Banded holding device for ventilation masks

Abstract

A holding device for fastening a respiratory mask (1) to the head of a wearer, comprising a strap with at least two strap ends (3, 13), wherein the strap ends (3, 13) are detachably connectable to the respiratory mask and / or detachably connectable to the mask via at least one fastening device, and wherein the strap is connected to a central section (2), wherein at least two strap ends (3) extend from the central section (2) towards the respiratory mask (1), and wherein the central section (2) rests against the head of the wearer and is at least partially adapted to the shape of the wearer's head, wherein the strap and the central section (2) are made of at least two parts (14, 14', 15, 15', 15"), wherein the first part (14, 14') is connected to a second part (15, 15', 15") by at least: - a tab (5) arranged on a first part (14), and at least one strap end (3, 13) arranged on a second part (15), suitable for passing through the tab (5), - a Velcro fastener, - a lacing and at least one eyelet, - a button and a buttonhole, - a push button (11), or - a zipper, characterized in that - the first part (14, 14') has a plurality of tabs (5), and that the second part (15, 15', 15") has an odd number of strap ends (3, 13), so that for connecting the first part (14, 14') to the second part (15, 15', 15"), alternatively an even or an odd number of strap ends (3, 13) of the first part (14, 14') are guided through the one or more tabs (5) of the second part (15, 15', 15"), so that alternatively an even or odd number of strap ends (3, 13) are available for connecting to the ventilation mask (1) and for holding the ventilation mask (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device with a strap for holding a ventilation mask on the head of a user.

[0002] Retaining devices for ventilation masks are already known from the prior art. In particular, headgear caps are known in various designs. They comprise straps that converge at the neck and are connected to the mask in such a way that they are secured to the mask at three points. The focus here is on ensuring a secure fit, which often comes at the expense of comfort. One such mask is described in DE 101 58 066 A1.

[0003] Also known are ventilation or head masks that essentially enclose the chin area, as is the case with equestrian jumping helmets, for example. This design relieves pressure on the wearer's ears and cheeks. A ventilation mask attached in this way is described in DE 103 38 169 A1.

[0004] The head mask attachments or retaining devices known from the prior art are essentially manufactured in such a way that they achieve their fit by joining individual, two-dimensional parts. The resulting welds, adhesives, or other seams can be raised and cause irritation or pressure points on the wearer's head.

[0005] DE 103 52 608 A1 describes a holding device for attaching a respirator mask to the wearer's head. Straps are used for this purpose.

[0006] A comparable holding device is also explained in DE 694 13 427 T2 and WO 2004 / 041 341 A1.

[0007] Further holding devices for attaching a ventilation mask to the head of a wearer using straps are also disclosed in US 6 494 207 B1, US 2004 / 0 083 534 A1 and US 2005 / 0 172 969 A1.

[0008] Based on this prior art, the present invention is based on the object of creating a holding device for ventilation masks which is improved with regard to individual physiognomic and functional adaptability.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the strap and the central section are made of at least two parts, wherein the first part is connected to a second part by at least: - a tab arranged on a first part, and at least one strap end arranged on a second part, suitable for passing through the tab, - a Velcro fastener, - a lacing and at least one eyelet, - a button and a buttonhole, - a push button, or - connected by a zipper.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to improve a method for producing a holding device for fastening a ventilation mask to the head of a wearer in such a way that a holding device is provided which visually signals a correct attachment of the ventilation mask to the head of the wearer.

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the first part has a plurality of tabs and in that the second part has an odd number of strap ends, so that for connecting the first part to the second part alternatively an even or an odd number of strap ends of the first part are guided through the one or more tabs of the second part, so that alternatively an even or odd number of strap ends are available for connecting to the ventilation mask and for holding the ventilation mask.

