Structure Of Means Securing Mask To Head Patents (Class 128/207.11)
  • Patent number: 8042541
    Abstract: A patient mask assembly for positive pressure ventilation includes a brace (12) which clips to the mask and provides attachment locations (17) for headgear straps (14) in alternative positions to those attachment locations (17) which may be provided by the mask. The brace may also provide a mask stabilizing portion (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Amal Shirley Amarasinghe, Robert Henry Frater
  • Patent number: 8042542
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly which are adapted to being removeably magnetically coupled to one another at a desired angular orientation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Ging, Saad Nasr, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana
  • Patent number: 8042543
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Amal S. Amarasinghe, Perry D. Lithgow, Memduh Guney
  • Patent number: 8042538
    Abstract: A mask system is provided to fit pre-adult patients, or patients having facial features that are very small or child-like, e.g., patients having dimensions in the lower 5%-10% of the population. For example, the headgear and/or cushion are dimensioned to accommodate this range of patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony M. Ging, Philip R. Kwok, Gary C. Robinson, Bianto Santoso, Rachael E. Moore, Patrick J. McAuliffe
  • Patent number: 8042540
    Abstract: A mask for delivery of oxygen to a patient is disclosed, including a body having a peripheral portion, a central portion, and bridge portions extending between the central portion and the peripheral portion. The central portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface to be oriented towards the patient's face when the mask is in position, the inner surface of the central portion being provided with a wall circumscribing a base. The wall and base circumscribe a centrally positioned oxygen delivery aperture or oxygen diffuser to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's nose and mouth when the mask is in use. An element associated with the aperture and the central portion releasably receives and secures in position an oxygen delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Southmedic Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee McDonald, Julius Hajgato
  • Patent number: 8042546
    Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael K. Gunaratnam, Philip R. Kwok, Robin G. Hitchcock, Lee J. Veliss, Memduh Guney, Richard Sokolov, Perry D. Lithgow, Donald Darkin, Susan R. Lynch
  • Patent number: 8025057
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony M. Ging, Saad Nasr
  • Patent number: 8025058
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally connectors for interconnecting a conduit of a fluid pressure device to an interface configured to deliver a fluid of the fluid pressure device to a patient. A connector includes a body portion configured for fluid connection to the conduit of the fluid pressure device; and a first branch and a second branch each extending from and fluidly connected to the body portion, wherein each branch is configured for fluid connection to the interface. A concavity is formed at an interface between each of the body portions, the first branch and the second branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Mergenet Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjay Chandran, Norman Hansen, Louis Javier Collazo
  • Patent number: 8020557
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for the administration of positive airway pressure therapies. The apparatus can include a housing, a blower and a mask. The housing is configured to be stably secured on the head of a patient. The blower is secured relative to the housing. A mask in fluid communication with the blower is configured to communicate pressurized air produced at least in part by the blower to the airways of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Somnetics Global Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Joseph A. Baser, Bruce Bowman
  • Publication number: 20110220115
    Abstract: A respirator 10 that includes a harness 12 and a mask body 14. The harness 12 has one or more straps 21 and a head cradle 16 that is joined to the one or more straps 21 and that includes first and second laterally-extending members 18, 20 and a latch 26. The latch 26 is able to secure the laterally-extending members 18, 20 in a spaced apart first open position to allow for placement on a person's head and is able to disengage so that the members 18, 20 can move to a second collapsed position to allow for off-the-face storage. The harness is beneficial in that it can be quickly removed from the wearer's head and can be conveniently disposed behind the wearer's neck when the wearer wants to temporarily displace the mask body from their face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: David M. Castiglione, William A. Mittelstadt, Thomas W. Holmquist-Brown
  • Patent number: 7992558
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical mask includes a rigid sealing portion configured to cover and seal around at least a portion of a user's nose including the user's nostrils and a rigid stabilizing frame coupled to the rigid sealing portion. The rigid stabilizing frame includes a generally horizontal upper support member configured to bear against the user's forehead, a generally vertical support member coupled between the rigid sealing portion and the upper support member, and lower left and right support members coupled between the rigid sealing portion and the upper support member and configured to bear against the user's cheeks. The rigid stabilizing frame defines two openings configured to allow the user to see through the medical mask when the medical mask is positioned on the user's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: AirWay Technologies LLC
    Inventors: W. Keith Thornton, Annelise Thornton
  • Patent number: 7992559
