Bandage or appliance having abdominal support function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bandage or appliance, in particular an appliance for pregnancy, and comprises an elongate flat base body (50), a first abdominal lifting element (11) and a second abdominal lifting element (12), each having a first end (13, 14), and a first tension element (21) and a second tension element (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates particularly to a bandage or appliance that can be used during pregnancy.

Background Art

[0002] For example, low back pain may occur due to weight gain during pregnancy or weight gain due to fetal growth. During pregnancy, the pelvis "tilts" to maintain balance, which may cause swayback. More specifically, problems may occur in the lumbar facet joints, the iliosacral joints (ISG) in the pelvis, and the symphysis pubis. Weight gain increases the load on the spine and iliosacral joints. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the tendons and ligaments of the hip joints become soft, and the pelvis begins to move as if it is "separating". This may cause pain in the symphysis pubis.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Conventional spinal appliances function based on a "three-point support system" and apply forces at anatomical positions: (1) the abdomen, (2) the upper back, and (3) the lower back. The positions where the forces act are concentrated at points 2 and 3, that is, on the back.

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved bandage or appliance, such as a pregnancy appliance, which can particularly relieve the burden on the spine, iliosacral joints, and symphysis pubis, correct to some extent the resulting excessive swayback, and further stabilize the pelvis to reduce the pain in the iliosacral joints and symphysis pubis.

[0005] The present invention solves the underlying problems by the subject matter according to claim 1.

[0006] The present invention particularly relates to a bandage or appliance for the lumbar region, - A slender flat base body having a first end region, a second end region, a central region, a first intermediate region between the first end region and the central region, and a second intermediate region between the second end region and the central region, wherein the first end region and the second end region are reversibly connectable to each other. - An elongated first abdominal lifting element and an elongated second abdominal lifting element, each having a first end. - An elongated first tension element and an elongated second tension element, each having a first end. The first intermediate region and the second intermediate region each have a deflecting element, or the first end region and the second end region each have a deflecting element. The first abdominal lifting element is disposed in the central region of the base body above the first tension element in the worn state. The second abdominal lifting element is disposed in the central region of the base body above the second tension element in the worn state. The first tension element extends so as to be free to move in the direction of the first end region of the base body. The second tension element extends so as to be free to move in the direction of the second end region of the base body. The first tension element terminates at a second end in the first central region of the base body. The second tension element terminates at a second end in the second central region of the base body. The first end of the first tension element and the first end of the second tension element each have a deflecting element. The first abdominal lifting element extends from the central region of the base body to the deflecting element of the first intermediate region or the first end region and is deflected there. The second abdominal lifting element extends from the central region of the base body to the deflecting element of the second intermediate region or the second end region and is deflected there. The first abdominal lifting element extends from the deflecting element of the first intermediate region or the first end region to the deflecting element of the first tension element and is deflected there. The second abdominal lifting element extends from the deflecting element of the second intermediate region or the second end region to the deflecting element of the second tension element and is deflected there. The first abdominal lifting element extends from the deflecting element of the first tension element in at least one direction of the end region of the base body. The second abdominal lifting element extends from the deflecting element of the second tension element in at least one direction of the end region of the base body. The first end of the first abdominal lifting element and the first end of the second abdominal lifting element areIt can be reversibly fixed to the first end region of the base body and / or the second end region of the base body and / or the first end of the other abdominal lifting element respectively.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the first abdominal lifting element and the second abdominal lifting element and / or the first tension element and the second tension element are each connected to the central region of the base body at the second end, preferably, the connection of the second end of the first abdominal lifting element to the central region of the base body in the mounted state is disposed above the connection of the second end of the first tension element to the central region of the base body, and the connection of the second end of the second abdominal lifting element to the central region of the base body in the mounted state is disposed above the connection of the second end of the second tension element to the central region of the base body.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first abdominal lifting element and the second abdominal lifting element are connected to each other in the central region of the base body, and / or the first tension element and the second tension element are connected to each other in the central region of the base body.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the abdominal lifting element has a higher elasticity as a whole than the tension element.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the abdominal lifting element and / or the tension element is a belt.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the deflection element of the tension element is configured as a buckle.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a stabilizing rod in the central region and / or the intermediate region.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the end region of the base body is designed as a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the end regions of the base body that can be connected to each other have a length of at least 15 cm. The end region of the base body may be shorter than 15 cm. The end regions can be variably connected to each other by additional hook-and-loop fasteners (similar to a "fishmouth" type hook-and-loop fastener belt extension).

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a pad and / or a heat cushion and / or a cooling cushion can be arranged on the base body.

[0016] The abdominal lifting element may have different regions with different elasticity and / or stretchability. The abdominal lifting element can also have different regions with different elasticity. The abdominal lifting element can also have different regions with different stretchability. The abdominal lifting element can also have different regions with different elasticity and stretchability. For example, a two-part belt with different stretchabilities can also be used.

[0017] Preferably, the bandage or appliance according to the present invention is a pregnancy bandage or pregnancy appliance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples and figures, which should not be construed as limiting.

Figure 1

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Figure 3

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The figure shows a waist bandage or appliance 100, which is shown here in the form of a pregnancy appliance as a preferred embodiment, having a first end region (51), a second end region (52), a central region (55), a first intermediate region (53) between the first end region (51) and the central region (55), and a second intermediate region (54) between the second end region (52) and the central region (55), wherein the first end region (51) and the second end region (52) are reversibly connectable to each other, an elongated flat base body (50), an elongated first abdominal lifting element (11) and an elongated second abdominal lifting element (12) each having a first end (13, 14), and an elongated first tension element (21) and an elongated second tension element (22) each having a first end (23, 24). The first intermediate region (53) and the second intermediate region (54) each have a deflecting element (61, 62), or the first end region (51) and the second end region (52) of the base body (50) each have a deflecting element. The first abdominal lifting element (11) is arranged in the central region (55) of the base body (50) above the first tension element (21) in the worn state, the second abdominal lifting element (12) is arranged in the central region (55) of the base body (50) above the second tension element (22) in the worn state, the first tension element (21) extends freely in the direction of the first end region (51) of the base body (50), the second tension element (22) extends freely in the direction of the second end region (52) of the base body (50), the first tension element (21) terminates at the first end (23) in the first intermediate region (53) of the base body (50), the second tension element (22) terminates at the first end (24) in the second intermediate region (54) of the base body (50), the first end (23) of the first tension element (21) and the first end (24) of the second tension element (22) each have a deflecting element (25, 26), and the first abdominal lifting element (11) isIt extends from the central region (55) of the base body (50) to the deflection element (61) of the first intermediate region (53) or the first end region (51), where it is deflected. The second abdominal lifting element (12) extends from the central region (55) of the base body (50) to the deflection element (62) of the second intermediate region (54) or the second end region (52), where it is deflected. The first abdominal lifting element (11) extends from the deflection element (61) of the first intermediate region (53) or the first end region (51) to the deflection element (25) of the first tension element (21), where it is deflected. The second abdominal lifting element (12) extends from the deflection element (62) of the second intermediate region (54) or the second end region (52) to the deflection element (26) of the second tension element (22), where it is deflected. The first abdominal lifting element (11) extends from the deflection element (25) of the first tension element (21) in at least one direction of the end regions (51, 52) of the base body (50). The second abdominal lifting element (12) extends from the deflection element (26) of the second tension element (22) in at least one direction of the end regions (51, 52) of the base body (50). The first ends (13) of the first abdominal lifting element (11) and the first ends (14) of the second abdominal lifting element (12) can be reversibly fixed to the first end region (51) of the base body (50) and / or the second end region (52) of the base body (50) and / or the first ends (14, 13) of the other abdominal lifting element (12, 11), respectively. The first abdominal lifting element (11) and the second abdominal lifting element (12) and / or the first tension element (21) and the second tension element (22) are each connected to the central region (55) of the base body (50) at the second ends (17, 18, 27, 28). The connection of the second end (17) of the first abdominal lifting element (11) to the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the mounted state isIt is disposed above the connection portion of the second end (27) of the first tension element (21) to the central region (55) of the base body (50), and the connection portion of the second end (18) of the second abdominal lifting element (12) in the mounted state to the central region (55) of the base body (50) is disposed above the connection portion of the second end (28) of the second tension element (22) to the central region (55) of the base body (50). The base body (50) can have stabilizing rods (71, 72) in the central region and / or the intermediate region.,

[0020] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first abdominal lifting element and the second abdominal lifting element are connected to each other in the central region of the base body, and the first tension element and the second tension element are connected to each other in the central region of the base body. The abdominal lifting elements and the tension elements are guided and held by guide elements (80) disposed on the base body.

[0021] FIG. 7 shows a further optional embodiment, in which a further stabilizing rod (73) is provided, specifically disposed in the intermediate region (53). Of course, similar additional stabilizing rods are also disposed in the second intermediate region.

[0022] To relieve the burden on the spine, sacroiliac joints, and symphysis pubis, the pregnancy support device according to the present invention is used to "lift" the abdomen and gently return it in the spinal direction, thereby correcting the resulting swayback to some extent, and in particular, it can support from the lower abdomen. This support is provided by the upper belt with new elasticity among the two belts, serving as a fulcrum for the lower abdomen on the opposite side so to speak. Furthermore, by stabilizing the pelvis, the pain of the ISG joints and symphysis pubis is reduced. This role is fulfilled by the second non-elastic belt at the lower part. The device thus fulfills two functions independently in this way. By combining elastic and non-elastic tension belts or belt parts, sliding them against each other for attachment, and based on the principle of the present invention that the direction changes by 180 degrees when force is applied, for the first time, it has become possible to mainly apply the added tension to the lower abdomen. There are three wearing points for this new back support device, namely the upper belt attachment part and the lower belt attachment part on the back, and the abdominal part of the device.

[0023] Structure of an example of a pregnancy support device: A. Base Body: A base belt made of an elastic knitted fabric with holes that surrounds the perimeter. The base belt is composed of a flexible support material. In the spinal region, preferably two anatomically formed stabilizing rods are inserted parallel to each other. These are not essential for the function of the new orthosis but are common at present. The rods extend the height of the orthosis and have the effect of preventing the orthosis from collapsing. They also function as the "anchor points" of the tension belt system. It should be noted that the tension belt can be fixed in a relocatable form even without the rods at the location where the rods are placed. The function of the new orthosis is ensured even without the two rods. The rods are shown in Figure 1. The elastic base belt region between the two rods can alternatively be configured to be non-elastic without significantly impairing the function. In this embodiment, this elastic region enables accommodation of a wider range of sizes and improves the fit to body shape. Instead of the rods, it is also possible to fix the belt to the base belt via a belt guide. Also, the two tension belts are preferably configured in a circumferential structure so that they do not need to be separately attached in the spinal region.

[0024] B. Abdominal lifting element: The upper belt (belt 1), "upper elastic belt", or the function of belt 1 is to lift the abdomen. It extends from the spine towards the abdominal closure (see Figure 2). At the abdominal closure, the belt is deflected and returns towards the spine. However, since this belt extends at an angle different from the entrance angle, the belt forms a V-shape in the deflection area. On the way towards the spine, the upper belt merges with the lower belt, and another deflection element is attached to its end. In this second deflection element, the upper belt undergoes a second deflection and follows a zigzag path. In this second deflection, the upper belt proceeds again towards the abdominal closure. The free end of the upper belt is then fixed to the abdominal closure using a hook-and-loop fastener. Other types of fasteners can also be used for this purpose. Belt 1 must be manufactured from a material that is more flexible than belt 2. As shown in the figure, belt 1 can have one or more elastic and inelastic sections in its path. Preferably, the first region of belt 1 starting from the spine is elastic. In the deflected region, a belt with low elasticity is advantageous for the deflected part to slide smoothly. The belt can also be implemented as a wire cable, Bowden cable, flat belt, or the like. By adding and attaching belt guides and stabilizing rods to the appliance, the tension of the support material can be improved (see Figures 6 and 7). The elasticity of the belt enables the abdomen to move as if it "bounces", for example, when climbing stairs.

[0025] C. Tension Belt: The lower belt (belt 2), also known as the "lower belt" or tension belt 2, has the function of stabilizing the pelvis and is preferably less elastic than belt 1. Belt 2 extends from the fixed part in the spinal region towards the abdominal closure part. However, since belt 2 is directly attached to tension belt 1 by a deflection element, it ends in front of the abdominal closure part. At its end, there is a deflection element that deflects belt 1. Belt 1 thus applies tension to belt 2. The tension adjustment principle of this "Y-shaped" belt with this deflection element has a great advantage that the second tension belt can slide when tension is applied to the elastic tension belt and find an ideal position.

[0026] Wearing of the Pregnancy Apparatus: In the first step, close the abdominal closure part of the base carrier under the abdomen. The hook-and-loop fastener area of the abdominal closure part is configured such that the effective area of the hook-and-loop fastener covers a circumference of 20 cm or more, so that the apparatus can "grow" substantially according to pregnancy. In the second step, the elastic tension belt 1 is pulled away from the body at an angle of about 90° and tension is applied. As a result, the abdominal lifting function is adjusted. This is because at the position where this tension is applied, initially only tension belt 1 is under tension. Once the desired tension is obtained, attach tension belt 1 from the 90° position to the abdominal closure part. Due to this change in angle, the applied tension is also transmitted to the non-elastic tension belt 2. When the end of tension belt 1 is attached to the base belt, the entire system is under tension and the circumferential force is "equalized" in both tension belts. At the same time, the elastic tension belt 1 is blocked by a 180-degree deflection and cannot be further tensioned. Therefore, by using tension belt 1, the pelvis can be stabilized as desired. The more the end of the belt is further pulled towards the abdominal closure part, A) the lower abdomen is lifted and B) the pelvis is stabilized.

[0027] The support base belt (currently a mesh knitted fabric) can be either elastic or non-elastic. In a preferred embodiment, it is an elastic support material that fits the body. The support material can have different zones with different elasticities. In an alternative design, a non-elastic zone is provided in the region of the spine. The base belt may or may not be provided with a stabilizing rod perpendicular to the back region. The auxiliary tension belt system is composed of two annular tension belts (an upper belt and a lower belt), each with two deflection elements. One belt has deflection elements at both ends. The other belt is provided with surface fasteners or similar fasteners at both ends. Both belts are attached to the support material in the region of the spine. Belt 1 (the upper belt) is deflected twice, resulting in a Z-shaped belt path. The first deflection occurs in the region of the abdominal closure. The second deflection occurs above Belt 2 (the lower belt).

[0028] Belt 1 (the upper belt), i.e., the abdominal lifting element, can have zones with different elasticities. Regardless of the elasticity of the individual zones, Belt 1 is configured to have the same elasticity as Belt 2 or more elasticity than Belt 2. Belt 1 can also be integrally molded from an elastic material.

[0029] Belt 2 (the lower belt), i.e., the tension element, is preferably non-elastic. It is attached below Belt 1 in the region of the spine. A deflection element through which Belt 1 passes is attached to its free end.

[0030] The appliance is provided with at least one belt system. To achieve a better fit and symmetry, it is preferable to provide two belt systems. Thus, a belt system is arranged on each side of the appliance.

[0031] The sliding surface of the deflection element is slightly "toothed", which can make it difficult for the belt to "slip" at a specific tensile angle. This enhances the selective tension adjustment of Belts 1 and 2.

[0032] The inelastic lower tension belt 2 is connected to the elastic tension belt 1 via a buckle. Due to this connection, the inelastic tension belt 2 can "move along", which is an important element of the pregnancy device according to the present invention.

[0033] Stabilizing rods can be attached to the device at various positions. On the one hand, this has the function of stretching the support material of the device. On the other hand, it can effectively transmit the force of the belt to the device.

[0034] The abdominal closure element is attached to both ends of the support material. This enables the device to be closed and provides a certain adjustment margin for the growing abdominal circumference.

[0035] The incorporation of pads can be optionally added. Additionally or alternatively, a cooling cushion or a heating cushion can also be incorporated into the bandage or the device.

Claims

1. - A long, flat base body (50) having a first end region (51), a second end region (52), a central region (55), a first intermediate region (53) between the first end region (51) and the central region (55), and a second intermediate region (54) between the second end region (52) and the central region (55), wherein the first end region (51) and the second end region (52) are reversibly connectable to each other, - An elongated first abdominal lifting element (11) and an elongated second abdominal lifting element (12), each having a first end (13, 14), - An elongated first tension element (21) and an elongated second tension element (22), each having a first end (23, 24), Equipped with, The first intermediate region (53) and the second intermediate region (54) each have deflection elements (61, 62), or the first end region (51) and the second end region (52) of the base body (50) each have deflection elements. The first abdominal lifting element (11) is positioned in the central region (55) of the base body (50) above the first tension element (21) when worn, and the second abdominal lifting element (12) is positioned in the central region (55) of the base body (50) above the second tension element (22) when worn. The first tension element (21) extends to move freely in the direction of the first end region (51) of the base body (50), and the second tension element (22) extends to move freely in the direction of the second end region (52) of the base body (50), the first tension element (21) terminates at its first end (23) in the first intermediate region (53) of the base body (50), and the second tension element (22) terminates at its first end (24) in the second intermediate region (54) of the base body (50), and the first end (23) of the first tension element (21) and the first end (24) of the second tension element (22) each have deflection elements (25, 26). The first abdominal lifting element (11) extends from the central region (55) of the base body (50) to the deflection element (61) of the first intermediate region (53) or the first end region (51), where it is deflected, and the second abdominal lifting element (12) extends from the central region (55) of the base body (50) to the deflection element (62) of the second intermediate region (54) or the second end region (52), where it is deflected, The first abdominal lifting element (11) extends from the deflection element (61) of the first intermediate region (53) or the first end region (51) to the deflection element (25) of the first tension element (21), where it is deflected, and the second abdominal lifting element (12) extends from the deflection element (62) of the second intermediate region (54) or the second end region (52) to the deflection element (26) of the second tension element (22), where it is deflected, The first abdominal lifting element (11) extends from the deflection element (25) of the first tension element (21) in at least one direction of the end regions (51, 52) of the base body (50), and the second abdominal lifting element (12) extends from the deflection element (26) of the second tension element (22) in at least one direction of the end regions (51, 52) of the base body (50), A lumbar brace or bandage (100) wherein the first end (13) of the first abdominal lifting element (11) and the first end (14) of the second abdominal lifting element (12) are reversibly fixable to the first end region (51) of the base body (50) and / or the second end region (52) of the base body (50) and / or the first ends (14, 13) of the other abdominal lifting elements (12, 11), respectively.

2. The first abdominal lifting element (11) and the second abdominal lifting element (12) and / or the first tension element (21) and the second tension element (22) are each connected at their second ends (17, 18, 27, 28) to the central region (55) of the base body (50), and preferably, in the fitted state, the connection portion of the second end (17) of the first abdominal lifting element (11) to the central region (55) of the base body (50) is the first tension The orthosis or bandage according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion of the second end (27) of the force element (21) to the central region (55) of the base body (50) is positioned above the connection portion of the second end (18) of the second abdominal lifting element (12) to the central region (55) of the base body (50) in the worn state is positioned above the connection portion of the second end (28) of the second tension element (22) to the central region (55) of the base body (50).

3. The orthosis or bandage according to claim 1, wherein the first abdominal lifting element and the second abdominal lifting elements (11, 12) are connected to each other in the central region of the base body (50), and / or the first tensioning element and the second tensioning elements (21, 22) are connected to each other in the central region of the base body (50).

4. The orthosis or bandage according to claim 1, wherein the abdominal lifting elements (11, 12) have higher overall elasticity than the tensioning elements (21, 22).

5. The device or bandage according to claim 1, wherein the abdominal lifting elements (11, 12) and / or the tensioning elements (21, 22) are belts.

6. The brace or bandage according to claim 1, wherein the deflection element of the tension element (21, 22) is configured as a buckle.

7. The orthotic device or bandage according to claim 1, wherein the base body has stabilizing rods (71, 72) in the central region and / or the intermediate region.

8. The orthotic device or bandage according to claim 1, wherein the end region of the base body (50) is designed as a hook-and-loop fastener.

9. The orthotic device or bandage according to claim 1, wherein a pad and / or a heating cushion and / or a cooling cushion can be placed on the base body (50).

10. The orthosis or bandage according to claim 1, wherein at least one abdominal lifting element, in particular each of the two abdominal lifting elements (11, 12), comprises different regions having different elasticity and / or stretchability.

11. The appliance or bandage according to claim 1, wherein the appliance or bandage is a pregnancy appliance or pregnancy bandage.

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