DE20315296U1 - Orthotic collar for patient with neck injury has front hook and loop closure and has a foam core within a cotton cover - Google Patents

Abstract

An orthotic collar (11) supports the neck (12) and head (12) following a vertebral injury. The orthotic collar is flexible and essentially extends the entire length of the neck, fully surrounds the neck. the collar further has zones (17, 18) which support the chin and back of the head. The collar is an essentially U-shaped fitting which is closed esp. at the front (17) by e.g. a hook and loop fastener. The collar has a cotton-covered foam core.

Description

Area of application and status of technology

The invention relates to an orthosis for support of the neck and head according to the preamble of claim 1. Such Orthotics are also known as frills. They are used for example with spinal injuries or the like around the neck as well as the spine after an injury or for example, to support whiplash. Such orthoses are flexible and extend essentially the length of the neck. They enclose the neck completely, whereby their circumference can be opened and closed and have a closure. In this way, the mooring simplified. As a rule, the shape of such an orthosis deviates straight form with a pronounced rear area or a front area. The back areas are usually wider and support the head in this way especially or stretch the neck a little.

This is the case with known orthoses Problem that the closure is arranged on the neck side for optical reasons is. There is a spinal injury or the like before, however, it is inconvenient for the user who Close the orthosis in the neck area.

Task and solution

The invention has for its object a mentioned at the beginning To create an orthosis that makes putting on and taking off more comfortable becomes. In particular, the variety of uses of the orthosis should also be expanded.

This task is solved by an orthosis with the features of claim 1 and the claim 9. Advantageous and preferred configurations of the invention are Subject of the further claims and will be closer in the following explained. The wording of the claims is by express Reference made to the content of the description.

On the one hand, the closure is according to the invention for the rthese arranged in the front area. This means that the orthosis is closed at the front of the neck, which is much easier because no hand movement behind the neck is. Even with severe neck injuries or difficulty moving Such movement is still in the neck, neck and shoulder area quite possible.

It is possible to design the orthosis in such a way that the ends of the open The orthosis overlaps in the area of the fastener, in order to create the orthosis close. The closure is advantageous in the area covered by the ends provided, especially between the overlapping areas. On in this way the closure is covered by the overlaps and on the one hand, more or less invisibly hidden, and on the other against damage protected.

The closure can for example be designed as a closure by positive locking. You can do this, for example projections be provided, such as hooks or the like, in corresponding recesses or engage tabs. Such hook fasteners are also in the clothing area known as so-called clip closures. Are preferred thereby protrusions or the like on the outside overlapping The ends are arranged so that they point inwards towards the neck. This allows you to use the protrusions don't hang stick to clothes or the like ..

Alternatively, a closure can be used, for example have a textile adhesive closure. This is also preferred between or in the overlap arranged. A fluffy part on the inside overlapping is advantageous End arranged and facing outwards, while the corresponding opposite with the check marks, similar to the aforementioned protrusions, points inwards.

It is also possible to overlap the outside End of the closure with several, especially two, finger-like Sections. Between such finger-like sections may protrude one or more tabs that overlap on the inside End are attached. these can to the side over the sections range and essentially over or cover. If textile fasteners are used here too, some of them can on the outside pointing side of the finger-like sections may be arranged during the other part on the side facing inwards or towards the neck the tabs is provided.

The closure is not preferred only for closure, but also for length or width adjustment the orthosis. This can be provided in this way, for example be that a length adjustment the orthosis in the range of 5% to 20%, in particular approx. 10%, length difference is possible. This enables an orthotic model for different neck sizes can be used. However, here too note that in many cases still the one you want Maintain special training of the orthosis with front and rear area should be, which is why a length adjustment only makes sense within certain limits.

Independently or alternatively to the above-described configurations, an orthosis mentioned at the beginning can be provided with one or more of the aforementioned features. Furthermore, it can have inserts in the front area and in the rear area. These inserts are made of a material that is stiffer than that of the orthosis. Furthermore, the inserts can be removed, the orthosis still with the same purpose with only one or no insert determination can be used.

In other words, with such an orthosis according to the invention either a first rigid version will be provided. Here are the stakes available, which support the head particularly strongly or essentially fix it. If such a fixation, for example after a few days of Recovery, no longer needed, so can one bet or both bets be removed. This makes it possible to use the same orthosis Continue to support your neck or head. However, the supportive effect somewhat less, which in many cases as medically beneficial for the healing of whiplash, for example, is considered. In particular, one advantage of the invention is that it does not two different types of orthotics are needed. A convertible according to the invention Orthosis fulfilled both purposes.

