Patent Abstract:
A compact continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and method provide a flatter profile and more compact thickness, including a larger lateral dimension in order to be accommodated in conventional luggage designed to stow laptop computers having a smaller aspect ratio of thickness to length or thickness to width. Air tubing may be coiled within a case or coiled as about a spool-like configuration in the base unit of the device.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/084,433, filed on Apr. 5, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,290), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/856,568 filed on Sep. 17, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,362), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     The invention pertains to the field of continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and methods and more particularly to portable systems for active adult users during travel. 
     2. The Background Art 
     Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often used to treat obstructive sleep apnea as well as certain other disorders. In a CPAP apparatus and method, pressurized air is delivered through a mask to a patient&#39;s airway. Air may be introduced through the nostrils or through a mask that covers the nostrils and mouth. Typically, such systems are set on a night stand or other support beside a bed, and operate from wall current or a battery power source. Typically, a fan in a “generator” blows ambient air to create a pressurized supply having a pressure of from about five to fifteen centimeters of water. The mask or interface portion of the apparatus may be oral, oral-nasal, or simply nasal in its introduction of air. 
     Typically, such systems are treated as a medical devices and are engineered to be efficient movers of air through the various passages. Accordingly, such devices typically have a very box-like aspect ratio in which the height, width, and the depth (or thickness, width and length), are typically sized to be of the same order of magnitude. Thus, the aspect ratio is approximately one to one to one (1:1:1:). In the prior art, many such systems have aesthetically pleasing lines developed to make the device seem less rectangular or box-like, yet the overall principal dimensions are about the same. 
     One of the particular difficulties is the unwieldy size and shape of CPAP systems during travel. Accordingly, each requires a large fraction of the space within a person&#39;s luggage. Even supposedly compact or portable CPAP units, when ultimately designed, still have sufficient bulk in all three dimensions as to require a packing system that requires either another piece of luggage or a sizeable portion of the space in other large luggage. 
     What is needed is an apparatus that can meet several criteria for traveling. The apparatus should fit within luggage configured to hold a laptop computer. If a CPAP system were configured to take on more of the aspect ratios of a laptop computer, then it could be carried as part of carry-on luggage, could be opened for inspection, and could be readily evaluated by conventional security mechanisms in airports. Thus, traveling professionals would not be required to carry such large luggage, or an additional piece of luggage, especially checked luggage, specifically to accommodate the CPAP system. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a housing sized and shaped to fit the space requirements and power requirements typical of a lap top computer. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, a CPAP unit may include a housing, sized and shaped to fit in luggage designed to accommodate conventional laptop computers and their supporting peripherals. The system may typically include a drive system for generating a pressurized air stream at a volume and pressure in accordance with the therapy for which CPAP systems are designed. Likewise, an apparatus and method may include a delivery system of fittings, tubing (hose), and masks in order to deliver the pressurized stream of air into the breathing system of a user. 
     In certain embodiments, an apparatus in accordance with invention may include various electrical and electronic control systems in order to turn the machine on and off, control the air flow rate or motor speed, and the like. Other systems may be incorporated to accommodate the valving of air flows to and from the lungs of a user. That is, any of the valving systems whereby air may be relieved or expelled from a mask or the delivery system, or the like may be incorporated in a system in accordance with the invention. 
