The entireties of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/862,236 and 62/013,417 are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure.
Field
The disclosure generally relates to interface assemblies for providing a supply of pressurized gas to a recipient. In particular, the disclosure relates to interface assemblies and mask or seal assemblies for such interface assemblies.
Description of Related Art
Breathing gases can be delivered to users with a variety of different mask styles and can be delivered for a variety of different purposes. For example, users can be ventilated using non-invasive ventilation (NIV). In addition, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or variable airway pressure can be delivered using masks to treat a medical disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or congestive heart failure (CHF).
These non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies generally involve the placement of a user interface device, which is typically a nasal or nasal/oral mask, on the face of a user. The flow of breathing gas can be delivered from the pressure/flow generating device to the airway of the user through the mask.
Typically, patient interface devices include a mask frame that supports a sealing member. The sealing member contacts the facial surfaces of the user, including regions surrounding the nose, including the nose and the nares. Because such masks are typically worn for an extended period of time, a variety of concerns must be taken into consideration. For example, in providing CPAP to treat OSA, the user normally wears the mask all night long while he or she sleeps. One concern in such a situation is that the mask should be as comfortable as possible. It is also important that the mask provide a sufficient seal against a user's face without significant discomfort.
The systems, methods and devices described herein have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
Some or all of the embodiments described herein address issues with stability that can be experienced with face masks. In this particular case, the embodiments are directed toward patient interfaces, such as face masks, which seal below the bridge of the user's nose and around the nares. But, the embodiments disclosed herein could also be adapted to other full face masks (e.g., those that partially cover and/or seal on the bridge of the user's nose). Most full face masks have a forehead rest, headgear mount or ‘T’ piece which extends upwardly from the remainder of the mask and rests on the forehead and adds significant stability compared to those full face masks without ‘T’ pieces. Instability can cause nose tip or septum pressure and/or seal leaks due to forces applied by the breathing tube of the breathing circuit that is attached to the mask or other patient interface. This force is often referred to as “hose pull” and can originate from the tube or from movement from the user.
Some of the embodiments illustrated herein have no T piece and seal below the bridge of the nose and around the nares and under the nose as well as around the user's mouth. The reduced foot print on the user's face compared to conventional full face masks can also have an adverse effect on stability. Sealing around and below the nose in this manner can present challenges due to the variation seen in facial geometries from user to user. In some circumstances, even small movements of the seal can induce loss of contact of the seal with the user, which can result in leaks.
Some or all of the embodiments disclosed herein address this issue by facilitating relative movement between an oral portion and a nasal portion of the mask or, as referred to herein, “decoupling” the oral portion from the nasal portion so one can move independent from the other in a rocking and/or pivoting motion. The headgear and hose/elbow attachment are generally attached to the oral portion of the seal (via a frame in some cases). Most external forces are transmitted to the seal via the headgear and hose pull. By decoupling the nasal portion from the oral in this manner the seal remains tolerant to external forces around the nasal portion, which generally is the area most susceptible to leak.
In some configurations, a mask assembly for an interface used in providing positive pressure respiratory therapy includes a mask seal and a mask shell that supports the mask seal. The mask assembly is configured to be fully positioned lower than a bridge of a nose of a face of a user and to provide an exposed bridge of the nose of the user. The mask shell includes a central portion and a pair of wings sweeping rearwardly of the central portion. An opening for a connector is formed in the mask shell in the central portion. The mask seal being connected to the mask shell. The mask seal having at least one oral opening on a lower portion and at least one nasal opening on an upper portion. The at least one oral opening being positioned opposite of the opening for the connector and the at least one nasal opening being positioned between the opening for the connector and the oral opening in a front to back direction. The mask seal further having one or more features that decouple movement of the nasal portion and the oral portion to allow relative movement therebetween at least about a longitudinal axis extending in the front to back direction of the mask seal.
In some such configurations, the nasal portion of the mask seal comprises at least one nasal element configured to engage a nare of the user.
In some such configurations, the at least one nasal element comprises a pair of nasal pillows that sealingly engage a respective one of the nares of the user.
