AT527072B1 - support device - Google Patents

Abstract

A support device (100) for restricting movement of a thumb joint of a hand (H) comprises a first component (10) and a second component (20). The first component (10) is designed and configured to enclose the thumb of the hand (H). The second component (20) comprises a first segment (21) and a second segment (22), wherein the first component (10) is pivotable relative to the second component (20) about a joint axis (B). The first segment (21) and the second segment (22) are configured such that one of the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) rests on an upper side of the hand (H) and the other of the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) rests on an underside of the hand (H). The first segment (21) and the second segment (22) exert a holding force on the hand (H).

Description

Description

[0001] The present application relates generally to an orthopedic device for the treatment of joints and, more particularly, to a support device for restricting movement of a thumb joint of a hand.

[0002] A number of orthopedic devices are known from the prior art. For example, the document EP 3 721 840 A1 discloses a thumb orthosis with a spreading body which serves to spread apart a thumb and an index finger, comprising a first holding device by means of which a first end region of the spreading body can be held on the thumb, and a second holding device by means of which a second end region of the spreading body can be held on the index finger.

[0003] The document WO 2013/160 478 A1 discloses an orthosis for attachment to a human hand for immobilizing the thumb saddle joint and the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. The orthosis comprises a rigid body having a metacarpal portion and a rigid thumb portion.

[0004] The document JP 2017 176 458 A discloses an orthosis that can be used to treat a finger opposition disorder. The orthosis comprises a thumb sleeve that is placed around the joint part of the thumb, at least one finger sleeve that encloses the joint part of a finger other than the thumb finger, and a bridge that connects the two sleeve parts to each other.

[0005] Document US 4 953 568 A discloses a flexible, adjustable thumb support for positioning and holding the thumb region of a patient's hand to restrict movement and provide adequate support.

[0006] The known support devices have a fixed shape in order to achieve a supporting effect. In addition, additional fastening means are required, which make the devices complex. In addition, the known orthoses are only designed for the left hand or the right hand in order to achieve an optimal supporting effect.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a support device for restricting a movement of a joint of a hand, which does not require additional fastening means, is thus more compact, can be used for both a left and right hand and can be easily stowed away for transport.

[0008] The stated object is achieved by a support device for restricting a movement of a joint of a hand. The support device comprises a first component and a second component. The first component is designed and configured to enclose a finger of the hand. The second component comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first component is pivotable or movable relative to the second component about a joint axis. The first segment and the second segment are configured such that one of the first segment and the second segment rests on the top of the hand and the other of the first segment and the second segment rests on the bottom of the hand. The first segment and the second segment exert a holding force on the hand.

[0009] An advantage of the support device is that the support device does not require any additional fastening means to be attached to the hand, which makes the support device less complex and thus reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the support device can be folded up using the hinge axis, which makes the support device more compact for transport and takes up less space. A further advantage of the support device is that, due to the design, the support device can be attached to the hand in a short time and is not conspicuous to wear. In addition, due to the design, the support device has less contact with the skin of the hand, which leads to less sweating.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the first component and the second component are connected to one another by one of a plug connection, a rivet connection, a screw connection or integrally.

[0011] As a result, the first component and the second component can be fixed or firmly adjusted to each other in order to prevent relative movement to each other.

[0012] According to a further aspect, the first component and the second component span an angle about the joint axis, wherein the angle in an initial position is zero degrees and the angle in a setting position is in a range between 165-195 degrees.

[0013] This makes it possible to minimize the space required by the first component and the second component in the initial position, whereby the support device has a very compact design. In the setting position, the support device can be used for a finger of both the left and the right hand, which makes it more universally applicable.

[0014] According to a further aspect, the first segment and the second segment are integrally connected to each other.

[0015] As a result, a relative position of the first segment and the second segment to each other is firmly defined, whereby a deviation of the relative position leads to a spring force which presses the first segment and the second segment back into the relative position to each other.

[0016] According to a further aspect, the finger of the hand is a thumb, the first component encloses the thumb at the proximal phalanx and the second component is shaped as a clamp.

[0017] As a result, the first component can enclose the thumb at the proximal phalanx and the second component can act as a clamp to cause the spring force on an inner palm and an outer palm, whereby the thumb is supported relative to the inner palm or outer palm. The enclosing of the thumb at the proximal phalanx can be done completely or partially, whereby the support device can be adapted to different thumb diameters.

[0018] According to a further aspect, the first component comprises locking elements and an end piece, wherein the end piece engages with the locking elements, wherein the first component is configured to adapt to a thumb diameter.

[0019] The thumb is completely enclosed at the proximal phalanx, which allows the support device to be adapted to different thumb diameters.

