Mask system with snap-fit shroud

Abstract

A shroud for a mask system includes a retaining portion structured to retain a frame, a pair of upper headgear connectors each including an elongated arm and a slot at the free end of the arm adapted to receive a headgear strap, and a pair of lower headgear connectors each adapted to attach to a headgear strap. The retaining portion, the upper headgear connectors, and the lower headgear connectors are integrally formed as a one piece structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mask system, comprising:
 a frame defining a breathing chamber;   a cushion provided to the frame and adapted to form a seal with the patient's face; and   a shroud provided to the frame,   wherein the shroud and the frame are co-molded with one another, the frame being constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the shroud being constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the frame,   and at least a portion of the frame includes a concertina section having a plurality of folds, each of the folds having a side wall with the side walls of the folds becoming progressively longer away from the patient's face.   
     
     
         2 . A mask system according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame is constructed of silicone. 
     
     
         3 . A mask system according to  claim 1 , wherein the shroud is constructed of polycarbonate. 
     
     
         4 . A mask system according to  claim 1 , wherein the concertina section is provided to a nasal bridge region of the frame. 
     
     
         5 . A mask system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cushion is a full-face cushion. 
     
     
         6 . A mask system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexibility of the concertina section is variable. 
     
     
         7 . A mask system according to  claim 6 , wherein the flexibility of the concertina section is variable by varying at least one of a number of folds, a wall thickness of each fold, and a depth of each fold. 
     
     
         8 . A cushion module, comprising:
 a frame defining a breathing chamber; and   a cushion adapted to form a seal with the patient's face,   wherein the frame and the cushion are co-molded with one another, the cushion being constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame being constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the cushion, and at least a portion of the frame includes a concertina section.   
     
     
         9 . A cushion module according to  claim 8 , wherein the concertina section includes a bellows structure with one or more folds. 
     
     
         10 . A cushion module according to  claim 9 , wherein the flexibility of the concertina section is variable. 
     
     
         11 . A cushion module according to  claim 10 , wherein the flexibility of the concertina section is variable by varying at least one of a number of folds, a wall thickness of each fold, and a depth of each fold. 
     
     
         12 . A cushion module according to  claim 8 , wherein the concertina section is provided to a nasal bridge region of the frame. 
     
     
         13 . A cushion module according to  claim 8 , wherein the cushion is a full-face cushion. 
     
     
         14 . A mask system, comprising:
 a shroud; and   a cushion module according to  claim 8  provided to the shroud.   
     
     
         15 . A mask system according to  claim 14 , wherein the shroud includes headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to respective headgear straps of headgear. 
     
     
         16 . A mask system according to  claim 15 , wherein the shroud includes upper and lower headgear connectors on each side of the shroud. 
     
     
         17 . A mask system according to  claim 16 , wherein each upper headgear connector includes an elongated arm and a slot at the free end of the arm adapted to receive a respective headgear strap in use. 
     
     
         18 . A mask system according to  claim 16 , wherein each lower headgear connector includes a clip receptacle adapted to be removably interlocked with a headgear clip associated with a respective headgear strap. 
     
     
         19 . A mask system according to  claim 14 , wherein the shroud includes an open construction that provides an annular retaining portion structured to retain the frame. 
     
     
         20 . A mask system according to  claim 14 , further comprising an elbow adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient.