DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING A FORM-FITTING AND/OR FORCE-FITTING CONNECTION TO AN OBJECT, AND ORTHOTIC SYSTEM

Abstract

Device for establishing a form/force-fitting connection to an object comprising a limb connection system designed to achieve a mechanical attachment to a limb and a mechanical holding mount in which the object can be positioned. A belt mechanically connected to the holding mount is configured to be partially wrapped around the object in the mechanical holding mount to fix the object in a translational degree of freedom. The device comprises a first mounting element connected to the end section of the belt, having an undercut with a hook element open to a direction of a component of a tensile load transferred from the belt into the first mounting element, and a second mounting element complementary to the undercut. The first mounting element can be fixed along the direction of the tensile load by the undercut, enabling the transmission of tensile load from the belt to the device.

Claims

1. A device for establishing a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection to an object, comprising at least one limb connection system designed to achieve a mechanical attachment to a limb of a person, as well as a mechanical holding mount in which the object can be positioned, such that load transfer from the object to the limb is enabled, and at least one belt mechanically connected to said holding mount, wherein the belt is configured to be partially wrapped around the object positioned in the mechanical holding mount in order to fix the object in at least one translational degree of freedom, wherein the device comprises at least a first mounting element connected to the end section of the belt, having an undercut with a hook element open to a direction of at least a component of a tensile load transferred from the belt into the first mounting element, and further comprising a second mounting element located at the limb connection system and/or at the mechanical holding mount, that is complementary in form and size to the undercut, so that the first mounting element is or can be fixed along the direction of the tensile load by means of the undercut, enabling the transmission of tensile load from the belt to the device.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the limb connection system comprises an insertion element, which is designed to be pushed along a slide-in direction into a retainer attached to a limb, wherein the insertion element has a transversal extension and a longitudinal extension longer than the transversal extension and can be inserted along its longitudinal extension into the retainer such that at least one translational degree of freedom perpendicular to the slide-in direction of the insertion element is blocked or can be blocked by the retainer.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the limb connection system comprises a part of a ratchet system, having form elements in the shape of teeth with a latching function, wherein the form elements are capable of establishing a positive locking with a designated counterpart of the ratchet system, which mechanically connects and secures the device to the limb.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical holding mount has a swivel-mounted design, comprising a threaded connection between the mechanical holding mount and the limb connection system, wherein a bolt of the threaded connection passes through an opening in the mechanical holding mount, that is larger than the diameter of the bolt, thereby fixing the mechanical holding mount in a position along the direction of the bolt's longitudinal extension relative to the limb connection system, and wherein at least one guidance unit is provided for guiding the mechanical holding mount along an arcuate path in such a way that a pivoting movement of the mechanical holding mount in at least one rotational degree of freedom is enabled.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the opening in the mechanical holding mount is a conical opening, and the guidance unit comprises a spherical segment-shaped calotte for guiding the mechanical holding mount along an arcuate path in such a way that a pivoting movement of the mechanical holding mount in every rotational degree of freedom is enabled.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one belt comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a magnetic system having at least a first magnetic element located at one end section of the belt as well as at least one second magnetic element located at the limb connection system or at the mechanical holding mount, in such a way that the magnetic system facilitates the indirect fixation and/or positioning of said end section of the belt to the device when bringing the magnetic elements into magnetic coupling.

8. An orthotic system, comprising the device according to claim 1 and a cuff mechanically connectable or connected to the device by means of the limb connection system.

9. The orthotic system according to claim 8, wherein the cuff comprises a cuff base in form of a lower shell and a fixation element which can be combined or is combined with the lower shell into a sleeve attachable to a limb through direct or indirect interlocking with each other, wherein the lower shell and the fixation element provide a system that can be tightened around the limb by reducing a circumference formed by the lower shell and the fixation element, such that load transfer from an accessory to the limb is enabled.

10. The orthotic system according to claim 9, wherein the cuff comprises a first part of a ratchet system and the device comprises a second part of the ratchet system and wherein the first part and the second part have form elements with a latching function, respectively, which are complementary in form and size in order to establish a positive locking.

11. The orthotic system according to claim 10, wherein one of the elements of cuff and device comprises a retainer provided with one of the first part or second part of the ratchet system and the respective other element of cuff and device comprises an insertion element for positioning in the retainer, wherein the insertion element is provided with the respective other part of the first part or second part of the ratchet system and is designed to be pushed into the retainer along a slide-in direction, and due to an application of force, to bring the first part and second part in a positive locking.

12. The orthotic system according to claim 11, wherein the application of force is realized by an elastic behaviour of the insertion element pushing the respective first part or second part of the ratchet system in the direction of the respective first part or second part at the retainer in order to establish the positive locking, wherein the Young's modulus of the insertion element is between 0.5 GPa and 7 GPa.

13. The orthotic system according to claim 11, wherein the insertion element is adapted in such a way that the insertion element can be manually pushed and thus moved by a pressing force of at least 3 N so that its first part or second part of the ratchet system disengages from the positive locking with the respective first part or second part provided at the retainer.

14. The orthotic system according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of first parts and second parts of the ratchet system are arranged in rows, respectively, so that the positive locking can be realized at different positions along the slide-in direction.

15. The orthotic system according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of first parts and second parts of the ratchet system are arranged in rows, respectively, so that the positive locking can be realized at different positions along the slide-in direction.

16. The orthotic system according to claim 13, wherein a plurality of first parts and second parts of the ratchet system are arranged in rows, respectively, so that the positive locking can be realized at different positions along the slide-in direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] The invention is illustrated by the following examples and figures, from which further embodiments and advantages can be drawn. These examples are meant to illustrate the invention but not to limit its scope.

[0097] It is shown in

[0098] FIG. 1: a first embodiment of the device in a perspective view,

[0099] FIG. 2: a second embodiment of the device in a perspective view in a first state,

[0100] FIG. 3: perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2 in a second state,

[0101] FIG. 4: a cross sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in the second state,

[0102] FIG. 5: a detailed partial cross sectional view of FIG. 4 with the device in a third state,

[0103] FIG. 6: a first embodiment of the cuff in a perspective view,

[0104] FIG. 7: a partial sectional view of the cuff shown in FIG. 6 before form fit connection,

[0105] FIG. 8: the partial sectional view of the cuff shown in FIG. 6 in form fit connection,

[0106] FIG. 9: a further embodiment of the cuff shown in FIG. 6 in form fit connection,

[0107] FIG. 10: a second embodiment of the cuff in a perspective view,

[0108] FIG. 11: the underside of the cuff shown in FIG. 6,

[0109] FIG. 12: an orthotic system with a module other than the device in a perspective view,

[0110] FIG. 13: a part of the cuff as well as a part of the device in a first state,

[0111] FIG. 14: the part of the cuff as well as the part of the device in a second state,

[0112] FIG. 15: the part of the cuff as well as the part of the device in a third state, and

[0113] FIG. 16: the part of the cuff as well as the part of the device in a fourth state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] FIG. 1 shows a device 100 in a perspective view in accordance to the invention. The device 100 comprises a limb connection system 210 which has an elongated shape. Part of the limb connection system 210 is an insertion element 110 that is equipped with a second part of a ratchet system 92 comprising form elements 93 in the shape of teeth 94 and a button 95.

[0115] There are two rows of teeth 94 that are located on top of the insertion element 110. The row of teeth 94 are facing into opposite directions, pointing sideways away from the insertion element 110 and away from the button 95. The location of such form elements 93 may differ.

[0116] The button 95 is designed to be manually pushed against the elastic force of the slightly curved insertion element 110. A first part of the ratchet system 91 is shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 as part of a connected cuff 1. The second part of the ratchet system 92 can be disengaged from a positive locking 120 in a convenient way by pressing the button 95.

