DE102015223205A1 - Therapy vest for people with disabilities - Google Patents

Abstract

The therapy vest (10) for people with disabilities, in particular for people with physical disabilities and with motor function restrictions, comprises a front part (12) and a back part (14) each having an inner side (16), an outer side (18), a shoulder region ( 20), a chest area (22) and a stomach area (24). The therapy vest (10) has on the outer side (18) of the front part (12) elements which are selected from the group consisting of elements of the mechanical, tactile and acoustic type.

Description

The invention relates to a therapy vest for people with disabilities, especially for people with physical disabilities and motor function limitations.

Western therapy vest is equipped with functional elements that have a therapeutic effect on a patient. The advantage of therapy vest compared to the use of functional elements without a vest is that they are worn close to the body and can develop their effect targeted at the point at which a therapeutic treatment is needed. In addition, the functional elements with therapeutic effect can be easily carried by the body by integration into a vest, so that the therapy can be performed easily and conveniently at any place and thereby be integrated into the daily routine of the patient, without unnecessarily restricting the patient.

Various forms of therapy vestments are already known in the art.

In CN 2009 20226884 U is a therapy vest disclosed with pain relieving function. In particular, the therapy vest described in this document can be used in people with back pain. For this purpose, among other things incorporated in the vest, anti-inflammatory agents, which are known from traditional Chinese medicine.

In EP 1 273 277 A2 For example, a vest or jacket-like garment is proposed for the treatment of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Here, cooling elements are provided, which are arranged on the inside of the item of clothing and cool corresponding points on the body of the patient. By cooling, an increase in the well-being of the patient is achieved.

In DE 10 2006 021 415 A1 discloses another therapeutic garment whose therapeutic function is achieved by incorporating weights in the garment which are disposed on the garment. As a result, a training effect is achieved, which promotes the muscle growth of the user of the vest. The proposed vest can be used both for people with diseases, as well as for athletes.

Furthermore, in US Pat. No. 7,207,953 B1 a therapy vest described with an integrated massage unit. The massage unit is in particular attached to the inside of the vest and is used to treat the back of the patient. Different massage programs are provided.

In CN 2012 20754427 U is a therapy vest described with infrared light sources. The infrared light sources are used as heat-generating means to warm the affected areas on the body of the patient and to relieve pain in the patient, especially in the back area.

In addition, in CN 2014 20574150 U Another therapy vest for the treatment of various organs after traditional Chinese therapy revealed.

A therapy vest for the treatment of upper body pain is US 2008 0237209 A1 described. This includes, at appropriate locations, electrical heating elements designed to warm the upper back area of the patient. In particular, the neck, the shoulder area and the upper chest area are warmed.

Another therapy vest comprising a stiff neck area with support function and an electrostatically chargeable textile material for generating heat is in EP 0 019 822 A1 disclosed. Due to the movement of the patient and the friction of the electrostatically chargeable textile material, the therapy vest described regularly generates heat and contributes to relieving the pain of the patient.

In CH 702 660 A2 discloses a therapy vest for the treatment of respiratory diseases, which facilitates the exhalation of viscous mucus by cyclic oscillation of a pulse generator. Furthermore, an improvement in the perfusion properties is achieved by magnetic signal coils.

Also is in US Pat. No. 5,938,627 a therapy vest based on a pulsating massage of the upper back. The massage function is realized by a pneumatic control of an inflatable tube and the therapy vest causes pain relief in the back of the patient.

None of the known therapeutic devices are designed to be intended or suitable for use in treating people with physical disabilities and with motor impairment.

In particular, people who have had a stroke or are suffering from multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, dementia or Parkinson's disease and thus unlearn their motor or tactile skills or whose other sensory perceptions are limited, need time-consuming and costly therapies to regain their lost abilities. So far, physiotherapeutic and ergotherapeutic measures are usually used to restore and train these lost abilities. This is for the patient, as well as for the therapist with an enormous amount of time and, in addition, associated with not inconsiderable costs.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a therapy vest for people with disabilities, in particular in the fields of motor skills, the sense of touch and the acoustic perception, which allows efficient treatment or therapy of the groups of people with these restrictions. The therapy vest should also help treat people whose motor skills are limited due to mental retardation. In this case, the therapy vest is to be produced inexpensively and also resistant, so that it is suitable for permanent use, for example in therapy or rehabilitation centers.

To solve this problem is provided with the invention, a therapy vest for people with disabilities, especially for people with physical disabilities and with motor functional limitations that a front part and a back, each with an inside, an outside, a shoulder area, a chest area and a Abdominal area comprises, wherein the therapy vest has on the outside of the front part at least one element which is selected from the group consisting of mechanical, tactile and acoustic elements, wherein at least one mechanical, tactile or acoustic element is variably arranged on the outside of the front part or can be arranged ,

The elements of the therapy vest serve the training of the user (also called "patient" in the following). The elements (also referred to below as "training elements" or "therapy elements") serve the user, in particular, to train his abilities, such as, for example, his motor and especially fine motor skills, his sense of touch, and his acoustic perception. Furthermore, the training elements should be suitable for promoting the concentration ability of the patient. They can thus offer the patient training exercises or training units of different types and intensities. Repetitive training may result in restoring or improving the patient's ability.

The elements of mechanical nature (also called "mechanical elements") each provide a training exercise that is directed to the restoration or improvement of the motor, especially the fine motor skills of a person.

To exercise a training session, the patient must each perform a mechanical action. In particular, to perform a training exercise, it may be necessary for the patient to pass a first object through an aperture in a second object or otherwise connect it to the second object, e.g. B. by insert, hook, engage, etc. or vice versa. Depending on the degree of disability, a different level of difficulty in the training exercise may be required for efficient training and efficient treatment of the patient.

