Soft slide-through mechanism for cpap headgear

Abstract

A headgear for a patient interface for providing a flow of pressurized breathing gas to an airway of a patient is made from a strap having a fit adjustment mechanism that incorporates a slide-through design using a slot cut into the strap. The slide-through design eliminates pressure points that can be created by hardware and facilitates easier adjustment by patients with dexterity issues.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 085,374, filed September 30, 2020, pursuant to 35 U.S. SC §119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed concept relates to a headgear for use with a patient interface for supplying a pressurized, breathable gas flow to a patient's airway; in particular, the invention relates to a headgear that reduces tension in the patient's neck. Background Technology

[0004] The patient interface is used to deliver a flow of breathing gases to the user in various situations. Pressurized breathing gases are frequently used, especially, to treat medical conditions. For example, positive airway pressure (PAP) delivery is known to treat conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea syndrome, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Known PAP therapies include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and variable airway pressure. In CPAP, a constant positive airway pressure is provided to the patient's airway to open it with a splint, while in variable airway pressure, the pressure provided to the patient's airway varies with the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0005] OSA is typically caused by upper airway obstruction. It is characterized by recurrent apnea during sleep and is usually associated with decreased blood oxygen saturation. Non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapy involves placing a patient interface device, including a mask component, on the patient's face. The mask component can be, but is not limited to, a nasal mask covering the patient's nose, a nasal pad with nasal plugs housed within the patient's nostrils, a nasal / mask covering the nose and mouth, or a full-face mask covering the patient's face. The patient interface device interfaces a ventilator or pressure / flow generating device with the patient's airway, allowing a flow of breathing gases from the ventilator or pressure / flow generating device to be delivered to the patient's airway. It is known that such a device is held on the wearer's face by a headband having one or more straps adapted to fit over / around the patient's head. Because such patient interface devices are typically worn for extended periods, such as overnight while the patient sleeps, it is important that the headband provides a sufficiently tight seal against the patient's face to hold the mask component of the device without discomfort.

[0006] Figure 1A and Figure 1BThese are side and rear views of a headgear 1 located on the head of patient P. The headgear 1 includes a fitting adjustment mechanism, as described in more detail herein, representing a fitting adjustment mechanism known in the relevant art. The headgear 1 secures the patient interface 2 to the head of patient P, allowing a pressurized breathable gas flow generated by a respiratory therapy device (not shown), such as a CPAP machine, to be delivered to patient P's airway via a delivery conduit 3 operatively coupled to the patient interface 2. The headgear 1 includes a pair of side straps 4, a top strap 5, and a rear strap 6. To optimize the effectiveness of respiratory therapy, the rear strap 6 must be sufficiently tightened to form a tight seal between the patient interface 2 and patient P's face to prevent leakage of pressurized gas flow from the patient interface 2.

[0007] A pair of sliding adjusters 7A, 7B (collectively referred to as sliding adjusters 7) and a ring 8, typically used to adjust the length of various types of straps (such as wallet straps and camera straps), are used to adjust the fit of the rear strap 6 on the patient P's head, thereby achieving a sufficiently tight seal between the patient interface 2 and the patient P's face. Figure 2A and 2B The sliding adjuster 7 and ring 8 are shown as independent components. As shown, the rear band 6 is fixed to the sliding adjuster 7 and ring 8 such that when the sliding adjuster 7B is held in the proper position, pulling the rear band 6 in the direction shown by arrow 11 loosens the fit of the rear band 6 around the patient P's head, and when the sliding adjuster 7B is held in the proper position, pulling the rear band 6 in the direction shown by arrow 12 tightens the fit of the rear band 6 around the patient P's head.

