CN101547619A

CN101547619A - Headgear assembly

Info

Publication number: CN101547619A
Application number: CNA2007800329426A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·C·F·霍
Original assignee: RIC Investments LLC
Current assignee: Respironics Inc
Priority date: 2006-09-07
Filing date: 2007-09-05
Publication date: 2009-09-30

Abstract

The present invention discloses a headgear assembly (30, 150, 180) for attaching an object to a head of a user is defined by first (32, 152, 182) and second (34, 154, 184) beams adapted wrap around the back of a user's neck and/or head. The first and second beams are generally planer and are adapted to be disposed in a first plane responsive to being stretched flat. The first beam has a first radius of curvature defined in the first plane, and the second has a second radius of curvature defined in the first plane in a same direction as the first radius of curvature. A first member coupling the first beam with the second beam. When donned by the user, the headgear assembly assumes a generally spherical shape that conforms to the back of the human head.

Description

Headgear assembly

Prioity claim

According to the regulation of United States code 35 § 119 (e), the application advocates to be filed in the rights and interests of No. the 60/842nd, 741, the U.S. Provisional Patent Application on September 7th, 2006.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to and be suitable for object is supported on the headband on the account (headgear), and relate more specifically to have the headband of crooked crossbeam (beam), these crossbeams make this headband present ball formation when being worn by the user.

Background technology

Need object is couple to user's face under many circumstances.For example, do not have the placement that wound ventilation and pressure supportive treatment relate to patient interface device, this patient interface device is the nose/mouth mask of nose cup, covering nose and the mouth of the covering nose on patient's face typically, perhaps covers the complete face shield of patient's face.Patient interface device makes lung ventilator or pressure support device and patient airway interfaces, thereby makes and respiratory air flow can be transported to patient airway from the pressure/generation equipment that flows.Typically, do not have the wound ventilation and relate to and provide ventilation gas to arrive patient airway, and the patient is not carried out intubate or tracheal catheter is inserted in their oesophagus with the surgery modus operandi.The pressure supportive treatment relates to provides pressure, such as continuously positive airway pressure (CPAP) or variable airway pressure, it changes (two horizontal pressure force support) or changes (automatic pressure regulation support) along with patient's situation along with patient's respiration cycle, with the treatment medical disorder, such as sleep apnea syndrome, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or congestive heart failure.

Knownly keep these covers on the wearer's face by headband, this headband has last band and following band, and every band has relative end, and the opposite side that is provided at cover and the Connection Element on the top are passed in these ends.Because typically will wear these covers over a long time, importantly this headband will enough be sealed on patient's face tightly keeping this cover under the situation that the patient is felt under the weather.

A kind of such headband is disclosed in United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 517, and No. 986 (" ' No. 986 patents "), the assignee that this patent is transferred to the application is Pittsburgh, the Respironics of PA, Inc. company.The headband that ' No. 986 patents are instructed comprises the head cap of similar cap, and this head cap is suitable for being fit to the end face and the back of patient's head.Following band provides 2 with gas delivery mask to be connected.To hang that band from head cap is connected to down band and with respect to descending band to move.In addition, as required, can bring 4 of providing to be connected with a pair of bar of going up with gas delivery mask.

Another kind of such headband also is by Respironics, and Inc. company makes, and this headband comprises 5 bands that extend with star fashion from rear connectors, and this rear connectors can be along the aft section location of patient's head.The band at 3 tops is suitable for being adapted on patient's the head.The central top band extends from connector and through patient's the crown forehead to the patient.The upper side straps that is provided on each side of this top strap is extended from connector above ear along patient's head both sides, is attached to top strap with the forehead place the patient.This top strap comprises a pair of elongate opening, and upper side straps is passed this opening.

Other conventional headbands comprise Deluxe patient interface headband and SimpleStrapTM patient interface headband, and the two assignee by the application is Pittsburgh, the Respironics of PA, and Inc. company produces and sells.Deluxe patient interface headband and SimpleStrap patient interface headband include narrow (linear) top strap and narrow (linear) bottom band, and this top strap and bottom band hold user's head/neck.This top strap and bottom band are parallel to each other.

