Reversible closed limb orthosis, limb bandage or exercise aid

Abstract

The invention relates to a limb orthosis, a limb bandage or an exercise aid, comprising a tensioning system consisting of a first tensioning subsystem and a second tensioning subsystem, both of which can be reversibly closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a limb orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device, comprising a tensioning system composed of a first tensioning subsystem and a second tensioning subsystem, wherein both the first tensioning subsystem and the second tensioning subsystem can be reversibly closed. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, orthoses and bandages for the limbs (also known as limb orthoses or limb bandages) are known, especially knee orthoses and elbow orthoses for passive and active stabilization of the knee joint. Such knee orthoses typically have a support in the form of a bandage, on which stabilizing elements such as straps, struts or joint braces are mounted, for example, see the patent document DE20005366U1.

[0003] For example, when suffering from knee osteoarthritis or medial meniscus injury, such knee orthoses can be used to relieve and stabilize the affected area. Here, the knee orthosis usually has straps by which the knee orthosis can be adjusted, i.e., adapted to the shape of the leg and / or the site of action. For example, dedicated guiding tensioning systems are disclosed in the patent documents EP2612626A2, DE4013693A1, DE102017220968A1, WO1996 / 16615A1 and DE19844545A1.

[0004] Such tensioning systems require the wearer (especially the patient) to insert the limb, especially the leg, into the tensioning system when wearing the orthosis or bandage and withdraw it from the tensioning system when removing the orthosis or bandage, which can be very cumbersome, especially causing discomfort to the patient and posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a limb orthosis or limb bandage, especially a knee orthosis or knee bandage, which can overcome the problems in the prior art, especially allowing the orthosis or bandage to be put on and taken off more conveniently and safely.

[0006] To solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a limb orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to claim 1.

[0007] In view of the above technical problem, the present invention relates to a limb orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device, comprising a tensioning system composed of a first tensioning subsystem and a second tensioning subsystem, characterized in that both the first tensioning subsystem and the second tensioning subsystem can be reversibly closed.

[0008] All embodiments of the limb orthosis or limb bandage according to the present invention described below are equally applicable to the movement assistance device according to the present invention.

[0009] It has been found that it is possible to provide a fully functional tensioning system that can be reversibly closed and opened. In this way, the wearer (especially the patient) can advantageously place and close the tensioning system around the limb (especially the leg) when wearing the orthosis or bandage, so that there is no need to step the leg into the tensioning system or insert the arm into the tensioning system. This also applies to the case of removing the orthosis or bandage, where the tensioning system can be opened again and then removed without the wearer (especially the patient) having to withdraw the limb from the tensioning system.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, when the limb orthosis is in place, the first tensioning subsystem and / or the second tensioning subsystem of the tensioning system are guided around the limb (especially the leg) such that the first tensioning subsystem and / or the second tensioning subsystem of the tensioning system respectively surround the limb.

[0011] In particular, according to the present invention, the first tensioning subsystem is assigned to the upper part of the limb, i.e., the thigh or the upper arm, and the second tensioning subsystem is assigned to the lower part of the limb, i.e., the lower leg or the forearm, so that the knee or the elbow is positioned between the two tensioning subsystems in the worn state.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first tensioning subsystem and the second tensioning subsystem are formed by a continuous tensioning member. Therefore, it is advantageous that the limb orthosis or limb bandage of the present invention can be formed by only a single tensioning member.

[0013] Alternatively, of course, it can also be proposed that the first tensioning subsystem is formed by a first tensioning member and the second tensioning subsystem is formed by a second tensioning member.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, at least one tensioning member is a belt, a flat belt, a rope, a wire or a Bowden cable. In a preferred embodiment, at least one tensioning member is a rope, a wire or a Bowden cable.

[0015] The tensioning member can be designed to be flexible, non-flexible or partially flexible. In a preferred embodiment, at least one tensioning member is inelastic.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, at least one tensioning member includes a rope or a wire, wherein the rope or the wire extends at least in sections in a sheath, and wherein the sheath is movably arranged on the limb orthosis or the limb bandage.

[0017] The Bowden cable and the rope can be at least partially attached to the padding. The padding can also be configured as a belt or a strap to advantageously improve the wearing comfort of the patient and prevent the rope from "digging into" the limb. The padding can be elastic or inelastic. Furthermore, the padding may only have partially elastic regions.

[0018] At least one tension member can also be connected to the gasket via a rotatably arranged fastening element. In a preferred design, both the gasket and the overall rope guiding system are slightly elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the orthosis or limb bandage has a rotatably arranged deflection guide section, in which at least one tension member is deflected.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the first tensioning subsystem can be reversibly closed by a first coupling device, and the second tensioning subsystem can be reversibly closed by a second coupling device.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, both the first tensioning subsystem and the second tensioning subsystem can be reversibly closed by coupling devices, where each coupling device includes a first coupling part and a second coupling part, where the first coupling part and the second coupling part can be reversibly interconnected via a locking system, where the first coupling part has a first guide section for the tension member, and the second coupling part has a second guide section for the tension member, where the tension member extends in the first guide section, and the tension member extends in the second guide section, and where, in the connected state of the two coupling parts, the first guide section and the second guide section cross at least once, especially twice.

[0021] Due to the at least once (especially twice) crossing of the guide sections, the tension members located therein also cross. If the two coupling parts are interconnected, for example, if the orthosis is to be closed, the two tension members guided therein cross each other in two different planes. The advantage of the tension members crossing each other is that a coupling part configuration can be achieved in a relatively small space, and through this configuration, friction can be minimized to the greatest extent. This also enables a more reasonable force distribution within the entire tensioning system.