[0012] The invention relates to a holding device for attaching a ventilation mask to the head of a wearer. It comprises a central section, which rests, for example, on the back of the wearer's head when the wearer is using the mask, and a strap that is connected to the central section. This strap holds the ventilation mask by connecting the ends of the strap to the mask. The central section is pre-shaped and adapted to the shape of the back of the wearer's head, so that an optimal fit of the holding device is achieved. The large-area contact area of ​​the central section optimally absorbs tensile forces exerted on the wearer's head by the strap and the mask. Alternatively or in addition to the attachment to the back of the head, an attachment to the chin is also conceivable. In this case, the central section is adapted to the shape of the chin.

[0013] One embodiment relates to the preformed central section, which is made of a soft, comfortable textile fabric that feels pleasant on the head and face, and which is also suitable for permanent adaptation to the wearer's head shape by preforming. This is advantageous because individual retaining devices are obtained. The shape of the central section can be individually adjusted to the wearer's head shape. Once thermally preformed, the central section permanently retains the desired geometry while retaining its flexibility, as the straps are variably adjustable. This advantageously enables the mask to be worn comfortably and conveniently.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the device is made from a single textile piece of tubing, which is also permanently thermally preformed, so that seams and connections in the back of the head area and on the cheeks and temples of the wearer are completely eliminated, advantageously preventing the wearing of the mask from leading to pressure points or rubbing points on the wearer's head.

[0015] Furthermore, embodiments relate to a holding device made up of multiple parts, wherein the various parts of the holding device are operatively connected to one another in such a way that different fits are achieved. This advantageously provides the holding device with great flexibility. The holding device can either be adapted to multiple wearers, or one and the same wearer can optimally adapt the holding device to their individual physiognomy if their condition varies.

[0016] In a subsequent embodiment, the retaining device has a central section with a recess representing a basic geometric shape. Alternatively, a basic geometric shape can be attached or affixed to the retaining device. This then also serves as a tensile force indicator. This advantageously ensures that when tensile force is applied, this basic geometric shape is deformed in such a way that the deformation can be considered a measure of the applied tensile force. Excessive applied tensile force results in the basic geometric shape being deformed, thus prompting the wearer to relax the strapping in such a way that the deformation is reversed, ideally until the original basic geometric shape is regained.

[0017] Further embodiments relate to methods for manufacturing the holding device according to the above invention. A method according to the invention relates to the manufacture of the holding device from a single part, thereby advantageously producing a seamless or nearly seamless holding device.

[0018] Furthermore, a method according to the invention relates to the production of the holding device using a thermal preforming process, or molding, so that the section of the holding device produced by molding advantageously retains the permanently preformed geometry. Methods according to the invention include the individual measurement of the geometry of a carrier head.