[0008] Sliding adjusters 7 and rings 8 represent various types of hardware known in the relevant field for adjusting the fit of headbands such as the back strap 6. Because sliding adjusters 7, rings 8, and various other types of hardware known and used in the field of headband length adjustment are typically made of hard plastic or other similar durable materials, such hardware can create uncomfortable pressure points on the patient's head when the patient is sleeping. In addition to creating uncomfortable pressure points, such hardware is often difficult to adjust, especially for older patients with dexterity issues.

[0009] Common forms of adjustable headgear involve hard plastic components, which can create uncomfortable pressure points on the patient's head. Flexible headgear without adjustability can achieve the same level of comfort; however, elongation over time sacrifices a proper seal between the patient interface and the patient's face. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the design of headgear used to secure the patient interface to the patient's face. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, in one embodiment, the object of the present invention is to provide a headgear for a patient interface for supplying a pressurized breathable gas flow to a patient's airway, wherein the headgear is configured to secure the patient interface to the patient's face and includes a body comprising: an interface pocket disposed between a first end of the body and a second end of the body opposite to the first end, the pocket being configured to hold the patient interface and secure the patient interface to the patient's face; a first transverse band portion extending from a first edge of the interface pocket to a first end of the body and configured to abut against a first side of the patient's head, the first transverse band portion including a first attachment portion and a groove; and a second transverse band portion extending from a second edge of the interface pocket opposite to the first edge to a second end of the body and configured to abut against a second side of the patient's head, the second transverse band portion being configured to pass through the groove in the first transverse band portion and including a second attachment portion, wherein the first end of the body is configured to couple to the second attachment portion, and the second end of the body is configured to couple to the first attachment portion.

[0011] In another embodiment, a device for providing a flow of breathing gas to a patient's airway includes: a patient interface configured to be operatively coupled to a breathing gas generator via a delivery tube and a headgear, wherein the headgear is configured to secure the patient interface to the patient's face and includes a body comprising: an interface pocket disposed between a first end of the body and a second end of the body opposite the first end, the pocket being configured to hold the patient interface and secure it to the patient's face; and a first transverse strap portion extending from a first edge of the interface pocket. The first transverse band portion extends from a second edge of the interface pocket opposite the first edge to the second end of the body and is configured to abut against a first side of the patient's head. The second transverse band portion is configured to pass through the groove in the first transverse band portion and includes a second attachment portion, wherein the first end of the body is configured to be coupled to the second attachment portion, and the second end of the body is configured to be coupled to the first attachment portion.

[0012] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the invention, as well as the methods of operation and function of related structural elements, and the economy of combination and manufacture of components, will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding components in the various figures. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be construed as limiting the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A It is a side view of a headgear with a matching adjustment mechanism known in the relevant field, and is shown as being positioned on a patient's head;

[0014] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The rear view of the headgear shown is located on the patient's head;

[0015] Figure 2A and 2B It shows the relationship with Figure 1A and 1B The hardware components for separating the headgear are shown.

[0016] Figure 3A This is a partial isometric view of a headgear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3B This is according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A Optional partial isometric view of the headgear shown;

[0018] Figure 4A Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown for regulating Figure 3A and 3B The optional mechanism of the headgear shown; and

[0019] Figure 4B It is a combination of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4A A partial isometric view of the headgear of the shown mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] As used herein, the expression "coupled" of two or more parts or components means that these parts are directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components) joined or operated together, provided that a link is present. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled so as to move as one component while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. As used herein, "movably coupled" means that two components are coupled so as to allow at least one of these components to move in a manner that changes the orientation of at least one component relative to the other component.

[0022] As used herein, the expression that two or more parts or components are “integrated” should mean that the parts or components are manufactured separately and subsequently joined together to produce a larger body. As used herein, the term “number” should mean an integer of one or more (i.e., multiples).

[0023] As used herein, the term "mono" means that a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes parts manufactured separately and then coupled together as units is not a "mono" component or body.

[0024] Directional phrases used herein, such as, but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, up, down, front, back, and their derivatives, refer to the orientation of the elements shown in the figures and do not limit the claims unless expressly stated herein.

