Patent ID: 7703457
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A patient interface device comprising: a collar defined from a relatively rigid material, the collar having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an aperture defined in a central portion thereof extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the second end portion includes an inner surface that defines the aperture through the second end portion and includes an outer surface on an opposite side of the second end portion from the inner surface; an elbow coupling selectively coupled to the first end portion of the collar such that the elbow coupling rotates relative to the collar; a sealing member selectively coupled to the second end portion of the collar, wherein the sealing member includes an inner surface that defines an aperture in the sealing member, and wherein the sealing member is selectively coupled to the second end portion of the collar by removably seating the inner surface of the sealing member on the outer surface of the collar; and an alignment system associated with the collar and the sealing member to facilitate attaching the sealing member to the collar such that the sealing member is properly aligned with the collar, wherein the alignment system includes a protrusion that protrudes outwardly from the outer surface of the second end portion of the collar and a channel formed in the inner surface of the sealing member, and wherein the protrusion engages the channel responsive to the sealing member being properly positioned on the collar.