BANDAGE OR ORTHOSE WITH ABDOMINAL SUPPORT FUNCTION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bandage or orthosis that can be used particularly during pregnancy.

[0002] Weight gain, for example during pregnancy due to the growing baby, can lead to back pain. It can also cause an exaggerated lordosis (swayback) because the pelvis tilts during pregnancy to maintain balance. More specifically, problems can arise with the facet joints in the lumbar region and the pelvis, including the sacroiliac joint (SI joint) and the pubic symphysis. The additional weight increases the strain on the spine and the sacroiliac joint. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also cause the tendons and ligaments in the hips to soften, and the pelvis begins to shift, resulting in symphysis pain.

[0003] Conventional back orthoses work according to a "3-point system" that applies force at the following anatomical points: (1) abdomen, (2) upper back, and (3) lower back, with the center of gravity of force application being points 2 and 3 - i.e., the back.

[0004] US 2022 / 175052 A1 discloses an orthosis or bandage for the lumbar region, comprising a base body whose end regions are reversibly connectable to one another, and comprising abdominal lifting and traction elements.

[0005] The technical problem underlying the present invention is the provision of an improved bandage or orthosis, for example a pregnancy orthosis, which can in particular relieve the spine and the sacroiliac joint as well as the symphysis, somewhat compensate for the resulting excessive lordosis and additionally stabilize the pelvis in order to alleviate sacroiliac joint and symphysis pain.

[0006] The present invention solves the underlying problem through the subject matter according to claim 1.

[0007] The present invention relates in particular to a bandage or orthosis for the lumbar region, comprising an elongated, flat base body comprising a first end region, a second end region, a middle region and a first intermediate region between the first end region and the middle region and a second intermediate region between the second end region and the middle region, wherein the first end region and the second end region are reversibly connectable to each other, a first elongated belly-lifting element and a second elongated belly-lifting element, each with a first end, and a first elongated pulling element and a second elongated pulling element, each with a first end. wherein the first intermediate section and the second intermediate section each have a deflection element, or wherein the first end section and the second end section each have a deflection element, wherein the first lifting element is located above the first tension element in the central section of the base body when in the supported state, and wherein the second lifting element is located above the second tension element in the central section of the base body when in the supported state, wherein the first tension element is freely movable towards the first end section of the base body, and the second tension element is freely movable towards the second end section of the base body, wherein the first tension element terminates at the first central section of the base body with its second end, and wherein the first end of the first tension element and the first end of the second tension element each have a deflection element.wherein the first belly lifting element runs from the central area of ​​the base body to the deflection element of the first intermediate area or the first end area and is deflected there, and the second belly lifting element runs from the central area of ​​the base body to the deflection element of the, the second intermediate area or the second end area and is deflected there, wherein the first lifting element runs from the deflection element of the first intermediate area or the first end area to the deflection element of the first pulling element and is deflected there, and the second lifting element runs from the deflection element of the second intermediate area or the second end area to the deflection element of the second pulling element and is deflected there, wherein the first lifting element runs from the deflection element of the first pulling element towards at least one of the end areas of the base body, and wherein the second lifting element runs from the deflection element of the second pulling element towards at least one of the end areas of the base body.and wherein the first end of the first belly lifting element and the first end of the second belly lifting element can each be reversibly attached to the first end region of the base body and / or to the second end region of the base body and / or to the first end of the other belly lifting element.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first abdominal lifting element and the second abdominal lifting element and / or the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element are each connected to a second end at the central region of the base body, and wherein preferably the connection of the second end of the first abdominal lifting element with the central region of the base body is located above the connection of the second end of the first tensioning element with the central region of the base body in the worn state, and wherein the connection of the second end of the second abdominal lifting element with the central region of the base body is located above the connection of the second end of the second tensioning element with the central region of the base body in the worn state.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second belly lifting elements are connected to each other in the central region of the base body and / or the first and second pulling elements are connected to each other in the central region of the base body.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the abdominal lifting elements have a greater overall elasticity than the tensioning elements.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the abdominal lifting elements and / or the pulling elements are belts.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the deflection elements of the tension elements are designed as buckles.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the base body has stabilizing bars in the central area and / or in the intermediate area.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the end regions of the base body are designed as a hook and loop fastener.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the connectable end sections of the base body are at least 15 cm long. The end sections of the base body can also be shorter than 15 cm. The end sections can also be variably connectable to each other by means of an additional hook-and-loop fastener strip (similar to a "fishmouth" hook-and-loop strap extension).

