U.S. patent application number 11/462420 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for nasal masks.
Invention is credited to LEWIS GEORGE GRADON, ALASTAIR EDWIN McAULEY, IVAN MILIVOJEVIC, CHRIS EARL NIGHTINGALE, NICHOLAS CHARLES ALAN SMITH.
Application Number | 20060266362 11/462420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19928815 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060266362 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SMITH; NICHOLAS CHARLES ALAN ;
et al. |
November 30, 2006 |
NASAL MASKS
Abstract
The present invention is related to patient interfaces, such as
nasal masks (2), particularly though not solely for use in
providing continuous positive airway pressure therapy or positive
pressure ventilation to patients suffering from obstructive sleep
apnoea. In a first form the invention is a patient interface that
has securement means (601) releasably attaching the interface to
headstraps wherein the securement means (601) is slidably engaged
with the patient interface, In a second form of the invention the
mask headgear is formed of a plurality of straps (701, 702) where
at least one of the plurality of straps is slidably engaged with
another of the plurality of straps. In a further form the patient
interface may be provided with vertically adjustable engaging means
(802) that engage the patient interface with the headgear
straps.
Inventors: |
SMITH; NICHOLAS CHARLES ALAN;
(HAMILTON, NZ) ; McAULEY; ALASTAIR EDWIN;
(AUCKLAND, NZ) ; NIGHTINGALE; CHRIS EARL; (LONDON,
GB) ; MILIVOJEVIC; IVAN; (LONDON, GB) ;
GRADON; LEWIS GEORGE; (AUCKLAND, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TREXLER, BUSHNELL, GIANGIORGI,;BLACKSTONE & MARR, LTD.
105 WEST ADAMS STREET
SUITE 3600
CHICAGO
IL
60603
US
|
Family ID: |
19928815 |
Appl. No.: |
11/462420 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10495070 |
Sep 17, 2004 |
7096867 |
|
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PCT/NZ02/00227 |
Oct 25, 2002 |
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11462420 |
Aug 4, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/206.13 ;
128/206.12; 128/206.18; 128/206.21; 128/206.27; 128/206.28;
128/207.11; 128/207.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0666 20130101;
A61M 16/024 20170801; A61M 16/16 20130101; A61M 2205/0216 20130101;
A61M 16/06 20130101; A61M 16/00 20130101; A61M 16/0683 20130101;
A61M 16/0633 20140204; A61M 16/0069 20140204; A61M 16/1095
20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/206.13 ;
128/206.12; 128/206.18; 128/206.21; 128/206.27; 128/206.28;
128/207.11; 128/207.13 |
International
Class: |
A62B 23/02 20060101
A62B023/02; A62B 18/08 20060101 A62B018/08; A62B 18/02 20060101
A62B018/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 5, 2001 |
NZ |
515257 |
Claims
1. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user comprising
or including: a patient interface, which in use is in fluid
communication with said supply of gases, securement means attached
to or around the head of said user, and engaging means adapted to
slidingly engage said securement means with said patient interface,
wherein said engaging means comprises or includes an attachment
portion able to be engaged with said securement means and the
engagement between said securement means and said engaging means is
caused by the releasable engagement of a protrusion, located on one
of said attachment portion and said securement means, into a
complementary shaped aperture located on one of said member and
said securement means.
2. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to claim 1
wherein said patient interface is a nasal mask.
3. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to claim 2
wherein said nasal mask comprises or includes a body portion having
an inlet receiving said supply of gases, and sealing means attached
to or integrated with said body portion said sealing means adapted
to seal against the facial contours of said user.
4. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to any one
of claims 1 to 3 wherein said engaging means is an elongate member
adapted to allow said securement means substantial movement with
respect to said nasal mask, while still providing compressive force
on said sealing means to ensure said supply of gases is delivered
to said user without significant leakage.
5. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to any of
claims 1 to 4 wherein said securement means is a strap having two
ends each having said protrusion located thereon and said elongate
member has a first end and a second end, wherein said first end and
said second end each have located thereon said aperture.
6. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to any of
claims 1 to 5 wherein said engaging means further comprises or
includes at least one restraining means on said body portion,
wherein, in use, said member is restrained in at least one
dimension but, which can slide easily within at least one other
dimension by said restraining means and can be easily disengaged
therewith.
7. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to claim 6
wherein said restraining means is substantially vertically
adjustable upon said body portion in either a freely moveable
manner or lockable in at least one vertical position.
8. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to any one
of claims 5 to 7 wherein said elongate member has a section along
it's length that is narrower in diameter than the rest of said
elongate members length, said narrower section being easily
fittable into said at least one restraining means to allow for the
ease of fitting or removal of said member within said at least one
restraining means.
9. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user comprising or including a pressurised source of
gases, transport means in fluid communication with said pressurised
source adapted to convey said gases, and a nasal mask in fluid
communication with said transport means, in use, delivering said
gases to said user, said nasal mask comprising or including: a body
portion having an inlet, in use said inlet receiving a supply of
gases, sealing means engaged with said body portion, and adapted to
seal against the facial contours of said user, and engaging means
adapted to in use provide a sliding engagement with a means of
securement to a user, and a compressive force on said sealing means
to ensure said supply of gases is delivered to a user without
significant leakage, wherein said engaging means comprises or
includes an attachment portion able to be engaged with said
securement means and the engagement between said securement means
and said engaging means is caused by the releasable engagement of a
protrusion, located on one of said attachment portion and said
securement means, into a complementary shaped aperture located on
one of said member and said securement means.
10. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to claim 9
wherein said securement means is a strap having two ends each
having said protrusion located thereon and said engagement means is
an elongate member having a first end and a second end, wherein
said first end and said second end each have located thereon said
aperture.
11. A continuous positive ail-ways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user according to any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein said
engaging means comprises or includes a restraining means adapted to
in use restrain said member in at least one dimension, but allowing
said elongate member to slide easily within at least one other
dimension, and providing a compressive force on said sealing means
to avoid any significant leakage, said restraining means adapted to
in use easily disengage with said member.
12. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user according to claim 11 wherein said restraining
means is vertically adjustable upon said body portion in either a
freely moveable maimer or lockable in at least one vertical
position.
13. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user according to any one of claims 11 or 12 wherein
said elongate member has a section along it's length that is
narrower in diameter than the rest of said elongate members length,
said narrower section being easily fittable into said at least one
restraining means, to allow for the ease of fitting or removal of
said member within said at least one restraining means.
14. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user comprising
or including: a patient interface, which in use is in fluid
communication with said supply of gases, securement means attached
to or around the head of said user, and engaging means adapted to
slidingly engage said securement means with said patient interface,
restraining means on said patient interface to restrain said
engaging means at least in one dimension on said patient interface,
but allowing said engaging means to slide within said restraining
means in at least one other dimension, said restraining means being
substantially vertically adjustable on said patient interface in
either a freely moveable position or locable in at least one
vertical position.
15. A device for delivering gases to a user according to claim 14
wherein said engaging means is an elongate member.
16. A device for delivery gases to a user according to any one of
claims 14 or 15 wherein said patient interface is a nasal mask.
17. A device for delivering gases to a user according to any one of
claims 14 to 16 wherein said elongate member has a section along
it's length that is narrower in diameter than the rest of said
elongate members length, said narrower section being easily
fittable into said at least one restraining means, to allow for the
ease of fitting or removal of said member within said at least one
restraining means.
18. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user comprising or including a pressurised source of
gases, transport means in fluid communication with said pressurised
source adapted to convey said gases, and a nasal mask in fluid
communication with said transport means, in use, delivering said
gases to said user, said nasal mask comprising or including: a body
portion having an inlet, in use said inlet receiving a supply of
gases, sealing means engaged with said body portion, and adapted to
seal against the facial contours of said user, and engaging means
adapted to in use provide a sliding engagement with a means of
securement to a user, and a compressive force on said sealing means
to ensure said supply of gases is delivered to a user without
significant leakage, restraining means on said body portion to
restrain said engaging means at least in one dimension on said body
portion, but allowing said engaging means to slide within at least
one other dimension, said restraining means being substantially
vertically adjustable on said body portion in either a freely
moveable position or locable in at least one vertical position.
19. Advice for delivering gases to a user according to claim 18
wherein said engaging means is an elongate member.
