U.S. patent application number 13/476472 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for patient interface assembly with simultaneous maskstrap adjustment.
This patent application is currently assigned to RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC. Invention is credited to STEVEN B. RADNEY.
Application Number | 20120227744 13/476472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38690816 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120227744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RADNEY; STEVEN B. |
September 13, 2012 |
PATIENT INTERFACE ASSEMBLY WITH SIMULTANEOUS MASKSTRAP
ADJUSTMENT
Abstract
A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface
device and a headgear. The headgear includes a first headgear strap
and a second headgear strap having first end portions connected to
opposite sides of the patient interface device. Second end portions
of the first headgear strap and a second headgear strap are coupled
to a first beam member and a second beam member respectively. The
first and second beam members extend behind a head of such as user
during use and are joined together via an adjustment mechanism that
allows the overall length of the first beam and the second beam to
be selectively adjusted.
Inventors: |
RADNEY; STEVEN B.;
(PITTSBURGH, PA) |
Assignee: |
RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
WILMINGTON
DE
|
Family ID: |
38690816 |
Appl. No.: |
13/476472 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12774899 |
May 6, 2010 |
8196583 |
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13476472 |
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11923190 |
Oct 24, 2007 |
7721737 |
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12774899 |
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10993049 |
Nov 19, 2004 |
7296575 |
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11923190 |
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60527235 |
Dec 5, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/205.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0666 20130101;
A61M 16/0683 20130101; A61M 16/0633 20140204; A61M 16/06 20130101;
A61M 2205/0238 20130101; A61M 2210/0618 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/205.25 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/06 20060101
A61M016/06 |
Claims
1. A patient interface assembly, comprising: (a) a patient
interface device adapted to communicate a flow of gas with an
airway of a user; and (b) a headgear adapted to attach the patient
interface device to a head of such a user, the headgear comprising:
(1) a first headgear strap having a first end portion operatively
coupled to a first side of the patient interface device and a
second end portion, (2) a second headgear strap having a first end
portion operatively coupled to a second side of the patient
interface device opposite the first side and a second end portion,
(3) a first beam member having a first end portion operatively
coupled to the second end portion of the first headgear strap and a
second end portion, wherein the first beam is adapted to extend
behind a head of such as user during use, (4) a second beam member
having a first end portion operatively coupled to the second end
portion of the second headgear strap and a second end portion,
wherein the second beam is adapted to extend behind a head of such
as user during use, and (5) an adjustment mechanism adapted to join
the second end portion of the first beam to the second end portion
of the second beam such that an overall length of the first beam
and the second beam can be selectively adjusted.
2. The patient interface assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
first ear loop operatively coupled between the second end portion
of the first headgear strap and the first end portion of the first
beam, and a second ear loop operatively coupled between the second
end portion of the second headgear strap and the first end portion
of the second beam.
3. The patient interface assembly of claim 2, wherein the first ear
loop is integral with the first end portion of the first beam or is
rotatably coupled to the first end portion of the first beam, and
wherein the second ear loop is integral with the first end portion
of the second beam or is rotatably coupled to the first end portion
of the second beam.
4. The patient interface assembly of claim 2, wherein the first ear
loop and the second ear loop are generally "C" shaped.
5. The patient interface assembly of claim 2, wherein the first ear
loop and the second ear loop are formed from a rigid or semi-rigid
material.
6. The patient interface assembly of claim 2, wherein the first ear
loop and the second ear loop are configured to remain below an ear
of a user at all times during use of the patient interface
assembly.
7. The patient interface assembly of claim 2, wherein the first ear
loop and the second ear loop are configured to remain below above
an ear of a user at all times during use of the patient interface
assembly.
8. The patient interface assembly of claim 1, wherein the patient
interface device is a mask.
9. The patient interface assembly of claim 8, wherein the mask
includes a mask body and forehead support operatively coupled to
the mask body, and wherein the first end portion of the first
headgear strap and first end portion of the second headgear strap
are operatively coupled to the mask body.
