ORTHOSE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an orthosis. Traditionally, orthoses are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, to to meet the requirements of different providers.

[0002] The production of stabilizing structures, i.e., the stabilizing parts of the orthosis, or their individual components (hereinafter referred to as structural components), plays a crucial role. These are often manufactured as metal or plastic parts, and producing different sizes requires the use of different tooling. For example, with conventional orthoses whose structural components are manufactured using injection molding, a different injection mold must be used for each size of orthosis. This results in high tooling costs. On the other hand, the differences in the dimensions of orthoses of individual sizes cannot be arbitrarily large, as otherwise a correct fit of the orthosis cannot be guaranteed.

[0003] US 2009 / 076426A1, EP 0774939B1, DE 102018126990A1, US 5836902A and EP 3045152A1 each disclose an orthosis with features of claim 1. WO 2018 / 148702A1 discloses an orthosis with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an orthosis that can be used by as many different wearers as possible.

[0005] To solve this problem, the present invention proposes an orthosis comprising a stabilizing structural component with high adaptability and simultaneously sufficient stabilization. Such an orthosis is defined in claim 1. Further embodiments of the orthosis according to the invention are described in the following description and dependent claims.

[0006] The orthosis includes a stabilizing structural component. This structural component includes, or may consist of, a strength-providing structural material.

[0007] The stabilizing structural component exhibits an irregular lattice structure across its entire surface.

[0008] The irregular grid structure features webs made of strength-providing structural material, and these webs define irregularly shaped recesses free of structural material. In stabilizing areas, the webs can be thicker than in adaptable areas.

[0009] According to the invention, the predominant part or all of the webs in stabilizing areas are designed with a material thickness at least twice as thick as - a predominant part or all of the webs in the adaptable areas.

[0010] The structural component is planar. "Planar" in this context refers to a design where the component's thickness along the local surface normal is significantly less than its dimension along its planar extent. However, planar extent does not necessarily mean extension in a geometric plane; rather, the structural component can have a three-dimensionally curved or swept shape. Typically, the structural component is designed to complement the limb it supports or the body shape within a joint environment.

[0011] The structural component has at least one stabilization direction lying in its planar extent.

[0012] Perpendicular to the stabilization direction, the structural component is locally (in a specific area of ​​the component) designed to provide stabilizing rigidity. When the orthosis is applied, the structural component is positioned such that its stabilizing direction runs along the wearer's body, thus stabilizing the body part to be supported. Bending perpendicular to the stabilization direction is minimal. Therefore, perpendicular to the stabilization direction, the structural component is sufficiently rigid to support and stabilize a limb of the wearer of the orthosis (when applied). "Stabilizing rigidity" in this context refers to a bending stiffness that allows for a certain degree of flexion, as is typical for an orthosis splint, but is minimal enough to fulfill its supporting function and stabilize the limb.

[0013] In addition to its stabilizing direction, the structural component has an adaptation direction along its planar extent. Perpendicular to this adaptation direction, the structural component is locally flexible. This flexibility allows it to conform to the contour of a limb of the orthosis wearer by bending it perpendicular to the adaptation direction. The necessary bending can be achieved manually during application. For example, the orthosis or its structural component(s) can be secured with appropriate fastening straps and simultaneously adapted to the wearer's local body shape by bending. The fastening and adjustment using the straps also contributes to the orthosis's secure fit. While the structural component is flexible perpendicular to the adaptation direction, it offers a certain resistance to bending, thus maintaining tension during application.

[0014] The bending of the structural components discussed within the scope of this invention refers to bending in the direction of the local surface normal of the structural component's extent. The local stabilization direction and the local surface normal thus define a stabilization plane (a plane in the geometric sense). In rigid regions, the structural component is so rigid that its cross-section in this stabilization plane remains virtually unchanged under load. The local adaptation direction and the local surface normal define an adaptation plane (a plane in the geometric sense). In adaptable regions, the structural component is so flexible that its cross-section in this adaptation plane changes under load and, in particular, can be adapted to different body shapes of various supports.