[0019] Further embodiments, as well as some of the advantages associated with these and other embodiments, will become clearer and more easily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying figures. Objects or parts of the figures that are substantially the same or very similar may be provided with the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a helmet-shaped holding device with four strap ends that are connected to each other to form a loop, Fig. 2 shows the helmet-shaped holding device from Fig. 1, where two banding ends are not connected to themselves, Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional representation of a holding device with a triangular basic section and three strap ends, Fig. 4a shows a three-dimensional representation of a holding device made in one piece from a hose section with a recess, Fig. 4b shows a three-dimensional representation of a holding device made in one piece from a hose section, with two recesses, Fig. 4c shows an alternative embodiment of the three-dimensionally illustrated, one-piece holding device made of Fig. 4b, Fig. 4d shows the three-dimensional representation of a holding device made in one piece from a hose section, with four strap ends being provided by vertically cutting through an upper and lower crossbar, Fig. 5a shows the side view of a carrier with the holding device attached, Fig. 5b shows the three-dimensional representation of a wearer with a ventilation mask and holding device, Fig. 6a shows a schematic front view of a two-part holding device arranged so that four strap ends are provided for holding the ventilation mask, Fig. 6b shows the holding device from Fig. 6 a arranged so that three strap ends are provided for holding the ventilation mask, Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective top view of a holding device made of two parts, wherein the preformed central section, see Fig. 7c, is only obtained when the Fig. 7a with the part shown in Fig. 7b shown part is connected, Fig. Figure 8 shows a plan view of a holding device made of two symmetrical stamped parts, where Fig. 8a a first geometry and Fig. 8b represents a second geometry. Fig. 8c shows a plan view of a holding device made of two symmetrical punched parts and an inserted middle part, Fig. 9a shows the top view of a stamped part for the production of a holding device four strap ends, and Fig. 9b shows the top view of a punched part made of two parts according to Fig. 9a manufactured holding device with four strap ends, Fig. 9d shows a plan view of a holding device in a schematic representation, made of two symmetrical punched parts, wherein the punched parts are connected to each other by a lacing, Fig. 9c shows an alternative geometry of the Fig. 9d shown holding device, Fig. 10a shows a schematic plan view of a stamped part and a central section for forming a holding device, Fig. 10b shows a top view of the holding device, made of two symmetrical stamped parts and a central section according to Fig. 10b, where the central section connects the two symmetrical punched parts, Fig. 10c shows a stamped part and a central section for forming a holding device, Fig. 10b shows a top view of the holding device, made of two symmetrical stamped parts and a central section according to Fig. 10c, Fig. 10e shows a stamped part and a central section for forming a holding device, Fig. 10f shows a plan view of the holding device, made of two symmetrical stamped parts and a central section according to Fig. 10e, Fig. 11 shows various embodiments of a one-piece holding device with four strap ends, wherein Fig. 11a has crescent-shaped recesses in the central section, Fig. 11b a strip-shaped central section inserted between two band elements; Fig. 11c shows a one-piece holding device with three oval recesses in the central section, Fig. 11d shows a one-piece holding device with four strap ends without a recess, Fig. 11e shows a one-piece holding device with four strap ends and an approximately rectangular recess in the central section, Fig. 11f shows a holding device made of two parts with four strap ends, made of a strap with a convex cut and a strap with a concave cut, Fig. 11g shows the holding device according to Fig. 11f, where the concave shape of Fig. 11f contains an oval opening, and Fig. 11h shows a geometric alternative to the concave geometry of Fig. 11g, Fig. 12 shows the top view of a fastening device for connecting the strap ends to the respiratory mask, comprising two parts, wherein Fig. 12a shows the two parts separately, and Fig. 12 b shows the two parts engaged; Fig. 12c shows a shorter alternative of the fastening device from Fig. 12b.

[0020] The following explanations first define the terms used in the description and the claims.

[0021] A "respiratory mask" is a ventilation device for delivering breathing gas through the nose and / or mouth. The respiratory mask can be designed as a full-face mask or as a partial mask that covers only the nose, known as a nasal mask.

[0022] A "holding device" is a device used to position and secure the respiratory mask to the user's face. The functional properties of the holding device are that it allows the mask to be placed so tightly against the face that gas flowing into or out of the mask does not escape through the mask's edge, but only through the gas supply and discharge devices provided for this purpose.

[0023] The "central section" of the inventive retaining devices refers to the area that rests against the back of the wearer's head. It can extend over several parts forming the retaining device and can have different shapes and sizes.

[0024] A "preform" is a workpiece to which a deformation technique is applied to imprint a three-dimensional geometry on the initially two-dimensional workpiece that is permanently retained. Common deformation techniques include, in particular, thermal deformation techniques such as hot pressing or molding. This gives the workpiece permanent dimensional stability.

[0025] The term “pulling force indicator” refers to an optical display function that clearly shows the force acting on the holding device at the back of the head.

[0026] For example, the embodiments of the present invention are holding devices by means of which the ventilation masks such as CPAP therapy masks (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy) for the treatment of apnea can be attached to the head.

