Headgear for patient interface

Abstract

An interface includes a mask. The mask includes a frame and a seal supported by the frame. Headgear is connected to the mask. The interface includes at least one of (i) an adjustment mechanism that can be set to a use length for a loop defined by the mask and the headgear; and (2) a break-fit assembly that can selectively lengthen the loop defined by the mask and the headgear and return to the use length.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mask assembly for supplying breathing gases to a user, the mask assembly comprising:
 a breathing gas supply conduit;   a seal member;   a frame supporting the seal member, the conduit being connected to at least one of the seal member and the frame, the frame comprising first and second lateral sides and first and second headgear connectors disposed on the first and second lateral sides, respectively, the first and second headgear connectors each comprising first ends connected to the first and second lateral sides of the frame, the first and second headgear connectors extending proximally away from the frame in use;   a headgear connected to the frame and extending around a back of a user's head in use, the headgear comprising a strap having first and second ends, the first and second ends each comprising first and second resilient sleeve portions, the first and second resilient sleeve portions comprising first and second passages, respectively, extending over the first and second headgear connectors;   wherein portions of the first and second resilient sleeve portions of the strap each comprise a dimension that is smaller than an outer dimension of the first and second headgear connectors such that during insertion of the first and second headgear connectors into the first and second passages, the portions of the first and second resilient sleeve portions stretch and become tight against the first and second headgear connectors; and   wherein the first and second resilient sleeve portions are configured to tighten against the first and second headgear connectors, respectively, when a tensile force is applied to the first and second resilient sleeve portions in a direction away from the first and second headgear connectors.   
     
     
         2 . The mask assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second headgear connectors are integrated with the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The mask assembly of  claim 1 , wherein portions of the first and second headgear connectors not covered by the resilient sleeve portions comprises a portion ranging from proximal the first end of the first and second headgear connectors to a center of the first and second headgear connectors, respectively. 
     
     
         4 . The mask assembly of  claim 1 , additionally comprising first and second tabs configured to resist withdrawal of the first and second headgear connectors from the first and second resilient sleeve portions, respectively. 
     
     
         5 . The mask assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sleeve portions are configured to be manually manipulatable so as to enlarge the portions of the first and second resilient sleeve portions during withdrawl of the first and second headgear connectors from the first and second resilient sleeve portions, respectively. 
     
     
         6 . The mask assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second resilient sleeve portions further comprise first and second hook-shaped portions configured to connect the headgear with the frame. 
     
     
         7 . The mask assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the first and second hook-shaped portions are hooked shaped when viewed in cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . The mask assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the strap comprises an elastic woven material. 
     
     
         9 . A mask assembly for supplying breathing gases to a user, the mask assembly comprising:
 a seal member;   a frame supporting the seal member, the frame comprising first and second headgear connectors, the first and second headgear connectors being connected to the frame;   a headgear connected to the frame and extending around a back of a user's head in use, the headgear comprising a strap having first and second ends, the first and second ends comprising first and second resilient sleeve portions, the first and second resilient sleeve portions extending over portions of the first and second headgear connectors;   wherein the first and second resilient sleeve portions are configured to tighten against the first and second headgear connectors, respectively, when a tensile force is applied to the first and second resilient sleeve portions in a direction away from the first and second headgear connectors.   
     
     
         10 . The mask assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second resilient sleeve portions comprise a woven material. 
     
     
         11 . The mask assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second headgear connectors are positioned on first and second lateral sides of the frame, the first and second headgear connectors extending proximally toward a user in use. 
     
     
         12 . The mask assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second sleeve portions are configured to be manually manipulatable so as to enlarge the first and second resilient sleeve portions during withdrawl of the first and second headgear connectors from the first and second resilient sleeve portions, respectively. 
     
     
         13 . The mask assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second resilient sleeve portions further comprise first and second hook-shaped terminal ends. 
     
     
         14 . The mask assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second hook-shaped terminal ends are hook shaped when viewed in cross-section, the first and second hook-shaped terminal ends being configured to connect the headgear to the frame. 
     
     
         15 . The mask assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second resilient sleeve portions include first and second passages, respectively, extending over the first and second headgear connectors. 
     
     
         16 . A mask assembly for supplying breathing gases to a user, the mask assembly comprising:
 a seal member;   a frame supporting the seal member, the frame comprising first and second headgear connectors extending from the frame;   a headgear comprising a strap having at least a first resilient sleeve portion, the first resilient sleeve portion extending over a portion of the first headgear connector; and   wherein the first resilient sleeve portion is configured to tighten against outer surfaces of the first headgear connector when a tensile force is applied to the first resilient sleeve portion in a direction away from the first headgear connector.   
     
     
         17 . The mask assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the strap comprises a woven elastic material. 
     
     
         18 . The mask assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the first headgear connector extends from the frame, proximally toward a user in use. 
     
     
         19 . The mask assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the first resilient sleeve portion is configured to engage the first headgear connector in a position leaving a portion of the first headgear connector uncovered by the first resilient sleeve portion. 
     
     
         20 . The mask assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the first resilient sleeve portion further comprises a hook-shaped terminal end having a hook shape when viewed in cross-section, the hook-shaped terminal end being configured to connect the headgear to the frame.