Pad having movable raised portions

Abstract

The invention relates to pads, in particular for orthopedic aids, comprising at least one nub 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] Pad with movable elevations

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to pads, in particular for orthopedic aids, comprising at least one nub 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 bandages, as well as to orthopedic aids or sports aids, in particular orthoses or bandages, which comprise pads according to the invention.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] DE 10 2019 212 740 B3 describes pad pressure elements that protrude from the pad in the direction of the wearer.

[0007] The pads from the state of the art can exert pressure on the adjacent tissue over a large area or distribute and / or shield the pressure that occurs over the area, but with these pads the exertion of a specific pressure, for example a stronger or weaker pressure on specific points, is not possible or only insufficiently possible.

[0008] Furthermore, with state-of-the-art pads, pressure is applied perpendicularly to the skin. Lateral pressure, which would in particular cause the pressure elements to move and thus produce a massage effect beyond simple pressure, is not possible.

[0009] Furthermore, the pressure exerted by the pressure bodies of the prior art is often insufficiently strong. The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore to provide 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 to provide a pad that leads to an improved massage effect, in particular to a massage effect through movement of the pressure body. In particular, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a pad that exerts comparatively strong pressure, in particular in combination with the massage effect.

[0010] The technical problem underlying the invention is solved by providing a pad according to claim 1.

[0011] 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 one knob region which protrudes from the active surface of the pad base element, characterized in that the knob element has an abutment region which protrudes from the abutment surface of the pad base element.

[0012] 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 area of ​​the knob element lies; 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.

[0013] 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 control "from the outside" advantageously increases the pressure through the knob elements. The knob elements are controlled by the 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, for the mobile user, also generates a different massaging movement through the knob areas on the active surface facing the body, i.e. in the active plane. The basic movement of the knob elements when controlled by the abutment areas is a tilting, in particular outwards, i.e. away from a common center point. The tilting movement advantageously occurs when the bandage is closed and also during movement.With the reverse force input, the tilting movement of the knob elements can also occur inwards, i.e. towards their common imaginary center.

[0014] 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 resting on the pad, etc., without the pad support covering the relevant area of ​​the pad. The inventive nub-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, while a pad support can be advantageous, it is only optional and not mandatory.

[0015] The combination of pressure on both sides of the pad advantageously creates a complex movement pattern of the knob elements, which is different with each movement of the patient.

[0016] It was advantageously found that this lateral movement of the knob elements also occurs chaotically depending on the direction of the applied force vector, which enhances the massage effect.

[0017] The knob elements according to the invention spring much more freely and flexibly than prior art elevations, and thus also more chaotically. This effect is advantageous because the mechanoreceptors located directly beneath the skin's surface have a harder time adapting to the constantly changing spring movement of the knob elements. This leads to a prolonged massage effect. Since manual therapy massages are "chaotic" and no two massage therapists' grips are 100% the same, the massage effect created by the pad according to the invention 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 transmit effective signals, the movable nub elements according to the invention lead to alternating pressure, similar to that exerted by a therapist during a massage, so that the pressure on the lymphatic 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 chaotically in different directions depending on the force introduction vectors.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 on specific parts of the body, for example, the back or the kneecap. The pads are positioned and pressed onto the corresponding body area via additional devices, in particular sports aids, bandages, or orthoses.

[0020] 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. The stud area and the abutment area can be positioned next to each other or one above the other on the stud element. For example, the stud area and the abutment area 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.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the knob element has a web element by which it is attached to the pad base body. The web element can be located between the abutment area and the pad base body, or the abutment area can form the web element.

[0022] The web advantageously results in a defined, controlled compression movement being generated, rather than a springing movement that is possible in all directions, such as a “floating springing movement”.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one knob element is movable.

[0024] Preferably, the nub element is a pressure-reinforcing element. A pressure-reinforcing element serves to exert a stronger, localized pressure than the surface pressure exerted by the pad base element.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 or on infrapatellar fat bodies.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the pad base element and the at least one nub element are made of one piece and / or the same material. In a preferred embodiment, the pad base element and the at least one nub element are made of one piece. In a preferred embodiment, the pad base element and the at least one nub element are made of the same material.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the pad base element has at least one hole, wherein the at least one knob element is positioned in the hole.

