GB2483329A

GB2483329A - Orthopaedic corset with replaceable panels

Info

Publication number: GB2483329A
Application number: GB1113204.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Isal Marie Turnball
Original assignee: INNOVEERING Ltd
Current assignee: INNOVEERING Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-31
Filing date: 2011-08-01
Publication date: 2012-03-07
Also published as: GB201113204D0; GB201014369D0

Abstract

There is described an orthotic device 12 for aiding recuperation of a patient from a spinal injury. The device has panels 12a, 12b which extend around the sides of the patient, between the back and chest area, made from a substantially rigid material. A series of laces 40 extends from one panel to another, connected to the panels by hooks 50. A rotatable mechanism 30 for tightening the lacing connections may be provided. Wings 14, 16, 20, 22, 24 and 26 provide further support. The panels can be replaced by panels of different rigidity over the course of a treatment, for example being replaced with less rigid panels towards the end of the treatment.

Description

ORTHOTIC DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an orthotic device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a spinal orthotic device capable of aiding recuperation of a patient from a spinal injury.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spinal injuries are commonplace and have a long recuperation time.

However, during the recovery period patients still need to be able to continue with their normal life as much as possible. Although there are many spinal recovery products on the market these tend to be uncomfortable and unattractive to wear.

Previous devices can also be difficult for a user to put on themselves, therefore requiring either a medical professional or at least one other person to help and assist in placing the device around a patient.

It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems.

It is a further object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved orthotic device.

It is a further object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a method of recuperation of a patient from a spinal injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an orthotic spinal device comprising: at least one replaceable panel capable of providing spinal support to a patient; wherein the at least one replaceable panel can be replaced with another panel of different rigidity during the treatment of a patient.

The present invention therefore resides in the provision of an orthotic device capable of assisting a patient in recovering from a spinal injury.

Typically, the orthotic device may worn by a patient around their torso.

In particular embodiments, the orthotic device may comprise two panels which extend around the patient's main torso in the middle of the back and chest area. Alternatively, the orthotic device may comprise two or more or a plurality of panels.

The panels may be made from rigid or substantially rigid material which may provide support to a patient. For example, any suitable type of plastics material may be used such as polypropylethylene.

All edges on the orthotic device may also be rounded to prevent any pressure points.

The front of the orthotic device may comprise central portions which extend around a patient's torso. The front of the orthotic device may also comprise a series of wings which are capable of wrapping themselves around a patient. For example, wings may extend around the lower waist area, underneath the chest region and extend up to the shoulder area. The wings are capable of providing support to a patient and preventing forward bending and/or rotational twisting to thereby aid in the recovery process.

The orthotic device may also comprise a series of lacings which extend from one panel to another panel. The lacings may be any suitable type of cord or string.

The lacings may be connected to the panels using attachment means such as hooks which extend along, for example, the edge of both sides of the panels. In substantially the centre of the area between, for example two panels, the lacings may be connected using a locking mechanism.

The orthotic device of the present invention may therefore curve around a females figure providing less pressure around the bust and stomach area and has minimal pressure points. The orthotic device may therefore be more comfortable to wear and allows a user to breathe more easily and eat during their recovery period.

The locking mechanism may comprise a base onto which there may be located a rotatable member. The rotatable member may be rotated to tighten the lacings and may therefore operate in a similar manner to a crank. The locking mechanism may therefore be used to alter the tightness of the lacings and hence the position of the panels. A front portion of the rotatable member may be lifted up and there may also be a release button which allows the locking mechanism to be released thereby releasing the tightness of the lacings.

The rear of the orthotic device may also comprise lower wings extending down the lower back area and upper wings extending up to the shoulder area.

There may also be a series of laces extending from one panel to another panel.

The laces may be made from any suitable string or cord-like material. The rear of the orthotic device may be capable of preventing backward bending and/or rotational twisting.

The orthotic device may also be covered with an outer membrane in the form of, for example, an outer sock to provide a more attractive appearance and to protect the panels from damage. This allows a patient to get the product safely wet and so provides more opportunity for showering and other areas of personal care. The outer membrane (e.g. the outer sock) may also be removable and this has the advantage of allowing a patient to shower wearing only the panels.

In use a patient will be able to fit the orthotic device onto themselves with no additional help. Once the orthotic device has been placed around the torso of a patient, then the position and/or tightness of the panels may be adjusted by a patient using the rotatable members on the locking mechanism to adjust the tightness of the orthotic device. Each of the locking mechanisms can be individually adjusted to provide an ideal fit for a patient.

At the start of the treatment of a patient the panels may be highly rigid with panels of, for example, about 4 mm in thickness. As the treatment of the patient progresses then the original panels may be replaced for less rigid panels of for example about 2 mm thickness that allow more movement for a patient. This process of reducing the thickness of the panels and therefore making them less rigid may occur as many times a necessary during the treatment of the patient.

This process allows a patient's spinal muscles to adjust during the treatment process therefore preventing the risk of further injury in the rehabilitation process.

