Pad with floating mounted pad pressing element

Abstract

The invention relates to a pad (1) for an orthopedic aid, comprising an elastically deformable base body (3) and at least one pad pressing element (9, 10). The main body (3) has a recess (7, 8) in the outer surface (19) for the at least one pad pressing element (9, 10), the contour of which corresponds at least substantially to the contour of the pad pressing element (9, 10), such that a groove (20, 21) is formed between the main body (3) and the pad pressing element (9, 10) at least partially in the circumferential direction of the pad pressing element (9, 10).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a pad for an orthopedic aid, which has an elastically deformable matrix and at least one pad pressing element.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an orthosis or bandage having at least one such pad. Background Art

[0003] From the prior art, for example, the published documents DE2722563C2, EP0598291A1 and EP0600218A2, pads for various prophylactic and therapeutic applications are known. In addition, the published document DE102019212740A1 also discloses a pad of the same kind. Such known pads are characterized by conical pressing projections that are formed on a base element and are embedded together with the base element in an elastically deformable matrix. The proposed technical solution aims to ensure that in addition to planar pressure during application, more specific, point-precise pressure can be exerted to achieve a better massage effect. For this purpose, the elastic deformation behavior of the conical projections needs to be more finely adjustable than in the prior art to date. At the same time, in some embodiments, the use of this new technical solution can actively reduce the structural height of the pad. This improves wearing comfort and user acceptance while saving resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pad that, despite having an advantageous massage function and effect, has a lower structural height and also ensures a comfortable wearing experience during long-term use.

[0005] The object of the present invention is achieved by a pad having the features described in claim 1. The pad according to the present invention has the following advantages: By a structurally simple and feasible adjustment, the mobility of the pad pressing element is improved, so that at least the massage effect is maintained or improved when using a softer or harder pad pressing element. According to the present invention, this is achieved by providing the base body with a recess in the outer surface for at least one pad pressing element, the contour of which at least substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the pad pressing element, such that a groove is formed at least locally between the base body and the pad pressing element when viewed along the circumference of the pad pressing element. This groove defines a lateral spacing between the base body and the pad pressing element. Thereby, the pad pressing element does not come into direct lateral contact with the base body. Therefore, at least one pad pressing element is floatingly mounted in the base body. As a result, in the case of application and loading, the pad pressing element is not strongly laterally supported by the base body as before, and thus is more easily deformed. Thereby, with the massage effect remaining unchanged, the height of the pad, that is, the height or length extension of the pad pressing element, can be designed to be smaller. The above-mentioned disadvantages are thus advantageously overcome. The base body can build a certain strength through its height, and the elastic compression characteristics (Einfederungsverhalten) of the pad pressing element can be designed more flexibly. Preferably, the pad is designed such that the pad pressing element is located in the recess as follows: flush with the base body, that is, having a height corresponding to the depth of the recess; protruding beyond the base body, that is, having a height greater than the depth of the recess; or recessed (vertieft) or set back (zurückgesetzt) into the base body, that is, having a height less than the depth of the recess.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the groove extends over the entire circumference of the pad pressing element. By forming such a circumferential groove, the contour of the recess corresponds to the (outer) contour of the pad pressing element, which on the one hand advantageously improves the mobility of the pad pressing element in all directions, and on the other hand simplifies the manufacture of the pad.

[0007] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the groove extends only over a part of the circumference of the pad pressing element, that is, not over the entire circumference. Thereby, the mobility of one or more pressing protrusions is increased only in this part. In this way, the mobility and deformability of the pressing protrusions of the base element (Grundelement) can be influenced in a targeted manner in order to achieve the best massage effect. In an advantageous expansion, the recess is configured such that the pad pressing element corresponds to a plurality of grooves or sub-grooves (Teilnuten) that each extend only over a part of the circumference of the pad pressing element, such that the mobility is increased in these plurality of parts while being reduced in the remaining parts.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the groove extends continuously or discontinuously in a polygonal, circular, elliptical, mirror-symmetrical, asymmetrical, star-shaped and / or finger-shaped manner. The groove can ultimately have any geometric shape. A suitable shape is provided according to the application scenario, so that the pad can also be advantageously matched to the application scenario by the selection of the groove shape. If the groove is configured to be continuous, i.e., uninterrupted, it particularly extends annularly or has two ends in its longitudinal extension. If the groove is configured to be discontinuous, it is divided into a plurality of sub-grooves or individual grooves, which are successively arranged along the longitudinal extension. In particular, each sub-groove is longer in the overall view along the longitudinal extension direction of the groove than the interruption connected thereto. In particular, all sub-grooves are longer in the overall view along the longitudinal extension direction of the groove than the longest interruption between the sub-grooves. Preferably, the groove extends in a triangular, circular, rectangular, square, elliptical, kidney-shaped, hexagonal, V-shaped or W-shaped manner. In the case of a star-shaped extension, it is particularly stipulated that the ends of the star tips are not configured to be sharp but are configured to be round.

[0009] Preferably, the width of the groove, i.e., the distance from the base element to the base body, is at least 0.3 mm. It has been proven that the above characteristics can be particularly advantageously achieved in this way.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pad pressing element has a particularly planar base element and one or more pressing protrusions protruding from the base element. The base element is preferably embedded in the base body of the pad or placed in a recess of the base body. The one or more pressing protrusions protrude from the base element on the side facing away from the base body, so that they can cooperate directly with the patient. In particular, the corresponding pressing protrusions are laterally flush with the base element, i.e., directly on the outer edge defining the outer contour of the pad pressing element of the base element. Thus, the groove directly cooperates with the corresponding pressing protrusion, or prevents the corresponding pressing protrusion from being laterally supported directly by the material of the base body. According to an alternative embodiment, at least one pressing protrusion is arranged to be laterally spaced from the outer edge or outer contour of the base element, thereby further increasing the distance of the pressing protrusion to the base body. If the groove extends over the entire circumference or along the entire outer contour of the pad pressing element, particularly the base element, it can be ensured that they move in the above advantageous manner regardless of the position or number of the pressing protrusions on the base element. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the pad pressing element does not have a pressing protrusion and is particularly composed only of a planar base element. Optionally, the material of the base element is different from the material of the base body, which will be discussed in more detail below. Through the advantageous groove, the pad pressing element is still an effective massage tool. Optionally, the pad is covered with a knitted fabric at least in the area of the pad pressing element.

[0011] Preferably, the cross-section of each pressing projection of one or at least one pressing projection, preferably at least one pad pressing element, is many times smaller than the bottom surface of the base element. Thereby, the corresponding pressing projection forms a bulge on the base element, which bulge is significantly different from the rest of the base element. Thus, it is particularly possible to arrange a plurality of pressing projections on one base element. Alternatively, the cross-section of the pressing projection corresponds to or almost corresponds to the bottom surface of the base element. Thereby, the pressing projection completely or almost completely fills the bottom surface of the base element. Here, a pressing projection is preferably formed by a protrusion on the free end side of the pad pressing element.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the pad pressing element has a flat base element without pressing projections. Here, the base element itself provides a massage function, which acts advantageously through lateral grooves. Here, the pad pressing element is preferably configured to close flush with the outer surface of the base body, terminate in a recess sunken relative to the outer surface, or protrude outward from the base body beyond the outer surface.

[0013] According to a preferred expansion of the present invention, the recess is configured deep enough so that the pad pressing element can completely enter the recess, wherein one or more pressing projections are in particular flush with the outer surface of the base body. The depth of the recess thus at least corresponds to the height of the pad pressing element including the pressing projection, so that the pad pressing element can be completely placed in the recess and does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the base body. The pressing projection is arranged in a sunk manner and can also optionally be covered on the base body by a covering layer, which covering layer extends especially over the entire base body.