In some such configurations, the nasal portion of the mask seal comprises a first paddle, a second paddle, and a nasal region having an upper support surface being positioned between the first paddle and the second paddle such that an upwardly-open valley is defined by the first paddle, the upper support surface and the second paddle, at least a portion of the at least one nasal opening being positioned on the upper support surface within the valley.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature comprises an upper wall portion positioned directly above a lower wall portion and that are movable toward and away from one another. The upper wall portion and the lower wall portion can be generally linear to define a V-shape in cross-section. In some configurations, at least one of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion has a curved shape in cross-section.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion that are arranged at an angle relative to one another. The first wall portion and the second wall portion can cooperate to define an L-shape in cross-section. In some configurations, a curved wall portion between the second wall portion and a portion of the mask wall adjacent the decoupling feature. In some configurations, the first wall portion is shaped similarly to a front wall of the nasal portion of the mask assembly.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature includes at least a first portion and a second portion positioned on opposite lateral sides of the mask assembly.
In some such configurations, a rigid connection portion is provided between the first portion and the second portion of the decoupling feature.
In some such configurations, a rigid strip portion is positioned above the first portion and the second portion of the decoupling feature.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature further comprises additional portions on each lateral side arranged in a stacked configuration with the first portion and the second portion.
In some such configurations, the portions of each stacked configuration taper in size from the lowermost to the uppermost portions.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature extends at least to a transition between a side surface and a user-facing surface of the mask assembly.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature extends into the user-facing surface of the mask assembly.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature defines an invert point at or near the transition.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature tapers in height and or depth toward the invert point.
In some such configurations, the decoupling feature comprises a corrugated arrangement.
In some configurations, the mask assembly is combined with an interface component, the combination further comprising a movement limiting arrangement that limits movement of the upper portion of the mask seal.
In some such configurations, the movement limiting arrangement comprises one of a ratchet assembly, a cowling and a tether.
In some configurations, an interface for use in providing positive pressure respiratory therapy includes a mask assembly and a frame assembly. The mask assembly comprises a mask seal and a mask shell and is configured to be positioned on a face of a user covering the nose and/or mouth of the user. The mask shell comprises a central portion and a pair of wings sweeping rearwardly of the central portion. An opening for a connector is formed in the mask shell in the central portion. The mask seal is connected to the mask shell. The mask seal comprises a lower portion and an upper portion. At least one oral opening is positioned on the lower portion opposite of the opening for the connector. The mask assembly comprises one or more features that decouple movement of the nasal portion and the oral portion. The frame assembly is coupled to the mask assembly and configured for connection to a headgear. The interface further comprises a movement limiting arrangement that limits movement of the upper portion of the mask seal.
In some such configurations, the lower portion of the mask seal is connected to the mask shell.
In some such configurations, the lower portion and mask shell are relatively fixed when connected to the frame assembly. The upper portion is decoupled from the relatively fixed lower portion and mask shell.
In some such configurations, the relative movement of the decoupled upper portion includes forward and outward movement by way of inflation under gas pressure.
In some such configurations, the frame assembly includes features or covers to limit forward and outward relative movement of the nasal portion when the mask assembly is connected to the frame assembly.
In some such configurations, the movement limiting arrangement comprises one of a ratchet assembly, a cowling and a tether.
In some such configurations, the movement limiting arrangement is a ratchet assembly having a first ratchet portion coupled to the mask seal and a second ratchet portion coupled to the frame.
In some such configurations, the movement limiting arrangement is centrally located.
In some such configurations, the movement limiting arrangement comprises portions located on one or both lateral sides of the mask assembly.
In some such configurations, the movement limiting arrangement allows downward movement of the upper portion of the mask seal.
In some such configurations, the movement limiting arrangement limits, inhibits or prevents upward movement of the upper portion of the mask seal when the upper portion is expanded or when a gas pressure within the mask seal is at or above a threshold gas pressure.
In some such configurations, the movement limiting arrangement permits upward movement of the upper portion of the mask seal when the upper portion is not expanded or when the gas pressure within the mask seal is below a threshold gas pressure.
In some such configurations, the frame assembly is a common frame size connectable to mask assemblies of various sizes.
