TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to an apparatus for resuscitation and a method of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cardiopulmonary resuscitation ("CPR") is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions often with artificial ventilation in an effort to deliver oxygen and artificial circulation to an unresponsive person until medical help arrives. CPR is recommended for persons who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing.

[0003] Typically, the artificial ventilation involves the manual provision of air to the subject by exhaling air into the subject's mouth or nose in a mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose engagement.

[0004] CPR can also be performed on non-human animals, such as, e.g., cats and dogs. The principles are virtually identical to CPR for humans except that it is recommended that artificial ventilation be provided through the non-human animal's nose and not its mouth. Generally, like with humans, CPR or at least artificial ventilation may be provided to a non-human animal if it is not breathing or struggling to breathe.

[0005] A problem in general with providing artificial respiration to a non-human animal is that it can be difficult to form a suitable engagement or contact with the mouth or nose of the animal due to different shaped anatomy.

[0006] A further and more common problem with providing artificial respiration to a non- human animal is that a person may be reluctant, or outright refuse, to provide artificial respiration due to a fear or reluctance to directly contact the mouth or nose of the non-human animal and/or the possible risk of infection associated with such direct contact.

[0007] Yet a further related problem that may cause a person to refuse or be reluctant to provide artificial resuscitation to a non-human animal is the risk, or perceived risk, of being bitten by the animal.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a resuscitation apparatus for a non- human animal and method of use thereof, which may minimise or overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above, or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a resuscitation apparatus for non-human animals, said apparatus including:

a barrier for location about a snout or muzzle part of the non-human animal, said barrier including an opening therethrough; and

a nose piece positioned over the opening and including one or more air receiving structures for receiving expressed air from a mouth of a rescuer and directing and/or delivering the expressed air into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0010] Advantageously, the present invention provides a resuscitation apparatus that may be readily fitted about the snout or muzzle part of a non-human to deliver artificial respiration. The barrier and nose piece of the apparatus shield the rescuer from direct contact with non- human animal body fluids, such as, e.g., saliva, blood or mucus, and any risk of infection associated with such direct contact. Moreover, the nose piece of the apparatus ensures that a suitable engagement is formed with the nose of the non-human animal for the delivery of expressed air into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[001 1 ] As used herein, the term "non-human animal" may include any non-human animal having a snout or muzzle part and capable of receiving artificial respiration from a human. Typically, the non-human animals may include domesticated animals. Preferably, the non- human animals may include canines and felines.

[0012] As used herein, the term "rescuer" may include a person performing the artificial resuscitation on the non-human animal.

[0013] The barrier may be of any size, shape and construction and formed any material or materials suitably adapted to be fitted over the snout or muzzle part of the non-human animal such that the nose piece is positioned over the nose of the non-human animal. Additionally, the barrier may be suitably adapted to function as a barrier and at least partially prevent non-human body fluids, such as, e.g., saliva, blood or mucus, from being transferred from the non-human animal to the rescuer.

[0014] The barrier may preferably include a body. The body may be shaped to fit over the snout or muzzle part of the non-human animal. The body may include the opening, an opposed rim and at least one sidewall extending from the opening to the rim. The rim may extend from an outer edge portion of the at least one sidewall and may extend along the edge of the at least one sidewall. [0015] The opening may be of any suitable shape to be covered by the nose piece. For example, in some embodiments, the opening may be in the shape of a square, triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon. In other embodiments, the opening may be in the shape of a circle or oval.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the barrier may include a first circular opening with a single sidewall extending from a periphery of the opening to the rim. In such embodiments, the rim of the body may define a second circular opening, larger than the first circular opening, for fitting over the snout or muzzle part of the non-human animal. Preferably, the body of the barrier may have a frusto-conical shape.

[0017] In some embodiments, the barrier may include a shaped collar defining the circular opening. The shaped collar may be formed from an annular portion of the barrier located adjacent to and around a periphery of the opening. The shaped collar may be formed from the same or a different material than a remainder of the barrier. The shaped collar may typically be thicker than a remaining portion of the barrier.

[0018] The barrier may be of unitary construction or may be formed from one or more barrier pieces. For example, in some embodiments, the barrier may be formed from two or more pieces, including the shaped collar and the remaining portion of the barrier.

