Decorative valved tracheostomy device

Abstract

A valved tracheostomy tube device usable with conventional tracheostomy tubes wherein the valve housing is of a very low profile and covered with an attractive cap so as to appear as a necklace jewelry piece, and preferably, a necklace of attractive jewelry is associated with the tracheostomy tube support so that the entire device is of an attractive, aesthetically acceptable appearance eliminating the medical configuration and appearance of the device.

1 . A device mountable on an airway tube used to deliver air to a respiratory system of a user, the device comprising 
 a housing mountable on the airway tube; and    a uni-directional valve supported within the housing and in fluid communication with an opening in the tube, the valve movable to an open position during inhalation to permit air to flow from the tube into the user's respiratory system, the valve further being movable from the open position to a closed position during exhalation to substantially prevent air flow from exiting the user's respiratory system through the tube such that a substantial portion of the exhalation air can flow past the user's vocal cords to eliminate a need for the user to cover the tube with a finger.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein a profile of the housing is equal to or less than {fraction (3/8)} inches.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a cap mountable to the housing, the cap covering the valve to secure the valve within the housing.  
   
   
       4 . The valve of  claim 1  wherein the valve includes a flap moveable between the open and closed position to control air flow through the tube.  
   
   
       5 . The valve of  claim 4  wherein the flap is offset relative to the opening in the tube.  
   
   
       6 . The valve of  claim 4  wherein the valve includes a valve cover positioned between the flap and a face of the cap, the face of the cap pressing against the valve cover to secure the flap within the housing.  
   
   
       7 . A decorative unit for wearing around a neck, the unit comprising: 
 a cap having a decorative appearance;    a backing plate for supporting the cap;    a necklace attached to the backing plate that wraps around the neck.    
   
   
       8 . The decorative unit of  claim 7  wherein the cap is secured to the backing plate by a bayonet ball connection.  
   
   
       9 . The decorative unit of  claim 7  wherein the cap comprises a precious metal, such as silver, gold, and platinum.  
   
   
       10 . The decorative unit of  claim 7  wherein the backing plate includes at least two holes on opposite side to which the necklace is secured.