Mask apparatus

• US 20050121030A1
• Filed: 03/05/2003
• Published: 06/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smiths Group plc (Smiths Group International Holdings Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Smiths Group plc (Smiths Group International Holdings Ltd.)
• Inventors: Field, Stephen James, Pagan, Eric, Bateman, Timothy, Simon, Alan Neame, Lee, Andrew James, Bishop, Giles Andrew
• Granted Patent: US 7,152,602 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/201.230
• 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 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0694 Chin straps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/08 Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0625 Mouth

Abstract

A face mask comprises a sealing collar (1) extending around the mouth with a shelf (4) extending under the nose supporting a gel insert (7) that makes sealing contact between the nostrils and a passage (6) through the shelf. A curved, rigid window (30) is a push fit in a central opening (2) of the collar (1) and has a gas inlet (33) attached with it so that the window can be removed or connected with the sealing collar as necessary. The collar (1) supported on the head by a harness (20) having two triangular portions (21) on opposite sides encircling respective ears.

Claims

1. Mask apparatus including a generally ring-shape sealing assembly adapted to be retained with the head and to seal around at least the mouth of a user, and a gas inlet for supplying gas to the apparatus, characterized in that the sealing assembly has a central opening located in the region of the mouth, and a removable closure for securing with the central opening, and that the gas inlet is mounted with the closure.

2. Mask apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure includes a plate.

3. Mask apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the plate is curved and rigid.

4. Mask apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure is a push fit in the central opening.

5. Mask apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing assembly includes a shelf adapted to extend beneath the nose of the user.

6. Mask apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the shelf supports a compliant substance adapted to seal around the nostrils.

7. Mask apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the shelf has a passage therethrough adapted to supply gas to the user'"'"'s nose.

8. Mask apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus includes a harness secured with the sealing assembly and adapted to extend around the head of the user.

9. Mask apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the harness comprises two triangular portions encircling respective ears of the user, that both portions have a rear limb extending substantially vertically at the rear of the user'"'"'s head, and that the rear limbs are securable with one another at the rear of the user'"'"'s head.

10. Mask apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing assembly includes an adhesive extending around its edge to contact the user'"'"'s skin.

11. Mask apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the shelf has a passage therethrough adapted to supply gas to the user'"'"'s nose.

12. Mask apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealing assembly includes an adhesive extending around its edge to contact the user'"'"'s skin.