[0022] For example, when the two guide sections are bent in opposite directions and overlap, the guide sections preferably cross twice. For example, when the two guide sections are bent in opposite directions and only overlap at their tips (i.e., the bending vertices), the guide sections cross once.

[0023] Preferably, the first guide section has a curvature, especially in the shape of a horseshoe, and the second guide section also has a curvature, especially in the shape of a horseshoe. Preferably, in the connected state of the two coupling parts, the two horseshoe-shaped guide sections overlap each other. Preferably, the two ends of the first horseshoe-shaped guide section face away from the second horseshoe-shaped guide section, and the two ends of the second horseshoe-shaped guide section face away from the first horseshoe-shaped guide section.

[0024] The guide section can be designed, for example, as a tunnel or a channel, i.e., a hollow tunnel or a hollow channel. Through the guide section, the tension member can cross in a non-contact manner.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the first guide section is located within the edge region of the first coupling part, and the second guide section is located within the edge region of the second coupling part.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the first coupling member has a front side and a back side and has a horseshoe shape with a concave inner edge, and wherein the second coupling member has a front side and a back side and has a horseshoe shape with a concave inner edge, wherein the first coupling member has a first locking member on the front side within the top region of the horseshoe shape, and the second coupling member has a second locking member on the back side within the top region of the horseshoe shape, and wherein the second coupling member of the horseshoe shape has a first bridging member spanning the concave inner edge of the second coupling member, wherein, in the connected state of the two coupling members, the first locking member of the first coupling member engages in the first bridging member of the second coupling member, and the second locking member of the second coupling member engages in the concave inner edge of the first coupling member.

[0027] Preferably, in the connected state of the two coupling members, the first coupling member and the second coupling member can move or rotate relative to each other. The advantage of this is that the tensioning members can also move relative to each other.

[0028] Preferably, the second coupling member has a second bridging member spanning the concave inner edge of the second coupling member, and in the connected state of the two coupling members, the second bridging member presses the first bridging member against the first locking member. Preferably, the second bridging member has an inclined surface portion in its central region, and especially when bent, the inclined surface portion can slide under the first bridging member and can lift it or otherwise disengage the locking member.

[0029] Preferably, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are made of plastic.

[0030] Preferably, the first guiding portion and / or the second guiding portion is configured as a gripping member.

[0031] It is further preferred for the coupling device that the first coupling member and the second coupling member are reversibly interconnected via a locking system, and the coupling device is opened by pressing on the two arms of the second horseshoe-shaped coupling member, thereby preferably pushing the second bridging member spanning the concave inner edge of the second coupling member towards the top of the second horseshoe-shaped coupling member and / or towards the first coupling member, and the second bridging member spanning the concave inner edge of the second coupling member preferably lifts the first bridging member out of the first locking member, thereby preferably enabling the two coupling members to slide relative to each other and separate.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the orthosis or limb bandage for a limb has a connecting member, to which at least one tensioning member (especially a single tensioning member or a first tensioning member and / or a second tensioning member) is attached.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, at least one tensioning member is attached to the connecting member at both ends. In a preferred embodiment, a certain (i.e., single) tensioning member is attached to the connecting member at both ends. When there are multiple tensioning members, these tensioning members can all be attached to the connecting member at only one end.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting member has a tension adjustment member for tensioning at least one tension member. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting member serves as a tension adjustment member for tensioning at least one tension member.

[0035] Advantageously, it is proposed that the two tensioning subsystems can be tensioned jointly or individually, so that both can closely fit the limb orthosis or limb bandage to the limb, especially closely fit the knee orthosis or knee bandage to the leg, and can also properly position and fit the preferred joint brace.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the tension adjustment member is configured as a knob by means of which the tension member or two tension members can be tensioned simultaneously. Preferably, the tension member is tensioned by turning the knob, for example, by winding a cord that forms the tension member around the knob. Therefore, preferably, the two tensioning subsystems are tensioned simultaneously by the tension adjustment member, so that the two tensioning subsystems have the same tension respectively, and then the two tensioning subsystems are combined into a single tensioning system, and only one working step is required to tension the two tensioning subsystems.

[0037] Of course, the tension adjustment member is also configured to loosen the tensioning system again. For example, by means of a ratchet in the knob, preferably different tension levels can be set, so that specific forces can be advantageously set.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, at least one tension member is attached to the tension adjustment member at both ends, but it can also be attached to the tension adjustment member at only one end. The second end can be attached to any point on the orthosis.

[0039] It is also possible to provide a first tension member for the first tensioning subsystem and a second tension member for the second tensioning subsystem. Each of the two tension members is attached to the tension adjustment member at one end and to any point on the orthosis or bandage, such as attached to the joint brace, at the other end.

[0040] In an advantageous preferred embodiment, the tensioning system is guided such that the first tensioning subsystem crosses in a first crossing region and the second tensioning subsystem crosses in a second crossing region. Preferably, the first crossing region is formed by a first coupling device, and the second crossing region is formed by a second coupling device.

[0041] Preferably, in the worn state, the first crossing region and / or the second crossing region is / are located on the inner side of the limb. Preferably, in the worn state, the first coupling device and / or the second coupling device is / are located on the inner side of the limb. Alternatively, the crossing region and / or the coupling device can be located on the outer side of the limb or on the posterior or anterior side.

