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Title:
HYGIENIC FACE HOLE COVER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1996/011662
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A hygienic cover for the face hole (1) of a treatment couch (9) comprises two sheets of material (2, 3) which can take the configuration of a plane shape portion about the face hole (4) of a treatment couch from which extends a skirt portion (35) into the face hole. In a preferred embodiment the sheets are bonded together around a hole approximately the size of a face hole in the couch. One sheet lies against the couch and the other sheet lines the face hole. In a second preferred form the top sheet has flaps which fold down into a slit in the second sheet which has interlocking means to hold the flaps in place. The face hole cover is replaced after each patient and provides a hygienic barrier to minimise the possibility of cross-infection between patients using the treatment couch. The sheets are preferably formed from a composite material having at least one non-permeable (plastic) layer and at least one absorbent (tissue) layer bonded together.

Inventors:
WATSON DEAN HAROLD (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU1995/000669
Publication Date:
April 25, 1996
Filing Date:
October 11, 1995
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
WATSON JANE (AU)
WATSON DEAN HAROLD (AU)
International Classes:
A61B46/00; A61G7/07; A61G13/12; (IPC1-7): A61H37/00; A61B19/08; A61F13/02; A47G9/00
Foreign References:
US3848281A1974-11-19
US5095569A1992-03-17
AU5649886A1986-10-30
US4840841A1989-06-20
US2688142A1954-09-07
DE2640141A11978-03-16
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Claims:
CLAIMS
1. A disposable face hole cover comprising, at least in part, of deformable sheet material, the disposable face hole cover including: a substantially plane shape portion through which a hole extends; a substantially continuous skirt portion extending from the disposable face hole cover and around the hole, said skirt portion being extendable from a position flat against the said plane shape portion to an extended position for passage through a face hole; and, the hole being of shape and size to permit at least partial insertion there through of a person's face.
2. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 1 wherein the skirt portion when in the extended position being resistant to closure of the hole.
3. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 1 or claim 2 including a first sheet and a second sheet composed of the deformable sheet material, said plane shape portion being substantially comprised of the first sheet, and the said skirt portion being substantially comprised of the second sheet.
4. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 3 wherein the first and second sheets each have an aperture there through and are juxtapositioned such that the apertures are substantially aligned, the two sheets are joined substantially at the periphery of at least one of the apertures, and the smaller of said apertures forming said hole.
5. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 4 wherein the second sheet is of smaller size to the first sheet and is adapted to be folded into and through the hole thereby forming the skirt portion where at least one part of the second sheet bears against another part of the second sheet thereby giving the skirt portion increased rigidity and thereby resistance to closure of the hole.
6. A disposable lace hole cover as in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the sheets are joined continuously around the periphery of one of the apertures.
7. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 3 wherein the first and second sheets are joined together, the first and second sheets each have slits within and there through and are juxtapositioned such that the slits of the first and second sheets are in proximal relationship, the slits of each sheet being positioned so that a plurality of flaps extending from the first and/or second sheets can be formed by deformation of the sheets between selected slits, and the said hole is formed by folding the sheets to form the flaps and the said skirt portion is formed by the overlapping of the flaps.
8. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 7 wherein the at least one of the said slits of a sheet can coact with the other sheet once the said flaps are formed so as to substantially interlock at least two of the said flaps thereby giving the skirt portion increased rigidity and resistance to closing off the hole.
9. A disposable face hole cover comprising a first sheet and a smaller second sheet, each sheet having an aperture there through and juxtapositioned so that the central portions of each aperture substantially aligned, the first sheet and the second sheet being joined to one another in the proximity of one of the apertures, and the second sheet being adapted in a first position to be flat against the first sheet and in a second position to be passed through the aperture of the first sheet thereby forming a skirt portion about a hole.
10. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 9 wherein the hole is of size and shape to allow at least partial insertion there through of a person's face.
