WO1987001028A1

WO1987001028A1 - Minerva jacket

Info

Publication number: WO1987001028A1
Application number: PCT/EP1986/000493
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerrit Jan Benckhuijsen
Original assignee: Gerrit Jan Benckhuijsen
Priority date: 1985-08-23
Filing date: 1986-08-22
Publication date: 1987-02-26
Also published as: EP0269636A1; AU6405286A

Abstract

A minerva jacket (3) provided with a moulded portion consisting of an elastic material (4) facilitating breathing, and thus offering a certin freedom of movement. To ensure, however, effective support of the neck region a reinforcement (6) is provided in the part of the spinal column extending from the first to the seventh cervical vertebra (I, VII). To produce such a moulded portion the corresponding anatomic shape is cut from a strip or sheet of elastic material (4); alternatively, at those parts which are curved lanceolated strips of material are cut simultaneously or beforehand, the cutting surfaces of the strips which face one another being bonded together.

Description

THERAPEUTIC COLLAR

The invention relates to a therapeutic neck collar according to the preamble of claim 1.

Neck collars of this type are used for various diseases of the upper spine, for incorrect posture and defects in the neck and shoulder muscles. It is essentially a matter of forcing the head into an upright posture which relieves the corresponding points.

The neck collars previously used were either designed in the sense of a "constraint": they had a hard molded part that surrounded the neck like a shell and made practically every movement of the head impossible. The patient found this correspondingly unpleasant because such a molded part could lead to pressure points, especially below the lower jaw, to grazes and hematomas; or the neck collar consisted only of a foam ring, which had little or no supportive effect on the spine.

For example, a neck support for immobilizing the cervical spine was proposed in FR-A 2244447 and in parallel DE-A 2443983, which consists of a rigid, board-shaped material. Such a support is only suitable for the short-term care of an accident victim. A neck support for a child is proposed by US-A 3522804; a shell, possibly containing stiffening rods, is provided for the occiput, which prevents the head from being thrown backwards; the child is not supported. Incidentally, the neck collar according to US Pat. No. 4,034,747 is very similar. Neck supports of the type described in US-A 3504667 or US-A 3374785 in turn hardly support the occiput.

The importance of combining a support of the back of the head between the occipital scalp and the transition from the cervical to the thoracic spine with a support of the cheekbones (between the base of the chin and sternum) to achieve a dunning function during a long treatment period has obviously not been recognized.

The invention is based on the object of creating a neck collar of the type mentioned at the outset in which the disadvantages mentioned are eliminated and nevertheless a perfect hold is provided. The aim is to find a solution with which the contradicting demands are met, namely on the one hand to give the spinal area a firm hold, on the other hand to be compliant enough so that the above-mentioned injuries do not occur.

According to the invention, the solution outlined in the characterizing part of claim 1 is proposed, which can also be characterized as follows: stiffening where it is necessary; Deformability where it is permissible.

However, this brief formula only describes the basic principle behind the invention. It is also essential that the deformability is elastic, so that although restricted movements - in contrast to conventional neck collars of this type - are possible, the neck collar takes on its original shape again and again and again, the wearer gently but insistently on a straight head posture warns. It is also essential that the material is breathable because it causes sweating and sweaty eczema can be avoided, which was a further problem with the known neck collar.

The location of the stiffening is also important, although this is not synonymous with a length of stiffening corresponding to the length of the spine from the first to the seventh cervical vertebrae; rather, the stiffening will have to be of such an extent that a support effect is created for the first and seventh cervical vertebrae, which does not rule out that the stiffening extends even further. On the other hand, it will also be shown that the stiffening of the first cervical vertebra - depending on the shape of the head - can possibly take place somewhat from below, so that the stiffening part can then be designed to be somewhat shorter than would correspond to the cervical spine.

It has been shown in practice that this training in accordance with the invention not only achieved the goal set, but that there is even an additional therapeutic advantage. Because the patient himself is now involved, the neck collar just "reminds" of the straight head posture, that is, it only exerts a gentle force, so that the patient himself has to use his muscles, which are then subjected to vigorous training to atrophy, as is unfortunately the case with rigid dressings.

