HEAD CAP

Abstract

The invention relates to a head cap, for placement of a head of a person. The head cap comprises a support shell with an inner face facing the head and an outer face facing away from the head and a cover shell with an inner face facing the head and a outer face facing away from the head, wherein at least the inner face of the support shell is optionally at least along an outer edge of the inner face, preferably over the entire surface, cushioned with a cushion layer and is covered by a flexible cover layer which encloses the inner face and extends up to the outer face of the support shell at least in a peripheral support shell edge region, wherein at least one cover layer edge is covered by the cover shell.

Claims

1. Head cap, for placement of a head of a person, with a support shell with an inner face facing the head and an outer face facing away from the head and with a cover shell with an inner face facing the head and an outer face facing away from the head and wherein at least the inner face of the support shell, optionally at least along an outer edge of the inner face is, preferably over the entire surface, cushioned with a cushion layer and, covered by a flexible cover layer which encloses the inner face and extends up to the outer face of the support shell at least in a peripheral support shell edge region, wherein at least one cover layer edge is covered by the cover shell.

2. Head cap according to claim 1, wherein the support shell, more particularly the peripheral support shell edge region of the support shell, enclosing a part of the cover layer is connected at least with a peripheral edge of the cover shell, preferably adhered and/or welded and/or pressed and/or screwed to the cover shell and/or the cover layer.

3. Head cap according to claim 1, wherein the cover layer at least on the inner face of the support shell is designed to be seamless, and wherein preferably the cover layer in the region of a peripheral line along the cover layer edge is fastened to the support shell, wherein this line is covered by the cover shell.

4. Head cap according to any one of the preceding claims claim 1, wherein the outer face of the support shell is protected against surroundings of the head cap as a whole by the cover shell and the cover layer, wherein the cover shell is connected to in a tightly sealed manner to the cover layer.

5. Head cap according to claim 1, with a recess strip in the support shell edge region of the support shell for receiving an edge of the cover shell.

6. Head cap according to claim 1, wherein the support shell and the cover shell comprise at least one fastening hole assigned to each other, preferably two fastening holes assigned to each other.

7. Head placement device with a head cap according to claim 1, and holding mechanism for the adjustable positioning of the head cap, preferably at least in two spatial directions and/or at least in two directions of rotation.

8. Head placement device according to claim 7, wherein the holding mechanism comprises positioning means for positioning the head cap, preferably in three orthogonal spatial directions, and/or a ball joint.

9. Treatment furniture, more particularly treatment table or treatment chair, with a head cap according to claim 1, more particularly with a head placement device.

10. Process for producing a head cap, more particularly in according to claim 1, wherein the process covers at least the following steps: provision of a support shell, provision of a cover shell, provision of a flexible cover layer and optionally a cushion layer, optional cushioning, at least along an outer edge, preferably over the entire surface, of an inner face of the support shell with the cushion layer, covering of at least one inner face of the support shell with the cover layer, preferably with the inclusion of the cushion layer, including enclosing at least one support shell edge region of an outer face of the support shell, covering at least one cover layer edge with the cover shell on the outer face of the support shell.

11. Process according to claim 10, wherein the support shell and/or the cover shell takes place using, preferably negative, thermoforming, preferably thermoforming of a recess strip in a support shell edge region of an outer face of the support shell.

12. Process according to claim 10, wherein the cover layer is placed in a recess strip in the support shell edge region of the support shell so that in the ready assembled state, the recess strip is at least partly spanned by the cover layer, wherein sealing between the cover shell and the cover layer in the region of the recess strip inevitably occurs under slight pressure when connecting the cover shell to the support shell.

13. Process according to claim 10, wherein a peripheral edge, particularly in the area of a nape cut-out, of the cover shell is formed, preferably milled, in such a way that the edge in the connection between the support shell and cover shell in the ready assembled state tightly rests on the cover layer in the recess strip over almost the entire surface.

14. Process according to claim 10, wherein the head cap is cushioned with the cushion layer in such a way that by way of the cushion layer extending beyond an outer edge of the support shell a cushion bulge is formed.

15. Use of a head cap according to claim 1 for placement of a head of a person when being placed on a treatment furniture.

