Orthotic system

The orthotic system addresses the limitations of existing DHS orthoses by using a curved linear guide and adjustable spring mechanisms to support head movement, enhancing comfort and head posture, thus improving daily functioning for patients with DHS.

DE202025107609U1Active Publication Date: 2026-02-19HAUSSLER TECHN ORTHOPADIE GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE202025107609
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-10
Publication Date
2026-02-19
Estimated Expiration
2035-12-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing orthoses for dropped head syndrome (DHS) do not adequately support the head-holding function, providing a comfortable wearing experience and sufficient range of motion, and do not adapt well to the physiological movement of the cervical spine, leading to difficulties in maintaining head posture and social interactions.

Method used

An orthotic system with a curved linear guide that applies force tangentially to the physiological movement curve of the head, incorporating adjustable spring mechanisms and a head-righting function, allowing for variable force application and head rotation, with components like a guide rail, positioning device, and spring assemblies to support head movement and adjustability.

Benefits of technology

The system provides a comfortable wearing experience with improved head posture and greater range of motion, enabling patients to maintain head position and engage in daily activities with reduced muscle strain, facilitating social interactions.

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Abstract

Orthotic system (1) for supporting the head holding function, comprising: - a head connection (3), - at least one guidance device (2) for reclination or inclination, - a holding device (4) for back attachment, wherein the guide device (2) is operatively connected or connectable to the head connection (3) and the holding device (4), characterized by the fact that the guide device (2) has a curved linear guide (21) which causes a force to be introduced tangentially to the physiological movement curve of the head for reclination or inclination.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to an orthotic system for supporting the head-holding function of a person.

[0002] People who experience limitations due to injuries, illnesses, or disabilities face significant challenges in their daily lives. Activities such as eating, reading, writing, or using tools are taken for granted by many, but for those affected, they are often only possible with assistance.

[0003] For rare diseases, there is often a lack of available treatment options. This also applies to the field of orthotics. Dropped head syndrome (DHS) occurs as a symptom of various diseases. In addition to Parkinson's disease and ALS, it can also occur in other conditions affecting the muscles in the cervical and thoracic spine.

[0004] People affected by this syndrome have difficulty holding their head upright or are unable to do so at all. Their head rests with their chin on their chest, and their gaze is directed downwards. In this position, those affected often experience difficulty swallowing and breathing. Furthermore, their ability to make eye contact with others or to orient themselves is impaired. This can severely affect social interactions.

[0005] The publication EP 1 945 155 B1 describes a special medical traction collar designed for the treatment of cervical spine problems. It combines the function of a classic neck brace with an integrated traction device that allows controlled extension of the cervical spine. The traction device has an adjustable tensioning mechanism and can be attached to a headrest and a neck brace. The tensioning mechanism comprises a traction base, a sliding mechanism slidably connected to the traction base, and an adjustment mechanism.

[0006] The mechanism raises the head support relative to the base of the collar. This gently pulls the head upwards and axially stretches the cervical spine. The tensioning mechanism allows for adjustment of the traction force. The person affected or the caregiver can set the desired traction strength without any abrupt movements.

[0007] Furthermore, publication KR 10 2 174 370 B1 discloses an active neck support for reducing neck strain. A portable active neck support and a method for reducing neck strain are described, wherein the neck support is a portable device that is routinely worn during work to reduce neck strain and prevent neck pain or deformities of the cervical spine.

[0008] The neck support comprises four modules: a head section that moves integrally with the head, a neck support section that is in close contact with the back of the neck, a base section that attaches the neck support section to the neck and shoulders, and a control unit with a servo motor. This separates static loads due to gravity from dynamic loads corresponding to the user's intended movement and takes into account the anatomical structure of the cervical spine.

[0009] It is desirable to constructively revise and further optimize existing orthoses in order to achieve a more comfortable wearing experience and better head posture for affected individuals through a greater supported range of motion, movement axes better adapted to physiological movement, and an improved direction of force application.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to further develop an orthotic system for supporting the head holding function as an aid for humans, which meets the special requirements of the anatomical structure and the kinematic mechanism of the cervical spine.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The invention relates to an orthotic system for supporting the head support function, comprising: - a head attachment, - at least one guidance device for reclination or inclination, - a holding device for back attachment, wherein the guide device is operatively connected or connectable to the head attachment and the holding device.

[0013] According to the invention, the guide device has a curved linear guide which causes a force to be introduced tangentially to the physiological movement curve of the head for reclination or inclination.

