Patent Description:
Breathing treatment devices typically include an airflow generator to supply pressurized gases. In some breathing treatment devices the device may include an integrated water supply chamber. The water chamber can include a supply of water that is used to humidify the breathing gases that are being supplied by the breathing treatment device.

In some configurations the breathing treatment devices are designed to be portable and/or movable. When such devices are moved while containing a water supply reservoir, the reservoir may tip and allow water to spill from the water reservoir into other regions of the breathing treatment devices.

<CIT> discloses an integrated humidifier chamber and lid.

<CIT> discloses a breathing system (<NUM>) which includes a gas source (<NUM>) connected to a patient interface (<NUM>) via a passageway (<NUM>).

<CIT> discloses a system for the humidification of respiratory gases.

To protect various components, it would be desirable if the spilled water or other liquids could be contained and the infiltration of the water or liquid could be controlled. Accordingly, certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention relate to providing a liquid containment construction. It also is an object of the present invention to at least provide the industry and users with a useful choice.

The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus as defined by the claims.

The present technology broadly consists in a breathing assistance apparatus comprising a main body, a humidification compartment defined within the main body and adapted to receive a humidification chamber, a flow generator positioned within the main body, the flow generator and the humidification compartment being fluidly connected and a liquid containment compartment being interposed within the main body between the flow generator and the humidification compartment, the liquid containment compartment being fluidly connected to both the flow generator and the humidification compartment such that a gas flow path from the flow generator to the humidification compartment passes through the liquid containment compartment, and wherein the liquid containment compartment comprises a first opening that defines an outlet for gases flow out of the liquid containment compartment to the humidification compartment and a second opening that defines an inlet for gases flow into the liquid containment compartment from the flow generator, the first opening and the second opening of the liquid containment compartment being offset from each other in at least two orthogonal spatial directions.

In some configurations, the first opening and the second opening of the liquid containment compartment are offset horizontally and vertically.

In some configurations, the first opening and the second opening of the liquid containment compartment are offset from each other in three orthogonal spatial directions. In one example, the first opening and the second opening of the liquid containment compartment may be offset horizontally in two orthogonal directions and vertically.

In some configurations, no portion of the first opening is vertically aligned with the second opening.

In some configurations, no portion of the first opening is horizontally aligned with the second opening.

In some configurations, the liquid containment compartment comprises a lower surface and the second opening being positioned generally vertically higher than the lower surface. In one example, the second opening spans a vertical distance and the lowermost portion of the second opening is vertically higher than the lower surface of the liquid containment compartment. In another example, the lower surface of the liquid containment compartment spans a vertical distance and the second opening is vertically higher than any portion of the lower surface that is directly adjacent to the second opening.

In some configurations, the second opening is canted toward the first opening.

In some configurations, a lowermost portion of the second opening is vertically higher than a lowermost portion of the lower surface of the liquid containment compartment.

In some configurations, the second opening has a lip defined on a portion of the second opening that is on an opposite side of the second opening from the first opening. In one example, the lip overhangs a passage defined within a pedestal leading to the second opening, the passage forming part of the gas flow path.

In some configurations, the second opening has a narrowing region defined on a portion of the second opening that is disposed closest to the first opening.

In some configurations, the second opening is provided atop of a pedestal extending within the liquid containment compartment from the lower surface of the liquid containment compartment, the pedestal comprising a passage fluidly connected to the flow generator to form part of the gas flow path.

In some configurations, the second opening is fluidly connected to the flow generator by one or more passages within the main body that form part of the gas flow path.

In some configurations, the main body comprises an upper housing and a lower housing that are configured to be secured together, and wherein the liquid containment compartment comprises a lower surface that is part of the lower housing of the main body and a vertical wall defining the sides of the liquid containment compartment that is part of the upper housing of the main body.

In some configurations, a portion of the vertical wall of the liquid containment compartment corresponds to a portion of a vertical wall that defines the humidification compartment. In one example, the first opening extends through the portion of the vertical wall of the liquid containment compartment that corresponds to the vertical wall of the humidification compartment.

In some configurations, a portion of the vertical wall of the liquid containment compartment corresponds to a portion of an outer wall of the main body provided by the upper housing.

