Lung demand regulator and respiratory system

Abstract

A lung demand regulator (100) for a breathing apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a housing (110); a connection mechanism (120) configured to releasably connect the lung demand regulator (100) to the mask (18), the connection mechanism (120) comprising one or more release elements (122) configured to be activated by a user to release the connection mechanism (120) to disconnect the lung demand regulator (100) from the mask (18), where a position of the one or more release elements (122) is rotationally adjustable relative to the housing (110). A respiratory system (10) comprising the lung demand regulator (100) is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lung demand regulator and a breathing system comprising the lung demand regulator. Background Art

[0002] A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) system provides breathing gases to a user to allow them to enter an environment where atmospheric gases are harmful or lack sufficient oxygen to breathe. A common SCBA may include a breathing cylinder, a mask, and a pneumatic system for delivering breathing gases from the cylinder to the mask for the user to breathe. The pneumatic system may include a lung demand regulator (which may also be referred to as a "regulator," "LDR," or "LDV") that is configured to control the supply of breathing air from the SCBA to the user via the mask. These regulators are typically releasable from the mask and typically include control features such as a first breath opening mechanism, a closing mechanism, a purge mechanism, and a locking / unlocking mechanism for connecting the regulator to the mask.

[0003] It will be appreciated that improvements in the art of pulmonary demand regulators may be desirable. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect, a lung demand regulator for a respiratory apparatus is provided, the lung demand regulator comprising: a shell; a connecting mechanism configured to releasably connect the lung demand regulator to a mask, the connecting mechanism comprising one or more release elements configured to be activated by a user to release the connecting mechanism, thereby disconnecting the lung demand regulator from the mask, wherein the position of the one or more release elements can be rotationally adjusted relative to the shell.

[0005] Rotationally adjustable shall be understood to mean that the one or more release elements are positionable in any of a plurality of rotational positions relative to the housing. Relative to the housing shall be understood to mean that the position of the one or more release elements can be adjusted without adjusting the position of the housing. The pulmonary demand regulator may be rotationally adjustable relative to the mask or freely rotatable relative to the mask when connected to the mask. The pulmonary demand regulator may additionally be rotationally positionable relative to the mask at a plurality of rotational detents.

[0006] The lung demand regulator may be used as part of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), but it will be appreciated that the lung demand regulator may also be applied to other types of breathing apparatus, such as self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) and emergency escape breathing apparatus.

[0007] The pulmonary demand regulator may also include an outlet port extending from the housing, which may provide fluid communication between the pulmonary demand regulator and the mask. One or more release elements may be arranged around the periphery of the outlet port. The position of the one or more release elements may be rotationally adjusted around the periphery of the outlet port.

[0008] The outlet port may provide a path for breathing gases to flow from the lung demand regulator to the mask. The outlet port may also provide a path for gases exhaled by a user to flow from the mask to the lung demand regulator. The outlet port may be substantially cylindrical.

[0009] The one or more release elements may be provided on an annular element arranged to surround the outlet port and may be configured to be rotatably adjustable relative to or about the outlet port.

[0010] Each of the one or more release elements may be a button, optionally a biased button, configured to be depressible in a radial direction relative to the annular element, thereby releasing the connection mechanism. A biased button is understood to mean a button comprising a spring or other biasing member configured to urge the button toward its unpressed state, in which the user must overcome the bias of the button in order to press the button and release the connection mechanism.

[0011] Such a button may be made of the same material as the housing of the pulmonary demand regulator, or alternatively of a different material than the housing of the pulmonary demand regulator. The outer surface of the button with which the user interacts may be formed of a rubberized or other high friction material to make pressing the button easier.

[0012] The pulmonary demand regulator may further include a release element locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the rotational position of the annular element relative to the housing. The outlet port of the pulmonary demand regulator may include a receiving portion configured to receive the release element locking mechanism. After the release element locking mechanism is received by the receiving portion, the release element locking mechanism may prevent rotational adjustment of the annular element.

