Pad with floatingly mounted pad pressure element

Abstract

The invention relates to a pad (1) for orthopedic aids, comprising an elastically deformable main part (3) and at least one pad pressure element (9, 10). According to the invention, the main part has a depression (7, 8) on an outer surface (19) for the at least one pad pressure element, the contour of said depression at least substantially corresponding to the contour of the pad pressure element such that a groove (20, 21) is formed between the main part and the pad pressure element at least in some portions when viewed in the peripheral direction of the pad pressure element.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Pad with floating pad pressure element

[0003] The invention relates to a pad for orthopaedic aids, with an elastically deformable base body and with at least one pad pressure element.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to an orthosis or bandage which has at least one such pad.

[0005] Pads used for various prophylactic and therapeutic applications are already known from the prior art, for example from published patent applications DE 2722 563 C2, EP 0598291 A1, and EP 0600218 A2. Furthermore, published patent application DE 10 2019 212 740 A1 discloses a pad of the generic type. This previously known pad is characterized by peg-shaped pressure projections formed on a base element and embedded together with the base element in an elastically deformable base body. This proposed solution is intended to ensure that, in addition to flat pressure, a more specific, more precise pressure is exerted during use in order to guarantee an improved massage effect. This requires that the peg-shaped projections can be adjusted more finely in their resilience than has previously been the case in the prior art.At the same time, the new technical solution allows the height of the pad to be reduced in some versions. This improves comfort and user acceptance, while also conserving resources.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a pad which, despite its advantageous massage function and effect, is less high and ensures pleasant wearing comfort even during longer applications.

[0007] The object underlying the invention is achieved by a pad with the features of claim 1. The pad according to the invention has the advantage that, through a structurally simple adaptation, the mobility of the pad pressure element is increased and thus the massage effect is at least maintained or improved with a softer or harder pad pressure element. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the base body has a recess in an outer surface for the at least one pad pressure element, the contour of which recess corresponds at least substantially to the outer contour of the pad pressure element in such a way that a groove is formed between the base body and the pad pressure element, at least in sections as seen in the circumferential direction of the pad pressure element. The groove defines a lateral distance between the base body and the pad pressure element.This means that the pad pressure element is not in direct lateral contact with the base body. At least one pad pressure element is thus floatingly mounted within the base body. This means that during use and loading, the pad pressure element is less strongly supported laterally by the base body than before and is therefore more easily deformed. This allows the pad to be made smaller in height, i.e. in relation to the vertical or longitudinal extent of the pad pressure element, while maintaining the same massage effect. The aforementioned disadvantages are thus advantageously overcome. The height of the base body allows the pad pressure element to build up a certain degree of rigidity, and the deflection behavior of the pad pressure element can be made more flexible.The pad is preferably designed such that the pad pressure element lies in the recess such that it is flush with the base body, i.e. has a height that corresponds to the depth of the recess, protrudes beyond the base body, i.e. has a height that is greater than the depth of the recess, or is recessed or set back in the base body, i.e. has a height that is lower than the depth of the recess.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the groove extends over the entire circumference of the pad pressure element. By forming such a circumferential groove, the contour of the recess corresponds to the (outer) contour of the pad pressure element, which advantageously improves the mobility of the pad pressure element in all directions and simplifies the production of the pad.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the groove extends only over a section of the circumference of the pad pressure element, i.e., not over the entire circumference. As a result, the mobility of one or more pressure projections is increased only in that section. This allows the mobility and deformability of the pressure projections of a base element to be specifically influenced in order to achieve an optimal massage result. In an advantageous further development, the recess is designed such that the pad pressure element is assigned several grooves or partial grooves, each extending only over a section of the circumference of the pad pressure element, so that the mobility is increased in these several sections and reduced in the remaining sections.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the groove extends continuously or interrupted in a polygonal, circular, oval, mirror-symmetrical, asymmetrical, star-shaped and / or finger-shaped manner. The groove can ultimately have any geometric shape. A specific shape is suitable for each application, so that the pad can also be advantageously adapted to the application by choosing the shape of the groove. If the groove is continuous, i.e. without interruption, it extends in particular in a ring-shaped manner or has two ends in its longitudinal extent. If the groove is interrupted, it is divided into several partial grooves or individual grooves that follow one another in its longitudinal extent. In particular, it is provided that each partial groove is longer than the adjoining interruption in the longitudinal extent of the groove as a whole.In particular, it is provided that each partial groove is longer than the longest interruption between the partial grooves in the overall longitudinal extension of the groove. The groove preferably extends in a triangular, circular, rectangular, square, elliptical, kidney-shaped, hexagonal, V-shaped, or W-shaped configuration. In the case of a star-shaped configuration, it is particularly provided that the ends of the star tips are rounded rather than pointed.

[0010] Preferably, the groove has a width, i.e., a distance between the base element and the base body, of at least 0.3 millimeters. It has been shown that this achieves the above-mentioned properties in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad pressure element has a particularly flat base element and one or more pressure projections protruding from the base element. The base element is preferably embedded in the base body of the pad or lies in the recess of the base body. The pressure projection(s) protrude from the base element on the side facing away from the base body so that they can interact directly with the patient. In particular, it is provided that the respective pressure projection is laterally flush with the base element, i.e. lies directly on the outer edge of the base element, which defines the outer contour of the pad pressure element. The groove thus interacts directly with the respective pressure projection or prevents the respective pressure projection from being directly supported laterally by the material of the base body.According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pressure projections is arranged laterally spaced from the outer edge or the outer contour of the base element, whereby the distance of this pressure projection from the base body is further increased. If the groove extends over the entire circumference or along the entire outer contour of the pad pressure element, in particular of the base element, the mobility of the pressure projections is ensured in the advantageous manner described above, regardless of the position or number of pressure projections on the base element. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the pad pressure element has no pressure projection and consists in particular only of the flat base element. Optionally, the material of the base element differs from that of the base body, as will be discussed in more detail below.Thanks to the advantageous groove, the pad pressure element is still designed as a beneficial massage device. Optionally, the pad is covered with a knitted fabric, at least in the area of ​​the pad pressure element.

[0012] Preferably, one or at least one of the pressure projections, preferably each pressure projection of the at least one pad pressure element, has a cross-section that is many times smaller than a base area of ​​the base element. The respective pressure projection thus forms an elevation on the base element that is clearly different from the rest of the base element. This makes it possible in particular to arrange a large number of pressure projections on the one base element. Alternatively, one pressure projection has a cross-section that corresponds or almost corresponds to the base area of ​​the base element. As a result, the pressure projection completely or almost completely fills the base area of ​​the base element. The one pressure projection is preferably formed by a convex bulge of the free end face of the pad pressure element.

[0013] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pad pressure element comprises a flat base element without a pressure projection. In this case, the base element itself provides a massage function, which is advantageously provided by the lateral groove. In this case, the pad pressure element is preferably designed to be flush with the outer surface of the base body, to end in the recess set back from the outer surface, or to protrude outward from the base body beyond the outer surface.

[0014] According to a preferred development of the invention, the recess is formed so deep that the pad pressure element lies completely within the recess, with the one or more pressure projections being flush, in particular, with the outer surface of the base body. The depth of the recess thus corresponds at least to the height of the pad pressure element including the pressure projections, so that the pad pressure element can be completely inserted into the recess and does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the base body. The pressure projections are recessed and can optionally also be concealed on the base body by a cover layer, which extends, in particular, over the entire base body.

