EP2866768A1

EP2866768A1 - Headrest for massage table

Info

Publication number: EP2866768A1
Application number: EP13714328.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ádám KÁLLAY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-09
Filing date: 2013-03-07
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Also published as: HUP1200153A2; WO2013132280A1; HU229901B1

Abstract

Massage table comprising a headrest (1 ) and a massage bed (2). The headrest (1 ) comprises a base plate (3) and a head support (4). The head support comprises a bolster (5) and a supporting plate (6). A rotating element (8) connects the base plate to a supporting element (7) coupled to massage bed. The angle between the plane of the headrest and the plane of the massage bed is adjustable. Between base plate and head support transmission means (9), between supporting plate and supporting element at least one moving rod (10), between base plate and supporting element an adjusting rod (1 1 ) is coupled. In another embodiment an intermediate plate (14) is placed between base plate and head support making supporting plate movable parallel with the longitudinal axis of the massage bed. Between intermediate plate and base plate and between intermediate plate and head support transmission means (9) are installed.

Description

HEADREST FOR MASSAGE TABLE

The invention relates to a headrest for massage table wherein the massage table contains a headrest and a massage bed, the headrest comprises a base plate and a head support, advantageously, the head support comprises a head bolster and a supporting plate. The base plate is connected through a rotatable element to the supporting element coupled to the massage bed. Preferably, the distance between the head bolster and the supporting plate is adjustable. The angle between the plane of the headrest and the plane of the massage bed can be changed by means of the rotatable element. The invention further relates to an embodiment in which the height of the plane of the headrest relative to the height of the plane of the massage bed can be changed by means of a height adjuster, while the distance between the headrest and the massage bed can be changed by means of a distance adjuster. In fact, a conventional massage table consists of a plane surface provided with a fixed headrest. This construction is not suitable for treating numerous problems of the cervical spine and lumbar spine. Many professional massage tables are known in which the bed surface is divided into segments. The angles of these segments can be set variously as it is required for the treatment thereby treatment of the spinal column becomes easier. However, the distance between the hip support and the headrest is constant, it cannot be varied. Consequently, in many cases a support for persons of different heights cannot be satisfactorily ensured.

There are known solutions in which the headrest of the massage table can be tilted in vertical direction. Solutions also exist in which the distance between the headrest and the massage table can be adjusted.

Patent application US 201 1296620 describes a folding headrest for massage consisting of an upper plate with a cushion for the purpose of placing a massage receiver's head face down. A height adjustment and locking element is located on a downwardly extending male portion which is attached to the upper plate with a rotatable mechanism. A height adjustment and locking element is located on an upwardly extending female portion that receives the downwardly extending male portion. The vertical height of the upper plate can be selectively adjusted relative to the lower plate of the female portion.

Patent application US 2008/0271248 describes a solution in which the distance between the headrest and the massage bed and also the angle of the headrest can be changed.

Utility model CN 2772483 discloses a U-shaped headrest structure. Here a connection rod is arranged below the U-shaped rest by means of which an opening end of the U-shaped rest can be tilted upwards. The headrest structure can be connected to a massage bed or a massage chair by means of a connecting structure. The angle of the U-shaped rest can be adjusted conveniently through a rotary device. These headrests are very simple constructions considering their functions. They move around a fixed point along an arc of a circle. In these cases when the headrest is required to be tilted while the head is accommodated in the headrest, a pulling force is exerted on the head and neck since the distance between the chin being in the headrest and the collar-bone does not change. In any case, when the head moves downwards the chin comes closer to the collar-bone. This form of motion cannot be ensured with these headrests. They can be tilted only when the head is not in the headrest.