[0014] Furthermore, it is also provided that: the pad pressing element carries only one pressing projection. In this case, at least part of the recess is directly next to the pressing projection. Optionally, fastening means such as seams or welded connections or adhesions are present on the outer edge of the pad pressing element.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the recess is configured to be deep enough or at least one pressing projection is configured to be high enough such that the at least one pressing projection protrudes beyond the outer surface of the base body. Preferably, the base element is completely arranged in the recess while one or more pressing projections protrude beyond the outer surface of the base element. Particularly preferably, the depth of the recess is greater than the height of the base element such that one or more pressing projections are at least partially located within the recess. Preferably, the recess is constant during its extension, i.e., has a straight or flat bottom on which the pad pressing element is placed. Alternatively, the bottom of the recess preferably deviates from a straight or constant extension and varies. With this shape or extension of the bottom of the recess, the elastic compression characteristics of the pressure element can additionally be influenced in the vertical or horizontal direction. Thereby, for example, it is achieved that a single pressing projection is bent (eingebogen) or folded (umgebogen) in a targeted manner in one direction during use.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pad pressing element and the base body are made of the same material. Here, the pressing projection generates favorable mobility through the groove according to the present invention. However, using the same material can reduce the manufacturing cost. Preferably, the base body and the base element are integrally formed with each other such that they are a single component body. Thereby, it will generally ensure the manufacture of the pad in a particularly time - and cost - saving manner. Then, the mobility of the pressing projection or the pad pressing element can be adjusted according to requirements by selecting a suitable groove width and / or groove depth.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the pad pressing element and the base body are made of different materials. In this variant, the mobility of the pad and thus also the massage function can be adjusted by the material selection. In particular, the base body and / or the pad pressing element are made of a viscoelastic material that allows the pad to deform favorably during use, thereby obtaining the desired massage effect. In particular, the materials are selected to be different from each other in terms of rigidity or elasticity.

[0018] Thus, according to the preferred first embodiment, the pad pressing element is made of a material harder than the base body material. Thereby, the pressing projection is harder than the base body, enabling it to selectively transmit a higher pressure to the area to be treated. However, due to this harder design, the mobility of the pressing projection is reduced.

[0019] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the pad pressing element is made of a material softer than the base body material such that the pad pressing element has higher elasticity and lower rigidity compared to the base body. Thereby, the pressing projection has a high mobility, which in particular causes a chaotic movement of especially multiple pressing projections of the pad pressing element.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of at least 40 Shore 00, preferably at least 6 Shore A and at most 20 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of at least 20 Shore A and at most 80 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of at least one pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of at least 20 Shore A and at most 60 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of at least one pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of at least 20 Shore A, and more preferably has a Shore hardness of at least 25 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of at least one pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of at most 50 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of at least one pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of at most 49 Shore A, and more preferably a Shore hardness of at most 45 Shore A. Preferably, the material of at least one pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of at least 35 to at most 45 Shore A. Preferably, the material of at least one pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of approximately 40 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the base has a Shore hardness of at least 20 Shore 00 and at most 60 Shore 00, and / or the material of the pad pressing element has a Shore hardness of at least 40 Shore 00, preferably at least 6 Shore A and at most 20 Shore A.

[0021] According to a preferred expansion of the invention, the groove has a constant depth or at least two different depths in its longitudinal extension. By the depth of the groove, the height range in which the base and the pad pressing element are spaced apart from each other can be changed or influenced. As the depth of the groove decreases, the support effect of the base on the base element and the corresponding pressing protrusion will be enhanced. As the depth increases, this effect will decrease, and accordingly the stiffness of the pad pressing element will be reduced. Therefore, when looking along the circumferential direction of the base, the target function of the pad pressing element can be adjusted or adapted either by the width of the groove or by the depth of the groove.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the depth of the groove is at least equal to 10% of the height of the base at the edge of the groove. The design of the groove can be similar to a "record groove". Therefore, the width and depth of the groove can have different variations.

[0023] Preferably, one or at least one of the plurality of pressing projections is configured in a nodular shape, spindle shape, cylindrical shape, pyramidal shape, conical shape, and / or mushroom shape. Here, different shapes can be selected according to the application target. Through the pressing projections and the pad design according to the present invention, the movable pressing projections can generate alternating pressure, similar to the pressure applied by a therapist during a massage, so that the pressure action on the lymphatic vessels and blood vessels lasts for a longer time. This is particularly advantageous when the pad is configured as a knee pad, and a corresponding massage effect can be produced at the base of the meniscus and the Hoffa's fat pad (hoffaschen ). Preferably, each pressing projection has an arched, particularly convex or outwardly arched free end face.

