Support body with massage effect and bandage

Abstract

Flexible support body (10) for the lumbar region of a human spine for pressing against the body of a wearer by means of a wrap-around bandage, comprising a base body (12) with a planar extension along a base body plane (14), wherein the base body (12) has a contact side (16) and an outer side (18), and the contact side (16) is provided to be pressed against the body of the wearer along a pressing direction (20) orthogonal to the base body plane (14), and wherein the support body (10) has at least one flexible elevation (22) with a side surface (24) on the contact side (16) of the base body (12), characterized in that the side surface (24) of the elevation (22) has a side surface section (26) which extends at an angle (α) of less than 90° to the base body plane (14), so that the elevation (22),when the support body (10) is pressed against the wearer's body along the pressing direction (20) perpendicular to the body surface, pressure is exerted on the tissue beneath the support body (10), which pressure acts towards the centre of the body, and the elevation (22) bends towards the contact side (16) and resists this bending, thereby generating a pushing force or pulling effect on the wearer's skin or underlying tissue, which is applied tangentially to the course of the body surface.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible support body (also called a pad, for example) according to the preamble of claim 1. That is, a flexible support body, in particular for the lumbar region of a human spine, which is fastened to the body or a body part of the wearer by means of a bandage, in particular a bandage that wraps around a body or a body part of a wearer, in particular is pressed against it, having a base body with a substantially planar extension along a base body plane, wherein the base body has a contact side and an outer side, and the contact side is provided to be pressed against the body of the wearer in a pressing direction orthogonal to the base body plane, and wherein the support body has at least one flexible elevation, preferably a plurality of flexible elevations, with a side surface or one side surface each, on the contact side of the base body.

[0002] The contact side is therefore the side that, when attached to the wearer's body, faces the wearer's body, particularly the spine. In contrast, the outer side faces away from the body.

[0003] The invention further relates independently to a support body arrangement, i.e. an arrangement of at least two support bodies, and independently to a lumbar bandage.

[0004] Such support bodies or pads are used in various forms to support and relieve pressure on human joints, especially the spine. The support body is secured to the relevant area of ​​the body or back using a bandage, creating a supportive and possibly massage effect while the pad is worn on the body.

[0005] DE 101 03 545 A1 describes a pad, in particular for a back support bandage, which has at least one dam-like, linear elevation on the side facing the body.

[0006] DE 202 10 170 U1 describes a support body with web-shaped wave crests running in the longitudinal direction of the body for application to the back muscles.

[0007] DE 10 2005 005 005 A1 describes a back pad which has a large number of bulge-shaped, elongated elevations on the side intended for contact with the back.

[0008] DE 297 01 001 U1 describes a pad comprising several elevations, each comprising layered hard and soft components to produce a targeted, punctual pressure massage.

[0009] DE 603 ​​19 402 T2 describes a back support with a convex surface to support muscles.

[0010] DE 20 2014 100 413 U1 describes a pad for stimulating the back muscles.

[0011] DE 10 2012 011 718 A1 describes an orthosis for supporting the lumbar spine.

[0012] A massage of the muscles, particularly the back muscles, or the application of thrust to the muscles, particularly the back muscles, is often desired. This thrust preferably varies over time, resulting in a massage effect. In other words, it is advantageous if the muscle tissue beneath the support body is also exposed to a massage effect and / or a thrust or tension, particularly one that varies over time. In particular, such a massage effect and a thrust or tension application to the muscle tissue are not satisfactorily achieved by the known support bodies. The supporting effect is also often inadequate with known support bodies.

[0013] This problem is solved by a support body according to claim 1 and independently thereof by a support body arrangement according to claim 10 and further independently thereof by a bandage according to claim 12.

[0014] A support body in the present sense is understood for the purposes of the present invention only to mean support bodies that are attached to the body or a body part of the wearer by means of a bandage, in particular one that wraps around the body or body part, and in particular are pressed against it. Massage mats or even insoles for shoes are not to be understood as a support body in the present sense. These are not attached to the body or a body part of the wearer by means of a bandage, but act via the body weight of the user. The support body according to the invention, on the other hand, has a supporting and massaging effect on the wearer's body via pressure application, which is achieved by means of the above-mentioned bandage. Support bodies in the present sense are in particular attached close to the joint.

