Support device, equipment and procedure for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthotic or prosthetic type
Patent Information
- Application Number
- ES2022177578T
- Authority / Receiving Office
- ES · ES
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-06-07
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Support device, equipment and procedure for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthotic or prosthetic type Technical field of the invention The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices of the orthotic or prosthetic type. More specifically, it refers to support devices, equipment, and procedures for repairing or modifying a medical device such as an orthosis or prosthesis. State of the art In general, orthotic medical devices are devices adapted to help a function, a joint, or a limb. More specifically, medical devices of the type of plantar orthoses (insoles or orthoplasties, for example) have the function of correcting a biomechanical, postural or proprioceptive deficiency. Such plantar orthoses comprise: a first, anatomically shaped device surface designed to cover a part of an individual's body (the sole of the foot for an insole and the perimeter of a toe for an orthotic); and a second device surface, opposite the first. These medical devices can be made of various materials, such as temperature-sensitive thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, TPU, etc.). They can be manufactured using thermoplastic extrusion technologies, such as 3D printing. As an example, document US 8,170,705 describes a facility for manufacturing an orthotic insole in several overlapping layers. This installation comprises a support plate and pressing means including a heating block. However, such prior art medical devices are difficult to repair or modify and, when they are no longer suitable, are generally replaced with new equipment. This leads to cost issues and creates problems with waste management, as the constituent materials are difficult to recycle. For both economic and environmental reasons, and to meet potential requests for orthotic or prosthetic adjustments, there is therefore a need for materials or equipment that can be used to repair or modify this type of medical device. And the same problem can be found for other medical devices made from the same materials and manufacturing techniques, such as optical correction orthoses or prostheses for the replacement of a limb or joint. Presentation of the invention In order to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention proposes a support device for receiving a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, as defined by claim 1 The softening temperature is understood to be a temperature at which the material undergoes a change of state, from a solid state to a semi-liquid or pasty state. Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the support device, according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are shown in claims 2-7. The present invention also relates to equipment for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, according to claims 8-12. The present invention also relates to a method, as defined by claim 13, for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, by means of equipment, as defined above. Of course, the different features, variants and ways of realizing the invention can be associated with each other, according to various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention Furthermore, several other features of the invention are apparent from the accompanying description made with reference to the drawings, which illustrate non-limiting ways of embodying the invention and where: - Figure 1 is an overview of a possible embodiment of equipment, according to the invention, for repairing or modifying a medical device of the insole or orthoplasty type, this equipment comprising, in particular, a support device for receiving the medical device, a device for distributing a working material and a device for shaping this working material; - Figure 2 is an isolated view of the medical device support device that is part of the equipment illustrated in Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a side view of another possible embodiment of a medical device support device, according to the invention; - Figure 4 is an isolated view of the distribution device that is part of the equipment illustrated in Figure 1; - Figure 5 is an exploded view of the distribution device illustrated in Figure 4; - Figure 6 is a schematic view of a part of the distribution device illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 showing the workpiece transfer screw; - Figure 7 is an isolated view of the forming device that is part of the equipment illustrated in Figure 1; - Figure 8 is an exploded view of the forming device illustrated in Figure 7. It is worth noting that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references. The equipment 1 illustrated in Figure 1 is adapted to repair or modify a medical device of the insole type S or orthoplasty O that is made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and medical device of the insole type S or orthoplasty O that