Respiratory mask assembly

Abstract

An elbow assembly includes an elbow with a first portion adapted to be secured to a mask and a second portion adapted to receive pressurized gas. The first and the second portions have a connection structure allowing selective connection and disconnection between the first and second portions. The connection structure includes a pair of resilient arms provided on one of the first and second portions and a flange provided on the other of the first and second portions. Each of the arms include a claw to lock with the flange. The elbow assembly also includes an anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) assembly provided within the elbow and sandwiched between the first and second portions. The AAV assembly has a movable portion that is movable to a closed position at which the movable portion extends across a gas flow path between the first and second portions and substantially prevents a flow of gas between the first and second portions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An elbow assembly comprising:
 an elbow having a first portion adapted to be secured to a mask and a second portion adapted to receive pressurized gas, the first and the second portions having a connection structure allowing selective connection and disconnection between the first and second portions, the connection structure including a pair of resilient arms provided on one of the first and second portions and a flange provided on the other of the first and second portions, each of the arms including a claw to lock with the flange; and   an anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) assembly provided within the elbow and sandwiched between the first and second portions, the AAV assembly having a movable portion that is movable to a closed position at which the movable portion extends across a gas flow path between the first and second portions and substantially prevents a flow of gas between the first and second portions.   
     
     
         2 . The elbow assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the AAV assembly is separable from both the first and second portions. 
     
     
         3 . The elbow assembly of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the AAV assembly forms an outer wall of the elbow assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The elbow assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the connection structure secures the AAV assembly to the elbow. 
     
     
         5 . The elbow assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the connection structure encloses the AAV assembly. 
     
     
         6 . A respiratory mask assembly configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas to a patient, the respiratory mask assembly comprising:
 a respiratory mask; and   the elbow assembly of  claim 1 , the elbow assembly being removably connected to the respiratory mask.   
     
     
         7 . The respiratory mask assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the respiratory mask comprises:
 a cushion configured to engage the patient's face; and   a frame configured to support the cushion and configured to receive the elbow assembly.   
     
     
         8 . The respiratory mask assembly of  claim 7  further comprising a cushion clip configured to secure the cushion to the frame. 
     
     
         9 . An elbow assembly comprising:
 a first portion adapted to be secured to a mask;   a second portion adapted to receive pressurized gas, the first and the second portions together defining a first flow path;   a connection structure configured to selectively connect the first portion to the second portion;   an opening in a sidewall of the elbow assembly, the opening in the sidewall defining a second flow path; and   an anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) assembly provided within the elbow assembly and sandwiched between the first and second portions, the AAV assembly having a movable portion that is movable to a closed position at which the movable portion extends across the second flow path and substantially prevents a flow of gas through the second flow path.   
     
     
         10 . The elbow assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the connection structure comprises a pair of resilient arms provided on one of the first and second portions and a flange provided on the other of the first and second portions, each of the arms including a claw to lock with the flange. 
     
     
         11 . The elbow assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the opening in the sidewall of the elbow assembly is located in a sidewall of the first portion. 
     
     
         12 . The elbow assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the AAV is configured to be in the closed position when pressurized gas is flowing from the second portion to the first portion through the first flow path. 
     
     
         13 . The elbow assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the AAV assembly is separable from both the first and second portions. 
     
     
         14 . The elbow assembly of  claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of the AAV assembly forms an outer wall of the elbow assembly. 
     
     
         15 . The elbow assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the connection structure secures the AAV assembly to the first and second portions. 
     
     
         16 . The elbow assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the connection structure encloses the AAV assembly. 
     
     
         17 . A respiratory mask assembly configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas to a patient, the respiratory mask assembly comprising:
 a respiratory mask; and   the elbow assembly of  claim 9 , the elbow assembly being removably connected to the respiratory mask.   
     
     
         18 . The respiratory mask assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the respiratory mask comprises:
 a cushion configured to engage the patient's face; and   a frame configured to support the cushion and configured to receive the elbow assembly.   
     
     
         19 . The respiratory mask assembly of  claim 18  further comprising a cushion clip configured to secure the cushion to the frame.