Mask and headgear connector

• US 20020096176A1
• Filed: 03/06/2002
• Published: 07/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Gunaratnam, Michael K., Kwok, Philip R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,600,513 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/207.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0605 Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0616 with face sealing means comprising a flap or membrane projecting inwards, such that sealing increases with increasing inhalation gas pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0622 having an underlying cushion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0633 with forehead support
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0638 in the form of a pivot
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/065 in the form of a pivot
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0666 Nasal cannulas or tubing devices for improving normal breathing through the nose A61F5/08; nose filters A62B23/06; outside holding devices A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0672 Nasal cannula assemblies for oxygen therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/08 Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/02 characterised by a particular materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/45529 Requiring manual force applied against bias to interlock or disengage

Abstract

A connector arrangement joining a respiratory mask and headgear is adapted for single-handed disengagement by the patient. A first, rigid connector part 470 is formed into the rigid mask frame 400, with a mating second connector 600 attached to a strap of the headgear. The connectors are held away from the patient'"'"'s face by the connection to the mask frame.

Claims

1. A respiratory mask and headgear combination comprising a respiratory mask having a rigid mask frame, adjustable headgear for securing said mask on a patient, said headgear including at least one attachment strap, said mask frame having rigidly secured thereto a rigid first connector, further comprising a second connector adapted for releasable mating with said first connector, said second connector having means for connection of said attachment strap of the headgear.

2. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 1 wherein said first and second connectors form a press-release connection between said mask frame and said strap.

3. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 2 wherein said first connector is a female connector integrally and rigidly formed with said mask frame.

4. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 3 wherein said second connector is a corresponding male connector.

5. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 4 wherein said male connector includes a resiliently biased cantilever member depending from a leading end portion of said male connector and having means for locking engagement with female connector.

6. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 5 wherein said cantilever member has a leading end, a trailing end, locking means located intermediate said leading end and trailing end for engaging with said first connector, and release means located adjacent said trailing end.

7. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 6 wherein said release means comprises a raised portion adjacent a trailing end of said cantilever member.

8. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 7 wherein a space is provided immediately behind said trailing end of the cantilever member.

9. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 8 wherein said locking means comprises at least one lug on a forward surface of said cantilever member, said lug engaging a corresponding socket of said first connector.

10. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 3 wherein said first and second connectors are spaced forwardly of the patient'"'"'s face by said rigid mask frame.

11. A respiratory mask and headgear combination adapted for single-handed disengagement, comprising a rigid mask frame, adjustable headgear for securing said mask on a patient, said headgear including at least one attachment strap, said mask frame having rigidly secured thereto a rigid secured first connector, further comprising a second connector connected to said strap of said headgear, said second connector being adapted for releasable mating with the first connector and having first and second gripping surfaces positioned for gripping of said second connector between a thumb and finger of a patient'"'"'s hand and release means positioned for operation by another finger of the patient'"'"'s hand.

12. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 11 wherein said first connector is a female connector integrally and rigidly formed with said mask frame.

13. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 12 wherein said first and second connectors are spaced forwardly of the patient'"'"'s face by said rigid mask frame.

14. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 11 wherein said release means is pressed by said finger to depress resilient cantilever member of said second connector.

15. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 14 wherein said release means comprises a raised portion adjacent a trailing end of said cantilever member,

16. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 15 wherein a space is provided immediately behind said trailing end of the cantilever member.

17. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 16 wherein said cantilever member includes locking means located intermediate said raised portion and a leading end of said cantilever member.

18. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 17 wherein said locking means comprises at least one lug on a forward surface of said cantilever member, said lug engaging a corresponding socket of said first connector.

19. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 18 wherein a leading surface of said lug is ramped.

20. A respiratory mask and headgear combination according to claim 11 wherein said second connector is adapted, in use, for gripping of said first and second gripping surfaces by the thumb and index finger of the patient'"'"'s hand.