Shoulder brace

Abstract

This shoulder brace comprises: a flexible base which is worn in an area including a shoulder of the upper body of a user; and an elastic band which is configured such that both ends thereof in the longitudinal direction can be secured to the base and which can stretch and revert. The base has a guide through which the elastic band can pass. The guide is configured such that, when the base is worn, the elastic band can be wound around the shoulder and the upper arm of the user in a prescribed path by securing, to the base, both ends of the elastic band which passes through the guide. The prescribed path includes a first region which extends in the lateral direction from the vicinity of the coracoid process and follows the periphery of the upper arm, a second region which passes under the armpit from the first region to reach the ventral side, and a third region which extends upward from the second region while crossing the first region and passes over the shoulder.

Description

Shoulder brace

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-071738, filed April 25, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Professional and amateur baseball players are known to suffer from a condition known as "throwing shoulder injury," which can cause pain and weakness during pitching. The pathologies that cause throwing shoulder injury vary from patient to patient, and examples include damage to the rotator cuff margin, damage to the labrum of the shoulder joint, and inflammation caused by impingement of the humerus beneath the acromion or coracoid process. In all cases, the cause is thought to be instability or misalignment of the humeral head relative to the glenoid fossa of the scapula, making it difficult for the humeral head to rotate smoothly.

[0003] Instability of the humeral head relative to the glenoid cavity and misalignment of the axis of rotation in the shoulder are not limited to throwing shoulder injuries. For example, shoulder instability can also occur in frozen shoulder, including frozen shoulder, and in cases of rotator cuff tears. While hunched back is not strictly a disease, it is a condition in which the shoulder is prone to forward displacement. Even in cases of hunched back, stabilizing the position of the shoulder joint can correct posture and potentially alleviate or eliminate chronic pain such as stiff shoulders, head and neck pain, and lower back pain.

[0004] Several shoulder braces are known. Patent Document 1 describes a shoulder brace for preventing recurrence of shoulder dislocation, which allows adjustment of the range of motion of abduction and external rotation by adjusting the fixing position of a belt.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-154520

[0006] Most shoulder braces currently in use are basically designed to restrict shoulder joint movement and keep the shoulder joint stable. The brace described in Patent Document 1 is no exception, and although it allows for adjustment of the range of motion of abduction and external rotation so as not to excessively restrict daily life, it basically keeps the shoulder joint stable and prevents excessive movement to prevent re-dislocation. Therefore, it is obviously not possible, and in fact it is not even intended, to move the shoulder to an extent that does not interfere with daily life while wearing the brace.

[0007] In light of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a shoulder brace that, when worn, improves instability around the shoulder joint and is less likely to impede shoulder movement.

[0008] The present invention provides a shoulder brace comprising a flexible base that is worn on a region of a user's upper body, including the shoulder, and a stretchable and restorable elastic band whose both longitudinal ends can be secured to the base. The base has a guide through which the elastic band can pass. The guide is configured so that, with the base worn, both ends of the elastic band can be secured to the base, allowing the elastic band to be wrapped around the user's shoulder and upper arm along a predetermined trajectory. The predetermined trajectory has a first region that extends laterally from near the coracoid process and follows the periphery of the upper arm, a second region that extends from the first region through the armpit to the ventral side, and a third region that extends upward from the second region, intersecting the first region, and passes above the shoulder.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shoulder brace that, when worn, improves instability around the shoulder joint and does not inhibit shoulder movement.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a shoulder orthosis according to a first embodiment of the present invention is worn by a user. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a base of the shoulder orthosis according to the first embodiment is seen from the side. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a part of a shoulder orthosis according to a second embodiment of the present invention is worn by a user. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the shoulder orthosis according to the second embodiment is worn by a user, as seen from the back.

[0011] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows a shoulder brace 1 of the first embodiment worn by a user. The shoulder brace 1 includes a base 10 and an elastic band 30 attached to the base 10.

[0012] The base 10 according to the first embodiment has a shape similar to that of a short-sleeved T-shirt, with holes for the head and both upper arms, and can be worn on the upper body in a manner similar to putting on a T-shirt. The material of the base 10 is not particularly limited, as long as it is flexible and does not restrict the movement of the shoulders and upper arms. Typical examples of the material include various types of fabric, with materials with excellent breathability and water absorption being preferred.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows the base 10 from the side, with the elastic band 30 omitted for easy viewing. The base 10 is provided with two guides 21 and 22 for threading the elastic band 30. The guides 21 and 22 are formed by fixing both longitudinal ends of a band-shaped member to the base 10, and the elastic band 30 can be threaded between the base 10 and each guide between the fixed ends. The guide 21 is attached to a position corresponding to the lateral surface of the upper arm, with its longitudinal direction generally aligned with the vertical direction of the upper arm, and has a marking 21a with the number 1 enclosed in a circle. The method for forming the marking 21a is not limited, and methods such as printing and embroidery can be appropriately selected depending on the material of the guide 21, etc. The guide 22 is attached to the shoulder on the same side as the guide 21 (anatomically, near the acromion) with its longitudinal direction generally aligned with the direction from the neck to the upper arm, and has a marking 22a with the number 2 enclosed in a circle.

[0014] The elastic band 30 is a strip-shaped member that generates tension when stretched in the longitudinal direction until it returns to its original length. Rubber, elastomer, etc. are typical materials for the elastic band 30, but other materials can also be used as long as they satisfy the above-mentioned conditions, and there are no particular restrictions. The length and material of the elastic band before stretching can be appropriately set taking into account the magnitude of the tension generated when the elastic band is attached to the base in the manner described below.

[0015] One longitudinal end 31 of the elastic band 30 is fixed at a predetermined position on the ventral side of the base 10, as shown in Figure 1. The location where the end 31 is attached is set near the coracoid process, which is part of the user's scapula, when the base 10 is worn. The other longitudinal end 32 (not shown) is configured to be able to be fixed to and detached from a predetermined fixed position on the dorsal side of the base 10. Specific examples of configurations that allow the end 32 to be fixed and detached include, but are not limited to, the following, and other configurations can also be used. - Hook and loop fastener - Snap fit - Button and buttonhole

[0016] The operation of the shoulder brace 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above during use will now be described. The user, their family member, or a physical therapist (hereinafter simply referred to as the "user") first attaches the base 10 to the area of ​​their upper body, including their shoulder. Next, they grasp the longitudinal end 32 of the elastic band 30 that is not fixed to the base 10 (free end) and carefully thread it between the guide 21 and the base 10, taking care not to twist it.

[0017] Furthermore, the elastic band 30 that has passed through the guide 21 is passed around the upper arm, passed under the armpit from the back side, and the free end is pulled out from the ventral side. The user then pulls the elastic band 30 upward, passing the free end between the guide 22 and the base 10. Finally, the end 32 is fixed in the fixed position on the back side, completing the wearing of the shoulder brace 1.

[0018] When shoulder brace 1 is worn, the winding trajectory of elastic band 30 is determined in a predetermined manner by passing it through guides 21 and 22 in a predetermined order. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, elastic band 30 in the worn state has a first region R1 that extends laterally from near the coracoid process and follows the periphery of the upper arm, a second region R2 that extends from first region R1 through the armpit to the abdominal side, and a third region R3 that extends upward from second region R2 while intersecting first region R1 and passing above the shoulder.

[0019] The intersection P between the first region R1 and the third region R3 is located approximately near the rotator cuff gap between the supraspinatus tendon and the subscapularis tendon when the shoulder brace 1 is worn. Therefore, when worn, the elastic band 30 is wrapped around the user's shoulder and upper arm in a figure-8 shape that crosses on the ventral side, centered around the rotator cuff gap.

