EP1389971B1 - Equine inhalation mask - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an equine inhalation mask, comprising at least one valveless combined inhalation and exhalation conduit, into which inhalant sources comprising respiration control elements and an energy supply that does not require supply lines are interchangeably integrated. A filter system is mounted on the outer end of the inhalation and exhalation conduit facing away from the head of the horse. Said system and the fact that the mask is effectively sealed when on the head of the horse prevent any escape of the aerosol into the environment, thus permitting a reliable inhalation therapy lasting several minutes under normal respiratory conditions.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to the technical field of devices for influencing the Atemaystems of horses by the introduction of substances in the respiratory system. Here it has been known for some years that the deposition of active ingredients in the lungs by inhalation, in comparison to oral administration or injection, leads to an improvement in the effects, a significant dose reduction and avoidance of undesirable side effects. Since horses suffer from severe respiratory problems, effective inhalation therapy can help prevent economic damage. Such devices for horses have been known for some time, with different approaches have been followed.

The US 3,915,165 and 4,143,658 describe intratracheal injection systems for the administration of dry drugs in a gaseous suspension.

For the administration of aerosols sees the US 5,062,423 the use of an anctotracheal-like nasogastric tube inserted into the nasopharynx of horses during

the US 5,666,948 proposes a device that is somewhat easier to insert into the anterior region of the nose of horses. The application of the proposed devices places high demands on the pet owner or user because of their invasiveness.

To simplify administration, some patent applications suggest devices called inhalation masks.

That's how it describes US 5,954,049 Trudell Medical Limited, Canada, a mask with MDI adapter for horses with a source for providing drug aerosols and an aerosol chamber with inlet and outlet valve. The actual Advantage of the mask is that the mask is designed adapted to the front part of the horse's head and accordingly no invasive measures for aerosol application are required. The proposed mask preferably has an inlet and at least one separate exhalation channel, wherein all channels can be designed with valves, so that exhalation is only possible via the corresponding channel and the inhalation only via the aerosol chamber.

To supply the drugs are often operated by compressors operated jet nebulizers. The drug aerosols are then routed via hoses to the inhalation openings of the masks. Alternatively, metered dose inhalers (MDI) may be used for some medications, where the user must adjust the release of the medication to the inhalation of the horses by pressing a button. In order to be able to administer a dose that is high enough for horses, atria (so-called spacers) were developed, which can be placed on the inhalation mask. The drug release from the spacer must also be adjusted to the inhalation by observing the horse by the user.

Disadvantages of the prior art

The disadvantages of the prior art are, inter alia, the lack of acceptance of the devices in the horses or among the users.

In particular, the introduction of probes or the like in the nostrils is uncomfortable for horses and thus difficult for the user, especially since in most animals no habituation but rather a Abwehreffekt occurs.

For horses of disadvantage is also the limited freedom of movement in the lead-drug delivery. Without special tying devices, the user must constantly fix the horse's head and supply line. The loud or irregular noises emanating from compressors and especially from MDIs, are perceived by most horses as very disturbing. In particular, in MDIs, it may happen that the user lets out the drug while inhaling the horses, but the horse - due to the unusual hissing noise drug release - stops the inhalation process, so that the deposition of the drug at the target lung is impossible in extreme cases , As a result of the above-mentioned problems, there is consequently a defective deposition of the usually expensive medicaments in the lungs of the horses.

In the US 5,954,049 described inhalation mask provides the attachment of expiratory and / or inspiratory valves in order to ensure a proper flow of air through the mask. However, such valves increase breathing resistance, especially when moisture from the exhaled air has already deposited on them. If such valves are located in the inspiratory limb of the mask between the aerosol generator and the nostrils of the horse, then aerosol particles can precipitate there, which are then no longer available for inhalation. This reduces the efficiency of the system and drug is lost.

Furthermore, a considerable health risk assumes that the drugs, which are also highly effective for humans, reach the respiratory air of the user through the exhalation channels and leaking masks. The previously proposed devices and inhalation masks do not provide a way to filter the partially loaded with medicines expired air. In general, the application of inhaled medicines in horses requires the supervision and presence of one User who is exposed to the drug-bearing aerosols released into the ambient air. In particular, when using MDIs, users can not leave the stable during drug delivery, since the time of drug delivery must be tailored to the respiration of the horse.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an inhalation mask for horses, which has a filtration of the expiratory air, an optimized seal the mask on the horse's head and a valve-free air flow and also in handling is economical and user-friendly.

Solution of the task

• mindestens einen kombinierten Ein-/Ausatemkanal;
• mindestens eine zumindest teilweise in jedem der mindestens einen Ein-/Ausatemkanäle integrierte zuleitungsfreie atemzugsgesteuerte Inhalatquelle;
• mindestens ein in Einatemstromrichtung vor der Inhalatquelle angebrachtes Filterelement;
• mindestens ein an der kleineren, geschlossenen Grundseite angebrachtes Speichelaufnahme-/Ablasselement;

The object is solved by the features of claim 1. The inhalation mask (1) for horses made of a flexible, substantially dimensionally stable material, with an oval, tapered cross-section with a larger base side opened to the horse's head and a smaller, closed base side, wherein the inhalation mask a mask sealing ring and at least two masks -Halterungselemente has and the following devices:

• at least one combined inhalation / exhalation channel;
• at least one lead-free breath-controlled inhalation source integrated at least partially in each of the at least one inhalation / exhalation channels;
• at least one filter element mounted upstream of the source of inhalation in the direction of inspiration flow;
• at least one saliva receiving / discharging member mounted on the smaller, closed base;

The oval, conical, bucket-shaped inhalation mask with a horse head opened towards the larger base and a smaller, closed base is according to the invention, wherein it consists of a flexible, but substantially dimensionally stable material, for example plastic and is preferably transparent. On the inner wall, the inhalation mask has a total circumferential, roughened area extending from the equine head edge to at least 10 cm away from the smaller base side.

The at least one combined inlet / outlet channel of the inhalation mask has the following further features:

The free flow cross section is as large as possible over the entire channel length, but is at least 4 cm ² ,
it is attached at the level of the nostrils,
it is firmly or repeatedly releasably connected to the inhalation mask,
he has an integrated holder in which inhalant sources can be interchangeable introduced and that on the outside air facing opening of the channel an exchangeable filter element is mounted in or in front of the channel opening, which is releasably fixable via a filter closure with the channel wall and the entire free channel opening covers.

In another embodiment, a filter holder with exchangeable filter membrane or a disposable filter may be mounted in front of the outside air facing opening of the channel, wherein the surface of the filter membrane is preferably formed larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet / outlet channel to the flow resistance during inhalation and expiration keep as low as possible.

The filter elements used according to the invention are preferably made of glass fiber ceramic for mechanical filtration or polypropylene for electrostatic filtration of the exhaled air and thus serve to protect the people in the vicinity of the inhaling horse. The filter material In addition, it can be adapted and modified to the physico-chemical properties of the active ingredients used and consist, for example, of activated carbon or coated activated carbon.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, two combined inlet / outlet channels are mounted in the inhalation mask at the level of the left and right nostrils, such that the aerosol enriched inhaled air on the way from the aerosol generator to the respective nasal passage as possible undergoes no change in direction to aerosol losses due to impaction avoid.

In the event that for reasons of cost, for ease of use or to reduce the weight in the mask only one Inhalatquelle should be used in total combined with an inhale / exhale, according to the invention the use of an advantage channel for the air flow from the inhalation / exhalation channel provided the nostrils of the horse.

The distribution channel according to the invention is characterized in that the free flow cross-section at any point of the split flow path from the inhalation / exhalation channel to the Maaken breathing ports, in the sum of the channels, at least 4 cm ² and that the partial arms of the distribution channel are formed symmetrically and towards the nostrils end.

The inhalation sources integrated into the at least one combined inlet / outlet channel create a respirable drug aerosol for the horse and are characterized by having integrated breath control and power supply. In particular, piezo-nebulizers are proposed as inhalation sources according to the invention, as for example from EP 0 923 957 A1 are known. Such inhalant sources can be constructed in very small dimensions, which make it possible according to the inhalation source in the inhalation channels of the mask. In addition, piezo nebulizers are characterized by a negligible noise during Aersolabgabe, so that the inspiratory process of horses is not disturbed. This nebulizer type offers the possibility of applying the total dose over several minutes, so that calm inhalations are guaranteed.

In addition to the piezo-foggers, other feed-free aerosol generators, which have an integrated energy supply, can be installed as inhalation sources in the combined inlet / outlet duct. Such aerosol generators are for example off US 5,662,271 known.