11. A disposable face hole cover comprising: a first sheet having a substantially planar portion and a first pair of opposed internal flaps formed therein; a second sheet having a second pair of opposed internal flaps therein and the second sheet being joined to the first sheet away from said flaps; said first pair of flaps hinged transversely to the hinging of the second pair of flaps, said flaps hinged between a flat position aligned with the planar portion of the first sheet and an extended position for passing through a face hole, so that when said flaps are in their extended position a hole is formed and said flaps form a skirt portion extending from said hole; and, the hole being of a shape and size to permit at least partial insertion there through of a person's face.
12. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 1 1 wherein each of the flaps of either said first or second pairs of flaps include two spaced apart retaining slots extending internally into and away from a free end of the respective flap, each of said retaining slots within either the first or second pairs of flaps being adapted to capture a side edge of an adjacent flap of respectively either the second or first pairs of flaps when said flaps form the said skirt portion.
13. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the second sheet is smaller than the first sheet, and the second pair of flaps are formed by an elongate slit passing substantially across the second sheet, leaving two strips on either end of the slit, so that the slit can open up with each edge forming a flap of the second pair of flaps.
14. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 13, wherein ends of the slit are widened and radiused.
15. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 11, 12, 13 or 14 wherein free ends of the flaps substantially meet when in the flat position.
16. A disposable face hole cover as in claim 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14 or 15 wherein the skirt portion is substantially continuous about the hole.
17. A disposable face hole cover for use with a treatment couch having a face hole for partial insertion there through of a person's face, comprising: a first sheet having two substantially parallel slits there through, and a central slit there through substantially central with and extending between the two parallel slits; a second sheet having a slit there through; the first and second sheets being joined at least at two locations on substantially opposite sides of the sheets, and juxtapositioned such that the slit of the second sheet is substantially parallel with and cenual to the parallel slits of the first sheet; and, the face hole cover being adapted to be deformable so that sections either side of the central slit and between the parallel slits of the first sheet being flaps can be passed through and open the slit of the second sheet and thereby forming a hole and a skirt portion extending therefrom and about the hole.
18. A face hole cover as in claim 17 wherein: the parallel slits of the first sheet are of substantially equal length and similar configuration, of each of the parallel slits the ends taper out and away from the other parallel slit to be of greater width than the central section of the slit, and the central slit of the first sheet being of substantial width; the slit of the second sheet having ends of greater width than the majority of the rest of the slit of the second sheet, the slit of the second sheet having two flap engaging means located between its centre and each of its ends, one each side of the centre of the slit of the second sheet, the slit of the second sheet substantially centrally dissecting the flap engaging means, and the flap engaging means including a side substantially extending perpendicular and equally from the slit of the second sheet; and, the face hole cover being adapted when deformed to form the said hole and skirt portion that the said flaps can be substantially interlocked with the respective flap engaging means.
19. A disposable lace hole cover comprising: a first sheet of material including a first hole of a size and shape to surround a person's face; a second sheet of material including a second hole of a size and shape similar to the said first hole, said second sheet being located adjacent to said first sheet such that the first and second holes substantially align; wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together around the perimeter of the said holes to form the face hole cover.
20. A disposable l ce hole cover of claim 19 in combination with a treatment couch having a face hole wherein the first sheet is located upon the treatment couch such that the first and second holes of the face hole cover substantially align with the face hole of the treatment couch and the second sheet of the face hole cover lines the face hole such that substantially no part of the face of a patient lying upon the treatment couch may contact the treatment couch.
21. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims excepting claims 1 and 2 wherein the second sheet consists of at least two pieces of sheet material.
22. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of preceding claims excepting claim 1 and 2 wherein the first sheet or the second sheet or both are manufactured of a composite material having at least one nonpermeable layer and at least one absorbent layer.
23. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims 4, 5, 9, 19 and 20 wherein the second sheet has a third sheet releasably attached thereto adapted to be used to form the said skirt portion and be detached from the second sheet once the skirt portion has been formed. 24. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims including fixing means adapted to hold the face hole cover in place on a treatment couch.
24. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims and a treatment couch including fixing means adapted to hold the face hole cover in place on a treatment couch.
25. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims 4, 5, 9, 19, 20 and 21 wherein the second sheet has adhesive applied thereto adapted to releasably affix the skirt portion to a treatment couch. AMENDED CLAIMS [ recei ved by the International Bureau on 01 March 1996 (01 .03.96) ; original claims 1 26 replaced by amended cl aims 1 22 (5 pages ) ] 1 A disposable face hole cover comprising, at least in part, of deformable sheet material, the disposable face hole cover including: a substantially plane shape portion through which a hole extends; a continuous skirt portion extending from the disposable face hole cover and around the hole, said skirt portion being extendable from a position flat against the said plane shape portion to an extended position for passage through a face hole; the hole being of shape and size to permit at least partial insertion there through of a person's face; and the skirt portion when in the extended position being resistant to closure of the hole by reason of some of the skirt bearing against other parts of the skirt.
26. 2 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 1 including a first sheet and a second sheet composed of the deformable sheet material, said plane shape portion being substantially comprised of the first sheet, and the said skirt portion being substantially comprised of the second sheet 3 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 2 wherein the first and second sheets each have an aperture there through and are juxtapositioned such that the apertures are substantially aligned, the two sheets are joined substantially at the periphery of at least one of the apertures, and the smaller of said apertures forming said hole.
27. 4 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 3 wherein the second sheet is of smaller size to the first sheet and is adapted to be folded into and through the hole thereby forming the skirt portion where at least one part of the second sheet bears against another part of the second sheet thereby giving the skirt portion increased rigidity and thereby resistance to closure of the hole.
28. 5 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the sheets are joined continuously around the periphery of one of the apertures.
29. 6 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 2 wherein the first and second sheets are joined together, the first and second sheets each have slits within and there through and are juxtapositioned such that the slits of the first and second sheets are in proximal relationship, the slits of each sheet being positioned so that a plurality of flaps extending from the first and/or second sheets can be formed by deformation of the sheets between selected slits, and the said hole is formed by folding the sheets to form the flaps and the said skirt portion is formed by the overlapping of the flaps.
30. 7 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 6 wherein the at least one of the said slits of a sheet can coact with the other sheet once the said flaps are formed so as to substantially interlock at least two of the said flaps thereby giving the skirt portion increased rigidity and resistance to closing off the hole.
31. 8 A disposable face hole cover comprising a first sheet and a smaller second sheet, each sheet having an aperture there through and juxtapositioned so that the central portions of each aperture substantially aligned, the first sheet and the second sheet being joined to one another in the proximity of one of the apertures, and the second sheet being adapted in a first position to be flat against the first sheet and in a second position to be passed through the aperture of the first sheet thereby forming a skirt portion about a hole.
32. 9 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 8 wherein the hole is of size and shape to allow at least partial insertion there through of a person's face.
33. 10 A disposable face hole cover comprising: a first sheet having a substantially planar portion and a first pair of opposed internal flaps formed therein; a second sheet having a second pair of opposed internal flaps therein and the second sheet being joined to the first sheet away from said flaps; said first pair of flaps hinged transversely to the hinging of the second pair of flaps, said flaps hinged between a flat position aligned with the planar portion of the first sheet and an extended position for passing through a face hole, so that when said flaps are in their extended position a hole is formed and said flaps form a skirt portion extending from said hole; the hole being of a shape and size to permit at least partial insertion there through of a person's face; and, each of the flaps of either said first or second pairs of flaps include two spaced apart retaining slots extending internally into and away from a free end of the respective flap, each of said retaining slots within either the first or second pairs of flaps being adapted to capture a side edge of an adjacent flap of respectively either the second or first pairs of flaps when said flaps form the said skirt portion.