[0015] The orthosis therefore includes at least one structural component that is locally sufficiently stiff transversely to the stabilization direction to stabilize a part of the wearer's body, and in contrast, is locally flexible transversely to the adaptation direction so that it can be adapted to different body sizes.

[0016] For example, this allows a wrist orthosis according to the invention to be adapted to different hand sizes or arm diameters, or a knee orthosis to be adapted to different leg diameters. The adaptation is achieved through the flexible design of the structural component transverse to the direction of adaptation when the orthosis is applied, for example, by tensioning and securing it with a fastening strap or straps. Tool-assisted adjustment, for example, by adjusting corresponding angles and varying a diameter, is not necessary with the orthosis according to the invention.

[0017] The lattice structure of the structural component, already described at the beginning, represents a simple and readily manufactured method for shaping the structural component, by means of which the desired properties can be reliably provided. According to the invention, a local adjustment of the stiffness of the structural component across its planar extent is achieved by a targeted selection of the placement and dimensioning of individual webs and a variation in the number of webs.

[0018] This allows certain areas of the structural component to be made rigid and other areas to be made flexible.

[0019] Different local stiffnesses and degrees of flexibility are easily achievable.

[0020] The grid structure features a closed edge. No struts terminate at the edge along their longitudinal extent. Instead, the edge is formed by a continuous strut.

[0021] The material-free recesses exhibit, in particular, a multitude of different shapes, especially at least 3, in particular 5, in particular 7, different recess shapes on a structural component. In particular, the recesses are predominantly or exclusively formed with rounded corners. The webs can thicken in the direction of connection points with other webs along the planar extent of the structural component. In particular, a structural component contains various types of connection points, especially connection points where a web meets a straight web, connection points where several webs meet a straight web, and connection points where several (in particular 3 to 6, in particular up to 5) webs from different directions meet. The structural component can include connection points where two straight webs intersect.The different connection points can be present in different combinations in the structural components.

[0022] The structural component can in particular have one or more stabilizing areas and, according to the invention, has several adaptable areas. The structural component comprises adaptable areas, each of which is arranged next to a stabilizing area when viewed along the stabilization direction within that stabilizing area.

[0023] The structural component can in particular have a partially flexible area; in such a partially flexible area, the structural component has stabilization directions and adaptation directions running at an angle of at least 45° to each other, in particular at least 65°, in particular at least 80° to each other.

[0024] The stabilization directions indicate in particular the directions with the greatest stiffness, and the adaptation directions indicate in particular the directions with the greatest flexibility.

[0025] For example, an increased number of webs can be provided in the stabilizing area around the stabilization direction to achieve a stabilizing effect. According to the invention, webs with a greater material thickness are provided in the stabilizing area, particularly transversely to the stabilization direction.

[0026] In particular, the bridges can also be designed to extend predominantly in the stabilization direction.

[0027] Accordingly, in the adjustable area, the webs can predominantly extend perpendicular to the direction of adjustment. The webs can predominantly run perpendicular to the direction of adjustment, or their direction can be predominantly perpendicular to the direction of adjustment (at a slight angle to the direction of adjustment). The webs in the adjustable area have a thinner material than the webs in the stabilizing area.

[0028] The spatial density of the webs can be lower in the adaptable area than in the stabilizing area. The various methods for achieving adaptability / flexibility and stiffness can be applied individually or in combination.

[0029] As mentioned, the orthosis can include one or more fastening straps. The fastening strap is particularly flat. Its width and length can be significantly greater than its thickness in these two directions. It can be made of a flexible material. It can be inelastic. In particular, the structural component can be connected to at least one fastening strap. The fastening strap can be permanently attached to the structural component. In particular, the fastening strap can be slidably attached to the structural component but permanently connected to it. The fastening strap or straps can also be designed to be self-fastening by means of a hook-and-loop fastener and guided through an eyelet, slot, or other recess in the structural component or the stabilizing structure of the orthosis.The fastening strap may have an anti-threading device, in particular in the form of a plastic component permanently bonded to the flexible material of the fastening strap. Specifically, the anti-threading device may be a plastic ring, which is bonded to the material of the fastening strap, particularly by ultrasonic welding.

