Holding device, equipment and method for repairing or modifying a medical device of the type orthosis or prosthesis

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices of the orthotic or prosthetic type.

[0002] It relates more specifically to support devices, equipment and processes for repairing or modifying a medical device such as an orthosis or prosthesis. State of the art

[0003] In general, medical devices such as orthotics are devices adapted to help a function, a joint or a limb.

[0004] More specifically, medical devices such as plantar orthotics (insoles or orthoplasties for example) are designed to correct a biomechanical, postural or proprioceptive deficiency.

[0005] Such plantar orthoses include - a first device surface, anatomical, intended to cover a part of an individual's body (the underside of the foot for an insole, and the perimeter of a toe for an orthoplasty), and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface.

[0006] These medical devices can be made from various materials, for example, temperature-sensitive thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, TPU, etc.). They can also be manufactured using thermoplastic extrusion technologies, such as 3D printing.

[0007] As an example, US document 8,170,705 describes a facility for manufacturing an orthotic insole in several superimposed layers.

[0008] This installation includes a support platform and pressing means which include a heating block.

[0009] But such state-of-the-art medical devices are difficult to repair or modify, and when they are no longer suitable, they are generally replaced with new equipment.

[0010] This leads to cost problems and generates waste treatment problems, as the constituent materials are difficult to recycle. For both economic and ecological reasons, and to meet possible demands for adaptation of the orthosis or prosthesis, there is therefore a need to have equipment or materials to repair or modify this type of medical device.

[0011] And the same problem can be found for other medical devices made from the same materials and manufacturing techniques, such as optical correction orthotics or prostheses for the replacement of a limb or joint. Presentation of the invention

[0012] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention proposes a support device for receiving a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type as defined by claim 1

[0013] Softening temperature refers to a temperature at which the material undergoes a change of state, from a solid state to a semi-liquid or pasty state.

[0014] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the support device according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are shown in claims 2-7.

[0015] The present invention further relates to equipment for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, according to claims 8-12.

[0016] The present invention further relates to a method, as defined by claim 13, for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, by means of equipment as defined above.

[0017] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0018] Furthermore, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where: there figure 1is a general view of a possible embodiment of equipment according to the invention for repairing or modifying a medical device such as an insole or orthotic, this equipment comprising in particular a support device for receiving the medical device, a device for distributing a working material and a device for shaping this working material; figure 2 is an isolated view of the medical device support unit that is part of the equipment shown on the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a side view of another possible embodiment of a medical device support according to the invention; the figure 4 is an isolated view of the distribution device that is part of the equipment shown on the figure 1 ; there figure 5 is an exploded view of the distribution device illustrated on the figure 4 ; there figure 6is a schematic view of part of the distribution system illustrated on the figures 4 And 5 showing the screw for transferring the working material; the figure 7 is an isolated view of the shaping device that is part of the equipment shown on the figure 1 ; there figure 8 is an exploded view of the shaping device illustrated on the figure 7 .

[0019] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0020] Equipment 1 illustrated on the figure 1is suitable for repairing or modifying a medical device of type S insole or O orthoplasty which is made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and which medical device of type S insole or O orthoplasty comprises - a first device surface S1, O1, anatomical, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface S2, O2, opposite said first device surface.

[0021] A medical device of the insole type S and a medical device of the orthoplasty type O are schematically represented on the figure 1 .

[0022] Medical devices such as S-type insoles or O-type orthotics can be made from a heat-sensitive plastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). For certain applications, the use of polylactic acid (PLA) can also be considered.

[0023] The softening temperature of such materials, which corresponds to the temperature of change of state from solid to pasty (or semi-liquid) can be in the order of 60 to 250°C (more generally in the order of 180 to 250°C).

[0024] For a sole S, the first device surface S1 corresponds to the top surface of the sole against which the bottom of an individual's foot rests; and the second device surface S2 corresponds to the bottom surface of the sole.

[0025] For an orthoplasty O, generally tubular in shape, the first device surface O1 corresponds to the internal surface intended to come into contact with the external surface of a toe; and the second device surface O2 corresponds to the external surface.