The elements of tactile nature (also called "tactile elements") form a training exercise in which the patient can exercise his tactile and haptic perception by sensing one or more objects. The use of tactile elements is thus directed to restoring or improving the tactile perception (or, more generally, the sense of touch) of a person. In this case, in particular objects of various types can be used, each having different surface structures, so that the patient learns by alternately palpating the individual surfaces to distinguish the different surfaces from each other.

The acoustic elements (also called "acoustic elements") provide the patient with a training exercise in which a sound is generated by the actuation of an element. The use of acoustic elements is thus aimed at improving or restoring the acoustic perception (sense of hearing) of a person.

As with a conventional vest, the therapy vest can be made in one piece, two pieces or more than two pieces of fabric. Preferably, the therapy vest, made of three pieces of fabric (a back part, a left front part and a right front part) and the individual pieces are connected to each other, in particular sewn together.

The front part of the therapy vest may also include a side region of the vest, so that the therapy elements can also be arranged laterally on the therapy vest.

The therapy vest may preferably be made sleeveless, whereby the on and off of the vest, especially in people with physical restrictions is facilitated. It has on its left and right sides each have a sleeve neck, which can be performed, for example, circular, elliptical or oval.

During treatment, the therapy vest may be worn open or closed, preferably being worn closed, since in this way the elements disposed on the vest are more tightly fixed to the body.

The therapy vest can be divided along its longitudinal axis into different areas.

The shoulder area is the upper area of the vest. It may preferably comprise the area from the upper border of the front part and the back part, which in each case converge in the upper region of the therapy vesture, to a first border line, which is formed by the connection of the deepest points of the sleeve cutout. In a further embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention, the shoulder region may comprise the upper third, quarter, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth of the therapy vest.

The chest / abdominal area covers the area of the therapy vest that is below the shoulder area. This can in turn be divided into a breast area and a stomach area. In this case, the breast region may preferably comprise the upper half of the breast / abdominal region and the abdominal region the lower half of the breast / abdominal region. In a further embodiment, the thoracic region may comprise the upper third of the thoracic / abdominal region and the abdominal region comprises the lower two-thirds of the thoracic / abdominal region. Also, in a specific embodiment, the chest area may comprise the upper two-thirds of the thoracic / abdominal area, and the abdominal area may include the lower third of the thoracic / abdominal area.

Analogous to a conventional vest, the inside of the therapy vest indicates the side facing the body of the wearer of the therapy vest and the outside the side facing away from the wearer's body.

In the case of the therapy vest according to the invention, it is provided that at least one mechanical, tactile or acoustic element is variably arranged or can be arranged on the outside of the front part.

The term "variable arrangement" (also to be understood as "variable fixation" or "variable attachment") of the training elements is to be understood below that the position of the training elements on the vest is variable, ie by reversible (or temporary) attachment and detachment of the respective element is variable or that the training elements can be arranged at different positions of the therapy vest / attached and removed again. In addition, the orientation of the elements is variable (in particular horizontal, vertical or diagonal) aligned. The variable, d. H. reversible applicability can be realized in particular by Velcro elements. For example, it can be provided that a region of the therapy vest has a planar Velcro element with loops and that one or more than one training element has a Velcro element with hooks. Conversely, it is possible that a hook and loop fastener attached to the vest firmly and the Velcro element is arranged with loops on the therapy element. Thereby, the training element can be arranged at any point of the sheet-like Klettelements (i.e., attached or fixed), removed at will and, depending on the therapy progress or -erfordernis, be attached to another location again. In the repeated arrangement, the training element can be fixed at a different position on the therapy vest. In this case, the training element may have the same orientation (in particular horizontal, vertical or diagonal) or a different orientation than was the case before the removal of the training elements. As a result, the training effect can be varied as desired and adapted to the needs of the patient. Furthermore, it can be provided in a particular embodiment of the invention that the entire outer surface of the front part of the therapy vest is provided with a Velcro element, so that the training elements can be placed anywhere on the outer surface of the front part. In particular, it can also be provided that the outside of the front part of the therapy vest has a material with a loop-shaped surface, such as terry cloth, suede or a nonwoven fabric. The materials mentioned can then interact (like a Velcro element with loops) with the Velcro element of the training element. In this way it is possible to variably arrange the training elements on the outside of the front part and thus to achieve different training and therapy effects.

Alternatively or in addition to the use of Velcro elements, the variable applicability can also be done by buttons (by metal or plastic snaps) of the training elements on the front of the therapy vest. In a further alternative of the therapy vest, the training elements can also be attached with further connection or closure elements, such as snap hooks, with magnets, zippers or buckles either directly to the therapy vest or one attached to the therapy vest Counterpart, such as a ring, an eyelet or a loop are variably and reversibly attached. In this case, apart from the attached to the training elements and the therapy vest connection and closure elements no additional aids or additives are needed to arrange the training elements reversible and remove again.

A particular advantage of the variable applicability of the training elements of the therapy vest is that with this feature a single therapy vest can be used to treat different patients with different functional limitations. Depending on the requirements of the therapy vest, the training elements of the therapy vest can be easily and quickly replaced by other training elements. As a result, for example, in a therapy center, a single therapy vest with variably arranged or arranged training elements can suffice to supply a number of patients with a suitable therapy vest. In the case of using an imaginary, static therapy vest, d. H. In a therapy vest with static (i.e., permanently or permanently) arranged training elements, this vest could only be used in patients with identical functional limitations. In contrast, in the therapy vest according to the invention, the training elements can be arranged and arranged dynamically and according to the needs of the patients on the outside of the front part of the vest, d. H. the training elements are not permanently, so permanently connected so that their separation from the therapy vest and their attachment to the therapy vest is done easily and quickly and without the use of additional tools.

In a preferred embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention it can be provided that the elements are selected from one, two or three of the types described above.