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.
The mask assembly 100 preferably is adapted to extend around and seal over the wing or alar of the nose, which flares out to form a rounded eminence around the nostril. The illustrated mask assembly 100 is adapted to seal around the surfaces that define the opening to the nostril, which may include a portion or entirety of the fleshy external end of the nasal septum, sometimes called the columella. In some configurations, the mask assembly 100 is adapted to extend upwardly to seal along at least a portion of the left and right dorsal side walls of the nose of the user. In some configurations, the mask assembly 100 is adapted to extend upwardly along at least a portion of the left and right dorsal side walls without extending upwardly to the region of the bridge of the nose of the user. In some configurations, a primary sealing surface of the mask assembly 100 contacts the underside of the nose of the user, possibly along with the upper lip and/or a transition region between the underside of the nose and the upper lip. A secondary scaling surface of the mask 100 can contact the side surfaces of the nose of the user, possibly along with the cheeks at a location near the nose. Such primary and secondary sealing surfaces may not make contact with the face of all users; however, such an arrangement can provide a suitable seal with a relatively large range of facial geometries. The mask assembly 100 preferably also seals around at least a portion of the user's mouth. The mask assembly 100 may or may not be adapted to seal between the mouth and nose of the user. Additional details of nasal-oral masks are described, for example, in connection with
As illustrated, the mask assembly 100 comprises a mask support, such as a base, housing or shell 102, for example. A mask seal 104 can be attached to the mask shell 102 such that the mask shell 102 provides some amount of support for the mask seal 104. However, in other configurations, the mask seal 104 may not include a support and may be adapted for direct assembly to another component of the associated interface assembly. The mask assembly 100 can be engaged with, integrated with or otherwise supported by a frame that allows for connection to a head strap or headgear of any suitable arrangement. In some configurations, the head strap or headgear could be coupled directly to the mask assembly 100. A conduit connector, such as an elbow, can also be attached to the mask assembly 100 (mask shell 102 and/or seal 104), frame or otherwise supported relative to and adapted to communicate with an interior space of the mask assembly 100. The conduit connector facilitates connection to a gases conduit, such as a supply conduit or the like, for the supply of pressurized breathing gases. In some configurations, the conduit connector can include a vent, such as a bias flow vent, to allow venting of gases. In some configurations, a gases vent can be located elsewhere within the interface. Together, the frame and the headgear can support the mask assembly 100 in place on the user's face. Collectively, the mask assembly 100, frame and headgear can be referred to as an interface assembly. The mask assembly 100 or the mask assembly 100 in combination with a frame can be referred to as an interface.
The mask shell 102 provides a support structure of sorts for the mask assembly 100 in general and for the mask seal 104 more specifically. The mask shell 102 can be formed from any suitable material. In some configurations, the mask shell 102 is formed from a fairly rigid material. In some configurations, the mask shell 102 is formed from a plastic material, such as a polycarbonate material. In some configurations, the mask assembly 100 can comprise a mask seal that includes a mask seal clip that is separate from but attachable to a mask shell. In such a configuration, the mask seal clip would connect the mask seal to the mask shell. In such configurations, the mask seal and mask seal clip can be formed separately and secured together or the mask seal and the mask seal clip can be integrated into a single component. In some configurations, the mask seal can be overmolded onto the mask seal clip and, in some configurations, the mask seal can be overmolded directly onto the mask shell, which can comprise chemical or mechanical overmolding, for example.
