IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 |
US-0685001
(2003-10-15)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Lithgow, Perry D.
- Styles, Robert E.
- Ziolkowski, Zdzislaw A.
- Kwok, Philip R.
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
35 인용 특허 :
5 |
초록
▼
The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-?-vi
The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-?-vis the mask and/or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.
대표청구항
▼
1. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along t
1. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side; a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points, the first arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprising a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, at least one of the extending portions having a stiffness greater in a horizontal direction than in a vertical direction; and a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points, the second arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprising a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, at least one of the extending portions having a stiffness greater in a horizontal direction than in a vertical direction; wherein, selective movement of the first arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of first adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the first side of the bridge and the first connecting portion and selective movement of the second arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of second adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the second side of the bridge and the second connecting portion. 2. The forehead support of claim 1, wherein:at least one of the first arm bridge end extending portions comprises a projecting pin; and each of the plurality of first adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the compressed position. 3. The forehead support of claim 2, wherein:at least one of the second arm bridge end extending portions comprises a projecting pin; and each of the plurality of second adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the compressed position. 4. The forehead support of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of first and second adjusting points comprises a pair of slots and each of the first and second arm extending portions comprises a projecting pin constructed and arranged for selective engagement and disengagement with one of the pair of slots, respectively.5. The forehead support of claim 4, and further comprising the respiratory mask, the respiratory mask comprising an airflow tube, the first and second connecting portions being positioned on the airflow tube.6. The forehead support of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second arm mask ends is pivotally connected about an axis of the airflow tube.7. The forehead support of claim 6, and further comprising:a first cushion pad connected to the first side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user; and a second cushion pad connected to the second side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user. 8. The forehead support of claim 7, wherein:each of the first arm extending portions includes a locking portion constructed and arranged to mate with the other of the locking portions when the first arm extending portions are in the compressed position to thereby maintain alignment of the first arm extending portions in a direction of pivoting about the first connecting portion; and each of the second arm extending portions includes a locking portion constructed and arranged to mate with the other of the locking portions when the second extending portions are in the compressed position to thereby maintain alignment of the second arm extending portions in a direction of pivoting about the second connecting portion. 9. The forehead support of claim 8, wherein:the first connecting portion is generally circular in shape, the first arm mask end has a portion that is generally circular constructed and arranged for pivotably connecting about the generally circular first connecting portion, and an internal surface of the generally circular portion of the first arm mask end includes at least one relieved portion to reduce an area of material contact between the first arm mask end and the first connecting portion; and the second connecting portion is generally circular in shape, the second arm mask end has a portion that is generally circular constructed and arranged for pivotably connecting about the generally circular second connecting portion, and an internal surface of the generally circular portion of the second arm mask end includes at least one relieved portion to reduce an area of material contact between the second arm mask end and the second connecting portion. 10. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side; a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points, the first arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprising a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, each of the extending portions including a locking portion constructed and arranged to mate with the other of the locking portions when the extending portions are in the compressed position to thereby maintain alignment of the extending portions in a direction of pivoting about the first connecting portion; and a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points, the second arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprising a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced, each of the extending portions including a locking portion constructed and arranged to mate with the other of the locking portions when the extending portions are in the compressed position to thereby maintain alignment of the extending portions in a direction of pivoting about the second connecting portion; wherein, selective movement of the first arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of first adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the first side of the bridge and the first connecting portion and selective movement of the second arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of second adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the second side of the bridge and the second connecting portion. 11. The forehead support of claim 10, wherein:at least one of the first arm bridge end extending portions comprises a projecting pin; and each of the plurality of first adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the compressed position. 12. The forehead support of claim 11, wherein:at least one of the second arm bridge end extending portions comprises a projecting pin; and each of the plurality of second adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the second arm projecting pin when the second arm extending portions are in the compressed position. 