ITVR20090077A1 - WEARABLE HANDLING DEVICE TO MOVE A BONE ARTICULATION. - Google Patents

Description

WEAR HANDLING DEVICE

TO HANDLE A BONE JOINT

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a wearable handling device for handling a bone joint.

In particular, said wearable handling device can be used in a rehabilitation therapy of a joint (for example a hand) of a patient, or alternatively for the protection of a user's hand at the moment of an impact, for example in the event of a fall.

The need to force or activate the movement of a person's bone joint is known.

In a first example, this need arises to implement a rehabilitation therapy for the functional recovery of a joint of a person affected by a stroke or a motor disability or in general by an injury to a limb, or in the case of a joint that has been inactive for a long time, for example because it is in a cast.

Considering the exemplary case of the rehabilitation of a hand, to date this rehabilitation is performed manually with the intervention of a physiotherapist, or using robotic devices in the form of gloves which, when worn by the patient, impose certain predetermined movements on the hand joint. in order to progressively rehabilitate the limb. In these gloves, said movements are produced by mechanical, electrical or electromechanical actuators, such as shape memory metals, micromotors or piezoelectric microactuators. Said actuators are arranged inside the glove to move first portions of the glove with respect to second portions of the same.

These prior art devices make it possible to reduce the need for the presence and intervention of a physiotherapist, thus simplifying the implementation of the therapy; however, to date they have various drawbacks, some of which are outlined here.

First of all, prior art devices are very expensive, in consideration of the high technological content of the components used and the technological and commercial value of the materials used. Furthermore, they are bulky, difficult to wear and not very comfortable for the patient who wears them, given the need to position motors and / or mechanical movement members in correspondence with the portions of the limb to be moved. In fact, said motors and members are rigid elements and have not negligible thicknesses; therefore they heavily affect the lightness and comfort of the device.

In addition, these devices have problems related to the temperatures of the actuators, which progressively heat up during use due to the effect of friction and the Joule effect.

Furthermore, there is a risk of electrical current leakage; in fact these devices are usually powered by an electric current, which must be brought up to the actuators arranged adjacent to the patient's limb: therefore, electric cables are provided, for example inside the glove and adjacent to the hand, which entail problems related to safety of the device.

In another example, the need to force a movement of a bone joint is reflected in a protective device for a user who is carrying out a sporting or working activity that involves the risk of impacts and consequent injuries.

For example, a motorcyclist who falls to the ground following an impact or a slide risks causing serious injuries to his limbs: if he touches the ground with his open hand, he risks fracturing his fingers and wrist. The risk of this can be reduced by imposing a forced movement on the hand, when an impact with the ground is about to occur, to secure it by reducing the surface of possible impact. However, this is not practicable effectively by using devices of the known art, which moreover can be excessively bulky and inconvenient for the user during normal conditions of use, ie when there is no imminent risk of impact.

A technical problem underlying the present disclosure resides in providing a wearable device for moving a bone joint of a user which allows to overcome at least one of the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the known art, as well as to achieve further advantages.

This is achieved by providing a wearable moving device suitable for moving a bone joint, comprising, in a body, a housing adapted to receive said bone joint, said body including at least two portions mutually connected by means of a hinge zone, in which in correspondence with said hinge area said bone joint is intended to be positioned, said wearable movement device further comprising motor means adapted to actuate a relative angular displacement of said at least two portions, in which said motor means comprise at least one inflatable element adapted to assuming a first deflated configuration and a second inflated configuration and adapted to actuate said relative angular displacement in a passage between the first configuration and the second configuration, or vice versa.

Secondary characteristics of the aforesaid device are defined in the corresponding dependent claims 2 to 19.

Some aspects of the aforesaid technical problem are also solved by a glove according to claim 20, by an orthopedic device for functional rehabilitation for a bone joint according to claim 21, and by a device for protecting a hand of a user according to claim 22 .

Basically, in a wearable handling device according to the present disclosure at least one inflatable element is provided, the inflation and deflation of which can be controlled and managed by a user or by a control system. Said inflatable element, during an inflation step, exerts a force on the skeletal portions involved in the joint, so as to make them rotate with respect to each other in the direction of rotation allowed by the joint itself.

The aforementioned wearable handling device provides some relevant advantages. The main advantage of the wearable handling device defined above lies in the fact that it does not require the use of bulky and heavy components, such as for example electromechanical motors and actuators, to be placed in correspondence with the joint to be handled. The device is therefore much lighter and more comfortable than the known art.

Furthermore, the use of electrical cables in the vicinity of the user's or patient's body is not required to power said motors and actuators, therefore the device has a higher degree of safety. Furthermore, heating by friction of the actuators or by Joule effect is avoided.

Furthermore, the wearable handling device according to the present disclosure does not require the use of special materials, such as for example shape memory metals, or high-tech miniaturized components, and therefore is less expensive than the prior art.

Preferably, said at least one inflatable element is positioned as a rider between said at least two portions, so as to substantially act as a hinge between the two portions. In one embodiment, the motor means comprise a first inflatable element and a second inflatable element, opposite the first inflatable element on the other side with respect to said housing and connected to said two portions, said first inflatable element and said second inflatable element being one of which respectively determines an increase in the angle between said two portions and the other a decrease in the angle between said two portions. In other words, for a single bone joint there are two inflatable elements opposite each other, so that one is able to move the joint in one direction and the other is able to move the joint in the opposite direction. opposite, during the respective phases of inflation and deflation. Therefore, by coordinating an inflation of an inflatable element with a deflation of the other inflatable element, and vice versa, it is possible to make the joint move in both directions, as is required for example in functional rehabilitation therapies for a joint.

In one embodiment, the inflatable element assumes an arched shape in an inflated configuration. Such an inflatable element is in particular suitable for being used to move the joint in a sense of closure, that is, in such a way that the two skeletal portions involved decrease the angle they form between them.

In another embodiment, the device includes two rigid plates associated with one of said two sections and the other with the other of said two sections, and the inflatable element is interposed between the two plates. In this way, these plates are respectively on opposite sides with respect to the bone joint. The inflatable element, interposed between the plates, forces the rigid plates to move away from each other during inflation. Due to the resistance opposed by the fabric or structure to which these components are fixed or by which they are covered, the force exerted by the inflatable element in this direction of removal finds its outlet in a rotation of the plates relative to each other and therefore in the joint rotation. Also this embodiment is particularly suitable for being used to move the joint in a closing direction.

In yet another embodiment, the inflatable element in the inflated configuration assumes an elongated and straight shape. This embodiment is particularly suitable for moving the joint in an opening direction, that is, in such a way that the two skeletal portions involved increase the angle they form between them.

It is clear that a wearable handling device according to the present disclosure can comprise a plurality of inflatable elements, belonging to one or more of the types presented above and / or to any other possible types. In one embodiment, the wearable handling device comprises means for inflating and deflating the inflatable element (or inflatable elements). Said inflating means can for example comprise a compressor, or a pressurized gas container, or a blower; the deflation means may for example comprise an aspirator, or valves that allow the inflatable element to be selectively put in communication with the environment.

In particular, the inflation and deflation means can be managed and controlled by a control unit, for example an electronic unit, which operates on the basis of the instructions provided by the user, for example by means of keyboard commands, or on the basis of a predetermined pattern stored in the control unit.

Even more particularly, the control unit is able to carry out a predetermined succession of inflation and deflation phases of the inflatable element, for example in the case of a functional rehabilitation program that provides for a certain number of movement cycles with a certain frequency. lasted; in the example, the control unit also allows to control the inflation and deflation speed of the inflatable element. This allows rehabilitation therapy to be performed without the need for the intervention of a physiotherapist, or without the need for the latter to be physically present for the entire duration of a therapy session. Furthermore, the wearable handling device is easy to use and has limited overall dimensions; therefore it is suitable for use in home rehabilitation therapy, ie at the patient's home.

In the case in which, as mentioned above, the wearable handling device comprises a first inflatable element and a second inflatable element opposed to the first, in one embodiment the control unit is adapted to coordinate the inflation of the first inflatable element with the deflation of the second inflatable element, and, in the opposite direction of movement, is adapted to coordinate the inflation of the second inflatable element with the deflation of the first inflatable element. Thus, via the control unit, an entire functional rehabilitation program can be fully managed.

In a preferred embodiment, said wearable handling device is intended for handling at least one joint of a user's hand.

In particular, the device is designed to move a finger or several fingers of a hand. It therefore includes a housing for a finger and the inflatable element is arranged so as to face the back of the finger, that is, on the back face of the hand, to force the closure of the finger and hand. For example, this inflatable element is of the type which assumes an arched shape in an inflated configuration, or is interposed between two rigid plates which are pushed away from each other during inflation.

In one embodiment, a second inflatable element is arranged so as to face the palm of the finger, that is, on the face comprising the fingertips, to force the joint to move in the opposite direction to that produced by the first inflatable element on the back. This second inflatable element is therefore suitable for forcing the opening of the finger and hand.

In one embodiment, the wearable handling device comprises three first inflatable elements aligned along the housing, and therefore along the back of the finger, at the three joints of the finger itself, and three corresponding second inflatable elements aligned along the palm of the finger. finger. It is therefore able to move all the joints of the finger, and in both directions.

In one embodiment, the wearable handling device comprises a plurality of housing cavities, in particular a cavity for each finger and therefore has a glove shape. It is therefore adapted to move all the fingers of the hand and, furthermore, to protect the hand itself. In particular, the wearable movement device, cooperating with the control unit, is able to effect and manage a coordinated movement of all the fingers of the hand.

