Crossing element for orthopedic and sports auxiliary device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of orthopedic and sports aid devices. In particular, the invention provides a means for the controlled and very low-friction crossing of tension elements in orthopedic and sports aid devices applied to the human or animal body.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of orthopedic and sports aids. In particular, the invention provides a means for the controlled and especially low-friction crossing of at least one tension element in orthopedic and sports aids applied to the human or animal body.

[0002] A particular problem in the guidance of tension elements in orthopedic and sports aids arises at the points where different tension elements or sections of a tension element intersect. Without control over the path of at least one tension element at the intersection points, the different tension elements or sections of the connected tension element come into contact, resulting in frictional forces that significantly impair force transmission and cause undesirable wear of the tension elements. For example, US Patent 2021 / 0369481 A1, a prior art patent, relates to a cable system for knee braces that is guided along the brace in a manner that enables support of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee and prevents ligament injuries caused by excessive knee joint movements.In certain embodiments, a cable guide is used for this purpose in which two cables or two sections of a cable cross at a single point. If different tension elements or sections of a tension element cross without guidance, external forces acting on the crossing point can cause at least one tension element to become blocked. This can also potentially impair the mobility of orthopedic and sports aids. Prior art prevents this by guiding tension elements while avoiding crossing points, particularly through the use of deflection buckles, rings, or tabs. The objective of the present invention is therefore to provide means for the controlled and, in particular, low-friction crossing of at least one tension element in orthopedic and sports aids.

[0003] The present invention solves the underlying technical problem through the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0004] The present invention relates in particular to a crossing element for orthopedic or sports aids, comprising at least a first guide area for receiving a tensioning element of the aid and at least a second guide area for receiving a tensioning element of the aid, wherein the crossing element is characterized in that the at least two guide areas of the crossing element are designed and arranged relative to each other such that a tensioning element guided in the first guide area and a tensioning element guided in the second guide area intersect without contact at at least one point. In particular, the at least one tensioning element guided by the guide areas of the crossing element runs in different planes at least at the at least one point of intersection.

[0005] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crossing element for orthopedic and sports aids is a crossing element for orthoses, in particular for a back orthosis, hip orthosis, knee orthosis, elbow orthosis, arm orthosis or ankle orthosis.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crossing element for orthopedic and sports aids is a crossing element for bandages, in particular for a back bandage, hip bandage, knee bandage, elbow bandage, arm bandage or ankle bandage.

[0007] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crossing element for orthopedic and sports aids is a crossing element for sports aids, in particular for gloves and shoes, preferably for sports shoes, especially for jogging shoes, hiking shoes, cycling shoes, ski boots or snowboard boots.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the crossing element is made of at least one plastic or one metal, in particular a light metal. Preferably, the at least one plastic is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cycloolefins (COC), polyamide (PA), polyketone (PK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and mixtures thereof.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the crossing element is made of at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, different materials, in particular of at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, different plastics.

[0010] According to the invention, the crossing element comprises at least two guide areas. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crossing element may have at least three, preferably at least four, preferably at least five, guide areas. Preferably, the crossing element according to the invention comprises at most five, preferably at most four, preferably at most three, guide areas. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the crossing element comprises two, preferably three, preferably four, preferably five, guide areas.

[0011] Accordingly, in the intersection element according to the invention, at least two tension elements, in particular two tension elements, of an orthopedic or sports aid intersect without contact. According to the invention, it can be provided that at least three, at least four or at least five tension elements, in particular three, four or five tension elements, of an orthopedic or sports aid intersect without contact in the intersection element.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one guide area of ​​the crossing element, in particular the first and / or the second guide area of ​​the crossing element, is a guide channel. The guide channel can be configured as open or closed.

[0013] Preferably, at least one guide area, in particular the first and / or the second guide area, in particular the first and / or the second guide channel, of the crossing element is designed as an open guide channel, in particular as a groove. Particularly preferably, at least one guide area, in particular the first and / or the second guide area, in particular the first and / or the second guide channel, of the crossing element is designed as a groove tapering towards the at least one crossing point.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one guide area, in particular the first and / or second guide area, is configured such that a tension element guided in the at least one guide area, in particular in the first and / or second guide area, is at least partially encompassed. In a further embodiment, at least one guide area, in particular the first and / or second guide area, can be configured such that a tension element guided in the at least one guide area, in particular in the first and / or second guide area, is completely encompassed.According to the invention, it can be provided that a tension element guided in at least one guide area, in particular in the first and / or second guide area, of the crossing element is encompassed over the entire length of the at least one guide area, in particular the first and / or second guide area, or section by section, in particular partially or completely.

