WO2025238522A1

WO2025238522A1 - A conduit assembly comprising a valve, a respiratory mask frame and a mask assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2025238522A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/054968
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Richard TOMLINSON; Mitesh Patel; Xueyan BIAN; Tony William Spear; Paul Mathew Freestone; Matthew Roger Stephenson; Christopher Jaye Norman AMADIO; Thomas Mark Richardson
Original assignee: Fisher and Paykel Healthcare Ltd
Current assignee: Fisher and Paykel Healthcare Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-13
Filing date: 2025-05-13
Publication date: 2025-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-13

Abstract

A breathable gases conduit assembly for transporting breathable gases in a respiratory therapy system is provided. The conduit assembly comprises first and second conduit bodies and a valve. The bodies form a recess in which a valve mount is received to secure the valve mount. The thicknesses of the recess and the valve mount may compress the valve mount. Also disclosed is a respiratory mask frame to support a mask; comprising lateral headgear connector posts onto which a headgear clip of a headgear can be connected. The frame comprises offset frame portions each having a longitudinal axis which intersects with and extends away from the headgear connector post; such that the headgear clip can be moved from the end of the headgear connector post onto the offset frame portion into a release position in which the headgear clip can be disconnected from the frame.

Description

A CONDUIT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A VALVE, A RESPIRATORY MASK FRAME AND A MASK ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conduit assembly comprising a valve. This disclosure relates to a respiratory mask frame. This disclosure relates to a mask assembly. [0002] A conduit assembly to which features of this disclosure can be applied is described in our earlier international patent applications W02023/0277708, PCT/NZ2023/050135 and PCT/IB2023/061626, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. This application claims priority from provisional application US63/646169 filed at the USPTO on 13 May 2024, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Description of Related Art

[0003] It is known to provide a conduit assembly for transporting gases, such as breathable gases. For example, a conduit assembly can comprise a gases flow path configured to deliver breathable gases into a mask assembly of a respiratory therapy system. The mask assembly can comprise a plurality of components, and can sometimes include a mask frame and/or a cushion. If a mask frame is provided, the mask frame can support the cushion.

[0004] Obstructive sleep apnea is commonly treated with the application of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. PAP therapy involves delivering a flow of gas to a patient at a therapeutic pressure above atmospheric pressure that will reduce the frequency and/or duration of apneas, hypopneas, and/or flow limitations. The therapy is often implemented by using a positive airway pressure device to deliver a pressurized stream of air through a conduit assembly to a patient through a mask assembly positioned on the face of the patient. [0005] Typical mask assemblies are configured to provide sealed communication with a user’s airway by sealing around parts of the user’s nose and/or mouth. These mask assemblies are commonly used to provide therapies such as, but not limited to, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP therapy is commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and involves providing a constant supply of pressurized air to a user’s airway. [0006] Such a conduit assembly can be a separate assembly configured to be in fluid communication with a mask assembly. Such a conduit assembly can alternatively comprise part of a mask assembly.

[0007] Such a conduit assembly can comprise a valve to control the flow of gases through the conduit assembly.

[0008] For example, such a conduit assembly when comprising part of a respiratory therapy system can comprise an anti-asphyxia valve configured to close an ambient air inlet when breathable gases are flowing along the gases flow path, but to open the ambient air inlet when breathable gases are not flowing along the gases flow path. When open, the anti-asphyxia valve therefore allows the user the breath ambient air, should the flow of breathable gases stop for any reason, for example such as if the gas flow generator fails, or there is blockage elsewhere in the gases flow path.

[0009] It can be a problem to mount a valve in the conduit assembly in a cost effective and/or reliable manner.

[0010] It can be a problem that unwanted matter becomes trapped in the conduit assembly and/or the valve.

[0011] It can be a problem that such a conduit assembly is difficult to clean and/or that autoclaving is unreliable.

[0012] A need exists to provide a conduit assembly which improves on any one or more of the problems mentioned above; and/ or to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY

[0013] The conduit assemblies described herein have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarised.

[0014] According to an aspect of this disclosure there is provided a conduit assembly comprising a first conduit body and a second conduit body. The first conduit body and the second conduit body each comprise a respective inlet and an outlet. The first conduit body and the second conduit body are configured to be mounted together to provide a gases flow path through the first conduit body and the second conduit body. A valve may be configured to be mounted on the first conduit body and/or the second conduit body such that the valve can open or close or restrict the gases flow path. The valve may comprise a valve mount configured to be positioned between the first conduit body and the second conduit body, when the first conduit body and the second conduit body are mounted together. The valve mount may comprise one or more portions that are compressed, when the first conduit body and the second conduit body are mounted together.

[0015] One of the first conduit body and the second conduit body may be configured to be connected to a mask assembly such that the outlet of the conduit body is in fluid communication with an inlet of the mask assembly. Alternatively one or both of the first conduit body and the second conduit body may comprise part of a mask assembly. One or both of the first conduit body and the second conduit body may comprise an inlet connector of the mask assembly. The conduit assembly may be in the form of an elbow assembly where one of the first conduit body and the second conduit body comprise an elbow in fluid communication with an inlet of the mask assembly.

[0016] The mask assembly may comprise a cushion. The cushion may comprise a proximal face contacting portion, a distal inlet aperture, and a side wall between the proximal face contacting portion and the distal inlet aperture.

[0017] The mask assembly may comprise a frame comprising an inlet opening configured to connect to a source of pressurised gas. The cushion may be mounted on the frame. For example the distal inlet aperture of the cushion may be removably connected to the inlet opening of the frame. The cushion and/or the frame may comprise at least one headgear connector for connection a headgear.

[0018] According to one aspect of this disclosure there is provided a gases conduit assembly comprising: a first conduit body and a second conduit body configured to be mounted together to define a gases flow path through the first conduit body and the second conduit body; a valve comprising a valve mount and a valve member movably mounted on the valve mount; a recess being defined on or by at least one of the first conduit body and the second conduit body; wherein the valve mount is received in the recess to mount the valve mount to the first conduit body and the second conduit body, the valve mount being compressed when the first conduit body and the second conduit body are mounted together. [0019] The valve mount may be fully received in the recess. The valve mount may be partially received in the recess, in other words at least a portion of the valve mount may be received in the recess.

[0020] According to an aspect of this disclosure there is provided a breathable gases conduit assembly for transporting breathable gases in a respiratory therapy system, the conduit assembly comprising: a first conduit body; a second conduit body configured to be fluidly connected to the first conduit body; a valve comprising a valve mount and a valve member movably mounted on the valve mount, the valve member comprising a periphery, the valve mount extending around the periphery of the valve member; the valve mount configured to be mounted between the first conduit body and the second conduit body so that a gases flow path is defined through the valve mount and through the first conduit body and the second conduit body; the valve member being configured to be operative between a closed condition in which the gases flow path is closed or restricted by the valve member and an open condition in which the gases flow is not closed by the valve member; a recess being defined between the first conduit body and the second conduit body when the first conduit body and the second conduit body are fluidly connected together; wherein the valve mount is received in the recess to mount the valve mount to the first conduit body and the second conduit body.

[0021] A breathable gases conduit assembly for transporting breathable gases in a respiratory therapy system, the conduit assembly comprising: a first conduit body; a second conduit body; a valve comprising a valve mount and a valve member movably mounted on the valve mount; the valve mount configured to be mounted between the first conduit body and the second conduit body; a recess being defined between the first conduit body and the second conduit body; wherein the valve mount is received in the recess.

[0022] The valve mount may be compressed when the first conduit body and the second conduit body are mounted together.

[0023] The second conduit body may be a valve body.

[0024] The recess may be elongate.

[0025] The recess may extend around the periphery of the gases flow path.

[0026] The recess and valve mount may be configured such that the valve mount forms a seal between the valve body and the conduit body.

[0027] The recess and the valve mount may be configured such that the valve mount prevents or at least minimises dirt ingress between the valve body and the conduit body.

[0028] The recess may be defined on the first conduit body.

[0029] The recess may be defined on the second conduit body.

[0030] A plurality of recesses may be provided.

[0031] The recess may comprise a first recess formed on the first conduit body, and a second recess formed on the second conduit body.

[0032] Each conduit body may comprise a respective inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening of one conduit body being adjacent the outlet opening of the other conduit body, when the first conduit body and the second conduit body are mounted together.

[0033] The first conduit body may comprise a planar end face in which the inlet opening is formed, the recess being formed in the planar end face.

[0034] The second conduit body may comprise a planar end face configured to mate with the planar end face of the conduit body, the recess being formed in the planar end face of the second conduit body.

[0035] The first and/or second conduit body may comprise a longitudinal axis, wherein the recess extends into the conduit body in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0036] The first and/or second conduit body may comprise an inner wall that provides a gases flow lumen through the conduit body the valve body, the recess being radially spaced from the inner wall.

[0037] The valve mount may be made from a resiliently deformable material. [0038] At least one dimension of the portion of the valve mount that is received in the recess is larger, when in a rest condition before the valve mount is received in the recess, than the corresponding dimension of the recess.

[0039] The at least one dimension may be the height of the valve mount in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0040] The at least one dimension may be the depth of the valve mount in a direction away from the longitudinal axis.

[0041] The valve mount may comprise an elongate wall configured to be received in the or each recess.

[0042] The elongate walls may be configured so as to extend upwardly away from an upper portion of the valve mount and downwardly away from an opposed, lower portion of the valve mount.

[0043] The valve member may comprise a valve flap.

[0044] The periphery of the valve flap may be spaced from valve mount such that a gap is defined between the valve flap and valve mount.

[0045] The valve flap may be integrally mounted on the valve mount such that the valve flap and valve mount comprise a single component.

[0046] The valve flap may comprise a substantially planar flap body, comprising a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface.

[0047] The planar flap body may comprise a thickness being the distance between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface, the planar flap body thickness being less than the maximum thickness of the valve mount.

[0048] The valve flap may comprise a peripheral rim, upstanding from the planar flap body. [0049] The peripheral rim may vary in thickness along its length such that a thicker portion of the peripheral rim projects further from the planar flap body than a thinner portion of the peripheral flap body.

[0050] The valve flap may be movably mounted on the valve mount.

[0051] The valve flap may be pivotally mounted on the valve mount via a pivot.

[0052] The pivot may be formed from a thinned region intermediate the valve flap and the valve mount.

[0053] The thinned region may be thinner than the thickness of the planar flap body.

[0054] The thinned region may be thinner than the valve mount. The thinned region may be thinner than the thickness of the portion of the valve mount received in the or each recess. [0055] The thinned region may be of substantially constant thickness. [0056] The thinned region may comprise one or more reinforcing portions of greater thickness than the remainder of the thinned region.

[0057] The reinforcing portion may be at a distal margin of the thinned region.

[0058] The thicker portion of the peripheral rim may be adjacent the pivot.

[0059] The thicker portion may transition to the thinner portion as the rim extends away from the pivot.

[0060] The valve flap may comprise one or more discrete, raised portions that project away from the planar valve body.

[0061] The valve flap may comprise a reinforcing rib that extends along part of the valve flap, and projects away from the planar upper surface.

[0062] The reinforcing rib may extend across the valve flap from one portion of the peripheral rim to another opposed portion of the peripheral rim.

[0063] One or more locating features may be provided configured to locate the valve mount on one or both of the first conduit body and the second conduit body.