These and other conventional headbands provide patient interface device to arrive the conventional attached of user's head.Yet they can not make the comfort level optimization of the headband on user's head/neck.They can not make the stability maximization of headband, thereby patient interface device firmly is installed on one's body the user.Therefore, have demand to following headband: this headband is easy to use and adjust, and is comfortable, and for the object that is attached to the user provides stable support, and not obvious ground rest is on his or her hair.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, a target of the present invention provides a kind of headband that has overcome the shortcoming of conventional headband.According to one embodiment of present invention, this target is to be used for attached object and to realize to the headgear assembly of user's head by providing a kind of.This headgear assembly comprises first crossbeam and second crossbeam, and two crossbeams all are suitable for holding the back of user's neck or the back of user's head.First crossbeam be substantially the plane and be suitable for when the straight extension of headgear assembly, being set in first plane.When being in this position, first crossbeam has the first curvature radius that defines in first plane.Second crossbeam also be substantially the plane and be suitable for when headgear assembly is oriented at flat position, being set in first plane.Second crossbeam have in first plane, define be in second curvature radius on the equidirectional with first curvature radius.In addition, first member couples first crossbeam and second crossbeam.Have crooked first crossbeam and second crossbeam by providing in this way, this headgear assembly presents spherical form substantially, and the part in the back that extends across user's head/neck presents spherical form substantially at least.This provides and has adapted to the headband of human anatomic structure better, thereby makes this device comfortable and stable.

By considering that following description and claims are also with reference to the accompanying drawings, these and other target of the present invention, feature and characteristic, and the function of method of operating, associated structural elements, each several part combination and production cost will become more obvious, all these constitute the part of this specification, and wherein similar reference number is specified the counterpart in each accompanying drawing.Yet, should be expressly understood that accompanying drawing only is used to illustrate and purpose of description, and be not intended to limit boundary of the present invention.As employed in specification and the claim, " " of singulative, " one ", " being somebody's turn to do (described) " comprise the plural number denotion, unless context has indication clearly.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the plan view according to the part of first embodiment of the headgear assembly of principle of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the perspective view of the headband part shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the plan view that comprises the headgear assembly of the part shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the plan view of the headgear assembly of Fig. 3, and it shows the operation of coupler member and comprises strenthening member;

Fig. 5 is the plan view according to the part of second embodiment of the headgear assembly of principle of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the perspective view of the headband part shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is the plan view of a part of replaceable configuration of second embodiment of headgear assembly;

Fig. 8 is the perspective view of coupler member and the parts that are associated;

Fig. 9 is the plan view according to the 3rd embodiment of the headgear assembly of principle of the present invention;

Figure 10 is the plan view according to the 4th embodiment of the headgear assembly of principle of the present invention;

Figure 11 is the plan view according to the 5th embodiment of the headgear assembly of principle of the present invention;

Figure 12 is the plan view according to the 6th embodiment of the headgear assembly of principle of the present invention;

Figure 13 is the perspective view according to the 7th embodiment of the headgear assembly of principle of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows the side view of the headgear assembly of the Figure 13 that is worn by the user; And

Figure 15 shows the view according to the headgear assembly that has optional horizontal stripe of principle of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

Fig. 1-4 illustrates exemplary first embodiment according to the headgear assembly 30 of principle of the present invention and part thereof.Headgear assembly 30 comprises first crossbeam 32 and second crossbeam 34, and these two crossbeams all are suitable for holding the back of user's neck or the back of user's head.When the user wears this headband, the more close crown of first crossbeam, 32 to the second crossbeams, and the more close neck of second crossbeam.Therefore, in user orientation separately on one's body, first crossbeam also is regarded as " top " beam with respect to them, and second crossbeam is regarded as " end " beam.

First crossbeam 32 and second crossbeam 34 are the plane substantially, i.e. relative thin and be flexible or semirigid.Therefore, when this headgear assembly stretched flat, they are set in first plane.In other words, when the straight placement of this headgear assembly when (such as being on the flat surfaces), first crossbeam and second crossbeam are also straight to be positioned on this surface.First crossbeam 32 is along its curved in length, thereby makes it have the first curvature radius R1 that defines in first plane.Second crossbeam 34 is also with respect to its longitudinal axis bending, thereby makes it have the second curvature radius R2 that also defines in first plane.First curvature radius R1 and second curvature radius R2 are in same direction.In the exemplary embodiment, the scope of first curvature radius R1 is between the 25-42 inch, and the scope of second curvature radius R2 is between the 5-18 inch.The present invention expects that also first curvature radius and second curvature radius need not be the same, supposes the center difference of radius of curvature, and perhaps radius of curvature can be different.