34. 11 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 10, wherein the second sheet is smaller than the first sheet, and the second pair of flaps are formed by an elongate slit passing substantially across the second sheet, leaving two strips on either end of the slit, so that the slit can open up with each edge forming a flap of the second pair of flaps.
35. 12 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 11, wherein ends of the slit are widened and radiused.
36. 13 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein free ends of the flaps substantially meet when in the flat position.
37. 14 A disposable face hole cover as in claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 wherein the skirt portion is substantially continuous about the hole.
38. 15 A disposable face hole cover for use with a treatment couch having a face hole for partial insertion there through of a person's face, comprising: a first sheet having two substantially parallel slits there through, and a central slit there through substantially central with and extending between the two parallel slits; a second sheet having a slit there through; the first and second sheets being joined at least at two locations on substantially opposite sides of the sheets, and juxtapositioned such that the slit of the second sheet is substantially parallel with and central to the parallel slits of the first sheet; the parallel slits of the first sheet are of substantially equal length and similar configuration, of each of the parallel slits the ends taper out and away from the other parallel slit to be of greater width than the central section of the slit, and the central slit of the first sheet being of substantial width; the slit of the second sheet having ends of greater width than the majority of the rest of the slit of the second sheet the slit of the second sheet having two flap engaging means located between its centre and each of its ends, one each side of the centre of the slit of the second sheet, the slit of the second sheet substantially centrally dissecting the flap engaging means, and the flap engaging means including a side substantially extending perpendicular and equally from the slit of the second sheet; and, the face hole cover being adapted to be deformable so that sections either side of the central slit and between the parallel slits of the first sheet being flaps can be passed through and open the slit of the second sheet and thereby forming a hole and a skirt portion extending therefrom and about the hole when deformed to form the said hole and skirt portion that the said flaps can be substantially interlocked with the respective flap engaging means.
39. 16 A disposable face hole cover in combination with a treatment couch having a face hole comprising: a first sheet of material including a first hole of a size and shape to surround a person's face; a second sheet of material including a second hole of a size and shape similar to the said first hole, said second sheet being located adjacent to said first sheet such that the first and second holes substantially align; wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together around the perimeter of the said holes to form the face hole cover: and, the first sheet is located upon the treatment couch such that the first and second holes of the face hole cover substantially align with the face hole of the treatment couch and the second sheet of the face hole cover lines the face hole such that no part of the face of a patient lying upon the treatment couch may contact the treatment couch.
40. 17 A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims excepting claim 1 wherein the second sheet consists of at least two pieces of sheet material.
41. 18 A disposable face hole cover as in any one of preceding claims excepting claim 1 wherein the first sheet or the second sheet or both are manufactured of a composite material having at least one nonpermeable layer and at least one absorbent layer.
42. 19 A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims 3, 4, 8 and 16 wherein the second sheet has a third sheet releasably attached thereto adapted to be used to form the said skirt portion and be detached from the second sheet once the skirt portion has been formed.
43. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims including fixing means adapted to hold the face hole cover in place on a treatment couch.
44. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims and a treatment couch including fixing means adapted to hold the face hole cover in place on a treatment couch.
45. A disposable face hole cover as in any one of the preceding claims 3, 4, 8, 16 and 17 wherein the second sheet has adhesive applied thereto adapted to releasably affix the skirt portion to a treatment couch.
Description:
HYGIENIC FACE HOLE COVER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to disposable hygiene products. In particular it relates to a disposable face hole cover which is useful in providing hygienic protection for users of equipment requiring a user's face to be in contact with the equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

