Covered yankauer suction device and methods of using same

Abstract

A covered yankauer suction device is protectable from contamination after use. The covered yankauer suction device includes a yankauer having a suction tip at a first end and a connector at a second end. A retractable sleeve partially encloses the yankauer. One end of the retractable sleeve is secured to the yankauer while the opposite end of the retractable sleeve is secured to a valve. The valve includes a cross-cut that enables the valve to open when the suction tip of the yankauer pushes against the underside of the cross-cut.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the covered yankauer suction device when not in use.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the covered yankauer suction device when in use.

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the valve.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the valve.

Claims

1. A covered yankauer suction device comprising: a yankauer having a suction tip at a first end and a connector at a second end;a retractable sleeve partially enclosing the yankauer, the retractable sleeve having one end secured to the yankauer and an opposite free end; anda valve secured to the free end of the retractable sleeve, the valve including a cross-cut, the cross-cut enables the valve to open when the suction tip of the yankauer pushes against an underside of the cross-cut.

2. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 1 wherein the valve is further adapted to slidably and frictionally engage the yankauer and passively lock against the yankauer once slidably engaged.

3. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 1, wherein the suction tip of the yankauer contains at least one aperture.

4. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 1, wherein the suction tip of the yankauer is enclosed by the valve and the sleeve when the covered yankauer suction device is not in use.

5. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 1, wherein the yankauer is slidably and frictionally engaged by the valve when the covered yankauer suction device is in use.

6. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 1, wherein the valve is comprised of silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber (latex), polyester, nylon, polyisoprene, nitrile, urethane, or combinations thereof.

7. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 1, wherein the covered yankauer suction device is adapted to be reused.

8. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 1, wherein the connector is adapted to associate with a vacuum source.

9. A covered yankauer suction device comprising: a yankauer having a suction tip at a first end and a connector at a second end;a retractable sleeve partially enclosing the yankauer, the retractable sleeve having one end secured to the yankauer and an opposite free end; anda valve secured to the free end of the sleeve, the valve being adapted to slidably and frictionally engage the yankauer.

10. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 9, wherein the suction tip of the yankauer contains at least one aperture.

11. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 9, wherein the suction tip of the yankauer is enclosed by the valve and the sleeve when the covered yankauer suction device is not in use.

12. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 9, wherein the yankauer is slidably and frictionally engaged by the valve when the yankauer suction device is in use.

13. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 9, wherein the valve is comprised of silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber (latex), polyester, nylon, polyisopreme, nitrile, urethane, or combinations thereof.

14. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 9, wherein the covered yankauer suction device is adapted to be reused.

15. The covered yankauer suction device of claim 9, wherein the valve includes a cross-cut, the cross-cut enables the valve to open when the suction tip of the yankauer pushes against an underside of the cross-cut.

16. A method for using a covered yankauer suction device, the method comprising the acts of: providing a yankauer having a connector at a first end and a suction tip at a second end, a retractable sleeve partially enclosing the yankauer, the retractable sleeve having one end secured to the yankauer and an opposite free end, and a valve secured to the free end of the sleeve;gripping the yankauer near the connector; andsliding the valve along the yankauer towards the connector, the valve being adapted to passively lock to the yankauer after the sliding of the valve.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises the act of sliding the valve along the yankauer towards the suction tip.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve is further adapted to wipe secretions from the yankauer as the valve slides towards the suction tip of the yankauer.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the valve is comprised of silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber (latex), polyester, nylon, polyisopreme, nitrile, urethane, or combinations thereof.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the covered yankauer suction device is adapted to be reused.