     The power system may rely on wall power, converted DC power from a wall outlet through a DC power supply, a battery, a computer battery, or the like. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, in which tubing or a delivery hose for the pressurized air supply may be stowed in a spooled configuration within the housing of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the spool center and the fan system of the apparatus of figure one, having the lid and upper console portions removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration with the tubing stowed therein; 
         FIG. 4  is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus in which a cavity is available to stow the tubing and mask completely within an outer case, to be not visible when the case is closed; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  illustrating the stowed mask and tubing with associated fittings; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a motor and fan system suitable for implementation in an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fan and motor system suitable for pressurizing air in an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fan suitable for developing a flow of pressurized air in an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fan, designed to provide an axial flow of pressurized air in an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, having a capability to expand a plenum for development of a larger supply of pressurized air; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10  with the tubing removed from the case for deployment; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrating the position of the aperture and connector feeding the tubing and mask of the apparatus from the lid side of the plenum chamber; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a power supply suitable for powering an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a power supply suitable for portability and for powering the apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of a rechargeable battery suitable for use to power an apparatus in accordance with the invention, or suitable for recharging a computer battery for use in both a laptop computer and a CPAP system in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a carrying case suitable for packing an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a luggage system accommodating an apparatus in accordance with the invention; and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a carrying case suitable for packing an apparatus in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, a system  10  or device  10  may be configured to provide a continuous positive airway pressure to a user. In the illustrated embodiment, a housing  12  may contain the basic elements required to drive the air to an elevated pressure. In typical usage, a fraction of a pound per square inch or a fraction of a kilogram per square centimeter will be provided by the system  10 , to the airway of a user. 
     Typically, a drive system  14  provides the prime mover of air. The drive system  14  may draw air from the environment, through a filter, or without a filter, and pressurize it sufficiently to maintain a positive pressure against which a user breathes during sleep. From the drive system  14 , a delivery system  16  provides passageways to carry the air to an interface for delivery into the nostrils or mouth of a user, or both. 
     Typically, a control system  18  may be designed to be as simple or sophisticated as desired for the appropriate therapy. At a rudimentary level the system may be turned off and on. In a more sophisticated embodiment, a selection of the pressure, the net air flow, the profile of the increase of pressure of the air flow, or the like may be controlled in order to provide for the comfort and therapy of a user. 
     A power system  20  provides a power source to drive the drive system  14 . In certain embodiments, a pneumatic power system may be provided. A convenient power system may rely on either wall current or battery power instead. To provide completely self-contained power, a power system  20  may be as simple as a rechargeable battery built into the system  10 . Alternatively, a power supply that connects to a wall outlet may service the system equally well. In yet another alternative embodiment, both may be provided in order that a system may be recharged when the wall current is available, but may still be used when wall current is not available. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the system  10  may include a base  22  to which to mount the other components of the system  10 . A console  23  may be provided in order to accommodate controls, user interface, and other access to the system during operation. The console  24  or console layer  24  may be positioned opposite the base  22 , each effectively forming a flange of a spool. Thus, the base  22  and console  24  may actually act as flanges of a spool to receive therebetween the delivery system  16 . 
     In certain embodiments, whether for protection, or simply for purposes of convenience, securement, or closing a display of information or the like, a cover  26  may be provided to close the console layer  24 . 
     In certain embodiments the drive system  14  may be protected by a grid  28  in order to prevent entry of fingers or other small objects into the drive system  14 . 
     Downstream from the drive system  14  an aperture  30  may be provided to discharge air from the drive system into the delivery system  16 . A fitting  31  may be provided about the aperture  30  in order to accommodate connection and disconnection of the delivery system  16 . 
     In certain embodiments, storage space  32  may be provided for a mask  34  or interface  34 . The storage space  32  may be formed as a recess in the console  24  of the apparatus. In other embodiments the recess  32  may be dispensed with in order to simply store the mask elsewhere. Soft masks may be folded up or otherwise placed in a small space. In certain embodiments, it is desired that the mask  34  be of a substantially stiffer quality, in order to assure a firm seal against the face. Thus, a mask  34  may need storage space  32  within the apparatus  10 . 
     A storage space  36  for a power supply  38  may be provided in the console  24  as well. In the illustrated embodiment, a simple DC power supply  38  may provide the conversion of wall power (alternating current) to be converted to direct current to drive the drive system  14 . 
     A recess  40  or space  40  may be provided between the base  22  and console  24  in order to wrap a hose  42  or tube there around. The hose  42  may be formed in any suitable manner. A convoluted hose may actually provide a very flexible, light, and still comparatively compact system for delivering air from the apparatus  10  to a user. In particular, the hose  42  will connect to the fitting  31  of the aperture  30  to receive air driven by the fan  50 . 