[0042] Preferably, when the limb orthosis or limb bandage is in place, the first tensioning subsystem and / or the second tensioning subsystem of the tensioning system are guided around the limb (especially the leg) such that the first tensioning subsystem and / or the second tensioning subsystem of the tensioning system wind around the limb and cross once during this process.

[0043] The invention also relates to a limb orthosis or limb bandage comprising a tensioning system consisting of a first tensioning subsystem and a second tensioning subsystem, wherein the two tensioning subsystems are preferably formed by a single tensioning member, and wherein the tensioning system is guided such that the first tensioning subsystem crosses in a first crossing region and the second tensioning subsystem crosses in a second crossing region, wherein, in the worn state, the first crossing region and / or the second crossing region are located on the inner side of the limb, and wherein preferably the two ends of the tensioning member are connected to a tensioning control member. The limb orthosis or limb bandage can be closed reversibly and also irreversibly.

[0044] In the case of a limb orthosis according to the invention having only one tensioning member, the preferred guiding of the tensioning member in the worn state is as follows:

[0045] The tensioning member starts with its first end at the tensioning control member and extends upwards along the thigh or upper arm, approximately at the height of the knee or elbow. Thereafter, the tensioning member extends to one side of the limb, especially to the inner side of the limb, where it is deflected upwards by the first coupling member of the first coupling system of the first tensioning subsystem, and then the tensioning member extends again along the thigh or upper arm. Then, the tensioning member slides along the front side region of the thigh or upper arm to the other side of the limb (especially the outer side of the limb) and extends along the back side of the thigh or upper arm to the first side (especially the inner side of the thigh or upper arm). From here, the tensioning member is deflected downwards in the second coupling member of the first coupling system and continues to be guided in the direction of the back side of the thigh or upper arm. By closing the first coupling system, the tensioning member is caused to cross twice. The tensioning member extends slightly downwards and obliquely along the back side of the thigh or upper arm to the second side (especially the outer side of the limb), from where it is guided vertically downwards below the joint (i.e., the knee or elbow) to the lower leg or forearm and then to the second tensioning subsystem. From here, the tensioning member extends along the back side of the lower leg or forearm to the first side (especially the inner side of the lower leg or forearm). From here, the tensioning member is deflected downwards in the second coupling member of the second coupling system of the second tensioning subsystem and continues to be guided in the direction of the back side of the lower leg or forearm. The tensioning member extends slightly obliquely along the back side of the lower leg or forearm to the second side (especially the outer side of the limb), from where it is guided to the front side direction of the lower leg or forearm and then continues to be guided to the first side (especially the inner side of the lower leg or forearm). From here, the tensioning member is deflected upwards by the first coupling member of the second coupling system of the second tensioning subsystem, and then the tensioning member extends again along the front side of the lower leg or forearm and terminates with its second end at the tensioning control member again. By means of the tensioning control member, the two ends of the tensioning member can be tensioned, for example by winding up.

[0046] Preferably, the tension regulator is located on the outer side of the limb, especially when the coupling system is located on the inner side. Alternatively, the tension regulator is located on the inner side of the limb, especially when the coupling system is located on the outer side.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the orthosis or bandage for a limb of the present invention has at least one joint brace, preferably two joint braces. Preferably, in the worn state, the two joint braces are positioned on the sides, i.e., one joint brace is positioned on the outer side of the limb and one joint brace is positioned on the inner side of the limb. Preferably, the joint braces of the orthosis or bandage for a limb are positioned on the outer side of the limb in the worn state. Alternatively, the joint braces of the orthosis or bandage for a limb are positioned on the inner side of the limb in the worn state. Preferably, when two joint braces are used, one of the two joint braces (especially the joint brace positioned on the outer side of the limb) is connected to the tension regulator. Preferably, the second joint brace (especially the joint brace positioned on the inner side of the limb) is connected to one of the two coupling members of the first tension member and one of the two coupling members of the second tension member.

[0048] The joint braces are generally designed to allow knee movement not only in the sagittal plane but also in the frontal plane. In the frontal plane, the positions of these adjustable hinge joints are as close as possible to the curvature apex of the knee joint or elbow joint, thereby serving to reduce the load on the medial compartment of the tibiofemoral joint or elbow joint. In the prior art, an annularly arranged strap acts as a mating support member and acts on the upper and lower parts of the knee joint on the opposite side of the joint brace. Such joint braces can be referred to, for example, in patent documents WO 2007 / 145504 A1 or WO 2003 / 103547 A1.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, at least one joint brace has a first brace segment, a second brace segment, and a third brace segment), wherein the first brace segment and the second brace segment are respectively connected to the third brace segment through hinges.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, these brace segments are designed to be elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the third brace segment is formed by a spring member, especially a leaf spring. The other two brace segments can also be formed by leaf springs.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the hinge is a single-center hinge. The two single-center hinges above and below the middle third brace segment of the joint brace together form a double-center hinge, which is beneficial for knee flexion and thus reduces the stress load on the knee joint. During flexion, the center of rotation can be changed from one pivot point to another pivot point multiple times. This double-center design combined with an elastic brace (especially a leaf spring) can ensure that the orthosis or bandage does not shift relative to the limb axis (especially the leg axis) during flexion.

