JP7242030B2 - Elastomer brace - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to equipment used for prevention of sports injuries and the like.

Traditionally, devices have been developed to treat or prevent injuries to joint sites. In particular, the demand for braces for sports injuries is high, and the development of braces for various joints is desired.

Supporters that fix the vicinity of joints with hard straps, fixtures that restrict bending and stretching with struts, and the like are known as devices for treating or preventing injuries (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2012-005772 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-539926

However, the use of braces made of low-stretch materials can overly restrict physical movement and reduce the performance of athletes. In addition, there are cases in which the use of braces that fix the joints with hard struts or the like is not allowed due to safety reasons.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and one of its purposes is to provide a device that does not excessively restrict physical movement.

The orthosis of the present invention includes two parts that sandwich a joint to be worn, a first attachment part that is attached to one part, a second attachment part that is attached to the other part, and a first attachment part that is attached to the other part. a tensioning part provided in a manner to bridge the mounting part and the second mounting part, the tensioning part being made of an elastomer, and the first mounting part and the second mounting part when the orthosis is mounted on the wearing target. It is characterized in that a tension is applied to each of the portions in a mutually attracting direction.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an orthosis that does not overly restrict physical movement.

It is an overall view showing the brace in a 1st embodiment. FIG. 2(A) is a front view when the brace is worn. FIG. 2(B) is a left side view when the brace is worn. FIG. 2(C) is a right side view when the brace is worn. FIG. 3(A) is a developed view of the first orthosis component. FIG. 3(B) is a developed view of the second orthosis component. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing joint braking when wearing a brace; It is a general view showing the brace which is a modification in a 1st embodiment. It is a general view showing the brace in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 7(A) is a rear view of the equipment when it is worn. FIG. 7(B) is a front view when the equipment is worn. It is an expanded view of a device. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing joint braking when wearing a brace; FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing the braking function corresponding to AOL running. FIG. 10(B) is a schematic diagram showing a braking function corresponding to running of the POL. FIG. 10(C) is a schematic diagram showing the braking function corresponding to AOL and POL running. It is a general view showing the brace in 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 12A is a developed view of the first supporter. FIG. 12B is a developed view of the second supporter. FIG. 12(C) is a developed view of the third supporter. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first supporter is attached. FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the second supporter is attached. FIG. 13(C) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the third supporter is attached. FIG. 14(A) is a front view of a state in which the brace according to the fourth embodiment is attached. FIG. 14(B) is a right side view of the state of FIG. 14(A). FIG. 14(C) is a rear view of the state of FIG. 14(A). It is an expanded view of a device. FIG. 16(A) is a front view of a state in which a device that is a modification of the fourth embodiment is worn. FIG. 16(B) is a side view of the state of FIG. 16(A). It is an expanded view of a device.

Before describing specific embodiments, the basic principle of this embodiment will be described.
This embodiment is based on the so-called taping method. The taping method is a method for supporting and protecting the target site by applying various tapes to the skin of the target site such as muscles, ligaments, and joints. The taping method in sports is applied to prevention of injury, assistance of motor function, treatment after injury, and the like.

In the taping method, tape is applied along the running of muscles and ligaments. The purpose of taping to prevent injuries during sports is to dampen joint movements and facilitate muscle activity. Facilitation of muscle activity is the concept of achieving both a braking function and a moving function by bringing the skin closer to the origin of movement.

The biggest drawback of the taping method is that depending on the skill of the practitioner and the material of the tape, it may not be able to fully demonstrate its function. The present embodiment is an orthosis capable of prompting appropriate facilitation to a site where an effect is expected simply by wearing it.

In the orthosis according to this embodiment, the tension imparting portion that imparts tension along the running of muscles and ligaments is made of elastomer. Among them, styrene-based elastomers are characterized by being lightweight, highly extensible, and rich in impact resilience. In addition, styrene-based elastomers are relatively inexpensive and are good materials in terms of cost reduction.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Also, in the following embodiments and modifications thereof, substantially the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing the brace 100 in the first embodiment. The orthosis 100 is a knee joint orthosis intended for an anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency knee.