First crossbeam 32 and second crossbeam 34 also can be described with they range of extension (degree ofspread) separately.Range of extension is the angle of measuring from the center of the radius of curvature of crossbeam from the end to end of crossbeam.For first crossbeam 32, range of extension is indicated with the angle θ among Fig. 3.The range of extension of second crossbeam 34 is indicated with angle λ.The present invention expection can be identical for two its range of extension of crossbeam, i.e. θ=λ, and perhaps the range of extension of two crossbeams can be different.In the exemplary embodiment, the scope of the stretching, extension angle of each crossbeam is between 8 ° to 55 °.Can recognize that stretching angle will be indicated by the terminal institute part that is defined of first crossbeam and second crossbeam.Therefore, according to the terminal position of first crossbeam of being considered and second crossbeam, littler and bigger angle is possible.

First member 36 couples first crossbeam and second crossbeam.In addition, second member 38 couples first crossbeam and second crossbeam.Though illustrated in two

members

36 and 38 that make that first crossbeam and second crossbeam couple have been shown among the embodiment of explanation, should be appreciated that a member is enough to connect these crossbeams.On the contrary, can provide more than two such members.First member 36, second member 38 and any other such member can have any in multiple shape, size and the configuration.In this first exemplary embodiment, so form first crossbeam 32, second crossbeam 34, first member 36 and second member 38, make that overall structure is rigidity or semirigid.For this purpose, " semi-rigid " means that these structures keep their shape when loading thereon not applying, but crooked to a certain extent to allow them to be consistent with the patient with the minimizing pressure spot when applying load.

In exemplary embodiment of the present invention, first crossbeam 32, second crossbeam 34, first member 36 and second member 38 form an overall structure.More specifically, the present invention expection is formed by fabric or cloth by the total of first crossbeam 32, second crossbeam 34,

first member

36 and 38 definition of second member, foam lamination that is formed by UBL such as UBL (unbreakable winding backing), porous neoprene (respirable rubber), at least one side or the Lycra (Lycra) that is laminated into by foamed material.Can or on total, provide liner or bed course in one or more positions, so that contact user's soft-surface to be provided.The example that is used for the suitable material of these one or more liners comprises foam, cloth, silicon, rubber, or its any combination.

As shown in Figure 4, the diverse location place that is expected on the headgear assembly of the present invention provides stiffener 40.Illustrated among the embodiment of explanation, stiffener 40 is associated with first member 36 and second member 38 and keeps spacing between first crossbeam 32 and second crossbeam 34 with help.Can utilize any routine techniques that stiffener 40 is provided.For example, can be at fabric or form rigidity is provided in the material of this part of headband or semirigid support or lath.In order to allow to change or remove the quantity of stiffener or stiffener, expection exists and is used for pocket or other mechanism of the attached strenthening member of selectivity to headband.The footing of headgear assembly also can realize by lamination, perhaps increases firm agent (for example passing through silk-screen printing technique) and realizes by providing on the part of reinforcing in the headgear assembly expectation.

As may the best among Fig. 2 illustrating, when the user wore headgear assembly 30, first crossbeam 32 and second crossbeam 34 were crooked or hold user's head/neck.As mentioned above, because first crossbeam and second crossbeam have radius of curvature R 1 and R2, the structure that is defined by first crossbeam and second crossbeam has spherical form substantially, makes these crossbeams can closer meet the anatomical structure of human body head/neck.This allow this headgear assembly with firm stable and concerning large-scale patient also comfortable mode be fit to the user.

Coupler member

42a and 42b are attached to each

end

44a and 44b of first crossbeam 32.Similarly,

coupler member

46a and 46b are attached to each

end

48a and 48b of second crossbeam 34.These coupler member are used for patient interface device is attached to this headgear assembly.Illustrated among the embodiment of explanation, coupler member is extended from the end of first crossbeam and second crossbeam, thereby makes the coupler member (for example,

coupler member

42a and 46a) on the side of this headgear assembly be parallel to each other substantially.