[0025] As described in more detail herein in conjunction with various specific exemplary embodiments, the disclosed concepts relate to improvements in a headgear for use with a patient interface for supplying a pressurized breathable gas flow to a patient's airway, and more specifically to improvements in a mechanism for tightening such a headgear onto the patient's head.

[0026] Figure 3A This is a side view of the headgear 100. Figure 3B This is a rear view of a headgear 100, which includes a fitting adjustment mechanism located on the head of the patient P according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. Figure 3C and 3D A partial top isometric view of the headgear 100 is shown when it is not positioned on the head of patient P. The headgear 100 secures the patient interface 2 to the head of patient P, allowing a pressurized, breathable gas flow generated by a respiratory therapy device (not shown) to be delivered to patient P's airway via a delivery conduit 3 operatively coupled to the patient interface 2. The body 101 of the headgear 100 (as shown) Figure 3C(As shown) It is constructed by sewing together a fabric tube having a pocket 102 located approximately halfway between the two ends of the tube, in which the patient interface 2 can be seated. It should be understood that, in Figure 3A In the view shown, the surface of the patient interface 2 is covered by the fabric of the pocket 102.

[0027] Although patient interface 2 is in Figure 3A While depicted as a nasal interface, it should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept, the headgear 100 may be constructed of a fabric tube with pockets large enough to accommodate other patient interfaces of different sizes and shapes, such as patient interfaces covering both the nose and mouth. It should also be understood that, without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept, the headgear 100 may be constructed of materials other than fabric, such as, but not limited to, neoprene or other soft polymers.

[0028] In addition to the main body 101, the headgear 100 also includes a top strap 105, which is coupled to the main body 101 and helps prevent the headgear 100 from slipping off the patient P's head (relative to the head). Figure 3A and 3B (View). Although the top band 105 is depicted as a single band that spans the head of patient P from an area near one ear to the other ear, it should be understood that the top band 105 is provided as a non-limiting instance of an additional support that can be included in the headgear 100, and alternatives to the top band 105 may be used or the top band 105 may be omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0029] To optimize the effectiveness of respiratory therapy, the transverse straps 106A and 106B (collectively referred to as transverse straps 106) of the main body 101 must be sufficiently tightened to create a tight seal between the patient interface 2 and the face of the patient P, preventing leakage of pressurized gas flow from the patient interface 2. Transverse strap 106A begins at the edge 103A of the pocket 102 and extends to the end 116A of the main body 101, and transverse strap 106B begins at the edge 103B of the pocket 102 and extends to the end 116B of the main body 101. Transverse strap 106A includes a slot 107 into which transverse strap 106B can be inserted and passes. The slot 107 is formed by creating an opening in the transverse strap 106A, and it should be understood that the slot 107 can be reinforced with foam or other similar materials to provide additional structure if needed. Because the headgear 100 is made of fabric or other flexible material, the transverse strap 106B can be compressed and / or follow a shape that allows the transverse strap 106B to be easily inserted and passed through the slot 107.