[0027] The holding devices according to the invention all have a strap with at least two, but usually more, strap ends in order to securely attach the ventilation mask to the wearer's head by means of a three-, four-, or five-point fastening. The holding device generally has a central section that is connected to a strap in such a way that the ends of the strap point away from the central section, which rests on the wearer's head, and towards the ventilation mask. The central section plays a key role because the tensile forces emanating from the mask are concentrated in the central section. It is therefore at least partially adapted to the shape of the wearer's head, ensuring the best possible fit of the holding device and, accordingly, allowing the ventilation mask to develop its full functionality without becoming uncomfortable or causing chafing during continuous nighttime wear.The central section adjacent to the wearer's head can have a wide range of sizes in different designs.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a holding device according to the invention, in which the central section is helmet-shaped. It protectively surrounds the back of the head up to the forehead and neck. At the level of the forehead and at the neck end, the strap extends from the central section 2 with four strap ends 3 toward the ventilation mask (not shown).

[0029] This holding device is designed in four parts: The first part is the central section 2, a preform adapted to the physiognomy of the back of the wearer's head. Attached to its edge facing the neck is a second part, a strap of such length that the strap extends from the neck to the chin on both sides. Its two strap ends 3 are connected to each other in such a way that a loop 12 is created.

[0030] At the areas of the central section 2 near the temples, straps—parts three and four—are also attached, with strap ends 3 that are connected to each other, forming loops 12. There are a total of four loops 12, which are provided to accommodate corresponding fastening devices at the strap ends or directly at the respirator mask.

[0031] In this case, the strap material is sewn to the central section 2. It also features a hook-and-loop fastener, so that when the strap ends are passed through a fastening device provided on the respirator mask, such as an eyelet, and folded back, a hook-and-loop connection is formed. This secures the position of the respirator mask on the face.

[0032] Thanks to the large surface area of ​​the central section 2 at the back of the head, the retainer rests smoothly and without pressure points. The straps attached to the central section 2 are made of soft, textile material; they absorb the tension of the mask without causing pressure points or friction.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the holding device with the three-dimensional preformed central section 2, wherein the strap ends 3 located at chin level are open.

[0034] The Fig. The holding device shown in Figure 3 is of triangular basic design. It has a central section 2, also pre-shaped in three dimensions, which rests against the wearer's head at the back of the neck in its full width, but tapers towards the forehead, so that only one strap end 3 extends from the center of the forehead to the nose area of ​​the respirator mask. Each strap end 3 is, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, connected to itself to form a loop 12, which in turn, during wear, engages with a corresponding loop present on the respiratory mask (in Fig. 3 not shown) eyelet.

[0035] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. The strap ends shown in Figure 3 can be connected to themselves using hook-and-loop fasteners, but other suitable fastening options are also conceivable. Snap fastener systems, button-and-buttonhole systems, or other suitable fasteners can be used to detachably connect the strap ends 3 to themselves. Detachable connections of the fastening device to the ventilation mask are particularly advantageous because they allow a wide variety of holding devices to be attached to the ventilation mask, for example, if the holding device currently in use needs to be washed.

[0036] In principle, the fastening devices of the holding device can be made up of multiple parts. In this case, one part, such as a clip or hook, can be engaged with the loops and remain there, while a second part, the corresponding counterpart to the clip or hook, is attached to the mask. To secure the mask to the face, simply connect the first parts to the corresponding second parts.

[0037] The holding devices according to the invention can be made of textile material, whereby the textile materials can be natural or synthetic fabrics or mixtures of both. Finally, it is also possible for natural or synthetic elastomers to form the holding device in whole or in part. Thus, for example, the central section that rests on the back of the head can be made of a washable natural textile, while the strap that rests on the chin or forehead can be made of a plastic or polymer, which is advantageously easy to clean with a quick wipe. This proves particularly advantageous because nighttime sweating or salivation make it unnecessary to wash the holding device completely.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows a holding device according to the invention, manufactured from a single part, which in this case is a textile hose section 7. To create the holding device, successive steps are now performed to remove hose sections. Depending on the hose material, removal can be achieved by cutting or ripping the material. Fig. 4a shows a holding device in which a recess 7' was removed from the tube section only in the facial area.

