Cranial shape correction helmet

Abstract

To provide a skull shape correction helmet which is light-weight and robust.SOLUTION: A skull shape correction helmet 1 to be used to cover the head of a treatment object person for correcting skull deformation comprises: a generally annular shell 11 having an upper opening part 12 disposed on a heightwise upper side and a lower opening part 13 disposed on a heightwise lower side; and a cushion 19 disposed inside the shell 11 to be in contact with the head. The shell 11 comprises: a thick part 20 which is a portion relatively thicker in thickness than peripherally both sides of the shell 11; a first peripheral thickness tapering part 21 where the thickness tapers toward one side in a peripheral direction C0 from the thick part 20; a second peripheral thickness tapering part 22 where the thickness tapers toward the other side in a peripheral direction C0 from the thick part 20; and a heightwise thickness tapering part 23 where the thickness tapers toward at least one side in a height direction H0 from the thick part 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cranial shape correction helmet that is worn on the head to correct cranial deformation, and a method for manufacturing the cranial shape correction helmet. [Background technology]

[0002] Infants and young children may develop cranial deformities requiring treatment, such as plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and dolichocephaly. Plagiocephaly is a deformed shape in which the skull is not symmetrical but tilted to one side. Brachycephaly is a deformed shape in which the skull is significantly shorter in the anterior-posterior direction. Dolichocephaly is a deformed shape in which the skull is significantly longer in the anterior-posterior direction. Patent Document 1 below discloses a cranial shape correction helmet, which is worn on the head to promote deformity and correct the skull shape as the skull grows, as a device for treating such cranial deformities. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-169510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Because cranial shape correction helmets are worn constantly by infants, lightweight construction is essential. The cranial shape correction helmet disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a material with a low relative density to reduce weight, while having a shell with a thickened reinforcement portion formed around the outer periphery to maintain robustness. These thick reinforcement portions are formed on the outer periphery of the shell, i.e., the approximately circular upper edge defining the opening, as well as the lower edge of the main portion, the hanging portion of the back, and the free edge of the protruding portion, resulting in increased weight. Furthermore, because a material with a low relative density was required to reduce weight, there was a risk of deformation if the thin-walled portion coincided with an area subjected to high force. Therefore, with this configuration, it was difficult to provide a cranial shape correction helmet that was both sufficiently lightweight and robust.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a lightweight and robust cranial shape correction helmet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A cranial shape correction helmet is a cranial shape correction helmet that is worn on the head of a patient to correct cranial deformities, and includes a substantially annular shell having an upper opening located at the top in the height direction and a lower opening located at the bottom in the height direction, and a cushion located inside the shell and in contact with the head. The shell has a thick portion that is relatively thicker than the thickness of both sides of the shell in the circumferential direction, a first circumferential thickness decreasing portion whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward one side in the circumferential direction, a second circumferential thickness decreasing portion whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward the other side in the circumferential direction, and a height direction thickness decreasing portion whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward at least one side in the height direction.

[0007] (2) The shell of the skull shape correction helmet of (1) has multiple thickened portions.

[0008] (3) The thick portion of the shell of the skull shape correction helmet from (1) to (2) is formed so as to protrude toward the outer surface of the shell.

[0009] (4) The thickened portion of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmet of (1) to (3) is formed near the lower opening, and the gradually tapering portion of the thickness in the height direction extends toward the center of the shell in the height direction.

[0010] (5) The thickened portion of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmet of (1) to (4) is formed near the upper opening, and the gradually tapering portion of the thickness in the height direction extends toward the center of the shell in the height direction.

[0011] (6) The thickened portion of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmet of (1) to (5) is provided at a position corresponding to the nape of the head of the subject.

[0012] (7) The thickened portions of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmets (1) to (6) are provided at positions corresponding to the nape of the head of the subject and at positions corresponding to the forehead of the subject.

[0013] (8) The thickened portion of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmet (1) to (7) is provided at a position corresponding to the right occipital region of the subject's head.

[0014] (9) The thickened portion of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmet (1) to (8) is provided at a position corresponding to the left occipital region of the subject's head.

[0015] (10) In the cranial shape correction helmets of (1) to (9), the first circumferential thickness decreasing portion, the second circumferential thickness decreasing portion, and the heightwise thickness decreasing portion smoothly connect the outer surface of the shell in the thick portion to the outer surface of the shell in the surrounding standard thickness portion.

[0016] (11) The thickness of the thickened portion of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmet of (1) to (10) is at least 0.5 mm thicker than the thickness of the standard thickened portion around it.

[0017] (12) The thickness of the thickened portion of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmet of (1) to (11) is greater than the thickness of the standard thickened portion around it by 0.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0018] (13) The thickness of the standard thickness part of the shell of the skull shape correction helmet of (11) or (12) is 1.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0019] (14) The relative density of the shell of the skull correction helmets (1) to (13) is 99% or more.

[0020] (15) The thickness of the cushion at the position corresponding to the thick part of the shell of the cranial shape correction helmet (1) to (14) is the same as the thickness of the cushion at the position corresponding to the position of the reference thickness part around it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] To provide a lightweight and robust skull correction helmet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a cranial shape correcting helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally forward. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a shell of a cranial shape correcting helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3A] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a shell according to an embodiment of the present invention, particularly a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, and Ie in FIG. 2. [Figure 3B] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a shell according to an embodiment of the present invention, particularly a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including IIa, IIb, and IIc in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a shell according to a first modified example of the present invention, particularly a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including IIa, IIb, and IIc in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view of the shell of a cranial shape corrective helmet according to variant 2 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A cranial shape correcting helmet 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals.

[0024] (Embodiment 1) 1 is a perspective view of a cranial shape correcting helmet 1 according to embodiment 1, seen obliquely from the front. The cranial shape correcting helmet 1 is worn on the head of a patient to correct a cranial deformation of the head.

[0025] In Figure 1, three-dimensional directions are defined as seen from the perspective of an infant, the treatment recipient, who will be wearing the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. The direction in which the face is facing is defined as forward, the back of the head as back, the right hand side as right, the left hand side as left, the top of the head as up, and the neck side as down. Figure 1 also shows the circumferential direction C0 and the height direction H0 of the shell 11. The circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11 is the direction extending along the cross-sectional shape of the shell 11 when the shell 11 is cut in a plane including the front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the shell 11 and viewed in cross section (see Figure 3B). The height direction H0 of the shell 11 is the vertical direction connecting the upper and lower directions of the shell 11.

[0026] The cranial shape correcting helmet 1 comprises a shell 11 and a cushion 19.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1 , the shell 11 has an upper opening 12 and a lower opening 13. While the illustration of a patient wearing the cranial shape corrective helmet 1 is omitted, the top of the patient's head is exposed above the upper opening 12, and the patient's face, ears, neck, etc. are exposed below the lower opening 13. The shell 11 has an annular main portion 14 that surrounds the skull in the circumferential direction C0, a dorsal extension portion 15 that extends downward from the rear of the main portion 14, and a pair of left and right side extension portions 16 that protrude downward from the left and right side portions of the main portion 14, respectively. The dorsal extension portion 15 faces the nape of the head (the back of the neck) of the patient, and each side extension portion 16 is located in front of the patient's ears. The patient's ears are located between the dorsal extension portion 15 and each side extension portion 16.

[0028] The shell 11 forms the outer shape of the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. The shell 11 is C-shaped. A slit in the C-shaped loop connects one end piece 28 of the shell 11 and the other end piece, which is on the back in FIG. 1 and is not shown. The one end piece 28 and the other end piece are connected to each other via a connecting member 29. The connecting member 29 has a first fixing pin 29A that is fixed to a pin hole (not shown) drilled in the shell 11, a first strap 29B that is bent into a ring shape and fixed to the first fixing pin 29A, a second fixing pin (not shown), a second strap 29C that is bent into a ring shape and fixed to the second fixing pin, and a ring-shaped metal fitting 29D through which the ring-shaped portions of the first strap 29B and the second strap 29C are passed. The second strap 29C passes through the ring-shaped metal fitting 29D, is folded, and is overlapped on the second strap 29C (self), and is secured with a commonly known hook-and-loop fastener. The second band-shaped body 29C is joined under appropriate tension, the distance between the first fixing pin 29A and the second fixing pin is fixed, and the distance between one end piece 28 and the other end piece is fixed. As a result, the distance between one end piece 28 and the main portion 14 is fixed, and the overall shape of the shell 11 is fixed.

[0029] The shell 11 is provided with a plurality of first ventilation holes 17. The first ventilation holes 17 allow sweat to evaporate from the head when an infant or young child undergoing treatment constantly wears the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that a large number of first ventilation holes 17 are provided. The first ventilation holes 17 have an opening diameter of, for example, about 4 mm. The opening diameter of the first ventilation holes 17 may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0030] The outer surface 11A of the shell 11 has a pattern 18. Because it is something that babies and young children will wear all the time, there is a high demand for an attractive pattern 18. The pattern 18 may be formed by a water pressure transfer film, or may be formed by a layer of ink painted with a lacquer spray or applied with a brush.

[0031] The cushion 19 is disposed on the inner surface of the shell 11 and comes into contact with the head. The cushion 19 serves to mitigate damage to the scalp that occurs when the skull to be corrected is pressed directly against the hard shell 11. The cushion 19 has a plurality of second ventilation holes 25. The plurality of second ventilation holes 25 may be arranged at equal intervals vertically and horizontally. The second ventilation holes 25 have an opening diameter of, for example, approximately 2 mm. The second ventilation holes 25 may have an opening diameter of, for example, 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less, which may be smaller than the opening diameter of the first ventilation holes 17. The cushion 19 includes a molded body made of a resilient foam synthetic resin. The cushion 19 may have a layered structure of, for example, urethane foam and fabric. The cushion 19 is removably attached to the inner surface of the shell 11 via, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0032] The shell 11 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2, 3A, and 3B. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the shell 11 included in the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the shell 11, particularly a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, and Ie in Figure 2, as viewed from left to right. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the shell 11, particularly a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including IIa, IIb, and IIc in Figure 2, as viewed from above to below. That is, Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-IIc in Figure 3A. Note that, as in Figure 1, directions such as front-back, left-right, and up-down are indicated in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B. Note that the first ventilation hole 17 is omitted from Figures 2, 3A, and 3B.

[0033] The shape of the shell 11 is determined based on an ideal three-dimensional shape that is a treatment target, which is created based on the three-dimensional shape of the head of the patient to be treated. The shell 11 is preferably formed, for example, by a stereolithography 3D printer. This allows even a complex-shaped shell 11 to be formed as a dense, solid object. The resin that constitutes the shell 11 is substantially solid, and the relative density (relative to the density when the shell 11 is solid and no voids exist in the shell 11) is preferably 99% or more. The relative density is more preferably 99.5% or more. This allows the shell 11 to be formed as a shaped object with high strength and rigidity. Furthermore, the durability of the shell 11 can be increased. However, the method for forming the shell 11 is not limited to the stereolithography method. Examples of resins that can be used to form the shell 11 include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, ABS resin, PLA resin, PEEK resin, polyamide 6, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and materials made from these resins reinforced with carbon fiber. Acrylic resin is particularly preferred from the perspective of forming a void-free object using a stereolithography 3D printer. The relative density D is calculated by photographing a cross section of the shell 11 using a microscope or a CT (Computed Tomography) scanner, and using the formula: relative density = ((area of ​​the photographed area) - (area of ​​voids within the photographed area)) / (area of ​​the photographed area). The photographed area is 1 mm x 1 mm or larger. Images are taken at 10 different positions, and the relative density D in this embodiment is calculated from the average value of the 10 images.

[0034] The shell 11 of this embodiment has a thick portion 20 which is a portion whose thickness is relatively thicker than the thickness of both sides of the shell 11 in the circumferential direction C0, a first circumferential thickness decreasing portion 21 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20 toward a first circumferential direction C1 which is one side of the circumferential direction C0, a second circumferential thickness decreasing portion 22 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20 toward a second circumferential direction C2 which is the other side of the circumferential direction C0, and a height direction thickness gradually decreasing portion 23 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20 toward at least one side in the height direction H0.

[0035] The shell 11 has a reference thickness portion. The reference thickness portion is a portion of the shell 11 where the thick portion 20 and each tapered portion (first circumferential tapered portion 21, second circumferential tapered portion 22, and height-direction tapered portion 23) are not formed, and refers to a portion of a reference thickness. In this embodiment, the reference thickness portion is also referred to as a thin portion 24. Each tapered portion connects the thick portion 20 and the reference thickness portion. In other words, each tapered portion extends from the thick portion 20 to the reference thickness portion.

[0036] The thickened portion 20 is formed so as to protrude toward the outer surface 11A. The inner surface 11B of the shell 11 has a shape that has been carefully considered to determine the shape of the skull. Because the thickened portion 20 is provided on the outer surface 11A, damage to the shape of the inner surface 11B is prevented. In this way, it is preferable that the thickened portion 20 is formed so as to protrude toward the outer surface 11A of the shell 11, rather than toward the inner surface 11B of the shell 11, relative to a reference shape that is a three-dimensional shape corresponding to a treatment target created based on the three-dimensional shape of the head of a treatment recipient.

