Nasal mask interface assembly

1 . A clip member for an interface assembly, the clip member comprising:

an opening defined by a peripheral surface at a proximal end of the clip member;

a retention structure formed at the proximal end, the retention structure comprising a plurality of posts that define a plurality of slots that open radially outward about the peripheral surface and extend through an outer surface of the clip member, the plurality of posts being spaced about the peripheral surface; and

a ring that encircles an outside of the plurality of posts,

wherein the retention structure is configured to allow secure overmoulding of a separate seal member onto the clip member,

wherein a distal end of the clip member is configured to mount to and be removed from a frame,

wherein the plurality of posts extend proximally away from the peripheral surface, and

wherein the retention structure comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is positioned radially outside of the inner surface and the outer surface has a greater diameter than the inner surface, and wherein the plurality of slots form openings through the inner surface and the outer surface of the retention structure.

2 . The clip member of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of posts are substantially equally spaced.

3 . The clip member of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of posts are spaced about the peripheral surface such that a ratio of approximately 1:2 is defined between the plurality of posts and the plurality of slots.

4 . The clip member of claim 1 , wherein the retention structure further comprises at least one proximal surface and at least one distal surface that are parallel to each other, wherein the at least one distal surface of the retention structure is distally spaced from the proximal end of the clip member.

5 . The clip member of claim 4 , wherein the at least one distal surface comprises a ring-like surface that extends radially outward from a distally adjacent portion of the clip member and encircles the proximal end of the clip member.

6 . The clip member of claim 4 , wherein the at least one proximal surface comprises ends of the plurality of posts.

7 . The clip member of claim 6 , wherein the ring encircles an outside of the ends of the plurality of posts and the ring defines a portion of the at least one proximal surface.

8 . The clip member of claim 7 , wherein a distal end of the ring is proximally spaced from the at least one distal surface of the retention structure.

9 . The clip member of claim 1 , wherein the clip member tapers from a larger footprint at the proximal end to a smaller footprint distal thereto.

10 . The clip member of claim 1 , wherein the distal end comprises a distal surface that is adapted to seal against a surface of the frame.

11 . The clip member of claim 1 , further comprising one or more recesses configured to accommodate one or more protrusions of the frame.

12 . A mask assembly comprising a seal member connected to the clip member of claim 1 .

13 . An interface assembly comprising the mask assembly of claim 12 and one or more of:

a frame configured to connect to the clip member;

a conduit connector configured to connect to a conduit;

an elbow connector; or

headgear.

14 . A clip member for an interface assembly, the clip member comprising:

a distal end configured to mount to and be removed from a frame;

a proximal end;

a sidewall that extends from the distal end toward the proximal end, the sidewall defining an interior space of the clip member, an end of the sidewall opposite the distal end having a peripheral surface that defines an opening, wherein the peripheral surface faces in a proximal direction; and

a retention structure formed at the proximal end of the clip member, the retention structure comprising:

a plurality of posts spaced about the peripheral surface, wherein each of the plurality of posts extends from a first end at the peripheral surface, in the proximal direction, to a second end;

a ring that encircles an outside and connects the second end of each of the plurality of posts such that the ring is located radially outward of each of the plurality of posts, wherein a distalmost surface of the ring is spaced in the proximal direction from the peripheral surface;

a plurality of slots defined between the plurality of posts and between the ring and the peripheral surface, wherein each of the plurality of slots open radially outward and extend through an outermost surface of the clip member;

a distal surface that extends radially outward from the sidewall; and

a proximal surface that is spaced in the proximal direction from the distal surface, wherein the distal surface and the proximal surface are parallel to each other;

wherein the retention structure is configured to allow secure overmoulding of a separate seal member onto the clip member.

15 . The clip member of claim 14 , wherein the clip member tapers from a larger footprint at the proximal end to a smaller footprint at the distal end.

16 . The clip member of claim 15 , wherein the distal end comprises a circular inner surface that is adapted to receive a mounting boss of the frame.

17 . The clip member of claim 14 , wherein the proximal surface is formed by at least each of the ring and the second end of each of the plurality of posts.

18 . The clip member of claim 14 , wherein the ring is located radially outward from the distal surface of the retention structure.

19 . A mask assembly comprising a seal member connected to the clip member of claim 14 .