U.S. patent application number 14/165934 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-22 for forehead support for a facial mask.
This patent application is currently assigned to ResMed Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is ResMed Limited. Invention is credited to Michael Kassipillai GUNARATNAM.
Application Number | 20140137872 14/165934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3813695 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140137872 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GUNARATNAM; Michael
Kassipillai |
May 22, 2014 |
FOREHEAD SUPPORT FOR A FACIAL MASK
Abstract
A forehead support for a respiratory mask. The forehead support
includes a pair of arms. The arms are each adapted to locate a
forehead cushion. The arms are also adapted to pivot relative to
each other. The arms are also selectively lockable at two or more
angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support can
thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the
respiratory mask.
Inventors: |
GUNARATNAM; Michael
Kassipillai; (Sydney, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ResMed Limited |
Bella Vista |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
ResMed Limited
Bella Vista
AU
|
Family ID: |
3813695 |
Appl. No.: |
14/165934 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13074401 |
Mar 29, 2011 |
8646450 |
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14165934 |
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12348369 |
Jan 5, 2009 |
7942149 |
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13074401 |
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11068863 |
Mar 2, 2005 |
7472704 |
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12348369 |
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10320701 |
Dec 17, 2002 |
6973929 |
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11068863 |
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09538349 |
Mar 29, 2000 |
6520182 |
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10320701 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/205.25 ;
128/206.21; 128/207.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0066 20130101;
A61M 16/065 20140204; A61M 16/0633 20140204; A61M 16/0638 20140204;
A61M 16/0683 20130101; A61M 16/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/205.25 ;
128/206.21; 128/207.11 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/06 20060101
A61M016/06; A61M 16/00 20060101 A61M016/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 29, 1999 |
AU |
PP9499 |
Claims
1. A forehead support for a patient interface configured to treat a
respiratory disorder, the forehead support comprising: a first arm
configured to engage a forehead of a patient; a second arm
configured to engage the forehead of the patient, the first and
second arms being resiliently biased with respect to one another;
and a locking mechanism configured to lock the first and second
arms in position relative to each other.
2. A forehead support according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second arms are movable to increase or decrease an angle between
the first and second arms.
3. A forehead support according to claim 2, wherein the first and
second arms are biased toward each other to decrease the angle
between the first and second arms.
4. A forehead support according to claim 2, wherein the first and
second arms are biased away from each other to increase the angle
between the first and second arms.
5. A forehead support according to claim 2, wherein the first and
second arms are configured so that the angle between the first and
second arms is changeable independently of an angle between the
patient interface and the first and second arms.
6. A forehead support according to claim 5, wherein the first and
second arms are configured so that movement of the first arm
coincides with movement of the second arm to simultaneously change
the angle between the first and second arms.
7. A forehead support according to claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a tongue and groove configuration.
8. A forehead support according to claim 7, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a tongue and a plurality of grooves configured
to receive the tongue.
9. A forehead support according to claim 8, wherein the locking
mechanism locks the first and second arms in position relative to
one another when the tongue is inserted into one of the plurality
of grooves.
10. A forehead support according to claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a ratchet configuration such that changing the
angle between the first and second arms successively disengages and
engages the locking mechanism.
11. A forehead support according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second arms each includes a cushion configured to engage a forehead
of the patient when the forehead support engages the patient's
forehead.
12. A patient interface for treating a respiratory disorder
comprising: a sealing structure; a frame configured to maintain the
sealing structure in sealing contact with an area surrounding an
entrance to the patient's airways while maintaining a therapeutic
pressure at the entrance to the patient's airways; and a forehead
support according to claim 1.
13. A forehead support for a patient interface configured to treat
a respiratory disorder, the forehead support comprising: a first
arm configured to engage a forehead of a patient; a second arm
configured to engage the forehead of the patient, the first and
second arms being rotatable around a common axis, the first and
second arms being resiliently biased to change an angle formed
between the first and second arms; and a locking mechanism
configured to lock the first and second arms in position relative
to each other and counter the biasing of the first and second
arms.
14. A forehead support according to claim 13, wherein the first and
second arms are movable to increase or decrease an angle between
the first and second arms.
15. A forehead support according to claim 14, wherein the first and
second arms are biased toward each other to decrease the angle
between the first and second arms.
