Tools for handling a liner

Abstract

Aids (1) for handling a liner (2) for positioning on a stump for use when wearing a prosthesis, comprising a substantially cylindrical base body (5) with a substantially circular outer shape, wherein the base body (5) is designed on its outer surface (6) for slipping the liner (2) over it in an inside-out state, wherein an end region of the cylindrical base body (5) is designed as a connection region (7) for contacting the liner (2) and / or for connecting it, wherein the aid (1) is designed such that, after contacting the liner (2) and / or connecting it, the liner (2) can be turned inside out onto the outer surface (6) of the base body (5) starting from the connection area (7), and the aid (1) is designed such that the liner (2) placed on the base body (5) can be placed on the corresponding stump in a right-turned state when the stump is positioned on the liner (2) in the connection area (7), and / or the aid (1) is designed such that when the stump with the liner (2) on it is positioned in the right-handed state in the connection area (7) the liner (2) can be slipped from the stump onto the outer surface of the base body (5) in the left-handed state.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an aid for handling a liner.

[0002] When fitting a residual limb with a prosthesis, a good fit is essential to ensure long-term, comfortable use and to prevent pressure sores or injuries. This applies to all types of prostheses, including below-knee, above-knee, and various arm prostheses. These prostheses currently feature a socket, often made of carbon fiber, to hold and connect to the residual limb.

[0003] Based on this, there are different ways to wear the prosthesis with the socket on or over the residual limb. The current state of the art involves using a liner that is worn between the residual limb and the prosthesis. These liners are currently made of materials such as silicone and are placed over the residual limb before the prosthesis is attached. This way, the liner cushions the residual limb and the socket of the prosthesis does not rest directly on the bare skin. This prevents pressure sores on the residual limb.

[0004] Before applying the liner to the residual limb, the stump is usually turned inside out first. The liner is then positioned at the end of the stump and pulled over it so that it fits snugly against the skin without wrinkles or air pockets. This can be done by rolling or sliding the liner over the stump, or by a combination of both. After wearing the prosthesis, the liner is removed, for example, by peeling it off the stump in a similar manner.

[0005] There are different options for fitting liners. Currently, pin-based systems and vacuum systems are common. With pin-based systems, a pin is attached to the lower end of the liner for connection to the prosthesis. The prosthesis socket incorporates a shuttle lock into which the pin is inserted, creating a connection between the residual limb and the prosthesis. Vacuum systems create a vacuum within the socket. An additional airtight knee sleeve or sealing lip ensures that the vacuum is maintained and the prosthesis remains securely connected to the residual limb.

[0006] In principle, the liner can be easily used and slipped over the residual limb, meaning the user doesn't need additional assistance and can put it on independently. However, for various reasons, it can be difficult for the user to correctly fit the liner. For example, the user's mobility may be limited, making the residual limb difficult or impossible to reach. There may also be limitations in hand use, such as due to conditions like osteoarthritis or in cases of hand amputation. This makes putting on the prosthesis difficult or impossible, thus restricting the prosthesis user's autonomy and requiring additional assistance.

[0007] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an aid for handling a liner that enables easy handling of the liner. In particular, the invention is based on the objective of providing an aid for handling a liner that enables easy placement of the liner onto a stump and / or easy removal of the liner from the stump.

[0008] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, an aid for handling a liner for positioning it on a stump for use when wearing a prosthesis is provided, comprising a substantially cylindrical base body with a substantially circular outer shape, wherein the base body is designed on its outer surface for slipping the liner over it in an inside-out state, wherein an end region of the cylindrical base body is designed as a connection region for contacting the liner and / or connecting it, wherein the aid is designed such that, after contacting the liner and / or connecting it, the liner can be slipped onto the outer surface of the base body from the connection region in an inside-out state, and the aid is designed such thatthat the liner placed on the base body, when the stump is positioned on the liner in the connection area, can be slipped onto the corresponding stump in a clockwise state, and / or the aid is designed such that, when the stump with the liner on it is positioned in a clockwise state in the connection area, the liner can be slipped from the stump onto the outer surface of the base body in a counterclockwise state.

[0010] The basic idea of ​​the present invention is therefore to simplify the handling of the liner by eliminating the need to completely reposition it on the stump each time it is used. Instead, the liner is simply slipped from the aid onto the stump, or vice versa. While it is theoretically possible to remove the liner without the aid, removing it with the aid repositions the liner on the aid, thus facilitating reuse. Once removed from the stump and placed back onto the base of the aid, the liner is ready for reuse in its inside-out position, requiring only the aid to slip it back onto the stump.

[0011] The use of this aid makes it particularly easy for people with limitations in their hands and / or arms, as well as for those with overall limited mobility, to put the liner on their residual limb. The person can use the aid to put on the liner independently and thus use their prosthesis, thereby maintaining their autonomy.

[0012] The aid can, in principle, be provided and used for the care of all limbs. This includes, for example, the lower leg, thigh, forearm, or upper arm.

[0013] The essentially cylindrical base body has a substantially circular outer shape, corresponding to the typical outer shape of the corresponding stump. Thus, the base body of the assistive device typically has a larger cross-section for a leg stump than for an arm stump. The base body may also have a shape that deviates at least partially from a circular form. The essentially cylindrical base body has a longitudinal extension to allow the liner to be completely slipped onto the base body when turned inside out, without the liner forming creases or requiring multiple layers. The essentially cylindrical base body preferably has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the stump, so that the liner can be positioned on it as if it were on the stump, with the liner being slipped onto the outer surface of the base body when turned inside out.

[0014] The base body is designed on its outer surface to accommodate the liner. The outer surface preferably has a low-friction surface to facilitate both the insertion of the liner and the insertion of the aid onto the stump, whereby the liner is removed from the base body when it is inserted onto the stump.

[0015] The process of fitting or fitting the liner involves positioning it by rolling and / or sliding it onto the outer surface of the base body and / or onto the stump. The liner is positioned inside out on the outer surface of the base body and right side out on the stump.

[0016] The liner typically has an inner side for contact with the abutment and an outer side. The "right-handed" position refers to a state where the inner side of the liner, intended for contact with the abutment, is on the inside. In the "left-handed" position, the inner side of the liner is on the outside. The left-handed position is designed so that the outer side of the liner rests against the outer surface of the abutment. This can be particularly important if the inner and outer sides have different surface properties and / or if there are seams or other irregularities, making that side the outer side. Therefore, in the left-handed position, the liner should not be slipped onto the abutment.

[0017] The end section of the cylindrical base body, designed as a connection area, serves to contact and / or connect the liner, allowing the liner to be fitted over the outer surface of the base body. When the liner is fitted from the butt onto the base body, the liner contacts the connection area or is joined to it.

[0018] The tool is designed in such a way that, after contacting the liner and / or connecting it, the liner can be slipped onto the base body from the connection area in an inside-out state.

[0019] To transfer the liner from the aid onto the stump, the stump is positioned against the liner at the connection point. The liner's inner surface is already in contact with the stump at the connection point. From this position, the liner can be slipped from the base onto the stump, with the inner surface of the liner against the stump. The liner can then be slipped onto the stump, being turned right-side out. Alternatively, the liner can be transferred from the stump back onto the aid, starting from the right-side out position. To do this, the liner is slipped from the stump onto the base, where it is then turned inside out.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the aid has a connecting device to which the liner can be permanently attached in the connection area. This allows the liner to be reliably positioned and held on the aid. The risk of the liner slipping when being placed onto the base body or the stump is reduced. Permanently attachable in this context means that the connection between the connecting device and the liner remains intact during normal use and is typically broken by an action, such as actuation. However, it is possible that the connection may still break, for example, due to abnormal stress.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting device is designed as a mechanical connecting device, in particular as a shuttlelock for receiving a pin of the liner, and / or the connecting device is designed as a vacuum or negative pressure connecting device for connecting the liner in the connection area with a vacuum or negative pressure. A connection between the assistive device and the liner is achieved by receiving the pin or by generating the vacuum or negative pressure. Similarly, separation can be achieved by releasing the pin or by removing the vacuum or negative pressure. Corresponding systems can also be used to attach the prosthesis to the residual limb and in the same way for connecting the assistive device and the liner.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an actuating device is associated with the connecting device, with which the connection of the liner to the connecting area can be established and / or released. This makes it possible to establish or release the connection of the liner to the connecting area in a controlled manner. This, in particular, prevents unintentional release of the connection. The actuating device can be a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuating device for locking or unlocking the pin, or a corresponding combination thereof. For example, the connecting device can be designed such that the pin of the liner automatically engages in the connecting device upon insertion. Thus, automatic locking occurs, so that actuation with the actuating device is only required to release the pin.In the case of a vacuum pump, the actuating device can be used to activate the vacuum pump, i.e., actuating the device starts or stops the vacuum pump. Furthermore, the vacuum pump can be designed to automatically generate a vacuum or negative pressure after actuating the device. Additionally, the vacuum pump can be designed to maintain the vacuum or negative pressure by repeatedly actuating the vacuum pump, for example, cyclically or based on pressure measurements, to prevent continuous operation. The actuating device can be part of the auxiliary equipment or the connecting device.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the end region of the essentially cylindrical base body opposite the connection area is provided with retaining means for holding the aid. This retaining feature allows the aid to be firmly positioned, thus further improving its handling. The aid can be held, for example, on a bed or in its immediate vicinity, such as on a wall, which facilitates its use.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding means are designed for the fixed mounting of the aid, for example, on a wall or by means of a mounted holding device, or the holding means are designed for the detachable attachment of the aid to a counterpart, for example, to a fastening device, or the holding means are designed for the independent, detachable attachment of the aid, in particular in the manner of a suction cup. With fixed mounting, the aid can be used particularly reliably, although the effort required for attachment may be greater than with other forms of attachment. With detachable attachment of the aid to a counterpart, it is possible, for example, to attach the aid in a home setting and use it as with a fixed mounting.Nevertheless, the assistive device can be detached from its counterpart if necessary, for example, during a prolonged absence, and then used without being attached. For frequent use of the assistive device in different locations, it can be particularly advantageous if the attachment means are designed solely for detachable mounting. With a suction cup, for example, the assistive device can be repeatedly attached to and removed from smooth surfaces.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the essentially cylindrical base body is at least partially designed as a hollow body. Designing the essentially cylindrical base body as a hollow body reduces the required material usage and thus also the weight compared to a solid body, thereby enabling easier handling. Furthermore, the reduced material usage leads to cost reductions and saves resources.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the essentially cylindrical base body is made of plastic. Plastic is a well-suited material for the essentially cylindrical base body because it offers high stability while being lightweight, thus enabling easy handling of the device. Furthermore, the essentially cylindrical base body can be manufactured easily and cost-effectively from various plastics and can be readily shaped.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the essentially cylindrical base body is manufactured as an injection-molded part from an injection-molded material, wherein, in particular, the connecting device and / or the actuating device and / or the retaining means are cast into the essentially cylindrical base body by injection molding. Manufacturing the essentially cylindrical base body from the injection-molded material is straightforward, and various shapes of the essentially cylindrical base body can also be easily realized. Furthermore, the connecting device and / or the actuating device and / or the retaining means can be easily attached to the base body when they are cast into it by injection molding.This means that the connecting device, actuating device, and / or retaining element are at least partially in contact with the injection molding material during injection molding and, for example, at least partially surrounded by it. After the injection molding material has cooled and hardened, the connecting device, actuating device, and / or retaining element are firmly positioned on the essentially cylindrical base body.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the essentially cylindrical base body is made of a polyamide, in particular Perlon, and especially has an outer skin as a casting skin. Various polymers from the polyamide group are known as such and are suitable for manufacturing the essentially cylindrical base body. Perlon, also known as polycaprolactam or polyamide 6 with the abbreviation PA6, is particularly noteworthy here and has favorable properties for the manufacture and use of the essentially cylindrical base body. Furthermore, by manufacturing the essentially cylindrical base body with the outer skin, it is possible to provide its surface with desired properties, for example, to allow the liner to be easily slipped over it. Tactile properties of the outer surface of the essentially cylindrical base body with the outer skin can also be adjusted.Furthermore, the casting skin can facilitate simple manufacturing in an injection mold.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing and a preferred embodiment. The features shown can represent an aspect of the invention, either individually or in combination.

[0030] It shows Fig. 1 A schematic view of an aid for handling a liner for positioning on a stump for use when wearing a prosthesis according to a first, preferred embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of an aid for handling a liner for positioning on a stump for use when wearing a prosthesis according to a second embodiment, Fig. 3 a schematic top view of the aid made of Fig. 2 with a connecting device arranged in the connection area, and Fig. 4 a schematic view of the aid made of Fig. 2 from the bottom with holding agents.

[0031] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an aid 1 for handling a liner 2 for positioning on a stump for use when wearing a prosthesis according to a first embodiment.

[0032] The liner 2 has an inner surface 3 for contact with the stump and an outer surface 4. When the liner 2 is rotated clockwise, the inner surface 3, intended for contact with the stump, is on the inside, and the outer surface 4 is on the outside. When rotated counterclockwise, the inner surface 3 of the liner 2 is on the outside.

[0033] The aid 1 comprises a substantially cylindrical base body 5 with a substantially circular outer shape, wherein the base body 5 is designed on its outer surface 6 to allow the liner 2 to be slipped over it in the inside-out state, i.e., the outer surface 4 of the liner 2 rests against the outer surface 6 of the base body 5. The substantially circular outer shape is designed in accordance with a typical outer shape of the corresponding stump, which is why the base body 5 of the aid 1 may have a shape that deviates at least partially from a circular shape. The substantially cylindrical base body 5 has a longitudinal extension to allow the liner 2 to be completely slipped over it in the inside-out state without the liner 2 having creases or needing to be slipped over it in multiple layers.

[0034] An end region of the base body 5 is designed as a connection region 7 for contacting and connecting to the liner 2. For this purpose, the auxiliary device 1 has a connection element 8 with which the liner 2 can be permanently connected to it in connection region 7. The connection element 8 is designed here as a mechanical connection element 8 in the form of a shuttle lock for receiving a pin 9 of the liner 2. A connection between the auxiliary device 1 and the liner 2 is achieved by receiving the pin 9 in the connection element 8.

[0035] The connecting device 8 is associated with an actuating device 10, which can be used to establish and / or release the connection between the liner 2 and the connecting area 7. The actuating device 10 mechanically locks or unlocks the pin 9 in the connecting device 8. In principle, the actuating device 10 can be part of the auxiliary device 1 or part of the connecting device 8.

[0036] Permanently connectable here means that the connection between the connecting device 8 and the liner 2 remains intact under normal use and is typically established or disconnected by an activity, for example, by actuating the actuating device 10. However, it is possible that the connection may still separate, for example, due to abnormal stress.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the connecting device 8 is designed such that the pin 9 automatically locks into it upon insertion. Thus, the pin 9 is automatically locked in the connecting device 8, so that actuation with the actuating device 10 is only necessary to unlock the pin 9.

[0038] The handling of the liner 2 and the aid 1 is such that the liner 2 does not need to be completely re-fitted onto the stump each time it is used, but is initially only slipped over the outer surface 6 of the base body 5 in an inside-out state. For this purpose, the liner 2 is positioned at the connection area 7 and locked in the connection device 8 with the pin 9. From there, the liner 2 is slipped over the outer surface 6 of the base body 5, so that the liner 2 is placed on it in an inside-out state.

[0039] Starting from this state, the liner 2 can be placed onto the stump from the outer surface 6 of the base body 5 in its left-handed position, provided the stump is positioned on the liner 2 in the connection area 7, with the liner 2 then being placed on the stump in its right-handed position. Subsequently, the locking mechanism of the pin 9 in the connection device 8 is released using the actuating device 10, allowing the prosthesis to be connected. Similarly, after removing the prosthesis, the stump with the liner 2 on it can be positioned in its right-handed position in the connection area 7, and the pin 9 can be locked in the connection device 8. The liner 2 can then be placed back onto the outer surface 6 of the base body 5 from the stump, with the liner 2 being placed on the outer surface 6 of the base body 5 in its left-handed position.When the liner 2 is placed from the stump onto the base body 5, the liner 2 contacts the connection area 7 with the stump and is thus connected.

[0040] After being removed from the stump and placed on the base body 5 of the aid 1, the liner 2 is ready for reuse in its inside-out state, for which it simply needs to be placed back on the stump as described above.

[0041] The process of slipping or fitting the liner 2 involves positioning it on the outer surface 6 of the base body 5 or on the stump by rolling and / or sliding it. When using the aid 1, the liner 2 is positioned inside out on the outer surface 6 of the base body 5 and then automatically right side out on the stump. The outer surface 6 has a low-friction surface to facilitate the fitting process.

[0042] To further improve the handling of the aid 1, the aid 1 comprises retaining means 12 at its end region 11 opposite the connection area 7 for holding the aid 1. The retaining means 12 are arranged at the end region 11 on the essentially cylindrical base body 5. The retaining means 12 are designed, in a manner not shown in detail, for the fixed mounting of the aid 1, for example on a wall or by means of a mounted holding device.

[0043] In this embodiment, the essentially cylindrical base body 5 is designed as a hollow body and made of plastic. The essentially cylindrical base body 5 is manufactured as an injection-molded part from an injection-molded material, which in this embodiment is a polyamide, in particular Perlon. The essentially cylindrical base body 5 has an outer skin as a casting skin, which forms a surface of the base body 5 in a manner not shown in the figures.

[0044] During the production of the essentially cylindrical base body 5, the connecting device 8, the actuating device 10, and the retaining means 12 are molded together with the essentially cylindrical base body 5 during injection molding. This means that the connecting device 8, the actuating device 10, and the retaining means 12 are at least partially in contact with the injection molding material and at least partially surrounded by it. After the injection molding material has cooled and hardened, the connecting device 8, the actuating device 10, and the retaining means 12 are firmly held to the essentially cylindrical base body 5.

[0045] The Fig. Figures 2 to 4 show an aid 1 according to a second embodiment. The aid 1 of the second embodiment largely corresponds to the aid 1 of the first embodiment, so that the differences between the aid 1 of the second embodiment and the aid 1 of the first embodiment are described below.

[0046] The auxiliary device 1 of the second embodiment also comprises a substantially cylindrical base body 5 with a substantially circular outer shape, wherein the base body 5 is designed on its outer surface 6 for slipping the liner 2 over it in the inside-out state. An end region of the base body 5 is designed as a connection region 7 for contacting the liner 2 and for connecting it to a connection device 8, with which the liner 2 can be permanently connected in the connection region 7. The connection device 8 is designed here as a mechanical connection device 8 in the form of a shuttle lock for receiving a pin 9 of the liner 2.

[0047] In the second embodiment of the auxiliary device 1, an actuating device 10 is also associated with the connecting device 8 as described above. Furthermore, the auxiliary device 1 comprises retaining means 12 at its end region 11 opposite the connecting region 7 for holding the auxiliary device 1. The retaining means 12 are arranged at the end region 11 on the substantially cylindrical base body 5.

[0048] In accordance with the auxiliary device 1 of the first embodiment, the retaining means 12 of the second embodiment are also designed for the fixed mounting of the auxiliary device 1, for example, on a wall. For this purpose, the retaining means 12 comprise a mounting plate 13, as best illustrated in Fig. 4 can be seen, with which the retaining means 12 can be mounted.

[0049] The handling of the liner 2 and the auxiliary device 1 is described in detail as for the auxiliary device 1 of the first embodiment. The liner 2 is initially placed separately onto the outer surface 6 of the base body 5 in an inside-out state and, starting from this state, can be placed from the outer surface 6 of the base body 5, also inside out, onto the stump, where it is in a right-out state, and then again from the stump back onto the outer surface 6 of the base body 5, whereby the liner 2 is once again placed inside out onto the outer surface 6 of the base body 5.

[0050] In the second embodiment, the essentially cylindrical base body 5 is also designed as a hollow body and manufactured as an injection-molded body from an injection-molded material, which in this embodiment is a polyamide, in particular Perlon, as described for the first embodiment, wherein here too the connecting device 8 and the actuating device 10 are cast into the essentially cylindrical base body 5 by injection molding.

[0051] In contrast to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment the retaining means 12 of the auxiliary device 1 are screwed to the base body 5 at the end region, as shown in Fig. 4 can be seen. Reference symbol list 1 aid 2 liners 3 Inside 4 Outside 5 basic shapes 6 Outdoor area 7 Connection area 8 Connection device 9 pin 10 Actuating device 11 End area 12 Holding devices 13 Mounting plate

Claims

[1] Aids (1) for handling a liner (2) for positioning on a stump for use when wearing a prosthesis, comprising a substantially cylindrical base body (5) with a substantially circular outer shape, wherein the base body (5) is designed on its outer surface (6) for slipping the liner (2) over it in an inside-out state, wherein an end region of the cylindrical base body (5) is designed as a connection region (7) for contacting the liner (2) and / or for connecting it, wherein the aid (1) is designed such that, after contacting the liner (2) and / or connecting it, the liner (2) can be turned inside out onto the outer surface (6) of the base body (5) starting from the connection area (7), and the aid (1) is designed such that the liner (2) placed on the base body (5) can be placed on the corresponding stump in a right-turned state when the stump is positioned on the liner (2) in the connection area (7), and / or the aid (1) is designed such that when the stump with the liner (2) on it is positioned in the right-handed state in the connection area (7) the liner (2) can be slipped from the stump onto the outer surface of the base body (5) in the left-handed state. [2] Aids (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the aid (1) has a connecting device (8) with which the liner (2) can be permanently connected in the connection area (7). [3] Aid (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the connecting device (8) is designed as a mechanical connecting device (8), in particular as a shuttlelock for receiving a pin (9) of the liner (2), and / or the connecting device (8) is designed as a vacuum or negative pressure connecting device for connecting the liner (2) in the connection area (7) with a vacuum or negative pressure. [4] Auxiliary device (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by , that the connecting device (8) is associated with an actuating device (10) with which the connection of the liner (2) to the connecting area (7) can be established and / or removed. [5] Auxiliary device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the end area (11) opposite the connection area (7) of the essentially cylindrical base body (5) is provided with retaining means (12) for holding the auxiliary device (1). [6] Aids (1) according to claim 5, characterized by, that the holding means (12) are designed for the fixed mounting of the aid (1), for example on a wall or by means of a mounted holding device, or the holding means (12) are designed for the detachable attachment of the aid (1) to a counterpart, for example to a fastening device, or the holding means (12) are designed for independent, releasable attachment of the aid (1), in particular in the manner of a suction cup. [7] Aids (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the essentially cylindrical base body (5) is at least partially designed as a hollow body. [8] Aids (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the essentially cylindrical base body (5) is made of plastic. [9] Aid (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the essentially cylindrical base body (5) is manufactured as an injection-molded body from an injection-molded material, wherein in particular the connecting device (8) and / or the actuating device (10) and / or the retaining means (12) is / are cast into the substantially cylindrical base body (5) by injection molding. [10] Aid (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the essentially cylindrical base body (5) is made of a polyamide, in particular of Perlon, and in particular has an outer skin as a casting skin.

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