The brace 100 comprises a first brace component 120 and a second brace component 140 . The first equipment-constituting part 120 is composed of an annular first cuff part 122 (first fitting part) and belt-like first extension parts 124 and 126 extending from the first cuff part 122 . The second equipment-constituting portion 140 includes an annular second cuff portion 142 (second mounting portion) and band-like second extension portions 144 and 146 extending from the second cuff portion 142 . The first extension portion 124 and the second extension portion 144 are connected, and the first extension portion 126 and the second extension portion 146 are connected to form tension applying portions 160 and 162, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the brace 100 is worn. (A) is a front view, (B) is a left side view, and (C) is a right side view.
The first extensions 124, 126 face each other across the knee joint. The first cuff 122 is wrapped around the thigh so that the intersection with the first extensions 124 and 126 is the rear surface of the thigh (back side of the thigh). The second extensions 144, 146 face each other across the knee joint. The second cuff part 142 is wrapped around the lower leg so that the intersection with the second extending parts 144 and 146 is the front surface (below the knee) of the lower leg. The first extension 126 and the second extension 146 extend to the right side of the knee joint. The end of the first extension portion 126 is extended to reach the front surface of the lower leg, and the end of the second extension portion 146 is extended to reach the rear surface of the thigh. The first extension 124 and the second extension 144 extend on the left lateral side of the knee joint. The end of the first extension portion 124 is extended to reach the front surface of the leg, and the end of the second extension portion 144 is extended to reach the rear surface of the thigh. The first extending portions 124, 126 and the second extending portions 144, 146 are also collectively referred to as a "connecting portion 164".

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the brace 100. FIG. (A) is a developed view of the first orthosis component 120, and (B) is a developed view of the second orthosis component 140. FIG.
The first equipment component 120 and the second equipment component 140 are produced by attaching a hook-and-loop fastener 182 to a base material 180 cut out from a homogeneous sheet made of a styrene-based elastomer. The first brace component 120 is composed of a rectangular first cuff 122 and rectangular first extensions 124 , 126 . The first extending portions 124 and 126 are positioned parallel to the first cuff portion 122 . A portion of the first extension portion 124 and the first cuff portion 122 are connected, and a portion of the first extension portion 126 and the first cuff portion 122 are connected, respectively, and the first appliance-constituting portion 120 has a box shape. None. The second brace forming part 140 is composed of a rectangular second cuff part 142 and rectangular second extension parts 144 , 146 . The second extending portions 144 and 146 are positioned parallel to the second cuff portion 142 . A portion of the second extension portion 144 and a second cuff portion 142 are connected, and a portion of the second extension portion 146 and the second cuff portion 142 are connected, respectively, and the second appliance-constituting portion 140 has a box shape. None. When the brace 100 is worn, the base material 180 stretches to apply tension to the user.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing joint braking when the orthosis 100 is worn. FIG. 4 shows the left side of the knee with the brace 100 attached.
The fulcrum a indicates the front surface of the thigh, the fulcrum b indicates the rear surface of the thigh, and the fulcrum c indicates the fulcrum of the brace 100 on the front surface of the lower leg. The orthosis 100 includes a first cuff portion 122 passing through the fulcrums a and b, a second cuff portion 142 passing through the fulcrum c, and a connecting portion 164 (tension applying portions 160 and 162) passing through the fulcrums b and c. In the case of an anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency knee, the tibial tuberosity on the front surface of the lower leg is relatively displaced anteriorly with respect to the femoral condyle. Therefore, the orthosis 100 first requires a force to return the tibia to the correct position.

The orthosis 100 applies a force (represented by an arrow c2) that pulls the front surface of the lower leg to the rear surface at the fulcrum c. At the same time, the orthosis 100 applies a force (represented by an arrow b1) that pulls the posterior surface of the thigh (femoral condyle) to the front at the fulcrum b. The fulcrum c is provided on the tibial tuberosity where there is little subcutaneous soft tissue. Thereby, the brace 100 can stably support the front surface of the lower leg at the fulcrum c. Further, the fulcrum b is provided at the condyle of the femur where there is little subcutaneous soft tissue. Thereby, the orthosis 100 can stably support the femoral condyle at the fulcrum b.

