Pad having multiple interconnected, movable raised portions

Abstract

The invention relates to pads, in particular for orthopedic aids, comprising at least two nub elements and at least one counter-bearing element. The invention also relates to the use of the pads according to the invention in orthopedic aids or sports aid devices, particularly orthoses or bandages, and to orthopedic aids or sports aid devices, particularly orthoses or bandages, comprising the pads according to the invention.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Pelotte with several connected movable elevations

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The invention relates to pads, in particular for orthopedic aids, comprising at least two stud elements and at least one abutment element. The invention also relates to the use of the pads according to the invention in orthopedic aids or sports aids, in particular orthoses or supports, as well as orthopedic aids or sports aids, in particular orthoses or supports, which have pads according to the invention.

[0005] Pads are known in various designs and for various prophylactic and therapeutic applications. Various pads are known, for example, from DE 27 22 563 C2, EP 0 598 291 A1, and EP 0 600218 A2.

[0006] Pads made of two materials or components are also known from DE 297 01 001 U1. EP 0 496 071 A1 describes a pressure pad made of a softer material in which at least one friction core made of a hard or incompressible material is arranged. This friction core is intended to provide friction massage, i.e., a massage through the frictional movement of pain points, which is generated by the movement of the core relative to the soft tissue of the pad wearer.

[0007] DE 10 2019 212 740 B3 describes elevations that protrude from the pad in the direction of the wearer, with at least two viscoelastically movable, peg-shaped elevations being connected to each other.

[0008] State-of-the-art pads can exert pressure across the adjacent tissue or distribute and / or shield the resulting pressure over the entire surface. However, these pads do not, or only inadequately, allow for the application of specific pressure, for example, stronger or weaker pressure on specific points. Furthermore, with state-of-the-art pads, the pressure is applied perpendicularly to the skin. Lateral pressure, which in particular leads to movement of the pressure elements and thus produces a massage effect beyond simple pressure, is not possible.

[0009] The pressure exerted by the pressure vessels of the current state of the art is also often insufficient.

[0010] The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore the provision of improved pads, in particular pads that can exert specific, precise pressure in addition to flat pressure. In particular, the technical problem underlying the present invention is the provision of a pad that leads to an improved massage effect, in particular to a massage effect through varying movement of the pressure body. In particular, the technical problem underlying the present invention is the provision of a pad that, when pressure is exerted on the base element of the pad in varying degrees, allows its knob-like elevations to tilt in a defined manner, thereby achieving the primarily desired massage direction.The current state of the art has not yet been able to offer a sufficient solution to the problem that knob-like elevations on pads, like the fingers of a masseur / physiotherapist in manual therapy, carry out recurring movements in a defined direction.

[0011] The technical problem underlying the invention is solved by providing a pad according to claim 1.

[0012] The technical problem underlying the invention is solved by providing a pad for orthopedic aids or a sports aid, comprising a pad base element made of a first material, wherein the pad base element has an active surface and an abutment surface, wherein at least one knob element is assigned to the pad base element, wherein the knob element has at least two knob regions which protrude from the active surface of the pad base element, wherein the knob element has at least one abutment region which protrudes from the abutment surface of the pad base element, wherein the at least one abutment region is connected to the at least two knob regions.

[0013] In the present invention, the knob element not only protrudes from the active surface of the pad base element, as is the case with conventional pads, but also from the abutment surface. In cross-section, this results in three levels of the pad: in the middle, the pad base plane, in which the pad base element lies; from this pad base plane in the direction of the person wearing the pad, the active plane, in which the knob areas of the knob element lie; and in the other direction of the pad base plane, in particular, if preferably present, in the direction of the pad wearer, the abutment plane, in which the abutment area of ​​the knob element lies. Between the active plane and the abutment plane is the pad base plane, which can be understood as the "thickness" of the pad base body.

[0014] Thus, the at least one knob element can advantageously be controlled by means of the abutment area in a second plane facing away from the user's body, i.e., the abutment plane. This "external" control advantageously increases the pressure exerted by the knob elements. The knob elements are controlled by external pressure, for example, by the pad support, for example, in the form of a knitted fabric or a bandage base, on these abutment areas of the knob elements in the abutment plane, and also generates a different massaging movement for the mobile user through the knob areas on the active surface facing the body, i.e., in the active plane.

