U.S. patent application number 11/849675 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for headgear assembly.
Invention is credited to Peter Chi Fai Ho.
Application Number | 20110072553 11/849675 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39157984 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110072553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ho; Peter Chi Fai |
March 31, 2011 |
Headgear Assembly
Abstract
A headgear assembly for attaching an object to a head of a user
is defined by first and second beams adapted wrap around the back
of a user's neck and/or head. The first and second beams are
generally planer and are adapted to be disposed in a first plane
responsive to being stretched flat. The first beam has a first
radius of curvature defined in the first plane, and the second has
a second radius of curvature defined in the first plane in a same
direction as the first radius of curvature. A first member coupling
the first beam with the second beam. When donned by the user, the
headgear assembly assumes a generally spherical shape that conforms
to the back of the human head.
Inventors: |
Ho; Peter Chi Fai;
(Pittsburgh, PA) |
Family ID: |
39157984 |
Appl. No.: |
11/849675 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60842741 |
Sep 7, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/171.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0683
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/171.5 |
International
Class: |
A42B 7/00 20060101
A42B007/00 |
Claims
1. A headgear assembly for attaching an object to a head of a user
comprising: a first beam adapted to wrap around a back of a user's
neck or a back of a user's head, wherein the first beam is
generally planer and is adapted to be disposed in a first plane
responsive to being stretched flat, and wherein the first beam has
a first radius of curvature defined in the first plane; a second
beam adapted to wrap around a back of a user's neck or a back of a
user's head, wherein the second beam is generally planer and is
adapted to be disposed in the first plane responsive to being
stretched flat, and wherein the second beam has a second radius of
curvature defined in the first plane in a same direction as the
first radius of curvature; and a first member coupling the first
beam with the second beam.
2. The headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein (a) the first radius
of curvature and the second radius of curvature are substantially
the same, or (b) the first radius of curvature is greater than the
second radius of curvature.
3. The headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the first beam has a
first length, the second beam has a second length, and wherein (a)
the first length is substantially the same as the second length, or
(b) the first length is greater than the second length.
4. The headgear assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second
member coupling the first beam with the second beam.
5. The headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the first beam, the
second beam, and the first member are defined as a unitary
structure.
6. The headgear assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
reinforcing member adapted to be selectively coupled to the first
beam, the second beam, the first member, or any combination
thereof.
7. The headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the first beam, the second beam, the first member is defined by an
expandable material or a semi-rigid material.
8. The headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member is
also disposed in the first plane responsive to being stretched
flat.
9. The headgear assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first
coupling member attached to a first end of the first beam; and a
second coupling member attached to a first end of the second beam,
wherein the first and the second coupling portions are linear,
wherein the first end of the first beam and the second end of the
second beam are disposed in one side of the headgear assembly, and
wherein the first and the second beams are configured such that the
first and the second coupling members are not parallel to one
another responsive to the headgear assembly being stretched
flat.
10. The headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein a centerline
separates a first half of the headgear assembly from a second half
of the headgear assembly, and wherein the first beam, the second
beam, or both are symmetrical about the centerline.
11. The headgear assembly of claim 1, further comprising coupling
members attached to an end of the first beam, the second beam, or
both, wherein the coupling members are generally strait.
12. The headgear assembly of claim 11, further comprising an
adjusting mechanism associated with the coupling members adapted to
adjust a length of the coupling members.
13. The headgear assembly of claim 11, wherein the coupling members
are rotatably attached to the ends of the first beam, the second
beam, or both.
14. The headgear assembly of claim 11, further comprising a patient
interface connector operatively coupled to each coupling
member.
15. The headgear assembly of claim 14, wherein the patient
interface connector is movable along a length of the coupling
member to which the patient interface connector is coupled.
16. The headgear assembly of claim 11, wherein at least a portion
of at least one of the coupling members is defined by an expandable
material.
17. The headgear assembly of claim 16, wherein the expandable
material is an elasticized fastening material.
18. The headgear assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cross
strap spanning between two portions of the first beam.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) from provisional U.S. patent application No.
