Device and shoe for limiting and / or damping foot movement through ankle joint

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for limiting and / or damping foot movement through an ankle joint, comprising: a support assembly (2) for supporting at a lower limb (112) and / or at a proximal end of the ankle joint (114); a holding assembly (3) for holding on the foot (110), preferably on the sole region of the foot (110); the device (1) comprises a support assembly (2) and a holding assembly (3), and at least one connecting element (4) extending between the support assembly (2) and the holding assembly (3) and connected to the support assembly (2) and the holding assembly (3), respectively, the device (1) further comprising a tensioning assembly (5) for tensioning the connecting element (4), the tensioning assembly (5) is designed in such a way that the connecting element (4) between the holding assembly (3) and the support assembly (2) can be switched between a released state and a tensioned state. The invention also relates to a shoe (100) for limiting and / or damping foot movements through the ankle joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint, and a shoe for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint. Background Art

[0002] It is known in the art that the movement of the ankle joint is stabilized by a device for limiting or damping the movement of the foot to prevent trauma caused by ankle torsion (i.e., movement of the ankle joint around at least one of its ankle joint axes outside the physiological range). The most common ankle torsion trauma is an ankle sprain, which takes the form of a strain or fracture caused by inversion. Inversion movement around the ankle joint axis causes the distance between the foot and the calf to change due to the increase in the inversion angle. Exceeding a certain inversion angle or exceeding a certain inversion speed or inversion acceleration may cause injury or rupture of the ankle ligaments.

[0003] To prevent this, devices are known in the art that allow a certain range of motion and completely prevent motion around the ankle joint axis beyond a certain threshold angle of motion. On the one hand, relatively rigid orthoses are known in the art for this purpose, which inhibit motion primarily by using splints or splint fixators.

[0004] In addition, there are known devices or shoes in the prior art that allow the ankle joint to move up to a certain threshold angle of motion, and completely prevent movement beyond the threshold angle based on the structure of the device or shoe. For example, a corresponding device is known in EP2717809A2.

[0005] In addition, there are known devices in the prior art that always allow minimal movement when worn, but have a blocking effect during dangerous movements. DE102014107335A1 shows a device for adaptively limiting inversion or supination movement around the ankle joint. In order to prevent the upper part of the orthosis from deviating toward the foot when the foot applies force, the ankle orthosis shown therein requires a pressure stabilizing beam located on the inner side of the ankle joint to support the upper area, and the pressure stabilizing beam extends between the upper area of ​​the orthosis and the lower area of ​​the orthosis, and must be firmly connected to these two areas. The beam must be designed to redirect the tension introduced into the upper area to the lower area through the outer pull-out device to convert it into a compression force on the inner side without deformation or bending. This ensures its position in the distal direction. However, the beam on the inner side of the foot still limits the freedom of movement of the ankle joint.

[0006] It is also known in the prior art to provide a fixing device for fixing the upper part to the calf, instead of providing a fixing device between the upper part and the lower part on the upper part. In this case, due to the presence of the fixing device, the upper part is fixed to the ankle from above. Due to the provision of the support and fixing device, these devices are heavy, relatively rigid in structure, and poor in wearing comfort.

[0007] Newer devices and shoes are also known in the prior art, which provide a support assembly that is fixed to the lower leg via an annular belt that is turned, tightened and fixed in an eyelet. The support assembly is connected to a fixing assembly for fixing to the foot via a damping element for damping relative movements. Such devices are derived from DE 10 2018 124 932 A1 or DE 10 2017 109 877 A1.

[0008] However, the above devices must be adapted to the size of the wearer's calf to fully function. If the various components of the device are not in the expected position on the wearer's body when worn, the protective effect of the device may be reduced. In extreme cases of improper positioning, the protective function may even be completely ineffective.

[0009] So far, this problem has been solved by providing restriction devices of different sizes. However, even if the foot or shoe size is the same, the circumference of the calf, ankle and foot may vary from person to person. Therefore, for a wearer with a relatively thin foot, if the device is designed to be placed on a "standard foot" with larger foot area dimensions, such as standard size ankle circumference or ankle cross-section (area), calf circumference or calf cross-section (area), and midfoot and forefoot height and thickness, when such a device is worn, the device may fit (too loosely) on the foot, especially the parts of the device that are intended to limit or inhibit the movement of the foot (such as tensile rigid areas and straps) will first align and tighten when twisting occurs before any protective effect can be achieved. Therefore, in the case of a relatively thin foot and a relatively small ankle circumference, the protective effect for, for example, inversion angles and / or supination angles may not be achieved as expected, but can only be achieved when an undesirable deflection angle relative to the neutral position has already occurred. In the case of relatively large or thick feet and relatively large ankle circumferences, due to the greater thickness of the foot, when the foot is in a neutral position, the components of the device responsible for the protective function, in particular the tensile rigid band, may already be in tension, or may already have a limiting and / or damping effect on, for example, the inversion angle and / or the supination angle, so that the movement of the foot around the ankle joint may already be limited during normal physiological movements that are usually not injured. Taking the above characteristics into account, the device can be tailored to each wearer. However, due to the associated custom design requirements, the price of a custom device is relatively expensive, which leads to high acquisition costs and excessive efforts, making this solution inaccessible to most wearers. Summary of the invention

[0010] Starting from this prior art, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for limiting and / or damping the movements of the foot through the ankle joint and a corresponding shoe.

[0011] This problem is solved by a device for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot via an ankle joint, which device has the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments can be gathered from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0012] Therefore, a device for limiting and / or damping the movement of the foot through the ankle joint is proposed, comprising: a support assembly, which is used to support the lower limb and / or the proximal end of the ankle joint; a retaining assembly, which is used to retain on the foot, preferably on the plantar area of ​​the foot; and at least one connecting element, which extends between the support assembly and the retaining assembly and is respectively connected to the support assembly and the retaining assembly.

[0013] The connecting element is a connecting piece for transmitting force between the supporting assembly and the retaining assembly, and force can be transmitted between the retaining assembly and the supporting assembly by means of the connecting element. Preferably, the connecting element is a connecting belt.

[0014] The device further comprises a tensioning assembly for tensioning the connection element, wherein the tensioning assembly is designed to enable the connection element between the holding assembly and the supporting assembly to be switched from a loosened state to a tensioned state, and vice versa.