[0026] The thickness of the medical device of type insole S or orthoplasty O, between the first surface of device S1, O1 and the second surface of device S2, O2, may be regular or not; this thickness may be from a few millimeters up to 1 or 2 cm.

[0027] Equipment 1 conforming to the invention illustrated in the figure 1 includes a support device 2 for receiving the medical device of type insole S or orthoplasty O, a distribution device 3 for a working material 4, and a shaping device 5 for this working material.

[0028] The working material 4 is a material identical, similar, or at least compatible with the constituent material of the medical device, such as the insole (S) or orthotic (O). It is suitable for repairing and / or modifying this medical device, and it is available in the form of a powder, flakes, beads, or a block of material. For example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material is used, in the form of beads with a diameter of approximately 1 to 3 mm.

[0029] The concepts of repair / modification of the medical device of type S insole or O orthoplasty, we mean a modification of the initial device by removal(s) or addition(s) of identical or different material.

[0030] The function of this equipment 1 is: to ensure optimal support for intervention on an area of ​​the medical device of type S insole or orthoplasty O which must be modified or repaired, to allow the working material 4, as well as the intervention area on the medical device of type S insole or orthoplasty O, to be brought to a temperature at least equal to their softening temperature, to allow the softened working material 4 to be deposited on the intervention area of ​​the medical device of type S insole or orthoplasty O, and to shape (i.e. spread and smooth) the softened working material 4 on the intervention area of ​​the medical device of type S insole or orthoplasty O.

[0031] According to the invention, the support device 2 comprises at least one module which itself comprises a receiving surface adapted to fit at least a part of the first device surface (S1, O1), or at least a part of the second device surface (S2, O2); and this support device 2 further comprises heating means adapted to heat said receiving surface of said at least one module to a temperature at least equal to said softening temperature of said constitutive material of said medical device of type insole S or orthoplasty O.

[0032] As it appears in equipment 1 of the figure 1 and as represented in isolation on the figure 2 The support device 2 includes different modules, some of which are adapted here to receive an insole, and others adapted to receive an orthoplasty.

[0033] More specifically, the support device 2 includes a first group of modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 which are juxtaposed and which each include a portion of a receiving surface 21a, 22a, 23a and 24a which together are able to reconstitute a receiving surface 25 adapted to fit at least a portion of the underside surface S2 of a medical device of the insole type S (so as to be able to intervene on the top surface S1 of the insole S).

[0034] The various modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 placed side by side are attached to suitable support means to allow adjustment of their positioning in spacing relative to each other in order to allow adaptation of said receiving surface 25 to the size of the sole S to be received.

[0035] More specifically, modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 are fixed to a carrier frame 26 by means of guide rods 26a mounted to slide on a support carriage 26b which allows their mobility along a first axis; and each support carriage 26b is itself mounted to slide on a slide structure 26c along a second axis which is perpendicular to said first axis.

[0036] The guide rods 26a can be locked onto their support carriage 26b by means of clamping screws 26d; and the support carriages 26b can be locked onto their slide structure 26c by means of clamping screws 26e.

[0037] It is understood that the 4 juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can thus be moved further apart or closer together, in the same plane, to optimize the shape and dimensions of the receiving surface 25 (composed of the assembly of the four parts of receiving surfaces 21a, 22a, 23a and 24a), depending on the shape and dimensions of the base S on which we wish to intervene.

[0038] It should be noted that once placed on the receiving surface 25, the sole S can be held in place by any appropriate means.

[0039] For this purpose, one or more attached retaining blocks can be used, for example in the shape of a ball (or sphere). Such retaining blocks 2a are illustrated in the figure 1and are part of equipment 1. They are preferably made of a material suitable for its cooperation by magnetization with modules 21, 22, 23 and 24. For example, neodymium balls are used, cooperating with modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 made of steel (and more particularly of steel covered with a protective layer against corrosion of zinc).