[0064] The one or more locating features may comprise a protrusion on one or more of the valve mount, the first conduit body, and the second conduit body, and a slot on another of the valve mount, conduit body and second conduit body configured to receive the lug as the valve mount is mounted on the first conduit body and the second conduit body.

[0065] The one or more locating features may comprise a plurality of protruding lugs and a plurality of slots.

[0066] The or each protrusion may comprise a pin.

[0067] The or each protrusion may comprise a tab/finger.

[0068] The protrusion may project from a conduit body, with the slot formed in the valve mount.

[0069] The slot may be a blind hole configured to receive part of the protrusion.

[0070] The slot may be a through hole, through which the protrusion extends such that a distal end of the protrusion projects through the through hole.

[0071] The locating features may be provided at the front of the conduit assembly. The locating features may be provided at the rear of the conduit assembly. The locating features may be provided at the side of the conduit assembly.

[0072] At least one conduit body may comprise one or more cross bars configured to extend across the gases flow path, and to engage the valve member and to resist deformation of the valve member in the gases flow path.

[0073] The valve may be an anti-asphyxia valve. [0074] According to another aspect of this disclosure there is provided a breathable gases conduit assembly for transporting breathable gases in a respiratory therapy system, the conduit assembly comprising: a first conduit body; a second conduit body configured to be fluidly connected to the first conduit body; a valve comprising a valve mount and a valve member movably mounted on the valve mount, the valve member comprising a periphery, the valve mount extending around the periphery of the valve member; the valve mount configured to be mounted between the first conduit body and the second conduit body so as to define a gases flow path through the valve mount and through the first conduit body and the second conduit body; the valve member being configured to be operative between a closed condition in which the gases flow path is closed or at least restricted by the valve member and an open condition in which the gases flow is not closed by the valve member; wherein the valve mount comprises opposed upper and lower margins defining a valve mount thickness therebetween, and the valve member comprises opposed upper and lower margins defining a valve member thickness therebetween, wherein the valve mount thickness is greater than the valve member thickness.

[0075] According to another aspect of this disclosure there is provided a breathable gases conduit assembly for transporting breathable gases in a respiratory therapy system, the conduit assembly comprising: a first conduit body; a second conduit body; a valve comprising a valve mount and a valve member movably mounted on the valve mount, the valve member comprising a periphery, the valve mount extending around the periphery of the valve member; wherein the valve mount comprises opposed upper and lower margins defining a valve mount thickness therebetween, and the valve member comprises opposed upper and lower margins defining a valve member thickness therebetween, wherein the valve mount thickness is greater than the valve member thickness.

[0076] The conduit assembly may be in the form of an inlet connector configured to be connected to a gas delivery conduit to deliver breathable gas into the inlet connector.

[0077] The inlet connector may be part of a mask assembly. The inlet connector may be configured to be removably connected to a cushion of the mask assembly. The inlet connector may be configured to be removably connected to a frame of the mask assembly. The inlet connector may comprise an inlet port configured to be connected to a gas delivery conduit. The inlet connector may comprise an outlet port configured to be connected to the cushion.

[0078] According to an aspect of this disclosure there is provided a respiratory mask kit comprising: a) the conduit assembly of any one of the preceding statements; and b) a mask assembly.

[0079] The respiratory mask kit may comprise any one or more of a) a tube connector for connecting a breathing gas delivery tube to the conduit assembly; b) a breathing gas delivery tube.

[0080] According to an aspect of this disclosure there is provided a respiratory therapy system valve configured to be mounted in a gases flow path of the respiratory therapy system; the valve comprising a valve mount and a valve member movably mounted on the valve mount, the valve member comprising a periphery, the valve mount extending around the periphery of the valve member; wherein the valve mount comprises opposed upper and lower margins defining a valve mount thickness therebetween, and the valve member comprises opposed upper and lower margins defining a valve member thickness therebetween, wherein the valve mount thickness is greater than the valve member thickness. [0081] The valve mount may be of circular or oval transverse cross section. The valve member may be of quadrilateral transverse cross section, for example square or rectangular, transverse cross section.

[0082] The valve mount may be made from a resiliently deformable material.

[0083] The valve mount may comprise one or more elongate wall(s).

[0084] The elongate wall(s) may be configured so as to extend upwardly away from an upper portion of the valve mount and downwardly away from an opposed, lower portion of the valve mount.

[0085] The valve member may comprise a valve flap.

[0086] The periphery of the valve flap may be spaced from valve mount such that a gap is defined between the valve flap and valve mount.

[0087] The valve flap may be integrally mounted on the valve mount such that the valve flap and valve mount comprise a single component.

[0088] The valve flap may comprise a substantially planar flap body, comprising a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface.

[0089] The planar flap body may comprise a thickness being the distance between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface, the planar flap body thickness being less than the maximum thickness of the valve mount.

[0090] The planar flap body may be spaced part way between the upper and lower margins of the valve mount, when the planar flap body and valve mount are viewed from the side.

[0091] The valve flap may comprise a peripheral rim, upstanding from the planar flap body. [0092] The peripheral rim may vary in thickness along its length such that a thicker portion of the peripheral rim projects further from the planar flap body than a thinner portion of the peripheral flap body.

[0093] The valve flap may be movably mounted on the valve mount.

[0094] The valve flap may be pivotally mounted on the valve mount via a pivot.

[0095] The pivot may be formed from a thinned region intermediate the valve flap and the valve mount.

[0096] The thinned region may be thinner than the thickness of the planar flap body.

[0097] The thinned region may be thinner than the valve mount. The thinned region may be thinner than the thickness of the portion of the valve mount received in the or each recess. [0098] The thinned region may be of substantially constant thickness.

[0099] The thinned region may comprise one or more reinforcing portions of greater thickness than the remainder of the thinned region. [0100] The reinforcing portion may be at a distal margin of the thinned region.

[0101] The thicker portion of the peripheral rim may be adjacent the pivot.

[0102] The thicker portion may transition to the thinner portion as the rim extends away from the pivot.

[0103] The valve flap may comprise one or more discrete, raised portions that project away from the planar valve body.

[0104] The valve flap may comprise a reinforcing rib that extends along part of the valve flap, and projects away from the planar upper surface.

[0105] The reinforcing rib may extend across the valve flap from one portion of the peripheral rim to another opposed portion of the peripheral rim.

[0106] One or more locating features may be provided configured to locate the valve mount on a conduit body.

[0107] The one or more locating features may comprise a protrusion and/or a slot.

[0108] The one or more locating features may comprise a plurality of protruding lugs and a plurality of slots.

[0109] The or each protrusion may comprise a pin.

[0110] The or each protrusion may comprise a tab/finger.

[OHl] The slot may be a blind hole.

[0112] The slot may be a through hole.

[0113] According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a respiratory mask frame configured to support a mask; the frame comprising: first and second lateral headgear connectors each comprising a headgear connector post onto which a headgear clip of a headgear can be connected, each headgear connector post comprising an end; the frame further comprising first and second offset frame portions each at an end of a respective headgear connector post; wherein the offset frame portion is configured to alter the orientation of the headgear clip relative to the lateral headgear connector as the headgear clip is moved from the headgear connector post and along the offset frame portion, such that the headgear clip can be disconnected from the frame. [0114] According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a respiratory mask frame configured to support a mask; the frame comprising: first and second lateral headgear connectors each comprising a generally upright, in use, headgear connector post onto which a headgear clip of a headgear can be connected, each headgear connector post terminating in an end and having a longitudinal axis; the frame further comprising first and second offset frame portions each at an end of a respective headgear connector post; wherein the offset frame portion has a longitudinal axis which intersects with and extends away from the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post; wherein the headgear clip is in a connected condition when clipped on the headgear connector post; and wherein the headgear clip can be moved from the end of the headgear connector post onto the offset frame portion into a release position in which the headgear clip can be disconnected from the frame.

[0115] The headgear clip may be disconnected from the frame by moving the headgear clip in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post.

[0116] According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a respiratory mask frame configured to support a mask; the frame comprising: a central portion; first and second lateral frame portions extending away from the central portion; first and second offset frame portions, each extending away from a respective first and second lateral frame portion; first and second opposed lateral headgear connectors each extending from respective offset frame portions and each comprising an headgear connector post onto which a headgear clip of a headgear can be connected; each offset frame portion being configured to offset a longitudinal axis of a respective headgear connector post from a longitudinal axis of a respective lateral frame portion. [0117] Each offset frame portion may be configured such that a headgear clip can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post into a position in which the headgear clip can be disconnected from the frame by moving the headgear clip away from the headgear connector post in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post.

[0118] The offset frame portion may be configured such that a longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post does not intersect with a longitudinal axis of a or the lateral frame portion.

[0119] The end portion of the headgear connector post may be a lower end portion.

[0120] The headgear clip may be moved downwardly onto the offset frame portion.

[0121] The offset frame portion may be elongate.

[0122] The offset frame portion may be arcuate or comprise an arcuate portion.

[0123] The offset frame portion may twist along its entire length, or along a portion thereof, about its longitudinal axis.

[0124] The offset frame portion may be of a length which is shorter than the length of the headgear connector post and/or the lateral frame portion.

[0125] The offset frame portion may be of non-uniform transverse cross section along its length. The width and/or height of the offset frame portion in transverse cross section, may vary along its length.

[0126] The frame may comprise any one or more of: a) a central portion; b) one or more lateral frame portions extending laterally away from the central portion; c) an elongate frame member or rail extending across an upper portion of frame. d) an upper frame portion; e) opposed side frame portions; f) a lower frame portion. g) a frame clip, configured to connect the frame to another component of a mask assembly, such as a conduit body for example; h) a frame aperture defined between the upper, side and lower frame portions, and configured such that the cushion is exposed through the frame aperture.

[0127] Each lateral frame portion may terminate in at least one of the headgear connectors onto which a respective headgear clip can be connected. [0128] The frame may comprise at least one guide surface configured to guide the headgear clips, during connection of the headgear clips to the headgear connectors, toward a respective headgear connector.

[0129] The guide surface may extend along a lateral frame portion. The guide surface may be of narrower transverse cross section than the lateral frame portion. The guide surface may comprise an outer surface, when viewed in transverse cross section, which is arcuate or comprises an arcuate portion. The guide surface may comprise an inner surface, when viewed in transverse cross section, which is straight or comprises a straight portion.

[0130] Each headgear connector post may comprise a lower end and an upper end, the longitudinal axis extending between the lower end and the upper end; wherein the lower end of each headgear connector post extends from a respective distal end of the lateral frame portions; wherein the upper end of each headgear connector post transitions to a top rail of the frame; and wherein one or more of the headgear connector posts comprises one or more antirotation features configured to resist and/or limit rotation of the headgear clip relative to the headgear connector post, about the longitudinal axis of the headgear post.

[0131] The or each anti-rotation feature may comprise a protrusion which protrudes from the headgear connector post. The protrusion may protrude radially outwardly away from the headgear connector post.

[0132] Each headgear connector post may comprise an anti-rotation feature, such as a protrusion. Alternatively, only one of the headgear connectors may comprise such a feature. [0133] The frame may comprise a pair of lower headgear connectors and a pair of upper headgear connectors, wherein each lower headgear connector may comprise a respective antirotation feature, whereas each upper headgear connector may not comprise a respective antirotation feature, or vice versa.