The orthosis 100 applies a force (indicated by arrows b2 and c1) in a mutually attracting direction between the fulcrums b and c by the tension generated in the connecting portion 164 . The direction of force represented by the arrows b2, c1 approximates the anatomical run of the anterior cruciate ligament. Therefore, the forces represented by arrows b2, c1 have a damping effect on the anterior shear forces in the extension zone of the knee as well as the anterior cruciate ligament. The forces represented by arrows b2, c1 antagonize each other. With these forces, the orthosis 100 can effectively restrict the forward relative displacement of the tibial tuberosity with respect to the femoral condyles and the rotation of the lower leg.

As described above, the first extension portion 124 and the second extension portion 144, and the first extension portion 126 and the second extension portion 146 are overlapped to form the connecting portion 164 (tension applying portions 160 and 162). do. Therefore, each of the tension applying portions 160 and 162 has twice the rigidity of the first cuff portion 122 and the second cuff portion 142 . Therefore, the tension applying parts 160 and 162 can pull each other with a strong tension between the fulcrums b and c.

On the other hand, the styrene-based elastomer used as the base material 180 of the brace 100 is a material with excellent extensibility. Even if a strong tension is generated in the tension applying parts 160 and 162, the movement of the user is not excessively hindered. Therefore, the orthosis 100 can have both a braking function and a movable function. The styrene-based elastomer used in this embodiment will be described below.

The styrenic elastomer used in this embodiment is a thermoplastic elastomer in which polystyrene is mainly used as the hard segment. Styrenic elastomers have a tensile strength of about 9.8-34.3 MPa and an elongation of about 500-1500%. Thus, styrenic elastomers have high elasticity. Therefore, it exhibits appropriate joint damping and mobility. In addition, in this embodiment, a styrene-based elastomer having an elongation of 1000% or more is more preferable. If a styrene-based elastomer having an elongation of 1000% or more is used, the brace 100 can exhibit higher elasticity.

FIG. 5 is an overall view showing a device 200 that is a modification of the first embodiment.
The orthosis 200 has a shape in which a ring-shaped first mounting portion 220, a ring-shaped second mounting portion 240, and a belt-like tension applying portion 260 bridging the first mounting portion 220 and the second mounting portion 240 are integrated. . The orthosis 200 has hook-and-loop fasteners 282 on the front surface of the thigh and the rear surface of the crus, and other parts are composed only of a base material 280 made of a styrene-based elastomer. In the brace 200 as well, the tension applying section 260 applies tension derived from a styrene elastomer to the front surface of the lower leg and the condyle of the femur in mutually attracting directions (opposing directions). Therefore, the orthosis 200 can ensure the necessary range of motion in the knee joint while restricting the forward relative displacement of the tibial tuberosity with respect to the femoral condyle and the rotation of the lower leg in the extension range of the knee.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 6 is an overall view showing the brace 300 in the second embodiment. The brace 300 is an elbow joint brace for baseball elbow.

The brace 300 includes an annular first cuff portion 320 (first attachment portion), an annular second cuff portion 340 (second attachment portion), and a support portion 310 . The first cuff portion 320 and the second cuff portion 340 are provided at positions facing each other with the support portion 310 interposed therebetween. The first cuff portion 320 and the second cuff portion 340 are provided with tension in mutually attracting directions (antagonistic tension) by a pair of intersecting connecting portions 360 (tension applying portions) at the support portion 310 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the brace 300 is attached. (A) is a rear view, and (B) is a front view.
The orthosis 300 is configured such that the intersection point P of the pair of connecting portions 360 is in contact with the anterior oblique ligament (referred to as “AOL”) and the posterior oblique ligament (referred to as “POL”). be worn. The first cuff 320 is wrapped around the upper arm with the hook-and-loop fastener 382 on the thumb side (outer arm side). The second cuff 340 is wrapped around the forearm with the hook-and-loop fastener 382 on the outer arm side. The support part 310 is wrapped around the elbow so that the hook-and-loop fastener 382 contacts the outer arm side.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the brace 300. FIG.
The device 300 is manufactured by attaching a hook-and-loop fastener 382 to a base material 380 cut out from a homogeneous sheet made of a styrene-based elastomer. The hook-and-loop fastener 382 is provided on the first cuff portion 320 , the second cuff portion 340 and the support portion 310 . The connecting portion 360 is made of only the base material 380 and bridges the first cuff portion 320 and the second cuff portion 340 .