[0040] The support device 2 includes heating elements suitable for raising the temperature of modules 21, 22, 23, and 24, and therefore that of the base S received by these modules and on which work is to be carried out. The corresponding heating elements are adapted / sized to allow the area of ​​the base S on which work is to be carried out to be brought to the softening temperature of the material (for example, between 60 and 250°C, depending on the materials).

[0041] For this purpose, modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 are made of a thermally conductive material (steel for example, as mentioned above); and they can be equipped with a system of electrical resistance(s) connected to an electrical power supply.

[0042] Alternatively, and as provided for on support device 2 of the Figures 1 And 2 The heating means consist of a heating plate 27 in contact or practically in contact with modules 21, 22, 23 and 24.

[0043] The heating platform 27 is made of thermally conductive material and comprises a top face 27a and an opposite bottom face. Its top face 27a extends in the immediate vicinity of the underside of modules 21, 22, 23, and 24, in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of these modules, which are guided by guide rods 26a and slide structures 26c. Furthermore, heating elements in the form of electrical resistors 27b are provided against or in the immediate vicinity of its bottom face. The electrical resistor(s) 27b are simply shown schematically in the diagram. figure 2 They can be connected to a power supply consisting of an electrical cable 2b and an electrical cabinet or box 2c connected to the mains.

[0044] As an alternative embodiment, only some of the juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can be mounted on support means allowing their adjustment in position, the other module(s) being provided to be non-mobile.

[0045] As a further alternative, the various modules 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be without support means and simply placed on the heated platform 27. In this case, these modules 21, 22, 23, and 24 can interact magnetically with the receiving platform 27. For example, modules 21, 22, 23, and 24 made of neodymium, or incorporating a neodymium core, can be used to interact with the steel platform 27.

[0046] As a further alternative, a single module may be provided (non-mobile but possibly removable) to constitute the receiving surface 25 adapted to receive at least part of the underside surface S2 of the sole S.

[0047] The juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can also be adapted to reconstitute a receiving surface suitable to fit at least part of the top surface S1 of a medical device of type sole S (so as to be able to intervene on the bottom surface S2 of the sole S).

[0048] As illustrated on the Figures 1 And 2 , the support device 2 may include a second group of modules 28 adapted to receive an orthoplasty O.

[0049] Each module 28 includes a receiving surface 281 adapted to fit at least part of the internal surface O1 of an orthoplasty O intended to come into contact with the external surface of a toe (so as to be able to intervene on the external surface O2 of the orthoplasty O).

[0050] The orthoplasty modules 28 of the support device 2 are here in number 3, and they each present themselves at least approximately in the general form of a cylindrical organ resembling a toe.

[0051] Each cylindrical component 28 is mounted by removable fitting onto a support ball joint 282 attached to a support carriage 283; and the various support carriages 283 are mounted movably along the same slide structure 284.

[0052] Each support trolley 283 includes its own removable locking means, in the form of clamping screws 285, adapted to allow adjustment of their position on the slide structure 284.

[0053] The support device 2 includes suitable heating means to raise the temperature of the modules 28, and therefore that of the received orthoplasty O on which intervention is desired. The corresponding heating means are adapted / sized to allow the area of ​​the orthoplasty O on which intervention is to be brought to the softening temperature of the material (for example, in the range of 60 to 250°C).

[0054] For this purpose, the 28 modules are made of a thermally conductive material and they can be equipped with a system of electrical resistance(s) connected to an electrical power supply.

[0055] Alternatively, and as provided on the support device 2, the heating means consist of a heating plate 286 whose underside face is equipped with electrical resistors 287 connected to the electrical box 2c via an electrical cable 2d (in the same or similar manner to the heating plate 27).

[0056] The 2d cable can also be connected to a dedicated electrical box.

[0057] The ball joints 282 allow mobility in space of each module 28 which can therefore be placed in contact with or near the heating plate 286 to ensure the temperature rise of the associated orthoplasty O.