[0037] Each gradually decreasing thickness portion (first circumferentially decreasing thickness portion 21, second circumferentially decreasing thickness portion 22, and height-wise gradually decreasing thickness portion 23) preferably has a shape that smoothly connects the outer surface 11A of the shell 11 in the thick-walled portion 20 with the outer surface 11A of the shell 11 in the surrounding standard thickness portion. For example, the outer surface 11A of the shell 11 in each gradually decreasing thickness portion and the outer surface 11A of the shell 11 in the thick-walled portion 20 are preferably connected by a curved surface or at an angle that is 160° or more and less than 180°. Furthermore, the outer surface 11A of the shell 11 in each gradually decreasing thickness portion and the outer surface 11A of the shell 11 in the surrounding standard thickness portion are preferably connected by a curved surface or at an angle that is 160° or more and less than 180°. The shell 11 may have the first circumferential thickness decreasing portion 21, the second circumferential thickness decreasing portion 22, and the height direction thickness decreasing portion 23 in a portion where one of the end pieces 28 or the connecting member 29 is not formed.

[0038] The shell 11 of this embodiment includes a plurality of thick-walled portions 20 (e.g., thick-walled portions 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D shown in FIG. 3A ). The shell 11 also includes, corresponding to each thick-walled portion 20, a height-direction gradually decreasing thickness portion 23 (e.g., height-direction gradually decreasing thickness portions 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D shown in FIG. 3A ), a first circumferential direction gradually decreasing thickness portion 21 (e.g., first circumferential direction gradually decreasing thickness portion 21A shown in FIG. 3B ), and a second circumferential direction gradually decreasing thickness portion 22 (e.g., second circumferential direction gradually decreasing thickness portion 22A shown in FIG. 3B ).

[0039] 3A and 3B, the shell 11 has a thick portion 20A formed near the lower opening 13 and positioned in front of the lower opening 13. The thick portion 20A is provided in a position corresponding to the lower part of the forehead of the subject when the subject wears the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. When the cushion 19 is placed in this portion, the thick portion 20A is provided in a position corresponding to the position of the cushion 19 that comes into contact with the lower part of the forehead of the subject.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3A, the shell 11 has a height-direction tapering portion 23A whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20A toward the upper side in the height direction H0. As shown in Fig. 3B, the shell 11 has a first circumferential direction tapering portion 21A whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20A toward the first circumferential direction C1 along the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11. The shell 11 has a second circumferential direction tapering portion 22A whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20A toward the second circumferential direction C2 along the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11. In this way, the shell 11 has portions whose thickness gradually decreases not only in the height direction H0 but also in the circumferential direction C0.

[0041] The shell 11 has a thin portion 24A serving as a reference thickness portion above the thick portion 20A in the height direction H0. For example, the thickness d1 of the thick portion 20A is 5 mm, and the thickness d2 of the thin portion 24A is 2 mm. The shell 11 also has a thin portion 24A1 serving as a reference thickness portion on the first circumferential direction C1 side of the thick portion 20A in the circumferential direction C0. The shell 11 also has a thin portion 24A2 serving as a reference thickness portion on the second circumferential direction C2 side of the thick portion 20A in the circumferential direction C0. For example, the thickness d1 of the thick portion 20A is 5 mm, and the thickness d2A of the thin portions 24A1 and 24A2 is 2 mm. The thick portion 20A may be thicker than the thin portions 24A, 24A1, and 24A2 by 2 mm or more, or by 3 mm or more.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3A, the shell 11 has a thick portion 20B formed near the upper opening 12 and located in front of the upper opening 12. The thick portion 20B is provided in a position corresponding to the upper part of the forehead of the treatment subject when the treatment subject wears the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. When the cushion 19 is placed in this portion, the thick portion 20B is provided in a position corresponding to the position of the cushion 19 that comes into contact with the upper part of the forehead of the treatment subject.

[0043] 3A, the shell 11 has a height-direction tapering portion 23B whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20B downward in the height direction H0 and extends toward the center of the shell 11 in the height direction H0. Although not shown, the shell 11 also has a first circumferential direction tapering portion 21 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20B toward the first circumferential direction C1 of the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11. The shell 11 also has a second circumferential direction tapering portion 22 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20B toward the second circumferential direction C2 of the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11.