[0052] The third brace segment is formed by a spring element, in particular a leaf spring (such as spring steel), such that the first and second brace segments can not only rotate about an axis, but also move along an axis that is 90° to it, preferably in the region where the central load point of the three-point system created by the tensioning system is made flexible by the coupling element. In addition, the two hinges connecting the first and second brace segments to the third brace segment enable the joint brace itself to better adapt to the body contour. The elasticity of the third brace segment also advantageously allows the limb orthosis or limb bandage (in particular a knee orthosis) to yield moderately during strenuous movements, thereby reminding the user to avoid excessive and incorrect leg movements.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element is attached to the third brace segment of at least one joint brace (in particular one of the two joint braces).

[0054] In an orthosis or bandage for the extremities, in particular a knee orthosis or knee bandage, a support element, such as a bandage base, in particular a knitted or woven fabric, can be additionally provided, but the support element can also be omitted based on the course of the tensioning system according to the present invention.

[0055] The limb orthosis or limb bandage can additionally have a bandage base. Suitable bandage bases are known to those skilled in the art, in particular tubular bandage bases. Preferably, the bandage base is not permanently connected to the rest of the orthosis or bandage, but is either not connected at all or reversibly connected to the rest of the orthosis or bandage. In this way, the bandage base can be put on the limb in a conventional manner, and then the rest of the limb orthosis or limb bandage can be put on in the advantageous manner described above. In an alternative embodiment, the bandage base can also be fixedly and permanently connected to the rest of the limb orthosis or limb bandage, for example, when the bandage base can also be opened, for example, by a zipper, Velcro or buttons, then the bandage base can be placed around the limb during wearing and then closed, and the wearer does not have to pass the limbs through the bandage base.

[0056] Of course, no bandage base can also be used, so that the limb orthosis or bandage is directly worn on the body surface or clothing. This enables the orthosis or bandage to be adjusted according to the patient's treatment process.

[0057] Whether the product is an orthosis or a bandage depends on whether the product has a knitted or woven fabric of the bandage type and / or the degree of product upgrade.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the limb orthosis or limb bandage is a knee orthosis or knee bandage.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the limb orthosis is a knee orthosis. The advantage of a knee orthosis is particularly that the orthosis is easier to put on and take off. However, an elbow orthosis also has the above advantages, so that the limb orthosis can also be an elbow orthosis.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the limb bandage is a knee bandage. The advantage of the knee bandage lies especially in that the bandage is easier to put on and take off. However, the elbow bandage also has the above advantages, so the limb bandage can also be an elbow bandage.

[0061] The limb orthosis or limb bandage of the present invention can also be used as a sports assistance device. In an alternative embodiment, the limb orthosis or limb bandage of the present invention is a sports assistance device. The present invention also relates to the sports assistance device according to claim 1. The preferred embodiment of the sports assistance device of the present invention is derived from the embodiments of the limb orthosis and limb bandage of the present invention.

[0062] The present invention also relates to the use of the orthosis or bandage of the present invention for treating limb diseases. The present invention also relates to the use of the knee orthosis or knee bandage of the present invention for treating knee diseases, especially knee osteoarthritis, also known as gonarthrosis. Knee osteoarthritis refers to the degenerative lesion of the articular cartilage surface of the knee joint. If the medial or medial compartment of the femorotibial joint is involved, it is called medial knee osteoarthritis. If the patient has an O-shaped leg deformity, it is called varus knee osteoarthritis. If the lateral or lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint is involved, it is called lateral knee osteoarthritis. If the patient has an X-shaped leg deformity, it is called valgus knee osteoarthritis. The knee orthosis or knee bandage of the present invention is preferably applicable to medial knee osteoarthritis, especially for relieving the load on the medial compartment of the femorotibial joint and relieving pain.

[0063] The present invention also relates to a method for treating knee osteoarthritis, especially medial knee osteoarthritis, in which the knee orthosis or knee bandage of the present invention is positioned on the patient's leg.

[0064] The present invention also relates to a method for treating limb diseases, in which the limb orthosis or limb bandage of the present invention is positioned on the patient's limb.

[0065] It is hereby stated that when the orthosis or bandage element is mentioned in this specification with respect to the positioning relative to the body part, it means that the orthosis or bandage is in the worn state, that is, the orthosis or bandage is positioned on the limb. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the embodiments and the drawings, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. In the figures:

[0067] Figure 1 shows the limb orthosis of the present invention as a knee orthosis;

[0068] Figures 2 to 7 shows Figure 1 different perspectives of the shown knee orthosis;

[0069] Figures 8 to 11 shows Figure 1Detailed view of the knee orthosis shown;

[0070] Figure 12 The limb orthosis of the present invention is shown as an elbow orthosis;

[0071] Figure 13 Shows Figure 12 The elbow orthosis shown;

[0072] Figure 14 The limb orthosis of the present invention is shown as a bandaged elbow orthosis;

[0073] Figure 15 Shows Figure 14 The elbow orthosis shown;

[0074] Figure 16 Shows a front view of the preferred coupling device of the orthosis of the present invention in the closed state;

[0075] Figure 17 Shows Figure 16 A rear view of the coupling device shown in the closed state;

[0076] Figure 18 Shows Figure 16 A front view of the coupling device shown in the open state;

[0077] Figure 19 Shows Figure 16 A rear view of the coupling device shown in the open state;

[0078] Figure 20 Shows Figure 16 The coupling device shown and its instructions for use;

[0079] Figure 21 Shows Figure 16 A detailed view of the coupling device shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0080] Figure 1 The limb orthosis of the present invention is shown as a knee orthosis 1000 on a leg 1500, the leg 1500 having a thigh 1510, a knee region 1520, and a calf 1530. The knee orthosis 1000 is equipped with a bandage 500. The knee orthosis includes a tensioning system 300, which consists of a Bowden cable 320 and a cord 323 mostly covered with a sheath 321. The Bowden cable 320 extends over a pad 325. A first cord end 322 and a second cord end 324 are connected to a knob 340 for tensioning.

