Multi-part support device for an orthosis

Abstract

The present invention relates to orthopaedic products, in particular orthoses and support devices for orthoses. The invention provides an improved support device for an orthosis, to a method of manufacturing the same and an orthosis comprising a support device according to the invention.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Multi-part support device for an orthosis

[0003] The present invention relates to orthopedic products, in particular orthoses and support devices for orthoses. The invention provides an improved support device for an orthosis, a method for its manufacture, and an orthosis incorporating a support device according to the invention.

[0004] Orthoses are therapeutic devices used to stabilize or support the movement of body parts. The primary goal of functional orthoses is to restore and / or maintain mobility of the musculoskeletal system. Orthoses can have a functionally reliable, mobilizing, supportive, movement-limiting, and / or corrective effect on the musculoskeletal system. Orthoses can be used directly post-traumatically, post-operatively, or conservatively, meaning they can be used to rebuild, secure, or protect joint function, for example, in degenerative diseases. To achieve the stability required for the application, the orthosis incorporates one or more stabilizing elements, which are generally rod-shaped or shell-shaped.The stabilizing elements, designed as shells, encompass the body part or joint to be stabilized, for example a joint of an extremity, or the torso in the area of ​​the lumbar spine, usually around more than half of its circumference.

[0005] The stabilizing elements support the mechanical stabilizing effect of the orthosis. Orthoses with stabilizing elements that encompass the body part include, for example, functional orthoses for ankles, knees, hips, thighs, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Such orthoses are particularly characterized by the fact that they generally completely enclose the body part to be stabilized, meaning, in particular, they encompass at least more than half of the circumference of the body part. The body-enclosing stabilizing elements designed for such orthoses are usually clasp-shaped and have a circumferential cross-section that encompasses more than a semicircle (greater than 180 degrees) around the body part to be encompassed.

[0006] The stabilizing elements are usually formed from a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic or composite material. Such braces, which are non-flat or shell-shaped and functionally designed to encompass the body or body part, have an undercut. Such spatial structures are difficult to manufacture. In known manufacturing processes, braces that encompass the body or body part are usually thermoformed from flat blanks (sheets) into their final, body-enclosing spatial shape (useful conformation). Production is complex and generally requires a high level of material and personnel expenditure. Stabilizing braces for orthoses designed in the conventional manner are not amenable to alternative, particularly cost-effective, manufacturing techniques.There is therefore a need to provide improved stabilization elements for orthoses that can be manufactured using simpler and more economical manufacturing techniques and that have at least equivalent and preferably improved functional properties compared to known stabilization elements.

[0007] Plastic injection molding is known in the art for the production of stabilizing elements for orthoses. However, injection-molded elements are generally small, flat components and attachments or shells that have no connection to a body-enclosing stabilizing element.

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists in particular in developing a support device for an orthosis encompassing the body or body part in such a way that it can be produced more easily and economically and, depending on the specific design, can simplify the application and / or expand the range of functions of the orthosis.