[0015] In the present context, the term "tension" is understood to mean the generation of tension or the induction of tension. Thus, a "tensioned state" corresponds to a connection element being in a pre-tensioned state. The term "relaxed" or "relaxed state" is also defined as a state in which the connection element is in a loose state, i.e. a state in which it is not subjected to tension. In the loose state, the connection element is movable at least at its connection to the support assembly, preferably at least one of the first connection and / or the second connection, and at least one of the retaining assembly connections. Thus, the tensioning assembly may allow a change in the length of the connection element between its connection to the support assembly and its connection to the retaining assembly of the retaining assembly, preferably a change in the length of the connection assembly between the first connection and the second connection. In the loose state, the length of the connection element between its connection to the support assembly and its connection to the retaining assembly of the retaining assembly, preferably the length of the connection assembly between the first connection and the second connection, may extend in such a way that it enables and / or facilitates the mounting of the device to the intended position of the foot. By "tensioning" the connection element, preferably in the region of or in the region of the connection to the support assembly, and / or at the free end of the connection element, particularly preferably in the region of or in the region of the first or second connection, the length of the connection element between the support assembly and the retaining assembly, preferably between the first and second connection, can be shortened. If the connection element is initially loose after the device is attached to the foot in the loosened state, the connection element should be tightened or the length of the connection element between the support assembly and the retaining assembly, preferably between the first and second connection, and a tensioning effect will be achieved. In other words, the tensioning assembly can bring the connection element between the support assembly and the retaining assembly, preferably between the first and second connection, into a "tensioned state", i.e. a tension force can be applied to the connection element, preferably a tension force within a predetermined range or a predetermined amount of tension force. Thus, the connecting element is tensioned between the support assembly and the retaining assembly, and preferably tensioned between the first connector and the retaining assembly connector or in any case is in a pre-tensioned state, and tensioned between the retaining assembly connector and the second connector or in any case is in a pre-tensioned state. In other words, in the tensioned state, the connecting element is tensioned between the support assembly and the retaining assembly or in any case is in a pre-tensioned state.

[0016] The device comprises a tensioning assembly for tensioning the connecting element, the tensioning assembly being configured to enable the connecting element between the retaining assembly and the supporting assembly to switch between a loosened state and a tensioned state, so that the device can be adapted to the size of the wearer's foot, in particular the ankle circumference, and in particular to enable the connecting element of the device to be adapted to the size of the wearer's foot, in particular the ankle circumference, independently or separately from other components of the device or the way these components are fastened to the leg and foot of the wearer. Thus, the connecting element can be adjusted to a predetermined state, in particular a predetermined pre-tensioned state, in a desired position of the foot, preferably a neutral position of the foot. In this way, the protective effect of the device can be utilized by a large number of wearers within a predetermined range, and even by any wearer within the predetermined range, for feet of different sizes, in particular feet of different ankle circumferences, and will not act too early or too late and / or will not be too large or too small. In particular, unlike in the case of conventional devices known in the art, it is not necessary to fix the other parts of the device to the calf at a certain distance from the ankle, for example by tightening a strap or a loop, relying on pressure and the resulting adhesive friction to prevent the support assembly from sliding off, as in the known conventional devices. This approach would lead to a "binding" of the foot, or at least to poor wearing comfort, and in particular the blood circulation in the foot might also be negatively affected. In contrast, the device proposed by the present invention does not require any parts to be tightened in a non-physiological manner, nor does it require them to be placed outside the expected position in the ankle area, in order to achieve the expected protective effect within the expected range of movement. In other words, the tightening or pre-tensioning that can be achieved by the connecting element is independent of the support assembly of the device, in particular, it is independent of the fixing or fastening of the support assembly to the foot above the ankle or to the proximal side of the wearer's ankle.

[0017] The neutral position of the foot preferably corresponds to the zero position of the foot in terms of supination / pronation, inversion / eversion and / or plantar extension / dorsiflexion, or in terms of their respective angular positions.

[0018] The terms lateral, medial, posterior, anterior, proximal, distal, dorsal, and plantar should be understood to correspond to the anatomical direction designations when the device or shoe is properly worn on the foot.

[0019] Therefore, the term "outside" in this context refers to the outside of the device. In this context, the outside of the device corresponds to the outside of a person's foot or a person's lower limb when the shoe is worn. When the device is worn, the "outside" is located at the side of the wearer's body or the side facing away from the center of the wearer's body. In other words, the term "outside" includes the outside of the human body in a (top) anatomical sense.

[0020] Accordingly, the term "inside" in this document includes the inside of the device. When the device is worn, the inside of the device corresponds to the inside of a person's foot or a person's lower limb. When the device is worn, the "inside" is oriented toward the center of the body or is located at the center of the body. In other words, the term "inside" includes the inside of the human body in a (top) anatomical sense.

[0021] Additionally, the term "dorsal" corresponds to the upper side of the foot, the term "plantar" corresponds to the lower side of the foot, the term "proximal" corresponds to oriented or positioned toward the center of the body, and the term "distal" corresponds to oriented or positioned away from the center of the body.

[0022] The "heel region" includes an area of ​​a device or a shoe in which the heel of the foot is located when the device is worn. Thus, the heel region corresponds to the rear or back of the device in terms of human (top) anatomy. Thus, the heel region of a shoe is opposite to the front.

[0023] In the present case, the term "ankle joint" includes the upper and lower parts of the ankle joint, and the corresponding axis of motion of the upper part of the ankle joint and the axis of motion of the lower part of the ankle joint, wherein the axis of motion of the upper part of the ankle joint essentially allows plantar flexion / dorsiflexion of the foot, and the axis of motion of the lower part of the ankle joint essentially allows inversion and eversion as well as supination, adduction and plantar flexion, abduction and dorsiflexion.

[0024] In this context, the term "ankle" is also used to refer to the glenoid fossa, the fork of the ankle, and other elements of the upper ankle joint. Therefore, in this case, the term "ankle" includes the outer part of the ankle formed by the lateral malleolus and the inner part of the ankle formed by the medial malleolus. Since the fork of the malleolus is designed as a glenoid fossa, the cross-sectional area of ​​the ankle is larger than that of the calf portion above it, that is, the calf portion located proximally in the proximal-distal direction. Therefore, the circumference of the ankle is larger than that of the proximal adjacent portion.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting element is connected to the support assembly through the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and is connected to the retaining assembly connecting member at the retaining assembly between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. In other words, the connecting element preferably extends from the first connecting member to the retaining assembly connecting member, and then extends to the second connecting member. Another advantageous embodiment has been shown to be such a configuration: the restraining force generated in the connecting element due to the movement of the foot through the ankle joint is decomposed into a lateral-proximal action component and a medial-proximal action component at the support assembly. This particularly enables the restraining force generated by the connecting assembly on both sides of the foot or calf of a person wearing a foot movement restriction device to be transmitted to the support assembly, thereby acting on the calf or ankle in the form of a linear load at a position relative to the support of the connecting element of the support assembly, and the linear load exerts an influence on the proximal area of ​​the calf or ankle from the first connecting member to the second connecting member backward. In other words, the support is generated by tightening the support assembly on both sides, so that the support assembly can support itself on the ankle without displacement. To this end, the support assembly preferably comprises at least one region having tensile rigidity, which preferably extends from the first connecting element in a circumferential direction around the lower leg rearwardly to the second connecting element.