The advantage of choosing from a kind of elements is that the therapy vest can be designed specifically for the treatment and restoration of a particular physical ability. Also, in this way, a larger number of elements of the same kind can be mounted on the therapy vest, as would be possible if elements of different types were provided. For example, the therapy vest can only have elements of a mechanical nature, so that an intensive training of the motor and fine motor skills is possible. Similarly, it may be provided that only elements of a tactile nature are selected, so that an intensive training of the tactile and haptic perception can be ensured. Finally, it can also be provided that only elements of an acoustic nature are provided. For example, it can be provided that two, three, four, five, six, seven or more than seven, in particular different mechanical elements are provided. It can also be provided that two, three, four, five, six, seven or more than seven, in particular different tactile elements are provided. Furthermore, it can also be provided that two, three, four, five, six, seven or more than seven, in particular different acoustic elements are attached to the therapy vest.

The advantage of choosing from two types of elements is that different training and therapy effects can be achieved with a single vest. For example, one of the following options may be provided for selecting the elements: two mechanical elements and one tactile element; a mechanical element and two tactile elements; two mechanical and two tactile elements; two mechanical elements and one acoustic element; a mechanical element and two acoustic elements; two mechanical and two acoustic elements; three mechanical and two tactile elements, two mechanical and three tactile elements; three mechanical and two acoustic; two mechanical and three acoustic elements. If two or more elements of the same function (i.e., mechanical, tactile, or acoustic) are disposed on the vest, they may be different.

Thus, a single vest can be used to treat people with different, especially motor limitations. It may also be advantageous for a patient with different limitations, such as limited motor (especially fine motor skills) and limited tactile perception, when the therapy vest has mechanical and tactile elements.

The advantage of choosing between three types of elements is that multiple, different training and therapy effects can be achieved with just a single vest. As a result, the therapy vest is suitable both for treating people with different, in particular motor disabilities, as well as persons whose different senses of perception are limited. It is also possible with a therapy vest with mechanical, tactile and acoustic elements to allow the patient a varied therapy.

For example, it can be provided that the therapy vest according to the invention is nine mechanical elements, six tactile elements and an acoustic element.

In a preferred embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention, it may be provided that the number of elements arranged overall is two, three, four, five, six, seven or more. The elements can be of different types.

It is usually advantageous if the therapy vest has numerous training elements. As a result, for example, elements can be selected that allow training exercises of different levels of difficulty. As a result, the user of the therapy vest can begin with simpler exercises and, as he increases his abilities, engage in more difficult exercises. Also, the therapy vest can be used with numerous training elements for different patients, which are restricted to different degrees.

On the other hand, it should be taken into account in the design of the therapy vest that the weight of the vest increases with every further training element arranged, albeit possibly only insignificantly. However, the weight of the therapy vest should not be unnecessarily high in order not to adversely affect the wearing comfort and acceptance of the vest. In a preferred embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention can therefore be provided that the therapy vest not more than eight, ten, twelve, 15, 20 or 30 elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the element of a mechanical nature, a closure element, such as a snap hook, a scissor snap hook, a toggle fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a metal hook, a buckle, a closure clip, a locking ring, a safety pin, a metal buckle, a Button, a push button, a spring hook, a magnetic closure, a cord stopper and / or a zipper (for example, from top to bottom, from bottom to top or open diagonally).

The use of closure elements as a training element is particularly advantageous since the operation of closure elements requires the patient, depending on the nature of the closure element, a certain mechanical / motor skill. Thus, the patient is asked a task whose solution is done in a playful way. The operation of closure elements thus effectively trains the motor, in particular the fine motor skills of the patient. In addition, the training with the closure elements promotes the ability to concentrate and the skill of the patient. In a conducted study it could be shown that the therapy with a therapy vest according to the invention with mechanical training elements can in particular lead to an improvement of the motor, and in particular the fine motor skills of the patients.

Another advantage of using closure elements is that they are commercially available in a wide variety of ways, so that from a wide range of closure elements with different properties, the optimal elements for a patient or a therapy form can be selected. For example, snap hooks or scissors snap hooks are commercially available, which have a hook and a spring-mounted closure. To operate a snap hook, this closure must be opened, the hook passed through a loop and the closure are closed. While this exercise is easy for a healthy person to do, it can be an exercise of a higher level of difficulty for a person with limited motor skills.

Even with a toggle closure, the training exercise is to guide an object (in this case, a usually elongated button) through a loop, eyelet, or other type of opening. Here, too, the patient is particularly required fine motor skills.

When using a push button as a training element, the training exercise is defined by the patient inserting the one component of the push button having a head into the other component of the push button having a recess. This may also be an exercise of higher difficulty for a patient with limited fine motor skills.

When operating a buckle or click buckle, the patient must also insert an object (here: a locking pin) in a counterpart. To release the connection, it is usually necessary to unlock the closure either at one point of the pin or in two places by pressing. For this purpose, with one or two fingers parts of the pin must be pressed while pulling the pin at the same time. This task can be a demanding training task for a patient. Also, the level of training may vary widely depending on the material of the buckle and on the design of the plug and counterpart. As a rule, buckles are made of plastic or metal.

In a preferred embodiment of the therapy vest can be provided that a plurality of closure elements of the same type are selected, the opening and closing of which is designed to be different difficult. For example, a plurality of snap hooks can be selected, whose spring-mounted closure has different spring strengths. It can also be provided that a plurality of buckles are selected. For example, two buckles can be provided, of which a buckle on one side with a finger to unlock, while the second buckle is to be solved on both sides with two fingers. It can also be provided that two plastic buckles and a metal buckles are used.