[0024] Preferably, one or at least one of the plurality of pressing projections is oriented perpendicular to the outer surface of the base body or inclined to the outer surface of the base body in its longitudinal extension. By inclining the pressing projection relative to the outer surface, a deformation direction can be preset for the pressing projection during the treatment process. If the pressing projection is loaded against the inclination, the pressing projection will act particularly rigidly and firmly; if the pressing projection is loaded along the inclination direction, the pressing projection will rebound more quickly or with less force (zurückweicht). Therefore, the pressure distribution can be optimally adjusted for each patient when using the pad according to the application scenario. If the pressing projection extends perpendicular to the outer surface of the base body, it can be deformed identically or with the same force in all directions transverse to its longitudinal extension.

[0025] According to a preferred expansion scheme of the present invention, the base element has a particularly circular base and one or more arms radially protruding from the base, wherein pressing protrusions are arranged on the base and at the end of each arm facing away from the base. Preferably, these pressing protrusions preferably protrude from the base element in the same direction independently of the contour of the base element. Preferably, the pressing protrusions are arranged as described above to be laterally spaced apart from the outer edge of the base element, so that the distance between the corresponding pressing protrusion and the side wall of the base body or the concave portion formed in the base body is enlarged. Alternatively, these pressing protrusions or at least one pressing protrusion are directly arranged on the outer edge of the base element, so that the pressing protrusion is laterally flush with the contour or the outer contour of the base element. By arranging the pressing protrusions at least partially on the radially protruding or projecting arms of the base element, these pressing protrusions are connected to the base in a favorable flexible manner, and the base element or the pad pressing element as a whole has favorable elasticity and deformability, which is particularly advantageous in a chaotic pressure distribution. By arranging the pressing protrusions at the end of each arm, these pressing protrusions are at least partially surrounded by the base body and, if necessary, the groove in the circumferential direction thereof. By this arrangement at the end of each arm, the deformation behavior of the pressing protrusion can be advantageously affected by the groove during use, because the groove can extend along a larger circumferential section of the pressing element here.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base element is configured as a star shape, wherein the arms are preferably arranged evenly distributed along the circumference of the base. In particular, the base element has five or six arms. Particularly preferably, the base element is symmetric when viewed in a top view, wherein the base element can be mirror symmetric or point symmetric. Optionally, the five arms are arranged unevenly distributed along the circumference of the base. Thus, the pad pressing element has, for example, a base element with five arms, which are oriented at the same angle relative to each other, wherein the angle between at least two arms is greater than the angle between the other arms in order to achieve a greater spacing between adjacent arms. According to another embodiment, the pad pressing element has six arms, wherein two diametrically opposite arms are of equal length, and wherein two diametrically opposite arms are longer than the other four arms. In principle, the shape of the base element can have any number of arms and pressing protrusions. Thus, there can be multiple pressing protrusions on one arm. The base can also be designed without pressing protrusions. This depends on the corresponding application situation and application field of the pad and the position of the pressing element on the base body, and is correspondingly selected by professionals. Preferably, each pad pressing element is integrally constructed, so that the base element and the pressing protrusions are integrally constructed.

[0027] Preferably, the pad is a knee pad, an ankle pad, a back pad, an elbow pad, a pad for the arm area, or a pad for the abdominal area.

[0028] The orthosis or bandage according to the invention having the features of claim 22 is characterized by a pad according to the invention. It thus has the advantages mentioned above. Preferably, the orthosis is an elastic knitted orthosis or the bandage is an elastic knitted bandage, in particular a knee bandage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] More advantages and preferred features and feature combinations can be derived from the foregoing content and claims. The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Among them:

[0030] Figure 1 A preferred pad is shown in perspective view,

[0031] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Magnified detail top view of the pad shown,

[0032] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Side view of the pad shown,

[0033] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pad shown,

[0034] Figure 5 An exemplary method of making a pad is shown in longitudinal cross-section.

