Patent Description:
The orthotic system comprises accessories to serve besides others general assistance of the griping or replacing the griping. The orthotic system is also called an ortho-prosthetic system. In the case of a congenital deformity or amputation, it may be difficult to perform bimanual activities such as cycling. Similarly, holding a shopping bag can become a challenge. Daily life for these people is full of little challenges that an ordinary person would never suspect, let alone imagine. People with a birth defect learn to live with it, but outside help is welcome to ease the effort and mental burden. For people who have suffered an amputation as a result of an accident, for example, it's necessary to put a relearning of skills in place. Tools can facilitate not only their daily life but also their rehabilitation. Similarly, in the event of an accident, surgery or injury, hands may become weakened, sensitive, immobilized for a limited period. Therefore, a rapid provision of support is essential to enable affected individuals to continue their activities and daily routines.

An orthotic system is designed for individuals with partial or complete loss of hand function. This loss may be due to temporary or permanent weakening, hand injury, paralysis, neuromuscular disease, partial absence of the hand or absence due to wrist disarticulation.

An orthotic system designed for forearms is intended to assist individuals with a disability below the wrist. This encompasses various scenarios, including those with only a portion of the palm remaining, small residual fingers, a limited number of fingers, or limited and painful movement capacity. In consequence, the system should be engineered to transmit the force generated by the accessory directly to the forearm.

Existing solutions are often poorly adapted, expensive and restricting in terms of the activities they support.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cuff and an orthotic system that ensure comfort through a lightweight, intuitive and modular design, while transferring load forces that occur in the area of the accessories directly onto a limb.

This problem is solved by the subject-matter of the independent claim <NUM>.

Embodiments of the invention are claimed in dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a cuff, which is combinable with accessories to form an orthotic system, comprising 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.

The cuff can be designed to be positioned on an arm, for instance on a forearm or on an upper arm.

The interlocking between the lower shell and the fixation element comprises a magnetic connection, wherein in a body of the lower shell at least one first magnetic part is provided and in or at the fixation element at least one second magnetic part is provided such that by means of an attracting magnetic force between both magnetic parts the fixation element can be moved onto one side of the body of the lower shell or is or can be held on one side of the body of the lower shell.

The first magnetic part and the second magnetic part do not necessarily both have to be made of a magnetic material, it is sufficient that at least one of the two magnetic parts is made of or comprises a magnetic material, and the other magnetic part can be either made of, or comprise, a magnetisable or magnetic material.

The lower shell comprises at least one first form fit means and the fixation element comprises at least one second form fit means, wherein both form fit means are adapted to realize a form fit connection.

The form fit connection provides an undercut in order to prevent its release of the form fit connection when subjected to a force that is essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the form fit connection.

The magnetic parts pull the lower shell and/ or the fixation element into positions in which the form fit connection is established.

Alternatively, the magnetic parts pull the lower shell and/ or the fixation element into positions still spaced apart from each other, so that no form fit connection is established merely by means of the magnetic force.

This facilitates an easy decoupling of the form fit connection. When there is tension in form fit means, the form fit means are pulled into the positions where the form fit connection happens. In one embodiment of the cuff, the fixation element is an upper shell.

Each shell is moulded as an ergonomically adapted cavity, which aligns with the natural shape of the human limb.

The advantage of the fixation element in form of an upper shell is that it significantly increases stability.

Particularly, in this embodiment the cuff comprises at least two shells that can be combined to form one all-around coverage of the limb.

The invention is not limited to the upper and lower positions of the upper shell and the lower shell, but these shells can also be located at other positions on the limb.

The cuff may provide at least one interlocking member in form of at least one lacing element, which is mechanically connected to both shells when the interlocking member is interlocked, wherein the lacing element is adapted in such a way that when shortening an effective length of the lacing element, the distance between the two shells is reduced.

The lacing element may comprise one of the second magnetic parts and/ or one of the second form fit means, in order to provide the magnetic connection and/ or the form fit connection. By manipulating the lacing system, the lacing element is shortened, thereby generating a pulling force within the lacing element, which is transmitted to the second form fit means, which is in turn transferred from the second form fit means to the first form fit means and subsequently into the cuff base or lower shell in order to pull the cuff base or lower shell towards the cuff top or upper shell.

A ratchet fixation system could also be considered as alternative to the lacing system.

In another embodiment of the cuff, the fixation element is a strap system.

The strap system corresponds to the interlocking member. A strap of the strap system can be directly mounted through a slit on the cuff base.

The advantage of a strap system is its high breathability.

It is not excluded from the scope of the present invention that the strap system and the upper shell are used simultaneously.

The strap system may comprise at least one of the second magnetic parts and/ or one of the second form fit means.

In an embodiment, where the fixation element is an upper shell, and/ or in an embodiment in which the fixation element is a strap system, the first form fit means can be at least one geometric interlocking piece, for instance in the form of a hook, which serves as a connection between the two shells or serves as a connection between the lower shell and the strap system, wherein the geometric interlocking piece may be incorporated into the lower shell.

Aforementioned first form fit means or geometric interlocking piece may exist as a separate body, either distinct from both shells or solely from the lower shell and the strap system, respectively.

Aforementioned first form fit means or geometric interlocking piece may be connectable geometrically on one side with the lower shell and linked to the upper shell by the lacing element and its second form fit means.

Aforementioned form fit means or geometric interlocking piece may be attracted to its fitting and held in place by magnetic force generated by the magnetic parts.

At least one strap of the strap system may comprise a hook-and-loop fastener.

The use of such a hook-and-loop fastener simplifies the attachment and the removal of the cuff for the user.

The cuff can be intended for persons with partial or complete loss of the hand function due to temporary or permanent weakening, hand injury, paralysis, neuromuscular disease, partial absence of the hand or absence due to wrist disarticulation.

Through the utilization of the cuff with an appropriate accessory, a lack of gripping dexterity, capability or force can be reacquired or supported. It aims to support the activities of the user such as sports, leisure and daily routines.

The cuff corresponds to the part which comes in direct contact with the limb, in particular the forearm, of the user.

Thereby, the cuff can be operated with one hand, its design is user friendly and ergonomic.

Alternatively, at least one strap of the strap system may comprise at least an elastic strip that can be tensioned and adapted in shape to the shape and size of the limb.

A further aspect of the present invention is an orthotic system, comprising a described cuff and a module mechanically connected or connectable to the cuff, wherein the cuff comprises a first part of a ratchet system and the module comprises a second part of the ratchet system, wherein the first part and the second part have form elements, respectively, which are complementary in form and size.

One of the elements of the cuff and module may comprise a retainer, equipped with one of the first part or second part of the ratchet system and the respective other element of the cuff and module may comprise an insertion element that is intended to be positioned in the retainer, wherein the insertion element is equipped 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 parts and second parts in a positive locking.

The application of force may be realized by an elastic behaviour of the insertion element that is 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 a positive locking between the first parts and the second parts.

The insertion element may be bent while inserting the insertion element into the retainer. Thereby the retainer is configured to absorb the induced bending moment, enabling the application of force needed to establish a positive locking.

The elasticity of the insertion element can be adapted in such a way that the insertion element can be manually pushed against its elastic force and thus be moved by applying a pressing force of at least <NUM> N, thereby disengaging the first part and second part of the ratchet system from the positive locking. This allows the user to manually remove the positive locking if desired.

The push direction is essentially perpendicular to the slide-in direction.

A plurality of first parts and second parts may be arranged in rows, respectively, so that the positive locking can be established at different positions along the slide-in direction.

At least one of the elements of the orthotic system may be manufactured by additive manufacturing and, more specifically, selective laser sintering. The material can be either PA11 or PA12. Depending on the volume of this product line, another manufacturing technique, such as injection moulding, could be considered, too, as well as other materials.

The prosthetic system may be combined with various accessories, enabling the user to pursue activities such as riding a bike, holding a bag, pulling a suitcase, walking with crutches, kayak or ski.

The invention is further 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.

Insertion of a limb, for instance a forearm, into the cuff <NUM> 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 <NUM> from the proximal side. In order to facilitate the insertion of the arm into the cuff <NUM> on the proximal side, the design is divided into a cuff base <NUM> in form of a lower shell <NUM> and a fixation element <NUM>, which can be a cuff top <NUM> in form of an upper shell <NUM>, see <FIG>, or a strap system <NUM>, see <FIG>.

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

The number of shells <NUM>, <NUM> 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.

The way in which the shells can be connected to each other should be easy and effortless. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the upper shell <NUM> as the fixation element <NUM> is connected to the lower shell <NUM> by means of the lacing system <NUM>, which comprises second form fit means <NUM>, which is adapted to allow a geometrical interlocking with first form fit means <NUM> of the lower shell <NUM> on demand. Through this, the second form fit means <NUM> and the first form fit means create a form fit connection <NUM>.

This means that the second form fit means <NUM> can be disconnected from the lower shell <NUM> whenever it is desired. The second form fit means <NUM> acts as a hook.

Each second form fit means <NUM> is provided at a lacing element <NUM> in form of a cable, which is connected with a lacing knob <NUM>. By turning of the lacing knob <NUM>, tension is generated in the lacing element, which causes the tightening of the lacing system <NUM>.

