ANKLE CORTHOSE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an ankle orthosis according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Ankle orthoses of this type are used to support, relieve pressure on, and immobilize the wearer's foot, particularly in cases of sprains, ankle fractures, tendon and ligament pain in the ankle area, or after surgery. The orthosis prevents the wearer from laterally bending and / or flexing the foot, especially the ankle joint, upwards or downwards. Furthermore, these orthoses also serve to reduce swelling, particularly edema and hematomas.

[0003] These ankle orthoses typically consist of a textile, preferably compressive, base, particularly to promote the reduction of swelling, whose shape is adapted to the anatomy of the foot in the ankle joint area. In the wearing position, this base surrounds the ankle joint and the adjacent areas of the foot, preferably on all sides. For stabilization and immobilization, it is also known that the ankle orthoses, in addition to the textile base, have a stabilizing element, which is preferably connected to the base. The stabilizing element prevents lateral flexion and / or bending of the foot. A strap system, preferably attached to the base or the stabilizing element, firmly positions and fixes the base and the stabilizing element to the ankle joint.

[0004] Such an orthosis, in particular for stabilizing the ankle joint, is known, for example, from EP 2 666 445 B1.

[0005] The ankle immobilization orthosis comprises a knitted component, precisely shaped to conform to the anatomy of the foot in the ankle area, which completely encloses the ankle joint when worn. This component can be opened or widened section by section to facilitate application. A closure system, typically a lace-like mechanism with multiple hooks and eyes along an opening for entry, allows the orthosis, and in particular the knitted body, to be tightened and secured.

[0006] Furthermore, the orthosis features a stabilizing element, preferably a single piece, comprising a heel section, a calf section, and a side section connecting the two. Connecting elements are provided on the outside of the stabilizing element and on the inside of the knitted part to detachably fix the two elements together.

[0007] A strap is also provided, which can be attached to the knitted part. This strap serves to further immobilize the ankle joint in the carrying position. The strap is wrapped around the ankle joint in a figure-eight pattern. It runs from the lateral side, over the instep, to the medial side. From there, it is guided laterally again under the sole of the wearer's foot and extends once more over the instep to the medial side. This allows for almost complete immobilization of the ankle joint.

[0008] Another ankle orthosis, in particular in the form of an ankle splint, is known, for example, from EP 2 050 429 A1.

[0009] The ankle brace comprises a support element for the patient's ankle, consisting of a medial and a lateral side section that are placed on the side of the lower leg. These two side sections are connected by a sole section that runs under the patient's foot. When worn, the support element is secured to the patient's leg using an upper strap that is looped around both side sections. This upper strap is thus located at the top of the two side sections. One end of the upper strap is firmly attached to one of the side sections, while the free end is secured to itself with a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0010] In addition to the upper, circular strap, the orthosis now features a second, so-called pronation strap to lift the patient's forefoot, particularly to relieve pressure on the lateral ligaments. Unlike the upper strap, which simply wraps around the two side pieces, this strap has a transverse section running under the sole of the foot, followed by a lateral / instep section that runs along the outside of the foot and over the top. When applying the orthosis, the strap is fastened on the lateral side and guided medially over the instep. From there, the strap extends under the sole of the foot to the lateral side again. It is then guided medially once more over the instep, passing below the first strap section. Finally, it is wrapped once around the patient's foot and fastened medially.

[0011] Furthermore, the pronation belt features a fluid cushion that exerts a dynamic pumping effect on the adjacent foot areas when walking, thus acting as a massage cushion.

[0012] An ankle orthosis is also known from US patent 2006178606 A1. This ankle orthosis also comprises a main body with a first and second side section, as well as a lower section that rests beneath the sole of the user's foot. A strap, attached to a side section of the orthosis, extends from the medial side of the orthosis towards the lateral side and serves to lift the user's forefoot when tightened. The strap is guided through a loop on the lateral side of the orthosis, then along the back of the orthosis and over the tibia. The strap can then be attached to a fastening element on the lateral side of the orthosis. Furthermore, the orthosis preferably includes an inflatable cell designed to support the user's foot.

[0013] US Patent 8202239 B2 discloses an ankle stabilization orthosis comprising a base body and a strap system. The base body is designed as a semi-rigid cuff and encloses the lower leg. The strap system preferably includes two pivotable retaining straps, which are arranged and attached to the lateral side of the orthosis. Furthermore, another strap, in particular a derotation strap, is attached to the orthosis, especially also to its lateral side, which completely encircles the orthosis and is finally attached again to the lateral side. In addition to the strap system, a lacing closure mechanism is disclosed, which connects the lateral sections of the orthosis.