In an advantageous embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention can be provided that the closure element is arranged horizontally, vertically or diagonally, that is at an angle of substantially 90 degrees, 0 degrees or 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the vest. Depending on the orientation of the closure element, the movement sequence in the operation of the elements can be adjusted. If, for example, an elongated hook-and-loop fastener is arranged horizontally, a different training effect is achieved than with a vertical arrangement of the hook-and-loop fastener. The same applies to a horizontal, vertical or diagonal arrangement of zippers and other closure elements. The same applies if, for example, the individual components of snaps, buckles or other, multi-part closure elements are arranged horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

The closure elements are reversibly connected to the therapy vest. In particular, it can be provided that a closure element is provided with a hook-and-loop strip with hooks and that the therapy vest is correspondingly provided at different points with Velcro strips with loops. In this case, Velcro strips can each be permanently (i.e., permanently) connected to the therapy vest and the closure element, for example sewn. In contrast, the connection between a closure element and the therapy vest is not permanently applied (i.e., not permanent), but reversible. It is also possible that the reversible connection of a closure element with the therapy vest takes place by means of a further closure element. Thus, closure elements can be buttoned to the therapy vest or reversibly connected by means of buckles. It can also be provided that a closure element is not connected directly, but via a coupling element with the vest. In the simplest case, a coupling element can be a piece of fabric, which preferably has the same material as the training vest. In a preferred embodiment of the invention can be provided that the coupling elements used are color-coded in such a way that the patient can recognize on the color coding, which parts of the closure elements belong to each other. For example, the therapy vest on the outside of the front part may have three buckles, which are arranged horizontally one above the other.

In this case, for example, the two components (a male and a female component) of the upper buckle be connected via a respective connecting band, each with a blue coupling element, the blue coupling elements are arranged horizontally on the therapy vest, for example, in a horizontal distance of 10 cm. Underneath, the two components of the middle plug buckle can be connected in each case via a connecting band, each with a red coupling element, wherein the red coupling elements are arranged horizontally on the therapy vest. Under the middle plug buckle, the two components of the lower buckle can be connected via a respective connecting band, each with a purple coupling element, the purple coupling elements are arranged horizontally on the therapy vest. In this way, the patient receives additional assistance in the assignment of the individual components of the buckles.

Finally, closure elements offer the advantage that they are commercially available at low cost and require no special preparation.

The therapy elements (designed as closure elements in this embodiment) are determined by the desired therapeutic effect and not by their conventional function and arrangement in a conventional vest.

In the case of the therapy vest according to the invention, provision can be made, in particular, for at least one snap hook, a magnetic button, a snap buckle or a closure clip to be arranged or arranged on the therapy vest by means of Velcro, snaps or other closure elements. It can also be provided that a plurality of said elements can be arranged or arranged together by means of Velcro, snaps or other closure elements on the therapy vest.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention may also be provided that at least one element of a mechanical nature in the chest area, in the abdominal region or in the shoulder region of the front part is arranged.

The arrangement of the mechanical elements can in particular in the lower region, that is in the Breast area and in the abdominal area be advantageous, since in this case the mechanical elements are in special grip height of the patient. This allows the patient to easily and comfortably grasp and manipulate the mechanical elements and reduce the signs of fatigue during prolonged therapeutic treatment. In addition, during a training exercise, the patient can see the mechanical elements and thus follow the training process visually. This can greatly simplify training.

It can also be provided that the mechanical elements are arranged in the upper region, that is in the shoulder region. This increases the level of difficulty of the training exercise, as the patient has to exert more effort to reach the higher up training elements. In addition, the visual control of the training exercise by the patient is eliminated, requiring the patient to focus more on their motor skills and tactile perception.

To further embodiment of the invention can be provided that the element tactile type plush, Bobinet tulle and / or felt has. In particular, it may be provided that the therapy vest has two or three tactile elements with different properties that the patient can feel. By sliding your finger from one tactile element to the next, the patient can feel the differences between the different surfaces and his tactile and haptic perception is stimulated. Especially soft or very rough materials can be used here. For example, a denim, rubber, silk, wool, fur, cashmere, rose plush, fringe plush or fleece can be used. Also, the tactile element may have nubs or tips. The tactile element may in particular be rectangular, strip-shaped, circular or oval.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the therapy vest has a total of six tactile elements in the shoulder region of the front part, wherein three may each be arranged on the left and another three on the right side. Of the three elements, a first element may preferably comprise plush, while a second element may comprise bobbin tulle and a third element felt. The individual tactile elements can be made rectangular, with a width of about 13 cm and a height of about 7 cm. The three elements can be arranged one above the other, for example. Preferably, the arrangement of the tactile elements on the left side may differ from the arrangement of the tactile elements on the right side of the vest so that the patient perceives a different sequence of tactile elements when scanning from top to bottom with his left hand than when scanning with the right hand. In particular, it may be provided that on the right side of the shoulder region (seen from the patient's point of view) of the three tactile elements comprises the upper element plush, the middle element felt and the lower element Bobinett tulle. On the other hand, on the left side of the shoulder region of the patient, it may be provided that of the three tactile elements, the upper element comprises Bobinett tulle, the middle element is plush and the lower element is felt. In this way, a different stimulation of the tactile and haptic perception is achieved when scanning with the left and right hand.

In one embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that at least one element of a tactile type is arranged in the shoulder region, in the breast region or in the abdominal region of the front part.

The arrangement of the tactile elements can be advantageous, in particular in the upper region, that is to say in the shoulder region, since in this case the tactile elements are located substantially outside the field of vision of the patient. As a result, the patient can not see the tactile elements during the exercise, so he needs to focus more on his tactile perception. This can significantly increase the efficiency of the workout. Furthermore, it can be provided that the tactile elements are attached to the outside of the back part in the upper region, that is in the shoulder region. This rules out that the patient can look at the tactile elements and thus simplify the training exercise.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the arrangement of the tactile elements in the lower region, that is, in the chest area and in the abdominal area, so that the tactile elements are at grip height and in the field of vision of the patient. This allows the patient to easily and conveniently grip and manipulate the mechanical elements to reduce fatigue during prolonged therapeutic treatment. In addition, during the training exercise, the patient can see the mechanical elements and thus follow the training process visually. This results in a coupling between the visual perception of the patient and his tactile perception.

Furthermore, it can be provided in an embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention that the element of an acoustic type is a crunchy pillow, a crackling pillow, a crackling cloth, a Squeak ball, a bell, a ratchet and / or a rattle.

In particular, a crunch pillow may be a small pillow filled with numerous small balls. The balls, which are preferably made of plastic, generate a sound as soon as the crack is pressed. As a result, the patient receives acoustic feedback as the crunch pad compresses, and at the same time tactically senses the deformation of the pad. This simultaneously stimulates several sensory perceptions of the patient.

Similar effects occur when squeezing a crackling pillow, a knitcloth or a squeaking ball.

Also, simple musical instruments, such as a rattle, can be used as an acoustic element or about effect instruments, such as a ratchet. In the case of the two mentioned acoustic elements, the generation of a sound is effected by a relatively simple hand movement. It is important that the movement required to produce the sound is not overly demanding, as the motor skills of the patients for whom the therapy vest is designed are usually very limited.

The acoustic elements can be connected directly to the therapy vest. For example, they can be glued, welded or sewn to the vest. It is also possible that the acoustic elements are connected via additional connecting elements with the therapy vest. These connecting elements may in particular be connecting bands, connecting cords or connecting chains. In this case, the acoustic elements with the connecting elements, for example, glued, welded or sewn, while in turn the fasteners with the therapy vest, for example, can be glued, welded or sewn. The acoustic elements can either be freely attached to the therapy vest or housed in a vest pocket. The vest pocket may also be lockable so that the patient first needs to open the pocket to gain access to the acoustic element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that at least one element of an acoustic type is arranged in the chest area, in the abdominal area or in the shoulder area.

The arrangement of the acoustic elements may be advantageous, in particular in the lower region, that is to say in the thoracic region and in the abdominal region, since in this case the mechanical elements are in a special grip height of the patient. This allows the patient to easily and comfortably grasp and operate the acoustic elements and reduce the fatigue during prolonged therapy. In addition, during the training exercise, the patient can see the acoustic elements and thus follow the training process visually. This can greatly simplify training. In particular, this can be advantageous if a rattle or a ratchet are used, since the patient can follow the movement of these acoustic elements directly visually.

It can also be provided that the acoustic elements are arranged in the upper region of the training vest, that is to say in the shoulder region. This increases the level of difficulty of the training exercise, as the patient has to exert more effort to reach the higher up training elements. In addition, the visual control of the training exercise by the patient is eliminated, requiring the patient to focus more on their motor skills and tactile perception.

In a particular embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention may also be provided that the front part and the back are made at least partially of polyester, polyamide (aramid), polyurethane, acrylic, nylon, cotton, fleece or a combination of the materials mentioned.

The advantage of using plastic materials for the production of the therapy vest is that they are very hard-wearing and easy to clean.

This is particularly important for the therapy vest because a therapy vest, for example in a therapy center, can be used by numerous patients every day.

The use of cotton or fleece may be particularly advantageous in order to allow the patient a comfortable fit. This is particularly important because the patient should also be able to wear the therapy vest for a prolonged period of time, for example, over a period of up to one or more hours, and acceptance of therapy by the therapy vest is not compromised by comfort should be reduced.

For example, by using plastic materials as outer materials and cotton as inner material, it can be achieved that the therapy vest on its outside is easy to clean, while its inner side has skin-friendly properties.

Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment of the therapy vest, it may be provided that the vest has at least one element of a mechanical, tactile or acoustic nature, detachable and attachable to the inside of the front part of the vest and / or attachable and detachable to the outside of the front part of the vest is.

As a result, individual training elements of the therapy vest can be exchanged for other training elements as needed. This has the advantage that a patient, even after a long period of therapy, is not bored by training exercises that are increasingly repetitive. Once the patient masters the training exercises that are provided on the vest, individual training elements can be replaced by new elements that, for example, have a higher degree of difficulty or train other senses that have not previously been trained.

The training elements may be removable, for example, on the outside of the therapy vest, so that one or more new training elements can be attached instead of the original elements.

In particular, it may be provided that individual training elements or groups of training elements are removably attached to the inside of the front part of the therapy vest. A grouping of training elements can for example be applied to a fabric part, so that by replacing the fabric part directly a group of training elements is replaced. A fabric part with a training element or a group of training elements can also be referred to as a training module. By removably mounted on the inside of the front part training modules, the patient always has a reservoir of additional training elements with it, so that new training elements can be attached to the outside of the front part as desired.

For example, it may be provided that a training module has a lobster clasp, a magnetic closure, buckles and / or a closure clip or a plurality of said training elements. Furthermore, it can be provided that said training module can be variably, temporarily and reversibly arranged or arranged by means of Velcro strips on the therapy vest.

The modular design of the therapy vest also has the advantage that the therapy vest can be easily adapted to the needs of different patients. This allows a single vest to be used to treat multiple patients with different illnesses or disabilities and with different types of limitations.

Another advantage of the modular embodiment of the therapy vest is that the training elements prior to cleaning, which can be done for example in a washing machine, can be removed. This is particularly advantageous because the training elements can be less durable than the base material of the vest. In particular, it may be advantageous that the closure elements, the tactile elements and the acoustic elements are removable before a wash. In particular, for example, a rattle, a ratchet, but also metal buckles can be removed before the laundry.

The individual training modules can, for example, be offered as optional accessories for the therapy vest, so that depending on the needs of the patients, only the training modules that are actually required are acquired.

In a further preferred embodiment of the therapy vest may be further provided that the removable and attachable element by at least one zipper, Velcro, push button or magnetic closure on the inside of the front of the vest and on the outside of the front of the vest attachable and detachable.

It can be provided, for example, that a training module is rectangular, with zipper strips are attached to two sides of the training module, preferably on the right and on the left side of the training module. Accordingly, zipper strips can be provided on the outside of the front part and on the inside of the front part, with which zipper strips of the training module can be connected. In this way, a training module can be easily and conveniently mounted with zippers on the outside of the front part, while additional training modules are arranged on the inside of the front part. Alternatively, a training module on its left and right side each have two push button elements with headboard. In addition, on the inside of the front part of the therapy vest as well as on the outside of the front part of the therapy vest snap elements can be recessed, in particular with the same spacing as the push button elements on the training module. In this way, a training module can be easily and quickly removed from the inside of the front part and attached to the outside of the front part (and vice versa).

This makes it possible to easily and quickly exchange the individual training elements or the training modules. The use of magnetic buttons, Velcro straps and press studs for connecting the training modules with therapy vest has the additional advantage that these closure elements allow a one-handed removal and attaching the training elements or the training modules.

For example, a training module having two vertical Velcro straps with loops, while the therapy vest has on the outside and / or on the inside of the front part two vertical hook-and-loop barbs. The distances between the Velcro straps on the training module and on the therapy vest may preferably be substantially identical.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a training module has two vertical Velcro straps and the front part of the therapy vest has two horizontal Velcro straps which are wider than the distance of the vertical Velcro straps of the training module. In this way, the position of the training module at the front of the therapy vest can be adjusted as desired by the patient or depending on the desired type of exercise.

In a further preferred embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention it can be provided that the therapy vest has no heat-generating means, no vibration-generating means, no cooling elements, no electrical components and / or no accumulators.

By dispensing with technically demanding components, the therapy vest can be cheap to manufacture. Also, the weight of the therapy vest without the above-mentioned components can be kept very low. A lightweight therapy vest is generally better accepted by the patient than a heavyweight vest with low wear comfort.

Furthermore, it can be provided in the therapy vest according to the invention that no elements of mechanical, tactile or acoustic nature are arranged on the back of the vest.

This embodiment may be particularly advantageous, since the training with elements on the back of the therapy vest would rather represent training exercises of higher difficulty, which could overwhelm the patient. This is especially the case when the functional restriction of the patient is particularly strong.

Another advantage of not using the training elements on the back of the therapy vest is that the patient wearing the therapy vest can easily sit down. If the therapy vest at the back, for example, closure elements, a rattle or a ratchet, a comfortable sitting would not be readily possible because the attached back training elements would create a pressure on a backrest on the back of the patient pressure that from him as disturbing would be felt.

In this way, the absence of training elements on the back ensures increased wearer comfort of the therapy vest.

Furthermore, to solve the above-mentioned problem, the use of a therapy vest as described above for the therapy of people with disabilities, in particular in the fields of motor skills, the sense of touch and the acoustic perception proposed.

The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawings. In detail, they show:

1 a commercial vest, as known from the prior art,

2 a front view of an embodiment of a therapy vest according to the invention with training elements on the outside of the front part,

3 a front view of the in 2 illustrated embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention, wherein individual training elements are removed,

4 a front view of the in 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention in the open state,

5 a rear view of the in the 2 to 4 illustrated embodiment of the therapy vest invention.

In the 1 a commercial vest is shown, which is already known from the prior art in numerous embodiments, for. B. is known as a sports vest. The vest is usually integrally formed from a piece of fabric or made from two or more pieces of fabric sewn together. Most vests can be closed at the front with buttons or zippers.

In contrast, in the 2 an embodiment of the therapy vest according to the invention 10 with a front part 12 and a back part 14 each with an inside 16 and an outside 18 shown, with the therapy vest 10 in a shoulder area 20 , a chest area 22 and a belly area 24 is divided. The chest area 22 and the abdominal area 24 together make up the chest / abdominal area 22 . 24 , The individual areas, which can also be referred to as the upper area, middle area and lower area, are defined by two dividing lines 26 . 28 separated from each other. The upper dividing line 26 is defined in this embodiment by the sleeve cutouts 30 , The two sleeve necklines 30 show a total of two lows 32 , By their connection in this embodiment, the upper parting line 26 is formed. The lower dividing line 28 Shares the chest / abdominal area in this embodiment 22 . 24 in an upper half (chest area 22 ) and in a lower half (abdominal area 24 ).

The therapy vest 10 points to the outside 18 of the front part 12 numerous training elements, including mechanical, tactile and acoustic elements. The training elements can temporarily on the outside 18 the therapy vest 10 be arranged or arranged. A variable, reversible and temporary arrangement of the training elements can be done in particular by Velcro.

The in the 2 illustrated therapy vest 10 indicates in the (from the perspective of the patient viewed) left chest / abdominal area 22 . 24 three buckles 34 on, which are arranged horizontally one above the other. At the top buckle 34 it can be a plastic buckle 36 with two components (a male and a female component) act, which is opened by having on two sides of the plastic buckle 36 a force is applied that push two male tongue fasteners inward so that their entanglement in the female component of the plastic buckle 36 is solved. The plastic plug buckle 36 is closed again by bringing the two components together, so that one component is guided into the other and the locking tongues of the male component of the plastic buckle 36 hook again with the female component. In this case, the patient with limited abilities is required to have skill, concentration, strength, and coordination. In the repeated exercise, especially the motor and especially the fine motor skills are trained.

Below the plastic buckle 36 is in the in 2 shown embodiment, a metal buckle 38 arranged. While opening and reclosing the metal buckle 38 analogous to opening and closing the plastic buckle 36 can be done, the difficulty of opening and closing the metal buckle 38 the difficulty of opening and closing the plastic buckle 36 differ. For example, significantly less force may be needed to hold the metal buckle 38 to open and close, as for opening and closing the plastic buckle 36 is required.

Furthermore, the therapy vest 10 in this embodiment below the metal buckle 38 another plastic snap buckle NX 40 on. The plastic snap buckle NX 40 has in contrast to the previously described buckles 34 only one locking tongue, which is used to unlock the locking tongue and to open the plastic buckle NX 40 is to press.