20. A device for delivering gases to a user according to any one of
claims 13 to 15 wherein said elongate member has a section along
it's length that is narrower in diameter than the rest of said
elongate members length, said narrower section being easily
fittable into said at least one restraining means, to allow for the
ease of fitting or removal of said member within said at least one
restraining means.
21. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user comprising
or including: a patient interface, which in use is in fluid
communication with said supply of gases, securement means attached
to or around the head of said user, and engaging means adapted to
engage said securement means with said patient interface, wherein
said securement means comprises or includes a plurality of straps
that are fastened around the head of said user in order to secure
said patient interface to said user's face, and at least one of
said plurality of straps is slidably engaged with another of said
plurality of straps.
22. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user according
to claim 21 wherein said patient interface is a nasal mask.
23. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user according
to claim 22 wherein said nasal mask comprises or includes a body
portion having an inlet receiving said supply of gases, and sealing
means attached to or integrated with said body portion said sealing
means adapted to seal against the facial contours of said user.
24. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user according
to any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein said engaging means slidingly
engages said securement means with said nasal mask and is adapted
to allow said securement means substantial movement with respect to
said nasal mask, while still providing compressive force on said
sealing means to ensure said supply of gases is delivered to said
user without significant leakage.
25. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user according
to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein said engaging means further
comprises or includes an elongate member and at least one
restraining means on said patient interface, in use said member is
restrained in at least one dimension by said restraining means, but
allowing said member to slide easily within at least one other
dimension, said restraining means adapted to in use easily
disengage with said member.
26. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user according
to claim 25 wherein said restraining means is vertically adjustable
upon said body portion in either a freely movable manner or
lockable in at least one vertical position.
27. A device for delivering a supply of gases according to any one
of claims 21 to wherein said elongate member has a section along
it's length that is narrower in diameter than the rest of said
elongate members length, said narrower section being easily
fittable into said at least one restraining means to allow for the
ease of fitting or removal of said member within said at least one
restraining means.
28. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user comprising or including a pressurised source of
gases, transport means in fluid communication with said pressurised
source adapted to convey said gases, and a nasal mask in fluid
communication with said transport means in use delivering said
gases to said user, said nasal mask comprising or including: a body
portion having a inlet, in use said inlet receiving a supply of
gases, sealing means engaged with said body portion, and adapted to
seal against the facial contours of said user, and engaging means
adapted to in use provide a sliding engagement with a means of
securement to a user, and a compressive force on said sealing means
to ensure said supply of gases is delivered to a user without
significant leakage, wherein said means of securement comprises or
includes a plurality of straps, that are fastened around the head
of said user in order to secure said patient interface to said
user's face, and at least one of said plurality of straps is
slidably engaged with another of said plurality of straps.
29. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user according to claim 28 wherein said engaging means
comprises or includes an elongate member and at least one
restraining means on said body portion, in use said member is
restrained in at least one dimension by said restraining means, but
allowing said member to slide easily within at least one other
dimension, and providing a compressive force on said sealing means
to avoid any significant leakage, said restraining means adapted to
in use easily disengage with said member.
30. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user according to claim 29 wherein said restraining
means is vertically adjustable adjustable upon said body portion in
either a freely movable manner or lockable in at least one vertical
position.
31. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user according to any one of claims 29 or 30 wherein
said elongate member has a section along it's length that is
narrower in diameter than the rest of said elongate members length,
said narrower section being easily fittable into said at least one
restraining means, to allow for the ease of fitting or removal of
said member within said at least one restraining means.
32. A device for delivering a supply of gases as herein described
with the reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 to 9.
33. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering
gases to a user as herein described with reference to FIG. 2 and
FIGS. 6 to 9.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to patient interfaces, particularly
though not solely for use in providing Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure (CPAP) therapy or positive pressure ventilation to
patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
[0003] 2. Summary of the Prior Art
[0004] In the art of respiration devices, there are well known a
variety of respiratory masks which cover the nose and/or mouth of a
human user in order to provide a continuous seal around the nasal
and/or oral areas of the face such that gas may be provided at
positive pressure within the mask for consumption by the user. The
uses for such masks range from high altitude breathing (ie.
aviation applications) to mining and fire fighting applications, to
various medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
[0005] One requisite of such respiratory masks has been that they
provide an effective seal against the user's face to prevent
leakage of the gas being supplied. Commonly, in prior mask
configurations, a good mask-to-face seal has been attained in many
instances only with considerable discomfort for the user. This
problem is most crucial in those applications, especially medical
applications, which require the user to wear such a mask
continuously for hours or perhaps even days. In such situations,
the user will not tolerate the mask for long durations and optimum
therapeutic or diagnostic objectives will not be achieved, or will
be achieved with great difficulty and considerable user
discomfort.
