Naso-gastric tube stabilizer

Claim 1

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part of the base for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and (c) second means separate and independent of said first means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion which is accessible from the front for receiving and generally aligning said tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means permanently secured to said base and having a gripping second surface, said spring means operable alternatively to engage and resiliently urge said tube section against said first surface and to release and allow said tube section to move axially relative to the base and to move laterally away from said base.

Claim 2

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part of the base for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and (c) second means separate and independent of said first means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion which is accessible from the front for receiving and generally aligning said tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means permanently secured to said base and having a gripping second surface, said spring means operable alternatively to engage and resiliently urge said tube section against said first surface and to release and allow said tube section to move axially relative to the base and to move laterally away from said base.

Claim 22

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed tube section, and (c) second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means secured to said base and having a gripping surface for engaging and resiliently urging said tube section against said first surface, wherein said first surface defines a pair of similar grooves, both inclined forward and diverging outward from each other as they descend, and said spring means comprises a single spring element having separate arms, each arm adjacent one of said grooves for urging a tube section against such groove.

Claim 23

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed tube section, and (c) second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means secured to said base and having a gripping surface for engaging and resiliently urging said tube section against said first surface, wherein said first surface defines a pair of similar grooves, both inclined forward and diverging outward from each other as they descend, and said spring means comprises a single spring element having separate arms, each arm adjacent one of said grooves for urging a tube section against such groove.

Claim 24

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, (c) and second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means which has a central part secured to said base and oppositely extending arms which define in top plan view a generally V-shape, each of said arms defining thereon a gripping surface which faces said first surface for engaging and resiliently urging a tube section against said first surface, each arm being movable between a partially flexed first position where said gripping surface is closely adjacent said first surface for resiliently engaging said tube section, and a more greatly flexed second position where said gripping surface is spaced from said first surface to expose and render said first surface accessible from the front for placement and subsequent removal of said tube section.

Claim 25

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, (c) and second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means which has a central part secured to said base and oppositely extending arms which define in top plan view a generally V-shape, each of said arms defining thereon a gripping surface which faces said first surface for engaging and resiliently urging a tube section against said first surface, each arm being movable between a partially flexed first position where said gripping surface is closely adjacent said first surface for resiliently engaging said tube section, and a more greatly flexed second position where said gripping surface is spaced from said first surface to expose and render said first surface accessible from the front for placement and subsequent removal of said tube section.

Claim 26

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, (c) and second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means which has a central part secured to said base and oppositely extending arms, said central part comprising three continuous 180° reverse bends defining a W-shape providing substantially greater resilience than a single 180° reverse bend, each of said arms defining thereon a gripping surface which faces said first surface for engaging and resiliently urging said tube section against said first surface, each of said arms being movable between a partially flexed first position where said gripping surface is closely adjacent said first surface for resiliently engaging said tube section, and a more greatly flexed second position where said gripping surface is spaced from said first surface to expose and render said first surface accessible from the front for placement and subsequent removal of said tube section.

Claim 27

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, (c) and second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means which has a central part secured to said base and oppositely extending arms, said central part comprising three continuous 180° reverse bends defining a W-shape providing substantially greater resilience than a single 180° reverse bend, each of said arms defining thereon a gripping surface which faces said first surface for engaging and resiliently urging said tube section against said first surface, each of said arms being movable between a partially flexed first position where said gripping surface is closely adjacent said first surface for resiliently engaging said tube section, and a more greatly flexed second position where said gripping surface is spaced from said first surface to expose and render said first surface accessible from the front for placement and subsequent removal of said tube section.

Claim 28

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and (c) second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising, (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, this surface defining thereon a pair of similar grooves both inclined forward and diverging outward from each other as they descend, and (ii) spring means having a central part secured to said base, a pair of diverging arms situated adjacent said grooves respectively, and a gripping surface on each arm for engaging and resiliently urging said tube section against said first surface, said central part of the base including an aperture opening in the rear portion thereof for receiving and holding said central part of said spring.

Claim 29

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and (c) second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising, (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, this surface defining thereon a pair of similar grooves both inclined forward and diverging outward from each other as they descend, and (ii) spring means having a central part secured to said base, a pair of diverging arms situated adjacent said grooves respectively, and a gripping surface on each arm for engaging and resiliently urging said tube section against said first surface, said central part of the base including an aperture opening in the rear portion thereof for receiving and holding said central part of said spring.

Claim 30

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, (c) and second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means secured to said base and having a gripping surface for engaging and resiliently urging said tube section against said first surface, wherein said second means comprises a harness extending between said end parts of the base, said harness comprising two separate loops adjustable in length for extending around the patient's neck and back of the head respectively, and wherein each end part of the base comprises a harness-engaging coupling element which defines a curve portion of at least 180°, a portion of said harness being engagable by each curved portion, and slidable and releasably securable relative thereto for adjusting the length of said harness about a patient's head.

