Headgear assembly

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2024108842-A1
Application number	US-202318502568-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Nov 6, 2023
Priority date	Jul 24, 2015
Publication date	Apr 4, 2024
Grant date	—

Abstract

A headgear assembly for retaining a respiratory mask on a user's face includes arrangements or components that allow for variation in a size of the headgear assembly. In some configurations, the headgear assembly includes one or more hubs, each of which are configured to connect a top and rear strap together. The size of the headgear assembly can be determined by the size or configuration of the hub. In other configurations, the headgear assembly comprises one or more spacer elements within one or more straps of the headgear. The size of the headgear assembly can be determined by the size of the spacer element or a relative position between the strap and the spacer element.

First claim

1 .- 20 . (canceled)

21 . A headgear assembly for a respiratory mask comprising:
a plurality of straps comprising a first front strap and a second front strap; a mask frame comprising a first side arm and a second side arm, the first side arm and the second side arm extending rearwardly; a first adjustment mechanism associated with the first front strap and the first side arm; and a second adjustment mechanism associated with the second front strap and the second side arm; wherein the first adjustment mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism each comprise a worm gear device comprising a screw having a shaft with a helical thread.

22 . The headgear assembly of claim 21 , wherein the first adjustment mechanism comprises a first housing configured to receive the first front strap and the first side arm, wherein the second adjustment mechanism comprises a second housing configured to receive the second front strap and the second side arm.

23 . The headgear assembly of claim 22 , wherein the first front strap comprises a plurality of notches, wherein the helical thread of the first adjustment mechanism is configured to engage the plurality of notches of the first front strap, such that rotation of the screw of the first adjustment mechanism causes translation of the first front strap relative to the first housing, wherein the second front strap comprises a plurality of notches, wherein the helical thread of the second adjustment mechanism is configured to engage the plurality of notches of the second front strap, such that rotation of the screw of the second adjustment mechanism causes translation of the second front strap relative to the second housing.

24 . The headgear assembly of claim 23 , wherein rotation of the screw of the first adjustment mechanism in a first direction moves the headgear assembly closer to the respiratory mask, wherein rotation of the first adjustment mechanism in a second direction moves the headgear assembly away from the respiratory mask.

25 . The headgear assembly of claim 23 , wherein the first adjustment mechanism connects the first front strap and the first side arm, wherein the second adjustment mechanism connects the second front strap and the second side arm.

26 . A headgear assembly for a respiratory mask comprising:
a first strap portion; and an adjustment mechanism comprising a threaded member, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to connect the first strap portion to a second strap portion or a component.

27 . The headgear assembly of claim 26 , wherein the first strap portion is a portion of a first strap and the second strap portion is a portion of a second strap.

28 . The headgear assembly of claim 26 , wherein the component is a mask frame or a strap connector hub.

29 . The headgear assembly of claim 26 , wherein the component or the second strap portion comprises a threaded aperture configured to engage the threaded member of the adjustment mechanism.

30 . The headgear assembly of claim 29 , wherein rotation of the threaded member in a first direction moves the first strap portion toward the second strap portion or the component, wherein rotation of the threaded member in a second direction moves the first strap portion away from the second strap portion or the component.

31 . The headgear assembly of claim 29 , wherein the threaded member of the adjustment mechanism is carried by the first strap portion.

32 . The headgear assembly of claim 31 , wherein the threaded member extends through the first strap portion to a dial.

33 . The headgear assembly of claim 32 , wherein the dial is inset in the first strap portion.

34 . The headgear assembly of claim 32 , wherein the dial is located at an end of the first strap portion.

35 . The headgear assembly of claim 32 , wherein the dial is coupled to the threaded member such that a user can rotate the dial to rotate the threaded member to adjust a length of the first strap portion.

36 . The headgear assembly of claim 29 , wherein the threaded member comprises a first enlarged end and the threaded aperture comprises a second enlarged end, wherein the first enlarged end limits axial movement of the threaded member relative to the first strap portion, wherein the second enlarged end limits axial movement of the threaded aperture relative to the component or the second strap portion.

37 . The headgear assembly of claim 36 , wherein the first enlarged end secures the threaded member in a fixed position relative to the first strap portion.

38 . The headgear assembly of claim 36 , wherein the second enlarged end is located within an elongate passage defined within an interior of the second strap portion.

39 . The headgear assembly of claim 36 , wherein the second enlarged end prevents separation of the threaded member and the second strap portion or the component.

40 . The headgear assembly of claim 36 , wherein the adjustment mechanism provides fine length adjustment of the first strap portion or of the headgear assembly.

Assignees

• Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd

Inventors

• Freestone Paul Mathew
• Bornholdt Melissa Catherine
• Stephenson Matthew Roger
• Hocking Jake Baker
• Walls Bruce Michael
• Hipolito Chris Onin Limpin
• Sng Jonathan Tong Lok
• Farrow Abby Rebecca

Classifications

• A61M16/0683 Primary

  Holding devices therefor · CPC title

• A61M16/0605

  Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient · CPC title

• A61M16/109

  the humidifying liquid or the beneficial agent · CPC title

• A61M2205/583

  by visual feedback · CPC title

• A61M2209/06

  Packaging for specific medical equipment · CPC title