Accordingly, it was confirmed in clinics that the neck collar according to the invention is suitable for the treatment of the following symptoms:

- Cervical syndrome in chondrosis, spondylosis and spondylarthrosis, - brachialgia with degenerative changes in the cervical spine,

Complaints after whiplash,

- hypertonic muscles,

- muscular insufficiency,

- blockages,

- hypermobility,

- for active correction in the erection,

- Hard tension of the neck and shoulder muscles.

This shows that the application possibilities have increased considerably compared to now.

To produce such a neck collar, one can either proceed in a similar manner to what was done according to the prior art, namely by casting, shaping or modeling the molded part in the shape surrounding the neck in the plastic state of the material . Of course, an elastic, breathable material can also be produced in the required "torus" shape with the aid of appropriate molding tools. However, molding tools are expensive and large quantities are required if their costs are to be profitable. A production method according to the characterizing part of claim 9 (and possibly of claim 10) is therefore preferred.

A kind of ready-made clothing is thus obtained, taking advantage of the fact that elastic, breathable material in sheet form is commercially available. The molded part preferably consists of a foamed elastic material, which is accordingly light, whereby soft polyather foam is not only inexpensive, but is also particularly suitable in terms of skin compatibility. Also with regard to the choice of the correct material thickness, there are contradicting demands, on the one hand, by a sufficient clear compulsion to keep upright should be exerted, on the other hand the stiffness must not be so great that there are again the disadvantages that have been described with reference to the prior art. A favorable thickness of the material that meets both requirements is between 10 and 15 mm. It is advantageous if the specific weight is only between 40 and 50 g / ccm, in order not to cause pressure on the wearer, despite the corresponding strength.

If the term "adhesive agent" is used here, it should be understood to mean everything that produces an adhesive effect, namely not only an adhesive in the narrow sense, but also a solvent for the material, which is slightly sticky by slightly dissolving it makes, but also a glue in the warm state of the material (welding, eg with ultrasound).

Further details emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the drawing. Show it:

1 shows the head of a patient from the side, with the neck collar in section.

2 A and B head and neck collar in front view in two different versions;

3 the removed neck collar in perspective;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a material plate of a foam to which

FIG. 5 shows a section along the line V-V of FIG. 4; and

6 shows a rear view of an alternative embodiment.

1 is around the neck 1 of a patient 2 Neck collar 3 placed, which consists essentially of elastic material 4, namely a polymer foam, in particular polyether. "In this context," elastic "should of course always be understood to mean rubber elasticity. It should be mentioned here that other, in this sense elastic, materials can also be used, such as rubber, or foam rubber, polyester-polyurethane soft foam, etc., but a polyether foam in particular best meets the requirements. It would also be conceivable to manufacture the neck collar from composite materials, for example from a core made of harder rubber, which can be provided on the neck particularly in the area of the spine 5 and can be covered by at least one softer layer, possibly also by several layers increasing softness.

In order now to support the region of the spine 5 between the first cervical vertebra I and the seventh cervical vertebra VII, a stiffening 6 is provided, which is shown in broken lines in the perspective view according to FIG. 3 and thus in the form of a clip or a strap is formed, similar to the fish legs used for stiffening in the corset branch. The stiffening 6 can be formed from metal, in particular elastically flexible metal, such as steel, or also from plastic, a certain spring effect being favorable. If a single clip 6 is also used according to FIG. 3, the stiffening may have other shapes as well, as is shown on the stiffening bracket 106 of FIG. 6, which then partially encloses the neck and at least one upper bracket section 106 ' and has a lower portion 106 ".