    Abstract: A forehead support device for a breathing mask includes a forehead support portion adapted to contact a forehead region of a user, a conduit element adapted to couple a respiratory gas conduit to the breathing mask, and a coupling structure provided between the forehead support portion and the conduit element and structured to support the conduit element at a predetermined spacing from the forehead support portion. The forehead support portion is displaceably engaged with the coupling structure such that the forehead portion can be selectively displaced relative to the coupling structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Christoph Lang, Achim Biener, Dieter Heidmann, Stefan Rolf Madaus, Harald Wolfgang Vögele
  • Patent number: 7992560
    Abstract: The present invention is a breathing mask that is fully adjustable so as to enable a comfortable and leak proof seal around a patient's face. The mask includes a frame, a cushion, a hose connector, a strap, connector, a strap, and a headgear. The present invention ensures both comfort and effectiveness by enabling a full adjustment of various components such as the angle of the strap relative to the face mask and the adjustment of the size of the headgear. Furthermore, the present invention also allows for the free rotation of certain elements in order to maintain a sufficient seal without increasing the pressure applied to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Compumedics Limited
    Inventors: David Burton, Fred Blochlinger
  • Publication number: 20110174311
    Abstract: A forehead support for a respiratory mask. The forehead support includes a pair of arms. The arms are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion. The arms are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Michael K. Gunaratnam
  • Patent number: 7967014
    Abstract: An application device for a breathing mask arrangement includes a base portion, a holding portion structured to support a mask and pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, a right arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, and a left arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis. The right and left arm elements are each provided with a contact portion for bearing against a right and a left forehead zone respectively of a mask user. The holding portion, the right arm element, and left arm element can be pivoted with respect to the base portion about the respective first, second, and third pivot axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Heidmann, Richard Brandmeier, Stefan Madaus, Harald Voegele
  • Publication number: 20110126838
    Abstract: A respiratory mask, in particular a nasal mask, comprising a mask body (1) with an internal chamber (10), an expansion part (2) being arranged on the mask body (1) and projecting upwardly from said mask body (1), said expansion part (2) comprising a traversing orifice (3), a holding arm (4) pivotable around a first axis (AA) located on said mask body (1) or on said expansion part (2), a forehead support (9) fixed to said holding arm (4) and pivotable around an axis (BB) located on said holding arm (4), and an acting piece (5) mobile in said traversing orifice (3), wherein the acting piece (5) cooperates with the holding arm (4) for pivoting said holding arm (4) around the first axis (AA) when said acting piece (5) moves in the traversing orifice (3) of the expansion part (2). The mask of the present invention is useable for treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB) conditions, such as, for example, obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Air Liquide Medical Systems
    Inventors: Luca Alberici, Alberto Rivetti, Giuseppe Sandoni
  • Publication number: 20110114096
    Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: JEROME MATULA, JR., DERRICK ANDREWS, EUGENE N. SCARBERRY, CHARLES THOMAS, ERIK K. WITT, PETER CHI FAI HO
  • Patent number: 7942148
    Abstract: A breathing arrangement includes a patient interface, at least one inlet conduit, and a headgear assembly. The patient interface includes a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around exterior of a patient's mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient's nose in use, and a flexible element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly. The at least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. The headgear assembly is removably connected to at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Aaron Davidson, Michael Gunaratnam, Susan Lynch, Milind Raje, Gary Robinson, Steven Lubke, Gregory Smart, Philip Kwok, Rupert Scheiner
  • Patent number: 7942149
    Abstract: A forehead support for a respiratory mask. The forehead support includes a pair of arms. The arms are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion. The arms are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam
  • Patent number: 7938116
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Ging, Saad Nasr
  • Patent number: 7931026
    Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Chi Fai Ho, Jerome Matula, Jr., Lance Busch
  • Patent number: 7931025
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connection device for connecting a headgear having straps, a mask and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient. The connection device incorporates a locking member or locking portion which is configured to lock the straps in a particular location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jason P. Eaton, Peter Chi Fai Ho, Elias G. Diacopoulos, Lance Busch
  • Publication number: 20110088700