10. The patient interface assembly of claim 5, further comprising:
a third headgear strap having a first end portion operatively
coupled to a first side of the forehead support and a second end
portion operatively coupled to the first end portion of the first
beam, and a fourth headgear strap having a first end portion
operatively coupled to a second side of the forehead support
opposite the first side and a second end portion operatively
coupled to the first end portion of the second beam.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120/121 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,899,
filed May 6, 2010, which is a Continuation under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120/121 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/923,190,
filed Oct. 24, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,737 granted May 25,
2010, which is a Divisional of and which claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120/121 from U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/993,049, filed Nov. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,575,
granted Nov. 20, 2007, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) from provisional U.S. patent application No.
60/527,235 filed Dec. 5, 2003 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 a beam that spans the nape of a
patient's neck or back of the head for attaching an object to a
patient while minimizing the amount of structure that overlies the
user's hair, and to an interface assembly and pressure support
system that includes such a headgear.
[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] All of the straps in the headgear taught by the '986 patent
include two components of a hook and loop fastener, such as
VELCRO.RTM.. The exterior of the straps include a loop fastener
portion, and a hook fastener tab portion is attached to the end of
each strap. When securing or fastening, the end of each the upper
side strap is bent back on itself to adhere the hook fastener tab
portion to the exterior of the straps including the loop fastener
portion. More specifically, the hook fastener tab portion of the
top strap is adapted to be threaded through a connecting element of
the gas delivery mask and then bent back on itself to adhere the
hook fastener tab portion to the exterior loop fastener
portion.
[0010] Yet another headgear is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,724,965, which is also assigned to Respironics, Inc. of
Pittsburgh, Pa., the assignee of the present application. The
headgear of U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,965 includes a load bearing ear
piece that encircles each ear of the user. Two head bands connect
the ear pieces to one another. One headband extends behind the
head, and the other headband extends over the head.
[0011] These and other conventional headgear provides a convenient
attachment of the patient interface device to the user's head.
However, they suffer from several disadvantages. For example,
conventional headgear straps overly significant portions of the
user's head, including his or her hair. The present inventors
recognized that some users prefer to avoid significant contact
between their hair and the headgear. Contact between the headgear
straps and the user's hair, for example, can result in entanglement
of the straps with the hair, making the headgear difficult, and
perhaps painful to remove. Thus, some users prefer that the
headgear straps not cross over the hair. 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.
[0012] In addition, some conventional headgear are perceived as
bulky or cumbersome in that they cover a substantial area of the
user's head. Furthermore, some users have an aversion to the
relatively unattractive appearance of conventional headgear, and
may prefer headgear that look less like a medical apparatus.
Therefore, a need exists for a headgear that does not cover much of
the patient's head so that it is perceived as being lightweight and
slim and that appears less like a medical device. Because
conventional headgear are soft, floppy, and typically have a myriad
of flexible straps, the straps and other portions of the mask can
become entangled. Therefore, a further need exists for a headgear
that is easier to use in that it is less likely to become tangled
in itself
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a patient interface assembly that overcomes the
shortcomings of conventional headgear. This object is achieved
according to one embodiment of the present invention by providing
patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device
and a headgear. The headgear includes a first headgear strap and a
second headgear strap having first end portions connected to
opposite sides of the patient interface device. Second end portions
of the first headgear strap and a second headgear strap are coupled
to a first beam member and a second beam member respectively. The
first and second beam members extend behind a head of such as user
during use and are joined together via an adjustment mechanism that
allows the overall length of the first beam and the second beam to
be selectively adjusted.