16. A forehead support according to claim 14, wherein the first and
second arms are biased away from each other to increase the angle
between the first and second arms.
17. A forehead support according to claim 13, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a ratchet configuration such that changing the
angle between the first and second arms successively disengages and
engages the locking mechanism.
18. A forehead support according to claim 13, wherein the first and
second arms each includes a cushion configured to engage a forehead
of the patient when the forehead support engages the patient's
forehead.
19. A patient interface for treating a respiratory disorder
comprising: a sealing structure; a frame configured to maintain the
sealing structure in sealing contact with an area surrounding an
entrance to the patient's airways while maintaining a therapeutic
pressure at the entrance to the patient's airways; and a forehead
support according to claim 13.
20. A forehead support for a patient interface, the patient
interface being configured for sealed delivery of a flow of
breathable gas at a continuously positive pressure with respect to
ambient air pressure to an entrance to the patient's airways,
wherein the patient interface is configured to maintain a therapy
pressure in a range of about 4 cm H.sub.2O to about 20 cm H.sub.2O
above ambient air pressure, throughout the patient's respiratory
cycle, while the patient is sleeping, to ameliorate sleep
disordered breathing; said forehead support comprising: a main
body; a first arm extending from the main body in a first
direction; a second arm extending from the main body in a second
direction, the second arm being movable with respect to the first
arm; a biasing mechanism configured to resiliently bias the first
and second arms relative to one another; and a locking mechanism
configured to counter a biasing force generated by the biasing
mechanism.
21. A forehead support according to claim 20, wherein the first and
second arms are movable to increase or decrease an angle between
the first and second arms.
22. A forehead support according to claim 21, wherein the biasing
mechanism is configured to resiliently bias the first and second
arms toward each other to decrease the angle between the first and
second arms.
23. A forehead support according to claim 21, wherein the biasing
mechanism is configured to resiliently bias the first and second
arms away from each other to increase the angle between the first
and second arms.
24. A forehead support according to claim 20, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a ratchet configuration such that changing the
angle between the first and second arms successively disengages and
engages the locking mechanism.
25. A forehead support according to claim 20, wherein the first and
second arms each includes a cushion configured to engage a forehead
of the patient when the forehead support engages the patient's
forehead.
26. A patient interface for sealed delivery of a flow of breathable
gas at a continuously positive pressure with respect to ambient air
pressure to an entrance to the patient's airways, wherein the
patient interface is configured to maintain a therapy pressure in a
range of about 4 cm H.sub.2O to about 20 cm H.sub.2O above ambient
air pressure, while the patient is sleeping, to ameliorate sleep
disordered breathing, said patient interface comprising: a sealing
structure; a positioning and stabilizing structure to maintain the
sealing structure in sealing contact with an area surrounding an
entrance to the patient's airways while maintaining a therapeutic
pressure at the entrance to the patient's airways; a plenum chamber
pressurized at a pressure above ambient pressure; and a forehead
support according to claim 20.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/074,401, now allowed, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/348,369, filed Jan. 5, 2009, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,942,149, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
11/068,863, filed Mar. 2, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,704, which
is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/320,701, filed
Dec. 17, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,929, which is a continuation
of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/538,349, filed Mar. 29, 2000, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,182, which claims the benefit of Australian
Application No. PP9499, filed Mar. 29, 1999, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a forehead support for a
facial mask used to supply breathable gas to a wearer's
airways.
[0003] The invention has been developed primarily for use in
supporting a nasal mask used in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
(CPAP) treatment of, for example, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and
other ventilatory assistance treatments such as Non-Invasive
Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) and will be described
hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be
appreciated that the invention is not limited to these particular
uses and is also suitable for use with, for example, full-face
(i.e. nose and mouth) masks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] CPAP treatment is a common ameliorative treatment for
breathing disorders including OSA. CPAP treatment, as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,310, provides pressurised air or other
breathable gas to the entrance of a patient's airways at a pressure
elevated above atmospheric pressure, typically in the range 4-20 cm
H.sub.2O.
[0005] It is also known for the level of treatment pressure to vary
during a period of treatment in accordance with patient need, that
form of CPAP being known as automatically adjusting nasal CPAP
treatment, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,995.
