ORTHOPEDIC TECHNOLOGY FACILITY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an orthopaedic device comprising a base body and at least one strap which is configured to attach the base body to a part of the body, is guided by at least one guide element and has a free end with a fastening element for attachment to a corresponding counter element, wherein a free length of the strap extends from the free end to the guide element.

[0002] Such orthotic devices are known in a variety of different designs and can, for example, be configured as orthoses or prostheses. Orthotic devices have a base unit that is attached to a part of the body, preferably a shell or splint element that is secured to the respective body part by at least one strap. However, the base unit can also be made of a flexible and preferably elastic material, such as a textile. The strap itself may serve solely for fastening or may also perform additional supportive or protective functions. The strap may be elastic or inelastic. Furthermore, the strap may completely or partially encircle or surround the respective body part to which the device is to be attached.

[0003] The strap is typically guided by a guide element, which can be, for example, a loop, a slot, or a deflection element. Of course, other types of guide elements are also possible. At the free end of the strap, there is at least one fastening element, which can be, for example, a buckle, a positive locking element (such as a hook-and-loop fastener), a clip, or some other type of fastener. This fastening element allows the free end to be attached to a corresponding counterpart, which is designed to fit the fastening element.This design also includes, for example, a strap with two corresponding hook-and-loop fastener elements at its free end, allowing the strap to be threaded through an eyelet or loop (which in this case forms the counterpart element) and then secured to itself. Of course, other arrangements are also conceivable. Other fastening elements could include buckles, clips, buttons, or snap fasteners that can be attached to a corresponding counterpart element.

[0004] When the orthotic device is in place, the strap is therefore required to, for example, secure the device itself to a part of the wearer's body or to apply forces that are beneficial and desired from an orthotic perspective, such as pressure or tension, to that specific body part. Naturally, the strap must be long enough to allow the fastening element at the free end of the strap to be attached to the corresponding counterpart. Particularly with straps intended to wrap around the wearer's torso, but also in other applications, the strap must be of a considerable length to fulfill its intended function.

[0005] When an orthotic device is not in use, the fastening element is usually not attached to the corresponding component, and the free end of the strap dangles freely from the rest of the device. This poses a risk of multiple straps becoming entangled, or of a strap getting caught on, wrapping around, or otherwise interacting with another object. If the fastening element is, for example, part of a magnetic closure, there is a risk that it will interact with other metallic objects, such as furniture or door frames, causing the free end of the strap to become caught on them.If the fastening element is part of a hook-and-loop fastener, the same risk exists with textile items such as clothing or seat covers. Furthermore, especially with a long free length of strap, it can interfere with the application of the orthotic device, as it swings and dangles uncontrollably, thus hindering the application of the orthotic device to a body part. This can occur, for example, if the strap is positioned between a shell or splint element and the corresponding body part being inserted or positioned, or if the free end of the strap is difficult or impossible for the wearer to grasp due to its uncontrolled movement.

[0006] German patent DE 20 2015 003 437 U1 discloses a device in which pressure applied by a pad can be adjusted using a strap. US patent 2015 / 0190262 A1 describes a device in which a tensionable strap is used that can be tightened or loosened. However, the strap is not released at either end. US patent 2006 / 0079964 A1 describes a device in which a liner, pulled over an amputation stump, is attached to a prosthetic socket by a strap.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of further developing an orthopaedic device in such a way that these disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated or at least mitigated.

[0008] The invention solves the stated problem by means of an orthopaedic device according to claim 1.

[0009] The free length of the strap generally corresponds to the portion of the strap that is freely and uncontrollably movable when the fastening element is not attached to the corresponding counterpart. It is the part of the strap that, in this case, hangs freely from the orthotic device and dangles uncontrollably. The inventive design of the orthotic device ensures that the strap can be moved into a second position in which this free length is reduced. This significantly restricts the freedom of movement of the free end, thereby at least mitigating the problems of the prior art and, with a very substantial reduction in free length, almost completely resolving them.

