Pad equipped with bending traction element

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure pad for an orthosis or bandage, in particular comprising an annular to semi-annular base, preferably for buckling the patella, the pressure pad being provided with a traction element, characterized in that the traction element is curved; the invention also relates to an orthosis or bandage comprising a pressure pad according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pressure pad for an orthosis or a bandage, in particular comprising an annular or semi-annular base, in particular for buckling the patella, wherein the pressure pad is provided with a traction element, characterised in that the traction element is curved; the invention also relates to an orthosis or a bandage comprising the pressure pad according to the invention.

[0002] The invention thus relates to a combination of a curved traction element and a matching pressure pad for an orthosis or a bandage, in particular comprising an annular to semi-annular base, in particular for encircling the patella. Background Art

[0003] For example, patent document EP0396702B1 discloses a pressure pad with an integrated steel wire rope, in particular a pressure pad for the kneecap (also known as the patella). In patent documents DE9017540.9U1, DE29519979U1, DE29519978U1 and DE202004001936U1, the ends of the pressure pad are directly connected to the traction belt.

[0004] A disadvantage of this type of pressure pad is that the traction belt transmits linear force to the pressure pad, which causes the pressure pad to deform and subsequently move linearly to the desired position. Another problem with this type of traction belt is that it lacks effective damping and cushioning when the traction belt and pressure pad are subjected to tension during daily exercise. In the prior art, pressure pads with traction belts primarily apply force horizontally, with the force application point acting roughly on the center of the kneecap. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide an improved pressure pad, in particular a pressure pad with improved and optimized force transmission, in particular patellar force transmission.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention proposes a pressure pad as described in independent claim 1.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above technical problems is a pressure pad for an orthosis or bandage, comprising an annular to semi-annular base for buckling the patella, wherein the pressure pad is equipped with a traction element, wherein the traction element is curved.

[0008] The invention thus relates to a combination of a curved traction element and a matching pressure pad for an orthosis or a bandage, in particular comprising an annular to semi-annular base, in particular for encircling the patella.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the curved traction element has a bending section.

[0010] Surprisingly, the curved traction element, in particular one with a curved section, can advantageously change the force transmission point of the pressure pad. This modified force transmission point is advantageous, especially in certain situations where a loose kneecap not only tends to slide toward the outer edge of the knee joint but also to rotate.

[0011] The curved traction elements still fulfill their basic task: ensuring a certain positional stability of the kneecap during knee flexion and the resulting knee movement (preventing dislocation). The particular difficulty here lies in the fact that when a force is applied to a specific pad area, preferably one in which a traction element, such as a foamed molded element, is embedded, linear tensile deformation of this pad area should be avoided, and instead a slight rotational movement of the local area of ​​the pad body equipped with the traction element should be achieved. The pressure pad area equipped with the traction element can be said to prevent the kneecap from sliding outwards and, depending on the tensile force acting on the traction element, resists this sliding, thus providing a strong grip on the specific area of ​​the kneecap. This effect is achieved not by stretching the pressure pad area equipped with the traction element, but rather by causing it to "screw" or "tilt" toward the kneecap.

[0012] The design of the traction element of the present invention allows the force to be applied in a shearing manner from the bend, rather than in a semicircular manner as in the prior art. This force vectoring allows for precise repositioning of the pressure pad's target. The design of the bending section also directly affects the pressure pad's bending point. Without being bound by theory, assuming that the patella naturally undergoes a dual motion of rotation and tilt, the pressure pad of the present invention with a curved traction element is ideally able to simulate this dual motion.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a press pad, in particular to the above-mentioned press pad, wherein the curved traction element has an offset section, in particular as a bending section, in particular the traction element has a first curved section on a first side of the offset section and a second curved section on a second side of the offset section, in particular the curvature of the first curved section and the curvature of the second curved section extend along different curved trajectories, in particular along circular trajectories.

[0014] According to the invention, the traction element associated with the pressure pad preferably has an offset section, which is located, for example, between the first curved section and the second curved section.

[0015] Advantageous movement of the traction element can be achieved in particular by guiding the course of the curved traction element along two paths via a bending section (e.g., via an offset section). In this case, the offset section (e.g., in the form of a hook-shaped structure connecting two curved sections) serves as a bending point because it interrupts the transmission of traction force in the offset region.