[0015] If several knob areas are connected to each other in the abutment plane, they advantageously perform a spreading movement when force is applied from the abutment plane. If, however, the force is applied in the opposite direction, from the effective plane to the abutment plane, the knob areas perform a grasping movement, essentially falling toward an imaginary common center. This allows for various massage effects. These effects cannot be achieved by a knob attached to a spoke without an abutment element, as described in DE 102019212 740 B3.

[0016] For the inventive function, the counterpressure does not necessarily have to be generated by the pad support. It is also possible for this counterpressure to be generated, for example, by a chair back, a hand placed on the pad, etc., without the pad support covering the relevant area of ​​the pad. The inventive knob-spring technology via the abutment area can also be effective if the pad is attached directly to the body part, for example by gluing, as long as an additional force can be applied in the abutment plane. Thus, although a pad support can be advantageous, it is only optional and not mandatory. The combination of pressure applications on both sides of the pad advantageously creates a complex movement pattern of the knob elements, which is specifically different with each movement of the patient.

[0017] It was advantageously found that this lateral movement of the knob elements also occurs chaotically depending on the direction of the applied force vector.

[0018] Compared to prior art elevations, the inventively connected knob elements, and therefore particularly preferably also the knob elements, spring significantly more intensively, but also more controlledly than without controlled movement. A specifically controlled tilting or compression movement never completely resembles the subsequent movement, as slightly different movement patterns repeatedly arise depending on the pressure or tension on the abutment. This effect is advantageous because the mechanoreceptors located directly beneath the skin's surface have more difficulty adjusting to the constantly changing spring movement of the knob elements. This leads to a prolonged effect of the massage. One could also speak of a targeted, chaotic movement, which significantly reduces unwanted movement of the knob elements.

[0019] Since manual therapy involves a "chaotic" massage, as no two massage therapists use the same grip. Therefore, the massage effect created by the inventive pad is more similar to that of a manual massage than the massage effect of conventional pads. The combination of knob elements with abutments advantageously results in movable elevations that enable an intermittent massage principle. While immobile elevations on a pad only exert a pressure effect on the skin sensors, which, however, become accustomed to the pressure after a relatively short time and no longer send out effective signals, the inventive movable knob elements result in alternating pressure, similar to that exerted by a therapist during a massage, so that the pressure effect on the lymph and blood vessels is maintained.This can be particularly advantageous, for example, in a knee pad, where a corresponding massage effect is applied to the base of the meniscus and the Hoffa fat pads. The nub elements advantageously move in a targeted, chaotic manner in different directions depending on the force application vectors.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, a pad is understood to mean in particular a pressure pad, the shape of which is formed in particular by the pad base element. The pad base element can have any suitable shape. Conventional pads typically have flat base surfaces as the pad base element. Projections, in the present case in particular the knob elements, can then protrude from such a base surface. A pad according to the invention has in particular a first base surface or base surface which faces the user when the pad is in use. This is the active surface. A pad is preferably designed to be essentially flat. Such a pad then has a second base surface or base surface which faces away from the user when the pad is in use. This is the abutment surface.

[0021] The typical use of a pad is known to those skilled in the art. Pads, including the pads according to the invention, are used in particular to exert pressure and, in some cases, a massage effect on specific parts of the body, for example, in the back or kneecap area. The pads are positioned and pressed onto the corresponding body area via additional devices, in particular sports aids, bandages, or orthoses.

[0022] The pad base element is preferably plate-shaped, i.e., a single plate. The plate can be flat or curved or arched. The plate can have one or more recesses.

[0023] Stud areas and abutment areas can be positioned side by side or one above the other on the stud element. For example, stud areas and abutment areas can be two different bodies that protrude in different directions, or they can be formed from a single body that protrudes from both the active surface and the abutment surface.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the stud element comprises a web element. The web element can be located between the abutment area and the pad base body, or the abutment area can form the web element.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one abutment area is a web element.

[0026] The web element advantageously leads to the generation of a defined, controlled compression movement, which can be reinforced by an optional protrusion, which causes a lateral relative movement on the pins, for example those sitting on the optional protrusion, and not a "floating spring" which is possible in all directions.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the at least two knob regions are movable.

[0028] The nubbed areas are preferably pressure-reinforcing elements. A pressure-reinforcing element serves to exert a stronger pressure at a specific point than the surface pressure exerted by the base pad element.

[0029] Preferably, the at least two nub regions are cone-shaped elevations. Suitable shapes are known to those skilled in the art.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the pad has at least two knob elements. In a preferred embodiment, the pad has at least two to a maximum of twenty knob elements. In a preferred embodiment, the pad has a plurality of knob elements.