[0010] If the strap has a very short free length in the second position, it is virtually impossible for the strap to move between a part of the orthotic device and a body part of the wearer that is to be inserted into or attached to that part, thus preventing it from interfering with other objects. Furthermore, it is almost guaranteed that the strap will not interact with or snag on other objects. Additionally, when putting on the orthotic device, the wearer can clearly see the location of the free end where the fastening element is attached. This eliminates the need to search for or awkwardly feel for the free end of the strap.

[0011] Consequently, moving the strap from the first position to the second position not only reduces its free length. Preferably, when moving the strap from the first position to the second position, it is moved through the guide element, thus reducing the free length of the strap, i.e., the portion of the strap between its free end and the guide element. According to the invention, the portion of the strap that is moved through the guide element and therefore no longer contributes to the free length rests at least almost completely, and advantageously completely, against another component of the orthotic device. Alternatively or additionally, it can be moved into a designated opening or cavity. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the strap can also be wound onto a designated winding device, for example, a roller.In a preferred embodiment, each or a combination of several or all of these measures ensures that no new loops or dangling ends or sections of the strap are created when the strap is moved from the first position to the second position, and / or that existing loops are not lengthened or enlarged. This significantly reduces the risk of the strap becoming entangled or caught on an object not belonging to the orthotic device.

[0012] At least one guide element can be attached to or integrated into the belt. This is particularly advantageous when the belt can be folded back on itself and thus guided through the guide element. However, the two overlapping parts of the belt are not fastened together in this way, in order to ensure continued movement of the belt through the guide element.

[0013] Preferably, the base body has at least one shell and / or one rail. Preferably, the at least one guide element is arranged on or integrated into the shell and / or rail.

[0014] InIn a preferred embodiment, the strap can be moved from the first position to the second position by applying a tensile force to a second end of the strap, which is opposite the free end. The strap is thus drawn through the guide element, positioning the free end closer to the guide element. This simultaneously reduces the free length of the strap. When the orthotic device is being applied, the strap is advantageously in the second position to minimize interference during application. If the strap then needs to be moved to the first position to attach the fastening element to the corresponding counterpart, a tensile force can simply be applied to the free end of the strap. This is done, for example, by the wearer of the orthotic device grasping the free end of the strap, pulling on it, and then attaching the fastening element to the counterpart.

[0015] It has proven advantageous for the device to have a tensioning device by which the tensile force can be applied to the second end. This tensioning device can advantageously be a tension spring. Alternatively or additionally, the tensioning device has a winding device by which the belt can be wound up, the guide element preferably being part of the winding device.

[0016] All advantageously usable traction devices are capable of automatically applying a pulling force to the second end, i.e., without separate activation. Thus, as soon as, for example, the fastening element is detached from the corresponding counterpart to remove the orthotic device and then released, the pulling force applied to the second end by the traction device ensures that the strap is automatically moved from the first position to the second position, thereby reducing the free length. Of course, it is also possible to prevent this by using a locking device that can be actuated and unlocked by an actuator, such as a push button.

[0017] When removing the orthotic device, the fastening element can be detached from the counterpart, and the tensile force applied by the tensioning device to the second end of the strap only takes effect after the locking mechanism has been unlocked. Then, however, the applied tensile force moves the strap from the first position to the second position. The locking mechanism can be designed so that it must be manually unlocked but locks automatically as soon as the strap is moved from the second position to the first. Of course, manual locking of such a locking device is also possible.

[0018] If a winding device is used as part of the pulling mechanism, it is advantageous for the second end of the belt to be attached to a rotatably mounted axle or shaft of the winding device. When the pulling mechanism is actuated, this axle or shaft rotates, winding the belt from the second end and thus reducing the free length. This design offers the advantage of space-saving and reliable storage of the belt in its second position. The risk of the belt becoming tangled or knotted in this second position is significantly reduced.