16. Head cap according to claim 2, wherein the cover layer at least on the inner face of the support shell is designed to be seamless, and wherein preferably the cover layer in the region of a peripheral line along the cover layer edge is fastened to the support shell, wherein this line is covered by the cover shell.

17. Head cap according to claim 2, wherein the outer face of the support shell is protected against surroundings of the head cap as a whole by the cover shell and the cover layer, wherein the cover shell is connected to in a tightly sealed manner to the cover layer.

18. Head cap according to claim 3, wherein the outer face of the support shell is protected against surroundings of the head cap as a whole by the cover shell and the cover layer, wherein the cover shell is connected to in a tightly sealed manner to the cover layer.

19. Head cap according to claim 2, with a recess strip in the support shell edge region of the support shell for receiving an edge of the cover shell.

20. Head cap according to claim 3, with a recess strip in the support shell edge region of the support shell for receiving an edge of the cover shell.

Description

[0083] The invention will be explained again in detail below using examples of embodiment with reference to the attached figures. The same components in the various figures are given identical reference numbers. The figures are generally not to scale. In these:

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a rough schematic side view (in partial cross-section) of an example of embodiment of an item of treatment furniture according to the invention comprising a head placement device with a head cap according to the invention.

[0085] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an example of embodiment of a head cap for the head placement device in FIG. 1,

[0086] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the example of embodiment of the head placement device according to the invention along section line A-A in FIGS. 1 and 2, looking into a head placement surface onto a closed quarter sphere part of the head cap.

[0087] FIG. 4 shows a view from below of an outer side of the support shell of the head cap in FIGS. 2 and 3,

[0088] FIG. 5 shows a view from below of an outer side of the support shell of the head cap in FIG. 4, with fastened cover layer pulled around the support shell, but without a cover shell,

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a view from below of an outer side of the support shell of the head cap in FIG. 5 in a ready assembled state of the head cap with the cover shell.

[0090] In FIG. 1, as an example of an item of treatment furniture 10, a lateral view of a treatment table 10 or lifting table 19 is shown. In the following, direction statements such as “above”, “under”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper side”, “lower side”, “horizontal” and “vertical” relate to a correctly set up lifting table 10 in a space with the usual orthogonal spatial directions S1, S2, S3. The lifting table 10 comprises a longitudinal couch 29 (shown in longitudinal section) that comprises three body segments 27 and a head placement segment 5 (explanation below) for the placement of a patient or person. The body segments 27 are arranged in a line and essentially horizontally. They are each connected in a swivelling manner with the adjacent segments and can be aligned as required by way of positioning means 8, such as hydraulic positioning elements 8, for example.

[0091] The couch 29 is arranged on the top of a lifting column 20 (not shown in cross-section). The lifting column 30 comprises several feet 12 and a height-adjustable lifting body 25, on the top of which the body segments 27 of the couch 29 are arranged. The feet 12 underneath the lifting body 25 are on the one hand designed so that the lifting column 30 stands in an overall very stable manner and (not shown here) is firmly connected to the floor, i.e. anchored in the floor for example. On the other hand, the lifting body 25 can be displaced in terms of height relative the feet 12. In normal use the lifting column 30 can thus be adjusted in a lifting direction HR (spatial direction S2) perpendicularly to the floor, i.e. vertically, in order to position the person in a raised or lowered manner, i.e for height adjustment in the lifting direction HR. The spatial direction S2 is therefore also designated as the lifting direction HR. However, for example, in order to only raise or lower the upper body or lower body (relative to the other in each case), further positioning elements 8 are arranged on the lifting body 25 (left and right in FIG. 1) under the middle region of the couch 29.

[0092] So that the described components of the lifting table 10 do not have to be manually operated, inside a housing of the lifting body 25 there is a control unit 26 (only shown schematically in FIG. 1 as a dashed block) for controlling the lifting table 10, with which therefore the lifting body 25 can be positioned in a controlled manner relative to the feet 12, and in turn the body segments 27 by means of the positioning elements 8 relative to the lifting body 25. For this, the feet 12 and the positioning elements 8 are, for example, driven hydraulically, pneumatically and/or as simple gears, being regulated or actuated via the control unit 26. Accordingly, it comprises suitable components, for example in the form of an electrical switch, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or a microprocessor. In addition, for better operability, it can also comprise operating elements applied on the outside of the housing and/or a remote control.