[0058] Each 28 module allows for the attachment of a single-tubular orthotic or a toe separator. Several juxtaposed 28 modules allow for the attachment of a complex orthotic, such as a multi-tubular orthotic or a hallux valgus splint.

[0059] The mobile mounting of the modules 28 along the slide structure 284 allows the distance between each module to be adjusted in order to adapt to the cavities of the tubular orthoplasty.

[0060] The three juxtaposed modules 28 can be the same size or different sizes. Their removable mounting on a ball joint 282 allows for easy replacement, particularly to change their size if needed.

[0061] As can be seen on the Figures 1 And 2 , the supporting frame 26 of the support device 2 can include a plurality of replacement orthoplasty modules 28', stored on suitable supports, awaiting use.

[0062] As an alternative, the support device 2 may include only one or more modules adapted to receive an insole, or only one or more modules adapted to receive an orthoplasty.

[0063] On the other hand, each electrical resistance, or each network of electrical resistances, dedicated to the "sole" modules and the "orthoplasty" modules can have its own power supply (and therefore, for example, be connected to its own electrical box connected to the mains).

[0064] As illustrated on the figure 3 , according to another possible embodiment, or according to a complementary embodiment, the support device 2 includes a module 29 of which a receiving surface 291 is adapted to fit at least part of the first surface of device S1 of a medical device of type sole S.

[0065] The receiving surface 291 of this module 29 corresponds to a foot base; and its lower face 292 is flat so that it can rest stably on a flat support.

[0066] Module 29 includes suitable heating devices to raise its temperature, and therefore that of the received footing S on which work is to be carried out. The corresponding heating devices are adapted / sized to allow the area of ​​the footing S on which work is to be carried out to be brought up to the softening temperature of the material (for example, in the range of 60 to 250°C).

[0067] For this purpose, module 29 is made of a thermally conductive material (for example, steel), and it is equipped with an electrical resistance system 293. The electrical resistance system 293 is connected to a power supply (for example, via an electrical cable to the electrical box 2c connected to the mains, illustrated in the diagram). figure 1 (or a dedicated electrical box).

[0068] Here, the electrical resistance system(s) 293 is integrated inside the module 29 and we note the opening 294 for the passage of its power cable.

[0069] Alternatively, the heating means for module 29 may consist of a heated platform equipped with electrical resistors. The heated platform 27 of the support device can be used for this purpose. Figures 1 And 2 , or a dedicated heated platform.

[0070] Module 29 may still include means of attachment, for its attachment to any support.

[0071] THE figures 4 , 5 And 6 detail one possible implementation of a distribution device 3 for the working material 4.

[0072] As mentioned above, the distribution device 3 is adapted to receive the working material 4 in the form of solid granules (for example in powder, flakes, beads or other), to heat this working material 4 to a temperature enabling its softening, i.e. its transformation into a pasty or semi-liquid material, and to distribute this pasty or semi-liquid material in order to ensure its deposition on the medical device to be treated.

[0073] To achieve this, distribution system 3 includes: a manual gripping member in the form of a handle 31, a receiving housing 32 for receiving the work material 4, a distribution nozzle 33 for distributing the work material 4 in the form of a cord of material, transfer means in the form of a motorized screw 34, associated with a motorization 35, for transferring the work material 4 from the receiving housing 32 to the distribution nozzle 33, heating means 36, arranged between the receiving housing 32 and the distribution nozzle 33, adapted to bring the work material 4 to its softening temperature, control means 37 for controlling the motorization 35 of the motorized screw 34, for the purpose of distributing, by the distribution nozzle 33, the softened work material 4.

[0074] The motorized screw 34 is housed in a screw sleeve 38 which leads to the distribution nozzle 33. This motorized screw 34 is driven in rotation by the motorization 35 via a coupling system 35a.

[0075] The heating means 36 include one or more electrical resistances integrated into a block of thermally conductive material which surrounds the screw sleeve 38.

[0076] The assembly consisting of the receiving housing 32, the screw sleeve 38, the motorized screw 34, the motorization 35, the heating means 36, and the distribution nozzle 33, is housed in a casing 39 which extends into the handle 31.