[0081] From Figure 2 and Figure 3As can be seen, the knee orthosis 1000 is located on the inner side 1501 of the leg. Here, the second joint brace 420 is composed of a first brace segment 421 and a second brace segment 422. The first brace segment 421 is connected to the third brace segment 423 via a first hinge 424, and the second brace segment 422 is connected to the third brace segment 423 via a hinge 425. Two coupling devices 10 are provided within the area of the second joint brace 420, both of which are composed of a first coupling member 100 and a second coupling member 200. These two coupling devices 10 perform two functions simultaneously, that is, on the one hand, they can reversibly open and close the knee orthosis 1000, and on the other hand, they can deflect the Bowden cable 320 via the first guiding portion 10 and the second guiding portion 201 respectively.

[0082] Figure 4 It shows that the knee orthosis 1000 is located on the posterior side of the leg. As can be seen from the figure, the tensioning system 300 is divided into a first tensioning subsystem 301 on the thigh 1510 and a second tensioning subsystem 302 on the calf 1530, both of which are tensioned.

[0083] From Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the knee orthosis 1000 is located on the outer side 1502 of the leg. Here, the first joint brace 410 is composed of a first brace segment 411 and a second brace segment 412. The first brace segment 411 is connected to the third brace segment 413 via a first hinge 414, and the second brace segment 412 is connected to the third brace segment 413 via a hinge 415. A connection / tensioning control member configured as a knob 340 is provided at the third brace segment 413 for tensioning the cable of the Bowden cable 320. The first end 322 and the second end 324 of the cable 323 terminate at the knob 340. The joint brace 410 also has a fastening member 326 for the rotational placement of the Bowden cable 320 and a rotationally placed deflection guiding portion 327.

[0084] Similar Figure 1 , Figure 7 Once again, it shows that the knee orthosis 1000 is worn on the front side of the leg 1500. As can be seen from the figure, the tensioning system 300 formed by the Bowden cable 320 is divided into a first tensioning subsystem 301 on the thigh 1510 and a second tensioning subsystem 302 on the calf 1530, where the knob 340 is positioned within the knee region 1520 as a tensioning control member.

[0085] Figures 1 to 7 It clearly shows the route of the Bowden cable 320 as the tensioning system 300 in the specified order:

[0086] The Bowden cable 320 as the tensioning member 300 starts from the tensioning control member 340 on the outer side of the leg at approximately the height of the knee with its first end 324, and then extends upward along the thigh 1510 ( Figure 1)。Thereafter, the tension member extends to the inner side 1501 of the leg, and from here it deflects upward through the guiding portion 101 in the first coupling member 100 of the first tensioning subsystem 301, and then the tension member extends along the thigh again ( Figure 2 )。Then, the tension member 300 slides along the front region of the thigh to the outer side of the thigh and then along the rear side of the thigh to the inner side of the thigh. From here, the tension member 300 deflects downward through the guiding portion 201 in the second coupling member 200 of the first coupling system 10 and is further guided in the direction of the rear side of the thigh ( Figure 3 )。By closing the first coupling system 10, the tension member 300 achieves a double crossover. The tension member 300 extends slightly obliquely downward on the rear side of the thigh to the outer side of the leg ( Figure 4 ),and from here it is vertically guided downward below the knee to the lower leg and then to the second tensioning subsystem 302 ( Figure 5 )。From here, the tension member 300 extends along the rear side of the lower leg to the inner side of the lower leg ( Figure 4 )。From here, the tension member deflects downward through the guiding portion 201 in the second coupling member 200 of the second coupling system 10 of the second tensioning subsystem 302 and is further guided in the direction of the rear side of the lower leg ( Figure 3 )。The tension member 300 extends to the outer side of the leg on the rear side of the lower leg ( Figure 5 ),and from here it is guided in the direction of the front side of the lower leg ( Figure 6 ),and from here it is further guided to the inner side of the lower leg ( Figure 2 )。From here, the tension member 300 deflects upward through the deflecting portion 101 in the first coupling member 100 of the second coupling system 10 of the second tensioning subsystem 302, and then the tension member 300 extends along the front side of the lower leg again and terminates at the tension regulating member 340 on the outer side again with the second end 324 ( Figure 7 )。By using the tension regulating member 340, both ends 322, 324 of the cable 323 of the Bowden cable 320 can be tensioned.

[0087] Figure 8 A partial view of the inner side 1501 of the thigh 1510 is shown. As can be seen in the figure, the upper coupling system has the first coupling member 100 and the guiding portion 101 for the Bowden cable 320, and the second coupling member 200 and the guiding portion 201 for the Bowden cable 320. The bandage 500 made of knitted fabric is reversibly connected to the upper first brace segment 421 of the second joint brace 420 via the bag mouth.

[0088] Figure 9 A partial view of the inner side 1501 of the lower leg 1530 is shown. As can be seen in the figure, the lower coupling system has the first coupling member 100 and the guiding portion 101 for the Bowden cable 320, and the second coupling member 200 and the guiding portion 201 for the Bowden cable 320. The bandage 500 made of knitted fabric can be reversibly connected to the lower second brace segment 422 of the second joint brace 420 via the bag mouth.