[0117] The device 100 further shows a mechanical holding mount 220, which has a cavity 221 to establish a form fitting connect with an object. A belt 230 with an integrated hook-and-loop fastener 231 is connected at two sides of the cavity 22. The form of the belt 230 illustrates how an object can be wrapped in order to fix its position. Thereby the belt 230 eventually applies tensional force to establish a force-fitting connection to the object.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 2, another embodiment of the device 100 comprises an identical limb connection system 210, but a different mechanical holding mount 220. Moreover, a different connection system of the belt 230 is demonstrated. Both end sections of the belt 230 comprise a hook-and-loop fastener 231, respectively. The belt 230 is shown is opened state.

[0119] One end section of the belt 230 is threaded through a first slit 222 at the mechanical holding mount 220 and attached to itself, while the other end section is attached in a similar way to a first mounting element 250. The second mounting element 251 is located at the limb connection system 210. In order to close the belt 230, the first and the second mounting elements 250, 251 can be brought into a form-fitting connection.

[0120] Additionally, the mechanical holding mount comprises a second slit 223, where the belt 230 optionally can be connected or which can be used as guidance for the belt 230.

[0121] FIG. 3 shows the device 100 in the same embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the belt 230 is in a closed state. The first and the second mounting elements 250, 251 are depicted in a connected state. Thereby, the first mounting element 250 blocks the view onto the second mounting element 251. The first mounting element 250 further comprises a bar 254, where the belt 230 is looped around and connected to itself by means of the hook-and-loop fastener 231. The opposite end section of the belt 230 is also equipped with a hook-and-loop fastener 231, which is connected to the first slit 222 of the mechanical holding mount 220 in a similar manner. The slit 223 either can be used for guidance purposes of the belt 230 or can be used to fixture one end section of the belt 230.

[0122] FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of the device 100 according to FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 in the same state as FIG. 3. In this illustration, the belt is concealed, revealing a clearer view of the two slits 222, 223. As can be seen here, the mounting elements 250, 251 are in a connected state.

[0123] The first mounting element 250 comprises a first magnetic element 240 while the second mounting element 251 comprises a second magnetic element 241. By means of magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 240 and the second magnetic element 241, the first and second mounting elements 250,251 are brought into a form-fitting connection. In this case, the second mounting element is a part of the limb connection system 210. As the belt 230 can be connected to the first mounting element 250, the magnetic elements 240, 241 enable a guided opening and closing of the belt 230 in a user-friendly way.

[0124] In addition, the sectional view reveals the swivel mounted design 260 of the mechanical holding mount 220. The mechanical holding mount is connected to the limb connection system 210 by means of a bolt 261 and a nut 262. The bolt 261 first passes through a first arc-defining contact element 265 as part of a guidance unit 264, then through an opening 263 in the mechanical holding mount 220, and finally through an opening in the limb connection system 210 before being tightened with the nut 262. The said opening 263 in the mechanical holding mount 220 allows for play of the bolt, so that in the illustrated position a pivoting movement of the mechanical holding mount 220 can be executed counterclockwise.

[0125] FIG. 5 shows the swivel mounted design 260 of the mechanical holding mount 220 in a partial cross sectional view. The detailed view depicts a second state of the same embodiment as FIG. 4. In this state, the pivoting movement has reached its limit in counterclockwise direction only allowing for the reverse movement of the mechanical holding 220 in clockwise direction. In this position, the bolt 261 has a different position within the opening 263 of the mechanical holding mount 220.

[0126] The geometrical form of the limb connection system 210 at the opening where the bolt passes through is shaped to serve as a second arc-defining contact element 266. The first arc-defining contact element 265 and the second arc-defining contact element 266 together form the guidance unit 264 for enabling a guided pivoting movement of the mechanical holding mount 220. The mechanical holding mount 220 has an expulsion 267 with local contact surfaces that match the guidance unit 264 in form and size.

[0127] Moreover, FIG. 5 shows, that the first mounting element 250 comprises an undercut 252 with a hook element 253. The undercut 252 is in a state of form-fitting connection with the second mounting element 251. The magnetic elements 240, 241 are aligned and in a state of magnetic coupling 243. The combination of using the magnetic elements 240, 241 and the undercut 252 enables a fast and secure way to open and close the end section of the belt 230. The undercut 252 further enables the transfer of a tensile load 255 that is applied from the belt 230 to the first mounting element 250 and then by means of the undercut 252 to the limb connection system 210.