comprises - a first anatomical device surface S1, O1, intended to cover a body part of an individual, and - a second device surface S2, O2, opposite said first device surface. Figure 1 schematically represents a medical device of type S insole and a medical device of type O orthopedic. The medical device of the S-type insole or O-type orthoplasty may be made, for example, of a heat-sensitive plastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). For certain applications, the use of polylactic acid (PLA) may also be considered. The softening temperature of such materials, which corresponds to the temperature at which the state changes from solid to paste (or semi-liquid), can be in the range of 60 to 250 °C (more generally, in the range of 180 to 250 °C). For an insole S, the first device surface S1 corresponds to the upper surface of the insole against which the lower part of an individual's foot comes to rest; and the second device surface S2 corresponds to the lower surface of the insole. For an orthoplasty O, generally tubular in shape, the first device surface O1 corresponds to the inner surface intended to come into contact with the outer surface of a toe; and the second device surface O2 corresponds to the outer surface. The thickness of the medical product of type S insole or orthoplasty O, between the first surface of device S1, O1 and the second surface of device S2, O2, may be regular or not; this thickness may be from a few millimeters, up to 1 or 2 cm. Equipment 1, according to the invention, illustrated in Figure 1, comprises a support device 2 for receiving the medical device of the insole type S or orthoplasty O, a distribution device 3 for a working material 4 and a shaping device 5 for this working material. Working material 4 is a material identical, similar, or at least compatible with the constituent material of the medical device of type S insole or O orthoplasty. It is adapted to repair and / or modify this medical device of type S insole or O orthoplasty and is presented in the form of powder, flakes, pellets, or a block of material. By way of example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material is used, in the form of pellets with a diameter of approximately 1 to 3 mm. The concepts of repair / modification of the medical device of type S insole or O orthoplasty, are understood to mean a modification of the initial apparatus by elimination (eliminations) or addition (additions) of identical or different material. The function of this team 1 is: - ensure optimal support for intervention on an area of the medical device of type S insole or O orthoplasty that needs to be modified or repaired, - allow carrying the work material 4, as well as the intervention area on the medical device of type S insole or orthoplasty O, at a temperature at least equal to its softening temperature, - allow the deposition of the softened working material 4 on the intervention area of the medical device of the insole type S or orthoplasty O and - shape (i.e., spread and smooth) the softened working material 4 over the intervention area of the medical device of type S insole or orthoplasty O. According to the invention, the support device 2 comprises at least one module which itself comprises a receiving surface adapted to match at least a portion of the first device surface (S1, O1), or at least a portion of the second device surface (S2, O2); and this support device 2 also comprises heating means adapted to heat said receiving surface of said at least one module to a temperature at least equal to said softening temperature of the material constituting said insole-type medical device S or orthoplasty O. As shown in equipment 1 in Figure 1 and as represented in isolation in Figure 2, the support device 2 comprises different modules, in this document, some adapted for receiving an insole and others adapted for receiving an orthoplasty. More particularly, the support device 2 comprises a first group of modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 that are juxtaposed and each comprising a receiving surface portion 21a, 22a, 23a and 24a suitable for reconstituting together a receiving surface 25 adapted to match at least a portion of the lower surface S2 of a template-type medical device S (in order to be able to intervene on the upper surface S1 of the template S). The different modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 juxtaposed are supported by means adapted to allow adjusting their positioning in separation with respect to each other, with a view to allowing the adaptation of said receiving surface 25 to the size of the template S to receive. More precisely, modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 are fixed on a carrier frame 26 by means of guide rods 26a mounted slidingly on a support carriage 26b that allows their mobility about a first axis; and each support carriage 26b is itself mounted slidingly on a slider structure 26c about a second axis that is perpendicular to said first axis. The guide rods 26a can be locked onto their support carriage 26b by means of tightening screws 26d; and the support carriages 26b can be locked onto their slider structure 26c by means of tightening screws 