Source: http://www.freshpatents.com/-dt20100805ptan20100192955.php
Timestamp: 2013-05-23 22:35:41
Document Index: 275266690

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 9', 'arts 9', 'art 7', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 7', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'art 3']

Patient Interface Structure And Method/tool For Manufacturing Same 1 views for this patent on FreshPatents.comupdated 05/17/13
Patents sorted by company.	08/05/10 | Class 128 Monitor | RSS | Browse: Prev - Next Patient interface structure and method/tool for manufacturing same Abstract: Component of a patient interface, particularly a cushion, comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the second part is made of a foamed material which is foamed-on the first part. A Method and tool for manufacturing a component of a patient interface, particularly a cushion, comprising the steps molding a first part of the component and foaming a second part on the first part. ...
USPTO Applicaton #: #20100192955 - Class: 12820624 (USPTO) - 08/05/10 - Class 128 The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20100192955, Patient interface structure and method/tool for manufacturing same.
20100192955
09001344.2
FIGS. 6a to 6d show preferred embodiments of components according to the present invention wherein FIGS. 6a and 6b show preferred embodiments of the component according to the present invention in combination with further structures of a patient's interface component, here a breathing mask and wherein FIGS. 6c and 6d show further preferred embodiments of the component according to the present invention.
In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional schematic cross-sectional view of a patient interface structure or component 1 according to the present invention. The patient interface structure comprises a first part 2 and a second part 3 wherein the second part 3 is made of a foamed material which is foamed on the first part 2. The first part 2 and the second part 3 integrally merge at a merging surface 5 (5a, 5b) which constitutes the contact area between the first part 2 and the second part 3. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first part 2 constitutes a frame or a support portion wherein the second part 3 constitutes a cushion or under cushion portion of the patient interface. The patient interface component 1 according to the present invention, and preferably its first portion 2, preferably comprises structural fastening or connection means 4 for connecting the patient interface component 1 to a patient interface structure such as a breathing mask or a mask frame.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cross section shown on the right hand side in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the contact or merging surface 5 between the first part 2 and the second part 3 comprises two distinct surface portions 5a, 5b which are inclined toward to another by an angle, preferably of about 90°, and form a contiguous contact zone or merging surface 5.
Generally, it is to be noted that the third mold part, the fourth mold part or any further mold parts according to the present invention can be constituted by one, two or more individual parts. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the fourth mold part 9 can be defined by two mold parts 9a and 9b (not shown).
Additionally or alternatively, at least one pressure flange 11, and preferably two pressure flanges 11 (11a, 11b) is/are provided on the third mold part 7, the fourth mold part 9 and/or the first part 2. In a preferred embodiment, where a pressure flange 11 is provided on the first part 2 this is preferably achieved by providing a negative form of the pressure flange 11 in the first mold part and/or the second mold part such that the pressure flange 11 is molded integrally with the first part 2. The pressure flange(s) 11 allow forming of a second cavity by sealing the first part 2, and particularly the merging surface 5 of the first part 2 against the third and/or fourth mold part.
The contact or merging surface 5 can be a surface lying in one plane, or, as shown, e.g., in FIGS. 1 and 2, a surface having surface portions lying in two or more planes. In FIG. 2, a third mold art 7 and a fourth mold part 9 have been schematically and exemplarily indicated. The third mold half 7 is shown to comprise a pressure flange 11, preferably two pressure flanges 11a and 11b, which sealingly contact(s) the first part 2. Each pressure flange 11 is arranged and designed such that it defines a, or part of a, contact or merging surface 5. Preferably, each pressure flange 11 is of a continuous structure such that there is defined an enclosed, clearly defined individual contact or merging surface 5 on the first part 2. Preferably, the pressure flange(s) have a continuous, ring like shape so that a continuous boundary of the merging surface 5 is defined. This can also be achieved by providing two or more pressure flanges which supplement one another to define such merging surface. Preferably, merging surface 5 is of ring like shape, and is preferably defined by two ring like pressure flanges.
