Orthopaedic joint device and limiting element

Abstract

1. The invention relates to an orthopaedic device having: i. an upper part (10); ii. a lower part (20); and iii. at least one limiting element (40); iv. the upper part (10) and the lower part (20) are mounted on each other so as to be movable relative to each other; v. the limiting element (40) is fastened to the upper part (10) and the lower part (20); vi. the limiting element (40) limits a movement of the lower part relative to the upper part in a first movement direction; vii. wherein the limiting element (40) is flexible with respect to compressive forces in a second movement direction opposite the first movement direction; viii. wherein the limiting element (40) has at least one receiving portion (45, 46, 47) having two opposing tension elements (42, 44); ix. the tension elements (42, 44) are flexible or flexible and tension-resistant at least in the receiving portion (45, 46, 47); and x. an elastic deformation element (50) is arranged between the two tension elements (42, 44) in the receiving portion (45, 46, 47).

Description

[0001] Orthopedic joint device and limiting element

[0002] The invention relates to an orthopaedic device, in particular an orthopaedic joint device, comprising an upper part and a lower part which are mounted relative to each other in a displaceable manner, with at least one limiting element attached to the upper part and the lower part, which limits displacement in a first displacement direction and is compliant with respect to compressive forces in a second displacement direction, wherein the second displacement direction is opposite to the first displacement direction. The displacement can be linear or pivoting. The invention also relates to a limiting element as such for an orthopaedic device, in particular a joint device.

[0003] Orthopedic devices, especially joint appliances, are worn on the body and support or imitate the function of the body part, e.g., natural joints. For this purpose, orthopedic devices are designed as prostheses or orthoses, for example, as an ankle prosthesis, an orthosis, or the like.

[0004] From DE 197 17298 C1, a spring-elastic foot insert made of a C-shaped carbon fiber spring is known. The C-shaped spring is compressed during the rolling motion of the prosthetic foot to cushion the impact of the heel. When the open sides of the C-shaped spring are moved towards each other by compression, a hinge element, arranged on a bearing block and at the free end of the spring, influences the spring's properties. The object of the present invention is to provide an orthotic device that enables a compact and lightweight design as well as noticeable continuity of movement without any abrupt stops.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an orthopaedic device with the features of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments, embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0006] The orthotic device comprises an upper and a lower part, the upper and lower parts being mounted relative to each other in a way that allows for displacement. Furthermore, the orthotic device comprises at least one limiting element, the limiting element being attached to the upper and lower parts and restricting displacement in a first direction. The limiting element is compliant with respect to compressive forces in a second displacement direction opposite to the first. The limiting element also comprises at least one receiving section with two opposing tension elements, the tension elements being flexible at least within the receiving section, and an elastic deformation element being arranged between the two tension elements within the receiving section.

[0007] A receiving section is a section designed to hold a volume. The receiving section is typically formed by two opposing tension elements.

[0008] The tension elements are flexible in the area of ​​the receiving section, in particular flexible and rigid in tension. A tension element is flexible within the meaning of the invention, in particular, if it is designed to be bendable and can be reversibly changed in shape by applying a force. In particular, the tension element is designed to receive and transmit tensile forces, whereby the tension element does not change in length, or only changes insignificantly, when a force typical for the respective field of application is applied, and can be considered rigid in tension or inelastic in the direction of tension. Thus, differently shaped elastic deformation elements can be received in the receiving section between two tension elements.

[0009] Tension elements are elements upon which a tensile force is exerted. These elements are located within the receiving section and, in particular, form it, but may also extend beyond it. Within the receiving section, an elastic deformation element is arranged between the two opposing tension elements. This element deforms when a tensile force is applied and the flexible, and especially the rigid, tension elements move towards each other.

[0010] The elastic deformation element can be changed in shape and / or position by mechanical force. When this mechanical force is no longer applied to the elastic deformation element, it returns to its original position and / or shape. During reversible deformation of the element, the work done by tensile stress is stored within the element, resulting in increased resistance with increasing deformation. The deformation of the element slows the extension of the limiting element when, under tensile force, the two receiving sections are stretched and move towards each other, thereby increasing the effective length of the limiting element.