The invention is particularly directed to the problem of maintaining hygiene around the face hole in treatment couches. The treatment couches referred to are the type commonly used by physiotherapists and chiropractors. The couches are generally low, often height adjustable, flat benches having a generally rectangular hole cut near one end. The hole is typically around 150 millimetres long and 75 millimetres wide. When treatment necessitates the patient lying in a face down posture the patient places their face in the hole with their forehead and chin resting on the perimeter of the hole. Depending on the size of the patients face their cheeks usually rest upon the perimeter of the hole.

As a consequence of their position patients may leave residual matter on the couch around the hole. This residual matter may include, but is not limited to: cosmetics, perspiration, saliva, hair, eye and nasal secretions. These residues are recognised as posing a risk to hygiene. In particular, body fluids give rise to a risk of cross-infection and the possible transfer of diseases such as hepatitis and herpes.

The inventor is aware of four methods of dealing with the hygiene problem, none of which are particularly successful.

1. The area of the couch around the face hole may be wiped down with tissues or cloth between patients. While wiping will remove bulk material such as cosmetics and moisture it does not solve the hygiene problem because wiping will not remove bacteria.

2. The face hole region may be wiped or sprayed with an antiseptic solution. This may kill bacteria but has three main drawbacks. Firstly, some patients will be allergic to the antiseptic. Secondly, the couch material (normally vinyl) will harden and crack leading to the need for premature refurbishing.

Thirdly, the process would be unnecessarily time consuming.

3. Tissues may be carefully placed around the face hole between a patient's face and the couch. This may achieve the desired hygienic barrier but is impractical due to the low tensile strength of tissue. The tissues tear as a patient moves around to become comfortable. Furthermore, tissues stick to a patient's face causing inconvenience and embarrassment when a patient moves around during treatment.

4. Cloth hand towels can be used to overcome some of the problems of tissues but hand towels can be difficult to arrange to form an effective barrier whilst preserving comfort for a person's face. Furthermore, the expense of laundering the hand towels is prohibitive.

There is a clear need for some other means of dealing with the hygiene problems referred to above.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a disposable face hole cover which is useful in providing hygienic protection for users of equipment requiring a user's face to be in contact with the equipment.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a face hole cover which achieves an hygienic barrier between a patient's face and a treatment couch.

It is a still further objective to provide the public with a useful alternative to existing means for providing an hygienic barrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form of the invention although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form there is provided a disposable face hole cover comprising, at least in part, of deformable sheet material, the disposable face hole cover including: a substantially plane shape portion through which a hole extends; a substantially continuous skin portion extending from the disposable face hole cover and around the hole, said skirt portion being extendable from a position flat against the said plane shape portion to an extended position for passage through a face hole; and, the hole being of shape and size to permit at least partial insertion there through of a person's face.

In use the disposable face hole cover is deformed so that the plane shape portion surrounds a face hole of a treatment table and the skirt portion extends into the face hole of the table.

During treatment a patient may find it uncomfortable to have the skirt portion of the face hole cover touching their face. It is preferable that the skirt portion is resistant to closing off the hole.

A preferred embodiment is a disposable face hole cover including a first sheet and a second sheet composed of the deformable sheet material, said plane shape portion being substantially comprised of the first sheet, and the said skirt portion being substantially comprised of the second sheet

In a preferred form, the first and second sheets each have an aperture there through and are juxtapositioned such that the apertures are substantially aligned, the two sheets are joined substantially at the periphery of at least one of the apertures, and the smaller of said apertures forming said hole.

In one preferred form the second sheet is of smaller size to the first sheet and is adapted to be folded into and through the hole thereby forming the skirt portion where at least one part of the second sheet bears against another part of the second sheet thereby giving the skirt portion increased rigidity and thereby resistance to closure of the hole.

It is preferred that the disposable face hole cover be supplied in a flat configuration. This form is convenient for storage and transportation. In use the disposable face hole cover can be spread out over the face hole of a treatment couch and the second sheet folded through the hole to line the face hole.

In another preferred embodiment the first and second sheets are joined together, the first and second sheets each have slits within and there through and are juxtapositioned such that the slits of the first and second sheets are in proximal relationship, the slits of each sheet being positioned so that a plurality of flaps extending from the first and/or second sheets can be formed by deformation of the sheets between selected slits, and the said hole is formed by folding the sheets to form the flaps and the said skirt portion is formed by the overlapping of the flaps. Preferably at least one of the said slits of a sheet can co-act with the other sheet once the said flaps are formed so as to substantially inter-lock at least two of the said folds thereby giving the skirt portion increased rigidity and resistance to closing off the hole.

A preferred embodiment is a disposable face hole cover comprising a first sheet and a smaller second sheet, each sheet having an aperture there through and juxtapositioned

so that the central portions of each aperture substantially aligned, the first sheet and the second sheet being joined to one another in the proximity of one of the apertures, and the second sheet being adapted in a first position lo be flat against the first sheet and in a second position to be passed through the aperture of the first sheet thereby forming a skirt portion about a hole.