     The fan  50  may be protected by the grid  28  at the inlet where air is received. Accordingly, the fan  50  may blow air to a higher pressure and discharge it through the aperture  30  into the hose  42  for delivery to a mask  34  and ultimately to a user. 
     In certain embodiments, a cord  52  may deliver power from a power supply or wall current into a plug  54 . The plug  54  may fit into a jack  55  formed within the base  22 , console  24 , or other part of the housing  12  in order to access the drive system  14  and power it. In embodiments where an internal battery is powering the apparatus  10 , the cord  52  and plug  54  may simply operate to power the battery during recharging. 
     In certain embodiments, various buttons  56  or switches  56  may be provided for the system  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, various buttons  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c ,  56   d  are shown. For example, a button  56   a  may be a switch to turn the drive system  14  on and off. Other buttons  56   c ,  56   d  may control the increase and decrease of the speed of the fan  50 . 
     Other buttons  56   d  may control other factors, including the display  60 . A display  60  may include instructions, may provide feedback information regarding pressure, fan speed, or the like, and may include interactive selections for controlling the apparatus  10  by the user. In general, information and instructions by way of warning and basic set up may also be included in a label  58  simply printed and adhered to a portion of the apparatus  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, deployment of the apparatus  10  may include unwrapping the delivery system  16  including the hose  42  with its fittings  44 ,  46  from the apparatus  10 , such as from a spooled location between the console layer  24  and the base layer  22  acting as flanges of a spool. Accordingly, the fitting  44  may be connected to the output fitting  31 , and the fitting  46  to the mask  34 . A mask  34  may be formed in any suitable manner, typically of a flexible material in contact with the skin in order to form a good seal, with straps or other secure mechanisms to secure it to the face of a user. The mask  34  may cover only the nostrils, the nostrils and the mouth, or only the mouth. Accordingly, the drive system  14 , and the fan  50  in particular, provides pressurized air through the aperture  30  into the tubing  42  for delivery into the mask  34  at an increased pressure above ambient pressure. 
     Meanwhile, the power supply  38  may be removed from its storage location  36  and plugged into outlet power in order feed the cord  52  and the plug  54  connected to power the motor driving the fan  50 . 
     Upon waking, a user may stow the system  10  by removing the fitting  44  from the aperture  30  with its retaining fitting  31  and removing the mask  34 , optionally, from the mask fitting  46 . In some embodiments, a more compact system may have a foldable or very flexible mask  34 . The mask fitting  46  may also be formed integrally between the tubing  42  and the mask  34  making removal of the mask  34  from the tubing  42  unnecessary. Likewise, the fitting  31 ,  44  need not be readily separable, nor separable at all, nor distinct from one another. 
     In either mode, the tubing  42 , whether or not removed from the fitting  31  or mask  34  may be spooled around the space  40  between the base  22  and console  24  to stow it. Detents may be provided by way of bosses, tabs, or simply a closer proximity to one another of the edges of the base  22  and console  24  in order to retain the tubing  42  therebetween. After final stowage of the power supply  38  in its storage location  36 , the lid  26  or cover  26  may be closed on hinges  48  against the console  24  in order to close the system up for travel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a view of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  is illustrated showing only the base  22  with selected components located below the console  24 . In the illustration, a spool portion  62  or mandrel  62  for receiving the tubing  42  may be located between the base  22  and the console  24 . Within the periphery of this spool portion  62 , or mandrel  62 , the fan  50  may operate. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fan  70  represents a generic fan  50  of  FIG. 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fan  70  is a squirrel-cage type fan and the motor  68  is embedded within the confines of the fan  70 . A shroud  64  surrounds the fan  70  to direct the air to an output duct  66 . 