In some configurations, the mask shell 102 comprises a substantial portion of a forward wall of the mask assembly 100. Such an arrangement provides an advantageous level of support to the mask seal 104. For example, the mask shell 102 comprises a substantial portion of an oral portion of the forward wall of the mask assembly 100. In some configurations, the mask shell 102 is generally limited to the oral portion of the mask assembly 100 and does not extend into the nasal portion of the mask assembly 100, at least to any significant extent. Such an arrangement can provide support to the mask seal 104, while advantageously permitting movement or deformation of the nasal portion of the mask seal 104. Thus, the lower or oral portion of the mask seal 104 can be relatively fixed when the mask assembly 100 is secured to a frame or other portion of an interface and the upper or nasal portion is decoupled from the relatively fixed lower or oral portion and mask shell 102. In the illustrated configuration, the mask shell 102 sweeps rearward from a central portion toward opposing side portions. The central portion contains an aperture 106 for receiving the conduit connector. The mask shell 102 can have a generally or substantially constant height throughout the central portion and opposing side portions. In other arrangements, the mask shell can vary in height. The height of the mask shell 102 can be substantially equal to a height of the oral portion of the mask seal 104. A width of the mask shell 102 can comprise a significant portion of the overall width of the oral portion of the mask assembly 100, such as at least about three-quarters of the overall width of the oral portion of the mask assembly 100. Such an arrangement of the mask shell 102 can provide reinforcement to the central and lateral portions of the mask seal 104. In some configurations, the mask shell 102 could be minimal, such as an annular support ring or perimeter frame, for example.
The mask seal 104 is designed to seal against the face of the user. The mask seal 104 preferably is formed of a soft material, such as silicone, for example but without limitation. As described above, the illustrated mask seal 104 comprises a nasal-oral mask seal and, therefore, comprises at least one oral opening 108 and at least one nasal opening 110. In some configurations, the mask seal 104 can comprise a combined oral-nasal opening. In some configurations, the mask seal 104 can comprise more than one nasal opening 124. In some configurations, the mask seal 104 can comprise nasal openings 124 defined within superstructures, such as pillows, prongs or the like. In some configurations, the nasal opening 124 can be defined by a nasal cushion or insert, which can be overmolded or otherwise secured to a base structure of the mask seal 104. An example of such an arrangement is disclosed in Applicant's PCT Publication No. WO 2014/062070.
The at least one oral opening 108 and the at least one nasal opening 110 preferably communicate with a single chamber 112 that is defined within the mask assembly 2100. The chamber 112 of the illustrated mask assembly 100 is at least partially defined by the mask shell 102 and the mask seal 104. The at least one oral opening 108 is substantially opposed to the aperture 106 that receives or communicates with the conduit connector. The at least one nasal opening 110 can be vertically above the at least one oral opening 108. The at least one nasal opening 110 can be positioned between the aperture 106 for the conduit connector and the at least one oral opening 108 in a fore-aft direction of the mask assembly 100. The at least one nasal opening 110 can have an axis that is inclined relative to vertical.
The mask seal 104 preferably comprises a pair of paddles 114 that extend upward above an upper surface 116 of a central portion of the mask seal 104. The upper surface 116 can define a line that lies along a central surface of the nasal surface of the mask seal 104 in a fore-aft direction. Such a line extends generally along the nasal septum in a direction away from the user's face. The paddles 114 are configured to extend upward alongside, and in some configurations above, the nares. The paddles 114 can contact the edges of the nares and/or sides of the nose. The paddles 114 or portions of the mask seal 104 between the paddles 114 may or may not cover the tip of the user's nose. As described herein, preferably the mask seal 104 does not contact the bridge of the user's nose. In some configurations, the paddles 114 each comprise an air pocket that is in direct fluid communication with the air path through the mask assembly 100 from the conduit connector to the at least one nasal opening 110 and the at least one oral opening 108. The paddles 114 can be configured to expand in volume in response to elevated pressure within the mask seal 2104 and/or flex inwardly to accommodate various facial and nasal geometries and assist in creating a sealed contact with the user's face. The height of the paddles 114 above the upper surface 116 can be selected to provide a desired balance between stability of the mask seal 104 on the user's face (e.g., vertical stability) and being able to accommodate a range of nasal geometries or reducing visual disruption by the paddles 114. In general, higher paddles 114 tend to provide additional vertical stability of the mask assembly 100, while lower paddles 114 tend to provide a better fit of a wider range of users and result in less visual disruption.
The illustrated mask seal 104 of the mask assembly 100 comprises a fairly complex range and configuration of thicknesses. The thicknesses are varied to take advantage of or provide different characteristics in different regions of the illustrated mask seal 104. For example, the thicknesses in the various regions can be selected to address a desired characteristic for that region and/or the mask seal 104 as a whole. Such characteristics can include, for example, allowing the mask seal 104 to conform to the facial geometry of the user to enhance sealing properties or comfort, supporting the shape of the mask seal without significant internal gas pressure to facilitate fitment and/or in response to internal gas pressure and/or external pressure (e.g., caused by headgear forces) or providing strength or durability.