[0039] In this case, the recess 7' has the shape of a large ellipse, extending from one ear to the other and exposing the area from the forehead to the chin. A crosspiece remains at chin and forehead height, which, when cut vertically, results in four band ends 3, as in the example shown in Fig. 4d shown embodiment.

[0040] The Fig. The holding device shown in Figure 4 d has, in contrast to Fig. 4a has a further tube section recess 7' in the area of ​​the back of the head, so that only two vertical webs 7'' connect the cross web 7'' left at forehead and chin height. Analogously, the Fig. 4 b and Fig. 4c, which differ only in the shape and size of the recess 7'. The recess 7' located at the back of the head is thus an opening 6 in the central section 2, into which Fig. 4b and Fig. 4c is marked with a dashed line, which allows the back of the head to be partially exposed, which can prove advantageous for people who sweat heavily on the head.

[0041] The Fig. The holding devices shown in Figures 4a to 4d advantageously have no seams, so that the holding devices lie completely smoothly and without interference against the wearer's skin. Fig. The holding device shown in Figure 4d is Fig. 5a, shown worn by the wearer. The central section 2 has a large central section opening 6, which proves particularly advantageous if the wearer has very thick hair or is prone to sweating. Fig. Figure 5 b shows the ventilation mask 1 on the wearer’s face, held by a holding device according to the invention.

[0042] The holding device according to the invention can be designed in two or more parts. Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b show such a two-part embodiment. This embodiment comprises a first part 14, which essentially consists of a strap onto which a receiving device 4 is sewn such that three tabs 5 are formed. A second part 15 comprises a central section 2, from which three strap ends 3, 13 extend.

[0043] The connection between the two parts 14 and 15 is made by passing the strap end 13 of the first part 15 through the tab 5 of the second part 14, as indicated by arrow a in Fig. 6a. The strap end 13 is pulled through the tab 5 to the desired length and then connected to itself. In this case, the strap end 13 is equipped with a hook-and-loop fastener, which allows the strap to be connected to itself.

[0044] The connection of parts 15 and 14 creates a holding device with four strap ends 3, which can be threaded through the eyelets provided on the ventilation mask to secure it. Instead of attaching the strap directly to the mask via eyelets, the two- or multi-part systems described above, such as clips, can be used. The extent to which the strap ends are threaded through the corresponding eyelets can be flexibly designed, allowing the wearer of the ventilation mask to adapt it to their individual physiognomy, ensuring a comfortable and functional fit of the mask during the night.

[0045] The combination of two parts shown can be used modularly, as shown in Fig. 6b: Part 15 can be used in another application such that the two ends 13 of part 15 are guided through the two additional tabs 5 of part 14 and folded inward as shown by arrow b to detachably connect part 15 to part 14. This leaves one free strap end 3 of part 15 and the two free strap ends 3 of part 14, so that the mounting device as a whole provides a three-point mounting. Further embodiments with parts having an odd number of strap ends to create a mounting device are conceivable.

[0046] In the Fig. 7a to 7c also show a holding device which is made up of two parts. Fig. Figure 7c shows the top view of the pre-formed central section 2 (shown in dashed lines) that is applied to the back of the head and results from the fact that the Fig. 7a shown second part 15' with the strap end 13 with the in Fig. 7b, which has the second banding end 13. The molded part is thus located in the second part 15', which is attached to part 14'.

[0047] The Fig. 8a to 9e also show holding devices that are composed essentially of two or three parts. Fig. The holding device shown in Figure 8a is made of two identical punched parts 15" that are approximately T-shaped. The parts 15" are pre-shaped at the point where the transverse and longitudinal lines of the "T" meet. Both parts are joined together along the transverse line of the "T" using a hook-and-loop fastener, so that the two pre-shaped parts of the joined parts complement each other to form a geometry adapted to the shape of the back of the wearer's head.