[0009] The technical problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0010] The present invention relates in particular to a support device for an orthosis which is designed to predominantly encompass a body part over its entire circumference and comprises two stabilising elements which each extend over less than half of the entire circumference of the body to be encompassed, wherein the support device is characterized in that the two stabilising elements of the support device are positively connected to one another via at least one latching connection, wherein at least one of the two stabilising elements has at least one latching hook and the other of the two stabilising elements has at least one holding element and wherein the at least one latching connection is formed by engagement of the at least one latching hook in the at least one holding element.This special design of the body-enclosing support device according to the present invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve the desired shape and function of the support device by positively connecting two stabilizing elements. This allows for simple and economical production of the individual stabilizing elements using injection molding, while simultaneously maintaining or improving the functionality and stability of one-piece support devices for orthoses. A particularly advantageous feature is that the assembly, i.e., the positive connection, of the two stabilizing elements to obtain the support device according to the invention can be carried out without tools, in particular with bare hands.In a preferred embodiment, the at least one locking connection by which the two stabilizing elements of the device according to the invention are connected to one another can subsequently no longer be released without considerable effort.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two stabilizing elements of the support device are symmetrical to one another, in particular mirror-symmetrical. Preferably, the two stabilizing elements of the support device are substantially symmetrical to one another, in particular substantially mirror-symmetrical, and are connected to one another in the region of the axis of symmetry via at least one locking connection.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the two stabilizing elements of the support device according to the invention are two shell elements. Preferably, the first stabilizing element is a shell element. Preferably, the second stabilizing element is a shell element. Preferably, the first and second stabilizing elements are each shell elements. Particularly preferably, the support device according to the invention is a clasp-shaped or shell-shaped support device, in particular a clasp-shaped or shell-shaped support device comprising two shell elements or consisting of two shell elements.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two stabilizing elements of the support device are positively connected to one another via at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, snap-in connections.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the two stabilizing elements of the support device are positively connected to one another via at least two locking connections, wherein a first locking connection is formed by engagement of at least one locking hook of the first stabilizing element in the at least one holding element of the second stabilizing element and a second locking connection is formed by engagement of at least one locking hook of the second stabilizing element in the at least one holding element of the first stabilizing element.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the two stabilizing elements of the support device are positively connected to one another via at least three locking connections, wherein a first locking connection is formed by engagement of at least one locking hook of the first stabilizing element in the at least one holding element of the second stabilizing element, a second locking connection is formed by engagement of at least one locking hook of the second stabilizing element in the at least one holding element of the first stabilizing element and a third locking connection is formed by engagement of at least one locking hook of the first stabilizing element in the at least one holding element of the second stabilizing element.Accordingly, the positive connection between the two stabilizing elements of the support device is preferably made via at least three locking connections, wherein the at least three locking connections are designed in an alternating manner, i.e. the first locking connection is formed by at least one locking hook arranged on the first stabilizing element engaging in at least one holding element arranged on the second stabilizing element, the second locking connection is formed by at least one locking hook arranged on the second stabilizing element engaging in at least one holding element arranged on the first stabilizing element and the third locking connection is formed by at least one locking hook arranged on the first stabilizing element engaging in at least one holding element arranged on the second stabilizing element.This arrangement of the locking connections between the two stabilizing elements of the support device advantageously prevents all locking connections from being released simultaneously with a single directed opening impulse. This significantly impedes unintentional opening of the support device, which in turn provides additional safety for the user.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one locking hook and the at least one retaining element of the at least one locking connection suitable for positively receiving the at least one locking hook are integral components of the two stabilizing elements. The support device according to the invention preferably comprises no further elements besides the first and second stabilizing elements. According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support device according to the invention thus consists of the first and second stabilizing elements, which are positively connected to one another via at least one locking connection.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the two stabilizing elements comprises a first part of a multi-part connecting element and the other of the two stabilizing elements comprises a second part of the multi-part connecting element, wherein the at least one latching hook and the at least one holding element of the latching connection are components of the multi-part connecting element. Thus, in addition to the first and second stabilizing elements, the support device according to the invention preferably comprises a multi-part connecting element, wherein the first and second stabilizing elements are connected to one another via at least one latching connection between a first part and a second part of the multi-part connecting element. According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support device according to the invention consists of two stabilizing elements and a multi-part connecting element.Particularly preferably, the support device according to the invention comprises no further elements besides the first stabilizing element, the second stabilizing element and the multi-part connecting element.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-part connecting element is a two-part connecting element.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first part of the multi-part connecting element is detachably connectable, in particular connected, to one of the two stabilizing elements, preferably to the first stabilizing element, preferably to the second stabilizing element. Preferably, the second part of the multi-part connecting element is detachably connectable, in particular connected, to the other of the two stabilizing elements, preferably to the first stabilizing element, preferably to the second stabilizing element. Particularly preferably, the first part of the multi-part connecting element is detachably connectable, in particular connected, to one of the two stabilizing elements, and the second part of the multi-part connecting element is detachably connectable, in particular connected, to the other of the two stabilizing elements.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first part of the multi-part connecting element is permanently connectable, in particular connected, to one of the two stabilizing elements, preferably to the first stabilizing element, preferably to the second stabilizing element. Preferably, the second part of the multi-part connecting element is permanently connectable, in particular connected, to the other of the two stabilizing elements, preferably to the first stabilizing element, preferably to the second stabilizing element. Particularly preferably, the first part of the multi-part connecting element is permanently connectable, in particular connected, to one of the two stabilizing elements, and the second part of the multi-part connecting element is permanently connectable, in particular connected, to the other of the two stabilizing elements.