[0011] In its initial position, the elastic deformation element is positioned between the two tension elements in the receiving section, and no tensile force acts on either the tension elements or the deformation element. The tension elements are arranged around the deformation element, forming a curve or bulge between their upper and lower ends. When a tensile force is applied, this curvature decreases as the upper and lower ends of the tension elements move apart, and the deformation element simultaneously deforms, particularly compresses.

[0012] When the lower part pivots relative to the upper part in the first displacement direction, a tensile force acts on the tension elements. The elastic deformation element is arranged in the receiving area such that the tension elements deform the deformation element through this tensile force. The deformation resistance of the deformation element counteracts this tensile force.

[0013] A deformation can also be, or exclusively be, a compression.

[0014] The deformation of the elastic deformation element counteracts the tensile force, so that the displacement is not limited by an abrupt stop, but is initially slowed down by the deformation of the deformation element.

[0015] As the tensile load increases, less deformation of the deformation element occurs due to the tensile force, and the resistance of the limiting element to displacement in the first displacement direction increases. This results in progressive damping behavior.

[0016] The limiting element, through its two opposing tension elements, allows for a limitation of, for example, dorsiflexion or plantarflexion or any other extension or flexion without discontinuity, with increasing resistance against increasing displacement, similar to a tendon in cooperation with the muscles.

[0017] When no tensile force acts on the limiting element, the deformed elastic deformation element returns to its original shape and / or position, thereby returning the entire limiting element to its original position and shape.

[0018] The invention has the additional advantage that the tension elements and the deformation element are significantly lighter, smaller, and produce less noise than a metallic spring or other hydraulic or geometric solutions. Furthermore, the proposed solution requires no lubricants and is essentially wear-free.

[0019] In one embodiment, the orthotic joint device is an ankle orthosis or ankle prosthesis. The first displacement direction, acting as a pivoting direction, is preferably dorsiflexion, and the second displacement direction, acting as a pivoting direction, is plantarflexion, provided only one limiting element is present. The limiting element restricts the dorsiflexion, and the deformation element dampens the limiting movement at the end of the pivoting motion. This is advantageous because limiting the pivoting path in dorsiflexion, for example, to store deformation energy in a prosthetic foot or in a foot component of an orthosis, is beneficial for the gait pattern, similar to an anatomical foot where, during the rolling motion, dorsiflexion is controlled and influenced by the calf muscles and tendons.

[0020] In one embodiment, the orthotic joint device has a pivot bearing to allow displacement as a pivoting motion between the upper and lower parts in the first and second displacement directions. A pivot bearing has the advantage that pivoting is only possible in two opposite directions.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one of the tension elements is rigid. In another embodiment, both tension elements are rigid in the area of ​​the receiving section. The tension elements, which are flexible and opposite each other in the receiving section, are each bulged out by the deformation element. When the lower part is displaced relative to the upper part, a tensile force acts on the tension elements that are bulged out in the receiving section.

[0022] As an alternative to the embodiment in which both tension elements are rigid in the area of ​​the receiving section, one tension element is elastic at least in the receiving section, while the other tension element is rigid at least in the receiving section. In the initial position, i.e., without tensile load, the elastic tension element is relaxed and, for example, linear or straight between the upper and lower ends of the receiving section, resting against the deformation element. The deformation element bulges the rigid tension element. When the lower part is moved towards the upper part in the first direction of movement, a tensile force acts on the tension elements, stretching the elastic tension element and extending the rigid tension element. In this process, the deformation element is deformed, in particular compressed.This embodiment has the advantage that both the resistance of the stretched elastic tension element and the deformation of the elastic deformation element counteract the tensile force. After the tensile load is removed, the elastic tension element contracts again, thus supporting, in addition to the re-deformation of the deformation element, the return of the limiting element to its initial position before the tensile load.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elastic deformation element is compressible, meaning that its volume decreases upon compression while its mass density increases. The advantage of this is that, when displaced in the first displacement direction, the elastic deformation element does not deform outside the receiving area but is compressed.

[0024] In one embodiment, the elastic deformation element is non-linearly elastically pre-formable, for example, non-linearly compressible. This causes the progressive deceleration of the displacement movement.

[0025] In another embodiment, the elastic deformation element is an elastomer, in particular a TPE or a polyester-based polyurethane elastomer, e.g. Eladur.

