U.S. patent application number 14/873246 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-28 for orthopedic interface.
This patent application is currently assigned to OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is Bernard Garus, Thomas Kettwig, Felix Ruess, Sven Zarling. Invention is credited to Bernard Garus, Thomas Kettwig, Felix Ruess, Sven Zarling.
Application Number | 20160022442 14/873246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40157350 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160022442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kettwig; Thomas ; et
al. |
January 28, 2016 |
ORTHOPEDIC INTERFACE
Abstract
The invention relates to an orthopedic interface (1) comprising
a planar 3D textile (2) having a top (22) and a bottom (21), which
are held at a distance from each other by supporting threads (24)
and are connected to each other, wherein the bottom (21) of the
spaced knitted fabric (2) is configured for resting on the skin of
an interface user. The side of the bottom (21) facing the skin is
provided with an adhesive coaling (23) at least in some
regions.
Inventors: |
Kettwig; Thomas;
(Goettingen, DE) ; Zarling; Sven; (Duderstadt,
DE) ; Garus; Bernard; (Einbeck, DE) ; Ruess;
Felix; (Goettingen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kettwig; Thomas
Zarling; Sven
Garus; Bernard
Ruess; Felix |
Goettingen
Duderstadt
Einbeck
Goettingen |
|
DE
DE
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
DUDERSTADT
DE
|
Family ID: |
40157350 |
Appl. No.: |
14/873246 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12670465 |
Jul 14, 2010 |
9180027 |
|
|
PCT/DE2008/001124 |
Jul 10, 2008 |
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14873246 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/0077 20130101;
A61N 1/0456 20130101; A61N 1/0472 20130101; A61F 2/80 20130101;
A61F 2002/3007 20130101; A61N 1/0484 20130101; A61F 2002/30024
20130101; A61F 2/7812 20130101; A61B 5/6804 20130101; A61F
2002/7806 20130101; A61F 2/72 20130101; A61N 1/0452 20130101; A61B
5/0408 20130101; A61F 2/70 20130101; D04B 1/265 20130101; A61F
2250/0021 20130101; A61F 2002/705 20130101; A61F 2310/0052
20130101; A61F 2002/501 20130101; D10B 2403/021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/80 20060101
A61F002/80; A61F 2/70 20060101 A61F002/70; A61F 2/72 20060101
A61F002/72; A61F 2/78 20060101 A61F002/78 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 26, 2007 |
DE |
10 2007 035 409.8 |
Claims
1. An orthopedic interface for an orthotic or prosthetic device,
comprising: a three dimensional (3D) textile with an outer surface
and an inner surface wherein each of said outer surface and said
inner surface are textiles and wherein a layer of air is positioned
between said textiles of said outer surface and said inner surface;
supporting threads, wherein said outer surface and said inner
surface of said 3D textile are held at a distance from each other
and connected to each other by said supporting threads; and an
electrically conductive coating provided at least partially on said
inner surface of said 3D textile configured to bear on skin of an
interface user.
2. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
outer surface is configured to face away from the skin of said
interface user, and wherein said outer surface is at least
partially covered with said coating.
3. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
coating is composed of a material selected from the group
consisting of silicone, polyurethane and a copolymer.
4. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
electrically conductive coating is adhesive.
5. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
coating is applied in multiple areas which are set apart from one
another.
6. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
coating is applied over said inner surface in said inner surface's
entirety.
7. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
coating is has a property selected from the group consisting of
air-permeable and moisture-permeable.
8. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
threads of the 3D textile are at least partially coated.
9. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein silver
threads are woven or spun into the 3D textile.
10. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
orthopedic interface has a top and bottom and wherein the outer
surface of the 3D textile has a structure that has which is
oriented to have less resistance in a direction of insertion of the
interface from the top to the bottom, than counter to the direction
of insertion.
11. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 10, wherein said
structure is a nap velour.
12. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein said 3D
textile is configured as a liner for bearing on an amputation
stump.
13. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein said 3D
textile is configured as a flexible socket or as a flexible socket
part with receiving means for orthotic or prosthetic
components.
14. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein said 3D
textile is anatomically preshaped.
15. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the 3D
textile is a spaced knitted fabric.
16. (canceled)
17. An orthopedic interface for an orthotic or prosthetic device,
comprising: a three dimensional (3D) textile with an outer surface
and an inner surface wherein each of said outer surface and said
inner surface are textiles and wherein a layer of air is positioned
between said textiles of said outer surface and said inner surface;
supporting threads, wherein said outer surface and said inner
surface of said 3D textile are held at a distance from each other
and connected to each other by said supporting threads; a coating
provided at least partially on said inner surface of said 3D
textile configured to bear on skin of an interface user; and
electrodes applied to the inner surface or worked into the 3D
textile.
18. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein at
least one of the 3D textile and the coating are antibacterial.
19. A system comprising: an orthopedic interface having a three
dimensional (3D) textile with an outer surface and an inner surface
wherein each of said outer surface and said inner surface are
textiles and wherein a layer of air is positioned between said
textiles of said outer surface and said inner surface; supporting
threads, wherein said outer surface and said inner surface of said
3D textile are held at a distance from each other and connected to
each other by said supporting threads; an electrically conductive
coating provided at least partially on said inner surface of said
3D textile configured to bear on skin of a user; and an orthotic or
prosthetic device.
20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the prosthetic or
orthotic device has a dimensionally stable receiver for receiving
said orthopedic interface, wherein at least one of said outer
surface of said 3D textile and an inside surface of said
dimensionally stable receiver has a structure that has less
resistance in a direction of insertion of the interface into the
orthotic or prosthetic device than counter to the direction of
insertion.
21. The system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the structure is a
nap velour.
22. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said structure is on
said inside surface of said receiver.
23. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said structure is on
said outer surface of said 3D textile.
24. The orthopedic interface as claimed in claim 17, wherein the
coating is an adhesive coating or an electrically conductive
coating.
25. A system comprising: an orthopedic interface having a three
dimensional (3D) textile with an outer surface and an inner surface
wherein each of said outer surface and said inner surface are
textiles and wherein a layer of air is positioned between said
textiles of said outer surface and said inner surface; supporting
threads, wherein said outer surface and said inner surface of said
3D textile are held at a distance from each other and connected to
each other by said supporting threads; a coating provided at least
partially on said inner surface of said 3D textile configured to
bear on skin of a user; an orthotic or prosthetic device; and
electrodes applied to the inner surface or worked into the 3D
textile.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an orthopedic interface comprising
a planar 3D textile with a top and a bottom that are held at a
distance from each other by supporting threads and connected to
each other, the bottom of the 3D textile being designed to bear on
the skin of an interface user, and a system composed of an
orthopedic interface and of an orthotic or prosthetic device.
[0002] DE 102 19 814 B4 discloses a physiological sleeve which is
designed to be applied to a human limb and which, when being worn,
is stretched and adapted to the body shape. At a defined pressure,
the applied sleeve compresses the muscle tissue, said sleeve being
made of a spaced knitted fabric with elastic threads. By applying
the sleeve, an increased flow of blood through the muscle tissue is
achieved at a state of rest. The sleeve serves to improve the
fitness of the wearer and not as an orthopedic interface.
[0003] The prior art also discloses liners made of silicone or of a
copolymer, which are worn over an amputation stump in order to
produce a cushioned and airtight coupling between an amputation
stump and a prosthesis socket. Liners are also known that are made
of polyurethane and that are worn directly on the skin of the
interface user.
[0004] The object of the present invention is to make available an
orthopedic interface and a system composed of an interface and of
an orthotic or prosthetic device, with which it is possible to
provide greater ease of use and a higher level of comfort.
[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an
orthopedic interface having the features of claim 1 and by a system
having the features of claim 19.
[0006] Advantageous embodiments and developments of the inventions
are set forth in the dependent claims.