In the illustrated configuration, the mask assembly 100 comprises a fold, hinge or bellows feature 120 (often collectively referred to as a “bellows feature” herein) configured to decouple the nasal and oral portions of the mask 100 (a “decoupling feature”). As used herein the nasal portion of the mask 100 refers to an upper portion of the mask 100 that contains the at least one nasal opening 110 and the oral portion of the mask 100 refers to a lower portion of the mask 100 that contains the at least one oral opening 108. In the illustrated arrangement, the bellows feature 120 is defined by the seal 104. In other configurations, the bellows feature 120 could be defined partially or entirely by the shell 102 or another portion or component of the mask 100. The bellows feature 120 preferably extends in a generally or substantially lateral direction on the mask 100 at or adjacent a transition between the nasal and oral portions of the mask 100. In some configurations, the bellows feature 120 extends along an upper edge of the shell 102.
In the illustrated configuration, the bellows feature 120 is provided on a forward-facing surface of the mask 100 and, preferably, wraps around the sides of the mask 100. However, preferably, the bellows feature 120 does not extend completely around a periphery of the mask 100, but terminates at or near approximately where the mask 100 contacts the face of the patient or user such that a portion or an entirety of the patient-contacting or user-contacting surface does not include the bellows feature 120. In some configurations, the bellows feature 120 permits the nasal portion to rotate about a lateral axis 122 located at or near the patient-contacting or user-contacting surface and between the oral portion and nasal portion of the mask 100. The lateral axis 122 can pass through or near the terminal ends of the bellows feature 120. In some configurations, the lateral axis 122 is positioned at a lower or rearward end of the upper surface 116 of the central portion of the seal 104 between the paddles 114. In some configurations, the bellows feature 120 permits the nasal portion to rotate about a longitudinal axis 124, which extends generally or substantially perpendicular to the lateral axis 122 in a fore-aft direction of the mask 100. The longitudinal axis 124 can pass through the lateral axis 122 and extend along a center of the mask 100. In some configurations, the nasal portion can rotate about either or both of the lateral axis 122 and the longitudinal axis 124 relative to the oral portion. Thus, movement of the nasal portion can have components of rotation about each of the lateral axis 122 and the longitudinal axis 124.
With reference to
In some configurations, the bellows feature 120 inhibits or substantially prevents translational movement between the upper wall portion 126 and the lower wall portion 128 and restrains the movement to folding, collapsing or rotational movement of the wall portions 126, 128 (as illustrated by arrows 130 in
In the mask 200 of
In some configurations, the mask 200 can include a rigid portion 204, such as a rigid strip, that extends in a lateral direction above the bellows feature 120. The rigid portion 204 can comprise a section or strip of increased material thickness and/or a separate structural member, for example and without limitation. Such an arrangement can facilitate pivoting of the nasal portion about the longitudinal axis 124 and improve the transfer of force from the nasal portion to the bellows feature 120 while maintaining desired performance of the nasal portion.
With reference to
The bellows features 120 can be somewhat oval in shape or tapered at one or both ends. As illustrated in
The illustrated bellows feature 120 of
The illustrated bellows feature 120 of
The bellows feature 120 of
The mask 400 of
The mask 500 of
The mask 600 of
The mask 700 comprises a bellows feature 120 in the form of an elongate fold extending in a lateral direction across the mask 700 between the nasal portion and the oral portion in a manner similar to the bellows feature 120 of the mask 100. The bellows feature 120 can extend across a portion or an entirety of a front wall of the mask 700. In the illustrated arrangement, the bellows feature 120 extends toward or into the rear wall of the mask 700.