[0014] The curved linear guide enables linear movement and force support, which may be limited by stops.

[0015] The particular advantage of the invention relates to the movement support in conjunction with a head-righting function of a cervical orthosis, which, in addition to righting the head, also enables a patient to move the head with power assistance. Rotation of the head is also possible with this orthosis.

[0016] Since the indication for the use of a DHS orthosis involves weakened to completely paralyzed muscles in the cervical spine area, and patients can no longer or only with difficulty hold their heads upright, the center of gravity of the head plays a crucial role in the function of the orthosis and the lifting of the head.

[0017] Compared to other orthoses for dropped head syndrome (DHS), the preferred application of the righting force is via a head support on the forehead, rather than the chin. Furthermore, variable adjustment of the righting force is desirable until the orthosis is locked in place, allowing for adjustment as the severity of the DHS progresses. The righting force applied to the head, which acts tangentially to the movement curve, can ideally reach up to 50 Newtons. However, depending on the individual's head weight, even higher forces may be required.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the linear guide can be configured to guide the head connection on a circular path.

[0019] The forces applied along a circular path tangential to the physiological movement curve of the head enable a large supported range of motion, movement axes better adapted to physiological movement, and improved force application. This also results in a more comfortable wearing experience and better head posture for the wearer.

[0020] Advantageously, the linear guide can sweep an angle in inclination of up to 30° and an angle in reclination of up to 10° from the normal position of the head.

[0021] This somewhat limited range of motion is often sufficient for patients' everyday use. Of course, adjustments with larger angular ranges are also possible through appropriate design of the stops.

[0022] Preferably, the linear guide can comprise a circular path with a radius of 15 cm to 30 cm, preferably with a radius of 15 cm to 25 cm, particularly preferably with a radius of 19 cm to 20 cm, especially with a radius of 19.5 cm.

[0023] In principle, the required radii are freely selectable and not further restricted by design. In practice, it has been shown that radii in the range of 15 cm to 20 cm cover the physiological movement curve of the vast majority of patients.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the linear guide can be designed as a guide rail, over which the head connection can be slidably fixed by means of a positioning device.

[0025] The path of motion is geometrically defined by the travel distance of the linear guide, for example, a guide rail, using a sliding runner element as a positioning device. The movement is therefore a rotation around a reference point.

[0026] The curved runner element follows the predetermined path of the motion curve and is slidably mounted in the curved guide rail. Raised sections may be present on the inside of the guide rail to reduce the contact area of ​​the runner element and thus friction. The selection of suitable, low-friction materials is also advantageous.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the head connection can be acted upon by means of a spring force emanating from the guide device.

[0028] For structural integration into the orthosis, torque-generating springs and springs with a long spring travel from the categories of bending and torsional springs are preferably suitable. Suitable springs include, for example, coil springs, which are primarily subjected to bending stress in their cross-section. Other preferred spring types are drive springs, which consist of a wound spring steel strip and are subjected to bending stress during operation.

[0029] For force support, a dynamic orthotic joint can be incorporated, which exerts a continuous, gentle pull via a special spring and screw system and a gearbox. This gradually improves mobility without overloading the cervical or thoracic spine muscles. The joint may preferably have a pre-tensioned spring that exerts a constant force. The pulling force can be individually adjusted using adjusting screws. This allows the head support function to be precisely tailored to the patient. To prevent incorrect loading, other movements are blocked.

[0030] The choice of spring combination is determined by the specific force levels required for patients with DHS (Dirk Hamer Syndrome). Ideally, the orthosis would suspend the head in a suspended position. However, since head weight varies from person to person and residual strength differs among patients, it may be advantageous to have varying degrees of force adjustment. Smaller force increments are also being considered, achieved through a number of springs with low spring tension, while a base force can be generated by a spring with high spring tension.

[0031] The spring mechanism is covered by removable covers that are either clamped or screwed into place. This reduces the risk of injury to patients and others from contact with the moving parts. Furthermore, the covers, together with the guide mechanism, guide the spring actuators and the runner element. Additionally, the placement of stops limits the inclination and extension within the guide element, starting from the head's neutral position.

[0032] Advantageously, the spring force can be variably switched on by means of a spring device.

[0033] Generally speaking, springs utilize material properties in the elastic range during deformation. Besides the well-known tension springs, there are other types of technical springs for generating mechanical force. To allow for adjustable force, springs can also be engaged in stages.