13. The forehead support of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of first and second adjusting points comprises a pair of slots and each of the first and second arm extending portions comprises a projecting pin constructed and arranged for selective engagement and disengagement with one of the pair of slots, respectively.14. The forehead support of claim 13, and further comprising the respiratory mask, the respiratory mask comprising an airflow tube, the first and second connecting portions being positioned on the airflow tube.15. The forehead support of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second arm mask ends is pivotally connected about an axis of the airflow tube.16. The forehead support of claim 15, and further comprising:a first cushion pad connected to the first side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user; and a second cushion pad connected to the second side of the bridge and constructed and arranged to be positioned between the bridge and the forehead of the user. 17. The forehead support of claim 16, wherein:the first connecting portion is generally circular in shape, the first arm mask end has a portion that is generally circular constructed and arranged for pivotably connecting about the generally circular first connecting portion, and an internal surface of the generally circular portion of the first arm mask end includes at least one relieved portion to reduce an area of material contact between the first arm mask end and the first connecting portion; and the second connecting portion is generally circular in shape, the second arm mask end has a portion that is generally circular constructed and arranged for pivotably connecting about the generally circular second connecting portion, and an internal surface of the generally circular portion of the second arm mask end includes at least one relieved portion to reduce an area of material contact between the second arm mask end and the second connecting portion. 18. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side; a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points; and a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points; wherein: selective movement of the first arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of first adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the first side of the bridge and the first connecting portion, selective movement of the second arm bridge engagement mechanism between the plurality of second adjusting points alters a spacing distance between the second side of the bridge and the second connecting portion, and the mask end includes a semi-circular portion having at least one arc portion with an undercut. 19. The forehead support of claim 18, wherein:the first arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprises a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced; and the second arm bridge end engagement mechanism comprises a pair of extending portions separated by a space, the extending portions constructed and arranged to be selectively movable relative to one another between an expanded position where the extending portions are separated by the space and a compressed position where the separating space is reduced. 20. The forehead support of claim 19, wherein:at least one of the first arm bridge end extending portions comprises a projecting pin; and each of the plurality of first adjusting points comprises a slot constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the expanded position, and for selective disengagement with the first arm projecting pin when the first arm extending portions are in the compressed position. 21. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side; a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points; and a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points, wherein each of the first and second arms includes an extending portion defining upper and lower flange portions each having a proximal end, a distal end and a central portion, wherein a width of the flange portion along the proximal and central portions is substantially wider than a width of the distal end. 22. The forehead support according to claim 21, wherein each of the upper and lower flange portions includes a generally oval depression.23. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side; a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points; and a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points, wherein: each of the first and second arms define upper and lower flange portions, each of the upper and lower flange portions includes a distal end including a bridge engagement pin, the upper and lower flange portions are positioned to be opposed to one another and are resiliently flexible into a common space upon compression of the upper flange portion, and the upper flange portion includes an upper mating portion inboard of the engagement pin of the upper flange and the lower flange portion includes a lower mating portion inboard of the engagement pin of the lower flange portion, whereby the upper and lower mating portions mate upon full compression of the flange portions, and separate upon release of the arm portions. 24. The forehead support according to claim 23, wherein the upper and lower flange portions include a male and female mating assembly.25. The forehead support according to claim 24, wherein the mating assembly includes a chevron-shaped slot and a chevron-shaped projection.26. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side; a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points; and a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points, wherein each of the first and second arms defines upper and lower arm portions, wherein each of the upper and lower arm portions is tapered down from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. 27. The forehead support according to claim 26, wherein a space is provided between the upper and lower arm portions, the space having a generally trapezoidal shape.28. A forehead support constructed and arranged to be connected to and support a respiratory mask, comprising:a bridge constructed and arranged to engage a forehead of a user, the bridge having a first side and a second side, the bridge also having a plurality of first adjusting points spaced along the first side and a plurality of second adjusting points spaced along the second side; a first arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the first arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of first adjusting points; and a second arm having a bridge end and a mask end, the second arm bridge end having an engagement mechanism constructed and arranged for selectively engaging each of the plurality of second adjusting points, wherein: each of the first and second arms includes an extending portion defining upper and lower arm portions, and near a distal end portions of each of the upper and lower arm portions, the extending portion has a greater stiffness and resistance in the lateral direction than in a direction transverse to the lateral direction.
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