The mask 800 is similar to the mask 700 at least in that the bellows feature 120 tapers (in height and/or depth) to a pivot or invert point 704 at or near a transition 702 between a side surface and the patient-facing or patient-contacting surface. Compared to the mask 700, preferably, the pivot or invert point 704 can be located further rearward, closer together and more rearwardly-facing in the mask 800. In addition, the fold defining the bellows feature 120 extends downwardly inwardly of the pivot or invert points 704 between the nasal portion and the oral portion. In some configurations, the bellows feature 120 can extend to the at least one oral opening 108.
For example, with reference to
The crease 1110 can comprise a suitable arrangement to facilitate deformation of the crease 1110 preferably instead of surrounding portions of the mask seal 1104. For example, the crease 1110 can comprise a region of smaller thickness relative to portions of the mask seal 1104 surrounding the crease 1110. The crease 1110 can have a constant thickness throughout a height and/or length direction of the crease 110 or can vary in thickness.
The mask assembly 1400 and frame 1406 can include an arrangement that limits movement of the nasal portion of the mask seal 1404 in at least one direction and under at least some circumstances. Such an arrangement is referred to herein as a movement limiting arrangement 1410. The movement limiting arrangement 1410 can be configured to limit, inhibit or prevent upward movement of the nasal portion of the mask seal 1404, at least under certain circumstances. For example, in some configurations, the movement limiting arrangement 1410 limits upward movement of the nasal portion of the mask seal 1404 when the nasal portion is enlarged, such as a result of gas pressure within the mask seal 1404. In particular, the movement limiting arrangement 1410 can permit downward movement of the nasal portion of the mask seal 1404, such as a result of the user's nose pressing down on the nasal portion when the mask seal 1404 is fitted to the user's face. The movement limiting arrangement 1410 can remain disengaged or otherwise not substantially interfere with movement of the nasal portion of the mask seal 1404 when the nasal portion is not enlarged, such as when gas pressure within the mask seal 1404 is lower than a threshold pressure. Once the gas pressure within the mask seal 1404 rises above a threshold pressure, the movement limiting arrangement 1410 can engage to limit, inhibit or prevent upward movement of the nasal portion of the mask seal 1404. Such an arrangement can reduce the pressure that the nasal portion applies to the user's nose under high gas pressures within the mask seal 1404, such as pressures above the threshold pressure. The threshold pressure can be selected to provide desirable performance characteristics. For example, the threshold pressure could be set at or below a lower end of the treatment or therapy (e.g., CPAP) pressure such that the movement limiting arrangement 1410 is active at any therapy pressure. Alternatively, the threshold pressure could be set within the therapy or treatment pressure range such that the movement limiting arrangement 1410 is only active at relatively higher pressures within the range.
The movement limiting arrangement 1410 can be of any suitable structure to limit movement of the nasal portion of the mask seal 1404 relative to the oral portion. In the illustrated arrangement, the movement limiting arrangement 1410 comprises a ratchet assembly having a first ratchet portion 1412 attached to, formed by or otherwise carried by the nasal portion of the mask seal 1404 and a second ratchet portion 1414 attached to, formed by or otherwise carried by the frame 1406. The first ratchet portion 1412 and the second ratchet portion 1414 can each comprise ratchet teeth configured to permit downward movement of the first ratchet portion 1412 and the second ratchet portion 1414. At gas pressures below the threshold pressure, the first ratchet portion 1412 can be disengaged from the second ratchet portion 1414 such that upward movement of the first ratchet portion 1412 is permitted relative to the second ratchet portion 1414. At gas pressures above the threshold pressure, the first ratchet portion 1412 can engage the second ratchet portion 1414 to limit, inhibit or prevent upward movement of the first ratchet portion 1412 relative to the second ratchet portion 1414. As described above, the first ratchet portion 1412 and the second ratchet portion 1414 can be positioned for engagement as a result of enlargement or expansion of the nasal portion in response to gas pressure above the threshold pressure within the mask seal 1404. In some configurations, other methods of providing for selective engagement of the first ratchet portion 1412 and the second ratchet portion 1414 can be utilized.
The illustrated frame 1406 of
The movement limiting arrangement 1810 of
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”.
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.
The invention 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.
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.
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 invention 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 invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the claims that follow.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/NZ2014/000158 | 8/5/2014 | WO |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2015/020535 | 2/12/2015 | WO | A |
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