However, it is clear precisely from the comparison with FIG. 6 why a stiffening extending parallel to the spine 5 is preferred: it is lighter, does not result in any forces acting laterally on the neck 1 and is also less expensive. However, it may be desirable to arrange several such clips instead of a single clip 6. In this case, however, it is preferred if an odd number of braces are provided for the stiffening, because then the middle brace is always directly opposite the spine and produces a much more direct support effect. For example, it may be expedient to provide the three braces 6 instead of the single brace 6 shown in FIG. 3, it being particularly expedient if they diverge upwards in a fan shape in order to place the patient's head 2 in a basket-like manner when the neck collar 3 is closed to support three places.

In any case, the stiffening 6 or 106 should be such that the first cervical vertebra I is supported on the upper side. As illustrated in FIG. 1 by a dash-dotted line 7 starting from the cervical vertebra I and to the contact point of the stiffening span 6 on the head, approximately normal to the tangent, any force is transmitted along this line 7 to the stiffening 6, which in turn produces this Force distributed over the area of its expansion, in particular downwards to the lower area of the spine 5 and to the shoulders. As a result, the diseased or endangered areas are relieved without the patient 2 being prevented from moving in principle, although in the upper edge 9 of the neck collar 3 which extends below the chin drawer 8, the head position shown is stopped.

The attitude reached so with gentle coercion with aufge¬ stretched Halswirb ^'elsäule and dorsal slightly elevated chin corresponds to the so-called expanded state in manual medicine. This stretching stand will, like already said, not least obtained by the fact that the upper edge 9 supports the head under the jaw 8. Since the foam material 4 is flexible, it is expedient to adjust its flexibility under the chin in order to counteract a lowering of the head or to measure the pressure upwards accordingly. This can be achieved by additional stiffening in the area of the upper sternum 10. The additional stiffening itself could be achieved in a similar way to that shown with the stiffening 6, namely by means of a corresponding stiffening body.

This is done more simply in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, namely that the sternal stiffening is achieved by a double layer of the elastic material 4. As such, a multiple layer could also be provided or the elastic material 4 could be widened downwards. Here, however, the double position is achieved simply by the fact that the molded part 3 surrounding the neck 1 has an extension 3 ′ or 3 ″ on each side in the manner of a shawl collar, the ends of which are folded over to achieve the stiffening. Especially from FIG. 3 it can be seen that the ends of these extensions 3 ¹ , 3 "can be slightly widened.

The connection of the two elongated ends 3 ', 3 "is preferably a flat one, whereby a large number of push buttons would be conceivable. It would also be conceivable to provide a detachable adhesive connection, but one tends to become dirty and becomes slightly unsightly It is therefore preferred if the flat connection is designed as a Velcro connection 11 (cf. the surfaces 11 in FIGS. 2 and 3).

^• On the basis of FIG. 1 is the effect of this stiffening readily apparent. While the neck collar 3 is off If the foam can be bent slightly under the chin of patient 2 (FIG. 2A) or at least slightly compressed (FIG. 2B) and therefore only allowed a certain amount of movement, the lower part is due to the two layers of the patient lying firmly against one another Foam material 4 stiffened so far that there can hardly be a bend in any case. It is therefore in your hand to influence the strength of the stiffening effect by appropriate choice of the material thickness and strength and by appropriate dimensioning of the height H of the overturned end 3 ', whereby it can also be expedient, at least for some applications, to choose the width of the ends 3 ', 3 "or the height H so that a double material layer is formed up to the chin 8. According to FIG. 2B, the ends 3', 3" can also be on both sides up to the respective half-neck depth are sufficient so that the entire neck collar 3 has a length of one and a half neck circumferences in the open state. The closure is then provided on the side.

From Fig. 1 it can also be seen that when the head of the patient 2 moves, not only is pressure exerted on the upper edge 9, but at the same time the flat connection 11 in the upper region is slightly stressed in the sense of loosening. Therefore, in order to decouple the stresses (the connection 11 is also claimed in the sense of pulling apart, as is clear from FIG. 2), it may be advantageous if at least one of the connection surfaces 11 on a tab, bandage or band protruding from the body of the neck collar 3 is provided. 2A, it may be advantageous to choose a symmetrical configuration of the ends 3 ′, 3 ″ folded over one another, so that the patient's head is not directed downwards to the side. It will therefore also be advantageous in the case of a strap or the like , the closure 11 exactly in the To be arranged in the middle, if necessary shortening one end of the collar 3 ', the flap then forming the extension.

