Face mask support

• US 7,089,941 B2
• Filed: 02/12/2005
• Issued: 08/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Somnetics International, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Amy Raatikka, David Markovich, Laurel D. Brandt, Mark J. Weimholt, Steven S. Bordewick
• Inventors: Bordewick, Steven S., Weimholt, Mark J., Markovich, David, Brandt, Laurel D., Raatikka, Amy
• Primary Examiner(s): MITCHELL, TEENA KAY
• Application Number:
  US11/056,858
• Publication Number:
  US 20050150499A1
• Time in Patent Office: 549 Days
• Field of Search: 128/201.22, 128/201.23, 128/201.24, 128/205.25, 128/206.12, 128/206.18, 128/206.21, 128/206.27, 128/206.28, 128/207.11, 128/207.13, 128/207.17, 128/DIG.26, 241/0, 2/5, 2/61, 2/62, 2/66, 2/68, 241/7, 241/8, 242/1, 242/2, 242/4, 2/9, 217/1, 217/3, 220/2, 220/5, 220/6, 220/9, 290/8, 290/9, 291/2, 251/61
• US Class Current: 128/207.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0633 with forehead support
• 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 face mask support for continuous positive airway pressure comprises a circumferential band with biasing means support at the crown of the head on the medial line of the head. The circumferential edge of the cap extends from just below the forehead of a patient to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck. A biasing means which is preferably of length of spring steel is formed so as to extend from the biasing means support hold a nasal or face mask apposed to the face of a patient. The circumferential band is stabilized by a band extending from the circumferential band at the region of the ear to the biasing means support.

Claims

1. A face mask support comprising a circumferential band adapted to encircle the head of a patient from just below the hairline to an inion protrusion of a patient;

a stabilizing band attached to the circumferential band and extending upward toward the crown of the head of a patient;

a biasing means support positioned between the circumferential band and the stabilizing band; and

biasing means inserted into at least one receiving slot on the biasing means support and extending horizontally forward from the biasing means support to a point forward of the nose of a patient and then forming at least one descending arm at a 90 degree angle so as to be parallel to a face of a patient.

2. The biasing means of claim 1 wherein the biasing means comprise means for horizontal adjustment and for vertical adjustment.

3. The means for horizontal and vertical adjustment of claim 2 that are ratchets.

4. The biasing means support of claim 1 further comprising an adjustment means corresponding to the adjustment means on the horizontally extending biasing means.