In some configurations, the liquid containment compartment comprises a ridge that defines the periphery of the lower surface of the liquid containment compartment and which extends from the lower housing of the main body, the ridge matching the configuration of the vertical wall of the liquid containment compartment provided in the upper housing such that the ridge of the lower housing and vertical wall of the upper housing abut each other to form the liquid containment compartment when the main body is assembled.

In some configurations, the ridge of the liquid containment compartment defines and encircles a reservoir of the liquid containment compartment.

In some configurations, the ridge of the liquid containment compartment surrounds the second opening.

In some configurations, a seal is provided between ridge of the lower housing and the vertical wall of the upper housing that form the liquid containment compartment. In one example, the ridge comprises a groove and the seal is provided within the groove.

In some configurations, the flow generator is mounted to or within the lower housing of the main body.

Other aspects are also described in the following. In some configurations, a breathing assistance apparatus comprises a main body. A humidification compartment is defined within the main body and is adapted to receive a humidification chamber. A flow generator is positioned within the main body. The flow generator and the humidification compartment are fluidly connected and a liquid containment compartment is interposed between the flow generator and the humidification compartment. The liquid containment compartment is fluidly connected to both the flow generator and the humidification compartment.

A gas flow path from the flow generator to the humidification compartment passes through the liquid containment compartment.

In some such configurations, the liquid containment compartment comprises a first opening that defines an outlet for gases flow out of the liquid containment compartment and a second opening that defines an inlet for gases flow into the liquid containment compartment. The liquid containment compartment comprises a lower surface and the second opening is positioned generally vertically higher than the lower surface.

In some such configurations, the second opening is canted toward the first opening.

In some such configurations, a lowermost portion of the second opening is vertically higher than a lowermost portion of the lower surface.

In some such configurations, the second opening has a lip defined on a portion of the second opening that is on an opposite side of the second opening from the first opening.

In some such configurations, the lip overhangs a passage defined within a pedestal leading to the second opening.

In some such configurations, the liquid containment compartment comprises a first opening that defines an outlet for gases flow out of the liquid containment compartment and a second opening that defines an inlet for gases flow into the liquid containment compartment. The first opening is offset from the second opening such that the first opening is not vertically aligned with the second opening.

In some such configurations, no portion of the first opening is vertically aligned with the second opening.

In some such configurations, the first opening and the second opening are offset from each other in three orthogonal spatial directions.

The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting a statement in this specification and claims that includes "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present technology will now be described with reference to the drawings of a preferred embodiment, which embodiment is intended to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed technology, and in which figures:.

With reference now to <FIG>, a breathing assistance apparatus <NUM> is shown that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present technology. In the illustrated configuration, the breathing assistance apparatus <NUM> is connected to a conduit <NUM> and the conduit <NUM> is connected to a user interface <NUM>, such as a breathing mask or the like. Any suitable user interface <NUM> can be used.

The breathing assistance apparatus <NUM> is configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathing gases to the user through the conduit <NUM> and the user interface <NUM>. Accordingly, the illustrated breathing assistance apparatus <NUM> comprises a flow generator <NUM>, which has been schematically illustrated in <FIG>. The flow generator <NUM> can have any suitable construction. In some configurations, the flow generator <NUM> is a blower that draws ambient air into the breathing assistance apparatus <NUM> and generates the flow of pressurized breathing gases.

The breathing assistance apparatus <NUM> also is configured to humidify the flow of pressurized breathing gases prior to deliver to the user. Accordingly, as illustrated in <FIG>, the illustrated breathing assistance apparatus <NUM> also comprises a humidification chamber <NUM>. The humidification chamber <NUM> can be removable from the breathing assistance apparatus <NUM>. Any suitable construction can be used for the humidification chamber <NUM>. The humidification chamber <NUM> can be configured to contain a volume of liquid, such as water. The flow of pressurized breathing gases can pass over the volume of liquid en route to the user such that the flow of pressurized breathing gases can increase in humidity.