[0015] It is also intended that the pad pressure element only has a single pressure projection. In this case, the recess is located directly next to the pressure projection, at least in part. Optional fastening elements, such as seams, welded joints, or adhesive bonds, are available on the outer edge of the pad pressure element.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the recess is so deep or at least one of the pressure projections is so high that the at least one pressure projection protrudes beyond the outer surface of the base body. Preferably, the base element is arranged completely within the recess, while one or more pressure projections protrude beyond the outer surface of the base element. Particularly preferably, the depth of the recess is greater than the height of the base element, so that the pressure projection(s) are located at least partially within the recess. Preferably, the recess is constant over its extent, i.e. has a straight or flat base on which the pad pressure element rests. Alternatively, the base of the recess preferably deviates from a straight or constant profile and varies.The shape or contour of the base of the recess also influences the compression behavior of the pressure element in a vertical or horizontal direction. For example, this ensures that the individual pressure projection is bent or folded in a specific direction during use.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pad pressure element and the base body are made of the same material. This results in the advantageous mobility of the pressure projections due to the groove according to the invention. However, the use of the same material reduces manufacturing costs. Preferably, the base body and base element are then formed integrally with one another, resulting in a single-component body. This ensures particularly time- and cost-saving production of the pad as a whole. The mobility of the pressure projections or the pad pressure element is then individually adapted to requirements by selecting a suitable groove width and / or groove depth. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pad pressure element and the base body are made of different materials.In this variant, the mobility and thus the massage function of the pad is also adjusted by the choice of materials. In particular, the base body and / or the pad pressure element are made of a viscoelastic material that allows for advantageous deformation of the pad during use, resulting in the desired massage effect. In particular, the materials are selected so that they differ from one another in terms of their stiffness or elasticity.

[0018] Thus, according to a preferred first embodiment, the pad pressure element is made of a material that is harder than the material of the base body. As a result, the pressure projections are harder than the base body and can thus transmit a higher pressure to the area to be treated. However, the mobility of the pressure projections is reduced by the harder design.

[0019] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the pad pressure element is made of a material that is softer than the material of the base body, so that it has greater elasticity and reduced rigidity compared to the base body. This provides the pressure projections with a high degree of inherent mobility, which in particular results in chaotic movement of, in particular, multiple pressure projections of the pad pressure element.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pad pressure element has a Shore hardness of at least 40 Shore 00, preferably at least 6 Shore A and at most 20 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pad pressure element has a Shore hardness of at least 20 Shore A and at most 80 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad pressure element has a hardness of at least 20 Shore A and at most 60 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad pressure element has a hardness of at least 20 Shore A, more preferably of at least 25 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad pressure element has a hardness of at most 50 Shore A.In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad pressure element has a hardness of at most 49 Shore A, more preferably of at most 45 Shore A. The material of the at least one pad pressure element preferably has a hardness of at least 35 to at most 45 Shore A. The material of the at least one pad pressure element preferably has a hardness of about 40 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the base body has a Shore hardness of at least 20 Shore 00 and at most 60 Shore 00 and / or the material of the pad pressure element has a Shore hardness of at least 40 Shore 00, preferably at least 6 Shore A and at most 20 Shore A.

[0021] According to a preferred development of the invention, the groove has a constant depth or at least two different depths along its longitudinal extent. The depth of the groove changes or influences the height range in which the base body and the pad pressure element are spaced from one another. As the depth of the groove decreases, the base body exerts a greater supporting effect on the base element and the respective pressure projection. As the depth increases, the influence and thus the stiffening of the pad pressure element decreases. Thus, the target function of the pad pressure element can be set or adjusted both by the width and the depth of the groove, viewed in the circumferential direction of the base body.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the groove has a depth corresponding to at least 10% of the height of the base body at the edge of the groove. The groove can be designed similarly to a "record groove." Thus, its width and depth can be varied.

[0023] Preferably, one or at least one of the plurality of pressure projections is knob-shaped, peg-shaped, cylindrical, pyramid-shaped, conical and / or mushroom-shaped. Depending on the intended application, a different shape is suitable. The pressure projections and the inventive design of the pad ensure that the movable pressure projections exert alternating pressure, such as that exerted by a therapist during a massage, so that the pressure effect on the lymphatic and blood vessels lasts for a long time. This is particularly advantageous if the pad is designed as a knee pad, where a corresponding massage effect is exerted on the base of the meniscus and the fat pads. Preferably, the respective pressure projection has a curved, in particular convex or outwardly curved free end face.

