Orthopedic brace

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an elastic brace (100) comprising a first elastic element (10) configured to be worn around a patient's joint. The first element (10) includes a first tubular body (11), a first surface (12) intended, in use, to come into contact with the patient's body, and a second surface (13) opposite the first surface (12). The first surface (12) comprises adhesion means (14) configured to adhere to the patient's body, while the second surface (13) comprises first fastening means (15). The elastic brace (100) further comprises a second element (20) including at least one elastic and flexible band. The second element (20) comprises a third surface (21) including second fastening means (22) configured, in use, to cooperate with the first fastening means (15) to secure the second element (20) to the first element (10).

Description

[0001] ORTHOPEDIC BRACE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of devices designed to support and improve the functionality of the human body.

[0004] More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to the field of medical devices intended for orthopedic and / or rehabilitative support, particularly for a human joint. Even more specifically, the present disclosure concerns an orthopedic brace, particularly an elastic orthopedic brace configured for application to a joint of patients suffering from joint disorders, such as trauma or pathologies.

[0005] In this context, various types of orthopedic braces or orthoses are widely used to enhance musculoskeletal performance and support the human body in cases of trauma, rehabilitation processes (e.g., post-operative recovery), or degenerative conditions.

[0006] These devices are generally configured to address issues related to pain and instability, particularly in connection with a human joint, which represent the main causes of functional limitations in the human body, especially in cases of trauma or degenerative conditions.

[0007] The principle on which known devices are commonly based generally involves the compression of the joint, supporting specific musculoskeletal structures that, in certain conditions, are unable to autonomously perform their functions, such as mobility, stabilization, and articulation.

[0008] To this end, traditional orthopedic braces often use fabrics that surround the body area of the affected joint to provide compression.

[0009] The stabilization support for the joint can range from simple compression, aimed at activating musculoskeletal proprioception, to more rigid supports that, however, have the drawback of significantly limiting joint mobility.

[0010] Indeed, currently known braces are typically classified as rigid braces, elastic braces, or braces involving the wrapping of the affected joint.

[0011] Rigid braces generally consist of supports configured to immobilize injured joints, preventing movement, while elastic braces are typically designed to wrap around or fit over a specific joint, allowing movement. Finally, braces involving wrapping (so- called "functional bandaging") consist of bands that include a semi-rigid adhesive tape applied to an injured body part. However, the use of such tapes generally requires a complex application process on the human body, often necessitating the assistance of a professional.

[0012] The choice of the type of brace to be used, depending on the degree of stabilization required and provided, is typically determined by the severity of the patient's functional impairment. However, it is important to note the significance of achieving a balance between the stability and mobility offered by the brace.

[0013] Generally, known braces are characterized by the fundamental problem of being unable to provide effective stabilization while simultaneously ensuring sufficient mobility of the joint on which they are designed to be applied.

[0014] In other words, the use of currently known braces does not allow for achieving a satisfactory compromise between the need to provide effective support to the joint and the simultaneous necessity of offering an adequate degree of mobility.

[0015] For example, rigid or semi-rigid braces, while providing a high degree of stability, significantly compromise joint mobility. Conversely, elastic band-type braces, while ensuring nearly optimal joint mobility, fail to provide sufficient support.

[0016] Additionally, there are significant issues related to the comfort of use of known braces.

[0017] In this regard, the disadvantages of rigid or semi-rigid braces are evident, as they significantly limit joint mobility, inevitably causing a high degree of discomfort for the user.

[0018] However, traditional elastic band or sleeve-type braces also suffer from significant comfort-related issues. By completely enveloping a specific joint, they can cause discomfort and itching, as well as increased sweating. Furthermore, this type of brace is disadvantaged by the relative movement between the brace and the joint, particularly during joint motion. This movement necessitates constant repositioning of the brace relative to the joint.

[0019] In this context, the present disclosure aims to provide an orthopedic brace that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and / or achieves additional advantages.