In connection with the also integrated in the inhalation channels or in the inhalation breath control can - dispensing with the attachment of an additional exhalation channel and thus on the attachment of valves - with equipping the channels with suitable filters - and with sufficient dimensioning of the inhalation. By such a particularly preferred ventilose embodiment of the inhalation mask, the breathing resistance is kept as low as possible for the inhaling horse and avoids aerosol losses due to unwanted deposition on valves.

The proposed breath control offers the advantage that the user does not have to do the aerosol release himself and coordinate with the horse's breathing pattern, and the drugs are released economically only on inspiration.

As a sensor element for the breath control offer, for example, in DE 199 42 675 illustrated flow sensors or in WO 97/48431 described pressure sensors on.

In the present case, but could also just two resistance thermometers, offset in the flow direction, for example, the extension of the inhalation source offset or attached to the inhalation source and compared with a Wheatotoneschen bridge to the case of inhalation of the Control belonging evaluation unit to give the signal for generating inhalant.

The saliva receiving / discharging element attached to the smaller, closed base side is characterized in that it is designed as a bulge at the lower edge of the horse's mouth facing, smaller base side and is repeatedly removable or openable and made of easily cleaned material, e.g. Plastic, preferably transparent plastic for simplified level control is made.

The sealing ring according to the invention consists of a flexible, reversibly deformable material, preferably of airtight and washable coated foam and is roughened according to the invention in the outer half of the surface.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sealing ring according to the invention is designed as a soft tube, which is filled at least a quarter with a jelly-like, yielding substance.

Through different sealing ring strengths, the mask can be adjusted in a wide range of different horse head sizes. Preferably, the inner diameter of the sealing ring can be designed differently, whereas the outer diameter of the sealing ring remains unchanged adapted to the inner diameter of the inhalation mask.

The at least two mask-holding elements are externally attached to the inhalation mask, a maximum of 20 cm apart from the edge of the larger, open base side of the mask. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening elements are designed as a downwardly rounded, open hook towards the smaller base side of the mask, and are located opposite to the side of the inhalation mask. At this support elements can be a in its length attach adjustable strap, which runs around the neck of the horse or is designed as the upper part of a horse halter. In another embodiment, a tether may be attached to each support member and releasably secured to the halter to fix the inhalation mask to the horse's head.

The mask sealing sock is made of an air-impermeable, rubbery, reversibly stretchable material, is open on both sides and has at one edge over at least two metal-reinforced openings for the passage of the mask support member. In a further embodiment, the mask-sealing sock is circumferentially fixedly connected to the outer wall of the inhalation mask in the area of the larger base side opened towards the horse's head. Due to its rubber-like elasticity, the free end of the sealing stocking forms a smaller opening circumference than the larger base side of the inhalation mask opened towards the horse's head.

• zunächst wird der Masken-Dichtstrumpf über das Pferdemaul und mit dem einen Ende unter die gelockerten unteren Riemen des Pferdehalfters geschoben. Der untere Teil des Dichtstrumpfs wird vom unteren Ende her bis zur Fixierung durch die Riemen nach oben umgeschlagen,
• anschließend wird der Masken-Dichtring über das Pferdemaul, unten bis zur Kinngrube und oben über den Nasenrücken geschoben.
• danach wird die konische Inhalationsmaske mit der Öffnung über den Dichtring geschoben und dabei durch die Aufrauhungen an der Masken-Innenwand oder/und am Dichtring mit diesem verkeilt.
• abschließend wird der nach oben umgeschlagene Teil des Masken-Dichtstrumpfs wieder nach unten geschlagen und die metallverstärkten öffnungen des Strumpfes Ober die Masken-Halterungselemente gelegt. Falls die Öffnungen zu weit unter- oder oberhalb den Maskenhalterungselementen zu liegen kommen und/oder keine Zugspannung vermittelt über den Strumpf auf die Halterungselemente und damit auf die Maske aufgebaut wurde, muß der Dichtstrumpf unter den Riemen des Pferderhalfters weiter nach oben oder nach unten gezogen werden, bevor die Riemen durch die am Reithalfter befindlichen Verschlüsse über dem Dichtstrumpt festgezogen werden.