[0128] There can be various systems to establish a mechanical connection from the device 100 to a limb. One system can be a cuff 1 that is attachable to the limb in accordance to the invention. The cuff 1 further comprises a first part of the ratchet system 91, which is compatible to establish a mechanical connection to the second part of the ratchet system 92 of the device 100.

[0129] Insertion of a limb, for instance a forearm, into the cuff 1 can be difficult as, in most cases, there is an enlargement at the beginning of the palm. This makes it difficult to insert the arm into the cuff 1 from the proximal side. In order to facilitate the insertion of the arm into the cuff 1 on the proximal side, the design is divided into a cuff base 10 in form of a lower shell 11 and a fixation element 20, which can be a cuff top 30 in form of an upper shell 31, see FIG. 6, or a strap system 70, see FIG. 8.

[0130] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the shells 11, 31 can be separated as two distinct elements. The lower shell 11 can in this case be set radially to the axis of the arm. The upper shell 31 can then be coupled to the lower shell 11 to create a closed system around the forearm.

[0131] The number of shells 11, 31 can be larger than two and rise to three, four or more, but that can be the case only if they can be linked in such a way that the user does not need to hold them all in position before tightening them together around their forearm.

[0132] The way in which the shells can be connected to each other should be easy and effortless. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the upper shell 31 as the fixation element 20 is connected to the lower shell by means of the lacing system 60, which comprises second form fit means 52, which is adapted to allow a geometrical interlocking with first form fit means 51 of the lower shell 11 on demand. Through this, the second form fit means 52 and the first form fit means create a form fit connection 50.

[0133] This means that the second form fit means 52 can be disconnected from the lower shell 11 whenever it is desired. The second form fit means 52 acts as a hook.

[0134] Each second form fit means 52 is provided at a lacing element 61 in form of a cable, which is connected with a lacing knob 62. By turning of the lacing knob, tension is generated in the lacing element, which causes the tightening of the lacing system 60.

[0135] As the tension generated in the lacing system 60 increases, the circumference becomes reduced, allowing the lacing system 60 to be tightened around the forearm which results in better transmission of the forces exerted on the cuff 1.

[0136] The fixation element 20 in form of the upper shell 31 comprising the lacing system 60 may comprise according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 a common part 54 at which a plurality of the second form fit means 52 are provided. Thus, at the lower shell a number of the first form fit means 51 is provided accordingly.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in order to increase the user friendliness, at least one first magnetic part 41 is positioned in the body of the lower shell 11, and at least one second magnetic part 42 is positioned in the second form fit means 52 at the lacing system. In the case of the use of a common part at which a plurality of the second form fit means 52 are provided, a corresponding number of second magnetic parts 42 is provided at this common part 54, too.

[0138] Thus, the second magnetic part 43 and therefore the hook of the second form fit means is guided by the attracting magnetic force 43 of both magnetic parts 41, 42 into the first form fit means 51 in the lower shell 11 along the insertion direction 53, shown in FIG. 7.

[0139] The magnetic parts 41, 42 then hold the form fit means 51, 52 in place by means of the attracting magnetic force 43, therefore creating a magnetic connection 40, see FIG. 8. Once tension is set in the lacing system 61, the magnetic parts 41, 42 no longer play a role, since the form fit means 51, 52 are geometrically interlocked, for instance by means of an undercut, shown in FIG. 7.

[0140] Once the form fit means 51, 52 are in place in the lower shell 11, the lacing system 60 can start to be operated. The higher the cable tension, the more difficult it becomes to remove the form fit means 51, 52. The cuff top 30 slides on the cuff base 10 when the lacing system 60 gets tightened.

[0141] The number of form fit means 51, 52 can vary, and the form fit means 51, 52 can be positioned at different positions, as shown in FIG. 9. The interlocking form fit means 51, 52 can also be integrated into the shells, in this case the shells must be deformed when the lacing system 60 is being operated.

