Mask system with interchangeable headgear connectors

• US 8,517,023 B2
• Filed: 01/29/2008
• Issued: 08/27/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Henry, Robert Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): DOUGLAS, STEVEN O
• Application Number:
  US12/010,680
• Publication Number:
  US 20080178875A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,037 Days
• Field of Search: 128/202.27, 128/205.25, 12820611-20618, 128/206.21, 12820623-20628, 128/207.11, 128/207.13
• US Class Current: 128/207.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 Pumps therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0622 having an underlying cushion
• 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 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0694 Chin straps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0833 T- or Y-type connectors, e.g. Y-piece
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 18/084 Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets

Abstract

A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points and at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be provided to the frame. Each of the at least first and second headgear connectors are adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear. The at least first and second headgear connectors are different from one another in at least one aspect.

Claims

1. A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising:

a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points; and

at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be provided to the frame, each of said at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear, and said at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect,

wherein each of the first and second headgear connectors is adapted to be removably connected to the frame so as to prevent movement of each of the at least first and second headgear connectors with respect to the frame,

wherein each of said headgear connectors includes an adjustable forehead support or an upper support member adapted to support an adjustable forehead support.

2. The mask system according to claim 1, wherein each of said headgear connectors is constructed of a similar material as the frame.

3. The mask system according to claim 2, wherein each of said headgear connectors and the frame are constructed of a substantially rigid plastic material.

4. The mask system according to claim 3, wherein each of said headgear connectors and the frame are constructed of polycarbonate.

5. The mask system according to claim 1, wherein said at least first and second headgear connectors include headgear attachment points that differ in at least one respect from one another.

6. The mask system according to claim 5, wherein each of the headgear attachment points is in the form of an opening adapted to receive a headgear strap therethrough.

7. The mask system according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said headgear connectors includes upper and lower attachment points on each side thereof.

8. The mask system according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said headgear connectors includes a side attachment point on each side thereof and a top attachment point.

9. The mask system according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said headgear connectors includes a side attachment point on each side thereof.

10. The mask system according to claim 1, wherein each of said headgear connectors is structured to removably connect to the frame with a friction fit, snap-fit, mechanical interlock, and/or other attachment mechanism.

11. The mask system according to claim 1, further comprising at least first and second headgear adapted to attach to a respective one of said at least first and second headgear connectors, said at least first and second headgear being different from one another in at least one aspect.

12. The mask system according to claim 1, wherein each of said headgear connectors includes headgear clip receptacles and/or a clip receptacle adapted to support an accessory.

13. The mask system according to claim 1, wherein if at least one of said headgear connectors includes an upper support member adapted to support an adjustable forehead support, said headgear connector having openings for attaching upper side straps of the headgear and lower headgear clip receptacles adapted to be engaged with respective clips provided to lower side straps of the headgear.

14. The mask system according to claim 1, wherein if at least one of said headgear connectors includes an adjustable fixed forehead support, said headgear connector having openings adapted to attach upper side straps of the headgear and lower headgear clip receptacles adapted to be engaged with respective clips provided to lower side straps of the headgear.

15. The mask system according to claim 12, wherein if at least one of said headgear connectors includes headgear clip receptacles, said headgear connector including headgear clip receptacles on each side thereof adapted to be engaged with clips provided to side straps of the headgear.

16. The mask system according to claim 12, wherein if at least one of said headgear connectors includes an upper support member adapted to support a forehead support, said headgear connector having openings for attaching upper side straps of the headgear, lower headgear clip receptacles adapted to be engaged with respective clips provided to lower side straps of the headgear, and a lower clip receptacle positioned at the bottom of the headgear connector between the headgear clip receptacles and adapted to be engaged with a clip provided to an accessory.

17. The mask system according to claim 16, wherein the accessory includes a chin support, a mouth seal, and/or a mandibular device.

18. The mask system according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes at least two interfacing structures located in different positions on the frame and said at least first and second headgear connectors is adapted to be removably connected to a respective one of the interfacing structures.

19. The mask system according to claim 18, wherein each interfacing structure provides one or more protrusions having a profile, shape, or arrangement that differs in at least one respect from the other interfacing structures, and each headgear connector includes one or more openings having a profile, shape, or arrangement that corresponds to a respective one of the interfacing structures.

20. The mask system according to claim 18, wherein each of said headgear connectors includes headgear clip receptacles.

40. The mask system of claim 1, having attachment points fixed relative to the frame.

41. The mask system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least first and second headgear connectors including headgear clip receptacles adapted to attach to respective clips attached to respective side straps of a headgear.

