US 12,343,294 B2
Port for an internal air distribution system of a patient support surface
Jnanesha Ramegowda, Batesville, IN (US); Douglas E. Borgman, Batesville, IN (US); and Michael Churilla, Batesville, IN (US)
Assigned to Hill-Rom Services, Inc., Batesville, IN (US)
Filed by Hill-Rom Services, Inc., Batesville, IN (US)
Filed on Nov. 22, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/517,027.
Application 18/517,027 is a division of application No. 17/534,534, filed on Nov. 24, 2021, granted, now 11,826,295, issued on Nov. 28, 2023.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/118,248, filed on Nov. 25, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0082087 A1, Mar. 14, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B01D 45/06 (2006.01); A61G 7/057 (2006.01)
CPC A61G 7/05784 (2016.11) [B01D 45/06 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A port for a support surface, the port comprising
a housing, the housing defining a cavity and a passageway having an outer surface, wherein the housing further includes a drain surface defining a descending angle positioned in the cavity and configured to allow gravity to conduct foreign materials over the outer surface of the passageway and over the drain surface away from the cavity,
a cap including a resiliently pliable flange received within the passageway and expanding within the housing such that the flange is secured to the housing by an interference fit, the cap and housing cooperating to define a tortious path for a flow of air through the port, and
a connector, the connector having first portion for securing the connector to a conduit and a second portion, the second portion including a resiliently pliable flange received within the passageway and expanding within the housing such that the flange is secured to the housing by an interference fit.