[0134] Each headgear connector post may comprise a lower end and an upper end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the lower end and the upper end; wherein the lower end of each headgear connector post extends from a respective distal end of the lateral frame portions wherein the upper end of each headgear connector post transitions to a top rail of the frame; wherein the frame further comprises one or more abutments against which a headgear clip can abut to resist and/or limit rotation of the headgear clip relative to the headgear connector post, about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the headgear post.

[0135] The abutment(s) may be configured to limit movement of the headgear clip along the headgear connector post.

[0136] The abutment(s) may be configured to retain the headgear clip against the headgear post.

[0137] The abutment may be provided at an upper end of a headgear connector post, to limit upward movement of a headgear clip relative to the frame.

[0138] The abutment may be adjacent the top rail of the frame.

[0139] The abutment may be provided on an outwardly projecting portion of the frame, for example on a wing or finger that projects from the frame.

[0140] The abutment can comprise a notch.

[0141] The notch may comprise a concave face against which the headgear clip abuts, the concave face serving to help locate and retain the headgear clip against the notch, to prevent or resist the headgear clip slipping past the notch if continued force is applied to the headgear clip.

[0142] According to an aspect of this disclosure there is provided a mask assembly comprising: a) a mask frame according to any of the above statements; and b) a headgear clip.

[0143] The mask assembly may comprise a cushion with a proximal face contacting portion, a distal inlet aperture, and a side wall between the proximal face contacting portion and the distal inlet aperture.

[0144] The side wall may comprise a proximal portion adjacent the face contacting portion and a distal portion distal from the face contacting portion, the frame being configured to overlap the proximal portion of the cushion side wall and to expose the distal portion of the cushion side wall. [0145] According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a respiratory mask frame configured to support a mask; the frame comprising: a central portion; first and second lateral frame portions extending away from the central portion, each lateral frame portion comprising a distal end; first and second lateral headgear connectors configured to be connected to headgear clips of a headgear, each headgear connector comprising an headgear connector post onto which the headgear clip can be connected, each headgear connector post comprising a lower end and an upper end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the lower end and the upper end; wherein the lower end of each headgear connector post extends from a distal end of a respective lateral frame portion; wherein the upper end of each headgear connector post transitions to a top rail of the frame; and wherein one or more of the headgear connector posts comprises one or more antirotation features configured to resist and/or limit rotation of one of the headgear clips relative to the headgear connector post, about the longitudinal axis of the headgear post.

[0146] The or each anti-rotation feature may comprise a protrusion which protrudes from the headgear connector post. The protrusion may protrude radially outwardly away from the headgear connector post.

[0147] Each headgear connector post may comprise an anti-rotation feature, such as a protrusion. Alternatively, only one of the headgear connectors may comprise such a feature. For example, the frame may comprise a pair of lower headgear connectors and a pair of upper headgear connectors, wherein each lower headgear connector may comprise a respective antirotation feature, whereas each upper headgear connector may not comprise a respective antirotation feature, or vice versa.

[0148] According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a respiratory mask frame configured to support a mask; the frame comprising: a central portion; first and second lateral frame portions extending away from the central portion, each lateral frame portion comprising a distal end; first and second lateral headgear connectors configured to be connected to headgear clips of a headgear, each headgear connector comprising an headgear connector post onto which the headgear clip can be connected , each headgear connector post comprising a lower end and an upper end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the lower end and the upper end; wherein the lower end of each headgear connector post extends from a distal end of a respective lateral frame portion; wherein the upper end of each headgear connector post transitions to a top rail of the frame; wherein the frame further comprises one or more abutments against which a headgear clip can abut to resist and/or limit rotation of one of the headgear clips relative to the headgear connector post, about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the headgear post.

[0149] The abutment(s) may be configured to limit movement of the headgear clip along the headgear connector post.

[0150] The abutment(s) may be configured to retain the headgear clip against the headgear post.

[0151] The abutment may be provided at an upper end of a headgear connector post, to limit upward movement of a headgear clip relative to the frame.

[0152] The abutment may be adjacent the top rail of the frame.

[0153] The abutment may be provided on an outwardly projecting portion of the frame, for example on a wing or finger that projects from the frame.

[0154] The abutment can comprise a notch.

[0155] The notch may comprise a concave face against which the headgear clip abuts, the concave face serving to help locate and retain the headgear clip against the notch, to prevent or resist the headgear clip slipping past the notch if continued force is applied to the headgear clip.

[0156] A headgear assembly may be provided for use with the respiratory mask frame.

[0157] The headgear assembly may comprise a strap assembly including at least a pair of opposing side straps, and/or a rear strap or panel, and/or a crown strap.

[0158] The pair of opposing side straps may be a pair of opposing upper side straps; the headgear assembly further comprising a pair of opposing lower side straps.

[0159] A free end of each of the upper straps may be configured to be connected to the mask frame, and a free end of each of the lower side straps is configured to be connected to the headgear clips.

[0160] According to another aspect of this disclosure there is provided a mask assembly comprising the breathing gases conduit assembly of any one of the above statements; and any one or more of: a) a frame; b) a cushion; c) a breathing gas delivery tube; d) headgear.

[0161] According to another aspect of this disclosure there is provided a mask assembly comprising the respiratory mask frame of any one of the above statements; and any one or more of: a) a cushion; b) a breathing gas delivery tube; c) headgear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0162] Throughout the drawings, reference numbers can be reused to indicate general correspondence between reference elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0163] Figure l is a schematic view of a conduit assembly in accordance with this disclosure. [0164] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a conduit assembly in accordance with this disclosure, comprising an anti-asphyxia valve, the anti-asphyxia valve comprising a valve member and a valve body.

[0165] Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of the valve member of Figure 2.

[0166] Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the valve member of Figure 2.

[0167] Figure 5 is a plan view of the valve member of Figures 2 to 4 from above.

[0168] Figure 6 is a plan view of the valve member of Figures 2 to 4 from below.

[0169] Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line A-A of Figure 5.

[0170] Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line B-B of Figure 5.

[0171] Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line C-C of Figure 5.

[0172] Figures 10a and 10b are schematic side views respectively of the conduit body and valve body in pre-assembled and post-assembled conditions.

[0173] Figures Ila and 11b are schematic side views respectively of the conduit body, valve member, and valve body in pre-assembled and post-assembled conditions.

[0174] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a mask assembly comprising a conduit assembly in accordance with this disclosure.

[0175] Figure 13 is an exploded view corresponding to Figure 12.

[0176] Figure 14 is a side view of the conduit assembly of Figures 12 and 13.

[0177] Figure 15 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line D-D of Figure 14.

[0178] Figure 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line E-E of Figure 5.

[0179] Figure 17 is a perspective view from the rear and below of the conduit assembly of Figures 12 to 14.

[0180] Figure 18 is an exploded view from the front and below of the conduit body, valve member and valve body of Figures 12 to 14.

[0181] Figure 19 is a rear view of the conduit body, valve member and valve body of Figures 12 to 14.

[0182] Figure 20 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line F-F of Figure 19.

[0183] Figure 21 is a rear view of a first modified conduit body.

[0184] Figure 22 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line G-G of Figure 21.

[0185] Figure 23 is a view from above of the modified conduit body of Figure 21.

[0186] Figures 24 and 25 are enlarged views of a second modified conduit body and valve member, with Figure 24 showing some hidden features in phantom line, for clarity.

[0187] Figure 26 is a rear view of a third modified conduit body and valve body, Figure 27 is an enlarged sectional view of an interface between the conduit body and the valve body, and Figure 28 is an enlarged view from above of part of the valve body. Figure 26 shows some hidden features in phantom line, for clarity.

[0188] Figure 29 is a rear view of a fourth modified conduit body and valve body, and Figures 30 and 31 are enlarged views of an interface between the conduit body and the valve body.

[0189] Figure 32 is an exploded view of a fifth modified conduit body and valve body.

[0190] Figure 33 is a rear view corresponding to Figure 32.

[0191] Figure 34 is a perspective view from the rear of a conduit body and a modified valve body.

[0192] Figure 35 is a perspective view from above of another modified valve member.

[0193] Figure 36 is an enlarged perspective from the rear of a modified conduit body.

[0194] Figure 37 is a part sectional view of the modified conduit body of Figure 36, showing the valve member in first and second positions, movement of the valve member between the first and second positions being indicated by the arrow.

[0195] Figure 38 is a front view of a modified frame of the mask assembly of Figures 12 and 13.

[0196] Figure 39 is a plan view of the frame of Figure 38.

[0197] Figure 40 is a view from below of the frame of Figure 38.

[0198] Figure 41 is a side view of the frame of Figure 38.

[0199] Figure 42 is a rear view of the frame of Figure 38.

[0200] Figure 43 is a perspective view from the front and below of a conduit body in accordance with this disclosure.

[0201] Figure 44 is a front view of the conduit body of Figure 43.

[0202] Figure 45 is a side view of the conduit body of Figure 43.

[0203] Figure 46 is a perspective view from the front and above of the conduit body of Figure 43.

[0204] Figure 47 is an enlarged front view of part of the mask assembly of Figures 12 and 13.

[0205] Figure 48 is an enlarged exploded front view of the mask assembly of Figures 12 and 13.

[0206] Figure 49 is a perspective view from the side of the frame of Figure 38 and a headgear clip mounted on the frame.

[0207] Figure 50 is an enlarged plan view of the headgear clip and part of the frame of Figure 49. [0208] Figure 51 is an enlarged view from the front of a lateral part of the frame of Figure 38.

[0209] Figure 52 is a view from the front of the headgear clip and a lateral part of the frame of Figure 49.

[0210] Figure 53 is an enlarged view from below of the headgear clip and part of the frame of Figure 49 with the headgear clip in a first position relative to the frame.

[0211] Figure 54 is view from below of the headgear clip and part of the frame of Figure 53, with the headgear clip in the first position.

[0212] Figure 55 is an enlarged view from below of the headgear clip and part of the frame of Figure 49, with the headgear clip in a second position relative to the frame.

[0213] Figure 56 is an enlarged, part sectional view of part of the frame of Figure 38.

[0214] Figure 57 is a schematic side view of a valve mount and valve member in accordance with this disclosure.

[0215] Figure 58 is a schematic side view of a valve mount and valve member in accordance with this disclosure.

[0216] Figure 59 is a schematic side view of a valve mount and valve member in accordance with this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0217] Embodiments of conduit assemblies, components and methods of assembly and manufacture will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like or similar elements throughout. Although several embodiments, examples and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosures described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples and illustrations, and can include other uses of the disclosures and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the disclosures. In addition, embodiments of the disclosures can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the disclosures herein described. It is envisaged that one or more features of an embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment. [0218] With initial reference to Figure 1, there is provided a conduit assembly 1 comprising a first conduit body 3, a valve 4, and a second conduit body 7. Valve 4 comprises a valve mount 31 and a movable valve member 5. The first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 are configured to be mounted together, with the valve 4 located between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7.

[0219] The first conduit body 3 may be permanently mounted on the second conduit body 7. The first conduit body 3 may be releasably mounted on the second conduit body 7. The first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 may be mounted together using any one or more of: a) adhesive; b) ultrasonic welding; c) overmoulding; d) a snap fit connection; e) an interference fit.

[0220] The conduit assembly 1 forms a gases flow path GF through the first and second conduit members 3, 7, and through the valve 4.

[0221] The conduit assembly 1 could form a breathable gases flow path configured to deliver breathable gases to a user, when the conduit assembly 1 is used with, or comprises part of, a respiratory therapy apparatus.