One use is advantageous in each case especially for the Front area and an insert specially designed for the rear area. You can the stakes be anatomically shaped accordingly. While this does cause them are not interchangeable. However, the manufacture such operations not particularly expensive.

It is possible that at least one Insert, preferably both inserts, with at least one end over the orthosis protrudes upwards or downwards Calls not only to make the orthosis stiffer. About that In addition, a direct force can be applied to the head or trunk area for support of the head or neck become. You can the protruding ones Don't just end over the orthosis upwards or downwards but also diagonally outwards protrude.

For example, the use for the front area advantageously be designed so that an upper end of the lower part of a chin. A lower end can be flat and roughly be designed according to the upper part of a rib cage.

Similar can be used for the rear area an upper end to rest on the lower part be formed at the back of the head. The lower end can be planted be formed on the neck or middle shoulder area.

The stakes are advantageous on the Brace held to get a sufficiently stable unit. This increases also the comfort when putting on the orthosis. They are advantageous attached to the inside. Egg ne such attachment takes place, for example by means of a textile adhesive fastener.

Furthermore it is possible that the stakes run through the orthosis or in the orthosis itself are supported. You can do this For example, pockets can be provided in which the inserts are inserted. It is particularly advantageously provided that the orthosis in the essentially runs around the insert or the insert is relative is placed close to the inside of the orthosis. Thereby lies an insert essentially more or less directly on the neck even though it is in the orthosis.

The inserts can be made of plastic, in particular solid plastic or a rigid foam material. Care should be taken that the material of the inserts is a certain elasticity or flexibility has, but in any case is more rigid than the material of the orthosis.

In addition, it is possible to Calls with a textile cover to provide. This increases comfort. If the cover is removable it can be cleaned or washed, for example. This is from Advantage.

Regarding the material one previously The described orthosis is to say that it is a flexible textile material can have. A foam core or the like is advantageous provided primarily the support effect the orthosis. A natural material can be provided as the textile material, for example cotton jersey. The orthosis itself should also be cleaned can be. It is advantageously washable.

These and other features go except out the claims also from the description and the drawings, the individual characteristics for each alone or in several in the form of sub-combinations an embodiment of the Invention and in other areas be realized and advantageous also for yourself protectable versions can represent for the protection is claimed here. The division of the registration into individual Sections and sub-headings restrict the among these statements not in their general validity.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. In the drawings show:

1 a side view of an orthosis according to the invention with insertion in the front and rear area,

2 the orthosis 1 in front view with a two-finger lock,

3 the orthosis 1 from behind,

4 the outside of the opened orthosis 1 and

5 a cross section of the two-finger closure 2 ,

Detailed description of the embodiments

From the 1 to 3 is an applied orthosis 11 seen. This is between your head 12 and chest area 14 or shoulder area 15 arranged, taking the neck 13 of a patient. in the front area 17 is a front bet 20 intended. This front bet 20 protrudes with an upper and a lower end over the orthosis 11 about. The upper end supports or partially surrounds the chin. The lower end of the front insert 20 lies on the chest area 14 on.

The rear insert 21 also protrudes with an upper and a lower end over the orthosis 11 about. The upper end is at the rear lower end of the head 12 on. The lower part is on the shoulder area 15 on.

How out 1 can be removed, supports the presented thesis 11 with the stakes 20 and 21 the head 12 very strongly against a forward or backward movement. Here it can be said that the head is at least essentially fixed in this direction. Out 2 and 3 shows that the stakes 20 and 21 by their width the head 12 also support against lateral movement. Here it is also possible to place the bets 20 and 21 less pronounced for less fixation of the head 12 ,

Likewise, from the 1 to 3 can be seen that the stakes 20 and 21 reach relatively far around the neck. In particular, an area of approximately 20% of the neck remains free on the sides. This can be variable with a greater or lesser coverage.

Out 2 it can be seen that the closure 23 in the front area 17 is arranged. Here is the closure 23 designed as a so-called two-finger section. For this he has two finger-like sections 25 on. They are at one end 24 provided, which overlaps outside. At the inside overlapping end area 24 is the tab 26 arranged. The closure 23 has a textile adhesive closure to close the orthosis 11 which in 4 and 5 is explained in more detail. Out 2 can be seen that the closure 23 a certain length adjustment of the orthosis 11 allows.

From the representation of the opened orthosis 11 in 4 it can be seen that the middle area 28 is considerably wider than the end areas 24 ,

If the orthosis 11 without the stakes 20 and 21 stabilization is used, especially in the rear area 18 reached.

It can also be seen that the right end region 24 the two finger-like sections 25a and 25b having. These wear elongated fleece parts 27 that form part of the textile fastener. Between the two finger-like sections 25 a slot is formed.

The left end area 24 carries the flap 26 with the tab sections 26a and 26b , On the other hand to the orthosis 11 pointing side are hook parts 29 provided which the the fleece 27 form the corresponding counterpart of the textile fastener.

From the sectional view in 5 it can be seen how the closure is constructed in the closed state. The end area runs below 24 who the tab 26 with the tab sections 26a and 26b wearing. It is overlapped by the finger-like sections 25a and 25b , On the outward-facing side is the fleece 27 attached. The tabs 26 lie with the hook parts 29 on the inside of the fleece parts 27 and establish the connection.

With such a two-finger closure, it is possible in a simple manner, the orthosis 11 to close and to open again. It can also be seen from the figures that closures could also be formed in a different way.

Claims (19)

Orthosis ( 11 ) to support the neck ( 13 ) and head ( 12 ), especially for spinal injuries, whereby the orthosis ( 11 ) is flexible, essentially over the length of the neck ( 13 ) extends completely around the neck and a front area ( 17 ) and a rear area ( 18 ), whereby it can be opened and closed with a closure ( 23 ), characterized in that the closure ( 23 ) in the front area ( 17 ) is arranged. Orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that the ends ( 24 ) the open orthosis ( 11 ) in the area of the closure ( 23 ) overlap to close the orthosis ( 11 ), the closure preferably being arranged in the area overlapped by the ends. Orthosis according to claim 2, characterized in that the closure ( 23 ) is arranged between the overlap. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure ( 23 ) is form-fitting. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure ( 23 ) Has projections, in particular hooks or the like, which engage in recesses or tabs, preferably the projections at the end overlapping on the outside ( 24 ) are arranged. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the closure ( 23 ) has a textile adhesive fastener, the textile adhesive fastener preferably being arranged between the overlap and in particular a fluffy part ( 27 ) of the textile fastener at the inside overlapping end ( 24 ) is arranged. Orthosis according to claim 6, characterized records that the closure ( 23 ) on the outside overlapping end ( 24 ) two finger-like sections ( 25 ), between which a tab of the inside overlapping end protrudes and extends laterally over the sections, a part ( 27 ) of the textile adhesive fastener on the outward-facing side of the sections and the other part ( 29 ) of the fastener on the neck ( 13 ) pointing side of the tabs ( 26 ) is arranged. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure ( 23 ) for length or width adjustment of the orthosis ( 11 ) is formed, wherein it is preferably designed to compensate for at least 5% difference in length. Orthosis according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one insert on the orthosis in the front area ( 17 ) and / or in the rear area ( 18 ), the use ( 20 . 21 ) made of stiffer material than the orthosis ( 11 ) exists and is removable if the intended use of the orthosis is maintained ( 11 ) Without any effort. thesis according to claim 9, characterized in that two inserts are provided, in particular one insert ( 20 ) especially for the front area ( 17 ) and an insert ( 21 ) especially for the rear area ( 18 ) is formed, and preferably the inserts are anatomically shaped. Orthosis according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one insert ( 20 . 21 ) with at least one end over the orthosis ( 11 ) protrudes upwards or downwards, preferably with both ends, in particular both inserts ( 20 . 21 ) with both ends up and down over the orthosis ( 11 ) survive. Orthosis according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the insert ( 20 ) for the front area ( 17 ) is designed such that an upper end of the lower part of a chin ( 16 ) is designed accordingly and a lower end is flat and approximately the upper chest ( 14 ) is trained accordingly. Orthosis according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that an insert ( 21 ) for the rear area ( 18 ) is designed such that one end lies against the lower part of the back of the head ( 12 ) is trained. Orthosis according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the inserts with the protruding ends of the orthosis ( 11 ) stick out. Orthosis according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the inserts ( 20 . 21 ) on the orthosis ( 11 ) are held, preferably attached to the inside, in particular the attachment is carried out by means of a textile adhesive fastener. Orthosis according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the inserts ( 20 . 21 ) through the orthosis ( 11 ) pass through or are held in the orthosis, preferably in pockets, the essential thickness of the orthosis ( 11 ) runs around the insert. Orthosis according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the inserts ( 20 . 21 ) consist of plastic, in particular a hard foam material, the material of the inserts preferably being much stiffer than the material of the orthosis ( 11 ). Orthosis according to one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the inserts ( 20 . 21 ) are provided with a textile cover, the cover preferably being removable. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the orthosis ( 11 ) is a flexible textile material, in particular with a foam core, the textile material preferably being a cotton jersey.