Support device for supporting a body part of a user

Abstract

To provide an improved support device for supporting a body part of a user.SOLUTION: A support device 1 for supporting at least one body part of a user comprises a support body 2 for at least partially, optionally completely, supporting at least one body part of a user, wherein the support body 2 comprises a first support body portion 3 comprising a supporting contour 3.1 on which the body part is supported, and a second support body portion 4 connectable or connected to the first support body portion 3, wherein the second support body portion 4 is arranged or formed below the first support body portion 3 and forms an intervening space 5 extending between the first support body portion 3 and the second support body portion 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for supporting at least one body part of a user, comprising a support for at least partially, and possibly completely, supporting at least one body part of a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Many corresponding support devices are known per se from the prior art in various configurations. Patent document 1, which discloses a specific example of a known support device, relates to a support device having a support having at least one support area that at least partially, and in some cases completely, supports at least a part of a user's body, such as a limb.

[0003] First, known support devices need improvement in terms of mechanical stability, particularly with respect to forces acting on the support during intended use. The relatively large forces acting on the support during intended use in certain pathologies, such as spastic hand paralysis, indicate a need for additional mechanical stabilization.

[0004] With regard to the possibility of easy production of counterfeit goods, known support devices still need improvement, and therefore it is desirable to actually implement measures that at least make it more difficult to produce counterfeit goods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102019135329A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide an improved support device for supporting a body part of a user, which is improved in particular by improved mechanical properties and by measures that can be taken or are taken to make at least unauthorized counterfeiting more difficult.

[0007] This object is achieved according to a supporting device according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the supporting device.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a support device that at least partially, and possibly completely, supports at least one portion of a user's body. Thus, generally, the support device serves to at least partially, and possibly completely, support at least one portion of a user's body. The term "user" as used below includes both male and female users.

[0009] The term "support" may be understood as the positioning or holding of at least one body part or portion. Accordingly, a support device may also be referred to or considered as a support device. Accordingly, a support associated with a support device may also be referred to or considered as a support. Accordingly, a support profile on a support profile may also be referred to or considered as a support profile.

[0010] The term "body part" may be understood as a part of the body or a portion of the body. An example of a body part is the trunk or a limb. Thus, an example of a body part is a trunk part or a limb part.

[0011] The term "limb" may be understood as both a complete limb (extremity) and a limb portion of an upper limb. An example of a limb is therefore an arm or a leg. An example of a limb portion is therefore a hand or a foot. However, a hand or a foot may also be an example of a limb. An example of a limb portion may therefore be a finger or a toe. The support device may therefore be designed to support a user's upper limb, in particular a hand, a hand portion, an arm, or an arm portion, or to support a user's lower limb, in particular a foot, a foot portion, a leg, or a leg portion.

[0012] Support devices are typically used to support or position body parts, particularly limbs, or body portions, particularly limbs, of a person or human body, although support or positioning of body parts or body portions of an animal or animal body is also envisaged.

[0013] Thus, although the support device can be applied to a variety of specific applications, a preferred embodiment of the support device is a support device for supporting a person's hand.

[0014] As mentioned above, the support device comprises a support, the functional and geometric design of which will be explained in detail below.

[0015] The support comprises at least a first and a second support part, in contrast to the prior art configurations, in particular of Patent Document 1. The support is therefore formed by at least two support parts from a functional and geometrical point of view.

[0016] The first support portion has or is designed to have a support contour for a body part to rest on it. The support contour is thus the area of ​​the support device on which a user (directly) rests a body part during intended use of the support device. The support contour thus indicates the actual area of ​​the support device on which a user rests or supports a body part during intended use of the support device. The support contour thus typically forms at least a portion of the (exposed) surface of the support device.

[0017] The support profile can extend at least partially, if necessary completely, over at least one upper side of the first support portion or can at least partially, if necessary completely, form at least one upper side of the first support portion.