     The spinning of the fan  70  about the motor  68  (by the motor  68 ) causes the air to move radially away from the fan  70 , while also moving the air circumferentially with respect to the outer circumference of the fan  70 . Accordingly, the duct  66  is filled with pressurized air, while the region within the circumference of the fan  70  is decreasing in pressure as it draws air through the grid  28  and through the fan  70 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the apparatus  10  in the illustrated embodiment may fold up with the cover  26  against the console  24 , forming a compact package between the base  22  and the cover  26 . Meanwhile, the hose  42  or tubing  42  is spooled around the mandrel  62  in order to fit within the overall envelope defined by the juxtaposed base  22  and cover  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an apparatus  10  may have a housing  12  formed of a base  22  and a cover  26 . The base  22  and cover  26  may be connected by a hinge  48  pivotable between a closed and an open position. In  FIG. 4 , the apparatus  10  is shown in an open position with the tubing  42  removed from stowage along with the power supply  38  for use. In the illustrated embodiment, the delivery system  16  is constituted by the tubing  42  with its associated fittings  44 ,  46  and mask  34 , having a strap  35  for securement to the face of a user. 
     Meanwhile, the drive system  14  is enclosed within a shroud  64  and the fan  50  is behind the grid  28  provided for protection. The aperture  30  is connectable to the fitting  44  to direct pressurized air from the duct  66  provided as an outlet from the shroud  64  delivering pressurized air from the fan  50  into the tubing  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the control buttons  56  may be provided on the case  12  or housing  12  in any suitable location. In the illustration, the control buttons  56  are positioned on the base  22 . Likewise, the jack  55  for receiving the plug  54  from the power supply  38  and cord  52  is located on the front face of the base  22 . 
     Accordingly, the power can be converted from wall power to DC current by the power supply  38  and delivered through the plug  54  and jack  55  to the motor  50  inside the shroud  64 . Controls  56  may be used for controlling on, off, pressure, power, speed, or the like. The display  60  may provide instructions for monitoring of the operation of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 4  may be placed in a stowed configuration by wrapping the tubing  42  about the drive system  14  containing the fan  50  and shroud  64 . The fitting  44  may be disconnected from the aperture  30  or remain in it. Likewise, the fitting  46  may be removed from the mask  34  or remain connected. The mask  34  in the illustrated embodiment may be stowed within the base  22  just as the tubing  42  or hose  42 . Thus, closure of the lid  26  or cover  26  against the base  12  provides an envelope that is approximately that of a laptop computer and encloses the accompanying supporting peripheral elements of the apparatus  10  in a compact and easily transportable unit. Various types of sealing mechanisms such as bosses, knobs, ridges or other detents within the hinge  48 , or between the cover  26  and base  22  may be implemented in accordance with principles or devices known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may include a fan  50  connected directly to a motor  68 , or connected indirectly as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 6  the motor  68  is connected to the fan  50  by a set of pulleys  74 ,  76  and corresponding shafts  75 ,  77 . A belt  72  connects the pulleys  74 ,  76  in order to drive the fan shaft  77  from the motor shaft  75 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the axial direction  80  represents the direction of intake, while the radial directions  82  represent the direction that air moves in response the spinning of the fan  50 . A shroud  64  around the fan  50  may restrict the flow of air and directly into a particular duct  66  as described hereinabove. In response to the rotation of the fan, the space in the center of the fan  50  is evacuated or rather contains air at reduced pressure, while the area around the circumference of the fan represents air being driven in a radial  82  and a circumferential  84  direction. The shrouding  64  prevents air from escaping the fan  50 , while the ducting  66  provides a location or plenum for the air to accumulate at elevated pressure in order to be driven out the aperture  30  to the tubing  42 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in an alternative embodiment, a motor  68  may be embedded within the fan  50  in order to reduce the overall size of the system  10 . However, if the fan  50  is formed to be of a comparatively thin profile, then the motor may need additional space. Meanwhile, the vanes  78  tend to drive the air in a circumferential direction  84 , resulting in acceleration in a radial direction  82 . As the air escapes from the vanes  78  or blades  78  of the fan  50 , it may have both a circumferential  84  and a radial  82  component of velocity. Accordingly, it may be ducted as described hereinabove. 