[0014] A therapeutic ankle and foot orthosis is also known from US Patent 2002029009 A1. This orthosis essentially consists of two shell parts, in particular a lateral shell and a foot shell that also extends upwards to overlap the lateral shell. Both shell parts are pivotally connected to each other, in particular by a pivoting mechanism. Furthermore, a second side section extends from the foot shell. In addition to the multiple shell parts, the orthosis also includes a strap system for holding the shells on the user's foot. The strap system comprises two straps running across the front of the wearer's instep and one strap running around the back of the wearer's foot, also connecting the two lateral shell parts.

[0015] The ankle brace known from US patent 2019015234 A1 comprises a sleeve-like base and a strap system, specifically designed to support the tibial tendons. The strap system has several sections. Two initial sections are attached to the back of the base and run laterally along the foot of the wearer to a front section of the brace. There, the two strap sections overlap, allowing the system to be closed. Below these initial sections, the strap system has two further strap sections that run diagonally across the instep of the wearer and cross each other in this area. The first diagonal strap then encircles the heel area of ​​the wearer's foot and is again fastened laterally to itself. A second diagonal strap, before crossing the instep area, also runs under the sole of the foot, but in the midfoot area.

[0016] Finally, WO 8702885 A1 also discloses an ankle brace with a base and an attached strap system for supporting the ankle. The strap system has a first strap that extends around the entire orthosis and around the leg above the ankle of the wearer. Two further very short straps extend only laterally along the orthosis. These correspond to some of the natural ligaments of the ankle joint. Another strap is attached to the underside of the orthosis. This strap runs under the foot, upwards along the inside of the foot and over the front of the ankle joint. By adjusting the tension of the several straps, the foot is supported and the lateral movement of the ankle joint is limited.

[0017] A disadvantage of these ankle orthosis designs, particularly those with a base, is that they require an additional fastening system to be applied to and secured on the patient's foot. The processing and attachment of the various components of the fastening system to the base, especially the hooks and eyes and the laces, results in increased material consumption. This makes this type of orthosis, particularly the base, very expensive. This is due to the aforementioned increased material consumption, but especially to the increased manufacturing effort.

[0018] Another disadvantage is that the familiar orthoses with textile bases are difficult to put on. To put on the orthosis, the base must be widened or opened so the patient can step into it. Opening the base, and especially the lacing system, requires considerable effort, similar to putting on a shoe. The base then has to be closed, meaning the lacing system has to be tightened. These steps are time-consuming and pose a particular challenge for people who have difficulty accessing the foot area due to age or injury. Furthermore, it must be considered that the strap system then has to be attached as an additional step.

[0019] A disadvantage, particularly with regard to the additional strap system, is that it is designed as a separate component. This increases material and manufacturing costs, which also leads to higher production costs. The strap system must be manufactured separately from the strap body and included with the orthosis. Furthermore, the existing strap system has the disadvantage of running along the underside of the foot, negatively impacting the orthosis's comfort. For this reason, and others mentioned above, the strap system is also extremely difficult for various patient groups to apply.

[0020] A disadvantage of the known ankle orthoses, which are designed in the form of ankle splints, is that although they support and stabilize the ankle joint through their stabilizing elements, the lack of a textile base, such as a sock, prevents them from reducing swelling, especially edema and hematomas.

[0021] Another disadvantage is the arrangement of the strap system on the ankle splints. It is common for these to run along the underside of the foot, which negatively impacts the comfort of the orthosis. As mentioned previously, this makes the strap system, and therefore the orthosis, difficult for patients to put on.

[0022] However, the design of orthoses with a separate strap system also presents the disadvantage of increased risk of incorrect application. The loose design of the strap system allows for numerous possible positions on the patient's foot, resulting in the ankle orthosis not being properly secured. This, in turn, leads to inadequate support, relief, immobilization, and / or stabilization of the foot. Furthermore, the sometimes complex strap arrangements and routing around the ankle joint pose an additional challenge for the patient.

[0023] The present invention therefore aims to provide an ankle orthosis which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, which is in particular easy to apply, simple and inexpensive to manufacture and at the same time further improves the stabilization of the ankle joint and the reduction of swelling compared to solutions known from the prior art.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the ankle orthosis according to the invention consists of a base body that surrounds the foot of a wearer at least medially, laterally, posteriorly, and plantarly, and at least two straps that extend from the medial side of the base body and run at least anteriorly over the foot of the wearer, wherein the base body has at least a first fastening element for the first strap and at least a deflection element for the second strap on its lateral side, wherein the first strap is designed in its length such that a first section of the strap extends from medial to lateral and a second section surrounds the foot of a wearer posteriorly and then anteriorly, so that a second fastening element attached to its free end on the inside can be fastened to the first lateral fastening element of the base body.and wherein the second strap, which consists of an essentially inelastic textile material, has at least a third fastening element at its free end on the outside, so that, after a lateral deflection on the medial side, it can be fastened to itself, to the base body or to the first strap via a fourth fastening element.