[0077] The casing 39 incorporates ventilation means 391 adapted to regulate the temperature of the motor 35.

[0078] The control means 37 consist of an electric trigger located at the handle 31.

[0079] The distribution device 3 is connected to a power supply to provide electricity to the control means 37 and the heating means 36. For example, this power supply is provided by an electrical cable 3a connected to the electrical box 2c of the equipment illustrated in the figure 1 In one alternative embodiment, this power supply can consist of a dedicated electrical box.

[0080] The heating means 36 of the distribution device 3 are activated via a control device and a switch located on the associated electrical box.

[0081] On the figures 4 And 5 , we note the presence of a modeling element 392 arranged in the extension of the distribution nozzle 33, which is adapted to allow the modeling of the softened working material 4, once the latter has been deposited on the medical device.

[0082] The modeling element 392 is fixed to the end of a support arm 393 (preferably removable) mounted in cantilever at the end of the distribution device 3. It is positioned a few centimeters from the distribution nozzle 33, slightly offset back from the axis of the latter.

[0083] The modeling element 392 here consists of a fixed pad generally in the shape of a portion of a cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, it may consist of a rotating roller.

[0084] The modeling element in the shape of a skate or pebble 392 is preferably made of a material that is a good thermal conductor and insensitive to the attractive properties of neodymium balls 2a (a material such as zinc is used for this).

[0085] The receiving housing 32 is preferably equipped with a cover 32a which allows for its removable closure. The cover 32a is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 394 at one of its ends, and it includes means for locking it in the closed position, by translation, by means of lateral lugs cooperating with receiving grooves.

[0086] THE figures 7 and 8 detail a possible form of realization of a shaping device 5 of the working material 4 (after softening the latter).

[0087] As can be seen on these figures 7 and 8 , the shaping device 5 here comprises: - a manual gripping member 51 - a shaping tip 52 shaped to allow shaping of the softened working material 4, and - heating means 53 adapted to allow bringing said shaping tip 52 to the softening temperature of the working material 4 (namely of the order of 180 to 250°C).

[0088] The shaping device 5 is connected to a power supply to provide electricity to the heating means 53. As illustrated in the figure 1 This power supply can consist of a 5a electrical cable connected to the 2c electrical box. In an alternative embodiment, this power supply can include a dedicated electrical box.

[0089] The shaping nozzle 52 consists of a hollow body whose internal chamber 521 is provided with an opening 522 at one of its ends, and in which internal chamber 521 is housed at least one electric heating resistance constituting the heating means 53.

[0090] Tip 52 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, for example zinc, due to its insensitivity to the attractive properties of neodymium 2a balls.

[0091] The end 523 of the shaping nozzle 52, which is opposite the end with the opening 522, is shaped to optimize the shaping operation. This end 523 can be dome-shaped or flat-shaped.

[0092] Preferably the shaping tip 52 is provided to be removable on the shaping device 5 to allow its replacement, for example in case of damage, or if it is desired to use another shape of tip depending on the work to be carried out.

[0093] In this case, the shaping tip 52 includes removable fixing means (for example elastic interlocking means), either on the manual gripping member 51, or on a support 54 of the heating means 53.

[0094] Equipment 1 as described above allows for the repair or modification of a medical device made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and which includes - a first device surface, anatomical, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface.

[0095] The process in question may include: a step of cutting out a localized area on said medical device S, O, using suitable tools (for example scissors), to obtain a hole or a through-hole delimited by two cavity openings (on each side of the medical device) and by a peripheral cavity border, a step of positioning the medical device S, O on the available support device 2, to close one of the two cavity openings, a step of heating the medical device S, O at least at the periphery of the through-hole, the heating being adapted to soften the periphery of the through-hole, a step of filling the through-hole, at least partially, by depositing the heat-softened working material 4, through the unsealed cavity opening,to obtain a filling structure for the through cavity (this step of depositing the heat-softened working material 4 is preferably carried out using the dispensing device 3 as described above), a step of anatomically shaping at least the face of the working material of the filling structure intended to face the relevant foot part, using a shaping device (for example, the shaping device 5 as described above).

