nozzle 68 which impinges against a shelE
70. When the canister 62 is pressed down in the well 60 the nozzle 68 is rela-tively depressed and discharges a metered dose of the medication as indicated at 66.
At the outlet end 54 of the inhaler 48 there is an outlet fitting 72 which is structurally and functionally similar to the outlet fitting in the affore-said Foley et al US patent. A portion 74 of the mask 38 flares substantially conlcally outwardly from the fitting 72, and a surrounding ring 76 is provided where the flared portion 7~ joins the remainder oE the mask 38.
The cylindrical body 50 of the inhaler is molded rigid plastic material, while the inlet fitting 56 and outlet fitting 72 are also molded of a suitable plas-tic material.
A m~dification of the attachment of the mask to the inhaler is shcwn in Fig. 4, this being very similar to what is disclosed in the aforesaid Foley et al US patent. Certain other parts are the same as those here to afore dis-clo~ed, and iden~ified with similar numerals wi~h the addition of the suf~ix a.
The outlet fitting 7~ includes a cylinder extending in the downstream direc-tion, and having secured at the downstream end thereof inner and outer Elanges 80 ~nd 82, respectively, interconnected by a radial web 84. The po~ e the front end of the mask 3~ is cylin~rical rather than flared, and has an internal diameter to flt over the outside of the cylindrical portion 7~, being recessed at 86 to fit over the flange 82, whereby the mask is anchored to the inhaler.
A further modification is shown in Fig. 5. Similar parts again are iden-tified by like numerals, this time with the addition of the suffix b. In this instance there is an integral flange 82b preferably encircling the outlet end of the cylindrical wall 78b. The cylindrical portion 78b an~ 86b fits over the wall 78b and the flange 82b in the same manner as in Fig. 4.
A preferred form of the invention is shown in Figs. 6-9. The horse is identical, and portions of the invention are the same or similar to those here-tofore shown and described, and in this instance are identified by like numerals with the addition of the suffix c.
The mask 36c is provided at the lcwer portion with a "dribble-section" or "slobbering cup" 88. Horses often sputter when relaxed, and this portion serves as a collecting place for sputtered saliva.
The two exhalation ports 46c are lowered slightly from their position in Figs. l and 2, whereby the nostrils 90 o the horse are visible in Fig. 6.
A strap 92 extends from two discrete locations at the top edge of the mask 38c, pas~ing behind the horse's head immediately behind the ears 94. The strap is provided with what might be called a buckle section 96, with opposing portions having hook and loop fasteners (Viz., VELCR0).
The upper edge of the mask is provided with a rubber seal or gasket 98 for connectlng the mask to the horse. This seal or gasket is best seen in Figs. 7 and 8, and in outline comprises generally straight side edges lO0 intercon-nected at the top and bottom by arcuate portions 102. The seal includes a sub-stantially flat transverse wall 104, which has a perpherial outer Elange 106 extending at right angles from the wall 104. An inner perpherial flange 108 is parallel to the ~lange 106, and spaced inwardly therefrom a sh ~ ce, providing a gap therebetween at 110. The gap 110 receives the upper or rear edge of the mask, and the flanges 106 and 108 are adhesively or otherwise suitably secure1d to the mask on the outer and inner surfaces thereof, respectively.
The rubber seal 98 is provided with a more-or-less central opening shap~d similar to the exterior of the mask, but shifted upwardly some~hat therefrom, whereby the wall 104 has a greater radial dimension at the bottom portion of the seal than it does towards the top. The opening 112 is defined by re-entrant flanges 114, 116, and 118. The flanges, as seen in Fig. 8, form sub-stantially a z-shape in section.
Considering Figs. 7 and 8 along with Fig. 6, it will be seen that the innermost flange 118 of the re-entrant flanges presses against the horse's muzzle. The flange 118 lies across the rear portion of the mouth of the horse.
This permits air flow through the cavities on either side of the horse's mouth, and this soothes the horse as air flows past.
The entering portion of the mask 38c is substantially bell shaped at 120, and is connected to the exit en~ of the aerosolization inhalation chamber by a supplementary inhalation area or device 122. The exit end fitting 72c of the chamber 48c is essentially the same as in Figs. 4 or 5, and the supplementary inh~lation device 122 includes a cylindrical body 124 with a perpherial Elange 126 at the inlet end, the body fitting over the cylindrial portion of the exit fitting. A reinforcing portion 126 of the bell shaped entering portion of the mask 38c is ~uitably affixed to the rear end 128 of the cylinder 124, by adhe-sive or by other suitable means. The reinEoecing portion 126 also supports a knob 130 extending below the supplementary inhalation device 122 to permit manual grasping thereof, and positioning of the horse's head. The bedy is pro-vided at an axially midway position with an arcuate slot 132 of approximately 180 degrees, or possibly less.
2 ~ ~ ~.3 A ~mi-cylindrical closure or cover m~noer 1~4 extends from end to end o the body 124 and encircles the body over somewhat greater than 180 degrees, whereby to be retained on the body. The cover or closure member 134 i5 arcuately movable about the body to uncover substantially all oE the slot 132, to totally close the slot 132, or to have it partially open.
The inlet fitting 56c in this instance is similar to that in the affore-said Foley et al ~S patent, and a substantially L-shaped adapter 36 receives the metered dose inhaler cartridge 62 for intro~uction of misted me-~ication into the aerosolization inhaler.
When it is desired to introduce asthmatic medication into the horse's respiratory system, the owner or a veterinarian will watch the ~lap valves in the exhalation ports to note the horse's breathing pattern with the slot 132 open wide. Shortly after the completion of an exhalation the cwner or veteri-narian depresses the metered dose inhaler cartridge 62 to introduce a mist of medication into aerosolization chamber 46c. The cover or closure member 134 then is rotated to close the slot 132. This makes breathing somewhat difficult for the horse, and the horse inhales with a gasp, thus inhaling the now aeroso-lized medication. Breathing resistance tends to open up the horse's airways allcwing for a more efective use oE the m~dication.
As heretofore shcwn and described the medication aerosolization inhaler 48 is preerably used in a horiæontal position, as this produces the best aeroso-lization and use of the medication. The specific form of the invention as shown in Figs. 6-9 has proven by test to be the preEerred fo~m. It will be noted that the flt o the 1anges on the horse's muzzle ls with the rubber seal reversed from the position oE the Fig. 8, whereby the taper o~ the flange 118 adapts well to the shape o the horse's nozzle. Additional embcdiments of the invention that have been considered and/or tried are shown in the ensuing Figs.
10-20.
An earlier orm o the invention is shown in Fig. 10 which is generally _g_ si~lar to that shcwn in Fig. 1, ~t seq. ~ost oE the parts are identioal, and are identified with the same numerals. Where there are changes, like numerals are utilized with the addition of the suffix d. The mask 38d is secured on the horse in similar fashion, but with a strap 138 running from a slot 140 adjacent to the upper edge of the mask, the strap also being looped over a metal o-ring 142 forming a part of the harness 36. It will be understocd that there is a plurality of such loops and rings. In addition, the exhalation ports 46d will be seen as positioned somewhat above the horse~s nostrils 90. Although this position worked, the lawer position shcwn in Fig. 6 is more effective in direct porting of the exhale~ breath of the horse.
Another early embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 11. Again like numerals are used for identifing similar parts, this time with the addition o the suffix e. Destinctions reside in the provision of but a single exhalation port 48e at the front central portion oE the mask 38e. Another distinction is that the aerosoli~ation chamber 48e is actually built onto the top portion of the mask, and has a curved deflecting wall 144 therein for deflecting the medi-cation 66e into the mask adjacent the horse's nostrils. The exit or valve member G8e is provided with a bend therein so that the initial discharge is axial of the aerosolization chamber 48e, which lies parallel to the upper front portion of the mask 38e. A further change is that an anchor 146 is provided on each side of the mask with a strap 138e thereon extending through the 0-ring 1~2 on each side. The strap preferably is provided with a latching or buckle area 148 having opposed hook and loop fasteners (Viz., VELC~0). As in the embcdiment of the Figs. 1 and 2 and also Fig. 10, there is a band 150 encircl-ing the upper portion of the mask to hold it in engagement with the Erontal portion of the horse's head.
A further embodiment o the invention is shown in the Figs. 12 and 13.
Generally, parts are similar to those heretoEore disclosed, and similar parts are identified by the same or like numerals with the addition of the sufEix f.
2 ~ ?
In this form of the invention there is a rather large central ~orward reinEorc-ii area 120f secured to the mask, and which receives the aerosolization chamber, the same as in Figs. 1-3, and similar to Fig. 6. There is a sin~le exhalation port 46f on this reinforcing portion, alined with the chamber 48 and somewhat above the nostrils 90.
The most significant distinction in this instance is that the mask is secured by clamping to the horse's head by a strap 150f, which specifically is a pneumatic tube. The tube initially is not inflated, and the mask is placed over the nostrils and mouth of the horse. An inlet valve 152 is provided for the pneumatic tube 158. An inflater 154 comprises a tube 156 with a threaded end 158 for threading into the inlet 152, and a pneumatic rubber bulb 160 at the other end, with a valve including a scre~ 162. The pneumatic tube is inflated to grip against the horse's muzzle, and a cover strip 164 covers the inlet valve 152, and is secured in place by hook and loop fasteners 166.
A somewhat difEerent form of the invention is shown in Figs. 14-16. The numerals used for various portions o the horse and harness remain identical with those previously used. Insofar as portions of the mask are similar to those heretofore used, similar numerals are used with the addition of the suffix 9. The form of the invention in Figs. 14-16 is som~hat skeletonized compared with previous embodiments. Mask 389 includes a hollow body 168 with a tubular entrance end 170 extending thereinto. The cylin~rical body 48g of the aeeosolization chamber 509 plugs directly into the tubular entrance 170 of the hollow bcdy 168. The single exhalation port 469 is mounted on the top or frontal portion of the hollow body. Hollow side branclles 172 extend from the body to the viCinity of the horse's nostrils 90, and substantially cylindrical cups 174 extend thereErom to overlie the nostrils 90, thus establishing commu-nication between aerosolizing chamber 509 and the horse's nostrils. Exhalation is through the cups 174 and the hollcw body 168 to the exhalation port 469. It will be noted that adjacent the inlet end of the body 489 there is a tapered 2~a ,~7 section 176 having a plurality oE hol~s therein for permitting the horse to breath when no mer~ication is being supplied, and for admitting air to carry the aerosolized medication to the horse's nostrils~ In prior forms o~ the invention no specific mention was made o~ air entrance although the structure in Fig. 11 is substantially the same as in Figs. 14 and 15. In other figures theee is simply clearance space around the canister 62, as in well known aero-solization chambers for humans, for example, that shown in the earlier men-tioned Foley et al US patent 5,012,803.
