Holding device for a functional aid for people with limited hand function

Abstract

Holding device (1) for a functional aid (10) for people with limited hand function, comprising a hand clamp (2) with a clamping device (4) arranged on the hand clamp (2), characterized in that the clamping device (4) comprises two spaced-apart clamping wings (6, 7) which are designed to receive the functional aid (10) and to hold it in a frictional manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for a functional aid for people with limited hand function.

[0002] People who have limited use of their hands due to injuries, illnesses, or disabilities face significant challenges in everyday life. Activities such as eating, writing, or using tools are taken for granted by many, but for those affected, they are often only possible with assistance.

[0003] The publication EP 3 019 125 B1 describes a magnetic gripping aid specifically designed for people with limited gripping ability. The core of the invention is a type of cuff worn on the hand, equipped with connecting elements. These connecting elements allow various everyday objects to be securely and stably fixed. This enables users to independently handle cutlery, pens, or tools without requiring full finger gripping function. Thanks to its modular design, different adapters can be attached as needed, making the gripping aid adaptable to various situations.

[0004] Furthermore, the publication DE 20 2004 018 962 U1 describes a writing aid with a saddle-like part that is shaped to complement the hand and fits snugly. At its greatest curvature, this part is located approximately between the thumb and forefinger. In the saddle area, two clamp-like retaining parts are joined by a screw connection to form a clamping connection, for example, to hold a ballpoint pen. The screw connection creates a preload between the retaining parts, ensuring that the writing instrument is held securely. However, changing writing implements with a screw connection requires some effort. It would be desirable for assistive devices for people with limited hand function to be quickly interchangeable as needed, while still remaining securely in place for their intended purpose.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to further develop an aid for people with limited hand function that meets the special requirements for motor skills.

[0006] This problem is solved by a device having the features of independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous further developments and variants of the invention.

[0007] The invention relates to a holding device for a functional aid for people with limited hand function, comprising a hand clamp with a clamping device arranged on the hand clamp. According to the invention, the clamping device comprises two spaced-apart clamping wings, which are designed to receive the functional aid and hold it in a frictional fit.

[0008] The two clamping wings are positioned relative to each other in such a way that a functional aid is subjected to a holding force that creates the necessary frictional connection. In other words, this holding force is generated when an object is clamped between the two clamping wings as a functional aid, and the resulting preload creates the necessary frictional connection. The preload is generated by the elastic properties of the respective clamping wings or the entire clamping device. The clamping wings can be adapted to the specific requirements and geometry of the functional aid, such as cutlery or writing utensils.

[0009] The holding device according to the invention allows objects to be reliably fixed and, via an adjustable modular structure, moved into an individually suitable position with one hand.

[0010] In principle, the hand clamps of the holding device can be pre-assembled in various sizes and adjusted to the individual person's hand. The clamping device with its two spaced-apart clamping wings can be designed as a standalone module that requires no further adjustment to the hand.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, a guide rail can be arranged on the hand clamp, over which the clamping device can be slidably fixed by means of a positioning device.

[0012] The guide rail preferably runs along the palmar side of the hand, following the hand clamp, up to the saddle-like space between the thumb and index finger. It can also be advantageous to extend the guide rail across this space onto the back of the hand.

[0013] Advantageously, the clamping wings can have a mechanism by which they can be adjusted relative to each other or with respect to the positioning device.

[0014] The clamping device can employ a mechanism that allows the individual clamping wings to be rotated and locked in position. Suitable mechanisms include, for example, lockable ball joints or other guides with detent mechanisms or locking screws.

[0015] Preferably, the tensioning wings can be designed to be elastic.

[0016] The two clamping wings are positioned relative to each other such that, in a starting position, a functional aid, such as a pen or a piece of cutlery, engages with the clamping wings in such a way that the clamping wings are twisted or shifted from their starting position, creating a preload due to their elasticity. The elasticity of the clamping wings is selected such that the preload initiates a holding force, which causes a frictional engagement of the functional aid within the clamping device. The elasticity of the clamping wings is therefore matched to the direction and magnitude of the force exerted when the functional aid is used. The elasticity of the clamping wings thus compensates for the forces acting, for example, on a writing utensil mounted on the holding device during writing.

[0017] The adaptation and clamping of different functional aids is therefore achieved via the flexible clamping wings, which generate a frictional force through their elasticity.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping wings can each be designed with a receiving opening for the functional aid.

[0019] The receiving opening of the clamping wings can initially be adapted in size and shape to any geometry of a functional aid. Preferably, especially for writing instruments or cutlery, the receiving openings can be circular or oval. The preload and the holding force for the required frictional connection are generated simply by inserting the functional aid into both receiving openings.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, an elastically deformable inlay can be arranged in at least one of the receiving openings.

[0021] The elasticity of the material of the two clamping wings preferably generates the necessary preload and holding force for a frictional connection. For a frictional connection, it is also essential that the material of the friction partner has the highest possible coefficient of friction with the material of the functional aid to ensure a reliable hold.

[0022] An elastically deformable inlay is particularly well-suited to these requirements, decoupling the holding force and the coefficient of friction as parameters for frictional engagement. The preload, and thus the holding force, is preferably generated by the elastic properties of the respective clamping wings. The choice of a material with a high coefficient of friction is preferably determined by the inlay.

[0023] Advantageously, the inlay can include an elastomer band that meanders through the receiving opening.

[0024] An elastically deformable inlay can preferably be provided by a combination of elastic material with a high coefficient of friction. The elasticity of the inlay ensures, among other things, that the contact area with the functional aid is sufficiently large for a secure hold.

[0025] In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlay in the receiving opening can be designed with inwardly directed triangular teeth.

[0026] An elastically deformable inlay may preferably have triangular prongs whose tips come into contact with the surface of the functional aid. The base of the triangular prongs, which widens radially towards an opening, ensures advantageous force transmission into the clamping wings.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the clamping wings can have axes passing perpendicularly through the receiving openings, which intersect at an angle α.

[0028] The axes of the two clamping wings are therefore not aligned. If the axes were aligned, a pin pushed through the clamping wings would, for example, produce no or only insufficient preload on the clamping wings and thus would not generate the necessary holding force for a sufficient frictional connection. The angle α formed by the axes can therefore be considered a measure of the preload of the clamping wings when a functional aid is used.

[0029] Advantageously, the axes can intersect at an angle α of 90° - 170°.

[0030] The arrangement of the axes of the respective clamping wings relative to each other, in conjunction with the elasticity of the clamping wings, consequently determines the required preload and thus the holding force for a reliable frictional connection with a functional aid.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide rail can have an undercut groove into which the positioning device engages.

[0032] The positioning device is equipped with a locking mechanism that allows for precise adjustment of the position and secure mounting of the clamping device on the hand clamp.

[0033] The positioning device can be designed as a so-called clamping block, which can be moved in the guide rail to its end position and fixed and released by clamping it to the guide rail.

[0034] Advantageously, the positioning device can have a screw thread and be fixed to the undercut groove of the guide rail by means of a knurled nut.

[0035] Such screw threads can be designed with knurled nuts so that even an operator with limited hand function can change and adjust the position of the clamping device without external assistance.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the hand clamp can be made of thermoplastic material.

[0037] Thermoplastic materials can be reshaped under the influence of temperature, allowing for individual fine adjustments to the shape of a hand clamp to fit the respective hand.

[0038] Advantageously, the tension wings can be suitable for holding eating aids and writing aids.

[0039] A key advantage is that the support device allows users greater independence in their daily lives, improves their quality of life, and reduces their reliance on assistance. Furthermore, the device is ergonomically designed so that it does not strain the hand and is easy to use even with severely limited mobility.

[0040] Exemplary embodiments and variants of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows Fig. 1 schematically a dorsal view of a hand with the holding device according to the invention, Fig. 2 schematically a clamping device according to the invention in a detailed view Fig. 1, Fig. 3 schematically a palmar view of a hand with the holding device according to the invention, Fig. 4. Schematic representation of a palmar view of a hand showing translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the holding device. Fig. 5 schematically a dorsal view of the hand with a spoon clamped in place as a functional aid, and Fig. 6 schematically a dorsal view of the hand with a pen clamped in place as a functional aid.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a dorsal view of a hand 20 with the holding device 1 according to the invention.

[0042] The holding device 1 serves to hold a Fig. 1. A functional aid for people with limited hand function (not shown) comprises a hand clamp 2 with a clamping device 4 arranged on the hand clamp 2. The clamping device 4 comprises two spaced-apart clamping wings 6, 7, which are designed to receive a functional aid and hold it frictionally. The elongated hole 9 on the back of the hand in the hand clamp 2 serves as a docking point for an optional strap that extends to the inside of the hand. Fig. 1 is guided through an invisible further elongated hole and the holding device 1 is securely fixed to the palm of the hand.

[0043] A guide rail 3 is arranged on the hand clamp 2, over which the clamping device 4 can be slidably fixed by means of a positioning device 5.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a clamping device 4 according to the invention in a detailed view. Fig. 1.

[0045] The clamping device 4 has two spaced-apart clamping wings 6 and 7 made of elastic material, which are rigidly connected to a positioning device 5. The positioning device 5 serves as a connecting element for holding the clamping device 4 on the hand clamp 2. For secure mounting of the positioning device 5 to the hand clamp 2, there is a functional connection with the... Fig. 1. Guide rail 3 shown with the clamping device 4.

[0046] A screw thread 51 with a locking nut 54 provides a clamping connection with a knurled nut 52 to enable precise position adjustment and secure mounting of the clamping device 4 relative to the hand clamp 2. A locking washer 53 prevents the knurled nut 52 from rotating.

[0047] The core of the clamping device 4 consists of two spaced-apart clamping wings 6, 7, which are designed to receive the functional aid and hold it in a frictional fit. Fig. For each tension wing 6, 7, axes A1, A2 are drawn perpendicularly through the receiving openings 61, 71. These axes A1, A2 intersect at an angle α. In this case, the angle α is approximately 120°.

[0048] For the use of the clamping device 4, a Fig. Two functional aids (not shown), for example a writing pen, are inserted into the receiving openings 61, 71. The angular position of the elastic clamping wings 6, 7 relative to each other causes the pen to be clamped in the receiving openings 61, 71, thereby creating a holding force which ensures the necessary frictional engagement at the common contact surface of the respective clamping wings 6, 7 with the pen.

[0049] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a palmar view of a hand 20 with the holding device 1 according to the invention.

[0050] The hand clamp 2 of the holding device 1 is in direct contact with the palm of the hand and extends across the saddle-like space between the thumb and index finger to the back of the hand. The hand clamp 2 has a guide rail 3 that begins approximately in the middle of the palm and also extends across the interdigital space between the thumb and index finger. Along its entire length, the guide rail 3 has an undercut groove 31 into which the positioning device 5 of the clamping device 4 engages in a form-fitting manner.

[0051] The elongated hole 9 on the inside of the hand clamp 2 serves as a docking point for an optional strap that leads to a point on the outside of the hand. Fig. The further elongated hole 9 shown in 1 is guided.

[0052] The clamping device 4 comprises two spaced-apart clamping wings 6, 7, which are designed to receive the functional aid and hold it in a frictional fit. Each of the clamping wings 6, 7 has a receiving opening 61, 71, into which an inlay 8 with inwardly directed triangular teeth is inserted. The inlay 8 is made of elastic material with a high coefficient of friction to reliably fix a functional aid.

[0053] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a palmar view of a hand 20 with translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the holding device 1.

[0054] One translational degree of freedom is located at the hand clamp 2. This allows the clamping device 4 to be moved in a linear movement L in the guide rail 3 to its point of use.

[0055] The clamping wings 6, 7 of the clamping device 4 can be aligned with respect to the positioning device 5 via the screw thread 51 by means of a rotational movement R.

[0056] The movement B of the elastic tensioning wings 6, 7 relative to each other is caused by the insertion of an object. This movement B results in the preload, which leads to the holding force required for a frictional connection.

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a dorsal view of the hand 20 with a clamped spoon as a functional aid 10.

[0058] The holding device 1 can also accommodate curved or protruding items of cutlery as a functional aid and generate the required holding force for a frictional connection.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a dorsal view of the hand with a pen clamped in place as a functional aid 10.

[0060] The holding device 1 can also accommodate straight objects as a functional aid and generate the required holding force for a frictional connection by clamping. Reference symbol list 1 Holding device 2 hand clamps 3 Guide rail 31 Nut 4 Clamping device 5 Positioning device 51 screw threads 52 knurled nut 53 locking washer 54 Lock nut 6 tension wings 61 Intake opening 7 Tensioning wings 71 Intake opening 8 Inlay 9 elongated holes 10 Functional aid, pen, cutlery parts 20 Hand A1, A2 axes α angle B Movement of the tension wings L Linear movement in guide rail R Rotational movement of the flaps 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 3 019 125 B1

[0003] DE 20 2004 018 962 U1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Holding device (1) for a functional aid (10) for people with limited hand function, comprising a hand clamp (2) with a clamping device (4) arranged on the hand clamp (2), characterized by , that the clamping device (4) comprises two spaced-apart clamping wings (6, 7) which are designed to receive the functional aid (10) and to hold it in a frictional engagement. [2] Holding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a guide rail (3) is arranged on the hand clamp (2), over which the clamping device (4) can be slidably fixed by means of a positioning device (5). [3] Holding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the tensioning wings (6, 7) have a mechanism by which they can be adjusted relative to each other or with respect to the positioning device (5). [4] Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the tension wings (6, 7) are designed to be elastic. [5] Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the tension wings (6, 7) are each designed with a receiving opening (61, 71) for the functional aid (10). [6] Holding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that an elastically deformable inlay (8) is arranged in at least one of the receiving openings (61, 71). [7] Holding device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the inlay (8) comprises an elastomer band running in a meandering pattern in the receiving opening (61, 71). [8] Holding device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the inlay (8) in the receiving opening (61, 71) is designed with inwardly directed triangular teeth. [9] Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by, that the tension wings (6, 7) have axes (A1, A2) passing perpendicularly through the receiving openings (61, 71) and intersecting at an angle α. [10] Holding device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the axes (A1, A2) intersect at an angle α of 90° - 170°. [11] Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the guide rail (3) has an undercut groove (31) into which the positioning device (5) engages. [12] Holding device (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the positioning device (5) has a screw thread (51) and is fixed to the undercut groove (31) of the guide rail (3) by means of a knurled nut (52). [13] Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the hand clamp (2) is made of thermoplastic material. [14] Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the tension wings (6, 7) are suitable for holding eating aids and writing aids.

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