[0089] Figure 10 shows a Figure 8 portion of [the device], in which the upper coupling system is open, and thus the first coupling member 100 is separated from the second coupling member. The first coupling member 100 is connected to the upper first brace segment 421 of the second joint brace 420.

[0090] Figure 11 shows a Figure 10 closing process of the opened knee orthosis in [the device]. Here, the second coupling member 200 is guided to and connected with the first coupling member 100.

[0091] Figure 12 Schematically shows the limb orthosis of the present invention as an elbow orthosis 2000 on an arm 2500, which has an upper arm 2510, an elbow region 2520, and a forearm 2530. The elbow orthosis 2000 can be equipped with a bandage. The elbow orthosis includes a tensioning system 300 with a cord 323. Figure 12 (a) is shown as the outer arm, Figure 12 (b) is shown as the inner arm. A joint brace 410 is arranged on the outer arm. Two coupling systems 10 for opening and closing the elbow orthosis 2000 are arranged on the inner arm. For design details, reference can be made to Figures 1 to 7 the shown knee orthosis 1000.

[0092] Figure 13 Schematically shows from different angles Figure 12 the elbow orthosis 2000 with a cord 323 and a coupling system 100 in [the device]. The joint brace 410 has a first brace segment 411 and a second brace segment 412. The first brace segment 411 is connected to a third brace segment 413 via a first hinge 414, and the second brace segment 412 is connected to the third brace segment 413 via a hinge 415. A tension control member (not shown in the figure) is provided at the third brace segment 413.

[0093] Figure 14 (a), Figure 14 (b), and Figure 15 show Figure 12 and Figure 13 another embodiment of the elbow orthosis 2000 with a coupling system 100 and a joint brace 410 in [the device], where the elbow orthosis 2000 is equipped with a bandage 500, and the configuration in other aspects corresponds to the configuration in Figure 12 and Figure 13 in [the device].

[0094] Figure 16 Shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of the coupling device 10 of the orthosis of the present invention, respectively showing a top view of the first coupling member 100 and the second coupling member 200 in the closed state ( Figure 16(a)) and a perspective view ( Figure 16 (b)). As can be seen from the figure, the front face 120 of the first coupling member 100 and the front face 220 of the second coupling member 200 are shown. Both coupling members 100, 200 are in the shape of a horseshoe, and accordingly have outer edge regions 110, 210. The first guiding portion 101 for the tensioning member follows the horseshoe shape of the first coupling member 100, and the second guiding portion 201 for the tensioning member follows the horseshoe shape of the second coupling member 200. Here, the second guiding portion 201 protrudes from the front face 220 of the second coupling member 200, and the first guiding portion 101 is flat on the front face 120 of the first coupling member 100, so that the front face 120 of the first coupling member 100 can be placed flat on the back face of the second coupling member 200. In an alternative embodiment, the guiding portions 101, 201 can also be omitted, especially when no tensioning member is provided. The first coupling member 100 has a first locking member 104 at its horseshoe-shaped tip 103, and a bent first bridging member 205 in the second coupling member 200 spans the recessed inner region of the horseshoe of the second coupling member 200 and locks into the first locking member 104. A second bridging member 206 bent in the other direction is close to the first bridging member 205, so that the first bridging member 205 is clamped between the first locking member 104 and the second bridging member 206. The first coupling member 100 has a tensioning member 140, and the second coupling member 200 also has a tensioning member 240, and these tensioning members are advantageously formed by the channel-shaped guiding portions 101, 201.

[0095] Figure 17 Shows Figure 16 the back face of the coupling device 10 in, respectively showing a top view of the first coupling member 100 and the second coupling member 200 in the closed state ( Figure 2 (a)) and a perspective view ( Figure 2 (b)). As can be seen from the figure, the back face 130 of the first coupling member 100 and the back face 230 of the second coupling member 200 are shown. The first guiding portion 101 for the tensioning member is designed as a channel with a notch and follows the horseshoe shape of the first coupling member 100, and the second guiding portion 201 for the tensioning member is also designed as a channel with a notch and follows the horseshoe shape of the second coupling member 200. The first guiding portion 101 protrudes from the back face 130, and the second guiding portion 201 is flat on the back face 230 of the second coupling member 200, so that the front face of the first coupling member 100 can be placed flat on the back face 230 of the second coupling member 200. The first horseshoe-shaped coupling member 100 has a concave inner edge 102 and an outer tip 103. The concave inner edge 102 of the first coupling member 100 locks into a second locking member 204 on the back face 230 of the second coupling member 200.

[0096] Figure 18 Shows Figure 16 the front face of the coupling device 10 in, respectively showing a top view of the first coupling member 100 and the second coupling member 200 in the open state (Figure 3 (a)), an oblique view Figure 3 (b)) and a side view Figure 3 (c)). It can be seen from the figure the front surface 120 of the first coupling member 100 and the front surface 220 of the second coupling member 200. Both coupling members 100, 200 are in a horseshoe shape, and accordingly have an outer edge region 210, as well as a first arm 107, 207 and a second arm 108, 208.