As illustrated, the breathing assistance apparatus <NUM> generally comprises a main body <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the main body <NUM> can comprise an upper housing <NUM> and a lower housing <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> can be secured together in any suitable manner. In some configurations, the bottom of the lower housing <NUM> can be enclosed by a further cover.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> can include an air inlet <NUM> through which the flow generator <NUM> draws air. The flow generator <NUM> can be mounted to or within the lower housing <NUM>. The lower housing <NUM> also can support a heating element <NUM>. The liquid within the humidification chamber <NUM> can be heated through an interaction with the heating element <NUM>. In some configurations, the heating element <NUM> can be a heater plate and the humidification chamber <NUM> can rest on the heater plate. Other configurations are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, the main body <NUM> comprises at least one outer wall <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the main body <NUM> comprises four generally vertical outer walls <NUM>. An upper portion of the at least one wall <NUM> generally defines an opening <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> can be closed with a lid <NUM>. The lid <NUM> can seal the opening <NUM> in some configurations.

The main body <NUM> contains a humidification compartment <NUM> that receives the humidification chamber <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the humidification compartment <NUM> is generally defined within the at least one outer wall <NUM>, the lid <NUM> and a base surface <NUM>. More particularly, in the illustrated configuration, at least one generally vertical inner wall <NUM> defines at least a portion of the humidification compartment <NUM>. Even more particularly, four generally vertical walls, including the at least one generally vertical inner wall <NUM>, largely define the humidification compartment <NUM>.

A liquid containment compartment <NUM> is separated from the humidification compartment <NUM>. According to the present invention, the liquid containment compartment <NUM> limits the travel of liquid that may spill from the humidification chamber <NUM>. The liquid containment compartment <NUM> limits the travel of liquid that may be spilled within the humidification compartment <NUM> and outside of the humidification chamber <NUM>.

The liquid containment compartment <NUM> is positioned within the main body <NUM> of the breathing assistance apparatus <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the liquid containment compartment <NUM> is integrated into the main body <NUM> of the breathing assistance apparatus <NUM>. The liquid containment compartment <NUM> and the flow generator <NUM> both can be integrated into the main body <NUM>. The liquid containment compartment <NUM> is fluidly connected to the flow generator <NUM> and to the humidification compartment <NUM>. In some such configurations, the liquid containment compartment <NUM> is positioned between the flow generator <NUM> and the humidification compartment <NUM>. In some configurations, the liquid containment compartment <NUM> can be positioned between the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> of the main body. In some configurations, the inner wall <NUM> separates the humidification compartment <NUM> from the liquid containment compartment <NUM>.

The liquid containment compartment <NUM> includes two openings. A first opening <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, extends through the inner wall <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> defines a gas inlet for the humidification compartment <NUM> and a gas outlet for the liquid containment compartment <NUM>. Gases flowing through the first opening <NUM> will be received by the humidification chamber <NUM> and will be humidified prior to delivery to the user. In other words, with the lid <NUM> in position and closed, the humidification chamber <NUM> is sealed in position within the humidification compartment <NUM>. Gas passing through the first opening <NUM> will flow into the humidification compartment <NUM>, and from the humidification compartment, the gases will flow into the humidification chamber <NUM> prior to passing out of the breathing assistance apparatus <NUM>.

A second opening <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, defines a gas inlet into the liquid containment compartment <NUM> and a gas outlet for flow from a passage <NUM> leading from the flow generator <NUM>. In one configuration, the first opening <NUM> is in the upper housing <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> is in the lower housing <NUM>. In some configurations, the first opening <NUM> is offset both horizontally and vertically from the second opening. In some configurations, the first opening <NUM> is offset at least horizontally from the second opening <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> (i.e., the first opening <NUM> is to the right of the second opening <NUM>). In some configurations, the first opening <NUM> is completely offset at least horizontally from the second opening <NUM>. In some configurations, the two openings <NUM>, <NUM> are offset in two orthogonal directions (e.g., horizontally and vertically). In some configurations, the two openings <NUM>, <NUM> are offset in three orthogonal directions (horizontally in two orthogonal directions and vertically). Offset positioning of the first opening <NUM> relative to the second opening <NUM> reduces the likelihood of liquids spilling, draining, depositing or otherwise passing through the first opening <NUM> into the liquid containment compartment <NUM> passing further upstream toward the flow generator <NUM> relative to the liquid containment chamber <NUM>. In other words, liquid is unlikely to easily pass through the first opening <NUM> and into the second opening <NUM>. As such, liquid infiltration from the humidification chamber <NUM> toward the flow generator <NUM> can be inhibited.