[0006] NIPPV is another form of treatment for breathing disorders
which can involve a relatively higher pressure of gas being
provided in the patient mask during the inspiratory phase of
respiration and a relatively lower pressure or atmospheric pressure
being provided in the patient mask during the expiratory phase of
respiration.
[0007] In other NIPPV modes the pressure can be made to vary in a
complex manner throughout the respiratory cycle. For example, the
pressure at the mask during inspiration or expiration can be varied
through the period of treatment.
[0008] Typically, the ventilatory assistance for CPAP or NIPPV
treatment is delivered to the patient by way of a nasal mask.
Alternatively, a mouth mask or full face mask or nasal prongs can
be used. In this specification any reference to a mask is to be
understood as incorporating a reference to a nasal mask, mouth
mask, full face mask or nasal prongs.
[0009] In this specification any reference to CPAP treatment is to
be understood as embracing all of the above described forms of
ventilatory treatment or assistance.
[0010] A CPAP apparatus broadly comprises a flow generator
constituted by a continuous source of air or other breathable gas
such as a hospital piped supply or a blower. In the latter case, an
electric motor drives the blower and is typically controlled by a
servo-controller under the control of a microcontroller unit. In
either case, the gas supply is connected to a conduit or tube which
in turn is connected to a patient nasal or full-face mask which
incorporates, or has in close proximity, an exhaust to atmosphere
for venting exhaled gases. Examples of prior art nasal masks are
shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,782,832 and 5,243,971.
[0011] The supply conduit delivers gas into a chamber formed by
walls of the mask. The mask is normally secured to the wearer's
head by straps. The straps are adjusted to pull the mask against
the face with sufficient force to achieve a gas tight seal between
the mask and the wearer's face.
[0012] A problem that arises with the use of the existing masks is
that in order for the straps to be tight, the mask is compressed
against the wearer's face and may push unduly hard on the wearer's
nose. Additionally, the mask may move around the wearer's face.
Thus, there has been hitherto provided a forehead support, which
provides a support mechanism between the mask and the forehead.
This forehead support prevents both the mask from pushing too
strongly against the wearer's nose and/or facial region as well as
minimising movement of the mask with the addition of a contact
point between the mask and the wearer's head thereby reducing
uncomfortable pressure points. Additionally, the forehead support
can be arranged to prevent the gas supply conduit from contacting
the wearer's forehead or face.
[0013] Forehead supports with a single cushion and a single contact
point or the forehead are known.
[0014] The applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,693 relates to a
substantially rigid one-piece forehead support having a pair of
forehead cushions mounted at each outer end of the support. This
forehead support is connected to the top of a facial mask and
includes an adjustable mechanism to allow the spacing between the
top of the facial mask and the forehead support to be altered
between predetermined positions to thereby alter the angle of the
mask relative to the wearer's head to suit the wearer's facial
topography.
[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
alternate form of forehead support.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention
provides a forehead support for a respiratory mask, said forehead
support including a pair of arms, wherein: the arms are each
adapted to locate a forehead cushion; the arms are adapted to pivot
relative to each other; and the arms are selectively lockable at
two or more angular positions relative to each other.
[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a
respiratory mask assembly comprising a respiratory mask and a
forehead support, said forehead support including a pair of arms,
wherein: the arms are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion;
the arms are adapted to pivot relative to each other; and the arms
are selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative
to each other.
[0018] As the angle between the arms adjacent to wearer's forehead
is decreased or increased the distance between the forehead and the
extension of the respiratory mask is increased or decreased
respectively, thereby altering the angle of the respiratory mask
relative to the wearer's face.
[0019] The arms are preferably also adapted to each pivot relative
to the respiratory mask.
[0020] Preferably, each of the arms include a cylindrical recess
adapted to pivotally receive a cylindrical boss provided on the
respiratory mask.
[0021] The respiratory mask preferably includes an extension
adjacent and above, in use, the wearer's nose on which the
cylindrical boss is provided.
[0022] Desirably, one of the arms includes a tongue adapted to be
received in one of at least two grooves provided on the other of
the arms so as to lock the arms at one of two or more predetermined
said angular positions.
[0023] The tongue is preferably provided on a flexible member which
is adapted to permit the tongue be moved out of engagement with the
grooves by manual manipulation of the member.
[0024] The forehead cushions are desirably located on the outer
ends of the arms.