As the tension generated in the lacing system <NUM> increases, the circumference becomes reduced, allowing the lacing system <NUM> to be tightened around the forearm which results in better transmission of the forces exerted on the cuff <NUM>.

The fixation element <NUM> in form of the upper shell <NUM> comprising the lacing system <NUM> may comprise according to the embodiment shown in <FIG> a common part <NUM> at which a plurality of the second form fit means <NUM> are provided. Thus, at the lower shell <NUM> a number of the first form fit means <NUM> is provided accordingly.

As shown in <FIG>, in order to increase the user friendliness, at least one first magnetic part <NUM> is positioned in the body of the lower shell <NUM>, and at least one second magnetic part <NUM> is positioned in the second form fit means <NUM> at the lacing system. In the case of the use of a common part at which a plurality of the second form fit means <NUM> are provided, a corresponding number of second magnetic parts <NUM> is provided at this common part <NUM>, too.

Thus, the second magnetic part <NUM> and therefore the hook of the second form fit means is guided by the attracting magnetic force <NUM> of both magnetic parts <NUM>, <NUM> into the first form fit means <NUM> in the lower shell <NUM> along the insertion direction <NUM>, shown in <FIG>.

The magnetic parts <NUM>, <NUM> then hold the form fit means <NUM>, <NUM> in place by means of the attracting magnetic force <NUM>, therefore creating a magnetic connection <NUM>, see <FIG>. Once tension is set in the lacing system <NUM>, the magnetic parts <NUM>, <NUM> no longer play a role, since the form fit means <NUM>, <NUM> are geometrically interlocked, for instance by means of an undercut, shown in <FIG>.

Once the form fit means <NUM>, <NUM> are in place in the lower shell <NUM>, the lacing system <NUM> can start to be operated. The higher the cable tension, the more difficult it becomes to remove the form fit means <NUM>, <NUM>. The cuff top <NUM> slides on the cuff base <NUM> when the lacing system <NUM> gets tightened.

The number of form fit means <NUM>, <NUM> can vary, and the form fit means <NUM>, <NUM> can be positioned at different positions, as shown in <FIG>. The interlocking form fit means <NUM>, <NUM> can also be integrated into the shells, in this case the shells must be deformed when the lacing system <NUM> is being operated.

In order to remove the cuff <NUM>, the user must release the tension of the lacing system <NUM> and pull radially on the second form fit means <NUM>, or on the lacing element <NUM>. The cuff <NUM> can be removed, once the second form fit means <NUM> is released.

In <FIG>, a different embodiment of the cuff <NUM> is shown. In this embodiment, the cuff <NUM> provides a cuff base <NUM> in form of a lower shell <NUM> and a fixation means <NUM> in form of a strap system <NUM>.

The strap system <NUM> comprises two straps <NUM> which are led through slits <NUM> of the cuff base <NUM>. The straps <NUM> are provided with a hook-and-loop fastener <NUM>, respectively.

By tensioning the straps <NUM> and fixation of the hook-and-loop fasteners <NUM>, the strap system <NUM> can be tightened around the forearm.

The embodiment of the cuff <NUM> comprising a strap system <NUM> is not restricted to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

A further embodiment not shown here may comprise a hook-based closure, similar or equal to the common part <NUM> at which a plurality of the second form fit means <NUM> and/ or second magnetic parts <NUM> are provided and which is shown in <FIG>.

When the user places the cuff base <NUM> on his arm, the second form fit means <NUM> approaches its position, thanks to the attracting magnetic force <NUM> of the magnetic parts <NUM>, <NUM>. The user can tighten the strap system <NUM> with one hand thereby achieving an adjusted tighter or looser fit of the cuff <NUM> on the arm.

In both embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, cushioning material <NUM> is applied in the cuff base <NUM>.

Another aspect of the design is its modularity.

The system allows for the connection of different modules to best meet the needs of the users. The module <NUM> can be inserted into the lower shell <NUM> of the cuff <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, an insertion element <NUM> of a module <NUM> can be directly inserted along a slide-in direction <NUM> into a retainer <NUM>, which is provided in the cuff base <NUM> through an insertion opening <NUM> which in turn is arranged at the distal end of the cuff <NUM>, shown in <FIG>.

Once the insertion element <NUM> of the module <NUM> is inserted in the insertion opening <NUM>, the user has to press a button <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, and slide the insertion element <NUM> of the module <NUM> into the lower shell <NUM>, while keeping the button <NUM> pressed. Here, the button <NUM> is a special design on the insertion element <NUM> of the module <NUM>, which slides into the lower shell <NUM>. The user can then release the button <NUM> when the desired position is reached.