[0014] 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
[0015] FIGS. 1A-1C are front, side, and rear perspective views of a
first embodiment of a headgear according to the principles of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of a patient wearing a first
embodiment of an interface assembly including a mask and the
headgear of FIGS. 1A-1C;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
headgear of FIGS. 1A-1C taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of
a headgear according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0019] FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and side perspective views of a
third embodiment of a headgear according to the principles of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of
a headgear according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of a patient wearing a second
embodiment of an interface assembly including a patient monitoring
device and the headgear of FIGS. 1A-1C;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of a patient wearing an interface
assembly including a fifth embodiment of the headgear of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view of a patient wearing an interface
assembly including a sixth embodiment of the headgear of the
present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a seventh embodiment
of a headgear according to the principles of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0025] FIGS. 1A-1C schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment
of a portion of a headgear 30 according to the principles of the
present invention, and FIG. 2 illustrates a patient 32 wearing an
interface assembly, generally indicated at 34, including a mask 36
and headgear 30. Headgear 30 includes a beam 38, that is preferably
rigid or semi-rigid, having a central portion 40, a first end
portion 42, and a second end portion 44. Central portion 40 wraps
around a back of a user's neck or head and remains below the user's
external occipital protuberance, which is generally indicated at 45
and is typically located at the back of the skull near the bottom
where the head meets the neck. When properly positioned on the
patent, as shown in FIG. 2 for example, first end portion 42 of
beam 38 is located proximate to the right side the patient's head
and second end portion 44 is located proximate to the left side of
the head. By providing a beam that terminates behind the user's
ear, the headgear distributes the holding force on the nape of the
neck.
[0026] Beam 38 provides a first force, generally indicated by arrow
A, that urges the patient interface device 36 against the user's
face. First force A represents all of the force needed to secure an
object, such as mask 36, on the head of the user, and
counterbalances a second force, as generally indicated by arrow B,
which represents the pulling force of the patient interface device
on the user. At all times during use of the interface assembly of
the present invention, all portions of the beam 38 that provide
first force A, which resists or counterbalances second force B,
remains below the user's external occipital protuberance, so that
no portions of the beam are above the user's external occipital
protuberance during normal use of the headgear.
[0027] This configuration for the present invention provides two
advantages. First, it allows the headgear to securely attach an
object of the face of the user without the need for a strap above
the external occipital protuberance. This minimizes the area where
the headgear overlaps the user's hair. Second, this configuration
allows forces A and B to be effectively directed through the user's
ear, without having any portion of the headgear overlie the ear,
which tends to be quite uncomfortable. Directing the interface
securing force through the user's ear provides the most direct path
for attaching an object on the face of the user.
[0028] Beam 38 can have a variety of shapes, sizes, and
configurations so long as it provides the desired load supporting
function and is comfortable for the patient and remains below the
user's external occipital protuberance at all times during use of
the headgear. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-2,
beam 38 is defined by a pair of beam members 46a and 46b separated
by a gap 48. Beam members 46a and 46b define lower upper and lower
portions of the beam, respectively, and join one another at the
first end portion and the second end portion of the beam. This
multi-beam configuration is advantageous in that it distributes the
load supported by the beam over a relatively large area at the nape
of the neck. However, a single beam member configuration is also
contemplated by the present invention, as shown, for example, in
FIGS. 5A and 5B. Of course, beam members in excess of two are also
contemplated by the present invention.
[0029] The overall height of beam 38 is large enough to distribute
the load over an area that is large enough to provide a comfortable
load on the patient, yet small enough so as not to significantly
impede the user's ability to articulate his or her head. The
present invention also contemplates that the interior surface of
beam 38, the overall shape of the beam, or a combination thereof
can be contoured so as to more closely correspond to the surface of
the patient or to correspond to the underlying bone structure,
thereby maximizing patient comfort.
[0030] A first ear loop 50 is coupled to first end portion 42 of
beam 38, and a second ear loop 52 is coupled to second end portion
44 of the beam. The first and second ear loops are preferably
joined to the beam in a fixed relation, i.e., so that either ear
loop does not move relative to the end portion of the beam to which
it is attached. First ear loop 50 includes a first upper arm 54a
that is positioned above an ear of a user when the headgear is
properly located on the user, and a first lower arm 54b that is
positioned below the user's ear. Similarly, second ear loop 52
includes a second upper arm 56a that is positioned above the ear of
the user, and a second lower arm 56b that is positioned below the
ear. The upper and lower arms on each ear loop provide mountings to
which headgear straps or other suitable connecting elements are
attached for securing an object to be affixed to a patient's face
to headgear 30.