[0222] The conduit assembly 1 could be configured to be fluidly connected to a mask assembly, or could be an integral or removable part of a mask assembly.

[0223] The conduit assembly 1 could be configured to be fluidly connected to a breathing circuit of a respiratory therapy system, or could comprise an integral or removable part of a breathing circuit.

[0224] The first conduit body 3 comprises an inlet opening 9 and an outlet opening 11, and a gases flow lumen extending between the openings 9 and 11.

[0225] The second conduit body 7, which in this example is a valve body, also comprises an inlet opening 10 and an outlet opening 12. The second conduit body 7 is configured to be mounted on the first conduit body 3 with the outlet opening 12 adjacent the inlet opening 9, such that the gases flow path extends through the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7.

[0226] The valve member 5 is located between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 and extends across the gases flow path, such that the valve member 5 can open and close, or at least restrict, the gases flow path adjacent the inlet opening 9. The valve member 5 is movable between: a) an open position in which the valve member 5 does not close the gases flow path such that gases can flow through the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7; and b) a closed position in which the valve member 5 closes the gases flow path.

[0227] The first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 may comprise any tube, such as a breathing gas delivery tube of a respiratory apparatus.

[0228] However, with reference to Figure 2, a first conduit body 3 will now be described, by way of example, which forms an inlet connector of a mask, and a second conduit body 7 will be described which forms a valve body.

[0229] With reference to Figure 2, 12 and 13, a mask assembly 12 is provided comprising a frame 13, a cushion 15, and a conduit assembly 1 which functions as an inlet connector. The mask assembly 12 is connected to a breathing gas delivery conduit 19 via the conduit assembly 1. The cushion 15 may comprise a proximal face contacting portion 15 A, a distal inlet aperture 6, and a side wall 8 between the proximal face contacting portion 15A and the distal inlet aperture 6. The frame 13 supports the cushion 15. The frame 13 may be configured to overlap the proximal face contacting portion 4 of the cushion side wall 8 and to expose a distal portion of the cushion side wall 8.

[0230] As noted above, the first conduit body 3 can take any hollow form, for example a tubular form, depending on where it is used within the respiratory therapy apparatus. The gases flow path through the first conduit body 3, and through the second conduit body 5, may be of circular transverse cross section, or may be of another shape transverse cross section, such as oval for example.

[0231] However, one example of the first conduit body 3 in the form of part of an inlet connector, which can best be seen in Figure 2.

[0232] First conduit body 3 comprises a distal, lower inlet opening 9, and a proximal, rearwardly directed outlet opening 11. The first conduit body 3 may be configured to be mounted on the frame 13. [0233] With further reference to Figures 38 to 42, a central portion 16 of the frame 13 comprises a frame clip 18 that is configured to mount the frame 13 onto the first conduit body 3. The central portion 16 is therefore a central connection portion of the frame 3. An inlet opening 20 in the central connection portion of the frame 13 is defined by the internal walls of the frame clip 18, the central connection portion extending part way around the inlet opening 20.

[0234] In this embodiment the frame clip 18 comprises front 22 and side 24 walls that extends around the front and sides of the opening 20. The side walls 24 terminate towards the rear to leave a mouth 26 at the rear of the opening 20, defined between opposed spaced apart ends 28 of the side walls 22 of the frame clip 18, such that the opening 20 is not bound completely by the frame clip 18.

[0235] The mouth 26 allows the side walls 24 of the frame clip 18 to resiliently deform during assembly of the first conduit body 3 on the frame 13. The frame clip 18 resiliently expands during mounting of the mask frame 13 onto the remainder of the mask assembly, and then contracts around the first conduit body 3 when the first conduit body 3 is fully received in the opening 20.

[0236] The frame 13 may not be connected to the first conduit body 3 and cushion 15 at any other location, other than at the frame clip 18, namely at the central connection portion. In use, the headgear provides tension through the frame 13, encouraging the frame clip 18 to remain secured to the first conduit body 3. Consequently, the frame 13 can be removed, as a single component, from the remainder of the mask assembly, by expanding the frame clip 18, increasing the size of the opening 20, such that the frame clip 18 disengages the first conduit body 3.

[0237] The frame clip 18 may comprise one or more anti -rotation and/or guide surfaces configured to resist rotation of the frame 13 relative to the mask assembly. For example, the front and/or side walls 22, 24 of the frame clip 18 may be straight or flat, or comprise one or more straight or flat portions. This may help resist or prevent relative rotation between the mask frame 13 and the first conduit body 3. The frame clip 18 in this embodiment, comprises at least one non-circular wall portion 30 that engages with a corresponding noncircular, for example straight, portion of the first conduit body 3.

[0238] With continued reference to Figures 38 to 42, the frame 13 comprises lateral frame portions comprising lateral arms 34 which extend, as elongate side frame elements, outwardly from the sides of the lower, central portion 16 in a generally horizontal direction. The lateral arms 34 are inclined upwardly relative to the axis 36 of the inlet opening 20, when the frame 13 is viewed from the front and side.

[0239] The frame 13 comprises a pair of first headgear connectors being lower headgear connectors 36, and a pair of second headgear connectors being upper headgear connectors 38. [0240] The distal ends of the lateral arms 34 terminate in the pair of lower headgear connectors 36.

[0241] The pair of upper headgear connectors 38, extend from, and are above, the lower headgear connectors 36.

[0242] Headgear clips 60, see for example Figures 49 and 50, connected to headgear straps (not shown) are configured to be connected to the lower headgear connectors 36, to connect the headgear straps to the frame 13.

[0243] Headgear clips 60 may also be provided to connect headgear straps to the upper headgear connectors 38.

[0244] Alternatively, the headgear straps may connect directly to the upper headgear connectors 38.

[0245] The frame 3 therefore comprises a pair of laterally spaced lower headgear connectors 36 and a pair of laterally spaced upper headgear connectors 38. Each headgear connector 36, 38 is configured to be connected to a respective headgear strap of headgear (not shown). The lower headgear connectors 36 comprise the widest parts of the frame 13, when the frame 13 is viewed from the front.

[0246] The upper ends of the pair of upper headgear connectors 38 are connected via end regions of a connecting frame member in the form of an upper frame portion 40 comprising an arcuate elongate frame rail that comprises the upper most part of the frame 13. The central portion 16, lateral arms 34, headgear connectors 36, 38 and upper frame portion 40 form a frame ring inside of which is defined a closed, frame aperture 42 through which the cushion 15 is exposed.

[0247] The central portion 16 may be relatively rigid. The lateral arms 34 and/or the upper frame portion 40 may be relatively flexible.

[0248] The connecting frame member 40 may be inclined forwardly, such that when viewed from the side, an acute angle is formed between the lateral arms 34 and the connecting frame member 40. For example, a longitudinal axis of the connecting frame member 40 may be inclined at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the adjacent lateral arm 34. The acute angle may be between 10° and 80°, or between 20° and 65°, and in some embodiments is substantially 45°. The connecting frame member 40 connects the lateral arms 34 at a position above and behind the central portion 16. The connecting frame member 40 extends over an upper portion of the cushion 15. The connecting frame member 40 is integral with the lateral arms 34.

[0249] The lateral arms 34 may each twist along their length, that is about a longitudinal axis extending along each arm 34. Such twisting can help enable the lower headgear connectors 36 to be correctly orientated relative to the remainder of the frame 13. The central portion 11, and the opening 13 provided in the central portion 11 of the frame, are therefore intermediate the pair of lateral arms 34, at a lowermost part of the mask frame 13.

[0250] The outlet opening 11 of first conduit body 3 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the cushion 15, for example by being received in, connected to or mounted on a rigid ring 27 of the cushion 15. When so positioned, the conduit assembly 1, formed from the first and second conduit bodies 3, 7, forms a breathing gases flow path between the breathing gases delivery conduit 19 and the cavity inside the cushion 15, via the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7.

[0251] The conduit assembly 1 may advantageously combine a number of gas flow features into a single, relatively compact, assembly.

[0252] For example, the conduit assembly 1 may comprise: a) a downwardly directed inlet opening 10 (of the second conduit body 7), the inlet opening 10 being configured to receive breathable gas from the conduit 19; b) a rearwardly directed outlet opening 11 (of the first conduit body 3) for connection to the cushion 15, the outlet opening 11 being in fluid communication with the internal cavity defined by cushion 15; c) one or more bias vent holes 27, for example a plurality of vent holes 27 provided in one or more vent hole arrays 32; d) a valve 4 which in this example may be an anti-asphyxia valve. In this embodiment the valve 4 comprises a valve body 7 (being second conduit body 7), and a valve member 5 movably mounted adjacent the inlet opening 9 of the first conduit body 3. The valve member 5 comprises a planar valve flap 29 movably, for example pivotally, mounted on a planar valve mount 31 ; e) a diffuser 33. Diffuser 33 may comprise a body of diffuser material that covers the vent holes 27, so as to diffuse any gases flow from those vent holes 27. The diffuser material may be permanently mounted on the first conduit body 3, for example via adhesive or overmoulding, or could be removably mounted on the conduit body 3, for example via a rigid diffuser frame 35 that clips onto the conduit body 1; f) a filter (not shown) configured to filter exhaled gases for example.

[0253] The conduit assembly 1 may therefore be multi-functional, and may comprise all the gas flow features required for the mask assembly 12 to function. The conduit assembly 1 may comprise any one or more of: the connection to the breathing gas delivery conduit 19, the breathing gas flow path from the conduit 19 to the interior cavity of the cushion 15, bias flow vent holes, an anti-asphyxia valve, and a diffuser.

[0254] With reference to Figure 2, the second conduit body 7 may be a relatively short conduit which defines part of the gases flow path. The outlet end of the second conduit body 7 is configured to be mounted on the inlet end of the first conduit body 3, namely at inlet opening 9, such that the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 together form a gases flow path into the cushion 15.

[0255] The valve 4 is configured to be mounted between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7, such that the valve mount 31 is sandwiched between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7.

[0256] With additional reference to Figures 3 to 9, the valve 4 comprises a peripheral valve mount 31, and a valve member comprising a substantially planar valve flap 29 movably, in this case pivotally, mounted to the valve mount 31. The peripheral valve mount 31 is mounted on and located between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7. When so mounted, the valve flap 29 extends across the gases flow path, and when in the closed position shown in Figures 2 to 9, substantially occludes the gases flow path.

[0257] The peripheral valve mount 31 comprises a peripheral ring in the form of a peripheral wall 37 which extends around the entire periphery of the valve flap 29.

[0258] With reference to Figures 7 to 9, and 57 to 59, the peripheral wall 37 comprises a radially outer wall portion 39 which has a height ‘FI’ when viewed in transverse cross section. The outer wall portion 39 is of substantially uniform height along its entire length. Height H defines the thickness of the valve mount 31 between a lower margin 98 and an upper margin 100 of the valve mount 31. The lower margin 98 and upper margin 100 define the lowermost and uppermost extent of the valve mount 31, when the valve mount 31 is viewed from the side, for example when viewed along a pivot axis of the valve flap 29. [0259] The peripheral wall 37 further comprises a radially inner wall portion 41 that extends radially inwardly from the outer wall portion 39. The height h of the radially inner wall portion 41 is less than the height H of the outer wall portion 39.