Additionally, they are not able to ensure continuous, smooth movement along an arc of a circle during treatment. This is very important when specific treatment is required for the neck since moving the patient during treatment in some cases may elicit muscular tension as a reflex-like reaction. That is why the present invention uses a support provided with a spring mechanism applied on a shaft, which can be operated by means of a telescope (or a pneumatic piston) controlled by an electric foot pedal. Patent application US 5,427,436 discloses a massage table having a massage bed and a headrest. The solution of this document makes the height and angle adjustment of the headrest - relative to the plane of the stationary table - possible to a limited extent.

Patent application WO2006138298 discloses a headrest assembly for supporting the face of a user of a massage device including a support frame and a resilient assembly. The support frame is coupled to the massage device. The resilient assembly includes a first resilient subassembly that is coupled to the support frame, and a second resilient subassembly that engages the first resilient subassembly. The first resilient subassembly and the second resilient subassembly cooperate and act in parallel to support the face of the user. The first resilient subassembly can include a plurality of spaced resilient members.

In patent application WO2009042706 a headrest assembly for supporting the head of a user of a massage device is disclosed. It includes a frame assembly and a resilient assembly. The frame assembly is coupled to the massage device, while the resilient assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The resilient assembly includes a hinge assembly that connects the side sections of a headrest platform to the frame assembly. The hinge assembly allows a middle section of the headrest platform to flex substantially downward and the side sections to pivot relative to the hinge assembly when the headrest platform is supporting the head of the user.

Neither of the known solutions is able to ensure smooth, fine control of the headrest during treatment. In the two latter solutions the headrest can be set in several positions, but they do not make movement of the headrest along an arc of a circle in downward direction possible in such a manner that at the same time the chin moves towards the larynx. Simultaneous bidirectional movement by means of a single control device cannot be ensured during treatment. It is very important that the bidirectional movement follow the movement pattern correspondent tp anatomy. According to the latter two documents when the headrest is attached to the bed, it holds the head approximately in a "null position" (in view of anatomy) when a person lies prone. The head should be moved downward from this null position meanwhile the headrest moves towards the massage bed. Substantially, only the height of these headrests can be adjusted, they are not suitable for bidirectional movement. They can be used for tilting the head to some extent, but in the meanwhile their height also changes which is unpreferred.

No massage tables are known in which a transmission means or intermediate plate is used between the base plate and the headrest for moving the supporting plate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the massage bed and in which at least one moving rod is coupled between the supporting plate and the supporting element and an adjusting rod is coupled between the base plate and the supporting element. Since the known headrests are fixedly coupled to the massage bed, movement of the head and the hip relative to each other is not possible which is essential for proper treatment. During treatment a therapeutist moves, substantially stretches the muscles whereupon the vertebrae move away from each other, so the distance between the hip and the head changes. In case of fixed headrests this distance does not change since the vertebrae are not able to move away from each other. Although the surface of the treatment tables is usually segmented and can be tilted, the distance between the hip support and the head cannot be changed since merely an opening formed in the lying surface or a headrest fixed to the treatment table is provided for accommodating the head. Headrests which are fixedly attached to the treatment table do not make free movement of the spine, the cervical vertebrae, the neck muscles, the head and the whole body possible. When greater force is applied, the pressure is increased between the headrest and the head which cannot be damped with this construction. These headrests do not make continuous tilting of the headrests possible during treatment. Tiltable headrests only move along an arc of a circle thereby the muscles of the upper back and neck as well as the vertebrae cannot be treated properly.

To sum it up, the known massage tables which consist of a flat lying surface and a headrest attached to it are not suitable for treating more serious problems of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.

The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the known solutions by providing a headrest which can be attached resiliently to the massage table, which is movable (tiltable, rotatable) in all direction of the spatial coordinate system within an expected range according to the anatomical requirements of a patient. A further aim is to provide a headrest the height of which can be adjusted and fixed, and after setting and fixing the proper height the headrest is allowed to follow the natural tilting movement of the head in downward direction.

An important and substantial difference as compared to the known headrests is that the head rest of the present invention is able to move in the direction of the spinal axis in any tilting position. Preferably, this position can be fixed by means of a lock screw and movement can be damped by means of an adjustable spring.