[0034] In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring device can comprise at least one constant force spring.

[0035] Constant force springs are also a type of strip spring and, like drive and coil springs, are subjected to bending stress. Depending on the installation method, they can generate both a force in the linear extension direction and a torque. For this purpose, the coiled spring steel strip is unwound and extended along a linear path or wound onto a working roller in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0036] Constant force springs have the property of providing a constant force over a large range of motion. This allows them to exert a smooth and constant force, regardless of extension or distance from the rest position. This is achieved through the use of a specially shaped band that coils or uncoils to maintain constant tension. Their ability to provide a uniform force over a large range of motion makes them particularly useful in applications where constant tension or load is required.

[0037] Roller band constant force springs or flat band constant force springs are preferred. Both designs are very compact and deliver a nearly constant force across their working range. In roller band constant force springs, for example, the band is arranged in the form of a roller that winds and unwinds to generate a constant force. These systems produce a continuously adjustable torque. This also allows for individual adjustment of the orthosis to the patient's residual muscle strength.

[0038] Constant force springs allow for a high force transmission to the rod-shaped runner element as a positioning device, since the springs can be directly connected to the runner element as a positioning device and no gearbox is required in between.

[0039] To generate the restoring force, a design includes, for example, three to eight constant-force springs, which are operatively connected to one another. The constant-force springs are preferably mounted on a bearing unit and connected to the respective spring actuator to form a complete system.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the head attachment can have a back-of-the-head attachment and a forehead attachment, which can be adjusted relative to each other by means of an adjustment device.

[0041] The adjusting device can be a combination of a rotary knob lock and a sliding element. The sliding element can preferably include a slotted guide.

[0042] The rotary dial closure for securing the head between the back and front attachments allows the head harness to be adjusted to different head sizes and tightened continuously. The dial's prongs are slid onto an integrated spacer sleeve on the headband and then screwed into place. This spacer sleeve allows the back attachment to be tilted without loosening the screw.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, a device for head rotation can be arranged between the head connection and the guide device.

[0044] This orthosis also preferably allows for head rotation, encompassing the entire physiologically possible range of head rotation. However, it is generally sufficient to limit the rotation to a value between 35° and 55°. To prevent the orthosis from sitting too far from the head on either side of the ears for aesthetic reasons, the rotation range is preferably limited to a maximum of 35°. In a preferred embodiment, the head rotation mechanism is integrated into the posterior head attachment of the head support.

[0045] Advantageously, the head rotation mechanism can be locked in place.

[0046] This prevents unwanted head rotation, for example during transport or when the patient is moved. A locking mechanism with a stronger damping function can also weaken or prevent unwanted head rotation.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for head rotation can have an arc guide.

[0048] A curved guide is used to describe a curve in the form of a circular arc or a similar curved shape for head rotation. Such guide elements also include moving parts that enable head rotation not linearly, but along a curve.

[0049] Advantageously, the head rotation device can have an arc guide with an arc-shaped guide rod with a circular bend.

[0050] In this process, a carriage or sleeve slides along the arc-shaped guide rod. A sleeve acts as a bearing, enabling movement along the guide rod.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the head rotation device can have an arc guide with a slide guided on the arc-shaped guide rod or with a guided sliding sleeve.

[0052] The guide rod and the sliding sleeve can be made of materials with a low coefficient of friction.

[0053] Advantageously, the guide device can be moved relative to the holding device for adjusting body size.

[0054] This creates a possibility to adjust the height of the DHS orthosis for back attachment, in order to accommodate the variable distance between the head and the vertebral positions.

[0055] Advantageously, the holding device for back attachment can be fixed to a torso attachment on a person's body or to mobility aids.

[0056] The torso attachment allows for quick removal of the force-generating and head-supporting elements of the orthosis. To enable the patient or a third party to quickly put the orthosis on and take it off without removing the back brace, a quick-release fastener is preferably used to attach the DHS orthosis to the straps of a torso attachment. In addition to its adjustability, the torso attachment thus also allows for the quick removal and re-application of the head-supporting components.

[0057] 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 lateral view of the orthosis system according to the invention on a patient, Fig. 2. Schematic lateral view of the orthosis system on a patient showing the degrees of freedom of movement. Fig. 3. Schematic: a superior view of the orthotic system on a patient, Fig. 4. Schematic view of a dorsal view of the orthotic system on a patient, Fig. 5 schematically shows a possible rotation of the orthosis system in a superior view to the left, Fig. 6 schematically shows a possible rotation of the orthosis system to the right in a superior view, Fig. 7 schematically a possible reclination of the orthosis system in lateral view, Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a possible inclination of the orthosis system in lateral view, and Fig. 9 schematically shows a wheelchair connection of the orthosis system.

