Support device

Abstract

The invention relates to a support device (100) for limiting the movement of a joint (G) of a hand (H), comprising a first component (10) and a second component (20). The first component (10) is designed to enclose the thumb of the hand (H), and the second component (20) comprises a first segment (21) and a second segment (22), wherein the first component (10) can be pivoted relative to the second component (20) about a joint axis (B). The first segment (21) and the second segment (22) are designed such that one of the segments of the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) rests against the upper face of the hand (H), and the other segment of the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) rests against the lower face of the hand (H). The first segment (21) and the second segment (22) produce a holding force which acts on the hand (H).

Description

[0001] Support device

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present application relates generally to an orthopedic device for treating joints and, more particularly, to a support device for restricting movement of a joint of a hand.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] A number of orthopedic devices are known from the prior art. For example, document EP 3 721 840 A1 discloses a thumb orthosis with a spreader body that serves to spread apart a thumb and an index finger, comprising a first holding device, by means of which a first end region of the spreader body can be held on the thumb, and a second holding device, by means of which a second end region of the spreader body can be held on the index finger.

[0006] Document WO 2013 / 160478 A1 discloses an orthosis for attachment to a human hand for immobilizing the thumb saddle joint and metacarpophalangeal joint. The orthosis comprises a rigid body having a metacarpal portion and a rigid thumb portion.

[0007] Document JP 2017 176 458 A discloses an orthosis that can be used to treat finger opposition disorder. The orthosis comprises a thumb sleeve that is placed around the joint portion of the thumb, at least one finger sleeve that encloses the joint portion of a finger other than the thumb, and a bridge that connects the two sleeve portions.

[0008] Document US 4 953 568 A discloses a flexible, adjustable thumb support for positioning and holding the thumb area of ​​a patient's hand to restrict movement and provide adequate support.

[0009] The known support devices have a fixed shape to achieve a supportive effect. Furthermore, additional fastening devices are required, which makes the devices complex. Furthermore, the known orthoses are designed for only the left or right hand to achieve optimal support.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a support device for restricting the movement of a hand joint that does not require additional fastening means, is thus more compact, can be used for both the left and right hand, and is easy to store for transport. Brief description of the invention

[0011] The stated object is achieved by a support device according to claim 1.

[0012] The stated object is achieved by a support device for restricting the movement of a joint, in the form of a thumb joint, of a hand. The support device comprises a first component and a second component. The first component is designed and configured to enclose a finger of the hand. The second component comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first component is pivotable or movable relative to the second component about a joint axis. The first segment and the second segment are configured such that one of the first segment and the second segment rests against the top of the hand and the other of the first segment and the second segment rests against the bottom of the hand. The first segment and the second segment exert a holding force on the hand.

[0013] The finger is the thumb of the hand.

[0014] One advantage of the support device is that it does not require any additional fastening means to be attached to the hand, making it less complex and thus reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the support device can be folded up thanks to the hinge axis, making it more compact for transport and taking up less space. Another advantage of the support device is that, thanks to its design, it can be attached to the hand in a short time and is unobtrusive to wear. Furthermore, thanks to its design, the support device has less contact with the skin of the hand, resulting in less sweating.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the first component and the second component are connected to one another by a plug connection, a rivet connection, a screw connection or integrally.

[0016] This allows the first component and the second component to be fixed or firmly adjusted to each other in order to prevent relative movement to each other.

[0017] According to a further aspect, the first component and the second component span an angle about the joint axis, wherein the angle in an initial position is zero degrees and the angle in a setting position is in a range between 165-195 degrees.

[0018] This makes it possible to minimize the space required by the first and second components in the initial position, resulting in a very compact design for the support device. In the initial position, the support device can be used for a finger of either the left or right hand, making it more versatile.

[0019] According to a further aspect, the first segment and the second segment are integrally connected to each other.