It has been realized that the aforementioned disadvantages can be eliminated by making movement of the head bolster in the direction of the spinal axis possible while the headrest is tilted and also during treatment. If the head bolster is placed on a two- level rail system proper movement of the head in the direction of the spine is ensured during treatment. If the first level of the two-level rail system compensates for the lowering of the headrest and the second level compensates for the movement originating from treatment, then the patient is able to relax completely during the treatment. It has also been realized that if the first level of the rail system is provided with a suitable driving rod and the second level is placed on a simple rail path the aim can be achieved. Further, if the head bolster is placed on a rotatable-tiltable head support, then the head of the patient can be tilted sideways and turned around the longitudinal axis of the spine, too. Accordingly, a headrest for massage table is provided wherein the massage table contains a headrest and a massage bed, the headrest comprises a base plate and a head support, advantageously, the head support comprises a head bolster and a supporting plate. The base plate is connected through a rotatable element to the massage bed or to a supporting element coupled to the massage bed. Preferably, the distance between the head bolster and the supporting plate is adjustable. The angle between the plane of the headrest and the plane of the massage bed can be changed by means of the rotatable element. A transmission means is coupled between the base plate and the head support to make movement of the supporting plate in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the massage bed possible. Advantageously, the transmission means is a rail system. At least one moving rod is coupled between the supporting plate and the supporting element, and an adjusting rod is coupled between the base plate and the supporting element.

Further, a headrest for massage table is provided wherein the massage table contains a headrest and a massage bed, the headrest comprises a base plate and a head support, advantageously, the head support comprises a head bolster and a supporting plate. The base plate is connected through a rotatable element to a supporting element coupled to the massage bed. Preferably, the distance between the head bolster and the supporting plate is adjustable. The angle between the plane of the headrest and the plane of the massage bed can be changed by means of the rotatable element. Advantageously, the height of the plane of the headrest relative to the height of the plane of the massage bed can be changed by means of a height adjuster, while the distance between the headrest and the massage bed can be changed by means of a distance adjuster. An intermediate plate is installed between the base plate and the head support to make movement of the supporting plate in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the massage bed possible. Between the intermediate plate and the base plate and between the intermediate plate and the head support transmission means, advantageously rail systems are installed. The intermediate plate and the supporting element are coupled together by at least one moving rod, and an adjusting rod is coupled between the base plate and the supporting element.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 a shows the side view in partial cross-section of a simple embodiment of the headrest according to the invention in which a simple supporting element is used, the distance between the headrest and the massage bed and also the height of the headrest relative to the massage bed is constant;

Figure 1 b shows the side view in partial cross-section of a simple embodiment of the headrest according to the invention in which another simple supporting element is used, the distance between the headrest and the massage bed and also the height of the headrest relative to the massage bed is constant;

Figure 1 c shows the side view in partial cross-section of a simple embodiment of the headrest according to the invention provided with a supporting element adapted for adjusting the distance between the headrest and the massage bed and also the height of the headrest relative to the massage bed;

Figure 1 d shows the side view in partial cross-section of a. more complex embodiment of the headrest according to the invention provided with an intermediate plate and a supporting element adapted for adjusting the distance between the headrest and the massage bed and also the height of the headrest relative to the massage bed;

Figure 2 shows the side view in partial cross-section of the headrest according to Figure 1d in which the distance adjuster of the supporting element is fixed further from the massage bed;

Figure 3 shows the side view in partial cross-section of the headrest according to Figure 1 d in which the headrest is tilted downward;

Figure 4 shows the side view in partial cross-section of the headrest according to Figure 2 in which the headrest is tilted down;

Figure 5 shows the front view of the base plate and the supporting plate of the headrest according to Figures 1 a, 1 b or 1c, in which the base plate and the supporting plate is provided with mountings;

Figure 6 shows the rear view of base plate and supporting plate of the headrest according to Figures 1a, 1 b or 1c, in which the base plate and the supporting plate is provided with fittings;

Figure 7 shows the front view of the headrest according to Figure 2;

Figure 8 shows the rear view of the headrest according to Figure 2;

Figure 9a is the cross-sectional side view of the headrest according to Figure 2 in which the compensating spring is shown in a possible first position; .