[0044] The shell 11 has a thin portion 24A as a reference thickness portion below the thick portion 20B in the height direction H0. For example, the thickness d3 of the thick portion 20B is 5 mm, and the thickness d2 of the thin portion 24A is 2 mm. The thick portion 20C may be 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more thicker than the thin portion 24B.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3A, the shell 11 has a thickened portion 20C formed near the upper opening 12 and located rearward of the upper opening 12. The thickened portion 20C is provided in a position corresponding to the upper part of the back of the head of the subject when the subject wears the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. When the cushion 19 is placed in this portion, the thickened portion 20C is provided in a position corresponding to the position of the cushion 19 that comes into contact with the upper part of the back of the head of the subject.

[0046] 3A, the shell 11 has a height-direction tapering portion 23C whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20C downward in the height direction H0 and extends toward the center of the shell 11 in the height direction H0. Although not shown, the shell 11 also has a first circumferential direction tapering portion 21 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20C toward the first circumferential direction C1 of the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11. The shell 11 also has a second circumferential direction tapering portion 22 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20C toward the second circumferential direction C2 of the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11.

[0047] The shell 11 has a thin portion 24B as a reference thickness portion below the thick portion 20C in the height direction H0. The thin portion 24B is provided on the rear side near the center of the shell 11 in the height direction H0. For example, the thickness d4 of the thick portion 20C is 7 mm, and the thickness d5 of the thin portion 24B is 2 mm. The thick portion 20C may be 4 mm or more, or 5 mm or more thicker than the thin portion 24B.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3A, the shell 11 has a thick portion 20D formed near the lower opening 13 and located rearward of the lower opening 13. The thick portion 20D is provided in a position corresponding to the nape of the head of the subject when the subject wears the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. When the cushion 19 is placed in this area, the thick portion 20D is provided in a position corresponding to the position of the cushion 19 that comes into contact with the nape of the head of the subject.

[0049] 3A, the shell 11 has a height-direction tapering portion 23D whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20D toward the upper side in the height direction H0 and extends toward the center of the shell 11 in the height direction H0. Although not shown, the shell 11 also has a first circumferential direction tapering portion 21 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20D toward the first circumferential direction C1 of the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11. The shell 11 also has a second circumferential direction tapering portion 22 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20D toward the second circumferential direction C2 of the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11.

[0050] The shell 11 has a thin portion 24B as a reference thickness portion above the thick portion 20D in the height direction H0. The thin portion 24B is provided on the rear side near the center of the shell 11 in the height direction H0. For example, the thickness d6 of the thick portion 20D is 7 mm, and the thickness d5 of the thin portion 24B is 2 mm. The thick portion 20D may be 4 mm or more, or 5 mm or more thicker than the thin portion 24B.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the shell 11 has a plurality of thick portions 20. For example, the thick portions 20 may be provided at a position corresponding to the nape of the head of the subject and at a position corresponding to the forehead of the subject. However, the shell 11 may have only one thick portion 20. When the shell 11 has a plurality of thick portions 20, the thickness of one thick portion 20 (e.g., thick portion 20B) may be different from the thickness of the other thick portions 20 (e.g., thick portion 20D).

[0052] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the thickened portions 20 are provided mainly in areas requiring strength reinforcement. In the first modification, the thickened portions 20 are provided in areas of the subject's skull that protrude relatively as growth progresses. Alternatively, the thickened portions 20 are provided in areas that are prone to concentrated stress due to the subject's sleeping habits, etc.

[0053] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the shell 11 according to the first modified example of the present invention, particularly a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including lines IIa, IIb, and IIc in FIG. 2, and is a cross-sectional view of the shell 11 viewed from above to below. That is, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-IIc in FIG. 3A. However, in FIG. 4, the rear side of the shell 11 is at the top of the page. One end piece 28 is not shown in FIG.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 4, the shell 11 has a thick portion 20E. The thick portion 20E is provided at a position corresponding to the right occipital region of the head of the subject when the subject wears the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. When the cushion 19 is placed in this portion, the thick portion 20E is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the cushion 19 that comes into contact with the right occipital region of the head of the subject.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4 , the shell 11 has a first circumferential thickness tapering portion 21E, whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20E toward the first circumferential direction C1 along the first circumferential direction C1 of the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11. The shell 11 has a second circumferential thickness tapering portion 22E, whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20E toward the second circumferential direction C2 along the second circumferential direction C2 of the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11. Although not shown, the shell 11 has a height-direction tapering portion 23, whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20E toward the upper or lower side in the height direction H0. The height-direction tapering portion 23 may be provided on both the upper and lower sides in the height direction H0. Alternatively, the thick portion 20E may be provided near the lower opening 13 of the right occipital region, and the height-direction tapering portion 23, whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20E toward the upper side in the height direction H0, may be provided. A thick portion 20E may be provided near the upper opening 12 at the back of the right head, and a height-direction thickness decreasing portion 23 may be provided in which the thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20E downward in the height direction H0.