[0019] Generally, the barrier may be formed from a flexible and substantially impermeable material or materials to at least partially prevent non-human body fluids, such as, e.g., saliva, blood or mucus, from being transferred from the non-human animal to the rescuer. Typically, the barrier may be formed from a flexible plastics material, such as, e.g., a film forming thermoplastic. Preferably, the barrier may be formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, soft cellulose acetate and like materials.

[0020] In some embodiments, the barrier may be foldable to facilitate storage of the resuscitation apparatus when not being used.

[0021 ] Typically, the barrier may be able to be folded in on itself atop the nose piece to provide a folded resuscitation apparatus that is sized to fit in the rescuer's or another person's pocket.

[0022] Specifically, the folded resuscitation apparatus may have a width and/or length of no greater than about 100mm, no greater than about 90mm, no greater than about 80mm, no greater than about 70mm, no greater than about 60mm or even no greater than about 50mm. Likewise, the folded resuscitation apparatus may have a thickness of no greater than about 50mm, no greater than about 40mm, no greater than about 30mm, no greater than about 20mm, no greater than about 15mm or even no greater than about 10mm.

[0023] As indicated above, the resuscitation apparatus of the present invention includes a nose piece configured to be positioned over the opening of the barrier and including one or more air receiving structures for receiving expressed air from a mouth of the rescuer and directing and/or delivering the expressed air into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0024] The nose piece may be of any size, shape and construction and formed from any material or materials suitably configured to direct and/or deliver the expressed air into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0025] For example, in some embodiments, the nose piece may include a substantially discshaped body having a circular cross-sectional shape for being at least partially received in the opening of the barrier. The disc-shaped body may include a pair of opposed surfaces, including an inner surface configured to face and/or at least partially abut the nose of the non-human animal and an opposed outer surface. The opposed surfaces may be interconnected by opposing edges.

[0026] In such embodiments, the one or more air receiving structures may be in the form of openings extending through the opposed surfaces for the passage of expressed air from the mouth of the rescuer to the nasal cavity of the non-human animal. The one or more air receiving structures may preferably be positioned or arranged in the body to at least partially align with the nostrils or nares of the nose of the non-human animal.

[0027] In other preferred embodiments, the nose piece may have a body including a base having a substantially circular shape. The base may include an inner surface configured to face and/or at least partially abut the nose of the non-human animal and an opposed outer surface. The body may further include a rim and at least one sidewall extending away from a periphery of the inner surface of the base to the rim. The rim may extend from an outer edge portion of the at least one sidewall and along the edge portion of the at least one sidewall.

[0028] Typically, the inner surface of the base of the nose piece is contoured to at least partially complement the outer surface of the nose of the non-human animal.

[0029] Likewise, the outer surface of the base of the nose piece is contoured to at least partially complement the mouth of the rescuer.

[0030] In particular, the outer surface of the base of the nose piece is contoured to assist a rescuer in placing his or her lips around and/or about the outer surface and optionally the at least one sidewall of the nose piece for, in use, exhaling through the nose piece and into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0031 ] The one or more air receiving structures may be defined on the outer surface of the base of the nose piece and may each be configured to receive the expressed air from the mouth of the rescuer.

[0032] Each air receiving structure may be of any suitable size, shape and form for receiving the expressed air and directing and/or delivering the expressed air into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0033] Each air receiving structure may typically include a cavity extending entirely through the base for directing and/or delivering the expressed air.

[0034] Each cavity may include and be in fluid communication with an outer opening defined in the outer surface of the base and an opposed inner opening defined in the inner surface of the base.

[0035] Each cavity may be arranged in the base to at least partially align with a nostril or nare of the nose of the non-human animal when the resuscitation apparatus is fitted for the effective delivery of expressed air into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0036] In preferred embodiments, each cavity may be substantially tear-drop shaped to at least partially correspond to or align relative to the alar fold of the nose of the non-human animal.

[0037] The nose piece may be formed from plastic or rubber material or materials, typically the former.

[0038] The nose piece may be connectable to the barrier in any suitable way so that the nose piece is positioned over the opening. This may involve a permanent connection or a releasable connection.