The body is provided with underlyinq extensions 180 having slots therein for receipt of a strap 182 passing beneath the horse's lower jaw. In addition, there are upward extensions 184 having slots therein for receipt oE straps 186 passing over a portion of the harness ~6. Further, there are slots 188 adja-cent the front of the body for receipt of a connecting strap 190 lying across the ront of the horse's muzzle.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 17 and la many of the parts are similar to those previously shown and described, an~ are identified by like numerals with the addition o the suEfix h. A distinction resides in the fact that the mask is made of two pieces, a main body 192 which fits fairly loosely around the horse, and a retaining section 194 suitably secure~ thereto as by an adhe-sive. The retaining section 194 is resilient and is provided with a tubular inner edge which fits closely against the horse. Strap 186h is mechanically or adhesively secured at ~98 to the mask, and passes over a portion of the harness 36.
~Ey. r The 4ira~ embodiment illustrated is that shown in Figs. 19 and 20. Cer-tain parts are similar to those heretoEore shown an~ described, and are identi-fied by like nurnerals with the additîon of the su~ix i. In this instance the mask 36i is provided with an extension 200 which houses the aerosolization chamber 48i. It opens directly into the mask, which is spaced scmewhat above the muzzle of the horse, and in the vicinity o~ the nostrils 90. A single 2 ~ J ~ 1 exh~lation valve 46i is provided. An extension 202 on the rear or l~er portion of the mask has a fixe~ anchor 20~ thereon, and a strap 206 ~tends beneath the horse's jaw and to a similar anchGr on the opposite side.
Another ixed anchor 208 is provided on the lower rear portion oE the mask, and a strap 210 extends therefrr~n to a like anchor on the opposite side.
The two straps 206 and 210 hold the mask over the horse's nostrils. Horses are known to be nose or nostril breathers, and hence the coverage oE the mouth is not essential.
A fur~her embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 21 in which a nebulizer is used rather than a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Many of the parts are identical with those heretoEore disclosed and are identified by the same numerals. Similar parts are identifie~ by similar nurnerals with addition of the suffix i.
The mask 38j is functionally the same as the mask 3~c in Fig. 6, and structurally similar thereto. The knob 130j has been moved to the slobbering cup area 88; where is sornewhat more accessible. The exhalation parts or one-~ay exhalation valve 46j are drawn samewhat differently to shcw the rubber flap valve 212.
The important distination is that a corrugated aerosol tube or hose 214 is connected to the front center oE the mask 38j adjacent the horse's nostrils.
The inlet or upstrearn end of the tuhe or hose 214 is connected to and ~upplied from a nebulizer 216 which in turn is supplied throu~h a tube 218 with air Eran an air compressor 220. A few cc oE saline solution are placed manually in the nebulizer 216.
Different types of nebulizers are kncwn, an~ the nebulizer rnay be any suitable kncwn or conventional type oE nebulizer. Indeed, as shown in Fig. 22 an ultrasonic nebulizer 222 may be substituted for the nebulizer 216, the tube 218, an~ the air cornpressor 220. The ultrasonic nebulizer 222 is directly connected to the corru~ated tube 214.
Some veternarians and/or cwners are more familiar with aeroso~
(~ ferably saline) vapor than wth aerosolized asthmatic medicaton from an MDI.
Either aeroslized asthmatic medication or aerosolize~ (saline) water vapor can be consideeed to be a breathing enhancement vapor, and either can provide a measure of asthmatic relief.
Although certain materials have been suggeste~ for construction of the equine mask, the perferred construction material is a molded acrylic resin. It is substantially rigid, but with a certain flexibility. Further, it is quite strong. This i9 helpful, in that it is quite possi- ble that the mask could be dropped and stepped on by the horse, and it is desirable that is should not be destroyed by such an accident.
It will be appreciated that stan~ardbred horses and thoroughbred horses, and other breeds tend to be of different sizes, and even individual specimens within a given breed may differ significantly in size. ~ence, the mask may have to differ somewhat in size or relative dimensions depending on the horse on which it is to be used. Further, it should be borne in mind that a separate mask should be used for each horse to avoid dangers of cross contamination.
Preferably, the entrance area to the mask should be bell shaped, and there should be a "dribble-section" or "slobbering-cup" formed as a part of the bottom of the mask as heretofore noted. Generally speaking, the anti-asthmatic medication can be a beta agonist. Specific forms of anti-asthmatic drugs have been noted heretofore, and it also be note~ the corticosteroids are useful in combating a~thmatic attacks.
It has been noted that there should not be an air tight seal. The cavi-ties on either side of the horse's mouth soothes the horse as air flows past.
With the specific reference to the preferred form of the invention in Figs.
6-9, the silicone seal was found to work better with the innermost lip or fold 118 pointin~ in toward the interior of the mask, i.e. tcward the end of the horse's muzzle. The mask should create come resistance to breathing for the 2 ~
horse, as this tends to open the airways, allowing for a more ef~ective use o~
t, _ medication.
Reference has been made to one-way flap valves for the exhalation port.
These are not shown in detail, since they are well known, see for example the flap valves in the US patent to Nowacki et al 4,470,412 and to Foley et al 5,012,803.
Dead space within the mask is not a major factor, because of the size of the tidal volume oE a horse, typically between 3 and 7 liters. A horse's inha-lation flow rate is generally between 5 and 10 liters per seoond. It is pre-ferred to have the aerosolization chamber in a horizontal position, an~ to have it as low as possible, since the horse will have a tendency to raise its head.
Generally speaking, the horse will move its head in a vertical plane, rather than in a horlzontal plane. Two breaths of the horse should be allowed between pufes of medication, and the overall time for administering the anti-asthmatic medication is estimated to be in the order of 5 to 10 minutes. It will be apparent that care must be taken in applying the mask so that it does not in any way obstruct the nostrils of the horse. As is known among horse people, it is best to approach a horse from the left side.
It tlas been noted above that the mask may have to differ in size from one horse to another, and dimensions that have measured by way of example include 5 to 6 inches across the sealing area, with the circumference of this sealing area running from 20 to 23 inches.
The supplying of anti-asthmatic medication to horses is applicable to all types. It will improve the performance of sports horses, such as race horses and jUmperQ~ but lt wlll also improve the performance of working type horses.
The embodiments oE the lnvention as herein shown and described will be under-stood as being exemplary.
2~ 3 A preferred form of the equine mask has now evolved that is prepared for commercial manufacture. Such mask is shown in Figs.
23 et seq. The mask is molded of a superior modern plastic. An acrylic plastic is satisfactory for most purposes, and is reasonably inexpensive. However, where hard use is expected such as where the mask might be in a stable or the like where it could be dropped and stepped on by a horse polycarbonate plastic is preferred. In any event, the mask is generally rigid, but is somewhat bendable. In the case of a mask molded of polycarbonate plastic, the plastic will withstand rather considerable deformation without significant damage. The forward part of the mask is clear plastic so that the horse's nostrils, lips, and adjacent parts can be observed by a person administrating medication. The rear portion is cloudy as vision therethrough is not necessary, and helps to focus the attention of the administrating person on the important area of the horse's head. Furthermore, scratches and other marks show less on the cloudy portion. The equine mask now to be described in detail is more durable, repairable, versatile and cleanable.
Turning first to Figs. 23-25, similar parts are again identified by like numerals, this time with the addition of the suffix k. The mask 38k has a gasket 98k at the upper or rear portion thereof. The front portion of the mask is clear at 22~ so that the horse's nostrils, and preferably also his lips, may be observed while the horse is breathing. The rear portion is cloudy aq indicated at 226. The precise areas can vary substantially from those shown in the drawings, and there need not be a definite line of demarcation, although one is indicated in the drawings. There can simply be a fading from the clear portion into the cloudy 2 ~
tion. An integral harness anchoring bar 228 is spaced out fromthe surface of the mask on either side thereof and generally proximate to the gasket 98k for receiving a portion of the harness 36k for anchoring the mask on the horse's head. The gasket 98k is preferably of the zig-zag rubber type as previously shown and described in Figs. 6-8 for forming a seal to the horse's head, which both seals and is comfortable to the horse. Alternatively, the gasket or seal could be of the pneumatic type as shown in Fig.
13. The important thing is that the gasket or seal seals the mask to the horse's head so that there is no leakage to or from the mask. This is important from a medical standpoint, and is also important from an equine behavioral standpoint. Horses are very sensitive to air movement over and along their heads, and a horse could be easily "spooked" by unwanted air movement along the head.
At the lower and frontal portion of the mask there is provided a hand grip 130k of hollow box-like formation, having elongated grooves 128 therein extending substantially longitudinally of the hand grip. These grooves afford better gripping for an attendant's hand, and also provide some rigidification if it is assumed that the hand grip 130k is hollow. It is not imperative that the hand grip be hollow, but from a weight standpoint it is preferably so.
The hand grip is provided along its upper edge with a flange or wall 230 extending outwardly in both directions from the box-like hand g~ip 228. The hand grip itself lies substantially on a median vertical plane of the mask. The lower front portion 132 of the hand grip is preferably rounded for safe gripping by the trainer or other attendant.
The upper portion of the mask is provided with a planar plate 234 of substantially square configuration, but with rounded upper _17-2 ~
c ners 236, and with a lower tab or tongue portion 238 extendingdown to the flange or wall 230. The plate 234 is formed integrally with the remainder of the mask, and is provided near the upper portion thereof in horizontally aligned array with a central aperture 240, and two side apertures 242. These apertures are circular in outline, and each is provided outwardly of its perimeter with a pair of arcuate slots 244 having enlarged holes 246 at the lead ends thereof. The entire plate 234 is surrounded by a perpherial, shallow upstanding flange 248.