[0007] The orthopedic interface according to the invention,
comprising a planar 3D textile with a top and a bottom that are
held at a distance from each other by supporting threads and
connected to each other, the bottom of the 3D textile being
designed to bear on the skin of an interface user, is characterized
in that the surface or side of the bottom facing the skin is
provided at least partially with an adhesive coating, that is to
say a coating that adheres to the skin, in order to ensure the
orientation of the orthopedic interface with respect to the body
part, for example an amputation stump or a limb that is to be
supported by an orthosis. The 3D textile provides improved comfort
by distributing punctiform pressure forces. Moreover, 3D textiles
are able to breathe and permit a natural exchange of liquid via the
skin.
[0008] The invention also proposes that the outer face of the
orthopedic interface, that is to say the surface of the top, is
provided at least partially with a coating that promotes increased
adherence on the orthopedic interface. The coating or coatings can
be composed, for example, of silicone, polyurethane or a copolymer,
thus resulting in improved adhesion to the skin and also to other
orthopedic components, such as orthoses or prostheses. The coating
can also be electrically conductive, in order to stimulate the skin
surface, to carry off potentials, or to forward signals, for
example on the outer face of the 3D textile. The signals can be
transmitted, for example, to sensors or evaluation devices.
[0009] The coating or coatings can be applied in areas set apart
from each other on the respective surfaces of the top and/or
bottom, for example in the shape of strips, dots, rings, or in
other planar shapes. It is likewise possible for a corresponding
coating to be applied to the surfaces only in particularly stressed
areas of the orthopedic interface, whereas less stressed areas are
not provided with a coating. This increases the level of comfort
and improves the exchange of heat and of moisture from the skin
through the interface to the environment. Alternatively, the
coating or coatings are applied over the whole surface in order to
ensure a maximum hold of the interface. The coating can be
moisture-permeable in order to maintain an exchange of moisture.
The coating materials are accordingly chosen for this purpose, for
example in the form of polyurethane or of a copolymer. Large areas
of the coatings can likewise be provided with perforations in order
to allow air and water to pass through. Even in the case of the
whole surface being coated, it is possible to permit an exchange of
gas and moisture, for example since thin silicone coatings have
been found to be able to breathe. Additional thermal insulation is
afforded by the layer of air located between the top and bottom in
the 3D textile.
[0010] The processed threads of the 3D textile can also be coated
separately, in order to meet special requirements of the textile.
The coatings can provide improved skin compatibility or improved
transport of moisture, in order thereby to further increase the
comfort of the interface.
[0011] To improve the skin compatibility, the coating of the
threads or of the interface can be soaked with an antibacterial
agent, and it is likewise possible for silver threads to be woven
or spun into the bottom or the 3D textile in order to improve the
skin compatibility. It is also possible for silver to be
vapor-deposited onto, or for silver ions to be added to, the 3D
textile or the coating or coatings.
[0012] Instead of or in addition to an adhesive coating, the top,
that is to say the outer surface of the orthopedic interface, can
be provided with a structure that has less resistance in the
direction of insertion of the interface than counter to the
direction of insertion. The structure can be designed or applied as
a nap velour by way of which a coupling to an orthopedic component,
for example an outer socket or an orthosis holder, can be
established. For this purpose, the textile or the structure or
coating is inclined in one direction to make it easier to slide
into the receiving device for the limb, while effectively
preventing slipping out. To release the coupling between the
interface and the orthopedic component, the holder is released, for
example bent out or folded open.
[0013] The orthopedic interface can be designed as a liner for
bearing on an amputation stump, and it is likewise possible for it
to be designed as a flexible socket or as a flexible socket part
and have receiving means for orthotic or prosthetic components.
[0014] To make the orthopedic interface easier to apply, it is
preferably anatomically preshaped, and it can likewise have an open
cross section and be applied using closing devices, such as velcro
closures or the like.
[0015] The 3D textile is preferably designed as a spaced knitted
fabric. The top of the spaced knitted fabric preferably has an
upper textile and the bottom, that is to say the surface directed
toward the skin of the interface user, has a so-called lower
textile. The upper and lower textiles form the ends of the spaced
knitted fabric and the contact faces with respect to the orthosis
or prosthesis and to the skin.