According to the invention, the inhalation mask - in the case of a separate, not firmly connected to the mask Dichtstrumpfs - now created with the following steps:

• First, the mask-sealing stocking is pushed over the horse's mouth and with one end under the loosened lower straps of the horse's halter. The lower part of the sealing stocking is turned up from the lower end until it is fixed by the straps,
• Then the mask sealing ring is pushed over the horse's mouth, down to the chin pit and above the bridge of the nose.
• Thereafter, the conical inhalation mask is pushed with the opening over the sealing ring and thereby wedged by the roughenings on the mask inner wall and / or on the sealing ring with the latter.
• Finally, the folded-up part of the mask-Dichtstrumpfs is beaten down again and the metal reinforced Openings of the stocking are placed over the mask support elements. If the openings come to lie too far below or above the mask support elements and / or no tension mediated over the stocking on the support elements and thus on the mask has been constructed, the Dichtstrumpf must be pulled under the straps of the halter further up or down before the straps are tightened over the sealer by the snaps on the noseband.

If the metal-reinforced openings of the Dichtstrumpfes mounted on the mask support elements, the mask holds due to the wedging on the horse's head. For safety, the adjustable strap is now attached to them, over which mask and sealing stocking are additionally fixed to the neck of the horse.

An advantageous half embodiment of the attachment method according to the invention consists in that, neglecting the mask-sealing sock, the horse-halter straps are fastened directly underneath the mask-holders and stretched over the upper edge of the oval mask body. As a result, the oval mask body is pressed by the belt tension on the inside sealing ring.

In the case of a tightly connected to the mask Dichtstrumpfs inhalation mask is inventively created with the following steps:

• anschließend wird der Masken-Dichtring über das Pferdemaul, unten bis zur Kinngrube und oben über den Nasenrücken geschoben.
• danach wird die konische Inhalationsmaske mit der öffnung über den Dichtring geschoben und dabei durch die Aufrauhungen an der Masken-Innenwand oder/und am Dichtring mit diesem verkeilt.
• abschließend wird der nach unten umgeschlagene Teil des Masken-Dichtstrumpfs wieder nach oben auf den Pferdekopf umgelegt und die Inhalationsmaske über die Masken-Halterungselemente am Pferdekopf mittels der Haltebänder oder Halfter fixiert.

First, the free end of the mask-Dichtstrumpfs outside over the inhalation mask in the direction of smaller base side is slipped.

• Then the mask sealing ring is pushed over the horse's mouth, down to the chin pit and above the bridge of the nose.
• Thereafter, the conical inhalation mask is pushed with the opening over the sealing ring and thereby wedged by the roughening on the mask inner wall and / or on the sealing ring with the latter.
• Finally, the down-turned part of the mask-Dichtstrumpfs is again folded up on the horse's head and fixed the inhalation mask on the mask-mounting elements on the horse's head by means of straps or halter.

The use of the inhalation mask according to the invention reduces or even eliminates a large number of the problems known hitherto.

Examples

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Pferdekopfes mit dem prinzipiellen Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Inhalationsmaske im Längsschnitt, ohne seitlich angebrachte Ein-/Ausatemkanäle, mit Speichelaufnahme-/Ablasselement an der Vorderseite, mit Masken-Dichtring, mit oben und unten angebrachten Masken-Halterungselementen für den umlaufenden Masken-Dichtstrumpf.
• Fig. 2 eine schematische Ansicht der Inhalationsmaske mit der kopfseitigen Öffnung der Maske und einem erfindungsgemäßen Masken-Dichtring im Vordergrund und zwei schematisch angedeuteten erfindungsgemäßen kombinierten Ein/Ausatamkanälen mit einer schematisch dargestellten Inhalatquelle im rechten Ein-/Ausatemkanal, sowie einem Filterelement und einem Filterhaltering.
• Fig. 3 eine teilweise aufgebrochene, schematische Darstellung des Ein-/Ausatemkanale und perspektivisch dargestellter Inhalatquelle aus Fig. 2 mit Halterung der Inhalatquelle.
• Fig. 4 eine schematische Seitenansicht des Ein-/Ausatemkanals aus Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 mit Filterelement und Filterhaltering.
• Fig. 4b eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Ein/Ausamtemkanals mit an der Innenwand des Ein-/Ausatemkanals angebrachter Halterung für eine Inhalatquelle und aufsetzbaren Ein-/Ausatemkanal-Erweiterungs- und Verjüngungselementen, die auch als Filterhalter wirken, zur Erweiterung des Strömungsquerschnitts im Bereich des Filterelementes.
• Fig. 5 eine schematische, aufgebrochene Ansicht von oben auf eine erfindungsgemäße Inhalationsmaske mit nur einem Ein-/Ausatsmkanal auf der Maskenoberseite und Verteilungskanal im Bereich der Nasenöffnungen.
  Die Maskenhalterungselemente sind im Gegensatz zu Fig. 1 seitlich angebracht und wie der Masken-Dichtstrumpf und Pferdehalfter im waagerechten Querschnitt dargestellt.
• Fig. 6 einen senkrechten Querschnitt durch die Inhalationamaske nach Fig. 5 entlang der Schnittlinie A-B mit Masken-Atemöffnungen, Verteilungskanal, Ein-/Ausatemkanal und darin integrierter Inhalatquelle.
• Fig. 7 eine Aufsicht von oben auf eine erfindungsgemäße Inhalationsmaske, die sich von den vorhergegangenen Ausführungformen dadurch unterscheidet, daß der Ein-/Ausatemkanal mit integrierter Inhalatquelle am vorderen Ende der Maske angebracht ist und der Verteilungskanal die Ein-/Ausatemluft seitlich vom vorderen Ende der Maske zu den Nasenöffnungen hin- bzw. wegführt.
• Fig. 8 einen waagerechten Querschnitt durch die erfindungsgemäße Inhalationsmaske nach Fig. 7 mit den am vorderen Ende der Maske angebrachten Elementen Ein-/Ausatemkanal mit Inhalatquelle und dem von vorne nach hinten bis zu den Nasenöffnungen führenden Verteilungskanal.