An aerolization chamber 48k is in substantially vertical position when a mask is worn on the front portion of the horse's head. A well 60k is disposed above the aerolization chamber 48k and opens upwardly through a shaped opening 50 in the top wall 252 abové the aerosolization chamber. The entire wall 252 as well as the aerosolization chamber is formed of a resilient plastic, and the shaping of the aperture or opening 250 allows inwardly projecting portions thereof to grip a metered dose inhaler (MDI) 62 with a nozzle 68 thereof extending through an opening 254 in a support member 256 to allow the discharge spray 66 from the cartridge 62 to expand and aerosolize within the chamber 48k.
The bottom wall 258 of the chamber 481c is spaced somewhat above the wall 200 at the top of the hand gripping piece 130k to permit air, as indicated by the arrow 260, to pass between the wall~ 230 and 258 through a one-way valve 262. The valve has downward projections 264 passing through slots similar to the slots 244 previously mentioned to hold the valve in mounted position over an opening in the bottom wall 258. The structure of the one-way valve will be described more specifically hereinafter, but it is to be understood that it permits air to enter in the direction of the ?-row 260, but not to exit in the opposite direction th~erefrom.
A similar one-way valve 266 having downward or perpendicular projections 268 thereon is mounted over the hole 240 in the plate 234, by means of projections 268 extending through the enlargement or holes 246 at the end of the slot 244 adjacent the hole 240, the one-way valve then being twisted in a counterclockwise position to lock in place. It will be understood that the projections 268 have enlarged outer ends which pass through the holes 246, and then lock behind the plate 234 to hold the one-way valve in place. The one-way valve 266 permits air and medication to pass into the mask 38k in the direction indicated by the arrow 270.
As will be seen particularly in Fig. 23 the aerosolization chamber 48k has wing-like flanges 272 that extend in a common plane, but in opposite directions therefrom, to align in contact with the mounting plate 234, being shaped to fit within the flange 248 about the periphery of the plate 234. The exhalation valves 46k are similar to the valves 262 and 266 previously discussed, permitting exhalation of air from the mask, but not permitting entrance of air into the mask upon inhalation. These one-way valves, to be disclosed in detail hereinafter, are provided with extensions or projections which pass through arcuate slots in the flanges 272, and then through the arcuate slots 244, including the enlarged holes 246, in the plate 234, whereby the valves serve not only as one-way exhalation valves, but also as fastening members to secure the flanges 272 and the aerosolization chamber 48k in place on the plate 234.
The aerosolization chamber 48k will best be understood with reference to Fig. 26, along with Figs. 23 and 24. The portion of the aerolization chamber receiving the spray 66 will be seen to be 2 ~
o. generally U-shaped outline, providing a cavity 27q into which the spray 274 expands. The wings will be seen to have four pegs 276 extending rearwardly perpendicularly from the wings 272, and respectively received in holes 278 (Fig. 25) in the mounting plate 234. The apertures 280 in the wings 272 which overlie the apertures 242 in the mounting plate 234 in alignment therewith are seen in Fig. 26, along with the arcuate locking slots 282 with the entering end enlargements 284. Similarly, the aperture 286 receiving the inhalation valve 262 is shown in Fig. 26, along with the arcuate locking slots 288 within enlarged entering end 290.
Triangular walls 292 depending from the side walls of the aerosoli~ation chamber 48k below the bottom wall 258 thereof will be seen to abut the wall 230 at the top of the hand grip 232, defining with this wall a mouth 294 through which air (as indicated by the arrow 260 in Fig. 24) enters to pass through the inhalation valve 262.
The upper wall 252 is provided with a depending wall 296 on either side thereof which is substantially ~-shaped in cross section. A wall 296 has extending triangular sections with terminating edges 300 which lie against the upper to forward portion of the mask for best support of the upper portion 302 which holds the MDI canister 62. A transverse bracing wall 304 may also be provided. Many parts of the aerolization chamber 48k will readily be understood as being formed integrally, with other parts such as the raised portion 302 being preferably formed separately and secured to the remainder thereof by any known technique, such as solvent or sonic welding.
A variation is shown in Fig. 27 and 28, in which a plate 306 is secured to the mounting plate 234, previously disclosed. This 2 ~ 8 ~ ~ 6 ~
I te 30fi is se~ured by means ~f exhalation valves 46k aspreviously discussed in connection with the structure for mounting the aerosolization chamber 48k. ~ather than the provision of the one-way inhalation valve 266, there i.s provided a mounting disk 308 secured in the same way to the mounting plate 234 in alignment with the inhalation aperture 240 by means of extending pins having enlargements on the ends thereof, and extending through the mounting slots 244. The mounting disk 308 has a plastic integral tube 310 extendi~g perpendic~]aL- to ~he p]ate 306. This tube 310 i9 of proper diameter to accept a çonventional corrugated hose for a small volume nebllli...el, or ~nlJlt.rasonic nebulizer, or for ovygen supply. It will be understoo~l that in accordance with the principles of the present in~len~ion an aerolization chamber could be provided in combination with a nebulizer or oxygen supply system. As will readily be understood the one-way exhalation valves 46k secure the plate 306 to the mounting plate 234 generally as previously described.
~ furtherrnodification of the invention is shown in Fig. 29 in which the plate 306 again is provided with the one-way exhalation valves 46k, which again mount the plate 306 on the mounting plate 234. A distinction is that a ring 312 mounts on the plate 306 in the same manner as the rnoun~ ? ,lisl .~ in the embocliment of Fig.
27 and 28, this ring being spanned by a rubber or plastic membrane 314 havinq a gen~lally oval O~ penillcJ 316 therrin for receipt of the exit portion of a metered dose dry powder inhaler.
F.ig. 30 is generallv .sinlilal ~o ~ig. 28, and the same numerals are used for identifying parts. The distinction resides in the provision of an o.~yger) diluter nn~l.omprising a corrugated hose or tubing 318 having a diluter unit 32~ at the outer end thereof 1 ~ing an axial oxygen receiving ~onnector 322 at the 2u~r~en~
thereof, and having a lateral window 324 for receiving ambient air.
Conventional means i.s providerl F~)r cletermining the degree of opening or closure of the window 324 to admi.t diluting air into the oxygen supply through the cnnnettor 322.
A further modification of the invention is shown in Fig. 31 which superEicially resemb]es ~ . 23. However, in this instance the upper portion 302 is omitte,1 from the chamber 461, the number in this case being modifi.ed sin~r~ thr~ chamber nn ]onger serves the purpose of aerosolization. The top wall 2561 of the chamber is a solid wall, and not aperturec1 for receipt of the noz~le or valve of an MDI canister. Similarly, the bottom wall, although not shown, is also solid or cont:inllo~ls. A 1~rlaceable filter 326 is received in an opening 328 in the side wal1 of the chamber 461 so that the horse may receive ~i.]terel1 air upr~n in11a]ation.
The structure of the one-way valve, exhalation valves 46k being chosen for illustration, i5 shown in detail in Figs. 32-34.
Fig. 32 will be seen to be quite similar to Fig. 27, but from a different angle, and on an en1arqed scale to show details of importance. Fig. 32 shows the exhalation valves as assembled on the plate 306. Fig. 33 i5 an upright view of an exhalation valve 46k, Fig. 33(a) being an assembled view of the valve, while Figs.
33(b!. (t.) anr.1 (d~ are ri.rl~d ~ ws . Fig. 34a is an-,ther assembled view o~ the valve 4f~k, bllt in inverted position. Figs.
34b, 34c, and 34d are simila1- ~n ~ h, 33c, and 34d, bu~ ~ith the parts in relatively inverte-1 pnSition.
The e~ha]atirn valve 4f~ r!l.cist~ of three parts joined together to act a~s a functinnal cf:tity. The first or base part comprises a spider .30 whi.ch intlu~.Je5 a peripheral ring or ~lange 2~8~ 7 ' relieved at two locations 334 which are 180^ apart. An annular flange 336 upstands from the inner edge of the ring 332, and a pair of locking legs 338 depend below the ring 332 and are provided with outwardly directed ~eet 340. The feet are parallel to the ring 332, and both the legs 338 and the feet 340 are of substantially the same arcuate e~tents as the gaF~s 334 in the ring 332.
~ flat ring 342 tops the arcuatP wall 336, and extends inwardly therefrom. Th~ ring 34~ i5 provi~ed ~ith a large central aperture 344 which is bridgecl by t~lo right angle backup arms, and by two nartower arms 348 which ar~ ,~. right ang]es to one ~nother, but at 45- angles to the relatively wider arms 346. All of the arms are coplaner with the ring '~^ ~inally, clepending walls 350 underlying the ring 342, and coopfl;lting with the ring 332 in the same plane thereas ~lefinP reo~gu~ar areas with arcuately elongatecl apertures 35~ extendi.ny through the ring 342.
All parts of the spider 33n as. ju.~it described are integrally molded of a suitable plastic resin.
Each exhalation valve 4fik is of three-piece construction, the spider just described being the first piece. The second piece is a flexible diaphragm 354 which preferably is made of a rubber or plastic material. The diaphragm is provided with right angularly disposed sli.ts ~5~ disposed diam-~tl-ically of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is further providecl outwarclly of the slits 356 with arcuately elongatP~] r.lots Ol h~le:; ~c~ thro~lc1h the diaphragm. As best may be seen by comparison c-f Figs. 33b and c the diaphragm lies fla~. on top of the spi-ler 33~, part:icularly the l~ppel- rina 342 thereof. The holes 35~ in the diaphragm align with the holes 352 in thP ti.ng ~,4? .lnd l-h~ ilit. ~ r!ie an-.l ale aenterPd on ~he relatively wide arms 346 of t.he s~ider. The narrower arms 348 are c tered beneath and support the fla~; 3fiO oE the diaphragm defined by the slits 356.
A third and final part of thf exllalation valve comprises a cap 362 including a horizontal, ~lat ring 364 and a dependi~g peripheral wall 366. This ~eri.~he~ all and the periphery of the spider ring 332 may be axiallv lined or knurled to facilitate gripping and twist:ina thereof. 1'~ c,~? f~lrther includes four pairs of depending studs or legs 3fi8 having outwardly directed teeth 370 with inclined 1a~el- f.~ . The -. ~ tee~h ~re disposed at 90 to one another, and ho]cl the three parts of the valve together.