[0056] The shell 11 has a thin portion 24C1 as a reference thickness portion on the first circumferential direction C1 side of the thick portion 20E. The shell 11 has a thin portion 24C2 as a reference thickness portion on the second circumferential direction C2 side of the thick portion 20E. For example, the thickness d7 of the thick portion 20E is 6 mm, and the thickness d8 of the thin portions 24C1 and 24C2 is 2 mm. The thick portion 20E may be 3 mm or more, or 4 mm or more thicker than the thin portions 24C1 and 24C2.

[0057] While FIG. 4 shows an example in which the thickened portion 20 is provided on the right occipital region, the thickened portion 20 may be provided at a position corresponding to the left occipital region of the subject when the subject wears the cranial shape corrective helmet 1. When the cushion 19 is disposed in this region, the thickened portion 20 is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the cushion 19 that contacts the left occipital region of the subject. In the region of the subject's skull that has grown and is relatively protruding, the cushion 19, not shown in FIG. 4, contacts the skull of the subject. The shell 11 may have the thickened portion 20 at this contact portion.

[0058] (Variation 2) Fig. 5 is a front view of the shell 11 of the cranial shape correcting helmet 1 according to Modification 2. One end piece 28 is omitted from Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the thick portion 20F may be provided at a position corresponding to the upper part of the temporal region of the patient (near the boundary between the temporal region and the parietal region) when the patient wears the cranial shape correcting helmet 1.

[0059] 5, the shell 11 of Modification 2 has a height-direction gradually tapering portion 23F whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20F downward in the height direction H0 and extends toward the center in the height direction H0 of the shell 11. Furthermore, the shell 11 has a first circumferential direction gradually tapering portion 21 and a second circumferential direction gradually tapering portion 22 (not shown).

[0060] The shell 11 has a thin portion 24D as a reference thickness portion below the thick portion 20F in the height direction H0. For example, the thickness d9 of the thick portion 20F is 6 mm, and the thickness d10 of the thin portion 24D is 2 mm. The thick portion 20F may be 3 mm or more, or 4 mm or more thicker than the thin portion 24D.

[0061] The thickness of the thick-walled portion 20 may be 0.5 mm or more thicker than the thickness of the thin-walled portion 24 (standard thickness portion) of the surrounding shell 11. The thickness of the thick-walled portion 20 may be 0.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less thicker than the thickness of the thin-walled portion 24 (standard thickness portion) of the surrounding shell 11. The thickness of the thin-walled portion 24 (standard thickness portion) may be 1.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0062] The thickness of the cushion 19 at a position corresponding to the position of the thick portion 20 may be the same as the thickness of the cushion 19 at a position corresponding to the position of the surrounding thin portion 24 (reference thickness portion). The cushion 19 may be formed from the same constituent material over its entire surface. The thick portion 20 is placed on the outer surface 11A of the shell 11. The inner surface 11B of the shell 11 is designed for correcting the shape of the skull and is not affected by the thick portion 20. Furthermore, since the thickness of the cushion 19 is constant, the shape of the inner surface 11B of the shell 11 for correction is maintained, and the thickness of the cushion 19 is prevented from affecting the correction effect.

[0063] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] The cranial shape correcting helmet 1 according to the embodiment described above provides the following effects.

[0065] (1) The cranial shape correction helmet 1 is a cranial shape correction helmet 1 that is worn on the head of a person being treated to correct cranial deformities, and comprises a substantially annular shell 11 having an upper opening 12 located on the upper side in the height direction H0 and a lower opening 13 located on the lower side in the height direction H0, and a cushion 19 that is located inside the shell 11 and contacts the head, and the shell 11 has a thick portion 20 that is relatively thicker than the thickness of both sides of the shell 11 in the circumferential direction, a first circumferential thickness decreasing portion 21 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20 toward one side in the circumferential direction C0, a second circumferential thickness decreasing portion 22 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20 toward the other side in the circumferential direction C0, and a height direction thickness gradually decreasing portion 23 whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion 20 toward at least one side in the height direction H0.