In a preferred embodiment is a disposable face hole cover comprising:

a first sheet having a substantially planar portion and a first pair of opposed internal flaps formed therein;

a second sheet having a second pair of opposed internal flaps therein and the second sheet being joined to the first sheet away from said flaps; said first pair of flaps hinged transversely to the hinging of the second pair of flaps, said flaps hinged between a flat position aligned with the planar portion of the first sheet and an extended position for passing through a face hole, so that when said flaps are in their extended position a hole is formed and said flaps form a skirt portion extending from said hole; and,

the hole being of a shape and size lo permit at least partial insertion there through of a person's face.

A preferred embodiment is a disposable face hole cover for use with a treatment couch having a face hole for partial insertion there through of a person's face, comprising:

a first sheet having two substantially parallel slits there through, and a central slit there through substantially central with and extending between the two parallel slits; a second sheet having a slit there through; the first and second sheets being joined at least at two locations on substantially opposite sides of the sheets, and juxtapositioned such that the slit of the second sheet is substantially parallel with and central to the parallel slits of the first sheet; and, the face hole cover being adapted to be deformable so that sections either side of the central slit and between the parallel slits of the first sheet being flaps can be passed through and open the slit of the second sheet and thereby forming a hole and a skirt portion extending therefrom and about the hole.

Another preferred embodiment is a disposable face hole cover comprising:

a first sheet of material including a first hole of a size and shape to surround a person's face; a second sheet of material including a second hole of a size and shape similar to the said first hole, said second sheet being located adjacent said first sheet such that the first and second holes substantially align;

wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded together around the perimeter of the said holes to form the face hole cover.

The first and second holes are preferably of the same size and shape and are preferably rectangular and located in the centre of each of the sheets. The size and shape is preferably chosen to match the face hole of commercially available treatment couches.

In preference the first sheet and the second sheet are formed from a composite material having at least one non-permeable layer and at least one absorbent layer, said non- permeable and absorbent layers being bonded to form the composite material.

In preference the composite material comprises a layer of non-permeable plastics material such as polypropylene or polyethylene and three or four layers of absorbent material such as tissue paper. The non-permeable layer and the tissue layers are preferably bonded together by heat and pressure that softens the plastic which impregnates the tissue. Alternatively, the layers may be bonded together by glue or other suitable means. In use the non-permeable layer of the first sheet is preferably positioned against the couch and the non-permeable layer of the second sheet is preferably positioned against the internal wall of the face hole. The absorbent layers are therefore positioned to be in contact with the patient's face.

One aspect of the invention is the manner in which the second sheet of the face hole cover is located in the face hole so as to line it. In one form the face hole cover is supplied with the second sheet folded above the second hole. In use the face hole cover is located over the face hole in the treatment couch and the second sheet is pushed into the face hole by hand or with some suitable implement.

In another preferred form, the cover is placed above and aligned with the hole of the treatment couch with the first sheet upper most. The first sheet is pushed against the second sheet' into the hole. The first and second sheets have means to interlock one to the other so forming the skirt portion which is resistant to closing off the hole.

In an alternate form the face hole cover comprises a third sheet removably attached to the second sheet. In use the third sheet is pushed into the face hole thereby drawing the second sheet into the face hole. When the second sheet reaches the limit of travel determined by the attachment to the first sheet continued pressure applied to the third sheet will cause it to detach from the second sheet.

In another preferred form fixing means are provided attached to a treatment couch adapted to hold the disposable face hole cover in place relative to the treatment couch. In one form the fixing means is a pair of straps going about the treatment couch and over parts of the disposable face hole cover. In alternative forms, the fixing means includes velcro to affix to the disposable face hole cover. It will be appreciated that the fixing means is preferably adapted to permit easy release of the disposable face hole cover.