Figure 9b shows the cross-sectional side view of the headrest according to Figure 2 in which the compensating spring is shown in a possible second position;

Figure 10 shows the partial cross-section of the base plate and supporting plate of the headrest equipped with a supporting element, a moving rod and an adjusting rod; Figure 1 1 shows the partial cross-section of the arrangement according to Figure 10 in which the headrest is tilted down to a certain extent;

Figure 12 shows the partial cross-section of the base plate and supporting plate of the headrest when the headrest is tilted down to a certain extent, in which a shorter moving rod is installed in the supporting element in a position higher than it is shown in Figure 10;

Figure 13 shows the partial cross-section of the base plate and supporting plate of the headrest when the headrest is tilted down to a certain extent, in which the moving rod is coupled to the base plate in a position nearer to rotatable element than it is shown in Figure 0,

Figure 14 shows the partial cross-section of the headrest according to Figure 9b in which a spacer is installed between the head bolster and the supporting plate;

Figure 15 shows the front view of the headrest together with the supporting element; Figure 16 shows the headrest together with the supporting element as viewed from above;

Figure 17 shows the headrest coupled to the massage bed by means of the supporting element as viewed from above; and

Figure 18 shows the cross-section of the massage bed taken along line XVII l-XVII I of Figure 17.

The massage table consists of a headrest 1 according to the invention and a massage bed 2. Headrest 1 is attached to massage bed 2 by means of supporting element 7. In one embodiment headrest 1 is positioned at a certain height and distance from massage bed 2 (Figures 1 a and 1 b). In another embodiment supporting element 7 is attached to massage bed 2 through height adjuster 12 and distance adjuster 13 by means of which the height of the headrest and its distance from the massage bed 2 can be adjusted (Figures 1c and 1d). Height adjuster 12 and distance adjuster 13 are provided with positioning bore-holes 16 for fixing the positions of them by means of suitable pins. These pins are not shown in the figures since use of them is well known. Distance adjuster 13 may be attached to massage bed 2 from below by means of suitable fixing elements (Figures 1c-4). In another embodiment the upper surface of distance adjuster 13 does not contact directly with the lower surface of massage bed 2 (Figures 2 and 4).

In a simple embodiment headrest 1 comprises a base plate 3 and a head support 4 (Figures 5, 6). Head support 4 comprises a head bolster 5 and a supporting plate 6. The position of head bolster 5 can be ensured by means of head bolster positioning frame 17. Base plate 3 is attached to massage bed 2 (Figure 1 b) or to supporting element 7 fixed to massage bed 2 (Figure 1 a) through a rotatable element 8. The distance between head bolster 5 and supporting plate 6 can be adjusted by means of spacer 15 (Figure 14). Naturally, a plurality of spacers 15 and/or spacers 15 of different height can be used as required. Headrest 1 is coupled to massage bed 2 (Figure 1 b) or to supporting element 7 (Figure 1 a) through rotatable element 8. Rotatable element 8 may be a simple hinge or a similar mechanism. With this construction headrest 1 can be tilted downwards and upwards relative to the lying surface of massage bed 2. That is, the angle between the plane of headrest 1 and the plane of massage bed 2 can be varied by means of rotatable element 8.