[0025] The main anatomical directions – anterior, posterior, plantar, medial, and lateral – serve to describe the position and course of the individual components of the ankle orthosis when worn, i.e., when the orthosis is properly fitted to the wearer's foot. "Medial" refers to the inside, "lateral" to the outside, "anterior" to the front, "posterior" to the back of the foot, and "plantar" to the sole.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the side facing the foot (inside) and the side facing away from the foot of a wearer (outside).

[0027] The multiple fastening elements are preferably formed from several hook-and-loop fasteners, each consisting of two hook-and-loop elements, one of which has flexible hooks and the other loops. Preferably, the first and fourth fastening elements consist of the loop-shaped hook-and-loop element. The second and third fastening elements, on the other hand, consist of the corresponding hook-and-loop element with the hooks. The multiple hook-and-loop elements are preferably sewn onto the base body and onto the first and second straps. Alternatively, they can also be glued or welded on.

[0028] The deflecting element is preferably in the form of a D-ring, which is attached to the base body directly or via a textile element, in particular a textile loop. This element is preferably made of plastic and sewn directly onto the base body. In addition to a deflecting section, the D-ring also has a protruding attachment section, which is preferably formed integrally with the deflecting section. To allow it to be sewn to the base body, the attachment section has a preferably groove-shaped recess. The material and thickness of the attachment section in the area of ​​the recess are preferably selected such that it is penetrable by a sewing machine, in particular by its needle, so that the deflecting element can be connected to the base body via a thread in the area of ​​the recess.

[0029] When the ankle orthosis is worn, the first strap, and in particular its first section, runs from the medial side of the base at the level of the medial malleolus, across the instep, to the lateral side of the base above the lateral malleolus. From there, the second section of the first strap completely encircles the outside of the base and thus the wearer's foot, preferably at the level of the ankle, and is then attached with its free end on the lateral side to the base above the first strap section.

[0030] This ensures, through the main body and especially the previously described specific design of the first strap, stabilization of the ankle joint. Furthermore, and more importantly, it also supports the reduction or limitation of swelling, particularly edema. The first strap exerts compression on the foot, especially on the fetlock and instep area. Specifically, the first strap is positioned around the wearer's foot in such a way that no gaps form between the main body and the strap, thus further preventing the formation of window edema. For this purpose, the first strap has a width of at least 5 cm, preferably at least 6 cm.

[0031] The second strap, in particular a so-called talus strap, also extends from the medial side of the base body, preferably from below the medial malleolus, across the instep of the wearer's foot. It is then redirected on the lateral side of the base body in a midfoot area over the deflection element attached to the base body. After this redirection, it runs again from the lateral side of the base body, particularly from below the lateral malleolus, across the instep and is then attached on the medial side of the base body to itself, to the base body, or to the first strap, preferably above the medial malleolus in the area of ​​the ankle. This gives the second strap a medially directed pull, which exerts a pulling force on the outer edge of the foot. This provides supination protection for the wearer's ankle joint. The second strap thus reduces the wearer's foot's ability to supinate.It has a width of at least 2 cm, preferably at least 3 cm.

[0032] According to a second embodiment, the ankle orthosis according to the invention, in particular its base body, has a fifth fastening element on the lateral side and the first strap has a sixth fastening element on its inner side at the end of the first strap section, so that the first strap can be fastened to the lateral side of the base body before it wraps around the foot of a wearer posteriorly and is again fixed laterally to the first fastening element.