[0066] As a result, the thick-walled portions 20 partially formed in the circumferential direction C0 of the shell 11 can effectively increase the strength of the appropriate portions of the shell 11, and each tapered portion can suppress stress concentration on the shell 11. This provides a lightweight and robust cranial shape correction helmet 1.

[0067] (2) The shell 11 of the skull shape corrective helmet 1 of (1) has a plurality of thickened portions 20.

[0068] This ensures the strength of multiple areas where strength is particularly required.

[0069] (3) The thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the skull shape corrective helmet 1 from (1) to (2) is formed so as to bulge toward the outer surface 11A of the shell 11.

[0070] This allows the strength of the shell 11 to be improved while maintaining the shape of the inner surface 11B of the shell 11, which is precisely designed for cranial correction.

[0071] (4) The thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the cranial shape corrective helmet 1 of (1) to (3) is formed near the lower opening 13, and the height-wise thickness tapering portion 23 extends toward the center of the height direction H0 of the shell 11.

[0072] This allows the strength of the shell 11 to be maintained even when an external force that widens or narrows the lower opening 13 is applied.

[0073] (5) The thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the cranial shape corrective helmet 1 of (1) to (4) is formed near the upper opening 12, and the height-wise thickness tapering portion 23 extends toward the center of the shell 11 in the height direction H0.

[0074] This allows the strength of the shell 11 to be maintained even when the weight of the skull shape correcting helmet 1 is constantly applied to the upper opening 12 at the top of the head.

[0075] (6) The thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the skull shape correcting helmet 1 of (1) to (5) is provided at a position corresponding to the nape of the back of the head of the subject.

[0076] This allows the strength of the shell 11 to be maintained even when the weight of the head of an infant or young child who is the subject of treatment and who is often asleep, is placed on the nape of the head.

[0077] (7) The thickened portions 20 of the shell 11 of the cranial shape correction helmet 1 of (1) to (6) are provided at positions corresponding to the nape of the head of the subject and at positions corresponding to the forehead of the subject.

[0078] This ensures the strength of multiple areas where strength is particularly required.

[0079] (8) The thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the cranial shape correcting helmet 1 of (1) to (7) is provided at a position corresponding to the right occipital region of the head of the person to be treated.

[0080] The strength of the shell 11 is maintained even in cases where the infant to be treated has the habit of always sleeping with the right back of his / her head touching the floor.

[0081] (9) The thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the cranial shape correcting helmet 1 of (1) to (8) is provided at a position corresponding to the left occipital region of the head of the person to be treated.

[0082] The strength of the shell 11 is maintained even in cases where the infant to be treated has the habit of always sleeping with the left back of his / her head touching the floor.

[0083] (10) In the cranial shape correcting helmet 1 of (1) to (9), the first circumferential thickness decreasing portion 21, the second circumferential thickness decreasing portion 22, and the height direction thickness decreasing portion 23 smoothly connect the outer surface 11A of the shell 11 in the thick portion 20 to the outer surface 11A of the shell 11 in the surrounding standard thickness portion.

[0084] This provides an aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and robust skull shape correction helmet 1. In addition, localized stress concentration on the shell 11 can be prevented.

[0085] (11) The thickness of the thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the skull shape correcting helmet 1 of (1) to (10) is 0.5 mm or more thicker than the thickness of the standard thick portion around it.

[0086] This provides a lightweight and robust cranial shape correction helmet 1.

[0087] (12) The thickness of the thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the skull shape correcting helmet 1 of (1) to (11) is greater than the thickness of the standard thick portion around it by 0.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0088] This provides a lightweight and robust cranial shape correction helmet 1.

[0089] (13) The thickness of the standard thickness portion of the shell 11 of the skull shape correcting helmet 1 of (11) or (12) is 1.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0090] This provides a lightweight and robust cranial shape correction helmet 1.

[0091] (14) The relative density of the shell 11 of the cranial shape correction helmet 1 of (1) to (13) is 99% or more.

[0092] This makes it possible to realize a shell 11 of the cranial shape correction helmet 1 that is less likely to deform, thereby providing a lightweight and robust cranial shape correction helmet 1.

[0093] (15) The thickness of the cushion 19 at a position corresponding to the position of the thick portion 20 of the shell 11 of the cranial shape correction helmet 1 of (1) to (14) is the same as the thickness of the cushion 19 at a position corresponding to the position of the reference thickness portion around it.