[0020] According to a further aspect, the support element further comprises a retaining element provided on at least one of the first component and the second component.

[0021] The holding element increases the wearing comfort and improves the position of the support device on the hand.

[0022] According to a further aspect, the holding element is made of a biomaterial or a plastic, preferably silicone.

[0023] If the holding element is made of biomaterial, the wearing comfort can be increased and the support device can be provided in a more sustainable manner. If the holding element is made of plastic, preferably silicone, there are advantages in terms of hygiene due to easier cleaning and a greater adaptation to the shape of the hand.

[0024] According to a further aspect, the joint of the hand is at least one of a metacarpophalangeal joint and a saddle joint of the thumb.

[0025] As a result, mobilization or movement of the thumb relative to the hand can be restricted by the support device without causing a strain on the thumb or the hand.

[0026] The above object is further achieved by a method for using the support device on both a left and a right hand. The method comprises moving the first component and the second component of the support device about the joint axis from the initial position to the setting position; enclosing the thumb of the hand with the first component; fastening the first segment and the second segment of the second component to the hand; and restricting the movement of the joint of the hand.

[0027] The method makes it possible to use the support device for both the left and right hand, which increases the usability of the support device and makes the support device more sustainable and reduces costs if multiple support devices are required. Furthermore, the environmental impact can be reduced by requiring fewer support devices.

[0028] A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof can be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a support device according to an embodiment in a first setting position.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a first component of the support device according to a first embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows the first component of the support device according to a second embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows a second component of the support device according to a first embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows the second component of the support device with holding element.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a first view of the support device in an initial position.

[0035] Fig. 7 is a second view of the support device in the initial position.

[0036] Fig. 8A and 8B show an application example of the support device. [0037] Fig. 9A and 9B show the support device in the first and a second setting position.

[0038] Fig. 10 illustrates the first component and the second component according to another embodiment.

[0039] Figs. 11 and 12 show further embodiments of the first component and the second component of the support device.

[0040] Fig. 13 shows method steps of a method for using the support device.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 1, a support device 100 is shown. The support device 100 comprises a first component 10 and a second component 20. The first component 10 is pivotable or movable relative to the second component 20 about a joint axis B. The first component 10 and the second component 20 form an angle A about the joint axis. In an initial position PO, the angle A is zero degrees. In the initial position PO, the first component 10 is received in the second component 20. The support device 100 is thus collapsible in the initial position PO, whereby the support device 100 has a compact design in a non-limiting example for transport. A first setting position SP1 enables the support device 100 to be used on the right hand. A second setting position SP2 enables the support device 100 to be used on the left hand. The first component 10 comprises a ring element 11 and an end piece 12. The second component comprises a first segment 21 and a second segment 22.

[0042] The first setting position SP1 and the second setting position SP2 form positions in which a relative movement of the first component 10 and the second component 20

to each other. The first setting position SP1 and the second setting position SP2 are designed to represent a functional neutral position of a finger. The functional neutral position of the finger can be considered to be the position in which the finger is neither excessively bent nor hyperextended. The functional neutral position can vary slightly from person to person due to different anatomical structure and freedom of movement. This limitation is implemented by known elements, such as stop elements, pins, locking teeth and so on, which are not described in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0043] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the first component 10 of the support device 100. The first component 10 comprises an inner ring surface 15 for receiving a finger F and a first connection portion 13. The first connection portion 13 may, in a first example, comprise a through hole 16a.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows the first component 10 of the support device 100 according to a first embodiment. According to the first embodiment, the ring element 11 has an angular distance 14 in the area of the end piece 12. In this embodiment, the ring element 11 partially encloses the finger F of the hand H. A diameter of the ring element 11 can be adapted to a diameter of the finger F in such a way as to ensure a secure hold of the ring element 11 and thus of the first component 10 on the finger F and to support a restriction of the movement of a joint G of the finger F of the hand H.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows the first component 10 of the support device 100 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment of the first component 10 differs from the first embodiment of the first component 10 in that the angular distance 14 is inverted. In other words, the ring element 11 of the first component according to the second embodiment is designed such that the end piece 12 overlaps the ring element 11 on the inner ring surface 15 by the angular distance 14. In the second embodiment, the first component 10 comprises at least one or more locking elements 12a and one or more locking pieces 12b. The at least one locking piece 12b is designed to lock onto the locking element(s) 12a. The first component 10 according to the second example is thus designed to adapt to the diameter of the finger F. Thus, the diameter of the ring element 11 can be adapted to the diameter of the finger F in such a way as to ensure a secure hold of the ring element 11 and thus of the first component 10 on the finger F and to support a restriction of the movement of the joint G of the finger F of the hand H.

[0046] In a non-limiting example, the finger F of the hand H corresponds to a thumb, so that the first component 10 encloses the thumb at the phalanx proximalis X, the proximal phalanx (bone) of the thumb. Depending on the first or second embodiment of the first component 10, the thumb is partially or completely enclosed.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows the second component 20 of the support device 100 according to a first embodiment. The first segment 21 and the second segment 22 are integrally connected to one another via a web 24 on the second connection section 23. The first segment 21 and the second segment 22 can move relative to one another via the web 24. The second component 20 can thus be designed as a clamp, wherein the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 cause a holding force on the hand H due to the relative movement to one another when the second component 20 is provided on the hand H. The second component 20 is therefore clamped to the hand H and held on the hand H by the holding force. The first segment 21 and the second segment 22 can be bent or rounded at a distal end of the clamp in order to facilitate clamping the second component 20 to the hand H.

[0048] As can be seen in Fig. 5, a holding element 25, 26 can be provided on the first segment 21 and/or on the second segment 22. The holding element 25, 26 can, in a first example, be designed as a holding element 25 in the form of a layer or a support.

be designed. In a second example, the holding element 25, 26 can be designed as a holding element 26 in the form of a cover or a shell. As shown in Fig. 5, the choice of the design of the holding element 25, 26 can be freely selected for each of the first segment 21 and the second segment 22. In a modified example, the holding element 25, 26 can be provided on none or only on one of the first segment 21 and/or the second segment 22. The holding element 25, 26 and the support device can be made of a biomaterial or plastic. The biomaterial comprises either a bio-based material, such as bio-PET (bio-polyethylene terephthalate), bio-PE (bio-polyethylene), PLA (polylactide) or CA (cellulose acetate), or a biodegradable material, such as TPS (thermoplastic starch) or PBS (polybutylene succinate). The use of biomaterial makes it possible to produce the holding element 25, 26 and/or the support device 100 in a sustainable and environmentally friendly and resource-saving manner. The holding element 25, 26 can also be made from a conventional plastic. In this case, the holding element is made from silicone (poly(organo)siloxane), for example. It can also be seen in Fig. 5 that the second connection section 23 comprises a receptacle for a fastening means 30.

[0049] Fig. 6 and 7 show the support device 100 in the initial position PO. The first component 10 is pivoted or moved about the joint axis B such that the angle A is equal to zero degrees. The first component 10 is thus received in the second component 20. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the first component 10 is connected to the second component 20 via the fastening means 30. The fastening means 30 comprises at least one of a screw, a rivet, a pin or a plug, and a bellows. The first component 10 and the second component 20 are thus connected to one another by one of a plug connection, a rivet connection, a screw connection or integrally.

[0050] Fig. 8A and 8B show a use of the support device 100 on a right hand. The support device 100 is set up in the first setting position SP1. The first segment 21 and the second segment 22 are set up such that one of the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 rests on an upper side of the hand H and the other of the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 rests on an underside of the hand H. The second component 20 is clamped to the hand H by the holding force of the first segment 21 and the second segment 22. The first component 10 encloses the thumb F of the hand H at the proximal phalanx X. This arrangement of the support device 100 restricts movement of the joint G of the hand H, wherein the joint G comprises at least one of a metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb (Articulatio metacarpophalangea pollicis) Y and a saddle joint of the thumb (Articulatio carpometacarpalis pollicis) Z. With the support device 100 it is therefore possible to restrict the movement of the thumb and to prevent wear and tear or an unnatural thumb position, especially when using technical communication devices such as smartphones and the like. If pain occurs due to signs of wear and tear such as tendon shortening, muscle atrophy or posture problems of the finger F, the support device 100 can support relaxation and subsequently alleviate the symptoms. Furthermore, the support device 100 can be used for ligament lesions, ligament strains or ligament tears as well as irritation of the finger F. In addition, the support device 100 can be used in the case of instability of the finger F, caused by advanced wear and tear and the resulting deviation of the functional neutral position of the finger F.

[0051] Fig. 9A and 9B show the angle A of the support device 100 for use in the second setting position SP2 on a left hand (Fig. 9A) and in the first setting position SP1 on a right hand (Fig. 9B). In the first setting position SP1, the angle A is 165 degrees. In the second setting position SP2, the angle A is 195 degrees. Depending on the anatomy of the hand H, the angle A can vary by plus/minus 5 degrees per setting position SP1, SP2.

[0052] The angle A is thus in a setting position SP, comprising the first setting position SP1 and the second setting position SP2, in a range between 160 degrees to 200 degrees, respectively.

165 degrees to 195 degrees, or 170 degrees to 190 degrees.

[0053] Fig. 10 shows the first component 10 and the second component 20 of the actuating device 100 in a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the first component 10 and the second component 20 each comprise a plurality of recesses 19. In a first non-limiting example, the recesses 19 can have a round shape. In a further non-limiting example, the recesses 19 can have any shape, as long as the contact area between the support device 100 and the hand H and finger F of the user is reduced and the stability of the support device is ensured. This can further increase the wearing comfort, since due to the design there is even less contact with the skin of the hand H and finger F, which can lead to even less sweating.

[0054] Figures 11 and 12 show further embodiments of the first component 10 and the second component 20 of the support device 100. Fig. 11 shows the first component 10 and the second component 20 of the support device 100 according to a third embodiment. According to the third embodiment, the first connection section 13 is designed as a plug 16b. The second connection section 23 is designed as a counterpart to the plug 16b in this third embodiment. The first connection section 13 and the second connection section 23 form a plug connection. In a non-limiting example, the second connection section 23 can be designed as a plug and the first connection section 13 as a counterpart to the plug.

[0055] Fig. 12 shows the support device 100 according to a further embodiment. According to this embodiment, the first component 10 and the second component 20 are integrally connected to one another by means of a folding structure 16c. The folding structure 16c is designed such that the support device 100 can be set up in the first setting position SP1 or the second setting position SP2. The folding structure 16c can be designed as a bellows in a non-limiting example.

[0056] Fig. 13 shows method steps of a method for using the support device 100 on both the left hand and the right hand. It is assumed that the support device 100 is in the initial position PO.

[0057] In the first step S1, the first component 10 and the second component 20 are moved about the joint axis B from an initial position PO into a first setting position SP1 or a second setting position SP2. The choice of the first setting position SP1 or the second setting position SP2 depends on which hand the support device 100 is to be used on.

[0058] In the second step S2, the finger F, preferably the thumb of the hand H, is enclosed with the first component 10. The enclosing S1 can be partial or complete. As a result, the finger F is held or supported by the support device 100 in the setting position SP1, SP2, whereby the finger F is restricted in its movement relative to the hand H.

[0059] In the third step S3, the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 of the second component 20 are attached to the hand H. The support device 100 is thereby fixed to the hand H and the finger F.

[0060] In the fourth step S4, the movement of the joint G of the hand H is restricted. Since the support device fixes the finger F, for example the thumb, and the hand H respectively and the first and second setting positions SP1, SP2 are rigid, the movement of at least one of the metacarpophalangeal joint Y and the saddle joint Z of the thumb is restricted.

Claims (10)

patent claims 1. Support device (100) for restricting a movement of a thumb joint of a Hand (H), the support device includes: - a first component (10) designed and arranged to enclose a finger (F), which is the thumb of the hand (H), - a second component (20) comprising a first segment (21) and a second segment (22), characterized in that the first component (10) pivotable relative to the second component (20) about a joint axis (B), wherein the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) are arranged that one of the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) is attached to a hand top side of the hand and the other from the first segment (21) and the second segment element (22) rests against a lower side of the hand and wherein the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) exerts a holding force on the hand. 2, Support device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (10) and the second component (20) are connected to one another by means of a plug connection, a rivet connection, a screw connection or integrally. 3. Support device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first component (10) and the second component (20) span an angle (A) about the joint axis (B), wherein the angle (A) in an initial position (PO) is zero degrees and the angle (A) in a setting position (SP1; SP2) is in a range between 165-195 degrees. 4. Support device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first segment (21) and the second segment (22) are integrally connected to one another. 5. Support device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (10) encloses the thumb at the proximal phalanx (X) and the second component (20) is shaped as a clamp. 6. Support device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first component (10) comprises locking elements (12a) and a locking piece (12b) and the locking piece (12b) locks onto the locking elements (12a), wherein the first component (10) is designed to adapt to a thumb diameter. 7. Support device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a holding element (25; 26) which is present on at least one of the components (10, 20). 8. Support device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding element (25; 26) is made of biomaterial or plastic, preferably silicone. 9. Support device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thumb joint of the hand (H) is at least one joint (G) selected from the metacarpophalangeal joint (Y) and the thumb saddle joint (Z). 10. A method for using the support device (100) according to claims 1 to 9 on both a left and a right hand, characterized in that the method comprises: - moving (S1) a first component (10) and a second component (20) of the support device (100) about a joint axis (B) from an initial position (PO) into a first setting position (SP1) or second setting position (SP2); - enclosing (S2) a thumb (F) of the hand (H) with the first component (10); - attaching (S3) a first segment (21) and a second segment (22) of the second component (20) to the hand (H); and - Restricting (S4) a movement of a thumb joint of the hand (H). 7 sheets of drawings