In the exemplary embodiment,

coupler member

42a, 42b, 46 and 46b be cloth or fabric, thereby make that they are flexibility and lightweight, and be attached to the end of first crossbeam and second crossbeam with any usual manner.For example, coupler member can be sewed up, sewing or sonic soldering/be thermally welded on the end of first crossbeam and second crossbeam.The present invention expect

coupler member

42a, 42b, 46 and 46b can have multiple size, shape and configuration.

The present invention expects that also coupler member can be that fix or adjustable to the attached of first crossbeam and second crossbeam, and can be that selectivity is separable.For example,

coupler member

42a, 42b, 46 and 46b can rotatably be attached to first crossbeam 32 and second crossbeam 32, patient interface device or these two.In addition, coupler member can be connected to first crossbeam and second crossbeam, patient interface device or these two via snap-fastener (snap) or other separable connectors, thus make the user at one's leisure coupler member can separate and reset from first crossbeam and second crossbeam or patient interface device.

For will illustrated in the coupler member of explanation be attached to patient interface device, the present invention expection make the free end 50 of coupler member pass in patient interface or the patient interface connector with groove or hole.So the free end of coupler member (as shown in the figure, for example by the arrow A among Fig. 4) is attached to the remainder of coupler member.Any routine techniques all can be used for the free end of attached coupler member to himself.For example, can use the shackle fastening method, such as

In this case, the free end of coupler member comprises the part of hook-loop fastener, and another part of hook-loop fastener is provided in the one or more positions along the length of coupler member.In further exemplary embodiment, one or more coupler member or its part are made by extensible fastener material, this material such as

, it is elastomeric polyurethane fiber band or band.

With reference now to Fig. 5-7,, with second embodiment that describes according to the headgear assembly 60 of principle of the present invention.As the previous embodiment, headgear assembly 60 comprises first crossbeam 62 and second crossbeam 64 and first coupler member 66 and second coupler member 68.Yet in this embodiment, first crossbeam 62 comprises end portion 70a and the 70b that is kept apart by elastic part 72.

End portion

70a, 70b, second crossbeam 62 and first coupler member 66 and second coupler member 68 are defined as semirigid, inelastic overall structure.The example that is suitable for forming this integrally-built material comprises: spandex, Lycra lamination, the rubber strip that comprises silicone strip, VELSTRETCH, or its any combination.As shown in Figure 7, liner 74 can be provided so that patient's degree of comfort maximization on semi-rigid material.As shown in the figure, can on most of structure, provide liner 74, perhaps can only provide liner in selected position.

The elastic part of first crossbeam allows to adjust back timber cosily to be fit to the user.Any suitable elasticity thing all can be used for this part of headgear assembly.The present invention expects that size, shape, elasticity, configuration, quantity and the position of elastic part can be with shown different.For example, can be in second crossbeam 64, first member 66, second member 68, coupler member, these parts any joint or its provide elastic part in combination arbitrarily.

Fig. 8 shows the coupler member 80 of any embodiment that is applicable to headgear assembly and the example of associated components.In this embodiment, coupler member 80 is bands of the end portion of attached first crossbeam or second crossbeam.This band passes the groove 82 of band in the patient interface connector 84.Illustrated among the embodiment of explanation, patient interface connector 84 be attached on the patient interface device with ball-and-socket (ball-and-socket) connector of coupler.United States Patent (USP) the 7th, 066 has been described similar patient interface connector for No. 179 and has been used this patient connector interface equipment, and the content of this patent is herein incorporated by reference.

In this embodiment, free end 86 is couple to anchor clamps 88, and coupler member 80 is also passed these anchor clamps.Length along coupler member 80 moves the effective length that anchor clamps 88 can change coupler member, thereby allows user's tension or loosen user's user interface facilities on one's body.For ease of moving these anchor clamps, handle (grip) 90 is connected to an end of these anchor clamps.

In Fig. 9-12, show the various configurations of headgear assembly 100,110,120 and 170 respectively.Provide these interchangeable layouts to illustrate and emphasize that headgear assembly of the present invention can have multiple different configuration.The headgear assembly of each among these embodiment comprises first crossbeam 102,112,122 and 172 with first curvature radius and first extension angle, and comprises second crossbeam 104,114,124 and 174 with second curvature radius and second extension angle.Figure 11 clearly illustrates first curvature needn't be identical with torsion.In this embodiment, first curvature radius R1 is less than second curvature radius R2.In each embodiment, first member and second member that first crossbeam are couple to second crossbeam comprise fastening element or zone 130.