[0031] The multitude of knob elements can be positioned on the base element of the pad in such a way that when the pad is used, they exert precise pressure on specific points, for example on trigger points, on acupuncture points, on muscles, tendons, muscle or tendon insertions or on infrapatellar fat bodies.

[0032] In addition to the at least one knob element, the pad can also have additional friction elements or other pad pressure elements, for example made of the pad base element material.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one nub element is made of a softer material than the pad base element. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one nub element is made of a softer material than the pad base element.

[0034] In one embodiment, the pad base element and the at least one nub element are made of one piece and / or the same material. In one embodiment, the pad base element and the at least one nub element are made of one piece. In one embodiment, the pad base element and the at least one nub element are made of the same material. In a preferred embodiment, the pad base element has at least one hole, with the at least one nub element positioned in the hole.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the nub areas can be connected to the pad base element, i.e., the nub areas are located between the pad base element and the abutment area. In such an embodiment, several nub elements are preferably connected to one another via one abutment area or via several abutment areas.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the at least two knob regions are positioned at the edge of the hole and the abutment region is positioned in the hole.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, three, four or five stud areas are positioned at the edge of the hole and the abutment area is positioned in the hole.

[0038] The effect of the knob elements in combination with the abutment element can be advantageously further enhanced if the fit of the knob elements at the edge of the recess or hole is increased, for example if there is a protrusion or a bulge at the edge of the hole or recess on which the knob elements sit, since the fall or spreading path is then extended, which enhances the massage effect.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the knob element has a protrusion, in particular a protrusion at the edge of the hole. In a preferred embodiment, the at least two knob regions are positioned on the protrusion.

[0040] Preferably, the at least one knob element has two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or eleven knob areas.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one knob element has two, three or four knob areas.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one knob element has at least three knob regions.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one nub element has three, four, or five nub regions. Preferably, the at least one nub element has three or four nub regions. Preferably, the at least one nub element has three nub regions. Preferably, the at least one nub element has four nub regions.

[0044] When not pressed down, the nub area preferably protrudes from the pad's base body, i.e., the pad's base plane, at an angle of approximately 90°, in particular 90° toward the user. However, the nub area can also protrude from the pad's base body, i.e., the pad's base plane, at a different angle toward the user when not pressed down.

[0045] To increase flexibility, the at least one stud element can contain thinners or thicker sections, for example, in the stud area, in the abutment area between the stud area and the abutment area, or between the abutment area and the stud element end connected to the base pad element. Film hinges, wedge shapes, and similar features are also possible.

[0046] The pad has at least one knob element, preferably two, three, four, five, ten or more knob elements.

[0047] In particular, it is intended that several, in particular two, three, four, or five, stud areas are connected to each other via abutment areas, i.e., in the abutment plane, in particular via webs. This allows for the formation of "stud nests" of two, three, four, or other types of studs from several connected stud areas.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the pad base element is at least partially embedded in a casing. In a preferred embodiment, the pad base element is completely embedded in a casing.

[0049] Thus, the shape of the sheath can determine the shape of the pad.

[0050] Preferably, the base element of the pad is completely enclosed by the casing, for example cast into the casing.

[0051] The preferred complete covering of the at least one pad base element with a covering material, in particular a softer covering material, for example silicone, not only results in the described application-related advantage, but also advantageously in a simpler manufacturing possibility of the pad according to the invention, since the second base surface of the pad base body, which faces away from the user, i.e. the abutment surface, can thus be easily manufactured flat despite the abutment area of ​​the knob element, but it can also have protrusions and / or invaginations.

[0052] The protrusion at the edge of the hole near a knob element can be made of a third material that can be softer or harder than that from which the pad base element is made.

[0053] Suitable materials for a sheath and the protrusion are known to the person skilled in the art and can in particular be materials used for conventional, single-component flexible pads.

[0054] Preferably, the sheath or the protrusion comprises a viscoelastic material at least in the region of the at least two nubs. Preferably, the sheath is viscoelastic at least in a partial region. Preferably, the sheath is viscoelastic. Preferably, the sheath consists of a viscoelastic material.

[0055] The material of the casing or protrusion is preferably plastic, silicone, or rubber. The material can also be thermoplastic elastomers. Polyurethanes, for example, are also suitable.

[0056] Preferably, the material of the sheath or the protrusion is flexible and / or stretchable so that the sheath can adapt to the body shape of the user when the pad is put on.

[0057] Preferably, the sheathing or protrusion material is not a textile material. However, in an alternative embodiment, the sheathing or protrusion can also be additionally surrounded by a textile sheath or coated in another way.

[0058] The sheathing material and / or the protrusion can of course also consist of mixtures of materials, in particular of at least two of the materials mentioned.

[0059] The material of the pad base element is preferably a flexible material, in particular a flexible plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pad base element is plastic, silicone, or rubber. The material of the pad base element can, of course, also consist of mixtures of materials, in particular of at least two of the mentioned materials. The pad base element and the at least one knob element are preferably made of the same material or of the same material, i.e., are one-piece. The material of the knob element is preferably a flexible material, in particular a flexible plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the knob element is plastic, silicone, or rubber. The material of the knob element can, of course, also consist of mixtures of materials, in particular of at least two of the mentioned materials.

[0060] Thus, the knob element-pelotte base element construction according to the invention can be manufactured in an advantageous manner, for example, by means of injection molding technology.

[0061] The stud elements, especially their stud areas, can also be made from several components.

[0062] According to the invention, the second material of the sheath is softer than the first material of the pad base element.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the sheath has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore 00 and at most 50 Shore 00.

[0064] The material of the sheath preferably has a hardness of at most 45 Shore 00, preferably at most 40 Shore 00, particularly preferably at most 30 Shore 00. The material of the sheath preferably has a hardness of at most 25 Shore 00, preferably at most 20 Shore 00, particularly preferably at most 19 Shore 00. The material of the sheath preferably has a hardness of at least 10 Shore 00, in particular at least 14 Shore 00, particularly preferably at least 15 Shore 00.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pelotte base element has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore D, preferably at least 14 Shore D and at most 80 Shore D. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pelotte base element has a Shore hardness of at least 20 Shore D and at most 80 Shore D. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one

[0066] The pad base element has a hardness of at least 20 Shore D and at most 60 Shore D.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one

[0068] Pelotte base element has a hardness of at least 20 Shore D, more preferably at least 25 Shore D.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad base element has a hardness of at most 50 Shore D. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad base element has a hardness of at most 49 Shore D, more preferably of at most 45 Shore D.

[0070] Preferably, the material of the at least one pad base element has a hardness of at least 35 to a maximum of 45 Shore D. Preferably, the material of the at least one pad base element has a hardness of approximately 40 Shore D.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the knob element has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore A, preferably at least 14 Shore A and at most 80 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the knob element has a Shore hardness of at least 20 Shore A and at most 60 Shore A.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one knob element has a hardness of at least 25 Shore A and at most 50 Shore A.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one knob element has a hardness of at least 30 Shore A, more preferably of at least 35 Shore A.

[0074] Preferably, the material of the at least one knob element, the protrusion, and the pad base element have the same hardness. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pad base element has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore A, preferably at least 14 Shore A and at most 80 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pad base 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 base element and that of the at least one protrusion have a hardness of at least 20 Shore A and at most 60 Shore A.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad base element and that of the at least one protuberance have a hardness of at least 20 Shore A, more preferably of at least 25 Shore A.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad base element and that of the at least one protrusion have a hardness of at most 50 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pad base element and that of the at least one protrusion have a hardness of at most 49 Shore A, more preferably of at most 45 Shore A.

[0077] Preferably, the material of the at least one pad base element and that of the at least one protrusion have a hardness of at least 35 to a maximum of 45 Shore A. Preferably, the material of the at least one pad base element has a hardness of approximately 40 Shore A.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the casing has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore OO and at most 50 Shore OO and / or the material of the pad base element has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore D, preferably at least 14 Shore D and at most 80 Shore D.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the pad base element has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore D and at most 80 Shore D, with the sheath preferably having a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore 00 and at most 50 Shore 00. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the sheath has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore 00 and at most 50 Shore 00.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the pad has a casing, wherein the knob element is not firmly connected to the pad base element, and is preferably embedded in the casing. The knob element is therefore mounted and positioned in the casing, in particular mounted in a floating manner, such that the knob region protrudes from the active surface of the pad base element, and the abutment region protrudes from the abutment surface of the pad base element, without the knob element being firmly connected to the pad base element via a web or in any other way. The knob element is therefore positioned relative to the pad base element only by the casing. The pad base element preferably has at least one hole, wherein the at least one knob element is positioned in the hole and thus protrudes through it.Surprisingly, it has been discovered that a floating nub element also experiences an increase in effectiveness in the effective plane through counterpressure. The pad, in particular the pad base element, can have any shape, in particular any pad shape known to those skilled in the art.

[0081] For example, the pad can be ring-shaped, especially when used as a patellar pad. Alternatively, the shape can be a flat, continuous surface. Wing-shaped appendages can be provided on one or more sides of the pad.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, 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. In a preferred embodiment, the pad is a knee pad or a back pad. In a preferred embodiment, the pad is a knee pad. In a preferred embodiment, the pad is a back pad.

[0083] A pad is preferred, wherein the at least one knob element of the pad is positioned in the pad base element in such a way that, when the pad is in place, it is located in the area of ​​a trigger point and can exert pressure on the trigger point.

[0084] A pad according to the invention is preferred for use in trigger point therapy, wherein preferably the at least one knob element of the pad is positioned in the pad base element such that it presses on a trigger point when the pad is worn.

[0085] The goal of trigger point therapy is to eliminate so-called myofascial trigger points, which are localized hardenings in the skeletal muscles.

[0086] A pad, in particular a knee pad, as shown in the figures is preferred.

[0087] The pad according to the invention is preferably not a shoe insole or foot insole. The pad is preferably for an orthopedic aid or a sports aid. The pad is preferably a component of an orthopedic aid or a sports aid. The orthopedic aid or sports aid can be an orthosis or a bandage.

[0088] The present invention also relates to a sports aid or an orthopedic aid, in particular an orthosis or a bandage, comprising a pad according to the invention. The present invention also relates to a sports aid comprising at least one pad according to the invention. The present invention also relates to an orthopedic aid comprising at least one pad according to the invention. The present invention also relates to an orthosis or a bandage comprising a pad according to the invention.

[0089] Preferred is a sports aid, an orthosis or a bandage comprising at least one pad according to the invention and a pad support, in particular a knitted or warp-knitted fabric, wherein the pad support rests on the abutment surface of the pad base element of the pad.

[0090] The pad support is preferably a knitted or warp-knitted fabric.

[0091] The pad can be attached to the pad support in a pocket, for example. Alternatively, it can also be attached directly to the pad support, for example, using Velcro fasteners or buttons.

[0092] The pad can preferably be attached to the pad support in a reversible manner and in a variable position.

[0093] Preferably, the orthosis is an elastic knitted orthosis or the bandage is an elastic knitted bandage, in particular a knee bandage.

[0094] The present invention also relates to the use of a pad according to the invention as a pressure pad, preferably in trigger point therapy.

[0095] The present invention also relates to a method for trigger point therapy, in which a pad according to the invention is applied to a user in a first step such that the at least one knob element presses on a trigger point, and in a second step, the pad according to the invention is worn in this position by the user for a specific period of time. Further preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and the secondary claims.

[0096] The invention is described in more detail with reference to the following figures, without the embodiments of the invention shown there being understood as limiting.

[0097] Figure 1 shows schematically a section of a pad base element with a knob element in cross section;

[0098] Figure 2 shows a back pad according to the invention;

[0099] Figure 3 shows the back pad according to the invention from Figure 2 in two further views;

[0100] Figure 4 shows a section of a pad base element with knob element in the

[0101] cross-section;

[0102] Figure 5 shows a knee pad according to the invention;

[0103] Figure 6 shows the basic pad element of the knee pad from Figure 5;

[0104] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a section of a pad base element (10) with a knob element (20). The pad base element (10) extends in a planar manner and, in the abstracted structure of the pad in three planes, lies in the middle plane, i.e. the pad base plane (A). The knob element (20) is connected to the pad base element (10) via the abutment region (21). The abutment region (21) lies below the pad base plane (A) and thus in the abutment plane (B). One of the at least two knob regions (22) with which the knob element (20) ends adjoins the abutment region (21). The knob region (22) lies above the pad base plane (A) and thus in the active plane (C).The pad base plane (A) is located in the middle, from this pad base plane (A) in the direction of the person wearing the pad lies the active plane (C), and in the other direction of the pad base plane (A), in particular, if preferably present, in the direction of the pad support, the abutment plane (B). Between the active plane (C) and the abutment plane (B) is the pad base plane (A), which can be understood as the "thickness" of the pad base body (10). Figure 2 shows a back pad (200) according to the invention. Figure 2A shows the active surface (201) of the pad base element (10) facing the wearer. Figure 2B shows the abutment surface (202) of the pad base element (10) facing away from the wearer and facing an optionally present pad support. The back pad has the flat pad base element (10) with several knob elements (20, 30) distributed over the pad base element (10).Ten nub elements are nub elements (20) with only one nub area, while six further nub elements (30) are nub elements (30) according to the invention, each with three interconnected nub areas (32). The exact structure of the nub elements (20, 30) is shown in Figure 4.

[0105] All knob elements (20, 30) have in common that they protrude with their knob areas (22, 32) from the active surface (201) of the pelotte base element (10) and with their abutment area (21, 31) from the abutment surface (202) of the pelotte base element (10).

[0106] Figure 3 shows the inventive back pad (200) from Figure 2 in two different perspectives. Figure 3A shows an oblique view of the active surface (201) of the pad base element (10) facing the wearer. Figure 3B shows the side view. It is clearly visible again how the knob elements (20, 30) protrude with their knob regions (22, 32) from the active surface (201) of the pad base element (10) and how their abutment regions (21, 31) protrude from the abutment surface (202) of the pad base element (10).

[0107] Figure 4 shows a section of the pad base element (10) of the pad from Figures 2 and 3 in cross-section. It shows a knob element (30) with three interconnected knob areas (32) positioned on a protuberance (33). The knob element (30) is connected to the pad base element (10) via the knob areas (32). The knob area (32) lies above the active surface (201). The abutment area (31) adjoins the knob area (32). The abutment area (31) lies below the abutment surface (202). The three knob areas (32) are interconnected via the abutment area (31) and thus form a "nest of knobs". The knob element (30) can be made of a softer material than the pad base element (10).

[0108] Figure 5 shows a knee pad (300) according to the invention. This comprises a pad base element (10) with two knob elements (30) with three knob areas and two knob elements (40) with five knob areas, a softer casing (50) in the typical shape of a knee pad, into which the pad base element (10) is cast, and an additional, optional pressure element (60) also cast into this casing. Figure 5A shows a top view of the side of the pad (300) and the pad base element (10) facing away from the body, i.e., the abutment surface (202). Figure 5B shows a top view of the side of the pad (300) and the pad base element (10) facing towards the body, i.e., the active surface (201). The exact structure of the pad base element (10) and the knob elements (30, 40) can be seen in Figure 6.

[0109] Figure 6 shows the pad base element (10) of the knee pad from Figure 5. Figure 6A shows the top view of the side of the pad base element (10) facing away from the body, i.e., the abutment surface (202). Figure 6B shows the top view of the side of the pad base element (10) facing the body, i.e., the active surface (201). The pad base element (10) has two knob elements (30), each with three knob areas (32), as well as two knob elements

[0110] (40) each with five nub areas (42). The nub elements (30, 40) are each positioned in a hole of the pad base element (10). The nub area (32, 42) is located above the active surface (201). The abutment area (31, 41) adjoins the nub area (32, 42). The abutment area (31, 41) is located below the abutment surface (202). The respective nub areas (32, 42) are connected to one another via the respective abutment area (31, 41) and thus form a "nub nest."

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A pad for orthopedic aids or sports aids, comprising a pad base element made of a first material, wherein the pad base element has an active surface and an abutment surface, wherein at least one knob element is assigned to the pad base element, wherein the knob element has at least two knob regions which protrude from the active surface of the pad base element, characterized in that the knob element has at least one abutment region which protrudes from the abutment surface of the pad base element, wherein the at least one abutment region is connected to the at least two knob regions.

2. Pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one abutment area is a web element.

3. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two knob areas are peg-shaped elevations.

4. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad base element has at least one hole, wherein the at least one knob element is positioned in the hole.

5. Pad according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least two knob regions are positioned at the edge of the hole and the abutment region is positioned in the hole.

6. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one knob element has three or four knob areas.

7. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one knob element consists of a softer material than the pad base element.

8. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one knob element has a protuberance at the edge of the hole located in its region.

9. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad base element is at least partially embedded in a casing.

10. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the pad base element has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore-D and at most 80 Shore-D, wherein the sheath preferably has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore-00 and at most 50 Shore-00.

11. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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.

12. A sports aid, orthosis or bandage comprising a pad according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Sports aid, orthosis or bandage according to claim 12, comprising a pad support, in particular a knitted or warp-knitted fabric, wherein the pad support rests against the abutment surface of the pad base element of the pad.

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