[0033] According to a third embodiment, the ankle orthosis according to the invention, in particular its base body, is made of a substantially inelastic textile material. The base body is preferably made of a textile laminate. This preferably comprises, in addition to an inner fabric layer, a foam layer and an outer, preferably substantially inelastic, plastic layer, in particular a polyurethane layer.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the base body of the ankle orthosis according to the invention has an elastic, in particular transversely elastic, insert on its posterior side, which connects the medial and lateral sides of the base body. The insert is preferably made of a textile laminate and preferably connected to the base body by a seam. The textile laminate preferably comprises an inner and outer fabric layer as well as an intermediate foam layer. The elastic insert offers the advantage that the essentially inelastic base body adapts to the shape, in particular the width, of the foot due to its transverse elasticity. The distance between the medial and lateral sides of the base body can vary thanks to this insert.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the medial and / or lateral side of the base body of the ankle orthosis according to the invention has at least one first recess for an ankle area of ​​a wearer. This means that the base body, made of the essentially inelastic textile material, does not overlap the ankle. Therefore, it does not exert any pressure on the ankle.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the base body of the ankle orthosis according to the invention has a second recess for the heel of a wearer. The base body extends into a midfoot area and has an open front end.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the ankle orthosis according to the invention, the base body also has an anterior section, which preferably extends from the lateral side, in particular from above the ankle. This anterior section serves to further increase the contact area of ​​the base body, so that, as already mentioned, in particular window edema caused by gaps between the base body and the first strap is avoided as far as possible.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the ankle orthosis according to the invention, the first strap is made of an elastic, preferably semi-elastic, and the second strap of a substantially inelastic textile material. The first strap is preferably also made of a textile laminate with an inner and outer fabric layer and an intermediate foam layer and / or of an elastic woven fabric. The second strap, in turn, is made of velour.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the ankle orthosis according to the invention, the first and second sections of the first strap are made of textile materials with different elasticities, the first section preferably having lower longitudinal elasticity than the second section. The first section is preferably made of the aforementioned textile laminate. The second section is again made of the elastic woven fabric.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the ankle orthosis according to the invention, the first strap section extends into and covers the medial recess of the base body for the ankle area of ​​the wearer. Thus, the ankle is not covered by the base body, in particular by its inelastic material, but rather by the preferably semi-elastic material of the first strap. This has the advantage that the wearing comfort of the orthosis is significantly improved, since this arrangement ensures that only elastic material is present in the area of ​​the protruding ankle, which does not create pressure points on the wearer's foot.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the ankle orthosis according to the invention, a strip-shaped, preferably U-shaped, stabilizing element is attached to the base body, which surrounds the foot of the wearer at least medially, laterally, and plantarly. In addition to the base body, the stabilizing element serves to further stabilize the foot of the wearer. This element is preferably made of plastic, in particular polyamide. The stabilizing element is preferably attached to the outside of the base body, in particular by welding, gluing, or, most preferably, sewing.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the ankle orthosis according to the invention, the stabilizing element has several sections which are arranged at angles to one another such that, in a wearing state, the stabilizing element extends medially and laterally behind the wearer's ankle and beyond the ankle, coming to rest in the midfoot area in front of the heel ball, beneath the sole of the wearer's foot. A posterior connection between the two legs running medially and laterally along the wearer's foot is not provided. This allows the orthosis, i.e., the base body with the stabilizing element, to remain adaptable to the shape, and in particular the width, of the wearer's foot. The distance between the medial and lateral sides of the base body, with the sections of the stabilizing element attached thereto, can also vary.

[0043] According to a further embodiment of the ankle orthosis according to the invention, at least one of the sections of the stabilizing element, which run above or below the ankle of a wearer, has a recess for the ankle. This ensures that the ankle is not covered by the stabilizing element, which would significantly impair wearing comfort.

[0044] The two sections of the stabilizing element that run above the ankle of a supporter preferably have a widening. This increases the contact area of ​​the stabilizing element and thus further improves the stabilizing effect.

[0045] Finally, according to a further embodiment, the stabilizing element of the ankle orthosis according to the invention forms an edge at the transition between the plantar side and the lateral side of the base body. This serves to prevent the foot from twisting.

[0046] The present ankle orthosis is characterized by a number of significant advantages.

[0047] The design of the ankle orthosis according to the invention allows for particularly easy entry into the orthosis, especially into the base, and particularly easy positioning of the straps. This is ensured by the fact that the base of the orthosis is open on the anterior side. Thus, the wearer can easily step into the ankle orthosis from the front with their foot. Since both straps of the orthosis are arranged on the medial side of the orthosis, they are also very easily accessible and thus graspable for the wearer when putting on the orthosis, especially when bending the leg or foot towards the upper body. The integrated positioning aid for the first strap also facilitates putting on the first strap. The deflection element for the second strap facilitates the positioning and tensioning of the second strap.The deflection element significantly reduces the force required to generate the pulling effect on the outer edge and create supination protection. The placement of the two strap ends at the top of the orthosis also facilitates application of the ankle brace, particularly the straps, as these are more easily accessible to the wearer.