[0024] Preferably, one or at least one of the plurality of pressure projections is aligned in its longitudinal extent perpendicular to the outer surface of the base body or inclined to the outer surface of the base body. By aligning the pressure projection at an angle to the outer surface, a deformation direction is already predetermined for the pressure projection during treatment. If the pressure projection is loaded against the inclination, it appears particularly stiff and hard; if it is loaded in the direction of the inclination, it retreats more quickly or with less effort. This allows the pressure distribution to be optimally adjusted to the respective patient when using the pad, depending on the application. If the pressure projection extends perpendicular to the outer surface of the base body, it can be deformed equally or with the same force in all directions transverse to its longitudinal extent.

[0025] According to a preferred development of the invention, the base element has a particularly circular base and one or more arms projecting radially from the base, wherein a pressure projection is arranged on the base and on the end of each arm facing away from the base. The pressure projections preferably each protrude in the same direction from the base element, regardless of the contour of the base element. Preferably, the pressure projections are arranged laterally spaced from the outer edge of the base element, as already mentioned above, so that the distance between the respective pressure projection and the base body or the side wall of the base body that forms the recess is increased. Alternatively, the pressure projections or at least one of the pressure projections is arranged directly on the outer edge of the base element, so that the pressure projection is laterally flush with the contour or outer contour of the base element.Because the pressure projections are arranged at least partially on the radially projecting or protruding arms of the base element, they are advantageously connected to the base in a flexible manner and the base element or the pad pressure element as a whole has advantageous elasticity and deformability, which is particularly advantageous in the case of chaotic pressure distribution. Because the pressure projections are each arranged at the end of one of the arms, they are surrounded at least in sections by the base body, possibly by the groove, in terms of their circumference. Due to the arrangement at the end of the respective arm, the deformation behavior of the pressure projections can be advantageously influenced by the groove during use, because the groove can extend over a wide circumferential section of the pressure element itself.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base element is star-shaped, with the arms preferably being evenly distributed around the circumference of the base. In particular, the base element has five or six arms. Particularly preferably, the base element is symmetrical when viewed from above, although the base element may be mirror-symmetrical or point-symmetrical. Optionally, the five arms are unevenly distributed around the circumference of the base. For example, a pad pressure element has a base element with five arms, each of which is aligned at the same angle to one another, with the angle between at least two of the arms being greater than between the other arms in order to achieve a greater distance between these adjacent arms.According to a further embodiment, the pad pressure element has six arms, of which two diametrically opposite arms are each the same length, and two diametrically opposed arms are longer than the other four arms. In principle, the shape of the base element can have any number of arms and pressure projections. For example, several pressure projections can be formed on one arm. The base can also be formed without a pressure projection. This depends on the respective application and the area of ​​application of the pad as well as the position of the pressure element on the base body and must be selected accordingly by a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the respective pad pressure element is formed in one piece, so that the base element is formed in one piece with the pressure projections.

[0027] Preferably, the pad is a knee pad, an ankle pad, a back pad, an elbow pad, a pad for the arm area or a pad for the abdominal area.

[0028] The orthosis or bandage according to the invention with the features of claim 22 is characterized by the pad according to the invention. This results in the advantages already mentioned above. Preferably, the orthosis is an elastic knitted orthosis or the bandage is an elastic knitted bandage, in particular a knee bandage.

[0029] Further advantages and preferred features and combinations of features emerge from the above description and from the claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 shows an advantageous pad in a perspective view,

[0031] Figure 2 is an enlarged detailed plan view of the pad from Figure 1,

[0032] Figure 3 is a side view of the pad from Figure 1,

[0033] Figure 4 is a simplified longitudinal section of the pad from Figure 1, Figure 5 is an exemplary manufacturing process of the pad in a

[0034] Longitudinal section,

[0035] Figure 6 shows exemplary courses of the groove in an overview representation, and .