60/842,741, filed Sep. 7, 2006, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a headgear
adapted to support an object on the head of a user, and, more
particularly, to a headgear having curved beams that enable the
headgear to assume a spherical configuration when donned by a
user.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There are numerous situations where it is necessary to
couple an object to the face of a user. For example, non-invasive
ventilation and pressure support therapies involve the placement of
a patient interface device, which is typically a nasal mask that
covers the nose, a nasal/oral mask that covers the nose and mouth,
or full face mask that covers the patient face, on the face of a
patient. The patient interface device interfaces the ventilator or
pressure support device with the airway of the patient, so that a
flow of breathing gas can be delivered from the pressure/flow
generating device to the airway of the patient. Typically,
non-invasive ventilation involves providing ventilatory gas to the
airway of a patient without intubating the patient or surgically
inserting a tracheal tube in their esophagus. Pressure support
therapies involve providing a pressure, such as a continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP) or variable airway pressure, which
varies with the patient's respiratory cycle (bi-level pressure
support) or with the condition of the patient (auto-titrating
pressure support), to treat a medical disorder, such as sleep apnea
syndrome, in particular, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or
congestive heart failure.
[0006] It is known to maintain such masks on the face of a wearer
by a headgear having upper and lower straps, each having opposite
ends threaded through connecting elements provided on the opposite
sides and top of a mask. Because such masks are typically worn for
an extended period of time, it is important the headgear maintain
the mask in a tight enough seal against a patient's face without
discomfort.
[0007] One such headgear is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,986
("the '986 patent"), which is assigned to Respironics, Inc. of
Pittsburgh, Pa., the assignee of the present application. The
headgear taught by the '986 patent includes a cap-like headpiece
adapted to fit the crown and back of a patient's head. Lower straps
provide a two-point connection with a gas delivery mask. Straps
depending from the headpiece are connected to and moveable relative
to the lower straps. Additionally, a pair of upper straps can be
used to provide a four-point connection with the gas delivery mask
if needed.
[0008] Another such headgear also manufactured by Respironics, Inc.
includes five straps extending in a star-like manner from a rear
joining piece, which is positionable along the rear portion of a
patient's head. The three uppermost straps are adapted to fit on
the patient's head. A center top strap extends from the joining
piece across the top of the patient's head to the patient's
forehead. Upper side straps, which are provided on either side of
the top strap, extend from the joining piece along the sides of a
patient's head above the ears to attach to the top strap at the
patient's forehead. The top strap includes a pair of elongated
openings through which the upper side straps are threaded.
[0009] Other conventional headgear include the Deluxe Patient
Interface Headgear and the SimpleStrap.TM. Patient Interface
Headgear, both of which are manufactured and sold by Respironics,
Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa., the assignee of the present application.
Deluxe Patient Interface Headgear and the SimpleStrap Patient
Interface Headgear both include a strait (linear) top strap and a
strait (linear) bottom strap that wrap around the head/neck of the
user. The top and bottom straps are parallel to one another.
[0010] These and other conventional headgear provide a convenient
attachment of the patient interface device to the user's head.
However, they may not optimize the comfort of the headgear on the
head/neck of the user. They may also not maximize the stability of
the headgear so that the patient interface device is securely
mounted on the user. Therefore, a need exists for a headgear that
is easy to use and adjust, is comfortable, provides a stable
support for the object being attached to the user, and does not
rest significantly on his or her hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a headgear that overcomes the shortcomings of conventional
headgear. This object is achieved according to one embodiment of
the present invention by providing a headgear assembly for
attaching an object to a head of a user. The headgear assembly
includes a first beam and a second beam, both of which are adapted
to wrap around a back of a user's neck or a back of a user's head.