[0030] Reference Figure 3D As shown, after inserting the transverse band 106B into the slot 107, it can be accessed via arrows 108A and 108B. Figure 3D As shown in the general direction, the ends 116A, 116B of the transverse strap 106 are pulled away from the groove 107, and the ends 116A, 116B of the transverse strap 106A, 106B are respectively attached to their corresponding attachment points 117A, 117B located on the transverse straps 106B, 106A, to adjust the fit of the headgear 100 on the patient P's head. It should be understood that the fabric of the headgear 100 can be sewn such that when the transverse straps 106A, 106B are pulled to tighten the fit of the headgear 100 around the patient P's head, it will not bunch and cause material buildup at the back of the patient P's head. In an exemplary embodiment, attachment points 117A, 117B include hook portions of hook-and-loop fasteners, while ends 116A, 116B include loop portions of hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0031] Using slot 107 to adjust the fit of headgear 100 and using hook-and-loop fasteners to couple ends 116A, 116B to attachment points 117A, 117B eliminates uncomfortable pressure points caused by hardware such as sliding adjusters 7, rings 8, and other hardware known in the related fields. Furthermore, for patients with dexterity issues, it is easier to adjust the seal of the patient interface 2 against the face by simply pulling the transverse strap 106 and to secure the transverse strap 106 using hook-and-loop fasteners, compared to the fine motor skills required for adjustment using hardware commonly used in the related fields. Although Figure 3A While the transverse band 106A is depicted as having a slot 107, it should be understood that instead of transverse band 106A, transverse band 106B may include a slot 107 such that transverse band 106A can be inserted through the slot 107, or both rear bands 106 may include slots 107 such that any transverse band 106 can be inserted through the slot 107 of the other transverse band 106, without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Furthermore, such a fixation mechanism, other than the hook-and-loop fastener, can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept to the extent that it can secure the transverse band 106 without creating a pressure point on the patient's head and without causing difficulty for patients with dexterity problems.

[0032] Figure 4A A sliding through mechanism 120 according to another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept is shown. The sliding through mechanism 120 can be used for tension adjustment, and Figure 4B The diagram shows a body 101' incorporating a sliding passage mechanism 120. Body 101' is generally similar to body 101, including several of the same components as body 101 and operating in a generally similar manner to body 101. It should be understood that, in Figures 3A-3D and Figures 4A-4BThe elements of body 101 and body 101', which are designated by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, are the same elements and operate in the same manner in different embodiments. Regarding body 101', instead of including the transverse band 106 and the slot 107 on body 101, body 101' includes transverse bands 106A' and 106B' (collectively referred to as transverse bands 106'), which are combined with… Figure 4A The sliding passage mechanism 120 is shown with slots 107A', 107B', and 107C' (collectively referred to as slots 107'). The body 101' is constructed in the same manner as the body 101, and slots 107' are manufactured in the same manner as slots 107, i.e., by creating openings in the transverse band 106'. Like slots 107, slots 107' can be reinforced with foam or other similar materials to provide additional structure if necessary. Additionally, the body 101' can be coupled to a top, for example... Figure 3A and 3B The top band 105. It should be understood that the top band 105 is provided as a non-limiting example of an additional support member that can be coupled to the body 101', and alternatives to the top band 105 or the top band 105 may be used or omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0033] Reference Figure 4A The sliding passage mechanism 120 includes two sliding members, a single-slot member 121 and a double-slot member 131. As previously described, the sliding passage mechanism 120 is designed to be integrated into the body 101', and the single-slot member 121 should be considered to represent either the transverse band 106A' or the transverse band 106B', while the double-slot member 131 should be considered to represent the other transverse band 106A' or the transverse band 106B'. T The protrusion 122, and the second end disposed opposite to the first end includes a width of w S The stop 123. Similarly, the first end of the double-groove member 131 includes a width of w. T The protrusion 132, and the second end disposed opposite to the first end includes a width of w S The stop 133. The groove 107A' of the single-groove member 121 is configured to be wide enough to allow the tab 132 to pass through the groove 107A' when the tab 132 is pulled as indicated by arrow 141, and the grooves 107B' and 107C' are similarly configured to be wide enough to allow the tab 131 to pass through the grooves 107B' and 107C' when the tab 131 is pulled as indicated by arrow 142. Pulling the tabs 122 and 132 in the directions indicated by arrows 141 and 142 will tighten the engagement between the body 101' and the head of the patient P.