[0031] First and second ear loops 50 and 52 can have a variety of
shapes, sizes, and configurations. In a presently preferred
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first and second ear
loops are semi-circular and are integrally formed with the beam so
that the combination of the ear loops and the beam define a unitary
structure. The semi-circular or crescent shape provides a stable
support on the side of the head and provides an area that is sized
and shaped so as to receive the user's ear, as shown in FIG. 2.
Upper and lower arms 54a, 54b, 56a, and 56b are also preferably
integral with the first and second ear loops. The overall size of
the ear loops and arms should be large enough to achieve the
desired support and mounting functions, yet small enough to
minimize the area of contact on the user's head. The present
invention also contemplates that the interior surface of first and
second ear loops 50 and 52 and upper and lower arms 54a, 54b, 56a,
and 56b, the overall shape of these items, or a combination thereof
can be contoured so as to more closely correspond to the surface of
the patient or to correspond to the underlying bone structure,
thereby maximizing patient comfort.
[0032] Beam 38, first and second ear loops 50 and 52, and upper and
lower arms 54a, 54b, 56a, and 56b in this first exemplary
embodiment are preferably 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.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, forming
the beam, first and second ear loops, and upper and lower arms as a
rigid or semi-rigid structure is accomplished by forming one or
more of these structures from a support member 58 that is rigid or
semi-rigid and providing a cushion member 60 disposed on a user
contacting side of the support member. See FIG. 3. Examples of
suitable rigid or semi-rigid materials suitable for use as support
member 58 include metals (preferably a light-weight metal),
plastics, or laminated fibers, or any combination thereof, such as
a plastic reinforced with metal supports. Examples of materials
suitable for use as cushion member 60 include, foam, cloth,
silicon, rubber, or any combination thereof. The present invention
also contemplates that the rigid or semi-rigid nature of the beam,
first and second ear loops, and upper and lower arms can be
accomplished in any conventional manner, such as by providing
stiffened fabric. Stiffening the fabric can be accomplished, for
example, by providing a rigid or semi-rigid support or batten in
the fabric and/or coating, laminating, or otherwise reinforcing the
fabric with a stiffening agent, such as through screen printing
process.
[0034] The support member and the cushion material are joined in
any conventional manner, such as by adhering the cushion to the
support member. It is to be understood that the present invention
contemplates selectively attaching the support member and the
cushion material so that they can be detached from one another as
needed. This is desirable, for example, for cleaning purposes. It
also allows customization of the headgear by allowing the user to
mix and match the cushion material and the support member. The
present invention also contemplates that other structures can be
provided on support member 58 and/or cushion member 60. For
example, a protective covering (not shown) can be provided on
either of these items.
[0035] An alternative embodiment of the present invention
contemplates that first and second ear loops 50 and 52 are formed
as rigid or semi-rigid structures and that beam 38 is not. This
embodiment contemplates that the beam is a flexible member, such as
piece of fabric material that secures the first and second ear
loops to one another. Dashed line 63 in FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate one
possible point of delineation between the rigid or semi-rigid first
and second ear loops and the beam portion of the headgear, which
can be rigid, semi-rigid, or completely flexible.
[0036] As noted above, upper and lower arms 54a, 54b, 56a, and 56b
of first and second ear loops 50 and 52 define a mounting member to
which additional structures, such as straps, attach. These
additional structures are needed to attach an object on a face of a
user using headgear 30. In an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, these additional structures are flexible straps that
connect to the object to be attached on the patient. More
specifically, the present invention contemplates providing a first
upper strap portion 62a coupled to first upper arm 54a and a first
lower strap portion 62b coupled to first lower arm 54b. Similar
straps can be coupled to second upper and lower arms 56a and 56b
associated with second ear loop 52. The user interface device to be
attached to the user, such as the mask, headgear 30, and the
connecting straps define the interface assembly.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, straps 62a and 62b and the straps on the
other side of the headgear (not shown) connect to various locations
on mask 36 to hold the mask on the user's face. It can be
appreciated that the connecting straps can attach to the user
interface device in any one of an almost infinite number of
configurations. Preferably, they are located so as to provide a
secure attachment to the interface device and a stable support for
this device on the user, while also maximizing patient comfort, for
example, by avoiding overlapping sensitive areas such as the ears
or eyes.
[0038] The straps connected to headgear 30 can be formed from a
variety of materials, or combination of materials, and can have a
variety of shapes, sizes, mechanical properties, and
configurations. For example, the present invention contemplates
that the straps are formed from a soft material (at least on the
patient contacting side) and that the straps are slightly flexible.
The present invention also contemplates that the attachment point
for the straps on the upper and/or lower arms and the attachment
points on the interface device can be fixed or adjustable, and can
be selectively detachable. For example, the straps can be rotatably
attached to headgear 30, the interface device (such as mask 36), or
both. In addition, the straps can be connected to the headgear,
interface device, or both via a snap so that the straps can be
detached and reattached from headgear 30 or the interface device at
the user's convenience.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
interface assembly includes headgear 30, the straps, and an
interface device that couples a gas delivery conduit 64, typically
referred to as a patient circuit, to an airway of the patient.
Patient circuit 64 is typically a flexible tube that includes an
attachment where it joins patient interface device 36. It should be
noted that patient interface device 36 can be any conventional
patient interface device, including a nasal mask, oral mask,
nasal/oral mask, full face mask, nasal cannula, or any other device
that interfaces with an airway of a patient. As schematically
illustrated in FIG. 2, patient circuit 64 communicates a flow of
gas from a gas flow generating device 66, 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.
[0040] Gas flow generating device 66 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 64 is illustrated in FIG. 2 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.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a headgear 68 according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. Headgear 68 is similar to
headgear 30 in many respects. However, headgear 68 illustrates
several optional features that are believed to make the headgear
easier to use and more comfortable for a wider variety differently
sized and shaped patients.
[0042] For example, headgear 68 includes a first ear loop 70 and a
second ear loop 72 that are rotatably coupled to first end portion
42' and second end portion 44', respectively, of beam 38'. This
rotatable attachment can be provided in any one of a variety of
techniques. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an axis 74 is
provided on each end portion of the beam about which the ear loop
rotates, as indicated, for example, by arrow C. Other techniques
for allowing the ear loop to move relative to the beam include a
sliding channel configuration, where the ear loop slides along a
path relative to the beam by providing, for example, a tongue and
groove or slot and pin, configuration that allows the ear loop to
move relative to the beam, yet remain attached thereto. By allowing
the ear loops to rotate relative to the beam, the headgear is able
to self-align to a proper position on the patient so that one
headgear size or style will fit a larger number of patients with
the same degree of comfort that would otherwise require multiple
headgear choices.
[0043] Another feature of headgear 68 is the ability to adjust the
distance between first ear loop 70 and second ear loop 72 along a
length of beam 38'. That is an adjusting mechanism associated with
the first ear loop, the second ear loop or both is provided so that
the first or second ear loops can be moved along the beam, as
indicated, for example, by arrow D in FIG. 4. In this illustrated
exemplary embodiment, this transverse adjustability made possible
by providing an alternative axis 76 or mounting member to which the
ear loop can selectively attach. To adjust the ear loops in the
transverse direction (corresponding to arrow D) thereby effectively
changing the length of beam 38, the first and/or second ear loop is
detached from one axis and reattached to the other axis. This
configuration provides flexibility in the size and configuration
for the headgear.