[0026] The connecting element is preferably an elongated connecting element, which preferably comprises a belt or is designed as a belt. In other words, the connecting element is a connecting belt, i.e. a force transmission belt, via which forces can be transmitted between the support component and the retaining component. The connecting element is preferably tensilely rigid at least in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element; in any case, the connecting element comprises at least one material which is tensilely rigid at least in the longitudinal direction.

[0027] In the present context, the term "belt" is to be understood as an elongated element which, on the one hand, is characterized by tensile stiffness and is therefore able to transmit tensile forces in any case and, on the other hand, is bendable or flexible in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the belt and can thus be fitted to a corresponding structure in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the belt can be easily turned. In the present context, the term "belt" generally refers to an elongated, flexible, optionally elastic element in the form of a single fiber, a strand of fibers, a wire, a string, a rope, a textile with a limited width and fixed selvedges on both sides or the like.

[0028] In this context, "tensile strength" applies to any material that can be used to transmit tensile forces. The tensile rigid material referred to herein may have a certain initial elongation capacity, and preferably hardens after exceeding a certain elongation threshold or yield strength threshold, in such a way that the subsequent elongation capacity is greatly reduced compared to the initial elongation capacity, or the subsequent yield strength is greatly improved. In the present case, for example, a textile braided belt woven from threads of a tensile rigid material can be used as a tensile rigid belt, so that when a tensile load is applied to the textile braided belt, the threads of the textile braided belt are initially gradually arranged in the longitudinal direction of the textile braided belt, and therefore, due to the process of arranging the threads, a higher initial elongation capacity is initially provided, and after the process of arranging the threads, the belt basically exhibits a tensile rigid structure in the direction of force flow. Alternatively, the material can also basically exhibit immediate tensile rigidity characteristics.

[0029] The fact that the connecting element is designed to exhibit tensile rigidity in the longitudinal direction should therefore be understood to mean that the connecting element, when in a taut or stretched state, is able to transmit tensile forces in the longitudinal direction, undergoing essentially no elongation when subjected to tension, or in any case only slight elongation when subjected to tension, similar to a seat belt in a vehicle.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection element extends between a first connection piece, preferably an outer connection piece, and a second connection piece, preferably an inner connection piece, located on the front side, ie the front surface, of the device.

[0031] Preferably, the connecting element is fastened to the holding assembly connecting piece by an articulated bracket. In other words, the holding assembly connecting piece is preferably an articulated bracket, or is provided in this way.

[0032] In the present context, an articulated bracket or "articulatedly fixed" means in particular that the connecting element at the connection of the holding assembly (i.e. the connection point of the holding assembly) has at least a certain degree of freedom relative to the holding assembly. Preferably, the connecting element can be pivoted about a pivot axis, preferably in any case within a predetermined angular range.

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment, the support assembly comprises a tightening assembly for tightening the connecting element. This in particular enables the wearer of the device to tighten or re-tighten the connecting element when wearing the device, for example when the device is worn under a shoe or as part of a shoe.

[0034] The tensioning assembly is preferably configured to tension the connecting element between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0035] Furthermore, the first connector may selectively be an outer connector, ie a connector arranged outside the device, and / or the second connector may be an inner connector, ie a connector arranged inside the device.

[0036] The connecting element can be selectively fastened to the retaining assembly connector so as to be movable relative to the retaining assembly. In other words, the retaining assembly connector is designed so that the connecting element is movably connected to the retaining assembly in its longitudinal direction, and the movable connection enables it to move relative to the retaining assembly at least within a predetermined range. The retaining assembly connector preferably includes an eyelet, or is preferably designed as an eyelet for the connecting element to pass through, that is, the connecting element passes through the eyelet. For example, the retaining assembly connector can be selectively designed as a belt attached to the retaining assembly at both ends, thereby forming a loop or eyelet. This enables the connecting element to move relative to the retaining assembly.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment, the tensioning assembly includes a steering eyelet, and the connecting element extends through the steering eyelet at the first connector or the second connector, wherein the connecting element includes a fastening portion located at the other side of the steering eyelet opposite to the side of the steering eyelet where the retaining assembly connector is located, and the fastening portion is used to fasten the connecting element to the supporting assembly.

[0038] In the present case, an "eyelet" is generally understood to be an opening through which a connecting element can pass or through which a connecting element can extend. Preferably, the size of the eyelet is equal to or greater than the size of the cross section of the connecting element and / or the eyelet is expandable, in other words, the eyelet can be enlarged, in any case at least to the size of the cross section of the connecting element. An "eyelet" can be closed or open, i.e. the contour of the eyelet can be closed, corresponding to a closed loop or hole. Alternatively, the contour of the eyelet can be discontinuous, in the form of a slot or a groove. Thus, an open eyelet can correspond to a hook. The term "eyelet" or "turning eyelet" generally comprises an opening, for example provided in the form of a ring, a loop, a hole or a hook.

[0039] The deflecting eyelet or the connecting piece comprising the deflecting eyelet is attached to the support assembly at a predetermined position. Thus, in the tensioned state, the connecting element between the holding assembly connecting piece and the connecting piece comprising the deflecting eyelet is oriented in a predetermined direction, so that a predetermined force transmission direction is achieved. This is essentially independent of the length of the connecting assembly between the connecting piece comprising the deflecting eyelet and the holding assembly connecting piece. This is not necessarily the case, but the connecting element can be or can be deflected by the deflecting eyelet in order to be (preferably releasably) fastened to a predetermined area on the support assembly.

[0040] According to another preferred embodiment, the fastening portion can be detachably fastened to the adhesive portion of the support component at the other side of the inner and outer sides opposite to the one side of the inner and outer sides where the steering eyelet is located. Therefore, the support component can be selectively tightened, especially when it extends from the connection including the steering eyelet to the adhesive portion from the rear and it is made of a material having substantially tensile rigidity.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment, the support assembly comprises a strap for fixing the support assembly to the lower limb and / or the proximal end of the ankle joint, the free end of the support assembly extends from the support assembly, preferably from the other side of the medial and lateral sides opposite to the one of the medial and lateral sides where the steering eyelet is located, and a fastening area is provided at the free end of the support assembly, the fastening area can be fastened to the adhesive area of ​​the support assembly, and preferably attached to the adhesive area of ​​the support assembly at the side of the medial and lateral sides where the steering eyelet is located. Preferably, since the strap is detachably fastened to the adhesive area relative to the longitudinal axis direction of the calf or in the circumferential direction relative to the proximal-distal direction, an area with tensile rigidity characteristics can be generated on the support assembly. In any case, this area with tensile rigidity extends in the circumferential direction from the base of the strap on the support assembly to the adhesive area.

[0042] Preferably, the fastening area and the adhesive area are designed as Velcro fasteners.

[0043] If the fastening parts of the strap and the connecting element are selectively arranged on the support assembly so that they can be tightened in essentially opposite directions, the fastening parts of the strap and the connecting element can be tightened simultaneously in opposite directions. Respectively, on the one hand, this tightens the support assembly and fixes it to the proximal region of the calf and / or ankle, and on the other hand, this simultaneously tightens the connecting element or puts it into a tightened state. Therefore, in any case, this optional embodiment allows the device to be attached to the wearer's foot particularly quickly and ergonomically. Since the tightening process is carried out in two opposite directions, it is also possible to prevent the support assembly from twisting relative to the longitudinal axis of the calf. Due to the tightening at the connecting element, forces are introduced into the support assembly, which offset the forces introduced by tightening the strap. Therefore, the resultant torques applied to the support assembly with the longitudinal axis of the calf as the rotation axis essentially offset each other.

[0044] Preferably, the strap and the fastening portion are arranged so that they overlap each other in the tensioned state, preferably substantially overlap each other in the circumferential direction. In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, when the device is fastened to the wearer's foot and closed, in the tensioned state, one of the strap and the fastening portion can be arranged above the other of the strap and the fastening portion, viewed in the radial direction, that is, the strap can be arranged above the fastening portion, and vice versa. Therefore, the retaining forces generated when the device is worn are substantially on the same force line. Therefore, they substantially do not generate other moments acting on the support assembly in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower leg, which may cause the support assembly to be displaced and / or rotated at the wearer's lower limb due to different force lines.

[0045] According to another preferred embodiment, the strap comprises an opening through which the fastening portion of the connecting element can be inserted, the opening being preferably arranged between the adhesive portion and the steering eyelet on the support assembly. Therefore, the strap and the fastening portion can extend in opposite directions and at the same height in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the calf. Therefore, they can overlap each other in opposite directions, wherein the strap on one side of the opening is arranged above the connecting element and the strap on the other side of the opening is arranged below the connecting element from a radial direction. Therefore, the tension introduced during tightening and the retaining force generated during wearing are basically on the same force line. Therefore, they basically do not cause any displacement and / or rotation of the support assembly, otherwise displacement and / or rotation relative to the radial direction of the longitudinal axis of the calf will occur due to the torque generated by different force lines.

[0046] According to another preferred embodiment, the tightening assembly includes a knob winding lacing system. The design of the knob winding lacing system is well known in the art, for example, it can be found in European patent application EP2378911A2 or US patent application US2017 / 0325548A1.

[0047] Alternatively or optionally, the tensioning assembly may include a plurality of hooks arranged on the support assembly and aligned continuously along the hook arrangement direction, and a fixing hook arranged on the connecting element, the fixing hook being used to hook one of the plurality of hooks on the support assembly, and vice versa.

[0048] Furthermore, the support assembly can optionally also comprise a clamping unit for clamping the connection element, the clamping unit preferably being a rope tie. Preferably, the clamping unit is attached to the support assembly. It is preferably designed as a detachable clamping unit, so that the clamping of the connection element in the clamping unit can be released. In an alternative embodiment as a rope tie, also synonymously referred to as a tensioner or rope clamp, the clamping can be, for example, spring-type, so that the clamping of the connection element can be released by releasing the pre-tensioning force by pressing a button.

[0049] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting element comprises a damping element, or the connecting element is connected to the outer connecting piece via the damping element, or is connected to the inner connecting piece via the damping element, or is connected to the retaining assembly connecting piece via the damping element.

[0050] A "damping element" is understood to be a device that provides damping of the relative movement between two parts of the damping element as a function of velocity or acceleration. Thus, the damping element can damp the relative movement between the support assembly and the retaining assembly as a function of velocity or acceleration.

[0051] The damping element is preferably an adaptive damping element. In other words, the damping element has a first damping constant that is preferably lower when it is below a predetermined threshold limiting speed or threshold limiting acceleration, and has a second damping constant that is preferably higher from reaching or exceeding the predetermined threshold limiting speed or threshold limiting acceleration. This enables the damping element to provide a lower damping effect below a specified threshold limiting speed or threshold limiting acceleration than above the threshold limiting speed or threshold limiting acceleration, depending on the ratio of the damping constants. It has been shown that this allows the ankle joint to move almost unhindered, especially when moving at medium speeds or accelerations. If an inversion situation occurs at high speeds and / or high accelerations, which may pose a risk of damage to the ankle ligaments, the foot movement damping device will damp the inversion movement by means of the damping element, thereby avoiding injury.

[0052] According to another preferred embodiment, the tensioning assembly is configured to enable the damping element to enter a predetermined state by tensioning the connecting element, wherein the predetermined state preferably includes a state with a predetermined length and / or a state with a predetermined pre-tensioning force.

[0053] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting element can be releasably fastened to the support component via its free end, wherein preferably the structure resulting from the fastening of the free end to the support component at least partially forms the first connection piece or the second connection piece, wherein preferably a fastening portion of the connecting element is provided on the free end, which fastening portion is removably fastened to an adhesive portion of the support component, wherein preferably the fastening portion and the adhesive portion are designed as Velcro fasteners. Thus, the device can be implemented in a particularly compact manner and a particularly advantageous force transmission for the lower leg can be achieved.

[0054] The above-mentioned problem is also solved by a shoe for damping and / or limiting the movement of the foot via the ankle joint, which shoe has the features of claim 14. Advantageous further embodiments of the shoe can be derived from the dependent claims, the present description and the drawings.

[0055] Therefore, it is proposed to adopt a shoe for damping and / or limiting the movement of the foot through the ankle joint, comprising a sole area and an upper area connected to the sole area. In addition, the shoe also comprises a device according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0056] The shoe can achieve the advantages and effects associated with the device in a similar manner.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the sole area of ​​the shoe comprises the retaining assembly, preferably the retaining assembly is integrated in the sole area, and the upper comprises the support assembly, preferably the upper part of the upper comprises the support assembly, wherein preferably the support assembly is integrated in the upper area of ​​the upper, wherein preferably the device is essentially completely integrated in the shoe.

[0058] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of a device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0061] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0062] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0063] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0064] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0065] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0066] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0067] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0068] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0069] Fig.10 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0070] Fig.11 Schematically shows Fig.10 A medial side view of the device;

[0071] Fig.12 Schematically shows Fig.10 An outer side view of the device;

[0072] Fig.13 Schematically shows Fig.10 Another side perspective view of the device;

[0073] Fig.14 Schematically shows Fig.10 Another side perspective view of the device;

[0074] Fig.15 schematically illustrates a side perspective view of another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint;

[0075] Fig.16 Schematically shows Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of the device through its support assembly along a cutting direction perpendicular to the proximal-distal direction; and

[0076] Fig.17 Another device for limiting and / or damping movement of a foot through an ankle joint is schematically shown in cross-section through a support assembly thereof along a cutting direction perpendicular to the proximal-distal direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The following description is based on the preferred embodiments of these drawings. Wherein, the same or similar elements or elements with the same function are represented by the same reference numerals in different drawings, and in order to avoid redundancy, these elements are no longer repeatedly described.