Between base plate 3 and head support 4 transmission means 9 is installed for making movement of supporting plate 6 possible in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of massage bed 2. In this embodiment transmission means 9 is a pair of rails which makes movement of base plate 3 and head support 4 possible relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of massage bed 2 (Figures 5 and 6). This movement ensures that head support 4 does not exert excessive force on the head of the patient when headrest 1 is tilted, that is, the patient's head is not moved (pulled or pushed) in the direction of the spine. In order to make movement of base plate 3 and head support 4 possible relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of massage bed 2 when headrest 1 is tilted downwards, at least one, advantageously two moving rods 10 are installed between base plate 6 and supporting element 7. Position of headrest 1 can be fixed by means of adjusting rod 1 placed between base plate 3 and supporting element 7 (Figures 1 a, 1 b).

In a more complex embodiment of the invention headrest 1 comprises a base plate 3 and head support 4 comprising a head bolster 5 and a supporting plate 6. The position of head bolster 5 can be ensured by means of head bolster positioning frame 17. Base plate 3 of headrest 1 is coupled by means of rotatable element 8 to supporting plate 7 connected to massage bed 2. The distance between head bolster 5 and supporting plate 6 can be adjusted by means of spacer 5 as it was described previously (Figure 14).

Preferably, in both embodiments the height of the plane of the headrest 1 relative to the height of the plane of the massage bed 2 can be changed by means of a height adjuster 12, while the distance between the headrest 1 and the massage bed 2 can be changed by means of a distance adjuster 13. The angle between the plane of the headrest (1 ) and the plane of the massage bed (2) can be changed by means of the rotatable element (8) as it was described earlier (Figures 1 c, 1 d and 2).

The difference between the simpler embodiment and the more complex embodiment is that in the latter case an intermediate plate 14 is used between base plate 3 and head support 4 for making movement of supporting plate 6 possible in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of massage bed 2 (Figures 1 d, 7-9b and 14-17). Between intermediate plate 14 and base plate 3 as well as between intermediate plate 14 and head support 4 pairs of rails are installed as transmission means 9 (Figures 7-9b). In this embodiment moving rods 10 are installed between intermediate plate 14 and supporting element 7 (Figures 2-4). Similarly to the embodiment described earlier, an adjusting rod 1 1 is coupled between base plate 3 and supporting element 7. In the embodiment according to the invention supporting element 7 is formed from height adjuster 12 and distance adjuster 13. The distance of headrest 1 from massage bed 2 is determined by means of distance adjuster 13 and its height is determined by means of height adjuster 12. Both distance adjuster 13 and height adjuster 12 are provided with positioning bore-holes 16 in which pins (not shown in the Figures) can be accommodated (Figures 1c-4).

To hold head bolster 5 in proper position a head bolster positioning frame 17 encircling supporting plate 6 of headrest 1 is attached to supporting plate 6 (Figures 7, 8). Naturally, head bolster 5 may be attached to supporting plate 6 by means of Velcro. In addition, spacers 15 placed between supporting plate 6 and head bolster 5 may be also fixed to supporting plate 6 and head bolster 5 by means of Velcro. The advantage of this solution is that head bolster positioning frame 17 does not limit the number of spacers 15 to be used, consequently, the number and/or height of spacers 15 placed under head bolster 5 is optional.

Between head bolster positioning frame 17 and intermediate plate 14 a supporter 19 provided with compensating spring 18 is installed for controlling movement of head support 4 relative to intermediate plate 14. The tightness of compensating spring 18 can be adjusted by means of positioning element 32. In our case positioning element 32 is a screw. To make settings easier in case of individual patients the distance between supporter 19 and head bolster positioning frame 17 a positioning mandrel 20 is used which can be controlled by means of positioning element 32 (Figures 9a- 9b).

In case of the simpler embodiment moving rod 10 is used for moving head support 4 of headrest 1. Between supporting element 7 and supporting plate 6 two moving rods

10 is installed. First ends 21 of moving rods 10 are connected to studs 24 fixed to the sides of supporting plate 6 while the second ends 22 of moving rods 10 are attached to shaft 23 placed in supporting element 7 (Figures 1 a, 1 b, 5 and 6).