[0094] This allows the shape of the inner surface 11B of the shell 11, which is derived based on precise calculations, to be utilized, and the correction effect can be more reliably achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Cranial shape correction helmet 11 Shell 12 Upper opening 13 Lower opening 19 Cushion 20 Thick wall part 21 first circumferential thickness tapering portion 22 second circumferential thickness tapering portion 23 Height direction thickness tapering part 24 Thin wall section (standard wall thickness section) 11A outer surface C0 Circumferential direction C1 First circumferential direction C2 Second circumferential direction H0 Height direction

Claims

1. A skull shape correction helmet that is worn on the head of a treatment subject to correct skull deformation, a substantially annular shell having an upper opening disposed at an upper side in a height direction and a lower opening disposed at a lower side in the height direction; a cushion disposed inside the shell and in contact with the head, The shell is a thick portion having a thickness relatively greater than the thicknesses of both sides of the shell in the circumferential direction; a first circumferential thickness decreasing portion whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward one side in the circumferential direction; a second circumferentially tapered portion whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward the other side in the circumferential direction; a height-direction thickness decreasing portion in which the thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward at least one side in the height direction, The thick portion is provided at a position corresponding to the right occipital region of the subject. Cranial shape correction helmet.

2. The shell has a plurality of the thick portions. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

3. The thick-walled portion is formed so as to bulge toward the outer surface of the shell. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

4. the thick portion is formed in the vicinity of the lower opening, The height direction wall thickness gradually decreasing portion extends toward the center of the shell in the height direction. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

5. the thick portion is formed in the vicinity of the upper opening, The height direction wall thickness gradually decreasing portion extends toward the center of the shell in the height direction. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

6. The thick portion is provided at a position corresponding to the nape of the head of the subject to be treated. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

7. The thick portion is provided at a position corresponding to the nape of the head of the treatment subject and at a position corresponding to the forehead of the treatment subject. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 2.

8. A cranial shape correction helmet that is worn on the head of a patient to correct cranial deformity, a substantially annular shell having an upper opening disposed at an upper side in a height direction and a lower opening disposed at a lower side in the height direction; a cushion disposed inside the shell and in contact with the head, The shell is a thick portion having a thickness relatively greater than the thicknesses of both sides of the shell in the circumferential direction; a first circumferential thickness decreasing portion whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward one side in the circumferential direction; a second circumferentially tapered portion whose thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward the other side in the circumferential direction; a height-direction thickness decreasing portion in which the thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion toward at least one side in the height direction, The thick portion is provided at a position corresponding to the left occipital region of the subject to be treated. Cranial shape correction helmet.

9. the first circumferential direction gradually decreasing wall thickness portion, the second circumferential direction gradually decreasing wall thickness portion, and the height direction gradually decreasing wall thickness portion smoothly connect an outer surface of the shell at the thick wall portion to an outer surface of the shell at a reference wall thickness portion around the thick wall portion, the reference thickness portion is a portion of the shell where the thick portion, the first circumferential direction gradually decreasing portion, the second circumferential direction gradually decreasing portion, and the height direction gradually decreasing portion are not formed. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

10. The thickness of the thick-walled portion is 0.5 mm or more thicker than the thickness of the surrounding standard thick-walled portion, the reference thickness portion is a portion of the shell where the thick portion, the first circumferential direction gradually decreasing portion, the second circumferential direction gradually decreasing portion, and the height direction gradually decreasing portion are not formed. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

11. The thickness of the thick-walled portion is greater than the thickness of the surrounding standard thick-walled portion by 0.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, the reference thickness portion is a portion of the shell where the thick portion, the first circumferential direction gradually decreasing portion, the second circumferential direction gradually decreasing portion, and the height direction gradually decreasing portion are not formed. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

12. The thickness of the reference thickness portion is 1.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less. A cranial shape correcting helmet according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The relative density of the shell to the density when the shell is solid and no voids exist in the shell is 99% or more. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

14. the thickness of the cushion at a position corresponding to the thick portion is the same as the thickness of the cushion at a position corresponding to the reference thickness portion around the thick portion; the reference thickness portion is a portion of the shell where the thick portion, the first circumferential direction gradually decreasing portion, the second circumferential direction gradually decreasing portion, and the height direction gradually decreasing portion are not formed. The cranial shape correction helmet according to claim 1.

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