[0048] In addition to the ease of putting on the orthosis, particularly the base, and the ease of positioning the first strap, especially with the help of the positioning aid, as previously mentioned, a further advantage of the invention is the high level of comfort the ankle orthosis offers when worn. The orthosis's design according to the invention avoids constrictions, for example, caused by the two straps and the stabilizing element. For this purpose, the base is preferably positioned below the first strap. In areas where no base is provided, the first strap has a particularly large contact surface, i.e., width. Furthermore, the second strap is closed last and is positioned above the first strap. Therefore, it does not lie directly on the skin or socks of the wearer.

[0049] Furthermore, the ankle orthosis according to the invention offers significantly better stabilization of the ankle joint compared to the prior art. This is due, firstly, to the stabilization of the ankle joint by the base body and the course of the first strap according to the invention. Secondly, it is also due to the arrangement of the second strap on the base body according to the invention, which forms a supination guard for the wearer's ankle joint. The second strap reduces or prevents the supination of the foot. Flexion and extension of the foot preferably remain possible. Finally, the stabilizing element has an anti-inversion feature, which is formed, in particular, as an edge at the transition between the plantar and lateral sides of the stabilizing element, which also improves the stabilization of the ankle joint.

[0050] A significant advantage of the ankle orthosis is the reduction or limitation of swelling, particularly edema, achieved by the orthosis according to the invention. The anatomically shaped base, in conjunction with the first strap, allows compression to be exerted on the foot, especially on the instep and the lateral ankle area. This reduces swelling in the wearer's foot and prevents the formation of edema. Furthermore, it also prevents window edema. Due to the inventive arrangement of the multiple components relative to one another, the orthosis has no gaps and is therefore completely closed in the area of ​​the instep, the ankle, and especially the fetlock.

[0051] A further advantage is that the ankle orthosis according to the invention is simple and therefore cost-effective to manufacture. In addition to the fact that only a few components are required for the manufacture of the ankle orthosis, it is particularly noteworthy that only a few process steps or different manufacturing methods are needed. All components of the orthosis, in particular the main body, the two straps, the deflection element, the stabilizing element, and the fastening elements, are joined together by a seam.

[0052] The invention is explained below with reference to several exemplary embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0053] This shows: Figure 1 the ankle orthosis according to the invention with a closed first and second strap in a three-dimensional representation from a slightly oblique front view; Figure 2the outside, i.e., in a wearing state the lateral side, of the ankle orthosis according to the invention Figure 1 ; Figure 3 the ankle orthosis according to the invention Figure 1 from the front, that is, in relation to a carrier of anterior; Figure 4 the inside, i.e., in a wearing state the medial side of the ankle orthosis according to the invention Figure 1 ; Figure 5 the ankle orthosis according to the invention Figure 1 from behind, i.e. from the posterior side; Figure 6 the ankle orthosis according to the invention Figure 1 again from the beginning, but with the first and second seatbelts open; Figure 7 Finally, the stabilizing element of the ankle orthosis according to the invention is shown in the previous figures, detached from the base body;

[0054] As in the Figure 1As can be seen, the ankle orthosis 1 according to the invention comprises a base body 2 and a first and second strap 7, 8. The base body 2 is designed such that it surrounds the foot of a wearer medially, laterally, posteriorly, and plantarly. It therefore has at least a medial side 3, a lateral side 4, a posterior side 5, and at least a plantar side 6. In addition to the straps 7, 8, a strip-shaped, preferably U-shaped, stabilizing element 26 is also attached to the base body 2, which surrounds the foot of a wearer medially, laterally, and plantarly. The two straps 7, 8 extend from the base body 2, in particular from its medial side 3, and each run over the instep of a wearer's foot.The first strap 7 is designed such that a first section 12 of the strap 7 extends medially across the instep of a supporter to the lateral side, and a second section 13 encircles the foot of a supporter posteriorly and then anteriorly, so that its free end 14 can again be attached to the base body 2 on the lateral side 4. The second strap, namely the talar strap 8, is deflected on the lateral side 4 of the base body 1 by a deflection element 7 across the instep to the medial side 3. With its free end, it can then also be attached to the medial side 4 after the lateral deflection, just like the first strap 7.

[0055] The main body 2 of the ankle orthosis 1 according to the invention is preferably made of a substantially inelastic textile material. The first strap 7, on the other hand, is preferably made of an elastic, preferably semi-elastic, textile material. The second strap 8, in turn, is made of velour. This is a substantially inelastic material. This inelastic material is required for the second strap 8 in order to provide supination protection, in particular to direct the tensile forces onto the outer edge of the foot.