[0034] exist Figure 4A In the diagram, plates 122 and 132 are depicted as having the same width w. TFurthermore, stop members 123 and 133 are depicted as having the same width w. S , where the width w S Greater than width w T The difference in width between tabs 122 and 132 and stops 123 and 133 limits how far tab 122 can be pulled in the direction indicated by arrow 142 and how far tab 132 can be pulled in the direction indicated by arrow 141. This is useful for preventing the body 101' from becoming too tight and for controlling the alignment area of ​​the hook-and-loop fasteners used to fasten the ends 116A' and 116B' to attachment points 117A and 117B. However, it should be understood that... Figure 4A The relative dimensions and proportions of the components of the sliding mechanism 120 shown are intended to be representative, and the widths of the tabs 131 and 132 relative to each other, the widths of the stops 123 and 133 relative to each other, and the widths of the tabs 131 and 132 relative to the stops 123 and 133 may be offset. Figure 4A The proportions shown are consistent with the scope of the disclosed concept. Furthermore, if preventing the body 101' from being too tight and aligning the ends 116A, 116B with the attachment points 117A, 117B is not preferred, the sliders 121 and 131 can be manufactured with a uniform width (as opposed to manufacturing them as including tabs and stops, wherein the tabs have a smaller width than the stops), without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. The body 101' (similar to the body 101) is made of fabric or other flexible material, and therefore it should be understood that the sliders 121 and 131 can be manufactured with the ability to compress or otherwise twist so that, when the sliders 121 and 131 are manufactured with a uniform width, they can be inserted into and pulled through the slot 107'.

[0035] Similar to body 101, incorporating the sliding through mechanism 120 into body 101' eliminates the need for hardware such as the sliding adjuster 1 and ring 2, or other hardware known in the relevant field, thereby eliminating any pressure points created by such hardware on the patient's head. Furthermore, for patients with dexterity issues, it is easier to adjust the seal of the patient interface 2 against the face by simply pulling the transverse strap 106' and to secure the transverse strap 106' using hook-and-loop fasteners, compared to the fine motor skills required for adjustment using hardware commonly used in the relevant field.

[0036] In the claims, any reference numerals placed in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The words "comprising" or "including" do not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims. In an apparatus claim listing several means, several of these means may be implemented by the same hardware. The words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any apparatus claim listing several means, several of these means may be implemented by the same hardware. The fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that these elements cannot be used in combination.

[0037] Although the invention has been described in detail for illustrative purposes based on embodiments currently considered to be the most practical and preferred, it should be understood that such details are for that purpose only, and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A headgear (100) for a patient interface for supplying a pressurized breathable gas flow to a patient's airway, wherein the headgear is configured to secure the patient interface to the patient's face, the headgear comprising: Body (101, 101'), the body comprising: An interface pocket (102) is disposed between a first end of the body and a second end of the body opposite to the first end, the pocket being configured to hold the patient interface and secure the patient interface to the patient's face; A first transverse band portion (106A, 106B') extends from a first edge (103A, 103B) of the interface pocket to a first end of the body and is configured to abut against a first side of the patient's head. The first transverse band portion includes a first attachment portion and a groove. A second transverse band portion (106B, 106A') extends from a second edge of the interface pocket opposite to the first edge to a second end of the body and is configured to abut against a second side of the patient's head. The second transverse band portion is configured to pass through the slot in the first transverse band portion and includes a second attachment portion, wherein the first end of the body is configured to couple to the second attachment portion, and the second end of the body is configured to couple to the first attachment portion. The second transverse band portion includes two slots. The first transverse band portion and the second transverse band portion each include a protruding section and a stop section. The tab section of the first transverse band portion is configured as the first end of the body, and the tab section of the second transverse band portion is configured as the second end of the body. When the headgear is worn, the protruding sections of the first horizontal strap portion pass through the two slots of the second horizontal strap portion, and the protruding sections of the second horizontal strap portion pass through the slots of the first horizontal strap portion. By pulling the protruding sections of the first horizontal strap portion toward the second edge of the interface pocket and pulling the protruding sections of the second horizontal strap portion toward the first edge of the interface pocket, the headgear is pulled against the patient's face. The stop section is configured to stop the movement of the tab section of the opposite side transverse band portion.