For fixation of different positions of the module <NUM> with regard to the cuff <NUM>, the orthotic system comprising the cuff <NUM> and the module <NUM> further comprises a ratchet system <NUM>. The ratchet system <NUM> comprises a first part <NUM> provided at the lower shell <NUM> of the cuff <NUM>, as well as a second part <NUM> provided at the insertion element <NUM> of the module <NUM> and/ or at the button <NUM>. Both components <NUM>, <NUM> of the ratchet system <NUM> feature form elements <NUM>, each having a shape like a tooth. In an embodiment, such tooth may have a rounded shape. The form elements <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> are complementary to each other in form and size.

Positive locking <NUM> of these form elements <NUM> allows the transfer of loads along the y-axis, shown in <FIG>.

Furthermore, the module <NUM> can slide along the y-axis in the slide-in direction <NUM> parallel to an arm axis. Depending on the activity and intensity, different positions of the module <NUM> along the y-axis might be required. This allows for the same design to be used by users with different arm lengths.

The distance between the area of interest of the module <NUM> and the insertion opening of the lower shell <NUM> as seen in <FIG> can be adjusted by means of the ratchet system <NUM>.

The number of positions of the module <NUM> is determined by the number of form elements <NUM> on the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the ratchet system <NUM>.

<FIG> show a method for changing the position of the module with respect to the cuff <NUM>.

In <FIG> a part of the lower shell <NUM> or the cuff base <NUM> of the cuff <NUM> is shown, as well as a part of the insertion element <NUM> of a module, which is not shown completely.

At the insertion element <NUM> the button <NUM> is provided.

In the retainer <NUM> of the lower shell <NUM> a first part <NUM> of the ratchet system <NUM> is provided, comprising a plurality of form elements <NUM> in the shape of tooth, respectively.

At the insertion element <NUM> and/ or at the button a second part <NUM> of the ratchet system <NUM> is provided, comprising also a plurality of form elements <NUM> in the shape of a tooth, respectively.

The form elements <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and of the second part <NUM> of the ratchet system <NUM> are arranged in rows, respectively, and are complementary to each other in form and size.

<FIG> shows a state in which the form elements <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> engage with each other. Thus, a positive locking <NUM> is established between the lower shell <NUM> and the insertion element <NUM>. This engaged state is maintained by means of a force <NUM> acting on the insertion element <NUM> due to elasticity of the insertion element <NUM>.

When the button <NUM> is pressed by a pressing force <NUM>, for instance manually, the button <NUM> and therefore the insertion element <NUM> is pressed inward against the elastic force <NUM>, wherein the form elements <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and of the second part <NUM> of the ratchet system <NUM> are moved out of their engagement, so that the positive locking <NUM> does not exist anymore, as shown in <FIG>.

When the insertion element <NUM> has been moved inward, by applying a moving force <NUM> on the button <NUM>, the insertion element <NUM> can be moved parallel to the extension of the rows of form elements <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and of the second part <NUM> of the ratchet system <NUM>. Thus, the position of the insertion element <NUM> and therefore the position of the module with respect to the cuff <NUM> can be adjusted, see <FIG>.

When the foreseen position has been reached, the button <NUM> can be released and due to elastic force <NUM> the insertion element <NUM> as well as the button moves so that the form elements <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and of the second part <NUM> of the ratchet system <NUM> engage again, shown in <FIG>.

The module can be removed from the cuff, when necessary, for example, if the targeted activity changes, requiring another module.

Claim 1:
Cuff (<NUM>) combinable with accessories for forming an orthotic system, comprising a cuff base (<NUM>) in form of a lower shell (<NUM>) and a fixation element (<NUM>) which can be combined or is combined with the lower shell (<NUM>) into a sleeve attachable to a limb through direct or indirect interlocking with each other, wherein the lower shell (<NUM>) and the fixation element (<NUM>) provide a system that can be tightened around the limb by reducing a circumference formed by the lower shell (<NUM>) and the fixation element (<NUM>), such that load transfer from an accessory to the limb is enabled,
wherein the lower shell (<NUM>) comprises at least one first form fit means (<NUM>) and the fixation element (<NUM>) comprises at least one second form fit means (<NUM>), wherein both form fit means (<NUM>,<NUM>) are adapted to realize a form fit connection (<NUM>), characterized in that, said interlocking between the lower shell and the fixation element comprises a magnetic connection, wherein in a body of the lower shell at least one first magnetic part is provided and in or at the fixation element at least one second magnetic part is provided such that by means of an attracting magnetic force between both magnetic parts the fixation element can be moved onto one side of the body of the lower shell or is or can be held at one side of the body of the lower shell; and in that said form fit connection (<NUM>) provides an undercut in order to prevent release of the form fit connection (<NUM>) when subjected to a force essentially perpendicular to an insertion direction (<NUM>) of the form fit connection (<NUM>).