[0142] In order to remove the cuff 1, the user must release the tension of the lacing system 60 and pull radially on the second form fit means 52, or on the lacing element 61. The cuff 1 can be removed, once the second form fit means 52 is released.

[0143] In FIG. 10, a different embodiment of the cuff 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the cuff 1 provides a cuff base 10 in form of a lower shell 11 and a fixation means 20 in form of a strap system 70. The strap system 70 comprises two straps 71 which are led through cutouts 73 of the cuff base 10. The straps 71 are provided with a hook-and-loop system 72, respectively.

[0144] By tensioning the straps 71 and fixation of the hook-and-loop system 72, the strap system 70 can be tightened around the forearm.

[0145] The embodiment of the cuff 1 comprising a strap system 70 is not restricted to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

[0146] A further embodiment not shown here may comprise a hook-based closure, similar or equal to the common part 54 at which a plurality of the second form fit means 52 and/or second magnetic parts 42 are provided and which is shown in FIG. 6.

[0147] When the user places the cuff base 10 on his arm, the second form fit means 52 approaches its position, thanks to the attracting magnetic force 43 of the magnetic parts 41, 42. The user can tighten the strap system 70 with one hand thereby achieving an adjusted tighter or looser fit of the cuff 1 on the arm.

[0148] In both embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, cushioning material 80 is applied in the cuff base 10.

[0149] Another aspect of the design is its modularity.

[0150] The system allows for the connection of different modules to best meet the needs of the users. Especially, it can be connected to the device 100. The device 100 can be inserted into the lower shell 11 of the cuff 1.

[0151] FIG. 12 depicts the insertion of the device 100 into the cuff 1, wherein the device 100 is only partly illustrated. As shown, the insertion element 110 of the device 100 can be directly inserted along a slide-in direction 111 into a retainer 82, which is provided in the cuff base 10 through an insertion slot 83 which in turn is arranged at the distal end of the cuff 1, shown in FIG. 11.

[0152] Once the insertion element 110 of the device 100 is inserted in the insertion slot 83, the user has to press the button 95, shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, and slide the insertion element 110 of the device 100 into the lower shell 11, while keeping the button 95 pressed. Here, the button 95 is a special design on the insertion element 110 of the device 100, which slides into the lower shell 11. The user can then release the button 95 when the desired position is reached.

[0153] For fixation of different positions of the device 100 with regard to the cuff 1, the orthotic system comprising the cuff 1 and device 100 further comprises a ratchet system 90. The ratchet system 90 comprises the first part 91 provided at the lower shell 11 of the cuff 1, as well as the second part 92 provided at the insertion element 110 of the device 100 and/or at the button 95. Both components 91, 92 of the ratchet system 90 feature form elements 93, having a shape like teeth 94. In an embodiment, these teeth 94 may have a rounded shape.

[0154] The form elements 93 of the first part 91 and the second part 92 are complementary to each other in form and size.

[0155] Positive locking 120 of these form elements 93 allows the transfer of loads along the slide-in direction 111, shown in FIG. 12.

[0156] Furthermore, the device 100 can slide along the slide-in direction 111 parallel to an arm axis. Depending on the activity and intensity, different positions of the device 100 along the slide-in direction 111 might be required. This allows for the same design to be used by users with different arm lengths.

[0157] The distance between the area of interest of the device 100 and the insertion slot 83 of the lower shell 11 as seen in FIG. 12 can be adjusted by means of the ratchet system 90.

[0158] The number of positions of the device 100 is determined by the number of form elements 93 on the first part 91 and the second part 92 of the ratchet system 90.

[0159] FIGS. 13 to 16 show a method for changing the position of the device 100 with respect to the cuff.

[0160] In FIGS. 13 to 16 a part of the lower shell 11 or the cuff base 10 of the cuff 1 is shown, as well as a part of the insertion element 110 of a device 100, which is not shown completely.

[0161] At the insertion element 110 the button 95 is provided.