[0035] Figure 6 The outline diagram shows the course of the grooves by way of example, and

[0036] Figure 7A 1 to 2 D show further embodiments of the mat in each case in a simplified sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 A preferred pad 1 for an orthosis or bandage 2, not shown in detail here, is shown in a perspective view. The pad 1 has a base body 3, which is designed to be essentially planar and is made of an elastic material, in particular a viscoelastic material. The base body 3 has a three-dimensional outer contour, which has a treatment side 4 and a back side 5 facing away from the treatment side 4. According to the present embodiment, the outer contour of the base body 3 is characterized by having a plurality of tongues or tabs protruding in particular radially outward from a base ring, wherein an elliptical opening 6 is also configured in the base ring. However, the specific shape of the base body 3 is not important. In one of the tabs, the base body 3 has two recesses 7, 8, in each of which a pad pressing element 9, 10 is inserted. Other pad pressing elements can be arranged on the arm or on other tabs of the base body according to the following description and design.

[0038] Figure 2Shows a detailed enlarged view of the pad 1 in the region of the pad pressing elements 9, 10. The pad pressing elements 9, 10 each have a base element 11, 12, on which a plurality of pressing protrusions 13 or 14 are respectively arranged, and these pressing protrusions respectively protrude from the planar base element 11 in the same direction. Preferably, the pressing protrusions 13, 14 are integrally formed with the base element 11.

[0039] The corresponding pad pressing elements 11, 12 are also made of an elastic material, preferably a viscoelastic material. The contours of the base elements 11, 12 are each configured as a star shape, where each base element 11, 12 has a circular base 15, 16 and a plurality of arms 17, 18 radially protruding from the bases 15, 16. The arms 17, 18 can be distributed uniformly or non-uniformly along the circumference of the respective bases 15, 16. According to this embodiment, the pad pressing element 9 has five arms 17, and the pad pressing element 10 has six arms 18. The lengths of the respective arms 17 in the pad pressing element 9 are substantially equal, but in the pad pressing element 10, two arms 18 are longer than the other arms 18. Here, the longer arms 18 are arranged diametrically opposite to each other.

[0040] Here, the pressing protrusions 13, 14 of the pad pressing elements 9, 10 are arranged such that one pressing protrusion 13, 14 is centrally arranged on the bases 15, 16 respectively, and another pressing protrusion 13, 14 is arranged at the respective ends of the arms 17, 18 facing away from the bases 15, 16. The pressing protrusions 13, 14 of the respective pad pressing elements 9, 10 point in the same direction or protrude from the corresponding base elements 11, 12 in the same direction, that is, they are oriented parallel to each other at least when the base elements 11, 12 are located on a flat surface. This orientation is affected and changed by the elastic deformation of the base body 3 and / or the base elements 11, 12.

[0041] The pad pressing elements 9, 10 are placed in the corresponding recesses 7, 8 as follows, such that at least the corresponding base elements 11, 12 sink into the recesses 7, 8. Here, according to this embodiment, the pressing protrusions 13, 14 protrude from the outer surface 19 of the base body 3.

[0042] Figure 3 The pad 1 is shown in a side view, in which it can be clearly seen that the pressing protrusions 13, 14 protrude beyond the outer surface 19 of the base body 3, and the base elements 11, 12 are completely located within the recesses 7, 8. Here, the depth of the recesses 7, 8 is greater than the height of the corresponding base elements 11, 12, so that the pressing protrusions themselves are also partially located inside the recesses 7, 8.

[0043] For a clearer illustration, in Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the pad 1 in the region of the pad pressing element 10 along the Figure 2 dashed line A - A drawn in

[0044] That is, according to this embodiment, the depth of the corresponding recesses 7, 8 is at least as large as the height of the inserted base elements 11, 12. Such a height design of the pressing projections 13, 14 causes them to project out of the recesses beyond the base body 3 of the pad 1. Although according to this embodiment, the recess 8 has a straight or flat bottom, according to another embodiment not shown here, the bottom of the recess is not a flat plane. Thereby, the performance of the pressing projections 13, 14 can be further influenced during use, and for example, a favorable bending direction (Vorzugsbiegerichtung) can be predefined.