[0048] The Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 8b is similar in its geometry to that shown in Fig. 8a. The embodiment shown in Fig. The parts used in Figure 8b can be manufactured by a simple stamping process, making the production of these parts particularly simple and economical. The geometric structure of the parts used in Fig. 8c, whereby here a central band 9 is inserted along the center line 8. The choice of the central band 9 can advantageously be based on whether a larger or smaller back of the head is to be covered; accordingly, the central band 9 is wider or narrower.

[0049] The Fig. The parts used in Figures 9a to 9c are also easily manufactured punched parts 15'', wherein two parts in each case complement each other with the central section 2 located in the center, which has the pre-formed area, to form a holding device.

[0050] In principle, the 15'' punched parts can also be produced by cutting or other means.

[0051] While the parts for providing the holding devices according to Fig. 8a to Fig. 9b are joined together by means of Velcro devices, gluing or sewing, is shown in Fig. 9d and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 9c uses a connection by lacing. Particularly when using the elastic lacing 10, the central device 2 is stretched to fit the back of the head. This can prove particularly advantageous if the wearer performs vigorous chewing or snoring movements during sleep, which are associated with corresponding jaw or back-of-the-head movements, requiring an elastic fit of the mask to ensure its functionality.

[0052] The Fig. The holding devices shown in Figures 10a to 10f are essentially composed of three parts, wherein two identical, stamped parts 15'' are connected to a central section 2. Fig. 10a shows an elliptical part providing the central section 2, as well as a band with two band ends 3. Two of these bands are connected as identical parts 15" to the elliptical part via snap fasteners 11. Since the parts 15" are identical, they are suitable for application to both the lower and upper back of the head. Here, too, the central section 2 is a preform.

[0053] The Fig. The band shown in Figure 10c is a simple rectangular strip, which also has a snap fastener 11 for connecting to the central section 2, which is triangular in this case and also has a central opening 6, thus advantageously allowing good ventilation of the back of the head. Since snap fasteners consist of upper and lower parts, the rectangular band can be equipped with snap fastener lower parts at flexible, handy intervals. Thus, two bands or two parts 14', 15' can be connected at variable spacing to a third part having a triangular central section 2 and a snap fastener upper part in each corner.

[0054] Analogous are the Fig. 10f and Fig. 10e, the central section 2 is of simple, rectangular geometry, it has snap fastener upper parts 11 at different intervals, which are supplemented by two identical parts 15'' having snap fastener lower parts 11 to form the holding device, the dashed circle indicating the actual central section 2.

[0055] The Fig. 11a to Fig. 11h represent mounting devices with 4 strap ends 3, whereby the central sections 2, marked with dashed lines, are each designed differently. Fig. 11a, Fig. 11c, Fig. 11e, Fig. 11g and Fig. 11h have openings 6, 7' of the central sections 2. Depending on the selected cut, the strap ends 3 of the different embodiments are closer together or further apart, so that the wearer can select a corresponding holding device that optimally corresponds to his or her head shape.

[0056] Furthermore, the geometric central section openings 6 are advantageous, as in Fig. 11c and Fig. 11e, which can serve as a tensile force indicator. To do this, the wearer uses a mirror to observe the geometrically simple recess 6 in the central section 2 while putting on the holding device and the mask and applies sufficient tensile force when securing the mask so that this geometric shape is not deformed. If too much force is applied and a corresponding deformation of the simple geometric basic shape becomes apparent, the strap can be loosened accordingly until the shape returns to its original state. This allows the mask to be put on without tension and thus without pain.

[0057] To connect the holding device to the ventilation mask, the strap ends are provided with a fastening device, for example, as an alternative or in addition to Velcro ends, as shown in Fig. 12a to 12c shown

[0058] Fig. 12a shows, by way of example, a fastening device consisting of two sections 25, 26, wherein the first section 25 has a locking lug 28 that engages in a corresponding opening 27 provided by the second section 26. In the example shown, there are two openings 27 in the part 26, so that the fastening device can be flexibly adjusted in its length.