[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a headgear 78 that includes yet
another technique for adjusting the distance between a first ear
loop 80 and a second ear loop 82. In this embodiment, headgear 78
includes a beam, generally indicated at 84, that has a length
adjusting capability rather than adjusting the attachment location
for the ear loops. Of course, the present invention contemplates
providing the beam length adjustment capability in combination with
the ear loop position adjustment capability. Other than providing a
length adjustment capability, beam 84 corresponds to beam 38, 38'
from the previous embodiments.
[0045] Adjusting the length of beam 84 is made possible, according
to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by separating
beam 84 into a first beam member 86 and a second beam member 88
that are selectively connectable to one another at a number of
different overlapping positions. That is, the first beam member and
the second beam member are connectable such that the degree of
overlap of these two members can be changed, thereby effectively
changing the length of the beam. In this embodiment, a plurality of
engaging portions or protrusions are provided on one beam member
and a plurality of receiving portions are provided on the other
beam member. The length of the beam is controlled based on the
selection of which engaging portions are coupled to associated
receiving portions. It is to be understood that this specific
implementation represents only one of a variety of techniques that
can be used to change the amount of overlap between the two beam
members.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of
a headgear 90 according to the principles of the present invention.
This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments except that
upper and lower arms 54a' and 54b' of first ear loop 50' and upper
and lower arms 56a' and 56b' of second ear loop 52' are adjustable.
That is, the distance between upper arms 54a', 56a' and lower arms
54b' and 56b' associated with each ear loop can be changed, as
indicated by arrow E. This feature of the present invention allows
the headgear to be customized to the physical dimensions of the
patient.
[0047] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an adjusting
mechanism 92 that allows the distance between the upper arms and
the lower arms to be changed is similar to that discussed above
with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. For example, in this embodiment,
engaging portions or protrusions are provided on upper arms 54a',
56a' and corresponding receiving portions are provided on lower
arms 54b' and 56b', or vice versa. It to be understood, however,
that the present invention contemplates that any technique that
allows the distance between the upper arms and the lower arms to be
changed can be used.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a side view of a patient 32 wearing a second
embodiment of an interface assembly 94 according to the principles
of the present invention. In this embodiment, interface assembly
includes headgear 30 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C.
However, the interface device for use with headgear 30 is not a
nasal mask. Instead, the interface device is a patient monitoring
device 96 that is attached to the face of the patient so as to
monitor a parameter of the patient, such as patient airflow.
[0049] 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 a
headgear of the present invention are nearly limitless. For
example, the present invention contemplates that the headgear 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 can also be used to attach
non-medical devices to the face 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 of the present invention. The monitoring
device and headgear arrangement shown in FIG. 6 are provided merely
as an example of other configurations for the interface device that
are suitable for use therewith.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a headgear 100
according to the principles of the present invention. In this
embodiment, headgear 100 includes a beam 102 and first and second
ear loops 104 (only one of which is shown). The nature, structure,
and possible configurations for the beam and the ear loops in this
embodiment and the interconnection between these members
corresponds to that discussed above. For example, an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention contemplates forming the ear
loops as a rigid or semi-rigid structure and the beam as a rigid,
semi-rigid, or flexible structure attached in a fixed relation to
the ear loops. In this embodiment, the ear loop includes only a
lower arm 106, so that no structure is located above the user's
ear. Straps 108 attach the object to be held on the patient's face,
such as a mask 110, to the ear loop portions of headgear 100.