The diaphracJm 354 is l~icl on t^p ~L the spider ac noted before, with the apertures 35~. therein aligned with the apertures 352 of the spider, and the ,lits 356 centfled on t,he relatively wide arms 346. The cap 362 then is positione-l over the diaphragm and spider, and pressed down. Th~ pairs. of 1 e~ h~ ~ass through diaphragm holes 358 and snap through the hc,les 352 in the spider ring 342, and snap out l~eneat,h t.his rina to halcl the three parts in assembled relation.
The e~halation va]ves are installed hy inserting the feet 340 through the enlargements, for example the enlargements 284 in the flanges 272 (Fig. 2fi~, an-.l also thl-ough the enlargements 246 of the slots 244 of the mounting plate 234 ~Fig. 25), and then twistina the v;llve9. Th~ valvesi t:}ll.l5 Ir~ sed for a.ssembling the replaceahle part.s, ~s~lch as thf~ ar.~rosolization chamber, etc. o~
Fi.gs. ?3, ~4 and 2F~ 01- tl~Q adaplin! r~la~es .~6 of Figs. 27-3Q, ancl they also serve as the necessary olle-way exhalation valves. As will he a~paren':, the diaphragm rlaps 354 are ~ree to flex outwardly away from the s~ider 33~, but cannot flex inwardly because of the relative]y Widf: a~ m.~ h ~Inder]ying the slits 356, . -2~~
2~0~fi7 and the relatively narrow ar~s ~S~ ncl~Llying the flexible flaps o~
tne diaphragm. Not. only are ~.he ~,~1..,.5 1ual purpose in permittin~
exhalation, and in holding parts together, but they are readily removable for cle~ lg tnote tha~: the horse will exhale vapor and mucus thereon) Ol for substitution of parts, such as the plate 306 for the aerosolization chamber, or for repair, such as replacement of a diaphragm.
The inhalation ~/al~Qs are simila- to the exhalation valves, but have tke position of the spider and the diaphragm reversed to permit. inward ai? ;lo~ ,r.-r,~ ail flow.
The mask as shown and clescrih.d in connection with Figs. ~3-34 is molf3Q~ f ~3 S~ F~l~'..L i '' mil~ "`-i.' ', :15 he]Pt:of(~re noted. An acrylic resin is satisfactory for most purposes, although a polycarbonate res.in is stronger and more resilient, and would be preferably for use in stable where the mask might be knocked to the ground and stepped on. The ma.sk may vary quite conside~ably in size in different models depending on the horse with which it is to be used, and for one specific illu.,~ration the distance from the front of the handle or hand grip portion 232 to the back of the seal or gaslset ~lc is 7 inches, thf? ~o~ to bottom dimension across the seal is 8 inches, and the l~teral dimension across the mounting plate ~4 is 5 inches. ~he 1 'Ihl'O! -;~al plovi.des a considerable adaptability, whereby only a few ;izes of mask should be necessary to accommoclat~ a l;a~!e numh~r .~c ~c"5"~ it}l no requirement fol- an individual size for each horse. '~h~- cleal- or transparent forward position )f the m.-.u~.k is ad~an'3a~ as the technician may watcll the horse's nostrils for cli.scharge of medication into the aerosoli~ation chamber tow;lr~ n.? o' e.~halatinn and before the start of inhalation. As heretofore noted, various other devices . ~ be applied in place of th~ ae;~snli~ation chamber due~ Q~ Q~e~7 dual use of the exhalation valves.
Various changes in sp~ci.fi~ structure will no dou~t occur to those skilled in the art, and will l-e unclerstood as forminq a part of the present invention, insofaL- a~ they fall wi.thin the spirit and the scope of the appended claims.
EQUINE MASK
Ba ~ Invention Many people sufEer breathing problems, particularly asthma, from allergic reactions. Asthma is frequently triggered by grasses, grains, and dust.
Alternatively, wet materials, particularly molds often trigger asthmatic attacks. Much work has been done to ameliorate asthmatic attacks in human beings. Metered dose inhalers (MDI) have been developed which will deliver a metered dose of medication upon depression of an outlet valve. Epinephrine was one of the first such anti-asthmatic drugs to be packaged in metered dose inhalers. However, epinephrine has undesirable side effects, and better medi-cations have been developed, such as metaproterenol, and albuterol. These have a more direct action on the bronchi and do not have nearly as many side effects.
The metered dose inhalers do not themselves produce a sufficiently aeroso-lized form of medication to be highly effective. Various efforts have been made to provide chambers between the metered dose inhalers and the users, say for example Nbwacki et al US patent 4,470,412, and Foley et al US patent 5,012,803. The aerosolizing chambers disclosed and claimed in the two fore-going patents are relatively inexpensive and highly effective in producing more efficient use of the medication.
There is another class of suEEerers of asthma that has not as yet been given adequate attention. Members of the equine family oEten suffer from asthma. For example, it is estimated that there are 10,000,000 horses in the United States. It is further estimated that 60~ of the horses are asthmatic.
This means that there are something on the Grder oE 6,000,000 asthmatic horses in the United States alone. Although prospectively one does not tend to think of horses and other animals of the equine Eamily as being su~Eerers of asthma, it would be appreciated that such animals are constantly around grasses, 2 ~ ~ ~ r gl ,s, dust, molds, etc. which are recYK~ni~ed allergens. ~he problem is par-ticularly acute with horses that have ~o perform physically, such as race horses, working farm horses, etc. Some little work has been done with nebuli-zers, but these have not been very effective. Futhermore, it is believed that there is no anti-asthrnatic medication with special efficacy in the equine family. Further, it is believed that it will be many years before any such specific anti-asthmatic medication is developed. However, we have found that human type anti-asthmatic medications are effective with horses and the like.
The problem is to deliver anti-asthmatic medication to equine animals. It is true that horses can be taught some tricks, and certain working activities, but there is no evidence to indicate that a horse can be told when to inhale, and when to hold its breath, etc.
Objects_and Summary of the Present Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a delivery system for suppling asthmatic medication to members of the equine family.
~ lore particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an equine mask cooperable with a modular medication inhaler as disclosed and claimed in the aforesaid Foley et al US patent 5,012,803 for supplying anti-asthmatic medication to equine animals.
Further objects include the provision of a mask which is readily attached over the nostrils and mouth of an equine animal, which mask has provision for causing the animal to gasp, and thereby draw in more medication, and which mask further has a visible exhalatlon valve so that one may observe the breathing pattern of such an animal.
In carrying out the foregoing and other objects of the present invention we take advantage of the fact that horses are accustomed to having devices placed over their mouths and adjacent portions of the head, feedbags being common examples. We provide a mask covering the nostrils and mouth of a horse 2 ~ r~ ~
w h is lightly sealed to the adjacent areas of the horse's head, but allowing a certain amount of air to pass under the seal along the horse's mouth, as this is comforting to the horse; Fig. 21 is a view generally similar to Fig. 6, but showing a moclification using a ne~ulijer rather than a metered dose inhaler;
and Fig. 22 is a fragmentary view showing a modification of a portion of Fig.
21. Either the mask is readily attached to the horse or other equine animal by means of attachments secured to the normal harness of the horse, or by means of a strap, such as one embodying hook and loop fasteners (Viz., VELCRO). An aerosolizing chamber as previously noted in accordance with US patent 5,012,803 is secured to the mask, preferably in a horizontal position for most effective distribution of the medication. Rubber flap exhalation valves are provided in the mask adjacent each nostril of the horse or the like, with the flaps of the exhalation valves readily visable so that the breathing pattern of the horse can be observed. The aerosolizing chamber is connected to the mask by a bypass passageway which enables the owner or veterinarian to control to some extent the inhalation of the horse or the like, thereby producing gasping to clear the airways, and to pull in the medication.
A knob cancby also is provided on the mask which is readily grasped by the hand of an owner or veterinarian in order properly to position the mask rela-tive to the nostrils and the mouth of the animal.
The_Drawin~s The present invention will best be understood from the following specifi-cation when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side view of the front end of a horse with the mask, etc. of the present lnvention in place;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the horse and mask of Fig. 1 on a slightly enlarged scale;
Fig. 3 is an enlar~ed side view partially in section of the metered dose r' ~ler and the aerosoli~ation chamber;
Fig. 4 is a detail oE a mc~ification oE a portion of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a detail similar to Fig. 4 of a further modification;
Fig. 6 is a view generally similar to Fig. 1 showing a perferred form of the invention;
Fig. 7 is an axial view of the gasket for fitting the mask to the horse;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view through the gasket of Fig. 7 as taken substan-tially along the line 8-~ in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a supplementary inhalation device joining the aerosolization charnber to the mask;
Fig. 9A is a perspective view oE a portion of the supplementary inhala-tion area of Fig. 9;
Fig. 9B is a perspective view of the remaining portion of the supplemen-tary inhalation device of Fig. 9;
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view of the front portion of the horse's head with a modification of the invention applied thereto;
Fig. 11 is a view generally similar to Fig. 10, but showing a modification of the invention;
Fig. 12 is another view similar to Fig. 10 showing a further modification of the invention;
Fig. 13 is a view of the mask and cooperating parts of Fig. 12 showing an air bulb for blowing up the seal of the gasket to the horse;
Fig. 14 is a view generally similar to Fig. 10 showing a modiEication of the invention applied only to the horse's nostrils, and with the mouth held shut;
Fig. 15 is a front view of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a top view fo~n of the invention shown in Fig. 15;
Fig. 17 is a view generally similar to Fig. 10 and showing another embodi-ment of the invention;
2 ~
Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view of the seal for the mask;
Fig. 19 is a modification of the embodiment of the invention ~hown in Fig. 14:
Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 20-20 in Fig. 19;
Fig. 21 is a view generally similar to Fig. 6, but showing a modification using a nebulizer rather than a metered dose inhaler;
Fig. 22 is a fragmentary view showing a modification of a portion of Fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a preferred form of the equine mask that has evolved to production status, and comprising a perspective view;
Fig. 24 is a side view of the mask shown in Fig. 23;
Fig. 25 is a view of a portion of a mask that fits over the front portion of the horse's head, not including the various fittings adaptable thereto;
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a M.D.I. (metered dose inhaler) plate for attachment to the mask;
Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an adapter plate for securement to the plate shown at the left or front portion of the mask in Fig. 25;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 25, with the plate of Fig. 27 mounted thereon;
Fig. 29 i9 a perspective view of an adapter plate generally similar to that in Fig. 27, on a smaller scale, but with a dry powder adapter plate to accept a metered dose dry powder inhaler;
Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a mask with a different adapter plate thereon, speciEically an oxygen dilutor unit;
2 ~
Fig. 31 is a view similar t~ Fig 23, but with an air filter p.~te attached to the mask;
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of an adapter plate generally similar to Fig. 27, but on a somewhat enlarged scale, and showing further details of the exhalation valves;
Fig. 33 is an exploded view of the valve just noted in connection with Fig. 32; and Fig. 34 is an exploded perspective view generally similar to Fig. 33, but with the parts inverted relative to Fig. 33.