     In typical embodiments, the fan  50  may be formed of vanes  78  projecting (for example, at right angles) from a disk  79  or base  79 . Typically, the base  79  will include a hub for receiving a shaft  77  on the motor  68 . Any suitable attachment mechanism including keys, set-screws, friction, splines, and the like may be used to secure the shaft  77  to the fan  50 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment of an apparatus  10  in accordance with invention, the fan  50  may actually be configured with vanes that taper toward the center hub  86 , having their greatest height from the frame  79  or disk  79  near the outer periphery thereof. Accordingly, the vane  78  may actually act as trapezoidal or triangular vanes that are very short axially with respect to the disk  79  near the hub  86 , and very tall near the outer periphery of the disk  79 . 
     Thus, the air flow in  88  will be drawn in an axial direction into the fan while the blades  78  or vanes  78  rotate, the air moves in a circumferential direction  84 . A response of the air is to flow outwardly in a radial direction  82  such as the flow illustrated as flow  90   b.  Ultimately, however, the shroud  64  and duct  66  will permit escape of the air only in a circumferential direction  84  illustrated as the airflow  90   a  exiting the fan  50 . 
     The squirrel cage fan of  57 , and the vane fan of  FIG. 8  both tend to be centripetal or centrifugal fans. That is, the pressure comes as a result of the spinning of the air, and its tendency to want to escape radially  82  from the circumferential motion  84 . That is, any motion in a circumferential direction  84  is actually an acceleration toward the center shaft  77 , and the air preferentially migrates radially  82 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of the fan  50  may include a shaft  77  and hub  86  from which various vanes  78  extend outward. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , air is actually inducted from one side of the fan  50  in an axial direction  80 , and is discharged out the other side in the same axial direction  80 . Of course, in the illustrated embodiment, the direction of rotation in the circumferential direction  84  determines which direction or sense the air flow will actually take in the axial direction  80 . 
     One of the advantages of a squirrel cage fan  50  or a vane fan  50  is a comparatively thin profile on the order of from about one half inch to about an inch and a half, or perhaps up to two inches. On a substantially larger radius of from about one and half to about four inches, the fan may provide a comparatively large flow rate (e.g. 0.1 to about 2 cfm), large pressure increase (e.g. 5 to 30 cm of water), or the like, into a comparatively smaller duct, such as the duct  66 , and the tube  42 . One benefit of the fan  50  illustrated in  FIG. 9  is that a comparatively quite fan with a minimal direction change may be implemented. Many pancake fans  50  may actually include a motor within the hub  86  in the fan  50  of  FIG. 9 , thus forming a comparatively compact, axial drive system  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an apparatus  10  may include a housing  12  having a base  22 , console  24 , and cover  26 . Likewise, a drive system  16  may include a fan  50  under a grid  28  to drive airflow into a tube  42 . In the illustrated embodiments, the console portion  24  actually becomes the bottom of the housing  12 , when stowed. Nevertheless, the control buttons  56  may be provided on a panel  92  associated with the console layer  24  of the apparatus  10 . Likewise, some type of power line  52  with its associated plug  54  may provide power into the system by any of the mechanisms discussed above or known in the art. Meanwhile, the mask  34  may be stowed with the tubing  42  and its associated fittings  44 ,  46  within the space available in the base  22 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 10-12 , retainers  94  may provide flexible or rigid restraints in order to hold the tubing  42  in place during stowage. In one embodiment, the retainers  94  may be formed of a flexible plastic or stiff rubber such that they may be easily deflected in order to place the tubing behind them. The retainers  94  may be replaced by belts, straps, or the like, securing to the base  22  in certain embodiments. 