[0036] Figures 7A to D show further embodiments of the pad, each in a simplified

[0037] S ectional position .

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an advantageous pad 1 for an orthosis or bandage 2 (not shown in detail here). The pad 1 has a base body 3, which is essentially flat and made of an elastic, in particular viscoelastic material. The base body 3 has a three-dimensional outer contour with a treatment side 4 and a rear side 5 facing away from the treatment side 4. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the outer contour of the base body 3 is characterized by a plurality of tongues or tabs that protrude, in particular radially outward, from a base ring, wherein an oval-shaped opening 6 is also formed in the base ring. However, the exact shape of the base body 3 is not important in this regard. In one of the tabs, the base body 3 has two recesses 7, 8, wherein a pad pressure element 9, 10 is inserted into each of the recesses.Further pad pressure elements can be arranged on the arm or on other tabs of the base body as described and designed below.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an enlarged detailed view of the pad 1 in the area of ​​the pad pressure elements 9, 10. The pad pressure elements 9, 10 each have a base element 11, 12, on which a plurality of pressure projections 13 and 14 are arranged, respectively, which protrude in the same direction from the base element 11, which is flat in design. The pressure projections 13, 14 are preferably formed integrally with the base element 11.

[0040] The respective pad pressure element 11, 12 is also made of an elastic, preferably viscoelastic material. The base elements 11, 12 each have a star-shaped contour, with each of the base elements 11, 12 having a circular base 15, 16 and a plurality of arms 17, 18 projecting radially from the base 15, 16. The arms 17, 18 can each be distributed evenly or unevenly over the circumference of the usual base 15, 16. According to the present embodiment, the pad pressure element 9 has five arms 17 and the pad pressure element 10 has six arms 18. While in the pad pressure element 9 the arms 17 are each at least substantially the same length, the pad pressure element 10 has two arms 18 that are longer than the other arms 18. The longer arms 18 are diametrically opposite one another.

[0041] The pressure projections 13, 14 of the respective pad pressure element 9, 10 are arranged such that one pressure projection 13, 14 is arranged centrally on the base 15, 16 and another pressure projection 13, 14 is arranged at the respective end of the arms 17, 18 facing away from the base 15, 16. The pressure projections 13, 14 of the respective pad pressure element 9, 10 each point in the same direction or protrude in the same direction from the respective base element 11, 12, and are therefore aligned parallel to one another, at least when the base element 11, 12 is located on a flat surface. This alignment is influenced and changed by an elastic deformation of the base body 3 and / or the base elements 11, 12.

[0042] The pad pressure elements 9, 10 are located in the respective recess 7, 8 in such a way that at least the respective base element 11, 12 is arranged countersunk in the recess 7, 8, wherein according to the present embodiment the pressure projections 13, 14 protrude from the outer surface 19 of the base body 3.

[0043] Figure 3 shows the pad 1 in a side view, in which it can be clearly seen that the pressure projections 13, 14 protrude beyond the outer surface 19 of the base body 3 and the base elements 11, 12 lie completely within the recess 7, 8. The depth of the recess 7, 8 is greater than the height of the respective base element 11, 12, so that the pressure projections themselves also lie partially within the recess 7, 8.

[0044] For clarification, Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of the pad 1 in the area of ​​the pad pressure element 10 according to the dashed line AA shown in Figure 2.

[0045] The respective recess 7, 8 thus has a depth which, according to the present exemplary embodiment, is at least as great as the height of the inserted base element 11, 12. The pressure projections 13, 14 are designed to be so large in height that they protrude from the recess and out of the base body 3 of the pad 1. While, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the recess 8 has a straight or flat bottom, according to a further exemplary embodiment (not shown here), the bottom of the recess deviates from a straight plane. This allows the behavior of the pressure projections 13, 14 during use to be further influenced and, for example, a preferred bending direction to be specified.