[0016] In an advantageous manner, the offset section can also serve as an additional anchor point.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the traction element is an integral curved traction belt, the radius of curvature of which is turned in a "Z-shape".

[0018] Preferably, the first curved section and the second curved section have the same radius, or the first curved section and the second curved section have different radiuses.

[0019] Preferably, the “circular trajectory” of the traction element formed by the first curved section and the second curved section is presented in an offset manner.

[0020] The length of the offset section (or bridge section) between two curved sections can be, for example, at least about 1 / 3 of the traction element width and at most about 2 times the traction element width. Preferably, the length of the offset section is at least about 1 / 3 of the traction element width.

[0021] The offset section may preferably extend from the first curved section of the traction element over an angular range of at least 30 degrees, and may preferably extend from the first curved section of the traction element over an angle of at most 178 degrees.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the traction element (in particular as a bending section) has a softening section, in particular a tapered section, a slotted section, a zigzag notched section or a meandering section. This section can also be designed as a film hinge.

[0023] Preferably, the traction element is integral. Preferably, the traction element is formed from a single material. Preferably, the traction element is substantially inelastic. Preferably, the traction element is formed from a material having a higher hardness than the base material.

[0024] However, variants of the traction element are also conceivable in which the traction material combines elastic sections with inelastic sections, or in which the traction element is of completely elastic design.

[0025] Preferably, the traction element has at least two end sections, in particular three end sections.

[0026] Preferably, one of the at least two, in particular three, end sections is formed by an anchoring element which is positioned at one of the two bending sections or at the offset section.

[0027] Preferably, in the region of the offset section, a bridge section preferably about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm long extends from the traction element, which can advantageously serve as an additional anchor point in the pressure pad. This additional anchor point enhances the particular positional stability of the offset section.

[0028] The traction element is attached to the pressure pad so that it acts on the corresponding pressure pad. In this case, the traction element can be fixedly connected to the pressure pad or located at or near the pressure pad. According to the present invention, a traction element is considered to be positioned in conjunction with the pressure pad if it can act on the pressure pad. In other words, the present invention relates to a combination of a pressure pad (particularly a pressure pad base) and a corresponding traction element.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the traction element is fixedly connected to the pressure pad. Preferably, the traction element is cast into the base material of the pressure pad or is connected to the base material in a form-fitting manner.

[0030] Alternatively, the traction element can also be positioned at, on or next to the pressure pad. In this case, the traction element can be fixedly connected to the pressure pad (e.g., adhesively bonded) or directly located at or on the pressure pad, e.g., extending in a guide structure (e.g., a groove) of the pressure pad, or located at or on the pressure pad via an intermediate element (e.g., a laminate).

[0031] Preferably, the traction element has at least two end sections, in particular three end sections, which project from the base of the pressure pad. These end sections can advantageously be connected to a base body (for example a knitted base body), an orthosis or a bandage.

[0032] Suitable shapes and materials for the pressure pad base are well known to those skilled in the art. The pressure pad preferably has a ring-shaped to semi-ring-shaped base. Preferably, the base is ring-shaped or approximately ring-shaped.

[0033] Preferably, the annular to semi-annular base is used to encircle the patella and has corresponding dimensions known to a person skilled in the art.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, protrusions facing distally of the joint are configured at the base of the pressure pad. When the pressure pad is in the worn state, these protrusions can be located in the infrapatellar fat pad area and exert pressure thereon.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure pad of the present invention is used for a knee orthosis or knee bandage, an elbow orthosis or elbow bandage, a hand orthosis or hand bandage, a back orthosis or back bandage, or a hip orthosis or hip bandage. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressure pad of the present invention is used for a knee orthosis or knee bandage.

[0036] The invention further relates to an orthosis or a bandage comprising a traction element according to the invention, a matching pressure pad and a base element.

[0037] Preferably, the basic element is formed from or comprises a knitted or woven fabric. Suitable basic elements are known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] Preferably, at least one end section of the traction element is reversibly fastenable to the base element.

[0039] Preferably, at least two end sections of the traction element are fastened to the base element. Preferably, all end sections of the traction element are fastened to the base element.

[0040] Preferably, at least two end sections, in particular three end sections, of the traction element are fastened to the base element, wherein at least one end section is reversibly fastened to the base element.