[0006] In common with prior art designs, is an inability to seal
effectively when the user's face becomes distorted. For example, as
shown in the prior art mask of FIG. 1 when the user 100 is sleeping
on his or her side, one side 101 of the headgear tends to be pulled
tight while the other side 102 tends to be loose. This causes the
axis of the mask 103 to be twisted with respect to the axis of the
head 104, due to the net torque from the headgear, resulting in
leakage 105 on one side. The user 100 sleeping on his or her side
may also distort the facial contours around the nasal area 106 and
may lead to further leakage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a nasal
mask and headgear which goes some way to overcoming the
abovementioned disadvantages in the prior art or which will at
least provide the industry with a useful choice.
[0008] Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention may
broadly be said to consist in a device for delivering a supply of
gases to a user comprising or including:
[0009] a patient interface, which in use is in fluid communication
with said supply of gases,
[0010] securement means attached to or around the head of said
user, and
[0011] engaging means adapted to slidingly engage said securement
means with said patient interface,
[0012] wherein said engaging means comprises or includes an
attachment portion able to be engaged with said securement means
and the engagement between said securement means and said engaging
means is caused by the releasable engagement of a protrusion,
located on one of said attachment portion and said securement
means, into a complementary shaped aperture located on one of said
member and said securement means.
[0013] In a second aspect the present invention consists in
continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering gases to
a user comprising or including a pressurised source of gases,
transport means in fluid communication with said pressurised source
adapted to convey said gases, and a nasal mask in fluid
communication with said transport means, in use, delivering said
gases to said user, said nasal mask comprising or including:
[0014] a body portion having an inlet, in use said inlet receiving
a supply of gases,
[0015] sealing means engaged with said body portion, and adapted to
seal against the facial contours of said user, and
[0016] engaging means adapted to in use provide a sliding
engagement with a means of securement to a user, and a compressive
force on said sealing means to ensure said supply of gases is
delivered to a user without significant leakage,
[0017] wherein said engaging means comprises or includes an
attachment portion able to be engaged with said securement means
and the engagement between said securement means and said engaging
means is caused by the releasable engagement of a protrusion,
located on one of said attachment portion and said securement
means, into a complementary shaped aperture located on one of said
member and said securement means.
[0018] In a third aspect the present invention consists in a device
for delivering a supply of gases to a user comprising or
including:
[0019] a patient interface, which in use is in fluid communication
with said supply of gases,
[0020] securement means attached to or around the head of said
user, and
[0021] engaging means adapted to slidingly engage said securement
means with said patient interface,
[0022] restraining means on said patient interface to restrain said
engaging means at least in one dimension on said patient interface,
but allowing said engaging means to slide within said restraining
means in at least one other dimension, said restraining means being
substantially vertically adjustable on said patient interface in
either a freely moveable position or lockable in at least one
vertical position.
[0023] In a fourth aspect the present invention consists in a
continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering gases to
a user comprising or including a pressurised source of gases,
transport means in fluid communication with said pressurised source
adapted to convey said gases, and a nasal mask in fluid
communication with said transport means, in use, delivering said
gases to said user, said nasal mask comprising or including:
[0024] a body portion having an inlet, in use said inlet receiving
a supply of gases,
[0025] sealing means engaged with said body portion, and adapted to
seal against the facial contours of said user, and
[0026] engaging means adapted to in use provides a sliding
engagement with a means of securement to a user, and a compressive
force on said sealing means to ensure said supply of gases is
delivered to a user without significant leakage,
[0027] restraining means on said body portion to restrain said
engaging means at least in one dimension on said body portion, but
allowing said engaging means to slide within at least one other
dimension, said restraining means being substantially vertically
adjustable on said body portion in either a freely moveable
position or lockable in at least one vertical position.