The first beam is generally planer and is adapted to be disposed in
a first plane when the headgear assembly is stretched flat. When in
this position, the first beam has a first radius of curvature
defined in the first plane. The second beam is also generally
planer and is adapted to be disposed in the first plane when the
headgear assemblies is oriented in a flat position. The second beam
has a second radius of curvature defined in the first plane in a
same direction as the first radius of curvature. In addition, a
first member couples the first beam with the second beam. By
providing the first and second beams with a curve in this manner,
the headgear assembly assumes a generally spherical shape, at least
in the portion that extends over the back of the user's head/neck.
This provides a headgear that better forms to the human anatomy,
making the device comfortable and stable.
[0012] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of
the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and
functions of the related elements of structure and the combination
of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent
upon consideration of the following description and the appended
claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which
form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the
specification and in the claims, the singular form of "a", "an",
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a portion of a first embodiment
headgear assembly according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the headgear portion shown
in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view a headgear assembly that includes the
portion shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the headgear assembly of FIG. 3
showing the operation of the coupling members and including
reinforcing members;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of a second embodiment of
a headgear assembly according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the headgear portion shown
in FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a portion of an alternative
configuration for the second embodiment of the headgear
assembly;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a coupling member and
associated components;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a headgear
assembly according to the principles of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a headgear
assembly according to the principles of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a headgear
assembly according to the principles of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of a headgear
assembly according to the principles of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a
headgear assembly according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the headgear assembly of FIG.
13 being worn by a user; and
[0027] FIG. 15 is a view showing a headgear assembly according to
the principles of the present invention with an optional
cross-bar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0028] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary first embodiment of a
headgear assembly 30 and portions thereof according to the
principles of the present invention. Headgear assembly 30 includes
a first beam 32 and a second beam 34, both of which are adapted to
wrap around a back of a user's neck or a back of a user's head.
When the headgear is worn by the user, first beam 32 is closer to
the top of the head than the second beam, which is closer the neck.
Thus, the first beam is also considered the "top" beam and the
second beam is considered the "bottom" beam relative to their
respective orientation on the user.
[0029] First beam 32 and second beam 34 are generally planer, i.e.,
are relative thin, and are flexible or semi rigid. As such, when
the headgear assembly is stretched flat, they are disposed in a
first plane. In other words, when the headgear assembly is lying
flat, such as on a flat surface, the first beam and the second beam
also lie flat on that surface. First beam 32 is curved along its
length such that it has a first radius of curvature R1 defined in
the first plane. Second beam 34 is also curved with respect to its
lengthwise axis such that it has a second radius of curvature R2
that is also defined in the first plane. The first radius of
curvature R1 and the second radius of curvature R2 are in the same
direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first radius of
curvature R1 ranges from 25-42 inches, and the second radius of
curvature R2 ranges from 5-18 inches. The present invention also
contemplates that the first radius of curvature and the second
radius of curvature need not can be the same, assuming that the
center of the radius of curvatures are different, or they can
different.
[0030] First beam 32 and second beam 34 can also be described in
terms of their respective degrees of spread. The degree of spread
is the angle from one end of the beam to the other measured from
the center of the radius of curvature for that beam. For first beam
32, the degree of spread is indicated by angle .theta. in FIG. 3.
The degree of spread for second beam 34 is indicated by angle
.lamda.. The present invention contemplates that the angle of
spread can be the same for both beams, i.e., .theta.=.lamda., or
the angles of spread for the beams can be different. In an
exemplary embodiment, the angle of spread for each beam ranges from
8.degree. to 55.degree.. It can be appreciated that the angle of
spread will be dictated by where the ends of the first beam and
second beams are defined. Thus, smaller and greater angles are
possible depending on where one considered the ends of the first
beam and second to be.
[0031] A first member 36 couples the first beam with the second
beam. In addition, a second member 38 couples the first beam with
the second beam. While two members 36 and 38 are shown in the
illustrated embodiments coupling the first and second beams, it is
to be understood that one member is sufficient to join these beams.