[0162] In the retainer 82 of the lower shell 11 the first part 91 of the ratchet system 90 is provided, comprising a plurality of form elements 93 in the shape of teeth 94, respectively.

[0163] At the insertion element 110 and/or at the button 95 the second part 92 of the ratchet system 90 is provided, comprising also a plurality of form elements 93 in the shape of a teeth 94, respectively.

[0164] The form elements 93 of the first part 91 and of the second part 92 of the ratchet system 90 are arranged in rows, respectively, and are complementary to each other in form and size.

[0165] FIG. 13 shows a state in which the form elements 93 of the first part 91 and the second part 92 engage with each other. Thus, a positive locking 120 is established between the lower shell 11 and the insertion element 110. This engaged state is maintained by means of a force 122 acting on the insertion element 110 due to elasticity of the insertion element 110.

[0166] When the button 95 is pressed by a pressing force 121, for instance manually, the button 95 and therefore the insertion element 110 is pressed inward against the elastic force 122, wherein the form elements 93 of the first part 91 and of the second part 92 of the ratchet system 90 are moved out of their engagement, so that the positive locking 120 does not exist anymore, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0167] When the insertion element 110 has been moved inward, by applying a moving force 123 on the button 95, the insertion element 110 can be moved parallel to the extension of the rows of form elements 93 of the first part 91 and of the second part 92 of the ratchet system 90. Thus, the position of the insertion element 110 and therefore the position of the device 100 with respect to the cuff 1 can be adjusted, see FIG. 15.

[0168] When the foreseen position has been reached, the button 95 can be released and due to elastic force 122 the insertion element 110 as well as the button 95 moves so that the form elements 93 of the first part 91 and of the second part 92 of the ratchet system 90 engage again, shown in FIG. 16.

[0169] The device 100 can be removed from the cuff 1, when necessary, for example, if the targeted activity changes, requiring another module.

[0170] The orthotic system allows for outdoor activities and can be used for muscle-strengthening sessions or fitness training It can also be used in the water, for example, when kayaking. These activities require a critical degree of freedom so as not to restrict the movement of the upper limbs. The system then allows for symmetrical body development through the activities being practised. Furthermore, it can be used of person with manual impairment to walk on crutches without using their hands.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0171] 1 cuff [0172] 10 cuff base [0173] 11 lower shell [0174] 20 fixation element [0175] 30 cuff top [0176] 31 upper shell [0177] 40 magnetic connection [0178] 41 first magnetic part [0179] 42 second magnetic part [0180] 43 attracting magnetic force [0181] 50 form fit connection [0182] 51 first form fit means [0183] 52 second form fit means [0184] 53 insertion direction [0185] 54 common part [0186] 60 lacing system [0187] 61 lacing element [0188] 62 lacing knob [0189] 70 strap system [0190] 71 strap [0191] 72 hook-and-loop system [0192] 73 cutout [0193] 80 cushioning material [0194] 81 distal end [0195] 82 retainer [0196] 83 insertion slot [0197] 90 ratchet system [0198] 91 first part of the ratchet system [0199] 92 second part of the ratchet system [0200] 93 form element [0201] 94 teeth [0202] 95 button [0203] 100 device [0204] 110 insertion element [0205] 111 slide-in direction [0206] 120 positive locking [0207] 121 pressing force [0208] 122 force [0209] 123 moving force [0210] 210 limb connection system [0211] 220 mechanical holding mount [0212] 221 cavity [0213] 222 first slit [0214] 223 second slit [0215] 230 belt [0216] 231 hook-and-loop fastener [0217] 240 first magnetic element [0218] 241 second magnetic element [0219] 243 magnetic coupling [0220] 250 first mounting element [0221] 251 second mounting element [0222] 252 undercut [0223] 253 hook element [0224] 254 bar [0225] 255 tensile load [0226] 260 swivel-mounted design [0227] 261 bolt [0228] 262 nut [0229] 263 opening [0230] 264 guidance unit [0231] 265 first arc-defining contact element [0232] 266 second arc-defining contact element [0233] 267 expulsion