    Abstract: A strap for use in a mask attachment assembly. The strap includes a hook pad provided on a first portion of a surface of the strap located and having a first width extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the strap. The hook pad includes a plurality of hooks. Loops are provided on a second portion of the surface of the strap. The second portion has a second width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap. The plurality of loops extend entirely across the second width and are configured to engage the plurality of hooks in a releasable and engageable manner. The second width is greater than the first width, and an outer edge portion of the first portion of the surface surrounding at least a portion of the hook pad, wherein the outer edge portion does not include any hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventor: PETER CHI FAI HO
  • Patent number: 7905232
    Abstract: A nasal cannula for delivering respiratory gas to a neonatal infant includes a gas inlet configured to engage a respiratory conduit, a gas outlet configured to engage an expiratory conduit, and a pair of nasal prongs. The gases inlet and the gases outlet are in fluid communication via a low resistance path. Each of the nasal prongs is located substantially equidistant from, and in fluid communication with, the gases inlet, and substantially equidistant from and in fluid communication with, the gases outlet. The nasal prongs are juxtaposed directly in the low resistance path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Gregory James Olsen, Martin Leckie, Neil Prime
  • Patent number: 7900630
    Abstract: A gas delivery mask apparatus is provided. The mask apparatus may include a mask body, a face mask, and a bellows. The mask body may include a tube configured to extend upwardly adjacent a subject's forehead. The face mask may be configured to deliver gas to the subject and may include a flexible cushion portion configured to interface with the subject's face and a substantially rigid base portion configured to support the cushion portion. The bellows may be configured to couple the tube with the substantially rigid base portion of the face mask. The bellows may be flexible to allow movement of the face mask relative to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Edward M. Geiselhart, Chris Houghton, Erik Holverson, Brian Woodard, Steve Trebotich
  • Patent number: 7882837
    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-Ă -vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, William Edwin John Grant, Robert Stephen Matchett
  • Patent number: 7878200
    Abstract: A headgear for securing a patient airway interface device to a patient's head, and in particular an infant patient. The headgear includes a central body, first and second forehead straps, and first and second lower straps. The forehead straps extend from opposite side of the central body. The lower straps also extend from opposite sides of the central body, and are inferiorly spaced from a corresponding forehead strap. Upon application to a patient's head, the central body and the forehead straps establish a line of attachment extending from the patient's forehead to a nape of the patient's neck (i.e., adjacent the occipital bone). The lower straps are then available for connecting an airway interface piece to the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Zollinger, Brian Pierro, Kelly Williams, Talya Reilly
  • Patent number: 7878199
    Abstract: A mask system includes a frame, cushion, cushion clip, swivel elbow, headgear and/or headgear clips that are configured for use in a clinical or hospital environment. One or more components of the mask system are configured to promote single patient use, e.g., by providing an age indicator and/or preventing disassembly and/or cleaning, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Ging, David John Worboys, Gregoy Scott Smart, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana, John Michael Snow, Philip Thomas Stallard
  • Patent number: 7877817
    Abstract: A mask attachment assembly for use in attaching a mask in a sealed position on the user's face. The mask attachment assembly includes a panel member with a sleeve extending along the panel member, and one or more straps extending through and slidable within the sleeve. The strap includes a first attachment assembly on a first end of the strap for engaging a first engagement member on a first side of the mask, and a second attachment assembly on a second side of the strap for engaging a second engagement member on a second side of the mask. The strap is repositionable by releasing the attachment assemblies, sliding the strap through the sleeve of the panel and re-engaging the attachment assemblies. A patient interface device and a strap are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 7874293
    Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam, Philip Rodney Kwok, Memduh Guney, Perry David Lithgow, Donald Darkin, Susan Robyn Lynch, Robin Garth Hitchcock, Lee James Veliss, Richard Sokolov
  • Publication number: 20110011405
    Abstract: An elastic tubular device comprising—an inner tube (23) made of an elastic and gas imperméable material; and, —an sheath (21) surrounding the inner tube and made of a woven cloth of flame résistant meta-aramid yarns, wherein the tubular device has a longitudinal extension of at least approximately 1,4 when inflated by a gas having a pressure of at least approximately 0.5 bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Laurent Dussart, Remy Schoettel, Vincent Greter
  • Patent number: 7856982
    Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a frame sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes when the patient interface device is donned by the patient. A support member is coupled to the frame such that the support member is moveable relative to the frame. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member. A pair of patient contacting members are operatively coupled to the frame and supporting the frame on a patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Jason P. Eaton, Steven C. Stegman, Luke Stonis, Greg Merz, Keith Grider, Nic Davirro, Chris Von Dohen
  • Patent number: 7856980