     By either means, the tubing  42  may be wrapped for stowage within the base  26 . Meanwhile, the grid  28  covering the fan  50  may cover a squirrel cage fan  50 , a vane fan  50 , an axial fan  50 , or any other suitable mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, an optional bellows  96  is included. The bellows provides an expansion space between the base  22  and the lid  26  in order to provide a plenum or expanse of space or volume in which a volume of air under pressure can be collected. 
     The value of a plenum is that pressures are moderated somewhat in response to the breathing of an individual, or changes in output. For example, whenever an individual is breathing against the pressure of air within the tubing  42 , pressure rises behind the fan  50 . This effect may be somewhat ameliorated by providing a plenum that tends to have sufficient volume to absorb the instantaneous fluctuations in pressure and volume of air. 
     Any suitable support including the bellows alone, or flexible joints, struts, or the like may be used to support the cover  26  with respect to the base  22 . In such an embodiment, the system may actually expand to a larger size than its stowed size in order to create a plenum within the bellows  96  and the lid  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the apparatus of  FIGS. 10 and 11  is illustrated in a stowed configuration. For clarity, the hose  42  has been removed from the housing  12  in order to illustrate an embodiment of how the fitting  44  may fit onto the cover  26  in the aperture  30 . 
     When the fitting  44  is removed from the aperture  30 , and its associated fitting  31 , a cap  101  fitted to the fitting  31  may be inserted to prevent damage, dirt, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid closes against the bellows  96 , but may close over the bellows, in order to close up against the console  24 , which forms the outer shell of the housing  12 . Meanwhile, the base  22  is fit down into the console portion  24 . 
     In general, the hose  42  may be connected in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the mask  34  may be secured permanently or temporarily to the hose  42 . The fitting  44 , typically permanently attached to the hose  42 , may include both a securement  100  and a stop  102 . The purpose of the securement  100  is as a detent to engage the fitting  31 . The purpose of the stop  102  is to prevent the fitting  44  penetrating further into the aperture  30 . Any suitable mechanism may be used including threads, quick release couplings, interfering “o” rings, or the like. 
     In general, the space  98  for storage of the hose  42  may actually be used as a plenum in certain embodiments. That is, for example, the space  98  may be configured on the opposite side of the base  22 , between the base  22  and the cover  26  in order to form a plenum after the hose  42  is removed therefrom. Accordingly, the surface defined by the edges of the base  22  closest to the console  24  may be a solid surface except for the opening for the grid  28 . 
     The bellows  96  is not required. Thus, the illustration of  FIG. 12  shows the housing  12  in substantially the stowed configuration, but with the cap  101  removed. Meanwhile, the hose  42  is illustrated in order to show its positioning and sealing with respect to the aperture  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the power system  20  for the apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may be one of several possible configurations. For example, a power supply  38  may include the appropriate hardware to convert alternating current to direct current for convenience, and safety. Thus, a cord  104  may come from wall power through a plug  106  to be connected by the adapter  108  to the power supply  38 . Wall current may be converted from alternating current, at a comparatively higher voltage, to direct current, at a comparatively lower voltage, delivered through the cord  52  and subsequently the plug  54  into the apparatus  10 . Typically, a plate  110  commonly called a rating plate or “boiler plate” may contain information concerning safety, ratings, instructions, warnings, connection requirements, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a compact power supply may be used in many situations requiring comparatively lower power (e.g. a few amps or less). The apparatus  10  does not require large amounts of power (e.g. typically less than an amp down to tenths of an amp). A simple adapter  38  or power supply  38  may provide a plug  112  directly into a wall socket, feeding direct current through a cord  52  and a plug  54  into the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , in one embodiment, an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may use a battery  120 . The battery  120  may be identical to, or may be the same battery  120  as that of a laptop computer. Accordingly, a charger  118  or cradle  118  may be used to charge the battery  120 , or the battery  120  may be charged within a laptop computer. 
