# US 10,307,555 B2 · Ergonomic and adjustable respiratory mask assembly with cushion > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,307,555 B2 - Document ID: US10307555B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/210,467 - Filed: 2016-07-14 - Published: 2016-11-03 - Granted: 2019-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2002-04-23 - Assignees: ResMed Pty Ltd - Applicants: ResMed Limited - Inventors: Anthony Michael Ging; Philip Rodney Kwok; Rachael Elizabeth Moore; Saad Nasr; Andrew Martin Price - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10307555B2 ## CPC - A61M 16/0683: {Holding devices therefor} - A61M 16/0057: {Pumps therefor} - A61M 16/0066: {Blowers or centrifugal pumps} - A61M 16/06: Respiratory or anaesthetic masks - A61M 16/0605: {Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient} - A61M 16/0616: {with face sealing means comprising a flap or membrane projecting inwards, such that sealing increases with increasing inhalation gas pressure} - A61M 16/0622: {having an underlying cushion} - A61M 16/0666: {Nasal cannulas or tubing (devices for improving normal breathing through the nose A61F5/08; nose filters A62B23/06; outside holding devices A61M25/02)} - A61M 16/0816: {Joints or connectors} - A61M 16/0825: {with ball-sockets} - A61M 16/0875: {Connecting tubes} - A61M 16/22: Carbon dioxide-absorbing devices {; Other means for removing carbon dioxide}(cartridges with absorbing substances for respiratory apparatus A62B19/00) - A62B 18/084: {Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets} - A61M 16/0633: {with forehead support} - A61M 16/0694: {Chin straps} - A61M 2206/14: Static flow deviators in tubes disturbing laminar flow in tubes, e.g. archimedes screws - A61M 2210/0618: Nose - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} - A62B: DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING (valves specially adapted for medical use A61M39/00; life-saving devices, apparatus or methods specially adapted for use in water B63C9/00; divers' equipment B63C11/00; specially adopted for use with aircraft, e.g. parachutes, ejector seats, {B64D17/00, B64D25/10}; rescue devices peculiar to mining E21F11/00) ## Abstract A patient interface has a frame with an opening to receive pressurized gas; a cushion permanently co-molded to frame and defining a breathing chamber; an elbow assembly releasably snap-fittable to the frame with an audible click signaling secure attachment between the elbow assembly and the frame, the elbow assembly including a rotatable swivel elbow; headgear to support the patient interface on the patient's head; and a plurality of gas washout holes to allow escape of CO2 from the breathing chamber. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A patient interface comprising: a frame having an opening to receive pressurized gas, the opening having a longitudinal axis; a cushion permanently co-molded to the frame, the frame and the cushion at least partly forming a breathing chamber; an elbow assembly releasably snap-fittable with an audible click signaling that the elbow assembly has been securely positioned in alignment relative to the opening of the frame, the elbow assembly including a rotatable swivel elbow, wherein the elbow assembly includes a pair of diametrically opposed snap-fit connections, and a pair of diametrically opposed finger-operated release portions to allow release of the snap-fit connections; headgear to support the patient interface on the patient's head; and a plurality of gas washout holes to allow escape of CO2 from the breathing chamber. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A patient interface according to claim 1, further comprising an annular portion positioned in front of the frame; and the elbow assembly is snap-fitted to the annular portion. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the elbow assembly includes a swivel adapted to connect to an air delivery tube. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein the headgear includes a pair of clips. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A patient interface according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the snap-fit connections are mounted to resiliently flex away from the longitudinal axis as the release portions are depressed towards the longitudinal axis, to allow release of the elbow assembly. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A patent interface according to claim 1, wherein: the frame includes an annular portion surrounding the opening and extending away from a front side of the frame; the elbow assembly is snap-fitted to the annular portion; and the elbow assembly includes a swivel adapted to connect to an air delivery tube. ### Claim 7 A patient interface for treating sleep disordered breathing of a patient, the patient interface comprising: a frame having a circular opening to receive pressurized gas, the circular opening having a longitudinal axis; a cushion connected to the frame, the frame and the cushion at least partly forming a breathing chamber; an elbow assembly having a pair of diametrically opposed snap-fit connections releasably snap-fittable to the frame with an audible click signaling that the elbow assembly has been securely aligned with the circular opening of the frame, the elbow assembly including a rotatable elbow, wherein the elbow assembly includes a pair of diametrically opposed finger-depressible release positions that are resiliently movable towards one another to move the snap-fit connections and thus release the elbow assembly; headgear to support the patient interface on the patient's head; and a plurality of gas washout holes to allow escape of CO2 from the breathing chamber. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, further comprising an annular portion positioned in front of the frame, wherein the elbow assembly is snap-fitted to the annular portion. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) A patient interface according to claim 8, wherein the annular portion includes a terminal flange, and the snap-fit connections engage around an outer rim of the flange. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein the elbow assembly includes a swivel adapted to connect to an air delivery tube. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein the headgear includes a plurality of straps and a pair of clips associated with distal ends of two of the straps, the pair of clips being releasably attached to headgear attachment points of the patient interface. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A patient interface according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of straps include lower straps that are configured to pass under the patient's ears and upper straps. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) A patient interface according to claim 11, wherein the clips are magnetic clips. ### Claim 14 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein the snap-fit connections are mounted to resiliently flex in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis as the elbow assembly is attached and detached. ### Claim 15 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein, when the elbow assembly is attached, the snap-fit connections initially move radially outwards relative to the longitudinal axis, and then radially inwards to secure the elbow assembly in alignment with the circular opening. ### Claim 16 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein, to release the elbow assembly the finger-depressable release portions in use are depressed towards one another and towards the longitudinal axis to move the snap-fit connections away from one another and towards the longitudinal axis, thus allowing release of the elbow assembly. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) A patient interface according to claim 16, wherein each of the finger depressable release portions includes a raised element to assist in locating the respective release portion. ### Claim 18 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein: each of the snap-fit connections includes a ramped section that is caused to radially flex relative to a flange positioned forward of a front of the frame, and after the ramped sections have overcome the flange as the elbow and frame are pushed into further engagement relative to one another, the snap-fit connections return to an unflexed state thereby securing the elbow assembly relative to the frame. ### Claim 19 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein an inside surface of the opening of the frame sealingly engages an outside surface of the elbow assembly. ### Claim 20 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein a seal is provided between the elbow and the frame. ### Claim 21 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, further comprising a stop to limit insertion depth of the elbow into the opening of the frame. ### Claim 22 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein the rotatable elbow is directly attached to and engaged with the frame. ### Claim 23 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, further comprising a forehead support. ### Claim 24 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, without a forehead support. ### Claim 25 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein: the finger depressable release portions include textured portions to assist in locating the release portions, each of the snap-fit connections includes a ramped section that, when the elbow assembly is pushed into initial engagement relative to the frame, is caused to flex relative to a flange extending away from the longitudinal axis, and after the ramped sections have overcome the flange as the elbow and frame are pushed into further engagement relative to one another, the snap fit connections return to an unflexed state thereby securing the elbow assembly relative to the frame, and the patient interface further comprises a stop to limit insertion depth of the elbow assembly into the opening of the frame. ### Claim 26 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, further comprising a pair of rigidized stabilizing members extending along a curved arc across at least a portion of the patient's cheeks and below the patient's eyes. ### Claim 27 (depends on 26) A patient interface according to claim 26, wherein the stabilizing members are flexible for movement in a plane towards and away from the patient's face, but are more rigid in an orthogonal plane for increased stability. ### Claim 28 (depends on 26) A patient interface according to claim 26, wherein each of the stabilizing members includes an end connector for connecting to a rear strap of the headgear. ### Claim 29 (depends on 7) A patient interface according to claim 7, wherein: when the elbow assembly is pushed into initial engagement relative to the frame, each of the snap-fit connections includes a ramped section that is caused to radially flex relative to a flange extending radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, and after the ramped sections have overcome the flange as the elbow and frame are pushed into further engagement with one another, the snap-fit connections return to an unflexed state thereby securing the elbow assembly relative to the frame; a seal is provided between the elbow assembly and the frame; and the rotatable elbow is directly attached to and engaged with the frame. ### Claim 30 (depends on 7) A patent interface according to claim 7, wherein: the patient interface includes a forehead support; an annular portion is positioned in front of a front side of the frame; the elbow assembly is snap-fitted to the annular portion; the elbow assembly includes a swivel adapted to connect to an air delivery tube; the snap-fit connections are mounted to resiliently flex in a radial direction relative to the annular portion during engagement; the headgear includes a pair of upper straps and a pair of lower straps, the lower straps having ends each having a clip, each clip being releasably attached to headgear attachment points of the patient interface; the lower straps being configured to pass under the patient's ears; the snap-fit connections are mounted to resiliently flex in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis as the connections engage and disengage the annular portion. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) A patient interface according to claim 30, wherein an inside surface of the opening of the frame sealingly engages an outside surface of the elbow assembly. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) A patient interface according to claim 31, further comprising a stop to limit insertion depth of the elbow into the opening of the frame. ### Claim 33 A patient interface for treating sleep disordered breathing of a patient, the patient interface comprising: a frame having a circular opening to receive pressurized gas; a cushion at least partly forming a breathing chamber to receive the pressurized gas; an elbow assembly having a frame engaging end at least partly insertable into the opening, the elbow assembly having a pair of diametrically spaced and opposed snap-fit connections releasably snap-fittable to the frame with an audible click signaling that the elbow assembly has been securely attached to the frame, the elbow assembly including a rotatable elbow; headgear to support the patient interface on the patient's head; and a plurality of gas washout holes to allow escape of CO2 from the breathing chamber. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein the frame includes an annular portion surrounding the opening and projecting away from a front side of the frame; and the elbow assembly is snap-fitted to the annular portion. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) A patient interface according to claim 34, wherein the annular portion includes a terminal flange, and the snap-fit connections engage around an outer rim of the flange. ### Claim 36 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein the elbow assembly includes a swivel adapted to connect to an air delivery tube. ### Claim 37 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein the headgear includes a plurality of straps and a pair of clips associated with distal ends of two of the straps, the pair of clips being releasably attached to headgear attachment points of the patient interface. ### Claim 38 (depends on 37) A patient interface according to claim 37, wherein the plurality of straps include lower straps that are configured to pass under the patient's ears and upper straps. ### Claim 39 (depends on 37) A patient interface according to claim 37, wherein the clips are magnetic clips. ### Claim 40 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein the snap-fit connections are mounted to resiliently flex in a radial direction relative to the opening as the connections engage and disengage the frame. ### Claim 41 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein the snap-fit connections move radially outwards relative to the opening when the elbow assembly initially engages the frame, and then radially inwards when the elbow assembly is pushed into further engagement with the frame. ### Claim 42 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein the elbow assembly includes a pair of diametrically opposed finger depressible release portions that are resiliently movable towards one another, and wherein, to release the elbow the finger depressable release portions are depressed towards one another. ### Claim 43 (depends on 42) A patient interface according to claim 42, wherein the finger depressible release portions include textured portions to assist in locating the release portions. ### Claim 44 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein: when the elbow assembly is pushed into initial engagement with the frame, each of the snap-fit connections includes a ramped section that is caused to radially flex relative to a flange associated with the opening of the frame, and after the ramped sections have overcome the flange as the elbow and frame are pushed into further engagement with one another, the snap-fit connections return to an unflexed state thereby securing the elbow assembly relative to the frame. ### Claim 45 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein an inside surface of the opening of the frame sealingly engages an outside surface of the elbow assembly. ### Claim 46 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, further comprising a stop to limit insertion depth of the elbow into the opening of the frame. ### Claim 47 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, wherein the rotatable elbow is directly attached to and engaged with the frame. ### Claim 48 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, without a forehead support. ### Claim 49 (depends on 33) A patient interface according to claim 33, further comprising a pair of rigidized stabilizing members extending away from the frame along a curved arc across at least a portion of the patient's cheeks and below the patient's eyes. ### Claim 50 (depends on 49) A patient interface according to claim 49, wherein the stabilizing members are flexible for movement in a plane towards and away from the patient's face, but are more rigid in an orthogonal plane for increased stability. ### Claim 51 (depends on 49) A patient interface according to claim 49, wherein each of the stabilizing members includes an end connector for connecting to a rear strap of the headgear. ### Claim 52 (depends on 49) A patient interface according to claim 49, wherein each stabilizing member includes a relatively soft material for positioning between the patient and the stabilizing member.