Detailed Disclosure of the Illustrated Embodiments Preference now should be made in greater particularity to the drawings, and first to Figs. 1 and 2 wherein there is shown the front portion of a horse 32 including the head 34. A harness 36 of a conventional nature is applied over the horse's head. A mask or bag 38 is placed over the nostrils and over the mouth 40 of the horse. The mask 38 has a surrounding band 42 adjacent the upper edge thereof, and suitable links 44 are secured to this band and are recelved over a portion of the harness 36 to hold the mask in place. The band 42 is of the size to fit snuggly about the horse's head just above the mouth and nostrils, and the size may vary depending on the type of horse and the individual animal. The mask 38 may ~e molded resinous plastic rnaterial, and this may be reinforced with a cloth or webbing. The mask must be somewhat fle~ible, but it must also have sufficent rigidity to prevent colapse against the horse's nostrils upon inhalin~.
m e mask is provided with two one way exhalation valves 46. These may be ~lap Yalves for suitable external clearance to allowed outward flexing thereoE
upon exhalatlon, and backed by a spider to be closed upon inhalation. ~le valves 46 are respectively adjacent the horse's nostrils for minimurn interfer-ence with exhalation.
A medication aerosolization inhaler 4a extends forwardly from the lower -5a-front portion of the mask 3~, and communicates with the interior of th~ d~
p~ .it inhalation by the horse oE mc~ication as the horse inhales. The con-struction of this inhaler is structurally substantially, anr~ functionally iden-tical with the inhaler shown in Foley et al US patent 5,012,803. The inhaler 48 includes a cylindrical body 50 which has an open upstream, inlet or entering end 52, and a ~o~nstream or exit end r~, An inlet ~itting 56 is secured to the inlet end 52 of the cylinder 50 by means of a concentric pair of cylindrical flanges 58 fitting respectively inside and ~utside of the entering end 52 of the body 50. The inlet fittin~ 56 inclu~es a well 60 which re-~eives a m~tered dose inhaler canister 62. The fitting includes a lateral passageway 64 for conducting medication 66 from the canister into the inhaler bcdy 50. The lower end of the canister is provided with a nozzle 68 which impinges against a shelE
70. When the canister 62 is pressed down in the well 60 the nozzle 68 is rela-tively depressed and discharges a metered dose of the medication as indicated at 66.
At the outlet end 54 of the inhaler 48 there is an outlet fitting 72 which is structurally and functionally similar to the outlet fitting in the affore-said Foley et al US patent. A portion 74 of the mask 38 flares substantially conlcally outwardly from the fitting 72, and a surrounding ring 76 is provided where the flared portion 7~ joins the remainder oE the mask 38.
The cylindrical body 50 of the inhaler is molded rigid plastic material, while the inlet fitting 56 and outlet fitting 72 are also molded of a suitable plas-tic material.
A m~dification of the attachment of the mask to the inhaler is shcwn in Fig. 4, this being very similar to what is disclosed in the aforesaid Foley et al US patent. Certain other parts are the same as those here to afore dis-clo~ed, and iden~ified with similar numerals wi~h the addition of the suf~ix a.
The outlet fitting 7~ includes a cylinder extending in the downstream direc-tion, and having secured at the downstream end thereof inner and outer Elanges 80 ~nd 82, respectively, interconnected by a radial web 84. The po~ e the front end of the mask 3~ is cylin~rical rather than flared, and has an internal diameter to flt over the outside of the cylindrical portion 7~, being recessed at 86 to fit over the flange 82, whereby the mask is anchored to the inhaler.
A further modification is shown in Fig. 5. Similar parts again are iden-tified by like numerals, this time with the addition of the suffix b. In this instance there is an integral flange 82b preferably encircling the outlet end of the cylindrical wall 78b. The cylindrical portion 78b an~ 86b fits over the wall 78b and the flange 82b in the same manner as in Fig. 4.
A preferred form of the invention is shown in Figs. 6-9. The horse is identical, and portions of the invention are the same or similar to those here-tofore shown and described, and in this instance are identified by like numerals with the addition of the suffix c.
The mask 36c is provided at the lcwer portion with a "dribble-section" or "slobbering cup" 88. Horses often sputter when relaxed, and this portion serves as a collecting place for sputtered saliva.
The two exhalation ports 46c are lowered slightly from their position in Figs. l and 2, whereby the nostrils 90 o the horse are visible in Fig. 6.
A strap 92 extends from two discrete locations at the top edge of the mask 38c, pas~ing behind the horse's head immediately behind the ears 94. The strap is provided with what might be called a buckle section 96, with opposing portions having hook and loop fasteners (Viz., VELCR0).
The upper edge of the mask is provided with a rubber seal or gasket 98 for connectlng the mask to the horse. This seal or gasket is best seen in Figs. 7 and 8, and in outline comprises generally straight side edges lO0 intercon-nected at the top and bottom by arcuate portions 102. The seal includes a sub-stantially flat transverse wall 104, which has a perpherial outer Elange 106 extending at right angles from the wall 104. An inner perpherial flange 108 is parallel to the ~lange 106, and spaced inwardly therefrom a sh ~ ce, providing a gap therebetween at 110. The gap 110 receives the upper or rear edge of the mask, and the flanges 106 and 108 are adhesively or otherwise suitably secure1d to the mask on the outer and inner surfaces thereof, respectively.
The rubber seal 98 is provided with a more-or-less central opening shap~d similar to the exterior of the mask, but shifted upwardly some~hat therefrom, whereby the wall 104 has a greater radial dimension at the bottom portion of the seal than it does towards the top. The opening 112 is defined by re-entrant flanges 114, 116, and 118. The flanges, as seen in Fig. 8, form sub-stantially a z-shape in section.
Considering Figs. 7 and 8 along with Fig. 6, it will be seen that the innermost flange 118 of the re-entrant flanges presses against the horse's muzzle. The flange 118 lies across the rear portion of the mouth of the horse.
This permits air flow through the cavities on either side of the horse's mouth, and this soothes the horse as air flows past.
The entering portion of the mask 38c is substantially bell shaped at 120, and is connected to the exit en~ of the aerosolization inhalation chamber by a supplementary inhalation area or device 122. The exit end fitting 72c of the chamber 48c is essentially the same as in Figs. 4 or 5, and the supplementary inh~lation device 122 includes a cylindrical body 124 with a perpherial Elange 126 at the inlet end, the body fitting over the cylindrial portion of the exit fitting. A reinforcing portion 126 of the bell shaped entering portion of the mask 38c is ~uitably affixed to the rear end 128 of the cylinder 124, by adhe-sive or by other suitable means. The reinEoecing portion 126 also supports a knob 130 extending below the supplementary inhalation device 122 to permit manual grasping thereof, and positioning of the horse's head. The bedy is pro-vided at an axially midway position with an arcuate slot 132 of approximately 180 degrees, or possibly less.
2 ~ ~ ~.3 A ~mi-cylindrical closure or cover m~noer 1~4 extends from end to end o the body 124 and encircles the body over somewhat greater than 180 degrees, whereby to be retained on the body. The cover or closure member 134 i5 arcuately movable about the body to uncover substantially all oE the slot 132, to totally close the slot 132, or to have it partially open.
The inlet fitting 56c in this instance is similar to that in the affore-said Foley et al ~S patent, and a substantially L-shaped adapter 36 receives the metered dose inhaler cartridge 62 for intro~uction of misted me-~ication into the aerosolization inhaler.
When it is desired to introduce asthmatic medication into the horse's respiratory system, the owner or a veterinarian will watch the ~lap valves in the exhalation ports to note the horse's breathing pattern with the slot 132 open wide. Shortly after the completion of an exhalation the cwner or veteri-narian depresses the metered dose inhaler cartridge 62 to introduce a mist of medication into aerosolization chamber 46c. The cover or closure member 134 then is rotated to close the slot 132. This makes breathing somewhat difficult for the horse, and the horse inhales with a gasp, thus inhaling the now aeroso-lized medication. Breathing resistance tends to open up the horse's airways allcwing for a more efective use oE the m~dication.
As heretofore shcwn and described the medication aerosolization inhaler 48 is preerably used in a horiæontal position, as this produces the best aeroso-lization and use of the medication. The specific form of the invention as shown in Figs. 6-9 has proven by test to be the preEerred fo~m. It will be noted that the flt o the 1anges on the horse's muzzle ls with the rubber seal reversed from the position oE the Fig. 8, whereby the taper o~ the flange 118 adapts well to the shape o the horse's nozzle. Additional embcdiments of the invention that have been considered and/or tried are shown in the ensuing Figs.
10-20.
An earlier orm o the invention is shown in Fig. 10 which is generally _g_ si~lar to that shcwn in Fig. 1, ~t seq. ~ost oE the parts are identioal, and are identified with the same numerals. Where there are changes, like numerals are utilized with the addition of the suffix d. The mask 38d is secured on the horse in similar fashion, but with a strap 138 running from a slot 140 adjacent to the upper edge of the mask, the strap also being looped over a metal o-ring 142 forming a part of the harness 36. It will be understocd that there is a plurality of such loops and rings. In addition, the exhalation ports 46d will be seen as positioned somewhat above the horse~s nostrils 90. Although this position worked, the lawer position shcwn in Fig. 6 is more effective in direct porting of the exhale~ breath of the horse.