[0039] For example, in some embodiments, the nose piece and a portion of the barrier defining the opening may be fastened together with at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may be of any suitable size, shape and form. The at least one fastener may include one or more mechanical fasteners and/or one or more chemical fasteners.

[0040] The one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive tape that may extend between the nose piece and the portion of the barrier defining the opening. [0041 ] The one or more mechanical fasteners may include threaded fasteners, staples, and/or rivets that may extend through the portion of the barrier defining the opening into corresponding openings defined in the nose piece.

[0042] In other embodiments, the nose piece and the barrier may be connected together by a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism or part of the connecting mechanism may or may not be of integral formation with the nose piece and/or the barrier.

[0043] The connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with the nose piece and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the opening of the barrier.

[0044] The parts of the connecting mechanism may respectively include mateable male and female portions that couple together, including threaded connections, interference fit (snap fit) connections or bayonet-type connections.

[0045] For example, in some embodiments, the opening of the barrier may include a first part of the connecting including a male formation configured to be at least partially inserted into or coupled with a female formation of a second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the nose piece.

[0046] Conversely, in other embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the opening of the barrier may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive or be coupled with a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the nose piece.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a locking arrangement for connecting the nose piece relative to the opening of the barrier. The locking arrangement may be of any suitable size, shape and form and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0048] The locking arrangement may preferably be a uni-directional locking arrangement configured to permanently connect the nose piece to the barrier so that the nose piece is positioned over the opening.

[0049] The locking arrangement may include an annular body having a first open end, an opposed second open end and at least one curved sidewall extending therebetween. In use, the annular body of the locking arrangement may be at least partially inserted into the nose piece to clamp at least a portion of the barrier therebetween, preferably the shaped collar. The annular body may be at least partially inserted into a receiving portion of the nose piece defined by the inner surfaces of the base and the at least one sidewall of the nose piece.

[0050] The opposed second open end of the annular body may include a lip extending outwardly from the sidewall at or near the second open end. The lip may extend laterally outward from the annular body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sidewall to at least partially facilitate in clamping the shaped collar of the barrier against the nose piece when the annular body is at least partially received in the receiving portion of the nose piece.

[0051 ] The curved sidewall of the annular body may include one or more retention members extending outwardly from the curved sidewall to at least partially assist in connecting the nose piece and the opening of the barrier together. Likewise, the inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nose piece may include one or more retention members extending inwardly from the inner surface for engaging with the one or more retention members of the annular body.

[0052] For example, in some embodiments, the curved sidewall of the annular body may include one or more resilient projections extending at least partway around the exterior of the annular body. The inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nose piece may include one or more corresponding indentations that engage with and at least partially receive the projections when the annular body of the locking arrangement is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion of the nose piece.

[0053] In other embodiments, the curved sidewall of the annular body may include one or more indentations extending at least partway around the exterior of the annular body, and the inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nose piece may include one or more corresponding resilient projections extending at least partway around the inner surface that engage with and are at least partially received in the indentations when the annular body of the locking arrangement is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion of the nose piece.

[0054] In yet other embodiments, the curved sidewall of the annular body may include one or more resilient angled shoulders extending at least partway around the exterior of the annular body and the inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nose piece may include one or more corresponding resilient angled shoulders extending at least partway around the inner surface. Each angled shoulder may include an angled outwardly facing portion to enable the shoulders to flex or plastically deform over one another when the annular body is pressed into the receiving portion of the nose piece. Each shoulder may also include a laterally extending edge portion, located on an opposite side of the shoulder to the angled outwardly facing portion, to retain the annular body and the nose piece together once they have been pressed together.

[0055] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a sealing member configured to assist in forming a seal around the nose of the non-human animal. The sealing member may be of any size, shape and construction and formed from any material or materials suitably adapted to be positioned adjacent the opening of the barrier and for forming a seal about the nose of the non-human animal when the apparatus is being used.

[0056] For example, in some embodiments the sealing member may include a gasket extending around an inner surface of the shaped collar of the barrier to form a seal about the nose of the non-human animal. The gasket may be formed of a strip of foam or rubber, for example.

[0057] In other embodiments, the sealing member may include a sealing ring again extending around an inner surface of the shaped collar. The sealing ring may be formed from a soft and impermeable material, such as, e.g., plastic, rubber and/or silicone.