The orthotic device of the present device may therefore comprise two panels which can be reduced in thickness and rigidity as the treatment progresses therefore providing a more comfortable progression of rehabilitation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing spinal support, said method comprising: providing at least one replaceable panel capable of providing spinal support to a patient; wherein the at least one replaceable panel can be replaced with another panel of different rigidity during the treatment of a patient.

The spinal support may be provided by an orthotic spinal device as defined in the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of an orthotic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an expanded view of a locking mechanism used in the orthotic device shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 and 4 are expanded views of a hook used in the orthotic device shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a rear view of the orthotic device shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side view of the orthotic device shown in Figures 1 and 5; Figure 7 is a front view of an orthotic device according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is an expanded view of a locking mechanism used in the orthotic device shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an expanded view of a connection mechanism used in the orthotic device shown in Figure 7; Figure 1 0 is an expanded view of a hook used in the orthotic device shown in Figure 7; and Figure 11 is a front view of an orthotic device according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, the present invention resides in the provision of an orthotic device capable of assisting a patient in recovering from a spinal injury.

Figure 1 represents a spinal orthotic device of the present invention generally designated 12. The orthotic device 12 is shown being worn by a patient 10 around their main torso. As shown in Figure 1 the orthotic device 12 comprises two panels 12a, 12b which extend around the patient's main torso in the middle of the back and chest area. The two panels 12a, 12b are made from rigid or substantially rigid material which provide support to a patient. For example, any suitable type of plastics material may be used such as polypropylethylene. As shown in Figure 1 all edges on the orthotic device 12 are rounded to prevent any pressure points.

The front of the orthotic device 12 comprises central portions 11, 12 on the two panels 1 2a, 1 2b, respectively, which extend around a patient's torso. Figure 1 also shows that the front of the orthotic device 12 also comprises a series of wings 14, 16, 24, 26, 22 and 26 which wrap themselves around a patient. Wings 14, 16 extend around the lower waist area. Wings 24, 26 extend around underneath the chest region. Wings 20, 22 extend up to the shoulder area. The wings 14, 16, 24, 26, 22 and 26 replace previously used chest bar designs which were uncomfortable to wear. The wings 14, 16, 24, 26, 22 and 26 provide support to a patient and prevent forward bending and/or rotational twisting.

Figure 1 also shows that orthotic device 12 comprises a series of lacings 40 which extend from one panel 12a to the other panel 12b. The lacings 40 may be any suitable type of cord or string. The lacings 40 are connected to the panels 1 2a, 1 2b using hooks 50 which extend along the edge of both sides of the panels 12a, 12b. In substantially the centre of the area between the two panels 12a, 12b the lacings 40 are connected using locking mechanisms 30.

Figure 1 shows that the orthotic device 12 curves around a females figure providing less pressure around the bust and stomach area and has minimal pressure points. The orthotic device 12 therefore is more comfortable to wear and allows a user to breathe more easily and eat during their recovery period.

The locking mechanism 30 is shown more clearly in Figure 2 and comprises a base 36 onto which there is located a rotatable member 32. The rotatable member 32 may be rotated to tighten the lacings 40 and may therefore operate in a similar manner to a crank. A front portion 33 of the rotatable member 32 may be lifted up and there is also a release button 38 which allows the locking mechanism 30 to be released thereby releasing the tightness of the lacings 40.

Figures 3 and 4 are views of a hook 50 around which the lacings can be wrapped. The hook 50 comprises an upper portion 52 and lower portion 54 between which the lacings 40 can be inserted. The hook 50 can be similar to the types of hooks used in hill walking boots and can be made from any suitable metal/alloy or a plastics material.

Figure 5 is a rear view of the orthotic device 12 showing the two panels 1 2a, 1 2b. As shown the rear of the panels 1 2a, 1 2b comprises a central portion 66, 68. There are also lower wings 70, 72 extending down the lower back area and upper wings 62, 64 extending up to the shoulder area. There is also a series of laces 18 extending from one panel 12a to the other panel 12b. The laces 18 may be made from any suitable string or cord-like material. The rear of the orthotic device 12 prevents backward bending and/or rotational twisting.

Figure 6 is a side view of the orthotic device 12.

Although not shown the orthotic device 12 may be covered with an outer membrane in the form of, for example, an outer sock to provide a more attractive appearance and to protect the panels 1 2a, 1 2b from damage. This allows a patient to get the product safely wet and so provides more opportunity for showering and other areas of personal care. The outer membrane (e.g. the outer sock) may also be removable and this has the advantage of allowing a patient to shower wearing only the panels.

In use a patient will be able to fit the orthotic device 12 onto themselves with no additional help. This promotes greater independence for the patient and so encourages a greater mental well being through a feeling of empowerment and at least some control of their situation. The orthotic device 12 of the present invention therefore reduces any psychological impact on the patient and also provides an improved rehabilitation process. Once the orthotic device 12 has been placed around the torso of a patient, then the position and/or tightness of the panels 12a, 12b can be adjusted by a patient using the rotatable members 32 on the locking mechanism 30 to adjust the tightness. Each of the locking mechanisms 30 can be individually adjusted to provide an ideal fit for a patient.