These headgear assemblies shown in Fig. 9-12 also comprise coupler member 140a, the 140b that is attached to first crossbeam and are couple to

coupler member

142a, 142b on second crossbeam.Coupler member on each side of headgear assembly among Fig. 9-11 is extended away from first crossbeam and second crossbeam with non-zero angle α.From the center of the coupler member α that takes measurement of an angle.Yet, in the embodiment shown in fig. 12, the angle [alpha] between coupler member 140a and the 140b be minus (α).That is to say that these coupler member are dispersed toward each other, rather than extend away from each other.The present invention expects that this angle [alpha] has-10 ° to 20 ° scope.In the embodiment shown in fig. 12, the radius of curvature R 2 of the radius of curvature R 1 of first crossbeam 172 and second crossbeam 174 originates in same central point.

Figure 13 and Figure 14 illustrate the 6th embodiment according to the headgear assembly 150 of principle of the present invention.As the previous embodiment, headgear assembly 150 comprises first crossbeam 152 and second crossbeam 154, and first member 156 and second member, 158 leap first crossbeam and second crossbeams.Coupler member 162a, 162b are attached to end portion 160a, the 160b of first crossbeam 152, and coupler member 166,166b are attached to end portion 164a, the 164b of second crossbeam 154.In this embodiment, coupler member 162a, 162b rotatably are attached to

end portion

160a, 160b, thereby make can move (promptly rotating) this coupler member indicated in arrow B, to adapt to dissimilar patient interface devices.Figure 14 also illustrates second patient interface device 180 (shown in the dotted line) that relative lowland places first patient interface device 170 of user's face and is positioned at facial higher position.Giving top coupler member rotatory power allows same headgear assembly to be used on the patient interface device of number of different types.

In Figure 13 and Figure 14,

bottom coupler member

166a and 166b non-rotatably are couple to second crossbeam.Yet should be appreciated that the present invention also expects end portion 164a, the 164b that

coupler member

166a and 166b rotatably is attached to second crossbeam 154.

Patient interface device 170,180 is couple to patient airway with gas transmission pipeline 190 (being typically called patient's gas circuit).Patient's gas circuit 190 is couple to the flexible pipe of patient interface device typically.Should note, the patient interface device that is suitable for using with headgear assembly of the present invention can be any conventional patient interface device, comprise nose cup, mouth mask, nose/mouth mask, full facepiece mask, nasal cannula, be installed on the chin cover or with any other equipment of patient airway interfaces.Be schematically shown as Figure 14, the air-flow that patient's gas circuit 190 is communicated with from air-flow generation equipment 195 (for example conventional pressure support system or lung ventilator), thus gas is transported to patient airway from flow generator.

Air-flow generation equipment 195 can be any conventional equipment of realizing this function, such as CPAP equipment, two horizontal plants, conditioning equipment or use any other pressure support system or the lung ventilator of any conventional therapy transport model automatically.Although patient's gas circuit 190 illustrated in fig. 14 is single limb gas circuits, the present invention expects that this patient's gas circuit can comprise a plurality of limbs, and can comprise other elements, such as filter, exhaust outlet, flow control valve, pressure-reducing valve, humidifier and sensor.

Figure 15 illustrates the another embodiment according to the headgear assembly 180 of principle of the present invention.In this embodiment, this headgear assembly comprises the cross strap 186 of crossing the user crown when the user wears headgear assembly.One end 188a of cross strap 186 is attached to the first of first crossbeam 182, and the other end 188b of cross strap is attached to the second portion of first crossbeam.Cross strap 186 be can bending or moulding with the flexibility or the semi-rigid member of the shape that adapts to the user crown.

The present invention expects that cross strap can be attached to first crossbeam with any usual manner (in the mode of fixing (forever) or in separable mode).For example, can terminal 188a be permanently attached to first crossbeam by sewing, stitching or welding.Terminal 188b engages the second portion of first crossbeam, perhaps directly for example uses first crossbeam to engage to the shackle of cross strap, perhaps indirectly for example by make cross strap pass on first crossbeam with eyelet 190 become annular.In this case, the free end of cross strap can pass through this eyelet and attached time this cross strap circlewise, and is indicated as arrow C.Increase this cross strap 186 and increased stability for lower mounting cup (such as being installed on the chin or the compact oronasal application).