[0056] Preferably, the first and second sections 12, 13 of the first strap 7 are made of textile materials with different elasticities, the first section 12 preferably having a lower elasticity than the second section 13. The first section is preferably made of a textile laminate. The second section, in turn, is made of an elastic woven fabric. Both strap sections 12, 13 have different functions. The first section 12, like the main body 2, serves to cover and thus stabilize the foot of a wearer, but with a higher elasticity and thus greater flexibility than the main body 2, particularly in the instep and ankle area.The second section 13 serves to position the orthosis 1, in particular the base body 2 and the stabilizing element 26, especially firmly on the wearer's foot. This is achieved through the elastic design of section 13 and the associated ability to stretch or pre-tension it considerably. Furthermore, this section 13 can exert compression on the wearer's foot. This can reduce swelling in the wearer's foot and prevent the formation of edema.

[0057] In the Figure 2The outer side, i.e., the lateral side 4 of the ankle orthosis 1 according to the invention when the orthosis 1 is worn, is now shown. It can be seen that the base body 2 of the ankle orthosis 1 has a recess 24 for the heel of the wearer. The heel is therefore not covered by the orthosis 1. The deflection element 11 for the second strap 8 is designed in the form of a D-ring, which is attached to the base body 2 via a textile element, in particular by means of a textile tab. In addition to a deflection section, the D-ring also has a protruding attachment section, which is preferably formed integrally with the deflection section. In this embodiment, the attachment section is sewn to the tab. Alternatively, it can also be sewn directly to the base body 2. For this purpose, the base body 2 preferably has a groove-shaped recess.The material and material thickness of the fastening section are now preferably selected in the area of ​​the retraction such that it can be penetrated by a sewing machine, in particular by its sewing needle, so that the deflecting element 11 can be connected to the tab or the base body 2 via a thread in the area of ​​the retraction.

[0058] The first belt 7, in particular the first belt section 12, extends as shown in Figure 2 As can be seen, the first strap 7 extends from the medial side of the base body 2 at the level of the medial malleolus, across the instep, to the lateral side 4 of the base body 2 above the lateral malleolus. From there, the second section 13 of the first strap 7 completely encircles the outside of the base body 2 and thus the foot of a wearer, preferably at the level of the ankle, including the posterior side 5, and is attached with its free end 14 to the base body 2 on the lateral side 4, specifically above the first strap section 12 running there.

[0059] The stabilizing element 26 of the ankle orthosis 1, attached to the base body 2 and running along the base body 2 below the first strap 7 as can be seen, forms an edge 34 at the transition between the plantar side 6 and the lateral side 4 of the base body 2. This edge serves to prevent the foot from twisting as much as possible.

[0060] Figure 3 The ankle orthosis 1 according to the invention is now shown. Figure 1 From the front, i.e., with respect to the wearer from the anterior side. As can be seen, the base body 2 with the stabilizing element 26 has an open lower end, so that the forefoot area, in particular the toe area, is not covered by the base body 2. The base body 2 therefore only extends to the midfoot area. This does not restrict the freedom of movement of the toes, so that the rolling motion of the wearer's foot during locomotion is not negatively affected. From the Figure 3The course of the two straps 7, 8 around the ankle joint is clearly visible. As previously described, the first strap 7, specifically its first section 12, begins on the medial side 3 of the base body 2 and then runs across the instep to the lateral side 4. From there, the second section 13 of the first strap 7 completely encircles the outside of the base body 2 at the level of the fetlock and is then attached with its free end 14 to the base body 2 on the lateral side 4 above the first strap section 12 running there. The second strap 8, specifically the talar strap, also extends from the medial side 3 of the base body 2 across the instep of the foot of a wearer. It is then deflected on the lateral side 4 of the base body 2 in a midfoot area via a deflection element 11 attached to the base body 2.After being deflected, the strap runs again over the instep and is then attached to the base body 2 on the medial side 3. Thus, both the free end 14 of the first strap 7 and the free end 16 of the second strap 8 are attached to the base body 2, particularly at its upper end, above the medial and lateral malleoli, respectively—that is, on the medial side 3 and lateral side 4. This significantly facilitates the application of the ankle orthosis 1, especially the grasping and positioning of the straps 7 and 8, as these are more easily accessible to the wearer of the orthosis 1 due to their proximity to the midline of the body. This is particularly advantageous when positioning the straps 7 and 8 in this area, but also when releasing them.