[0045] The contour or inner contour of the corresponding recesses 7, 8 at least substantially corresponds to the contour or outer contour of the corresponding pad pressing elements 9, 10, in particular to the contour or outer contour of the corresponding base elements 11, 12. Here, the contour of the corresponding recesses 7, 8 is selected such that a lateral spacing x is at least partially retained when viewed in the circumferential direction of the corresponding base elements 11, 12. By means of this spacing x, a groove 20 or 21 is formed between the corresponding pad pressing elements 9, 10 and the base body 3, which groove can be seen, for example, in Figure 2 which. The grooves 20, 21 extend at least partially along the circumference of the corresponding pad pressing elements. The pressing projections 13, 14 are respectively constructed at the ends of the arms 17, 18 such that they close flush with the ends. Accordingly, the corresponding grooves 20, 21 are also located in the regions of the arms 17, 18, thus ensuring the spacing between the pressing projections 13, 14 and the base body 3. This spacing x is preferably from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the grooves 20, 21 extends over the entire circumference of the corresponding pad pressing element 9, 10. Alternatively, each of the grooves 20, 21 extends at least partially over the corresponding circumference, and here, a plurality of such grooves 20, 21 can also be assigned to each of the pad pressing elements 9, 10. The spacing x can also vary along the grooves 20, 21. Each of the grooves 20, 21 preferably has a constant depth t along its longitudinal extension. Alternatively, the grooves 20, 21 have a varying depth t along their longitudinal extension, as Figure 4 exemplarily shown, the depth t of the groove 20 in the left cross-section of the pad pressing element 10 is greater than its depth on the right.

[0047] The depth t of each of the grooves 20, 21 is preferably at least 10% of the height h of the base body 3 at the edge of the grooves 20, 21, as Figure 4 shown. Thereby, a beneficial deformation behavior of the pad pressing elements 9, 10 is ensured.

[0048] Through the corresponding grooves 20, 21, a favorable influence on the elastic compression characteristics and the elastic compression direction of the corresponding pressing projections 13, 14 is achieved.

[0049] The pressing projections 13, 14, which are configured in the form of granulations with circular ends in the present text, are preferably formed of a material that is more rigid than the base body 3. However, they can also be formed of a softer material. For pads in which the pressing projections 13, 14 are designed to be harder than the base body 3, a better massage effect can be achieved by means of the pad 1 or an orthosis or bandage 2 having the pad 1.

[0050] The depth t and width x of the corresponding grooves 20, 21 around the corresponding pressing projections or base elements 11, 12 determine the mobility of the respective pressing projections 13, 14. Since the material of the base body 3 directly connecting the corresponding pressing projections 13, 14 is thinner or removed, the individual pressing projections 13, 14 can be better elastically compressed due to the spacing x produced by the grooves 20, 21, and can generally also move better within the extended edge region. This is independent of whether the corresponding pressing projections 13, 14 are completely sunk into the recesses 7, 8 and flush with, for example, the outer surface 19 of the base body 3, or whether the corresponding pressing projections 13, 14 protrude from the outer surface 19 as shown in the present embodiment.

[0051] By setting the width and depth of the grooves 20, 21 and the dimensions of the surrounding part of the grooves, i.e., the longitudinal extension of the grooves, the elastic compression characteristics and the elastic compression direction of the relevant pressing projections 13, 14 can be adjusted as required. It is also conceivable that a plurality of pressing projections 13, 14 share a groove, i.e., there is a groove extending through between these pressing projections 13, 14. This is independent of whether the groove extends linearly or is curved in the form of an ellipse or a circle, as long as the pressing projections 13, 14 are located in the recesses 7, 8.

[0052] Although, according to the present embodiment, the pressing projections 13, 14 are configured in the form of granulations, according to another embodiment, the pressing projections are configured in the form of pyramids, spheres, rods or spindles, having a circular, elliptical or star-shaped cross-section.

[0053] Optionally, the pressing projections 13, 14 are configured to be of the same height such that they terminate in a common plane. Alternatively, the pressing projections 13, 14 are configured to be of different heights such that the contours of the corresponding pad pressing elements 9, 10 present, for example, a stepped or wavy shape in a side view.