[0041] Preferably, the orthosis or bandage is a knee orthosis or bandage, an elbow orthosis or bandage, a hand orthosis or bandage, a back orthosis or bandage, or a hip orthosis or bandage. Preferably, the orthosis or bandage is a knee orthosis or bandage, an elbow orthosis or bandage, or a hand orthosis or bandage. Preferably, the orthosis or bandage is a knee orthosis or bandage, or an elbow orthosis or bandage. Preferably, the orthosis or bandage is a knee orthosis or bandage.

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are described in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, but they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 Shows the front side of a pressure pad equipped with traction elements according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 Shows the rear side of the pressure pad equipped with traction elements according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 Two embodiments of the traction element of the pressure pad of the present invention are shown;

[0047] Figure 4 The inside of a knee bandage provided with a pressure pad according to the invention is shown.

[0048] Reference numerals

[0049] 10 Pressure pad base

[0050] 11 First protrusion

[0051] 12 Second protrusion

[0052] 21 Curved traction element (with two end sections)

[0053] 22 Curved traction element (with three end sections)

[0054] 23 Bend section or offset section

[0055] 24 First bending section

[0056] 25 Second bending section

[0057] 26 First end section

[0058] 27 Second end section

[0059] 28 Third end section

[0060] 100 pressure pad

[0061] 200 Bandages

[0062] 300 basic components

[0063] 301 knitted fabric

[0064] r1 Radius of the first curved section

[0065] r2 Radius of the second curved section DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 The present invention shows a pressure pad 100 for a knee bandage or knee orthosis, comprising an annular base 10 for encircling the patella, wherein the pressure pad 100 is provided with a curved traction element 22. The traction element 22 is integral and made of a single material that is inelastic and harder than the material of the base 10.

[0067] Figure 2 and Figure 3 b shows the form of a traction element 22 . This is a traction element 22 with three end sections 26 , 27 , 28 which protrude from the base 10 of the pressure pad 100 , while the main area of ​​the traction element 22 is embedded in the base 10 .

[0068] As can be seen in the figure, the front side of the pressure pad 100, that is, the side facing the patient's knee, is constructed with protrusions 11 and 12 facing the distal side of the joint. When the pressure pad 100 is worn, the protrusions 11 and 12 are located in the infrapatellar fat pad area and can apply pressure thereto.

[0069] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1The back side of the pressure pad 100 shown, that is, the side facing away from the patient's knee, can be placed on the base of a bandage or orthosis. The figure also shows the base 10 of the pressure pad 100 and the traction element 22 embedded in it, which is arranged in the pressure pad 100 as shown. Following a first end section 26 located outside the base 10, the traction element 22 has a first curved section 24 and a second curved section 25. The second curved section 25 ends in a second end section 27, also located outside the base 10. Between the first and second curved sections 24 and 25, there is an offset section 23, which serves as a turning section. This section is followed by a third end section 28, which serves as an anchor point and is also located outside the base 10.

[0070] The force vectoring achieved by the traction element 22 of the present invention allows for precise repositioning of the pressure pad. The design of the offset section 23 also directly affects the bending point of the pressure pad 100.

[0071] Figure 3 Two exemplary embodiments of traction elements 21 , 22 according to the invention are shown. Figure 3 a shows a traction element 21 with two end sections 26 , 27 , Figure 3 b shows a traction element 22 with three end sections 26, 27, 28, which can be inserted into Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated pressure pad, the two traction elements 21 and 22 have a first curved section 24 and a second curved section 25 after a first end section 26, with the second curved section 25 terminating at a second end section 27. An offset section 23 serves as a turning section between the first curved section 24 and the second curved section 25. The curvature of the first curved section 24 has a first radius r1, and the curvature of the second curved section 25 has a second radius r2. These two radii r1 and r2 can be the same or different. For example, the first radius r1 can be approximately 43 mm and the second radius r2 can be approximately 85 mm, or the first radius r1 can be approximately 50 mm and the second radius r2 can be approximately 117 mm, or the first radius r1 can be approximately 53 mm and the second radius r2 can be approximately 84 mm.

[0072] The curvature of the first curved section 24 and the curvature of the second curved section 25 extend along different curved trajectories, in particular circular trajectories, through the offset section 23 .

