Patient interface assembly and system using same

• US 7,357,136 B2
• Filed: 08/13/2004
• Issued: 04/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS LLC (Respironics Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS LLC (Respironics Incorporated)
• Inventors: Andrews, Derrik, Von Dolhen, Chris, Stonis, Luke, Ho, Peter, Matula, Jerome, Busch, Lance, Lordo, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mitchell; Teena
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ali; Shumaya B.
• Application Number:
  US10/918,832
• Publication Number:
  US 20050076913A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,341 Days
• Field of Search: 128/207.11, 128/207.18, 128/204.11, 128/204.12, 128/204.24, 128/204.25, 128/205.11, 128/205.25, 128/206.11, 128/206.18, 128/207.13, 128/200.24, 128/200.29, 128/201.11, 128/201.27, 128/202.27, 128/204.18, 128/206.27, 128/207.17, 128/911, 128/912, 128/DIG.26
• US Class Current: 128/207.11
• 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 16/0622 having an underlying cushion
• 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 16/0825 with ball-sockets
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0216 Materials providing elastic properties, e.g. for facilitating deformation and avoid breaking
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0266 Shape memory materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: C10L 1/328 Oil emulsions containing water or any other hydrophilic phase
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04164 by condensers, gas-liquid separators or filters
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0618 Reforming processes, e.g. autothermal, partial oxidation or steam reforming
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0625 in a modular combined reactor/fuel cell structure
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells

Abstract

A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear. In one embodiment, a spring biases the interface device against the face during use. In a further embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion having a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. The headgear assembly in one embodiment is a semi-rigid, minimal contact harness and includes an adjustment assembly that allows for a simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps. An adjustment assembly on the headgear provides a gross adjustment of the position of the interface relative to the patient and a biasing force to urge the patient interface device against the patient'"'"'s face. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear.

Claims

1. A patient interface assembly for use in the delivery of a breathing gas to a patient, comprising:

(a) a patient interface device;

(b) a headgear adapted to be worn by a patient; and

(c) a coupling member adapted to couple the patient interface device to the headgear, wherein the patient interface device is pivotally connected to the headgear via the coupling member, and wherein the coupling member includes an angle adjustment assembly for adjusting an angle of the patient interface device relative to such a patient, the angle adjustment assembly comprising;

(1) a mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to the headgear,

(2) an angular pivot housing, and

(3) a pivot tube mounted within the angular pivot housing, wherein the mounting bracket, angular pivot housing, and the pivot tube are pivotable about a common axis.

2. The patient interface assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket has mounting bracket arms each having locking elements corresponding to preset angular positions, and the angular pivot housing comprises extension arms having a locking element for mating with the locking elements on the mounting bracket arms.

3. The patient interface assembly of claim 1, wherein the patient interface device comprises a nasal cushion and a nares element.

4. The patient interface assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cradle coupling the patient interface device to the coupling member.

5. The patient interface assembly of claim 4, further comprising an exhaust diffusion plate mounted on the cradle.

6. The patient interface assembly of claim 1, wherein the headgear comprises:

a cross strap adapted to extend over the top of a patient'"'"'s head;

a forehead strap adapted to extend over the forehead and temples of such a patient; and

a rear strap adapted to extend about the rear portion of such a patient'"'"'s head.

7. The patient interface assembly of claim 2, wherein the cross strap, the forehead strap, and the rear strap are connected to each other by an adjustment assembly.

8. The patient interface assembly of claim 7, wherein the adjustment assembly provides simultaneous adjustment of both the cross strap and the rear strap.

9. The patient interface assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling member includes a length adjustment assembly for adjusting a distance between the coupling member and the patient interface device.

10. The patient interface assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring associated with the coupling member and adapted to bias the patient interface device against such a patient'"'"'s face responsive to the patient interface assembly being donned by such a patient.