[0030] The fastening strap can be attached to the structural component in a defined direction of extension and designed to circumferentially encircle the limb of the wearer that is to be stabilized by the orthosis. In particular, the fastening strap can be attached at one end to a through-hole on the structural component and extend from it. Furthermore, a free end of the fastening strap opposite the attached end can be guided through another through-hole. The free end of the fastening strap can be secured to itself for fastening the orthosis by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, for example, Velcro. The encirclement of the limb can be formed by the fastening strap itself (the fastening strap encircling the entire circumference of the limb) or by the fastening strap and at least one structural component.

[0031] The orthosis can comprise at least two structural components, each of which is formed in one piece. These at least two structural components can be arranged separately or connected to each other on the orthosis.

[0032] The structural components can, for example, be pivotally connected to one another via a joint. Typically, such a hinged connection between the structural components allows for a change in the position of the structural components perpendicular to their respective stabilizing direction.

[0033] The at least two structural components can be connected to each other via a connecting device in a mutually fixed position and orientation and be fixed relative to each other (be fixed in a relative position and orientation).

[0034] The orthosis may include a flexible padding component on the side of the structural component intended for contact with the wearer's limb. The padding component may be detachably or permanently connected to the structural component. In particular, the padding component may be insertable into the structural component. The structural component may, for example, have hole-like openings, and the padding component may have complementary clip connections.

[0035] The structural component is manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded part. In particular, the structural component can be designed without undercuts to ensure easy demolding.

[0036] In an unclaimed embodiment, the orthosis can be an ankle orthosis. The ankle orthosis preferably has two shell elements on its distal side, each designed for lateral and sole-side contact with the foot. These shell elements have a connecting section oriented parallel to the sole of the wearer's foot and a support section extending proximally. A joint preferably connects to the support section. A structural component is attached to each shell element at this joint, pivotably connected to the respective shell element via the joint. The respective structural components are preferably curved so that they substantially follow the contour of the wearer's lower leg.Furthermore, the structural component is preferably designed to be flexibly adaptable in this curvature, i.e., adaptable to different lower leg circumferences of a wearer. At the same time, however, the structural component is designed to be rigid enough that bending transversely to the distal-proximal axis is either impossible or only minimally possible. In order to be as flexible as possible for different foot widths of a wearer, the two shell elements are detachably connected to each other via a releasable connection, preferably in the form of a hook-and-loop fastener. This allows the relative position of the two shell elements to be adjusted to the wearer's foot width by decreasing or increasing the overlap of the two connecting sections. This also allows the joint connecting the shell elements to the respective structural components to be positioned as close as possible to the ankle joint.

[0037] In an unclaimed embodiment, the orthosis is in particular an ankle orthosis and has two shell elements distally designed for lateral contact with the foot of a wearer, which can be fixed in a variable position relative to each other. The shell elements are pivotably connected to a respective structural component via a joint arranged proximally to each shell element, the structural component extending proximally from the joint. The structural component extending proximally from the joint can include a central stabilizing area extending in a distal-proximal direction, the stabilizing direction of which can also extend in a distal-proximal direction. The orthosis can further include adjustable areas arranged laterally to the stabilizing area when viewed in a distal-proximal direction.Their direction of adjustment can run in the circumferential direction of the lower leg of the wearer in the applied state.

[0038] For the purposes of the present invention, the orthosis is a wrist orthosis.

[0039] Such a wrist orthosis has a wrist support section formed by a first structural component. Furthermore, the wrist orthosis may include a finger rest, which can be designed as a second structural component. Alternatively or additionally, the wrist orthosis may also include a thumb rest, which can be designed as a third structural component.