[0018] The support contour is typically formed by or comprises a pre-set three-dimensional contour or structure configured for a particular body part of a user. Thus, as will be explained in more detail below, the support contour may have one or more support contour portions, particularly designed as accommodation portions, configured to accommodate or support a particular body part, particularly a limb or limb part, of a body part, particularly a finger or a toe, that is placed or placed on the support contour.

[0019] The dimensions of the support contour are typically adapted to the dimensions of the body part to be supported, regardless of its particular geometric design, so that during intended use of the support device, the support contour is at least partially, or possibly completely, covered by the body part to be supported.

[0020] In addition to the first support part, the support device comprises a second support part connectable or connected to the first support part, the second support part being arranged or formed below the first support part and forming an intervening space extending between the first support part and the second support part.

[0021] The connection between the two support parts can in principle be a form fit and / or a force fit and / or a material fit. As will be described later, the second support part may be integrally connected to the first support part, which is an example of a material connection between the two support parts.

[0022] The multi-part design of the support having a first support part and a second support part and said arrangement thereof, whereby the second support part is arranged or designed in particular vertically spaced apart from the first support part to form a corresponding intervening space, significantly improves the mechanical properties of the support, as it provides additional mechanical stability, i.e. in particular additional rigidity, of the support.

[0023] Similarly, the multi-part design of the support having a first support part and a second support part and said arrangement thereof, whereby the second support part is arranged or designed at a distance from the first support part to form a corresponding intervening space, results in a comparatively more complex geometrical design of the support and therefore a more complex manufacture, at least compared to conventional manufacturing processes, resulting in possible or implemented measures that make it at least more difficult to easily realize fraudulent counterfeits.

[0024] By the principle of arranging or forming a second support portion spaced apart below a first support portion, multiple support portions can be arranged or formed in multiple stacking planes, and can be expanded beyond the first and second support portions using further support portions as needed.

[0025] Overall, this is an improved support device that supports a user's body parts.

[0026] The first and second support parts may have the same or different mechanical properties, at least partially or, if necessary, completely, although the mechanical properties of the support are improved in any case in which the second support part is provided, and the second support part may for example have better mechanical properties than the first support part, i.e., for example, a higher stiffness and therefore a higher mechanical stability than the first support part.

[0027] In all embodiments, the first support portion is typically flat. Therefore, the first support portion typically has a flat spatial shape. As described below, this does not exclude the first support portion having a curved or dome-shaped spatial shape, such as a shell shape. The thickness of the first support portion is typically in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm. The wall thickness of the first support part may therefore in particular be 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.7 mm, 4.8 mm, 4.9 mm or 5.0 mm. Said values ​​may also be regarded as limits of a particular thickness range. The thickness of the first support part may be constant or locally varied, so that the mechanical properties of the first support part can be adjusted locally in a targeted manner by changing the thickness accordingly.

[0028] Similarly, in all embodiments, the second support portion is typically flat. Accordingly, the second support portion also typically has a flat spatial shape. As will be seen below, this does not exclude the second support portion having a curved or dome-shaped spatial shape, such as a shell shape. The wall thickness of the second support portion is typically in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm. The wall thickness of the second support part may therefore in particular be 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.7 mm, 4.8 mm, 4.9 mm or 5.0 mm. Said values ​​may also be regarded as limits of a particular thickness range. The thickness of the second support part may be constant or locally varied, so that the mechanical properties of the second support part can be adjusted locally in a targeted manner by changing the thickness accordingly.

[0029] As described above, the first support part and / or the second support part can have a curved or domed basic shape. Thus, the two support parts can have, for example, bowl- or trough-shaped basic shapes. In particular, the second support part can have a curved or domed basic shape modeled on the curved or domed basic shape of the first support part. Thus, the two support parts can be arranged essentially parallel, particularly as can be seen in a cross-sectional view of the support device. As a result, the second support part can be arranged or formed within the first support part with a gap therebetween that forms a corresponding intervening space. Thus, for example, the underside of the first support part facing the curved or arc-shaped second support part can at least partially, if necessary, completely surround the upper side of the curved or arc-shaped second support part, with a gap therebetween that forms a corresponding intervening space.