[0260] The valve flap 29 is pivotally mounted to part of the inner wall portion 41 via a pivot formed by a thinned region 43. Thinned region 43 extends between the inner wall portion 41 and a proximal end of the valve flap 29. Thinned region 43 is thinner, when viewed in transverse cross section, than the inner wall portion 41, and is thinner than the valve flap 29. Thinned region 43 bends in use, such that the valve flap 29 can pivot relative to the peripheral wall 37.

[0261] Thinned region 43 may comprise one or more reinforcing portions 45 configured to reinforce the thinned region, so as to resist tearing of the thinned region 43. The one or more reinforcing region(s) 45 may each comprise a region of thickened material. The thinned region 43 may comprise a pair of opposed, elongate reinforcing regions 45, each extending along a respective edge margin of the thinned region 43, between the peripheral wall 37 and valve flap 29.

[0262] Outer wall portion 39 is substantially oblong in transverse cross section. This can also be seen schematically in Figure 58. However, with reference to Figures 57 and 59, outer wall portion 39 may other shapes in transverse cross section, such as circular or oval, for example.

[0263] As can best be seen in Figures 8 and 57 to 59, the valve flap 29 is substantially planar and comprises, in transverse cross section, a height ‘T’. Height T defines the thickness of the valve flap 29 between lower margin 102 and upper margin 104 of the valve flap 29. The lower margin 102 and upper margin 104 define the lowermost and uppermost extent of the valve mount 31.

[0264] Height ‘T’ is less than Height ‘H’ of the outer wall portion 39.

[0265] The valve flap 29 comprises an upper planar surface 47 and a lower planar surface 49.

[0266] The valve flap 29 comprises an upper peripheral rim 51 upstanding from the upper planar surface 47, and which extends around the periphery of the valve flap 29. The peripheral rim 51 is relatively tall adjacent the thinned region 43, that is adjacent the pivot, and relatively short distal the thinned region 43. The peripheral rim 51 tapers downwardly as the rim 51 extends away from the thinned region 43, such that the rim 51 is shortest at a position distal the thinned region 43. When viewed from the side, that is along the pivot axis of the flap 29, the upper sealing surface 50 of the peripheral rim 51 inclines downwardly towards the distal end of the valve flap 29. The tapered upper peripheral rim 51 can improve the seal with the wall surrounding a valve opening 50 in the conduit body 3 when the valve flap 29 is in an open position, namely a position in which the valve flap 29 does not occlude the gases flow path through the conduit body 3.

[0267] The valve flap 29 comprises a lower peripheral rim 53 which depends from the lower planar surface 47, and which extends around the periphery of the valve flap 29. The lower peripheral rim 53 is of substantially constant height and thickness along its length.

[0268] The valve flap 29 may further comprise one or more raised portions 55 depending from the lower planar surface 48. The raised portion(s) 55 may help to reduce pinholes in the valve flap 9 at the injection moulding gate, during manufacture.

[0269] With additional reference to Figures 10, 11 and 15, the valve mount 31, and in particular the outer wall portion 39, is mounted on the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7.

[0270] At least one of the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 is provided with an elongate recess configured to receive a portion of the valve mount 31, to mount the valve mount 31. With reference to Figures 10a, 10b, I la and 1 lb, the elongate recess is defined by both the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7.

[0271] With reference to Figures 10a, 10b, I la and 1 lb, each of the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 are provided with a respective recess 55, 57. Recess 55 is located at the inlet end of the first conduit body 3, and extends around the inlet opening 9 at one end of the first conduit body 3. Recess 55 is radially outwardly spaced from the gases flow path through the first conduit body 3, and comprises a width wi and a height ci. Recess 57 is provided at the outlet end of the second conduit body 7, and extends around and is radially outwardly spaced from, the gases flow path through the second conduit body 7. Recess 57 comprises a width W2 and a height C2. Each recess 55, 57 is defined by three walls and a mouth. The three walls define an enclosed space, with the mouth forming an entrance to the enclosed space. For example, the recess 55 comprises two side walls and an upper wall, the mouth being lowermost and defined between the side walls. The recess 57 comprises two side walls and a lower wall, the mouth being uppermost and defined between the side walls. [0272] With reference to Figure 10b), when the conduit body 3 and the valve body 7 are mounted together, the recesses 55, 57 define a total height ‘c’. Total recess height c is less than the height H of the outer wall portion 39 of the valve mount 31.

[0273] Radially inward opposed surfaces 59, 61 of the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 adjacent the recesses 55, 55, define a height ‘d’. Height d may be less than the height h of the inner wall portion 41 of the valve mount 31. [0274] With reference to Figure 11, during assembly the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 are initially spaced apart, in a direction along the gases flow path, as can be seen in Figures 10a) and I la). The valve mount 31 is positioned between the opposed ends of the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7. The outer wall 39 is radially aligned with the recesses 55, 57, as can best be seen in Figure I la).

[0275] The first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 are then moved together in the direction of the arrows A, towards the valve mount 31. The outer wall portion 39 is received in the recesses 55, 57. The first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 continue to move towards one another until the radially opposed surfaces 59, 61 contact the inner wall portion 41.

[0276] The final position can be seen with reference to Figures 1 lb), and 15. In this final position, the outer wall portion 39 is compressed between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7, because the total height c of the recesses 55, 57 is less than the height H of the outer wall portion 39. The inner wall portion 41 may also be compressed, if the height d between the radially opposed surfaces 59, 61, is less than the height h of the inner wall portion 41. Consequently, any gap between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 is filled, or at least minimised, by the valve mount 31. This prevents, or at least reduces, the ingress and/or retention of unwanted matter at the joint between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7. Compression of at least the outer wall portion 39 may also serve to form a seal between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7.

[0277] When so mounted, the inner wall portion 41 projects radially inwardly of the inner walls of the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7, into the gases flow path. This can also assist in preventing or minimising dirt traps between the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7.

[0278] In the above, a recess is described comprising a first recess 55 in the first conduit body 3 and a second recess 57 in the second conduit body 7. It is envisaged that a single recess could be provided, namely either recess 55 or recess 57.

[0279] One or more locating features may be provided to assist in correctly locating the valve mount 31 with one or both of the conduit body 3 and valve body 7.

[0280] The one or more locating features may comprise one or more protrusions on one or more of the valve mount 31, the first conduit body 3, and the second conduit body 7, and one or more slot on one or more of the valve mount 31, the first conduit body 3, and the second conduit body 7. The one or more slots are configured to receive the one or more protrusions as the valve mount 31 is mounted on the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7, that is, as the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 are moved together.

[0281] With reference to Figures 5, 16 and 17, the valve mount 31 may comprise a pair of locating features comprising laterally spaced apart slots 61 adjacent the thinned region 43. The slots 61 are configured to receive locating features comprising respective protrusions in the form of a pair of laterally spaced apart lugs 63 depending from the first conduit body 3, adjacent the inlet opening 9. The slots 61 are blind holes in this example. The engagement between the slots 61 and lugs 63 help to align the valve mount 31 with the conduit body 3 during assembly, and may additionally assist in retaining the valve mount 31 in the correct position relative to the conduit body 3 once assembled.

[0282] With reference to Figures 5, 17 to 20, the locating features may comprise a centrally located pin 65 depending from the first conduit body 3 adjacent the inlet opening 9, that is received in a locating feature comprising a channel 66 formed in the outer surface of the outer wall portion 39 of the valve mount 31.

[0283] With reference to Figures 21 to 23, the valve mount 31 comprises a locating feature in the form of a through slot 67. The pin 65 of the conduit body 3 extends into and through the slot 67, such that the distal end of the pin 65 engages the second conduit body 7, and in particular is received in a locating feature comprising a socket 69 formed in the second conduit body 7. Consequently, the locating features function to align all three of the first conduit body 3, the second conduit body 7 and valve mount 31 during assembly. When viewed along the gases flow path, the locating features are laterally offset from a notional centre plane of the conduit assembly 1. This offset helps to ensure that the valve member 31 cannot be inverted during assembly and assembled upside down.

[0284] With reference to Figures 24 and 25, locating features are provided at the front of the conduit assembly 1, comprising a downwardly directed tab 71 depending from the first conduit body 3, adjacent inlet opening 9, that is received in a corresponding slot 73 formed in the second conduit body 7, thus aligning the first conduit body 3 with the second conduit body 7.

[0285] With reference to Figures 26 to 28 a similar arrangement is provided, but in which the tab 71 is upwardly directed and provided on the second conduit body 7, the slot 73 being on the first conduit body 3.

[0286] With reference to Figures 29 to 31 a similar arrangement is provided to that of Figures 24 and 25, except that slot 73 is replaced by an indent 75 on the outer surface of the second conduit 7, the indent 75 receiving and engaging the downwardly directed tab 71. [0287] With reference to Figures 32 and 33 a similar arrangement is provided to that of Figures 29 to 31, except that the tab 71 is provide at the rear of the first conduit body 3, and the indent 75 at the rear of the second conduit body 7.

[0288] With reference to Figure 34, the second conduit body 7 may comprise one or more cross bars 81 configured to extend across the gases flow path, and to engage the valve member 5 and to resist deformation of the valve member 5 in the gases flow path. In particular the one or more cross bars 81 may engage and help to resist deformation of the valve flap 29. The deformation may be any excess or further deformation that might occur in addition desirable deformation that might occur during use of the valve, for example deformation that allows the valve flap 29 to open and close.

[0289] The first conduit body 3 may comprise one or more cross bars configured to extend across the gases flow path, and to engage the valve member 5 and to resist deformation of the valve member 5 in the gases flow path.

[0290] With reference to Figure 35, a modified valve flap 29 is provided, in which a reinforcing rib 83 is provided. In this example, the reinforcing rib 83 extends in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, from the higher portion to the lower portion of the upper rim 51. The height of the reinforcing rib 83 along its length may substantially match the height of the upper rim 51 along its length. The rib 83 may be configured to contact part of the conduit body 3 when the valve 4 is in the open condition, to reduce deformation of the valve flap 29, for example to limit further movement of the valve flap 29.

[0291] With reference to Figures 36 and 37, a reinforcing rib 85 may be provided on the first conduit body 3 so as to extend across the valve opening 50. The reinforcing rib 85 projects into the gases flow path, away from the valve opening 50. Consequently, the rib 85 can contact the upper planar surface of the valve flap 29, when the valve 4 is in the open condition.

[0292] With reference to Figures 43 to 48, the conduit assembly 1 comprising the first conduit body 3 and the second conduit body 7 comprises features that enable the conduit assembly 1 to be mounted on the frame 13 via frame clip 18.

[0293] In this embodiment, the lower part of the conduit assembly 1 comprises a downwardly extending skirt 41. The skirt 41 comprises a recess 43 configured to receive and engage with the frame clip 18 of the mask frame 13, and a lower guide flange 44 that projects outwardly from the skirt 41 below the recess 43. The sides of the lower guide flange 44 are inclined upwardly from front to rear, to guide the mask frame 13 upwardly as it is pushed onto the conduit assembly 1. The recess 43 and inclined lower guide flange 44 together provide smooth uninterrupted surfaces for the frame clip 18 to slide over and engage with.

[0294] An upper guide flange is formed by the first conduit body 3, and particularly by the lower end of the first conduit body 3 where it meets the upper end of the second conduit body 7. The recess 43 is thus defined between the lower end of the first conduit body 3, and the lower guide flange 44..

[0295] In this way, when the first conduit body 3 and second conduit body 7 are mounted together, the recess 43 that receives the frame clip 18 is created and defined by the two components, namely the first conduit body 3 and second conduit body 7.

