Forehead support for facial mask

• US 6,119,693 A
• Filed: 01/16/1998
• Issued: 09/19/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Grant, Willedwin John, Matchett, Robert Stephen, Kwok, Philip Rodney
• Primary Examiner(s): Weiss, John G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SRIVASTAVA, VIRENDRA KUMAR
• Application Number:
  US09/008,708
• Time in Patent Office: 977 Days
• Field of Search: 128/207.11, 128/207.17, 128/207.18, 128/207.13, 128/201.22, 128/201.24, 128/200.28, 128/201.18, 128/201.11, 604/174, 604/201.26, 604/201.27
• US Class Current: 128/207.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• 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 16/0644 having the means for adjusting its position
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/065 in the form of a pivot
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0655 in the form of a linear or curvilinear slide
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose

Abstract

An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-a-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Claims

1. A forehead support for a respiratory mask having an extension, said forehead support adapted to be secured to the extension of the respiratory mask, said forehead support comprising:

a bridge, said bridge being adapted to receive at least one forehead pad, said bridge having a first and second securing means and a first and second end;

an arm, said arm securing said bridge to said extension of said mask, said arm having a first and second end, said first end having a first attaching means which is adapted to secure to said first securing means in a first position to said first end of said bridge, said second end of said arm having a second attaching means which is adapted to secure to said second securing means in a first position to said second end of said bridge;

said first securing means having at least two positions which may receive said first attaching means; and

said second securing means having at least two positions which may receive said second attaching means.

2. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein said first and second attaching means comprises at least two pins at the terminal end of said first and second arms.

3. The forehead support of claim 2 wherein said first and second securing means use a plurality of slots to receive said pins.

4. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein said arm is a two-piece structure.

5. The forehead support of claim 2 wherein each of said arms has a space extending transversely a partial length of said arms.

6. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein there are two pads.

7. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein said first and second securing means is a slot extending across said bridge.

8. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein said extension is an airflow tube.

9. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein said mask is a full face mask.

10. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein said mask is adapted to treat a sleeping disorder.

11. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein the first and second securing means are different means.

12. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein the arms wrap tightly around an airflow tube which extends into said mask.

13. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein said extension is on said mask.

14. The forehead support of claim 1 wherein adjusting said arm adjusts the angle the mask makes vis-a-vis the user'"'"'s face.

15. A respiratory mask to be worn by a patient, said mask having an airflow tube entering said mask and a forehead support secured to the airflow tube, said forehead support comprising:

at least two forehead pads;

a bridge, said bridge being adapted to receive the at least two forehead pads at an obtuse angle, said bridge having a plurality of pin receiving slots at a first and second bridge end, said pin receiving slots defining a first and second position at each first and second bridge end; and

first and second arms, said arms securing said bridge to said airflow tube, said arms having a first and second end, said first arm end having a pair of engageable pins adapted to secure said first arm in said first and second positions relative to said first end of said bridge, said second end of said second arm having a pair of engageable pins adapted to secure said second arm in said first and second positions relative to said second end of said bridge.

16. The forehead support of claim 15 wherein each of said arms has a space extending transversely a partial length of said arms.

17. The forehead support of claim 15 wherein there are two pads.

18. The forehead support of claim 15 wherein said mask is a full face mask.

19. The forehead support of claim 15 wherein said mask is adapted to treat a sleeping disorder.

20. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:

a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side;

a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points, the first arm mask end constructed and arranged for connecting to a first connecting portion connected to the mask; and

a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points, the second arm mask end constructed and arranged for connecting to a second connecting portion connected to the mask;

wherein, selective movement of the first arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of first adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the first side of the bridge and the first connecting portion and selective movement of the second arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of second adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the second side of the bridge and the second connecting portion.

21. The forehead support of claim 20, wherein:

the first arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprises a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, at least one of the extending portions comprising a projecting pin; and

each of the plurality of first adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the compressed position.

22. The forehead support of claim 21, wherein:

the second arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprises a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, at least one of the extending portions comprising a projecting pin; and

each of the plurality of second adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the compressed position.

23. The forehead support of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of first and second adjusting points comprises a pair of slots and each of the first and second arm extending portions comprises a projecting pin constructed and arranged for selective engagement and disengagement with one of the pair of slots, respectively.

24. The forehead support of claim 23, and further comprising the respiratory mask, the respiratory mask comprising an airflow tube, the first and second connecting portions being positioned on the airflow tube.

25. The forehead support of claim 24, wherein each of the first and second arm mask ends is pivotally connected about an axis of the airflow tube.

26. The forehead support of claim 25, and further comprising:

a first cushion pad connected to the first side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user; and

a second cushion pad connected to the second side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user.

27. The forehead support of claim 20, and further comprising the respiratory mask, the respiratory mask comprising an airflow tube, the first and second connecting portions being positioned on the airflow tube.

28. The forehead support of claim 27, wherein each of the first and second arm mask ends is pivotally connected about an axis of the airflow tube.

29. The forehead support of claim 28, and further comprising:

a first cushion pad connected to the first side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user; and

a second cushion pad connected to the second side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user.

30. The forehead support of claim 20, and further comprising the respiratory mask.

31. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:

a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side;

a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging the bridge within a first adjustment range between a first position and a second position along the first side of the bridge, the first arm mask end constructed and arranged for pivotable connection about an axis of an airflow tube connected to the mask; and

a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging the bridge within a second adjustment range between a third position and a fourth position along the second side of the bridge, the second arm mask end constructed and arranged for pivotable connection about the axis of the airflow tube;

wherein, selective pivotable movement of the first arm about the axis of the airflow tube varies the position of engagement of the first arm and the bridge within the first adjustment range, thereby altering a spacing distance between the first side of the bridge and the airflow tube, and selective pivotable movement of the second arm about the axis of the airflow tube varies the position of engagement of the second arm and the bridge within the second adjustment range, thereby altering a spacing distance between the second side of the bridge and the airflow tube.

32. The forehead support of claim 31, wherein:

the bridge first adjustment range comprises a plurality of spaced apart first adjusting points; and

the first arm bridge end engagement mechanism is constructed and arranged for selectively en gaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points as the first arm is pivoted about the axis of the airflow tube.

33. The forehead support of claim 32, wherein:

the bridge second adjustment range comprises a plurality of spaced apart second adjusting points; and

the second arm bridge end engagement mechanism is constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points as the second arm is pivoted about the axis of the airflow tube.

34. The forehead support of claim 33, wherein:

the first arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprises a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, at least one of the extending portions comprising a projecting pin; and

each of the plurality of first adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the compressed position.

35. The forehead support of claim 34, wherein:

the second arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprises a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, at least one of the extending portions comprising a projecting pin; and

each of the plurality of second adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the compressed position.

36. The forehead support of claim 35, wherein each of the plurality of first and second adjusting points comprises a pair of slots and each of the first and second arm extending portions comprises a projecting pin constructed and arranged for selective engagement and disengagement with one of the pair of slots, respectively.

37. The forehead support of claim 36, and further comprising the respiratory mask.

38. The forehead support of claim 31, and further comprising:

a first cushion pad connected to the first side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user; and

a second cushion pad connected to the second side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user.

39. The forehead support of claim 31, and further comprising the respiratory mask.

40. The forehead support of claim 39, and further comprising:

a first cushion pad connected to the first side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user; and

a second cushion pad connected to the second side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user.

41. An adjustable support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a device attached to a user'"'"'s body, comprising:

a bridge constructed and arranged to engage the user'"'"'s body, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side;

a first arm having a bridge end and a support end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points; and

a second arm having a bridge end and a support end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points, the first arm support end being movably connected to the second arm support end at a connecting portion;

wherein, selective movement of the first arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of first adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the first side of the bridge and the connecting portion and selective movement of the second arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of second adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the second side of the bridge and the connecting portion.

42. The adjustable support of claim 41, wherein:

the first arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprises a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, at least one of the extending portions comprising a projecting pin; and

each of the plurality of first adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the compressed position.

43. The adjustable support of claim 42, wherein:

the second arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprises a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, at least one of the extending portions comprising a projecting pin; and

each of the plurality of second adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the compressed position.

44. The adjustable support of claim 43, wherein each of the plurality of first and second adjusting points comprises a pair of slots and each of the first and second arm extending portions comprises a projecting pin constructed and arranged for selective engagement and disengagement with one of the pair of slots, respectively.

45. The adjustable support of claim 44, and further comprising:

a first cushion pad connected to the first side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the body of the user; and

a second cushion pad connected to the second side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the body of the user.

46. A respiratory mask assembly, comprising:

a respiratory mask;

a headgear connected to the respiratory mask for attaching the mask to a user'"'"'s head; and

a forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support the respiratory mask, comprising;

a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of the user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a first plurality of opposed pairs of adjusting slots spaced along the first side and a second plurality of opposed pairs of adjusting slots spaced along the second side;

a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end comprising a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, each of the extending portions comprising a projecting pin, the pair of projecting pins constructed and arranged for selective engagement with each of the first plurality of opposed pairs of adjusting slots when the extending portions are in the expanded position and for selective disengagement with such opposed pair of adjusting slots when the extending portions are in the compressed position, the first arm mask end pivotally connected about an air tube connected to the respiratory mask; and

a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end comprising a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, each of the extending portions comprising a projecting pin, the pair of projecting pins constructed and arranged for selective engagement with each of the second plurality of opposed pairs of adjusting slots when the extending portions are in the expanded position and for selective disengagement with such opposed pair of adjusting slots when the extending portions are in the compressed position, the second arm mask end pivotally connected about the air tube connected to the respiratory mask;

wherein, selective movement of the first arm bridge end between the first plurality of opposed pairs of adjusting slots alters a spacing distance between the first side of the bridge and the air tube and selective movement of the second arm bridge end between the second plurality of opposed pairs of adjusting slots alters a spacing distance between the second side of the bridge and the air tube.