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a lateral view of the orthosis system 1 according to the invention on a patient.

[0059] The orthosis system 1 comprises a head attachment 3, a guide 2 for extension or inclination, and a retaining device 4 for back attachment. The guide 2 is connected to the head attachment 3 and the retaining device 4. A head rotation device 5 is arranged between the head attachment 3 and the guide 2. The retaining device 4 for back attachment is fixed to a torso attachment 10 on the person's body.

[0060] The guide device 2 has a curved linear guide with a guide rail 21, which causes a force to be applied tangentially to the physiological movement curve of the head for extension or inclination. The linear guide 21 guides the head attachment 3 on a circular path K1. The linear guide 21, which is designed as a guide rail, also includes a positioning device with a runner element 22 to which the head attachment 3 can be fixed. The runner element 22, which is also curved, follows the curvature of the guide rail 21 and slides in it along the path of the movement curve defined by the curvature.

[0061] The head attachment 3 is acted upon by a spring force emanating from the guide device 2. The spring force is generated by a spring assembly 23, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises three constant-force springs 24. The effect of the constant-force springs 24 is activated by a spring switching mechanism 25. To individualize the force adapted to a person, the constant-force springs 24 can be switched on as needed and connected to form a force-transmitting system.

[0062] The head attachment 3 has a rear head attachment 31 and a forehead attachment 32, which can be adjusted relative to each other by means of an adjustment device 33. For this purpose, the adjustment device 33 has a combination of a rotary knob lock and a sliding element with an elongated slot guide.

[0063] The guide device 2 is designed to be movable relative to the holding device 4 for adjusting the patient's body size. The holding device 4 has an angle- and height-adjustable locking mechanism 41, which, in conjunction with a sliding rail for height adjustment 42, allows the DHS orthosis to be adapted to the patient's back.

[0064] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a lateral view of the orthosis system 1 on a patient with the degrees of freedom of movement.

[0065] The illustration shows the multitude of degrees of freedom of movement created by the functional connections of the orthosis system according to the invention 1.

[0066] Essential components of the orthosis system 1 are the head attachment 3, the guide device 2 for reclination or inclination, and the holding device 4 with back attachment to a trunk attachment 10. In addition, a device for head rotation 5 is arranged between the head attachment 3 and the guide device 2.

[0067] In this embodiment, the physiologically correct pivot point D1 for reclination and inclination results in a circular path K1 as the movement curve. The movement curve L1 of the guide device 2 follows the circular path K1 over a predefined angular segment. The movement curve L5 for connecting the head rotation device 5 allows free rotation of the head attachment 3 relative to the guide device 2 in the direction of reclination and inclination.

[0068] The holding device 4 is connected to the guide device 2 according to the same principle with a movement curve L6 of free rotation. In addition, a linear displacement L7 for height adjustment of the orthosis system 1 to the trunk connection 10 is possible.

[0069] The adjustment device 33 between the forehead attachment 32 and the back of the head attachment 31 of the head attachment 3 has two further degrees of freedom. On the one hand, the back of the head attachment 31 can be adjusted relative to the forehead attachment 32 by a rotational movement L3. On the other hand, a displacement L4 of the two subcomponents can be achieved via an elongated hole provided in the back of the head attachment 31, thus allowing the head attachment 3 to be precisely adapted to the head shape and adjusted in a starting position.

[0070] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a superior view of the orthosis system 1 on a patient.

[0071] The head restraint 3, together with the occipital restraint 31 and the forehead restraint 32, encompasses the patient's head and ensures a secure hold. The occipital restraint 31 and the forehead restraint 32 are semi-shell shaped and connected to form a unit by means of an adjustment device 33, which allows them to be adjusted relative to each other.

[0072] The head rotation device 5 forms a functional unit with the back-of-the-head attachment 31. The head rotation device 5 has an arc guide 51 with an arc-shaped guide rod 52 with a circular bend.

[0073] The sliding sleeve 53 is connected to the guide device 2 and slides along the guide rod 52. This ensures rotation of the patient's head around a physiologically correct pivot point D2 defined by the cervical spine. During this rotation, the head sweeps across an angular range on the movement curve L2 of the head rotation. The movement curve L2 lies on a circular path K2.