[0030] According to the invention, the nub element has an abutment area and a nub area. The nub element is preferably connected to the pad base element via the abutment area or with the abutment area. The abutment area is therefore preferably located between the end of the nub element that forms the nub area and the end of the nub element that is connected to the pad base element, or the abutment area forms the end of the nub element that is connected to the pad base element.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, particularly in the case of several interconnected nub elements, the nub region can be connected to the pad base element, thus the nub region is located between the pad base element and the abutment area. In such an embodiment with several nub elements, the abutment areas of the nub elements are preferably connected to one another.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the abutment region of the at least one stud element has a pressure surface and / or is located in the central longitudinal region of the at least one stud element and / or is located on the web element of the at least one stud element. In a preferred embodiment, the abutment region of the at least one stud element has a pressure surface. In a preferred embodiment, the abutment region of the at least one stud element is located in the central longitudinal region of the at least one stud element. In a preferred embodiment, the abutment region of the at least one stud element is located on the web element of the at least one stud element.

[0033] The contact surface of the abutment area can be designed in various shapes, for example, anvil-shaped, wing-shaped, or plate-shaped. The contact surface can be designed with different geometries for better pressure absorption in the abutment plane. Depending on the contact surface geometry, a greater or lesser force can be advantageously returned to the effective plane. Larger contact surfaces in the abutment area transmit greater force to the effective plane and have a stronger effect.

[0034] Several pressure surfaces can also be provided on an abutment area, for example two mirror-symmetrical pressure surfaces.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the abutment region of the at least one knob element is wing-shaped or plate-shaped.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The pad has at least one nub element, preferably two, three, four, five, ten, or more nub elements. Two or more, for example three, nub elements can be connected to one another, in particular via webs. Preferably, two, three, or more nub elements are connected to one another via their abutment areas.

[0039] Preferably, several, in particular two or three, stud elements are connected to one another via their abutment areas, i.e., in the abutment plane, in particular via webs. This allows two, three, four, or other "stud nests" to be formed from several connected stud elements.

[0040] In addition to simple stud elements, any number of stud elements can be connected in the abutment plane, particularly by means of webs, for example, from 2 to 10 stud elements, in particular from 2 to 5 stud elements, for example, three stud elements or four stud elements. When pressure is applied directly to the center of the abutment plane of such a stud nest, these multiple stud elements deflect outward. If pressure is applied offset rather than centrally, the stud elements on the side facing the body will deflect in different directions.

[0041] It can also be provided that the pad has partly individual knob elements and partly interconnected knob elements.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the pad base element and the at least one knob element are formed in one piece, in particular they are made of the same material.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Thus, the shape of the sheath can determine the shape of the pad.

[0045] Preferably, the base element of the pad is completely enclosed by the casing, for example cast into the casing.

[0046] The preferred complete coating of the at least one pad base element with a coating material, in particular a softer coating material, for example silicone, not only results in the described application-related advantage, but also advantageously in a simpler manufacturing option for 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.

[0047] Suitable materials for a sheath are known to the person skilled in the art and can in particular be materials that are used for conventional, single-component flexible pads.

[0048] The sheath preferably comprises a viscoelastic material at least in the region of the at least one nub. The sheath is preferably viscoelastic at least in a partial region. The sheath is preferably viscoelastic. The sheath preferably consists of a viscoelastic material. The sheath material is preferably plastic, silicone, or rubber. The material can also be thermoplastic elastomers. Polyurethanes, for example, are also suitable.

[0049] Preferably, the material of the sheath is flexible and / or stretchable so that the sheath can adapt to the body shape of the user when the pad is put on.

[0050] Preferably, the sheathing material is not a textile material. However, in an alternative embodiment, the sheathing can also be additionally surrounded by a textile sheath or coated in another way.

[0051] The sheathing material can of course also consist of mixtures of materials, in particular of at least two of the materials mentioned.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The stud elements, especially their stud areas, can also be made from several components.

[0055] According to the invention, the second material of the casing is softer than the first material of the pad base element. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the casing has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore 00 and at most 50 Shore 00.

[0056] The sheathing material preferably has a hardness of at most 45 Shore 00, preferably at most 40 Shore 00, particularly preferably at most 30 Shore 00. The sheathing material preferably has a hardness of at most 25 Shore 00, preferably at most 20 Shore 00, particularly preferably at most 19 Shore 00. The sheathing material preferably has a hardness of at least 10 Shore 00, in particular at least 14 Shore 00, particularly preferably at least 15 Shore 00.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one

[0059] The pad base element has a hardness of at least 20 Shore D and at most 60 Shore D.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one

[0061] Pelotte base element has a hardness of at least 20 Shore D, more preferably at least 25 Shore D.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the knob 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 knob 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 knob element has a hardness of at least 20 Shore D and at most 60 Shore D.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one knob element has a hardness of at least 20 Shore D, more preferably of at least 25 Shore D.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one knob element has a hardness of at most 50 Shore D. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one knob element has a hardness of at most 49 Shore D, more preferably at most 45 Shore D.

[0067] Preferably, the material of the at least one knob element has a hardness of at least 35 to a maximum of 45 Shore D. Preferably, the material of the at least one knob element has a hardness of approximately 40 Shore D.

[0068] Preferably, the material of the at least one nub element and the pad base element have the same hardness. However, the material of the at least one nub element and the pad base element can also have different hardnesses; for example, the at least one nub element can be softer than the pad base element. The pad base element can have a hardness in the range of at least 10 to at most 80 Shore D, the at least one nub element can have a hardness in the range of at least 10 to at most 80 Shore A, and the optional sheathing can have a hardness of at least 10 to at most 50 Shore 00.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one

[0071] The pad base element has a 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

[0073] Pelotte base 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 pelotte base element has a hardness of at most 50 Shore A. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the at least one pelotte base element has a hardness of at most 49 Shore A, more preferably of at most 45 Shore A.

[0074] Preferably, the material of the at least one pad base element has 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.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the casing has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore 00 and at most 50 Shore 00 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.

[0076] 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 D and at most 50 Shore D. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the sheath has a Shore hardness of at least 10 Shore D and at most 50 Shore D.

[0077] 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.It has surprisingly been discovered that a floating knob 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. For example, the pad can be ring-shaped, especially when used as a patella pad. Alternatively, the shape can also be a flat, continuous surface. Wing-shaped appendages can be provided on one or more sides of the pad.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The goal of trigger point therapy is to eliminate so-called myofascial trigger points, which are localized hardenings in the skeletal muscles.

[0082] A pad, in particular a knee pad, as shown in the figures is preferred.

[0083] The pad according to the invention is preferably not a shoe insole or foot insole.

[0084] The pad is preferably used for an orthopedic device or a sports aid. The pad is preferably a component of an orthopedic device or a sports aid. The orthopedic device or sports aid can be an orthosis or a bandage.

[0085] 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. 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 against the abutment surface of the pad base element of the pad.

[0086] The pad support is preferably a knitted or warp-knitted fabric.

[0087] The pad can be attached to the support in a pocket, for example. Alternatively, it can also be attached directly to the support, for example, using Velcro fasteners or buttons.

[0088] The pad can preferably be attached to the pad support in a reversible manner and in a variable position.

[0089] Preferably, the orthosis is an elastic knitted orthosis or the bandage is an elastic knitted bandage, in particular a knee bandage.

[0090] The present invention also relates to the use of a pad according to the invention as a pressure pad, preferably in trigger point therapy.

[0091] 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 certain period of time.

[0092] Further preferred objects of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the auxiliary claims.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Figure 1 shows schematically a section of a pad base element with knob element in cross section;

[0095] Figure 2 shows a back pad according to the invention;

[0096] Figure 3 shows the back pad according to the invention from Figure 2 in two further views; Figure 4 shows two sections of a pad base element with a knob element in cross-section;

[0097] Figure 5 shows a knee pad according to the invention;

[0098] Figure 6 shows the basic pad element of the knee pad from Figure 5;

[0099] Figure 7 shows schematically three different embodiments of a pad base element with a knob element;

[0100] Figure 8 shows schematically an embodiment in which the knob element is not firmly connected to the pad base element

[0101] 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 area (21). The abutment area (21) lies below the pad base plane (A) and thus in the abutment plane (B). The knob area (22) adjoins the abutment area (21), with which the knob element (20) ends. The knob area (22) lies above the pad base plane (A) and thus in the active plane (C).In the center, therefore, lies the pad base plane (A). From this pad base plane (A) in the direction of the person wearing the pad lies the effective plane (C). In the other direction of the pad base plane (A), in particular, if present, in the direction of the pad wearer, lies the abutment plane (B). Between the effective plane (C) and the abutment plane (B) is the pad base plane (A), which can be considered the "thickness" of the pad base body (10).

[0102] The abutment area (21) of the knob element (20) has two wing-shaped, mirror-symmetrical pressure surfaces (23) by means of which the contact pressure can be increased.

[0103] 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 comprises the flat pad base element (10) with several knob elements (20, 30) distributed over the pad base element (10). Ten knob elements are individual knob elements (20), and 18 further knob elements are combined to form three interconnected knob elements (30). The exact structure of the knob elements (20, 30) can be seen in Figure 4.

[0104] All knob elements (20, 30) have in common that they protrude with their knob area (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).

[0105] 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).

[0106] Figure 4 shows two sections of the pad base element (10) of the pad from Figures 2 and 3 in cross section.

[0107] Figure 4A shows a single nub element (20). The nub element (20) is connected to the pad base element (10) via the abutment area (21). The abutment area (21) is located below the abutment surface (202). Adjacent to the abutment area (21) is the nub area (22), which terminates the nub element (20). The nub area (22) is located above the active surface (201). The abutment area (21) of the nub element (20) has two wing-shaped, mirror-symmetrical contact surfaces (23), which can be used to increase the contact pressure.

[0108] Figure 4B shows three combined and interconnected nub elements (30). The individual nub elements (30) are connected to the pad base element (10) via the respective nub area (32). The nub area (32) lies above the active surface (201). The abutment area (31) adjoins the nub area (32). The abutment area (31) lies below the abutment surface (202). The three nub elements (30) are connected to each other via their respective abutment areas (31), thus forming a "nub nest." Figure 5 shows a knee pad (300) according to the invention. This comprises a pad base element (10) with six knob elements (30) combined in two groups of three each, as well as two further optional pressure elements (40), a softer casing (50) in the typical form of a knee pad, in which the pad base element (10) is cast, and a further, optional pressure element (60) also cast into this.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 toward the body, i.e., the active surface (201). The exact structure of the pad base element (10) and the knob elements (30) 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 a 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 a 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 six knob elements (30), each grouped into two groups of three, as well as two additional optional pressure elements (40). Three individual knob elements (30) are each connected to the pad base element (10) via the respective knob area (32). The knob area (32) is located above the active surface (201). The abutment area (31) is adjacent to the knob area (32). The abutment area (31) is located below the abutment surface (202). The three stud elements (30) are connected to each other with their respective abutment areas (31) and thus form a “stud nest”.

[0110] Figure 7 schematically shows three different embodiments of a pad base element (10) with a knob element (20). In all three embodiments A, B, and C, the sheet-like pad base element (10) has a hole (11) through which the knob element (20) extends, so that the abutment area (21) and the knob area (22) protrude from the two surfaces of the pad base element (10) in opposite directions. In all three embodiments, the knob element (20) is connected to the pad base element (10) via a web element (24).

[0111] The three designs A, B and C differ in the shape and positioning of the abutment area (21), stud area (22) and web element (24):

[0112] In embodiment A, the stud area (22) is peg-shaped and located directly above the abutment area (21). In embodiment B, the stud area (22) is arrow-shaped. The abutment area (21) can be considered a portion of the web element (24).

[0113] In embodiment C, the stud area (22) is pin-shaped and located at the outer end of the web element (24). The abutment area (21) is attached to a central area of ​​the web element (24).

[0114] The abutment area (21) of the knob element (20) in the embodiments A and C has two wing-shaped, mirror-symmetrical pressure surfaces (23) by means of which the contact pressure can be increased.

[0115] Figure 8 schematically shows an embodiment of a pad (400) in which the knob element (20) is not firmly connected to the pad base element (10). In this case, the knob element (20) and the pad base element (10) are cast in a softer casing (50). The flat pad base element (10) has a hole (11) through which the knob element (20) extends, so that the abutment area (21) and the knob area (22) protrude from the two surfaces of the pad base element (10) in opposite directions. In this case, the knob element (20) is not firmly connected to the pad base element (10) via a web or in any other way, but both are positioned by the material of the casing (50). In this case, the floating knob element (20) also experiences an increase in effectiveness in the effective plane via counterpressure.The counterpressure on the abutment area (21) is generated in the present case by a pad support (500), for example a knitted or warp-knitted fabric, since the pad support (500) presses on the abutment area (21) when tensioned and this transfers the pressure through the hole (11) to the knob area (22) lying on the body of the wearer.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A pad (200) 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 one knob region which protrudes from the active surface of the pad base element, characterized in that the knob element has an abutment region which protrudes from the abutment surface of the pad base element.

2. Pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the knob element is connected to the abutment area.

3. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the knob element has a web element by means of which it is attached to the pad base body.

4. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one knob element is movable.

5. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad base element and the at least one knob element are in one piece and / or made of the same material.

6. 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.

7. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the abutment region of the at least one knob element has a pressure surface and / or is located in the central longitudinal region of the at least one knob element and / or is located on the web element of the at least one knob element.

8. Pad according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the abutment region of the at least one knob element is wing-shaped or plate-shaped.

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 claim 9, characterized in that the knob element is not firmly connected to the pad base element and is preferably embedded in the casing.

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

12. Pelotte according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Pelotte is a knee pelotte, an ankle pelotte, a back pelotte, an elbow pelotte, a pelotte for the arm area or a pelotte for the abdominal area.

13. Sports aid, orthosis or bandage comprising a pad according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Sports aid, orthosis or bandage according to claim 13, comprising 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.

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