[0013] When the release element locking mechanism is arranged to prevent rotational adjustment of the annular element, the pulmonary demand regulator is referred to as being in a locked configuration. When the release element locking mechanism is arranged to allow rotational adjustment of the annular element, the pulmonary demand regulator is referred to as being in an unlocked configuration.

[0014] When the pulmonary demand regulator is not connected to the mask, the release element locking mechanism can be removed from the receiving portion, thereby allowing rotational adjustment of the ring element. When the pulmonary demand regulator is connected to the mask, the release element locking mechanism cannot be removed from the receiving portion, thereby preventing rotational adjustment of the ring element.

[0015] The receiving portion may include a threaded portion that can be threadably connected to the release element locking mechanism. Screwing the release element locking mechanism onto the receiving portion may prevent rotational adjustment of the annular element.

[0016] Alternatively, the release element locking mechanism may comprise a ratchet mechanism, whereby pushing the release element locking mechanism further onto the outlet port causes the clamping force acting on the annular element to increase.

[0017] The housing of the pulmonary demand regulator may include a first key feature, and the annular element may include a complementary second key feature. The release element locking mechanism may be lockable when the annular element is in a rotational position in which the first key feature is aligned with the second key feature. The release element locking mechanism may not be lockable when the annular element is in a rotational position in which the first key feature is not aligned with the second key feature. The first key feature may be disposed on a periphery of the outlet port.

[0018] The ring element may include a plurality of second key features, wherein each second key feature corresponds to a rotational position of the ring element. Through rotational adjustment of the ring element, any one of the plurality of second key features may be aligned with the first key feature to allow the release element locking mechanism to lock the rotational position corresponding to the selected second key feature.

[0019] Alternatively, the annular element may include a first key feature and the housing may include a plurality of second key features, wherein each second key feature corresponds to a different rotational position to which the annular element may be adjusted.

[0020] The outlet port may include a plurality of first key features; and the plurality of second key features may include one or more groups of second key features. Each group may correspond to a rotational position of the annular element. Each of the one or more groups may be configured to align with the plurality of first key features by rotational adjustment of the annular element so as to allow the release element locking mechanism to lock the rotational position corresponding to the selected group.

[0021] A plurality of first key features may be disposed equidistantly around a circumference of the outlet port. A plurality of second key features may be disposed equidistantly around a circumference of the annular element.

[0022] The first key feature or the plurality of first key features may also be considered as a concave key feature. The concave key feature may include a cutout or recess in the annular element. The second key features in the plurality of second key features may also be considered as a convex key feature. The convex key feature may include a protrusion or widening of the outlet port. The cutout or recess may have a depth that is the same as or greater than the height of the protrusion or widening.

[0023] In another aspect, there is provided a breathing system comprising a pulmonary demand regulator according to the first aspect.

[0024] Aspects described herein provide a mechanism for rotationally adjusting the position of one or more release elements on a pulmonary demand regulator, thereby enabling a greater degree of user customizability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Arrangements of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates a respiratory apparatus according to an exemplary arrangement, comprising a respiratory mask and a lung demand regulator;

[0027] Figure 2 Schematically showing a lung demand regulator connected to a mask according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3A schematically shows an exploded view of a pulmonary demand regulator according to the invention in a first configuration, Figure 3B A similar view is shown in a second configuration; and

[0029] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A further view of a lung demand regulator according to the invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] refer to Figure 1 , an exemplary breathing apparatus 10 is shown. The breathing apparatus 10 is a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and includes a support frame or back plate 12, a strap 14 for securing the SCBA to a user, a breathing cylinder 16, a mask 18, a lung demand regulator 100 connectable to the mask 18, and a pneumatic system 20 for delivering breathing gas from the cylinder 16 to the lung demand regulator 100 via a hose or flexible conduit 22, thereby delivering the breathing gas to the user wearing the mask 18 as needed. The breathing apparatus 10 may also include other components or systems not shown, including but not limited to a belt, a harness, an electrical system, a monitoring system, or a communication system. The lung demand regulator 100 is also referred to as the regulator 100 throughout the text.

[0031] In the arrangement shown here, the breathing apparatus 10 is a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), but it will be appreciated that the regulator 100 may also be applied to other types of breathing apparatus, such as self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) and emergency escape breathing apparatus.

[0032] Figure 2The mask 18 attached to the regulator 100 is schematically shown. A hose 22 of the pneumatic system 20 is connected to the inlet 101 of the regulator 100 to provide breathing gas from the cylinder 16. The pneumatic system 20 may include a first-stage pressure reducer that reduces the pressure of the breathing air from the cylinder, which may be stored at several hundred bars, to an intermediate pressure that is provided to the regulator 100 via the hose 22. The intermediate pressure may be too high for the breathing gas to be directly provided to the user for breathing. The regulator 100 may also include a second-stage pressure reducer that further reduces the pressure of the breathing gas to a suitable pressure for delivery to the user for breathing. In other arrangements, more than two or less than two pressure reducers may be provided.

[0033] Now go to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , schematically illustrates the regulator 100 in more detail. The regulator 100 includes an outlet port 130 that directs breathing gases from the regulator 100 to the mask 18. The outlet port 130 also allows gas exhaled by the user to flow from the mask 18 back into the regulator 100.

[0034] The regulator 100 also includes a connection mechanism 120, which itself includes an annular ring 124. The inner diameter of the annular surface 125 of the annular ring 124 is such as to allow the outlet port 130 to pass through it. In normal use, when the user breathes using the regulator 100 and the mask 18, the connection mechanism 120 is rigidly fixed to the regulator 100. The connection mechanism 120 is responsible for mechanically and fluidically connecting the regulator 100 to the mask 18.

[0035] The outlet port 130 has a generally circular cross-sectional profile and includes a receiving portion 132 (eg, Figure 4A ). When the annular ring 124 is fitted around the length of the outlet port 130 and pushed downward, the connection mechanism 120 is received by the receiving portion 132. The receiving portion 132 serves as a seat against which the connection mechanism rests.

[0036] The release elements 122 are disposed on opposite sides of the outer circumference of the annular element 124. The release elements 122 are configured to be pressed inwardly (i.e., radially inwardly relative to the annular element 124) by a user to connect and / or disconnect the mask 18 from the regulator. The connection mechanism 120 may include one or more latch elements 141 operatively connected to the release element 122, the latch element being configured to secure the regulator 100 to the mask 18. The release element 122 may be configured to move the latch element 141 between a latched position in which the regulator 100 is secured to the mask 18 and an unlocked position in which the regulator 100 is freely removable from the mask 18. In some embodiments, the release elements 122 are spring-loaded so as to tend toward their unpressed state when the user is not pressing them, thereby preventing the mask 18 from being inadvertently disconnected from the regulator 100. In the case where the release element 122 is spring-loaded, the user may not need to actively depress the release element in order to connect the regulator 100 to the mask 18. For example, the connection mechanism 120 may include one or more inclined portions, such as on the latch element 141, which engage with a portion of the mask 18, thereby applying an axial force to push the regulator 100 toward the mask 18, so that the connection mechanism 120 can be automatically released during the process of attaching the regulator 100 to the mask 18.

[0037] The connection mechanism 120 is rotatable about the outlet port 130, thereby allowing a user to rotationally adjust the position of the release member 122 relative to the regulator 100. In this embodiment, the ring member 124 is configured to be rotatable about the outlet port 130. Figure 3A The connection mechanism 120 is shown in a rotated position with the release element 122 aligned vertically relative to the regulator 100 , both above and below the outlet port 130 . Figure 3B The connection mechanism 120 is shown in a rotated position with the release element 122 aligned horizontally relative to the regulator 100, on either side of the outlet port 130. The user can rotationally adjust the connection mechanism 120 about the outlet port 130 to position the release element 122 in any desired position.

[0038] The annular element 124 is provided with a recessed key feature 126 which is embedded around the periphery of the inner ring 125. In the embodiment shown, there are four recessed key features 126, however in other embodiments, there may be a different number. Each recessed key feature 126 corresponds to a different rotational position of the connection mechanism 120.

[0039] The outlet port 130 includes two oppositely disposed fixed raised key features 112 on the outlet port 130 (although different embodiments have different numbers of fixed raised key features 112). One of the raised key features 112 is located at Figure 3A and Figure 3B The raised key feature 112 is sized to widen the outlet port 130 to be greater than the diameter of the inner annulus 125 at the location of the raised key feature 112. The recessed key feature 126 is recessed at least by the same amount that the raised key feature 112 extends.

[0040] In order for the connection mechanism 120 to be received by the receiving portion 132, the connection mechanism 120 must be rotated until the recessed key feature 126 of the annular element 124 is aligned with the raised key feature 112 of the outlet port. After the connection mechanism 120 is rotated and adjusted to a position where these key features are aligned, the connection mechanism 120 can be placed over the outlet port 130. When doing so, the raised key feature 112 passes through the recessed keying structure 126, allowing the connection mechanism 120 to reach the receiving portion 132. If the key features are not aligned, then when the connection mechanism 120 is placed over the outlet port 130, the raised key feature 112 will interfere with the edge of the inner annular surface 125, thereby preventing the connection mechanism from abutting the receiving portion 132.

[0041] As mentioned, each of the recessed key features 126 corresponds to a different rotational position of the connection mechanism 120. The user can select the rotational position of the connection mechanism 120 that they desire and accordingly align the corresponding recessed key feature 126 with the raised key feature 112. Thus, each recessed key feature 126 effectively serves as a rotational detent that the user can select to lock the connection mechanism in the corresponding position 120.

[0042] In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the recessed key features 126 are grouped in pairs, with each pair of recessed key features 126 corresponding to a different rotational position of the connection mechanism 120. In this case, the user must align a pair of recessed key features 126 with two raised key features 112 in order to install the connection mechanism 120 in the desired rotational position. In other embodiments, there may be a group of more than two recessed key features 126. In these cases, the user will need to align all of the recessed key features 126 in the selected group with each raised key feature 112.

[0043] After the connection mechanism 120 is properly aligned and successfully seated on the regulator 100, a release element locking mechanism is provided. This prevents the connection mechanism 120 from being inadvertently rotated about the outlet port 130, and therefore prevents the release element 122 from being inadvertently rotated about the outlet port. The release element locking mechanism places the regulator in a locked configuration, in which the rotational position of the connection mechanism cannot be adjusted. The release element locking mechanism will now be described in more detail.

[0044] The outlet port 130 includes an externally threaded portion 134. The externally threaded portion 134 receives the release element locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the release element locking mechanism is a nut 140. After the annular ring 124 is placed on the receiving portion 132, the nut 140 is threaded onto the threaded portion 134. The nut 140 includes a flange portion 142. When the nut 140 is further threaded onto the threaded portion 134, the flange portion 142 contacts the connection mechanism 120. Further tightening of the nut 140 causes the nut 140 to sandwich the connection mechanism 120 between the flange portion 142 and the receiving portion 132.

[0045] After the nut 140 is screwed to a degree that provides sufficient clamping force, the connection mechanism 120 is prevented from moving along the longitudinal axis of the outlet port 130, or from rotating about the outlet port 130. Thus, after the connection mechanism 120 is in this locked configuration, the rotational position of the release element 122 is fixed and cannot be inadvertently adjusted by the user. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 140 may be sufficient to lock the connection mechanism 120 in place without the key features 112, 126 described above.

[0046] Figure 4B The adjuster 100 is shown in a locked configuration. The connecting mechanism 120 is seated on a receiving portion (not shown) and is clamped in place by a flange 142 of a nut 140 .

[0047] After the regulator 100 is placed in the locked configuration, the regulator 100 can be connected to the mask 18. Figure 2 As shown, when the regulator 100 is connected to the mask 18, the connection mechanism 120 abuts against the mask 18. As a result, the nut 140 is not accessible when the regulator 100 is connected to the mask 18. In order to access and remove the nut 140, and thus adjust the rotational position of the connection mechanism 120, thereby adjusting the release element 122, the regulator 100 must first be disconnected from the mask 18.

[0048] It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are only some examples of many possible configurations according to the present invention. When another configuration is used, it should be understood that the principles of the present disclosure can be applied and adapted to provide a mechanism for safely adjusting the rotational position of the release element on the pulmonary demand regulator.

Claims

1. A lung demand regulator (100) for a respiratory device, comprising: Housing (110); a connection mechanism (120) configured to releasably connect the pulmonary demand regulator (100) to the mask (18), the connection mechanism (120) comprising one or more release elements (122) configured to be activated by a user to release the connection mechanism (120), thereby disconnecting the pulmonary demand regulator (100) from the mask (18), The position of the one or more release elements (122) can be rotationally adjusted relative to the housing (110).

2. The pulmonary demand regulator of claim 1, further comprising an outlet port (130) extending from the housing for providing fluid communication between the pulmonary demand regulator (100) and the mask (18); in, The one or more release elements (122) are arranged around the periphery of the outlet port (130), and wherein the position of the one or more release elements (122) can be rotationally adjusted around the periphery of the outlet port (130).

3. The pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more release elements (122) are disposed on an annular element (124) which is arranged to surround the outlet port (130) and is configured to be rotationally adjustable relative to the outlet port (130).

4. The pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the one or more release elements (122) is a button, optionally a biased button, configured to be pressed in a radial direction relative to the annular element to release the connection mechanism.

5. The pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a release element locking mechanism (140), wherein the release element locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the rotational position of the annular element (124) relative to the housing (110).

6. A pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 5, wherein: The outlet port (130) includes a receiving portion (132) configured to receive the release element locking mechanism (140), and wherein: After the release element locking mechanism (140) is received by the receiving portion (132), the release element locking mechanism (140) prevents rotational adjustment of the annular element (124).

7. A pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 6, wherein: When the pulmonary demand regulator (100) is not connected to the mask (18), the release element locking mechanism (140) can be removed from the receiving portion (132) to allow rotational adjustment of the annular element (124); and When the pulmonary demand regulator (100) is connected to the mask (18), the release element locking mechanism (140) cannot be removed from the receiving portion (132), thereby preventing rotational adjustment of the annular element (124).

8. A pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The receiving portion (132) includes a threaded portion (134) that can be threadedly connected to the release element locking mechanism (140), whereby the release element locking mechanism (140) is screwed onto the receiving portion (132) so that rotational adjustment of the annular element (124) is blocked.

9. A pulmonary demand regulator according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein: The housing (110) includes a first key feature (112), and the annular element (124) includes a complementary second key feature (126), wherein; The release element locking mechanism (140) is lockable when the annular element (124) is in a rotational position in which the first key feature (112) and the second key feature (126) are aligned; and When the annular element (124) is in a rotational position where the first key feature (112) and the second key feature (126) are not aligned, the release element locking mechanism (140) is unable to lock.

10. The pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 9, wherein: The first key feature (112) is disposed on a periphery of the outlet port (130).

11. A pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The annular element (124) includes a plurality of second key features (126), each of the second key features corresponding to a rotational position of the annular element (124); and Any one of the plurality of second key features (126) can be aligned with the first key feature (112) by rotational adjustment of the annular element (124), so as to allow the release element locking mechanism (140) to lock a rotational position corresponding to the selected second key feature (126).

12. A pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 11, wherein: The outlet port (130) includes a plurality of first key features (112); and The plurality of second key features (126) include one or more groups of second key features (126), each group of second key features corresponding to a rotational position of the annular element (124); and Each set of second key features in one or more sets of second key features is configured to align with a plurality of first key features (112) through rotational adjustment of the annular element (124), thereby allowing the release element locking mechanism (140) to lock a rotational position corresponding to the selected set.

13. The pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 12, wherein: A plurality of the first key features (112) are equidistantly disposed around a perimeter of the outlet port (130).

14. A pulmonary demand regulator according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: A plurality of the second key features (126) are equidistantly arranged around the periphery of the annular element (124).

15. A breathing system (10) comprising a pulmonary demand regulator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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