[0015] First, the support body according to the invention will be discussed here.

[0016] The support body according to the invention is characterized in that the lateral surface of the elevation or the respective lateral surface of the elevations has a lateral surface section that runs at an angle of less than 90° to the plane of the base body. In other words, the lateral surface section forms an angle of less than 90° with the plane of the base body. The lateral surface section is therefore inclined towards the plane of the base body. This makes it possible for the elevation to bend towards the contact side when the support body is pressed against the wearer's body in the pressing direction perpendicular to the body surface. It offers a certain resistance to this bending, and this generates tension or a pushing force on the wearer's skin or the underlying tissue. A lateral surface section here refers to an area of ​​the lateral surface.This area extends at an angle of less than 90° and is thus essentially separated from the contact side of the base body by a hollow space. In other words, a normal perpendicular to the side surface section and pointing away from the material of the elevation is directed toward the plane of the base body. The side surface section can be straight and flat, but it can also be curved, for example.

[0017] Such an elevation is preferably bead-like. Such an elevation is therefore elongated and preferably rounded.

[0018] Preferably, the elevation is designed to be as straight as possible. A wave-like shape is also conceivable.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the lateral surface section extends at an angle of less than 85°, preferably less than 80°, preferably less than 78°, preferably less than 76°, to the plane of the base body. This ensures a beneficial interplay between the tensile or pushing effect and the pressure on the tissue beneath the support body when the support body is pressed against the wearer's body via the bandage. The pressure on the tissue beneath the support body acts toward the center of the body, while the tensile effect is applied tangentially to the contour of the body surface.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the side surface section extends at an angle of more than 45°, preferably more than 50°, preferably more than 60°, preferably more than 68°, preferably more than 72° to the plane of the base body. The specified minimum angles ensure that the raised portion achieves a sufficient tensile or sliding effect when pressed. If the raised portion is tilted too sharply toward the contact side, it will simply be pressed onto the contact side, resulting in an insufficient tensile or sliding effect.

[0021] It's also advantageous if the raised portion is formed integrally with the base body. This allows for simple manufacturing of the entire support body, ensuring it's stable yet conforms to the wearer's body.

[0022] The support body preferably comprises silicone, in particular with a Shore A hardness between 0 and 40. It is also preferred if the support body comprises other elastomers, for example, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in general, or rubber with Shore hardnesses in the above-mentioned range. It is preferred if the support body consists of a homogeneous material or a homogeneous material mixture.

[0023] It is also advantageous if the outer side and / or the contact side run essentially parallel to the plane of the base body. In one embodiment, the outer side and the contact side are flat in themselves, i.e. without considering the elevations. However, they can be wavy as long as their overall shape is essentially parallel to the plane of the base body. This ensures that the support body can advantageously be adapted to the body of the wearer and conforms to it when pressed against it. The base body is preferably flexible or pliable and, in the unloaded state, extends largely flat along the plane of the base body.

[0024] It is also advantageous if a region with several flexible elevations is arranged on the contact side of the base body, and the elevations in this region are inclined in the same direction toward the contact side, preferably with a surface plane of the elevations inclined toward the contact side. The inclination of the surface plane toward the contact side is preferably greater than 3°, in particular greater than 4°, in particular greater than 6°.

[0025] It is also advantageous if the inclination of the surface plane towards the contact side is less than 15°, preferably less than 12°, preferably less than 10°, in particular less than 8°. The surface plane here means the plane that runs along the tips of the individual elevations. An area as just described comprises at least two elevations. The elevations are inclined in the same direction towards the contact side, whereby both elevations lead to a similarly directed pulling or pushing effect on the wearer's body when the support body is pressed against it. The angle of inclination is preferably the same, but it can also be different.

[0026] The inclined surface plane leads to additional massage effects, as the different elevations exert thrust to varying degrees.

[0027] It is also advantageous if the support body has several raised areas of varying length, measured from the contact side in the direction of pressure. This results in additional massage effects.