[0296] The lower guide flange 44 of the conduit assembly 1 does not extend around the front of the conduit assembly 1, leaving a gap 46. With additional reference to Figures 12, 13, 47 and 48, conduit 19 comprises a conduit cuff 48 at the outlet end of the conduit 19. A conduit connector cuff release tab 50 is located at the front of the cuff 48 and is dimensioned to be received in the gap 46, and when so received to define the front of the recess 43. To release the conduit 19 from the conduit assembly 1, the release tab 50 is pushed downwardly, such that the front part of the conduit connector cuff 48 rotates away from the conduit assembly 1. [0297] With reference to Figures 49 to 53, frame 13 comprises one or more anti-rotation features, configured to resist or prevent rotation of the headgear clips 60 relative to the frame 13.

[0298] Each headgear clip 60 can comprise an elongate body 62 and a hook 64, the hook 64 defining a slot 66 configured to receive one of the headgear connectors 36, 38 of the frame 13.

[0299] Each headgear clip 60 may comprise further features. For example, each headgear clip 60 may comprise a headgear strap connecting feature, for example a slit 68 through which an end of a headgear strap may pass. Each headgear clip 60 may comprise a gripping formation, such as a tab 70 which can be gripped by a user to manipulate the headgear clip 60 onto the frame 13.

[0300] When a headgear clip 60 is mounted onto a headgear connector 36, 38, the slot 66 and the headgear connector 36, 38 may be configured to enable the headgear clip 60 to rotate relative to the frame 13, for example about the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector 36, 38.

[0301] To prevent or minimise or limit such rotation about the longitudinal axis of a headgear connector 36, 38, one or more of the headgear connectors 36, 38 may be provided with one or more anti-rotation features configured to engage the headgear clip 60 when the headgear clip 60 rotates relative to the headgear connector 36, 38. The anti -rotation feature(s) can help prevent the headgear clips 60 (and the headgear straps) from over rotating relative to the frame 13, and can help maintain the headgear straps in an approximately ‘in-use’ position even when the user is not wearing the headgear. This can make the headgear easier to hold and can help orient the headgear during donning. The position of the anti-rotation feature can allow for some range of rotation to accommodate different head sizes.

[0302] An example of an anti-rotation feature is a protrusion 72 which protrudes radially outwardly away from a headgear connector 36, 38. The protrusion 72 may contact a surface of the slot 66 defined by the hook 60, if the headgear clip 60 is rotated more than a predetermined amount relative to the headgear connector 36, 38, to resist further rotation. [0303] Each headgear connector 36, 38 may comprise an anti-rotation feature, such as a protrusion 72. Alternatively, only one or some of the headgear connectors 36, 38 may comprise such a feature. For example, each lower headgear connector 36 may comprise a respective protrusion, whereas each upper headgear connector 38 may not comprise a respective protrusion, or vice versa.

[0304] With reference to Figures 38 to 42 and 49 to 52, the frame 13 may further comprise a headgear clip movement limiting feature configured to facilitate locating the headgear clip 60 in the correct position on a headgear connector 36, 38.

[0305] The movement limiting feature may be configured to: a) resist and/or limit rotation of the headgear clip relative to the headgear connector post, about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the headgear post; and/or b) limit movement of the headgear clip along the headgear connector post; and/or c) retain the headgear clip against the headgear post.

[0306] The headgear clip movement limiting feature can comprise an abutment provided on the frame 13. For example the abutment may be in the form of a notch 74 provided on the frame 13 against which a headgear clip 60 can abut, if the headgear clip 60 is moved relative to the headgear connector 36, 38. For example the notch 74 may be provided at an upper end of a headgear connector 36, 38, to limit upward movement of a headgear clip 60 relative to the frame 13. This can help prevent or minimise the headgear clip 60 from sliding off the headgear connector 36, 38 when an upwards force is applied, such as when donning the mask.

[0307] Additionally or alternatively, the abutment(s) 74 against which a headgear clip 60 can abut can resist and/or limit rotation of the headgear clip relative to the headgear connector post 36, about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post 36.

[0308] For example if an upward force is applied to a distal end of the headgear clip 60, for example, at gripping tab 70, the other end of the headgear clip 60 can engage with the abutment 74, which resists the headgear clip 60 being rotated off the headgear connector post 60 and disconnecting from the frame 13, for example during attempted anti-clockwise rotation of the headgear clip 60 shown in Figure 49.

[0309] The notch 74 may be provided on an outwardly projecting portion of the frame 13, for example on a wing or finger that projects from the frame 13.

[0310] The notch 74 may comprise a concave face 76 against which the headgear clip 60 abuts, the concave face 76 serving to help locate and retain the headgear clip 60 against the notch 74, to prevent or resist the headgear clip 60 slipping past the notch 60 if continued force is applied to the headgear clip 60.

[0311] Each headgear connector 36, 38 may comprise a headgear clip movement limiting feature, such as notch 74. Alternatively, only one or some of the headgear connectors 36, 38 may comprise such a feature. For example, each lower headgear connector 36 may comprise a respective notch 74, whereas each upper headgear connector 38 may not comprise a respective notch 74, or vice versa.

[0312] A headgear clip movement limiting feature may be provided at an upper end of the post of the lower headgear connector, for example, adjacent the upper frame rail 40 of the frame 40.

[0313] With reference to Figures 38 to 42, and 51 to 55, the frame 13 may comprise one or more headgear clip release features, configured to facilitate release of the headgear clip 60 from the frame 13.

[0314] The headgear clip release feature may comprise an offset frame portion 76 of the frame 13 that transitions between an end of a lower headgear connector 36, and a rearward, distal end of an adjacent lateral arm 34 of the frame 13. In the following, the offset frame portion 76 transitions between a lower end of the lower headgear connector 36.

[0315] The offset frame portion 76 functions to rotate the body 62 of the headgear clip 60 towards the face of the user, that is, the contact between the offset frame portion 76 and the headgear clip 60 moves the headgear clip 60 so that the headgear clip 60 can be more easily released from the frame 13.. [0316] With reference to Figures 53 to 55, the offset frame portion 76 of the frame 13 is configured to alter the orientation of the headgear clip 60 relative to the frame 13, and in particular relative to the headgear connector, as the headgear clip 60 is moved from the lower headgear connector 36 towards the lateral arm 34. The offset frame portion 76 serves to reorient the headgear clip 60 such that both the headgear clip body 62, and the hook 64, are sufficiently clear of the frame 13 such that the headgear clip can be disconnected from the frame 13.

[0317] In particular, the clip body 62 and hook 64 are reoriented by the contact with the offset frame portion 76 so as to be clear of the lateral arm 34 when viewed from below as per Figure 55, such that the headgear clip 60 can be moved downwardly and released from the frame 13, without the headgear clip 60 contacting the lateral arm 15. The offset frame portion 76, and the rearward end of the lateral arm 15 are received in the slot 66 of the headgear clip 60 such that they do not resist movement of the headgear clip 60 away from the frame 13.

[0318] The length of the hook 64 of the headgear clip 60, is less than the length of the offset frame portion 76 of the frame 13, when viewed from below, such that once the headgear clip 60 has been rotated by the offset frame portion 76, the distal end of the hook 64 does not interfere with the lateral arm 34. Consequently, the headgear clip 60 can be slid downwardly, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the lower headgear connector 36 so as to drop from the lower end of the lower headgear connector 36. This provides a relatively quick and easy method of disconnecting the headgear from the frame 13 by the user simply pulling down on the headgear clip 60.

[0319] The lower headgear connector 36 comprises a headgear connector post configured to be received in the slot 66 of the headgear clip 60. The headgear connector post comprises a substantially vertical longitudinal axis 36A along which the headgear clip 60 can move up and down (when the mask assembly is viewed from the front, for example in Figure 38). The headgear clip 60 is disconnected from the frame 13 by sliding the headgear clip from the lower end portion of the headgear connector post, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 36 A.

[0320] Each lateral arm 34, whilst it may be straight or arcuate, has a longitudinal axis 34A which extends generally away from the lower headgear connector 36 and is offset from the lower headgear connector 36 by the offset frame portion 76, such that the longitudinal axis 34A does not intersect the longitudinal axis 36A of the lower headgear connector 36. However, the longitudinal axis 76A of the offset frame portion 76 intersects with, and extends away from, the longitudinal axis 36A of the post.

[0321] When viewed from the front, for example in Figure 38, the longitudinal axis 34A extends generally forwardly in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 36A, and may be inclined downwardly, and may be inclined inwardly towards the central portion 16 of the frame 13.

[0322] The longitudinal axis 36A of each lower headgear connector 36 is offset from the longitudinal axis 34A of the adjacent lateral arm 34. In particular, the longitudinal axis 36A of each lower headgear connector 36 is laterally, and in this case, rearwardly, offset from the longitudinal axis 34A of the adjacent lateral arm 34 when viewed from above, that is, when viewed along the longitudinal axis 36A of the lower headgear connector 36, as can be seen in Figure 53. The axes 34A, 36A do not intersect. The offset provided by the offset frame portion 76 between the longitudinal axis 36A of the lower headgear connector 36, and the rearward end of the lateral arm 34 provides clearance between the hook 60 and the lateral arm 34 sufficient for the headgear clip 60 to slide from the lower end of the lower headgear connector 36.

[0323] With reference to Figure 38, the offset frame portion 76 is elongate, but relatively short compared to the lateral arm 34. The offset frame portion 76 is arcuate, and curves between the lower end of the headgear connector post of the lower headgear connector 36, and the rearmost end of the lateral arm 34. The offset frame portion 76 twists along its length. The offset frame portion 76 has a non-uniform transverse cross section along its length. These features are configured to reorientate the headgear clip 60 as the clip 60 transitions from the lower headgear connector 36 onto the offset frame portion 76.

[0324] The shape and configuration of the offset frame portion 76 functions to rotate the headgear clip 60 relative to the lateral arm 34 such that: a) A longitudinal axis 60A of the headgear clip 60 is at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 34A of the lateral arm 34. b) Longitudinal axis 60A of the headgear clip 60 is substantially parallel with a notional longitudinal axis of the offset frame portion 76.

[0325] With reference to Figure 56, the transverse cross sectional shape of the lateral arm 34 can be seen. Each lateral arm 34 comprise an elongate rail 80. Each rail 80 extends part way along the length of a respective lateral arm 34, from a position adjacent the central portion of the frame 13, to a position adjacent the lower headgear connectors 36.

[0326] Each rail 80 provides an elongate guiding feature when connecting the headgear clips 60 to the lower headgear connectors 36. The user can loosely hook the headgear clips 60 over the rails 60, and then slide the headgear connector clips 60 along the rails until the headgear clips 60 clip onto respective lower headgear connectors 34. Thus, the user can be relatively inaccurate in initially positioning the headgear clips 60 onto the lateral arms 34, and the guide rails 80 guide the headgear clips 60 along the arms 34 to the lower headgear connectors 36.

[0327] Slot 66 of headgear clip 60, which defines a post receiving portion, has a maximum width DI . The post receiving portion 66 curves inwardly back towards the elongate body 62 to define a narrower, mouth portion 82 having a width Wl, W1 being less than DI . The post receiving portion 66 has a height Hl extending from the narrower portion 82. A guide portion 84 extends outwardly from mouth portion 82, and is inclined away from elongate body 62 to define a lead-in that leads to mouth portion 82.