26e. It is understood that the 4 juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can thus be separated or brought closer together, on the same plane, to optimize the shape and dimensions of the receiving surface 25 (composed of the assembly of the four receiving surface parts 21a, 22a, 23a and 24a), depending on the shape and dimensions of the template S on which it is desired to intervene. It should be noted that, once placed on the receiving surface 25, the template S can be held in place by any appropriate means. For this purpose, one or more built-in maintenance struts, for example, in the form of a ball (or sphere), can be used. These maintenance balls 2a are illustrated in Figure 1 and form part of equipment 1. Preferably, they are made of a material adapted to cooperate by magnetization with modules 21, 22, 23, and 24. Neodymium balls are used, for example, which cooperate with modules 21, 22, 23, and 24 made of steel (and, more particularly, of steel coated with a zinc corrosion-resistant layer). The support device 2 comprises heating means adapted to raise the temperature of modules 21, 22, 23, and 24 and, consequently, that of the template S received by these modules and on which work is to be carried out.The corresponding heating means are adapted / sized to allow the area of the template S on which it is desired to intervene to be brought to the softening temperature of the material (for example, between 60 and 250 °C, depending on the materials). For this purpose, modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 are made of a thermally conductive material (steel, for example, as mentioned above); and may be provided with an electrical resistance system(s) connected to an electrical power supply. As a variant, and as provided for in the support device 2 of Figures 1 and 2, the heating means consist of a heating plate 27 in contact, or practically in contact, with modules 21, 22, 23 and 24. The heating plate 27 is made of thermally conductive material and comprises an upper face 27a and an opposing lower face. Its upper face 27a extends in close proximity to the lower portion of modules 21, 22, 23, and 24, in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of the latter, which are guided by guide rods 26a and slider structures 26c. Heating means in the form of electrical resistors 27b are provided against or in close proximity to its lower face. The electrical resistor(s) 27b are shown schematically in Figure 2. They can be connected to a power supply consisting of an electrical cable 2b and an electrical cabinet or box 2c connected to the mains electricity supply. As a variant of embodiment, only some of the juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can be mounted on support means that allow their adjustment in position, the other or other modules provided being non-movable. Alternatively, the different modules 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be without support and simply placed on the heating plate 27. These modules 21, 22, 23, and 24 can then cooperate magnetically with the receiving tray 27. For example, neodymium modules 21, 22, 23, and 24, or modules incorporating a neodymium core, can be used to cooperate with the steel plate 27. Also as a variant, a single module (not mobile, but possibly removable) may be provided to constitute the receiving surface 25 adapted to receive at least a part of the lower surface S2 of the template S. The juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can also be adapted to reconstitute a receiving surface adapted to match at least a part of the upper surface S1 of a template-type medical device S (in order to be able to intervene on the lower surface S2 of template S). As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the support device 2 may comprise a second group of modules 28 adapted for the reception of an orthoplasty O. Each module 28 comprises a receiving surface 281 adapted to match at least a part of the internal surface O1 of an orthoplasty O intended to come into contact with the external surface of a toe (in order to be able to intervene on the external surface O2 of the orthoplasty O). The orthoplasty modules 28 of the support device 2 are, in the present document, in number 3 and are presented, each, at least approximately in the general form of a cylindrical organ resembling a toe. Each cylindrical organ 28 is mounted by removable fitting onto a support ball joint 282 integral with a support carriage 283; and the different support carriages 283 are movably mounted along the same slider structure 284. Each support carriage 283 comprises its own removable locking means, in the form of tightening screws 285, adapted to allow its position to be adjusted on the slider structure 284. The support device 2 comprises heating means adapted to raise the temperature of the modules 28 and, consequently, that of the received orthoplasty O on which the intervention is to be carried out. The corresponding heating means are adapted / sized to allow the area of the orthoplasty O on which the intervention is to be carried out to be brought to the softening temperature of the material (for example, in the range of 60 to 250 °C). For this purpose, the 