PATIENT INTERFACE DEVICE WITH CHEEKBONE STABILIZATION

• US 20130037030A1
• Filed: 02/14/2011
• Published: 02/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Matula, Jerome Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 10,124,139 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/205.25
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0605 Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient
• 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 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors

Abstract

A patient interface device (30, 230, 530, 630, 730) that includes a support member (34, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634) comprising a central support portion and of cheek mount supports (70) coupled to the central portion. Each cheek mount support is configured to apply a force a side a user'"'"'s cheekbone while applying substantially no force over an apex of such a user'"'"'s cheekbone responsive to the patient interface being worn by a user. A seal member (36, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736) is coupled to the support portion. The seal member is adapted to seal against a surface of a user to communicate a flow of gas with an airway of such a user. A conduit coupling member (38, 355, 438a, 438b, 538) is coupled to the seal member.

Claims

1. A patient interface device comprising:

a support member comprising a central support portion and a pair of cheek mount supports extending from respective opposite sides of the central support portion, wherein the central support portion and the check mount supports are a unitary structure made of a generally rigid material consisting of metal, plastic, or a combination thereof, wherein the central support portion defines a seal member receptacle, wherein each cheek mount support is configured to apply a force to a side of a user'"'"'s cheekbone while applying substantially no force over an apex of such a user'"'"'s cheekbone responsive to the patient interface device being worn by a user, wherein each check mount support comprises a first member that is adapted to pass below the apex of the checkbone responsive to the patient interface device being worn by such a user;

a seal member received in a mated or matching relationship in the seal member receptacle too hold the seal member to the support member, wherein the seal member is adapted to seal against a surface of a user to communicate a flow of gas with an airway of such a user; and

a conduit coupling member operatively coupled to the seal member.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal member includes a pair of nasal prongs.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein each cheek mount support comprises

a second member that is adapted to pass between an apex of a cheekbone and an eye of a user responsive to the patient interface device being worn by such a user.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising an adjustment mechanism adapted to change a distance between the first member and the second member.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the first member and the second member are joined at each end to define a loop-shaped structure, and wherein the looped-shaped structure is sized and configured to substantially encircle an apex of a cheekbone of a user responsive to the patient interface device being worn by such a user.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein the first member and the second member are joined at only one end to define a U-shaped structure, and wherein the U-shaped structure is sized and configured to encircle at least a portion of an apex of a cheekbone of a user responsive to the patient interface device being worn by such a user.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein each cheek mount support fully encircles an apex of an associated cheekbone.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pad disposed on a surface of the cheek mount support such that the pad contacts a user responsive to the device being worn by such a user.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the central support portion includes first and second openings provided on opposite sides of receptacle, wherein the first opening is mated with a first coupling member of the seal member and second opening is mated with a second coupling member of the seal member.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal member is rotatably coupled to the receptacle of the support member.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the conduit coupling member is operatively coupled to a central portion or a side portion of the seal member.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a headgear assembly operatively coupled to the cheek mount supports.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust assembly associated with the seal member, the conduit coupling member, or both.

9. (canceled)