In case of the more complex embodiment first ends 21 of moving rods 10 are attached to studs 24 fixed to the outer edges of intermediate plate 14. Second ends 22 of moving rods 10 are coupled rotatably to shaft 23 fixed to supporting element 7 (Figures 1d, 15).

Either in case of the simpler embodiment or the more complex embodiment adjusting rod 11 is installed between base plate 3 and supporting element 7. One end of it passes through arrester 25 fixed to base plate 3 and the other end of it is coupled rotatably to adjusting shaft 26 arranged in supporting element 7. Between adjusting shaft 26 and arrester 25 an adjusting spring 27 is placed on adjusting rod 1 1. The position of headrest 1 can be set by means of adjusting rod 1 which is led through arrester 25. Position of arrester 25 is determined by adjusting spring 27 and fixing element 28 placed in one of the bore-holes formed in adjusting rod 11. Adjusting rod

1 and the additional elements belonging to it may be replaced for example by a hydraulic piston (telescope) which might as well be operated by foot. Implementation of it is well within the knowledge of one skilled in the art.

Use/setting of headrest 1 can be made more comfortable for the patient if massage bed 2 are provided with a special cushioned shoulder support 29 and a hip support 30. The difference in the chest size of the individual patients can be compensated by chest support 31 the base of which is lowered relative to the shoulder supports 29 and hip supports 30 and is provided with a suitably soft/hard pad 33 in order to ensure suitable support for the patient (Figures 17 and 18).

The principal of operation of the headrest 1 is that the patient must solely get those physical effects which are required and advantageous for him during treatment.

In the simpler embodiment of the invention when headrest 1 is tilted down head support 4 moves on transmission means 9 (which in this case is a rail system) towards massage bed 2 while supporting plate 6 is moved by means of rotatable moving rod 10 fixed to supporting element 7. That is, when headrest 1 is tilted down, head bolster 5 positioned on supporting plate 6 will move towards the patient. Setting of headrest 1 is made easier and smoother by means of adjusting rod 1 1 and adjusting spring 27 which also determines the position of headrest 1 . Adjusting spring 27 leans against arrester 25 and adjusting shaft 26. As adjusting rod 1 1 passes through arrester 25 which is fixed to the base plate 3 of headrest 1 , the position of headrest 1 is determined by adjusting spring 27 and fixing element 28 (Figures 1 a and 1 b). In order to set the proper position of headrest 1 a plurality of bore-holes are formed on adjusting rod 1 1. These bore-holes can be provided e.g. with numbers (calibrations) which then can be assigned to a given patient. If headrest 1 is fixed directly to supporting element 7 and supporting element 7 is formed so that it can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the massage bed 2 and also in a direction perpendicular to the surface of massage bed 2 then position of headrest 1 can be determined more accurately (Figure 1 c). In this case headrest 1 can be raised or lowered by means of height adjuster 12 and it can be moved forward or backward in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the massage bed 2 by means of distance adjuster 13 according to the patient's body dimensions. The position of the height adjuster 12 and distance adjuster 13 can be fixed e.g. by means of pins. In order to set supporting element as required for a patient positioning bore-holes can be provided with numbers (calibrations) which then can be assigned to a given patient. In case of this embodiment headrest 1 operates in the same manner as it was described previously (Figures 10-13). In Figures 10-13 movement of supporting plate 6 can be seen when moving rods 10 of different length are used and stud 24 is positioned in different points of supporting plate 6. Naturally, this movement is also true for the more complex embodiment in which stud 24 is positioned on intermediate plate 14 instead of supporting plate 6.