    Abstract: A forehead pad for use in a respiratory mask with a forehead support, which includes a base portion to contact a user's forehead, a support post connected to the base portion, and a head adapted to connect the support post to a forehead support. A pair of forehead pads may be joined with a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignees: ResMed Limited, MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Christoph Lang, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Perry David Lithgow, Memduh Guney, Joanne Elizabeth Drew, Martin Bechtel, Achim Biener, Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam, Aaron Samuel Davidson, Milind Chandrakant Raje
  • Publication number: 20100319701
    Abstract: A respirator assembly has a respirator mask and a separate bracing device. The bracing device has a pressure element mountable over a frontpiece of the respirator mask, which bears against that frontpiece to hold the respirator mask against the face of a user. The bracing device also has two connection portions, each having one end attached to the pressure element and the other end being for attaching the bracing device to a helmet worn by the user. The connection portions are extendable. Thus, shortening or distending the connection portions reduces the distance between the helmet and the respirator mask and thereby causes the pressure element to bear against the frontpiece of the respirator mask, compressing the user's head between the helmet and the mask and thereby holding the mask against the user's face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: AVON POLYMER PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: David Andrew Connell
  • Patent number: 7845353
    Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: AEIOMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Bruce Bowman, David Markovich, Laurel D. Brandt, Mark J. Weimholt, Amy Raatikka
  • Patent number: 7841345
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Memduh Guney, Amal Amarasinghe, Perry Lithgow, Milind Raje, Aaron Davidson, Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 7819120
    Abstract: A respiratory component mounting assembly includes a first respiratory component, a second respiratory component and a mounting clip for mounting the second respiratory component to the first respiratory component. Each of the first and second respiratory components includes at least two spaced apart clip openings. The mounting clip has an intermediate portion and two spaced apart free ends connected to the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the mounting clip is received within both of the clip openings of the first respiratory component and the free ends of the mounting clip are received in the clip openings of the second respiratory component for releasably securing the first and second respiratory components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David S. Taylor, Peter D. Lee, Desmond T. Curran, Peter B. Allen, Scott R. Alexander
  • Patent number: 7819119
    Abstract: A patient interface having a cushion for engagement with the face of a user, a shell having an extension with a forehead support connected to the extension. The forehead support has a hinge so that the forehead support can be deformed to conform to the user's forehead. The patient interface also has a pivotable coupling defined by a body and a coplanar conduit that extends radially from the body. The coupling also has a port that allows access within the cavity formed by the cushion so that the port and coupling may rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 7814911
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing positive pressure for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea are disclosed. The apparatus includes a nares seal configured to engage the nares of a patient and to direct pressurized air into the airways of the patient. The nares seal can include first and second laterally spaced delivery tubes defining a generally triangular open space between them. The delivery tubes can extend downward below the nose of a patient and curve inward and upward under the nose of the patient. A first and a second nostril tube are connected to the delivery tubes for insertion into the nares of the patient. A wire support may be provided in each of the laterally spaced delivery tubes. The nares seal may be connected to a mask support of headgear configured to be secured to the head of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: AEIOMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Laurel D. Brandt, Mark J. Weimholt
  • Publication number: 20100258132
    Abstract: The invention is a method for use and a strap pad for CPAP interfaces to prevent skin irritation, discomfort, indentations, and allergies. The invention incorporates a generally rectangular elongated strip of flexible material having sufficient pile to provide padding. The material is fastened into a hollow tube for surrounding headgear straps. The flexible material incorporates an outer layer of micro fleece or similar material whereby protecting the skin, the softness mentally calms against the face when falling to sleep. The protective pad also incorporates a plurality of pairs of attachments extending from the opposite ends which facilitate the placement of the pad along the straps. Further, the invention provides color and design for an otherwise unattractive facial apparatus. Persons suffering from obstructive sleep apnea are often assigned this apparatus for therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Karen Leigh Moore
  • Patent number: 7802573
    Abstract: A headgear for securing and positioning a mask suitable for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing is constructed from a composite including polyurethane foam. It includes a back portion with upper and lower straps connected to the back portion. The straps have relatively narrow strap ends the lower straps are displaced downward with respect to the back portion. A quick release mechanism near the front of the face attaches the headgear to the mask. Additional components can be attached to the straps to alter their elasticity and stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Resmed Limited
