Thorax-Orthese

Abstract

Thoracic orthosis (10) for the on-demand relief of the spine of a human user, comprehensive - a back splint (12) made of a leaf-like material which is compression-resistant in its longitudinal direction and, when in use, rests with a ventral flat side against the back extensor muscles adjacent to the user's spine on both sides in the area of ​​the thoracic and at least the upper lumbar vertebrae, as well as - a shoulder support system connected to the back rail (12) with two support elements (14) which, when in use, wrap around the user's shoulders like a backpack, characterized by that the back brace (12) is constructed in one piece from said leaf-like material, which is a sagittal flexible carbon material, and furthermore a radially flexible, ventrally open, convexly curved inwards about its central longitudinal line, obliquely bent caudally towards its free ends and therefore in use lying flat against the user's body from dorsal to ventral along his iliac crest, is connected to the back brace (12).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a thoracic orthosis for the on-demand relief of the spine of a human user, comprising - a back brace made of a leaf-like material that is compression-resistant in its longitudinal direction and, when in use, rests with a ventral flat side against the back extensor muscles adjacent to the user's spine on both sides in the area of ​​the thoracic and at least the upper lumbar vertebrae, as well as - a shoulder support system connected to the back rail with two support elements that, when in use, wrap around the user's shoulders like a backpack. State of the art

[0002] Such a thoracic orthosis is known from EP 1 902 691 B1.

[0003] In many everyday situations, the human spine is subjected to considerable stress. This occurs, for example, when lifting and carrying heavy loads in front of the body, such as when transporting bricks, cement, or similar materials in the construction industry. It also occurs when carrying loads carried like a backpack, such as oxygen cylinders during fire department rescue operations. In many sports, such as equestrian sports, especially show jumping, the human spine is also subjected to significant temporary stress. With optimal movement, all these stresses are essentially in the longitudinal direction of the spine, i.e.,Craniocaudal compression forces, which are partially absorbed by the natural S-curve of the spine in the medial sagittal plane, are transmitted via the spine to the adjacent muscles, where they are ultimately dissipated. However, the movement is often not optimally coordinated, so bending, torsion, and shearing movements can also occur. Excessively high or prolonged loads can have adverse health consequences. This is especially true the more lateral the forces act and the less effectively they are absorbed by the spine's natural S-curve. Therefore, numerous orthoses are available to protect the spine from overload, all of which share the common goal of diverting external forces away from the spine to less sensitive skeletal structures of the body.The term orthosis is used here as a collective term for body-worn aids designed to ensure a balance between mobility and stability of the body. They are used not only after injuries or in cases of limb deformities, i.e., for medical-therapeutic reasons, but also – and in the context of the present invention in particular – without a medical indication or objective, for the purely preventive and supportive stabilization of stressed body areas.

[0004] The aforementioned, generic publication describes an orthosis with a back brace made of a rigid, thermoplastic material, which is positioned in a pocket of a corset worn directly against the body. The thermoplastic properties of the brace material are utilized to achieve a precise fit to the user's back by temporarily softening the material with hot air. To maintain at least some sagittal mobility in the lumbar region, the lower part of the back brace is articulated by a movable joint element made of a different, softer or flexible material. The comfort of this brace, which becomes rigid again after fitting, is limited. This is partially compensated for by the fact that the brace is only relatively "softly" fixed to the user's body by the corset.However, this impairs the precision of the positioning and thus the efficiency with regard to the achievable spinal relief.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2011 076 843 B4 discloses an orthosis with a back brace constructed from numerous separate segments. The individual segments are connected to their respective neighboring segments via springs. A tensioning element extending through all segments along their length is also provided. A strap system consisting of two upper shoulder straps and a lower pelvic strap allows the back brace to be fixed to the user's back in such a way that its individual segments conform to the user's back along the spine, resting centrally on the spine and laterally on the back extensor muscles adjacent to the spine. In the deactivated, normal state, the spring elements between the individual segments allow the back brace to follow the user's movements, particularly those of the spine, without significant resistance.To activate a safety function, a switch is used to tension the tensioning element running through all segments, compressing the segments into a largely rigid bar that is braced between the lap belt and the shoulder straps. Forces acting on the shoulders—especially via the arms—such as those that occur when lifting heavy loads, are thus diverted via the now-rigidified back brace, past the spine, to the lap belt and therefore to the user's pelvis. To allow the user a certain, albeit severely restricted, freedom of movement even when activated, the individual elements are made of a hard, elastic plastic that permits a highly limited range of motion against considerable resistance.