28 modules are made of a thermally conductive material and can be provided with an electrical resistance system(s) connected to an electrical power supply. As a variant, and as provided for in the support device 2, the heating means consist of a heating plate 286 whose lower face is equipped with electric resistors 287 connected to the electrical box 2c by means of an electric cable 2d (in a manner identical or similar to the heating plate 27). The 2d cable can also be connected to a dedicated electrical box. The joints 282 allow mobility in space of each module 28 which can therefore be placed in contact with or in proximity to the heating plate 286 to ensure the temperature rise of the associated orthoplasty O. Each module 28 allows for the fitting of a single-tube orthosis or a toe separator. Several adjacent modules 28 allow for the fitting of a complex orthosis, such as a multi-tube orthosis or a hallux valgus splint. The movable mounting of the 28 modules along the slider structure 284 allows the distance between each module to be adjusted, specifically to adapt to the cavities of the tubular orthoplasty. The three juxtaposed modules 28 can be the same size or different sizes. Their removable mounting on a ball joint 282 allows for easy replacement, particularly to change their size if necessary. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the carrier frame 26 of the support device 2 can include a plurality of replacement orthoplasty modules 28', arranged on adapted supports, ready for use. As a variant, support device 2 may include only one or more modules adapted to receive an insole, or only one or more modules adapted to receive an orthosis. Furthermore, each electrical resistor, or each network of electrical resistors, dedicated to the "template" modules and the "orthoplasty" modules can include its own power supply (and, therefore, for example, be connected to its own electrical box connected to the electrical network). As illustrated in Figure 3, according to another possible embodiment, or according to a complementary embodiment, the support device 2 comprises a module 29 whose receiving surface 291 is adapted to match at least a part of the first device surface S1 of a template-type medical device S. The receiving surface 291 of this module 29 corresponds to the lower part of the stand; and its lower face 292 is flat so that it can rest stably on a flat support. This module 29 comprises heating means adapted to raise its temperature and, consequently, the temperature of the received template S on which work is to be performed. The corresponding heating means are adapted / sized to allow the area of template S on which work is to be performed to be brought to the softening temperature of the material (for example, in the range of 60 to 250 °C). For this purpose, module 29 is made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., steel) and is provided with an electrical resistance system(s) 293. The electrical resistance system(s) 293 is connected to an electrical supply (e.g., via an electrical cable to the electrical box 2c connected to the electrical network, illustrated in Figure 1, or a dedicated electrical box). In this document, the electrical resistance system(s) 293 is integrated inside the module 29 and the opening 294 for the passage of its power cable is shown. Alternatively, the heating means for module 29 can consist of a heating plate equipped with electrical resistors. For this purpose, the heating plate 27 of the support device shown in Figures 1 and 2, or a dedicated heating plate, can be used. Module 29 may also include fixing means, for fixing it to any support. Figures 4, 5 and 6 detail a possible embodiment of a distribution device 3 for the working material 4. As mentioned above, the distribution device 3 is adapted to receive the working material 4 in the form of solid granules (e.g., powder, flakes, balls, or other), to heat this working material 4 to a temperature that allows its softening, i.e., its transformation into a pasty or semi-liquid material, and to distribute this pasty or semi-liquid material, in order to ensure its deposition onto the medical device to be treated. For this purpose, distribution device 3 comprises: - a manual gripping organ in the form of a handle 31 - a reception accommodation 32 for the reception of work material 4, - a distribution nozzle 33 for distributing the work material 4 in the form of a bead of material, - transfer means in the form of a motorized screw 34, associated with a motor 35, for transferring the work material 4 from the receiving housing 32 to the distribution nozzle 33, - heating means 36, arranged between the receiving housing 32 and the distribution nozzle 33, adapted to bring the work material 4 to its softening temperature, - control means 37 for controlling the motorization 35 of the motorized screw 34, with a view to the distribution, by the distribution nozzle 33, of the softened work material 4. The motorized screw 34 is housed in a screw sheath 38 which leads to the distribution nozzle 33. This motorized screw 34 is driven in rotation by the motor 35 by means of a coupling system 35a. The heating means 36 comprise one or more electrical