[0028] It is also advantageous if the flexible support body has two areas on the contact side of the base body, each with a plurality of flexible elevations, wherein the elevations in the respective area are inclined in the same direction towards the contact side, preferably and wherein the direction of inclination of the two areas is towards each other, in particular opposite, preferably wherein the surface plane of the elevations is inclined in different directions towards the contact side. As a result, the two areas with different directions of inclination create sliding effects on the skin or the underlying tissue of the wearer in different directions. Pressing the support body thus essentially moves the skin or the underlying tissue of the wearer. In particular when the wearer moves, this leads to the tension or sliding effect increasing and decreasing during the movement, so that in addition to the tension, a special massage effect occurs.

[0029] It is also advantageous if the outer surface of the base body has a hook or loop layer of a repeatedly detachable hook and loop connection, or a layer with hemispherical or mushroom heads arranged on posts. This type of hook and loop layer is also known under the trade name "Velcro fastener," with the layer with hemispherical heads on posts being an alternative to the aforementioned Velcro fastener variant. With this type of hook or loop layer, the support body can be easily and adjustably attached to, for example, a support body carrier or carrier, or directly to the bandage.

[0030] A support body arrangement, preferably for the back area, generally comprises at least two support bodies according to one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments. The support bodies are advantageously arranged relative to one another on a support such that the inclination direction of the elevations on the respective support bodies is toward one another, in particular opposite to one another. As a result, when the support body arrangement is used, a tensile stress is applied between the two support bodies to the skin or the underlying tissue of the wearer when the support body arrangement is pressed against the wearer.

[0031] It is also advantageous if the support elements of the support element arrangement are detachably connected to the support via a repeatedly detachable hook and loop connection or a connecting layer with hemispherical heads on stems. This allows the arrangement of the support elements on the support to be variable. For example, this allows the support element arrangement to be individually adjusted according to the needs or the wearer's condition, and the tension or massage effect to be modulated.

[0032] The invention also encompasses a bandage, in particular a lumbar bandage, which is preferably designed to enclose the body or a body part of the wearer, with a support body arrangement or a support body according to one or more of the preceding embodiments.

[0033] Preferably, the bandage, in particular a lumbar bandage, comprises a tensioning belt with which the bandage can be tensioned on the body of the wearer in such a way that the support body or the support body arrangement is pressed against the body or a body part of the wearer along the pressing direction.

[0034] Preferably, the bandage comprises a preferably elastic bandage base body and additionally has a tensioning strap, with which the lumbar bandage can be tensioned against the wearer's body in such a way that the support strap or the support body arrangement is pressed against the wearer's body in the pressing direction. The application of the bandage by means of the bandage base body already causes a certain amount of pressure on the support body.

[0035] As already explained above, it is advantageous if the elevations are bead-like. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the bead-like elevations extend over at least three-quarters, preferably the entire extent of the support body.

[0036] It is preferred if the bead-like elevations extend in such a way that, when pressed against the wearer's body, the elevations extend substantially along the spine. Corresponding support body arrangements or arrangements of one or more support bodies or support body arrangements in the lumbar bandage are also within the meaning of the invention. In other words, in the lumbar bandage according to the invention, it is advantageous if the support body or bodies is or are arranged in such a way that at least one or more bead-like elevations extend over the contact side of the support body or bodies, namely substantially along the direction of the wearer's spine.

[0037] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 several support bodies in a side view; Fig. 2 shows a further support body with several elevations in a sectional view; Fig. 3 a further support body with two areas with elevations in a sectional view; Fig. 4 another support body with two areas of elevations when viewed from the contact side; Fig. 5 a support body arrangement with two support bodies; Fig. 6 a lumbar bandage; Fig. 7 a detail of the lumbar bandage; Fig. 8 another detail of the lumbar bandage; and Fig. 9 another support body with several elevations in a perspective view.