[0074] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a dorsal view of the orthosis system 1 on a patient.

[0075] The guide device 2 is connected to the head attachment 3 and the holding device 4. The guide device 2 has a curved guide rail as a linear guide 21, which causes a force to be applied tangentially to the physiological movement curve of the head for reclination or inclination. The path of movement is determined by the travel distance of a runner element sliding in the linear guide 21 as a positioning device 22.

[0076] The head connection 3 is connected to the guide device 2 via the rear head connection 31. The sliding sleeve 53 is fixed to the guide device 2 for this purpose, and as part of the head rotation device 5, it forms a functional unit with the rear head connection 31.

[0077] The retaining device 4 serves to connect the orthosis to a torso attachment 10 on the person's body. The retaining device 4 has an angle- and height-adjustable locking mechanism 41 and a height adjustment 42 with several detents, which allows the orthosis system 1 to be adjusted. Advantageously, the torso attachment 10 can extend to the wearer's waistline to increase wearing comfort.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a possible rotation of the orthosis system 1 in a superior view to the left.

[0079] The head rotation device 5 forms a functional unit with the head attachment 3 and features an arc guide 51 with an arc-shaped guide rod 52 with a circular bend. In this view, the patient's head is rotated to its maximum deflection to the left.

[0080] The sliding sleeve 53 is connected to the guide device 2 and slides along the guide rod 52 to the end position around the pivot point D2. In doing so, the head sweeps over an angular range defined by a left limit on a circular path K2 around the pivot point D2.

[0081] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a possible rotation of the orthosis system 1 to the right in a superior view.

[0082] The head rotation device 5 forms a functional unit with the head attachment 3 and features an arc guide 51 with an arc-shaped guide rod 52 with a circular bend. In this view, the patient's head is rotated to its maximum deflection to the right.

[0083] The sliding sleeve 53 is connected to the guide device 2 and slides along the guide rod 52 to the end position around the pivot point D2. In doing so, the head sweeps over an angular range defined by a right-hand limit on a circular path K2 around the pivot point D2.

[0084] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a possible reclination of the orthosis system 1 in lateral view.

[0085] An orthosis system 1 according to the invention is shown in the state of maximum extension, comprising a head attachment 3, a guide device 2 for extension or inclination, and a retaining device 4 for back attachment. The guide device 2 is connected to the head attachment 3 and the retaining device 4. A head rotation device 5 is arranged between the head attachment 3 and the guide device 2. The orthosis system 1 is fixed to a torso attachment 10 on a person's body via a retaining device 4 for back attachment, thereby transferring the forces acting on the body.

[0086] The guide device 2 has a curved linear guide with a guide rail 21, which causes a force to be applied tangentially to the physiological movement curve of the head for extension or inclination. The linear guide 21 guides the head attachment 3 on a circular path. The linear guide 21, designed as a guide rail, includes a positioning device with a runner element 22 to which the head attachment 3 can be fixed. The runner element 22, which is also curved, follows the curvature of the guide rail 21 and slides in it along the path of the movement curve defined by the curvature.

[0087] The head attachment 3 is acted upon by a spring force emanating from the guide device 2. The spring force is generated by a spring assembly 23, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises three constant-force springs 24. The effect of the constant-force springs 24 is determined by a spring activation 25. To individualize the force adapted to a person, the constant-force springs 24 can be activated as needed and connected to form a force-transmitting system.

[0088] Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a possible inclination of the orthosis system 1 in lateral view.

[0089] An orthosis system 1 according to the invention is shown in a state of maximum inclination, comprising a head attachment 3, a guide 2 for reclination or inclination, and a retaining device 4 for back attachment. The guide 2 is connected to the head attachment 3 and the retaining device 4. A head rotation device 5 is arranged between the head attachment 3 and the guide 2. The orthosis system 1 is fixed to a person's body via a retaining device 4 for back attachment to a torso attachment 10, which transfers the forces acting on the body.

[0090] The guide device 2 has a curved linear guide with a guide rail 21, which causes a force to be applied tangentially to the physiological movement curve of the head for extension or inclination. The linear guide 21 guides the head attachment 3 on a circular path. The linear guide 21, designed as a guide rail, includes a positioning device with a runner element 22 to which the head attachment 3 can be fixed. The runner element 22, which is also curved, follows the curvature of the guide rail 21 and slides in it along the path of the movement curve defined by the curvature.

[0091] The head attachment 3 is acted upon by a spring force emanating from the guide device 2. The spring force is generated by a spring assembly 23, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises three constant-force springs 24. The effect of the constant-force springs 24 is determined by a spring activation 25. To individualize the force adapted to a person, the constant-force springs 24 can be activated as needed and connected to form a force-transmitting system.

[0092] Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows a wheelchair connection of the orthosis system 1.

[0093] The orthosis system 1 is attached to a wheelchair 11 as a mobility aid using the retaining device 4 for back attachment. The wheelchair 11 has a height- and angle-adjustable bridge 43, which serves as a connecting link to an adjustable wheelchair attachment 44. To allow the orthosis to be quickly detached from or attached to the wheelchair, the bridge 43 is equipped with a quick-release fastener for back attachment. Reference symbol list 1 Orthotic system 10 Hull connection 11 Mobility aid, wheelchair 2 Guide system 21 Linear guide, guide rail 22 Positioning device, runner element 23 Spring mechanism 24 Constant force spring 25 spring engagement 3 Head connection 31 Back of head attachment 32 Forehead connection 33 Adjustment device between forehead and back of head connection 4 Holding device 41 Angle and height adjustable locking mechanism 42 Height adjustment, sliding rail 43 Height and angle adjustable bridge 44 Adjustable wheelchair attachments 5 Head rotation device 51 Bow guidance 52 arc-shaped guide rod 53 Sliding sleeve D1 Physiologically correct pivot point; reclination and inclination D2 Physiologically correct pivot point for head rotation K1 Circular path / motion curve; reclination and inclination K2 Circular path / movement curve; head rotation L1 Motion curve of the linear guide L2 Head rotation movement curve L3 Motion Curve Adjustment Device Head Connection L4 Displacement direction Adjustment device Head connection L5 movement curve connection head rotation L6 movement curve connection holding device L7 Direction of displacement Connection of holding device 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 1 945 155 B1

[0005] KR 10 2 174 370 B1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Orthotic system (1) for supporting the head holding function, comprising: - a head connection (3), - at least one guidance device (2) for reclination or inclination, - a holding device (4) for back attachment, wherein the guide device (2) is operatively connected or connectable to the head connection (3) and the holding device (4), characterized by , that the guide device (2) has a curved linear guide (21) which causes a force to be introduced tangentially to the physiological movement curve of the head for reclination or inclination. [2] Orthosis system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the linear guide (21) is designed to guide the head connection (3) on a circular path. [3] Orthotic system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the linear guide (21) sweeps an angle of up to 30° in inclination and an angle of up to 10° in reclination from the normal position of the head. [4] Orthotic system (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by , that the linear guide (21) comprises a circular path with a radius of 15 cm to 30 cm, preferably with a radius of 15 cm to 25 cm, particularly preferably with a radius of 19 cm to 20 cm. [5] Orthotic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the linear guide (21) is designed as a guide rail, over which the head connection (3) can be slidably fixed by means of a positioning device (22). [6] Orthotic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the head connection (3) can be acted upon by means of a spring force emanating from the guide device (2). [7] Orthosis system (1) according to claim 6, characterized by, that the spring force can be variably switched on by means of a spring device (23). [8] Orthotic system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the spring assembly (23) comprises at least one constant force spring (24). [9] Orthotic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the head attachment (3) has a back-of-the-head attachment (31) and a forehead attachment (32) which can be adjusted relative to each other by means of an adjustment device (33). [10] Orthosis system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that a device for head rotation (5) is arranged between the head attachment (3) and the guide device (2). [11] Orthosis system (1) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the head rotation device (5) can be locked. [12] Orthosis system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the device for head rotation (5) has an arc guide (51). [13] Orthosis system (1) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the device for head rotation (5) has an arc guide (51) with an arc-shaped guide rod (52) with circular bending. [14] Orthotic system (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the device for head rotation (5) has an arc guide (51) with a slide guided on the arc-shaped guide rod (52) or with a guided sliding sleeve (53). [15] Orthosis system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that the guide device (2) is movable relative to the holding device (4) for adjusting body size. [16] Orthosis system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by , that the holding device (4) for back attachment to a trunk attachment (10) on the body of a person or on mobility aids (11) can be fixed.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Traction collar

    EP1945155B1

  • A wearable active neck brace and neck load reduction method using thereof

    KR102174370B1