[0058] Advantageously, the sealing member may assist in at least partially preventing a flow of expressed air from escaping between the snout or muzzle part of the non-human animal and the barrier. Additionally, the sealing member may enable the apparatus to be comfortably fitted about the snout or muzzle part of the non-human animal.

[0059] In preferred embodiments, the sealing member may include the sealing ring and a skirt extending from the sealing ring at least partially along an inner surface of the barrier towards the rim of the barrier. The skirt may advantageous further assist in forming a seal about the nose of the non-human animal and in at least partially preventing the escape of expressed air.

[0060] The sealing member may be connected to the shaped collar of the barrier in any suitable way.

[0061 ] For example, in some embodiments, the sealing member may be fastened to an inner surface of the shaped collar by at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may include one or more chemical fasteners and/or one or more mechanical fasteners as described above.

[0062] In other embodiments, the sealing member and the shaped collar of the barrier may be connected together by a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism as described above.

[0063] In preferred embodiments, however, the sealing member may be connected to the barrier and the nose piece by the locking arrangement as described above. In particular, the shaped collar and the sealing member may be clamped against the receiving portion of the nose piece by the annular body. [0064] For example, the curved sidewall of the annular body may again include one or more retention members extending outwardly from the curved sidewall to at least partially assist in clamping the sealing member against the nose piece, preferably an innermost edge of the sealing member against an inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nose piece.

[0065] In preferred embodiments, the annular body may include a resilient angled shoulder for clamping the innermost edge the sealing member against an inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nose piece when the annular body is at least partially received in the receiving portion of the nose piece. The resilient angled should may extend at least partway around the exterior of the annular body and be located adjacent the lip.

[0066] In some such embodiments, the inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nose piece may include a corresponding recessed portion for at least partially receiving the innermost edge of the sealing member when the annular body is at least partially received in the receiving portion of the nose piece.

[0067] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include one or more filters arranged between the nose piece and the shaped collar or within the opening of the barrier for at least partially preventing the egress of non-human body fluids, such as, e.g., saliva, blood or mucus, from the nose or mouth of the non-human animal to the mouth of the rescuer.

[0068] The one or more filters may be of any suitable type known in the art. For example, the filter may be a 3M™ Filtrete hydrophobic filter.

[0069] In other embodiments, the apparatus may include a one-way valve arranged between the nose piece and the shaped collar or within the opening of the barrier for, again, at least partially preventing the egress of non-human body fluids, such as, e.g., saliva, blood or mucus from the nose or mouth of the non-human animal to the mouth of the rescuer. The oneway valve may typically be configured to allow the exhalation of expressed air from the rescuer in a single direction only into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0070] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a cover or bag for containing the folded apparatus.

[0071 ] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing artificial respiration to a non-human animal, said method including:

locating the resuscitation apparatus of the first aspect about the muzzle or snout part of the non-human animal; and

providing expressed air through an external surface of the nose piece of the resuscitation apparatus such that the expressed air is directed and/or delivered into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0072] The method may include one or more characteristics of the resuscitation apparatus as hereinbefore described.

[0073] The locating may typically include fitting the barrier of the resuscitation apparatus about and around the snout or muzzle part of the non-human animal such that the air receiving structures at least partially align with the nostrils or nares of the nose of the non-human animal.

[0074] The locating may further include fitting or ensuring that the sealing member is forming a seal about the nose of the non-human animal.

[0075] The providing may include an initial step of the rescuer placing his or her lips about the nose piece. The providing may then include exhaling expressed air through the air receiving structures of the nose piece and into the nasal cavity of the non-human animal.

[0076] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0077] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0078] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0079] Figure 1 is an in-use perspective view of a resuscitation apparatus according to an embodiment of the prevent invention shown fitted to a snout of a canine;

[0080] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the resuscitation apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

[0081 ] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the resuscitation apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2; [0082] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the resuscitation apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 3;

[0083] Figure 5 is another sectional view of the resuscitation apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 4; and

[0084] Figure 6 is a top view of the resuscitation apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Figures 1 to 6 show a resuscitation mask (100; i.e., resuscitation apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention for administering artificial respiration to a canine (900; shown in Figure 1 only).

