Device for dispensing a thermoformable working material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing device (3) for a thermoformable working material having a softening temperature, which dispensing device comprises: - a manual gripping member (31), - a receiving housing (32) for the working material, - a dispensing nozzle (33) for said working material, - a motorized transfer screw (34, 35), for transferring said working material from said receiving housing (32) to said dispensing nozzle (33), - heating means (36), arranged between said receiving housing (32) and said dispensing nozzle (33), adapted to bring said working material to its softening temperature, - control means (37) for the motorized screw (34, 35) for dispensing by said dispensing nozzle (33) the softened working material, - a power supply for the control (37) and heating (36) means. Figure for abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Device for dispensing a thermoformable working material Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices of the orthosis or prosthesis type.

[0002] It relates more particularly to support devices, equipment and methods for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type. State of the art

[0003] Generally speaking, medical devices of the orthotic type are devices adapted to assist a function, a joint or a limb.

[0004] More particularly, medical devices of the plantar orthotic type (soles or orthoplasties for example) have the function of correcting a biomechanical, postural or proprioceptive deficiency.

[0005] Such plantar orthoses comprise - a first device surface, anatomical, intended to cover a part of an individual's body (the bottom of the foot for a sole, and the perimeter of a toe for orthoplasty), and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface.

[0006] These medical devices can be made of different materials, for example thermoplastic elastomer materials (TPE, TPU, etc.) sensitive to temperature. And they can be manufactured using thermoplastic extrusion technologies, for example 3D printing.

[0007] But such medical devices are difficult to repair or modify, and when they are no longer suitable, they are generally replaced by new equipment.

[0008] This leads to cost problems and generates waste treatment problems, as the constituent materials are difficult to recycle.

[0009] For both economic and ecological reasons, and to meet possible requests for adaptation of the orthosis or prosthesis, there is therefore a need to have material or equipment that allows this type of medical device to be repaired or modified.

[0010] And the same problem can be found for other medical devices made from the same materials and manufacturing techniques, such as optical correction orthoses or prostheses for replacing a limb or a joint. Presentation of the invention

[0011] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a support device for receiving a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, in order to allow an intervention of repair or modification of said medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, which medical device is made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature and which medical device comprises - a first device surface, anatomical, intended to cover a part of the body of an individual, and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface,

[0012] characterized in that said support device comprises at least one module comprising a receiving surface adapted to fit at least a part of said first device surface, or at least a part of said second device surface,which support device also comprises heating means adapted to heat said receiving surface of said at least one module to a temperature at least equal to said softening temperature of the material constituting said medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type.

[0013] By softening temperature is meant a temperature at which the material undergoes a change of state, from a solid state to a semi-liquid or pasty state.

[0014] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the support device according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following:

[0015] - said at least one module is at least approximately in the form general of a cylindrical organ, similar to a toe, and the external surface of which constitutes said receiving surface adapted to fit at least part of said second device surface of a medical device, in particular of the orthoplasty type;

[0016] - said cylindrical member(s) are mounted by removable fitting on a support ball joint allowing their mobility in space;

[0017] - the support device comprises a plurality of cylindrical members each carried by a support carriage, which support carriages are movably mounted on a slide structure and each comprise their own removable locking means, adapted to allow their position to be adjusted on said slide structure;

[0018] - said at least one module comprises said receiving surface adapted to fit at least a portion of said first device surface of a sole-type orthosis;

[0019] - said at least one module comprises said receiving surface adapted to fit at least a portion of said second device surface of a sole-type orthosis;

[0020] - the support device comprises a plurality of juxtaposed modules, capable together to reconstitute said receiving surface, at least some of said modules being integral with support means adapted to allow their positioning to be adjusted in spacing relative to each other, with a view to allowing the adaptation of said receiving surface to the size of the sole-type medical device;

[0021] - at least some of said modules are fixed on guide rods mounted at sliding on a support carriage to allow their mobility along a first axis, which support carriage is itself mounted to slide on a slide structure along a second axis perpendicular to said first axis;

[0022] - the support device comprises at least one holding pad, for example in the shape of sphere or ball, adapted to hold a medical device of the sole type on at least one of said modules, which at least one holding pad and which module or modules are made of materials adapted for their cooperation by magnetization;

[0023] - said module or at least one of said modules is made of conductive material thermal and comprises said heating means in the form of at least one electrical resistor;

[0024] - the support device comprises at least one heating plate made of material thermal conductor provided with a bottom face and a top face, said heating means in the form of at least one electrical resistor being arranged near said bottom face, and said module or at least one of said modules is arranged or capable of being arranged in contact with said top face of said plate, or just near the latter, to allow its heating by conduction.

[0025] The present invention also relates to equipment for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, which medical device is made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and which medical device comprises - a first device surface, anatomical, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface, which equipment comprises:

[0026] (a) a support device as defined above,

[0027] (b) a thermoformable working material, comprising a softening temperature softening, of solid consistency at room temperature and capable upon heating of taking on a semi-liquid or pasty consistency at said softening temperature, and

[0028] (c) a shaping device adapted to shape said working material on said medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type.

[0029] - said working material may comprise a softening temperature identical or close to the softening temperature of the material constituting the medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type;

[0030] - said shaping device preferably comprises: (a) a gripping member manual, (b) a shaping tip shaped to enable shaping of the work material, and (c) heating means adapted to enable said shaping tip to be brought to said softening temperature of the work material;

[0031] - said shaping tip may comprise a hollow body provided with a chamber internal in which is housed at least one electrical heating resistor constituting said heating means;

[0032] - said shaping tip is preferably provided removable on said device of shaping to allow its replacement;

[0033] - the equipment preferably comprises a device for dispensing said material work, which distribution device comprises:

[0034] (a) a manual gripping member,

[0035] (b) a receiving housing for said working material in solid form,

[0036] (c) a dispensing nozzle for said working material,

[0037] (d) transfer means in the form of a motorized screw, associated with a motorization, to transfer said working material from said receiving housing to said dispensing nozzle,

[0038] (e) heating means, arranged between said receiving housing and said nozzle distribution, adapted to bring said working material to its softening temperature,

[0039] (f) means for controlling said motorization of the motorized screw, for the dis delivery by said distribution nozzle of the softened working material;

[0040] - said dispensing device preferably comprises a modeling member in form of a fixed skate or rotating roller, arranged in the extension of said distribution nozzle.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a method for repairing or modifying a medical device of the orthosis or prosthesis type, by means of equipment as defined above, which medical device is made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature (i.e. a temperature at which the material undergoes a change of solid / pasty state), and which medical device comprises - a first device surface, anatomical, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface,

[0042] which method comprises:

[0043] (a) a step of cutting a localized area on said medical device, by means of suitable tools, to obtain a through cavity delimited by two cavity openings and by a peripheral cavity border,

[0044] (b) a step of positioning said medical device on said support device to close one of said two cavity openings,

[0045] (c) a step of heating said medical device at least at the periphery of said through cavity, adapted to obtain the softening of said periphery of said through cavity,

[0046] (d) a step of filling said through cavity, at least in part by depositing said heat-softened working material through the unsealed cavity opening to obtain a structure for filling said through cavity,

[0047] (e) a step of anatomically conforming at least the face of the working material of the filling structure intended to come opposite the part of the body concerned, by means of said shaping device.

[0048] - said step of filling said through cavity can be carried out inte generally by working material softened by heat;

[0049] - said step of filling said through cavity can be carried out (a) in inserting a piece of solid material, delimited by a peripheral edge, into said through cavity while preserving a space with the peripheral edge of said through cavity, and (b) depositing said heat-softened working material in the space between the peripheral edge of the through cavity and the peripheral edge of the inserted solid piece;

[0050] - the removal of the softened working material is preferably carried out by means of a distribution device as defined above.

[0051] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0052] Furthermore, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:

[0053] [Fig-1] is a general view of a possible embodiment of equipment according to the invention for repairing or modifying a medical device of the sole or orthoplasty type, this equipment comprising in particular a support device for receiving the medical device, a device for distributing a working material and a device for shaping this working material;

[0054] [Fig.2] is an isolated view of the medical device support device forming part of the equipment illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0055] [Fig.3] is a side view of another possible embodiment of a device medical device support according to the invention;

[0056] [Fig.4] is an isolated view of the dispensing device forming part of the equipment illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0057] [Fig.5] is an exploded view of the dispensing device illustrated in [Fig.4];

[0058] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of a part of the dispensing device illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 showing the working material transfer screw;

[0059] [Fig.7] is an isolated view of the shaping device forming part of the equipment illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0060] [Fig.8] is an exploded view of the shaping device illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0061] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0062] The equipment 1 illustrated in [Fig.l] is suitable for repairing or modifying a medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type which is made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and which medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type comprises - a first device surface SI, 01, anatomical, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface S2, 02, opposite said first device surface.

[0063] A medical device of the sole type S and a medical device of the orthoplasty type O are shown schematically in [Fig.l].

[0064] The medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type can for example be made of a heat-sensitive plastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for example.

[0065] For certain applications, the use of polylactic acid (PLA) can also be considered.

[0066] The softening temperature of such materials, which corresponds to the temperature of change of state from solid to pasty (or semi-liquid) can be of the order of 60 to 250°C (more generally of the order of 180 to 250°C).

[0067] For a sole S, the first device surface SI corresponds to the top surface of the sole against which the bottom of an individual's foot rests; and the second device surface S2 corresponds to the bottom surface of the sole.

[0068] For an orthoplasty O, of generally tubular shape, the first surface of device 01 corresponds to the internal surface intended to come into contact with the external surface of a toe; and the second surface of device 02 corresponds to the external surface.

[0069] The thickness of the medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type, between the first device surface SI, 01 and the second device surface S2, 02, may be regular or not; this thickness may be a few millimeters, up to 1 or 2 cm.

[0070] The equipment 1 according to the invention illustrated in [Fig.l] comprises a support device 2 for receiving the medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type, a distribution device 3 for a working material 4, and a shaping device 5 for this working material.

[0071] The working material 4 is a material identical, similar or at least compatible with the material constituting the medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type. It is suitable for repairing and / or modifying this medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type, and it is in the form of a powder, flakes, beads, or a block of material. For example, a material of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) type is used, in the form of beads with a diameter of the order of 1 to 3 mm.

[0072] By the concepts of repair / modification of the medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type, we mean a modification of the initial device by removal(s) or addition(s) of identical or different material.

[0073] The function of this equipment 1 is:

[0074] - to ensure optimal support for intervening on an area of ​​the medical device of type S sole or orthoplasty O which must be modified or repaired,

[0075] - to allow the working material 4 to be carried, as well as the intervention zone on the medical device of the S sole or O orthoplasty type, at a temperature at least equal to their softening temperature,

[0076] - to allow the softened working material 4 to be deposited on the intervention zone of the medical device of the S sole or O orthoplasty type, and

[0077] - to shape (i.e. spread and smooth) the softened working material 4 over the area intervention of the medical device of the S sole type or O orthoplasty.

[0078] According to the invention, the support device 2 comprises at least one module which itself comprises a receiving surface adapted to fit at least part of the first device surface (S1, O1), or at least part of the second device surface (S2, O2); and this support device 2 further comprises heating means adapted to heat said receiving surface of said at least one module to a temperature at least equal to said softening temperature of the material constituting said medical device of the sole S or orthoplasty O type.

[0079] As it appears in the equipment 1 of [Fig.l] and as shown in isolation in [Fig.2], the support device 2 comprises different modules, here some adapted to receiving a sole, and others adapted to receiving an orthoplasty.

[0080] More particularly, the support device 2 comprises a first group of modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 which are juxtaposed and which each comprise a receiving surface portion 21a, 22a, 23a and 24a capable together of reconstituting a surface of reception 25 adapted to fit at least part of the bottom surface S2 of a medical device of the sole S type (so as to be able to act on the top surface SI of the sole S).

[0081] The various juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 are integral with support means adapted to allow their positioning to be adjusted in spacing relative to each other in order to allow the adaptation of said receiving surface 25 to the size of the sole S to be received.

[0082] More precisely, the modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 are fixed on a supporting frame 26 by means of guide rods 26a mounted to slide on a support carriage 26b which allows their mobility along a first axis; and each support carriage 26b is itself mounted to slide on a slide structure 26c along a second axis which is perpendicular to said first axis.

[0083] The guide rods 26a can be locked onto their support carriage 26b by means of clamping screws 26d; and the support carriages 26b can be locked onto their slide structure 26c by means of clamping screws 26e.

[0084] It is understood that the 4 juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can thus be moved apart or brought closer to each other, in the same plane, to optimize the shape and dimensions of the receiving surface 25 (composed of the assembly of the four parts of receiving surfaces 21a, 22a, 23a and 24a), depending on the shape and dimensions of the sole S on which it is desired to intervene.

[0085] It will be noted that once placed on the receiving surface 25, the sole S can be held in place by any suitable means.

[0086] For this purpose, one or more additional holding studs may be used, for example in the form of a ball (or a sphere). Such holding balls 2a are illustrated in [Fig.l] and are part of the equipment 1. They are preferably made of a material suitable for its cooperation by magnetization with the modules 21, 22, 23 and 24. For example, neodymium balls are used, cooperating with modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 made of steel (and more particularly of steel covered with a zinc corrosion protection layer).

[0087] The support device 2 comprises heating means adapted to raise the temperature of the modules 21, 22, 23 and 24, and therefore that of the sole S received by these modules and on which it is desired to intervene. The corresponding heating means are adapted / sized to allow the area of ​​the sole S on which it is desired to intervene to be brought to the softening temperature of the material (for example between 60 and 250°C, depending on the materials).

[0088] For this, the modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 are made of a thermally conductive material (steel for example, as mentioned above); and they can be provided with an electrical resistance system(s) connected to an electrical power supply.

[0089] Alternatively, and as provided on the support device 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the heating means consist of a heating plate 27 in contact or practically in contact with the modules 21, 22, 23 and 24.

[0090] The heating plate 27 is made of thermally conductive material and it comprises a top face 27a, as well as an opposite bottom face. Its top face 27a extends in the immediate vicinity of the bottom part of the modules 21, 22, 23 and 24, in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of the latter guided by the guide rods 26a and the slide structures 26c. In addition, heating means in the form of electrical resistors 27b are arranged against or in the immediate vicinity of its bottom face. The electrical resistor(s) 27b are simply shown diagrammatically in [Fig.2]. They can be connected to a power supply consisting of an electrical cable 2b and an electrical cabinet or box 2c connected to the mains.

[0091] As an alternative embodiment, only some of the juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can be mounted on support means allowing their adjustment in position, the other or other modules being provided to be non-movable.

[0092] As a further variant, a single module may be provided (not mobile but possibly removable) to constitute the receiving surface 25 adapted to receive at least part of the underside surface S2 of the sole S.

[0093] The juxtaposed modules 21, 22, 23 and 24 can also be adapted to reconstitute a receiving surface adapted to fit at least part of the top surface SI of a medical device of the sole S type (so as to be able to intervene on the bottom surface S2 of the sole S).

[0094] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the support device 2 may comprise a second group of modules 28 adapted to receive an orthoplasty O.

[0095] Each module 28 comprises a receiving surface 281 adapted to fit at least part of the internal surface 01 of an orthoplasty O intended to come into contact with the external surface of a toe (so as to be able to intervene on the external surface 02 of the orthoplasty O).

[0096] The orthoplasty modules 28 of the support device 2 are here 3 in number, and they each have at least approximately the general shape of a cylindrical member resembling a toe.

[0097] Each cylindrical member 28 is mounted by removable interlocking on a support ball joint 282 secured to a support carriage 283; and the different support carriages 283 are mounted to move along the same slide structure 284.

[0098] Each support carriage 283 comprises its own removable locking means, in the form of clamping screws 285, adapted to allow their position to be adjusted on the slide structure 284.

[0099] The support device 2 comprises heating means adapted to raise the temperature of the modules 28, and therefore that of the orthoplasty O received and on which one wishes to intervene. The corresponding heating means are adapted / sized to allow the area of ​​the orthoplasty O on which one wishes to intervene to be brought to the softening temperature of the material (for example of the order of 60 to 250°C).

[0100] For this, the modules 28 are made of a thermally conductive material and they can be equipped with a system of electrical resistance(s) connected to an electrical power supply.

[0101] Alternatively, and as provided on the support device 2, the heating means consist of a heating plate 286 whose underside is equipped with electrical resistors 287 connected to the electrical box 2c via an electrical cable 2d (in a manner identical or similar to the heating plate 27).

[0102] The 2d cable can also be connected to a dedicated electrical box.

[0103] The ball joints 282 allow the mobility in space of each module 28 which can therefore be placed in contact or close to the heating plate 286 to ensure the temperature rise of the associated orthoplasty O.

[0104] Each module 28 allows the reception of a mono-tubular orthoplasty or a toe spreader. And several juxtaposed modules 28 allow the reception of a complex orthoplasty, such as for example a multi-tubular orthoplasty or splint for hallux valgus.

[0105] The mobile mounting of the modules 28 along the slide structure 284 makes it possible to adjust the distance between each module in particular so as to adapt to the cavities of the tubular orthoplasty.

[0106] The three juxtaposed modules 28 may have the same size or different sizes. Their removable mounting on a ball joint 282 allows their easy replacement, in particular to change the size if necessary.

[0107] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the supporting frame 26 of the support device 2 may comprise a plurality of replacement orthoplasty modules 28', stored on suitable supports, awaiting use.

[0108] As a variant, the support device 2 may comprise only one or more modules adapted to receive a sole, or only one or more modules adapted to receive an orthoplasty.

[0109] On the other hand, each electrical resistance, or each network of electrical resistances, dedicated to the “sole” modules and to the “orthoplasty” modules can have its own electrical power supply (and therefore, for example, be connected to its own electrical box connected to the mains).

[0110] As illustrated in [Fig.3], according to another possible embodiment, or according to a complementary embodiment, the support device 2 comprises a module 29 a receiving surface 291 of which is adapted to fit at least part of the first device surface SI of a medical device of the sole type S.

[0111] The receiving surface 291 of this module 29 corresponds to the underside of a foot; and its lower face 292 is flat so that it can rest stably on a flat support.

[0112] This module 29 comprises heating means adapted to raise its temperature, and therefore that of the sole S received and on which it is desired to intervene. The corresponding heating means are adapted / sized to allow the area of ​​the sole S on which it is desired to intervene to be brought to the softening temperature of the material (for example of the order of 60 to 250°C).

[0113] For this, the module 29 is made of a thermally conductive material (for example steel), and it is provided with a system of electrical resistance(s) 293. The system of electrical resistance(s) 293 is connected to an electrical power supply (for example via an electrical cable to the electrical box 2c connected to the mains, illustrated in [Fig.l], or a dedicated electrical box).

[0114] Here, the electrical resistance system(s) 293 is integrated inside the module 29 and we notice the opening 294 for the passage of its power cable.

[0115] Alternatively, the heating means of the module 29 may consist of a heating plate equipped with electrical resistors. For this purpose, the heating plate 27 of the support device of FIGS. 1 and 2, or a dedicated heating plate, may be used.

[0116] The module 29 may also comprise fixing means, for fixing it to any support.

[0117] Figures 4, 5 and 6 detail a possible embodiment of a distribution device 3 for the working material 4.

[0118] As mentioned above, the dispensing device 3 is adapted to receive the working material 4 in the form of solid granulates (for example in powder, flakes, balls or other), to heat this working material 4 to a temperature allowing its softening, that is to say its transformation into a pasty or semi-liquid material, and to dispense this pasty or semi-liquid material in order to ensure its deposit on the medical device to be treated.

[0119] For this, the distribution device 3 comprises:

[0120] - a manual gripping member in the form of a handle 31

[0121] - a receiving housing 32 for receiving the working material 4,

[0122] - a distribution nozzle 33 for distributing the working material 4 under the form of a cord of material,

[0123] - transfer means in the form of a motorized screw 34, associated with a motorization 35, for transferring the working material 4 from the receiving housing 32 to the dispensing nozzle 33,

[0124] - heating means 36, arranged between the receiving housing 32 and the nozzle distribution 33, adapted to bring the working material 4 to its softening temperature,

[0125] - control means 37 for controlling the motorization 35 of the screw motorized 34, for the purpose of distributing, by the distribution nozzle 33, the softened working material 4.

[0126] The motorized screw 34 is housed in a screw sleeve 38 which ends at the distribution nozzle 33. This motorized screw 34 is driven in rotation by the motorization 35 via a coupling system 35a.

[0127] The heating means 36 comprise one or more electrical resistors integrated into a block of thermally conductive material which surrounds the screw sleeve 38.

[0128] The assembly consisting of the receiving housing 32, the screw sleeve 38, the motorized screw 34, the motorization 35, the heating means 36, and the distribution nozzle 33, is housed in a casing 39 which is extended by the handle 31.

[0129] The casing 39 incorporates ventilation means 391 adapted to regulate the temperature of the motorization 35.

[0130] The control means 37 consist of an electric trigger provided at the level of the handle 31.

[0131] The distribution device 3 is connected to a power supply to ensure the power supply of the control means 37 and the heating means 36. For example, this power supply is provided by an electric cable 3a connected to the electrical box 2c of the equipment illustrated in [Fig.l]. In an alternative embodiment, this power supply may consist of a dedicated electrical box.

[0132] The heating means 36 of the distribution device 3 are activated via a regulation device and a switch located on the associated electrical box.

[0133] In Figures 4 and 5, we note the presence of a modeling member 392 arranged in the extension of the distribution nozzle 33, which is adapted to allow the modeling of the softened working material 4, once the latter has been deposited on the medical device.

[0134] The modeling member 392 is fixed to the end of a support arm 393 (preferably removable) mounted cantilevered at the end of the dispensing device 3. It is arranged a few centimeters from the dispensing nozzle 33, slightly offset from the axis of the latter.

[0135] The modeling member 392 here consists of a fixed pad in the general shape of a portion of a cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, it may consist of a rotating roller.

[0136] The skate or roller-shaped modeling member 392 is preferably made of a material that is a good thermal conductor and insensitive to the attraction properties of the balls. made of neodymium 2a (a material such as zinc is used for this).

[0137] The receiving housing 32 is preferably equipped with a cover 32a which allows its removable closure. The cover 32a is pivotally mounted around a pivot axis 394 at one of its ends, and it comprises means for locking in the closed position, by translation, by means of lateral lugs cooperating with receiving grooves.

[0138] Figures 7 and 8 detail a possible embodiment of a device 5 for shaping the working material 4 (after softening of the latter).

[0139] As can be seen in these figures 7 and 8, the shaping device 5 here comprises: - a manual gripping member 51 - a shaping tip 52 shaped to allow the shaping of the softened working material 4, and - heating means 53 adapted to allow said shaping tip 52 to be brought to the softening temperature of the working material 4 (namely of the order of 180 to 250°C).

[0140] The shaping device 5 is connected to a power supply to ensure the supply of electricity to the heating means 53. As illustrated in [Fig.l] this power supply may consist of an electric cable 5a connected to the electrical box 2c. In an alternative embodiment this power supply may comprise a dedicated electrical box.

[0141] The shaping tip 52 consists of a hollow body whose internal chamber 521 is provided with an opening 522 at one of its ends, and in which internal chamber 521 is housed at least one electrical heating resistor constituting the heating means 53.

[0142] The tip 52 is made of a good thermal conductor material, for example zinc due to its insensitivity to the attraction properties of the neodymium 2a balls.

[0143] The end 523 of the shaping tip 52, which is opposite the one provided with the opening 522, is shaped so as to optimize the shaping work to be carried out. This end 523 can be dome-shaped, or plate-shaped.

[0144] Preferably, the shaping tip 52 is provided to be removable on the shaping device 5 to allow its replacement, for example in the event of deterioration, or if it is desired to use another shape of tip depending on the work to be carried out.

[0145] In this case, the shaping tip 52 comprises removable fixing means (for example elastic fitting means), either on the manual gripping member 51, or on a support 54 of the heating means 53.

[0146] The equipment 1 as described above makes it possible to repair or modify a medical device made of thermoformed material comprising a softening temperature, and which comprises - a first anatomical device surface, intended to cover a part of an individual's body, and - a second device surface, opposite said first device surface.

[0147] The method in question may comprise:

[0148] - a step of cutting out a localized area on said medical device S, O, at using suitable tools (for example scissors), to obtain a hole or a through cavity delimited by two cavity openings (on each side of the medical device) and by a peripheral cavity border,

[0149] - a step of positioning the medical device S, O on the support device 2 to arrangement, to close one of the two cavity openings,

[0150] - a step of heating the medical device S, O at least at the level of the periphery of the through cavity, the heating in question being adapted to obtain the softening of the periphery of the through cavity,

[0151] - a step of filling the through cavity, at least in part by removing the heat-softened working material 4, through the unsealed cavity opening, to obtain a through-cavity filling structure (this step of depositing the heat-softened working material 4 is preferably carried out by means of the distribution device 3 as described above),

[0152] - a step of anatomically conforming at least the face of the material working of the filling structure intended to come opposite the part of the foot concerned, by means of a shaping device (for example the shaping device 5 as described above).

[0153] The step of filling the through cavity can be carried out entirely by working material 4 softened by heat.

[0154] In an alternative embodiment, this step of filling the through cavity is carried out (a) by inserting a piece of solid material, delimited by a peripheral edge, into said through cavity while preserving a space with the peripheral edge of said through cavity, and (b) by depositing the working material softened by heat in the space between the peripheral edge of the through cavity and the peripheral edge of the inserted solid piece.

[0155] The added solid material part preferably consists of a part of a material identical to that constituting the medical device S, O.

[0156] The softened filling material is welded to the peripheral edge of the cavity and, where appropriate, to the peripheral edge of the added solid part.

[0157] Still according to an alternative embodiment, the step of filling the through cavity is carried out by inserting a piece of solid material, delimited by a peripheral edge, into said through cavity without preserving a space with the peripheral edge of said through cavity. The peripheral edge of the through cavity and the peripheral edge of the inserted solid piece are then in contact at a contact line; and the compatible materials can be softened at level of this contact line (for example with the shaping device 5 or with the shaping member 392 of the distribution device 3), so that they merge.

[0158] As previously stated, the invention may also find application in the field of medical devices of the optical correction orthosis type, and in particular spectacle frames, or even in the field of prostheses, for the replacement of a limb (or part of a limb) or a joint.

[0159] It will be noted that the distribution device 3 described above can be used in isolation, independently of the support device 2 and the shaping device 5, for example for other applications, with a view to delivering a bead of softened material (pasty / semi-liquid).

[0160] In the same way, the shaping device 5 described above can be used in isolation, independently of the support device 2 and the distribution device 3, for example for other applications, in order to shape, spread and / or smooth a working material softened by heat, deposited on any support.

Claims

Claims

1. A dispensing device (3) for a thermoformable working material having a softening temperature, of solid consistency at room temperature and capable by heating of taking on a semi-liquid or pasty consistency at said softening temperature, which dispensing device (3) is characterized in that it comprises: - a manual gripping member (31), - a receiving housing (32) for receiving said working material in solid form, - a dispensing nozzle (33) for dispensing said working material, - transfer means in the form of a motorized screw (34), associated with a motorization (35), for transferring said working material from said receiving housing (32) to said dispensing nozzle (33), - heating means (36), arranged between said receiving housing (32) and said dispensing nozzle (33),adapted to bring said working material to its softening temperature, - control means (37) of said motorization (35) of the motorized screw (34) for distribution by said distribution nozzle (33) of the softened working material, - an electrical power supply to ensure the supply of electricity to the control means (37) and the heating means (36).,

2. Dispensing device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a modeling member (392) in the form of a fixed pad or rotating roller, arranged in the extension of said dispensing nozzle (33).

3. Dispensing device (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that the modeling member (392) is fixed to the end of a support arm (393) mounted cantilevered at the end of the dispensing device (3), which modeling member (392) is arranged a few centimeters from the dispensing nozzle (33), slightly offset from the axis of the latter.

4. Dispensing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the modeling member (392) is in the form of a skate or roller made of a material which is a good thermal conductor.

5. Dispensing device (3) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the motorized screw (34) is housed in a screw sleeve (38) which ends at the distribution nozzle (33), which motorized screw (34) is driven in rotation by the motorization (35) via a coupling system (35a).

6. Dispensing device (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that the heating means (36) comprise one or more electrical resistors integrated in a block of thermally conductive material which surrounds the screw sleeve (38).

7. Dispensing device (3) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the assembly consisting of the receiving housing (32), the screw sleeve (38), the motorized screw (34), the motorization (35), the heating means (36), and the dispensing nozzle (33), is housed in a casing (39) which is extended by the handle (31), which casing (39) incorporates ventilation means (391) adapted to regulate the temperature of the motorization (35).

8. Dispensing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control means (37) consist of an electric trigger provided at the handle (31).

9. Distribution device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the heating means (36) are activated via a regulating device and a switch located on an electrical box of the power supply.

10. Dispensing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the receiving housing (32) is equipped with a cover (32a) which allows its removable closure, which cover (32a) is pivotally mounted around a pivot axis (394) at one of its ends, and comprises means for locking in the closed position, by translation, by means of lateral lugs cooperating with receiving grooves.

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