Device and method for a modular system in the field of masks

Abstract

A mask base body for a full-face mask (2) with at least one contact point that serves to accommodate secondary components, wherein the geometry of at least one given contact point of the full-face mask (2) essentially corresponds to the geometry of a corresponding contact point of a nasal mask (1), and a secondary component can thereby be mounted on both masks, wherein the contact points are holders (6) and closable measuring nozzles (5), and the secondary components are coupling elements (15) with associated head straps (11) and closure plugs (19) for the measuring nozzles (5), characterized in that a secondary component that can be mounted on both masks is a connecting nozzle (18) with a ball joint (17), which is connected to the mask base body via a retaining ring (14) when the ball joint is inserted into a contact point that is designed as a ball joint receptacle (4).wherein two different connecting pieces with ball joints are provided, one of which has an emergency air exhalation device (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mask base body for a full-face mask with at least one contact point that serves to accommodate secondary components.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for producing the mask base body of a full-face mask (respiratory mask), in which the geometries of contact points known from an established nasal mask, which serve to accommodate secondary components, are essentially adopted during the production of the tools for the mask base body of the full-face mask.

[0003] Masks are used in ventilation and sleep therapy, i.e., wherever a patient needs to be supplied with breathing gas from a flow or pressure source. The mask, along with the breathing tube, forms the connection between the patient and the device. These masks often have bulges or other cushion-like elements and straps that press the mask against the patient's face, creating the best possible seal between the mask and the patient's face(s). The shape of the masks can vary greatly. There are various mask shapes, materials, and types available.

[0004] However, these are developed anew for each mask, so individual components cannot be interchanged between different masks. This results in a large number of different components being generated for each mask. This is very complex, costly, and time-consuming.

[0005] DE 199 44 24 21 A1 already describes a ventilation mask in which air can be supplied either through the nose or through the mouth, or through both the nose and mouth of a patient. It also describes the use of interchangeable connectors for a ventilation tube.

[0006] DE 102 24 067 A1 also describes a ventilation mask that can provide ventilation either through the nose, the mouth, or both the nose and the mouth. The ventilation mask is equipped with an adjustable rim positioned toward the patient's face.

[0007] Further prior art is known as US 2005 / 0 081 858 A1.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a device of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that the development and handling of the masks is simplified.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the geometry of at least one given contact point of the full-face mask essentially corresponds to the geometry of a corresponding contact point of a nasal mask and a secondary component can thus be mounted on both masks, wherein the contact points are holders and closable measuring nozzles and the secondary components are coupling elements with associated head straps and closure plugs for the measuring nozzles.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to improve a method of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that the development and handling of the mask is improved.

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the contact points are holders and closable measuring nozzles and the secondary components are coupling elements with associated head harness and sealing plugs for the measuring nozzles.

[0012] This invention describes a device and a method that minimizes the number of different components in mask manufacturing and development. Only basic elements are newly developed for a new mask, as these are directly tailored to the geometry of the human anatomy and the intended use of the mask. Components that occur in variations in every mask and can be adopted are developed in such a way that they can also be used for other mask types; i.e., these components are developed only once and can be adapted to any other mask, essentially the basic mask body.

[0013] For example, the mask base and mask ridges for a nasal mask, a nasal pillow mask, and a full-face mask must be designed differently: the base serves as the attachment point for the ridge, which creates a seal with the patient's face or nose during ventilation. A nasal mask can therefore have a smaller mask base than a full-face mask, as the latter only needs to seal the patient's nose with the ridge. It also provides attachment points for other components.

[0014] However, both masks (nasal and full-face) have similar components, such as forehead support, forehead cushions, ball joints, securing elements for the ball joint, angles, sealing elements for pressure gauge ports or other openings, head straps, chin rest, various types of beads, nasal pillows, strap elements, strap clips, bars for the forehead support, angles, ventilation tube, exhalation system and more.

[0015] The modular system of the device thus allows the use of existing components to create additional mask variants. This saves development costs, increases the variety of options, and protects environmental resources, as the patient can continue to use existing mask components when changing mask types.

[0016] The contact points between two components, such as the ball joint mount, the ball joint, and the locking element for the ball joint, must be precisely matched. To ensure a precise fit of the components, several correction loops are often necessary, possibly even in the tool. A further advantage of the invention arises in tool manufacturing. According to the invention, when creating new tools intended for the production of new mask variants, the known geometries of the established contact points used to accommodate secondary components such as the ball joint, forehead support, bead, and clip are essentially adopted.

[0017] According to the invention, the receptacles for the secondary components in nasal and full-face masks are designed to be essentially identical. This supports the interchangeability of the secondary components.

[0018] If the patient determines that the nasal mask they are using is unsuitable because they are a mouth breather, they can continue to use all secondary components of the old nasal mask when switching to a full-face mask. Only the mask collar and the mask body are replaced.

[0019] The invention also envisions replacing the mask bead alone with an alternative mask bead. The alternative mask bead can, for example, be made of a different material and / or have a damping filling and / or have a slightly different geometry in the contact area.

[0020] A further aspect of the present invention is to offer the patient a modular system from which they can configure their own mask. For example, the patient can adapt color-coded secondary components to their mask and / or use color-coded mask bodies and mask beads. It is also contemplated to offer alternative strapping variants that differ in terms of shape, color, and / or material.

[0021] The drawings schematically illustrate embodiments of the invention. They show: Fig. 1 A representation of two different mask types, Fig. 2 two different mask types in a front view, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a disassembled forehead support, Fig. 4 a perspective view of a head harness, Fig. 5 two designs of connecting pieces, Fig. 6 a perspective view of a retaining ring for connecting a ball joint of the connecting piece to a mask body, Fig. 7 a representation of a coupling element for connecting a mask strap to the mask and Fig. 8 an exploded view of a ventilation mask.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows the comparison of two mask base bodies and their mask beads (1.1, 2.1): nasal mask (1) and full-face mask (2).

[0023] Both masks have a mask bead holder (3), a ball joint holder (4), at least one closable measuring nozzle (5), at least one holder for receiving at least one coupling element (6), and an adjustable forehead support holder (7).

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows another view of the comparison of two mask base bodies and their mask beads: nasal mask (1) and full-face mask (2).

[0025] Both masks have a ball joint receptacle (4), at least one closable measuring opening (5), at least one holder for receiving at least one coupling element (6), an adjustable forehead support receptacle (7), a ball joint (17) with a locking ring (14) and a connecting piece (18) in each case.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows a forehead support (8) that can be adjusted to any mask base in the modular system. This also consists of a forehead support cushion (9), a depth adjustment (10), and a forehead support bar (16).

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a headgear (11) which, in conjunction with coupling elements not shown, can be adjustably connected to any mask base body and forehead supports in the modular system.

[0028] Fig. Figure 5 shows two connecting pieces (18): one with an emergency air exhalation device (12) and one without. The connecting pieces are formed as part of a ball joint and can be mounted to any mask body in the modular system. A retaining ring (14) is used to secure the connection.

[0029] Fig. 6 shows the retaining ring (14).

[0030] Fig. 7 shows the coupling element (15), which also serves as a connecting element between the mask strap and the mask.

[0031] Fig.8 shows an exploded view of a variant of a mask, which shows individual components: full-face mask body (1), closable measuring nozzles (5), coupling element (15), forehead support (8) with support cushion (9), forehead support bar (16), head strap (11), emergency air exhalation device (12), sealing plug (19) for measuring nozzles, a connecting nozzle (18) and retaining ring (14).

Claims

[1] Mask base body for a full-face mask (2) with at least one contact point which serves to receive secondary components, wherein the geometry of at least one given contact point of the full-face mask (2) essentially corresponds to the geometry of a corresponding contact point of a nasal mask (1) and a secondary component can thereby be mounted on both masks, wherein the contact points are holders (6) and closable measuring nozzles (5) and the secondary components are coupling elements (15) with associated head straps (11) and closure plugs (19) for the measuring nozzles (5) characterized bythat a secondary component which can be mounted on both masks is a connecting piece (18) with a ball joint (17) which is connected to the mask base body via a securing ring (14) when the ball joint is inserted into a contact point which is designed as a ball joint receptacle (4), wherein two different connecting pieces with ball joint are provided, one of which has an emergency air exhalation device (12).

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