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, pads and / or heating pads and / or cold pads can be assigned to the base body.

[0017] The abdominal support element can also have different areas with varying degrees of elasticity / stretch. For example, a two-part belt with different degrees of stretch can be used.

[0018] Preferably, the bandage or orthosis according to the invention is a pregnancy bandage or pregnancy orthosis.

[0019] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following example and the figures, which is not to be understood as limiting.

[0020] They show: Figure 1 : A bandage or orthosis according to the invention, here as a pregnancy orthosis, from behind, Figure 2The bandage or orthosis according to the invention of Figure 1 from the left side, Figure 3 The bandage or orthosis according to the invention of Figure 1 from the right side, Figure 4 The bandage or orthosis according to the invention of Figure 1 from the front Figure 5 The bandage or orthosis according to the invention of Figure 1 from the left side, Figure 6 : Detailed view of an alternative embodiment of the bandage or orthosis, Figure 7 : Detail of the central area of ​​another alternative embodiment of the bandage or orthosis of Figure 1 , Figure 8 : Overall view of the bandage or orthosis of Figure 1 .

[0021] The figures show a bandage or orthosis (100) for the lumbar region, here in a preferred embodiment of a pregnancy orthosis, comprising an elongated, flat base body (50), comprising a first end region (51), a second end region (52), a middle region (55), and a first intermediate region (53) between the first end region (51) and the middle region (55), and a second intermediate region (54) between the second end region (52) and the middle region (55), wherein the first end region (51) and the second end region (52) are reversibly connectable to one another, a first elongated abdominal lifting element (11) and a second elongated abdominal lifting element (12) each with a first end (13, 14), and a first elongated tensioning element (21) and a second elongated tensioning element (22) each with a first end (23, 24), wherein the first intermediate region (53) and the second intermediate region (54) each a deflection element (61,62) or wherein the first end region (51) and the second end region (52) of the base body (50) each have a deflection element, wherein the first belly lifting element (11) is located in the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the worn state above the first tension element (21) and wherein the second belly lifting element (12) is located in the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the worn state above the second tension element (22), wherein the first tension element (21) extends freely in the direction of the first end region (51) of the base body (50) and the second tension element (22) extends freely in the direction of the second end region (52) of the base body (50),wherein the first tension element (21) terminates at the first intermediate section (53) of the base body (50) with its first end (23) and the second tension element (22) terminates at the second intermediate section (54) of the base body (50) with its first end (24) and wherein the first end (23) of the first tension element (21) and the first end (24) of the second tension element (22) each have a deflection element (25, 26), wherein the first belly lifting element (11) extends from the central section (55) of the base body (50) to the deflection element (61) of the first intermediate section (53) or the first end section (51) and is deflected there and the second belly lifting element (12) extends from the central section (55) of the base body (50) to the deflection element (62) of the second intermediate section (54) or the second end section (52) and is deflected there,wherein the first belly lifting element (11) extends from the deflection element (61) of the first intermediate section (53) or the first end section (51) to the deflection element (25) of the first traction element (21) and is deflected there, and the second belly lifting element (12) extends from the deflection element (62) of the second intermediate section (54) or the second end section (52) to the deflection element (26) of the second traction element (22) and is deflected there, wherein the first belly lifting element (11) extends from the deflection element (25) of the first traction element (21) in the direction of at least one of the end sections (51, 52) of the base body (50), and wherein the second belly lifting element (12) extends from the deflection element (26) of the second traction element (22) in the direction of at least one of the end sections (51, 52) of the base body (50).and wherein the first end (13) of the first belly lifting element (11) and the first end (14) of the second belly lifting element (12) are each reversibly attachable to the first end region (51) of the base body (50) and / or to the second end region (52) of the base body (50) and / or to the first end (14, 13) of the respective other belly lifting element (12, 11). The first belly lifting element (11) and the second belly lifting element (12) and / or the first pulling element (21) and the second pulling element (22) are each connected to a second end (17, 18, 27,28) connected to the central region (55) of the base body (50), wherein the connection of the second end (17) of the first lifting element (11) with the central region (55) of the base body (50) is located above the connection of the second end (27) of the first tension element (21) with the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the supported state, and wherein the connection of the second end (18) of the second lifting element (12) with the central region (55) of the base body (50) is located above the connection of the second end (28) of the second tension element (22) with the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the supported state. The base body (50) may have stabilizing rods (71, 72) in the central region and / or in the intermediate region.