Conversely, more than two such member can be provided. First member
36, second member 38, and any other such members can have any one
of a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. First beam 32,
second beam 34, first member 36, and second member 38, in this
first exemplary embodiment are formed so that the overall structure
is rigid or semi-rigid. For present purposes, "semi-rigid" means
that these structures retain their shape when no load is applied on
them, but flex to some degree to allow them to conform to the
patient to reduce pressure points when a load is applied.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, first
beam 32, second beam 34, first member 36, and second member 38 are
formed as a unitary structure. More specifically, the present
invention contemplates that the entire structure defined by first
beam 32, second beam 34, first member 36, and second member 38 is
formed from a fabric or cloth material, such as UBL (unbreakable
loop backing), perforated neoprene (breathable rubber), a foam
lamination with at least one side formed from UBL, or a Lycra
laminated with a foam. A pad or cushion may be provided at one more
locations, or over the entire structure, to provide a soft surface
that contacts the user. Examples of suitable materials for such a
pad or pads includes, foam, cloth, silicon, rubber, or any
combination thereof.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the present invention contemplates
providing reinforcements 40 at various locations on the headgear
assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, reinforcements 40 are
associated with first member 36 and second member 38 to assist in
maintaining the spacing between first beam 32 and second beam 34.
Reinforcements 40 can be provide using any conventional technique.
For example, a rigid or semi-rigid support or batten can be
provided in the fabric or material forming the portion of the
headgear. To allow the amount of reinforcement or stiffening to be
changed or removed pockets or other mechanisms for selectively
attaching a reinforcement member to the headgear are contemplated.
Reinforcing portions of the headgear assembly can also be
accomplished by laminating or providing a stiffening agent, such as
through screen printing process, on the portion of the headgear
assembly where reinforcement is desired.
[0034] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 2, when headgear assembly 30
is worn by a user, first beam 32 and second beam 34 bend or wrap
around the head/neck of the user. Because the first and second
beams have a radius of curvature R1 and R2, as described above, the
structure defined by the first and second beams has a generally
spherical shape, enabling the beams to conform more closely to the
anatomy of the human head/neck. The allows the headgear assembly to
fit the user in a firm, stable fashion that is also comfortable
over a wide range of patient populations.
[0035] Coupling members 42a and 42b are attached to each end 44a
and 44b of first beam 32. Similarly, coupling members 46a and 46b
are attached to each end 48a and 48b of second beam 34. These
coupling member are used to attach a patient interface device to
the headgear assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling
member extend from the ends of the first and second beams such that
the coupling member on one side of the headgear assembly, e.g.,
coupling member 42a and 46a, are generally parallel to one
another.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, coupling members 42a, 42b, 46,
and 46b are cloth or fabric so that they are flexible and
lightweight and are attached to the ends of the first and second
beams in any conventional manner. For example, the coupling member
can be stitched, sewn, or sonic/heat welded onto the ends of the
first and second beams. The present invention contemplates that
coupling members 42a, 42b, 46, and 46b can have a variety of sizes,
shapes, and configurations
[0037] The present invention also contemplates that the attachment
of the coupling members to the first and second beams can be fixed
or adjustable, and can be selectively detachable. For example,
coupling members 42a, 42b, 46, and 46b can be rotatably attached to
first and second beams 32 and 32, the patient interface device, or
both. In addition, the coupling members can be connected to the
first and second beams, the interface device, or both via a snap or
other detachable connectors so that the coupling member can be
detached and reattached from the first and second beams or the
interface device at the user's convenience.
[0038] To attach the illustrated coupling members to a patient
interface device the present invention contemplates threading a
free end 50 of the coupling member through a slot or orifice
provide in the patient interface or in a patient interface
connector. The free end of the coupling member is then attached to
the rest of the coupling member, as shown, for example, by arrow A
in FIG. 4. Any conventional technique can be used to attached the
free end of the coupling member to itself. For example, a hook and
loop fastening method, such as VELCRO.RTM., may be used. In which
case, the free end of the coupling member includes one part of the
hoop and loop fastener, and the other part of the hook and loop
fastener is provided at one or more locations along the length of
the coupling member. In a further exemplary embodiment, one or more
of the coupling members, or portions thereof, are made from a
stretchable fastening material, such as VELSTRETCH.RTM., which is a
spandex elastic band or strap.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, a second embodiment of a
headgear assembly 60 according to the principles of the present
invention will be described. As in the previous embodiment,
headgear assembly 60 includes first and second beams 62 and 64,
respectively, and first and second coupling members 66 and 68. In
this embodiment, however, first beam 62 includes end portions 70a
and 70b separated by an elastic portion 72. End portions 70a, 70b,
second beam 62, and first and second coupling members 66 and 68 are
defined as a unitary structure that is semi-rigid, non-stretchy.