[0015] According to the invention, it can also be provided that at least one guide area, in particular the first and / or the second guide area, in particular the first and / or the second guide channel, of the crossing element is a closed channel.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the first guide area is designed such that a tension element of the aid guided in the first guide area passes over a tension element of the aid guided in the second guide area at at least one intersection point.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the first guide area is designed such that a tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area passes under a tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area at the at least one intersection point.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide areas of the crossing element, in particular the first and the second guide area, are located in different planes.

[0019] Preferably, the guide areas of the crossing element, in particular the first and the second guide area of ​​the crossing element, are located in different planes at least in the area of ​​at least one intersection point of a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the first guide area with a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the second guide area.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the guide areas of the crossing element, in particular the first and second guide area of ​​the crossing element, are located at all intersection points of the tension elements of the auxiliary device, in particular at all intersection points of a tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area with a tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area, in different planes, in particular in at least two different planes.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide areas of the crossing element are arranged in different planes. Particularly preferably, the guide areas of the auxiliary device are arranged in different planes, especially in the region of at least one crossing point, more preferably in the region of at least two crossing points, more preferably in the region of at least three crossing points, and more preferably in the region of all crossing points, of the tension elements of the auxiliary device. Preferably, the guide areas of the crossing element are arranged in at least two, more preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, and more preferably at least five, different planes.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first guide area is arranged above the second guide area of ​​the crossing element. Preferably, the first guide area is arranged above the second guide area at least in the region of at least one intersection point between a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the first guide area and a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the second guide area. According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, at the at least one intersection point, a tension element guided in the first guide area of ​​the crossing element is guided without contact over a tension element guided in the second guide area of ​​the crossing element.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the first guide area is located at least 0.25 cm, preferably at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 0.75 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, preferably at least 1.25 cm, preferably at least 1.5 cm, preferably at least 1.75 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, preferably at least 2.25 cm, preferably at least 2.5 cm, above the second guide area.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first guide area is located at least in the area of ​​at least one intersection point of a tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area with a tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area, at most 3 cm, preferably at most 2.75 cm, preferably at most 2.5 cm, preferably at most 2 cm, preferably at most 1.75 cm, preferably at most 1.5 cm, preferably at most 1.25 cm, preferably at most 1 cm, preferably at most 0.75 cm, preferably at most 0.5 cm, above the second guide area.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the first guide area is located at least in the area of ​​at least one intersection point of a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the first guide area with a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the second guide area 0.25 cm to 3 cm, preferably 0.25 cm to 2.5 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.75 cm to 1 cm, above the second guide area.

[0026] Preferably, at least one guide area, in particular the first or second guide area, comprises at least one ramp, preferably two ramps. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning element of the auxiliary device running in the first guide area is guided over the tensioning element of the auxiliary device running in the second guide area by means of at least one ramp, preferably by means of two ramps.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first guide area comprises two ramps, wherein the second guide area extends between the two ramps of the first guide area, such that a tension element extending in the first guide area is guided by means of the two ramps over a tension element extending in the second guide area.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one guide region, in particular the first or second guide region, comprises at least one bridge. Preferably, the tension element of the auxiliary device running in the first guide region is guided by means of the bridge over the tension element of the auxiliary device running in the second guide region.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide areas of the intersection element, in particular the first and second guide areas, are orthogonal to each other. Particularly preferably, the tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area and the tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area intersect orthogonally at at least one point. According to the invention, the tension elements of the auxiliary device guided in the guide areas of the intersection element, in particular the tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area and the tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area, intersect without contact.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the first and second guide areas of the crossing element are arranged relative to each other such that a tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area and a tension element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area intersect in the crossing element with an angle of intersection α of at least 20°, preferably at least 25°, preferably at least 30°, preferably at least 35°, preferably at least 40°, preferably at least 45°, preferably at least 50°, preferably at least 55°, preferably at least 60°, preferably at least 65°, preferably at least 70°, preferably at least 75°, preferably at least 80°, preferably at least 85°, preferably 90°.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second guide regions of the crossing element are arranged relative to each other such that a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the first guide region and a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the second guide region intersect in the crossing element with an angle of intersection α of at most 90°, preferably at most 85°, preferably at most 80°, preferably at most 75°, preferably at most 70°, preferably at most 65°, preferably at most 60°, preferably at most 55°, preferably at most 45°, preferably at most 40°, preferably at most 35°, preferably at most 30°, preferably at most 25°.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second guide regions of the crossing element are arranged relative to each other such that a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the first guide region and a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the second guide region intersect in the crossing element at an angle α of 20° to 90°, preferably 25° to 90°, preferably 30° to 90°, preferably 35° to 90°, preferably 40° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, preferably 50° to 90°, preferably 55° to 90°, preferably 60° to 90°, preferably 65° to 90°, preferably 70° to 90°, preferably 75° to 90°, preferably 80° to 90°, preferably 85° to 90°.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second guide regions of the crossing element are arranged relative to each other such that a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the first guide region and a tension element of the auxiliary guided in the second guide region intersect in the crossing element with an angle of intersection α of 20° to 90°, preferably 25° to 85°, preferably 30° to 80°, preferably 35° to 75°, preferably 40° to 70°, preferably 45° to 65°, preferably 50° to 60°.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least two guide areas of the crossing element are designed and arranged relative to each other such that the tension elements of the auxiliary device running in the guide areas cross each other without contact at at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at at least four points.

[0035] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least two guide areas of the crossing element are designed and arranged to each other in such a way that the tension elements of the auxiliary device guided in the guide areas cross without contact at a maximum of four, preferably at a maximum of three, preferably at a maximum of two, points.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the at least two guide areas of the crossing element are designed and arranged relative to each other in such a way that the tension elements of the auxiliary device guided in the guide areas cross without contact at one point, preferably at two points, preferably at three points, preferably at four points.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crossing element has at least one cover. Particularly preferably, the crossing element has at least one cover over the at least one intersection point of a tension element guided in the first guide region with a tension element guided in the second guide region.

[0038] By covering the area where the tension elements guided in the guide areas of the crossing element intersect, particularly where the tension element guided in a first guide area intersects with the tension element guided in a second guide area, the at least one tension element of the auxiliary device that intersects within the crossing element is advantageously protected from external influences. In particular, the cover provides protection against unwanted pressure on the at least one intersection point of the at least one tension element of the auxiliary device.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover of the crossing element also has at least one further guide area in which a tensioning element of the auxiliary device can be guided, in particular guided without contact over the further tensioning elements running in the crossing element. According to this embodiment, it can be provided that tensioning elements which are guided in the at least one first guide area and the at least one second guide area of ​​the crossing element and in the at least one further guide area of ​​the cover cross in at least three different planes, in particular without contact.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover of the intersection element is removable. According to the invention, it can also be provided that the cover is not removable, in particular that the cover cannot be removed from the intersection element without damage.

[0041] Preferably, the cover of the crossing element is rotatably mounted. The rotatability of the cover allows for a better distribution of forces acting on the at least one tensioning element of the auxiliary device.

[0042] According to the present invention, the tension elements guided in the at least two guide regions of the crossing element, in particular the tension element guided in the first guide region and the tension element guided in the second guide region, can be the same tension element of the auxiliary device, in particular a single, interconnected tension element of the auxiliary device. According to the invention, it can also be provided that the tension elements guided in the at least two guide regions of the crossing element, in particular the tension element guided in the first guide region and the tension element guided in the second guide region, are different tension elements of the auxiliary device, in particular unconnected tension elements of the auxiliary device.

[0043] Preferably, the tension elements guided in the at least two guide regions of the crossing element, in particular the tension element guided in the first guide region of the crossing element and the tension element guided in the second guide region of the crossing element, are the same tension element of the auxiliary device. According to this embodiment, the tension elements guided in the at least two guide regions of the crossing element, in particular the tension element guided in the first guide region of the crossing element and the tension element guided in the second guide region of the crossing element, are a single, continuous tension element of the auxiliary device that intersects at least once without contact in the crossing element according to the invention.Accordingly, it can be provided, for example, that a single tension element in an auxiliary device runs in such a way that different sections of the tension element cross without contact in the crossing element according to the invention.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the tension elements guided in the at least two guide regions of the crossing element, in particular the tension element guided in the first guide region of the crossing element and the tension element guided in the second guide region of the crossing element, are different tension elements of the auxiliary device. According to this embodiment, the tension elements guided in the at least two guide regions of the crossing element, in particular the tension element guided in the first guide region of the crossing element and the tension element guided in the second guide region of the crossing element, are each unconnected tension elements of the auxiliary device.According to the invention, it can therefore be provided that the tension element which is guided in the first guide area and the tension element which is guided in the second guide area are two unconnected tension elements of an auxiliary device which cross each other without contact in the crossing element according to the invention.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one tension element, in particular the tension element guided in the first guide area and / or the tension element guided in the second guide area, is elastic, partially elastic or inelastic.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tensioning element, in particular the tensioning element of the auxiliary guided in the first guide area of ​​the crossing element and / or the tensioning element of the auxiliary guided in the second guide area of ​​the crossing element, is selected from the group consisting of tensioning or pulling belt, tensioning or pulling rope, tensioning or pulling band, and link-like tensioning or pulling element.

[0047] Preferably, the at least one tensioning element, in particular the tensioning element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area and / or the tensioning element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area, is a tensioning or pulling strap. In a further embodiment, the at least one tensioning element, in particular the tensioning element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area and / or the tensioning element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area, is a tensioning or pulling cable. Preferably, the at least one tensioning element, in particular the tensioning element of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide area and / or the tensioning element of the auxiliary device guided in the second guide area, is a tensioning or pulling band.In a further embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tensioning element, in particular the tensioning element of the auxiliary guided in the first guide area and / or the tensioning element of the auxiliary guided in the second guide area, is a link-like tensioning or pulling element.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one tension element, in particular the tension element guided in the first guide area and / or the tension element guided in the second guide area, of the auxiliary device is completely or partially, in particular section by section, encased.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tensioning element, in particular the tensioning element guided in the first guide area and / or the tensioning element guided in the second guide area, is a Bowden cable.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crossing element is integrated into an orthopedic or sports aid. Particularly preferably, the crossing element cannot be separated from the orthopedic or sports aid without damage.

[0051] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crossing element can be taken from the orthopedic or sports aid.

[0052] The present invention further relates to an orthopedic or sports aid comprising at least one crossing element according to the invention.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the orthopedic or sports aid comprises at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, crossing elements. More preferably, the orthopedic or sports aid comprises at most ten, more preferably at most nine, more preferably at most eight, more preferably at most seven, more preferably at most six, more preferably at most five, more preferably at most four, more preferably at most three, more preferably at most two, crossing elements. In a further preferred embodiment, the orthopedic or sports aid comprises two, more preferably three, more preferably four, more preferably five, crossing elements.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the orthopedic or sports aid is selected from the group consisting of back braces, back supports, hip braces, knee braces, elbow braces, arm braces, arm bandages, ankle braces, gloves, and shoes. Particularly preferred is the orthopedic or sports aid selected from the group consisting of back braces, back supports, hip braces, knee braces, elbow braces, arm braces, arm bandages, ankle braces, and ankle bandages.

[0055] Preferably, the orthopedic or sports aid is a back orthosis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic or sports aid is a back brace. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the orthopedic or sports aid is a hip orthosis. Preferably, the orthopedic or sports aid is a hip brace. According to the invention, the orthopedic or sports aid can also be a knee orthosis. Preferably, the orthopedic or sports aid is a knee brace. According to a preferred embodiment, the orthopedic or sports aid is an arm orthosis. Preferably, the orthopedic or sports aid is an arm bandage. In a further embodiment, the orthopedic or sports aid is an ankle orthosis.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the orthopedic or sports aid is an ankle brace. Preferably, the orthopedic or sports aid is a glove. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the orthopedic or sports aid is a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, for example a running shoe, a hiking shoe, a cycling shoe, a ski boot or snowboard boots.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one crossing element of the orthopedic or sports aid is rotatably mounted. Particularly preferably, the at least one crossing element of the orthopedic or sports aid is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, in particular about a central axis of rotation. The rotatability of the crossing element, and thus of the first and second guide areas, advantageously allows shear and / or tensile forces acting on the aid via the tension elements to be absorbed and distributed more effectively. For example, when the orthopedic or sports aid is in use, increasing tension on the tension elements can lead to a slight change in the shape of the orthopedic or sports aid, which can also change the relative positions of the tension elements that intersect without contact within the crossing element.A rotatable crossing element can compensate for changes in the shape of the aid and distribute the forces acting on the aid by the tension elements evenly.

[0057] The present invention also relates to the use of a crossing element according to the invention for crossing at least one tension element of an orthopedic or sports aid without contact.

[0058] The embodiments described and statements made in connection with the intersection element according to the invention concern mutatis mutandis also the orthopedic or sports aid according to the invention and the use of the crossing element according to the invention.

[0059] Further embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0060] In the context of the present invention, the term "crossing element" refers to a structure on or within which a contactless crossing of at least two tension elements can be realized. According to the invention, this structure can be composed of one, two, or more parts.

[0061] In connection with the present invention, the term "orthopedic or sports aid" is understood to mean, on the one hand, an orthopedic aid that can be applied to the human or animal body for the treatment and correction of congenital deformities, for the prevention and therapy of chronic diseases, and for the treatment of injuries to the musculoskeletal system. According to the invention, the term also encompasses an aid that can be applied to the human or animal body for supporting, stabilizing, and / or protecting the musculoskeletal system, in particular for supporting, stabilizing, and / or protecting the ligaments, joints, and / or muscles during increased physical activity, especially during sports. Accordingly, the term "sports aid" also includes sports articles that can be applied to the body, such as gloves and shoes.Preferably, the "orthopedic or sports aid" is a support device that can be applied externally to the human or animal body and at least partially encompasses at least one extremity. Particularly preferably, the "orthopedic or sports aid" according to the present invention is an orthosis or a bandage.

[0062] In the context of the present invention, the term "guide area" refers to a spatially definable part of a crossing element that is suitable for guiding a tension element, that is, for restricting the movement of the tension element within certain limits. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the "guide area" of the crossing element according to the invention is designed in the form of an open or closed guide channel, in particular in the form of a groove, preferably in the form of a groove tapering towards the crossing point.

[0063] In the context of the present invention, a "tensioning element" is an elastic, partially elastic, or inelastic structure suitable for receiving, transmitting, and / or distributing forces, particularly tension and tensile forces. Preferably, the "tensioning element" is a tensioning or pulling strap, a tensioning or pulling cable, a tensioning or pulling band, or a link-like tensioning or pulling element. According to the invention, the "tensioning element" of the auxiliary device guided in the first guide region and the "tensioning element" guided in the second guide region can be a single, interconnected "tensioning element" of the auxiliary device or separate, unconnected "tensioning elements" of the auxiliary device.

[0064] In the context of the present invention, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" are understood to mean that, in addition to the elements explicitly covered by these terms, further, unmentioned elements may be present. In the context of the present invention, these terms are also understood to mean that only the explicitly mentioned elements are covered and no further elements are present. In this particular embodiment, the meaning of the terms "comprising" and "comprising" is synonymous with the term "consisting of." Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" also encompass compositions that, in addition to the explicitly mentioned elements, contain further unmentioned elements that are, however, of a functionally and qualitatively subordinate nature. In this embodiment, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" are synonymous with the term "essentially consisting of."

[0065] In the context of the present invention, the term "and / or" means that all members of a group connected by the term "and / or" are disclosed both alternatively to one another and cumulatively to one another in any combination. For the expression "A, B and / or C", this means that the following disclosure content is to be understood: a) A or B or C or b) (A and B) or c) (A and C) or d) (B and C) or e) (A and B and C).

[0066] The present invention is illustrated below with reference to exemplary figures. The inventive concept is not limited to these embodiments.

[0067] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a crossing element (1) according to the invention with two guide areas (2, 3) for receiving and guiding at least one tension element (6a, 6b) which crosses without contact at the crossing point (40).

[0068] In Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a side view of a crossing element (1) according to the invention. This illustration shows that the tension element (6a) located in the first guide area (2) is guided at the crossing point (40) by means of two ramps (20a, 20b) in a plane (10) without contact over the tension element (6b) located in the second guide area (3) and in a plane below (10').

[0069] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a top view of a crossing element (1) according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment of the crossing element (1), the two guide areas (2, 3) are each designed as a groove tapering towards the crossing point (40). This design of the guide areas (2, 3) grants the tension element (6a) located in the first guide area (2) and the tension element (6b) located in the second guide area (3) a certain degree of freedom of movement in the distal areas of the crossing element (1) and increasingly restricts the freedom of movement towards the crossing point (4) in order to prevent the at least one tension element (6a, 6b) from slipping and to ensure that the elements cross without contact.

[0070] Figure 4aFigure 1 shows a perspective view of a crossing element (1) according to the invention for a back orthosis or back brace, comprising two guide areas (2, 3) and a cover (30) extending over the crossing point (40). In the illustrated embodiment, the two guide areas (2, 3) are each designed to be wide enough to allow tensioning or pulling straps, for example, to cross without contact at the crossing point (40). The cover (30) serves to protect the tensioning elements from external influences, in particular to prevent pressure from acting on the tensioning elements at the crossing point (40).

[0071] In Figure 4b is a side view of the in Figure 4a illustrated crossing element (1) for a back orthosis or back brace.

[0072] Figure 5 shows a top view of the in the Figures 4a and 4bThe illustrated embodiment of the crossing element (1) according to the invention. The two wide guide areas (2, 3) allow tensioning or pulling straps to cross at a crossing point (40), which is protected by a cover (30). A tensioning element guided in the first guide area (2) crosses a tensioning element guided in the second guide area (3) without contact by means of the ramps (20a, 20b) flanking the crossing point (40).

[0073] A cut through the in the Figures 4a, 4b and 5 The depicted intersection element (1) along the section line BB is in Figure 6a illustrated. The Figure 6b shows a cross-section through the in the Figures 4a, 4b and 5 The depicted intersection element (1) along the section line AA.

[0074] Figure 7aFigure 1 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the crossing element (1) according to the invention, with three guide areas (2, 3, 4) and tension elements (6a, 6b, 6c) guided therein, which intersect at a central point (40). Figure 7b Figure 1 shows a side view of the intersection element (1). The three tension elements (6a, 6b, 6c) are guided in three different planes (10, 10', 10") at the intersection point (40) so that the tension elements (6a, 6b, 6c) cross without contact. Figure 7c shows a perspective view of the intersection element (1).

[0075] Figure 8aFigure 1 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the crossing element (1) according to the invention. The crossing element (1) has a cover (30) in which a guide area (2) for receiving a tension element (6a) runs. The guide area (2) of the cover (30) guides the tension element (6a) over two tension elements (6b, 6c) running in the guide areas (3) and (4). The tension elements (6a, 6b, 6c) running in the guide areas (2, 3, 4) cross without contacting each other. Figure 8b A side view of the further embodiment of the intersection element (1) is shown. Figure 8c shows a perspective view of the [unclear] in the Figures 8a and 8b illustrated embodiment of the crossing element (1).

[0076] The in the Figures 9a, 9b and 9cThe illustrated embodiment of the crossing element (1) according to the invention allows the contactless crossing of four tension elements (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) guided in the guide areas (2), (3), (4) and (5). The guide area (2) extends in the cover (30) of the crossing element (1) in the form of a groove and guides the tension element (6a) over the tension elements (6b, 6c, 6d) which extend in three different underlying planes.

[0077] Figure 10Figure 1 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the crossing element (1) according to the invention. The illustrated embodiment is both a locking element and a crossing element (1) according to the invention, which has arc-shaped guide areas (2) and (3) extending in different planes, in which tension elements (6a, 6b) are guided such that they intersect without contact at two different intersection points (40, 40') of the crossing element (1). The tension element (6a) guided in the first guide area (2) runs over the tension element (6b) guided in the second guide area (3) at both intersection points (40, 40').

[0078] Figure 11Figure 1 shows a sports aid (100) in the form of a shoe with three crossing elements (1', 1", 1‴) in which tension elements cross without contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the second crossing element (1") is rotatable about a central axis of rotation (7).

[0079] In the Figures 12a and 12b Figure 1 shows an ankle orthosis / brace (100) with two crossing elements (1', 1") from two different perspectives. The first crossing element (1') is located on the dorsum of the foot (instep) in the region of the metatarsal bones when the ankle orthosis / brace (100) is applied. The second crossing element (1") is located opposite it in the region of the mid-arch or medial longitudinal arch of the sole of the foot.

[0080] The Figures 13a and 13bFigure 1 shows a forearm orthosis / bandage (100) with two crossing elements (1', 1"). The first crossing element (1') is located on the outside of the forearm when the forearm orthosis / bandage (100) is applied. The second crossing element (1") is located opposite it on the inside of the forearm.

[0081] Figures 14a and 14b Figures 1 and 2 show different perspectives of a back orthosis / bandage (100) according to the invention, with two opposing crossing elements (1', 1") in which tension elements cross without contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the first crossing element (1') is located at approximately the level of the navel and the second crossing element (1") is located on the side of the back in the region of the lumbar spine. Reference symbol list

[0082] 1 Intersection element 1' first intersection element 1" second intersection element 1‴ third intersection element 2 first guide area 3 second guide area 4 third guide area 5 fourth guide area 6a tensioning element 6b tensioning element 6c tensioning element 6d tensioning element 7 pivot axis 10 first level 10' second level 10" third level 20a ramp 20b ramp 30 cover 40 intersection point 40' intersection point 100 Orthopedic or sports aid

Claims

1. Crossing element (1) for an orthopedic or sports aid device, comprising at least one first guide section (2) for receiving a tensioning element (6a) of the aid device and at least one second guide section (3) for receiving a tensioning element (6b) of the aid device, characterized in that the at least two guide sections (2, 3) of the crossing element (1) are designed and arranged relative to one another such that a tensioning element (6a) guided in the first guide section (2) and a tensioning element (6b) guided in the second guide section (3) cross each other without contact at at least one point (40).

2. Crossing element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first (2) and / or the second guide section (3) of the crossing element is a guide channel, wherein the guide channel is preferably designed in the form of a groove.

3. Crossing element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second guide section (2, 3) is designed such that a tensioning element (6a, 6b) guided in the first and / or second guide section (2, 3) is at least partially encompassed.

4. Crossing element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second guide sections (2, 3) are located in different planes (10, 10') at least in the region of the at least one crossing point (40) of the tensioning element (6a) guided in the first guide section (2) with the tensioning element (6b) guided in the second guide section (3).

5. Crossing element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first guide section (2) comprises two ramps (20a, 20b), wherein the second guide section (3) runs between the two ramps (20a, 20b) of the first guide section (2) such that a tensioning element (6a) running in the first guide section (2) is guided by means of the two ramps (20a, 20b) above a tensioning element (6b) running in the second guide section (3).

6. Crossing element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crossing element (1) comprises at least one cover (30) above the at least one crossing point (40) of the tensioning element (6a) guided in the first guide section (2) with the tensioning element (6b) guided in the second guide section (3).

7. Crossing element (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover (30) of the crossing element (1) comprises at least one further guide section in which a tensioning element of the aid device can be guided.

8. Crossing element (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the cover (30) is removable.

9. Crossing element (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the cover (30) is rotatably mounted.

10. Crossing element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensioning element (6a) guided in the first guide section (2) and the tensioning element (6b) guided in the second guide section (3) are the same tensioning element of the aid device, in particular a single connected tensioning element of the aid device.

11. Crossing element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tensioning element (6a) guided in the first guide section (2) and the tensioning element (6b) guided in the second guide section (3) are different tensioning elements of the aid device, in particular separate tensioning elements of the aid device which are not connected to one another.

12. Orthopedic or sports aid device (100) comprising at least one crossing element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Orthopedic or sports aid device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the aid device (100) comprises at least one tensioning element, wherein the tensioning element is selected from the group consisting of tensioning or pulling strap, tensioning or pulling rope, tensioning or pulling band, and limb-like tensioning or pulling element.

14. Orthopedic or sports aid device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, selected from the group consisting of back orthosis, back bandage, hip orthosis, hip bandage, knee joint orthosis, knee joint bandage, elbow orthosis, elbow bandage, arm orthosis, arm bandage, ankle joint orthosis, ankle joint bandage, gloves, and shoes.

15. Orthopedic or sports aid device (100) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the at least one crossing element (1) is arranged rotatably mounted on the aid device.

Images