[0097] The first coupling member 100 has a concave inner edge 102 and has a first locking member 104 at its horseshoe-shaped top 103. The bent first bridging member 205 in the second coupling member 200 spans across the horseshoe-shaped concave inner region of the second coupling member 200 and can be locked into the first locking member 104. The second bridging member 206 bent in the other direction is close to the first bridging member 205, such that the first bridging member 205 can be clamped between the first locking member 104 and the second bridging member 206. The bridging member 206 has an inclined surface portion 209 that can slide under the first bridging member 205 in the direction towards the first bridging member 205. The second coupling member 200 has a concave inner edge 202 and has a second locking member 204 at the horseshoe-shaped top 203 on its lower side. The concave inner edge 102 of the first coupling member 100 can be locked into the second locking member 204. Both the first coupling member 100 and the second coupling member 200 have gripping members 140, 240.

[0098] Figure 19 Shows Figure 16 the back of the coupling device 10 in the figure, respectively showing a top view Figure 4 (a)) and an oblique view Figure 4(b)). The back surface 130 of the first coupling member 100 and the back surface 230 of the second coupling member 200 can be seen in the figure. The first guiding portion 101 for the tensioning member is designed as a channel with a notch and follows the horseshoe shape of the first coupling member 100, and the second guiding portion 201 for the tensioning member is also designed as a channel with a notch and follows the horseshoe shape of the second coupling member 200. The first guiding portion 101 protrudes from the back surface 130, and the second guiding portion 201 lies flat on the back surface 230 of the second coupling member 200, such that the front surface of the first coupling member 100 can lie flat on the back surface 230 of the second coupling member 200. The first horseshoe-shaped coupling member 100 has a concave inner edge 102 and an outer top end 103. The concave inner edge 102 of the first coupling member 100 can be locked into the second locking member 204 on the back surface 230 at the top end 203 of the second coupling member 200. The second coupling member 200 has a concave inner edge 202, and a first bridging member 205 and a second bridging member 206 with an inclined surface portion 209 span the intermediate space of the concave inner edge 202.

[0099] Figure 20 is schematically shown Figure 16 the coupling device 10 in, where the first coupling member 100 and the second coupling member 200 are during use, especially before / during the opening of the coupling device 10. The first tensioning member 20a (such as a rope or Bowden cable) extends in the first guiding portion 101, and the second tensioning member 20b (such as a rope or Bowden cable) extends in the second guiding portion 201. Preferably, the first tensioning member 20a and the second tensioning member 20b can be segments of a single tensioning member. Advantageously, in the closed state of the coupling device 10, the guiding portions 101, 201 and the tensioning members 20a, 20b are all in a double-cross, that is, they cross at the first crossing point K1 and the second crossing point K2. The advantage of the coupling device 10 of the present invention is that the two coupling members 100, 200 are arranged in a relatively rotatable manner, as shown by the direction of movement f.

[0100] The coupling device 10 is opened by pressing the second horseshoe-shaped coupling member 200 with the first arm 207 and the first arm 208 (as shown by the arrow a), whereby the second bridging member 206 spanning the concave inner edge 202 of the second coupling member 200 slides in the direction of the top end 203 of the second horseshoe-shaped coupling member 200 and the direction of the first coupling member 100 with its inclined surface portion 209 (as shown by the arrow b), whereby the second bridging member 206 spanning the concave inner edge 202 of the second coupling member 200 jacks up the first bridging member 205 from the first locking member 104 with its inclined surface portion 209 (as shown by the arrow c), such that the two coupling members 100, 200 can slide relative to each other and separate from each other (as shown by the arrow d).

[0101] Figure 21 shows Figure 16Two detailed views of the front of the coupling device, showing perspective views ([ Figure 21 (a)) and cross-sectional views ([ Figure 21 (b)) of the first coupling member 100 and the second coupling member 200 in the closed state. The first coupling member 100 has a first locking member 104 at its top end. The bent first bridging member 205 in the second coupling member 200 spans the horseshoe-shaped recessed inner area of the second coupling member 200 and locks into the first locking member 104. The second bridging member 206 bent in the other direction is close to the first bridging member 205, such that the first bridging member 205 is clamped between the first locking member 104 and the second bridging member 206. The bridging member 206 has an inclined surface portion 209 that can slide under the first bridging member 205 in the direction towards the first bridging member 205.

[0102] Reference numerals

[0103] 10 Coupling device

[0104] 20a Tension member

[0105] 20b Tension member

[0106] 100 First coupling member

[0107] 101 First guiding portion

[0108] 102 Concave inner edge of the first coupling member

[0109] 103 Horseshoe-shaped top end of the first coupling member

[0110] 104 First locking member of the first coupling member

[0111] 107 First arm of the horseshoe-shaped first coupling member

[0112] 108 Second arm of the horseshoe-shaped first coupling member

[0113] 110 Edge area of the first coupling member

[0114] 120 Front face of the first coupling member

[0115] 130 Back face of the first coupling member

[0116] 140 Gripping member of the first coupling member

[0117] 200 Second coupling member

[0118] 201 Second guiding portion

[0119] 202 Concave inner edge of the second coupling member

[0120] 203 Horseshoe-shaped top end of the second coupling member

[0121] The second locking member of the second coupling member

[0122] 205 The first bridging member

[0123] 206 The second bridging member

[0124] 207 The first arm of the U-shaped second coupling member

[0125] 208 The second arm of the U-shaped second coupling member

[0126] 209 The inclined surface portion of the second bridging member

[0127] 210 The edge region of the second coupling member

[0128] 220 The front surface of the second coupling member

[0129] 230 The back surface of the second coupling member

[0130] 240 The gripping member of the second coupling member

[0131] 300 The tensioning system

[0132] 301 The first tensioning subsystem

[0133] 302 The second tensioning subsystem

[0134] 320 Bowden cable (as a tensioning member)