[0025] The arms preferably also include means to connect a head
strap thereto.
[0026] The respiratory mask preferably also includes means to
connect a head strap thereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described, by way of examples only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
a forehead support according to the invention connected to a nasal
mask;
[0029] FIG. 2 is an underside view of the forehead support shown in
FIG. 1 with the tongue of one arm free of engagement with the
grooves of the other arm;
[0030] FIG. 3 is an underside view of the forehead support shown in
FIG. 1 with the tongue and groove engaged at the first of four
positions;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an underside view of the forehead support shown in
FIG. 1 with the tongue and groove engaged in the second of four
positions;
[0032] FIG. 5 is an underside view of the forehead support shown in
FIG. 1 with the tongue and groove engaged at the third of four
positions;
[0033] FIG. 6 is an underside view of the forehead support shown in
FIG. 1 with the tongue and groove engaged at the fourth of four
positions;
[0034] FIG. 7 is an underside view of a second embodiment of the
forehead support according to the invention with the tongue of one
arm free of engagement with the grooves of the other arm;
[0035] FIG. 8 is an underside view of the forehead support shown in
FIG. 7 with the tongue and groove engaged at the first of four
positions;
[0036] FIG. 9 is an underside view of the forehead support shown in
FIG. 7 with the tongue and groove engaged at the second of four
positions;
[0037] FIG. 10 is an underside view of the forehead support shown
in FIG. 7 with the tongue and groove engaged at the third of four
positions;
[0038] FIG. 11 is an underside view of the forehead support shown
in FIG. 7 with the tongue and groove engaged at the fourth of four
positions;
[0039] FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of the forehead support
shown in FIG. 7; and
[0040] FIG. 13 is an lower perspective view of the forehead support
shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] FIGS. 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of a forehead support
10 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the
forehead support 10 is adapted for connection to an extension 12 of
a facial respiratory mask 14 used to supply breathable gas to a
wearer's airways. The mask 14 includes an angled connector 16 which
has a distal end 18 for connection to a gas supply conduit (not
shown) and a proximal end 19 for connection to the mask 14. The
connector 16 communicates the supplied gas from the gas supply
conduit to the interior of the mask 14.
[0042] The extension 12 is positioned on top of the nasal mask 14
generally adjacent and above the wearer's nose. It will be
appreciated that this is just one example of a facial mask that
could be supported by the forehead support 10. For example, the
forehead support also finds application in supporting full-face
(i.e. nose and mouth) masks.
[0043] Forehead supports according to the invention can also be
used with facial masks in which the gas supply connector 16 is
incorporated into the mask in the general position of the extension
12. In this type of mask, the supplied gas flows through or past
the forehead support 12.
[0044] The mask 14 includes a pair of slotted connectors 20 to
which are respectively connected ends of a lower head strap (not
shown) for securing the nasal mask to the wearer's head.
[0045] The forehead support 10 includes a pair of arms 22 pivotally
mounted to each other adjacent the extension 12. Each of the arms
22 includes a slotted connector 23 to which ends of an upper head
strap 25 are respectively connected (see FIGS. 3 to 6).
[0046] The arms 22 each include a cylindrical recess 24 which
receives a cylindrical boss 26 provided on the extension 12. As
best shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the cylindrical recess 24 and boss 26
allow the arms 22 to pivot relative to each other, and the
extension 12 (and thus the mask 14), about axis 28. These figures
also show the forehead support cushions 30 that are mounted at the
ends of each of the arms 22. Examples of cushions 30 include solid
foam sponges, silicone, stuffed pads, dual durometer foams, single
pads or multiple pads joined together. The cushions 30 can be
integrally moulded with the arms 22 or attached thereto by clips or
adhesives or the like.
[0047] Also as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the right hand side arm 22
(shown on the left hand side as FIGS. 2 to 6 are underside views)
includes a flexible member 32 which has a tongue 34 on its distal
end. The member 32 has a first part 36 and a second part 38 which
are bridged by a brace 40. The left hand side arm includes a
generally arcuate shaped boss 41 having four grooves 42. It will be
appreciated that four grooves is merely preferable and that only
two or more grooves are required. It will also be appreciated that
the flexible member 32 can be on the left hand side arm 22 and the
boss 41 can be on the right hand side arm 22.
