Patent ID: 8028692
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A conduit assembly adapted to deliver a flow of breathing gas to an airway of user comprising: a first flexible segment having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first lumen defined therein from the first end portion to the second end portion; a second flexible segment having a third end portion, a fourth end portion, and a second lumen defined therein from the third end portion to the fourth end portion; and a first swivel connector adapted to be coupled to the second end portion of the first segment and the third end portion of the second segment such that the first segment is rotatable relative the second segment, wherein the first swivel connector includes a first portion rigidly coupled to the second end portion of the first segment and a second portion rigidly coupled to the third end portion of the second segment, wherein the first portion is rotatably coupled to the second portion, wherein the first portion includes a plurality of individual engagement structures provided along and spaced apart from one another about an outer peripheral portion of the first portion that extends circumferentially around the first portion at a first location along the first portion, the engagement structures being integrally formed with and not movable relative to the first portion, wherein the second portion includes a flat end surface extending circumferentially around the second portion, and wherein each of the engagement structures engage only the flat end surface and no other part of the second portion and create a plurality of point-contacts between the first portion and the second portion such that at any one time: (i) only a plurality of separate first radial portions spaced about the flat end surface are engaged by the engagements structures, and (ii) at each of a plurality of separate second radial portions spaced about the flat end surface no part of the second radial portion is engaged by the first portion.