[0020] This firmly defines a relative position of the first segment and the second segment to each other, whereby a deviation of the relative position leads to a spring force which presses the first segment and the second segment back into the relative position to each other.

[0021] According to another aspect, the finger of the hand is a thumb, the first component encloses the thumb at the proximal phalanx and the second component is shaped as a clamp.

[0022] This allows the first component to enclose the thumb at the proximal phalanx, while the second component acts as a clamp to exert spring force on one inner and one outer palm, thereby supporting the thumb relative to the inner and outer palms, respectively. The thumb can be completely or partially enclosed at the proximal phalanx, allowing the support device to be adapted to different thumb diameters.

[0023] According to a further aspect, the first component comprises locking elements and an end piece, wherein the end piece engages the locking elements, wherein the first component is configured to adapt to a thumb diameter.

[0024] The thumb is completely enclosed at the proximal phalanx, which means that the support device can be adapted to different thumb diameters.

[0025] According to a further aspect, the support element further comprises a retaining element provided on at least one of the first component and the second component.

[0026] The holding element increases wearing comfort and improves the position of the support device on the hand.

[0027] According to a further aspect, the holding element is made of a biomaterial or a plastic, preferably silicone.

[0028] If the holding element is made of biomaterial, wearing comfort can be increased and the support device can be provided more sustainably. If the holding element is made of plastic, preferably silicone, hygiene advantages arise due to easier cleaning and greater adaptation to the shape of the hand. According to another aspect, the joint of the hand is at least one of a metacarpophalangeal joint and a saddle joint.

[0029] This allows the support device to restrict mobilization or movement of the thumb relative to the hand without placing any strain on the thumb or hand.

[0030] According to a further aspect, at least one of the segments, in particular the first segment, is constructed in several parts, wherein at least one part of the segment is replaceable or adjustable relative to another part of the segment.

[0031] This allows the segment to be customized.

[0032] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method for using the support device on both a left and a right hand. The method comprises moving the first component and the second component of the support device about the joint axis from the initial position to the set position; enclosing the thumb of the hand with the first component; securing the first segment and the second segment of the second component to the hand; and restricting the movement of the joint of the hand.

[0033] This process makes the support device suitable for both the left and right hand, increasing its usability and making it more sustainable. Costs can be reduced if multiple supports are required. Furthermore, the environmental impact can be reduced by requiring fewer supports.

[0034] Brief description of the drawings

[0035] A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof can be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a support device according to an embodiment in a first setting position.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a first component of the support device according to a first embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows the first component of the support device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a second component of the support device according to a first embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows the second component of the support device with holding element.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a first view of the support device in an initial position.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a second view of the support device in the initial position.

[0042] Fig. 8A and 8B show an application example of the support device.

[0043] Fig. 9A and 9B show the support device in the first and a second setting position.

[0044] Fig. 10 illustrates the first component and the second component according to another embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 11 and 12 show further embodiments of the first component and the second component of the support device.

[0046] Fig. 13 shows method steps of a method for using the support device.

[0047] Detailed description of the invention

[0048] With reference to Fig. 1, a support device 100 is shown. The support device 100 comprises a first component 10 and a second component 20. The first component 10 is pivotable or movable relative to the second component 20 about a joint axis B. The first component 10 and the second component 20 form an angle A about the joint axis. In an initial position PO, the angle A is zero degrees. In the initial position PO, the first component 10 is received in the second component 20. The support device 100 is thus foldable in the initial position PO, whereby the support device 100 has a compact design for transport, as a non-limiting example. A first setting position SP1 enables the support device 100 to be used on the right hand. A second setting position SP2 enables the support device 100 to be used on the left hand.The first component 10 comprises a ring element 11 and an end piece 12. The second component comprises a first segment 21 and a second segment 22.

[0049] The first setting position SP1 and the second setting position SP2 form positions in which a relative movement of the first component 10 and the second component 20 to one another is restricted. The first setting position SP1 and the second setting position SP2 are configured to represent a functionally neutral position of a finger. The functionally neutral position of the finger can be viewed as the position in which the finger is neither excessively bent nor hyperextended. The functionally neutral position can vary slightly from person to person due to different anatomical structures and freedom of movement. This restriction is implemented by known elements, such as stop elements, pins, locking teeth, and so on, which are not described in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0050] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the first component 10 of the support device 100. The first component 10 comprises an inner ring surface 15 for receiving a finger F and a first connection portion 13. The first connection portion 13 may, in a first example, comprise a through hole 16a.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows the first component 10 of the support device 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the ring element 11 has an angular distance 14 in the region of the end piece 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the ring element 11 partially encloses the finger F of the hand H. A diameter of the ring element 11 can be adapted to a diameter of the finger F in such a way as to ensure a secure hold of the ring element 11 and thus of the first component 10 on the finger F and to support a restriction of the movement of a joint G of the finger F of the hand H. The finger F is the thumb, and the joint G is a thumb joint.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows the first component 10 of the support device 100 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment of the first component 10 differs from the first embodiment of the first component 10 in that the angular distance 14 is inverted. In other words, the ring element 11 of the first component according to the second embodiment is designed such that the end piece 12 overlaps the ring element 11 at the inner ring surface 15 by the angular distance 14. In the second embodiment, the first component 10 comprises at least one or more locking elements 12a and one or more locking pieces 12b. The at least one locking piece 12b is designed to lock onto the locking element(s) 12a. The first component 10 according to the second example is thus configured to adapt to the diameter of the finger F.Thus, the diameter of the ring element 11 can be adapted to the diameter of the finger F in such a way as to ensure a secure hold of the ring element 11 and thus of the first component 10 on the finger F and to support a restriction of the movement of the joint G of the finger F of the hand H.

[0053] In a non-limiting example, the first component 10 encloses the thumb at the proximal phalanx X, the proximal phalanx (bone) of the thumb. Depending on the first or second embodiment of the first component 10, the thumb is partially or completely enclosed. Fig. 4 shows the second component 20 of the support device 100 according to a first embodiment. The first segment 21 and the second segment 22 are integrally connected to one another via a web 24 on the second connecting portion 23. The first segment 21 and the second segment 22 can move relative to one another via the web 24. The second component 20 can thus be designed as a clamp, wherein the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 exert a holding force on the hand H due to the relative movement to one another when the second component 20 is provided on the hand H.The second component 20 is thus clamped to the hand H and held to the hand H by the holding force. The first segment 21 and the second segment 22 may be bent or rounded at a distal end of the clamp to facilitate clamping the second component 20 to the hand H.

[0054] As can be seen in Fig. 5, a holding element 25, 26 can be provided on the first segment 21 and / or on the second segment 22. In a first example, the holding element 25, 26 can be designed as a holding element 25 in the form of a layer or a coating. In a second example, the holding element 25, 26 can be designed as a holding element 26 in the form of a covering or a sheath. As shown in Fig. 5, the design of the holding element 25, 26 can be freely selected for each of the first segment 21 and the second segment 22. In a modified example, the holding element 25, 26 can be provided on none or only on one of the first segment 21 and / or the second segment 22. The holding element 25, 26 and the support device can be made of a biomaterial or plastic.The biomaterial comprises either a bio-based material, such as bio-PET (bio-polyethylene terephthalate), bio-PE (bio-polyethylene), PLA (polylactide) or CA (cellulose acetate), or a biodegradable material, such as TPS (thermoplastic starch) or PBS (polybutylene succinate). The use of biomaterial makes it possible to produce the holding element 25, 26 and / or the support device 100 in a sustainable and environmentally friendly and resource-saving manner. The holding element 25, 26 can also be made of a conventional plastic. In this case, the holding element is made of silicone (poly(organo)siloxane), for example. Furthermore, Fig. 5 shows that the second connection section 23 comprises a receptacle for a fastening means 30.

[0055] 6 and 7 show the support device 100 in the initial position PO. The first component 10 is pivoted or moved about the joint axis B such that the angle A is equal to zero degrees. The first component 10 is thus received in the second component 20. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the first component 10 is connected to the second component 20 via the fastening means 30. The fastening means 30 comprises at least one of a screw, a rivet, a pin or a plug, and a bellows. The first component 10 and the second component 20 are thus connected to one another by one of a plug connection, a rivet connection, a screw connection or integrally connected to one another.

[0056] Fig. 8A and 8B show the use of the support device 100 on a right hand. The support device 100 is configured in the first setting position SP1. The first segment 21 and the second segment 22 are configured such that one of the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 rests against the top of the hand H, and the other of the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 rests against the bottom of the hand H. The holding force of the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 clamps the second component 20 to the hand H. The first component 10 encloses the thumb F of the hand H at the proximal phalanx X. This arrangement of the support device 100 restricts movement of the joint G of the hand H, wherein the joint G comprises at least one of a metacarpophalangeal joint (Articulatio metacarpophalangea pollicis) Y and a carpometacarpalis pollicis joint (Articulatio carpometacarpalis pollicis) Z.The support device 100 therefore makes it possible to restrict thumb movement and prevent wear and tear or unnatural thumb posture, especially when using technical communication devices such as smartphones and the like. If pain occurs due to wear and tear such as tendon shortening, muscle atrophy, or posture disorders of the finger F, the support device 100 can promote relaxation and subsequently alleviate the symptoms. Furthermore, the support device 100 can be used for ligament lesions, strained or torn ligaments, as well as irritations of the finger F. Furthermore, the support device 100 can be used for instability of the finger F caused by advanced wear and tear and the resulting deviation from the functional neutral position of the finger F.

[0057] 9A and 9B show the angle A of the support device 100 for use in the second setting position SP2 on a left hand (Fig. 9A) and in the first setting position SP1 on a right hand (Fig. 9B). In the first setting position SP1, the angle A is 165 degrees. In the second setting position SP2, the angle A is 195 degrees. Depending on the anatomy of the hand H, the angle A can vary by plus / minus 5 degrees for each setting position SP1, SP2. The angle A thus lies in a setting position SP, comprising the first setting position SP1 and the second setting position SP2, in a range between 160 degrees to 200 degrees, or 165 degrees to 195 degrees, or 170 degrees to 190 degrees.

[0058] Fig. 10 shows the first component 10 and the second component 20 of the actuating device 100 in a further exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the first component 10 and the second component 20 each comprise a plurality of recesses 19. The recesses 19 can have a round shape in a first non-limiting example. In a further non-limiting example, the recesses 19 can have any shape, as long as the contact area between the support device 100 and the hand H and finger F of the user is reduced and the stability of the support device is ensured. This can further increase wearing comfort because, due to the design, there is even less contact with the skin of the hand H and finger F, which can lead to even less perspiration.

[0059] Figures 11 and 12 show further embodiments of the first component 10 and the second component 20 of the support device 100. Fig. 11 shows the first component 10 and the second component 20 of the support device 100 according to a third embodiment. According to the third embodiment, the first connection section 13 is designed as a plug 16b. The second connection section 23 is designed as a counterpart to the plug 16b in this third embodiment. The first connection section 13 and the second connection section 23 form a plug connection. In a non-limiting example, the second connection section 23 can be designed as a plug and the first connection section 13 as a counterpart to the plug.

[0060] Fig. 12 shows the support device 100 according to another embodiment. According to this embodiment, the first component 10 and the second component 20 are integrally connected to one another by means of a folding structure 16c. The folding structure 16c is configured such that the support device 100 can be configured in the first setting position SP1 or the second setting position SP2. In one non-limiting example, the folding structure 16c can be configured as a bellows.

[0061] Fig. 13 shows method steps of a method for using the support device 100 on both the left and right hand. It is assumed that the support device 100 is in the initial position PO.

[0062] In the first step S1, the first component 10 and the second component 20 are moved about the joint axis B from an initial position PO to a first setting position SP1 or a second setting position SP2. The choice of the first setting position SP1 or the second setting position SP2 depends on which hand the support device 100 is to be used on.

[0063] In the second step S2, the finger F, in the form of the thumb of the hand H, is enclosed with the first component 10. The enclosing S1 can be partial or complete. As a result, the finger F is held or supported by the support device 100 in the setting position SP1, SP2, thereby restricting the movement of the finger F relative to the hand H.

[0064] In the third step S3, the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 of the second component 20 are attached to the hand H. The support device 100 is thereby fixed to the hand H and the finger F.

[0065] In the fourth step S4, the movement of the joint G of the hand H is restricted. Since the support device fixes the finger F, in the form of the thumb, and the hand H, respectively, and the first and second setting positions SP1, SP2 are rigid, the movement of at least one of the metacarpophalangeal joint Y and the thumb saddle joint Z is restricted.

[0066] In a variant not shown, the segment 21, which is present on the back of the hand when the support device 100 is attached, is formed in two or more parts. A first part of the segment 21 can be connected to the segment 22, and a second part of the segment 21 can be adjustable relative to the first part, in particular by a lockable longitudinal guide of one of the two parts within the other of the two parts. This allows the segment 21, in particular its length, to be adapted to the anatomical characteristics of the hand.

[0067] In one embodiment, the second part of segment 21 can be removable and optionally replaceable with another second part that has at least one different property. In the case of a replaceable second part, the relative adjustability to the first part can be omitted or additionally present.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A support device (100) for restricting movement of a joint (G) of a hand (H), the support device comprising: a first component (10) designed and configured to enclose a finger (F), which is the thumb of the hand (H), a second component (20) comprising a first segment (21) and a second segment (22), characterized in that the first component (10) is pivotable relative to the second component (20) about a joint axis (B), wherein the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) are configured such that one of the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) rests against an upper side of the hand and the other of the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) rests against an underside of the hand, and wherein the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) exert a holding force on the hand.

2. Support device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (10) and the second component (20) are connected to one another by means of a plug connection, a rivet connection, a screw connection or integrally.

3. Support device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first component (10) and the second component (20) span an angle (A) around the joint axis (B), wherein the angle (A) in an initial position (PO) is zero degrees and the angle (A) in a setting position (SP1; SP2) is in a range between 165-195 degrees.

4. Support device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) are integrally connected to one another.

5. Support device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (10) encloses the thumb at the proximal phalanx (X) and the second component (20) is shaped as a clamp.

6. Support device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first component (10) comprises locking elements (12a) and a locking piece (12b) and the locking piece (12b) locks onto the locking elements (12a), wherein the first component (10) is designed to adapt to a thumb diameter.

7. Support device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a holding element (25; 26) which is present on at least one of the components (10, 20).

8. Support device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding element (25; 26) is made of biomaterial or plastic, preferably silicone.

9. Support device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint (G) of the hand (H) is at least one joint selected from the metacarpophalangeal joint (Y) and the thumb saddle joint (Z).

10. Support device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the segments (21, 22), in particular the first segment (21), is constructed in several parts, wherein at least one part of the segment (21, 22) is exchangeable or adjustable relative to another part of the segment (21, 22).

11. A method for using the support device (100) according to claims 1 to 10 on both a left and a right hand, characterized in that the method comprises: Moving (Sl) a first component (10) and a second component (20) of the support device (100) about a joint axis (B) from an initial position (PO) into a first setting position (SP1) or second setting position (SP2); Enclosing (S2) a thumb (F) of the hand (H) with the first component (10); attaching (S3) a first segment (21) and a second segment (22) of the second component (20) to the hand (H); and Restricting (S4) a movement of a joint (G) of the hand (H).

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