Patent ID: 8464715
Filing Date: 2013-06-18
Classification: A61M,A62B

Abstract:
1. A connector for a therapeutic face mask, the connector having: a mask-engaging end securable to a face-engaging portion of the therapeutic face mask in fluid communication with a fluid aperture of the face-engaging portion; a treatment-receiving end; a fluid passageway defined between the mask-engaging end and the treatment-receiving end; only a single attachment mounting for detachably sealingly receiving a treatment attachment in fluid communication with the fluid passageway, the attachment mounting being defined at the treatment-receiving end; a single inhalation valve interposed in the fluid passageway between the mask-engaging end and the treatment-receiving end of the connector, the inhalation valve being a one-way valve and being oriented to permit fluid flow from the treatment-receiving end through the mask-engaging end during inhalation and to inhibit fluid flow from the mask-engaging end through the treatment-receiving end; and an 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; wherein the connector includes a valve assembly, the connector comprising: a first passage adjacent the mask-engaging end of the connector, from which first passage fluid can flow into the face-engaging portion and which can also receive fluid from an interior of the face-engaging portion; a second passage adjacent the treatment-receiving end of the connector; and the valve assembly, wherein the valve assembly comprises: wherein the inhalation valve comprises a disk-like diaphragm located between the first and second passages and movable between open and closed positions; one of the exhalation valve and the anti-asphyxia valve comprises an annular diaphragm surrounding the disk-like diaphragm of the inhalation valve and movable between open and closed positions; and wherein the exhalation port comprises at least one aperture closable by the exhalation valve; the connector further comprising an annular filter having a central aperture, the annular filter being positioned in the valve assembly to: filter fluid flow from the first passage through the exhalation port to ambient; and permit unfiltered fluid flow from the second passage to the first passage through the central aperture.