21. A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising:

at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear, said at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect; and

a common frame structured to support each of said at least first and second headgear connectors,

wherein each of said headgear connectors is constructed of a similar material as the frame, and each of the first and second headgear connectors is adapted to be removably connected to the frame so as to prevent movement of each of the at least first and second headgear connectors with respect to the frame,

wherein each of said headgear connectors includes an adjustable forehead support or an upper support member adapted to support an adjustable forehead support.

22. The mask system according to claim 21, wherein each of said headgear connectors is constructed of a substantially rigid, non-malleable, plastic material.

23. The mask system according to claim 22, wherein each of said headgear connectors is constructed of polycarbonate.

24. A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising:

at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear, said at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect; and

a common frame structured to support each of said at least first and second headgear connectors,

wherein each of said headgear connectors includes at least one headgear clip receptacle adapted to be engaged with a clip provided to a headgear strap, and each of the first and second headgear connectors is adapted to be removably connected to the frame so as to prevent movement of each of the at least first and second headgear connectors with respect to the frame.

25. A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising:

at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear, said at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect; and

a common frame structured to support each of said at least first and second headgear connectors, the frame including a central bore adapted to engage an elbow assembly,

wherein each of said headgear connectors includes an opening adapted to removably engage a flange or interfacing structure provided along the central bore of the frame, and each of the first and second headgear connectors is adapted to be removably connected to the flange or interfacing structure of the frame so as to prevent movement of each of the at least first and second headgear connectors with respect to the frame.

26. A kit comprising:

at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear, said at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect;

a common frame structured to support each of said at least first and second headgear connectors, wherein each of the first and second headgear connectors is adapted to be removably connected to the frame so as to prevent movement of each of the at least first and second headgear connectors with respect to the frame;

a sealing interface or cushion provided to the frame; and

at least first and second headgear adapted to attach to a respective one of said at least first and second headgear connectors,

wherein each of said headgear connectors includes an adjustable forehead support or an upper support member adapted to support an adjustable forehead support.

27. A method for fitting a mask system to a patient, comprising:

providing a common frame without built-in or integral headgear attachment points;

selecting headgear from at least first and second headgear based on a preferred headgear style; and

selecting a headgear connector from at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect, the selected headgear connector adapted to be removably connected to the frame so as to prevent movement of each of the at least first and second headgear connectors with respect to the frame and structured to attach headgear straps of the selected headgear,

wherein each of said headgear connectors includes an adjustable forehead support or an upper support member adapted to support an adjustable forehead support.

28. A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising:

a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points, said frame having at least one retention feature; and

at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be connected to the at least one retention feature of the frame at a mounting point of the frame, each of said at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear, and said at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect,

wherein the at least first and second headgear connectors are structured to rotate up to a maximum of 180°

about the mounting point of the frame.

29. A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising:

a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points;

a cushion adapted to contact the face of the patient; and

at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be provided to the frame, each of said at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear, and said at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect,

wherein the at least first and second headgear connectors are adapted to retain the cushion to the frame.

30. The mask system according to claim 29, wherein each of said headgear connectors is constructed of a similar material as the frame.

31. The mask system according to claim 30, wherein each of said headgear connectors and the frame is constructed of a substantially rigid plastic material.

32. The mask system according to claim 31, wherein each of said headgear connectors and the frame is constructed of polycarbonate.

33. The mask system according to claim 29, wherein said at least first and second headgear connectors include headgear attachment points that differ in at least one respect from one another.

34. The mask system according to claim 32, wherein each headgear attachment point is in the form of an opening adapted to receive a headgear strap therethrough.

35. The mask system according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said headgear connectors includes upper and lower attachment points on each side thereof.

36. The mask system according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said headgear connectors includes a side attachment point on each side thereof and a top attachment point.

37. The mask system according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said headgear connectors includes a side attachment point on each side thereof.

38. The mask system according to claim 29, wherein each of said headgear connectors are structured to engage the frame with a friction fit, snap-fit, mechanical interlock, and/or other attachment mechanism.

39. The mask system according to claim 29, further comprising at least first and second headgear adapted to attach to a respective one of said at least first and second headgear connectors, said at least first and second headgear being different from one another in at least one aspect.

42. A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising:

a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points; and

at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be provided to the frame, each of said at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear, and said at least first and second headgear connectors being different from one another in at least one aspect;

wherein each of the first and second headgear connectors is adapted to be connected to the frame, wherein the at least one retention feature comprises a slider support structure and each headgear connector includes structure adapted to be removably and slidably engaged with the slider support structure.

43. The mask system according to claim 42, wherein each headgear connector is adapted to be slid along the slider support structure to one of multiple positions.