[0073] exist Figure 3 In the traction element 22 shown in FIG. 2 b , the third end section 28 is located in the offset section 23 and can serve as an additional anchor point, ie a basic element that can be connected (ie anchored) to an orthosis or a bandage.

[0074] The traction element does not necessarily have to extend into the pressure pad, but can alternatively be positioned at, on, or next to the pressure pad. In this case, the traction element can be fixedly connected to the pressure pad (e.g., adhesively bonded) or directly located at or on the pressure pad, e.g., extending in a guide structure (e.g., a groove) of the pressure pad, or located at or on the pressure pad via an intermediate element (e.g., a laminate).

[0075] Figure 4 The inside of a knee bandage 200 is shown, which has a base element 300 made of knitted fabric 301 and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pressure pad 100 is shown. The end sections 26, 27, 28 of the traction elements of the pressure pad 100 can be permanently or reversibly connected to the knitted fabric 301 of the bandage base element 300.

Claims

1. A pressure pad (100) for an orthosis or a bandage (200), preferably comprising an annular or semi-annular base (10), in particular for buckling the patella, wherein: The pressure pad (100) is equipped with traction elements (21, 22), It is characterized in that The traction element is curved.

2. The pressure pad (100) according to claim 1, wherein The curved traction elements (21, 22) have a bending section (23).

3. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The curved traction element (21, 22) has an offset section (23), in particular as a bending section (23), wherein in particular the traction element (21, 22) has a first bending section (24) on a first side of the offset section (23) and a second bending section (25) on a second side of the offset section (23), wherein in particular the curvature of the first bending section (24) and the curvature of the second bending section (25) extend along different curvature trajectories, in particular along circular trajectories.

4. The pressure pad (100) according to claim 3, wherein The radius (r1) of the first curved section (24) is the same as the radius (r2) of the second curved section (25), or the radius (r1) of the first curved section (24) is smaller or larger than the radius (r2) of the second curved section (25).

5. The pressure pad (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The traction element (21, 22), in particular as the bending section (23), has a softening section, in particular a conical section, a slotted section, a zigzag notched section or a meandering section.

6. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The traction elements (21, 22) are fixedly connected to the base (10) of the pressure pad (100).

7. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The traction elements (21, 22) are cast into the material of the base (10) of the pressure pad (100) or are connected to the material of the base (10) of the pressure pad (100) in a form-fitting manner.

8. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The traction elements (21, 22) have at least two end sections (26, 27), in particular three end sections (26, 27, 28), which project from the base (10) of the pressure pad (100).

9. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The traction elements (21, 22) are positioned at, on or beside the pressure pad (100).

10. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The traction element (21, 22) has at least two end sections (26, 27), in particular three end sections (26, 27, 28), wherein one end section (28) of the at least two, in particular three, end sections (26, 27, 28) is formed by an anchoring element positioned at one of the two bending sections (22, 25) or at the offset section (23).

11. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The base (10) is provided with protrusions (11, 12) facing the distal side of the joint. When the pressure pad (100) is in a wearing state, the protrusions (11, 12) are located in the infrapatellar fat pad area and can exert pressure thereon.

12. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The traction elements (21, 22) are integral and formed from a single material.

13. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The traction elements (21, 22) are substantially inelastic and / or made of a material that is harder than the material of the base (10).

14. The pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The orthosis or bandage (200) is a knee orthosis or knee bandage, an elbow orthosis or elbow bandage, a hand orthosis or hand bandage, a back orthosis or back bandage or a hip orthosis or hip bandage.

15. An orthosis or bandage (200) comprising a pressure pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims and a base element (300).

16. The orthosis or bandage (200) according to claim 15, wherein The basic element (300) is formed of a knitted fabric (301) or a woven fabric or comprises a knitted fabric (301) or a woven fabric.

17. The orthosis or bandage (200) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein At least one end section (26, 27, 28) of the traction element (21, 22) can be reversibly fastened to the base element (300).

18. The orthosis or bandage (200) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein At least two end sections (26, 27, 28) of the traction element (21, 22) are fastened to the base element (300).

19. The orthosis or bandage (200) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein The orthosis or bandage (200) is a knee orthosis or knee bandage, an elbow orthosis or elbow bandage, a hand orthosis or hand bandage, a back orthosis or back bandage or a hip orthosis or hip bandage.

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