The invention and its advantageous embodiments are described in more detail by the following figures and examples, in which:

• 1 is a schematic side view of a horse's head with the basic structure of the inhalation mask according to the invention in longitudinal section, without laterally mounted inlet / Ausatemkanäle, with saliva recording / drainage on the front, with mask sealing ring, with top and bottom mounted mask-mounting elements for the circumferential mask-sealing stocking.
• 2 shows a schematic view of the inhalation mask with the head-side opening of the mask and a mask sealing ring according to the invention in the foreground and two schematically indicated combined in / exhale channels according to the invention with a schematically illustrated inhalation source in the right inhalation / exhalation channel, as well as a filter element and a filter retaining ring.
• Fig. 3 is a partially broken, schematic representation of the inhalation / Ausatemkanale and perspectively illustrated inhalation source of Fig. 2 with holder of the inhalant source.
• Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the inlet / Ausatemkanals of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 with filter element and filter retaining ring.
• Fig. 4b is a schematic side view of an inlet / Ausamtemkanals attached to the inner wall of the inhalation / Ausatemkanals holder for a inhalation source and attachable inlet / exhale channel extension and taper elements, which also act as a filter holder, to expand the flow cross-section in the region of the filter element ,
• 5 shows a schematic, broken view from above of an inhalation mask according to the invention with only one inlet / outlet channel on the top of the mask and distribution channel in the area of the nostrils.
  The mask holder elements are mounted laterally in contrast to Fig. 1 and shown as the mask-sealing stocking and horse halter in horizontal cross-section.
• Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-section through the inhalation mask of Fig. 5 taken along section line AB with mask breathing ports, distribution channel, inhalation / exhalation channel and inhalation source integrated therein.
• Fig. 7 is a top plan view of an inhalation mask according to the invention which differs from the previous embodiments in that the inhaled inhalation / exhalation channel is attached to the front end of the mask and the distribution channel exposes the inhaled / exhaled air laterally from the front end of the mask Guide the mask towards the nostrils.
• 8 shows a horizontal cross section through the inhalation mask according to the invention according to FIG. 7 with the elements attached to the front end of the mask inlet / exhalation channel with inhalation source and the distribution channel leading from front to back to the nostrils.

Fig. 1 illustrates the principle of attachment of the inhalation mask in a schematic, broken side view of a horse's head with the inhalation mask (1) according to the invention in cross section. Attached to the side and thus not shown here are the inhalation / exhalation channels according to the invention with integrated inhalation source and filter elements, Shown are the saliva receptacle / Ablasaelentent (13) on the front, the mask sealing ring (10), top and bottom mounted mask support members (12) for the circumferential mask-sealing sock (11).

