Patent ID: 6412487
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient, said mask assembly having a rear side which in use is a patient side of said mask assembly, said mask assembly comprising (i) a substantially rigid mask frame defining a cavity with a rear opening, and a rim portion surrounding said rear opening, said rim portion including a rearwardly projecting tongue, (ii) a flexible mask cushion acting to space the mask frame away from the patient's face, said cushion having a rim portion which includes a groove receiving said projecting tongue of the mask frame, and wherein an outer surface of the cushion forms a rearwardly facing shoulder, and (iii) a clip member passing over the mask cushion, having cushion retaining means engaging behind said shoulder of the cushion and securing means which includes at least one securing tab which engages a respective recess formed in a lateral flange of said rim portion of said mask frame so as to retain the mask cushion on the mask frame, wherein said securing tab includes a resilient detent which is retained forward of said flange, and wherein said clip member comprises a collar member having a plurality of said tabs and the mask frame includes a respective plurality of said recesses angularly spaced about said rim portion.