[0078] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a side perspective view of a device 1 for limiting foot movement through the ankle joint, which is attached to a person's foot 110. The device 1 is attached to the foot 110 below the ankle 114, the fork of the ankle bone and the ankle joint by a retaining assembly 3. Above the ankle 114, the foot motion damping device 1 is fastened to the lower leg 112 by a support assembly 2.

[0079] In order to enable connection with the foot 110, the holding assembly 3 is equipped with a sole 30 for placing the sole of the foot 110 thereon. The sole 30 is provided with a holding assembly connection 31 on a first side 10 of the foot motion damping device 1, which in the present case corresponds to the outer side L of the foot 110.

[0080] The device 1 further comprises a connecting element 4 in the form of a belt, characterized in that it is tensilely rigid in its longitudinal extension direction and extends between the support assembly 2 and the retaining assembly 3 and is connected to the support assembly 2 and the retaining assembly 3, respectively. The connecting element 4 is connected to the retaining assembly 3 via a retaining assembly connector 31, optionally in the present case by sewing, welding and / or gluing. The connecting element 4 is connected to the support assembly 2 via a first connector 21 arranged on the outer side L. The first connector 21 is therefore an outer connector.

[0081] The device 1 further comprises a tensioning assembly 5 for tensioning the connecting element 4, the tensioning assembly being designed so that the connecting element 4 between the holding assembly 3 and the support assembly 2 can be switched from a loose state to a tensioned state and vice versa. In the present case, the tensioning assembly 5 comprises a clamping unit for clamping the connecting element, which is currently designed as a rope tie 51. The clamping force applied to the connecting element 4 by the rope tie 51 can prevent the connecting element 4 from sliding in the rope tie 51. The rope tie 51 is fixed to the support assembly 2, thereby forming the first connecting member 21. By pulling the free end 41 of the connecting element 4 in a generally proximal direction (as indicated by the arrow at the free end 41), the connecting element 4 between the first connecting member 21 and the holding assembly connecting member 31 (i.e. between the support assembly 2 and the holding assembly 3) can be brought into a tensioned state, so that the connecting element 4 is in a predetermined pre-tensioned state. The button 510 of the rope tie 51 can be pressed to release the tensioned state by releasing the clamping force on the connecting element 4 in the rope tie 51. The device 1 is configured such that the tensioned state of the connecting element 4 can be set to correspond to the neutral position of the foot.

[0082] Figure 2 A schematic side perspective view of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is shown. Figure 1 The device is basically corresponding to the device of FIG. 1 , except that the tensioning assembly includes a knob winding lacing system 52 to replace the rope tie 51 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ), the knob winding lacing system 52 is attached to the support assembly 2 through its base 521 and connected to the proximal end of the connecting element 4. In the present case, by rotating the knob 520 of the knob winding lacing system 52 clockwise, the connecting element 4 is rolled up in the knob winding lacing system 52, so that the connecting element 4 enters a tensioned state. By lifting the knob 520, the knob winding lacing system 52 is switched to a free rotation state, and accordingly, the connecting element 4 enters a loosened state.

[0083] Figure 3 A schematic side perspective view of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is shown. Figure 1 The device 1 is basically corresponding to the device of . In addition, the device 1 also includes a strap 23, which passes through the strap eyelet 24 on the support component 2 and turns at the eyelet. The strap 23 is a Velcro strap and can be tightened at the turning eyelet and engaged with the Velcro area on the support component 2 at the rear side of the support component 2 through its free end (not shown), and the Velcro area is provided on the free end, thereby forming a Velcro fastener. In this way, the support component 2 can be fixed in a predetermined position above the ankle fork.

[0084] Figure 4 A side stereogram of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is schematically shown. The device 1 also includes a damping element 6, which is integrated in the portion of the connecting element 4 between the first connecting member 21 and the retaining assembly connecting member 31. The design of the damping element 6 is derived from DE102018131457A1, which we incorporate into this document by reference. The damping element 6 includes a socket 60, in which a force transmission body 61 is movably held relative to the socket 60 in a longitudinal direction 62. In other words, the force transmission body 61 can extend from the socket 60 or retract into the socket 60. A reset unit (not shown here) is provided on the damping element 6 for resetting the damping element 6 to a retracted position.

[0085] The tensioning assembly 5 is configured so that, by tensioning Figure 1 The described connecting element 4 can make the damping element 6 enter a predetermined state when the connecting element 4 is in a tensioned state, and the predetermined state preferably includes a state with a predetermined length and / or a state with a predetermined pre-tensioning force. When the force transmission body 61 extends a predetermined length 63 from the socket 60, the connecting element 4 is in a tensioned state. The predetermined length 63 can be indicated by a mark on the force transmission body 61.

[0086] The support assembly 2 and the holding assembly 3 are thus connected to each other via a connecting element 4 comprising a damping element 6. The damping element is designed as an adaptive damping element 6, so that relative movements between the support assembly 2 and the holding assembly 3 can be adaptively damped as a function of the respective speed and acceleration of the movements.

[0087] If the ankle joint is inverted, the distance between the retaining assembly 3 and the support assembly 2 increases on the first side, the outside 10, L. Therefore, the distance between the first connecting member 21 and the support assembly connecting member 31 increases. Correspondingly, in order to allow inversion movement, the length of the connecting element 4 must also be increased. In order to enable this movement to be achieved roughly within the physiological range, a damping element 6 is provided. When moving at medium speeds or medium accelerations, the ankle joint can move almost unhindered. If an inversion situation occurs at high speeds and / or high accelerations, which may cause a risk of damage to the ankle ligaments, the damping element 6 damps the inversion movement to avoid injury.

[0088] Since in the present case the tensioning state of the connecting element 4 is pre-set for the neutral position of the foot, the effect of the damping element 6 or more precisely the above-mentioned damping element 6 only begins to take effect when the inversion movement exceeds the neutral position (position with an inversion angle of 0°) in the inversion direction.

[0089] Figure 1The device 1 shown is designed as a completely independent device 1, and its structure makes it have a protective effect. The person wearing the device 1 does not need to wear shoes over the device 1 in order to achieve the above-mentioned protective effect. However, the device 1 can also be designed so that the device 1 can be worn under or in a shoe without causing pressure marks on the foot. For this purpose, the sole 30 can preferably be designed as an insole to replace the insole in the shoe, or it can be placed above or below the insole. Alternatively, the support assembly 2 and the retaining assembly 3 can also be arranged on a bandage or a basic structure, for example, on a stocking made of elastic compression knitted fabric, which can fit the wearer's body.

[0090] Figure 5 A side perspective view of another device 1 for limiting the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is schematically shown. Figure 1 The device shown corresponds substantially to Figures 1 to 4 The device 1 shown differs in that Figure 5 The device 1 in the embodiment comprises a connecting element 4, which is fastened to the support assembly by means of an outer first connecting piece 21 and an inner second connecting piece 22. Between the first connecting piece 21 and the second connecting piece 22, the connecting element 4 is connected to the retaining assembly 3 by means of a retaining assembly connecting piece 31 on the outer side L. Thus, the connecting element 4 is divided into a first arm 43 extending between the first connecting piece 21 and the retaining assembly connecting piece 31 and a second arm 44 extending between the fixing assembly connecting piece 31 and the second connecting piece 21.