[0030] Thus, the distance between the first and second support parts, in particular formed by the spacing between the two support parts, can be (essentially) constant in at least one spatial direction. The distance between the first and second support parts can be in particular 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 2.10 mm, 2.11 mm, 2.12 mm, 2.13 mm, 2.14 mm, 2.15 mm, 2.16 mm, 2.17 mm, 2.18 mm, 2.19 mm, 2.20 mm, 2.21 mm, 2.22 mm, 2.23 mm, 2.24 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.26 mm, 2.27 mm, 2.28 mm, 2.29 mm, 2.30 mm, 2.31 mm, 2.32 mm, 2.33 mm, 2.34 mm, 2.35 mm, 2.36 mm, 2.37 mm, 2.38 mm, 2.39 ...9 mm, 2.39 mm, 2 mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm, 3.0mm, 3.1mm, 3.2mm, 3.3mm, 3.4mm, 3.5mm, 3.6mm, 3.7mm, 3.8mm, 3.9mm, 4.0mm, 4.1mm, 4.2mm, 4.3mm, 4.4mm, 4.5mm, 4.6mm, 4.7mm, 4.8mm, 4.9mm, 5.0mm, 5.1m m, 5.2mm, 5.3mm, 5.4mm, 5.5mm, 5.6mm, 5.7mm, 5.8mm, 5.9mm, 6.0mm, 6.1mm, 6.2mm, 6.3mm, 6 .4mm, 6.5mm, 6.6mm, 6.7mm, 6.8mm, 6.9mm, 7.0mm, 7.1mm, 7.2mm, 7.3mm, 7.4mm, 7.5mm, 7.6m m, 7.7 mm, 7.8 mm, 7.9 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.1 mm, 8.2 mm, 8.3 mm, 8.4 mm, 8.5 mm, 8.6 mm, 8.7 mm, 8.8 mm, 8.9 mm, 9.0 mm, 9.1 mm, 9.2 mm, 9.3 mm, 9.4 mm, 9.5 mm, 9.6 mm, 9.7 mm, 9.8 mm, 9.9 mm or 10 mm. The values ​​may also be considered as limits of a particular distance range.

[0031] In all embodiments, a free space is typically formed below the second support portion. When the support device is placed on a base, such as a tabletop, as intended, the free space extends between the underside of the second support portion facing the base and the upper side of the base facing the second support portion. The support is therefore not a solid mass, but rather a weight-optimized body that is typically only positionable at the surface, i.e., at its outer edge region.

[0032] To further improve the mechanical properties of the support, the support device may comprise a support structure arranged or formed in the space between the first support part and the second support part. The support structure comprises at least one support element, particularly a strut-like or strut-shaped element, connecting the first support part to the second support part. The support structure thus enables a local mechanical connection of the two support parts via the corresponding support element. In particular, the support element is designed to transmit forces acting on the first support part to the second support part during the intended use of the support device. This force transmission possibility has a considerable positive effect on the mechanical properties of the support. The support structure may therefore also be referred to or considered as a force transmission structure.

[0033] Each of the first support part and / or the second support part may have one or more holes. Each of the first support part and / or the second support part may therefore have a pore structure defined by one or more holes. The holes allow for weight reduction and are important for the implementation or integration of actual counterfeiting measures, making it possible to form a distinctive pore structure, which in principle can be designed or formed in any complex way and can be used to distinguish originals from counterfeits.

[0034] Each, multiple, or all of the holes in each support portion may have a geometrically defined shape, such as a circle, ellipse, polygon, etc. Alternatively or additionally, each, multiple, or all of the holes in each support portion may have a freeform shape, which in particular refers to a bionic shape. Of course, hybrid shapes are also envisioned.

[0035] Each, several, or all of the holes in the first support portion may differ from each, several, or all of the holes in the second support portion with respect to at least one parameter related to the geometric design of each hole, such as size, shape, etc.

[0036] The same applies to the arrangement of each hole in the first and second support parts, so that the arrangement of individual, multiple or all holes, also understood here as the distribution of holes across each support part, may be different.

[0037] Where the first support part and the second support part each have one or more apertures, at least one aperture of the first support part may be positioned or formed offset relative to at least one aperture of the second support part, the offset positioning of the apertures being characterized in particular by a non-aligned positioning of the wall portions of the support parts that define the apertures, and may also provide a practical measure to at least make it more difficult to easily produce fraudulent counterfeits.

[0038] As mentioned above, the support device may have a base for placing the support device on a surface. A corresponding support surface may be formed, for example, by a portion of the first support part and / or the second support part, particularly at the ends.

[0039] However, it is also conceivable that the support device comprises a third support part which forms a particularly planar support surface for placing the support device on the base, the third support part being connectable or connectable to the first and / or second support parts, and which may form part of the first and / or second support parts.

[0040] As mentioned above, the support contours may have a specific number and / or specific arrangement of support contours of a predetermined structure, which correspond to the number and / or arrangement of limbs, particularly fingers, of each body part of the user placed on the support device. Thus, the support device may have multiple support sections of a specific predetermined structure for each body part, and thus multiple support sections of a specific standardized structure for each body part. Each support section may be designed, for example, as a receiving section of a predetermined or standardized structure. Each support section of a predetermined or standardized structure may be designed to hold one or more body parts. Typically, each support section of a predetermined or standardized structure is designed to hold (exactly) one specific body part.

[0041] In particular, the support geometry may have a specific number and / or specific arrangement of corresponding pre-set or standardized support portions that correspond to the number and / or arrangement of limb portions, i.e., fingers or toes, of each body part that is placed on the support geometry. Thus, in the example of a hand that is placed on the support geometry, the support or support geometry may have, for example, multiple support portions, each serving to support a specific finger of the resting hand. The same is true for other body parts. Thus, the support geometry may have a specific number and / or specific arrangement of pre-set support portions, the support portions corresponding to the number and / or arrangement of limb portions, in particular fingers or toes, of each body part of the user that is placed on the support device. When serving to support fingers, the corresponding support portions may be designated or considered to be finger support portions.

[0042] Therefore, to support the hand, the support or support contour can have at least two, particularly at least three, particularly at least four, and possibly five finger support portions arranged in parallel, particularly substantially parallel, in a predetermined configuration, corresponding to the number and arrangement of fingers of each hand of the user resting on the support device. This provides a relaxing effect for the hand that is resting or resting on the support device. Furthermore, each finger support portion is typically configured in a predetermined or standardized manner. Specifically, each finger support portion can be designed, for example, as a receiving portion or recess of a predetermined or standardized configuration.

[0043] Each finger support portion may be arranged and / or positioned to extend in a first spatial direction, particularly a distal spatial direction, relative to a hand resting or resting on the support device, thereby providing a particularly relaxing effect for the hand resting or resting on the support device, as well as for other parts of the body.

[0044] Furthermore, the support device may have or comprise at least one further support portion, in particular arranged or aligned transversely to the finger support portion, which can accommodate an end region, i.e., in particular a proximal end region, of the central region of the user's hand resting on the support device. This also provides a relaxing effect for the hand resting or resting on the support device. The corresponding further support portion may also be configured in a predetermined or standardized manner. The corresponding further support portion may be specifically designed, for example, as a receiving portion or recess of a predetermined or standardized configuration.

[0045] Each finger support portion can be particularly directly connected to a further support portion, and thus each finger support portion can be particularly directly connected to a further support portion, which has a particularly relaxing effect on the hand that is resting or resting on the support device.

[0046] In all embodiments, the first support part and / or the second support part have a fastening joint, in particular a slot-like or slot-shaped fastening joint, to which a fixing element, for example a strap-like or belt-like fixing element, can be fastened and which can temporarily fix a body part placed on the support outer part, in particular in the intended supporting position and / or supporting direction of the body part on the support outer part.

[0047] It also applies in all embodiments that the first support part and / or the second support part can in particular be additively manufactured elements. The same applies to other elements of the support device, in particular the support structure and / or the third support part, etc. The entire support is therefore a body that is additively manufactured in an additive construction process, so that the first support part and the second support part can be connected to one another and integrated.

[0048] All additive manufacturing processes considered for the production of said elements of the support device allow for the additive construction of a three-dimensional object by sequentially and selectively solidifying a layer-by-layer build material, which may be, for example, metal or plastic, optionally in powder form, which can be sequentially and selectively solidified in layers, such as binder jetting processes, selective laser melting processes, selective laser sintering processes, or stereolithography processes, by way of example only.

[0049] It should be mentioned that the support device can basically be made from any material. Only plastics, metals and ceramics are mentioned as examples. In addition to thermoplastics, such as technical thermoplastics, and thermosetting plastics, the term plastic also includes thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). It is also conceivable that the product is made from a composite material or material structure comprising a plurality of different materials, i.e. materials that differ in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter. It is also conceivable that at least the first and second support parts are made from different materials or material structures.

[0050] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a support device for supporting at least one body part of a user, the support device comprising a support for at least partially, optionally completely, supporting at least one body part of a user. The method particularly relates to the manufacturing of a support device according to the first aspect of the present invention. The method comprises at least the following steps: forming or providing a first support part having a support contour for the body part to be supported, forming or providing a second support part connectable to the first support part, and connecting the two support parts by placing or forming the second support part below the first support part while forming an intervening space extending between the first and second support parts.

[0051] All statements relating to the support apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the method according to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0052] The invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments in the drawings, which are shown below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a support device for supporting a body part of a user according to an embodiment, and is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the principle of a support device 1 for supporting a body part of a user (not shown) according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]1 is a rear perspective view illustrating a support device for supporting a body part of a user according to certain embodiments; FIG. 2 is a supplementary illustration of a support device 1 for supporting a body part of a user (not shown) according to certain embodiments; [Figure 3] 1 is a top view of a support device 1 for supporting a user's body part (not shown) according to certain embodiments; FIG. 2 is a top view of a support device 1 for supporting a user's body part (not shown) according to certain embodiments; [Figure 4] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a support device for supporting a body part of a user according to a specific embodiment; FIG. 2 is a supplementary illustration of a support device 1 for supporting a body part of a user (not shown) according to a specific embodiment;

[0054] In all embodiments, the support device 1 is used to support at least one body part of a user, at least partially, or if necessary completely. In the illustrated embodiment, the support device 1 is used to support the user's hand, and more specifically, the illustrated support device 1 is used to support the user's right hand. The following description applies equally to support devices 1 supporting the user's left hand and to support devices 1 supporting other body parts.

[0055] The support device 1 comprises a support 2, the functional and geometrical design of which is described in detail below.

[0056] Obviously, the support 2 comprises at least a first and a second support part 3, 4. The support 2 is therefore formed functionally and geometrically by at least two support parts 3, 4.

[0057] It is clear that the first support part 3 has or is designed to have a support contour 3.1 on which a body part rests. The support contour 3.1 is thus the area of ​​the support device 1 on which a user (directly) rests a body part during the intended use of the support device 1. The support contour 3.1 therefore represents the actual area of ​​the support device 1 on which a part of the user's body rests or is supported during the intended use of the support device 1. The support contour 3.1 therefore typically forms at least a part of the (exposed) surface of the support device 1.

[0058] The support contour portion 3.1 can extend at least partially, and possibly completely, over at least one upper side of the first support portion 3, or can at least partially, and possibly completely, form at least one upper side of the first support portion 3, and is typically formed or configured by a three-dimensional contour or structure that is pre-set and configured with respect to a specific body part of the user.

[0059] The support contour 3.1 therefore has one or more support contour portions 3.1.1 which are designed in particular as accommodation portions, and which are set to accommodate or support a particular part of a body part, in particular a limb part, in this embodiment in particular a finger, that is placed or rests on the support contour 3.1.

[0060] The dimensions of the support contour 3.1, regardless of its particular geometric design, are typically adapted to the dimensions of the body part to be supported. During the intended use of the support device 1, the support contour 3.1 is at least partially, and possibly completely, covered by the body part that rests thereon.

[0061] It is clear that the second support part 4, which is connectable or connected to the first support part 3, is arranged or formed below the first support part 3 and forms an intervening space 5 extending between the first support part 3 and the second support part 4, which may be designated as a cavity if necessary.

[0062] The connection between the two support parts 3, 4 can in principle be form-fit and / or force-fit and / or material-fit. As will be explained later, the second support part 4 can be integrally connected to the first support part 3. This is an example of a material connection between the two support parts 3, 4.

[0063] Due to the multi-part design of the support 2 having the first support part 3 and the second support part 4 and said arrangement thereof, the second support part 4 being arranged or designed at a distance from the first support part 3 to form a corresponding intervening space 5, the second support part 4 gives the support 2 additional mechanical stability, i.e. in particular additional rigidity, and therefore the mechanical properties of the support 2 are significantly improved.

[0064] Similarly, the multi-part design of the support 2 having a first support part 3 and a second support part 4 and said arrangement thereof, whereby the second support part 4 is arranged or designed at a distance from the first support part 3 to form a corresponding intervening space 5, results in a geometrical structural design of the support 2 that is comparatively more complex and therefore more complex to manufacture, at least compared to conventional manufacturing processes, and as a result provides a possible or implemented measure that makes it at least more difficult to easily realize fraudulent counterfeits.

[0065] The first and second support parts 3, 4 may have the same or different mechanical properties, at least partially or, if necessary, completely. The mechanical properties of the support 2 are in any case improved by the provision of the second support part 4, but the second support part 4 may for example have better mechanical properties, i.e. for example greater stiffness and therefore greater mechanical stability, compared to the first support part 3.

[0066] As can be seen from the figure, the first support part can have a substantially flat spatial shape. Of course, this does not exclude curved or dome-shaped spatial shapes, such as a shell or trough shape, for the first support part. The thickness of the first support part 3 is typically in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm. The thickness of the first support part 3 can be constant or can vary in parts, so that the mechanical properties of the first support part 3 can be adjusted locally in a targeted manner by appropriately varying the thickness.

[0067] As can be seen from the figure, the second support part 4 can have a substantially flat spatial shape. Of course, this does not exclude curved or dome-shaped spatial shapes, such as a shell or trough shape, for the second support part. The thickness of the second support part is typically in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm. The thickness of the second support part 4 can be constant or can vary in parts, so that the mechanical properties of the second support part 4 can be adjusted locally in a targeted manner by appropriately varying the thickness.

[0068] In some embodiments, the second support part 4 can have a curved or domed basic shape that models the curved or domed basic shape of the first support part 3. As can be seen in particular from Figures 1 and 4, the two support parts 3, 4 can thus be arranged substantially parallel. As a result, the second support part 4 can be arranged or formed within the first support part 4, with a gap therebetween that forms a corresponding intervening space 5. Thus, the lower side of the first support part 3, which is, for example, curved or arcuate, facing the second support part 4, can at least partially surround the upper side of the second support part 4, which is, for example, curved or arcuate, with a gap therebetween that forms a corresponding gap 5.

[0069] The distance d between the first support part 3 and the second support part 4 is particularly defined by the space 5 between the two support parts 3, 4 and can therefore be (essentially) constant in at least one spatial direction. In particular, the distance d between the first support part 3 and the second support part 4 may be, for example, 1 mm.

[0070] A free space 6 in all embodiments is formed below the second support part 4. When the support device 1 is placed on a base 7, such as an intended tabletop, the free space 6 extends between the underside of the second support part 4 facing the base 7 and the upper side of the base 7 facing the second support part 4. The support 2 is therefore not a solid mass but a weight-optimized body, which may typically only be placed on the base 7 at its outer end regions, i.e. at the ends.

[0071] To further improve the mechanical properties of the support 2, the support device 1 can comprise a support structure 8 arranged or formed extending into the intervening space 5 between the first support part 3 and the second support part 4, the support structure 8 comprising a plurality of, for example, strut-like or column-shaped support elements 8.1 connecting the first support part 3 and the second support part 4. The support structure 8 thus enables a local mechanical connection of the two support parts 3, 4 via the support elements 8.1. In particular, the support elements 8.1 are designed to transmit forces acting on the first support part 3 to the second support part 4 during the intended use of the support device 1. This force transmission possibility has a considerable positive effect on the mechanical properties of the support 2.

[0072] 2 to 4 show that the two support parts 3, 4 each have a number of holes 3.2, 4.2, so that the hole structure formed by each hole 3.2, 4.2 can be designed. The holes 3.2, 4.2 allow for weight reduction, are important in the aspect of implementing or integrating practical countermeasures against unauthorized copying, and allow for the formation of characteristic hole structures that can in principle be designed or formed in any complex way, thereby distinguishing original products from counterfeit products.

[0073] Each, several, or all of the holes 3.2, 4.2 of the support section 3, 4 may have a geometrically defined shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc. Alternatively or additionally, each, several, or all of the holes of each support section may have a free-form shape. As can be seen from the examples in Figures 2 to 4, free-form shapes particularly refer to bionic shapes. Of course, hybrid shapes are also envisioned.

[0074] As can be seen from Figures 2 to 4, the holes 3.2 of the first support part 3 may differ from the holes 4.2 of the second support part 4 with respect to at least one parameter relating to the geometrical design of each hole 3.2, 4.2, such as size, shape, etc.

[0075] The same applies to the arrangement of the respective holes 3.2, 4.2 in the first and second support parts 3, 4, where the arrangement of the plurality of holes 3.2, 4.2, also understood here as the distribution of the holes 3.2, 4.2 over the respective support parts 3, 4, may be different.

[0076] In particular, it can be seen from the top view according to Figure 3 that the at least one hole 3.2 of the first support part 3 can be arranged or formed offset with respect to the at least one hole 4.2 of the second support part 4. The offset arrangement of the respective holes 3.2, 4.2, which is characterized in particular by a non-aligned arrangement of the wall parts of the support parts 3, 4 that define the respective holes 3.2, 4.2, is also a practical measure that makes it at least more difficult to easily produce fraudulent counterfeits.

[0077] 1, the support device 1 may have a footprint 9 for positioning the support device 1 on a base 7. In particular, it is shown that a portion, in particular an end portion, of e.g. the first support part 3 and / or the second support part 4 may form a corresponding support surface 9.

[0078] 4 illustrates that the support device 1 is provided with a third support part 10 which forms a particularly planar support surface 9 for placing the support device 1 on the base 7, and which can be or is connected to the first and / or second support parts 3, 4. The third support part 10 can also form part of the first and / or second support parts 3, 4.

[0079] 2 to 4 also illustrate that the support device 1 may have or comprise a support portion 11 that accommodates an end region, i.e., in particular a proximal end region, of the metacarpal region of the user's hand that is placed on the support device 1. This provides a relaxing effect for the hand that is placed or rests on the support device 1. The corresponding further support portion 11 may be configured in a predetermined or standardized manner. In particular, the corresponding further support portion 11 may be designed, for example, as a receiving portion or recess of a predetermined or standardized configuration.

[0080] 2 to 4 also show that each finger support portion formed by a support profile 3.1.1 can be connected in particular directly to a further support portion 11. Each finger support portion can therefore be in particular directly connected to a further support portion 11. This has a particularly relaxing effect on the hand that is resting or is resting on the support device.

[0081] Finally, Figures 2 to 4 illustrate that in the first support part 3 and / or the second support part 4, in particular slot-like or slot-shaped fastening joints 3.3 are formed for fastening, for example, strap- or belt-shaped fastening elements (not shown), which can temporarily fix a body part placed on the support outer part 3.1, in particular in the intended supporting position and / or supporting direction of the body part on the support outer part 3.1.

[0082] In all embodiments, the first and / or second support part 3, 4 can also be additively manufactured elements. The same applies to other elements of the support device 1, in particular the support structure 8 and / or the third support part 10. The entire support 2 can therefore be a body that is additively manufactured in an additive building process.

[0083] It should be mentioned that the support device 1 can be made of essentially any material. Only plastics, metals and ceramics are mentioned as examples. In addition to thermoplastics, such as technical thermoplastics, and thermosetting plastics, the term plastic also includes thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). It is also conceivable that the product can be made of a composite material or material structure comprising a plurality of different materials, i.e. materials that differ in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter. It is also conceivable that at least the first and second support parts 3, 4 are formed from different materials or material structures.

[0084] The method of manufacturing the support device 1 includes at least the steps of forming or providing a first support part 3 having a support outer part 3.1 on which a body part is supported, forming or providing a second support part 4 connectable to the first support part 3, and placing or forming the second support part 4 below the first support part 3 to connect the two support parts 3, 4 and form a gap 5 extending between the first support part 3 and the second support part 4.

Claims

1. A support device (1) for supporting at least one hand of a user, comprising a support (2) for at least partially or completely supporting at least one hand of the user, the support (2) comprising a first support part (3) having a support contour (3.1) on which the hand is supported, and a second support part (4) connectable or connected to the first support part (3), the second support part (4) being arranged or formed below the first support part (3) to form an intervening space (5) extending between the first support part (3) and the second support part (4), the first support part (3) comprising a plurality of holes (3.2), and the second support part (4) comprising a plurality of holes (4.2).

2. The support device of claim 1 , wherein the first support portion has a curved base shape and the second support portion has a curved base shape that is based on the curved base shape of the first support portion.

3. 3. A supporting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the first support part and the second support part, formed by the intervening space, is (essentially) constant in at least one spatial direction.

4. 3. The support device according to claim 1, wherein a free space is formed below the second support portion.

5. 3. The support device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a support structure arranged or formed to extend within the intervening space between the first support portion and the second support portion, the support structure comprising at least one support element connecting the first support portion and the second support portion.

6. 3. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hole in the first support portion is offset relative to the at least one hole in the second support portion.

7. 3. The support device according to claim 1, wherein a third support portion connected to the first support portion and / or the second support portion forms a planar support surface for positioning the support device on the base.

8. 3. The support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support contours comprise a specific number and / or a specific arrangement of pre-defined structures of support contours corresponding to the number and / or arrangement of fingers of each hand of a user placed on the support device (1).

9. 3. The support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first support part and / or the second support part are formed with slot-like or slot-shaped fastening joints for fastening fixing elements for temporarily fixing the resting hand on the support contour (3.1) in the intended supporting position and / or supporting direction of the hand.

10. 3. A method for manufacturing a support device (1) for supporting at least one hand of a user, comprising a support (2) for at least partially or completely supporting at least one hand of a user, the method comprising: forming or providing a first support part (3) having a support contour (3.1) for hand support; forming or providing a second support part (4) connectable to the first support part (3); and a step of placing or forming a second support part (4) below the first support part (3) to connect the two support parts (3, 4) and form an intervening space (5) extending between the first support part (3) and the second support part (4), 1. A method for manufacturing a support device, characterized in that the first support part (3) comprises a plurality of holes (3.2) and the second support part (4) comprises a plurality of holes (4.2).

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