1k honeycomb zone pad

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthopedic device. The invention also relates to an orthosis or bandage comprising an orthopedic device according to the invention.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] 1K Honeycomb Zone Pellet

[0003] The invention relates to an orthopedic device. The invention also relates to an orthosis or bandage comprising an orthopedic device according to the invention.

[0004] Orthopedic devices, in particular pads, are known in various embodiments and for various prophylactic and therapeutic applications. Pads are medical pressure cushions for applying, transmitting, diverting, or distributing pressure. They are usually used together with bandages or orthoses, for example, in the back, hip, shoulder, arm, or leg area. Various orthopedic devices, in particular pads, are known, for example, from EP 1 688 107 A1, DE 101 03 545 A1, DE 2722 563 A1, and DE 102011 010 827 A1.

[0005] Orthopedic devices, in particular pads, made of two materials or components are also known from DE 297 01 001 Ul. EP 0 496 071 Al describes an orthopedic device as a pressure pad made of a softer material in which at least one friction core made of a hard or incompressible material is arranged.

[0006] Such orthopedic devices, particularly pads, can have a wide variety of three-dimensional shapes on their upper surface, i.e., the side facing the body of the person wearing the pad and which is usually pressed against or at least in contact with the skin. Additionally, the upper surface of the pad can have various textures, such as bumps, ridges, and / or air channels. The pad may also be perforated with channels or holes. The underside of the orthopedic device, particularly the pad, is usually smooth. Fastening elements such as snaps, adhesive strips, or hook-and-loop fasteners can be located on this smooth underside to attach the orthopedic device, particularly the pad, to a bandage or orthosis.The basic form of an orthopedic device, especially a pad, can be a solid body with a corresponding weight. Orthopedic devices, particularly pads, are made from a soft and flexible material, such as silicone rubber. In orthopedic devices, especially pads, that are intended to fit more rigidly against the wearer's body, for example, certain back pads for use in the lumbar region, reinforcing elements are integrated into the base. Known orthopedic devices, especially pads, made of silicone rubber are complex and expensive to manufacture. Due to the cast silicone rubber material, known orthopedic devices, especially pads, are heavy. Furthermore, these orthopedic devices, especially pads, are usually not breathable or only minimally breathable.Furthermore, with known orthopedic devices, especially metatarsal pads, the intensity of the effect of anterior protrusions, particularly knobs, can only be inadequately adjusted. Implementing different intensity levels of the knobs in different areas of the metatarsal pads is even more technically challenging. Additionally, partial or localized stiffening of the orthopedic devices, especially metatarsal pads, can only be achieved by using stabilizing plates, particularly if the orthopedic devices, especially metatarsal pads, are intended to be flexible and soft.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to provide an orthopedic device whose flexibility or stiffness can be individually configured per unit area, especially one that can have areas with different flexibility or stiffness, whereby the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, and preferably do not occur. The invention also aims, in particular, to reduce the weight of the orthopedic device, especially compared to known orthopedic devices, and / or to provide a breathable orthopedic device, whereby the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, and preferably do not occur.

[0008] The problem is solved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims as well as the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] In particular, the present invention solves the underlying problem by means of an orthopedic device, in particular a support body and / or pressure body, in particular a pad, comprising a top and a bottom, wherein the top and the bottom are connected to each other via at least one flexible pillar to create a distance between the top and the bottom, wherein the at least one flexible pillar has at least one outer surface extending from the top to the bottom, wherein the flexible pillar has a defined angle of inclination between the at least one outer surface and the top of the device and / or wherein the two edges of the at least one outer surface connecting the top and the bottom of the device are not parallel to each other.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the orthopedic device is a support body. In a preferred embodiment, the orthopedic device is a pressure body. In a preferred embodiment, the orthopedic device is a pad.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention has more than one flexible pillar, in particular a plurality of flexible pillars. Preferably, the number of flexible pillars can be selected by a person skilled in the art as required. Therefore, the term "flexible pillars," i.e., the plural, is used generically in the following without specifying a concrete quantity.

[0012] The orthopedic device, in particular a support body and / or pressure body, especially a pad, has a top and a bottom according to the invention. According to the invention, the top and the bottom are connected to each other via at least one flexible pillar to create a gap between the top and the bottom. According to the invention, the at least one flexible pillar has at least one outer surface extending from the top to the bottom. Furthermore, in a first and second alternative according to the invention, the flexible pillar has a defined angle of inclination between the at least one outer surface and the top of the device, or the two edges of the at least one outer surface connecting the top and the bottom of the device are not parallel to each other.According to the invention, in a third alternative, the flexible pillar has a defined angle of inclination between the at least one outer surface and the top of the device, and the two edges of the at least one outer surface connecting the top and bottom of the device are not parallel to each other.The inventive design of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars, i.e., the defined angle of inclination between the at least one outer surface and the top of the device and / or the non-parallel alignment of the two edges of the at least one outer surface connecting the top and bottom of the device, allows for specific and optional variation in the application of force, particularly perpendicular force, to the orthopedic device, resulting in compression, stretching, and / or lateral tilting of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars. It is therefore also preferred that the at least one flexible pillar or the flexible pillars are designed such that compression (i.e., springing) or stretching of the at least one flexible pillar is minimal or non-existent.the flexible pillar comes and instead the top is moved to the bottom or the bottom to the top by tilting away.

[0013] Preferably, by selecting the specific angle of inclination between the at least one outer surface and the top of the device when force is applied, a tilting direction and / or a degree of compression or extension of the at least one flexible column, in particular of the individual flexible columns, can be specifically determined. Preferably, by selecting the specific angle of inclination when a force is applied, in particular perpendicularly, to the orthopedic device, either a lateral tilting or a compression or extension of the at least one flexible column, in particular of each individual flexible column, can be forced. This preferably allows for individual design, in particular individual flexibility or stiffness, of the at least one flexible column, in particular of each individual flexible column.

[0014] Preferably, additionally or alternatively, a tilting direction and / or a degree of compression or elongation of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the respective flexible pillars, can be specifically determined by the non-parallel running of the two edges connecting the top and bottom of the device, in particular by the selection of the cutting angle, when, in particular, a force is applied to the orthopedic device in a perpendicular manner.Preferably, by selecting the angle of intersection of the two non-parallel edges connecting the top and bottom surfaces of the device on the outer surface of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular of each individual flexible pillar, i.e., how acute or obtuse the angle of intersection of the mutually running edges is, a lateral tilting or a compression or stretching of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular of each individual flexible pillar, can be forced upon the application of a force, in particular perpendicular force, especially to the orthopedic device. This preferably allows for an individual design, in particular an individual flexibility or stiffness, of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular of each individual flexible pillar.This approach preferably allows for the consideration of specific requirement profiles for an orthopedic device, particularly a metatarsal pad. For example, flexible columns can preferably be designed with varying degrees of flexibility or stiffness, and other flexible columns can be designed with different degrees of flexibility or stiffness to individually adjust the flexibility or stiffness per unit area of ​​the orthopedic device. Thus, for example, areas, particularly units of area, of the orthopedic device can preferably exhibit different degrees of flexibility or stiffness.

[0015] Preferably, an orthopedic device according to the invention can have a region with flexible pillars, wherein the flexible pillars are designed such that they tilt sideways when, in particular, a force is applied to the orthopedic device vertically, and in particular without or hardly any compression or stretching.

[0016] Preferably, an orthopedic device according to the invention can have a region with flexible pillars, wherein the flexible pillars are designed such that they undergo compression or elongation when, in particular, a force is applied to the orthopedic device vertically, and in particular without tilting sideways.

[0017] Preferably, an orthopedic device according to the invention can have a region with flexible pillars, wherein the flexible pillars are designed such that they tilt sideways and undergo compression or elongation when, in particular, a force is applied to the orthopedic device vertically.

[0018] Preferably, an orthopedic device according to the invention can have a region with flexible pillars, wherein the flexible pillars are designed such that they tilt sideways when, in particular perpendicular, a force is applied to the orthopedic device, or tilt sideways and experience compression or elongation, and can have a further region with flexible pillars, wherein the flexible pillars are designed such that they experience compression or elongation when, in particular perpendicular, a force is applied to the orthopedic device.

[0019] Preferably, this method also ensures that, with the help of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars, of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad, new possibilities of specific reaction, in particular a lateral tilting and / or a compression or a stretching, to externally coming forces, in particular a compression or a stretching of the orthopedic device, in particular in comparison to known orthopedic devices, in particular pads, are ensured.

[0020] Preferably, the top and bottom surfaces are connected to each other by at least one, in particular at least 10, in particular at least 20, in particular at least 50, in particular at least 1 to 100, in particular at least 10 to 100, in particular 50 to 100, flexible pillars. Preferably, the number of flexible pillars is individually adaptable to the respective requirements of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular support body and / or pressure body, in particular pad.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the two edges of the flexible pillar connecting the top and bottom surfaces taper conically, in particular in a trapezoidal shape, from the top surface to the bottom surface or from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one flexible pillar has at least four, in particular at least six, outer surfaces extending from the top to the bottom, wherein, when two outer surfaces are opposite each other, the respective edges connecting the top and bottom of the device of the opposing outer surfaces have the same orientation, in particular conically, in particular trapezoidally, converging towards each other in the same direction, wherein, when two outer surfaces are adjacent to each other, the respective edges connecting the top and bottom of the device of the two adjacent outer surfaces have opposite orientations, in particular conically, in particular trapezoidally, converging towards each other in opposite directions.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one flexible pillar has at least four, in particular at least six, outer surfaces extending from the top to the bottom, wherein the flexible pillar has a defined angle of inclination between the respective outer surface and the top of the device, and wherein the respective defined angles of inclination are the same or different, in particular wherein the respective angle of inclination is between greater than 0° and less than 90°, in particular between greater than 0° and less than 20°, in particular between 1° and 89°, in particular between 1° and 10°. In a preferred embodiment, the device has at least two, in particular at least 10, in particular at least 20, in particular at least 50, in particular between 1 and 100, in particular between 10 and 100, in particular between 50 and 100, in particular a plurality, in particular different, flexible pillars.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one, in particular at least 10, in particular at least 20, in particular at least 50, in particular 1 to 100, in particular 10 to 100, in particular 50 to 100, in particular a plurality, in particular all, in particular different, flexible pillars have at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least six, in particular three, in particular six, projections extending from the top to the bottom, and at least one recess, in particular at least two recesses, in particular at least three recesses, in particular two recesses, in particular three recesses, in particular recesses, connecting the projections, in particular extending from the top to the bottom, wherein the at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least six, in particular three, in particular six,Projections and the at least one recess, in particular at least two recesses, in particular at least three recesses, in particular two recesses, in particular three recesses, in particular recesses, each have outer surfaces, wherein the interior angle between the outer surface of a projection and the outer surface of an adjacent projection is between greater than 0° and less than 180°.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a cross-section of the at least one outer surface, in particular the outer surface of the at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least six, in particular three, in particular six, projections, is straight, curved, semicircular, kinked or angular, in particular has two corners.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, a cross-section of the at least one outer surface, in particular the outer surface of the recesses, is straight, curved, semicircular, bent or angular, in particular having two corners.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of at least one outer surface, in particular the outer surface of the recess(s), and / or the projection(s), in particular the projections, is I-shaped, U-shaped, or L-shaped. In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface has a flat or curved, in particular a curved, shape.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the underside has a flat or curved, in particular a flat, shape.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the top surface is designed as a grid structure or plate-shaped, in particular honeycomb-shaped, round and / or angular, in particular triangular, square, in particular tetragonal, pentagonal and / or hexagonal, in particular hexagonal, structural elements.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the underside is designed as a grid structure or plate-shaped, in particular honeycomb-shaped, round and / or angular, in particular triangular, square, in particular tetragonal, pentagonal and / or hexagonal, in particular hexagonal, structural elements.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the top surface is plate-shaped and the bottom surface is designed as a lattice mesh structure with structural elements.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the underside is plate-shaped and the top side is designed as a lattice mesh structure with structural elements.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the underside and the top side are designed in a plate-like shape.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the underside and the top side are designed as a grid structure comprising structural elements.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the structural elements of the grid structure are identical.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the structural elements of the grid structure have different configurations, in particular different sizes, geometries or shapes.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the structural elements of the grid structures of the top and bottom surfaces are identical, particularly hexagonal, or differently configured. In a preferred embodiment, the majority of the structural elements, particularly all structural elements, of the grid structures of the top and bottom surfaces have an identical or different geometry, particularly a hexagonal geometry. Preferably, the individual structural elements, particularly hexagons, of the grid structure of the top surface are on average larger than the individual structural elements, particularly hexagons, of the grid structure of the bottom surface. In a preferred embodiment, the grid structure of the top surface has a greater number of structural elements, particularly hexagons, than the bottom surface.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the majority of the structural elements, in particular all structural elements, of the grid structures of the top and bottom surfaces have an identical geometry, in particular a hexagonal geometry, wherein the individual structural elements, in particular hexagons, of the grid structure of the bottom surface are on average larger than the individual structural elements, in particular hexagons, of the grid structure of the top surface. In a preferred embodiment, the grid structure of the bottom surface has a greater number of structural elements, in particular hexagons, than the top surface.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the respective grid structure, in particular the structural elements, of the top and / or bottom is formed by webs.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the webs form the grid structure through intersection points, hereinafter also referred to as vertices. For stabilization, it is advantageously provided that the webs are widened at the intersection points.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one flexible pillar begins at a corner point of two adjacent webs on the top and / or the bottom and extends to the other side, in particular to a corner point of two adjacent webs of the grid structure of the other side, whereby the at least one flexible pillar connects the top with the bottom.

[0042] Surprisingly, it was found that the formation of a grid structure by means of webs on the upper and / or lower surface of an orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular a pad, especially in combination with the design of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars, not only leads to a weight reduction of the orthopedic device, but also, through the webs and the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars, and their specific design, for example the width of the webs and the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars, and the shape and size of the spaces formed by the grid structure, in particular in combination with the design of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars, the flexibility or stiffness per unit area of ​​the orthopedic device, in particular the pad,This can be influenced. This also preferably ensures breathability of the orthopedic device according to the invention.

[0043] It was thus also shown that the mode of action and strength of effect of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad, or certain areas of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad, can be influenced by the design and shaping of the top and / or bottom of an orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad, especially in combination with the design of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars.

[0044] The grid structure can extend over a portion of the top and / or bottom surface of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad, or over the entire top and / or bottom surface of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad. Preferably, the grid structure extends over at least half of the top and / or bottom surface of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad. In a preferred embodiment, the grid structure extends over the entire top and / or bottom surface of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad, especially if the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, has no protrusions on its top surface.

[0045] Preferably, the grid structure forms gaps that can have any shape and size. Preferably, the flexibility or stiffness and / or softness per unit area of ​​the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, or optionally of a specific sub-area of ​​the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, can be advantageously adjusted by the number, shape, and size of the gaps.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the grid structure forms spaces that are polygonal, in particular square, rectangular, triangular, honeycomb-shaped, or diamond-shaped, round, or oval. Rectangular, honeycomb-shaped, or triangular spaces are especially preferred. With these shapes, the web design can be particularly effective and simple.

[0047] A preferred rectangular, and in particular square, shape for the gaps results in a particularly simple and flexible embodiment. An alternative triangular shape for the gaps leads to an advantageous embodiment in which the lateral distortion of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, is more effectively limited. In a further alternative embodiment, the gaps can be honeycomb-shaped, making this embodiment particularly lightweight.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, different shapes of the gaps are combined. In a preferred embodiment, individual sub-areas of the top and / or bottom each have different shapes of gaps.

[0049] The size of the gaps can be selected by a specialist as required. Preferably, the gaps have a width and / or length or diameter of at least 0.2 cm and at most 2 cm. Particularly preferably, the gaps have a length and / or width or diameter of at least 0.4 cm and at most 1.5 cm.

[0050] The depth of the spaces is determined by the thickness of the ribs. In the context of the present invention, the surface of the upper and lower surfaces of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, is formed by the outer surfaces created by the ribs and not by the bottoms of the spaces. Thus, the spaces represent depressions in the upper and / or lower surface.

[0051] The depth of the gaps can be freely chosen by a person skilled in the art as required. For example, the depth of the gaps can be between one-third and one-twentieth of the total thickness of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, where the total thickness is determined by the distance between the outer surface of the top and the outer surface of the bottom of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad.

[0052] The depth of the gaps is preferably at least 0.1 cm and at most 2.0 cm. Preferably, the depth of the gaps is 1.0 cm. Accordingly, the thickness of the ribs is also preferably 0.1 cm to 1.0 cm, more preferably 0.2 cm. Preferably, the thickness of the ribs corresponds to one-tenth of the thickness of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad.

[0053] The width of the webs can also be selected by a specialist as needed. Preferably, the width of the webs is at least 0.1 cm and at most 0.6 cm.

[0054] The flexibility or stiffness per unit area of ​​the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, or of the corresponding area of ​​the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, can be advantageously adjusted by the length, width and thickness of the webs, in particular in combination with the design of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a cavity between the top and the bottom.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the cavity between the top and bottom is formed by the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars, especially at the level of the distance realized between the top and bottom by the at least one flexible pillar.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the cavity between the top and bottom surfaces is filled with material, in particular a different material than the material from which the at least one flexible pillar is made, in particular the flexible pillars are made.

[0058] The size of the cavity can be selected by a specialist as needed. The cavity preferably has a height of at least 0.1 cm and at most 5 cm.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the cavity extends over the entire length and width of the orthopedic device. In another preferred embodiment, the cavity extends over a partial area of ​​the orthopedic device.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the cavity is completely enclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity is completely enclosed, and the top and bottom surfaces are plate-shaped. The height of the cavity is determined by the height of the at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible pillars have different heights. Preferably, the highest height of the cavity is determined by the height of the tallest flexible pillar. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity has different heights. Preferably, the cavity has different heights, in particular depending on the height of the flexible pillars.

[0061] The height of the cavity can be freely chosen by a person skilled in the art as required. For example, the height of the cavity can be two-thirds, three-quarters, or nine-tenths of the total thickness of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, where the total thickness is determined by the distance between the outer surface of the top and the outer surface of the bottom of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad.

[0062] The maximum height of the cavity is preferably at least 0.1 cm and at most 10.0 cm. Preferably, the height of the cavity is 1.0 cm.

[0063] Accordingly, the maximum height of the flexible pillars, in particular the tallest flexible pillar, is also preferably 0.1 cm to 10.0 cm, more preferably 1.0 cm. Preferably, the maximum height of the flexible pillars, in particular the tallest flexible pillar, corresponds to nine-tenths of the thickness of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad.

[0064] The width of the flexible pillars can also be selected by a specialist as needed. Preferably, the width of the flexible pillars is at least 0.1 cm and at most 1.0 cm. Preferably, a majority of the flexible pillars, in particular all of them, have the same width.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of at least one, in particular one, material, in particular 1 to 3 materials.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of at least two materials, wherein the at least two materials have different hardnesses.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface is made of a different material than the lower surface. The material from which the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, is made, is preferably a permanently elastic material, especially silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or polyurethane. Those skilled in the art are aware of other equally suitable materials. In particular, the physical and mechanical properties of the material, especially its modulus of elasticity, compression set, and hardness, are adapted to the requirements of the pad.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the pad is a leg pad, in particular a knee pad or ankle pad, an arm pad, in particular an elbow pad, a shoulder pad, a back pad or hip pad.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, a front surface of the upper side of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, has protrusions. Preferably, these protrusions are not taken into account when determining the thickness of the pad.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the device is manufactured by injection molding. The injection molding process preferably allows for simple modeling of the size, geometry, and / or shape of the orthopedic device and / or individual structural elements, such as the top or bottom of the orthopedic device. This preferably enables the creation of zones of varying flexibility or stiffness within a single plane of the orthopedic device. The injection molding process preferably produces a particularly lightweight and breathable orthopedic device, especially a pad, in which individual surface segments, particularly surface units, are defined between compression or stretching and lateral tilting of the at least one flexible column, particularly the flexible columns.

[0071] Preferably, this method ensures that, with the aid of the injection-molded at least one flexible pillar, in particular the flexible pillars, of the orthopedic device according to the invention, in particular the pad, new possibilities of specific reaction, in particular a lateral tilting, a compression and / or a stretching, to externally applied forces, in particular a compression or stretching of the orthopedic device, in particular in comparison to known silicone-cast or foamed orthopedic devices, in particular pads, are guaranteed.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, is formed in one piece. This enables simple and cost-effective manufacturing. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one outer surface is not aligned parallel to a demolding direction of the device.

[0073] Another aspect of the present invention is an orthosis or a bandage comprising a device according to the invention.

[0074] In the context of the present invention, the term "top surface of an orthopedic device, in particular a pad" refers to the surface that faces the body when the orthopedic device, in particular a pad, is worn, specifically the surface that rests against or is pressed against the skin or clothing of the person using the orthopedic device, in particular a pad. Preferably, the top surface can be three-dimensional, for example, in the form of a grid structure or a plate, wherein, in a three-dimensional design, the top surface comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being the surface facing the body when the orthopedic device, in particular a pad, is worn.

[0075] In the context of the present invention, the "underside of an orthopedic device, in particular a pad," is understood to mean the side opposite the top side, i.e., the side that faces away from the body when the orthopedic device, in particular a pad, is in use. The underside can, in particular, face the inside of a bandage or orthosis and is preferably connected to it via connecting elements. Preferably, the underside can be designed three-dimensionally, for example, in the form of a grid structure or a plate, wherein, in a three-dimensional design, the underside has an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being the surface facing the inside of a bandage or orthosis and preferably connected to it via connecting elements.

[0076] In connection with the present invention, a surface of the upper and / or lower surface of the orthopedic device, in particular the pad, is formed by the outer surfaces formed by the ribs and not by the bottoms of the spaces between. Thus, the spaces between represent depressions in the upper and / or lower surface.

[0077] In the context of the present invention, a "flexible pillar" is understood to be a structural device that has variable stiffness, i.e., is more or less flexible in order to adapt to different load requirements. Preferably, a flexible pillar consists of a material or a combination of materials that exhibit a certain degree of elasticity or deformability, enabling it to bend or deform under appropriate loads while simultaneously maintaining its structural integrity.

[0078] In the context of the present invention, an "outer surface" is understood to be the outer surface of an object, in particular a flexible pillar. Preferably, the outer surface is bounded by edges.

[0079] In connection with the present invention, a “defined angle of inclination between the at least one outer surface and the top of the device” is preferably understood to be the internal angle spanned by the outer surface of the flexible pillar and the top, in particular the lower surface of the top, of the device.

[0080] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, in particular without the embodiments of the invention being to be understood as limiting. The figures show:

[0081] Figure 1a) an oblique top view of a top surface of a preferred embodiment of an orthopedic device according to the invention,

[0082] Figure 1b) shows an oblique top view of a bottom surface of a preferred embodiment of an orthopedic device according to the invention,

[0083] Figure 2a) an oblique top view of a preferred embodiment of a flexible pillar of an orthopedic device,

[0084] Figure 2b) shows a frontal view of a preferred embodiment of a flexible column of an orthopedic device, and

[0085] Figure 3) shows an oblique top view of a preferred embodiment of two flexible pillars of an orthopedic device.

[0086] Figure 1a shows an oblique top view of the upper surface (2) of a preferred embodiment of an orthopedic device (1). The orthopedic device (1) is designed as a pad. The upper surface (2) and the lower surface (3) are connected to each other via at least one flexible pillar (4), in particular a plurality of flexible pillars (4), i.e., more than one flexible pillar (4), to create a gap between the upper surface (2) and the lower surface (3). The at least one flexible pillar (4), in particular the plurality of flexible pillars (4), has at least one outer surface (5) extending from the upper surface (2) to the lower surface (3). The at least one flexible pillar, in particular the plurality of flexible pillars, each has a defined angle of inclination between the at least one outer surface (5) and the upper surface (2) of the device.The at least one outer surface (5) has two edges (6) connecting the top (2) and the bottom (3). The edges (6) are not parallel to each other. The top (2) has a curved shape. The top (2) is designed as a grid structure (7). The grid structure (7) extends over the entire top (2) of the pad. The grid structure (7) has honeycomb-shaped, quadrilateral, and pentagonal structural elements (8). The structural elements (8), in particular the geometry of the structural elements (8) of the top (2), are designed differently. Furthermore, the grid structure (7), in particular the structural elements (8), of the top (2) is formed by ribs (9).The at least one flexible pillar (4), and in particular the plurality of flexible pillars (4), begins at a corner point (10) of two adjacent webs (9) on the upper surface (2) and extends to the lower surface (3), thereby connecting the upper surface (2) with the lower surface (3). The grid structure (7) forms, in particular polygonal, spaces (11), combining different shapes of spaces (11). Furthermore, the orthopedic device (1) has a cavity (12) between the upper surface (2) and the lower surface (3). The cavity (12) extends over the entire length and width of the pad. The cavity (12) has different heights, in particular depending on the height of the flexible pillars (4).

[0087] Figure 1b shows an oblique top view of the underside (3) of the preferred embodiment of the orthopedic device (1) from Figure 1a). The underside (3) has a flat shape. The underside (3) is designed as a grid structure (7). The grid structure (7) extends over the entire underside (3) of the pad. The grid structure (7) has honeycomb-shaped, angular, and round structural elements (8). The structural elements (8), in particular the geometry of the structural elements (8), of the underside (3) are designed differently. Furthermore, the grid structure (7), in particular the structural elements (8), of the underside (3) is formed by webs (9).The at least one flexible pillar (4), in particular the plurality of flexible pillars (4), begins at a corner point (10) of two, in particular three, adjacent webs (9) on the underside (3) and extends to the top side (2), thereby connecting the top side (2) with the underside (3). The grid structure (7) forms, in particular polygonal, spaces (11), combining different shapes of spaces (11). The individual structural elements (8), in particular hexagons, of the grid structure (7) of the underside (3) are, on average, larger than the individual structural elements (8), in particular hexagons, of the grid structure (7) of the top side (3). The grid structure (7) of the top side (2) has a greater number of structural elements (8) than the underside (3).

[0088] Figure 2a shows an oblique top view of a preferred embodiment of a flexible pillar (4) of an orthopedic device (1). The flexible pillar (4) connects the top (2) and bottom (3) of the orthopedic device (1) to create a gap between the top (2) and bottom (3). Figure 2a shows only partial sections of the top (2) and bottom (3). The flexible pillar (4) has six outer surfaces (5) extending from the top (2) to the bottom (3). The flexible pillar also has a defined angle of inclination between each outer surface (5) and the top (2) of the device (1), with the respective angles of inclination being different and ranging from greater than 0° to less than 90°.Furthermore, the outer surfaces (5) of the flexible column (4) each have two edges (6) connecting the top (2) and bottom (3) of the orthopedic device (1). These edges are not parallel to each other, but rather taper conically from the top (2) to the bottom (3) or from the bottom (3) to the top (2). Figure 2a) shows two adjacent outer surfaces (5) of the flexible column (4). The respective edges (6) of the two adjacent outer surfaces (5) connecting the top (2) and bottom (3) of the device (1) have opposite orientations. The edge (6) of one outer surface (5) corresponds to the edge (6) of the other outer surface (5) connecting the two outer surfaces (5). The respective edges (6) of the two adjacent outer surfaces (5) taper conically towards each other in opposite directions.The outer surfaces (5) opposite the two outer surfaces (5) visible in Figure 2a) have the same orientation; in particular, they taper conically towards each other in the same direction. The preferred embodiment of the pier (4) has three projections (13) extending from the top (2) to the bottom (3), and recesses (14) between each projection (13). The projections (13) and recesses (14) each have outer surfaces (5). The interior angle between an outer surface (5) of one projection (13) and an outer surface (5) of an adjacent projection (13) is between greater than 0° and less than 180°. One cross-section of the projections (13) is U-shaped. One cross-section of the recesses (14) is angled.

[0089] Figure 2b shows a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of a flexible column (4) of an orthopedic device (1) according to Figure 2a). Figure 2b) shows only partial sections of the top (2) and bottom (3). A recess (14) enclosed by two projections (13), each having an outer surface (5), is visible. The two edges (6) of the two visible projections (13) connecting the top (2) and bottom (3) respectively taper conically towards each other, while the two edges (6) of the visible recess (14) connecting the top (2) and bottom (3) taper conically towards each other in the opposite direction.