[0059] Fig. 12b shows a fastening device designed as a locking device 23, in which the locking lug 28 of the first section 25 has been brought into engagement with the opening of the second section 26, which is closer here, so that the further openings 27 are available to pull the strap ends 3 through.

[0060] Fig. 12c shows an analogue to Fig. 12 b designed, but shorter fastening device. Fig. 12c shows a fastening device in which the locking lug 28 also engages in the opening 27 of the second section 26 closest to it, but only one opening 27 remains for the strap end 3 to pass through, so that the strap end 3 is closed with itself via a hook-and-loop fastener. In Fig. 12b, the strap end guided through two openings 27 can be fixed in its position without having to have an additional Velcro fastener, since the securing of the strap end 3 guided through two openings 27 reliably fixes it in its position.

[0061] The in all Fig.The projections 24 present in Figures 12b to 12c serve to engage with corresponding receiving devices present on the respiratory masks. Alternatively, the receiving device or receiving opening can be provided on the fastening device, so that engagement occurs via a locking projection present on the respiratory mask.

[0062] In order to optimally match the geometry of the preformed central sections of the holding devices according to the invention to the wearer's head, the geometry of the head can be captured, for example, using a scanning process and then electronically stored and processed. The resulting data can then be used in the preforming process. Preforming processes, particularly thermal processes such as the well-known "molding" process, ensure that the molded part remains permanently three-dimensionally deformed after the process is completed. This results in a dimensionally stable holding device that can withstand even frequent washing cycles. Known molding devices already provide for the recording and processing of the relevant data relating to the shape to be molded; these are known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