[0040] It is also possible that the wrist orthosis comprises only a wrist support section and the associated thumb rest. In this case, the individual fingers are freely movable and are not supported by the wrist orthosis. As already mentioned, the described units (wrist support section, finger rest, thumb rest) of the wrist orthosis can be designed as individual structural components that are connected to each other to form a stabilizing structure. It is also possible to realize the individual units (wrist support section, finger rest, thumb rest) together in a single structural component.

[0041] The structural component forming the wrist support section, or the part of a structural component that forms the wrist support section, has a stabilizing area extending from proximal to distal, which, in its intended application, extends beyond the wrist (from the proximal direction). Looking distally, to the left and right of the stabilizing area, circumferentially curved, adjustable sections are arranged, flexibly adapting to the wearer's arm diameter. The varying degrees of flexibility, stiffness, or adjustability of the structural components or the stabilizing structure are achieved through different diameters of the struts in the lattice structure of the structural components or the stabilizing structure. Within the proximal-to-distal stabilizing area, the stabilizing direction runs from proximal to distal across the surface of the structural component.The structural component is designed such that, when worn, it is positioned on the palm side. Curved adjustment areas are provided on either side of the stabilizing area, the curvature of which can be adjusted to fit the wearer's arm diameter. In the direction of the arm's circumference, the stabilizing area and the curved adjustment areas have approximately the same extent, with each adjustment area having a maximum of 1.5, and in particular 1.3, times greater extent in the direction of the arm's circumference. This refers to the portion of the structural component extending proximally from the wrist when worn.

[0042] In an unstressed embodiment, the orthosis can also be a knee orthosis. The knee orthosis has a stabilizing structure comprising several interconnected structural components.

[0043] A proximal section of the stabilizing structure is pivotally connected to a distal section on both sides at the level of the knee joint (in the flexed position). Both the proximal and distal sections can each comprise at least two structural components. The position of these structural components relative to each other can be adjusted, particularly via a distal and a proximal joint. The proximal and distal joints allow pivoting about an axis that is orthogonal to the knee pivot axis or to the pivot axis of the joints at the level of the knee that connect the proximal and distal sections.

[0044] These joints allow for adjustment of the inclination of the sections of the structural components that run parallel to the wearer's leg. This refers to the inclination of the proximal-distal sections of the structural components. To structurally compensate for this inclination adjustment, each structural component has a flexibly adjustable area, which is separated from the respective joint at the level of the knee joint by a stabilizing section. The structural components can have the lattice-like structure described above, with struts and recesses free of structural material. The flexibility in the adjustable area can be achieved, in particular, by increasing the spacing and / or using thinner struts.The flexibility in the adaptable area can also be achieved by the webs having an overall orientation that is more aligned with a bending axis around which the structural component is flexible in the adaptable area than in the stabilizing area. The three mechanisms for achieving a higher or lower degree of flexibility can also be applied in combination. The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures, where identical or functionally equivalent elements are only designated with reference numerals once. Embodiments that fall under the claimed invention are shown in the figures. Figures 7-14 The figures shown depict unclaimed variations. They show: Figure 1 An ankle orthosis in a front view; Figure 2 The ankle orthosis in a rear view; Figure 3 The ankle orthosis in a side view; Figure 4a part of the ankle orthosis in a perspective view; Figure 5 a part of the ankle orthosis in a perspective view; Figure 6 part of the ankle orthosis; Figure 7 Several interconnected structural components of a wrist orthosis in further views; Figure 8 the structural components of the wrist orthosis in another view and along a section line BB; Figure 9 the structural components of the wrist orthosis in another view and along a section line AA; Figure 10 the structural components of the wrist orthosis in a further view in a separated state; Figure 11 one of the structural components of the wrist orthosis in detail, as well as several section lines; Figure 12 Sectional view of the structural component from Figure 11 ; Figure 13 Sectional view of the structural component from Figure 11 ; Figure 14the structural component of the wrist orthosis with a fastening strap attached to it; Figure 15 The knee brace in a front view; Figure 16 The knee brace in a side view; Figure 17 The knee brace in a rear view; Figure 18 The knee brace in a side view; Figure 19 The knee brace in a side view; Figure 20 The knee brace in a side view; Figure 21 the knee brace with the bending directions marked; and Figure 22 The knee brace with the bending directions marked.