[0026] In one embodiment, the deformation element deforms at least one of the tensile elements in the area of ​​the receiving section from the direction of tension as long as no tension is applied.

[0027] In one embodiment, the limiting element has several receiving sections arranged one behind the other in the direction of pull of the limiting element. This reduces the deformation resistance and the damping of the pivoting movement before reaching maximum displacement is less pronounced, thereby increasing deformability. Furthermore, the deformation behavior is often dependent on the degree of deformation. By using several receiving sections connected in series, the damping behavior of the orthopedic joint device can be specifically influenced, for example, by using several deformation elements with different deformation resistances. In one embodiment of the invention, the limiting element has at least two receiving sections in which deformation elements with different deformation properties are arranged.The deformation elements can differ in size, material, and / or shape, all of which, individually and in combination, are suitable for modifying the deformation behavior of the elements. For example, the elastic deformation element can be cylindrical or prismatic. The damping of the tensile load can be specifically influenced by the different deformation elements. For example, different sizes or shapes can produce a gradual damping of the tensile load.

[0028] In another embodiment, at least two receiving sections are rigidly and flexibly coupled to one another. This allows the tensile force to be transmitted directly between the receiving sections. The tensile force is counteracted only by the deformation resistance of the deformation element and, if applicable, by the resistance of an elastic tension element. The rigid connection ensures that the tensile load is distributed evenly across the deformation elements. The flexible coupling of the receiving sections allows them to shift relative to each other, for example, when the receiving sections are attached one behind the other along their length or connected in series. The series connection reduces the resistance to elongation, resulting in less damping. This flexible design facilitates the integration of the limiting element, for example, within a prosthesis or on an orthosis.

[0029] In one embodiment, the deformation element is held between the tension elements by clamping or positive locking, or is materially bonded to at least one tension element. This avoids the need for additional devices to hold the deformation element in the receiving section, which would increase the number of components of the limiting element and thus make it more susceptible to malfunctions. At the same time, the association of the tension elements with the deformation element is maintained, and a tensile force will directly lead to deformation of the deformation element if the tension elements are in close contact with it. In another embodiment, a connector is arranged between the tension elements to prevent the deformation element from slipping out of the receiving device.Particularly preferably, the connector is dimensioned in such a way that it promotes compression of the deformation element or prevents another form of deformation, for example by closing off the open sides of the receiving section.

[0030] The tensioning elements are preferably designed as belts, ropes, rope groups, or tapes. Belts are flexible, tape-like materials, often made of synthetic fibers such as aramid, polyester, or polypropylene, or other fibers. Ropes are strands of fibers or wires that are interwoven, twisted, or braided together to form a flexible yet robust structure. Rope groups are collections of ropes that are either joined together as a single strand or held in a bundle. These groups can consist of various individual strands, ropes, or rope types. Tapes are flat, narrow strips of flexible material, such as textiles, plastics, or metals.

[0031] Straps, ropes, rope groups, and bands are known for their high tensile strength. This means they can withstand high tensile loads without breaking or tearing. At the same time, they are flexible and can therefore adapt to the shape of the deformation element and absorb movements, i.e., return to a linear shape under tensile stress.

[0032] Furthermore, straps, ropes, rope groups and bands are lighter than traditional metallic connecting elements, thus keeping the overall weight of the orthopaedic joint device low.

[0033] In one embodiment, the tension elements forming the receiving section are connected to each other by a material bond and / or a form-fit connection. In particular, the tension elements are sewn, glued, welded, or riveted together at the upper and lower ends of the receiving section. Material bond and / or form-fit connections of the tension elements are advantageous because these connections possess high tensile strengths and the tensile force acting on the tension elements is distributed evenly over the entire connection surface, thereby reducing the risk of the connection loosening.

[0034] Material-bonded and form-bonded connections do not require any additional fasteners, thus simplifying the design of the boundary element.

[0035] In one embodiment, the limiting element is formed by the tension elements. This means that, apart from the tension elements and the at least one receiving section with the elastic deformation element, no other components belong to the limiting element. In particular, no spring is part of the limiting element. In one embodiment, the limiting element is designed as a closed loop, wherein the at least one receiving section is formed from interconnected sections of the tension elements that are part of the limiting element.

[0036] This makes it particularly easy to attach the limiting element to the upper and / or lower part, for example via a ring, a hook or a metal strut.

[0037] In one embodiment, a protective element is also provided to protect the limiting element from increased friction, for example by providing metal plates and / or rounded edges over which the limiting element is guided.

[0038] In one embodiment, two limiting elements are arranged on opposite sides of a pivot axis of the orthotic joint device. The pivot axis allows pivoting between the upper and lower parts, and the two limiting elements restrict the displacement as a pivoting motion in the first and second displacement directions. This dampens the movement in two pivoting directions when the maximum pivot angle is reached. In a prosthetic foot, this occurs, for example, during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, closely approximating a natural rolling motion.

[0039] In one embodiment, the orthopedic joint device is part of an orthosis or prosthesis. An orthosis is a technical aid that serves as an external force carrier to support, relieve, immobilize, fix, or correct the position of a body segment. The orthosis supports the body segment in its mechanical function. Orthoses can guide movements, limit displacements and pivots around a joint axis, prevent displacement and pivoting movements, or support or fix the alignment of limbs relative to one another. Furthermore, orthoses can be equipped with braking or damping elements to dampen or block displacement and / or pivoting movements around the joint axis. Prostheses replace a missing or no longer present limb and serve to provide functionality that approximates the functionality of the natural limb as closely as possible.Furthermore, prostheses serve to provide the prosthesis user with the most natural appearance possible.

[0040] The upper part of a prosthesis is designed, for example, as a prosthetic socket or as a component attached to a prosthetic socket, where the socket serves to fix the prosthesis to a limb or limb stump. The lower part of the prosthesis may include further prosthetic components, such as a lower leg tube, a prosthetic foot, or a prosthetic hand, depending on the location of the joint mechanism.

[0041] For example, the orthotic device is a joint assembly, a prosthesis, or an orthosis for an elbow joint, a wrist joint, a knee joint, or an ankle joint. In one embodiment, the orthotic joint assembly is integrated into a prosthetic foot and replaces the ankle joint. This embodiment is preferred because a discontinuity in the rolling motion at the end of dorsiflexion is considered disruptive in the prior art and significantly restricts movement, so the invention represents a major improvement for prosthetic feet, but is not limited to this application. In addition to attaching a prosthetic joint assembly to a prosthetic socket, it can also be fixed to an osseointegrated attachment device.

[0042] The invention also relates to a limiting element, as described above, for an orthopedic device, e.g., a prosthesis or orthosis with movable, pivotable, or otherwise displaceable components relative to one another, the relative movement of which is to be limited. All embodiments can also be combined individually or with several further embodiments with each other and with the subject matter of the independent claim, provided that the different embodiments are not mutually exclusive and thus represent further developments of the invention.

[0043] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. Reference numerals denote identical components. The figures show:

[0044] Figure 1 - a schematic representation of an orthopaedic device in the form of a prosthetic foot in a starting position;

[0045] Figure 2 - Figure 1 in a displacement position;

[0046] Figure 3 - a variant of Figure 1;

[0047] Figure 4 - Figure 3 in a displacement position;

[0048] Figure 5 - a boundary element;

[0049] Figure 6 - Detailed layers of boundary elements, each with three recording sections;

[0050] Figure 7 - a schematic representation of an orthopaedic joint device;

[0051] Figure 8 - another variant of the boundary element; as well as

[0052] Figure 9 - a prosthetic foot.

[0053] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, each described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a side cross-section of an orthotic device in the form of a prosthetic foot with an upper part 10 and a lower part 20, which are attached to each other in a way that allows them to be displaced relative to one another. The upper part 10 is pivotally mounted on a forefoot spring about a pivot axis 30, so that the upper part 10 can be displaced relative to the lower part 20 by pivoting about the pivot axis 30 and / or by deformation of the forefoot spring. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower part 20 has one or more leaf springs to absorb and store forces and allow for displacement during walking and standing. The limiting element 40 is arranged between the upper part 10 and the lower part 20, and is attached to the upper part 10 and the lower part 20 as a closed loop in the area of ​​the heel on the prosthetic foot at bearing points 12, 22, for example in the form of struts, bolts or projections.The arrangement of the limiting element 40 on the underside of the lower part 20, which is designed as a spring, offers advantages in terms of utilizing the available space. In an alternative embodiment, the limiting element 40 is arranged on or in a holder at the posterior end of the lower part 20, which would make the lower part 20, designed as a leaf spring, shorter and have different energy absorption and release properties, and possibly be heavier.

[0055] The limiting element 40 has two receiving sections 45, 46, each with two opposing tension elements 42, 44 and one elastic deformation element 50. In this embodiment, the deformation elements 50 have an elongated, prismatic cross-section with a square base. The tension elements 42, 44 are rigid, flexible straps that are sewn together or otherwise connected to form the receiving sections 45, 46. In the illustrated initial position, the deformation elements 50 bulge the tension elements 42, 44 in the area of ​​the receiving sections 45, 46. The limiting element 40 is designed as a closed loop with a front and a rear loop section, wherein the receiving sections 45, 46 are arranged one behind the other in the rear loop section and are formed by the tension elements 42, 44.

[0056] The limiting element 40 is guided on the upper part 10 via a bearing point 12, for example a bolt or a metal strut, which is attached to or formed on the upper part 10. The bearing point 12 is closed on both sides so that the limiting element 40 cannot slip laterally off the bearing point 12. On the lower part 20, the limiting element 40 is guided via a bearing point 22 located below a base spring of the lower part 20, which is also designed as a strut, bolt, or the like. The tension elements 42, 44, which are guided parallel to each other, are guided around the rear end of the lower base spring. To prevent friction and increase the service life of the limiting element 40, a protective element 24 is located on the base spring at the point over which the tension elements 42, 44 are guided and subjected to tensile force.In this embodiment, the protective element 24 is a smooth and rounded piece made of plastic or metal and can also be designed as a cushion or damper and have lateral guides so that the limiting element 40 cannot slip laterally from the bearing point 22. The belt or limiting element 40 can be significantly narrower than the lower part 20, for example, only 30% of the width of the lower part 20. To transfer the force from the limiting element 20 to the leaf spring of the lower part 20, the protective element is solid and extends over the entire width of the leaf spring. The rounding reduces the load on the limiting element 40.

[0057] Due to the bulges caused by the deformation elements 50, the limiting element 40 is shortened in length in the receiving sections 45 compared to a state in which no deformation elements 50 are inserted between the two tension elements 42, 44 in the receiving sections 45. The receiving sections 45 are designed as pockets. When the deformation elements 50 are inserted into these pockets, the distance between the upper and lower ends of the respective pockets, or the distance between the fastening elements or seams with which the pockets are formed from the tension elements 42, 44, is reduced. Figure 2 shows the orthotic device from Figure 1, with the difference that the upper part 10 and the lower part 20 are slightly pivoted relative to each other in the first pivoting direction.In the case of a prosthetic foot, this occurs, for example, when there is forefoot weight-bearing and the upper part 10, with a lower leg tube, is pivoted forward around the pivot axis 30 relative to the lower part 20 in the direction of walking. This can be seen in Figure 2 by the raised position of the posterior end of the upper part 10 relative to the uppermost leaf spring, compared to the position in Figure 1. During this displacement, which involves pivoting or bending, the upper end of the loop of the limiting element 40 is pulled upwards with the bearing point 12, and the distance between the upper bearing point 12 and the lower bearing point 22 increases. This exerts a tensile force on the limiting element 40 and the tensioning elements 42, 44.Under tensile force, the rigid, i.e., essentially non-elastic and non-flexible, tensile elements 42, 44, which in their initial position were moved away from each other by the deformation elements 50 forming pockets, are tightened and moved towards each other. The tightening of the tensile elements 42, 44 deforms the deformation elements 50. The deformation is counteracted by the deformation resistance of the deformation elements 50, so that the displacement or pivoting of the upper part 10 relative to the lower part 20 in the first displacement or pivoting direction is dampened. In this embodiment, the deformation elements 50 are compressed by the tensile elements 42, 44, which leads to an increasing deformation resistance. This gradually dampens the displacement up to a maximum displacement. In the position shown in Figure 2, the limiting element 40 is under tension.