[0086] As shown in Figure 1 , the mask (100) is configured to be fitted over a snout (910) of the canine (900) to enable a rescuer to provide artificial respiration to the canine (900) without coming into direct contact with the snout (910) of the canine (900).

[0087] Referring to Figure 2, the mask (100) includes a barrier (1 10) and a nose piece (130). The barrier (1 10) is sized and shaped to be fitted over the snout of the canine so that the nose piece (130) is positioned over the nose of the canine. Additionally, the barrier (1 10) functions as a barrier to at least partially prevent the transmission of canine body fluids, such as, e.g., blood, saliva or mucus, from coming into contact with the rescuer.

[0088] The nose piece (130) is configured to receive expressed air from a mouth of the rescuer and to direct and/or deliver the expressed air into the nasal cavity of the canine.

[0089] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the various part of the mask (100), including the barrier (1 10) and the nose piece (130). The various parts will now be described in detail.

[0090] The barrier (1 10) includes a body (1 1 1 ) having a frusto-conical shape. The body (1 1 1 ) defines an opening (1 14) over which the nose piece (130) is positioned, an opposed outer rim (1 12) and at least one sidewall (1 16) extending from the opening (1 14) to the rim (1 12). The rim (1 12) extends from and along an outer edge portion of the sidewall (1 16).

[0091 ] The opening (1 14) is circular in shape and is defined by a shaped collar (1 15). The shaped collar (1 15) is formed from an annular portion of the barrier (1 10) located adjacent to and around a periphery of the opening (1 14). The shaped collar (1 15) is thicker than the remainder of the barrier (1 10) to facilitate connecting with the nose piece (130) and other parts of the mask (100). This will be described in detail later.

[0092] The rim (1 12) defines a second circular opening (1 13), larger than the opening (1 14), in which the snout of the canine is received and accommodated.

[0093] The barrier (1 10) is formed from a flexible and substantially impermeable plastic material, such as, e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, soft cellulose acetate and like materials.

[0094] When not being used, the barrier (1 10) is able to be folded in on itself atop the nose piece (130) to provide a folded mask (100) sized and shaped to be conveniently stored in a person's pocket, for example.

[0095] The nose piece (130) includes a base (132) having a substantially circular shape. The base (132) includes an inner surface (133) configured to face and/or abut the nose of the canine and an opposed outer surface (134). The nose piece (130) further includes a rim (136) and at least one sidewall (135) extending away from a periphery of the inner surface (133) of the base (132) to the rim (136). The rim (136) extends from and along an outer edge of the at least one sidewall (135).

[0096] The inner surface (133) of the base (132) of the nose piece (130) is contoured to complement the outer surface of the nose of the canine. Likewise, the outer surface (134) of the base (132) of the nose piece (130) is contoured to assist a rescuer in placing his or her lips around and/or about the outer surface (134) and optionally the at least one sidewall (135) of the nose piece (130) for, in use, exhaling through the nose piece (130) and into the nasal cavity of the canine.

[0097] Referring briefly to Figure 6, the nose piece (130) includes two air receiving structures (310) defined on the base (132) of the nose piece (130). Each is configured to receive expressed air from the mouth of the rescuer and direct and/or deliver the expressed air into the nasal cavity of the canine.

[0098] Each air receiving structure (310) includes a cavity extending entirely through the base (132) for directing and/or delivering the expressed air. Each cavity is in fluid communication with an outer opening defined in the outer surface (134) of the base (132) and an opposed inner opening defined on the inner surface (133; not visible) of the base (132).

[0099] Each air receiving structure (310) is arranged in the base (132) to at least partially align with a nostril or nare of the nose of the canine when the mask (100) is fitted.

[00100] As shown, each air receiving structure (310) is substantially tear-drop shaped to at least partially correspond to or align relative to the alar fold of the nose of a canine. [00101 ] The nose piece (130) is formed from plastics material.

[00102] Turning back to Figure 3, the mask (100) further includes a sealing member including a sealing ring (320) and skirt (322) extending from the sealing ring (320) and at least partially along an inner surface of the barrier (1 10) towards the rim (1 12). The sealing member is configured to be positioned adjacent the opening (1 14) of the barrier (1 10) for forming a seal about the nose of canine when the mask (100) is being used.