[0135] 321 The sheath

[0136] 322 The first cable end of the Bowden cable

[0137] 323 The cable

[0138] 324 The second cable end of the Bowden cable

[0139] 325 The gasket

[0140] 326 The rotatably mounted fastener

[0141] 327 The rotatably mounted deflection guide

[0142] 340 Knob (as a connection / tensioning control member)

[0143] 410 The first joint brace

[0144] 411 The first brace segment

[0145] 412 The second brace segment

[0146] 413 The third brace segment

[0147] 414 The first hinge

[0148] 415 Second hinge joint

[0149] 420 Second joint brace

[0150] 421 First brace segment

[0151] 422 Second brace segment

[0152] 423 Third brace segment

[0153] 424 First hinge joint

[0154] 425 Second hinge joint

[0155] 500 Bandage

[0156] 1000 Knee orthosis

[0157] 1500 Leg

[0158] 1501 Inner side of leg

[0159] 1502 Outer side of leg

[0160] 1510 Thigh

[0161] 1520 Knee region

[0162] 1530 Calf

[0163] 2000 Elbow orthosis

[0164] 2500 Arm

[0165] 2501 Outer side of arm

[0166] 2502 Inner side of arm

[0167] 2510 Upper arm

[0168] 2520 Elbow region

[0169] 2530 Forearm

[0170] a First step of opening

[0171] b Second step of opening

[0172] c Third step of opening

[0173] d Fourth step of opening

[0174] f Rotational movement

[0175] K1 First intersection point

[0176] K2 Second intersection point

Claims

1. An orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device for a limb, comprising a tensioning system (300) consisting of a first tensioning subsystem (301) and a second tensioning subsystem (302), characterized in that, both the first tensioning subsystem (301) and the second tensioning subsystem (302) can be reversibly closed.

2. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first tensioning subsystem (301) and the second tensioning subsystem (302) are formed by a continuous tensioning member.

3. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first tensioning subsystem (301) is formed by a first tensioning member, and the second tensioning subsystem (302) is formed by a second tensioning member.

4. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The at least one tensioning member is a rope, wire, flat belt or Bowden cable (320).

5. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one tensioning member comprises a rope or a wire, wherein the rope or the wire extends at least in sections in a sheath (321), and wherein the sheath is movably arranged on the orthosis for the limb.

6. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Both the first tensioning subsystem (301) and the second tensioning subsystem (302) can be reversibly closed by means of a coupling device, wherein each coupling device comprises a first coupling member (100) and a second coupling member (200), wherein the first coupling member (100) and the second coupling member (200) can be reversibly interconnected via a locking system, wherein the first coupling member (100) has a first guiding portion (101) for a tensioning member (20a), and the second coupling member (200) has a second guiding portion (201) for a tensioning member (20b), wherein the tensioning member (20a) extends in the first guiding portion (101), and the tensioning member (20b) extends in the second guiding portion (201), and wherein, in the connected state of the two coupling members (100, 200), the first guiding portion (101) and the second guiding portion (201) cross doubly.

7. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to claim 6, wherein, The first coupling member (100) has a front side (120) and a back side (130) and has a horseshoe shape with a concave inner edge (102), and wherein the second coupling member (200) has a front side (220) and a back side (230) and has a horseshoe shape with a concave inner edge (202), wherein the first coupling member (100) has a first locking member (104) on the front side (120) in the region of the horseshoe tip (103), and the second coupling member (200) has a second locking member (204) on the back side (230) in the region of the horseshoe tip (203), and wherein the second coupling member (200) in the form of a horseshoe has a first bridging member (205) spanning the concave inner edge (202) of the second coupling member (200), wherein, in the connected state of the two coupling members (100, 200), the first locking member (104) of the first coupling member (100) engages in the first bridging member (205) of the second coupling member (200), and the second locking member (204) of the second coupling member (200) engages in the concave inner edge (102) of the first coupling member (100).

8. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The limb orthosis has a deflecting guide part (327) arranged in a rotatable manner, wherein at least one tensioning element is deflected.

9. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The limb orthosis or limb bandage is a knee orthosis (1000) or knee bandage, or the movement assistance device is a knee movement assistance device.

10. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the limb orthosis is in place, the first tensioning subsystem (301) and / or the second tensioning subsystem (302) of the tensioning system (300) are guided around the limb, in particular the leg (1500), such that the first tensioning subsystem (301) and / or the second tensioning subsystem (302) of the tensioning system (300) respectively enclose the limb.

11. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The limb orthosis has a connecting element to which at least one tensioning element, in particular the tensioning element according to claim 2 or the first and / or second tensioning element according to claim 3, is attached.

12. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The tensioning element according to claim 2 is attached to the connecting element at both ends.

13. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The connecting element has a tensioning control element (340) for tensioning at least one tensioning element.

14. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The limb orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device has at least one joint brace (410), preferably two joint braces (410, 420).

15. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assisting device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one joint brace (410) has a first brace segment (411), a second brace segment (412) and a third brace segment (413), wherein the first brace segment (411) and the second brace segment (412) are respectively connected to the third brace segment (413) by hinges (414, 415).

16. The orthosis, limb bandage or movement assistance device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The connecting element (340) is attached to the third brace segment (413) of the at least one joint brace (410).

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