# US 2014/0150238 A1 · Method for assembling a patient interface > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0150238 A1 - Document ID: US20140150238A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/176,402 - Filed: 2014-02-10 - Published: 2014-06-05 - Earliest claimed: 1999-03-12 - Assignees: ResMed Limited - Applicants: ResMed Limited - Inventors: Michael Kassipillai GUNARATNAM; Gregory Scott SMART; Philip Rodney KWOK - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140150238A1 ## CPC - A61M 16/0057: {Pumps therefor} - A61M 16/06: Respiratory or anaesthetic masks - 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 16/0633: {with forehead support} - A61M 16/0638: {in the form of a pivot} - A61M 16/065: {in the form of a pivot} - 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 16/0683: {Holding devices therefor} - A61M 16/08: Bellows; Connecting tubes {(having means for taking samples G01N1/22); Water traps; Patient circuits} - A61M 16/208: {Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves} - A61M 2210/0618: Nose - Y10T 29/49863: with prestressing of part - 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)} - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A respiratory mask assembly includes a rigid mask frame and a cushion. A clip secures the cushion to the frame. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for assembling a patient interface for treatment of sleep apnea by delivering breathable gas under pressure above ambient to at least one airway of a patient while sleeping, said patient interface including a substantially rigid frame defining a cavity with an opening, a silicone seal to seal with the patient's face, and a substantially rigid clip member, the method comprising: engaging the clip member with the silicone seal; and, thereafter, resiliently moving a portion of the clip member to detachably clip the clip member to frame so as to retain the seal on the frame. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the clip member from the frame by resiliently moving a portion the clip outwards relative to the frame to disengage the clip member from the frame. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the clip member includes at least one securing tab engageable with the frame. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said seal is a nasal seal or an oro-nasal seal. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the frame and clip member are made of polycarbonate. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising patient headgear to secure the patient interface to the patient's head. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the frame is associated with a slotted point of connection on each lateral side thereof to receive the patient headgear. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the seal and frame engage one another via a tongue and groove arrangement. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the frame and clip member comprise polycarbonate. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a plurality of first engagement features along a perimeter of the frame and the clip member includes a plurality of second engagement features engagable with the first engagement features. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the seal and the clip member are separable. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the seal and frame seal when engaged, with no locking, while the frame and the clip member lock relative to one another with substantially no sealing. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the clip member is structured to be anchored at one end of the frame, and pivoted or articulated to connect another end of the frame. ### Claim 14 A method for assembling a respiratory device for delivering breathable gas to a patient, said device comprising a frame having a first cooperating interlocking structure; a cushion provided to the frame; and a plastic cushion clip to retain the cushion on the frame, the cushion clip having a second cooperating interlocking structure and being selectively attachable to and detachable from the frame, the method comprising: engaging the cushion and the frame; interlocking the first and second cooperating interlocking structures with one another in a cooperating relationship to secure the cushion clip on the frame, the first and second cooperating interlocking structures are provided to at least two sides of the frame and cushion clip, and include a tab-recess arrangement in which a plurality of resiliently movable tabs are engageable within respective recesses in interlocking relation to secure the clip to the frame; and securing an elbow joint to the frame, said elbow joint having a swivel tube adapted to connect to a gas delivery conduit. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the cushion includes an outwardly extending portion received on a rim extending around the periphery of the frame. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the cushion clip is structured to fit over the cushion and an outer perimeter of the frame. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the cushion clip is of complementary shape to the frame. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein the frame is associated with a slotted point of connection on each lateral side thereof to receive patient headgear. ### Claim 19 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, further comprising an elbow joint provided to the frame and having a swivel tube adapted to connect to a gas delivery conduit.