[0045] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an orthosis 10, designed as an ankle orthosis 10, in a front view. The ankle orthosis 10 comprises a stabilizing structure 12, a padding component 14, and a fastening strap 16. The ankle orthosis 10 is in Figure 2 shown in a rear view and in Figure 3 in a side view. In the Figures 4 and 5The stabilizing structure 12 of the ankle orthosis 10 is shown without the padding component 14 and the fastening strap 16. The fastening strap 16 is designed to wrap circumferentially around a body part, in this case a leg 44 of the wearer. For this purpose, it is passed through a loop 46 of the stabilizing structure 12.

[0046] The stabilizing structure 12 comprises a first structural component 18 and a second structural component 20. The two structural components 18, 20 are each pivotally connected to a first and second shell element 22, 24 via a respective joint 25.

[0047] The two shell elements 22, 24 can be fixed in a mutually fixed position via a hook-and-loop connection. For this purpose, the first switching element 22 has a hook-and-loop fastener on its underside 26 and the shell element 24 has a hook-and-loop fastener on its upper side 28 of their respective connecting section 30. In the wearing position of the ankle orthosis 10 with a standing user, as is the case, for example, in Figures 1-3As shown, the connecting sections 30 extend in the horizontal plane or in the horizontal direction H and are oriented approximately perpendicular to the support sections 32 of the respective shell elements 24. The support sections 32 extend approximately in the vertical direction V or from the respective joint 25 in the proximal direction P. With respect to the body directions, the connecting sections 30 are located at the distal end (distal direction D) of the shell elements 24, and the support sections 32 extend from these in the proximal direction. P. The joints 25 are arranged at the proximal end of the shell elements 24. Similarly, the joints 25 are arranged at the distal end of the structural components 18 and 20. A proximal component 34 of each joint 25 is arranged on the respective shell element 24, and a distal component 36 of the joint 25 is arranged on the respective structural component 18 or 20.

[0048] In Figure 6 The structural component 18 is shown enlarged in detail. The structural component 18 has a stabilizing area 40, which is outlined by a dotted line. A stabilization direction S is indicated by an arrow. When viewed along the stabilization direction S, adjustable areas 42 are arranged laterally to the stabilizing area 40. Within each of the adjustable areas 42, the respective adjustment directions A are indicated by corresponding arrows. The stabilization direction S and the adjustment direction A each lie within the planar extent of the structural component 18.

[0049] Perpendicular to the stabilization direction S, the structural component 18 is designed to be stabilizing and rigid. Perpendicular to the adaptation direction A, however, the structural component 18 is locally flexible. The curvature of the two adaptable areas 42 can be adjusted. toThe ankle orthosis 10 can be adjusted to the contour of leg 44 of a wearer. For example, the ankle orthosis 10 can be widened, to to be attached to a leg 44 with a larger diameter.

[0050] The structural component 18 has an irregular lattice structure 47 across its entire surface. This irregular lattice structure 47 includes webs 48 made of strength-providing structural material. The webs 48 define irregularly shaped recesses 52 free of structural material.

[0051] In the stabilizing area 40, the webs 48 are thicker than in the adaptable areas 42. In particular, the majority of the webs 48 in the stabilizing area 40 have a material thickness at least twice that of the majority of the webs 48 in the adaptable areas 42.