[0038] In the figures, corresponding elements and areas bear the same reference symbols. Not all reference symbols are shown in all figures.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a side view of several support bodies 10. The support bodies 10 each have a base body 12. The base bodies 12 each have a planar extension along a respective base body plane 14. The respective base bodies each have a contact side 16 and an outer side 18. The contact sides 16 are each provided to be pressed against the body of the wearer along a respective pressing direction 20 orthogonal to the base body plane 14.

[0040] Anyone who Fig. 1 each has a flexible elevation 22. The respective elevations 22 of the support body 10 each have a side surface 24. The side surfaces 24 of the individual elevations 22 each have a side surface section 26 which runs at an angle α of less than 90° to the base body plane 14. As can be seen particularly in the case of the fourth support body from above, the entire side surface does not have to run at an angle α of less than 90° to the base body plane 14. In particular, an inwardly curved design of the side surface 24 of the elevation 22 is also possible within the meaning of the present invention, as shown in the case of the fourth support body 10 from above. In the Fig. 1, the contact side 16 is parallel to the base body plane 14, which is why the angle α in such a contact side 16 can also be measured relative to this.

[0041] The respective side surface section 26 thus forms an angle α of less than 90° with the base body plane 14. The side surface section 26 is thus inclined toward the base body plane 14. A normal can therefore be constructed that is perpendicular to the side surface section 26 and points away from the material of the elevation 22, and this normal is directed toward the base body plane 14.

[0042] The Fig. The support bodies 10 shown in Figure 1 with their elevations 22 are designed such that the elevations 22 are formed integrally with the base body.

[0043] The support bodies are, as in Fig. 1, preferably made in one piece from a cast polymer mass. Fig. 1, the outer sides 18 and the contact sides 16 each run parallel to the base body plane 14.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the flexible support body 10. In this embodiment, a region 30 with several, in this case six, flexible elevations 22 is arranged on the contact side 16 of the base body 12. The elevations 22 in this region 30 are inclined toward the contact side 16 in the same direction of inclination, which is indicated by an arrow with the reference numeral 32.

[0045] At the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the upper ends, i.e., the ends facing away from the contact side 16, of the elevations 22 rest on a surface plane 34. The surface plane 34 of the elevations 22 is inclined toward the outer side 18. The angle β of this inclination is 10° in the present case, but an inclination of this surface plane toward the outer side 18 of 7° is also preferred. This ensures that the support body 10 exerts an additional shearing effect on the wearer's body when it is pressed against the wearer's body along the pressing direction 20. The shearing effect caused by a support body 10 according to the invention generally continues into deeper tissue layers.

[0046] It is generally preferred, i.e. not limited to one of the embodiments illustrated here, if the surface plane 34 slopes opposite to the direction of inclination 32 towards the outer side 18, as shown in Fig. 2 is also the case.

[0047] In Fig. 2, a hook layer 40 of a repeatedly detachable hook and loop connection is shown in some areas on the outer side 18. However, this hook layer 40 is optional. The hook layer 40 serves to fasten the support body 10. The hook layer 40 is, however, Fig. 2 is only shown in sections, but preferably extends over the entire outer side 18. Instead of a hook layer 40, a loop layer 54 or a layer with hemispherical heads on stems can also be attached there. The outer side 18 can, of course, also be smooth. An adhesive connection is also conceivable for attachment.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a support body 10 according to the invention in a representation corresponding to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The support body 10 made of Fig. 3 has a first region 30a and a second region 30b. The two regions 30a and 30b each have elevations 22, wherein the elevations 22 in the first region 30a have an inclination direction 32a towards the second region 30b and the elevations 22 in the second region 30b have an inclination direction 32b towards the first region 30a. The inclination directions 32a and 32b of the two regions 30a and 30b are in the support body 10 of Fig. 3 not only toward each other ("towards each other" in the sense of not extending in such a way that they point away from each other or run parallel), but they are opposite to each other (projected onto the base body plane 14, the two inclination directions 32a and 32b are rotated by 180° to each other, i.e., opposite). The surface planes 34a and 34b of the two regions 30a and 30b are inclined in different directions toward the contact side 16.