[0058] As soon as a reduced or no tensile force acts on the tensile elements 42, 44, the compressed elastic deformation element 50 expands again within the receiving section 45. The return of the deformation element 50 returns the limiting element 40 to its initial position after the tensile force is removed. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receiving sections 45 for the deformation elements 50 are arranged one behind the other in the direction of tension, so that they act serially. With a similar design of the deformation elements 50, they are deformed and compressed uniformly under tensile load by an increase in the distance between the bearing points 12, 22. In one embodiment, the deformation elements 50 in the different receiving sections 45 can be made of different materials that have different deformation properties.This makes it possible to initially counteract a first, low deformation resistance via a first displacement path and to deform the second or further deformation element 50 only after reaching a threshold value of a tensile force in order to counteract a further, increased deformation resistance of the displacement in the first displacement direction.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a lateral cross-section of an orthotic joint device in the form of a prosthetic foot in the starting position, similar to the embodiment in Figure 1. Only the differences from Figure 1 are described in more detail below.

[0060] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the two elastic deformation elements 50 in the receiving sections 45, 46 have a prismatic shape with a triangular base. Besides a prismatic shape, the deformation element 50 can also have other shapes with triangular cross-sections. The inner tension element 44 is elastic in the receiving sections 45, 46, between the receiving sections, and beyond, and is therefore shown with dashed lines. The tension element 42 is rigid. The outer tension element 42 is, for example, designed as a flexible, essentially non-elastic strap formed in a loop that is guided around the upper and lower bearing points 12, 22 and thus attached to the upper part 10 and the lower part 20. To form the receiving sections 45, the second tension element 44 is attached to the inside of the loop.The second tension element 44 is elastically designed, the fastening being such that in the relaxed state of the second tension element 44 the length of the first tension element 42 between the two fastening points is greater than the length of the second tension element 44.

[0061] In the initial position shown, the deformation element 50 bulges the rigid tension element 42; alternatively, the deformation element 50 stretches the elastic tension element 44. In the initial position, the elastic tension element 44 is not bulged by the deformation element 50 and remains straight. Between the receiving sections 45, 46 and in the remaining area of ​​the limiting element 40, the rigid tension element 42 is under tension, so that the distance between the two bearing points 12, 22 cannot be increased without the elastic tension element 44 stretching and / or the deformation element 50 being compressed.

[0062] In this embodiment, the elastic tensile element 44 is sewn to the rigid tensile element 42 in front of and behind the deformation element to form the receiving sections 45, 46.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the orthotic device from Figure 3 when the upper part 10 is pivoted relative to the lower part 20 in the first pivoting direction. This pivoting action exerts a tensile force on the limiting element 40. Due to the rigid connection of the receiving sections 45 and 46, this tensile force is directly transferred to the deformation elements 50 between the tension elements 42 and 44 and the elastic tension element 44.

[0064] The rigid tension element 42 is stretched, thereby enabling displacement, e.g., in the form of a pivoting of the upper part 10 relative to the lower part 20.

[0065] Simultaneously, under the tensile force, the deformation elements 50 in the receiving sections 45, 46 deform, and the elastic tension element 44 is stretched. Due to the deformation of the deformation elements 50, impact damping is already achieved during the forward movement of the upper part 10 about the pivot axis 30, without any discontinuity being perceptible to the user during the rolling motion or a reduction in force being achieved.

[0066] When the limiting element 40 is subjected to tensile stress, no change in the length of the elastic tensile element 44 takes place between the receiving sections 45, 46 due to the seams between the tensile elements 42, 44 in front of and behind the receiving sections 45, 46, since in this area the rigid tensile element 42 is already tensioned or linear and cannot be extended further.

[0067] The deformation resistance of the deformation elements 50 and the restoring force of the elastic tension element 44 stretched in the receiving sections 45, 46 counteract the tensile force and thus dampen the displacement in the first displacement direction.

[0068] Maximum displacement or pivoting is achieved when the rigid tension element 42 is fully tensioned or linearized and / or the deformation elements 50 can no longer be deformed. This ensures that the elasticity of the limiting element 40 is provided by the elastic tension element 44 and the deformation element 50.

[0069] As soon as a lesser or no tensile force acts on the limiting element 40, the re-deformation of the deformation elements 50 and the elastic tensile element 44 returns the limiting element 40 to its initial position.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an orthopaedic joint device that is part of a prosthetic foot, with an upper part 10 and a lower part 20 and a receiving section 45.