[0093] At the head end (on the left in FIG. 1) of the couch 29, as a separate head placement segment 5 there is a head placement device 5 with a head cap 1 (also not shown in cross-section). This comprises a holding mechanism 6 with a ball joint 9 and a positioning element 8 through which the head cap 1 is connected in an articulated manner with the adjoining body segment 27 (for the upper body). FIG. 2 shows an isolated (further enlarged) view of a part of the head placement device 5, in which in addition to the head cap 1 (as a component of this head placement device 5), the ball joint 9 can be seen as part of the holding mechanism 6 for the head cap 1. A coupling option, e.g. a thread for a screw connection or a snap-in or click connection between the ball joint 9 and support frame 11 of the head placement device 5, wherein the support frame 11 is in turn coupled to the positioning element 8, is located on the underside of the holding mechanism 6 which faces away from the head cap and is not visible here. Alternatively, the positioning element 8 can also be directly connected to the ball joint. The ball joint 9—only shown schematically for the sake of simplicity—that can be fixed or locked with a (not shown) inner releasable “socket type” clamping mechanism, ensures that the head cap 1 can be arranged in any manner. For this, for example, the clamping mechanism can be designed with a locking screw or a rotationally tightenable grip applied on the outside of the holding mechanism 6. Overall, through this, the head cap 1, particularly also with the head placed therein, can be arranged or positioned with the positioning element 8 along the three orthogonal spatial directions S1, S2, S3, as well as by means of the ball joint 9 along the direction of rotation about the longitudinal direction (spatial direction S1) of the lifting table 10 and along the direction of rotation R2 about the spatial direction S3 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lifting table 10.

[0094] So that the head of the person is held and guided accordingly, including during positioning, the head cap 1 has a head support surface AF matched to a conventional back of the head and uppermost neck area, in order to support or hold this comfortably and securely. However, in the head cap 1 shown here, not only the back of the head can supported. Rather, with the particularly advantageous shape shown here, the head cap 1 is also suitable for use as a face cap. This is because the face can be placed in it particularly comfortably as the forehead has a similar curvature to the back of the head. Basically, the inner shape or head support surface AF of the head cap 1 can in a representative manner simply be presented as the counterpart to the back of the head and uppermost neck area, for which reason, for the sake of simplicity, the head cap is described below with reference to the back of a head.

[0095] In addition, the head resting surface AF can be divided into two moulded sections. As stated, these are each shaped in accordance with the envisaged part (of the skull or neck) that rests there during intended use.

[0096] A “quarter sphere” moulded section of the head support surface AF of the head cap 1 for receiving and placement of the parietal bone of the person can be seen in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the view into or onto this rear part (behind the section line A-A in FIG. 2) of the head support surface AF or the head cap 1 from the direction of the cough 29 (see FIG. 1).

[0097] From there the head cap 1 transitions smoothly into the other moulded section (similar to a quarter sphere) with a nape cut-out for receiving the neck (for this see the head support surface AF open at the front left in FIG. 2). If the head of the person is pointing with the face towards the head cap, the nape cut-out provides space for the nose or the mouth, as well as the chin of the person and thereby advantageously supports the bridge of the nose. In this case it could also be called a “nose cut-out”. The nape cut-out 40n, 60n (see FIG. 6) is composed of a nape cut-out 40n in the support shell (see FIG. 4) and an almost identical, slightly smaller nape cut-out 60n in the cover shell 60 (see FIG. 2), which each in moulding terms constitute an approximately gaussian bell-shaped recess or indentation in the shells 40, 60. designed to hold the occipital bone, a part of the parietal bone and laterally on each side (left and right) the temporal bone. Furthermore, the nape cut-out 40n, 60n of the moulded section creates just enough space for the neck/uppermost nape area that the neck can also be held in a supported manner. A slight rise formed in the support shell 40 (from the central inner face or the centre of the head support surface AF of the head cap 1 in the direction of the nape cut-out) is adapted to the usual shape of the back of the head so that in an intended arrangement the head, at least as far as the first cervical vertebra (atlas), is held in a supported manner. The support of this neck area makes for noticeably more comfortable and secure placement in the head cap 1.