[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a headgear 112
according to the principles of the present invention. In this
embodiment, headgear 112 includes a beam 114 and first and second
ear loops 116 (only one of which is shown). Again, the nature,
structure, and possible configurations for the beam and the ear
loops in this embodiment and the interconnection between these
members corresponds to that discussed above. For example, an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention contemplates forming
the ear loops as a rigid or semi-rigid structure and the beam as a
rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible structure attached in a fixed
relation to the ear loops. In this embodiment, the ear loop
includes only an upper arm 118, so that no structure is located
above the user's ear. Straps 108 attach the object to be held on
the patient's face, such as a mask 110, to the ear loop portions of
headgear 112.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a further embodiment
of patient interface assembly 120 according to the principles of
the present invention. The patient interface assembly includes a
headgear 122, an object 124 to be attached to the user's face
(which in this exemplary embodiment is a mask), and an attaching
mechanism 126 for attaching object 124 to headgear 122. One of the
unique aspects of this embodiment resides in this attaching
mechanism. While FIG. 10 shows the attaching mechanism associated
with one side of the headgear, it is to be understood that a
similar attaching mechanism can be provided on the other side of
the headgear.
[0053] Attaching mechanism 126 includes a single length of
fastening material, such as a cord or strap that is fed back and
forth between headgear 122 and mask 124 through fastening elements
on the mask and headgear. More specifically, in the illustrated
exemplary embodiment, a first portion 128 of the fastening material
is fixed to upper arm 130 and extends to a first portion of mask
124 where it is looped through a first fastening element 132 on the
mask so that a second portion 134 extends back to the headgear. A
third portion 136 of the fastening material is threaded through one
or more guides 138 so that a fourth portion 140 extends from a
lower arm 141 to the mask, is looped through a second fastening
element 142 on the mask, and provides an attaching portion 144 that
extends back to the headgear.
[0054] The fastening material is allowed to slide in first
fastening element 132, guides 138, and second fastening element 142
so that increasing the tension on attaching portion 144 increases
the tension on the mask at the first and the second fastening
elements. This configuration allows the tension between the mask
and the headgear to be effectively adjusted at two locations, i.e.,
the upper and lower arms, by pulling on one element, namely
attaching portion 144. Once the desired tension is achieved, an
attaching element 146 provided on attaching portion is secured to
the headgear. For example, the present invention contemplates
attaching portion 144 to headgear 120 by means of a hook and loop
attachment device, where one element is provided on attaching
element 146 and the other element is provided on beam 148. Of
course, any conventional fastening technique can be used to secure
the attaching portion of the attaching mechanism to the
headgear.
[0055] It should be further understood that the present invention
contemplates that the winding pattern by which the fastening
material is attached to and between the headgear and the object to
be attached to the patient can have a variety of different
configurations. For example, more runs back and forth between the
headgear and mask can be provided. The fastening material can cross
between the sides of the patient interface assembly. The attaching
portion can be attached to the mask. A single fastening material
running between the sides of the mask can be provided, so that the
user need only apply tension on one attaching portion to adjust the
tension at multiple locations on the mask. The present invention
contemplates, for example, eliminating first portion 128 of
attaching element 146 so that the end of the attaching element is
connected to the patient interface device rather than the headgear,
as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the first run for the attaching elements
is attaching portion 134 running from the mask to the headgear.
[0056] It can be appreciated from the foregoing description that
the present invention contemplates other shapes, sizes, and
configurations for the interface assembly and, in particular, for
the headgear and interface device defining the interface assembly.
In addition, the straps or other connecting elements that are used
to couple the headgear and interface device are also subject to
variations. For example, straps need not be attached to both the
upper and lower arms, but can be provided on either the upper arm
or the lower arm depending on the specific arrangement needed to
properly position the interface device on the head of the user.
[0057] By providing a headgear that is disposed across the back of
the head or neck, the headgear of the present invention avoids
placing the straps over much of the patient head and hair. The use
of a beam with ear loops attached thereto that provide attachment
points at both ears provides a relatively stable platform for
supporting virtually any object on a patient's face. In addition,
because the headgear does not cover much of the patient's head, it
is perceived as being lightweight and slim and that appears less
like a medical device, i.e., more aesthetically pleasing. In
addition the use of the beam with ear loops provides a headgear
that is less likely to become tangled in itself
[0058] 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.
* * * * *