[00103] The sealing ring (320) and skirt (322) is formed from a soft and impermeable material, such as, e.g., plastic, rubber and/or silicone.

[00104] Advantageously, the sealing ring (320) and skirt (322) assist in at least partially preventing a flow of expressed air from escaping between the snout of the canine and the barrier (1 10). Additionally, the sealing ring (320) and skirt (322) enable the mask (100) to be comfortably fitted about the snout of the canine.

[00105] The mask (100) also further includes a filter (330) arranged within the opening (1 14) of the barrier (1 10) for at least partially preventing the egress of canine body fluids, such as, e.g., saliva, blood or mucus, from the nose or mouth of the canine to the mouth of the rescuer. The filter (330) can be of any suitable type known in the art. For example, the filter (330) may be a 3M™ Filtrete™ hydrophobic filter.

[00106] The barrier (1 10) and the sealing ring (320) including the skirt (322) are permanently connected to the nose piece (130) by a uni-directional locking arrangement (350).

[00107] The uni-directional locking arrangement (350) includes an annular body (352) having a first open end (354), an opposed second open end (356) and a curved sidewall (358) extending therebetween. In use, the annular body (352) is inserted through the sealing ring (320), the skirt (322) and the opening (1 14) of the barrier (1 10) into a receiving portion (360) of the nose piece (130) defined by the inner surfaces of the base (132) and the at least one sidewall (135).

[00108] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the annular body (352) of the uni-directional locking arrangement (350) includes a lip (357) extending outwardly from the sidewall (358) at or near the second open end (356). The lip (357) extends laterally outwards from the annular body (352) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sidewall (358) to facilitate in clamping the shaped collar (1 15) of the barrier (1 10) and the sealing ring (320) at least partially against the nose piece (130).

[00109] The sidewall (358) of the annular body (352) and the inner surface of the sidewall (135) of the nose piece (130) each include retention members extending away from the respective sidewalls (358, 135) and configured to engage with one another to at least partially assist in permanently connecting the barrier (1 10) and the sealing ring (320) including the skirt (322) to the nose piece (130).

[001 10] In particular, the sidewall (358) of the annular body (352) includes a resilient angled shoulder (410) extending around the exterior of the annular body (352) and the inner surface of the inner surface of the sidewall (135) of the nose piece (130) includes a corresponding resilient angled shoulder (410) extending around the inner surface. Each angled shoulder (410) includes an angled outwardly facing portion (412) to enable the shoulders (410) to flex or plastically deform over one another when the annular body (352) is pressed into the receiving portion (360) of the nose piece (130). Each shoulder (410) also includes a laterally extending edge portion (414), located on an opposite side of the shoulder (410) to the angled outwardly facing portion (412), to retain the annular body (352) and the nose piece (130) together once they have been pressed together.

[001 1 1 ] Best shown in Figure 4, the annular body (352) includes a second resilient angled shoulder (510) adjacent the lip (357) for, in use, clamping an innermost edge of the sealing ring (320) against the inner surface of the sidewall (135) of the nose piece (130). As shown, the inner surface of the sidewall (135) includes a corresponding recessed portion for at least partially receiving the innermost edge of the sealing ring (320).

[001 12] A method of using the mask (100) as shown in Figures 1 to 6 is now described in detail.

[001 13] If provided in a folded state, the method may include an initial step of unfolding the barrier (1 10) relative to a remainder of the mask (100).

[001 14] Once unfolded, the method includes fitting the barrier (1 10) of the mask (100) about the snout (910) of the canine (900) such that the snout (910) is at least partially accommodated within the barrier (1 10) and the nose piece (130) is located in front of the nose of the canine (900).

[001 15] The air receiving structures (310) of the nose piece (130) may be optionally aligned with the nostrils or nares of the nose of the canine (900).

[001 16] Once fitted, the rescuer may position his or her lips about an external surface (134) of the nose piece (130) and can commence delivering expressed air into the nasal cavity of the canine via the nose piece (130).

[001 17] While delivering expressed air into the nasal cavity, the rescuer should simultaneously press the mask (100) against the snout (910) of the canine (900) to effect a good seal about the nose of the canine and thereby minimise the escape of expressed air between the barrier (1 10) and the snout (910) of the canine (900).

[001 18] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[001 19] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00120] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.