[0048] The arms are constructed from a plastics material, such as
polycarbonate, which allows the member 32, when pressed in the
general direction of arrow 43, to be flexed relative to the arm 22
upon which it is mounted to release the tongue 34 from engagement
from one of the grooves 42 to allow angular adjustment between the
arms 22. Releasing the member 32 biases the tongue 34 towards the
grooves 42. When the tongue 34 and one of the grooves 42 are
aligned, as is shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the tongue 34 engages one of
the grooves 42. When the tongue 34 is engaged with one of the
grooves, the arms 22 are locked against pivotal movement
therebetween at a predetermined angle.
[0049] The tongue 34 has a radiused leading corner 35 and a similar
radius is provided on the corresponding corner 37 of each of the
grooves. The leading corner 35 and corresponding corners 37 can
also be angled. When the arms 22 are pushed towards each other in a
direction reducing the angle therebetween, the corner 35 causes the
tongue 34 to ride up out of engagement with the slot and fall into
engagement with the next slot. This allows the angle between the
arms 22 to be quickly adjusted in a ratchet type fashion.
[0050] FIGS. 3 to 6 respectively show the tongue 34 engaged in the
first, second, third and fourth of the four grooves 42. These
figures also show a forehead represented by line 44. The distance
between the front of the forehead 44 and the axis 28 is indicated
by the distance A. FIGS. 3 to 6 show that the distance A increases
or decreases as the angle between the arms 22 adjacent the forehead
44 is decreased or increased respectively.
[0051] The extension 12 of the nasal mask 14 is connected to the
forehead support 10 generally in the region of the axis 28.
Consequently, as the arms are pivoted towards each other the
distance A is increased. This suits wearers with relatively high
nasal regions and relatively low foreheads. Conversely, as the arms
22 are pivoted away from each other the distance A is decreased.
This suits wearers with relatively low nasal regions and relatively
high foreheads.
[0052] In this way the forehead support 10 advantageously allows
the mask 14 to be positioned to comfortably suit the particular
topography of the wearer's face by adjusting the angle of tilt of
the mask 14 relative to the wearer's face. As examples, the
position of arms 22 in FIG. 3 would be more suitable for use with a
wearer having a protruding or bulbous forehead whilst the position
of the arms 22 in FIG. 6 would be more suitable for use with a
wearer having a shallow forehead or protruding cheeks or nose.
[0053] The curved shape of the cushions 30 allows them to
effectively "roll" over the wearer's forehead during angular
adjustment of the arms 22.
[0054] Further, as the arms 22 can also pivot relative to the mask
14, then the forehead support 10 is also able to better fit wearers
whose foreheads are not symmetrical about the front-to-rear
centreline of their head.
[0055] Further, the forehead support advantageously allows the
angle between the arms to be adjusted using only one hand. The ease
of adjustment of the arms also makes the forehead support
particularly suitable for use by sick, weak or one-armed
wearers.
[0056] FIGS. 7 to 13 show a second embodiment of a forehead support
50 according to the present invention. Like reference numerals to
those used in describing the first embodiment will be used to
indicate like features in the second embodiment.
[0057] The forehead support 50 is similar to the forehead support
10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 except the flexible member 32 is mounted
to the right hand arm 22 and has a cantilever configuration. To
increase resilience, the member 32 is bent back on itself into a
U-shaped configuration to resiliently bias it against the boss 41
provided on the left arm 22. The member 32 also includes a
protruding portion 54 which, when pressed in the general direction
of arrow 56, causes the tongue 34 to move out of engagement with
one of the grooves 42 to allow angular adjustment between the arms
22. Releasing the member 32 biases the tongue 34 towards the
grooves 42. Engagement between the tongue 34 and one of the grooves
42 occurs when they are aligned.
[0058] Although the invention has been described with reference to
a specific example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
[0059] As an example, the forehead support can include means to
resiliently bias the arms relative to one another such that they
increase or decrease their angle relative to one another when the
tongue is disengaged from one of the slots. Also, in the
embodiments described above the angle between the arms can be
changed independently of the angle between the mask and the arms.
However, in an alternative embodiment, the arms can be adapted to
simultaneously change their relative angle, thereby maintaining a
symmetrical position relative to the mask. Further, the tongue and
grooves of the second embodiment can have the radiused corners of
the first embodiment.
* * * * *