[0020] This is achieved through an elastic brace as defined in the independent claim. Secondary features and specific embodiments of the subject of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0021] Specifically, the elastic brace according to the present disclosure comprises a first elastic element, which is configured to be worn around a patient’s joint. To this end, the first element comprises a tubular body. In other words, the first element essentially comprises a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical hollow body, into which a patient’s joint can be inserted during use. In this way, the first element is configured to surround or wrap around a patient’s joint. Advantageously, the tubular body is made of elastic material and is configured, in use, to exert pressure on the patient’s joint. The first element of the elastic brace also comprises a first surface, or inner surface, configured to contact the patient’s body during use, and an outer surface, or second surface, opposite the first, or inner, surface. To improve the adhesion between the tubular body and the patient’s body, the first, or inner, surface includes adhesion means configured to adhere to the patient’s body. In other words, the adhesion means are configured, in use, to contact the patient’s skin, generating friction between the skin and the first, or inner, surface of the tubular body of the first element. In this way, advantageously, the stability of the first element during use can be improved, preventing unwanted movement or displacement of the first element relative to the patient’s joint.

[0022] The elastic brace according to the present disclosure further comprises a second element that includes at least one elastic and flexible band. This second element is configured to be applied to the first element, preferably on the second, or outer, surface of the first element, and to exert compression on a patient’s joint. In other words, the elasticity of the second element, preferably greater than that of the first element, and the fact that the second element is applied, in use, over the first element, allows the second element to exert localized pressure or compress specific points of the patient’s joint where the second element is positioned. In other words, advantageously, the second element acts as a functional bandage and is, according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, configured to be stretched in a way that supports a patient’s joint.

[0023] To improve the application and attachment of the second element to the first element and to avoid undesired movement or displacement of the second element relative to the first, the second element comprises a third surface including second fastening means configured, in use, to cooperate with first fastening means arranged on the second, or outer, surface of the first element, to secure the second element to the first. Preferably, the second fastening means are arranged over the entire third surface of the second element. Additionally, the first fastening means are preferably arranged over the entire second, or outer, surface of the first element. Advantageously, the fact that the first fastening means are distributed across the entire outer surface of the first element and that the second fastening means are distributed across the entire third surface of the second element ensures great flexibility in applying the second element to the first. In other words, this allows for multiple configurations of the second element on the first element.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the elastic brace further comprises a third elastic element, which includes a second tubular body. In other words, the third element essentially comprises a second hollow cylindrical or substantially cylindrical body, whose cavity is configured, in use, to accommodate the first and second elements. In this sense, the third elastic element is configured to cover, in use, the first and second elements. In other words, according to this preferred aspect, the elastic brace of the present disclosure is configured, in use, to adopt a multilayer configuration, where the first layer, in contact with the patient’s joint, consists of the first element; the third layer, or outer layer, consists of the third element; and the second layer, interposed between the first and third layers, or between the first and third elements, consists of the second element. Advantageously, the third element is thus configured to provide protection to the first and second elements, for example, to further prevent unwanted movement or displacement of the second element relative to the first element.

[0025] Additionally, according to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the third element is further configured to exert pressure on the first and second elements. In other words, the third element is also configured to compress a patient’s joint.

[0026] Preferably, the second tubular body of the third element is made of Lycra. Advantageously, this material provides additional compression to the joint, promoting activation of the affected body tissues.

[0027] According to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the adhesion means of the first element are configured to promote, in use, adhesion between the first element and the patient’s body, particularly the skin of the patient’s joint. In other words, advantageously, the adhesion means are configured, in use, to generate friction between the first tubular body of the first element and the patient’s body. This, consequently, improves the stability of the first element relative to the patient’s body, preventing unwanted displacement or movement of the first element relative to the patient’s joint, especially during joint movement.

[0028] To this end, according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the adhesion means of the first element may comprise a plurality of silicone elements, preferably uniformly distributed over the inner surface, or first surface, of the first element.

[0029] Advantageously, the use of silicone as the material for the adhesion elements is particularly suitable because, on one hand, it contributes, in use, to the stability of the first element on the patient’s body by producing friction between the two components, and on the other hand, silicone is a biocompatible material, meaning the biological tissue — in this case, the skin of the patient’s joint — does not react negatively to it. Furthermore, silicone is a material that is easy to wash, clean, and sterilize. The fact that the first silicone adhesion means are uniformly distributed over the first surface, or inner surface, of the first element, preferably over the entirety of that surface, further contributes to the stability of the first element on the human joint during use.

[0030] Preferably, each silicone element in the plurality of silicone elements is a pointlike or substantially point-like silicone element. This, combined with the preferred use of a breathable fabric for the tubular body of the first element, contributes to the overall breathability of the elastic brace.