[0091] The connecting element 4 is fastened to the holding assembly connecting part 31 so as to be movable relative to the holding assembly 3. For this purpose, the connecting element 4, which is designed as a tensile-rigid belt, is movably passed through the eyelet 32 ​​and is thus guided in its eyelet 32, which in turn constitutes the holding assembly connecting part 31.

[0092] When plantar flexion or dorsiflexion occurs at the ankle joint (or its upper ankle joint axis), the turning point where the connecting element 4 turns in the eyelet 32 ​​moves, that is, it moves according to the degree of movement. As a result, the lengths of the first arm 43 and the second arm 44 vary slightly. This slight variation is compensated by a slight sliding of the connecting element 4 in the eyelet 32, thereby avoiding skin wrinkles or indentations that may be caused by a rigid connection.

[0093] In order to prevent the support assembly 2 from deflecting when a force is applied due to inversion, the first connection member 21 is arranged on the lateral side L and the second connection member 22 is arranged on the medial side M. Therefore, the force introduced into the support assembly by the connection element 4 through the connections 21, 22 will be transmitted to the proximal portion of the calf 112 and / or ankle 114 in the form of a linear load in a direction backward and around the support assembly 2 between the connections.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the tensioning assembly 5 comprises a turning eyelet 54 through which the connecting element 4 extends at the inner second connecting piece 22 and turns in the tensioned state toward the outer side L. The connecting element 4 comprises a fastening portion 42 located at the other side of the turning eyelet 54 opposite to the side of the turning eyelet 54 where the retaining assembly connecting piece 31 is located, for fastening the free end 41 of the connecting element 4 to the adhesive portion 25 of the support assembly 2. In the present case, the fastening portion 42 and the adhesive portion 25 are designed as Velcro fasteners.

[0095] The fastening element can first be put into tension by pulling the fastening portion 42 to tighten the connection unit 4, making it deflect through the deflection eyelet 54, and fastening the fastening portion 42 at the outside opposite to the inside where the deflection eyelet 54 is located. Then, the support assembly 2 can be fastened to the calf 112 and / or the ankle 114.

[0096] Figure 6 A schematic side perspective view of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is shown. Figure 1 The arrangement shown corresponds substantially to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 . In the present case, the connecting element 4 is connected to the outer first connecting piece 21 via a damping element 6. The damping element 6 is connected to the outer first connecting piece 21. Figure 4 The damping element described in corresponds basically to .

[0097] Figure 7 A schematic side perspective view of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is shown. Figure 6 However, in the present case, the design of the tensioning assembly 5 is different from Figure 2 Similarly, a knob-wrap lacing system 52 is provided on the inner second connecting member 22 .

[0098] Alternatively, a plurality of connecting members, such as the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22, may also be provided. Figure 1 A similar clamping unit is provided to replace the knob-wrap lacing system 52.

[0099] Figure 8 A schematic side perspective view of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is shown. Figure 6 The device shown in FIG. 1 is basically corresponding to the device shown in FIG. 2 , wherein, as part of the tensioning assembly 5, a plurality of hooks 26 are continuously aligned and arranged on the support assembly along the hook arrangement direction, and a fixing hook 45 is arranged at the free end 41 of the connecting element, and the fixing hook 45 is used to hook one of the plurality of hooks 26, so as to replace the Figure 6The Velcro fastener shown consists of a fastening portion 42 and an adhesive portion 25 .

[0100] Alternatively, instead of a Velcro fastener, a turn-and-loop lacing system 52 or a clamping unit can also be provided, by means of which the connecting element 4 deflected in the deflection eye 54 can be tightened.

[0101] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of the foot through the ankle joint, the device 1 and Figure 5 The device shown in FIG. 1 is basically corresponding, however, in this embodiment, the retaining assembly connector 31 includes Figure 4 or Figure 6 The corresponding damping element 6. Figures 5 to 8 Similar to the example shown, the connecting element 4 is connected to the eyelet 32 ​​of the holding assembly connecting part 31 so that it is held movably relative to the holding assembly connecting part 31. In other words, the connecting element 4 is connected to the holding assembly 3 or the holding assembly connecting part 31 via the damping element 6.

[0102] As indicated by reference numeral 33 , the damping element 6 is connected to the holding assembly 3 in an articulated manner.

[0103] Fig.10 A schematic side perspective view of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is shown, Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 According to these figures, the structure of the device 1 is similar to Figure 6 The embodiments shown correspond substantially to the embodiment shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment shown, the basic structure of the device 1 comprises a stocking 7 or bandage made of elastic compression knitted fabric, which, due to its elasticity, can conform to the body of the wearer. The retaining assembly 3 is attached to the underside of the stocking 7, substantially in the area of ​​the sole of the foot. The support assembly 2 is attached to the stocking 7, substantially in the area where the ankle 114 is located and in the proximal area thereof.

[0104] On the outside, with Figure 6 As in the embodiment of the present invention, the device 1 comprises a damping element 6 which is integrated in the support structure 2 and is therefore substantially invisible from the outside. On one side, the damping element 6 is connected to the support structure 2 and on the other side, the damping element 6 is connected to the connecting element 4. The damping element 6 can therefore be regarded as part of the outer first connecting member 21.

[0105] and Figure 6Similarly, the connecting element 4 extends from the outer first connecting piece 21 to the holding assembly 3, turns in the eyelet 32 ​​as the holding assembly connecting piece 31, and further extends from the holding assembly connecting piece 31 to the second connecting piece 22, which is preferably located on the inner side, and the second connecting piece 22 includes a turning eyelet 54. In the turning eyelet 54, the connecting element 4 turns again so that when the device 1 is in the closed state, it can be releasably fastened to the fastening part 42 located on the outer side L of the support assembly 2, in the present case by means of the already mentioned reference numerals. Figure 6 The described Velcro fastener is achieved.

[0106] The support assembly 2 further comprises a strap 23 for fastening the support assembly 2 to the proximal end of the calf 112 and / or the ankle joint 114, the strap 23 extending from the support assembly 2 on the lateral side L of the support assembly 2 and comprising a fastening region 27 at its free end, which can be fastened to an adhesive region (not shown) of the support assembly 2 arranged on the medial side M. The fastening region 27 is designed as a Velcro strap, which can form a hook-and-loop fastening structure with the material of the support assembly 2.

[0107] The strap 23 and the fastening portion 42 are arranged on the support assembly 2 so that they can be tightened in substantially opposite directions. To this end, the strap 23 or the support assembly 2 comprises an opening 28 at the base of the strap 23 through which the fastening portion 42 of the connecting element 4 can be inserted.