As already mentioned, the invention is in no way limited to such a configuration of the sternal stiffening. For example, a stiffening body could also be provided at one of the ends 3 'or 3 ", which at the same time is designed like a clip and thus holds the other shortened end. ^"

1 also shows that at least the foam body 4 - here also the stiffening clip 6 - is covered by a textile material 12. This material contributes to the skin-friendliness of the neck collar 3. It preferably consists of knitted fabric, that is to say a knitted fabric or knitted fabric, because the irregular shape of the neck collar 3 can be clearly seen from FIG. 3 and knitted fabric can best adapt to it due to a certain intrinsic elasticity.

In order to prevent wrinkling, the material 12 can be glued to the foam body 4. However, this bonding must not hinder the breathing of the skin, which is why either a suitable permeable adhesive is selected, or the bonding only in individual areas, e.g. at adhesive points 13 distributed over the surface.

A further therapeutic effect can be associated with the fabric cover 12 by selecting a fabric from an electrostatically charging plastic material. Such a substance preferably consists of the material specified in claim 6. The skin is formed in a known manner by the electrostatic charge Blood circulation and thus the recovery process promote slight and harmless irritation of the skin, so that healing can be achieved more quickly than before.

1, the stiffening clasp 6 lies below the fabric 12 and is therefore difficult to access, an advantageous embodiment can consist in the fabric 12 having at least one insert pocket in a manner known per se to tenants possesses, the dimensions of which are adapted for insertion, in particular from above, of the clasp 6, so that the clasp 6 can be exchanged for different patients and whose body dimensions or shapes can be adapted.

1 shows the stiffening brace 6, which can be seen in a section along the line II of FIG. 3, running essentially straight. "However, since, as can be seen, the back of the patient 2 protrudes beyond the upper edge 9 , it may be expedient to dig out the clip 6 at the upper end in order to avoid any risk of a pressure point on the other hand. On the other hand, in order to better transmit the supporting forces to the lower spine, it may be useful to lightly press the lower end of the stiffening clip 6 to be directed against the spine 5, so that - when both bends are realized - a slight S-shape of the stiffening clip (or all clips if several are provided) is obtained.

2 and 3 in particular, it can be seen that the neck collar shown derives its strength not only from the strength of the material itself, but that due to the fact that it clings to the body on the one hand and by enclosing the neck on the other hand, a curvature directed towards several spatial coordinates results. which - according to the type of construction of a saddle - results in stiffening with little material and weight.

It has already been mentioned that the relatively complicated shape shown in FIG. 3 per se could be obtained by injection molding or another relevant shaping technique. However, the production process described below is more favorable.

From Fig. 3 dash-dotted seams 14 can be seen, which are arranged essentially where the main body of the neck collar 3 itself is curved, and which each extend in the direction of the generatrix of this curvature. These seams 14 result from the manufacturing process for the molded body made of foam 4 (cf. FIG. 1) and are normally covered by the material 12, which also protects them from damage.

To produce the shaped body shown in FIG. 3, a flat foam sheet, expediently 11 to 13 mm thick, for example 12 mm thick, is first cut into the flat shape shown in FIG. 4. Then, in order to produce the seams 14 (cf. FIG. 3) at the bending points, that is to say where a clear bending of the shaped body is desired. Cut out strips of material which, in plan view, have the lancet shape of the remaining openings 15, as can be seen in FIG. 4. In cross-section (FIG. 5), the cut-out, lancet-shaped material strips 16 have the shape of a triangle, the base 17 of which runs along the inner surface 18 (cf. FIGS. 3, 4). In principle, other cross-sectional shapes would also be possible, such as a trapezoidal shape, but the triangular shape is the most appropriate. For obvious reasons, the cut is made from the inside 18 and can be continuous to the rear or leave a narrow web in the area thereof.