[0020] According to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one latching connection is formed by receiving at least one latching hook of the first stabilizing element or of a first part of a multi-part connecting element in the at least one holding element of the second stabilizing element or of a second part of a multi-part connecting element.

[0021] According to the invention, it can also be provided that the at least one locking connection is formed by receiving at least one locking hook of the first stabilizing element or of a first part of a multi-part connecting element in at least one holding element of the second stabilizing element or of a second part of a multi-part connecting element and by receiving at least one locking hook of the second stabilizing element or of a second part of a multi-part connecting element in at least one holding element of the first stabilizing element or of a first part of a multi-part connecting element.

[0022] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the two stabilizing elements of the support device are positively connected to one another via at least three locking connections between a first and a second part of a multi-part connecting element, wherein a first locking connection is formed by the engagement of at least one locking hook of the first part of the multi-part connecting element in at least one holding element of the second part of the multi-part connecting element, a second locking connection is formed by the engagement of at least one locking hook of the second part of the multi-part connecting element in at least one holding element of the first part of the multi-part connecting element, and a third locking connection is formed by the engagement of at least one locking hook of the first part of the multi-part connecting element in at least one holding element of the second part of the multi-part connecting element.This alternating arrangement of the locking connections between the two parts of the multi-part connecting element connecting the stabilizing elements of the support device advantageously prevents an unintentional simultaneous opening of all locking connections of the support device by a single directed opening impulse.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one locking hook comprises a locking head and a locking lug.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one retaining element is an engagement opening with a locking edge. The locking edge is preferably made of an elastic material.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second stabilizing elements or the first and second parts of the multi-part closure element each have at least one tongue.

[0026] Preferably, the first and second stabilizing elements or the first and second parts of the multi-part closure element each have at least one tongue with at least one locking hook arranged on the tongue.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second stabilizing elements or the first and second parts of the multi-part closure element each have at least one tongue with at least one holding element arranged on the tongue.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one locking hook is arranged on a tongue of the first stabilizing element or the first part of the multi-part connecting element. Preferably, the at least one locking hook is arranged on a tongue of the second stabilizing element or the second part of the multi-part connecting element.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one retaining element is arranged on a tongue of the first stabilizing element or the first part of the multi-part connecting element. Preferably, the at least one retaining element is arranged on a tongue of the second stabilizing element or the second part of the multi-part connecting element.

[0030] Particularly preferably, when the two stabilizing elements are connected, the tongue penetrates one of the two stabilizing elements, preferably the first stabilizing element, preferably the second stabilizing element, or one of the parts of the multi-part connecting element, preferably the first part of the multi-part connecting element, preferably the second part of the multi-part connecting element, in the region of a passage opening, wherein the locking hook arranged on the tongue engages on the rear side, i.e. the side facing away from the penetration side, in the holding element of the respective other stabilizing element, preferably the second stabilizing element, preferably the first stabilizing element, or of the respective other part of the multi-part connecting element, preferably the second part of the multi-part connecting element, preferably the first part of the multi-part connecting element.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, when the two stabilizing elements are connected, the tongue penetrates one of the two stabilizing elements, preferably the first stabilizing element, preferably the second stabilizing element, or one of the parts of the multi-part connecting element, preferably the first part of the multi-part connecting element, preferably the second part of the multi-part connecting element, in the region of a passage opening, wherein the holding element arranged on the tongue receives the locking hook arranged on the rear, i.e. on the side facing away from the penetration side, of one of the two stabilizing elements, preferably the first stabilizing element, preferably the second stabilizing element, or one of the parts of the multi-part connecting element, preferably the first part of the multi-part connecting element, preferably the second part of the multi-part connecting element.

[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the penetration of the tongue of one of the two stabilizing elements, preferably of the first stabilizing element, preferably of the second stabilizing element, or of one of the parts of the multi-part connecting element, preferably of the first part of the multi-part connecting element, preferably of the second part of the multi-part connecting element, in the region of a passage opening of the respective other stabilizing element, preferably of the second stabilizing element, preferably of the first stabilizing element, or of the respective other part of the multi-part connecting element, preferably of the second part of the multi-part connecting element, preferably of the first part of the multi-part connecting element,and the rear engagement of the locking hook arranged on the tongue into the holding element or the rear reception of the locking hook into the holding element arranged on the tongue to form a double positive connection, which prevents unintentional opening of the stabilizing element.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one latching hook comprises a latching head and a latching nose, and the at least one holding element is an engagement opening with a latching edge, wherein the at least one latching hook is arranged on a tongue of the first stabilizing element or the first part of the multi-part connecting element, and wherein the tongue, in the connected state of the two stabilizing elements, penetrates the second stabilizing element or the second part of the multi-part connecting element in the region of a passage opening, and the latching head engages on the rear side in the engagement opening of the second stabilizing element or the second part of the multi-part connecting element.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the support device is adjustable in size.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the size adjustability of the circumference of the support device is realized by the presence of at least two adjacently arranged locking hooks and / or at least two adjacently arranged holding elements of the at least one locking connection.

[0036] Preferably, the first stabilizing element or the first part of the multi-part connecting element comprises at least two latching hooks arranged next to one another and / or at least two holding elements arranged next to one another.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the second stabilizing element or the second part of the multi-part connecting element comprises at least two latching hooks arranged next to one another and / or at least two holding elements arranged next to one another.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second stabilizing elements or the first and second parts of the multi-part connecting element, the first stabilizing element or the first part of the multi-part connecting element each comprise at least two latching hooks arranged next to one another and / or at least two holding elements arranged next to one another.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size adjustability of the circumference of the support device is realized by the interchangeability of the multi-part connecting element. According to this preferred embodiment, the multi-part connecting element is detachably connectable, in particular connected, to the two stabilizing elements of the support device. Preferably, the first part of the multi-part connecting element is detachably connectable, in particular connected, to one of the two stabilizing elements. Preferably, the second part of the multi-part connecting element is detachably connectable, in particular connected, to the other of the two stabilizing elements. According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-part connecting element, in particular the first and / or second part of the multi-part connecting element, is interchangeable.This enables, for example, a size adjustment of the circumference of the support device by replacing the multi-part connecting element, in particular by the first and / or second part of the multi-part connecting element, with a multi-part connecting element, in particular by a first and / or second part of the multi-part connecting element, with the desired dimensions.

[0040] Particularly preferably, the adjustability of the height of the support device is realized by the presence of detachable segments of the support device.

[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two stabilizing elements can be produced, in particular manufactured, by injection molding. Preferably, the multi-part connecting element can be produced, in particular manufactured, by injection molding. In another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two stabilizing elements and the multi-part connecting element can be produced, in particular manufactured, by injection molding.

[0042] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support device contains at least one opening, preferably at least two openings, preferably at least three openings. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one opening is located in the region between the two stabilizing elements of the support device. Preferably, the at least one opening is located in the region between the first and second part of a multi-part connecting element connecting the two stabilizing elements of the support device. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one opening has a round shape. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one opening has an elliptical shape.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a support device for an orthosis, comprising the steps of: a) injection molding two stabilizing elements and b) positively connecting the two stabilizing elements via at least one snap-in connection to obtain a support device for an orthosis.

[0044] Preferably, at least one of the two stabilizing elements has at least one latching hook and the other of the two stabilizing elements has at least one holding element suitable for positively receiving the at least one latching hook, wherein the positive connection in step b) is effected via at least one latching connection by receiving the at least one latching hook and the at least one holding element.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the two stabilizing elements has at least one locking hook arranged on a tongue. Preferably, at least one of the two stabilizing elements has at least one retaining element suitable for positively receiving a locking hook.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the positive connection of the two stabilizing elements in step b) is carried out in that a tongue of at least one stabilizing element penetrates the other stabilizing element in the region of a passage opening and a locking hook arranged on the tongue engages on the back into a holding element of the other stabilizing element.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the two stabilizing elements has a latching hook arranged on a tongue and the other of the two stabilizing elements has at least one holding element suitable for positively receiving the latching hook, wherein the positive connection in step b) takes place via at least one latching connection and wherein the tongue of the at least one stabilizing element penetrates the other stabilizing element in the region of a passage opening and the latching hook arranged on the tongue engages on the back in the holding element of the other stabilizing element.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, in step a) a multi-part, preferably two-part, connecting element is additionally produced by injection molding, wherein a first part of the connecting element is connectable to one of the two stabilizing elements and has at least one latching hook and a second part of the connecting element is connectable to the other of the two stabilizing elements and comprises at least one holding element, wherein in step b) the first and second part of the multi-part connecting element are connected to the first and second stabilizing elements and the positive connection is effected via at least one latching connection between the first part of the connecting element and the second part of the connecting element by receiving the at least one latching hook in the at least one holding element.

[0049] Particularly preferably, the method according to the invention for producing a support device for an orthosis is a method for producing a support device according to the invention for an orthosis.

[0050] The present invention further relates to an orthosis comprising a support device according to the present invention.

[0051] The orthosis is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of knee joint orthosis, hip orthosis, thigh orthosis, back orthosis, in particular spinal orthosis, cervical collar, neck stiffener, wrist orthosis, ankle orthosis, elbow orthosis, and shoulder joint orthosis. The orthosis is preferably a back orthosis, in particular a spinal orthosis.

[0052] The present invention further relates to the use of at least one locking connection for the positive connection of two stabilizing elements of a support device for an orthosis.

[0053] Further embodiments of the present invention emerge from the subclaims. In the context of the present invention, the terms “comprising” and “having” are understood to mean that in addition to the elements explicitly covered by these terms, further, not explicitly mentioned elements can be added. In the context of the present invention, these terms are also understood to mean that only the explicitly mentioned elements are covered and no further elements are present. In this particular embodiment, the meaning of the terms “comprising” and “having” is synonymous with the term “consisting of”. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having” also cover compositions which, in addition to the explicitly mentioned elements, also contain further elements not mentioned, which, however, are of a functionally and qualitatively subordinate nature.In this embodiment, the terms “comprising” and “having” are synonymous with the term “consisting essentially of”.

[0054] In the context of the present invention, the term "and / or" means that all members of a group linked by the term "and / or" are disclosed both alternatively to one another and cumulatively among themselves in any combination. For the expression "A, B and / or C," this means that the following disclosure content is to be understood: a) A or B or C or b) (A and B) or c) (A and C) or d) (B and C) or e) (A and B and C).

[0055] The present invention is illustrated below using exemplary figures. The inventive concept is not limited to these embodiments.

[0056] Figure 1a schematically shows the interior of a support device (100) according to the invention for a lumbar back orthosis for the human body. The support device (100) of the illustrated embodiment comprises two stabilizing elements (110, 120) and a multi-part connecting element (140), via which the first stabilizing element (110) is positively connected to the second stabilizing element (120) by means of snap-in connections (130a, 130b, 130c).

[0057] Figure 1b schematically shows the exterior of a support device (100) according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the locking connections (130a, 130b, 130c) are each formed by the engagement of a locking hook (131) of a first part of the multi-part connecting element (140) in a holding element (132) of a second part of the multi-part connecting element (140) and the engagement of a locking hook (131) of the second part of the multi-part connecting element (140) in a holding element (132) of the first part of the multi-part connecting element (140).

[0058] Figure 2a shows the first stabilizing element (110) with a first part of the multi-part connecting element (141) in the separated state of a support device (100) according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the first part of the multi-part connecting element (141) comprises three tongues (133) suitable for forming snap-in connections, with snap-in hooks (131) arranged thereon, and three retaining elements (132) suitable for receiving snap-in hooks (131).

[0059] Figure 2b shows the second stabilizing element (120) with a second part of the multi-part connecting element (142) in the separated state of a support device (100) according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the second part of the multi-part connecting element (142) comprises three holding elements (132) suitable for receiving locking hooks (131), three through-openings (134) for passing through a tongue (133) of the first part of the multi-part connecting element (141), and locking hooks (131) arranged on the side of the second part of the multi-part connecting element (142) (not shown).

[0060] Figures 3a and 3b show a particular embodiment of a support device according to the invention, in which the first stabilizing element (110) has a first part of the multi-part connecting element (141) and the second stabilizing element (120) has a second part of the multi-part connecting element (142).According to the illustrated embodiment, the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) of the support device can be positively connected to one another via three locking connections, wherein a first locking connection is formed by the engagement of a locking hook (131) arranged on a tongue (133) of the first part of the multi-part connecting element (141) in a holding element (132) of the second part of the multi-part connecting element (142), a second locking connection is formed by the engagement of a locking hook (131) arranged on a tongue (133) of the second part of the multi-part connecting element (142) in a holding element (132) of the first part of the multi-part connecting element (141), and a third locking connection is formed by the engagement of a locking hook (131) arranged on a tongue (133) of the first part of the multi-part connecting element (141) in a holding element (132) of the second part of the multi-part connecting element (142) is trained.In the illustrated embodiment, the first (141) and second parts (142) of the multi-part connecting element (140) have two holding elements (132) arranged next to one another and spaced apart from one another for adjusting the size of the circumference.

[0061] Figure 4a shows a first part of a multi-part connecting element (141) comprising a latching hook (131) arranged on a tongue (133), which serves to engage in a holding element (132) of a second part of a multi-part connecting element (142) and a holding element (132) with an engagement opening (132a) with a latching edge (132b), which serves to receive a latching hook (131) of the second part of a multi-part connecting element (142).

[0062] Figure 4b schematically shows the second part of one of the multi-part connecting elements (142). This comprises a locking hook (131) which serves to engage in a holding element (132) of the first part of a multi-part connecting element (141), a holding element (132) with an engagement opening (132a) with a locking edge (132b) which serves to receive a locking hook (131) of the first part of a multi-part connecting element (141), and a passage opening (134) through which a tongue (133) of the first part of the multi-part connecting element (141) is guided, so that the locking hook (131) arranged on the tongue (133) of the first part of the multi-part connecting element (141) can engage at the rear in the engagement opening (132a) of the second part of the multi-part connecting element (142).

[0063] Figure 5a schematically shows a section of the first part of a multi-part connecting element (141). It shows a locking hook (131) arranged on a tongue (133), which serves to engage with a holding element (132) of a second part of a multi-part connecting element (142) and has a locking head (131a) and a locking lug (131b). Furthermore, Figure 5a shows a holding element (132) with an engagement opening (132a) and a locking edge (132b), which serves to receive a locking hook (131) of the second part of a multi-part connecting element (142).

[0064] Figure 5b schematically shows a section of the second part of a multi-part connecting element (142). The section shows a locking hook (131) comprising a locking head (131a) and a locking lug (131b), a through-opening (134) through which a tongue (133) of the first part of the multi-part connecting element (141) is guided, and a holding element (132) comprising an engagement opening (132a) and a locking edge (132b).

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Support device (100) for an orthosis, designed to predominantly encompass a body part over its entire circumference and comprising two stabilizing elements (110, 120) each extending over less than half of the total circumference of the body to be encompassed, characterized in that the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) of the support device (100) are positively connected to each other via at least one locking connection (130), wherein at least one of the two stabilizing elements has at least one locking hook (131) and the other of the two stabilizing elements has at least one retaining element (132), and the at least one locking connection (130) is formed by the engagement of the at least one locking hook (131) in the at least one retaining element (132).

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) of the support device (100) are positively connected to each other via at least two locking connections (130a, 130b), wherein a first locking connection (130a) is formed by engaging at least one locking hook (131) of a first stabilizing element (110) in the at least one retaining element (132) of a second stabilizing element (120) and a second locking connection (130b) is formed by engaging at least one locking hook (131) of the second stabilizing element (120) in the at least one retaining element (132) of the first stabilizing element (110).

3. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) of the support device (100) are positively connected to each other via at least three locking connections (130a, 130b, 130c), wherein a first locking connection (130a) is formed by engaging at least one locking hook (131) of the first stabilizing element (110) in the at least one retaining element (132) of the second stabilizing element, a second locking connection (130b) is formed by engaging at least one locking hook (131) of the second stabilizing element (120) in the at least one retaining element (132) of the first stabilizing element (110), and a third locking connection (130c) is formed by engaging at least one locking hook (131) of the first stabilizing element (110) in the at least one retaining element (132) of the second stabilizing element (120). becomes.

4. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one locking hook (131) and the at least one for positive locking reception of the at least one locking hook (131) suitable retaining element (132) of the locking connection (130) are integral components of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120).

5. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) comprises a first part (141) of a multi-part connecting element (140) and the other of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) comprises a second part (142) of the multi-part connecting element (140) and the at least one locking hook (131) and the at least one retaining element (132) of the locking connection (130) are components of the multi-part connecting element (140).

6. Support device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first part (141) of the multi-part connecting element (140) is detachably connectable to one of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) and the second part (142) of the multi-part connecting element (140) is detachably connectable to the other of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120).

7. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one locking hook (131) comprises a locking head (131a) and a locking lug (131b) and the at least one retaining element (132) is an engagement opening (132a) with a locking edge (132b), wherein the at least one locking hook (131) is arranged on a tongue (133) of the first stabilizing element (110) or the first part (141) of the multi-part connecting element (140), wherein the tongue (133) in the connected state of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) penetrates the second stabilizing element (120) or the second part (142) of the multi-part connecting element (140) in the area of ​​a passage opening (134) and the locking head (131a) engages the engagement opening (132a) of the second stabilizing element from the rear. (120) or the second part (142) of the multi-part connecting element (140) engages.

8. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) can be manufactured by injection molding.

9. Method for manufacturing a support device (100) for an orthosis, comprising the steps: a) injection molding two stabilizing elements (110, 120) and b) Form-fitting connection of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) via at least one snap connection (130) to obtain a support device (100) for an orthosis.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) has a locking hook (131) arranged on a tongue (133) and the other of the two stabilizing elements (110, 120) has at least one retaining element (132) suitable for positively locking the locking hook (131), wherein the positive locking connection in step b) is effected via at least one locking connection (130), and wherein the tongue (133) of the at least one stabilizing element (110, 120) penetrates the other stabilizing element (110, 120) in the area of ​​a passage opening (134) and the locking hook (131) arranged on the tongue (133) engages on the rear side in the retaining element (132) of the other stabilizing element (110, 120).

11. Method according to claim 9, wherein in step a) a multi-part connecting element (140) is additionally produced by injection molding, wherein a first part of the connecting element (141) is connectable to one of the two stabilizing elements and has at least one locking hook (131) and a second part of the connecting element (142) is connectable to the other of the two stabilizing elements and comprises at least one retaining element (132), and wherein in step b) the first and second part (141, 142) of the connecting element (140) are connected to the first (110) and second stabilizing element (120) and the positive locking connection is effected via at least one locking connection (130) between the first part of the connecting element (141) and the second part of the connecting element (142) by receiving the at least one locking hook (131) into the at least one retaining element (132).

12. Orthosis comprising a support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. Orthosis according to claim 12, selected from the group consisting of knee orthosis, hip orthosis, thigh orthosis, back orthosis, in particular spinal orthosis, neck brace, neck stiffener, wrist orthosis, ankle orthosis, elbow orthosis and shoulder orthosis.

14. Use of at least one snap-fit ​​connection (130) for the positive locking connection of two stabilizing elements (110, 120) of a support device (100) for an orthosis.