[0328] With reference to Figure 56, each rail 80 comprises an upper tapered region 90 that extends along the top of the wider, more rounded cross section lower lateral arm 34. Each lateral arm 34 comprises an inside wall 92 that is adjacent the user’s face in use, and an outer wall 94 that faces outwardly in use. Inside wall 92 is substantially straight, when viewed in transverse cross section. The lower part of the outer wall 94 is also substantially straight, and parallel with inside wall 92. The upper part of the outer wall 94 inclines towards the inside wall 92 to form the guide rail 80.

[0329] Each rail 80 comprises a width W2 which is less than the width W3 of the lateral arm 34, when viewed in transverse cross-section. Each rail 80 has a height H2, extending from the intersection between the arm 34 and rail 80, and the distal, upper margin of the rail 80. [0330] The headgear clip 60 attaches to the lower headgear mount 36 of frame 13, with the mounting post being receiving in the slot 66.

[0331] The maximum width DI of slot 66 is the same as the diameter of the mounting post of lower headgear connector 36. The width W of the mouth portion 82 of headgear clip 60 is less than the diameter of the mounting post of lower headgear connector 36, such that the slot 66 deforms as the headgear clip 60 is pushed or pulled onto the mounting post, the lead-in 84 assisting in guiding the mounting post into the slot 66. Once the mounting post is fully received in the slot 66, the slot 66 reverts to its original size, to retain the mounting post in the slot 66, with the mouth portion 84 resisting movement of the mounting post out from the slot 66.

[0332] As explained above, the rails 80 function as a lead-in for the headgear clips 60 to guide the headgear clips 60 along the arms 34 and onto the lower headgear connectors 36. It is desirable to minimise the likelihood of the headgear clips 60 becoming stuck on a respective arm 34, and/or to keep friction between the headgear clips 60 and the rails 80 relatively low. Consequently, it may be desirable for the width W3 of the lateral arms 34 to be less than the width W1 of mouth portion 82 of headgear clip 60, such that the headgear clip 60 cannot become stuck on the largest width W3 of the lateral arm 34.

[0333] It may be desirable that: a) the height H2 of rails 80 is greater than height Hl of the slot 66; and/or b) the width W2 of the rails 80 is less than width W1 of mouth portion 82.

[0334] This can assist in ensuring that the narrowest width W1 of mouth portion 82 on the headgear clip 60 cannot extend below the rail 80 to the wider section W3 of 34, and cannot become stuck on rail width W2.

[0335] Depending on the angle the headgear clip 60 is applied relative to the frame 13, in some examples, only the bottom margin of the headgear clip 60 may contact the rail 80. [0336] Therefore, it may be desirable that the width W2 of the top of the rails 80 is less than width W1 of narrower portion of headgear clip 60, such that the headgear clip 60 does not become stuck on the rail 80 when applied at an angle (that is, the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector clip 60 is not aligned with the axis of the lateral arm 34).

[0337] Certain terminology may be used in the description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” and “side” describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the components or elements within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the components or elements under discussion. For example, as the context may dictate, the terms “front” and/or forward can be used relative to components described herein positioned relatively or entirely distal to the user’s face when the mask assembly as described herein is worn by the user. As the context may dictate, the terms “rear” and/or “back” can be used relative to components described herein positioned relatively or entirely proximal to the user’s face and/or components that are forward or at the front of the mask assembly when the mask assembly as described herein is worn by the user. Moreover, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on may be used to describe separate components. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0338] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0339] The term “plurality” refers to two or more of an item. Recitations of quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics should be construed as if the term “about” or “approximately” precedes the quantity, dimension, size, formulation, parameter, shape or other characteristic. The terms “about” or “approximately” mean that quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors known to those of skill in the art. Recitations of quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics should also be construed as if the term “substantially” precedes the quantity, dimension, size, formulation, parameter, shape or other characteristic. The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes, or tends toward, a particular value, amount, or characteristic. For example, as the context may dictate, the term “generally linear” can mean something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15°. [0340] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “1 to 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but should also be interpreted to also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as “1 to 3,” “2 to 4” and “3 to 5,” etc. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value (e.g., “greater than 1”) and should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

[0341] Any dimensions included in this disclosure are example dimensions of one or more components of a mask assembly in accordance with this disclosure, and are in mm.

[0342] A plurality of items may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms “and” and “or” are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term “alternatively” refers to selection of one of two or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [0343] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

[0344] The disclosure may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0345] Where, in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. [0346] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claims that follow.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A breathable gases conduit assembly for transporting breathable gases in a respiratory therapy system, the conduit assembly comprising: a) a first conduit body; b) a second conduit body; c) a valve comprising a valve mount and a valve member movably mounted on the valve mount; d) the valve mount configured to be mounted between the first conduit body and the second conduit body; e) a recess being defined between the first conduit body and the second conduit body; f) wherein the valve mount is received in the recess.

2. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve mount is fully received in the recess.

3. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve mount is partially received in the recess, in other words at least a portion of the valve mount is received in the recess.

4. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the valve mount is compressed when the first conduit body and the second conduit body are mounted together.

5. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second conduit body is a valve body.

6. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess is elongate.

7. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess extends around the periphery of the gases flow path.

8. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess and valve mount are configured such that the valve mount forms a seal between the valve body and the conduit body.

9. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess and the valve mount are configured such that the valve mount prevents or at least minimises dirt ingress between the valve body and the conduit body.

10. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess is defined on the first conduit body.

11. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess is defined on the second conduit body.

12. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of recesses are provided.

13. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the recess comprises a first recess formed on the first conduit body, and a second recess formed on the second conduit body.

14. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein each conduit body comprises a respective inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening of one conduit body being adjacent the outlet opening of the other conduit body, when the first conduit body and the second conduit body are mounted together.

15. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first conduit body comprises a planar end face in which the inlet opening is formed, the recess being formed in the planar end face.

16. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the second conduit body comprises a planar end face configured to mate with the planar end face of the conduit body, the recess being formed in the planar end face of the second conduit body.

17. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and/or second conduit body comprises a longitudinal axis, wherein the recess extends into the conduit body in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

18. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and/or second conduit body comprises an inner wall that provides a gases flow lumen through the conduit body the valve body, the recess being radially spaced from the inner wall.

19. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve mount is made from a resiliently deformable material.

20. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one dimension of the portion of the valve mount that is received in the recess is larger, when in a rest condition before the valve mount is received in the recess, than the corresponding dimension of the recess.

21. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 20 wherein the at least one dimension is the height of the valve mount in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

22. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 20 wherein at least one dimension is the depth of the valve mount in a direction away from the longitudinal axis.

23. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve mount comprises an elongate wall configured to be received in the or each recess.

24. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 23 wherein the elongate wall is configured so as to extend upwardly away from an upper portion of the valve mount and downwardly away from an opposed, lower portion of the valve mount.

25. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve member comprises a valve flap.

26. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 25 wherein the periphery of the valve flap is spaced from valve mount such that a gap is defined between the valve flap and valve mount.

27. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the valve flap is integrally mounted on the valve mount such that the valve flap and valve mount comprise a single component.

28. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the valve flap comprises a substantially planar flap body, comprising a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface.

29. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 28 wherein the planar flap body comprises a thickness being the distance between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface, the planar flap body thickness being less than the maximum thickness of the valve mount.

30. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 28 or 29 wherein the valve flap comprises a peripheral rim, upstanding from the planar flap body.

31. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 30 wherein the peripheral rim varies in thickness along its length such that a thicker portion of the peripheral rim projects further from the planar flap body than a thinner portion of the peripheral flap body.

32. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 25 to 31 wherein the valve flap is movably mounted on the valve mount.

33. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 32 wherein the valve flap is pivotally mounted on the valve mount via a pivot.

34. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 33 wherein the pivot is formed from a thinned region intermediate the valve flap and the valve mount.

35. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 34 wherein the thinned region is thinner than the thickness of the planar flap body.

36. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 34 or claim 35 wherein the thinned region is thinner than the valve mount.

37. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 34 to 36 wherein the thinned region is thinner than the thickness of the portion of the valve mount received in the or each recess.

38. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 34 to 37 wherein the thinned region is of substantially constant thickness.

39. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 34 to 38 wherein the thinned region comprises one or more reinforcing portions of greater thickness than the remainder of the thinned region.

40. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 39 wherein the reinforcing portion is located at a distal margin of the thinned region.

41. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 39 wherein the thicker portion of the peripheral rim is adjacent the pivot.

42. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 39 to 41 wherein the thicker portion transitions to the thinner portion as the rim extends away from the pivot.

43. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 34 to 42 wherein the valve flap comprises one or more discrete, raised portions that project away from the planar valve body.

44. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 34 to 43 wherein the valve flap comprises a reinforcing rib that extends along part of the valve flap, and projects away from the planar upper surface.

45. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 44 wherein the reinforcing rib extends across the valve flap from one portion of the peripheral rim to another opposed portion of the peripheral rim.

46. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more locating features configured to locate the valve mount on one or both of the first conduit body and the second conduit body.

47. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 46 wherein the one or more locating features comprise a protrusion on one or more of the valve mount, first conduit body, and second conduit body, and a slot on another of the valve mount, conduit body, and second conduit body, configured to receive the lug as the valve mount is mounted on the first conduit body and the second conduit body.

48. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 47 wherein the one or more locating features comprise a plurality of protruding lugs and a plurality of slots.

49. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 47 wherein the or each protrusion comprises a pin.

50. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 47 wherein the or each protrusion comprises a tab/finger.

51. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 47 to 50 wherein the protrusion may project from a conduit body, with the slot formed in the valve mount.

52. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 47 to 51 wherein the slot is a blind hole configured to receive part of the protrusion.

53. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 47 to 51 wherein the slot comprises a through hole, through which the protrusion extends such that a distal end of the protrusion projects through the through hole.

54. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 44 to 53 wherein the locating features are provided at the front of the conduit assembly.

55. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 44 to 54 wherein the locating features are provided at the rear of the conduit assembly.

56. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 44 to 55 wherein the locating features are provided at the side of the conduit assembly.

57. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one conduit body comprises one or more cross bars configured to extend across the gases flow path, and to engage the valve member and to resist deformation of the valve member in the gases flow path.

58. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve is an anti-asphyxia valve.

59. A breathable gases conduit assembly for transporting breathable gases in a respiratory therapy system, the conduit assembly comprising: a) a first conduit body; b) a second conduit body; c) a valve comprising a valve mount and a valve member movably mounted on the valve mount, the valve member comprising a periphery, the valve mount extending around the periphery of the valve member; d) wherein the valve mount comprises opposed upper and lower margins defining a valve mount thickness therebetween, and the valve member comprises opposed upper and lower margins defining a valve member thickness therebetween, wherein the valve mount thickness is greater than the valve member thickness.

60. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 59 wherein the conduit assembly is an inlet connector configured to be connected to a gas delivery conduit to deliver breathable gas into the inlet connector.

61. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 60 wherein the inlet connector is configured to be removably connected to a cushion of a mask assembly.

62. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 60 wherein the inlet connector is configured to be removably connected to a frame of a mask assembly.

63. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 60 to 62 wherein the inlet connector comprises an inlet port configured to be fluidly connected to a gas delivery conduit and/or an outlet port configured to be fluidly connected to a cushion of a mask assembly.

64. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 63 wherein the valve mount is of circular or oval transverse cross section.

65. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 63 wherein the valve member is of quadrilateral transverse cross section.

66. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 65 wherein the valve mount is made from a resiliently deformable material.

67. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 66 wherein the valve mount comprises one or more elongate wall(s).

68. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 67 wherein the elongate wall(s) is configured so as to extend upwardly away from an upper portion of the valve mount and downwardly away from an opposed, lower portion of the valve mount.

69. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 68 wherein the valve member comprises a valve flap.

70. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 69 wherein the periphery of the valve flap is spaced from the valve mount such that a gap is defined between the valve flap and valve mount.

71. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 70 wherein the valve flap is integrally mounted on the valve mount such that the valve flap and valve mount comprise a single component.

72. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 71 wherein the valve flap comprises a substantially planar flap body, comprising a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface.

73. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 72 wherein the planar flap body may comprise a thickness being the distance between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface, the planar flap body thickness being less than the maximum thickness of the valve mount.

74. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 72 or claim 73 wherein the valve flap comprises a peripheral rim, upstanding from the planar flap body.

75. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 74 wherein the peripheral rim varies in thickness along its length, such that a thicker portion of the peripheral rim projects further from the planar flap body than a thinner portion of the peripheral flap body.

76. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 75 wherein the valve flap is movably mounted on the valve mount.

77. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 76 wherein the valve flap is pivotally mounted on the valve mount via a pivot.

78. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 77 wherein the pivot is formed from a thinned region intermediate the valve flap and the valve mount.

79. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 78 wherein the thinned region is thinner than the thickness of the planar flap body.

80. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 78 or 79 wherein the thinned region is thinner than the valve mount.

81. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 78 to 80 wherein the thinned region is thinner than the thickness of the portion of the valve mount received in the or each recess.

82. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 78 to 7819 wherein the thinned region is of substantially constant thickness.

83. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 78 to 82 wherein the thinned region comprises one or more reinforcing portions of greater thickness than the remainder of the thinned region.

84. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 83 wherein the reinforcing portion is at a distal margin of the thinned region.

85. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 75 wherein the thicker portion of the peripheral rim is adjacent the pivot.

86. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 84 wherein the thicker portion transitions to the thinner portion as the rim extends away from the pivot.

87. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 86 wherein the valve flap comprises one or more discrete, raised portions that project away from the planar valve body.

88. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 58 to 87 wherein the valve flap comprises a reinforcing rib that extends along part of the valve flap, and projects away from the planar upper surface.

89. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 88 wherein the reinforcing rib extends across the valve flap from one portion of the peripheral rim to another opposed portion of the peripheral rim.

90. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 59 to 90 wherein one or more locating feature(s) is provided, configured to locate the valve mount on a conduit body.

91. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 91 wherein the one or more locating features comprises a protrusion and/or a slot.

92. The breathable gases conduit assembly of claim 91 wherein the one or more locating features comprises a plurality of protruding lugs and a plurality of slots.

93. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 92 to 92 wherein the or each protrusion comprises a pin.

94. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 92 to 93 wherein the or each protrusion comprises a tab/finger.

95. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 92 to 94 wherein the slot is a blind hole.

96. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 92 to 95 wherein the slot is a through hole.

97. The breathable gases conduit assembly of any one of the preceding claims being an elbow assembly, wherein one of the first conduit body and the second conduit body comprise an elbow in fluid communication with an inlet of the mask assembly.

98. A respiratory mask frame configured to support a mask; the frame comprising: a) a central portion; b) first and second lateral frame portions extending away from the central portion; c) first and second offset frame portions, each extending away from a respective first and second lateral frame portion; d) first and second opposed lateral headgear connectors each extending from respective offset frame portions and each comprising a headgear connector post onto which a headgear clip of a headgear can be connected; e) each offset frame portion being configured to offset a longitudinal axis of a respective headgear connector post from a longitudinal axis of a respective lateral frame portion.

99. The respiratory mask frame of claim 98 wherein the offset frame portion is configured such that a longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post does not intersect with a longitudinal axis of a or the lateral frame portion.

100. The respiratory mask frame of claim 98 or 99 wherein the end portion of the headgear connector post is a lower end portion.

101. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 98 to 100 configured such that the headgear clip is moved downwardly onto the offset frame portion.

102. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 98 to 101 wherein the offset frame portion is elongate.

103. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 102 wherein the offset frame portion is arcuate or comprises an arcuate portion.

104. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 102 wherein the offset frame portion twists along its entire length, or along a portion thereof, about its longitudinal axis.

105. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 104 wherein the offset frame portion is of a length which is shorter than the length of the headgear connector post and/or the lateral frame portion.

106. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 105 wherein the offset frame portion may be of non-uniform transverse cross section along its length.

107. The respiratory mask frame of claim 106 wherein the width and/or height of the offset frame portion in transverse cross section, varies along its length.

108. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 107 comprising any one or more of: a) a central portion; b) one or more lateral frame portions extending laterally away from the central portion; c) an elongate frame member or rail extending across an upper portion of frame. d) an upper frame portion; e) opposed side frame portions; f) a lower frame portion; g) a frame clip, configured to connect the frame to another component of a mask assembly, such as a conduit body for example; h) a frame aperture defined between the upper, side and lower frame portions, and configured such that the cushion is exposed through the frame aperture.

109. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 108 wherein each lateral frame portion terminates in at least one of the headgear connectors onto which a respective headgear clip can be connected.

110. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 109 wherein the frame comprises at least one guide surface configured to guide the headgear clips, during connection of the headgear clips to the headgear connectors, toward a respective headgear connector.

111. The respiratory mask frame of claim 110 wherein the guide surface extends along a lateral frame portion.

112. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 110 to 111 wherein the guide surface is of narrower transverse cross section than the lateral frame portion.

113. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 110 to 112 wherein the guide surface comprises an outer surface, when viewed in transverse cross section, which is arcuate or comprises an arcuate portion.

114. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 107 to 110 wherein the guide surface comprises an inner surface, when viewed in transverse cross section, which is straight or comprises a straight portion.

115. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 114 wherein each headgear connector post comprises a lower end and an upper end, the longitudinal axis extending between the lower end and the upper end; a) wherein the lower end of each headgear connector post extends from a respective distal end of the lateral frame portions; b) wherein the upper end of each headgear connector post transitions to a top rail of the frame; and c) wherein one or more of the headgear connector posts comprises one or more anti- rotation features configured to resist and/or limit rotation of one of the headgear clips relative to the headgear connector post, about the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post.

116. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 115 wherein the or each antirotation feature comprises a protrusion which protrudes from the headgear connector post.

117. The respiratory mask frame of claim 116 wherein the protrusion protrudes radially outwardly away from the headgear connector post.

118. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 115 to 117 wherein each headgear connector comprises an anti-rotation feature.

119. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 115 to 117 wherein only one or some of the headgear connectors comprise an anti-rotation feature.

120. The respiratory mask frame of claim 119 wherein the frame comprises a pair of lower headgear connectors and a pair of upper headgear connectors, wherein each lower headgear connector comprise a respective anti-rotation feature, whereas each upper headgear connector does not comprise a respective anti-rotation feature.

121. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 120 wherein each headgear connector post comprises a lower end and an upper end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the lower end and the upper end; a) wherein the lower end of each headgear connector post extends from a respective distal end of the lateral frame portions; b) wherein the upper end of each headgear connector post transitions to a top rail of the frame; c) wherein the frame further comprises one or more abutments against which a headgear clip can abut to resist and/or limit rotation of one of the headgear clips relative to the headgear connector post, about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post.

122. The respiratory mask frame of claim 121 wherein the abutment(s) is configured to limit movement of the headgear clip along the headgear connector post.

123. The respiratory mask frame of claim 121 or 122 wherein the abutment(s) is configured to retain the headgear clip against the headgear connector post.

124. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 121 to 123 wherein the abutment is provided at an upper end of a headgear connector post, to limit upward movement of a headgear clip relative to the frame.

125. The respiratory mask frame of claim 124 wherein the abutment is adjacent the top rail of the frame.

126. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 121 to 125 wherein the abutment is provided on an outwardly projecting portion of the frame, for example on a wing or finger that projects from the frame.

127. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 121 to 126 wherein the abutment comprises a notch.

128. The respiratory mask frame of claim 127 wherein the notch comprises a concave face against which the headgear clip abuts, the concave face serving to help locate and retain the headgear clip against the notch, to prevent or resist the headgear clip slipping past the notch if continued force is applied to the headgear clip.

129. A respiratory mask frame configured to support a mask; the frame comprising: a) a central portion; b) first and second lateral frame portions extending away from the central portion, each lateral frame portion comprising a distal end; c) first and second lateral headgear connectors configured to be connected to headgear clips of a headgear, each headgear connector comprising a headgear connector post onto which the headgear clip can be connected, each headgear connector post comprising a lower end and an upper end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the lower end and the upper end; d) wherein the lower end of each headgear connector post extends from a respective distal end of the lateral frame portions e) wherein the upper end of each headgear connector post transitions to a top rail of the frame; f) wherein the frame further comprises one or more abutment(s) against which a headgear clip can abut to resist and/or limit rotation of one of the headgear clips relative to the headgear connector post, about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the headgear connector post.

130. The respiratory mask frame of claim 129 wherein the abutment(s) is configured to limit movement of the headgear clip along the headgear connector post.

131. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 129 to 130 wherein the abutment(s) is configured to retain the headgear clip against the headgear connector post.

132. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 129 to 131 wherein the abutment is provided at an upper end of a headgear connector post, to limit upward movement of a headgear clip relative to the frame.

133. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 129 to 132 wherein the abutment is adjacent the top rail of the frame.

134. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 129 to 130 wherein the abutment is provided on an outwardly projecting portion of the frame.

135. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 120 to 134 wherein the abutment comprises a notch.

136. The respiratory mask frame of claim 135 wherein the notch comprises a concave face against which the headgear clip abuts, the concave face being configured to locate and retain the headgear clip against the notch, to prevent or resist the headgear clip slipping past the notch if continued force is applied to the headgear clip.

137. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 98 to 128 comprise one or more headgear clips configured to connect headgear straps to the headgear connectors.

138. The respiratory mask frame of claim 137 wherein the headgear clip comprises a clip body.

139. The respiratory mask frame of claim 138 wherein the clip body is elongate.

140. The respiratory mask frame of claim 138 or 139 wherein the clip body comprises a slot to receive a headgear strap.

141. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 138 to 139 wherein the clip body comprises a hook to receive a post of a headgear connector.

142. The respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 98 to 141 and a headgear assembly.

143. The respiratory mask frame of claim 142 wherein the headgear assembly comprises a strap assembly including at least a pair of opposing side straps, and/or a rear strap or panel, and/or a crown strap.

144. The respiratory mask frame of claim 143 wherein the pair of opposing side straps is a pair of opposing upper side straps; the headgear assembly further comprising a pair of opposing lower side straps.

145. The respiratory mask frame of claim 144 wherein a free end of each of the upper straps is configured to be connected to the mask frame, and a free end of each of the lower side straps is configured to be connected to the headgear clips.

146. A mask assembly comprising the breathing gases conduit assembly of any one of claims 1 to 97; and any one or more of: a) a frame; b) a cushion; c) a breathing gas delivery tube; d) headgear.

147. A mask assembly comprising the respiratory mask frame of any one of claims 99 to 145; and any one or more of: a) a cushion; b) a breathing gas delivery tube; c) headgear.