[0022] In the Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second lifting elements are connected to each other in the central region of the base body, and the first and second tensioning elements are connected to each other in the central region of the base body. The lifting elements and the tensioning elements are guided and held by guide elements (80) located on the base body.

[0023] In Figure 7 Another optional embodiment is shown in which further stabilizing bars (73) are provided, specifically in the intermediate sections (53). Naturally, an additional stabilizing bar of the same type is also located in the second intermediate section.

[0024] To relieve pressure on the spine, sacroiliac joint, and pubic symphysis, the abdomen can be "lifted" and gently guided back towards the spine using the pregnancy orthosis according to the invention, thus partially compensating for the excessive lordosis – and in particular, providing support from the lower abdomen. This support is provided by the new elastic, upper of the two straps, which essentially forms a counterweight for the opposite lower abdomen. Additionally, the pelvis is stabilized to alleviate sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis pain. This task is performed by the second, lower, and inelastic strap. The orthosis thus fulfills two functions independently. Through the inventive principle of combining elastic and inelastic tension straps or strap components, their sliding attachment to one another, and the 180-degree reversal of direction during force application, it is possible for the first time to direct the applied tension primarily to the lower abdomen.The three points of attack of our new back orthosis are the upper and lower strap attachments on the back, as well as the abdominal area of ​​the orthosis.

[0025] Structure of the exemplary pregnancy orthosis: A. Base Body: Circumferential, perforated base belt made of elastic knit fabric. The base belt consists of a flexible carrier material. Two anatomically shaped stabilizing rods are preferably inserted parallel to each other in the spinal region. These are not essential for the function of the new device, but are common nowadays. The rods have the effect of tensioning the orthosis vertically and preventing it from collapsing. They also serve as anchor points for the tensioning strap system. Please note that the tensioning straps could also be repositionably attached at the same location as the rods – the function of the new orthosis is ensured even without the two rods. The rods are in Figure 1The elastic base belt section located between the two stays could alternatively be designed to be inelastic without significantly impairing its function. In the present example, this elastic section provides better size coverage and a better fit to the body shape. Instead of stays, the straps could also be fixed to the base belt via strap guides. It is also preferred that the two tension straps could be designed to run continuously around the entire circumference, meaning they would not need to be separated and fixed in the area of ​​the spine. B. Abdominal lifting elements: Upper strap (strap 1) The "upper elastic strap" or strap 1 has the function of lifting the abdomen. It runs from the spine towards the abdominal closure (see...). Figure 2At the abdominal closure, the upper strap is redirected and runs again towards the spine. However, the strap runs at a different angle than its initial angle, resulting in a V-shape in the redirection area. On its way towards the spine, the upper strap meets the lower strap, at the end of which another redirection element is attached. At this second redirection element, the upper strap is redirected a second time, resulting in a Z-shaped path. After this second redirection, the upper strap runs again towards the abdominal closure. The free end of the upper strap is then attached to the abdominal closure using Velcro. Other fastening methods can also be used. Strap 1 must be made of a more flexible material than strap 2. As shown in the figures, strap 1 can have one or more elastic and inelastic sections along its length.Preferably, the first section of the belt 1, starting from the spine, is elastic. In the area of ​​the deflections, a less elastic belt is advantageous, as it glides more easily through the deflections. The belts can also be implemented as cables, Bowden cables, flat straps, or similar. Additional belt guides or stabilizing rods can be attached to the orthosis to better tension the support material; this is described in the [reference to be added]. Figure 6 & 7The elasticity of the belt allows the abdomen to "spring," for example, when climbing stairs. C. Tension straps: Lower strap (strap 2) The "lower strap" or tension strap 2, with its function of stabilizing the pelvis, may preferably have less elasticity than strap 1. Strap 2 runs from its fixation in the area of ​​the spine towards the abdominal closure. However, strap 2 ends before the abdominal closure, as it is attached directly to tension strap 1 by means of a deflection element. At its end is a deflection element in which strap 1 is redirected. Strap 1 thus tensions strap 2. This "Y-shaped" strap tensioning principle with a deflection element offers the significant advantage that the second tension strap can slip when a tensile force is applied to the elastic tension strap and thus find the ideal position.