[0054] The higher the corresponding pressing protrusions 13, 14 are, the more movable they are. According to the present embodiment, since the pressing protrusions 13, 14 protrude from the base body 3 or its outer surface 19, this effect is particularly advantageously fully utilized. Therefore, in use, greater stimulation can be achieved, while not exhibiting uniform elastic compression characteristics, but rather being closer to a chaotic effect. Here, the corresponding grooves 20, 21 contribute to making the corresponding pad pressing elements 9, 10 as a whole smaller than the pad pressing elements in the case of flush mounting on a flat mounting plane without grooves. The pad pressing elements 9, 10 are thus mounted in a floating manner in the regions of the corresponding grooves 20, 21.

[0055] In some applications, it may be advantageous that the pressing protrusions or the pad pressing elements 9, 10 do not protrude from the base body 3 or only protrude slightly, yet are very movable at their respective positions, especially with respect to their pressing protrusions 13, 14. Therefore, according to another embodiment, the pressing protrusions 13, 14 end flush with the outer surface 19 in particular, as Figure 4 shown by the dashed line of the outer surface in

[0056] Figure 5 An exemplary preferred tool for manufacturing the pad 1 is shown. The tool 30 has a tool die (Werkzeugfor) 31, which enables the base body 3 and the pad pressing elements 9, 10 to be manufactured in two steps by a die casting process. Here, in Figure 5 the pad pressing element 10 is shown simplified. The tool die 31 includes: an annular protrusion 32, which defines the contour of the recesses 7, 8 in the base body 3; and a bottom 33, the shape of which forms the pressing protrusions 13, 14. The bottom 33 and the protrusion 32 together form a cup shape, so that first the material for the pad pressing element 9 or 10 is introduced into this cup shape, and then the material for the base body 3 is applied.

[0057] In order to make the pad pressing elements 9, 10 have a higher or lower strength than the base body 3, in addition to the shapes of the pressing protrusions 13, 14 and the base body elements 11, 12, it is also specified that they use a material different from that of the base body 3.

[0058] According to Figure 3 another embodiment in

[0059] Figure 6The different orientations or geometries of the recess 20 are shown in a simplified overview illustration, and the recess 20 may have, for example, these orientations or geometries in its longitudinal extension or its orientation. This of course also applies equally to the recess 21. Preferably, the recess 20 extends discontinuously or continuously in an annular manner. The orientation of the recess 20 is represented by continuous or discontinuous lines respectively in Figure 6 . In the case of the discontinuous orientation shown in most of the embodiments in Figure 6 (wherein a complete recess consists of a plurality of recesses 20, or the recess 20 consists of a plurality of sub-recesses succeeding each other in the longitudinal extension), it is specifically provided that each corresponding interrupted portion in the longitudinal extension of the recess 20 is shorter than the sub-recesses of the corresponding recess 20, and each sub-recess is identified by a drawn line segment. According to the illustrated embodiments, the recess 20 may have a triangular, circular, oval, egg-shaped, Ω-shaped, square, kidney-shaped, hexagonal, clip-shaped, o-shaped, v-shaped, symmetric or asymmetric orientation, and the number of interruptions may be selected differently according to the application. The recess 20 may also have a star-shaped orientation, wherein the tips of the star preferably have rounded corners, and each tip is specifically shaped like a finger. The tips of the star are preferably arranged evenly distributed on the circumference, or asymmetrically distributed.

[0060] Figures 7A to 7D More embodiments of the preferred pad 1 are shown, and the regions of the pad pressing element 10 are shown in simplified cross-sectional views respectively.

[0061] According to the embodiment of Figure 7A , the pad pressing element 10 only has the base element 12, that is, it has no pressing protrusions or is configured without pressing protrusions. Thus, the pad pressing element 10 has, for example, at least a substantially rectangular or square profile in cross-section. Here, the height of the base element 12 is selected such that the pad pressing element 10 closes flush with the outer surface 19 of the base body 3.

[0062] According to the embodiment of Figure 7B , the height of the pad pressing element 10 without pressing protrusions or the base element 12 is selected to be less than the depth of the recess 8, whereby the pad pressing element 10 is completely placed in the recess 8 and terminates recessed in the outer surface 19.