[0071] The loop-shaped limiting element 40 is guided on the upper part 10 around a metal rod inserted on the upper part 10 between two projections, which serves as a bearing point 12. The metal rod is limited on both sides by the projections in such a way that the limiting element 40 cannot slip off. On the lower part 20, the limiting element 40 is guided over a shoulder of the lower part 20 located below a base spring and is fastened there, for example to a bolt analogous to the upper bearing point 12.

[0072] Here too, at the point over which the limiting element 40 is guided and subjected to tensile force, there is a protective element 24 on the lower part 20.

[0073] The tension elements 42, 44 are rigid and flexible and are bonded, welded, sewn, or otherwise firmly connected to each other above and below the deformation element 50, thus forming the receiving section 45. The elastic deformation element 50 has a cylindrical shape and does not project laterally beyond the receiving section 45, but is flush with it. The length of the deformation element 50 therefore corresponds to the width of the belt material of the limiting element 40. The receiving section 45 is open on two sides. Additionally, the tension elements 42, 44 are connected by a connector 52. The connector 52 prevents the deformation element 50 from slipping out of the receiving section 45. In this embodiment, the connector is sewn to the tension elements 42, 44.

[0074] Figure 6 shows a section of each of two different limiting elements 40, each with three rigidly connected receiving sections 45, 46, 47. The deformation elements 50 are of different sizes within the receiving sections 45, 46, 47, with the largest deformation element 50 positioned centrally between the two smaller deformation elements 50. The tension elements 42, 44 are sewn together to form the receiving sections 45, 46, 47. To manufacture the limiting elements 40 according to Figure 6, for example, two flexible, non-elastic straps are laid one on top of the other and rigidly connected at different points along their length, for example by gluing, welding, or sewing. A pocket is formed between each pair of attachment points, which opens towards each other when the two attachment points shift.A deformation element 50 is then inserted into this open pocket and, if necessary, secured against slipping out. The two straps are then either connected at their respective ends to the upper part 10 and the lower part 20, or a closed loop or ring is formed from the double-sided strap and then, as described above, attached to bearing points 12, 22 on the upper part 10 and the lower part 20, respectively.

[0075] Lower part 20 is attached. The limiting element 40 can therefore be double-layered over its entire length; alternatively, a double layer of a flexible and tensile-resistant or elastic material is attached or fixed only in the areas of the receiving sections.

[0076] In this embodiment, the deformation elements 50 preferably exhibit nonlinear compression behavior, whereby the deformation element 50 with the larger volume in the receiving section 46 is initially easier to deform than the smaller volumes in the receiving sections 45 and 47.

[0077] During a pivot from the initial position in the first displacement direction, the deformation element 50 in the receiving section 46 is initially deformed predominantly. During a further pivot in the first displacement direction, the deformation elements 50 in all receiving sections 45, 46, 47 are compressed. This further displacement requires a greater force per unit displacement. This progressively dampens the movement without any noticeable discontinuity in the braking action.

[0078] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an orthopaedic device as an orthotic or prosthetic joint device with an upper part 10 and a lower part 20, as well as a pivot axis 30. A limiting element 40 is arranged on each side of the pivot axis 30, which limits the pivoting in a first and second pivoting direction. The two limiting elements are arranged in an opposing direction, so that each limiting element 40 restricts the pivoting movement in only one direction. Also shown are the tension elements 42, 44 and the elastic deformation elements 50 of the receiving section 45 arranged between them.

[0079] The illustrated orthotic joint device is part of a lower leg prosthesis. The two opposing limiting elements 40 mimic the rolling motion of the lower part 20 relative to the upper part 10, replicating the rolling motion of a foot using the calf and shin muscles in both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Flexion is gradually dampened in both directions of rotation, so that no disruptive discontinuity is perceptible to the wearer.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the limiting element 40 is formed from two tension elements 42 and 44, which are joined or formed as a closed loop. One tension element 44 forms the inner loop section, and the opposing tension element 42 forms the outer loop section. Both tension elements are firmly connected to each other at two points, for example, by sewing, gluing, or welding, and form a receiving area 45 into which a deformation element 50 is inserted. The deformation element 50 is rod-shaped and has an elliptical or oval cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes are also possible. The upper end of the limiting element 40 is wrapped around a rod-shaped bearing point 12, and the lower end of the loop is wrapped around a lower bearing point 22, which is designed, for example, as a projection, crossbar, or the like.With this design of the guide for the limiting element 40, it is prevented that the upper end of the loop slips through under varying loads.