[0061] Figure 4The figure shows the inner side, i.e., the medial side 3 of the ankle orthosis 1 according to the invention in a worn state. It can be seen that the base body 2, with the stabilizing element 26 arranged thereon, has a first recess 23 on its medial side 3 for the ankle area of ​​a wearer. The base body 2, made of the essentially inelastic textile material, thus does not overlap the ankle of the wearer. Therefore, it cannot exert any unpleasant pressure on the ankle. Rather, the first strap 7, in particular its first elastic section 12, extends over the ankle area and over the recess 23. The second recess 24 of the base body 2, namely the one for a heel, is also visible again. The heel is therefore not covered by the orthosis 1.

[0062] Also from the Figure 3The course of the two straps 7 and 8 is clearly visible. The first section 12 of the first strap 7 is visible, which is attached to the base body 2 on its medial side 3. The second section 13 is also shown, at least the medial part, which completely encircles the foot of a support, including the posterior side 5. The lower section of the second strap 8, which extends away from the medial side 3, is visible, as is the deflected upper section. Its free end 16, through which the strap 8 is attached to the base body 2, is also shown.

[0063] Figure 5Figure 1 shows the ankle orthosis 1 according to the invention from the rear, i.e., from the posterior side 5. In addition to the opening 24 for the heel of a wearer of the base body 2, the elastic insert 22 is particularly visible. The insert 22 extends from the plantar side 6, i.e., from the opening 24, to the upper end of the orthosis 1 and is arranged between the stabilizing element 26. This, and in particular the transverse elasticity of the insert 22, allows the distance between the medial side 3 and lateral side 4 of the base body 2 to vary, so that the orthosis 1 can be adapted to the wearer's foot. Furthermore, the first strap 7, in particular its second section 13, is visible, which extends from lateral to medial on the back of the orthosis 1, thus encircling the wearer's foot posteriorly.The free end 14 of the strap is attached to the lateral side 4 of the base body 2, specifically to the upper end of the base body 2, after the strap 7 runs from lateral to medial. This facilitates the application of the ankle orthosis 1.

[0064] Figure 6Figure 1 now shows the ankle orthosis 1 according to the invention again from the front, but with the first and second straps 7, 8 open, i.e., in a state before it is applied to the foot of a wearer. In addition to the insert 22 and the recess 24 for the heel of a wearer, the base body 2 has an anterior section 25, which extends from the lateral side 4, in particular from above the ankle. This anterior section 25 serves to further enlarge the contact area of ​​the base body 2, so that, as already mentioned, window edema caused by gaps between the base body 2 and the first strap 7 is avoided as far as possible. The largely open design of the base body 2 on the anterior side and the one-sided arrangement of the straps 7, 8 make it particularly easy to put on the orthosis 1, and especially the base body 2.

[0065] The two straps 7 and 8 are attached to the base body 2 on its medial side 3. This makes them easily accessible and graspable for the wearer when putting on the orthosis 1. After the wearer of the orthosis 1 has stepped into the base body 2, they put on the first strap 7. They first guide the strap 7 over the instep at the level of the medial malleolus to the lateral side 4 of the base body 2 above the lateral malleolus. There, they fasten the first strap 7, specifically its first section 12. For this purpose, the base body 2 has a fifth fastening element 20 on its lateral side 4, and the first strap 7 has a sixth fastening element 21 on its inner side 15 at the end of the first strap section 13.From there, the carrier guides the second section 13 of the first strap 7 along the outside of the base body 2 posteriorly around the foot of the wearer, particularly at the level of the ankle, and then attaches the free end 14 to the lateral side 4, specifically to a first fastening element 9 located on the base body 2 above the first strap section 12 running there. For this purpose, the strap 7 has a second fastening section 10 on its free end 14 on the inside 15. This stabilizes the ankle joint. It also helps to reduce or limit swelling, particularly edema. This is because the first strap 7 exerts compression on the foot.

[0066] After the base body 2 and the first strap 7 have been applied, the second strap 8 is guided from the medial side 3, below the medial malleolus, over the instep of the wearer's foot. There, it is redirected in a midfoot area over a deflection element 11 attached to the base body 2. After the deflection, it runs from the lateral side 4, below the lateral malleolus, again over the instep and is then attached on the medial side 3 to the base body 2 above the medial malleolus in the area of ​​the ankle at a fourth fastening element 19. For this purpose, a third fastening element 18 is provided on the outer side 17 of the second strap 8 at its free end 16. As already explained, the wearer exerts a pulling force on the outer edge of the foot by means of the second strap 8. This creates supination protection for the wearer's ankle joint.