Preferably there will be provided two endless or loop-like pressure flanges 11a and 11b extending all around the circumference of a molded first part 2 and define between them the contact or merging surface 5. This is of particular advantage for molding a patient interface components as shown in FIG. 1, 3, or 5 (discussed below) which are of generally circular, oval or triangular but generally ring-like shape. Alternatively, the pressure rim or pressure flange has a ring-like structure enclosing, inside said structure, the merging surface 5. In such case, the patient interface component does not need to be generally ring-shaped, e.g., in case of a forehad cushion or a headband support.
The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 basically corresponds to the embodiment discussed above with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2. It is thus referred to the above discussion. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 differs from the embodiment discussed above e.g. with regard to the structure and design of the contact surface 5. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 3, the shape and structure of the contact surface 5 may vary along its length, here along the circumference of the patient interface component. As shown on the left hand side in FIG. 3, a contact surface 5 (here referred to as 5c) is a plane surface. Compared thereto, on the right hand side in FIG. 3 a contact surface 5 comprises different surface sections referred to as 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h. In its general structure, the contact or merging surface 5 on the right hand side of FIG. 3 has a U-shaped structure with flange portions 5d, 5h at the opening of the U. In other words, contact surface 5 on the right hand side of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 comprises a depression or groove 6 defined by surface portions 5e, 5f and 5g. As shown in FIG. 4, such structure or merging surface 5 can be manufactured by using a tool comprising a third mold half 7 and a fourth mold half 9 wherein the third mold half 7 comprises a pressure rim 11d for sealingly contacting the first molded part 2 and defining one border or boundary of contact surface 5. Fourth mold half 9 comprises a second pressure rim 11c for sealingly contacting the first part 2 and defining a second border or boundary of contact surface 5.
The shape and arrangement of the contact or merging surface is preferably adapted to apply certain structural features being advantageous for the molding process, the tool design and/or the final product, e.g. a patient interface component. According to a preferred embodiment, the design of the merging surface 5 changes along the circumference of the first part 2, preferably in order to exhibit certain functionalities and advantages discussed herein at predefined positions of a wearer's face. For example, a contact or merging surface 5 comprising two angled surface components, such as surface portions 5a and 5b shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, allows a clear positioning of the second part with respect to the first part and thus with respect to the remainder of the patient interface. For example, according to a preferred embodiment, the first part 2 defines a connection structure for connecting the second part 3, preferably an under-cushion of a patient interface, to the face mask thereby facilitating guidance, connectability, exchangeability, individualizeability etc. of the patient interface component and thus the patient interface according to the present invention. This preferably allows a decoupling of the softer second part 3 from the mask body by means of the first molded part 2 serving as an adapter.
Furthermore, contact surface shapes as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 allow a foaming of the second part 3 onto the first part 2 such that any potentially hygienically and/or optically deteriorated parts or surfaces of the foamed second part 3 are hidden and sealed by the merging surface 5, e.g. in the corner of merging surface portions 5a and 5b according to FIG. 2 or in the recess 6 formed by surface portions 5f, 5g, 5h according to FIG. 4. Preferably, the mold parts constituting the second mold cavity for forming the foamed second part 3 are designed and arranged such, e.g. with regard to gravity, that any potentially deteriorated and/or visually or hygienically disadvantageous part of the foamed second part and/or the merging surface 5 is covered or sealed as discussed above.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, venting structures 13 are formed into the first molded part 2, preferably while molding the first part 2. Preferably, the respective venting structures or channels are provided in or at the contact or merging surface 5 and, preferably, in or at those portions discussed above as being suitable for hiding and sealing certain parts of the second part. E.g., in FIG. 4, a venting structure 13 is exemplary depicted as being provided in merging surface portion 5f in groove 6.