[0049] Fig. 4 shows a support body 10, which in its construction is similar to the support body of Fig. 3 in that it comprises two regions 30a and 30b. The support body 10 is in Fig. 4, however, is shown in a plan view of the contact side 16. The elevations 22 of the Fig. 4 are bead-like and extend in such a way that when the support body 10 is pressed against the body of the wearer or in the intended wearing position on the body of the wearer, they extend largely parallel to the course of the spine.

[0050] In Fig. 5, a support body arrangement 50 is shown. The support body arrangement 50 comprises two support bodies 10, each with a plurality of elevations 22. The two support bodies 10 of the support body arrangement 50 are arranged on a carrier 52. The carrier 52 is made of a flexible, bendable material. The support bodies 10 are connected to the hook layer 40, which in the illustration of Fig. 5 is not visible because it is arranged on the outer side 18, on a corresponding loop layer 54, which is only partially shown, on the carrier 52. Preferably, the carrier 52 has the loop layer 54 on its entire side facing the support bodies 10, so that the support bodies 10 can be variably attached to the carrier 52. Due to the detachable nature of the hook and loop connection of the support bodies 10 to the carrier 52, the support bodies 10 can be variably attached to the carrier 52 with regard to their orientation and arrangement.

[0051] The Fig. However, the arrangement shown in Figure 5 is preferred. The arrangement of the two support bodies 10 is such that the inclination direction 32 of the respective elevations 22 on the support bodies 10 is towards or opposite to each other, which is indicated by the arrows with the reference numerals 32 in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0052] Preferably, the support bodies 10 in a support body arrangement 50 as in Fig. 5, arranged relative to each other in such a way that the surface planes 34 (in Fig. 5 not provided with a reference symbol) of the elevations 22 are inclined in different directions towards the contact side 16.

[0053] Fig. 6 shows a lumbar bandage 60 according to the invention. Details of the lumbar bandage 60 are shown in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shown.

[0054] As in Fig. 8, the lumbar bandage 60 comprises a support body arrangement 50 which is similar to that of Fig. 5 corresponds.

[0055] The lumbar support 60 comprises a tensioning belt 62. The tensioning belt 62 comprises two separately formed tensioning elements 64. The tensioning elements 64 are each permanently fastened, in this case sewn, to a base belt 66 at a first fastening point 68 in the front region 65 of the lumbar support 60. From the first fastening point 68, the tensioning elements 64 run to the rear region 70 of the lumbar support 60. There, the tensioning elements 64 are each guided through an eyelet 72 and extend from the eyelet 72 back to the front region 65 of the lumbar support 60. In the front region 65 of the lumbar support 60, the front ends of the tensioning elements 64 are each held in flexibly positionable hook-and-loop fastener-based receptacles 74.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a closed loop element 76 extends from each of the eyelets 72 to a further eyelet 78. The further eyelets 78 are attached to the carrier 52 of the support body arrangement 50. In the present case, the further eyelets 78 are attached to the side of the carrier 52 facing away from the support bodies 10. However, this is not mandatory.

[0057] The support body arrangement 50 is in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 covered with a fleece layer 80. The fleece layer 80 is removable. In Fig. 8 shows the lumbar bandage 60 in sections, with the fleece layer 80 removed. This makes the support body arrangement 50 with its carrier 52 and the support bodies 10 visible.

[0058] Instead of or in addition to the support body arrangement 50, the lumbar bandage 60 can also be provided with one or more of the support bodies 10 of the Fig. 1 to 4 must be executed.

[0059] With the tensioning belt 62, the lumbar bandage 60 can be tensioned on the body of the wearer in such a way that the support body arrangement 50 is pressed against the body of the wearer along the pressing direction 20.

[0060] The support body arrangement 50 comprises, as in Fig. 8 shows two support bodies 10, each comprising bead-like elevations 22 which, in the intended wearing position of the lumbar bandage 60, extend essentially along the spine.

[0061] Fig.9 shows a perspective view of another support body 10 according to the invention. The support body 10 has a plurality of flexible elevations 22. The elevations 22 of the support body 10 each have a side surface 24. The side surfaces 24 of the individual elevations 22 each have a side surface section 26 that extends at an angle α of less than 90° to the base body plane 14. The elevations 22 sometimes have different lengths, measured from the contact side 16 in the direction of the pressing direction 20. The elevations 22 each have rounded peaks at their ends facing away from the base body 12.