[0098] In summary, the inner shape of the head support surface AF of the head cap 1 is, as has been stated, shaped so that it constitutes as good a negative mould or copy of a usual back of the head and neck area of an adult person (or of a child in the case of a child head cap) as possible. In the case of an ideal (usual) head shape, almost the entire rear side of the head (occipital bone, parietal bone and neck or uppermost neck area) rests flatly in the head support surface AF so that the weight of the head is distributed over the entire head support surface AF. In this way it is prevented that the head is only in contact at individual points, as a result of which during longer use pressure points or similar would form, which would of course be experienced as uncomfortable by the person.

[0099] Particularly from FIG. 2 it can be seen that the cap-shaped, curved head support surface AF of the head cap 1 is intended to surround the back of the head (not shown for reasons of clarity), i.e. to also hold it laterally. The side surfaces of the head resting surface AF required for this, enclose this support surface (or, during use, the head) almost on all sides (radially outwards) in a parabolic manner (open upwards), rising concavely in the form of an “slope”. “Almost on all sides” means the “circumference of the head” from one ear, via the top of the skull to the other ear, i.e. approximately three quarters of the circumference of the head without the width of the neck.

[0100] A back of the head placed in the head cap 1 is thus held from behind in a hood-like manner to just behind the ears. Accordingly, the slope predominantly (approximately on three quarters) rises up to the ears (temporal bone level) and in the remaining quarter is almost flat with a minimal slope around the neck. Left out in this quarter is the already mentioned nape cut-out, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0101] At the top, the slope of the head support surface AF is circumferentially round (convex towards the top), i.e. becoming flatter towards the outside. From this slope that is convex at the top, the curvature inverts downwards to a lower slope area. There it is then curved concavely (upwards). At the transition point at approximately half the slope height, the gradient in the quarter sphere moulded section is very steep.

[0102] In the second moulded section, i.e. in the area of the nape cut-out, the gradient is very shallow. This shallow increase (relative to the midpoint of the head support surface AF) is inspired by the course of a neck resting thereon. It increases to the point where the start of the first neck vertebra (atlas) comes to rest. Here too the shallows slope is again curved convexly (upwards). This minimally visible, raised sill in the course of the slope provides support there where the neck or the spine is slightly curved to the larynx. Perpendicularly to the neck, the nape cut-out is also adapted to the neck, i.e. selected to only be so wide that the neck of a normal adult has just enough space therein to still also support or hold the neck laterally.

[0103] At the start of the nape cut-out 40n, the outer edge 41 of the support shell 40 extends from an otherwise constant level symmetrically in a gaussian bell-shaped manner in each case (i.e. convexly, concavely, convexly) down to a level for the rear side of the neck, as well as from both sides in a slight arc in the direction of the midpoint of the head support surface AF of the head cap 1. In order to improve the receiving or placement of the person's neck or rear of the neck even further, in the area of the nape cut-out 40n, the outer edge 41 of the support shell 40 is slightly bent, turned or curved towards an outer face 40o of the support shell 40, i.e. away from the neck (for this see the upper section, only thereby visible in FIG. 4, of the outer edge 41, which is slight turned or twisted towards the observer).

[0104] By way of example, using FIGS. 2 to 6, the method of production according to the invention will be described below. Especially in FIG. 3, which shows the cross-section through the head support surface AF of the head cap 1 along section line A-A in FIGS. 1 and 2, the complete layer or shell structure of the head cap 1 can be particularly well seen.

[0105] As can been seen from the cross-section, the layer or shell structure comprises as an inner, bearing or dimensionally stable basic shell, a cap-shaped support shell 40 with a concave inner face 40i and a convex outer face 40o, which is produced in a first step (in FIG. 4 a view of the underside or outer face 40o facing away from the head is shown). As stated, this support shell 40 is shaped in the form of cap, i.e. a curved surface of a spherical segment with a circular circumference. The wall thickness of the support shell is small relative to the total diameter of the cap. Between the inner face 40i and the outer face 40o of the support shell 40, the (peripheral) outer edge 41 of the support shell (40) is designed to end with a relatively sharp edge.