[0016] In a development of the invention, electrodes are applied to
the inner surface of the interface or are worked into the 3D
textile, in order to carry off muscle signals or nerve signals or
to stimulate muscles or nerves. The electrodes can be applied in
various ways, i.e. embroidered, sewn, adhesively bonded or
welded.
[0017] The system according to the invention is composed of an
interface, of the kind described above, and of an orthotic or
prosthetic device coupled thereto, which device can be secured to
the upper textile or outer surface of the interface by coupling
means. The orthotic or prosthetic device can have a substantially
dimensionally stable receiver with an inner coating, which coating
can be composed of an adhesive material, for example silicone,
polyurethane or copolymer or another coating, for example velcro
closure elements or a nap velour, in order to achieve a coupling of
the dimensionally stable receiver to the interface. Alternatively
or in addition, the surface of the receiver directed toward the
interface can have a structure that has low resistance to insertion
and a high resistance counter to the direction of insertion. The
structure can be composed of suitably oriented form-fit elements or
the like.
[0018] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are explained in
more detail below with reference to the attached figures, in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an interface in the form
of a liner;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a perspective partial view of a prosthetic
device;
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a prosthetic device according to FIG. 2 with
interface;
[0022] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view through an
interface and a receiver; and
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a partially sectioned view of an alternative
embodiment with electrodes.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective and schematic view of an orthopedic
interface 1 in the form of a liner, which is anatomically preshaped
to be applied to an amputation stump. The orthopedic interface 1 is
made from a 3D textile, in the present case in the form of a spaced
knitted fabric 2, composed of a bottom 21, which faces the skin of
the interface user and is made of a lower textile, and with an
upper textile on the top 22 facing away from the skin, between
which supporting threads 24 are arranged that hold the upper and
lower textiles 22, 21 at a distance from each other and connect
them. If no upper textiles are present in the 3D textile, the
respective top and bottom are labeled by reference signs 22, 21,
such that the upper and lower textiles 22, 21 thus correspond to
the top and bottom. Between the upper and lower textiles 22, 21,
the supporting threads 24 form a well-ventilated space. Other 3D
textiles, for example spaced knitted fabrics without lower and
upper textiles or with only one lower or upper textile, can also be
used. The interface 1 can be produced from a blank by sewing. It is
likewise possible to connect the blank in another way, for example
by adhesive bonding or welding.
[0025] On the inner surface of the interface 1, areas with an
adhesive coating 23 are applied that adhere to the skin of the
interface user, for example to an amputation stump. These coatings
23 can be in the shape of lines, dots, circles or squares. It is
also possible in principle for the whole of the inner surface of
the liner, i.e. the surface of the lower textile 21, to be provided
with a coating 23. When the coating is applied only in some areas,
improved transport of moisture from the skin of the user to the
environment is obtained, thereby ensuring enhanced comfort, whereas
a complete coating 23 of the surface provides improved adherence on
account of the increased adhesion surface.
[0026] Coatings 23 that can be used are in particular silicone
coatings, polyurethane coatings, or coatings made of a copolymer,
although it is in principle also possible to provide other coatings
that bring about improved adhesion of the lower textile 21, and
thus of the 3D textile 1, to the surface of the skin.
[0027] A coating 23 can also be provided on the upper textile 22,
i.e. on the outer surface of the liner or of the orthopedic
interface. This coating can likewise be made of an adhesive
material, the outer surface of the liner or of the interface 1 thus
being provided with a coating that is chosen with respect to an
orthopedic component arranged around it, for example a prosthesis
socket or an orthotic holder. This also ensures improved adherence
of the spaced knitted fabric 2 to the outer component. Elements
with an interlocking action, for example nap velours or velcro
areas, can also be arranged or formed on the upper textile 22.