[0019] Particularly when a winding device is used that can wind up part of the belt to move it from the first position to the second position, it is advantageous to design the guide element as a separate component and not as part of the winding device. In a preferred embodiment, the guide element can therefore be defined as the element that, towards the free end of the belt, spans it last, at least partially, but advantageously completely. If the belt is moved into the second position by being shifted into a designated receiving device or volume, this can be achieved, for example, through an opening slot, which in this case can also be considered and functions as a guide element.

[0020] Of course, an additional guide element can be part of the winding mechanism. This ensures that the belt does not fold over when being wound into the mechanism, which could impair its proper function. However, it is important to include at least one guide element that is not part of the winding mechanism itself.

[0021] Advantageously, the strap can be moved from the first position to the second position by at least partially sliding it into a receiving device. This ensures that the strap is neatly stowed in the second position and cannot become tangled or knotted. Furthermore, it prevents the portion of the strap pulled through the guide element, or any other portion moved by sliding the strap from the first to the second position, from interfering with the wearer of the orthotic device or interfering with its application. The receiving device is advantageously located on a rigid component, such as a splint or shell of the orthotic device. This allows for a simple yet easily accessible design.Advantageously, the receiving device is designed so that it can be opened. This allows access to the belt even when it is in the second position, which is particularly useful if malfunctions occur, the belt needs to be inspected, or replaced.

[0022] Preferably, the receiving device has several webs that span the belt transversely to its longitudinal direction from the free end to the second end when the belt is in the second position. The longitudinal direction of the belt extends from the free end to the second end. The webs span the belt transversely to this direction. "Transversely" does not necessarily mean a 90° angle. It is sufficient if one end of the webs is arranged on one side, for example, to the left longitudinally of the belt, while the other end of the webs is arranged on the opposite side, in this example, to the right longitudinally of the belt.The use of multiple bridges ensures, on the one hand, that the belt remains in the receiving device and cannot move out of the receiving device, at least partially, and on the other hand, that at least a large part of the portion of the belt contained in the receiving device remains visible, thus allowing problems, defects, and damage to be examined, at least visually.

[0023] A bridge or other part of the receiving device can be used as a guide element.

[0024] When the belt is drawn into a receiving device, it lies almost entirely against the rail or shell element of the orthotic device. The receiving device therefore preferably extends directly onto or within the shell or rail element, so that the additional installation space required by the receiving device is minimal. This differs from the use of a winding device, as it is located in a relatively limited area of ​​the orthotic device but requires a relatively large amount of additional installation space. It is therefore advantageous to position this winding device at a location within the orthotic device where the additional installation space is available and where the winding device is as unobtrusive as possible. Consequently, it is advantageous in this case to provide at least one guide element that is not part of the winding device.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving device has at least one longitudinal slot along the length of the strap, through which a handle element of the strap projects. This handle element, which can be designed, for example, as a projection, thus protrudes outwards from the receiving device and is therefore accessible to the wearer of the orthotic device. In a very simple design, it is therefore not necessary to provide an additional pulling mechanism. If the strap is to be moved from the first position to the second position, the wearer of the orthotic device simply needs to grasp the handle element of the strap and slide it along the longitudinal slot. In this way, the wearer exerts the pulling force on the strap, which is advantageously also applied to the other end of the strap. This moves the strap into the second position.

[0026] Preferably, the strap has a stop element that rests against a stop on the orthotic device when the strap is in the first position. When the strap is moved from the second position to the first position, for example by applying a tensile force to the free end of the strap (e.g., by the wearer of the orthotic device), the strap shifts until the stop element of the strap rests against the stop on the device. This provides the wearer of the orthotic device with a clear indication that the strap is now in the first position and therefore the free length is sufficiently long to allow the fastening element to be attached to the correspondingly designed counterpart when the orthotic device is in place.This is particularly advantageous if the strap itself is elastic or at least has an elastic component. If, for example, the strap becomes entangled on its way from the second position to the first, giving the wearer of the orthotic device, who is applying a pulling force to the free end, the impression that the strap has already reached its first position, this could lead to the elastic component of the strap being overstretched in order to compensate for the remaining free length and to attach the fastening element to the corresponding counterpart. This would result in excessive mechanical stress on the elastic part of the strap and would also exert excessive force and pressure on a part of the wearer's body.This can certainly be avoided if the operator of the facility ensures and pays attention to the fact that the stop element is in contact with the stop.

[0027] Preferably, the position of the stop and / or the stop element is adjustable. This allows the free length of the strap in its first position to be varied. Particularly with elastic straps, but also with inelastic designs, this makes it possible to regulate the force exerted by the strap on the respective body part and to adapt it to the individual characteristics and needs of the wearer.

[0028] Advantageously, the strap has a stop element that rests against a stop on the orthotic device when the strap is in the second position. This prevents the strap from being pulled in too far or from completely unwinding when it is opened and moved into the second position. Consequently, it ensures that the strap remains easily gripped by the wearer of the orthosis and, in particular, can be returned to the first position. The stop element can advantageously be designed as a handle, for example, a loop, which is used to pull the strap out, i.e., to move it from the second position to the first position.

[0029] InIn a preferred embodiment, a gripping element, such as a loop or handle, is located at the free end of the strap. This allows the strap to be easily grasped and the attachment to the counterpart to be easily made or opened. This is particularly advantageous for individuals who, for example, due to physical limitations, are unable or only partially able to exert the required pulling force.

[0030] Advantageously, at least one guide element is detachably arranged and preferably attachable to the shell or rail element or the belt in different positions, preferably steplessly. This allows for individual adaptation to the respective circumstances and, if necessary, even to the patient using the orthotic device.

[0031] Furthermore, it becomes possible to position the guide element as far away as possible from, for example, a receiving device or a winding mechanism. This significantly improves the guidance of the strap and also favorably influences its gliding properties. This also contributes to positioning a winding mechanism on the orthotic device where it interferes with the wearer as little as possible. For example, with a knee brace, a winding mechanism is advantageously positioned laterally or posteriorly, as it is least bothersome in these locations, especially when walking or running with the brace. A medial position would have this disadvantage but would be almost unavoidable without an additional guide element. With a shoulder brace, for example, the additional guide element, which is not part of the winding mechanism, prevents the winding mechanism from being positioned in the axillary area, for example, under the armpit.

[0032] With the aid of the accompanying figures, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below. They show: Figures 1 to 4 - an orthopaedic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention in different states, Figures 5 to 8 - a device according to a further embodiment of the present invention in different states, Figures 9 to 12 - a device according to a third embodiment in different states and Figure 13 - a further embodiment of the present invention in the applied state.

[0033] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an orthotic device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It has a shell element 2 on which a strap 4 is arranged. The strap has a free end 6 which is guided by a guide element 8. The strap 4 runs along the outside of the shell element 2.

[0034] At a second end 10 opposite the free end 6, there is a tensioning device 12, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a rubber band 14. Of course, other elastic elements are also conceivable. In the illustrated embodiment, the rubber band 14 runs through a roller 16 around which the second end 10 of the belt 4 is wrapped. The second end 10 corresponds to the part of the belt 4 that is opposite the free end 6. This is, in particular, the part of the belt that is furthest from the free end 6 in the longitudinal direction of the belt 4, i.e., along the belt 4. The fact that the belt 4 is attached to the shell element 2 at a different point is irrelevant for the definition of the second end 10.

[0035] At the free end 6 is located in Figure 1Not shown is a fastening element 18, which in the illustrated embodiment is a hook and loop fastener element and can be arranged and attached to a counterpart element 20. However, as can already be seen in Figure 1, the free length L extending from the free end 6 to the guide element 8 is too short to attach the fastening element 18 to the counterpart element. Therefore, a tensile force must be exerted on the free end 6 along arrow 22 to pull the strap 4 away from the Figure 1 to move the second position shown to the first position. This is in Figure 2 As shown, the belt 4 is now in the first position in which the rubber band 14 has been strongly stretched. It therefore exerts a tensile force via the pulley 16 on the second end 10 of the belt 4. In the Figure 2In the situation shown, however, the free end 6 and the fastening element 18 arranged therein are positioned and fastened to the counter element 20, so that the force applied by the pulling device 12 does not pull the belt 4 out of the position in Figure 2 can move out of the first position shown.

[0036] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the situation for removing the orthotic device 1. The free end 6 of the strap 4 is moved along arrow 22 so that the fastening element 18 is released from the counter element 20. Also in Figure 3 The belt is still in the first position, so that the elastic band 14 is still strongly stretched and exerts a force on the second end 10 of the belt 4. The free length is, compared to the one in Figure 1 The situation shown is greatly magnified. Figure 2 schematically shows the movement of belt 4 from the first position, which is in the Figures 2 and 3 shown in the Figure 1The second position shown is illustrated. The combination of the two arrows 24 is intended to show that the pulling device 12, in this case the rubber band 14, contracts, thus shifting the second end 10 of the strap 4. This also pulls the rest of the strap through the guide element 8 along arrow 22, reducing the free length L again. In this way, it is ensured that a sufficient free length L of the strap 4 is available for putting on the orthotic device 1, and at the same time, when not in use, the strap 4 is moved into the second position, so that the free length L is significantly reduced. Consequently, the free end 6 of the strap 4 does not dangle around and is always in a position that is familiar to the wearer of the orthotic device and advantageously easily accessible.

[0037] Figure 5shows a different embodiment of the orthopaedic device 1, in which the belt 4 is wound onto a winding device 26. Figure 5 Figure 1 shows the situation where the strap is in the second position. Here too, the strap 4 has its free end 6 guided through the guide element 8. A pulling force must again be exerted on the free end 6 along arrow 22 to move the strap 4 out of the position shown in Figure 22. Figure 1 shown second position in the Figure 6 and 7 to bring the first position shown. Only then can the fastening element 18, attached to the free end 6, be attached to the counter element 20.

[0038] Figure 6 The situation is shown shortly after the application of the orthotic device 1. The belt 4 extends around a Figure 6The body part not shown was moved around and along arrow 22. The free end 6, with the fastening element 18 attached to it, was then fastened to the counter element 20. The belt 4 was unwound from the winding device 26, so that the free length increased considerably.

[0039] To remove or detach the orthotic device 1, as described in Figure 7 As shown, the free end 6 of the belt 4 is moved along arrow 22. This differs from the handling described in the Figures 5 to 8 The setup shown does not differ from the handling of the items in the Figures 1 to 4 The device shown. The tensile force applied by the winding device 26, which represents the pulling device 12, causes, as shown in Figure 8As shown, the belt 4 is wound back onto the winding device 26, as indicated by arrow 22. The free end 6 is again close to the guide element 8, so that the free length L is very small.

[0040] The Figures 9 to 12 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the orthotic device 1. In contrast to the embodiments shown previously, this device does not have a traction device 12 by which a tensile force could be applied to the strap 4. Here, too, the strap 4 is guided by a guide element 8, which in the illustrated embodiment is a slot. A large part of the strap 4 is located within a receiving device 28 and is shown by the dashed line 30. At the second end 10 of the strap 4 is a grip element 32, which protrudes through a longitudinal slot 34 in the receiving device 28.

[0041] If a tensile force is now exerted on the free end 6 along arrow 22, the strap 4 shifts in the direction indicated by arrow 22, and the handle element 32 also slides in longitudinal slot 34 in the indicated direction. This occurs until the Figure 10 The situation shown has been reached. The handle element 32 has a stop element 36 at its lower end, which rests against the end of the longitudinal slot 34, which serves as a stop 38. The strap 4 has therefore reached the first position and the free end 6 can be positioned on the counter element 20.

[0042] Figure 11 This shows what needs to be done to remove the orthotic device 1. The free end 6 of the strap 4 must be moved along arrow 22 as in the previously shown embodiments. However, since the embodiment shown here does not have a pulling device, the strap 4 does not move initially. Figure 12shows that a pulling force must be exerted on the handle element 32 along the arrow 22 so that the belt 4 is retracted into the receiving device 28.

[0043] Figure 13 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an orthotic device in its applied state. The device has a shell element 2, which is positioned on the upper arm 40 of the wearer of the device 1. Two straps 4 are attached to the shell element 2, each in its first position. Both straps have a tensioning device 12, which is again implemented by an elastic band. Reference symbol list

[0044] Free length 1 Orthopedic device 2 Shell element 4 Strap 6 Free end 8 Guide element 10 Second end 12 Pulling device 14 Elastic band 16 Roller 18 Fastening element 20 Counter element 22 Arrow 24 Arrow 26 Winding device 28 Receiving device 30 Dashed line 32 Handle element 34 Longitudinal slot 36 Stop element 38 Stop 40 Upper arm

Claims

1. Orthopaedic device (1) with a main body comprising a shell element, at least one belt (4) which is designed to attach the main body to a body part, is guided through at least one guide element (8) and has a free end (6) with a fastening element (18) for fastening to a corresponding counter-element (20), wherein a free length (L) of the belt (4) extends from the free end (6) to the guide element (8), wherein the belt (4) can be moved into a first position and into a second position, wherein the free length (L) in the second position is insufficient to fasten the fastening element (18) to the counter element (20) in an applied state of the device, wherein the at least one guide element (8) is arranged on the main body or on the belt (4) or integrated therein, characterised in that a part of the belt (4) which is moved by the guide element (8) when the belt (4) is moved into the second position, rests at least almost completely against the shell element (2) of the main body of the orthopaedic device (1) and / or is moved into an opening or cavity provided for this purpose and / or is wound onto a winding device (26).

2. Orthopaedic device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the main body has at least one shell or one rail element and the at least one guide element (8) is preferably arranged on the shell or the rail element or integrated therein.

3. Orthopaedic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the belt (4) can be moved from the first position to the second position by applying a tensile force to a second end (10) of the belt (4) opposite the free end (6).

4. Orthopaedic device (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the device (1) has a tensioning device (12) by means of which the tensile force can be applied to the second end (10).

5. Orthopaedic device (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the tensioning device (12) comprises at least one tension spring.

6. Orthopaedic device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the tensioning device (12) has a winding device (26) by means of which the belt (4) can be wound up, preferably with the guide element (8) not being part of the winding device (26).

7. Orthopaedic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the belt (4) can be moved from the first position to the second position by being shifted at least partially into a receiving device (28).

8. Orthopaedic device (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the receiving device (28) has a plurality of webs which span the belt (4) transversely to its longitudinal direction from the free end (6) to the second end (10) when the belt (4) is in the second position.

9. Orthopaedic device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the receiving device (28) has at least one longitudinal slot (34) extending in the longitudinal direction of the belt (4), through which a grip element (32) of the belt (4) protrudes.

10. Orthopaedic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the belt (4) has a stop element (36) which rests against a stop (38) of the orthopaedic device (1) when the belt (4) is in the first position.

11. Orthopaedic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the belt (4) has a stop element (36) which rests against a stop (38) of the orthopaedic device (1) when the belt is in the second position.

12. Orthopaedic device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that a position of the stop (38) and / or the stop element (36) is adjustable.

13. Orthopaedic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a gripping element, for example a loop or a handle, is located at the free end (6).

14. Orthopaedic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one guide element (8) is detachably arranged and preferably can be attached in different positions, preferably steplessly, to the shell or rail element (2) or the belt (4).