Another early embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 11. Again like numerals are used for identifing similar parts, this time with the addition o the suffix e. Destinctions reside in the provision of but a single exhalation port 48e at the front central portion oE the mask 38e. Another distinction is that the aerosoli~ation chamber 48e is actually built onto the top portion of the mask, and has a curved deflecting wall 144 therein for deflecting the medi-cation 66e into the mask adjacent the horse's nostrils. The exit or valve member G8e is provided with a bend therein so that the initial discharge is axial of the aerosolization chamber 48e, which lies parallel to the upper front portion of the mask 38e. A further change is that an anchor 146 is provided on each side of the mask with a strap 138e thereon extending through the 0-ring 1~2 on each side. The strap preferably is provided with a latching or buckle area 148 having opposed hook and loop fasteners (Viz., VELC~0). As in the embcdiment of the Figs. 1 and 2 and also Fig. 10, there is a band 150 encircl-ing the upper portion of the mask to hold it in engagement with the Erontal portion of the horse's head.
A further embodiment o the invention is shown in the Figs. 12 and 13.
Generally, parts are similar to those heretoEore disclosed, and similar parts are identified by the same or like numerals with the addition of the sufEix f.
2 ~ ?
In this form of the invention there is a rather large central ~orward reinEorc-ii area 120f secured to the mask, and which receives the aerosolization chamber, the same as in Figs. 1-3, and similar to Fig. 6. There is a sin~le exhalation port 46f on this reinforcing portion, alined with the chamber 48 and somewhat above the nostrils 90.
The most significant distinction in this instance is that the mask is secured by clamping to the horse's head by a strap 150f, which specifically is a pneumatic tube. The tube initially is not inflated, and the mask is placed over the nostrils and mouth of the horse. An inlet valve 152 is provided for the pneumatic tube 158. An inflater 154 comprises a tube 156 with a threaded end 158 for threading into the inlet 152, and a pneumatic rubber bulb 160 at the other end, with a valve including a scre~ 162. The pneumatic tube is inflated to grip against the horse's muzzle, and a cover strip 164 covers the inlet valve 152, and is secured in place by hook and loop fasteners 166.
A somewhat difEerent form of the invention is shown in Figs. 14-16. The numerals used for various portions o the horse and harness remain identical with those previously used. Insofar as portions of the mask are similar to those heretofore used, similar numerals are used with the addition of the suffix 9. The form of the invention in Figs. 14-16 is som~hat skeletonized compared with previous embodiments. Mask 389 includes a hollow body 168 with a tubular entrance end 170 extending thereinto. The cylin~rical body 48g of the aeeosolization chamber 509 plugs directly into the tubular entrance 170 of the hollow bcdy 168. The single exhalation port 469 is mounted on the top or frontal portion of the hollow body. Hollow side branclles 172 extend from the body to the viCinity of the horse's nostrils 90, and substantially cylindrical cups 174 extend thereErom to overlie the nostrils 90, thus establishing commu-nication between aerosolizing chamber 509 and the horse's nostrils. Exhalation is through the cups 174 and the hollcw body 168 to the exhalation port 469. It will be noted that adjacent the inlet end of the body 489 there is a tapered 2~a ,~7 section 176 having a plurality oE hol~s therein for permitting the horse to breath when no mer~ication is being supplied, and for admitting air to carry the aerosolized medication to the horse's nostrils~ In prior forms o~ the invention no specific mention was made o~ air entrance although the structure in Fig. 11 is substantially the same as in Figs. 14 and 15. In other figures theee is simply clearance space around the canister 62, as in well known aero-solization chambers for humans, for example, that shown in the earlier men-tioned Foley et al US patent 5,012,803.
The body is provided with underlyinq extensions 180 having slots therein for receipt of a strap 182 passing beneath the horse's lower jaw. In addition, there are upward extensions 184 having slots therein for receipt oE straps 186 passing over a portion of the harness ~6. Further, there are slots 188 adja-cent the front of the body for receipt of a connecting strap 190 lying across the ront of the horse's muzzle.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 17 and la many of the parts are similar to those previously shown and described, an~ are identified by like numerals with the addition o the suEfix h. A distinction resides in the fact that the mask is made of two pieces, a main body 192 which fits fairly loosely around the horse, and a retaining section 194 suitably secure~ thereto as by an adhe-sive. The retaining section 194 is resilient and is provided with a tubular inner edge which fits closely against the horse. Strap 186h is mechanically or adhesively secured at ~98 to the mask, and passes over a portion of the harness 36.
~Ey. r The 4ira~ embodiment illustrated is that shown in Figs. 19 and 20. Cer-tain parts are similar to those heretoEore shown an~ described, and are identi-fied by like nurnerals with the additîon of the su~ix i. In this instance the mask 36i is provided with an extension 200 which houses the aerosolization chamber 48i. It opens directly into the mask, which is spaced scmewhat above the muzzle of the horse, and in the vicinity o~ the nostrils 90. A single 2 ~ J ~ 1 exh~lation valve 46i is provided. An extension 202 on the rear or l~er portion of the mask has a fixe~ anchor 20~ thereon, and a strap 206 ~tends beneath the horse's jaw and to a similar anchGr on the opposite side.
Another ixed anchor 208 is provided on the lower rear portion oE the mask, and a strap 210 extends therefrr~n to a like anchor on the opposite side.
The two straps 206 and 210 hold the mask over the horse's nostrils. Horses are known to be nose or nostril breathers, and hence the coverage oE the mouth is not essential.
A fur~her embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 21 in which a nebulizer is used rather than a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Many of the parts are identical with those heretoEore disclosed and are identified by the same numerals. Similar parts are identifie~ by similar nurnerals with addition of the suffix i.
The mask 38j is functionally the same as the mask 3~c in Fig. 6, and structurally similar thereto. The knob 130j has been moved to the slobbering cup area 88; where is sornewhat more accessible. The exhalation parts or one-~ay exhalation valve 46j are drawn samewhat differently to shcw the rubber flap valve 212.
The important distination is that a corrugated aerosol tube or hose 214 is connected to the front center oE the mask 38j adjacent the horse's nostrils.
The inlet or upstrearn end of the tuhe or hose 214 is connected to and ~upplied from a nebulizer 216 which in turn is supplied throu~h a tube 218 with air Eran an air compressor 220. A few cc oE saline solution are placed manually in the nebulizer 216.
Different types of nebulizers are kncwn, an~ the nebulizer rnay be any suitable kncwn or conventional type oE nebulizer. Indeed, as shown in Fig. 22 an ultrasonic nebulizer 222 may be substituted for the nebulizer 216, the tube 218, an~ the air cornpressor 220. The ultrasonic nebulizer 222 is directly connected to the corru~ated tube 214.
Some veternarians and/or cwners are more familiar with aeroso~
(~ ferably saline) vapor than wth aerosolized asthmatic medicaton from an MDI.
Either aeroslized asthmatic medication or aerosolize~ (saline) water vapor can be consideeed to be a breathing enhancement vapor, and either can provide a measure of asthmatic relief.
Although certain materials have been suggeste~ for construction of the equine mask, the perferred construction material is a molded acrylic resin. It is substantially rigid, but with a certain flexibility. Further, it is quite strong. This i9 helpful, in that it is quite possi- ble that the mask could be dropped and stepped on by the horse, and it is desirable that is should not be destroyed by such an accident.
It will be appreciated that stan~ardbred horses and thoroughbred horses, and other breeds tend to be of different sizes, and even individual specimens within a given breed may differ significantly in size. ~ence, the mask may have to differ somewhat in size or relative dimensions depending on the horse on which it is to be used. Further, it should be borne in mind that a separate mask should be used for each horse to avoid dangers of cross contamination.
Preferably, the entrance area to the mask should be bell shaped, and there should be a "dribble-section" or "slobbering-cup" formed as a part of the bottom of the mask as heretofore noted. Generally speaking, the anti-asthmatic medication can be a beta agonist. Specific forms of anti-asthmatic drugs have been noted heretofore, and it also be note~ the corticosteroids are useful in combating a~thmatic attacks.
It has been noted that there should not be an air tight seal. The cavi-ties on either side of the horse's mouth soothes the horse as air flows past.
With the specific reference to the preferred form of the invention in Figs.
6-9, the silicone seal was found to work better with the innermost lip or fold 118 pointin~ in toward the interior of the mask, i.e. tcward the end of the horse's muzzle. The mask should create come resistance to breathing for the 2 ~
horse, as this tends to open the airways, allowing for a more ef~ective use o~
t, _ medication.
Reference has been made to one-way flap valves for the exhalation port.
These are not shown in detail, since they are well known, see for example the flap valves in the US patent to Nowacki et al 4,470,412 and to Foley et al 5,012,803.
Dead space within the mask is not a major factor, because of the size of the tidal volume oE a horse, typically between 3 and 7 liters. A horse's inha-lation flow rate is generally between 5 and 10 liters per seoond. It is pre-ferred to have the aerosolization chamber in a horizontal position, an~ to have it as low as possible, since the horse will have a tendency to raise its head.
Generally speaking, the horse will move its head in a vertical plane, rather than in a horlzontal plane. Two breaths of the horse should be allowed between pufes of medication, and the overall time for administering the anti-asthmatic medication is estimated to be in the order of 5 to 10 minutes. It will be apparent that care must be taken in applying the mask so that it does not in any way obstruct the nostrils of the horse. As is known among horse people, it is best to approach a horse from the left side.
It tlas been noted above that the mask may have to differ in size from one horse to another, and dimensions that have measured by way of example include 5 to 6 inches across the sealing area, with the circumference of this sealing area running from 20 to 23 inches.
The supplying of anti-asthmatic medication to horses is applicable to all types. It will improve the performance of sports horses, such as race horses and jUmperQ~ but lt wlll also improve the performance of working type horses.
The embodiments oE the lnvention as herein shown and described will be under-stood as being exemplary.
2~ 3 A preferred form of the equine mask has now evolved that is prepared for commercial manufacture. Such mask is shown in Figs.
23 et seq. The mask is molded of a superior modern plastic. An acrylic plastic is satisfactory for most purposes, and is reasonably inexpensive. However, where hard use is expected such as where the mask might be in a stable or the like where it could be dropped and stepped on by a horse polycarbonate plastic is preferred. In any event, the mask is generally rigid, but is somewhat bendable. In the case of a mask molded of polycarbonate plastic, the plastic will withstand rather considerable deformation without significant damage. The forward part of the mask is clear plastic so that the horse's nostrils, lips, and adjacent parts can be observed by a person administrating medication. The rear portion is cloudy as vision therethrough is not necessary, and helps to focus the attention of the administrating person on the important area of the horse's head. Furthermore, scratches and other marks show less on the cloudy portion. The equine mask now to be described in detail is more durable, repairable, versatile and cleanable.