[0108] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the device 1 is shown with its connecting element 4 in a loosened state. In this state, the free end 41 of the connecting element 4 optionally does not pass through the opening 28. Since the free end 41 is loosened from the support assembly 2 in this state, the connecting element 4 can slide through the deflection eyelet 54 and the eyelet 32 ​​along the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting element 4. Therefore, when the device 1 is worn on the wearer's foot, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown by the hands and arrows on the outside and inside of the device 1, the deployment of the device 1 or the stocking 7 will not be restricted by the connecting element 4.

[0109] Fig.12 Schematically shows Fig.10 1, wherein the connecting element 4 is in a tensioned state. The free end 41 or the fastening portion 42 is releasably fastened to the outer side L of the support assembly 2. In the tensioned state, as Fig.12As shown, the connecting element 4 is in a neutral position of the foot, indicating a predetermined amount of pre-tensioning force in the longitudinal direction. In the present case, the amount of pre-tensioning force is such that the portion of the damping element 6 on the side where the connecting element is located (corresponding to the force transmission body 61 here) is pulled out of the support assembly 2 by a predetermined length (amount), which can be selected as 5-10 mm here, against the reset force provided by the reset unit of the damping element 6, thereby compressing the damping element 6 to a compressed position.

[0110] The connection element 4 can be restored from the tensioned state to the loosened state by loosening the fastening portion 42 of the support assembly 2. Therefore, the tensioning assembly comprises at least the eyelet 32, the deflection eyelet 54 and the fastening portion 42.

[0111] Fig.13 Schematically shows Fig.10 Another side perspective view of the device 1 in the process of tensioning the connecting element 4 by actuating the tensioning assembly 5. In the present case, the tensioning of the connecting element 4 is achieved by pulling the strap 23 and the free end 41 of the connecting element 4 in substantially opposite directions (in the present case, in a direction substantially toward the outside and in a direction substantially toward the inside), so that the strap 23 and the free end 41 are fastened to the supporting assembly 2 while maintaining the tension.

[0112] Fig.14 Schematically shows Fig.10 In this figure, the wearer also wears shoes 100, which are placed on the device 1. Fig.14 As shown by the arrow in the middle, the free end 41 and the belt 23 can be loosened from the support assembly 2 and combined again. Fig.13 Pulling them in the described manner results in a re-tensioning or re-tightening of the connecting element 4 .

[0113] In addition, the device 1 can also be designed as a part of the shoe 100 and accordingly at least partially integrated into the shoe 100 and / or permanently connected to the shoe. For example, the stocking 7 can be designed as a component of the shoe 100.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, the sole area 101 of the shoe 100 may also include a retaining component 3, preferably the retaining component 3 is integrated in the sole area 101. In addition, the upper part of the upper 102 of the shoe 100 may include a support component 2, preferably the support component 2 is located in the upper area 103 of the shoe 100, for example, it can be designed as a stocking 7.

[0115] Fig.15 A side perspective view of another device 1 for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint is shown. The basic structure of the device 1 is similar to Figure 6 The structure shown in the figure is basically the same as Figure 6 The implementation schemes are different, depending on Fig.15 The embodiment includes a retaining assembly 3 which can be releasably closed by a Velcro strap 34 along the circumferential direction of the foot 110 .

[0116] Furthermore, the support component 2 and the holding component 3 are connected to one another via a preferably tensile-resistant connecting section 8 .

[0117] and Figure 6 Similarly, the connecting element 4 is connected to the supporting assembly 2 at the first connecting piece 21 of the outer side L via the damping element 6 and extends from the first connecting piece 21 to the retaining assembly connecting piece 31 where it is movably retained in the eyelet 32 ​​.

[0118] and Figure 6 Unlike the embodiment shown, the second arm 44 of the connecting element 4 does not pass through the turning eyelet back forward to the outside L. In this case, the connecting element 4 extends from the retaining assembly connector 31 (forward) to the inner side M of the support assembly 2 and is detachably fastened to the inner side M of the support assembly 2 by the fastening portion 42, which is provided in the form of a Velcro segment on its adhesive portion 25.

[0119] The second arm 44 is arranged up to the free end 41 of the connecting element 4 as follows Fig.16 As shown, Fig.16 Schematically shows Fig.15 1 through its support assembly 2 above the ankle 114 along a section direction perpendicular to the proximal-distal direction. As can be seen from the figure, the fastening portion 42 and the adhesive portion 25 are selectively at least partially located on the inner side of the rear side. The fastening portion 42 and the adhesive portion 25 have corresponding hook and loop areas, which together form a Velcro fastener after being connected to each other, thereby achieving a releasable fastening of the free end 41 of the connecting element 4. Therefore, the connecting element 4 is supported on the inner side M by the second arm 44 and supported on the rear side by the support assembly 2, thereby being supported by the calf 112 and / or ankle 114 of the wearer of the device 1 and fixed in position relative to the support assembly 2 by the Velcro fastener. According to this embodiment, the structure of this arrangement correspondingly represents the second connecting member 22.

[0120] from Fig.16 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the support assembly includes a strap 23 for fastening the support assembly 2 to the proximal end of the calf 112 and / or the ankle joint 114. According to this optional embodiment, the strap 23 and the connecting element 4 are arranged so that they overlap each other in a tensioned state, such as Fig.16As shown, in the present case, they substantially overlap each other in the circumferential direction relative to an axis oriented in the proximal-distal direction. Relative to the proximal-distal direction or the above-mentioned axis, the connecting element 4 is arranged radially outside the belt 23, i.e. above the belt 23. Therefore, the connecting element 4 overlaps the belt 23.

[0121] Fig.17 Another device for limiting and / or damping the movement of the foot through the ankle joint is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view through its support component 2 along a cutting direction perpendicular to the proximal-distal direction. Fig.15 and Fig.16 The arrangement shown corresponds essentially, but here the fastening portion 42 and the adhesive portion 25 extend up to the region of the first connecting element 21 on the outer side L. The connecting element 4 extends from the first connecting element 21 arranged on the outer side L to the holding assembly connecting element 31, where it is movably held, and then from there further around the front side to the inner side M, and from the inner side M further around the rear side to the outer side L to the region of the first connecting element 21. Thus, a friction connection can be achieved between the first connecting element 21 and the free end 41 of the connecting element 4 on the outer side L, if the free end 41 or the fastening portion 42 is detachably fastened to the support assembly 2 or the adhesive portion 25. In this way, the connecting element 4 accordingly forms a loop from the outer side L through the heel area and back to the inner side M, and transmits the introduced tension to the retaining component connector 31 in the heel area, as well as to the inner side M of the support component 2 and partially to its outer side L, and from there further to the calf 112 and / or ankle 114 of the wearer of the device 1.

[0122] Optionally, the second arm 44 can extend through a preferably open deflection eyelet located at the inner side 24. In other words, the second arm 44 can be hooked into the open deflection eyelet in the released state so as to provide a predetermined path for the second arm 44 from the holding assembly 3 to the deflection eyelet at the front side. The deflection eyelet can be regarded as the starting point of the second connecting element 22, while the end point of the second connecting element 22 can be regarded as the free end 41 accordingly.