[0052] Figure 7Figure 1 shows several interconnected structural components 101, 102 and 103 that form a stabilizing structure 112 of a wrist orthosis 110 according to the invention. Left in Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a side view of the stabilizing structure 112 and on the right is a view of the stabilizing structure 112, looking at the side facing away from the surface 160 for contact with the hand.

[0053] The first structural component 101 is designed to stabilize the wearer's wrist. A second structural component 102, designed as a finger rest, is attached to the first structural component 101. Likewise, a third structural component 103 (thumb rest) is connected to the other two structural components 101 and 102. The structural components 101 and 103 are connected to each other via connecting elements 120. Figure 10The structure of the connecting devices 120 used in this example is clearly visible. The second and third structural components 102, 103 each have extensions 122 which, in the connected state, overlap with corresponding recesses 124. The individual structural components 101, 102, 103 are fastened to one another in the connected state by a rivet, which forms part of the connecting devices 20, or by another fixing element 126.

[0054] The first structural component 101 fulfills the main function of the stabilizing structure 112. It stabilizes the wearer's wrist. The stabilization direction S and the adaptation direction A are illustrated for this structural component 101. In the adaptation areas 142, which are arranged next to the stabilizing area 140 when viewed along the stabilization direction S, the structural component 101 is flexibly adjustable in its curvature, as illustrated by the curved arrows 144. In the stabilizing area 140, the structural component 101 is designed to be rigidly flexural perpendicular to the stabilization direction S. In the left illustration of Figure 7The directions orthogonal to the stabilization direction S, in which bending of the orthosis is only minimally possible, are marked with arrows 150. The stabilization direction S, as well as the direction in which no or only slight bending of the structural component 101 is possible, are also shown in the Figures 8 and 9 illustrated. The same applies to the adaptation direction A and the bending directions of structural component 101.

[0055] In Figure 8 The stabilizing structure 112 is made of Figure 7 shown in a diagram (left), looking at the area intended for holding the hand. Figure 8 Figure 112 further shows a section along line BB through the stabilizing structure 112. Figure 9 is a representation corresponding to the right-hand representation Figure 7 shown as well as a section along line AA, which is located in the lower part of the Figure 9 shown. Figure 9This vividly illustrates how inflexibility or minimal flexibility along arrow 150 can have a stabilizing effect on the wearer's wrist, and how flexibility of the stabilizing structure 112 in the direction of arrows 144 allows for adjustment to the thickness of the wearer's arm.

[0056] Over its entire surface, the structural component 101 exhibits an irregular lattice structure 147. The irregular lattice structure 147 includes webs 148 made of strength-providing structural material. The webs 148 define irregularly shaped recesses 152 free of structural material.

[0057] As in Figure 9As shown, the stabilizing structure 112 has several slots 170 and 172 designed for the passage of a corresponding fastening strap. Two slots 170 are provided opposite each other at the level of the slots 170. A fastening strap 116 can be attached in one of the slots in a defined direction 174. The fastening strap 116 is to The arm of the wearer is guided through the opposite slot 170 and then back onto itself. By means of hook-and-loop fasteners attached to the fastening strap 116, the stabilizing structure 112 can be ideally adapted to the wearer's body shape. The attachment of a fastening strap 116 is also provided at the slot 172. However, the fastening strap 116 at this single slot 172 is designed to wrap around the wearer's arm, thus returning to itself.

[0058] In Figure 11 The structural component 101 is shown in isolation, and several section lines are depicted, the sections of which are in the Figure 12 and 13 are shown. In the Figure 12 and 13 It is clearly visible that the structural component 101 has 148 webs with a different material thickness of 180.

[0059] In the stabilizing area 140, the webs 148 are thicker than in the adaptable areas 142.

[0060] The majority of the webs 148 in the stabilizing area 140 are formed with a material thickness 180 that is at least twice as thick as that of the majority of the webs 148 in the adaptable areas 142.