[0026] Applying the pregnancy brace: First, close the abdominal clasp of the base strap on the underside of the abdomen. The hook-and-loop fastener of the abdominal clasp is designed so that the brace can "grow" with the pregnancy, as the effective area of ​​the hook-and-loop fastener covers a circumference of approximately 20 cm. Second, pull the elastic tension strap 1 away from the body at an angle of approximately 90°, thus tightening it. This sets the abdominal support function, as only the tension strap 1 is initially tightened in this position. Once the desired tension is achieved, the tension strap 1 is secured to the abdominal clasp, starting from the 90° position. With this change in angle, the applied tension force is also transferred to the non-elastic tension strap 2. Once the ends of the tension strap 1 are secured to the base strap, the entire system is tensioned and the circular force is evenly distributed in both tension straps.At the same time, the elastic tension strap 1 locks itself due to the 180-degree deflection and cannot be tightened further. Thus, the pelvis can be stabilized as desired using the tension strap 1. The further the strap ends are pulled towards the abdominal closure, the more A) the lower abdomen is lifted and B) the pelvis is stabilized.

[0027] The support belt (currently a mesh-like knit fabric) can be elastic or inelastic. In the preferred embodiment, the support material is elastic for a better fit. The support material can have different zones with varying degrees of elasticity. An alternative design includes inelastic zones in the spinal region. The support belt can be provided with or without vertical stabilizing stays in the back area. The supplementary tensioning system consists of two circumferential tensioning straps (upper and lower straps), each with two deflection elements. One of the straps has a deflection element at both ends. The other strap has hook-and-loop fasteners or similar fastening devices at its ends. Both straps are attached to the support material in the spinal region. Strap 1, the "upper strap," is deflected twice, resulting in a Z-shaped strap configuration.The first redirection occurs in the area of ​​the abdominal closure. The second redirection occurs via belt 2, the "lower belt".

[0028] The upper belt (Strap 1), i.e., the abdominal support element, can have zones with varying degrees of elasticity. Regardless of the elasticity of the individual zones, Belt 1 is either as elastic as or more elastic than Belt 2. Belt 1 can also be made from a single piece of elastic material.

[0029] Strap 2, the "lower strap" (i.e., the tensioning element), is preferably inelastic. It is positioned in the area of ​​the spine and below strap 1. A deflection element is attached to its free end, through which strap 1 runs.

[0030] The orthosis has at least one strap system. For improved usability and symmetry, two strap systems are preferred. This means there is one strap system on each side of the orthosis.

[0031] The deflection elements can have slightly "interlocking" surfaces on their sliding surfaces to make it more difficult for the belt to "slip" under certain tension angles. This enhances the selective tensioning of belts 1 and 2.

[0032] The inelastic lower tension strap 2 is connected to the elastic tension strap 1 via a buckle. This connection, which allows the inelastic tension strap 2 to "move along" with the patient, is the essential element of the pregnancy orthosis according to the invention.

[0033] Stabilizing rods can be attached to various positions on the orthosis. Firstly, they serve to tension the orthosis support material. Secondly, they allow the forces from the straps to be transferred more effectively to the orthosis.

[0034] Abdominal closure elements are attached to the ends of the support material. These allow the orthosis to be closed and offer some leeway for the growing abdominal circumference.

[0035] The integration of pads is possible as an upgrade option. Additionally or alternatively, cold or heat pads can be integrated into the bandage or orthosis.

Claims

1. Orthosis or bandage (100) for the lumbar region, comprising - an elongated, flat base body (50), comprising a first end region (51), a second end region (52), a central region (55) and a first intermediate region (53) between the first end region (51) and the central region (55) and a second intermediate region (54) between the second end region (52) and the central region (55), wherein the first end region (51) and the second end region (52) are reversibly connectable to each other, - a first elongated abdominal lifting element (11) and a second elongated abdominal lifting element (12), each with a first end (13,14), and - a first elongated tensioning element (21) and a second elongated tensioning element (22), each with a first end (23,24), characterised in that the first intermediate region (53) and the second intermediate region (54) each comprise a deflecting element (61,62) or wherein the first end region (51) and the second end region (52) of the base body (50) each comprise a deflecting element, wherein the first abdominal lifting element (11) is located in the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the worn state above the first tensioning element (21) and wherein the second abdominal lifting element (12) is located in the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the worn state above the second tensioning element (22), wherein the first tensioning element (21) runs freely movable in the direction of the first end region (51) of the base body (50) and the second tensioning element (22) runs freely movable in the direction of the second end region (52) of the base body (50), wherein the first tensioning element (21) ends with the first end (23) at the first intermediate region (53) of the base body (50), and the second tensioning element (22) ends with the first end (24) at the second intermediate region (54) of the base body (50), and wherein the first end (23) of the first tensioning element (21) and the first end (24) of the second tensioning element (22) each comprise a deflecting element (25,26), wherein the first abdominal lifting element (11) runs from the central region (55) of the base body (50) to the deflecting element (61) of the first intermediate region (53) or of the first end region (51) and is deflected there, and the second abdominal lifting element (12) runs from the central region (55) of the base body (50) to the deflecting element (62) of the second intermediate region (54) or of the second end region (52) and is deflected there, wherein the first abdominal lifting element (11) runs from the deflecting element (61) of the first intermediate region (53) or of the first end region (51) to the deflecting element (25) of the first tensioning element (21) and is deflected there, and the second abdominal lifting element (12) runs from the deflecting element (62) of the second intermediate region (54) or of the second end region (52) to the deflecting element (26) of the second tensioning element (22) and is deflected there, wherein the first abdominal lifting element (11) runs from the deflecting element (25) of the first tensioning element (21) in the direction of at least one of the end regions (51,52) of the base body (50) and wherein the second abdominal lifting element (12) runs from the deflecting element (26) of the second tensioning element (22) in the direction of at least one of the end regions (51,52) of the base body (50), and wherein the first end (13) of the first abdominal lifting element (11) and the first end (14) of the second abdominal lifting element (12) are each reversibly attachable onto the first end region (51) of the base body (50) and / or onto the second end region (52) of the base body (50) and / or onto the first end (14,13) of the other abdominal lifting element (12,11) respectively.

2. Orthosis or bandage of claim 1, wherein the first abdominal lifting element (11) and the second abdominal lifting element (12) and / or the first tensioning element (21) and the second tensioning element (22) are each connected with a second end (17, 18, 27, 28) to the central region (55) of the base body and wherein preferably the connection of the second end (17) of the first abdominal lifting element (11) to the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the worn state is located above the connection of the second end (27) of the first tensioning element (21) to the central region (55) of the base body (50) and wherein the connection of the second end (18) of the second abdominal lifting element (12) to the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the worn state is located above the connection of the second end (28) of the second tensioning element (22) to the central region (55) of the base body (50).

3. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second abdominal lifting elements (11,12) are connected to each other in the central region of the base body (50) and / or the first and the second tensioning elements (21,22) are connected to each other in the central region of the base body (50).

4. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein the abdominal lifting elements (11,12) comprise a greater total elasticity than the tensioning elements (21,22).

5. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein the abdominal lifting elements (11,12) and / or the tensioning elements (21,22) are straps.

6. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflecting elements of the tensioning elements (21,22) are configured as buckles.

7. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body comprises stabilising rods (71,72) in the central region and / or in the intermediate region.

8. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein the end regions of the base body (50) are designed as a hook-and-loop fastener.

9. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein pads and / or heat cushions and / or cold cushions can be assigned to the base body (50).

10. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one abdominal lifting element, in particular each of the two abdominal lifting elements (11,12), comprise different regions with different elasticity and / or stretch.

11. Orthosis or bandage of one of the preceding claims, wherein the orthosis or bandage is a pregnancy orthosis or a pregnancy bandage.