     A CPAP apparatus  10  may be carried with a computer and may share the same battery  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, a battery  120  may be fitted into a cradle  118  connected to wall power or a power supply by a cord  114 , and secured electrically by a plug  116  in the cradle  118 . In the illustrated embodiment, the output cord  52  and the plug  54  may actually be connected to the apparatus  10 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, a computer battery  120  may be embedded within the envelope of the apparatus  10 , and included in the space near the fan  50  of the drive system  14  within the housing  12 . A rating plate  110  or instruction plate  110  may provide the similar warnings, instructions, and connection details as discussed above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a case  130  for an apparatus  10  may include a region for holding the apparatus  10 , divided into compartments  137 . For example, a compartment  137   a  may hold the apparatus  10 , while a compartment  137   b  may hold a power supply  38 , a folded cord  104 , and the like. A closure  132 , or lid  132  may be secured to the case  130  by a zipper  134  or other suitable mechanism. 
     Typically, a handle  136  for carrying may be adapted to a hand of a user, a shoulder strap, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the case  130  may be a conventional case, borrowed from the laptop computer market, may be or a specially designed case adapted to the apparatus  10 . For example, the divider  136  may be moveable, and thus may be positionable within the case  130  in order to securely stow the apparatus  10 , and still accommodate the power supply  38 , cord  136 , or other accoutrements associated with the apparatus  10 . 
     In certain embodiments, the cord  104  may actually be wrapped around a spooling mechanism before the tubing  42 . Likewise, the power supply  38  may be replaced with a battery  120  actually embedded in the apparatus  10 . Thus, not all embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the invention will require separate storage for a power supply  38  and cord  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , a case  130  suitable for holding the apparatus  10  may be a simple compartment  130  associated with other luggage  140 , such as a briefcase. For example, certain suitcases, briefcases, and the like may be configured as a separate piece of luggage  140  having a pocket  130  interior or exterior thereto for receiving a laptop computer or the like. Accordingly, an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may be placed within the compartment  130  and closed by an appropriate lid  132  or cover  132  sealed by any appropriate mechanism. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners may be formed as a securement mechanism  142  on the flap  144  and the outer portion of the case  130  or compartment  130  in order to form a proper securement keeping the lid  132  closed on the apparatus  10 . Zipper closures  134  may be formed as appropriate in any particular location, including as the sealing mechanism for the lid  132  of the compartment  130 . Any suitable system of handles, shoulder straps, and the like may be associated with the luggage  140  as known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , one embodiment of an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may be fitted into a case  130  having a closure  132  sealed by a zipper  134 , or the like. Typically, a zipper pull  135  or more than one, may secure the zipper  134  to itself in order to close the cover  132  over the apparatus  10 . Similarly, a variety of carrying straps  138  or handles  136  may be secured on various sides in order to promote convenient carrying. Meanwhile, the apparatus  10  may be fitted within the case  130  to be easily stowed, opened, inspected, and otherwise travel just as a laptop computer would. 
     In certain embodiments, the tubing  42  may be configured to fit on a reel. The reel may be operated by a crank in order to wind up the tubing  42  into the housing  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the tubing  42  may be of a length selected to exactly fit with a single wrap or a few wraps about a spooling center portion  62 . The shape of a laptop computer may actually contain four or five feet of hose along its periphery. Accordingly, in one method and apparatus in accordance with the invention, the system  10  may include a simple clip system around the outer periphery of the CPAP apparatus  10  suitable for holding the tubing  42  therearound. 
     In yet another embodiment, a computer battery may be fitted to the apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention. The power conditioning or the motor  50  may be sized to match the battery of an individual&#39;s laptop computer. Alternatively, a power supply, such as a battery of generic configuration having power conditioning for current, voltage, and the like may be adapted to power a laptop computer, the apparatus  10 , or both. Thus, a computer battery may be matched to a user&#39;s apparatus  10 , or vice versa. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, the housing  12  may be configured as a “clam shell” configuration, having a hinge  42  at the back of two substantially identical halves. The drive system  14  may be configured near the center of the housing  12 , with the delivery system  16 , principally the hose  42  or tubing  42  wrapped therearound. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its basic operational principles or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0