resistors integrated into a block of thermally conductive material surrounding the screw sheath 38. The assembly consisting of the receiving housing 32, the screw sheath 38, the motorized screw 34, the motorization 35, the heating means 36 and the distribution nozzle 33 is housed in a casing 39 that extends through the handle 31. The housing 39 integrates ventilation means 391 adapted to regulate the temperature of the motor 35. The control means 37 consist of an electric trigger enabled at the level of the handle 31. The distribution device 3 is connected to a power supply to ensure the power supply to the control means 37 and the heating means 36. For example, this power supply is provided by an electrical cable 3a connected to the electrical box 2c of the equipment illustrated in Figure 1. In one embodiment, this power supply may consist of a dedicated electrical box. The heating means 36 of the distribution device 3 are activated by a regulating device and a switch located in the associated electrical box. In Figures 4 and 5, the presence of a modeling organ 392 arranged in the extension of the distribution nozzle 33 can be observed, which is adapted to allow the modeling of the softened working material 4, once the latter has been deposited on the medical device. The modeling organ 392 is fixed to the end of a support arm 393 (preferably removable) cantilevered at the level of the end of the distribution device 3. It is located a few centimeters from the distribution nozzle 33, slightly offset and lagging behind the axis of the latter. The modeling element 392, as described herein, consists of a fixed shoe in the general form of a portion of a cylinder. In one embodiment, it may consist of a rotating roller. The shoe-shaped or roller-shaped modeling organ 392 is preferably made of a material that is a good thermal conductor and insensitive to the attraction properties of neodymium balls 2a (for this purpose, a material such as zinc is used). The receiving housing 32 is preferably equipped with a cover 32a that allows for its removable closure. The cover 32a is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 394 at one end and includes interlocking means in the closed position, by translation, by means of lateral tabs that cooperate with receiving slots. Figures 7 and 8 detail a possible embodiment of a shaping device 5 of the working material 4 (after softening the latter). As can be seen in these figures 7 and 8, the forming device 5 comprises, in the present document: - a manual gripping member 5; - a forming mouth 52 shaped to allow the forming of the softened workpiece 4; and - heating means 53 adapted to allow said forming mouth 52 to be brought to the softening temperature of the workpiece 4 (namely, on the order of 180 to 250 °C). The forming device 5 is connected to a power supply to ensure the supply of electricity to the heating means 53. As illustrated in Figure 1, this power supply may consist of an electrical cable 5a connected to the electrical box 2c. In one embodiment, this power supply may comprise a dedicated electrical box. The forming mouthpiece 52 consists of a hollow body whose internal chamber 521 is provided with an opening 522 at one of its ends and in whose internal chamber 521 is housed at least one electrical heating resistance constituting the heating means 53. The mouthpiece 52 is made of a material that is a good thermal conductor, for example, zinc, because of its insensitivity to the attraction properties of the neodymium balls 2a. The end 523 of the forming mouth 52, opposite the one with the opening 522, is shaped to optimize the forming work to be performed. This end 523 can be dome-shaped or plate-shaped. Preferably, the forming mouthpiece 52 is provided to be removable on the forming device 5 to allow its replacement, for example, in case of deterioration, or if it is desired to use another shape of mouthpiece, depending on the work to be done. In this case, the forming mouthpiece 52 comprises removable fixing means (for example, elastic fitting means), either on the manual gripping organ 51, or on a support 54 of the heating means 53. Equipment 1, as described above, allows for the repair or modification of a medical device made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature and comprising - a first, anatomical device surface intended to cover a body part of an individual, and - a second device surface opposite to said first device surface. The procedure in question may include: - a trimming step of a localized area on said medical device S, O, by means of an adapted tool (e.g. scissors), to obtain a hole or through cavity delimited by two cavity openings (on each side of the medical device) and by a peripheral cavity rim, - a positioning stage of the medical device S, O onto the support device 2 available, to close one of the two cavity openings, - a heating stage of the medical device S, O at least at the level of the perimeter of the through-cavity, the heating in question being adapted to obtain the softening of the perimeter of the through-cavity, - a through-cavity filling stage, at least partly by deposition of the heat-softened working material 4, through the unsealed cavity opening, to