[0028] In a fifth aspect the present invention consists in a device
for delivering a supply of gases to a user comprising or
including:
[0029] a patient interface, which in use is in fluid communication
with said supply of gases,
[0030] securement means attached to or around the head of said
user, and
[0031] engaging means adapted to engage said securement means with
said patient interface,
[0032] wherein said securement means comprises or includes a
plurality of straps that are fastened around the head of said user
in order to secure said patient interface to said users' face, and
at least one of said plurality of straps is slidably engaged with
another of said plurality of straps.
[0033] In a sixth aspect the present invention consists in a
continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering gases to
a user comprising or including a pressurised source of gases,
transport means in fluid communication with said pressurised source
adapted to convey said gases, and a nasal mask in fluid
communication with said transport means in use delivering said
gases to said user, said nasal mask comprising or including:
[0034] a body portion having an inlet, in use said inlet receiving
a supply of gases,
[0035] sealing means engaged with said body portion, and adapted to
seal against the facial contours of said user, and
[0036] engaging means adapted to in use provide a sliding
engagement with a means of securement to a user, and a compressive
force on said sealing means to ensure said supply of gases is
delivered to a user without significant leakage,
[0037] wherein said means of securement comprises or includes a
plurality of straps, which are fastened around the head of said
user in order to secure said patient interface to said users' face,
and at least one of said plurality of straps is slidably engaged
with another of said plurality of straps.
[0038] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates,
many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and
applications of the invention will suggest themselves without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are
purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense
limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] One preferred form of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;
[0040] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art mask illustrating side
leak,
[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a humidified positive pressure
ventilation system as might be used in conjunction with the present
invention,
[0042] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a prior art nasal mask that may
be used with the headgear and glider straps of one of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention,
[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prior art nasal mask
illustrating a sliding strap clipped in place on the mask,
[0044] FIG. 5 is a side view of the sliding strap of the prior
art,
[0045] FIG. 6 is a front view of a sliding strap with clipping
attachment means for use with a nasal mask of the present
invention,
[0046] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the headgear attaching a nasal
mask of the present invention to a user's head, showing a sliding
strap in the back sections of the headgear,
[0047] FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternative form of the sliding
strap of the present invention, and
[0048] FIG. 9 shows a side views of an alternative form of the
sliding strap as may be used with the nasal mask of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] The present invention provides improvements in the field of
nasal masks for use in positive pressure ventilation. In particular
a nasal mask is described which is more comfortable for the user to
wear and reduces the side leakage as compared with masks of the
prior art. It will be appreciated that the nasal mask as described
in the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used in
respiratory care generally or with a ventilator but will now be
described below with reference to use in a humidified positive
pressure ventilation system.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 2 a humidified positive pressure
ventilation system is shown in which a patient 1 is receiving
humidified and pressurised gases through a nasal mask 2 connected
to a humidified gases transportation pathway or inspiratory conduit
3. It should be understood that delivery systems could also be VPAP
(Variable Positive Airway Pressure) and BiPAP (Bi-level Positive
Airway Pressure) or numerous other forms of respiratory therapy.
Inspiratory conduit 3 is connected to the outlet 4 of a
humidification chamber 5 which contains a volume of water 6.
Inspiratory conduit 3 may contain heating means or heater wires
(not shown) which heat the walls of the conduit to reduce
condensation of humidified gases within the conduit. Humidification
chamber 6 is preferably formed from a plastics material and may
have a highly heat conductive base (for example an aluminum base)
which is in direct contact with a heater plate 7 of humidifier 8.
Humidifier 8 is provided with control means or electronic
controller 9 which may comprise a microprocessor based controller
executing computer software commands stored in associated
memory.