The connecting portion 360 is composed of belt-like connecting portions 362 and 364 . The connecting portions 362 and 364 intersect each other at the intersection point P. As shown in FIG. An intersection portion P is a portion where the support portion 310 and the connecting portions 362 and 364 intersect. The intersection point P abuts on a position corresponding to the medial epicondyle from the olecranon, which will be described later. In the orthosis 300, the two ends of the first cuff 320 overlap to form an annular shape, and the two ends of the second cuff 340 overlap to form an annular shape. One end of the connecting portion 362 and one end of the connecting portion 364 are connected to the first cuff portion 320 , and the other ends of the connecting portions 362 and 364 are connected to the second cuff portion 340 .

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing joint braking when the orthosis 300 is worn.
The fulcrum d is the outer arm of the upper arm, the fulcrum e is the inner arm of the elbow, and the fulcrum f is the fulcrum of the brace 300 on the outer arm of the forearm. The brace 300 applies forces in the directions of arrows D, E, and F at fulcrums d, e, and f to the upper arm, elbow, and forearm, respectively. The connecting portion 362 extends from the fulcrum d of the first cuff portion 320 to the fulcrum f of the second cuff portion 340 through the fulcrum e (intersection portion P) of the support portion 310 . The connecting portion 364 extends from the fulcrum f of the second cuff portion 340 to the fulcrum d of the first cuff portion 320 via the fulcrum e of the support portion 310 . Thereby, the connecting portions 362 and 364 apply tension in the direction from the first cuff portion 320 and the second cuff portion 340 to the fulcrum e, respectively. This tension is the origin of the ulnar collateral ligament, and has the function of compressing and fixing the medial superior humerus, which protrudes most from the body surface.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the braking function that the brace 300 imparts to the elbow joint. (A) is a schematic diagram corresponding to AOL traveling LA, (B) is a schematic diagram corresponding to POL traveling LP, and (C) is a schematic diagram in which (A) and (B) are superimposed.

In baseball elbow, it is important to reduce the valgus stress to the inside of the elbow during pitching. In order to reduce this valgus stress, braces that imitate AOL and POL are considered effective. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the AOL run LA extends to the upper arm and forearm centering on the medial side of the elbow joint (medial epicondyle). As shown in FIG. 10(B), the running LP of the POL extends to the upper arm and forearm around the outer side of the AOL (from the olecranon to the vicinity of the medial epicondyle). The orthosis 300 has a shape similar to both the AOL run LA and the POL run LP. That is, the intersection point P of the brace 300 is applied to a position corresponding to the AOL and POL of the elbow joint. By tensioning the upper arm and forearm in the direction toward the intersection point P, the brace 300 can reduce valgus stress on the elbow joint during a pitch.

The orthosis 300 according to this embodiment has a mode in which the first cuff portion 320 and the second cuff portion 340 are connected to the connecting portions 362 and 364 . In addition, the connecting portions 362 and 364 apply tension (tension to compete with each other) from the first cuff portion 320 and the second cuff portion 340 toward the intersection point P, respectively. This shape can also be applied to the knee joint brace in the first embodiment. When applied to a knee joint brace, the intersection P is brought into contact with the side of the knee. As a result, the connecting portion 362 or connecting portion 364 approximates the anatomical run of the anterior cruciate ligament, so that valgus at the knee joint can be damped.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is an overall view showing the brace 400 in the third embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the brace 400. FIG. (A) is a developed view of the first supporter 420, (B) is a developed view of the second supporter 440, and (C) is a developed view of the third supporter 460. FIG. The orthosis 400 is a supporter intended for the shoulder joint.

The brace 400 consists of a first supporter 420 , a second supporter 440 and a third supporter 460 . The first supporter 420 consists of a first torso wrapping portion 422 , a second torso wrapping portion 424 and an arm wrapping portion 426 . The first torso wrapping portion 422, the second torso wrapping portion 424, and the arm wrapping portion 426 are all belt-shaped. The end portion of the first torso wrapping portion 422 and the arm wrapping portion 426 are connected, and the end portion of the second torso wrapping portion 424 and the arm wrapping portion 426 are connected to each other, and the first supporter 420 has a U-shape. there is The second supporter 440 consists of a third waist wrap portion 442 and a shoulder wrap portion 444 . The third torso wrapping portion 442 has a belt shape, and the shoulder wrapping portion 444 has a rectangular shape. 2 The supporter 440 is T-shaped. The third supporter 460 has a strip shape. The first supporter 420, the second supporter 440, and the third supporter 460 are formed by attaching a hook-and-loop fastener 482 to a base material 480 made of a styrene elastomer.