[0046] The contour or inner contour of the respective depression 7, 8 corresponds at least substantially to the contour or outer contour of the respective pad pressure element 9, 10, in particular that of the respective base element 11, 12. The contour of the respective depression 7, 8 is selected such that a lateral distance x remains at least in sections in the circumferential direction of the respective base element 11, 12. The distance x creates a groove 20 or 21 between the respective pad pressure element 9, 10 and the base body 3, which can be seen, for example, in Figure 2. This groove 20, 21 extends at least in sections along the circumference of the respective pad pressure element. The pressure projections 13, 14 are each formed on the ends of the arms 17, 18 such that they end flush with the ends.Thus, the respective groove 20, 21 in the area of ​​the arms 17, 18 is also positioned such that a distance is ensured between the pressure projections 13, 14 and the base body 3. The distance x is preferably 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0047] According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the respective groove 20, 21 extends over the entire circumference of the respective pad pressure element 9, 10. Alternatively, the respective groove 20, 21 extends at least partially over the respective circumference, wherein a plurality of such grooves 20, 21 can also be assigned to the respective pad pressure element 9, 10. The distance x can also change along a groove 20, 21. In its longitudinal extent, the respective groove 20, 21 preferably has a constant depth t. Alternatively, the groove 20, 21 has a changing depth t in its longitudinal extent, as shown by way of example in Figure 4, where the groove 20 has a greater depth t to the left of the pad pressure element 10 in the sectional plane than to the right of it.

[0048] The respective groove 20, 21 preferably has a depth t that corresponds to at least 10% of the height h of the base body 3 at the edge of the groove 20, 21, as shown in Figure 4. This ensures advantageous deformation behavior of the pad pressure element 9, 10.

[0049] The respective groove 20, 21 advantageously influences the deflection behavior and also the deflection direction of the respective pressure projection 13, 14. The pressure projections 13, 14, which here are designed in the form of knobs with rounded ends, are preferably made of a harder material than the base body 3. However, they can also be made of a softer material. In pads whose pressure projections 13, 14 are harder than the base body 3, the massage effect that can be achieved by the pad 1 or the orthosis or bandage 2 having a pad 1 is greater.

[0050] The depth t and width x of the respective groove 20, 21 surrounding the respective pressure projection or the base element 11, 12 determine the mobility of the respective associated pressure projection 13, 14. Because the material of the base body 3 immediately adjacent to the respective pressure projection 13, 14 is thinner or further away, the individual pressure projection 13, 14 can deflect better due to the distance x resulting from the groove 20, 21 and can also generally move better within the extended edge region. This applies regardless of whether the respective pressure projection 13, 14 is completely countersunk into the recess 7, 8 and, for example, is flush with the outer surface 19 of the base body 3, or whether the respective pressure projection 13, 14 protrudes from the outer surface 19, as shown in the present exemplary embodiments.

[0051] By specifying the width and depth of the groove 20, 21 as well as the dimensions of the enclosed portion of the groove, i.e., the longitudinal extent of the groove, the deflection behavior and deflection direction of the associated compression projection 13, 14 can be adjusted as required. It is also conceivable for several compression projections 13, 14 to share a groove, i.e., for a groove to extend between these compression projections 13, 14. This applies regardless of whether the groove extends in a straight line or with a curve, in the form of an ellipse or a circle, as long as the compression projections 13, 14 are located in the recess 7, 8.

[0052] While according to the present embodiment the pressure projections 13, 14 are knob-shaped, according to a further embodiment the pressure projections are pyramid-shaped, spherical, rod-shaped or peg-shaped, with a round, oval or star-shaped cross-section.

[0053] Optionally, the pressure projections 13, 14 are each of the same height so that they end in a common plane. Alternatively, the pressure projections 13, 14 are of different heights, resulting in a profile of the respective pad pressure element 9, 10, for example, in a side view, which is stepped or wave-shaped. The higher the respective pressure projection 13, 14 is, the more mobile it becomes. According to the present embodiment, this effect is exploited particularly advantageously, since the pressure projections 13, 14 protrude from the base body 3 or its outer surface 19. Thus, during use, increased stimulation occurs, which at the same time does not exhibit a homogeneous deflection behavior, but rather has a chaotic effect.The respective grooves 20, 21 help to make the respective pad pressure elements 9, 10 smaller overall than would be the case with flush mounting on a flat support surface without a groove. The pad pressure elements 9, 10 are thus mounted in a floating manner in the area of ​​the respective grooves 20, 21.

[0054] For certain applications, it may be advantageous if the pressure projections or the pad pressure elements 9, 10 do not protrude or protrude only slightly from the base body 3, but are highly movable in their respective positions, particularly with respect to their pressure projections 13, 14. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the pressure projections 13, 14 thus end flush with the outer surface 19, as shown in Figure 4 by way of example by a dashed line of the outer surface.

[0055] Figure 5 shows an example of an advantageous tool for producing the pad 1. The tool 30 has a tool mold 31 which makes it possible to produce both the base body 3 and the pad pressure elements 9, 10 in two steps using a casting pressure process. The pad pressure element 10 is shown in simplified form in Figure 5. The tool mold 31 has an annular projection 32 which defines the contour of the recess 7, 8 in the base body 3, and a base 33 whose shape forms the pressure projections 13, 14. The base 33, together with the projection 32, is cup-shaped, so that the material for the pad pressure element 9 or 10 is first introduced into this cup shape and then the material for the base body 3 is applied.

[0056] In order to ensure that the pad pressure elements 9, 10 have a higher or lower strength than the base body 3, in addition to the shape of the pressure projections 13, 14 and the base element 11, 12, it is also provided that a different material is used for these than for the base body 3.

[0057] According to a further embodiment in Figure 3, the pad pressure elements 9, 10 are made of the same material as the base body 3, so that the pad 1 can be manufactured in a single production step using the tool 3. The annular projection 32 automatically forms the groove during production, so that the above-mentioned advantages are achieved cost-effectively and with little time expenditure in the production of the pad 1.

[0058] Figure 6 shows, in a simplified overview, different courses or geometries of the groove 20, which the groove 20 can have, for example, in its longitudinal extent or in its course. The same naturally also applies to the groove 21. Preferably, the groove 20 runs in a ring-shaped interrupted or continuous manner. The course of the groove 20 is shown in Figure 6 in each case by a line, continuous or interrupted. In the case of an interrupted course, as shown in most of the exemplary embodiments in Figure 6, in which an overall groove is formed by several grooves 20 or a groove 20 is formed by several partial grooves that follow one another in the longitudinal extent, it is provided in particular that the respective interruption in the longitudinal extent of the groove 20 is in each case shorter than the partial groove of the respective groove 20, wherein each partial groove is represented by a drawn line segment.According to the illustrated embodiments, the groove 20 can have a triangular, circular, elliptical, oval, omega-shaped, square, kidney-shaped, hexagonal, bracket-shaped, O-shaped, V-shaped, symmetrical, or asymmetrical profile, wherein the number of interruptions can be selected differently depending on the application. The groove 20 can also have a star-shaped profile, wherein the star tips preferably have rounded corners, with each star seat being shaped, in particular, finger-shaped. The star tips are then preferably distributed evenly over the circumference or distributed asymmetrically.

[0059] Figures 7A to 7D show further embodiments of the advantageous pad 1, each in a simplified sectional view in the area of ​​the pad pressure element 10.

[0060] According to the embodiment of Figure 7A, the pad pressure element 10 comprises only the base element 12, i.e., it is designed without or without a pressure projection. The pad pressure element 10 thus has, for example, an at least substantially rectangular or square contour in cross-section. The height of the base element 12 is selected such that the pad pressure element 10 is flush with the outer surface 19 of the base body 3.

[0061] According to the embodiment of Figure 7B, it is provided that the height of the pressure projection-free pad pressure element 10 or of the base element 12 is selected such that it is smaller than the depth of the recess 8, whereby the pad pressure element 10 lies completely in the recess 8 and ends set back from the outer surface 19.

[0062] According to the embodiment of Figure 7C, it is provided that the pad pressure element 10 or the base element 12 without pressure projection already has a height that is greater than the depth of the recess 8, so that the pad pressure element 10 itself forms a projection that projects from the outer surface 19 of the base body 3.

[0063] According to the embodiment of Figure 7D, the pad pressure element 10 has a single pressure projection 14, which is formed by the free end face, which in this case is convexly shaped or curved, i.e., the end face of the pad pressure element 10 facing away from the base body 3. The curvature extends over the entire end face of the base element 12, resulting in a pressure projection 14 whose outer contour corresponds almost or exactly to the outer contour of the base element 12.

[0064] The pressure projection(s) (14) of the pad pressure element (10) thus preferably has, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, a cross-sectional area which is significantly smaller than that of the associated base element (12), or which preferably corresponds or almost corresponds to the base area of ​​the base element (12), as shown for example in the embodiment of Figure 7D.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Pad (1) for orthopaedic aids, with an elastically deformable base body (3) and with at least one pad pressure element (9, 10), characterized in that the base body (3) has a recess (7, 8) in an outer surface (19) for the at least one pad pressure element (9, 10), the contour of which recess corresponds at least substantially to the contour of the pad pressure element (9, 10) in such a way that a groove (20, 21) is formed between the base body (3) and the pad pressure element (9, 10), at least in sections, as seen in the circumferential direction of the pad pressure element (9, 10).

2. Pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) extends over the entire circumference of the pad pressure element (9, 10).

3. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) extends over only a portion of the circumference of the pad pressure element (9, 10).

4. Pelotte according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) extends continuously or interrupted polygonally, circularly, ovally, mirror-symmetrically, asymmetrically, star-shaped, finger-shaped 5. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) has a width of at least 0.3 between the pad pressure element (9, 10) and the base body (3).

6. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad pressure element (9, 10) has a particularly flat base element (11, 12) and one or more pressure projections (13, 14) protruding from the base element (11, 12).

7. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressure projection (13, 14) has a cross section which is many times smaller than a base area of ​​the base element (11, 12) or corresponds or almost corresponds to the base area of ​​the base element (11, 12). Pad according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pad pressure element (9, 10) has a flat base element (11, 12) without a pressure projection. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (7, 8) is formed so deep that the pad pressure element (9, 10) lies completely in the recess (7, 8), wherein in particular at least one pressure projection (13, 14) is flush with the outer surface (19) of the base body (3). Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressure projection (13, 14) protrudes beyond the outer surface (19) of the base body (3).Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pad pressure element (9, 10) and the base body (3) are made of the same material. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pad pressure element (9, 10) and the base body (3) are made of different materials. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pad pressure element (9, 10) is made of a harder or a softer material than the base body (3). Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) has a constant depth (t) or at least two different depths (t) in its longitudinal extent.

15. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (20, 21) has a depth (t) which corresponds to at least 10% of the height (h) of the base body (3).

16. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressure projection (13, 14) is knob-shaped, peg-shaped, cylindrical, pyramid-shaped, conical and / or mushroom-shaped.

17. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressure projection (13, 14) is aligned in its longitudinal extent perpendicular to the outer surface (19) of the base body (3) or inclined to the outer surface (19) of the base body (3).

18. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (3) has a particularly circular base (15, 16) and one or more arms (17, 18) projecting radially from the base (15, 16), wherein at least one pressure projection (13, 14) is arranged on the base (15, 16) and on the end of each arm (17, 18) facing away from the base (15, 16).

19. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (11, 12) is star-shaped.

0. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the arms (17, 18) are of the same length or different lengths.

1. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad (1) is a knee pad, an ankle pad, a back pad, an elbow pad, a pad for the arm area, or a pad for the abdominal area.

2. Orthosis or bandage (2) comprising a pad (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19.

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