INTERFACE INCLUDING A FOAM CUSHIONING ELEMENT

• US 20100326445A1
• Filed: 03/04/2009
• Published: 12/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lindsay, Brett Thomas, Gilliver, David Mark, Veliss, Lee James, Doherty, Renee Frances, Wells, Alicia Kristianne, Howard, Scott Alexander, Carroll, Fiona Catherine
• Granted Patent: US 9,987,450 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/206.24
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0622 having an underlying cushion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0633 with forehead support
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/106 in a path
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/06 Packaging for specific medical equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 18/084 Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets

Abstract

A respiratory mask assembly includes a frame having a channel and a cushioning element including a clip portion adapted for interference seal and retention in the channel. The cushioning element includes an interfacing portion constructed from foam and having a wider width than the clip portion.

Claims

1-11. -11. (canceled)

12. An interfacing structure for a respiratory mask assembly comprising:

a relatively less rigid foam cushioning element adapted to contact a face of a patient to form a seal therewith in use; and

a relatively more rigid clip portion constructed and arranged to be removably attachable to a frame of the respiratory mask assembly, and to be attached to said foam cushioning element to form a one piece structure therewith,

wherein a width of said clip portion is less than a width of said foam cushioning element, and said clip portion and said foam cushioning element are arranged to define a region of said foam cushioning element that overhangs the clip portion, and allows said foam cushioning element to cantilever and compress when pressed against the face of the patient in use,

and further wherein said clip portion is constructed and arranged to extend around the entire perimeter of said cushioning element and to form an air-tight seal between said clip portion and the frame.

13. The interfacing structure of claim 12 wherein the foam cushioning element and the clip portion are adhered to one another.

14. The interfacing structure of claim 12 wherein the foam cushioning element is constructed from an unskinned foam.

15. The interfacing structure of claim 12 wherein the clip portion is adapted to form a structural support for the foam cushioning element.

16. The interfacing structure of claim 12 wherein respective outer perimeter surfaces of the foam cushioning element and clip portion are aligned.

17. The interfacing structure of claim 12 wherein respective inner perimeter surfaces of the foam cushioning element and clip portion are offset.

18. The interfacing structure of claim 12 wherein the clip portion is adapted to form an interference fit with the frame.

19. The interfacing structure of claim 12 wherein the foam cushioning element further comprises a skin.

20. A respiratory mask system comprising a mask frame and an interfacing structure as claimed in claim 12.

21. A respiratory mask system comprising a mask frame adapted to connect to both (i) an interfacing structure as claimed in claim 12;

and (ii) a silicone-based cushion or a gel-based cushion.

22. A respiratory mask system comprising a mask frame comprising an interfacing structure as claimed in claim 12;

and at least one of a silicone-based cushion and a gel-based cushion.

23-34. -34. (canceled)