[0106] In the support shell edge region 43, close to this outer edge 41 of the support shell 40, a (circumferential) recess strip 45 is formed or removed in the outer face 40o of the support shell 40. The depth of the recess strip 45 is only around one fifth in relation to the support shell wall thickness.

[0107] In addition, in the outer face 400 of the support shell 40, at each of two points, fastening holes 42 (preferably with a thread 46) extending in the radial direction perpendicularly to the surface of the support shell 40 are bored or milled as simple fastening means for attaching the aforementioned holding mechanism 6. The fastening holes 42 are spaced with regard to each other along the degree of longitude that extends from a point (aphelion) remote from the nape cut-out of the outer edge 41 of the support shell 40 in a curved manner along the outer face 40o to a midpoint of the nape cut-out 40n of the support shell 40.

[0108] As can be seen in FIG. 3, adjoining the convex outer face 40o of the support shell 40 is a further dimensionally stable, cap-shaped cover shell 60, similar in shape to the support shell 40. It is (see also FIG. 2 or 6) essentially matched to the support shell 40, i.e. also shaped so that it comprises a convex outer face 60o and a concave inner face 60i. However, overall, the cover shell 69 is designed a little smaller, but with a slightly larger curvature angle in order, during the intended connection of the two shells 40 60 (explained further below) to be able to clamp in between them the cushion layer 80 described below and the cover layer 90.

[0109] However, for cushioning the inner face 40i as well as the outer face 40o as far as a support shell edge region 43, said cushion layer 80 is cut to shape and size with a little excess and then, as required, arranged and, for example, adhered in one or more thin layers on the support shell 40. For this, the cushion layer 80 could alternatively be foamed as an elastic mass onto the inner face 40i of the support shell 40.

[0110] For enclosing the cushion layer 80 as far as a support shell edge region 43 of the support shell 40, the flexible cover layer 90 is then also cut to a similar shape and size from the corresponding material.

[0111] On the side of the cushion layer 80 facing away from the support shell, i.e. facing the head, the cut cover layer 90 is then placed on the cushion layer 80 and adhered to it. A peripheral overhang or overlap of the cushion layer 80 and the cover layer 90 above it consequently protruding beyond the outer edge 41 of the support shell 40, is then under slight tension pulled by means of the cover layer 90 around the outer edge 41 to a rear-sided support shell edge region 43 of the outer face 40o of the support shell 40.

[0112] As can be particularly well seen in the finished state in accordance with FIG. 2, the cushion layer 80 enclosed by the cover layer 90 therefore almost automatically forms an inner, i.e. located between the support shell 40 and the cover layer 90, cushion bulge 80W. This arches laterally slightly over the peripheral outer edge 41 of the support shell 40, as can be seen in FIG. 3 to the right and left of the respective outer edge 41. In this way, both the inner face 40i and also the outer face 41 of the support shell 40 is cushioned with the cushion layer 80 and through covering with the cover layer 90 is brought into the desired shape or preformed.

[0113] Thereupon, a cover layer edge 91 of the cover layer 90 is essentially connected to the support shell 40 along an imagined circumferential line 44L on the outer face 40o of the support shell 40. As an example, FIG. 5 shows a cover layer edge 90 firmly stapled with fastening staples 44 onto the support shell 40 along the line 44L.

[0114] The cover layer 90 or at least the peripheral cover layer edge 91 is then additionally fastened to the cover shell 60 as has already been done in FIG. 6. For this, the faces facing each other (i.e. the outer face 40o of the support shell 40 and/or the inner face 60i of the cover shell 60), are over the entire surface, or at least partially (i.e. in strips), preferably at least essentially in the area of line 44L, coated with adhesive and pressed onto each other or pressed and thereby adhered to each other. When covering the cover layer edge 91 with the cover shell 60, an edge 61 of the cover shell 60 presses the cover layer 90 against the support shell 40 so that a circumferential cushion bulge 80 is re-tensioned and smoothed by the cover 90 in the area of the outer edge 41 of the support shell 40. More precisely, with its peak, the edge 61 of the cover shell 60 protrudes into the recess strip 45 and in this way tensions the already slight pre-tensioned cover layer 60 further so that the cover layer 60 can be tensioned around the circumferential cushion bulge 80W covering the inner face 40i of the support shell 40 in an even more fold-free manner.