Claim 31

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, (c) and second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means secured to said base and having a gripping surface for engaging and resiliently urging said tube section against said first surface, wherein said second means comprises a harness extending between said end parts of the base, said harness comprising two separate loops adjustable in length for extending around the patient's neck and back of the head respectively, and wherein each end part of the base comprises a harness-engaging coupling element which defines a curve portion of at least 180°, a portion of said harness being engagable by each curved portion, and slidable and releasably securable relative thereto for adjusting the length of said harness about a patient's head.

Claim 33

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part of the base for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and (c) second means separate and independent of said first means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion which is accessible from the front for receiving said tube section and (ii) spring means permanently secured to said base and comprising a movable arm having thereon a second surface, said spring means second surface being adjacent said first surface and movable, to engage and resiliently urge said tube section against said first surface, at least one of said first and second surfaces comprising means for generally aligning said tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip and the tube section is engaged between said surfaces, said spring surface on said arm being movable between first and second positions respectively closely adjacent and spaced apart from said first surface, said second surface being resiliently urged toward said first surface in said first and second positions and positions therebetween.

Claim 34

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part of the base for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and (c) second means separate and independent of said first means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion which is accessible from the front for receiving said tube section and (ii) spring means permanently secured to said base and comprising a movable arm having thereon a second surface, said spring means second surface being adjacent said first surface and movable, to engage and resiliently urge said tube section against said first surface, at least one of said first and second surfaces comprising means for generally aligning said tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip and the tube section is engaged between said surfaces, said spring surface on said arm being movable between first and second positions respectively closely adjacent and spaced apart from said first surface, said second surface being resiliently urged toward said first surface in said first and second positions and positions therebetween.

Claim 35

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, (c) and second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means which has a central part secured to said base and at least one arm having a gripping surface which faces said first surface for engaging and resiliently urging a tube section against said first surface, said arm being movable between a partially flexed first position where said gripping surface is closely adjacent said first surface for resiliently engaging said tube section, and a more greatly flexed second position where said gripping surface is spaced from said first surface to expose and render said first surface accessible from the front for placement and subsequent removal of said tube section.

Claim 36

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, (c) and second means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion of the central part for receiving and generally aligning said exposed tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means which has a central part secured to said base and at least one arm having a gripping surface which faces said first surface for engaging and resiliently urging a tube section against said first surface, said arm being movable between a partially flexed first position where said gripping surface is closely adjacent said first surface for resiliently engaging said tube section, and a more greatly flexed second position where said gripping surface is spaced from said first surface to expose and render said first surface accessible from the front for placement and subsequent removal of said tube section.

Claim 37

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a tube extending out of a patient's body orifice generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's body, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part of the base for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and (c) second means separate and independent of said first means for releasably securing said device to the patient's body, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion which is accessible from the front for receiving and generally aligning said tube section with said axis when the base is adjacent the patient's body, and (ii) spring means permanently secured to said base and having a gripping second surface, said spring means operable alternatively to engage and resiliently urge said tube section against said first surface and to release and allow said tube section to move axially relative to the base and to move laterally away from said base.

Claim 38

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a tube extending out of a patient's body orifice generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising (a) a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent the patient's body, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, (b) first means on said central part of the base for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and (c) second means separate and independent of said first means for releasably securing said device to the patient's body, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion which is accessible from the front for receiving and generally aligning said tube section with said axis when the base is adjacent the patient's body, and (ii) spring means permanently secured to said base and having a gripping second surface, said spring means operable alternatively to engage and resiliently urge said tube section against said first surface and to release and allow said tube section to move axially relative to the base and to move laterally away from said base.

Claim 39

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent a patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and second means separate and different from said first means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion for receiving and generally aligning said tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means secured to said base and having a second surface, said spring means operable alternatively to have its second surface engage and resiliently urge said tube section against said first surface or to release said tube section from said base.

Claim 40

A device for engaging and stabilizing an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of a patient's nostril generally along the axis thereof, the device comprising a base with a central part having a front portion, a rear portion positionable adjacent a patient's upper lip, top and bottom portions, and opposite end parts, first means on said central part for releasably engaging and holding said exposed section of the tube, and second means separate and different from said first means for releasably securing said device to the patient's head, said first means comprising (i) a first surface on said front portion for receiving and generally aligning said tube section with the axis of the nostril when the base is adjacent the patient's upper lip, and (ii) spring means secured to said base and having a second surface, said spring means operable alternatively to have its second surface engage and resiliently urge said tube section against said first surface or to release said tube section from said base.