[1] A holding device for fastening a respiratory mask (1) to the head of a wearer, comprising a strap with at least two strap ends (3, 13), wherein the strap ends (3, 13) are detachably connectable to the respiratory mask and / or detachably connectable to the mask via at least one fastening device, and wherein the strap is connected to a central section (2), wherein at least two strap ends (3) extend from the central section (2) away to the respiratory mask (1), and wherein the central section (2) rests against the head of the wearer and is at least partially adapted to the shape of the wearer's head, wherein the strap and the central section (2) are made of at least two parts (14, 14', 15, 15', 15"), wherein the first part (14, 14') is connected to a second part (15, 15', 15") by at least: - a tab (5) arranged on a first part (14), and at least one strap end (3, 13) arranged on a second part (15), suitable for passing through the tab (5), - a Velcro fastener, - a lacing and at least one eyelet, - a button and a buttonhole, - a push button (11), or - connected by a zipper, characterized by , that - the first part (14, 14') has a plurality of tabs (5), and that the second part (15, 15', 15") has an odd number of strap ends (3, 13), so that for connecting the first part (14, 14') to the second part (15, 15', 15"), alternatively an even or an odd number of strap ends (3, 13) of the first part (14, 14') are guided through the one or more tabs (5) of the second part (15, 15', 15"), so that alternatively an even or odd number of strap ends (3, 13) are available for connecting to the ventilation mask (1) and for holding the ventilation mask (1). [2] Holding device according to claim 1, characterized by that the central section (2) rests against the back of the wearer's head and is at least partially adapted to the shape of the back of the wearer's head. [3] Holding device according to claim 1, characterized by that the central section (2) rests against the wearer's chin and is at least partially adapted to the wearer's chin shape. [4] Holding device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the central section (2) is three-dimensionally adapted to the shape of the head. [5] Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the central section (2) is a preform. [6] Holding device according to claim 5, characterized by that the design of the preform is essentially adapted to the shape of the contact point on the head. [7] Holding device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the preform is a textile preform, preferably a textile preform made of natural and / or plastic fabric. [8] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the strap end (3, 13) is connected to itself to form a loop (12). [9] Holding device according to claim 8, characterized by , that: - a Velcro fastener, - a push button, or - a button-buttonhole combination forms the connection of the strap end (3, 13) to itself in a detachable manner. [10] Holding device according to claim 8, characterized by that a seam forms the inseparable connection between the end of the band (3, 13) and itself. [11] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the strap ends (3) extending towards the ventilation mask (1) have fastening devices for fastening the strap ends (3) to the ventilation mask (1). [12] Holding device according to claim 11, characterized by in that the fastening device comprises a locking device having at least one section (25, 26) which has at least one projection (24) suitable for engagement in a corresponding recess on the ventilation mask (1) which receives and fixes the at least one projection (24). [13] Holding device according to claim 11, characterized bythat the fastening device has a section (25) which has a recess which is suitable for the fixing reception of a locking projection arranged on the ventilation mask (1). [14] Holding device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that - a first section (25) has at least one locking lug (28) and that - a second section (26) has at least one opening (27), wherein the locking lug (28) is suitable for releasable engagement in the opening (27). [15] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the strap and the central section (2) are made from one part. [16] Holding device according to the preceding claim, characterized by that one part is a hose section (7). [17] Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized bythat the strap and the central section (2) are made of at least two parts which are inseparably connected to one another, preferably by sewing, welding or gluing. [18] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the central section (2) has at least one recess (7'). [19] Holding device according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the recess (7') has the shape of a basic geometric shape. [20] Holding device according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the basic geometric shape is reversibly deformable by applying a tensile force to the central section (2), the deformation being a measure of the applied tensile force. [21] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has an additional traction force indicator arranged in its area. [22] Method for producing a holding device for fastening a respiratory mask (1) to the head of a wearer, comprising a central section (2) and a strap with at least two strap ends (3, 13), wherein at least two of the strap ends (3) extend from the central section (2) away to the respiratory mask (1), and wherein the strap is connected to the central section (2) which rests against the head of the wearer, and in which - the central section (2) is pre-shaped so that it is at least partially adapted to the shape of the wearer's head, wherein the strap and the central section (2) are made of at least two parts (14, 14', 15, 15', 15"), wherein the first part (14, 14') is connected to a second part (15, 15', 15") by at least: - a tab (5) arranged on a first part (14), and at least one strap end (3, 13) arranged on a second part (15), suitable for passing through the tab (5), - a Velcro fastener, - a lacing and at least one eyelet, - a button and a buttonhole, - a push button (11), or - connected by a zipper, characterized by , that - the first part (14, 14') has a plurality of tabs (5), and that the second part (15, 15', 15") has an odd number of strap ends (3, 13), so that for connecting the first part (14, 14') to the second part (15, 15', 15"), alternatively an even or an odd number of strap ends (3, 13) of the first part (14, 14') are guided through the one or more tabs (5) of the second part (15, 15', 15"), so that alternatively an even or odd number of strap ends (3, 13) are available for connecting to the ventilation mask (1) and for holding the ventilation mask (1). [23] Method according to claim 22, characterized by that the central section (2) is adapted to the shape of the back of the wearer's head. [24] Method according to claim 22, characterized by that the central section (2) is adapted to the shape of the wearer's chin. [25] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the preforming is a thermal preforming, wherein the central portion (2) is permanently preformed. [26] Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the holding device is manufactured from one part, comprising the steps of: - Providing a piece of hose (7), preferably a textile piece of hose (7), with a size suitable for receiving a head, - Detaching at least one hose section recess (7'), wherein at least one web (7") remains along a longitudinal axis of the hose piece (7) and at least two webs (7") remain along a transverse axis of the hose piece (7), wherein the at least one longitudinal web (7") connects the transverse webs (7"), - vertically cutting the cross bars (7") on their side facing the ventilation mask (1) so that one cross bar (7") provides two strap ends (3, 13). [27] A method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, comprising the steps of determining the size of a head by measuring the head manually, optically or electronically.

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