[0051] Controller 9 receives input from sources such as user input
means or dial 10 through which a user of the device may, for
example, set a predetermined required value (preset value) of
humidity or temperature of the gases supplied to patient 1. The
controller may also receive input from other sources, for example
temperature and/or flow velocity sensors 11 and 12 through
connector 13 and heater plate temperature sensor 14. In response to
the user set humidity or temperature value input via dial 10 and
the other inputs, controller 9 determines when (or to what level)
to energise heater plate 7 to heat the water 6 within
humidification chamber 5. As the volume of water 6 within
humidification chamber 5 is heated, water vapour begins to fill the
volume of the chamber above the water's surface and is passed out
of the humidification chamber 5 outlet 4 with the flow of gases
(for example air) provided from a gases supply means or blower 15
which enters the chamber through inlet 16. Exhaled gases from the
patient's mouth are passed directly to ambient surroundings in FIG.
3.
[0052] Blower 15 is provided with variable pressure regulating
means or variable speed fan 21 which draws air or other gases
through blower inlet 17. The speed of variable speed fan 21 is
controlled by electronic controller 18 (or alternatively the
function of controller 18 could be carried out by controller 9) in
response to inputs from controller 9 and a user set predetermined
required value (preset value) of pressure or fan speed via dial
19.
Nasal Mask
[0053] A nasal mask that may be used with the improvements to the
securement means (headgear) and engagement means (glider straps) of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. The patient interface or
mask includes a hollow body 301 with an inlet 302 connected to the
inspiratory conduit 3. The mask 2 is positioned around the nose of
the user 1 with the headgear 305 secured around the back of the
head of the patient 1. The restraining force from the headgear 305
on the hollow body 301 and the forehead rest 304 ensures enough
compressive force on the mask cushion 303, to provide an effective
seal against the patient's face.
[0054] The hollow body 301 is constructed of a relatively
inflexible material for example, polycarbonate plastic. Such a
material would provide the requisite rigidity as well as being
transparent and a relatively good insulator. The expiratory gases
can be expelled through a valve (not shown) in the mask, a further
expiratory conduit (not shown), or any other such method as is
known in the art.
Mask Headgear
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the headgear 305 of a prior
art device is shown that may be connected to the hollow body 301.
Rather than traditional fixed or adjustable attachments the present
invention utilises a sliding engagement means (glider strap)
between the headgear 305 and the hollow body 301. This is achieved
with a sliding member 306, running through harnessing means (only
one 307 is shown in FIG. 3) located on either side of the headgear
305 and over the top of the hollow body 301. The sliding member 306
is reciprocally engaged with guides 401, 402 mounted on the top
surface of the hollow body 301. The guides constrain the member 306
but allow it to slide sideways, meaning the headgear 305 can move
laterally, independently of the hollow body 306. Thus as a user's
face is contorted during various sleeping positions the headgear is
able to move with the changes in position while the mask is left in
the correct position on the nose of the user and an effective seal
is maintained.
[0056] To further ensure user comfort and effective pressure on the
mask cushion 303, the headgear 305 may be constructed either using
two straps running around the back of the user's head as shown in
FIG. 3 or with a partial skull cap or any other configurations as
are known in the art. In this case the straps or partial skull cap
would be constructed using neoprene but may also be constructed
using any material as is known in the art which will be comfortable
for the user.
[0057] The sliding member 306 of the prior art, shown in FIG. 5 in
isolation, is constructed of polyacetal (Delrin 500P NC010) using
injection molding techniques to give a polished finish. This
material, similar to other nylon based derivatives, with its
polished finish has a particularly low friction coefficient, and
therefore slides with respect to the hollow body 301 with very
little resistance.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the hollow body 301 has engaging guides
401, 402, wherein use the sliding member 306 snaps into place into
the engaging guides (401, 402) and can only be removed therefrom
using a substantial force. This means that with any normal use the
sliding member 306 will stay retained within the engaging clips
401, 402.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 5 the sliding strap includes a mid-section
501 intended to reciprocate with the engaging guides, terminated at
each end by loops 502, 503 which attach to the headgear. The first
loop 502 is a full loop through which the headgear 305 is
permanently attached with for example, a velcro strap. The loop 503
at the other end, is only a partial loop 504 designed so that a
strap or loop from the headgear 305 can be easily slipped in or out
of the open section 505 to allow easy removal and attachment of the
mask.
Sliding Member Attachment Portion
[0060] The nasal mask of the present invention has a sliding member
similar to that described above. As shown in FIG. 6, the ends 602,
603 of the sliding member 601 are attached to the headgear straps
604, 605 by way of engaging means 606, 607. The engaging means 606,
607 comprise two parts. Firstly, attachment portions are integrally
formed on the each end 602, 603 of the sliding member 601.