[0031] According to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the second element is made of an elastic material with greater tensile strength than the elastic material of the first element. This allows the second element to compress, or exert pressure, on specific areas of the patient’s joint where the elastic brace is applied, functioning as a functional bandage.

[0032] Further advantages, features, and methods of use of the subject of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0033] It is evident, however, that each embodiment of the subject of the present disclosure may exhibit one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case, it is not required that each embodiment simultaneously exhibits all the listed advantages.

[0034] Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

[0035] - Figure 1 represents a schematic view of an elastic brace comprising a first and a second element according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0036] - Figure 2 represents a schematic view of a detailed portion of a first element and a second element of an elastic brace according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0037] - Figure 3 represents a perspective view of a first element of an elastic brace according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0038] - Figure 4 represents a perspective view of a first element and a second element of an elastic brace according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0039] - Figure 5 represents a perspective view of a first, a second, and a third element of an elastic brace according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0040] - Figure 6 represents a perspective view of a first element of an elastic brace according to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0041] - Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a first element and a second element of an elastic brace according to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0042] - Figure 8 represents a perspective view of a first, a second, and a third element of an elastic brace according to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0043] - Figure 9 represents a perspective view of a first element of an elastic brace according to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0044] - Figure 10 represents a perspective view of a first element and a second element of an elastic brace according to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0045] - Figure 11 represents a perspective view of a first element of an elastic brace according to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0046] - Figure 12 represents a perspective view of a first element and a second element of an elastic brace according to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0047] - Figure 13 represents a perspective view of a first element, a second element, and a third element of an elastic brace according to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0048] - Figure 14 represents a schematic view of an elastic brace comprising a first, a second, and a third element according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure;

[0049] - Figure 15 represents an additional schematic view of an elastic brace comprising a first, a second, and a third element according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure.

[0050] With reference to the attached figures, an embodiment of an elastic brace according to the present disclosure is indicated by reference number 100.

[0051] The term "elastic brace," as used in the present disclosure, refers to a device configured to provide support and compression to a specific part of a patient's body, such as a joint or muscle, while ensuring a good degree of flexibility and elasticity, thereby allowing the patient to move the same body part.

[0052] The elastic brace 100 according to the present disclosure comprises a first element 10, a second element 20, and, preferably, a third element 30.

[0053] The first element 10 is an elastic component configured to be worn over a patient’s joint. To this end, the first element 10 includes a first tubular body 11 , which defines a cavity designed, in use, to contain a portion of the patient’s body, preferably a joint such as the elbow (see Figures 3 to 5), knee (see Figures 6 to 8), ankle (see Figures 9 and 10), or shoulder (see Figures 11, 12, and 13). Preferably, the material of the first element 10, particularly the first tubular body 11, is elastic to advantageously provide compression to the patient’s joint. It is also preferably breathable and washable.

[0054] Preferably, the first element 10 is made of a material containing nylon, preferably in a proportion of 80% to 90%, and elastane, preferably in a proportion of 10% to 20%.

[0055] Additionally, the first element 10 preferably has a widthwise elasticity (according to UNI EN 14704-1 standards) ranging from 90% to 130%, more preferably around 110%. Furthermore, the first element 10 preferably has a lengthwise elasticity (according to UNI EN 14704-1 standards) ranging from 60% to 100%, more preferably around 80%.

[0056] The first element 10 further includes a first surface 12, or inner surface. This first surface 12, or inner surface, is configured, in use, to come into contact with the patient’s body.

[0057] Preferably, the first surface is also configured to enhance adhesion between the patient’s body, particularly the skin over a joint, and the elastic brace 100.

[0058] To this end, the first surface 12, or inner surface, of the first element 10 includes adhesion means 14 configured to adhere to the patient’s body. Preferably, these adhesion means 14 are designed to promote, in use, adhesion between the first element 10 and the patient’s body. In particular, the adhesion means 14 are configured to generate friction between the patient’s skin and the first element 10, thereby securing the latter — and consequently the elastic brace 100 — to the patient’s body. In other words, the adhesion means 14 are designed to improve the stability of the elastic brace 100, in use, relative to the patient’s body.

[0059] Preferably, the first element 10 comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, with the latter being opposite the first end portion. Furthermore, the first end portion and the second end portion are preferably separated by a central portion. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion is configured to exert a greater compressive force on the patient’s joint compared to at least the central portion. Additionally, in at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion, the concentration or density of adhesion means 14 is preferably higher than in the central portion.

[0060] The adhesion means 14 may, according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, comprise a plurality of silicone elements preferably uniformly distributed on the first surface 12, or inner surface, of the first element 10. Preferably, this plurality of silicone elements is distributed across the entire first surface 12, or inner surface. This ensures optimal user comfort. In contrast to known elastic braces, which typically include a tubular element with adhesion elements located only or primarily at the ends of the tubular element, the disclosed configuration eliminates areas without adhesion elements. Without such elements, the tubular element’s inner surface may rub or chafe against the user’s skin when the user moves the joint supported by the elastic brace, causing discomfort and reducing usability. In the present invention, the arrangement of adhesion means 14 across the entire inner surface 12 of the first element 10 allows it to move in harmony with the user’s skin, effectively becoming a "second skin." In other words, the presence of adhesion means 14 distributed across the entire inner surface 12 ensures that the first element 10 follows the movements of the joint where the elastic brace is applied, avoiding friction or chafing between the first element 10 and the skin. Furthermore, this arrangement enhances proprioceptive activation of the user’s skin in the area where the elastic brace is applied.

[0061] Even more preferably, each silicone element of the plurality of silicone elements is a point-like or substantially point-like silicone element. Given the material of the first tubular element 11, this design contributes to the breathability of the first element 10, especially in the areas of the first surface 12 without silicone elements. This ensures good adhesion and stability of the first element 10 on the patient’s body.

[0062] The first element 10 further comprises a second surface 13, or outer surface, opposite the first surface 12, or inner surface. The second surface 13, or outer surface, is configured for attachment to the second element 20. To this end, the second surface 13, or outer surface, of the first element 10 includes first fastening means 15. Preferably, these first fastening means 15 are arranged or distributed uniformly across the entire second surface 13, or outer surface, of the first element 10. In other words, the second surface 13, or outer surface, of the first element 10 is entirely covered, coated, or provided with these first fastening means 15 over its entire extent. This configuration advantageously allows the second element 20 to be secured to the first element 10 in various ways, depending on the needs. It also ensures an optimal, stable adhesion or connection between the first element 10 and the second element 20.

[0063] The second element 20 of the elastic brace 100 comprises at least one elastic and flexible band and is configured to be attached to the first element 10 to provide compression to the joint where the elastic brace 100 is applied during use.

[0064] Preferably, to provide compression to a joint and support it, the second element 20 is configured to be tensioned during use. In particular, the second element 20 is preferably made of an elastic material with greater tensile strength than the elastic material of the first element 10. Specifically, the first element 10 is preferably made of a material with elasticity similar to that of human skin, ensuring maximum comfort. While the second element 20 is elastic, it is preferably stiffer or more resistant to tension than the material of the first element 10.

[0065] Preferably, the second element 20 is made of a material comprising nylon, preferably in a proportion of 70% to 80%, and elastane, preferably in a proportion of 15% to 25%.

[0066] Additionally, the second element 20 preferably has a widthwise elasticity (according to UNI EN 14704-1 standards) ranging from 90% to 100%, more preferably around 95%. Furthermore, the second element 20 preferably has a lengthwise elasticity (according to UNI EN 14704-1 standards) ranging from 120% to 140%, more preferably around 130%.

[0067] To secure the first element 10 to the second element 20, the latter includes a third surface 21, which in turn comprises second fastening means 22. These second fastening means 22 are configured, in use, to cooperate with the first fastening means 15 of the first element 10 to secure it to the second element 20.

[0068] According to the present disclosure, the second fastening means 22 are arranged along, or distributed across, the entire third surface 21 of the second element 20. In other words, the second fastening means 22 are preferably uniformly distributed along the entire length of the third surface 21 of the elastic and flexible band of the second element 20. Put differently, the second fastening means 22 cover all, or the entirety, of the third surface 21 of the second element 20. That is, this third surface 21 is entirely occupied, covered, or coated with these second fastening means 22. Preferably, no areas of the third surface 21 are devoid of such second fastening means 22. Consequently, the third surface 21 is an elastic surface entirely covered or coated with second fastening means 22. In other words, this third surface 21 of the second element 20 is an elastic adhesion or fastening surface entirely covered, or equipped over its entire length or extent, with these second fastening means 22. Thus, the third surface 21 of the second element 20 is provided with an elastic fastening system. This characteristic arises both from the elasticity of the second element 20 and from the fact that this third surface 21 is fully equipped with the aforementioned second fastening means 22.

[0069] In this way, the connection between the first element 10 and the second element 20 occurs along the entire third surface 21 of the second element 20 itself. Put differently, the two elements 10, 20 are associated with each other along the entire length of the second element 20. This configuration not only promotes a stronger association between the first element 10 and the second element 20, but also enhances proprioceptive activation in the user’s joint region where both the first element 10 and the second element 20 are applied. This activation occurs both through the first element 10 and through the compression provided by the elastic second element 20.

[0070] Preferably, the first fastening means 15 and the second fastening means 22 are male-female fastening means. More preferably, the first fastening means 15 are female fastening means, while the second fastening means 22 are male fastening means. Advantageously, at least the second fastening means 22 are elastic.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the first fastening means 15 and the second fastening means 22 may include hooks and loops, with each loop configured to accommodate at least one hook. For example, the first fastening means 15 may preferably comprise a plurality of loops, while the second fastening means 22 may comprise a plurality of hooks, each configured to cooperate with a loop in the plurality of loops of the first fastening means 15.

[0072] For example, the first fastening means 15 and the second fastening means 22 may include Velcro™, as schematically illustrated in Figure 2, where a portion of the second surface 13, or outer surface, of the first element 10 and a portion of the third surface 21 of the second element 20 are shown.

[0073] The elastic brace 100 according to the present disclosure preferably includes a third element 30, preferably configured to exert pressure on the first and second elements 10, 20. In other words, the third element 30 is an elastic element configured to apply pressure, or compress, a joint of a patient on which the elastic brace 100 is placed.

[0074] Preferably, the third element 30 comprises a second tubular body. In other words, the third element 30 is a hollow cylindrical body configured to cover, in use, the first element 10 and the second element 20.

[0075] Furthermore, the third element 30 is preferably made of lycra.

[0076] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the third element 30 may include, preferably at one end portion of the second tubular body, a zone or region configured to exert a greater compressive action on the user's joint compared to the remaining part of the second tubular body of the third element 30.

[0077] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, additional fastening means may be provided to secure the first element 10 to the third element 30. Preferably, such additional fastening means are of the male-female type. For example, such additional fastening means may include Velcro™.

[0078] The object of the present disclosure has thus far been described with reference to its embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may exist that pertain to the same inventive core, all falling within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Elastic brace (100) comprising a first elastic element (10) configured to be worn around a joint of a patient, said first element (10) comprising a first tubular body (11), a first surface (12), or inner surface, intended, in use, to come into contact with the body of a patient, and a second surface (13), or outer surface, opposite said first surface (12), or inner surface, wherein said first surface (12), or inner surface, comprises adhesion means (14) configured to adhere to the body of a patient, and wherein said second surface (13), or outer surface, comprises first fastening means (15), said first fastening means (15) being distributed over the entire said second surface (13), or outer surface, of said first element (10); said elastic brace (100) further comprising a second element (20) comprising at least one elastic and flexible band, said second element (20) comprising a third surface (21) comprising second fastening means (22) configured, in use, to cooperate with said first fastening means (15) to secure said second element (20) to said first element (10), wherein said second fastening means (22) are distributed over the entire said third surface (21) of said second element (20).

2. Elastic brace (100) according to claim 1, wherein said adhesion means (14) are distributed over the entire said first surface (12), or inner surface, of said first element (10).

3. Elastic brace (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third elastic element (30), said third element (30) comprising a second tubular body and being configured to cover, in use, said first element (10) and said second element (20).

4. Elastic brace (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second tubular body of said third element (30) is made of lycra.

5. Elastic brace (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, in use, said third element (30) is configured to exert pressure on said first element (10) and said second element (20).

6. Elastic brace (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said adhesion means (14) are configured to promote, in use, adhesion between the first element (10) and the body of a patient.

7. Elastic brace (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said adhesion means (14) comprise a plurality of silicone elements uniformly distributed over said first surface (12), or inner surface.

8. Elastic brace (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein each silicone element of said plurality of silicone elements is a point-like or substantially pointlike silicone element.

9. Elastic brace (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first tubular body (11) of said first element (10) is breathable.

10. Elastic brace (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second element (20) is configured, in use, to be subjected to tension to support a patient’s joint.

11. Elastic brace (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second element (20) is made of an elastic material having a tensile strength greater than the elastic material of said first element (10).

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