[0123] Alternatively, the connecting element 4 may also not include the damping element 6, but directly connected to the supporting assembly 2 through the first connecting member 21, for example, Figure 5 shown.

[0124] To the extent applicable, all individual features illustrated in the exemplary embodiments may be combined with one another and / or replaced with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0125] Reference numerals list

[0126] 1 Device

[0127] 2 Support components

[0128] 21 First connecting piece

[0129] 22 Second connecting piece

[0130] 23 Belt

[0131] 24 strap eyelets

[0132] 25 Bonding part

[0133] 26 Hook

[0134] 27 Fastening area

[0135] 28 Opening

[0136] 3. Keep components

[0137] 31. Retaining component connector

[0138] 32 Eyelets

[0139] 33 hinged mounting part

[0140] 34 Velcro straps

[0141] 4 Connecting elements

[0142] 41 Free end

[0143] 42 Fastening part

[0144] 43 First Arm

[0145] 44 Second arm

[0146] 45 Fixed hook

[0147] 5. Tensioning components

[0148] 54 Steering eyelet

[0149] 6 Damping elements

[0150] 60 sockets

[0151] 61 Force Transmitter

[0152] 62 Vertical direction

[0153] 63 Length

[0154] 7. Stockings

[0155] 8 Connection segment

[0156] 100 Shoes

[0157] 101 Sole Area

[0158] 102 Upper

[0159] 103 Upper part of the upper

[0160] 110 Feet

[0161] 112 Lower limbs

[0162] 114 Ankle

Claims

1. A device (1) for limiting and / or damping the movement of a foot through an ankle joint, comprising: A support assembly (2) for supporting at the lower limb (112) and / or at the proximal end of the ankle joint (114); a retaining assembly (3) for retaining on the foot (110), preferably on the plantar region of the foot (110); and at least one connecting element (4) extending between the support assembly (2) and the retaining assembly (3) and connected to the support assembly (2) and the retaining assembly (3), respectively. It is characterized by further comprising: A tensioning assembly (5), the tensioning assembly (5) is used to tighten the connecting element (4), and the tensioning assembly (5) is designed to enable the connecting element (4) between the retaining assembly (3) and the supporting assembly (2) to switch from a loose state to a tightened state, and vice versa.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connecting element (4) is connected to a first connecting member (21) and a second connecting member (22) on the supporting member (2), and is connected to a retaining assembly connecting member (31) on the retaining assembly (3) between the first connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22), wherein, preferably, the tensioning assembly (5) is configured to tension the connecting element (4) between the first connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22), and / or the first connecting member (21) is an outer connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22) is an inner connecting member (22), and / or the connecting element (4) is retained on the retaining assembly connecting member (31) to be movable relative to the retaining assembly (3).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The support assembly (2) comprises a tensioning assembly (5) for tensioning the connecting element (4).

4. The device (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, characterized in that The tensioning assembly (5) includes a steering eyelet (54), and the connecting element (4) extends through the steering eyelet (54) at the first connecting member (21) or the second connecting member (22), wherein the connecting element (4) includes a fastening portion (42) located at the other side of the steering eyelet (54) opposite to the side of the steering eyelet (54) where the retaining assembly connecting member (31) is located, relative to the steering eyelet (54), and the fastening portion (42) is used to preferably detachably fasten the connecting element (4) to the supporting assembly (2).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The fastening portion (42) can be detachably fastened to the adhesive portion (25) of the support assembly (2) at the other of the inner and outer sides (L, M) opposite to the one of the inner and outer sides where the turning eyelet (54) is located.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The support assembly (2) comprises a strap (23) for fixing the support assembly (2) to the lower limb (112) and / or the proximal end of the ankle joint (114).

7. The device (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5 or 6 as dependent on claim 4, characterized in that The free end of the support component (2) extends from the support component (2), preferably from the other side of the inner and outer sides opposite to the side of the inner and outer sides (L, M) where the turning eyelet (54) is located, and a fastening area (27) is provided at the free end of the support component (2), and the fastening area (27) is preferably attached to the adhesive area of ​​the support component (2) at one side of the inner and outer sides (L, M) where the turning eyelet (54) is located, wherein preferably the fastening portion (42) and the adhesive portion (25) are designed as Velcro fasteners and / or the fastening area (27) and the adhesive area are designed as Velcro fasteners, wherein preferably the strap (23) and the fastening portion (42) are arranged on the support component (2) so that they can be tightened in substantially opposite directions.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The strap (23) comprises an opening (28) through which the fastening portion (42) of the connecting element (4) can be inserted, the opening (28) being preferably arranged between the adhesive portion (25) and the deflection eyelet (54).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The tensioning assembly (5) includes a knob-wound lacing system (52), or the tensioning assembly (5) includes a plurality of hooks (26) arranged in a continuous and aligned manner on the support assembly (2) and a fixing hook (45) arranged on the connecting element (4), wherein the fixing hook (45) is used to hook one of the plurality of hooks (26) on the support assembly (2), or the support assembly (2) includes a clamping unit for clamping the connecting element (4), and the clamping unit is preferably a rope tie (51).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting element (4) comprises a damping element (6) or, if dependent on claim 2, the connecting element (4) is connected to the supporting assembly (2) via the damping element (6), preferably to the first connecting member (21) and / or the second connecting member (22) via the damping element (6), or the connecting element (4) is connected to the retaining assembly (3) via the damping element (6).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The tensioning assembly (5) is configured to enable the damping element (6) to enter a predetermined state by tensioning the connecting element (4), wherein the predetermined state preferably includes a state with a predetermined length and / or a state with a predetermined pre-tensioning force.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting element (4) can be detachably fastened to the supporting assembly via its free end (41).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12 as appended to claim 2, characterized in that The structure obtained by fastening the free end (41) to the supporting component (2) at least partially forms the first connecting member (21) or the second connecting member (22), wherein preferably a fastening portion (42) of the connecting element (4) is provided on the free end (41), and the fastening portion (42) is detachably fastened to the adhesive portion (25) of the supporting component, wherein preferably the fastening portion (42) and the adhesive portion (25) are designed as Velcro fasteners.

14. A shoe (100) for damping and / or limiting the movement of a foot through an ankle joint, comprising a sole area (101) and an upper (102) connected to the sole area (101), It is characterized in that The shoe (100) comprises a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The shoe (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein The sole area (101) comprises the retaining assembly (3), preferably, the retaining assembly (3) is integrated in the sole area (101), and the upper (102) comprises the support assembly (2), preferably, the upper part (103) of the upper (102) comprises the support assembly (2), wherein preferably, the support assembly (2) is integrated in the upper part (103) of the upper (102), wherein preferably, the device (1) is substantially completely integrated in the shoe (100).

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