[0006] This well-known orthosis must be considered disadvantageous in several respects. First, the protective function requires conscious activation and deactivation before and after the occurrence of stress. This is cumbersome and bothersome for the user and simply unsuitable in all cases where stresses cannot be planned well in advance, such as during rescue operations or in sports. Secondly, the described mechanism is complex and bulky, meaning the orthosis is quite cumbersome under or over clothing. Furthermore, it is hardly usable in combination with loads carried on the back, such as oxygen cylinders, as the weight of the cylinders presses the thick back brace painfully against the user's spine.And finally, the spinal relief provided by the known orthosis merely consists of shifting the load from one skeletal structure, namely the spine, to another skeletal structure, namely the pelvis, which is only seemingly less sensitive.

[0007] German patent DE 20 2010 006 731 U1 discloses a thoracic orthosis which, instead of a back brace, has a frame-like pad that is fixed by means of straps looped around the upper body and shoulders. Contact with the back extensor muscles is expressly avoided to improve ventilation. The frame is made of a spring-elastic material, for which the patent provides an unspecified carbon material as an example.

[0008] From WO 2013 / 156394 A1, a back brace is known which is worn like a backpack by means of straps, wherein the tension of the straps can be adjusted as required by means of a pull rope system.

[0009] US 2013 / 0261521 A1 discloses a thoracic orthosis with a rigid back brace that is height-adjustable and can be fixed to a pelvic belt. Task

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a variably applicable orthosis that is more comfortable for the user to wear and more efficient with regard to spinal relief. Description of the invention

[0011] This problem is solved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the fact that the back brace is constructed in one piece from said leaf-like material, which is a sagittal flexible carbon material, and furthermore a radially flexible, ventrally open, convexly curved inwards about its central longitudinal axis, obliquely bent caudally towards its free ends and therefore in use lying flat against the body of the user from dorsal to ventral along its iliac crest, is connected to the back brace by a pelvic brace made of a leaf-like carbon material.

[0012] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] First, the following remarks are necessary to understand the terminology used here: Those skilled in the art will understand that the advantages of the orthosis according to the invention can only be realized in its interaction with the user's body. The spatial and physical characteristics of the orthosis according to the invention can therefore only be described in relation to the user's body, which is expressed here by the phrase "in use," whereby it should be self-evident that the user's body is not itself part of the invention. Terms such as "ventral," "dorsal," "central," "lateral," "top," "cranial," "bottom," and "caudal" are therefore always to be understood in this sense, i.e., in relation to the upright user's body when the orthosis according to the invention is used as intended.The same applies to specifications of planes such as "sagittal" or "frontal", whereby such a specified movement, elasticity or course always refers to the movement, elasticity or course in such a plane.

[0014] The core of the invention lies initially in a specific choice of material for the orthosis, and in particular for its back brace. The term "carbon material" here refers to a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, specifically oriented carbon fibers embedded in a thermoset matrix. In particular, these are woven, laid, or braided carbon fiber mats embedded in said thermoset matrix. As is known to those skilled in the art, a particular strength of such carbon materials, as they are known, for example, as lightweight materials for aircraft, bicycles, boats, and cars, is their ability, through the specific choice of orientation and layering of the carbon fibers, to absorb forces in predetermined directions and to be flexible, especially elastically flexible, in other directions. Typically, such carbon materials consist predominantly of carbon fibers.The thermoset matrix essentially serves only to fix the carbon fibers to one another and as an outer protective coating. The present invention takes advantage of this particular designability of carbon material. It enables a very thin design of the back brace, which is practically unobtrusive and simultaneously compression-resistant in the longitudinal direction, i.e., cranio-caudal. At the same time, sagittal flexural elasticity is maintained, so that the user can still bend forward and straighten up almost without restriction. This sagittal flexural elasticity also ensures that the contact of the ventral flat side of the back brace with the back muscles adjacent to the spine is always maintained, so that the orthosis is supported here. This means that forces introduced into the orthosis are transferred laterally into the aforementioned back muscles along the entire length of the orthosis.Spinal relief is therefore based on a load shift from a skeletal structure, namely the spine, to a muscular structure, namely the back muscles. While muscular structures are susceptible to fatigue, they are significantly more resistant to damage than skeletal structures. Thus, the goal of any strength training program is always to develop muscular structures in such a way that they, instead of skeletal structures, are able to absorb and dissipate external forces. With the orthosis according to the invention, the corresponding force is now transmitted directly to the muscular structures, i.e., bypassing the skeletal structures, particularly the spine. In this way, the force of the muscular structures can be used more efficiently, while simultaneously reducing the force exerted on the skeletal structures.

[0015] The material selection according to the invention makes it possible to achieve the necessary stability for force redirection, particularly in the cranial-caudal direction, permanently and simultaneously with flexibility, especially elastic flexibility, in those directions where the user requires freedom of movement. This is not achieved, or only very inadequately achieved, in the prior art described above, which provided either (in the deactivated state) complete (non-elastic) flexibility of the backrest or (in the activated state) complete rigidity of the backrest.

[0016] As a result, the orthosis according to the invention can be worn continuously without being bothersome to the user and fulfills its function without conscious switching between different states, which makes the orthosis particularly suitable for use in the context of unpredictable stresses, such as during rescue operations or in sports. Furthermore, the sheet-like carbon material is so thin and lies flat that it does not press painfully into the user's back, even when weights such as oxygen cylinders are placed on it.

[0017] According to the invention, a specially shaped pelvic brace, which in use lies flat against the user's body along the iliac crest from dorsal to ventral, is preferably height-adjustable and connected to the back brace, particularly by means of a hook-and-loop fastener. The pelvic brace preferably consists of the same sheet-like carbon material as the back brace. As explained at the outset, the central effect of the invention is not to transfer external loads to the user's pelvis; nevertheless, transferring residual forces that could not yet be transferred to muscular structures in the manner of the invention to the iliac crest is quite useful. Within the scope of the invention, however, the iliac crest is subjected to significantly less stress than with orthoses according to the prior art.

[0018] Preferably, the back brace has two lateral support areas extending parallel along its longitudinal direction, as well as a central area connecting these support areas and arching over the user's spine during use. The importance of the lateral support areas has already been explained in detail above. By arching over the spine with the central area, the spinous processes of the vertebrae are specifically relieved of pressure, as their direct contact with the back brace is avoided. It is particularly preferred if the central area is designed as a dorsally curved bulge relative to the support areas. In other words, the central area forms a ventrally open channel into which the spinous processes can project without contact. Such a shape allows the carbon material of the back brace to have a constant thickness across its width.A sheet thickness of just a few millimeters, e.g., 1-3 mm, is generally sufficient to achieve the advantageous properties of the orthosis according to the invention described above. This also ensures effective impact protection for the sensitive spinous processes, which can prove particularly valuable in the event of falls.

[0019] However, the channel in the central area can act like a stiffening rib, excessively restricting sagittal bending elasticity. Therefore, a further development of the design proposes dividing the central area into multiple segments distributed along its length by means of width-centered transverse slots. This does not alter the one-piece construction of the back brace, nor does it impair the preferred, full-surface attachment of the lateral sections to the back extensor muscles. The flexibility of the back brace in the median sagittal plane is, however, increased. Furthermore, the frontal bending elasticity and torsional elasticity can also be influenced by the specific shape and dimensions of the transverse slots and thus adjusted by the manufacturer to the desired level in each individual case.

[0020] In addition to its sagittal flexural elasticity, the back brace is preferably also designed to be frontally flexible, with the magnitude of the frontal modulus of elasticity being at least one order of magnitude greater than that of the sagittal modulus of elasticity. Thus, the orthosis according to the invention not only allows the user to bend forward and straighten up, but also—albeit to a limited extent—lateral bending in a frontal plane. Such movements are naturally permitted by the spine only to a limited degree and, if excessive, can quickly lead to serious injury. This natural gradation of movement is mimicked by the orthosis according to the invention in the described embodiment. That is, lateral bending is permitted, but the user is "reminded" that such movements should preferably be kept to a minimum.Sudden lateral loads, to which the user might be exposed in an unforeseen way, are absorbed by the high modulus of elasticity, i.e. the lower flexibility in this direction, so that the orthosis also offers protection against injury.

[0021] Similarly, in a further development of the invention, the back brace is designed to be elastically torsionally flexible about its longitudinal direction, the magnitude of its torsional elasticity modulus lying between those of its frontal and sagittal elasticity moduli. This also corresponds to an imitation of the natural prioritization of different mobility modalities of a healthy spine, which is highly and easily bendable in the (median) sagittal plane, somewhat more restricted and less torsionally flexible, and even more restricted and less flexible in the (median) frontal plane.

[0022] The essential advantageous properties of the orthosis according to the invention result, as described, from the design of its back splint. However, this splint can only function according to the invention if it is correctly positioned during use. In principle, it would be conceivable to fix a separate back splint directly to the user's back, for example, by gluing. However, this would significantly limit general acceptance and ease of use. Therefore, as already mentioned at the outset, a backpack-like shoulder support system is provided, which holds the back splint in position.Advantageously, each of the two support elements of the shoulder support system is constructed from a sheet-like carbon material, in particular the same carbon material as the back brace, and in use forms a ring encompassing the user's corresponding shoulder. Starting from the cranial end of the back brace, this ring lies flat against the user's shoulder, clavicle, and pectoral muscle, parallel to the user's rib cage, and extends back to the back brace, connecting to it in the lower part of its upper third and / or the upper part of its middle third. In this embodiment, no strap system is used. Instead of straps, which are flexible in all directions (possibly apart from tensile strength), a flat carbon ring is used that lies against the user's body. This ring is elastic in bending across its entire length and width, but compressible in its longitudinal direction.It is tensile-resistant and flexurally resistant in its lateral direction. This allows the support elements to be guided closely to the user's body contours and, similar to what was explained above in the context of the lateral support areas of the back brace, to introduce external forces into muscular structures, namely the shoulder and chest muscles. This allows these muscles to be used to absorb and dissipate the external forces. This leads to a further increase in the efficiency of the spinal relief according to the invention.

[0023] To ensure good handling with such a selectively rigid shoulder support system, it is preferably provided that each support element is constructed in two parts: an upper semicircular section and a lower semicircular section. The upper semicircular section is formed integrally with the back brace and, at its free end (which, in use, lies in the area of ​​the user's pectoral muscle), can be reversibly connected to the free end of the lower semicircular section, which is height-adjustable and connected to the back brace. Due to the bending elasticity described above, the upper and lower semicircular sections can be opened wide when separated, allowing for easy entry for the user. Subsequently, the free ends of the semicircular sections are connected to each other in the pectoral muscle area, and the support ring is closed, thus forming the selectively rigid support element described above.The single-piece construction of the upper half-ring sections with the backrest, using a single piece of material, is advantageous in terms of avoiding numerous individual parts and potentially weak connection points. The lower half-ring section, however, should only be integrally connected to the backrest in exceptional cases. Generally, it is considered preferable to connect it to the backrest in a reversible manner, particularly one that allows for height adjustment, to accommodate users of varying heights.

[0024] It has proven particularly practical if the free ends of the upper and lower half-ring sections overlap during use and can be reversibly connected to each other, especially by means of a hook-and-loop fastener. The fixed end of the lower half-ring section can also be connected to the backrest rail by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, which, in particular, provides the aforementioned height adjustability in a technically simple manner. The lower half-ring sections of the two support elements are preferably formed in one piece. They preferably merge seamlessly at the point where they connect to the backrest rail.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, a radially flexible, ventrally open rib brace, which in use lies flat against the user's rib cage and encompasses it from dorsally to ventrally, is made of a leaf-like carbon material and is preferably height-adjustable, particularly by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, and is connected to the back brace. The rib brace preferably consists of the same leaf-like carbon material as the back brace. Due to its flexural elasticity perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, it automatically conforms to the user's rib cage. Its compression and tensile strength in the longitudinal direction, as well as its flexural strength in the lateral direction, contribute to a stabilizing and centering effect on the back brace. The preferably implemented height adjustability of the rib brace allows it to be adapted to users of different sizes.

[0026] Straps are preferably attached to the circumferentially spaced free ends of the rib brace, which can be reversibly connected to form a strap connection spanning the distance between the free ends of the rib brace. This provides additional stability. Furthermore, it is possible to mount a chest plate between the free ends of the rib brace, particularly in conjunction with the lower semi-ring sections of the shoulder support elements, which can serve to protect the solar plexus.

[0027] In the context of the pelvic brace, it may also be provided that straps are fixed to the circumferentially spaced free ends of the pelvic brace, which can be reversibly connected to each other to form a strap connection spanning the distance between the free ends of the pelvic brace. Regarding the effect and advantages of this measure, reference is made, mutatis mutandis, to the above explanation concerning the rib brace.

[0028] Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following, specific description and the drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] They show: Fig. 1: a perspective view of the basic framework of a thoracic orthosis according to the invention, Fig. 2: A frontal view of the orthosis of Fig. 1, Fig. 3: A view along the cranio-caudal line of sight of the orthosis of Fig. 1 as well as Fig. 4: the orthosis of Fig. 1 with additional comfort and functional features. Description of preferred embodiments

[0030] Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical or analogous elements.

[0031] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows, in different views, the basic framework of a preferred embodiment of a thoracic orthosis 10 according to the invention. These figures will first be discussed together. They show the basic framework of the orthosis 10 according to the invention, which is essentially made of sheet-like carbon material and which may be, for example, as shown in Fig. 4 illustrates how it can be upgraded with additional comfort and functional elements.

[0032] An essential component of the orthosis 10 is its back brace 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the back brace 12 consists of two lateral support areas 121 and a central area 122, which is designed as a dorsally directed bulge and forms a cranially-caudally extending, ventrally open channel. In use, the back brace 12 is positioned against the back of a user (not shown) such that its lateral support areas 121 rest on the back extensor muscles adjacent to the user's spine, and the spine itself, in particular its spinous processes, is arched over by the channel of the central area 122 without contact. Fig. 3 the channel structure of the central area 122 is clearly visible.

[0033] Several transverse slots 123 are arranged along the length of the back rail 12, spanning the channel of the central section 123. This counteracts the stiffening effect of the curvature of the central section 122 and increases the sagittal bending elasticity 12. The transverse slots 123 also improve ventilation. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse slots 123 terminate in lateral round holes. This prevents the ends of the transverse slots from tearing out, even in the case of frequent, sharp bends. Furthermore, this design, together with a slot width that can be selected according to the specific application, ensures manufacturer-adjustable torsional and frontal elasticity; that is, the back rail 12 is frontally, i.e., in Fig. 2 in the drawing plane, slightly bendable and torsionable, without the opposing slot edges colliding with each other during movement and potentially trapping pieces of clothing or even skin.

[0034] The caudal end of the back splint 12 is tapered to adapt to the natural anatomy in the lumbar region of the user, with care taken to ensure a rounded design that avoids any corners.

[0035] At the cranial ends of the back brace 12, two upper semi-ring sections 141 of two support elements 14 are integrally formed. They are made of the same sheet-like carbon material as the back brace 12. In use, they extend over the user's shoulders and terminate with their free ends approximately in the region of the user's pectoral muscles. Here, they are reversibly connected, in particular by means of a hook-and-loop fastener 143, to the free ends of lower semi-ring sections 142, which extend from the pectoral muscle area parallel to the user's rib cage from ventrally to dorsally towards the back brace 12. There, they are preferably reversibly fixed, in particular by means of another hook-and-loop fastener, on the dorsal outer surface of the back brace 12. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the two lower semi-ring sections 142 are formed integrally and, in particular in the area of ​​their fixation to the back brace 12, merge seamlessly into one another.The reversibility of their fixation to the back splint 12 allows for height adjustment and thus size adjustment of the armholes of the support elements 14, so that the orthosis 12 can be adapted to users of different heights within certain limits. It is therefore possible to limit production to a small number of basic sizes and to enable individually optimized adjustments through user-adjustment. Due to the material properties of the sheet-like carbon material, which are discussed in detail in the general section of the description, the upper semi-circular parts can be bent upwards elastically without much effort when the Velcro fastener 143 is open. The lower semi-circular parts 142, on the other hand, can be bent outwards to the sides. This allows the user to easily put on the orthosis 12.

[0036] After the free ends of the upper and lower half-ring sections 141, 142 are fixed by means of the hook-and-loop fasteners 143, the half-ring sections 141, 142 restrict the bending freedom of the respective other half-ring section 142, 141, so that an essentially rigid support ring is formed that rests directly on the user's shoulder and chest muscles. Together with the back brace 12, the support elements 14 therefore ensure that external forces are dissipated away from the user's spine towards a wide range of muscular structures. These can absorb the forces collectively without overloading individual muscles. This leads to a particularly efficient spinal relief by the orthosis according to the invention and thus to a significant increase in the user's performance.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, a rib brace 16 is arranged caudal to the lower semi-ring sections 142 of the support elements 14. Similar to the lower semi-ring sections 142, the rib brace is preferably reversibly fixed to the dorsal outer surface of the back brace 12, particularly by means of a hook-and-loop fastener. It is also preferably made of the same carbon material as the back brace 12 and the support elements 14 and conforms elastically to the user's upper body in the area of ​​the lower rib arches. For entry, it can be bent outwards to the side. Its primary function is to center and fix the back brace 12 in its central region.

[0038] Near the caudal end of the back brace 12, a pelvic brace 18 is also provided in the illustrated embodiment, which is preferably also reversibly, and in particular also by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, fixed to the dorsal outer side of the back brace 12. The pelvic brace 18 encompasses the user's body from dorsal to ventral along the iliac crest. Unlike the rib brace 16, its design allows for Fig. 1 and Fig. The 2. particularly noticeable, slightly tilted bend provides vertical load support on the iliac crest. However, as explained in detail in the general section of the description, this is only a secondary effect. Primarily, the pelvic brace 18 serves to center and fix the back splint 12 in its caudal end region.

[0039] The pure carbon frame (possibly with connecting devices), especially Velcro fasteners, as in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 is generally sufficient to achieve the effects according to the invention as described in the general part of the description. However, it is readily possible to add further features, for example for reasons of comfort. The carbon frame can be completely or locally covered or coated with padding elements, such as gel padding or neoprene layers. A correspondingly upgraded orthosis 12 is shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0040] Apart from the aforementioned padding, the orthosis features 12 of Fig. 4 additional belt connections 201, 202, 203, which connect the opposing areas or ends of the lower half-ring parts 142 (belt connection 201), rib brace 16 (belt connection 202) or pelvic brace (belt connection 203) to each other.

[0041] This allows for a more stable fixation of the back splint 12, which can be pulled closer to the user's spine in particular by means of the strap connections 201, 202, 203.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, a chest plate 22 is fixed in the area of ​​the fasteners of the two upper strap connections 201, 202. This is preferably also made of a sheet-like carbon material, in particular the same carbon material as the back splint 12, and can be provided with padding on its inside, for example, coated.

[0043] Such a chest plate 22 provides effective impact protection for the user's solar plexus. Furthermore, it offers an additional contact surface with the user's muscular structures, which can be used to absorb external forces transmitted via the orthosis 12.

[0044] Naturally, the embodiments discussed in the detailed description and shown in the figures represent only illustrative examples of the present invention. In light of this disclosure, a wide range of possible variations is available to the person skilled in the art. Reference symbol list 10 Orthosis 12 Back brace 121 lateral support area of ​​12 122 Central area of ​​12 123 Cross slot 14 Support element 141 upper half-ring part of 14 142 lower half-ring part of 14 143 Velcro fastener 16 rib brace 18 Pelvic brace 201 Belt connection 202 Belt connection 203 Belt connection 22 Breastplate QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 902 691 B1

[0002] DE 10 2011 076 843 B4

[0005] DE 20 2010 006 731 U1

[0007] WO 2013 / 156394 A1

[0008] US 2013 / 0261521 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Thoracic orthosis (10) for the on-demand relief of the spine of a human user, comprehensive - a back splint (12) made of a leaf-like material which is compression-resistant in its longitudinal direction and, when in use, rests with a ventral flat side against the back extensor muscles adjacent to the user's spine on both sides in the area of ​​the thoracic and at least the upper lumbar vertebrae, as well as - a shoulder support system connected to the back rail (12) with two support elements (14) which, when in use, wrap around the user's shoulders like a backpack, characterized by , that the back brace (12) is constructed in one piece from said leaf-like material, which is a sagittal flexible carbon material, and furthermore a radially flexible, ventrally open, convexly curved inwards about its central longitudinal line, obliquely bent caudally towards its free ends and therefore in use lying flat against the user's body from dorsal to ventral along his iliac crest, is connected to the back brace (12). [2] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the back rail (12) has two lateral support areas (121) extending parallel along its longitudinal direction and a central area (122) connecting the support areas (121) and arching over the user's spine when in use. [3] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the central area (122) is formed as a bulge that curves dorsally towards the support areas. [4] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the carbon material of the back rail (12) has a constant thickness across its width. [5] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the central area (122) is divided into a plurality of segments distributed over its length by means of width-centered transverse slots (123). [6] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the back rail (12) is designed to be frontally flexible, wherein the magnitude of the frontal modulus of elasticity is at least one order of magnitude greater than that of the sagittal modulus of elasticity. [7] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to claim 6, characterized by, that the back rail (12) is designed to be elastically torsionable about its longitudinal extension direction, wherein the magnitude of its torsional elasticity modulus lies between those of its frontal and sagittal elasticity moduli. [8] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each support element (14) of the shoulder support system is made of a sheet-like carbon material and, in use, forms a ring encompassing the user's associated shoulder, which, starting from the cranial end of the back brace (12), lies flat against the user's shoulder, clavicle and pectoral muscle, parallel to the user's rib arches, and is guided back to the back brace (12) and is connected to it in the lower area of ​​its upper third and / or the upper area of ​​its middle third. [9] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the support element (14) is composed of two parts consisting of an upper semi-circular part (141) and a lower semi-circular part (142), wherein the upper semi-circular part (141) is formed in one piece with the back rail (12) and is reversibly connectable in the area of ​​its free end, which in the case of use is located in the area of ​​the pectoral muscle of the user, to the free end of the lower semi-circular part (142) which is connected to the back rail (12) in a height-adjustable manner. [10] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the free ends of the upper half-ring part (141) and the lower half-ring part (142) overlap each other in use and can be connected to each other reversibly, in particular by means of a hook and loop fastener (143). [11] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized by , that the lower half-ring part (142) is connected to the back rail (12) by means of a Velcro connection. [12] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that furthermore a radially flexible, ventrally open rib brace (16) made of a leaf-like carbon material is connected to the back brace (12), lying flat against the user's rib cage from dorsal to ventral in the case of use. [13] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to claim 12, characterized by , that straps are fixed to the circumferentially spaced free ends of the rib brace (12) which can be reversibly connected to each other to form a strap connection (202) spanning the distance between the free rib brace ends. [14] Thoracic orthosis (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that belts are fixed to the circumferentially spaced free ends of the pelvic brace (18) which can be reversibly connected to each other to form a belt connection (203) spanning the distance between the free ends of the pelvic brace.

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