Adaptable breathing mask

• US 20060032504A1
• Filed: 06/03/2005
• Published: 02/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Compumedics Limited
• Original Assignee: Compumedics Limited
• Inventors: Burton, David, Blochlinger, Fred
• Granted Patent: US 7,992,560 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/207.110
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• 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 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0825 with ball-sockets
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose

Abstract

The present invention is a breathing mask that is fully adjustable so as to enable a comfortable and leak proof seal around a patient'"'"'s face. The mask includes a frame, a cushion, a hose connector, a strap, connector, a strap, and a headgear. The present invention ensures both comfort and effectiveness by enabling a full adjustment of various components such as the angle of the strap relative to the face mask and the adjustment of the size of the headgear. Furthermore, the present invention also allows for the free rotation of certain elements in order to maintain a sufficient seal without increasing the pressure applied to the patient.

Claims

1. A breathing mask comprising:

a frame having an aperture extending therethrough and interfacing surfaces on opposite longitudinal ends;

a connector having an interfacing portion complementary to the interfacing surfaces on the frame and an angle adjustment mechanism; and

a strap coupled to the angle adjustment mechanism.

2. The mask of claim 1, wherein the angle adjustment mechanism includes a first plate and a second plate coupled to each other by a pivot, the first and second plate each have opposing interlocking surfaces, and wherein the strap is connected to the second plate enabling the angle of the strap relative to the frame to vary.

3. The mask of claim 1, wherein the interfacing portion of the connector includes a tongue portion and a cantilevered clip portion, and wherein the interfacing surface on the frame is adapted to mate with the interfacing portion.

4. The mask of claim 1, and further comprising a hose connector coupling a hose to the frame such that the hose is free to rotate about the frame.

5. The mask of claim 1, and further comprising a headgear coupled to the strap, and wherein the headgear pivots relative to the strap.

6. The mask of claim 1, wherein the strap has an EMG sensor attached thereto.

7. The mask of claim 1, and further comprising a double walled cushion coupled to the frame.

8. The breathing mask of claim 1, and further comprising a thermistor coupled to the frame.

9. A nasal breathing mask comprising:

a frame; and

a headgear coupled to the frame, wherein the headgear includes a pair of base portions connected by a headstrap and an arm connected to the base portion by a pivoting mechanism.

10. The mask of claim 9, wherein the pivoting mechanism includes knock out spacers on the arm and interlocking flanges on the base portion.

11. The mask of claim 9, wherein the pivoting mechanism includes a triple plate mechanism.

12. The mask of claim 9, wherein the headstrap is comprised of two separate straps connected to opposite base portions, and wherein the two straps connect to each other by a hook and loop fastener.

13. The mask of claim 9, wherein the headgear has a pair of arms and a neckstrap spanning across the arms.

14. The mask of claim 9, and further comprising a hose connector coupling a hose to the frame, the hose connector including a lip which is inserted into an aperture in the frame and a retaining ring which allows the hose connector to pivot about the frame while remaining coupled to the frame.

15. The mask of claim 9, and further comprising a stem located within the frame, the frame being coupled to a pad and a wheel in geared communication with the stem, wherein rotation of the wheel translates the stem inward or outward from the frame, thus moving the pad in a similar direction.

16. The mask of claim 9, and further comprising a strap extending from each base portion, and a connector coupling the strap to the frame, the connector including an angle adjustment mechanism which includes a first plate and a second plate coupled to each other by a pivot.

17. A nasal mask comprising:

a frame having an aperture extending therethrough and interfacing surfaces on opposite longitudinal ends,

a pad being adjustably located in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the frame; and

a hose rotatively coupled to the frame.

18. The mask of claim 17, and further comprising a stem coupled to the pad and a wheel in geared communication with the stem, wherein rotation of the wheel translates the stem inward or outward from the frame, thus moving the pad in a similar direction.

19. The mask of claim 17, and further comprising a membrane overlaying the pad.

20. The mask of claim 17, and further comprising a strap coupled to the frame and a headgear coupled to the strap by a pivot.

21. The mask of claim 20, and further comprising a connector coupling the strap to the frame, the connector including an angle adjustment mechanism which includes a first plate and a second plate coupled to each other by a pivot.

22. The mask of claim 17, wherein the pad is positioned to contact the bridge of the nose, and wherein the pad is saddle-shaped to accommodate the nose.

23. The mask of claim 17, and further comprising a hose connector coupling the hose to the frame, the hose connector including a lip which is inserted into the aperture in the frame and a retaining ring which allows the hose connector to pivot about the frame while remaining coupled to the frame.

24. The mask of claim 17, and further comprising a headgear coupled to the frame, wherein the headgear includes a pair of base portions connected by a headstrap and an arm connected to the base portion by a pivoting mechanism.

25. The mask of claim 24, wherein wherein the pivoting mechanism includes knock out spacers on the arm and interlocking flanges on the base portion.