Automatic Oxygen Tube Reel

Abstract

An oxygen tube reel for automatically extending and retracting an oxygen tube. The oxygen tube reel comprises a housing that encloses a reel on which a length of tubing is coiled. The motor is operably connected to the reel and is configured to extend and retract the tubing coiled on the reel. The oxygen tube reel further includes a proximity sensor having a fixed sensor disposed on the housing and a transponder unit securable to the body of the user. The proximity sensor is adapted to determine the distance of the transponder from the fixed sensor and extends or retracts the tubing as the user moves farther from and closer to the housing, respectively. In this way, the tubing is prevented from becoming a tripping hazard and is less likely to become kinked.

I claim: 
     
         1 ) An automatic oxygen tube reel device, comprising:
 a housing having a motorized reel rotatably disposed therein;   a length of tubing disposed on said reel;   a proximity sensor comprising a fixed unit disposed on said housing and a transponder unit securable to a user, wherein said proximity sensor is adapted to determine a distance between said fixed unit and said transponder unit, wherein said motorized reel is adapted to extend or retract said length of tubing depending upon said distance between said fixed unit and said transponder unit.   
     
     
         2 ) The automatic oxygen tube reel device of  claim 1 , wherein said transponder unit comprises a fastener thereon for securing said transponder unit to said user. 
     
     
         3 ) The automatic oxygen tube reel device of  claim 1 , wherein said transponder unit is movably positioned on said length of tubing. 
     
     
         4 ) The automatic oxygen tube reel device of  claim 1 , wherein a free end of said length of tubing is securable to a breathing mask. 
     
     
         5 ) The automatic oxygen tube reel device of  claim 1 , wherein said housing comprises an opening thereon so that said length of tubing can extend outward from said housing.