[0061] In Figure 14The passage of a fastening strap 116 through the slots 170 is shown. The fastening strap has an anti-threading stop 190 at its free end 192. The anti-threading stop 190 is a ring made of plastic, attached to the flexible material of the fastening strap 116 by ultrasonic welding. Other shapes are equally within the scope of the invention. To fix the fastening strap 116 on the side opposite the anti-threading stop 190, the fastening strap 116 is guided back onto itself to engage the edge of the slot 170, as illustrated by arrow 194. For this purpose, the fastening strap 116 has a hook-and-loop fastener material on its surface.

[0062] The Figures 15-17 Shows a 200mm knee brace in its applied state. Figure 15 The knee brace 200 is shown in the image, looking at the front of the knee. Figure 16 in a side view and in Figure 17 in a rear view. Figure 18 The knee orthosis 200 is shown in a representation accordingly. Figure 16 shown, with adjustable and stabilizing areas marked. In the Figures 19 and 20 The corresponding adjustment directions A and stabilization directions S are shown. In the Figures 21 and 22 The flexibility of the adaptable areas and the stabilizing effect of the stabilizing areas are demonstrated.

[0063] The knee orthosis 200 comprises a stabilizing structure 202. The stabilizing structure 202 includes a first structural component 204 and a second structural component 206, both located on a distal side 208. On the proximal side 210 of the knee orthosis 200, a third structural component 212 and a fourth structural component 214 are located. The individual structural components are connected to each other via several joints.

[0064] At the level of the flexion axis of the knee joint K of the wearer of the knee orthosis 200 (relative to the intended applied state of the orthosis), a first (laterally arranged) joint 216 and a second (laterally arranged) joint 218 are arranged. These joints each connect a structural component 204, 206 arranged on the distal side 208 with a structural component 212, 214 arranged on the proximal side.

[0065] The first structural component 204 is connected to the second structural component 206 via a third joint 220. The two proximally arranged structural components, i.e., the third structural component 212 and the fourth structural component 214, are connected to each other via a fourth joint 222.

[0066] The first joint 216 and the second joint 218 allow flexion of the knee while the knee orthosis 200 is in place. The third joint 220 and the fourth joint 222, in conjunction with the local flexibility of the stabilizing structure 202, allow the orthosis to be worn close to the body. In particular, the first (laterally arranged) joint 216 and the second (laterally arranged) joint 218 can be brought into direct contact with the knee. For this purpose, the position of the structural components connected by the third joint 220 and the fourth joint 222 can be adjusted. The fourth joint 222 thus allows adjustment of the angle between the third structural component 212 and the fourth structural component 214. Similarly, the third joint 220 allows adjustment of the position of the first structural component 204 relative to the second structural component 206.

[0067] In Figure 18Stabilizing areas 240 and adaptable areas 242 are illustrated on the second structural component 206 and the fourth structural component 214; the other two structural components have a corresponding arrangement of the individual adaptable and stabilizing areas. Both structural components also each have mixed areas 244 in which the structural components are flexible and adaptable to the body shape in one direction and rigid and stabilizing in another direction. The stabilization directions S are shown in Figure 19 illustrated and the adjustment directions A in Figure 20 .

[0068] In the Figures 21 and 22The possible elastic deformation movements of the structural components are illustrated. Starting from joint 218, a rigid section follows in the proximal direction, where the orthosis is rigid. Further proximal, P, is an adaptable section in which structural component 214 is flexible. The flexibility in this section serves to compensate for movement in the fourth joint 222. Following this section is a partially rigid and partially flexible section 244. In this section, the curvature of structural component 214, which is applied around the leg of a wearer, can be adjusted. However, it is not flexible in any other direction.This, namely the adaptability to the circumference of the wearer's leg, the flexibility provided by the fourth joint 222, and the adjustable area 242, allows the knee orthosis 200 to be applied very closely to the body. The structural component 206 has a corresponding sequence of a rigid or stabilizing area 240, followed distally by an adjustable area 242 and a partially flexible area 244. Figure 18 ).