Examples of materials suitable for forming this unitary structure
include: spandex, a lycra lamination, a rubber band that includes a
silicone strip, VELSTRETCH, or any combination thereof. As shown in
FIG. 7, a pad 74 may be provided over the semi-rigid material to
maximize patient comfort. Pad 74 can be provided over a majority of
the structure, as shown, or it can be provided only at selected
locations.
[0040] The elastic portion of the first beam allows the top beam to
adjust to fit the user in comfort. Any suitable elastic may be used
for this portion of the headgear assembly. The present invention
contemplates that the size, shape, elasticity, configuration,
number, and locations of the elastic portions can be changed from
that shown. For example, elastic portions can be provided in second
beam 64, first member 66, second member 68, the coupling members,
the junctions of any of these components, or any combination
thereof.
[0041] An example of a coupling member 80 and associated components
suitable for use with any of the embodiments of the headgear
assembly is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, coupling member 80
is a strap attached for an end portion of the first or second beam.
The strap is threaded through a slot 82 provided in a patient
interface connector 84. In the illustrated embodiment, patient
interface connector 84 is a ball-and-socket connector that attaches
to a coupling provided on the patient interface device. A similar
patient interface connector and patient interface device using such
as connector is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,179, the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0042] In this embodiment, a free end 86 is coupled to a clip 88,
and coupling member 80 is also threaded through the clip. Moving
clip 88 along the length of coupling member 80 changes the
effective length of the coupling member, allowing the user to
tighten or loosen the patient interface device on the user. To
facilitate moving the clip a grip 90 is connected to one end of the
clip.
[0043] Various configurations for headgear assemblies 100, 110,
120, and 170 are shown in FIGS. 9-12, respectively. These
alternative arrangements are provided to illustrate and emphasize
that the headgear assembly of the present invention can have a
variety of different configurations. The headgear assembly in each
of these embodiments includes a first beam 102, 112, 122, and 172
having a first radius of curvature and a first angle of spread, and
a second beam 104, 114, 124, and 174 having a second radius of
curvature and a second angle of spread. FIG. 11 clearly illustrates
that the first and second curvature need not be the same. In this
embodiment, the first radius of curvature R1 is less than the
second radius of curvature R2. In each embodiment, the first member
and second member that couple the first beam to the second beam
includes a reinforcing element or region 130.
[0044] These headgear assemblies shown in FIGS. 9-12 also include
coupling members 140a, 140b attached to the first beam and coupling
members 142a, 142b coupled to the second beam. The coupling members
on each side of the headgear assembly in FIGS. 9-11 extend away
from the first and second beams at a non-zero angle .alpha.. Angle
.alpha. is measured from the center of the coupling member.
However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, angle .alpha. between
coupling members 140a and 140b is less than zero (-.alpha.). That
is, the coupling members diverge toward one another, rather than
extend away from one another. The present invention contemplates
that angle .alpha. has a range of -10.degree. to 20.degree.. In the
embodiment of FIG. 12, radius of curvature R1 for first beam 172
and radius of curvature R2 for second beam 174 originate from the
same center centers.
[0045] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a sixth embodiment of a headgear
assembly 150 according to the principles of the present invention.
As in the previous embodiments, headgear assembly 150 includes
first and second beams 152 and 154, respectively, and first and
second members 156 and 158 span the first and second beams.