[0096] The step of filling the through cavity can be carried out entirely with heat-softened working material 4.

[0097] In one embodiment, this step of filling the through cavity is carried out (a) by bringing a piece of solid material, delimited by a peripheral border, into said through cavity while preserving a space with the peripheral border of said through cavity, and (b) by depositing the heat-softened working material in the space between the peripheral border of the through cavity and the peripheral border of the added solid piece.

[0098] The added solid material piece preferably consists of a piece of the same material as that constituting the medical device S, O.

[0099] The softened filling material is welded together with the peripheral edge of the cavity and, where applicable, with the peripheral edge of the added solid part.

[0100] In yet another embodiment, the step of filling the through-cavity is carried out by inserting a piece of solid material, delimited by a peripheral edge, into the through-cavity without leaving any space between it and the peripheral edge of the through-cavity. The peripheral edge of the through-cavity and the peripheral edge of the inserted solid piece are then in contact at a line of contact; and compatible materials can be softened at this line of contact (for example, with the shaping device 5 or with the shaping element 392 of the distribution device 3) so that they fuse together.

[0101] As previously mentioned, the invention can also find application in the field of medical devices such as optical correction orthotics, and in particular eyeglass frames, or in the field of prostheses, for the replacement of a limb (or part of a limb) or a joint.

[0102] It should be noted that the distribution device 3 described above can be used in isolation, independently of the support device 2 and the shaping device 5, for example for other applications, in order to deliver a bead of softened (pasty / semi-liquid) material.

[0103] Similarly, the shaping device 5 described above can be used in isolation, independently of the support device 2 and the distribution device 3, for example for other applications, in order to shape, spread and / or smooth a heat-softened working material deposited on any support.

Claims

1. A support device (2) for receiving a medical device such as an orthosis or a prosthesis, with a view to allowing a repair or modification procedure of said medical device such as an orthosis or a prosthesis, the medical device being made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and the medical device comprising - a first, anatomical, device surface, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface, the support device (2) comprising at least one module (21, 22, 23, 24) comprising a receiving surface (25) adapted to conform to at least a part of said first device surface, or at least a part of said second device surface, the support device (2) further comprising heating means (27b, 287, 293) adapted to heat said receiving surface (25) of said at least one module (21, 22, 23, 24) to a temperature at least equal to said softening temperature of the constituent material of said medical device such as an orthosis or a prosthesis, characterized in that said support device (2) comprises a plurality of juxtaposed modules (21, 22, 23, 24), the modules (21, 22, 23, 24) each comprising a receiving surface part (21a, 22a, 23a and 24a) of said receiving surface (25) adapted to conform to at least a part of said first device surface of an orthosis such as a sole, or at least a part of said second device surface of an orthosis such as a sole, the modules (21, 22, 23, 24) being capable of reconstituting said receiving surface (25) together, at least some of said modules (21, 22, 23, 24) being integral with support means (26a, 26b, 26c) adapted to make it possible to adjust their spacing positioning relative to each another with a view to making it possible to adapt said receiving surface (25) to the size of the medical device such as a sole.

2. The support device (2) of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one module (28) which is at least approximately in the general form of a cylindrical member, resembling a toe, and the outer surface of which forms a receiving surface (281) adapted to conform to at least a part of said second device surface of a medical device such as an orthoplasty, said cylindrical member(s) (28) being mounted by removable interlocking on a support ball joint (282) allowing their spatial mobility.

3. The support device (2) of claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of cylindrical members (28) each borne by a support carriage (283), the support carriages (283) being movably mounted on a slide structure (284) and each comprising their own removable locking means (285), adapted to make it possible to adjust their position on said slide structure (284).

4. The support device (2) of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a module (29) of which the receiving surface (291) is adapted to conform to at least a part of a first device surface of an orthosis such as a sole, or at least a part of a second device surface of an orthosis such as a sole.

5. The support device (2) of claim 1, characterized in that at least some of said modules (21, 22, 23, 24) are fastened to guide rods (26a) slidably mounted on a support carriage (26b) to allow their mobility along a first axis, the support carriage (26b) being itself slidably mounted on a slide structure (26c) along a second axis perpendicular to said first axis.

6. The support device (2) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said module (21, 22, 23, 24; 28; 29) or at least one of said modules (21, 22, 23, 24; 28; 29) is made of thermally conductive material and comprises said heating means in the form of at least one electrical heating resistor (293).

7. The support device (2) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one heating plate (27, 286) made of thermally conductive material provided with a bottom face and a top face, said heating means in the form of at least one electrical resistor (27b, 287) being arranged in proximity to said bottom face, and in that said module (21, 22, 23, 24; 28; 29) or at least one of said modules (21, 22, 23, 24; 28; 29) is disposed or capable of being disposed in contact with said top face of said heating plate (27, 286) or just in proximity to the latter, to allow its heating by conduction.

8. Equipment (1) for repairing or modifying a medical device such as an orthosis or a prosthesis, the medical device being made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and the medical device comprising - a first, anatomical, device surface, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface, characterized in that it comprises: - a support device (2) according to any of claims 1 to 7, - a thermoformable working material (4), comprising a softening temperature, of solid consistency at ambient temperature and capable by heating of adopting a semi-liquid or pasty consistency at said softening temperature, and - a shaping device (5) adapted to shape said working material (4) on said medical device.

9. The item of equipment (1) of claim 8, characterized in that said working material (4) comprises a softening temperature identical or similar to the softening temperature of the constituent material of the medical device.

10. The item of equipment (1) according to any of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that said shaping device (5) comprises: - a manual gripping member (51), - a shaping tip (52) shaped to allow shaping of the working material (4) and - heating means (53) adapted to make it possible to heat said shaping tip (52) to said softening temperature of the working material (4).

11. The item of equipment (1) according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a dispensing device (3) of said working material (4), the dispensing device (3) comprising: - a manual gripping member (31), - a receiving housing (32) for receiving said working material (4) in solid form, - a dispensing nozzle (33) for dispensing said working material (4), - motorized screw-shaped transfer means (34), associated with a motorization (35), for transferring said working material (4) from said receiving housing (32) to said dispensing nozzle (33), - heating means (36), disposed between said receiving housing (32) and said dispensing nozzle (33), adapted to heat said working material (4) to its softening temperature, - control means (37) of said motorization (35) of the motorized screw (34) for dispensing, via said dispensing nozzle (33), the softened working material (4).

12. The item of equipment (1) of claim 11, characterized in that said dispensing device (3) comprises a modeling member (392) in the form of a fixed pad or a rotary roller, disposed extending from said dispensing nozzle (33).

13. A method for repairing or modifying a medical device such as an orthosis or a prosthesis, by means of an item of equipment (1) according to any of claims 8 to 12, the medical device being made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and the medical device comprising - a first, anatomical, device surface, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface, the method comprising: - a step of cutting out a zone located on said medical device, by means of a suitable tool, to obtain a through cavity delimited by two cavity openings and by a peripheral cavity edge, - a step of positioning said medical device on said support device (2) to close one of said two cavity openings, - a step of heating said medical device at least at the perimeter of said through cavity, adapted to obtain softening of said perimeter of said through cavity, - a step of filling said through cavity, at least in part by depositing said heat-softened working material (4), through the unsealed cavity opening, to obtain a filling structure of said through cavity, - a step of anatomically shaping at least the face of the working material (4) of the filling structure intended to face the part of the body concerned, by means of said shaping device (5).

14. The method of claim 13, characterized in that said step of filling said through cavity is carried out (a) by mounting a piece of solid material, delimited by a peripheral edge, into said through cavity while keeping a gap with the peripheral edge of said through cavity, and (b) by depositing said heat-softened working material (4) in the gap between the peripheral edge of the through cavity and the peripheral edge of the mounted solid piece.