[0063] According to the embodiment of Figure 7C , the pad pressing element 10 or the base element 12 already has a height greater than the depth of the recess 8 without pressing protrusions, such that the pad pressing element 10 itself forms a protrusion protruding from the outer surface 19 of the base body 3.

[0064] According to Figure 7DIn an embodiment, the pad pressing element 10 has a single pressing projection 14 formed by the free end side that is convexly shaped or arched in this case, i.e., the end side of the pad pressing element 10 facing away from the base body 3. This arch extends over the entire end side of the base element 12, thereby forming the pressing projection 14, whose outer contour almost or completely corresponds to the outer contour of the base element 12.

[0065] Thus, as Figures 1 to 4 shown in the embodiment of [], the cross-section of one or more pressing projections (14) of the pad pressing element (10) is preferably significantly smaller than the cross-section of the associated base element (12), or preferably corresponds to or almost corresponds to the bottom surface of the base element (12), as Figure 7D shown in the embodiment of [].

Claims

1. A pad (1) for an orthopedic aid, having an elastically deformable matrix (3) and at least one pad pressing element (9, 10), characterized in that the matrix (3) has recesses (7, 8) in the outer surface (19) for the at least one pad pressing element (9, 10), the contour of the recesses at least substantially corresponding to the contour of the pad pressing element (9, 10), such that a groove (20, 21) is at least partially formed between the matrix (3) and the pad pressing element (9, 10) when viewed in the circumferential direction of the pad pressing element (9, 10).

2. The pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) extends over the entire circumference of the pad pressing element (9, 10).

3. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) extends only over a part of the circumference of the pad pressing element (9, 10).

4. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) extends continuously or discontinuously in a polygonal, circular, oval, mirror-symmetrical, asymmetrical, star-shaped and / or finger-shaped manner.

5. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) has a width of at least 0.3 millimeters between the pad pressing element (9, 10) and the matrix (3).

6. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad pressing element (9, 10) has a base element (11, 12) which is in particular planar and one or more pressing protrusions (13, 14) protruding from the base element (11, 12).

7. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-section of at least one pressing protrusion (13, 14) is many times smaller than the bottom surface of the base element (11, 12), or corresponds to or almost corresponds to the bottom surface of the base element (11, 12).

8. The pad according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pad pressing element (9, 10) has a planar base element (11, 12) without pressing protrusions.

9. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses (7, 8) are constructed deep enough so that the pad pressing element (9, 10) is completely inserted into the recesses (7, 8), wherein in particular at least one pressing protrusion (13, 14) closes flush with the outer surface (19) of the matrix (3).

10. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressing protrusion (13, 14) protrudes beyond the outer surface (19) of the matrix (3).

11. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pad pressing element (9, 10) and the matrix (3) are made of the same material.

12. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one pad pressing element (9, 10) and the base body (3) are made of different materials.

13. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pad pressing element (9, 10) is made of a material that is harder or softer than the material of the base body (3).

14. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grooves (20, 21) have a constant depth (t) or at least two different depths (t) in their longitudinal extension.

15. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth (t) of the grooves (20, 21) is equal to at least 10% of the height (h) of the base body (3).

16. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressing projection (13, 14) is configured in a nodular, spindle-shaped, cylindrical, pyramidal, conical, and / or mushroom shape.

17. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressing projection (13, 14) is oriented perpendicular to the outer surface (19) of the base body (3) or inclined to the outer surface (19) of the base body (3) in its longitudinal extension.

18. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (3) has a base (15, 16) that is particularly circular and one or more arms (17, 18) that project radially from the base (15, 16), wherein at least one pressing projection (13, 14) is arranged on the base (15, 16) and at the end of each arm (17, 18) facing away from the base (15, 16), respectively.

19. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (11, 12) is configured in a star shape.

20. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the arms (17, 18) are configured to have equal or unequal lengths.

21. The pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad (1) is a knee pad, an ankle pad, a back pad, an elbow pad, a pad for the arm area, or a pad for the abdominal area.

22. An orthosis or bandage (2) comprising the pad (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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