In because in 2 illustrated embodiment of the therapy vest invention 10 are the buckles 34 each by means of connecting bands 42 with rectangular coupling elements 44 connected, which can be made of the same material as the therapy vest 10 , These coupling elements 44 For example, they may be designed such that the upper two coupling elements 44 are executed blue, the middle coupling elements 44 are executed red and the lower coupling elements 44 are executed purple. This gives the patient an optical assistance, which components of the buckles 34 to connect with each other. These are namely those components that are on the same color coupling elements 44 are arranged.

Furthermore, below the three buckles 34 a cord stopper 46 arranged. By squeezing the cord stopper 46 becomes the cord stopper 46 unlocked, leaving a rubber band 48 through the opening of the cord stopper 46 can be moved through.

In addition, on the right side of the therapy vest 10 in the chest abdominal area 22 . 24 a toggle closure 50 and a metal hook 52 arranged. When toggle closure 50 The training exercise is that an elongated head is passed through a loop. The metal hook 52 has a component with two buttons and a component with two grooves, the training exercise being that the patient has to guide the buttons into the grooves. Both closure elements (toggle closure 50 and metal hooks 52 ) offer the patient training exercises to improve in particular the skill and the motor skills.

Below the metal hook 52 are on the outside 18 of the front part 12 the therapy vest 10 four spring hooks 54 appropriate. Here are the four spring hooks 54 horizontal, that is arranged side by side. Another four metal loops are on a piece of fabric, namely the loop carrier 56 appropriate. The loop carrier 56 is over a connection band 42 with the therapy vest 10 connected. The patient has the task to solve all four metal loops over the metal hooks 54 to guide them from the metal hooks 54 be worn.

Furthermore, the in 2 illustrated therapy vest 10 as an acoustic element a crunch pillow 58 , By squeezing the crunch pillow 58 a noise is generated that the patient perceives. Also, the crunch pillow is deformed 58 when squeezed by the patient, so that the patient has the varying shape of the pillow 58 and at the same time the tactile perception of the patient is stimulated.

The crunch pillow 58 can after training in a bag 60 be accommodated, the two push buttons 62 is closable. In this embodiment, the two push buttons 62 executed differently, so that, among other things, a different level of force is applied to the individual buttons 62 to open and close.

Furthermore, the in 2 illustrated embodiment of the therapy vest invention 10 in the shoulder area 20 tactile elements 64 on. On the left and on the right side of the vest 10 are each three tactile elements 64 arranged in a substantially rectangular shape and with different surface properties one above the other. The therapy vest is on the right side 10 above a plush element 66 , in the middle a felt element 68 and below a Bobinet tulle element 70 arranged. By successively scanning the different elements, the patient can stimulate his sense of touch and train his tactile perception.

On the left side of the therapy vest 10 are in this embodiment in the shoulder area 20 also the same tactile elements 64 arranged, but in a different order. On the left side is a Bobinet tulle element at the top 70 , in the middle a plush element 66 and below a felt element 68 arranged. Due to the different arrangement of the tactile elements 64 on the left and on the right side of the therapy vest 20 For example, a different stimulation of the sense of touch may occur when the patient simultaneously or successively moves his left and right hands along the tactile elements 64 roams.

In the in 2 illustrated embodiment, the closure elements and the acoustic element in the chest / abdominal area 22 . 24 , and thus arranged in a convenient handle height for the patient. The advantage of this arrangement of the closure elements and the acoustic element is that the patient does not tire so quickly during the therapy.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the tactile elements in the shoulder area 20 arranged. The advantage of this arrangement of tactile elements 64 lies in the fact that the tactile elements 64 lie substantially outside the field of view of the patient and that thereby the patient does not depend on the tactile elements during treatment 64 looks. As a result, the patient focuses on guessing the different tactile elements 64 automatically to his tactile sensory perception without resorting to the help of his visual perception.

As continues in 2 represented, form the three buckles 34 on the left side of the therapy vest 10 , along with the connection bands 42 and the coupling elements 44 , a removable training module 70 , This removable training module 70 is in this embodiment with two zippers 72 at the therapy vest 10 appropriate. By opening the zippers 72 can be a first training module 70 from the therapy vest 10 be removed, for example, before the therapy vest 10 should be washed.

Analogously, the therapy vest is formed on the right side 10 the toggle closure 50 and the metal hook 52 , along with the connection bands 42 and the coupling elements 44 , a second removable training module 74 , The second training module 74 is in this embodiment by two Velcro fasteners 76 with the front part 12 the therapy vest 10 connected. This allows the second training module 74 easy and fast if necessary from the therapy vest 10 removed and also attached again.

In 3 is that in 2 illustrated embodiment of the therapy vest invention 10 shown, wherein the first training module 70 and the second training module 74 are removed. The therapy vest is on the left side 10 the two vertically arranged zipper strips 72 to recognize that with the therapy vest 10 are firmly connected. These are preferably with the front part 12 the therapy vest 10 sutured. On the right side of the therapy vest 10 are two also vertically extending Velcro straps 76 to recognize, which also stuck to the therapy vest 10 are connected and preferably with the therapy vest 10 sewn.

In this embodiment, the other training elements are fixed to the therapy vest 10 connected, either directly or by means of connecting means, such as by means of connecting bands 42 or coupling elements 44 ,

In 4 is the in 2 and 3 illustrated therapy vest 10 shown in the open state. Here it can be seen that the therapy vest on the inside 16 of the front part 12 a third training module 78 and a fourth training module 80 having. These are each using two zippers 72 with the front part 16 connected.