Should be appreciated that, can be almost unconfined as quantity, type, size, function and other characteristics of the object that is suitable for the patient interface device that uses with headgear assembly of the present invention.For example, the present invention expects that headgear assembly of the present invention can be used for other Medical Devices are attached to the patient, arrives the patient such as spirometer or other monitors.On the other hand, this headgear assembly also can be used for attach non-medical devices to user's head, such as attached gas hood, cosmetic objects, electronic equipment or dress ornament.The disclosure does not attempt to list can be as the dissimilar object of interface equipment, and headgear assembly of the present invention can remain on these interface equipments on patient's the head.

Although for the purpose that illustrates is thought most realistic and preferred embodiment is described the present invention in detail based on current, should be appreciated that this details only is to be not limited to the disclosed embodiments for this purpose and the present invention, and opposite, this invention is intended to cover modification and equivalent arrangement in the spirit and scope that are in the claim of enclosing.For example, should be appreciated that on possible degree, the present invention expects that one or more features of any embodiment of the present invention may be combined with the characteristic of any other embodiment.

Claims

1, a kind of headgear assembly (30,150,180) that is used for attached object to user's head comprising:

First crossbeam (32,152,182), it is suitable for holding the back of user's neck or the back of user's head, wherein, described first crossbeam be substantially the plane and be suitable for being set in first plane in response to stretched flat, and wherein, described first crossbeam has the first curvature radius that defines in described first plane;

Second crossbeam (34,154,184), it is suitable for holding the back of user's neck or the back of user's head, wherein, described second crossbeam be substantially the plane and be suitable for being set in described first plane in response to stretched flat, and wherein, described second crossbeam has the second curvature radius that defines in described first plane, described second curvature radius is on the identical direction with described first curvature radius; And

First member (36,38), it couples described first crossbeam and described second crossbeam.

2, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, (a) described first curvature radius and described second curvature radius are basic identical, and perhaps (b) described first curvature radius is greater than described second curvature radius.

3, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described first crossbeam has first length, described second crossbeam has second length, and wherein, (a) described first length and described second same length, perhaps (b) described first length is greater than described second length.

4, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1 also comprises second member, and it couples described first crossbeam and described second crossbeam.

5, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described first crossbeam, described second crossbeam and described first member are defined as overall structure.

6, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1 also comprises strenthening member (130), and it is suitable for optionally being couple to described first crossbeam, described second crossbeam, described first member, or its any combination.

7, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, is defined at least a portion of described first crossbeam, described second crossbeam and described first this three of member by expandable material or semi-rigid material.

8, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described first member also is set in described first plane in response to stretched flat.

9, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1 also comprises:

First coupler member (42a, 42b), it is attached to first end of described first crossbeam; With

Second coupler member (the 46a, 46b), it is attached to first end of described second crossbeam, wherein, described first coupling and described second coupling are linear, wherein, described first terminal described second end with described second crossbeam of described first crossbeam is arranged on a side of described headgear assembly, and wherein, so described first crossbeam of structure and described second crossbeam make that described first coupler member and described second coupler member are not parallel to each other in response to described headgear assembly stretched flat.

10, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, center line is kept apart the first half of described headgear assembly with the second half of described headgear assembly, and wherein, and described first crossbeam, described second crossbeam or these two are symmetrical about described center line.

11, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the coupler member of end of terminal or these two crossbeams of the end that is attached to described first crossbeam, described second crossbeam, wherein, described coupler member be substantially narrow (42a, 42b, 46a, 46b).

12, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 11 also comprises the guiding mechanism (88) that is associated with described coupler member, and described guiding mechanism is suitable for adjusting the length of described coupler member.

13, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described coupler member rotatably is attached to the described end of the described end of described first crossbeam, described second crossbeam or the described end of these two crossbeams.

14, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 11 also comprises the patient interface connector (84) that operationally is couple to each coupler member.

15, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described patient interface connector can move along the length of described coupler member, and described patient interface connector is couple to described coupler member.

16, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein, at least a portion of at least one in the described coupler member is defined by expandable material.

17, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein, described expandable material is through elasticized fastener material.

18, headgear assembly as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the two-part cross strap across described first crossbeam.