[0115] Alternatively, as required, the cover layer 90 could also fixed and tensioned without stapling, i.e. only by way, for example, of the adhered-on cover shell, essentially along the line 44L between the support shell 40 and cover layer 60.

[0116] In the support shell edge region 43 on the outer face of the support shell 40, the cover shell 80 then closes a joint to the cover layer 90 in an almost flush manner with the outer edge 41 of the support shell 50 or with the enclosed cushion bulge 80W projecting slightly beyond the outer edge 41 of the support shell 40.

[0117] Even covering the cover layer 90 with the cover layer 60 inevitably forms a seal. Adhering the shells 40, 60 to each other ensures additional sealing so that in intended use no fluids or suchlike can penetrate into the minimal “joint” between the cover layer 90 and cover shell 60. It is sufficient if the adhesive is applied peripherally in strips essentially along the line 44L as the corresponding components are tightly in contact with each other.

[0118] Finally, a mounting disk 7 of the ball joint 9 is fastened to the outer face 600 of the cover shell 60 by means of two screws in the respective thread 46 in the fastening holes 42 of the support shell 40 as well as the fastening holes 62 (see FIG. 6), as can be seen in the ready assembled state in FIGS. 2 and 3. As the fastening screw 7 also has slightly curved surface here, it lies flush on the outer face 60o of the cover shell 60.

[0119] In the above-described production process the material for the support shell 40 can—as has already been described—be purchased in the form of sheet or film material, pre-prepared in the form of material cut to size, then thermoformed, milled and then, if applicable, surface-treated.

[0120] The support shell 40 and the cover shell 60 can be made of the same full material or raw material, such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood, metal or suchlike. More particularly, however, the outer face 60o of the cover shell 60 can be made of a particularly smooth material or be additionally smoothed, so that the risk of residues adhering to it is reduced.

[0121] Finally, it is again pointed out that the devices that are described in detail above are only examples of embodiments which can be modified in the most varied of ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the domain of the invention. Thus, for example, other items of treatment furniture such as couches etc. are also covered by the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles “a” or “an” does not preclude the fact that the respective feature can also be multiply present. Equally, the terms “element” and “device” do not rule out the fact that the respective components can comprise several interacting partial components that may also be spatially distributed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0122] 1 Head cap/head placement segment

[0123] 5 Head placement device

[0124] 6 Holding mechanism

[0125] 7 Mounting disk

[0126] 8 Positioning means/positioning elements

[0127] 9 Ball joint

[0128] 10 Treatment furniture/treatment table/lifting table

[0129] 11 Support frame

[0130] 12 Feet

[0131] 25 Lifting body

[0132] 26 Control unit

[0133] 27 Body segments

[0134] 29 Couch

[0135] 30 Lifting column

[0136] 40 Support shell

[0137] 40i Inner face of support shell

[0138] 40n Nape cut-out of the support shell

[0139] 40o Outer face of the support shell

[0140] 41 Outer edge of the support shell

[0141] 42 Fastening holes

[0142] 43 Support shell edge region

[0143] 44 Fastening clamps

[0144] 44L Line

[0145] 45 Recess strip

[0146] 46 Thread

[0147] 60 Cover shell

[0148] 60i Inner face of the cover shell

[0149] 60n Nape cut-out of the cover shell

[0150] 60o Outer face of the cover shell

[0151] 61 Edge of the cover shell

[0152] 62 Fastening holes

[0153] 80 Cushion layer

[0154] 80W Cushion bead

[0155] 90 Cover layer

[0156] 91 Cover layer edge

[0157] AF Head resting surface of the head cap

[0158] HR Lifting direction

[0159] R1, R2 Directions of rotation

[0160] S1, S2, S3 Spatial directions

[0161] A-A Section line