Claims

[1] Flexible support body (10) for the lumbar region of a human spine for pressing against the body of a wearer by means of a wrap-around bandage, comprising a base body (12) with a planar extension along a base body plane (14), wherein the base body (12) has a contact side (16) and an outer side (18), and the contact side (16) is provided to be pressed against the body of the wearer along a pressing direction (20) orthogonal to the base body plane (14), and wherein the support body (10) has at least one flexible elevation (22) with a side surface (24) on the contact side (16) of the base body (12), characterized byin that the side surface (24) of the elevation (22) has a side surface section (26) which runs at an angle (α) of less than 90° to the base body plane (14), so that when the support body (10) is pressed against the body of the wearer along the pressing direction (20) perpendicular to the body surface, the elevation (22) exerts pressure on the tissue lying beneath the support body (10), which pressure acts towards the centre of the body, and the elevation (22) bends towards the contact side (16) and opposes this bending with a resistance, whereby a pushing force or pulling effect is generated on the skin or the underlying tissue of the wearer, which is applied tangentially to the course of the body surface. [2] Flexible support body 10 according to claim 1, characterized by that the side surface section (26) extends at an angle (α) of less than 85° to the base body plane (14). [3] Flexible support body (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the side surface section (26) extends at an angle (α) of more than 50° to the base body plane (14). [4] Flexible support body (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the elevation (22) is formed integrally with the base body (12). [5] Flexible support body (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer side (18) and / or the contact side (16) runs parallel to the base body plane (14). [6] Flexible support body (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that on the contact side (16) of the base body (12) there is arranged an area (30) with a plurality of flexible elevations (22) and the elevations (22) in this area (30) are inclined in the same direction of inclination (32) towards the contact side, preferably wherein a surface plane (34) of the elevations (22) is inclined towards the outside (18). [7] Flexible support body (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that on the contact side (16) of the base body (12) two regions (30a, 30b) each having a plurality of flexible elevations (22) are arranged, wherein the elevations (22) in the respective region (30a, 30b) are inclined in the same direction of inclination (32a, 32b) towards the contact side (16), and wherein the directions of inclination (32a, 32b) of the two regions (30a, 30b) are towards one another, preferably wherein the surface plane (34a, 34b) of the elevations (22) is inclined in different directions towards the contact side (16). [8] Flexible support body (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that on the outer side (18) of the base body (12) there is arranged a hook or loop layer (40, 54) of a repeatedly detachable hook and loop connection or a layer with hemispherical heads on stems. [9] Flexible support body (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it comprises at least one bead-like elevation (22) which extends over at least 3 / 4 of the extent of the support body (10). [10] Support body arrangement (50) with at least two support bodies (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the support bodies (10) are arranged on a carrier (52) relative to one another in such a way that the direction of inclination (32) of the elevations (22) on the support bodies (10) is towards one another. [11] Support body arrangement (50) with at least two support bodies (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the support bodies (10) are detachably connected to the carrier (52) via a repeatedly detachable hook and loop connection or a connecting layer with hemispherical heads on stems. [12] Bandage, in particular lumbar bandage (60), which is preferably designed to enclose the body or a body part of the wearer, with a support body arrangement (50) according to one of the two preceding claims or a support body (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9. [13] Bandage, in particular lumbar bandage (60), according to the preceding claim, characterized by in that it comprises a tensioning belt (62) with which the lumbar bandage (60) can be tensioned on the body of the wearer in such a way that the support body (10) or the support body arrangement (50) is pressed against the body or a body part of the wearer along the pressing direction (20). [14] Bandage (60) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized bythat it is a lumbar bandage and the support body (10) comprises bead-like elevations (22) which run along the spine in the intended wearing position of the lumbar bandage (60) or that the support body arrangement (50) comprises two support bodies (10) which comprise bead-like elevations (22) which run along the spine in the intended wearing position of the lumbar bandage (60).

Images