obtain a through-cavity filling structure (this deposition stage of the heat-softened working material 4 is preferably carried out by means of the distribution device 3, as described above), - a stage of anatomically shaping at least the face of the working material of the filling structure intended to be in front of the foot part in question, by means of a shaping device (for example, shaping device 5, as described above). The filling stage of the through cavity can be carried out entirely by heat-softened working material 4. In one embodiment, this through-cavity filling step is performed by (a) incorporating a piece of solid material, delimited by a peripheral rim, into said through-cavity, preserving a space with the peripheral rim of said through-cavity, and (b) depositing the heat-softened workpiece material into the space between the peripheral rim of the through-cavity and the peripheral rim of the incorporated solid piece. The incorporated solid material piece preferably consists of a piece of a material identical to that constituting the medical device S, O. The softened filling material becomes bonded by welding to the peripheral rim of the cavity and, if necessary, to the peripheral rim of the incorporated solid piece. According to one variant embodiment, the filling step of the through-cavity is carried out by incorporating a solid material, delimited by a peripheral rim, into the through-cavity without maintaining a space with the peripheral rim of the through-cavity. The peripheral rim of the through-cavity and the peripheral rim of the incorporated solid material are then in contact at the level of a contact line; and compatible materials can be softened at the level of this contact line (for example, with the forming device 5 or with the shaping element 392 of the distribution device 3) so that they fuse together. As previously stated, the invention can also be applied in the field of medical devices such as optical correction orthoses, and in particular, spectacle frames, or in the field of prostheses for the replacement of a limb (or part of a limb) or a joint. It should be noted that the dispensing device 3 described above can be used independently of the support device 2 and the forming device 5, for example, for other applications, such as supplying a bead of softened (pasty / semi-liquid) material. Similarly, the shaping device 5 described above can be used in isolation, independently of the support device 2 and the distribution device 3, for example, for other applications, with a view to shaping, extending and / or smoothing a heat-softened workpiece deposited on any support.
Claims
1. Support device (2) for receiving a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, with a view to enabling a repair or modification of said medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, the medical device being made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and the medical device comprising - a first, anatomical device surface intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface opposite said first device surface, the support device (2) comprising at least one module (21, 22, 23, 24) comprising a receiving surface (25) adapted to match at least a part of said first device surface, or at least a part of said second device surface, the support device (2) also comprising heating means (27b, 287,293) adapted to heat said receiving surface (25) of said at least one module (21, 22, 23, 24) to a temperature at least equal to said softening temperature of the material constituting said orthosis or prosthesis-type medical device, characterized in that said support device (2) comprises a plurality of juxtaposed modules (21, 22, 23, 24), modules (21, 22, 23, 24) each comprising a receiving surface portion (21a, 22a, 23a and 24a) of said receiving surface (25) adapted to match at least a portion of said first device surface of an insole-type orthosis, or at least a portion of said second device surface of an insole-type orthosis, modules (21, 22, 23, 24) being suitable together to reconstitute said receiving surface (25), it being at less some of these modules (21, 22, 23, 24) in solidarity with support means (26a, 26b,26c) adapted to allow adjustment of their positioning relative to one another, with a view to allowing adaptation of said receiving surface (25) to the size of the insole-type medical device.
2. Support device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one module (28) which is at least approximately in the general form of a cylindrical organ, resembling a toe, and whose outer surface constitutes a receiving surface (281) adapted to fit with at least a portion of said second device surface of an orthoplasty-type medical device, said cylindrical organ(s) (28) being mounted by removable snap onto a supporting ball joint (282) which allows its mobility in space.
3. Support device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of cylindrical organs (28), each carried by a support carriage (283),Support carriages (283) that are movably mounted on a slider structure (284) and each comprising its own removable locking means (285), adapted to permit adjustment of its position on said slider structure (284).