With reference to now to <FIG>, the liquid containment compartment <NUM> comprises at least a lower wall <NUM>. The lower wall <NUM> can be formed as part of the lower housing <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, a ridge <NUM> can be defined on a portion of the lower housing <NUM>. The illustrated ridge <NUM> can generally encircle a reservoir <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the ridge <NUM> generally surrounds the second opening <NUM>. Other configurations are possible.

With reference again to <FIG>, the second opening <NUM> is vertically higher than the lower wall <NUM>. In some configurations, the second opening <NUM> spans a vertical distance and the lowermost portion of the second opening <NUM> is vertically higher than the lower wall <NUM>. In some configurations, the lower wall <NUM> can span a vertical distance (i.e., not be substantially flat) and the second opening <NUM> is vertically higher than any portion of the lower wall <NUM> that is directly adjacent to the second opening <NUM>.

In the illustrated configuration, the second opening <NUM> is formed atop of a pedestal <NUM>. The pedestal <NUM> can be integrally formed with the lower housing <NUM>. The pedestal <NUM> generally encircles a passage <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. At the upper end of the illustrated pedestal <NUM>, the second opening <NUM> is generally canted such that the upper surface of the illustrated pedestal angles toward the first opening <NUM>. Moreover, with reference to <FIG>, at least an inner surface of the pedestal <NUM> that is furthest from the first opening <NUM> bends toward the first opening <NUM>. The deflected portion of pedestal <NUM> that is generally adjacent the second opening <NUM> forms a lip <NUM>. The lip <NUM> can help to deflect the gases flow toward the general direction of the first opening <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the second opening <NUM> also has a narrowing region <NUM>. The narrowing region <NUM> is disposed closest to the first opening <NUM> in the illustrated configuration. As shown in <FIG>, the narrowing region <NUM> does not extend upward to the same extent as the lip region <NUM>. The lip region <NUM> and/or the narrowing region <NUM> can help tailor and direct the gas flow in a desired manner. Other configurations are possible.

As described above, in some configurations, at least a portion of the liquid containment compartment <NUM> is defined between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, at least a first wall <NUM> and, in some configurations, a second wall <NUM> can cooperate with the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> to define the sides of the liquid containment compartment <NUM>. These walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be integrally formed with the upper housing <NUM>.

The ridge <NUM> can match the configuration of these walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, the ridge <NUM> and these walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> can abut each other. To reduce the likelihood of leaks at the junction of the ridge <NUM> and the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a seal <NUM> can be positioned between the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the seal <NUM> is positioned within a groove <NUM> (see <FIG>). The groove <NUM> may be positioned within the ridge <NUM>. The seal <NUM> can be formed of a more resilient material than the ridge <NUM>. As such, the seal <NUM> can deform upon contact with the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The compression of the seal <NUM> can reduce the likelihood of liquid or gas leaks into or out of the liquid containment compartment <NUM>.

Moreover, in the event of liquid passing through the first opening <NUM> into the liquid containment chamber <NUM>, the liquid will be held within the liquid containment chamber <NUM>. As such, the seal <NUM> between the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> can reduce the likelihood of liquid migration even if the level of liquid within the liquid containment chamber <NUM> exceeds the height of the ridge <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A breathing assistance apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a main body (<NUM>);
a humidification chamber (<NUM>);
a humidification compartment (<NUM>) defined within the main body (<NUM>) and adapted to receive the humidification chamber (<NUM>), the humidification chamber (<NUM>) having a humidification chamber inlet; and
a flow generator (<NUM>) positioned within the main body (<NUM>); characterized in that the breathing assistance apparatus further comprises:
a liquid containment compartment (<NUM>) positioned within the main body (<NUM>), the liquid containment compartment (<NUM>) having a first opening (<NUM>) and being fluidly connected to both the flow generator (<NUM>) and the humidification compartment (<NUM>) such that a gas flow path from the flow generator to the humidification compartment (<NUM>) passes through the liquid containment compartment (<NUM>),
wherein, when the humidification chamber (<NUM>) is received within the humidification compartment (<NUM>), gas passing through the first opening (<NUM>) is configured to flow into the humidification compartment (<NUM>) first and then from the humidification compartment (<NUM>) into the humidification chamber (<NUM>), and
wherein the liquid containment compartment (<NUM>) is configured to limit the travel of liquid spilled from the humidification compartment (<NUM>).