Claims

1. Orthosis (10, 110, 200) comprising a stability-providing structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214), wherein the stability-providing structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) has an irregular lattice structure (47, 147) over its entire surface, wherein the irregular lattice structure (47, 147) has struts (48, 148) made of strength-providing structural material and the struts (48, 148) delimit irregularly shaped cutouts (52, 152) that are free of structural material, wherein the structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) is planar and has at least one stabilization direction (S) lying in the planar extension, transversely to which direction the structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) is rigid against bending in a locally stabilizing manner, in order to stabilize a limb of a wearer of the orthosis (10, 110, 200), wherein the structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) has an adaptation direction (A) lying in the planar extension, transversely to which direction the structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) is locally bendable, with the result that it can be brought into surface contact with the contour of a limb of a wearer of the orthosis (10, 110, 200) by bending transversely to the adaptation direction (A), wherein the orthosis (110) is a wrist orthosis (110) and has a wrist support portion which is formed by the structural component (101) or is part of the structural component (101), wherein the structural component (101) has a stabilizing region (140) extending from proximal to distal, which in the intended applied state extends over the wrist, wherein, when viewed in the distal direction (D), adaptable regions (142) which are curved in a peripheral direction are arranged to the left and right of the stabilizing region (140), which adaptable regions are flexibly adaptable to the diameter of the arm of the wearer, wherein the stabilization direction (S) extends in the proximal-distal direction in the stabilizing region (140), and wherein the adaptation direction (A) of the adaptable regions (142) present runs in the peripheral direction of the arm with respect to the intended applied state of the orthosis, wherein the structural component is manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded part, characterized in that the majority of the struts (48, 148) in the stabilizing region (140) are formed with a material thickness (180) at least twice as thick as the majority of the struts (48, 148) in the adaptable regions (142), with the result that the structural component (101) is locally sufficiently stiff transversely to the stabilization direction (S) to stabilize a body part of the wearer and, in contrast, is locally flexible transversely to the adaptation direction (A) in such a way that it can be adapted to different hand sizes and arm diameters, wherein the local adjustment of the stiffness of the structural component (101) over its planar extension is achieved by a targeted selection of the placement and dimensioning of the individual struts (48, 148) and a variation in the number of struts (48, 148), with the result that individual regions of the structural component are stiff against bending and other regions are flexible.

2. Orthosis (10, 110, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) is connected to at least one fastening strap (16, 116), in particular which is fastened, in particular detachably, to the structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) in a fixed extension direction (174) and is designed to be circularly wrapped around the limb of the wearer of the orthosis (10, 110, 200) which is to be stabilized by the orthosis (10, 110, 200), wherein the circular wrapping is carried out by the fastening strap (16, 116) by itself or by the fastening strap (16, 116) and at least one structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) of the orthosis (10, 110, 200) in conjunction with the fastening strap (16, 116).

3. Orthosis (10, 110, 200) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two structural components (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) which are each integrally formed in one piece.

4. Orthosis (10, 110, 200) according to claim 3, characterized in that the structural components (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) are pivotably connected to one another via an articulation (25, 216, 218, 220, 222).

5. Orthosis (10, 110, 200) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the structural components (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) are connected to one another in a fixed relative position and orientation via a connecting device (20, 120) and are secured in relation to one another.

6. Orthosis (10, 110, 200) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pliable padding component (14) is arranged on a side of the structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214) which is provided for contacting the limb of the wearer, and is detachably or non-detachably connected to the structural component (18, 20, 101, 102, 103, 204, 206, 212, 214).

7. Orthosis (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a finger rest which is formed as a further structural component (102) or is part of the structural component (101) forming the wrist support portion, wherein the orthosis (110) alternatively or additionally comprises a thumb rest which is formed as a further structural component (103) or is part of the structural component (101) forming the wrist support portion.