The Inhalationsmaske (1) after wedging with the sealing ring (10) by connection with the Pferdehalfter (15) directly to the support elements (12) or mediated over the mask-sealing stocking (11) prevented from slipping back from the head of the horse. Particularly advantageous is the roughening of the sealing ring and / or the inner surface of the mask. To attach the sealing ring (10) over the nose and mouth of the horse to the chin pit and then fixed by further pulling over the nose.

The sealing of the mask from the environment is achieved by the flexible ring and by the stretchable Dichtstrumpf or by the flexible ring and by tightening the lower two parts of the halter. In the first case, the mask is pressed by the tensile forces of the expanded Dichtstrumpfes, in the latter case by the forces of the straps of the horse halter strapped to the head of the horse and thus the sealing ring tightly around the head of the horse. This form of pressure is familiar to horses through the use of halters.

Through the use according to the invention of the inhalation sources with breath control and low-noise piezo-foggers with integrated power supply, it is possible to leave the horse unattended in the barn even during long-lasting inhalation procedures, as are often necessary for the therapy.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the inhalation mask (1) with the head-side opening of the mask and a mask sealing ring (10) according to the invention in the foreground, and two schematically indicated combined inhalation / exhalation channels (2) with a schematically illustrated inhalation source (7) in FIG right inhalation / exhalation channel.
The two inhalation / exhalation channels (2) are at the level of the nostrils appropriate. In the right of the inhalation / exhalation channels (2a, b), the inhalation source (7) is repeatedly detachably connected to the wall of the channel (2b) by a holder (8).
The source of inhalant is inventively releasably retained, so that an integrated energy and Inhalatversorgung is possible. In this embodiment, the right channel is covered by a filter element (5), which is fixed by the filter retaining ring (6) as an example for both inhalation / exhalation channels.

Fig. 3 shows a partially broken, schematic representation of the inhalation / exhalation channel (2) and the Inhalatquella (7) of Fig. 2 with holder (8) of the inhalation source.

The inhalation source exemplified cylindrically here may be e.g. are releasably retained by inserting the source of inhalant into the one part of a two-part cylinder (8b) with retaining ring (8c) and then through the second part of the cylinder and a retaining ring (8c) which via support rods (8a) is fixed to the filter support ring (5b).

4 shows a schematic side view of the inlet / exhalation channel from FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 with filter elements (5a, b) and filter retaining ring (6). The final fixation of the inhalation source (7, not shown here) in the inhalation / exhalation channel (2) is then accomplished by inserting the filter support ring (5b) with retaining ring (8b), inserting a filter (5a) and e.g. Screwing in the filter retaining ring (6).

4b shows, similar to FIG. 4, a schematic side view of an inhalation / exhalation channel, but here with an inhalation source (7) with integrated breath control attached to the inner wall of the inhalation / exhalation channel (2) and to the channel (2 ) attachable expansion and taper elements (2a, b), which also serve as a filter holder and the flow cross-section in the region of the filter element (5) increase.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic, broken-away view from above of an inhalation mask according to the invention with only an inhalation / exhalation channel (2) on the top of the mask and a distribution channel (3) in the region of the nostrils. To achieve low costs and low maintenance, the use of only one inhalant source may be useful. The mask-holding elements (12) are mounted laterally in contrast to Fig. 1 and shown as the mask-sealing stocking (11) and the horse-halter (15) in a horizontal cross-section.

6 shows a vertical cross-section through the inhalation mask (1) according to FIG. 5 along the section line AB with mask breathing openings (4), distribution channel (3), inhalation / exhalation channel (2) on top of the mask and inhalation source integrated therein (7). Due to the high tidal volume of horses (up to 50-180 liters / minute), care should be taken in this advantageous embodiment that the one inlet / Ausatemkanal, and the distribution channel is sufficiently large. Here, a free flow cross-section of less than 4 cm ^{2 is} to be avoided. For smaller flow cross sections, the inhalation mask is not accepted by horses.

7 shows a plan view from above of a particularly advantageous embodiment of the inhalation macaque (1) according to the invention, which differs from the preceding embodiments in that the inhalation / exhalation channel (2) with the inhaled source (7) concealed here is located at the front end the mask (1) is mounted and the distribution channel, the inhale / exhalation air laterally from the front end of the mask to the nostrils back or leads away.

It is advantageous here that the devices to be monitored, inhalation source and filter, are just as within the field of vision of the user as the saliva collecting / discharging element (13). In addition, in this embodiment, the horse less adverse effects / irritation of the field of view.