The lacing 18 at the rear of the orthotic device 12 is usually pre-set in a hospital environment for each patient.

At the start of the treatment of a patient the panels 1 2a, 1 2b may be highly rigid with panels of, for example, about 4 mm in thickness. As the treatment of the patient progresses then the original panels 1 2a, 1 2b may be replaced for less rigid panels that allow more movement for a patient. The panels 12a, 12b may be contoured to a human's shape. This process of reducing the thickness of the panels and therefore making them less rigid may occur as many times a necessary during the treatment of the patient. This process allows a patients spinal muscles to adjust during the treatment process therefore preventing the risk of further injury in the rehabilitation process. The orthotic device 12 of the present device therefore comprises two panels 1 2a, 1 2b which can be reduced in thickness and rigidity as the treatment progresses therefore providing a more comfortable progression of rehabilitation.

Figures 7 to 10 represent a further orthotic device 112 according to the present invention. The orthotic device 112 comprises two panels 11 2a, 11 2b.

The front of the orthotic device 112 is shown in Figure 7 and shows that there are central portions 111, 113 on the two panels 11 2a, 11 2b, respectively, which extend around a patient's torso. There are also wings 114, 116, 120, 122, 124, 126 which provide further support for a patient. There are also shown laces 140 connected around hooks 160. The laces are connected centrally to locking mechanisms 150. Figure 7 also shows that there are connection mechanisms 140, 170 connecting the two panels 11 2a, 11 2b.

Figure 8 is an expanded view of the locking mechanism 150 which interconnects the laces 151. The locking mechanism 150 comprises a base 152 and a rotatable member 156 and a release button 154. The rotatable member 156 may be rotated to tighten the laces 151. There is also shown an upper portion 158 which can be lifted up to gain access to the rotatable member 156 to assist with the connection of the laces 151 to the rotatable member 156.

Figure 9 shows a connection mechanism 140 which comprises a main body portion 142 with release buttons 144. A belt region 146, 148 is shown on either side of the connection mechanism 140.

Figure 10 is a view of a hook 160 around which the lacings 151 can be wrapped. The hook 160 comprises an upper portion 162 and lower portion 164 between which the lacings 151 can be inserted. The hook 160 can be similar to the types of hooks used in hill walking boots and can be made from any suitable metal/alloy or a plastics material.

Figure 11 is a front view of a further orthotic device 200 according to the present invention. The orthotic device 200 comprises hooks 260 located along the edge of two panel members as before with interlocked lacings 240 connected centrally in locking mechanisms 250.

Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, any suitable type and number of panels may be used in the orthotic device along with any type of locking mechanism. Moreover, any suitable type of lacing and hook arrangement may be used.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An orthotic spinal device comprising: at least one replaceable panel capable of providing spinal support to a patient; wherein the at least one replaceable panel is capable of being replaced with another panel of different rigidity during the treatment of a patient.
2. An orthotic spinal device according to claim 1, wherein the orthotic device comprises two panels which are capable of extending around the patient's main torso in the middle of the back and chest area.
3. An orthotic spinal device according to claim 1, wherein the orthotic device comprises two or more or a plurality of panels.
4. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the panels are made from rigid or substantially rigid material which provide support to a patient such as any suitable type of plastics material.
5. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein all edges on the orthotic device are rounded to prevent any pressure points.
6. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the front of the orthotic device comprises central portions which extend around a patient's torso.
7. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the front of the orthotic device also comprises a series of wings which are capable of wrapping themselves around a patient such as around the lower waist area, underneath the chest region and extending up to the shoulder area.
8. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the orthotic device also comprises a series of lacings which extend from one panel to another panel and wherein the lacings are capable of being connected to the panels using attachment means such as hooks which extend along, for example, the edge of both sides of the panels.
9. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the orthotic device is capable of curving around a female's figure providing less pressure around the bust and stomach area and has minimal pressure points.
10. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein locking mechanisms which comprise rotatable members are capable of being used to tighten lacings connecting panels of the orthotic spinal device.
11. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the rear of the orthotic device also comprises lower wings extending down the lower back area and upper wings extending up to the shoulder area and a series of laces extending from one panel to another panel.
12. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the orthotic device is covered with an outer membrane in the form of, for example, an outer sock to provide a more attractive appearance and to protect the panels from damage
13. An orthotic spinal device according to claim 12, wherein the outer membrane (e.g. the outer sock) is also be removable and this has the advantage of allowing a patient to shower as they only wear the panels.
14. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein as the treatment of a patient progresses then the original panels can be replaced for less rigid panels that allow more movement for a patient.
15. An orthotic spinal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the process of reducing the thickness of the panels and therefore making the panels less rigid occurs as many times as necessary during the treatment of the patient.
16. A method of providing spinal support, said method comprising: providing at least one replaceable panel capable of providing spinal support to a patient; wherein the at least one replaceable panel is capable of being replaced with another panel of different rigidity during the treatment of a patient.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the method uses the orthotic spinal device as defined in any of claims 1 to 15.
18. An orthotic spinal device as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in Figures 1 toll.