In this way, the openings 15 are obtained, which are delimited laterally by mutually opposite cutting surfaces 19 (FIG. 5). The inclination of these cut surfaces 19 with respect to the inner surface 18 depends on the extent of the desired curvature or bend and thus on the size of the clothing. The more acute the apex angle of the triangle enclosed by the cut surfaces 19, the smaller the resulting bend will be if, in a subsequent step, the two cut surfaces are coated with an adhesive or a dilute solvent and then placed against one another, whereupon the adhesive is allowed to dry. Instead of an adhesive, the area of the cut surfaces could also be softened, for example by the action of heat, so that a kind of welding results when the surfaces 19 are joined together.

3 and 4 clearly show, it is useful to provide a bending point 14 or 15 on each side of the spinal column section (which is supported by the stiffening brace 6) and also at least one on each side (symmetrical to the center) Further. Since, on the one hand, the attachment of the openings 15 (FIG. 4) causes work and thus costs, and on the other hand it is evident that the foam body 4 narrows too much like a shell to the outside, four seams 14 will usually suffice.

If the above-mentioned pockets for accommodating the stiffening clasp (s) are not provided in the fabric 12 (cf. FIG. 1), the stiffening is applied after the shaped body 4 has been bent. In itself, this can be 6, end pieces 20 widened in the manner of FIG. 6 with subsequent constrictions 21 can serve to give a band, a cord or a strap 22 for connection to the foam 4 a firm hold. The ¹ band 22 or the like can then be pulled through on the inside and sewn into a ring, although this type of fastening leads to a certain strain on the foam 4.

Claims

PATENT SIGNS

1. A therapeutic neck collar made of a molded part (4) which surrounds the neck and is made of elastic, breathable material, characterized in that at least one stiffening (6, 106) is provided along the spinal column, which reinforces the dorsal scale in the area of the first cervical vertebra ( I) against the transition from the cervical to the thoracic spine, at least also in the area of the seventh cervical vertebra (VII), wherein additionally - preferably milder - stiffening is provided between the chin (8) and the upper sternal area (10) .

2. Neck collar according to claim 1, characterized in that the sternal stiffening is formed by an at least double layer of the elastic material, and that preferably the molded part surrounding the neck (1) has an extension (3 ', 3 "on each side ) in the manner of a shawl collar, the possibly widened ends of which can be connected to one another one above the other in order to achieve the stiffening.

3. Neck collar according to claim 2, characterized in that a flat connection, in particular a Velcro connection (11) is provided for connecting the ends (3 ', 3 ").

4. Neck collar according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the molded part (4) of egg nem textile material (12), in particular knitted fabric, is covered, optionally at least partially glued to the fabric.

5. Neck collar according to claim 5, characterized in that the material (12) from an electrostatic charging plastic material, in particular made of polyvinyl chloride fibers, optionally mixed with up to 15% acrylic fibers.

6. Neck collar according to claim 5 or 6, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that an air-permeable adhesive, if necessary with adhesive-free Stel¬ len, e.g. with an adhesive dot grid is provided.

7. Neck collar according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaped part (4) made of foamed elastic material, in particular made of soft polyather foam, in particular a specific weight between 40 and 50 g / dm3 and / or a thickness between 10 and 15 mm.

8. The method for producing a neck collar according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) the anatomically corresponding shape is cut out of a web of elastic material (4) for the molded part, b) at the points intended for a bend (14), in particular from the inside (18), in accordance with the generatrices of the bend, approximately lancet-shaped material strips (16) are removed in such a way that mutually opposite cut surfaces (19) remain, whereupon c) the opposite cut surfaces (19) be provided with an adhesive agent which is allowed to dry in the abutting state of these cut surfaces (19).

9. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that two bending points (14) on either side of the Spine section (6) are attached, and that at least one further bending point (14) is attached to each side, but preferably no more, and that the lancet-shaped material strips (16) of the bending points have the shape of a triangle in cross section, the Base side (17) runs along the inner surface (18) of the molded part.