13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing a method of wearing the brace 400. FIG. (A) is an explanatory view showing a state in which the first supporter 420 is attached, (B) is an explanatory view showing a state in which the first supporter 420 and the second supporter 440 are attached, (C) is an explanatory view showing the first supporter 420 and the second supporter 420 FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the supporter 440 and the third supporter 460 are attached; In this embodiment, the case of wearing on the left shoulder of the user is shown.

First, the first supporter 420 is attached to the brace 400 . The arm wrapping part 426 is wrapped around the upper left arm of the user with the first torso wrapping part 422 of the first supporter 420 facing the user's front and the second torso wrapping part 424 facing the user's back. The first torso wrapping part 422 is brought into contact with the left shoulder, the back, and the right armpit in this order, and the end of the first torso wrapping part 422 is applied to the front. The second body wrapping portion 424 is brought into contact with the left shoulder, the front surface, and the right armpit in this order, and the end portion of the second body wrapping portion 424 is applied to the back surface. The first supporter 420 is fixed by overlapping a portion of the first torso wrapping portion 422 and a portion of the second torso wrapping portion 424 .

Next, the second supporter 440 is attached from above the first supporter 420 . The intersection of the third torso wrapping portion 442 and the shoulder wrapping portion 444 of the second supporter 440 is applied to the left shoulder so that the third torso wrapping portion 442 of the second supporter 440 is on the back side and the shoulder wrapping portion 444 is on the front side. The third trunk winding portion 442 is extended from the left armpit toward the front, and the respective ends of the third trunk winding portion 442 are brought into contact with each other under the right armpit. The end of the shoulder wrapping part 444 is extended from the left armpit to the back and overlapped with the third body wrapping part 442 on the back.

Finally, the third supporter 460 is attached from above the first supporter 420 and the second supporter 440 . Wrap the end of the third supporter 460 around the left upper arm. The end on the opposite side passes through the front, right armpit, back, and left shoulder, and is overlapped and fixed with the third supporter 460 on the front.

Each of the first supporter 420, the second supporter 440, and the third supporter 460 of the orthosis 400 exerts a braking function on the shoulder. In the case of this embodiment, when the user wears the first supporter 420, a force is applied from the upper arm to the right abdomen through the left shoulder. When the second supporter 440 is worn, a force is applied to the user from the back of the left shoulder to the right abdomen through the left shoulder. When the third supporter 460 is worn, the user is given a force from the back to the front through the left shoulder. By applying these forces to the user, the brace 400 keeps the humeral head centripetal. Therefore, the orthosis 400 can suppress the displacement of the humeral head in the user's shoulder joint. On the other hand, the brace 400 imparts the above force with a base material 480 made of a styrenic elastomer. As described above, the styrene-based elastomer has high extensibility, so that the brace 400 also enables necessary movement without excessive braking of the shoulder joint.

In this embodiment, the case where the brace 400 is worn on the left shoulder has been described, but it may also be worn on the right shoulder. Moreover, although the second supporter 440 is attached after the first supporter 420 is attached, the second supporter 440 may be attached first, and then the first supporter 420 may be attached.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the brace 500 in the fourth embodiment. (A) is a front view of a state in which the brace 500 is attached, (B) is a right side view, and (C) is a rear view. The brace 500 is a strap-type brace for damping medial movement of the knee joint.

The brace 500 includes a first annular mounting portion 520 , a second annular mounting portion 540 , and a strip tensioning portion 560 . The first wearing part 520 is wrapped around the waist of the user. The second wearing part 540 is wrapped around the user's knees. The tension applying portion 560 extends from the intersection with the first attachment portion 520 on the side of the waist through the front of the thigh to the intersection with the second attachment portion 540 on the medial side below the knee. The tension applying portion 560 bridges the first mounting portion 520 and the second mounting portion 540 and applies tension in the direction from the first mounting portion 520 to the second mounting portion 540 .

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the brace 500. FIG.
The first mounting portion 520 and the second mounting portion 540 are each rectangular, and the tension applying portion 560 is a parallelogram. The two ends of the first mounting part 520 are overlapped to form an annular shape when the first mounting part 520 is mounted. The two ends of the second mounting part 540 are overlapped to form an annular shape when the second mounting part 540 is mounted. Two parallel edges of the tension applying portion 560 are sides that intersect the first mounting portion 520 and the second mounting portion 540 . The orthosis 500 comprises a substrate 580 cut out from a single homogeneous styrene-based elastomer sheet, and a hook-and-loop fastener 582 attached to the substrate 580 and provided to the first mounting portion 520 and the second mounting portion 540. Consists of

As described above, the intersection of the tension applying portion 560 and the first mounting portion 520 is in contact with the waist side surface, and the intersection of the tension applying portion 560 and the second mounting portion 540 is in contact with the inside of the knee. The tension applying part 560 is worn by the user in a spiral shape extending from the waist side to the inner side of the knee through the front of the thigh. At this time, the force applied by the tension applying portion 560 is directed from the side of the waist to the front of the thigh and the inner side of the knee. This tension can inhibit hip adduction, internal rotation, and medial knee movement that accompanies knee valgus. On the other hand, since the tension applying part 560 is made of a styrene-based elastomer and has moderate extensibility, the brace 500 can move without excessively braking the knee joint.

In this embodiment, the brace 500 is worn by the user in a state in which the tension applying portion 560 is formed in a spiral shape extending from the waist side to the inner side of the knee through the front surface of the thigh. This shape can also be applied to the knee joint brace in the first embodiment. Also in this case, it is possible to suppress the knee joint from moving inward.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a device 600 that is a modification of the fourth embodiment. (A) is a front view with the brace 600 attached, and (B) is a right side view with the brace 600 attached. FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the brace 600. FIG.

The device 600 is composed of a base material 680 that is cut out from a single homogeneous styrene-based elastomer sheet and a hook-and-loop fastener 682 attached to the base material 680 . The brace 600 comprises a first mounting portion 620 , a second mounting portion 640 and a tensioning portion 660 . A hook-and-loop fastener 682 is provided on the first mounting part 620 and the second mounting part 640 . The first wearing part 620 is wrapped around the waist of the user. The second wearing part 640 is wrapped around the user's ankle. The tension applying part 660 extends from the waist side of the first mounting part 620 to the outside of the ankle of the second mounting part 640 through the side of the leg part, and tensions the first mounting part 620 and the second mounting part 640 in the direction of pulling them together. to give This tension allows the brace 600 to restrain medial movement of the knee joint.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to those specific embodiments, and that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Nor.

In the above second embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the joint braking when the orthosis 300 is worn is shown in the case of three-point support of fulcrums d, e, and f. In addition to these three points, a fourth fulcrum may be provided at a symmetrical position across the elbow from the fulcrum e. This fulcrum exerts a force in the direction toward the fulcrum e. These four-point braces provide more effective dampening of valgus at the elbow joint.

In the fourth embodiment, the braces 500 and 600 are shown with one end wrapped around the waist and the other end wrapped around the ankle. These braces 500, 600 may be supplemented with two parallel belt-like straps that run from the front of the waist through each shoulder and connect to the back of the waist. This strap also employs a styrenic elastomer as a base material. The orthosis having this configuration can suppress rocking of the trunk and dampen the lateral inclination of the trunk.

In the above embodiment, a homogeneous styrene-based elastomer was used for the base material. Alternatively, other elastomers such as silicone or rubber may be used. Since the orthosis of the present invention made of elastomer has excellent extensibility, it is difficult for the orthosis to slip out of place even when worn over clothing. In addition, since there is little bending due to the movement of the joints, the braking function can be maintained even if the user makes vigorous movements such as in sports. However, styrene-based elastomers are more preferable because they are superior in breakage resistance to other elastomers.