4. Support device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a module (29) having a receiving surface (291) adapted to engage with at least a portion of a first device surface of a template-type orthosis, or at least a portion of a second device surface of a template-type orthosis.
5. Support device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of said modules (21, 22, 23, 24) are fixed on guide rods (26a) mounted slidingly on a support carriage (26b) to permit their mobility about a first axis, said support carriage (26b) being itself,6. Support device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said module (21, 22, 23, 24; 28; 29) or at least one of said modules (21, 22, 23, 24; 28; 29) is made of thermally conductive material and comprises said heating means in the form of at least one electrical resistor (293).
7. Support device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one heating plate (27, 286) of thermally conductive material provided with a lower face and an upper face, said heating means being in the form of at least one electrical resistor (27b, 287) enabled in the vicinity of said lower face, and in that said module (21, 22, 23, 24; 28; 29) or at least one of said modules (21, 22, 23,24; 28; 29) is arranged or suitable to be arranged in contact with or in close proximity to said upper face of said heating plate (27, 286) to permit its heating by conduction.
8. Equipment (1) for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, the medical device being made of thermoformable material comprising a softening temperature, and the medical device comprising - a first, anatomical device surface intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface opposite said first device surface, characterized in that it comprises: - a support device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, - a thermoformable working material (4) comprising a softening temperature, of solid consistency at room temperature and suitable, by heating,to achieve a semi-liquid or pasty consistency at said softening temperature and - a forming device (5) adapted to shape said working material (4) onto said medical device.
9. Equipment (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said working material (4) comprises a softening temperature identical to or close to the softening temperature of the material constituting the medical device.
10. Equipment (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that said forming device (5) comprises: - a manual gripping member (51), - a forming mouth (52) shaped to permit shaping of the working material (4), and - heating means (53) adapted to permit bringing said forming mouth (52) to said softening temperature of the working material (4).
11. Equipment (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10,characterized in that it comprises a distribution device (3) for said work material (4), said distribution device (3) comprising: - a manual gripping member (31), - a receiving housing (32) for receiving said work material (4) in solid form, - a distribution nozzle (33) for distributing said work material (4), - transfer means in the form of a motorized screw (34), associated with a motor (35), for transferring said work material (4) from said receiving housing (32) to said distribution nozzle (33), - heating means (36), arranged between said receiving housing (32) and said distribution nozzle (33), adapted to bring said work material (4) to its softening temperature,- control means (37) for said motorization (35) of the motorized screw (34) for the distribution by said distribution nozzle (33) of the softened working material (4).
12. Equipment (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said distribution device (3) comprises a molding element (392) in the form of a fixed shoe or a rotating roller, arranged in the extension of said distribution nozzle (33).
13. Method for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, by means of equipment (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, the medical device being made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and the medical device comprising - a first, anatomical device surface intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface opposite said first device surface,a process comprising: - a step of trimming a localized area on said medical device, by means of an adapted tool, to obtain a through-cavity delimited by two cavity openings and by a peripheral cavity rim, - a step of positioning said medical device on said support device (2) to close one of said two cavity openings, - a step of heating said medical device at least at the level of the perimeter of said through-cavity, adapted to soften said perimeter of said through-cavity, - a step of filling said through-cavity, at least in part by deposition of said heat-softened working material (4), through the unsealed cavity opening, to obtain a filling structure of said through-cavity,- a stage of anatomically shaping at least the face of the working material (4) of the filling structure intended to face the body part in question, by means of said shaping device (5).
14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that said filling stage of said through-cavity is carried out (a) by incorporating a piece of solid material, delimited by a peripheral rim, into said through-cavity, preserving a space with the peripheral rim of said through-cavity, and (b) by depositing said heat-softened working material (4) in the space between the peripheral rim of the through-cavity and the peripheral rim of the incorporated solid piece.