To assist the second sheet to maintain a correct position within the face hole the second sheet may have a layer of light adhesive applied to the non-permeable layer. The adhesive must be strong enough to keep the second sheet in the hole but allow easy detachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further assist in understanding the invention reference will be made to the following drawings in which : FIGURE la shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an hygienic disposable face hole cover;

FIGURE lb shows a cross-sectional view taken through A A in Figure 1;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the composite material from which the face hole cover of Figure 1 is formed;

FIGURE 3 shows an hygienic disposable face hole cover in place on a treatment couch;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken through BB in Figure 3;

FIGURE 5 shows a second embodiment of the disposable face hole cover;

FIGURE 6 shows a third embodiment of the disposable face hole cover;

FIGURE 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the disposable face hole cover in place on a treatment couch;

FIGURE 8 illustrates the slits in a second sheet of the fourth embodiment;

FIGURE 9 illustrates the slits in a first sheet of the fourth embodiment; and,

FIGURE 10 illustrates the fourth embodiment as seen from above prior to use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in detail there is shown in Figure la and lb a disposable face hole cover generally depicted as 1. The face hole cover 1 comprises two sheets 2 and 3 bonded together around the perimeter of a face hole 4 as particularly shown in Figures la and lb at 13.

Each sheet is made from a composite material of a number of layers. In the preferred embodiment the composite material is formed from a non-permeable plastic layer 5 of polyethylene, polypropylene or similar plastics material and three or four layers of tissue paper 6 as shown in Figure 2.

The layers of each sheet are preferably bonded by application of heat sufficient to soften the plastic layer. At the same time as applying the heat, pressure is applied so that some of the tissue fibres penetrate the surface of the plastic and are captured such as shown at 7 in Figure 2. The process may be applied over the entire surface but it is preferable that the heat and pressure are applied in a plurality of localised areas, one of which is shown enlarged in Figure 2.

Heat and pressure are also used to bond the two sheets together. It is convenient that the hole 4 be cut from the face hole cover 1 in the same process that bonds the first sheet 2 and the second sheet 3. The sheets are arranged so that the non-permeable plastic layers are separated by tissue layers.

Alternatively, the composite materials may be formed by gluing the layers together and the two sheets may be bonded by gluing. The two sheets are of generally rectangular shape as is the central hole. In the preferred embodiment the second sheet 3 is shown as smaller than the first sheet 2. Although not essential the reduced size of the upper sheet 3 enhances the use of the disposable face hole cover 1.

As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 the first sheet lies against the upper surface 8 of a treatment couch 9. As the majority of treatment couches have a vinyl outer covering there is a resistance to slip provided by the friction between the plastic layer 5 of the first sheet 2 and the vinyl surface 8. The second sheet 3 is pushed into the face hole 10

of the couch 8 and provides an hygienic barrier between a patients' face and the sides of the face hole. The friction between the vinyl of the face hole and the plastic layer of the second sheet assist to keep the disposable face hole cover in position.

To enhance retention of the face hole cover 1 to treatment couch 9 elastic straps can be used to hold the face hole cover 1 in place. One elastic strap goes about the treatment couch and over the face hole cover to the side of the hole proximal to the position of a patient's feet and another elastic strap goes about the treatment couch and over the face hole cover on the other side. Preferably these straps are placed sufficiently away from the face hole so as not to inconvenience a person undergoing treatment.

In another form, straps with velcro sections are used. The velcro acts with the face hole cover to hold the latter in place.

As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4 the face hole cover takes on a substantially plane shape portion - illustrated generally as 34 - from which extends a skirt portion - illustrated generally as 35 - into the face hole of the treatment couch. Retention of the second sheet in the face hole can also be enhanced by providing a gentle adhesive between the inside walls of the face hole and the plastic layer of the second sheet. This may conveniently be a thin layer of gum applied to the plastic layer of the second sheet of the face hole cover.

The face hole cover may be supplied with the second sheet folded as shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment the second sheet is pushed into the face hole by pushing down on the folded second sheet with the hand or an implement. The second sheet unfolds under the pressure of the hand or implement and spreads oui to line the face hole as shown in Figure 4.

In a third embodiment shown in Figure 6, an additional plastic layer 1 1 is lightly attached to the plastic layer 5 of the second sheet 3. The face hole cover 1 is positioned on the treatment couch as described above but the second sheet is not in a folded state. The additional plastic layer 11 is pushed into the face hole 10 with the hand 12 or suitable implement, as shown in Figure 6, thereby drawing the second sheet 3 into the hole as well. The second sheet 3 will be stopped from further travel by its attachment to the first sheet 2. Continued pushing causes the additional plastic layer 11 to separate from the second sheet 3 leaving the same result as shown in Figure 4.