44. The mask system according to claim 42, wherein each headgear connector includes a headgear clip receptacle.

45. A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient at positive pressure to treat sleep disordered breathing, the mask system comprising:

a mask frame having a central bore, said mask frame having no built-in or integral headgear attachment points;

a sealing cushion provided to the frame and adapted to form a seal with the patient'"'"'s face;

a headgear including a pair of upper side straps, a pair of lower side straps, and a rear portion;

a pair of lower headgear clips adapted to receive respective ones of the pair of lower side straps; and

a headgear connector adapted to engage the mask frame, said headgear connector including a pair of lower headgear clip anchors adapted to be engaged with respective ones of the pair of lower headgear clips, said headgear connector including an adjustable forehead support connected to the headgear connector by an upper support member, said adjustable forehead support including a pair of openings adapted to attach to respective ones of the upper side straps,

wherein the mask frame is adapted to removably connect to more than one headgear connector, each headgear connector being different in at least one aspect.

46. The mask system according to claim 45, wherein the mask frame and the sealing cushion comprise a full-face mask.

47. The mask system according to claim 46, wherein the sealing cushion is secured to the mask frame.

48. The mask system according to claim 47, wherein at least a portion of said headgear connector is shaped to conform to a portion of said mask frame.

49. The mask system according to claim 48, wherein the mask frame includes a peripheral edge to engage the headgear connector.

50. The mask system according to claim 45, comprising an elbow assembly, said elbow assembly being adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube.

51. The mask system according to claim 45, wherein the headgear connector is removably attachable to the mask frame.

52. The mask system according to claim 51, wherein when said mask frame and said headgear connector are attached, the mask frame and the headgear connector are not movable relative to one another.

53. The mask system according to claim 51, wherein the headgear connector and the mask frame are adapted to be engaged by a snap-fit.

54. The mask system according to claim 51, wherein the headgear connector comprises a plurality of tabs to attach the mask frame with a snap-fit.

55. The mask system according to claim 45, wherein the central bore is located on a main body of the mask frame.

56. The mask system according to claim 45, comprising a vent assembly for gas washout.

57. The mask system according to claim 45, wherein the adjustable forehead support is T-shaped.

58. The mask system according to claim 45, wherein the pair of upper side straps are arranged to extend above the patient'"'"'s ears and the pair of lower side straps are arranged to extend below the patient'"'"'s ears.

59. The mask system according to claim 58, wherein the rear portion of the headgear is adapted to cup the occiput of the patient'"'"'s head.

60. The mask system according to claim 45, wherein the sealing cushion cannot be easily detached from the mask frame.

61. The mask system according to claim 60, wherein the sealing cushion and the mask frame are permanently attached.

62. The mask system according to claim 45, wherein said headgear connector is constructed of a similar material as the frame.

63. The mask system according to claim 62, wherein said headgear connector and said mask frame are constructed of a substantially rigid, non-malleable plastic material.

64. The mask system according to claim 63, wherein said headgear connector and said mask frame are constructed of polycarbonate.

65. The mask system according to claim 45, comprising a vent assembly for gas washout,

wherein the headgear connector is removably attachable to the mask frame,

wherein when said mask frame and said headgear connector are attached, the mask frame and the headgear connector are not movable relative to one another,

wherein the headgear connector and the mask frame are adapted to be engaged by a snap- fit,

wherein the adjustable forehead support is T-shaped,

wherein the pair of upper side straps are arranged to extend above the patient'"'"'s ears and the pair of lower side straps are arranged to extend below the patient'"'"'s ears, and

wherein said headgear connector and said mask frame are constructed of polycarbonate.

66. The mask system according to claim 45, wherein the mask frame and the sealing cushion comprise a full-face mask,

wherein the sealing cushion is secured to the mask frame,

wherein the mask system comprises an elbow assembly, said elbow assembly being adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube,

wherein the headgear connector is removably attachable to the mask frame,

wherein when said mask frame and said headgear connector are attached, the mask frame and the headgear connector are not movable relative to one another,

wherein the headgear connector and the mask frame are adapted to be engaged by a snap- fit,

wherein the central bore is located on a main body of the mask frame,

wherein the mask system comprises a vent assembly for gas washout,

wherein the adjustable forehead support is T-shaped,

wherein the pair of upper side straps are arranged to extend above the patient'"'"'s ears and the pair of lower side straps are arranged to extend below the patient'"'"'s ears,

wherein the rear portion of the headgear is adapted to cup the occiput of the patient'"'"'s head,

wherein at least a portion of said headgear connector is shaped to conform to a portion of said mask frame, and

wherein said headgear connector and said mask frame are constructed of a substantially rigid, non-malleable plastic material.