FIG. 6a shows a component according to the present invention comprising a first molded part 2 and a second foamed part 3 being attached to a mask frame 14. Further attached to mask frame 14 is a membrane 15 which extends over second foamed part 3. Preferably, membrane 15 and/or component 1 (comprising first molded part 2 and second part 3) are releasably attached to mask frame 14 by means of respective fastening means (not shown). Preferably, membrane 15 extends over component 1 so that when the breathing mask is worn by a patient, membrane 15 contacts the user's skin wherein the mask is supported on the user's skin by means of component 1, i.e., foamed second part 3 constituting a mask cushion or undercushion which is held or supported by means of first molded part 2 which is connected to the breathing mask via mask frame 14. Preferably, membrane 15 is a silicone membrane.
FIG. 6b shows the use of a component 1 according to the present invention similar to the embodiment discussed with regard to FIG. 6a. As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a, membrane 15 is releasably attached to frame 14 wherein membrane 15 supports, covers, protects, and/or extends over component 1. Contrary to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a, membrane 15 according to FIG. 6b comprises a cavity or recess 16 which preferably allows a good gliding and dampening function of membrane 15. Membrane 15 also comprises an abutment surface 17 which preferably supportingly abuts against component 1.
FIG. 6c shows a first part 2 inserted in third mold half 7. Mold part 2 as a generally u-shaped contour in the cross-section according to FIG. 6c, wherein the ends of the generally u-shaped contour of first element 2 are bent. Thus, corresponding to the embodiment shown and discussed with regard to FIG. 4, merging surface 5d and 5h are formed. Preferably, at least one bent or bent end of the generally u-shaped contour of first element 2 extends beyond a second foam part 3. A respective extension 18 is indicated in FIG. 6c. It will be apparent for the person skilled in the art that a respective extension can be formed on both ends of u-shaped contour of first element 2. Additionally and/or alternatively, a respective configuration can also be achieved with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
Extension 18 provides an additional advantageous possibility to apply a pressure rim (not shown in FIG. 6c) to define merging surface 5h and to prevent foam or second foamed part 3 to extend beyond boundary point/line 19.
With regard to gravity, when foaming second part 3 onto first part 2, first part 2 is arranged in the upper part of the tool whereas second foamed part 3 constitutes the lower part of the tool. Accordingly, the foam constituting of building second foamed part 3 will build up from the lower part of the cavity (which is the upper end of second foamed part 3 according to FIG. 6c) and be build up or filled up to first molded part 2.
The preferred embodiment according to FIG. 6d generally corresponds to the one discussed with regard to FIG. 6c wherein extensions 18 are provided on both ends of first parts 2 generally u-shaped contour. In addition, second part 2 comprises venting structures 13 which can be used for venting and/or filling of the second cavity for molding or foaming the second foamed part 3.
Download full PDF for full patent description/claims.You can also Monitor Keywords and Search for tracking patents relating to this Patient interface structure and method/tool for manufacturing same patent application.
How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Patient interface structure and method/tool for manufacturing same or other areas of interest.###
Previous Patent Application:MaskNext Patent Application:Method for manufacturing a cuff on plastic tube provided with an external sheathIndustry Class:Surgery###Design/code © 2013 FreshContext LLC/Freshpatents.com.Patent data source: patents published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)Information published here is for research/educational purposes only (and in conjunction with our Keyword Monitor) and is not meant to be used in place of the full USPTO patent document/images or a comprehensive patent archive search. Complete official applications are on file at the USPTO and may contain additional data/images. FreshPatents.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO or firms/individuals or products/designs/ideas related to listed patents and there may be applicable trademarks or servicemarks within the documents.FreshPatents.com Support - Terms & ConditionsThank you for viewing the Patient interface structure and method/tool for manufacturing same patent info.- - - AAPL - Apple, BA - Boeing, GOOG - Google, IBM, JBL - Jabil, KO - Coca Cola, MOT - Motorla
Results in 0.63168 seconds Other interesting Freshpatents.com categories: