Orthopedic cervical collar with sliding pivot chin support

Abstract

An orthotic neck brace has a right sliding pivot and a left sliding pivot connecting a torso support to a chin support. Over a wide range from a longer to a shorter neck, the sliding pivots tend to vertically raise and lower the chin support, automatically maintaining the chin support at a right angle to the rest of the neck brace and preventing unwanted forward or backward shifting. A preferred embodiment combines the sliding pivots with a rack and pinion neck height adjustment mechanism.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 774,828, filed January 28, 2020. This and all other external sources cited are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the definition or use of a term in the cited references incorporated herein and the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein shall prevail.

[0002] The field of this invention is the field of orthopedic neck braces. Background Technology

[0003] The following description contains information that may help in understanding the invention. This is not an admission that any information provided herein is prior art or related to the currently claimed invention, or that any publication explicitly or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] Orthopedic neck braces typically have at least three main components: a neck support, a chin support, and a connector between the neck and chin supports. To facilitate construction and accommodate various neck widths, the neck support usually includes separable front and rear components.

[0005] The device in US Patent 7674234, granted to Calco, is one of the most popular neck supports. It uses a gear mechanism that raises and lowers the chin support relative to the neck support to accommodate different neck lengths. However, the chin support of the '234 patent device uses a simple pivot connection to the neck support, which is insufficient for supporting the chin for particularly long or short necks. In particular, for long necks, the simple pivot mechanism tends to push the chin support backward.

[0006] Bonutti's US20030093019B1 attempted to address these issues by providing vertical and forward / backward adjustments. However, the forward / backward adjustment must be done manually using a wing screw. Therefore, for particularly long or short necks, the neck brace must be manually adjusted in both the vertical and forward / backward directions.

[0007] An earlier device described in Miller's US5501646 patent provides a chin support that adapts to continuous, automatic, vertical movement. However, this design achieves this by mounting the chin support on a spring arm extending upward from the wearer's torso, which allows for excessive movement in both the vertical and forward / backward directions.

[0008] All these publications are incorporated herein by reference, as if each publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Where the definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent with or contrary to the definition provided herein, the definition provided herein shall prevail, and not the definition in the cited reference.

[0009] There is still a need for an orthotic neck brace that provides chin support that maintains proper anterior-posterior positioning over a wide range of neck length to maximize the contact area between the chin support and the patient's chin. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The subject of this invention is an orthotic neck brace that uses a sliding pivot mechanism to connect a chin support to a front neck member, thereby maintaining the correct anterior-posterior positioning of the chin support over a large range of neck length. A preferred orthotic neck brace utilizes two sliding pivot mechanisms, one on the right side of the chin support and the other on the left side.

[0011] The sliding pivot mechanism is preferably connected to the height adjustment mechanism, so that the operation of the height adjustment mechanism automatically operates the sliding pivot mechanism.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the chin support is supported by a right intermediate member and a left intermediate member, which in turn are supported by a right intermediate member and a left intermediate member, respectively. On each side, the sliding pivoting mechanism includes a pin that is simultaneously slidably arranged in a slot in the side member and a corresponding slot in the intermediate member.

[0013] This paper describes two subtypes of the sliding mechanism. In one subtype, the right and left components are further connected to their corresponding right and left intermediate components via additional sliding pivots, while in the other subtype, the right and left components are further connected to their corresponding right and left intermediate components via pivot arms and non-sliding (simple) pivots. In both cases, the axes of the two pivot attachments of the chin support are perpendicular to the anteroposterior plane, and these two pivot attachments cooperate to vertically raise or lower the chin support, regardless of neck length. This adapts to the contours of the chin / mandible when setting neck height adjustment and reduces potential edge pressure caused by interface / tissue misalignment.

[0014] As used herein, the term “slot” refers to any form of channel in which a pin or button can travel along a constrained path, including elongated holes or recesses.

[0015] Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “connected to” as used herein is intended to include both direct connections (where two connected elements are in contact with each other) and indirect connections (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0016] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the orthopedic neck brace of the present invention, showing the front and rear parts.

[0018] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A rear sectional view of the front part, which is used for the long neck.

[0019] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 The right-side sectional view of the preceding part, as shown Figure 2A As shown, this preform is used for long necks.

[0020] Figure 2C yes Figure 1 A right-side sectional view of the front piece, which is used for the short neck.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the orthopedic neck brace when being worn.

[0022] Figure 4A This is a rear sectional view of the front component of another orthotic neck brace, which is similar to... Figure 1 It is similar to an orthopedic neck brace, but has a different sliding pivot mechanism and is designed for long necks.

[0023] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A rear sectional view of the front piece of another orthopedic neck brace, which is designed for short necks. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following discussion provides exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of this invention. While each embodiment represents one combination of innovative elements, the subject matter of this invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements L, L, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements R and D, then the subject matter of this invention is also considered to include the remaining combinations of L, L, C, or D, even if this is not explicitly disclosed.

[0025] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the words “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein and in the following claims have the meaning of plural reference. Furthermore, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the word “within” as used herein has the meaning of both “within” and “on”.

[0026] The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each member of a group may be individually mentioned and claimed, or in any combination with other members of that group or other elements appearing herein. For convenience and / or patentability reasons, one or more members of a group may be included in or removed from the group. In the event of any such inclusion or removal, this specification is deemed to include the modified group to satisfy the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0027] Unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise stated, the use of any and all instances or exemplary language (e.g., “for example”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Nothing in this specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 An orthotic neck brace 100 is shown, comprising a front component 100F and a rear component 100B, which can be joined together by means of an arm 100C using a hook-and-loop fastener 100D. The terms "left" and "right" in this application refer to the components from the wearer's perspective.

[0029] The front member 100F generally includes a torso support 110, a front cover 120F, a right cover 120R, a left cover 120L, a height control knob 126 forming part of a height adjustment mechanism 125, a right side member 130R and a left side member 130L, and a chin support 150. The right side member 130R is connected to the chin support 150 via a pin 151R passing through a hole 152R in the right intermediate member 140R. The left side member 130L is connected to the chin support 150 via a pin 151L passing through a hole 152L in the left intermediate member 140L. The size and dimensions of the pins 151R and 151L are preferably set relative to the corresponding holes 152R and 152L, such that the amount of forward-backward movement between the chin support 150 and the intermediate members 140R and 140L is preferably limited to no more than 3 mm, more preferably no more than 2 mm, and even more preferably no more than 1 mm.

[0030] The height adjustment mechanism 125 is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 7,674,234 to Calco et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 2B Further explanation.

[0031] As used in this article, “torso brace” refers to the portion of the neck brace through which weight is transferred to the torso area of ​​a person wearing the neck brace correctly.

[0032] The front member 100F of the orthopedic neck brace 100 has a right sliding pivot mechanism 105R and a left sliding pivot mechanism 105L, which simultaneously move the right intermediate member 140R relative to the right member 130R and the left intermediate member 140L relative to the left member 130L. This arrangement of the sliding pivot mechanisms cooperates to allow the chin support to move substantially vertically during neck length adjustment, i.e., without any undesirable anterior-posterior offset.

[0033] like Figure 2A As better illustrated, the sliding pivot mechanism 105R on the right side is implemented using a first pin 162R, a second pin 164R, and a third pin 166R, which are configured to slide within slots 172R, 174R, and 176R, respectively. In this particular example, slots 172R, 174R, and 176R are all formed or interlocked into the right-side member 130R, and the first pin 162R and the second pin 164R are fixed in position relative to the right intermediate member 140R. A fourth slot 178R is formed or interlocked into the right intermediate member 140R, and pin 166R slides simultaneously within slots 176R in the right-side member 130R and 178R in the right intermediate member 140R.

[0034] The left side is similar. The sliding pivot mechanism 105L is implemented using a first pin 162L, a second pin 164L, and a third pin 166L, which are configured to slide within slots 172L, 174L, and 176L, respectively. In this particular example, slots 172L, 174L, and 176L are all formed or interlocked into the left member 130L, and the first pin 162L and the second pin 164L are fixed in position relative to the left intermediate member 140L. A fourth slot 178L is formed or interlocked into the left intermediate member 140L, and pin 166L slides simultaneously within slots 176L in the left member 130L and 178L in the left intermediate member 140L.

[0035] Figure 2A A partial rear sectional view of the front piece 100F of the orthopedic neck brace 100, which is designed for long necks, is shown. Figure 2B and 2C The same neck brace components are shown, but in a right-side view. Figure 2BThis component for a long neck is shown, while Figure 2C This component is shown for use with a short neck. Figure 2B Three arrows, 182, 184, and 186, are also depicted, indicating that the first pin 162R, the second pin 164R, and the third pin 166R respectively guide the front piece 100F of the neck brace 100 from... Figure 2A and 2B The long neck configuration has been reconfigured to Figure 2C The movement occurs during the short neck configuration process. Simultaneously with these movements, the height control knob 126 is rotated counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow 188. The terms "counterclockwise" and "clockwise" as used herein should be interpreted as the direction when viewed from the front of the front part 100F.

[0036] Please return Figure 2A The height adjustment mechanism 125 generally includes a right rack 310R and a left rack 310L, which engage with a pinion 320 to move the right pin 166R and the left pin 166L away from or towards the pinion 320, respectively. A height control knob 126 is configured to rotate the pinion 320 and optionally lock it in place. Further details can be found in US Patent 7674234 by Calco et al., cited above.

[0037] The height adjustment mechanism 125 operates the sliding pivot mechanism 105R (right side) because the pin 166R is fixedly positioned relative to the right rack 310. Turning the height control knob 126 counterclockwise moves the pin 166R from the higher position in the slot 176R along arrow 186 to the lower position in the slot 176R, which moves the pin 166R forward along the slot 178R, which in turn moves the right middle member 140R and the chin support 150 down (towards) and forward (forwards).

[0038] Similarly, the height adjustment mechanism 125 operates the sliding pivot mechanism 105L (left side) because the pin 166L is fixedly positioned relative to the left rack 310L. Turning the height control knob 126 counterclockwise moves the pin 166L from a higher position in the slot 176L to a lower position in the slot 176L, which moves the pin 166L forward along the slot 178L, which in turn moves the left center member 140L and the chin support 150 downward and forward (below and in front of the wearer).

[0039] Turning the control knob 126 clockwise will perform the opposite function, moving the chin support 150 (above and behind the wearer) upwards and backwards.

[0040] exist Figure 3In this case, an orthotic neck brace 100 is worn by a person 200. A height adjustment mechanism 125 (with only the height control knob 126 and a small section of the right track 310R and left track 310L visible) has been operated to accommodate a person's long neck by moving the front member 120 away from the side members 130R, 130L. A foam pad 155 is provided between the person's chin and the chin support 150.

[0041] Apart from the torso support 110, the foam pad 155 fitted onto the chin support 150, and the flexible connecting arm 100C, all components of the orthopedic neck brace 100 can advantageously be made of rigid thermoplastic or other sufficiently rigid and lightweight materials. The torso support 110 can advantageously be made of flexible high-density or low-density plastics, including nylon, etc.

[0042] exist Figure 4A and 4B In another type of orthopedic neck brace, the height mechanism of the front component 400A is similar to... Figure 1 , 2A The height mechanisms shown in -2C and 3 are numbered accordingly. The neck brace 400 includes an extension / retraction knob (not shown) that engages with a pinion 320 to move the left rack 310L and right rack 310R up and down. These movements raise and lower pins 166R, 166L, which in turn raise and lower intermediate members 440R, 440L, which in turn raise and lower the chin support 150.

[0043] However, sliding pivot mechanisms are different. Figure 4A and 4B In this configuration, the only sliding pins are the right pin 166R, which moves simultaneously within slots 176R and 178R, and the left pin 166L, which moves simultaneously within slots 176L and 178L. The right intermediate member 440R and the left intermediate member 440L are connected to the right member 130R and the left member 130L respectively via rocker arms 463R and 463L, rather than via additional sliding pins. The right rocker arm 463R is rotatably connected to the right intermediate member 440R using pin 462R, and is also rotatably connected to the right member 130R using pin 464R. Similarly, the left rocker arm 463L is rotatably connected to the left intermediate member 440L using pin 462L, and is also rotatably connected to the left member 130L using pin 464L.

[0044] Figure 4B It shows the relationship with Figure 4A The same parts, except that pinion 320 has been rotated counterclockwise to accommodate the shorter neck.

[0045] A significant advantage of the sliding pivoting mechanisms described herein is that they tend to hold the chin support in place, even when the neck brace is used for a longer or shorter neck.

[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the invention, in addition to the modifications already described. Therefore, the subject matter of the invention is not limited except in the spirit of the appended claims. Furthermore, in interpreting the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. Specifically, the terms "comprising" and "including" should be interpreted as referring to an element, component, or step in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced element, component, or step may be present, or may be used, or may be combined with other elements, components, or steps not explicitly referenced. Where the specification and claims refer to "at least one selected from the group consisting of L, L, C… and N," this phrase should be interpreted as requiring only one element from that group, rather than L+N or R+N, etc.

Claims

1. An orthotic neck brace, comprising: The foreground component includes (i) a first side member (130R), (ii) a second side member (130L) disposed on the side opposite to the first side member of the orthopedic neck brace, (iii) a first intermediate member (140R) connected to the first side member (130R), (iv) a second intermediate member (140L) connected to the second side member (130L), and (iv) a height adjustment mechanism (125) including a height control knob (126). A first sliding pivot mechanism (105R) includes at least (i) a first pin (162R) configured to slide within a first slot (172R) of a first side member (130R), (ii) a second pin (164R) configured to slide within a second slot (174R) of the first side member (130R), and (iii) a third pin (166R) configured to slide within a third slot (176R) of the first side member (130R) and a first slot (178R) of the first intermediate member (140R). The second sliding pivot mechanism (105L) includes at least (i) a fourth pin (162L) configured to slide within a first slot (172L) of the second side member (130L), (ii) a fifth pin (164L) configured to slide within a second slot (174L) of the second side member (130L), and (iii) a sixth pin (166L) configured to slide within a third slot (176L) of the second side member (130L) and a first slot (178L) of the second intermediate member (140L). as well as A chin support (150) is connected to at least the first intermediate member (140R) and the second intermediate member (140L). The height control knob (126) of the height adjustment mechanism rotates in the first rotation direction, causing the first sliding pivot mechanism and the second sliding pivot mechanism to move the first intermediate member relative to the first side member and the second intermediate member relative to the second side member at the same time, thereby moving the chin support member at least downward to reduce the vertical height of the orthopedic neck brace.

2. The orthopedic neck brace of claim 1, wherein the anterior member comprises a torso support and is connected to the posterior member by hook and loop fasteners.

3. The orthopedic neck brace as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third pin (166R) of the first sliding pivot mechanism is configured to move simultaneously in a first slot of the first intermediate member and a third slot formed in the first side member, and the first pin is orthogonal to the third slot.

4. The orthopedic neck brace as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first slot (172R) of the first side member is a curved slot located behind the second slot (174R) which is a curved slot.

5. The orthopedic neck brace of claim 4, wherein in response to rotation of the height control knob (126) of the height adjustment mechanism in a first rotation direction, a first pin is configured to slide downward toward a second slot in a first slot formed in a first side member (130R), a second pin is configured to slide downward in the second slot, and a third pin is configured to slide laterally away from the second slot in the first slot formed in a first intermediate member and slide downward in the third slot formed in the first side member (130R).

6. The orthopedic neck brace as described in any one of claims 3-5 further includes a rack and pinion length adjustment mechanism having a first rack and a second rack, wherein a third pin is positioned relative to the first rack and a sixth pin is positioned relative to the second rack.

7. The orthopedic neck brace of claim 3, wherein when the height control knob is rotated, the height adjustment mechanism causes the third pin to move downward along the third slot of the first side member and inward along the first slot of the first intermediate member, so that the chin support moves downward at an angle.

8. The orthopedic neck brace of claim 3, wherein the height adjustment mechanism includes the height control knob, the height control knob including a pinion, a first rack positioned relative to the third pin, and a second rack fixedly positioned relative to the sixth pin. wherein The third pin moves upward along the first slot in response to the clockwise rotation of the height control knob, thereby causing the pinion to rotate clockwise and the first rack to move upward at an angle.

9. The orthopedic neck brace of claim 1, wherein (i) the first sliding pivot mechanism (105R) includes a first plurality of pins, the first plurality of pins including a first pin (162R), a second pin (164R) and a third pin (166R) and (ii) the second sliding pivot mechanism (105L) includes a second plurality of pins, the second plurality of pins including a fourth pin (162L), a fifth pin (164L) and a sixth pin (166L), the first plurality of pins and the second plurality of pins being configured to jointly (i) move the chin support downward in response to rotation of the height control knob in a first rotation direction, and (ii) move the chin support upward in response to rotation of the height control knob in a second rotation direction.

10. The orthopedic neck brace of claim 9, wherein a first plurality of pins of the first sliding pivot mechanism are configured to connect a first side member to a first intermediate member, and a second plurality of pins of the second sliding pivot mechanism are configured to connect a second side member to a second intermediate member.

11. An orthotic neck brace, comprising: Chin support; A first intermediate member connected to a first side of a chin support member, the first intermediate member including a first slot; A second intermediate member connected to a second side of the chin support member, the second intermediate member including a second slot; The first side member includes a third slot, a fourth slot extending along a first direction and intersecting with the first slot, and a fifth slot separated from the third slot by the fourth slot. The second side member includes a sixth slot, a seventh slot, and an eighth slot that extend along the second direction and intersect with the second slot; The first plurality of pins includes a first pin inserted through a first slot and a third slot, a second pin inserted through a fourth slot, and a third pin inserted through a fifth slot, wherein the first plurality of pins are configured to engage a first intermediate member to a first side member to move the chin support member downward when the first plurality of pins move downward. The second plurality of pins includes a fourth pin inserted through a second slot and a sixth slot, a fifth pin inserted through a seventh slot, and a sixth pin inserted through an eighth slot, wherein the second plurality of pins are configured to connect a second intermediate member to a second side member to move the chin support member downward as the second plurality of pins move downward. as well as Includes a height adjustment mechanism with a height control knob. Rotation of the height control knob causes (i) a first plurality of pins to move the chin support down and up, and (ii) a second plurality of pins to move the chin brace down and up.

12. The orthopedic neck brace of claim 11, wherein the first slot is a curved slot movably disposed between the torso support and the chin support, and the second slot is a curved slot movably disposed between the torso support and the chin support.

13. The orthopedic neck brace as described in claim 11, The rotation of the height control knob in the first rotation direction causes (i) the joint movement of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin, which adjusts the positioning of the first intermediate member relative to the first side member, and (ii) the joint movement of the fourth pin, the fifth pin, and the sixth pin to adjust the positioning of the second intermediate member relative to the second side member, such that the chin support moves downward to reduce the vertical height of the orthopedic neck brace from a long neck configuration to a short neck configuration.

14. The orthopedic neck brace of claim 13, wherein rotation of the height control knob in the second rotation direction results in (i) the coordinated movement of the first, second, and third pins to adjust the positioning of the first intermediate member relative to the first side member, and (ii) the coordinated movement of the fourth, fifth, and sixth pins to adjust the positioning of the second intermediate member relative to the second side member, such that the chin support moves upward to reduce the vertical height of the orthopedic neck brace from a short neck configuration to a long neck configuration.

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