[0067] Figure 7Figure 1 shows the stabilizing element 26 of the ankle orthosis 1 from the previous figures detached from the base body 2. As can be seen, the strip-shaped, preferably U-shaped, stabilizing element 26 has several sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, which are arranged at angles to each other such that, when worn, the stabilizing element 26 extends medially and laterally behind the ankle of the wearer, extending beyond the ankle, and rests under the sole of the wearer's foot in front of the ball of the heel in a midfoot area. There is no posterior connection between the two sections 27 and 31 running medially and laterally along the wearer's foot. This allows the orthosis 1, i.e., the base body 2 with the stabilizing element 26, to remain adaptable to the shape, and in particular the width, of the wearer's foot.

[0068] Furthermore, the medial section 31, which runs above the ankle of a wearer, preferably has a widening 33. This increases the contact area of ​​the stabilizing element 26 and thus further improves the stabilizing effect. In addition, the section 28 of the stabilizing element 26, which runs below the lateral malleolus of a wearer, preferably has a recess 32 for the ankle. This ensures that the ankle is not covered by the stabilizing element 26, which would significantly impair wearing comfort. As already described in Figure 2 As shown and described, the stabilizing element 26 has an edge 34 at the transition between the plantar side 6 and the lateral side 4 of the base body 2, which serves as a buckling protection.

[0069] The scope of protection is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An ankle joint brace (1) consisting of a main body (2) that surrounds the foot of the wearer at least medially, laterally and posteriorly as well as plantarly, and at least one first strap (7), which extends from the medial side (3) of the main body (1) and runs at least anteriorly over the foot of the wearer, wherein the main body (1) on the lateral side (4) has at least one first fastening element (9) for the first strap (7), and wherein the first strap (7) is designed in such a way in terms of its length that a first portion (12) of the strap (7) extends from medial to lateral and a second portion (13) wraps around the foot of a wearer posteriorly, so that a second fastening element (10) attached to its free end (14) on the inner side (15) can be fastened to the first lateral fastening element (9) of the main body (1), characterized in that at least one second strap (8), which consists of a substantially inelastic textile material, extends from the medial side (3) of the main body (1) and runs at least anteriorly over the foot of the wearer, in that the main body (1) on the lateral side (4) has at least one deflection element (11) for the second strap (8), and in that the second strap (8) has at least one third fastening element (18) on its free end (16) on the outer side (17), so that after a lateral deflection on the medial side (3) the at least one third fastening element can be fastened to itself, to the main body (1) or to the first strap (7) via a fourth fastening element (19).

2. The ankle joint brace (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the main body (2) has a fifth fastening element (20) on the lateral side (4) and the first strap (7) has a sixth fastening element (21) on its inner side (15) at the end of the first strap portion (12), so that the first strap (7) can be fastened to the lateral side (4) of the main body (2) before it wraps posteriorly around the foot of a wearer and can be fastened again laterally to the first fastening element (9) on the main body (2).

3. The ankle joint brace (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the main body (2) is made of a substantially inelastic textile material.

4. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main body (2) has an elastic insert (22) on the posterior side (5), which insert connects the medial and lateral sides (3, 4) of the main body (2) to each other.

5. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the medial and / or lateral side (3, 4) of the main body (2) has at least one first recess (23) for an ankle area of a wearer.

6. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main body (2) has a second recess (24) for a heel of a wearer.

7. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main body (2) further has an anterior portion (25) which preferably extends from the lateral side (4), in particular from above the ankle.

8. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first strap (7) is made of an elastic textile material.

9. The ankle joint brace (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and second portions (12, 13) of the first strap (7) are made of textile materials with different elasticities, wherein the first portion (12) preferably has a lower elasticity in the longitudinal direction than the second portion (13).

10. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first strap portion (12) extends into the medial recess (23) of the main body (2) for an ankle area of a wearer and covers it.

11. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a strip-shaped, preferably U-shaped stabilising element (26) is attached to the main body (2) and surrounds the foot of a wearer at least medially, laterally and plantarly.

12. The ankle joint brace (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the stabilising element (26) has several portions (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) which are arranged at an angle to each other such that, when worn, the stabilising element (26) extends medially and laterally behind an ankle of the wearer, beyond the ankle, and comes to rest under the sole of the foot of a wearer in front of the heel pad in a midfoot area.

13. The ankle joint brace (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that at least one of the portions (28) of the stabilising element (26) which run above or below the ankle of a wearer has a recess (32) for the ankle.

14. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that at least one of the portions (27, 31) of the stabilising element (26) which run above the ankle of a wearer has a widening (33).

15. The ankle joint brace (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the stabilising element (26) forms an edge (34) in the transition between the plantar side (6) and the lateral side (4) of the main body (2), which edge serves to prevent the foot from twisting.