Flexible connector
AssigneeRIC Investments, LLC
InventorsPeter Chi Fai Ho, Jerome Matula, Jr., Lance Busch, Derrick Andrews
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flexible connector that couples a delivery conduit to a patient interface device and a pressure support system that includes such a flexible connector. The flexible connector of the present invention prevents disruption of the seal between the patient interface and the patient's face. The flexible connector may have a bellows portion with a longitudinally directed portion, a narrowed neck portion, or a plurality of corrugations. The flexible connector may further have a swivel portion and/or an exhaust member, and/or a hinge member.
Claims26
A connector structured to connect a delivery conduit to a patient interface device comprising:
- (a) a flexible coupling comprising:
- (1) a first end,
- (2) a second end, and
- (3) a bellows portion extending radially with respect to a central axis between the first end and the second end, the bellows portion having a longitudinally directed inward bellows disposed parallel to the central axis when the flexible coupling is in a non-flexed state;
- and
- (b) a swivel connector connected to the flexible coupling.
A connector structured to connect a delivery conduit to a patient interface device comprising:
- (a) a flexible coupling comprising:
- (1) a first end,
- (2) a second, and
- (3) a bellows portion extending radially with respect to a central axis between the first end and the second end, wherein the bellows portion includes a longitudinally directed inward bellows disposed parallel to the central axis when the flexible coupling is in a non-flexed state;
- and
- (b) (1) hinge clement structured to limit an amount of movement of the flexible, coupling, (2) an entrainment valve structured to supply a patient with ambient air should a flow of breathing gas being delivered to the patient be interrupted, or (3) both the hinge element and the entrainment valve.
A system for delivering a pressurized breathing gas to a patient, comprising:
- (a) a patient interface device;
- (b) a gas flow generating device structure to produce a flow of gas;
- (c) a delivery conduit having a first end portion operatively coupled to the gas flow generating device and a second end portion, wherein the delivery conduit is structured to carry the flow of gas from the gas flow generating device during operation of the system;
- and
- (d) a connector structured to connect the delivery conduit to the patient interface device, the connector comprising:
- (1) a flexible coupling comprising:
- (i) a first end,
- (ii) a second end, and
- (iii) a bellows portion extending radially with respect to a central axis between the first end and the second end, the bellows portion having a longitudinally directed inward bellows disposed parallel to the central axis when the flexible coupling is in a non-flexed state;
- and
- (2) a swivel connector connected to the flexible coupling.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.