Secondly, complimentary portions (to the attachment portions) are
either integrally formed or attached to the ends of the headgear
straps 604, 605. Each of the attachment and complementary portions
are releasably attached to one another. Each attachment portion is
a substantially square section 608, 610 each having an aperture
614, 615. The ends of the headgear strap 609, 611 each having a
complimentary portion having a protrusion 612, 613 fittable within
the aperture 614, 615 of the attachment portion 608, 610.
Effectively, in use, when attaching the sliding member 601 to the
headgear straps 604, 605, the protrusion 612, 613 is fitted into
the aperture 614, 615 on the attachment portion, thereby
maintaining a connection between the sliding member and the
headgear straps.
[0061] Alternatively, the protrusions 612, 613 as described above
may be located on the attachment portions of the sliding member 601
and the apertures 614, 615 on the ends of the headgear straps.
[0062] In FIG. 6 the protrusions 612, 613 is shown as being larger
than the apertures 614, 615. This is because the material making up
the attachment portions and the end of the headgear straps is a
deformable material, preferably of the plastics type, that allows
for the large protrusion to be forced through the smaller aperture.
The protrusion and aperture remain engaged until an opposing force
causes the protrusion to disengage or be pulled from the
aperture.
Sliding Headgear Strap
[0063] The nasal mask of the present invention in an alternative
form may also be provided with headgear utilising a sliding strap.
FIG. 7 shows a sliding strap 701 that is located at the back of the
user's head. When the user 703 turns their head, the
circumferential distance from the nose to the back of the head
changes. In prior art devices this movement produces unequal
tension in the straps of the restraining headgear and therefore
pulls the nasal mask in the direction of increased tension. By
allowing the strap 701 to `slide` within the rest of the headgear,
in particular the skullcap portion 702, an equal tension is
produced and any translation of these forces to the mask is
eliminated, hence side leakage as described earlier in relation to
the prior art mask of FIG. 1 is reduced.
Vertical Adjustment for Sliding Member
[0064] The nasal mask of the present invention in an alternative
form may also be provided with adjustment means that allows for
vertical adjustment of the sliding member. Due to variations in the
size of user's head of the nasal mask, the location of the
restraining means (engaging guides as referred to earlier with
reference to FIG. 4, which hold the sliding member on the mask)
that guide the "sliding member" is not always desirable. Allowing
these guides to move vertically creates a more desirable mask for
the user and may assist in reducing side leakages. The vertical
movement of the guides also overcomes the problems with over
tightening of the headgear straps that occurs when the user tilts
their head vertically. FIG. 8 shows restraining means that are
vertically adjustable and which may be utilised with the sliding
member of the present invention. The vertically adjustable
restraining means 802 is a substantially rectangular section 804
having located thereon engaging guides 803, that the sliding member
801 is pushed into, these guides retain the member 801 but allow it
to slide within the guides 803. The rectangular section 804 is
located and moveable within vertical slides 805, 806. These slides
805, 806 are attached by appropriate means to the mask body (301 on
FIG. 3). The rectangular section 804, guides 803 and thus sliding
member 801 can therefore be moved up and down as indicated by
arrows A and B. The rectangular section 804 may be freely moveable
within the slides 805, 806 or may be moved and locked in various
vertical positions.
Alternative Sliding Member
[0065] The nasal mask of the present invention in an alternative
form may also be provided with an alternative sliding member. A
user may find it difficult to insert the sliding member as
described above into the engaging guides on the mask 301. FIG. 9
illustrates an alternative sliding member 901 having a section 902
with reduced diameter at one of its ends. The reduced diameter
section 902 makes it easier to insert the sliding member 901 into
the engaging guides on the mask base. When a user puts on the nasal
mask and attaches the sliding member to the front of the mask
within the engaging guides 903, the user places the narrowed
section 902 of the sliding member 901 within the engaging guides
and moves the sliding member in a lateral direction into an "in
use" position where the wider diameter of the sliding member
resides within the guides. Thus the larger diameter section of the
sliding member 901 that remains in the engaging guides is more
difficult to remove from the guides.
* * * * *