The third training module 80 has three training elements, which are arranged one above the other. The top of the three training elements is a scissor snap hook 82 educated. The scissors snap hook 82 is to be operated on a lever which hooks the scissors snap hook 82 opens. When opened, the patient has the scissors snap hook 82 to lead in the direction of a loop until the scissors snap hook 82 hooked in the loop. Then the patient has to guide the lever, which is spring-mounted, into the starting position, so that the scissors snap hook 82 closes again. To open the connection, the patient has to operate the lever again and the two components (scissors snap hook 82 and loop) from each other.

The middle of the training elements is a metal clip 84 , Similar to the scissor snap hook 82 is the metal clip 84 to open with a lever. By pressing the lever, a spring-mounted locking tongue is set in an open state. When opened, the metal clip can 84 and a locking ring are brought together. Subsequently, the lever can be returned to the original position to the metal clip 84 to close. The connection is released by performing the steps in reverse order.

The lower of the training elements of the third training module 78 is a lock clip 86 , The closure clip 86 can be opened, brought together with a locking ring and then closed. Unlike the aforementioned metal clip 84 is the the closure clip 86 not to open a lever, but directly. Since no suspension is provided here, the patient has to close the closure clip 86 make manually. Then this can be opened again, removed from the lock ring and finally closed again.

The fourth training module 80 is made in this embodiment of two pieces of denim 81 together, which overlap each other and those with four magnetic locks or magnetic buttons 88 can be closed with each other.

Because both training modules each with two zippers 72 on the inside 16 of the front part 12 They can be fastened easily and conveniently by opening the zippers 72 from the inside 16 of the front part 12 the therapy vest 10 removed and on the outside 18 of the front part 12 the therapy vest 10 be attached.

In this embodiment, the third training module 78 and the fourth training module 80 either instead of the first training module 71 be attached, or with the zipper 90 which is also the front closure of the therapy vest 10 serves.

Finally, in 5 a back view of the therapy vest 10 shown. It can be seen that the therapy vest 10 on the outside 18 of the back part 14 an adjustment strap 92 and an adjustment buckle 92 having. By the adjustment belt 92 and the adjustment buckle 94 can, as with a commercial sports vest also, the width of the therapy vest 10 be set. This adjustment is particularly useful when a training module 71 . 74 . 78 . 80 in the place of the zipper 90 is used, since in this case the width of the therapy vest 10 can increase significantly. A narrowing of the therapy vest 10 can then contribute significantly to increased comfort.

In addition to the described arrangement of the training elements on the front part 12 the therapy vest 10 , the training elements may also or only on the side of the therapy vest 10 and / or even exclusively on the back part 14 be arranged. The above-described mechanisms of attaching / detaching the training elements find appropriate application.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

therapy vest

12

front part

14

back

16

inside

18

outside

20

shoulders

22

chest

24

abdominal area

26

upper parting line

28

lower dividing line

30

armholes

32

Low point of the sleeve neck

34

buckle

36

Plastic buckle

38

metal buckle

42

connecting band

44

coupling element

46

cord stopper

48

rubber band

50

Knebelverschluss

52

metal hook

54

spring hooks

56

loop carrier

58

crunching cushion

60

bag

62

push-button

64

tactile element

66

pile element

68

felt element

70

Bobinet tulle element

71

first training module

72

zipper

74

second training module

76

velcro fastener

78

third training module

80

fourth training module

81

denim

82

scissor snap hook

84

metal clip

86

locking clip

88

Magnetknopf

92

timing belt

94

adjustment buckle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CN 200920226884 U [0004]
• EP 1273277 A2 [0005]
• DE 102006021415 A1 [0006]
• US 7207953 B1 [0007]
• CN 201220754427 U [0008]
• CN 201420574150 U [0009]
• US 20080237209 A1 [0010]
• EP 0019822A1 [0011]
• CH 702660 A2 [0012]
• US 5938627A [0013]

Claims (11)

therapy vest 10 for persons with disabilities, in particular in the fields of motor skills, touch and auditory perception, comprising a front section 12 and a back part 14 each with an inside 16 , an outside 18 , a shoulder area 20 , a chest area 22 and a belly area 24 , where the therapy vest 10 on the outside 18 of the front part 12 comprises at least one element which is selected from the group consisting of mechanical, tactile and acoustic elements, characterized in that at least one mechanical, tactile or acoustic element is variably arranged on the outside of the front part. therapy vest 10 according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements are selected from one, two or three types from the group consisting of mechanical, tactile and acoustic elements. therapy vest 10 according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the number of total on the front part 12 arranged elements is two, three, four, five, six, seven or more. therapy vest 10 according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mechanical element comprises a snap hook, a scissors snap hook 82 , a toggle closure 50 , a velcro closure 76 , a metal hook 52 , a plug-in buckle 34 , a buckle NX 40 , a lock clip 86 , a locking ring, a metal buckle 38 , a button, a push button 62 , a spring hook 54 , a magnetic clasp 88 , a cord stopper 46 and / or a zipper 72 having. therapy vest 10 according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one mechanical element in the chest area 22 , in the abdominal area 24 or in the shoulder area 20 of the front part 12 is arranged. therapy vest 10 according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tactile element plush 66 , Bobinet tulle 70 and / or felt 68 having. therapy vest 10 according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one tactile element in the shoulder region 20 , in the chest area 22 or in the abdominal area 24 of the front part 12 is arranged. therapy vest 10 according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the acoustic element is a Knirschkissen 58 , a crackling pillow, a knitcloth, a squeaking ball, a bell, a ratchet and / or a rattle. therapy vest 10 according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by at least one mechanical, tactile or acoustic element, on the inside 16 of the front part 12 the therapy vest 10 removable and attachable and / or on the outside 18 of the front part 12 the therapy vest 10 attachable and removable. Removable and attachable element for a therapy vest 10 according to claim 9. Use of a therapy vest 10 according to one of claims 1 to 9 for the therapy of persons with disabilities, in particular in the fields of motor skills, the sense of touch and the acoustic perception.

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