In the third embodiment the additional plastic layer 11 is attached to the second sheet 3 with a light gum. After separation of the additional plastic layer from the second sheet

the light gum stays on the second sheet and provides a light attachment to the inside of the face hole.

A slight variation to the third embodiment is that the third sheet is not detachable or detached in use. Holes are provided within the third sheet for ventilation. In other respects this variation acts and is used as described above.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiments illustrated in Figures la, lb, 3, 4, and 5 the second sheet 3 becomes folded when in the face hole of a treatment couch as seen in Figure 3 at 14. This folding of the second sheet 3 generally gives it some resistance to closing off the hole 4. This is advantageous for maintaining second sheet 3 in place instead of unfolding and partly or totally closing off the face hole. Such resistance to deformation or closing off helps prevent the uncorrffortable effect of second sheet 3 coming into contact with the face of a person undergoing treatment.

The fourth embodiment illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 consist of two sheets; a first sheet 15 and a second sheet 16. The first and second sheets 15 and 16 are glued together in the hatched areas of Figure 10, one being shown as 17. Both the first and second sheets 15 and 16 have slits through them.

As an alternative, the sheets 15 and 16 can be fixed together by other means such as heat bonding where composite sheet material is used.

The central axis 18 is illustrated here to assist understanding and alignment of the sheets but does not represent anything other than a virtual line.

The slit 19 of the second sheet is shown in detail in Figure 8. There are two substantially circular holes 20 and 21 at each end of the slit 19. These allow greater flexibility and deformability of the second sheet 16 than if not present. Whilst these holes 20 and 21 are preferred because they allow for flexibility without providing a point from which a tear is more likely to occur other shapes can be used or in fact no hole can be at each end of the slit 19. Where other shapes are used, for example triangular holes, the corners are points from which tears may occur. Similarly where no end hole is provided each end of the slit 19 is a point where tearing may occur.

The two generally triangular regions 24 and 25 co-operated with flaps of the first sheet 22 and 23 to interlock. This is achieved by the insertion of flaps 22 and 23 into the second sheet 16 which then bear against the faces 26 and 27 respectively of the triangular regions 24 and 25. This interlocking of the flaps 22 and 23 provides the skirt portion 28 formed by the folding of flaps 22 and 23 into the second sheet 16 with

resistance to deformation or tendency to close off the face hole of a treatment couch 29.

This can best be seen in Figure 7.

Other shapes for the regions 24 and 25 can be used if desired. These regions are retaining slots adapted to engage and capture and edge of a flap. This interlocking of flaps provides the skirt portion increased rigidity.

The slits in the first sheet 1 are best seen in Figure 9. This figure shows the details of the slits but does not show the whole of the first sheet 15.

Slits 30, 31 and 32 form the flaps 22 and 23. Each end of slits 31 and 32 are terminated with widening end sections, one illustrated as 33. These provide the first sheet 15 with greater flexibility than without these end section.

In use the end sections 33 allow the flaps 22 and 23 to fold into slit 19 and also allow the joined sections of the first and second sheets 15 and 16 either side of slit 19 to fold partly into the face hole of a treatment couch. The circular holes 20 and 21 permit the slit 19 to open, particularly about the centre. In use the transformation between the flat disposable face hole cover illustrated in

Figure 10 to the face hole cover in Figure 7 can be achieved by pushing the flaps 22 and 23 through the slit 19. Alternatively, with the first sheet 15 uppermost and the face hole cover held spread out between a pair of hands, a sudden upward movement will cause the same effect. This permits the face hole cover to be readied for use without the need for contact with the parts of the face hole cover which will ordinarily come into contact with a patient's face.

At the time of writing the fourth embodiment has a number of advantages compared with the other embodiments. It is easy to use without requiring contact in the region of the skirt portion. It is also easier to manufacture.

The preferred embodiments described herein are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit its scope. Other embodiments and variations may be evident to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.