[0081] Figure 9 shows an overall view of a prosthetic foot, with an upper part 10 that has a pyramid adapter for attaching a lower leg tube or lower leg socket. The upper part 10 is mounted on the lower part 20 of the prosthetic foot via a bearing block about a pivot axis 30. The entire lower part 20 has several spring elements and damping elements to allow the dynamic behavior of the prosthetic foot to be shaped as desired. When the heel is loaded, spring elements, for example made of an elastomer material, in particular foam material, are compressed, and a base spring or a guide element at the distal end of the prosthetic foot is also deformed when the heel is loaded. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing block with the pivot axis 30 is mounted on a spring that extends from the forefoot to the heel area.Foam material is arranged above and below the spring in the heel area. The upper foam material is located between the upper part 10 and the spring, while the lower foam material is located between the spring and a base spring or the sole of the prosthetic foot. To limit the maximum distance between the rear end of the upper part 10 and the heel of the lower part 20, a strap-like limiting element 40 is attached to both the upper part 10 and the lower part 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting element 40 is guided medially and laterally on the prosthetic foot. For clarity, the limiting element 40 is not shown with its receiving sections and the deformation elements located therein. The basic structure of the limiting element 40 corresponds to at least one of the embodiments described above. Reference numerals.

[0082] 10 Top

[0083] 12 storage locations

[0084] 20 lower part

[0085] 22 storage location

[0086] 24 protective elements

[0087] 30 Swivel axis

[0088] 40 Limiting element 42 Tension element

[0089] 44 Pull element

[0090] 45 Recording section 46 Recording section 47 Recording section 50 Deformation element 52 Connector

Claims

Patent claims 1. Equipping with orthopaedic technical equipment i. a top (10), ii. a subpart (20) and iii. at least one boundary element (40), iv. the upper part (10) and the lower part (20) are mounted next to each other in a way that allows them to be moved relative to each other, v. the limiting element (40) is attached to the upper part (10) and the lower part (20), vi. the limiting element (40) limits a displacement of the lower part to the upper part in a first displacement direction, vii. wherein the limiting element (40) is designed to be flexible against compressive forces in a second displacement direction opposite to the first displacement direction, characterized by the fact that viii.the limiting element (40) has at least one receiving section (45, 46, 47) with two opposing pull elements (42, 44), ix. the tension elements (42, 44) are flexible or flexible and rigid at least in the receiving section (45, 46, 47) and x. an elastic deformation element (50) is arranged in the receiving section (45, 46, 47) between the two tension elements (42, 44).

2. Orthopaedic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting element (40) has several receiving sections (45, 46, 47) which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of pull of the limiting element (40).

3. Orthopedic device according to claim 2, characterized in that deformation elements (50) with different deformation properties are arranged in different receiving sections (45, 46, 47).

4. Orthopedic device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the receiving sections (45, 46, 47) are rigidly and flexibly coupled to each other.

5. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element (50) is held clampingly or form-fittingly between the tension elements (42, 44) or is materially bonded to at least one tension element (42, 44).

6. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tension elements (42, 44) are designed as belts, ropes, rope groups or straps.

7. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tension elements (42, 44) are connected to each other in a material-locking and / or form-locking manner to form the receiving section (45, 46, 47).

8. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the limiting element (40) has a circular, ellipsoidal or polygonal cross-section.

9. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the limiting element (40) is formed by the tension elements (42, 44).

10. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two limiting elements (40) are arranged on both sides of a pivot axis (30) and limit the displacement in the first and second displacement direction.

11. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the tension elements (44) is designed to be elastic at least in sections.

12. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orthopaedic device is designed as a joint device and / or part of an orthosis or prosthesis.

13. Orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the limiting element (40) is formed as a closed loop and the at least one receiving section (45) is formed from interconnected sections of the tension elements (42, 44).

14. Limiting element (40) according to one of the preceding claims for an orthopaedic device.

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