In the more complex embodiment according to the invention studs 24 are fixed to the sides of intermediate plate 14 which is arranged between supporting plate 6 and base plate 3 and is provided with transmission means 9 (rail system) on both sides. Studs 24 form the centre of rotation of first end 21 of moving rod 10. On the sides of supporting plate 6 and base plate 3 facing intermediate plate 14 counter rails for the rail systems of transmission means 9 are provided. That is, movement of intermediate plate 14 is similar to the movement of supporting plate 6 described in case of the simpler embodiment. Position of head support 4 is determined by the spring force of compensating spring 18 placed between head bolster positioning frame 17 and supporter 19 and leans against threaded positioning element 32. The spring force for the individual patients can be adjusted by means of positioning element 32 and positioning mandrel 20 (Figures 9a, 9b). To this positioning mandrel 20 can be provided with calibrations and a value can be assigned to a given patient. By means of positioning element 32 and positioning mandrel 20 proper support for the head can always be ensured. If lesser force is exerted on compensating spring 18, the muscles of the neck would be exposed to a stretching force exerted by head support 4 because of the weight of the head. This is undesirable because it would cause muscular tension in the neck. If the force produced against the compensating spring 18 is greater, the muscles and cervical vertebrae are not able to move freely. Positioning of head support 4 may be necessary to be carried out just after placing the head in the head support 4 or even during treatment if greater force is exerted on compensating spring 18 (because of the weight of the head) when the muscles of the neck become relaxed. Compensating spring 18 of head support 4 can be adjusted at any time when needed. In case of this embodiment adjusting rod 1 1 is operated in the same manner as it was described with the simpler embodiment.

In Figure 2 the starting position of headrest 1 can be seen while Figures 3 or 4 show its position after adjustment. In Figure 3 the supporting element 7 is placed directly under the massage bed 2 while in Figure 4 it is placed a little further from massage bed 2. Though it is not shown in the Figures, in case of the more complex embodiment supporting plate 6 may be mounted fixable e.g. to supporter 19 to make adjustment of headrest 1 easier. Head support 4 is fixed in position when headrest 1 is adjusted. The patient to be treated lies on the bed and places his head on head bolster 5. After checking that the patient lies properly fixing of head support 4 is released and the required spring force for compensating spring 18 is set by means of positioning element 32. Then head support 4 can move freely. The chest, the belly and the shoulders also must be supported properly. Since the neck of the individual patients is of different length spacers 15 of different thickness can be put under head bolster 5. For example the thickness of a spacer 15 may be 1 -3 cm. When spacers 15 are used, head bolster 5 is first removed then a spacer having the required thickness is placed in, finally head bolster 5 is put in its place again. This can be done quickly and easily. Adjustment of headrest 1 is easier if massage bed 2 is constructed as it is shown in Figure 18. In this case shoulders of the patient is supported by shoulder support 29 while a suitably thick pad 33 (e.g. sponge, inflatable cushion, etc.) is placed on chest support 31. The hip of the patient is supported by hip support 30 the height of which can be varied. Hip support 30 can be two small projecting cushions which may be removed when they are not needed.

The advantage of the invention is that the position of the headrest relative to the massage bed can be optimally adjusted in case of each patient in order to get the most effective treatment. The headrest according to the invention can be moved continuously, smoothly during treatment. In case of known headrests the patient had to raise his head while the therapeutist was setting the headrest in position. According to the solution of the present invention the patient does not have to move his head during treatment. With the headrest of the present invention his head is smoothly moved to the right position in the right angle. In case of the more complex embodiment the head support is able to move, in this manner the body of the patient can be stretched in the direction of the spinal axis. According to the invention this expansibility can be controlled by means of the compensating spring. Another advantage of the present invention is that the construction of the massage bed makes it possible for patients (either women or men) with different body shapes to lie comfortably. They do not lie on a flat surface which may cause unpleasant feeling. By means of the supporting elements the most optimal position can be ensured for the patient even in case of long-lasting treatment. Movement of the head support during treatment makes it possible for the muscles connecting the head and the upper cervical vertebrae to get entirely relaxed.