2. The headgear according to claim 1, further comprising a top band (105) configured to be disposed on the top side of the patient's head and coupled at a first end of the top band to the first transverse band portion, and coupled at a second end of the top band disposed opposite to the first end to the second transverse band portion.

3. The headgear according to claim 1, wherein the body is made of fabric.

4. The headgear according to claim 1, wherein the body is made of a variety of soft polymers.

5. The headgear according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the body and the second end of the body each include one of a hook or a loop fastener, and wherein the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion each include the other of a hook or a loop fastener.

6. The headgear according to claim 1: The stop section (123) of the first transverse band portion is wider than the tab section of the first transverse band portion and the two slots of the second transverse band portion, and The stop section (133) of the second transverse band portion is wider than the tab section of the second transverse band portion and the groove of the first transverse band portion.

7. The headgear according to claim 6: The stop section of the first transverse band portion cannot pass through the two slots of the second transverse band portion, and The stop section of the second transverse band portion cannot pass through the groove of the first transverse band portion.

8. A device for delivering a flow of breathing gases to a patient's airway, the device comprising: The patient interface (2) is configured to be operatively coupled to the respiratory gas generator via a delivery catheter; as well as Headgear (100), wherein the headgear is configured to secure the patient interface to the patient's face, the headgear comprising: Body (101, 101'), the body comprising: An interface pocket (102) is disposed between a first end of the body and a second end of the body opposite to the first end, the pocket being configured to hold the patient interface and secure the patient interface to the patient's face; A first transverse band portion (106A, 106B') extends from a first edge of the interface pocket to a first end of the body and is configured to abut against a first side of the patient's head. The first transverse band portion includes a first attachment portion and a groove. A second transverse band portion (106B, 106A') extends from a second edge of the interface pocket opposite to the first edge to a second end of the body and is configured to abut against a second side of the patient's head. The second transverse band portion is constructed to pass through the slot in the first transverse band portion and includes a second attachment portion. The second transverse band portion includes two slots. The first end of the main body is configured to be coupled to the second attachment portion, and the second end of the main body is configured to be coupled to the first attachment portion. The first transverse band portion and the second transverse band portion each include a protruding section and a stop section. The tab section of the first transverse band portion is configured as the first end of the body, and the tab section of the second transverse band portion is configured as the second end of the body. When the headgear is worn, the protruding sections of the first horizontal strap portion pass through the two slots of the second horizontal strap portion, and the protruding sections of the second horizontal strap portion pass through the slots of the first horizontal strap portion. By pulling the protruding sections of the first horizontal strap portion toward the second edge of the interface pocket and pulling the protruding sections of the second horizontal strap portion toward the first edge of the interface pocket, the headgear is pulled against the patient's face. The stop section is configured to stop the movement of the tab section of the opposite side transverse band portion.

9. The headgear of claim 8 further includes a top band (105) configured to be disposed on the top side of the patient's head and coupled to the first transverse band portion at a first end of the top band and coupled to the second transverse band portion at a second end of the top band disposed opposite to the first end.

10. The headgear according to claim 8, wherein the body is made of fabric.

11. The headgear according to claim 8, wherein the body is made of a variety of soft polymers.

12. The headgear of claim 8, wherein the first end of the body and the second end of the body each include one of a hook or loop of a hook-and-loop fastener, and wherein the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion each include the other of a hook or loop of a hook-and-loop fastener.

13. The headgear of claim 8, wherein the stop section of the first transverse band portion is wider than the tab section of the first transverse band portion and the two slots of the second transverse band portion, and wherein the stop section of the second transverse band portion is wider than the tab section of the second transverse band portion and the slots of the first transverse band portion.

14. The headgear of claim 13, wherein the stop section of the first transverse band portion cannot pass through the two slots of the second transverse band portion, and wherein the stop section of the second transverse band portion cannot pass through the slot of the first transverse band portion.

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