[0020] Although the guides 21 and 22 determine the trajectory of the elastic band 30, they do not secure the elastic band 30 to the base 10. Therefore, only the ends 31 and 32 of the elastic band 30 are secured to the base 10. Therefore, tension generated by stretching the elastic band 30 acts continuously from the first region R1 between the ends 31 and 32 to the third region R3, exerting different effects in each region. The tension generated in the first region R1 acts to bring the upper arm closer to the trunk, pressing the humeral head against the glenoid cavity and preventing it from moving too far away from the glenoid cavity. Because the first region R1 is positioned to sandwich the humeral head in the anterior-posterior direction, the generated tension also prevents the humeral head from shifting anterior-posteriorly relative to the glenoid cavity. The tension generated in the second region R2 assists in lifting the upper arm. The tension generated in the third region R3 applies a downward force to the humeral head, thereby preventing deviation of the center of the humeral head relative to the acromion and stabilizing its position in the vertical direction. The action in the third region R3 is particularly effective when lifting the upper arm from the front, side, or back (forward lift, lateral lift, and backward lift). In addition, because the third region R3 is wrapped around the armpit while being pulled up, a backward force acts on the upper arm and shoulder, facilitating stabilization of the position of the humeral head.

[0021] Due to the actions of the above-mentioned areas, in the upper arm wearing shoulder brace 1, the position of the humeral head, which serves as the center of rotation in each direction, such as adduction and abduction, and forward, lateral, and backward elevation, is stabilized in two directions that intersect at intersection P. As a result, the user can smoothly perform various movements that involve rotation of the shoulder joint during daily life and exercise, and pain and feelings of instability due to misalignment of the center of rotation can be significantly reduced.

[0022] The elastic band 30 continues to apply tension even during shoulder joint movement, thereby continuously preventing the center of rotation from shifting during movement. On the other hand, the shoulder brace 1 does not have any hard components that cover the shoulder, so joint movement is not hindered by physical interference.

[0023] For the shoulder brace according to the first embodiment to be fully effective, it is important that the elastic band be wrapped in a predetermined manner. Because guides 21 and 22 are provided on the base 10 of the shoulder brace 1, a fully effective wrapping pattern can be easily achieved by simply threading the elastic band 30, with one end 31 secured, through the guides 21 and 22 in order and securing the end 32. Therefore, even an average user without knowledge of anatomy or orthopedics can easily and reliably wrap the elastic band 30 to create the first through third regions R1 through R3, thereby relieving pain and instability in and around the shoulder joint. While not essential to the first embodiment, the numbered markings 21a and 22a on the guides 21 and 22 help users intuitively understand the order in which to thread the elastic band 30, further simplifying the donning process.

[0024] Because the first region R1 and the third region R3 are positioned along the surface of the upper arm or shoulder, there is a possibility that they may slip off the surface during movement when worn. However, in the first embodiment, the elastic band 30 is threaded through the guides 21 and 22, so they do not slip off when worn. As a result, the wrapping path including the first region R1 to the third region R3 is maintained appropriately even after wearing, and the device continues to provide stable effectiveness.

[0025] As described above, wearing the shoulder brace 1 according to the first embodiment reduces instability around the shoulder joint and suppresses the associated pain and discomfort. Furthermore, while wearing the brace, movement of the upper arm is hardly restricted, allowing large movements such as throwing a ball. The shoulder brace 1 is completely different from conventional shoulder braces, which are designed to hold the shoulder still, and can be said to be revolutionary.

[0026] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the following description, components that have already been described will be assigned the same reference numerals and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a portion of the shoulder brace 101 of the second embodiment being worn. The base 110 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is shaped to cover one shoulder and upper arm. One end of an expandable base band 111 is fixed to the back side of the base 110. The other end 113 of the base band 111 can be fixed to and detached from the ventral side of the base 110. The structure for enabling fixation and detachment can be similar to that of the end 32 in the first embodiment. The base 110 further has an auxiliary band 115 that prevents the base 110 and base band 111 from slipping. One end of the auxiliary band 115 is fixed to the back side of the base 110, and the other end 117 can be fixed to and detached from the ventral side of the base 110.

[0028] The elastic band 30 is similar to the first embodiment in that its end 31 is fixed to the base 110. However, the shoulder brace 101 of the second embodiment has a guide 120 instead of the guides 21 and 22. In the second embodiment, the guide 120 is formed by arranging a belt-shaped member in a figure-of-eight shape corresponding to the first region R1 to the third region R3 and fixing both widthwise sides of the member to the base 110 by sewing, adhesive, or the like. As a result, the guide 120 is formed into a tunnel shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member. The elastic band 30 is passed through the guide 120 from an opening on the ventral side, and is positioned so that its end 32 protrudes from an opening on the dorsal side.

[0029] The shoulder brace 101 includes a second elastic band 130 in addition to the elastic band 30. To make the guide 120 easier to see, the second elastic band 130 is not shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 shows a user wearing the shoulder brace 101 as viewed from the back. One longitudinal end 131 of the second elastic band 130 is fixed to the base 110 on the back side. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the base 110 is provided with guides (second guides) 141 and 142 for passing the second elastic band 130, at positions corresponding to the lateral surface of the upper arm and on the shoulder, respectively. The structure, materials, etc. of the guides 141 and 142 can be the same as those of the guides 21 and 22 in the first embodiment.

[0030] The operation of the shoulder brace 101 according to the second embodiment configured as described above when in use will now be described. The user first attaches the base 110 to an area of ​​the upper body that includes one shoulder. Then, while stretching the base band 111, the user pulls it out from under the armpit on the side opposite the shoulder to which the base 110 is attached toward the abdomen, and fastens the end 113 to the base 110. This completes the process of attaching the base 110.

[0031] Next, the elastic band 30 is attached to the base 110 while tension is being generated. In the second embodiment, the elastic band 30 is already threaded through the guide 120 arranged along the winding path described in the first embodiment, so the winding operation as in the first embodiment is not necessary. Therefore, attachment of the elastic band 30 is completed simply by grasping and pulling the end 32 protruding from the guide 120 and fixing the end 32 at a predetermined location on the back side, as shown in FIG. 4 .

[0032] Next, the second elastic band 130 is attached to the base 110 while tension is applied. The user grasps the free end of the second elastic band 130 and, carefully avoiding twisting, passes it through the guide 141 and pulls it out toward the ventral side. After passing through the guide 141, the user wraps the second elastic band 130 around the upper arm, passing it from the ventral side to the armpit and pulling the free end out from the dorsal side. The user then pulls the second elastic band 130 upward, passing the free end between the guide 142 and the base 110. The free end is then secured to the securing position 118 on the ventral side of the base 110, as shown in FIG. 3 , completing the attachment of the second elastic band 130. As can be seen from the above, the wrapping of the second elastic band 130 is generally similar to that of the elastic band 30 of the first embodiment, except that the ventral and dorsal sides are reversed. In other words, when worn, the second elastic band 130 is wrapped in a figure-eight pattern that intersects on the dorsal side.

[0033] Finally, the auxiliary band 115 is pulled out from the side where the base 110 is attached toward the ventral side, and the end 117 is fixed to the base 110, completing the fitting of the shoulder brace 101.

[0034] In the shoulder brace 101 according to the second embodiment, the behavior of the shoulder joint and its surroundings is supported and stabilized not only by the elastic band 30 but also by the second elastic band 130. When the shoulder brace 101 is worn, the wrapping path (second path) of the second elastic band 130, as shown in Fig. 4 , includes a fourth region R4 (region A) extending laterally from the end 131 and following the circumference of the upper arm, a fifth region R5 (region B) extending from the fourth region R4 through the armpit to the back, and a sixth region R6 (region C) extending upward from the fifth region R5 while intersecting with the fourth region R4 and passing above the shoulder. The effects of the fourth region R4 through the sixth region R6 are generally similar to those of the first region R1 through the third region R3 described above. Therefore, in the second embodiment, support is provided to prevent displacement not only in the front, including the upper front, of the shoulder but also in the rear, including the upper rear, thereby significantly reducing a sense of instability.

[0035] Furthermore, when the shoulder brace 101 is worn, the intersection P' of the fourth region R4 and the sixth region R6 is located approximately directly behind the intersection P of the elastic band 30. This makes it easier for the upper arm, to which the two elastic bands are attached, to rotate about the line connecting the intersection P and the intersection P', providing good support for abduction and adduction of the upper arm, particularly abduction from approximately 0° to 90°. In addition, forward and backward movement of the upper arm, as well as complex rotational movements that combine these, are also well supported.

[0036] The tension generated in the base band 111 that supports the base 110 also acts on the arm that swings down after the take-back when the wearer pitches, guiding the trajectory in the direction of extension of the base band 111. Therefore, when worn by a baseball player or the like, it can contribute to basic pitching training and correction of pitching form, even if the player does not have a pitching shoulder injury or the like.

[0037] The base 110 according to the second embodiment is smaller than that of the first embodiment, and therefore tends to shift slightly upward with upper arm movement after wearing, although it is supported by the base band 111. However, in the shoulder orthosis 101, the base 110 is also supported by the auxiliary band 115 that is wound around the rib cage from the side opposite the base band 111, and this shifting is therefore sufficiently suppressed.

[0038] In the second embodiment, the guide for second elastic band 130 may be tunnel-shaped like guide 120, or the guide for elastic band 30 may be shaped like guide 21 in the first embodiment. In the latter case, because four guides are provided relatively close together, two above the shoulder and two on the side of the upper arm, it is preferable to provide indications with different colors or fonts depending on the band being passed through, as this will help users avoid confusion and make it easier to correctly attach the two elastic bands.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the fixed ends of the base band 111 and the auxiliary band 115 may be located on the ventral side and may be turned and fastened on the dorsal side. The trajectory along which the auxiliary band 115 is disposed is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0040] The base of the second embodiment may be a shirt-type base as in the first embodiment, or may be a supporter-type base that covers only one shoulder as in the second embodiment. In either case, the base according to the present invention is worn over an area of ​​the user's upper body that includes at least one shoulder.

[0041] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and it is possible to change the combination of components, make various modifications to each component, or delete each component, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0042] For example, when using short guides as shown in the first embodiment, the number and location of the guides are not particularly limited as long as the elastic bands placed through the guides are positioned along a predetermined trajectory. Furthermore, when multiple guides are used, the sizes of the guides may vary. For example, the first and fourth regions tend to slip and shift on the surface of the upper arm, while the second and fifth regions tend to slip up and touch the armpit, causing discomfort. Making the guides in these regions longer and tunnel-shaped can prevent slippage, ensure effectiveness, and reduce discomfort.

[0043] A portion of the elastic band arranged along a predetermined path may be lightly fastened to the base or guide. For example, in the second embodiment, if the portion of the elastic band that passes under the armpits is lightly fastened to the base or guide by sewing or the like, the tension acting under the armpits can be slightly reduced, thereby reducing discomfort when worn. Light fastening is preferable mainly in the second and fifth regions. For other regions, it is preferable not to fasten the elastic band excessively, as sufficient tension will lead to optimal support.

[0044] When a shirt-type base is used, guides may be provided at corresponding positions on both shoulders. In addition, by configuring the positions where both ends of the elastic band are attached so that the elastic band can be fixed and detached, the elastic band can be worn on either shoulder, significantly improving the versatility of the shoulder brace. In this case, because both ends of the elastic band can be fixed and detached from the base, only one elastic band is required to attach to either shoulder, and by adding two elastic bands, it is possible to support both shoulders.

[0045] The shoulder brace of the present invention is expected to be applicable to a wide range of subjects. For example, it can be widely used in sports, not only for the aforementioned throwing shoulder injury, but also in various ball games involving throwing, and other non-ball sports, as a support that can be worn while practicing when pain or instability occurs in the shoulder joint or surrounding area. Furthermore, even in cases without a particular shoulder joint problem, the shoulder brace of the present invention can be used for movement education, by inducing physiological shoulder movement to properly guide pitching form. In the inventor's research, a subject wearing a shoulder brace consisting of only the second elastic band and base, omitting the elastic band 30 from the second embodiment, experienced a smoother take-back and subsequent arm swing, improving a pitching motion that tended to be strained. This subject's pitching motion remained smooth even after the shoulder brace was removed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the shoulder brace in correcting pitching form.

[0046] In addition to sports, when worn by patients with shoulder joint disorders, it is expected to assist in arm-raising movements and reduce nighttime pain during sleep. When worn by patients with rotator cuff tears, it is also expected to support the function of the torn rotator cuff and stabilize the position and rotation axis of the femoral head. Applying the structure of the shoulder brace of the present invention to underwear and other items is expected to reduce the burden on the shoulder during light daily work and, by correcting posture, contribute to the alleviation of symptoms such as chronic head and neck pain, stiff shoulders, and lower back pain.

[0047] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shoulder brace that, when worn, improves instability around the shoulder joint and does not inhibit shoulder movement.

[0048] 1, 101 Shoulder brace 10, 110 Base 21, 22, 120 Guide 21a, 22a Indication 30 Elastic band 31, 32 End (of elastic band) 130 Second elastic band 141, 142 Guide (second guide) R1 First region R2 Second region R3 Third region R4 Fourth region (region A) R5 Fifth region (region B) R6 Sixth region (region C)

Claims

1. A shoulder brace comprising: a flexible base that is worn on a region of a user's upper body that includes the shoulder; and a stretchable and restorable elastic band whose both longitudinal ends are configured to be fixable to the base, wherein the base has a guide through which the elastic band can pass, and the guide is configured such that, with the base worn, the both ends of the elastic band that have passed through the guide can be fixed to the base, thereby allowing the elastic band to be wrapped around the user's shoulder and upper arm in a predetermined trajectory, wherein the predetermined trajectory has: a first region that extends laterally from near the coracoid process and follows the periphery of the upper arm; a second region that extends from the first region, passing under the armpit, to the ventral side; and a third region that extends upward from the second region, intersecting the first region, and passes above the shoulder.

2. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the guides are provided so as to be positioned at least one on each of the shoulder and upper arm when the base is worn, and have markings indicating the order in which the elastic bands should be passed through.

3. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the guide is a tunnel-shaped guide that is continuous across the first region, the second region, and the third region, and the elastic band is passed through the guide with both ends protruding from the guide.

4. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, further comprising: a second elastic band that is stretchable and restorable, and whose opposite longitudinal ends are configured to be fixable to the base; and a second guide that is attached to the base and through which the second elastic band can pass, wherein the second guide is configured so that, with the base attached, the opposite ends of the second elastic band that have passed through the second guide can be fixed to the base, thereby allowing the second elastic band to be wrapped around the shoulder and upper arm of the user in a predetermined second trajectory, and wherein the second trajectory has: a fourth region that extends laterally from the dorsal side and follows the periphery of the upper arm; a fifth region that extends from the fourth region through the armpit to the dorsal side; and a sixth region that extends upward from the fifth region, intersecting with the fourth region, and passes above the shoulder.

5. A shoulder brace comprising: a flexible base that is worn on a region of a user's upper body that includes the shoulder; and a stretchable and restorable elastic band whose both longitudinal ends are configured to be fixable to the base, wherein the base has a guide through which the elastic band can pass, and the guide is configured so that, with the base attached, the both ends of the elastic band that have passed through the guide can be fixed to the base, thereby allowing the elastic band to be wrapped around the user's shoulder and upper arm in a predetermined trajectory, and the predetermined trajectory has: Region A extending laterally from the dorsal side and following the periphery of the upper arm; Region B extending from Region A through the armpit to the dorsal side; and Region C extending upward from Region B, intersecting Region A, to pass above the shoulder.

Images