Claims

1. Headrest for massage table wherein the massage table contains a headrest and a massage bed, said headrest (1 ) comprises a base plate (3) and a head support (4), said head support (4) comprises a head bolster (5) and a supporting plate (6), said base plate (3) is coupled through a rotatable element (8) to said massage bed (2) or to a supporting element (7) fixed to said massage bed (2), wherein the distance between said head bolster (5) and said supporting plate (6) is adjustable, and the angle between the plane of said headrest (1 ) and the plane of said massage bed (2) can be changed by means of said rotatable element (8) characterized in that transmission means (9) is installed between said base plate (3) and said head support (4) to make movement of said supporting plate (6) possible in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of said massage bed (2), advantageously, said transmission means (9) is a rail system, further, at least one moving rod (10) is installed between said supporting plate (6) and said supporting element (7), and an adjusting rod (1 1 ) is coupled between said base plate (3) and said supporting element (7).

2. Headrest for massage table wherein the massage table contains a headrest and a massage bed, said headrest (1 ) comprises a base plate (3) and a head support (4), said head support (4) comprises a head bolster (5) and a supporting plate (6) said base plate (3) is coupled through a rotatable element (8) to a supporting element (7) coupled to said massage bed (2), the distance between said head bolster (5) and said supporting plate (6) is adjustable, and the angle between the plane of said headrest (1 ) and the plane of said massage bed (2) can be changed by means of said rotatable element (8), advantageously, the height of the plane of said headrest (1 ) relative to the height of the plane of said massage bed (2) can be changed by means of a height adjuster ( 2), and the distance between said headrest (1 ) and said massage bed (2) can be changed by means of a distance adjuster (13) characterized in that an intermediate plate (14) is placed between said base plate (3) and said head support (4) to make movement of said supporting plate (6) possible in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of said massage bed (2), between said intermediate plate (14) and said base plate (3) as well as between said intermediate plate (14) and said head support (4) transmission means (9) advantageously rail systems are installed, said intermediate plate (14) and said supporting element (7) are coupled together by at least one moving rod (10) and an adjusting rod (11 ) is coupled between said base plate (3) and said supporting element (7).

3. Headrest for massage table according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the distance between said head bolster (5) and said supporting plate (6) can be adjusted by means of spacers (15).

4. Headrest for massage table according to claims 2 or 3 characterized in that said supporting element (7) consists of said height adjuster (12) arvd said distance adjuster (13).

5. Headrest for massage table according to any of claims 2-4 characterized in that said distance adjuster (13) and said height adjuster (12) are provided with positioning bore-holes (16) by means of which the distance between said headrest (1 ) and said massage bed (2) and the height of said headrest (1 ) relative to said massage bed (2) can be set.

6. Headrest for massage table according to any of claims 1 -5 characterized in that a head bolster positioning frame (17) is attached to said supporting plate (6).

7. Headrest for massage table according to any of claims 2-6 characterized in that a positioning mandrel (20) and a supporter (19) provided with a compensating spring (18) whose spring force can be adjusted by means of a positioning element (32) are arranged between said head bolster positioning frame (17) and said intermediate plate (14).

8. Headrest for massage table according to claims 1 , 3 or 6 characterized in that first ends (21 ) of two moving rods are coupled to the outer edges of said intermediate plate (14) by means of studs (24) and second ends (22) of said moving rods are rotatably coupled to shaft (23) fixed to said supporting element (7).

10. Headrest for massage table according to any of claims 1 -9 characterized in that one end of said adjusting rod (11 ) coupled between said base plate (3) and said supporting element (7) is led through arrester (25) fixed to said base plate (3), the other end of said adjusting rod (11 ) is coupled rotatably to an adjusting shaft (26) arranged in said supporting element (7), between said adjusting shaft (26) and said arrester (25) an adjusting spring (27) is placed on said adjusting rod (1 1 ) and the position of said adjusting rod (11 ) is determined by a fixing element (28) abutting against arrester (25).