    Inventor: Amal Shirley Amarasinghe
  • Publication number: 20100236559
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Perry D. Lithgow, Memduh Guney, Amal S. Amarasinghe, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Gary C. Robinson, Aaron Samuel Davidson, Milind Chandrakant Raje
  • Publication number: 20100229868
    Abstract: A headgear for positioning a patient interface structure for delivering a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient includes at least one flexible strap loop which is attachable to the patient interface structure by a forked region of the at least one strap loop that is mountable on the patient interface structure. The at least one strap loop positions the patient interface structure on the face of the patient. The forked region includes two forks adapted to be attached to an upper and lower portion on the patient interface structure. The two forks are connected by a bridge so that the forked region is divided into a first region and a second region, and the first region is mountable on the patient interface structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Gerard Michael RUMMERY, Robert Edward Henry, Phoebe Katherine Hill, Andrew Hurst, Philip Michael Nurse
  • Patent number: 7779832
    Abstract: A universal headgear is easy to use and creates an effective seal between a patient interface device, such as gas delivery mask, and a patient. The headgear of the present invention includes a halo-like headband formed from an elastomeric material. The headband includes contoured panels that allow the device to fit most people without circumference length adjustment. The halo headband is designed to maintain a substantially frusto-conical shape when worn. The present invention preferably includes an adjustable crossover strap on the top connecting the contoured panels that is adapted to hold the halo headband in position. The headpiece further includes connecting straps to adjustably connect the headgear to a patient interface device. The present headgear fits a wide range of head sizes and shapes, is easy to use, and provides increased stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Ho
  • Patent number: 7762259
    Abstract: A respiratory mask has an adjustable forehead support member that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The forehead support member may be adjusted by rotating a forehead pad about an off-center bore or by bending an angular adjustment beam. The mask has a mask cushion with an accordionate membrane having at least two hinged portions. The mask may be constructed with a mask frame, the mask cushion, and the forehead support member molded as one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam
  • Patent number: 7762260
    Abstract: A mask mounting mechanism for use in connection with a patient interface device including an extension member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a portion of the mask, and the second end extends from and is spacially separated from the mask. The mask mounting mechanism further includes an attachment mechanism on the second end of the extension member for engaging a strap of the mask attachment assembly. The second end of the extension member minimizes the potential for the attachment mechanism and the strap from contacting a user's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 7762254
    Abstract: A mask mounting mechanism for use in connection with a patient interface device having a mask and a mask attachment assembly with at least one strap for retaining the mask in a sealed position on a user's face. The mask mounting mechanism includes a button element extending from the mask, and the button element includes a shaft and a cap having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft. A clip element includes a clip element arm and a buckle. A second end of the arm includes an orifice extending therethrough. The buckle is attached to a first end of the clip element arm for engaging the strap of the mask attachment assembly. The clip element is engageable with a button element by engaging the orifice of the clip element arm over the cap and adjacent the shaft of the button element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 7753050
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Perry D. Lithgow, Memduh Guney, Amal S. Amarasinghe, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Gary C. Robinson, Aaron Samuel Davidson, Milind Chandrakant Raje
  • Patent number: 7753051
    Abstract: A strap system is useable with an anesthesia/respiratory face mask having an axially extending gas port connector and a gasket member. The gas port connector has a first diameter, and the gasket member is engageable with and conformable to a face of a patient. The strap system includes a strap member having a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion, and a collar. The collar includes an axially extending portion having a second diameter. The strap system includes a strap having a first end portion, and a second end portion; the collar also includes a radially extending portion having at least a first and a second slot through which the first and second end portions, respectively of the strap can pass. The slots are sized for adjustably receiving and fixedly positioning the first and second end portions of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: King Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Burrow, Thomas McGrail, Dennis Irlbeck, Stefany Bouchez
  • Patent number: RE42843
    Abstract: A nasal cannula for delivering air to a patient's nares. Two delivery tubes are provided to supply air to a pair of nasal inserts each of which conform to the shape of the nare. Properly placed bleed ports reduce noise and reduce carbon dioxide retained in the system. The cannula is positioned on the face with the aid of a strap system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Innomed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Strickland, Jonathan Lee, Thomas J. Wood