Coupling members 162a, 162b are attached to end portions 160a, 160b
of first beam 152, and coupling members 166, 166b are attached to
end portions 164a, 164b of second beam 154. In this embodiment,
coupling members 162a, 162b are rotatably attached to end portions
160a, 160b so that the coupling member can be moved, i.e., rotated,
as indicated by arrows B to suit different types of patient
interface devices. FIG. 14 also illustrates a first patient
interface device 170 that is situated relatively low in the face of
the user, and a second patient interface device 180 (shown in
dashed lines) that is situation higher on the face. Giving the
upper coupling members the ability to rotate allows the same
headgear assembly to be used on a variety of different types of
patient interface devices.
[0046] In FIGS. 13 and 14, lower coupling members 166a and 166b are
not rotatably coupled to the second beam. It is to be understood,
however, that the present invention also contemplates rotatably
attaching coupling members 166a and 166b to end portions 164a, 164b
of second beam 154.
[0047] Patient interface device 170, 180 couples a gas delivery
conduit 190, typically referred to as a patient circuit, to an
airway of the patient. Patient circuit 190 is typically a flexible
tube that is coupled to the patient interface device. It should be
noted that patient interface device suitable for use with the
headgear assembly of the present invention can be any conventional
patient interface device, including a nasal mask, oral mask,
nasal/oral mask, full face mask, nasal cannula, chin mounted mask,
or any other device that interfaces with an airway of a patient. As
schematically illustrated in FIG. 14, patient circuit 190
communicates a flow of gas from a gas flow generating device 195,
such as a conventional pressure support system or ventilator, so
that gas is delivered from the gas flow generator to the airway of
the patient.
[0048] Gas flow generating device 195 can be any conventional
device that accomplishes this function, such as a CPAP device,
bi-level device, auto-titrating device, or any other pressure
support system or ventilator using any conventional mode of therapy
delivery. Although patient circuit 190 is illustrated in FIG. 14 as
being a single limb circuit, the present invention contemplates
that the patient circuit can include multiple limbs and can include
other elements, such as filters, exhaust ports, flow control valve,
pressure relief valves, humidifiers, and sensors.
[0049] FIG. 15 illustrates yet another embodiment of a headgear
assembly 180 according to the principles of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the headgear assembly includes a cross strap
186 that spans the top of the user's head when the headgear
assembly is donned by the user. One end 188a of cross strap 186 is
attached to a first portion of first beam 182, and another end 188b
of the cross straps is attached to a second portion of the first
beam. Cross strap 186 is a flexible or semi-rigid member that is
capable of flexing or molding to the shape of the top of the user's
head.
[0050] The present invention contemplates that the cross strap can
be attached to the first beam in any conventional manner; in either
a fixed (permanent) or separable manner. For example, end 188a can
be permanently bonded to the first beam by being sewn, stitched, or
welded. End 188b engages the second portion of first beam either
directly, e.g., using a hook-and-loop engagement of the first beam
to the cross strap, or indirectly, e.g., by looping the cross strap
through an eyelet 190 provided on the first beam. In which case,
the free end of the cross strap can be looped over the eyelet and
attached back to the cross strap, as indicated by arrow C. This
addition of cross strap 186 adds stability for lower mounting
masks, such chin mount or small oral-nasal applications.
[0051] It is to be understood that the number, type, size,
function, and other characteristics of the objects that can be used
as the patient interface device that are suitable for use with the
headgear assembly of the present invention are nearly limitless.
For example, the present invention contemplates that the headgear
assembly of the present invention can be used to attach other
medical devices to the patient, such as a spirometer or other
monitor, to the patient. On the other hand, the headgear assembly
can also be used to attach non-medical devices to the head of the
user, such as gas masks, cosmetic objects, electronic devices, or
apparel. No attempt is made in this disclosure to list the
different types of objects that can serves as interface devices
that can be held on the head of the patient by the headgear
assembly of the present invention.
[0052] Although the invention has been described in detail for the
purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be
the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the
contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent
arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims. For example, it is to be understood that, to the extent
possible, the present invention contemplates that one or more
features of any embodiment of the present invention can be combined
with the features of any other embodiment.
* * * * *