[0090] Figure 3 shows an oblique top view of a preferred embodiment of two flexible pillars (4) of an orthopedic device (1). The description of the flexible pillars (4) refers to the descriptions of the flexible pillars (4) shown in Figures 2a) and 2b), which are applied accordingly to the respective flexible pillars (4) in Figure 3). A quadrilateral structural element (8) of a grid structure (7) of the top surface (2), not shown, is visible. The quadrilateral structural element (8) is formed by webs (9) and has a quadrilateral gap (11). The two flexible pillars (4) each begin at the vertices (10) of the webs (9) and extend from the top surface (2) to the bottom surface (3). A partial section of a cavity (12) of the orthopedic device (1) between the top surface (2) and the bottom surface (3) is also shown. [List of reference symbols]

[0091] 1 orthopedic device 2 top

[0092] 3 Underside

[0093] 4 flexible pillars

[0094] 5 Outdoor area

[0095] 6-edge

[0096] 7 Grid structure

[0097] 8 structural element

[0098] 9 Bridge

[0099] 10 Corner Point

[0100] 11 space

[0101] 12 Cavity

[0102] 13 leap

[0103] 14 recess

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Orthopedic device, in particular support body and / or pressure body, in particular pad, comprising a top and a bottom, wherein the top and the bottom are connected to each other via at least one flexible pillar to create a gap between the top and the bottom, wherein the at least one flexible pillar has at least one outer surface extending from the top to the bottom, wherein the flexible pillar has a defined angle of inclination between the at least one outer surface and the top of the device and / or wherein the two edges of the at least one outer surface connecting the top and the bottom of the device are not parallel to each other.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the two edges connecting the top and the bottom taper conically towards each other from the top to the bottom or from the bottom to the top.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flexible pillar has at least four outer surfaces extending from the top to the bottom, wherein, when two outer surfaces are opposite each other, the respective edges connecting the top and bottom of the device of the opposing outer surfaces have the same orientation, in particular conically converging towards each other in the same direction, wherein, when two outer surfaces are adjacent to each other, the respective edges connecting the top and bottom of the device of the two adjacent outer surfaces have opposite orientations, in particular conically converging towards each other in opposite directions.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flexible pillar has at least four outer surfaces extending from the top to the bottom, wherein the flexible pillar has a defined angle of inclination between the respective outer surface and the top of the device, and wherein the respective defined angles of inclination are the same or different, in particular wherein the respective angle of inclination is between greater than 0° and less than 90°.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has at least two, in particular different, flexible pillars and / or wherein at least one The flexible pillar has at least two projections, in particular extending from the top to the bottom, and at least one recess, in particular recesses, connecting the projections, in particular extending from the top to the bottom, wherein the at least two projections and the at least one recess, in particular the recesses, each have outer surfaces, wherein the interior angle between the outer surface of a projection and the outer surface of an adjacent projection is between greater than 0° and less than 180°.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section of the at least one outer surface, in particular the outer surface of the at least two projections and / or the recesses, is straight, curved, semicircular, bent or angular, in particular having two corners.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top and / or the bottom is designed as a lattice structure or plate-shaped, in particular honeycomb-shaped, round and / or angular, in particular triangular, square, in particular tetragonal, pentagonal and / or hexagonal, in particular hexagonal, having structural elements.

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the structural elements of the grid structure are identical or have different configurations, in particular different sizes, geometries or shapes, and / or wherein the structural elements of the grid structures of the top and bottom are identical or different.

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the respective grid structure, in particular the structural elements, of the top and / or bottom is formed by struts and optionally the at least one flexible pillar begins at a corner point of two adjacent struts on the top and / or the bottom and extends to the other side, in particular to a corner point of two adjacent struts of the grid structure of the other side, whereby the at least one flexible pillar connects the top with the bottom.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has a cavity between the top and the bottom.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is made of at least one, in particular one, material, in particular 1 to 10 materials.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the device is made of at least two materials, wherein the at least two materials have different hardnesses.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is manufactured by an injection molding process.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one outer surface is not aligned parallel to a demolding direction of the device.

15. Orthosis or bandage comprising a device according to any of the preceding claims.

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