Fig. 8 shows the particularly advantageous embodiment of the inhalation mask according to the invention of FIG. 7 in the horizontal Cross-section with the elements attached to the front of the mask. Inhalation source (7) inlet / exhale channel (2) and distribution channel (3) leading from front to back to the nostrils.

Bezungszeichenliste

1

inhalation mask

2

In- / exhalation

a)

expansion /

b)

rejuvenation element

3

distribution channel

4

Masks breathing ports

5

filter elements

a)

filter

b)

Filter support ring

6

Filter retainer

7

inhalant

8th

Holder for inhalation source

a)

Bracket bar

b)

Bracket cylinder

c)

Fastening ring

9

breath control

10

Mask sealing ring

11

Mask like Trumpf

12

Mask fasteners

13

/ Evacuating saliva

14

Saliva Recording closure element

15

Pferdehalfter

16

English noseband

17

chin groove

Claims (21)

1. Inhalation mask (1) for horses from a flexible, basically dimensionally stable material, with an oval, conically tapered cross-section with an opened, larger bottom side towards the horse's head and a smaller, closed bottom side, wherein the inhalation mask comprises a mask sealing ring (10) and at least two mask holding elements (12), wherein it comprises the following devices:

   - at least one combined in-/exhalation channel (2);

   - at least one breath triggered inhalation source (7) free of feed lines, which is at least partially integrated in each of the at least one inlexhalation channels (2);

   - at least one filter element (5) arranged in the direction of breathing flow before the inhalation source (7);

   - at least one salivary collection-/draining element (13) fixed to the smaller, closed bottom side;
2. Inhalation mask (1) according to claim 1, wherein a fastener (8) is provided for the deposition of the exchangeable inhalation source (7) in the combined in-/exhalatian channel (2).
3. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the combined in-/exhalation channel (2) is arranged at the height of the horse's nostrils and attached to the inhalation mask (1) either permanently or in a repeatedly detachable fashion.
4. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter element (5) is exchangeable.
5. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the filter element (5) is fixed to the combined in-/exhalation channel (2) between an extension element (2a) and a tapering element (2b) at the side facing away from the horse's head.
6. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the filter element (5) provided for the filtration of the exhaled air comprises

   • glass fibre-ceramic for mechanical filtration or

   • polypropylene for electrostatic filtration or

   • physico-chemically effective materials such as activated carbon.
7. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing ring (10) comprises a flexible material which is deformable in a reversible manner and is roughened in the area of the outer half of its surface.
8. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing ring (10) is realised in the form of a flexible tube, which is at least a quarter filled with a gel-like, elastic substance.
9. Inhalation mask (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the exchangeable filter element (5) is arranged on a wall of the at least one channel (2) in such a way that it covers its entire free opening.
10. inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein a sealing hose (11) is provided.
11. Inhalation mask (1) according to claim 10, wherein the sealing hose (11) is realised from an airtight, rubber-like, reversibly expandable material and is open at both ends.
12. Inhalation mask (1) according to claim 10, wherein one end of the sealing hose (11) comprises at least two metal-reinforced openings for the insertion of mask holding elements (12).
13. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 10 to 12, wherein one end of the sealing hose (11) is fixed to the large bottom side of the mask body.
14. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the mask holding elements (12) are permanently fixed to the mask at a distance of a maximum of 20 cm from the edge of the large bottom side.
15. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the mask holding elements (12) are realised in the form of rounded hooks opening down towards the small bottom side.
16. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the mask holding elements (12) are arranged opposite one another in the area of the nose bridge and jaw of the horse.
17. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 16, wherein the salivary collection-/draining element (13), made from an easily cleanable material is detachably fixed to the small bottom side in front of the horse's mouth by means of a mask-body bulge.
18. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 17, wherein the salivary collection-/draining element (13) is made from transparent plastic for the purpose of controlling the filling level.
19. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 18, wherein the at least one in-/exhalation channel (2) comprises a free flow section of at least 4 cm² at any location up to the breathing openings (4).
20. Inhalation mask (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 19, wherein with only one inhalation source (7), a distribution channel (3) is provided for a uniform distribution of an aerosol to both nostrils.
21. Inhalation mask (1) according to claim 20, wherein the distribution channel (3) comprises symmetrical partial arms, which end opposite from the nostrils of the horse's head.

Images