Turning first to Figs. 23-25, similar parts are again identified by like numerals, this time with the addition of the suffix k. The mask 38k has a gasket 98k at the upper or rear portion thereof. The front portion of the mask is clear at 22~ so that the horse's nostrils, and preferably also his lips, may be observed while the horse is breathing. The rear portion is cloudy aq indicated at 226. The precise areas can vary substantially from those shown in the drawings, and there need not be a definite line of demarcation, although one is indicated in the drawings. There can simply be a fading from the clear portion into the cloudy 2 ~
tion. An integral harness anchoring bar 228 is spaced out fromthe surface of the mask on either side thereof and generally proximate to the gasket 98k for receiving a portion of the harness 36k for anchoring the mask on the horse's head. The gasket 98k is preferably of the zig-zag rubber type as previously shown and described in Figs. 6-8 for forming a seal to the horse's head, which both seals and is comfortable to the horse. Alternatively, the gasket or seal could be of the pneumatic type as shown in Fig.
13. The important thing is that the gasket or seal seals the mask to the horse's head so that there is no leakage to or from the mask. This is important from a medical standpoint, and is also important from an equine behavioral standpoint. Horses are very sensitive to air movement over and along their heads, and a horse could be easily "spooked" by unwanted air movement along the head.
At the lower and frontal portion of the mask there is provided a hand grip 130k of hollow box-like formation, having elongated grooves 128 therein extending substantially longitudinally of the hand grip. These grooves afford better gripping for an attendant's hand, and also provide some rigidification if it is assumed that the hand grip 130k is hollow. It is not imperative that the hand grip be hollow, but from a weight standpoint it is preferably so.
The hand grip is provided along its upper edge with a flange or wall 230 extending outwardly in both directions from the box-like hand g~ip 228. The hand grip itself lies substantially on a median vertical plane of the mask. The lower front portion 132 of the hand grip is preferably rounded for safe gripping by the trainer or other attendant.
The upper portion of the mask is provided with a planar plate 234 of substantially square configuration, but with rounded upper _17-2 ~
c ners 236, and with a lower tab or tongue portion 238 extendingdown to the flange or wall 230. The plate 234 is formed integrally with the remainder of the mask, and is provided near the upper portion thereof in horizontally aligned array with a central aperture 240, and two side apertures 242. These apertures are circular in outline, and each is provided outwardly of its perimeter with a pair of arcuate slots 244 having enlarged holes 246 at the lead ends thereof. The entire plate 234 is surrounded by a perpherial, shallow upstanding flange 248.
An aerolization chamber 48k is in substantially vertical position when a mask is worn on the front portion of the horse's head. A well 60k is disposed above the aerolization chamber 48k and opens upwardly through a shaped opening 50 in the top wall 252 abové the aerosolization chamber. The entire wall 252 as well as the aerosolization chamber is formed of a resilient plastic, and the shaping of the aperture or opening 250 allows inwardly projecting portions thereof to grip a metered dose inhaler (MDI) 62 with a nozzle 68 thereof extending through an opening 254 in a support member 256 to allow the discharge spray 66 from the cartridge 62 to expand and aerosolize within the chamber 48k.
The bottom wall 258 of the chamber 481c is spaced somewhat above the wall 200 at the top of the hand gripping piece 130k to permit air, as indicated by the arrow 260, to pass between the wall~ 230 and 258 through a one-way valve 262. The valve has downward projections 264 passing through slots similar to the slots 244 previously mentioned to hold the valve in mounted position over an opening in the bottom wall 258. The structure of the one-way valve will be described more specifically hereinafter, but it is to be understood that it permits air to enter in the direction of the ?-row 260, but not to exit in the opposite direction th~erefrom.
A similar one-way valve 266 having downward or perpendicular projections 268 thereon is mounted over the hole 240 in the plate 234, by means of projections 268 extending through the enlargement or holes 246 at the end of the slot 244 adjacent the hole 240, the one-way valve then being twisted in a counterclockwise position to lock in place. It will be understood that the projections 268 have enlarged outer ends which pass through the holes 246, and then lock behind the plate 234 to hold the one-way valve in place. The one-way valve 266 permits air and medication to pass into the mask 38k in the direction indicated by the arrow 270.
As will be seen particularly in Fig. 23 the aerosolization chamber 48k has wing-like flanges 272 that extend in a common plane, but in opposite directions therefrom, to align in contact with the mounting plate 234, being shaped to fit within the flange 248 about the periphery of the plate 234. The exhalation valves 46k are similar to the valves 262 and 266 previously discussed, permitting exhalation of air from the mask, but not permitting entrance of air into the mask upon inhalation. These one-way valves, to be disclosed in detail hereinafter, are provided with extensions or projections which pass through arcuate slots in the flanges 272, and then through the arcuate slots 244, including the enlarged holes 246, in the plate 234, whereby the valves serve not only as one-way exhalation valves, but also as fastening members to secure the flanges 272 and the aerosolization chamber 48k in place on the plate 234.
The aerosolization chamber 48k will best be understood with reference to Fig. 26, along with Figs. 23 and 24. The portion of the aerolization chamber receiving the spray 66 will be seen to be 2 ~
o. generally U-shaped outline, providing a cavity 27q into which the spray 274 expands. The wings will be seen to have four pegs 276 extending rearwardly perpendicularly from the wings 272, and respectively received in holes 278 (Fig. 25) in the mounting plate 234. The apertures 280 in the wings 272 which overlie the apertures 242 in the mounting plate 234 in alignment therewith are seen in Fig. 26, along with the arcuate locking slots 282 with the entering end enlargements 284. Similarly, the aperture 286 receiving the inhalation valve 262 is shown in Fig. 26, along with the arcuate locking slots 288 within enlarged entering end 290.
Triangular walls 292 depending from the side walls of the aerosoli~ation chamber 48k below the bottom wall 258 thereof will be seen to abut the wall 230 at the top of the hand grip 232, defining with this wall a mouth 294 through which air (as indicated by the arrow 260 in Fig. 24) enters to pass through the inhalation valve 262.
The upper wall 252 is provided with a depending wall 296 on either side thereof which is substantially ~-shaped in cross section. A wall 296 has extending triangular sections with terminating edges 300 which lie against the upper to forward portion of the mask for best support of the upper portion 302 which holds the MDI canister 62. A transverse bracing wall 304 may also be provided. Many parts of the aerolization chamber 48k will readily be understood as being formed integrally, with other parts such as the raised portion 302 being preferably formed separately and secured to the remainder thereof by any known technique, such as solvent or sonic welding.
A variation is shown in Fig. 27 and 28, in which a plate 306 is secured to the mounting plate 234, previously disclosed. This 2 ~ 8 ~ ~ 6 ~
I te 30fi is se~ured by means ~f exhalation valves 46k aspreviously discussed in connection with the structure for mounting the aerosolization chamber 48k. ~ather than the provision of the one-way inhalation valve 266, there i.s provided a mounting disk 308 secured in the same way to the mounting plate 234 in alignment with the inhalation aperture 240 by means of extending pins having enlargements on the ends thereof, and extending through the mounting slots 244. The mounting disk 308 has a plastic integral tube 310 extendi~g perpendic~]aL- to ~he p]ate 306. This tube 310 i9 of proper diameter to accept a çonventional corrugated hose for a small volume nebllli...el, or ~nlJlt.rasonic nebulizer, or for ovygen supply. It will be understoo~l that in accordance with the principles of the present in~len~ion an aerolization chamber could be provided in combination with a nebulizer or oxygen supply system. As will readily be understood the one-way exhalation valves 46k secure the plate 306 to the mounting plate 234 generally as previously described.
~ furtherrnodification of the invention is shown in Fig. 29 in which the plate 306 again is provided with the one-way exhalation valves 46k, which again mount the plate 306 on the mounting plate 234. A distinction is that a ring 312 mounts on the plate 306 in the same manner as the rnoun~ ? ,lisl .~ in the embocliment of Fig.
27 and 28, this ring being spanned by a rubber or plastic membrane 314 havinq a gen~lally oval O~ penillcJ 316 therrin for receipt of the exit portion of a metered dose dry powder inhaler.
F.ig. 30 is generallv .sinlilal ~o ~ig. 28, and the same numerals are used for identifying parts. The distinction resides in the provision of an o.~yger) diluter nn~l.omprising a corrugated hose or tubing 318 having a diluter unit 32~ at the outer end thereof 1 ~ing an axial oxygen receiving ~onnector 322 at the 2u~r~en~
thereof, and having a lateral window 324 for receiving ambient air.
Conventional means i.s providerl F~)r cletermining the degree of opening or closure of the window 324 to admi.t diluting air into the oxygen supply through the cnnnettor 322.
A further modification of the invention is shown in Fig. 31 which superEicially resemb]es ~ . 23. However, in this instance the upper portion 302 is omitte,1 from the chamber 461, the number in this case being modifi.ed sin~r~ thr~ chamber nn ]onger serves the purpose of aerosolization. The top wall 2561 of the chamber is a solid wall, and not aperturec1 for receipt of the noz~le or valve of an MDI canister. Similarly, the bottom wall, although not shown, is also solid or cont:inllo~ls. A 1~rlaceable filter 326 is received in an opening 328 in the side wal1 of the chamber 461 so that the horse may receive ~i.]terel1 air upr~n in11a]ation.
The structure of the one-way valve, exhalation valves 46k being chosen for illustration, i5 shown in detail in Figs. 32-34.
Fig. 32 will be seen to be quite similar to Fig. 27, but from a different angle, and on an en1arqed scale to show details of importance. Fig. 32 shows the exhalation valves as assembled on the plate 306. Fig. 33 i5 an upright view of an exhalation valve 46k, Fig. 33(a) being an assembled view of the valve, while Figs.
33(b!. (t.) anr.1 (d~ are ri.rl~d ~ ws . Fig. 34a is an-,ther assembled view o~ the valve 4f~k, bllt in inverted position. Figs.
34b, 34c, and 34d are simila1- ~n ~ h, 33c, and 34d, bu~ ~ith the parts in relatively inverte-1 pnSition.