[0028] Instead of a closed cross section, as shown in FIG. 1, the
interface 1 can also have an open cross section, and a partially
closed and partially open cross section can also be provided. It is
also possible for closure devices to be arranged on the interface 1
so as to permit opening and closing and thus make the interface 1
easier to apply and remove.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a holder 3 of a prosthesis, with a connecting
branch 4 that connects the holder 3 to a joint device. The holder 3
has a tube-like, curved receiver part 30 with an open cross section
and made of an elastic, stable plastic, with an outer surface 32
and an inner surface 31. On the inner surface 31 of the holder 3,
there are coating areas 33 that are either made of an adhesive
material or of a nap velour. It is likewise possible to provide
several coatings 33 of different types. In principle, the whole of
the inner surface 31 of the holder 3 can also be provided with a
coating. The inner surface of the holder 3 can also be provided
with alternative structures that offer less resistance in the
direction of insertion of the interface than counter to the
direction of insertion, for example suitably shaped form-fit
elements that engage in correspondingly shaped structures in the
interface.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows the holder 3 with the connecting branch 4 in
engagement with the orthopedic interface 1. In the embodiment
shown, the coating 33 of the holder 3 is designed as a nap velour
and is oriented such that the orthopedic interface 1, configured as
a liner for an amputation stump, can be inserted from above. The
nap of the nap velour 33 is inclined downward, such that the
orthopedic interface 1 can easily slide into the holder 3 but
cannot slip out or cannot easily slip out. To release the
orthopedic interface 1 from the holder 3, the latter is bent
outward. The open cross section of the holder 3 can be bridged by
straps or tensioning means in order to provide radial compression
and stability. The partially open structure of the orthopedic
interface 1 can likewise be bridged by closure devices.
[0031] FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail showing how the holder 3
interacts with the spaced knitted fabric 2 of the orthopedic
interface 1. On the inner surface of the orthopedic interface 1,
i.e. on the lower textile 21, there is an adhesive coating 23, for
example of copolymer or silicone. The coating 23 applied is
oriented in the longitudinal direction and permits a stable
relationship of the surface of the skin to the interface 1. An air
cushion and elastic padding are provided by the supporting threads
24. No coating is provided on the outer surface of the interface 1,
i.e. on the upper textile 22, and coupling to the holder 3 is
instead achieved by the nap velour 33, which is oriented in such a
way that the orthopedic interface 1 can be inserted downward from
the top, whereas pulling it out in the upward direction is made
difficult or impossible.
[0032] The orthopedic interface 1 can also be used as a flexible
socket or flexible socket part, and a suitable inner coating can
also be provided for stockings or other support functions between a
body part and an external device or an item of clothing or a
functional unit, in order to ensure a uniform distribution of
pressure over a large surface area of the body part with precise
allocation and a high degree of comfort.
[0033] It has been surprisingly found that, despite the layer of
air between the top and bottom, a good coupling of the orthopedic
device, such as orthosis or prosthesis, and the interface user can
be achieved, which was not previously considered possible. A 3D
textile without an adhesive coating on the surface facing the skin
can also be used as an orthopedic interface and provides a
surprisingly high degree of comfort and security.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in
which the orthopedic interface 1 is seen in a partial cross
section. The structure of the 3D textile 2 corresponds to the one
in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, although the coatings that can be present on
the inner or outer surfaces 21, 22 are not shown. Inside the
orthopedic interface there are two electrodes 5 that are able to
transmit data to an evaluation unit (not shown) via electrical
connecting means 6. It is likewise possible to provide for wireless
transmission of data from the electrodes 5. The electrodes 5 are
arranged on the inner surface 21 of the spaced knitted fabric 2 and
can be sewn, adhesively bonded, welded or otherwise secured
thereon. Surface potentials are carried away via these electrodes
5, such that, for example, a prosthesis can be controlled via
myoelectric signals. It is likewise possible for the electrodes 5
to be integrated inside the spaced knitted fabric 2, such that only
the contact surfaces of the electrodes 5 with the skin surface
protrude from the inner surface 21 of the 3D textile 2. The
electrical connecting means 6 can be routed through recesses within
the 3D textile 2 which is designed, for example, as a spaced
knitted fabric. It is also possible to secure the electrodes by
cutting a window out of the spaced knitted fabric 2 and placing the
electrode into the window.
* * * * *