In the above embodiment, the styrene-based elastomer is used as the base material not only for the tension applying section but also for the first mounting section and the second mounting section. In a modified example, a hard material may be used for the material of the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. In this case as well, the necessary tension can be applied to the joint by using the styrene-based elastomer for the tension applying portion. However, by using a styrene-based elastomer for the base material of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion as well, each mounting portion deforms according to the skeleton of the mounting portion, etc., thereby improving the mountability. Moreover, compared with the case of using a hard material, it is possible to reduce the pain caused by wearing the brace.

In the above embodiment, the base material of the equipment is assumed to be a styrene elastomer. An orthosis using only a styrene-based elastomer as a base material can effectively exhibit the elastic properties of the styrene-based elastomer and the adhesiveness to the skin. In a modification, the brace may be provided with a base such as cloth. By providing a base, the air permeability between the attachment site and the base material is improved, and skin troubles can be reduced. When providing a base, the shape and material should be selected so as not to interfere with the extensibility of the styrene-based elastomer that is the base material of the orthosis.

In the above-described embodiment, target mounting locations and cases are specified. The use of the brace in the embodiment is not limited to this, and it may be worn on fingers or other joints. In addition, depending on the object to be worn, the brace may be an integrated brace, or the brace may be composed of a plurality of brace components.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications. Also, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

100 equipment, 120 first equipment component part, 122 first cuff part, 124 first extension part, 126 first extension part, 140 second equipment component part, 142 second mounting part, 144 second extension part, 146 second extension part 160 tension applying part 164 connecting part 180 base material 182 hook-and-loop fastener 200 equipment 220 first cuff part 240 second cuff part 260 tension applying part 280 base material 282 face Fastener 300 equipment 310 support part 320 first cuff part 340 second cuff part 360 connection part 362 connection part 364 connection part 380 base material 382 hook-and-loop fastener 400 equipment 420 first supporter 422 First torso wrapping portion 424 Second torso wrapping portion 426 Arm wrapping portion 440 Second supporter 442 Third torso wrapping portion 444 Shoulder wrapping portion 460 Third supporter 480 Base material 482 Velcro fastener 500 equipment, 520 first applied part, 540 second applied part, 560 tension applying part, 580 base material, 582 hook-and-loop fastener, 600 equipment, 620 first applied part, 640 second applied part, 660 tension applying part, 680 base material, 682 hook-and-loop fastener, D arrow, LA running, LP running, P intersection, a fulcrum, b fulcrum, b1 arrow, b2 arrow, c fulcrum, c1, c2 arrow, d fulcrum, e fulcrum, f fulcrum.

Claims (2)

a first mounting portion that is mounted on one of two portions sandwiching a joint to be mounted;
a second attachment portion attached to the other portion;
a tension applying portion provided in a manner of bridging the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion;
with
The tension imparting portion is made of an elastomer, and imparts tension in a mutually attracting direction to each of the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion when the orthosis is attached to the attachment target,
The first orthosis constituting part and the second orthosis constituting part are connected by a pair of tension applying parts,
The first equipment component includes:
the first mounting portion;
a pair of first extension portions extending from the first mounting portion;
including
The second equipment component includes:
the second mounting portion;
a pair of second extension portions extending from the second mounting portion;
including
One of the pair of first extension portions and one of the pair of second extension portions are detachably connected to form one of the pair of tension applying portions,
An orthosis, wherein the other of the pair of first extension portions and the other of the pair of second extension portions are detachably connected to form the other of the pair of tension applying portions. a first mounting portion that is mounted on one of two portions sandwiching a joint to be mounted;
a second attachment portion attached to the other portion;
a tension applying portion provided in a manner of bridging the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion;
with
The tension applying portion is made of an elastomer, and has one end formed integrally with the first mounting portion and the other end formed integrally with the second mounting portion, thereby connecting the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. When the orthosis is attached to the attachment target, the tension is applied to the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in a direction in which they are attracted to each other, and
Configured as an elbow joint orthosis,
a first cuff portion that is annularly attached to the upper arm as the first attachment portion;
a second cuff portion that is annularly attached to the forearm as the second attachment portion;
a support that abuts the elbow;
a pair of connecting portions extending from the first cuff portion to the second cuff portion through the support portion and intersecting each other at the support portion, as the tension applying portion;
An orthosis comprising:

Images