The e~ha]atirn valve 4f~ r!l.cist~ of three parts joined together to act a~s a functinnal cf:tity. The first or base part comprises a spider .30 whi.ch intlu~.Je5 a peripheral ring or ~lange 2~8~ 7 ' relieved at two locations 334 which are 180^ apart. An annular flange 336 upstands from the inner edge of the ring 332, and a pair of locking legs 338 depend below the ring 332 and are provided with outwardly directed ~eet 340. The feet are parallel to the ring 332, and both the legs 338 and the feet 340 are of substantially the same arcuate e~tents as the gaF~s 334 in the ring 332.
~ flat ring 342 tops the arcuatP wall 336, and extends inwardly therefrom. Th~ ring 34~ i5 provi~ed ~ith a large central aperture 344 which is bridgecl by t~lo right angle backup arms, and by two nartower arms 348 which ar~ ,~. right ang]es to one ~nother, but at 45- angles to the relatively wider arms 346. All of the arms are coplaner with the ring '~^ ~inally, clepending walls 350 underlying the ring 342, and coopfl;lting with the ring 332 in the same plane thereas ~lefinP reo~gu~ar areas with arcuately elongatecl apertures 35~ extendi.ny through the ring 342.
All parts of the spider 33n as. ju.~it described are integrally molded of a suitable plastic resin.
Each exhalation valve 4fik is of three-piece construction, the spider just described being the first piece. The second piece is a flexible diaphragm 354 which preferably is made of a rubber or plastic material. The diaphragm is provided with right angularly disposed sli.ts ~5~ disposed diam-~tl-ically of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is further providecl outwarclly of the slits 356 with arcuately elongatP~] r.lots Ol h~le:; ~c~ thro~lc1h the diaphragm. As best may be seen by comparison c-f Figs. 33b and c the diaphragm lies fla~. on top of the spi-ler 33~, part:icularly the l~ppel- rina 342 thereof. The holes 35~ in the diaphragm align with the holes 352 in thP ti.ng ~,4? .lnd l-h~ ilit. ~ r!ie an-.l ale aenterPd on ~he relatively wide arms 346 of t.he s~ider. The narrower arms 348 are c tered beneath and support the fla~; 3fiO oE the diaphragm defined by the slits 356.
A third and final part of thf exllalation valve comprises a cap 362 including a horizontal, ~lat ring 364 and a dependi~g peripheral wall 366. This ~eri.~he~ all and the periphery of the spider ring 332 may be axiallv lined or knurled to facilitate gripping and twist:ina thereof. 1'~ c,~? f~lrther includes four pairs of depending studs or legs 3fi8 having outwardly directed teeth 370 with inclined 1a~el- f.~ . The -. ~ tee~h ~re disposed at 90 to one another, and ho]cl the three parts of the valve together.
The diaphracJm 354 is l~icl on t^p ~L the spider ac noted before, with the apertures 35~. therein aligned with the apertures 352 of the spider, and the ,lits 356 centfled on t,he relatively wide arms 346. The cap 362 then is positione-l over the diaphragm and spider, and pressed down. Th~ pairs. of 1 e~ h~ ~ass through diaphragm holes 358 and snap through the hc,les 352 in the spider ring 342, and snap out l~eneat,h t.his rina to halcl the three parts in assembled relation.
The e~halation va]ves are installed hy inserting the feet 340 through the enlargements, for example the enlargements 284 in the flanges 272 (Fig. 2fi~, an-.l also thl-ough the enlargements 246 of the slots 244 of the mounting plate 234 ~Fig. 25), and then twistina the v;llve9. Th~ valvesi t:}ll.l5 Ir~ sed for a.ssembling the replaceahle part.s, ~s~lch as thf~ ar.~rosolization chamber, etc. o~
Fi.gs. ?3, ~4 and 2F~ 01- tl~Q adaplin! r~la~es .~6 of Figs. 27-3Q, ancl they also serve as the necessary olle-way exhalation valves. As will he a~paren':, the diaphragm rlaps 354 are ~ree to flex outwardly away from the s~ider 33~, but cannot flex inwardly because of the relative]y Widf: a~ m.~ h ~Inder]ying the slits 356, . -2~~
2~0~fi7 and the relatively narrow ar~s ~S~ ncl~Llying the flexible flaps o~
tne diaphragm. Not. only are ~.he ~,~1..,.5 1ual purpose in permittin~
exhalation, and in holding parts together, but they are readily removable for cle~ lg tnote tha~: the horse will exhale vapor and mucus thereon) Ol for substitution of parts, such as the plate 306 for the aerosolization chamber, or for repair, such as replacement of a diaphragm.
The inhalation ~/al~Qs are simila- to the exhalation valves, but have tke position of the spider and the diaphragm reversed to permit. inward ai? ;lo~ ,r.-r,~ ail flow.
The mask as shown and clescrih.d in connection with Figs. ~3-34 is molf3Q~ f ~3 S~ F~l~'..L i '' mil~ "`-i.' ', :15 he]Pt:of(~re noted. An acrylic resin is satisfactory for most purposes, although a polycarbonate res.in is stronger and more resilient, and would be preferably for use in stable where the mask might be knocked to the ground and stepped on. The ma.sk may vary quite conside~ably in size in different models depending on the horse with which it is to be used, and for one specific illu.,~ration the distance from the front of the handle or hand grip portion 232 to the back of the seal or gaslset ~lc is 7 inches, thf? ~o~ to bottom dimension across the seal is 8 inches, and the l~teral dimension across the mounting plate ~4 is 5 inches. ~he 1 'Ihl'O! -;~al plovi.des a considerable adaptability, whereby only a few ;izes of mask should be necessary to accommoclat~ a l;a~!e numh~r .~c ~c"5"~ it}l no requirement fol- an individual size for each horse. '~h~- cleal- or transparent forward position )f the m.-.u~.k is ad~an'3a~ as the technician may watcll the horse's nostrils for cli.scharge of medication into the aerosoli~ation chamber tow;lr~ n.? o' e.~halatinn and before the start of inhalation. As heretofore noted, various other devices . ~ be applied in place of th~ ae;~snli~ation chamber due~ Q~ Q~e~7 dual use of the exhalation valves.
Various changes in sp~ci.fi~ structure will no dou~t occur to those skilled in the art, and will l-e unclerstood as forminq a part of the present invention, insofaL- a~ they fall wi.thin the spirit and the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (5)
1. A mask for medication inhalation by an animal comprising a body for dis-tribution of medication and adapted to overlie the nostrils of an annual and having an interior for conducting medication to the nostrils of such animal, exhalation port means on said body communicating with said interior and with the outside air, said exhalation port means including one-way valve means permitting the passage of exhaled air from said body interior to outside air and preventing passage of outside air to said interior, means on said body for receiving aerosolizing chamber, and an aerosolizing chamber mounted to said receiving means and in fluid communication with said body interior, said chamber having an inlet end adapted for receipt of medication and an outlet end at said receiving means connected to said body for securing said body on an animal with said interior overlying the nostrils of said animal.
2. A mask for medication inhalation by an animal comprising a body for dis-tribution of medication and adapted to overlie the nostrils of an animal and having an interior for conducting medication to the nostrils of such animal, exhalation port means on said body communicating with said interior and with the outside air, said exhalation port means including one-way valve means permitting passage of exhaled air from said body interior to outside air and preventing passage of outside air to said interior, and means on said body opening to the interior thereof for receiving aerosolized medication to be inhaled by such animal.
3 . A mask for inhalation by an animal comprising a body for distribution of breathing enhancement vapor and adapted to overlie the nostrils of an animal and having an interior for conducting medication to the nostrils of such animal, exhalation port means on said body communicating with said interior and with the outside air, said exhalation port means including one-way valve means permitting passage of exhaled air from said body interior to outside air and preventing passage of outside air to said interior, and means on said body opening to the interior thereof for receiving aerosolized breathing enhancement vapor to be inhaled by such animal.
4 An equine mask for use by a horse or the like animal comprising a mask body of substantially tubular construction to be worn over the front portion of the head of an equine animal such as a horse and having a front end and an open upper back end for fitting over the forward portion of the head of an equine animal, a resilient seal on said open upper back end for sealing said body to the head of such equine animal. inlet means at the front end of said mask body for connection of inhalant structure. and one-way exhalation valve means at said front end of said mask permitting exhalation of such equine animal, but not inhalation therethrough.
5. A one-way fluid control means permitting fluid flow in one direction but not the other comprising a base member with a flow opening therethrough and a spider including intersecting legs spanning said opening, a plurality of apertures in said base member outwardly of said opening and oriented in pre-determined relation to said legs, a resilient diaphragm overlying said base member and having at least one slot overlying legs of said spider and further having a plurality of apertures oriented in predetermined relation to said slit, and an overlying cap member securing said diaphragm on said base member, said cap member having a central aperture aligned with the opening in which said spider is located, said diaphragm and said cap having resilient locking projections extending through said diaphragm and said base apertures for relatively positioning the spider legs and the diaphragm slit and for securing said base member, said diaphragm and said cap together.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US77683591A | 1991-10-15 | 1991-10-15 | |
| US07/776,835 | 1991-10-15 | ||
| US07/947,821 US5954049A (en) | 1991-10-15 | 1992-09-24 | Equine mask with MDI adapter |
| US07/047,821 | 1992-09-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2080567A1 true CA2080567A1 (en) | 1993-04-16 |
Family
ID=27119248
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002080567A Abandoned CA2080567A1 (en) | 1991-10-15 | 1992-10-14 | Equine mask |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5954049A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0537991A3 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU668693B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9203989A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2080567A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9205901A (en) |
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- 1992-09-24 US US07/947,821 patent/US5954049A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-10-13 AU AU26352/92A patent/AU668693B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-10-14 CA CA002080567A patent/CA2080567A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-10-14 MX MX9205901A patent/MX9205901A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-10-14 BR BR929203989A patent/BR9203989A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-10-14 EP EP19920309337 patent/EP0537991A3/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1999
- 1999-06-01 US US09/323,589 patent/US20020056456A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20020056456A1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
| AU2635292A (en) | 1993-04-29 |
| AU668693B2 (en) | 1996-05-16 |
| EP0537991A2 (en) | 1993-04-21 |
| MX9205901A (en) | 1993-06-01 |
| BR9203989A (en) | 1993-04-27 |
| US5954049A (en) | 1999-09-21 |
| EP0537991A3 (en) | 1993-06-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |