Patent ID: 9126004
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: A61M,A62B

Abstract:
1. A therapeutic face mask, comprising: a face-engaging portion having a fluid aperture; only a single connector, the connector having a mask-engaging end and only a single treatment-receiving end, the connector defining a fluid passageway between the mask-engaging end and the treatment-receiving end thereof, wherein: the mask-engaging end of the connector is coupled to the face-engaging portion in fluid communication with the fluid aperture; the connector has only a single attachment mounting for detachably sealingly receiving a treatment attachment in fluid communication therewith, the attachment mounting being defined at the treatment-receiving end of the connector; and the connector has at least one inhalation valve interposed in the fluid passageway between the mask-engaging end and the treatment-receiving end thereof, each inhalation valve being a one-way valve and being oriented to permit fluid flow from the treatment-receiving end to the mask-engaging end during inhalation and to inhibit fluid flow from the mask-engaging end to the treatment-receiving end; at least one anti-asphyxia valve assembly configured to permit fluid flow therethrough from ambient to the face-engaging portion during inhalation only when fluid flow to the treatment-receiving end of the connector is less than inspiratory effort during inhalation; and at least one valve-governed exhalation port in fluid communication with the face-engaging portion and positioned to define an exhalation path from the face-engaging portion to ambient which bypasses the inhalation valve and which permits fluid flow from the face-engaging portion to ambient during exhalation and inhibits fluid flow from ambient to the face engaging portion at least when fluid flow to the treatment-receiving end of the connector exceeds inspiratory effort during inhalation; wherein each exhalation port is defined in the connector and is in fluid communication with the face-engaging portion by way of the fluid passageway, and wherein each exhalation port is positioned between the inhalation valve and the mask-engaging end of the connector; wherein each anti-asphyxia valve assembly comprises a single anti-asphyxia valve disposed in a corresponding exhalation port and oriented to: permit fluid flow from the connector to ambient through the exhalation port during exhalation; and permit fluid flow from ambient to the connector through the exhalation port during inhalation only when fluid flow to the treatment-receiving end of the connector is less than ins inspiratory effort during inhalation; and wherein each anti-asphyxia valve comprises an aperture having a single cross member extending thereacross, and a flexible diaphragm secured to the cross member on an outer side of the cross member relative to the fluid passageway.