Even more preferably, to aid wearability, the wearable handling device is included in a glove.

In a further embodiment, one or more inflatable elements are provided for moving the wrist. In particular, four inflatable elements are provided at the wrist, which are arranged opposite each other in pairs on two orthogonal directions, so as to allow complete multidirectional movement of the wrist joint.

An orthopedic rehabilitation device according to the present disclosure comprises a wearable handling device according to one of the embodiments described. In particular, this orthopedic rehabilitation device is intended for a patient's hand.

Even more particularly, it comprises a glove made of textile material, with which said inflatable elements are associated. Thanks to the textile structure, the device is light, comfortable, breathable. Furthermore, it is flexible and easy to wear; this latter feature is particularly important for patients with a motor disability in the hand: in fact these patients often have a closed and rigid hand, which therefore requires a soft and easy to wear device.

A device for protecting the hand of a user according to the present disclosure comprising a wearable handling device according to one of the embodiments described, associated with a fall prediction system operatively connected to means for inflating the inflatable element (or inflatable elements) , such as for example a can of compressed gas or a gas generator.

In particular, this device is a glove comprising a plurality of inflatable elements which, during an inflation step, move the joints of the hand in the direction of closure thereof, ie towards a fist closure. The activation of the inflation is related to a fall prediction system, which, on the basis of the position, speed and / or acceleration sensor readings of the user and / or a vehicle on which he travels, determines the imminence of a fall or slip, and therefore impact. The user's hand is then forced, through the inflation of the inflatable elements, towards the fist closure, in order to minimize the impact surface and maximize the compactness and resistance of the hand. At the same time, the inflated elements, arranged on the surface of the fist itself, act as an air-bag, helping to absorb impact energy and protecting the hand from injury.

Further advantages, characteristics and methods of use of the object of this disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments, presented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. It is however evident that each embodiment of the object of the present disclosure can present one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case, it is not however required that each embodiment have all the listed advantages simultaneously.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a wearable handling device according to the present disclosure, in this case included in a glove, in an inoperative position, in which said device is sectioned with respect to a plane parallel to the plane of Figure 1 itself;

Figure 1A represents a partially sectional view of the device of Figure 1; figure 2 represents a plan view of a detail II of the device of figure 1, in a deflated configuration;

Figure 3A represents a sectional view, according to the section line III-III, of the detail of Figure 2 in a deflated configuration;

Figure 3B represents a sectional view, according to the section line III-III, of the detail of Figure 2 in an inflated configuration;

Figure 4A represents a partially sectional side view of the device of Figure 1, in a first operative position;

Figure 4B is a partially sectional side view of the device of Figure 1, in a second operating position;

Figure 5A represents a partially sectional side view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure, in this case included in a glove, in a first operative position;

figure 5B represents a partially sectional side view of the device of figure 5A, in a second operative position;

figure 6 represents a partially sectional side view of a hand protection device according to the present disclosure;

figure 7 represents a partially sectional side view of a second embodiment of a hand protection device according to the present disclosure;

figure 8 represents a side view of a third embodiment of a hand protection device according to the present disclosure;

figure 9 represents a side view of a detail of the device of figure 8, in a deflated configuration;

figure 10 represents a side view of the detail of figure 9, in an inflated configuration;

- figure 11 represents a sectional view, according to the section line XI-XI, of the detail of figure 9.

With reference initially to Figures 1 to 4B, the reference number 1 indicates a wearable device for moving a bone joint of a user, according to the present disclosure. In the following of the present detailed description, reference will be made in particular to the fact that the wearable handling device is part of, or is included in, a glove 1a for handling the joints of a user's hand. However, it is understood that the object of this disclosure can be applied in a similar way also to other joints, such as for example the joints of a foot, the arm-shoulder joints, the leg-pelvis joints or included in other elements or clothing accessories. relating to these joints.

The wearable handling device 1 comprises a first side wall 11, or first body, which defines a first tubular cavity 12, or housing, for housing the carpal and metacarpal region of a hand of a user or patient; the wearable handling device 1 further comprises a plurality of tubular elements 15 each having a second side wall 16, or second body, which defines a second cavity 17, or housing, for a respective finger of said hand.

It should be noted that in the figures only the tubular elements 15 for housing a thumb and index finger are shown; it is however understood that further tubular elements can be provided for housing other fingers of the hand.

Furthermore, an external coating layer which can enclose the entire surface of the glove 1a and the entire device 1 is not shown in the figures.

The first tubular cavity 12 has a mouth 13 at a proximal end, through which the user's hand enters the glove 1a, and a distal end 14 at which proximal ends of the tubular elements 15 are fixed.

The second cavities 17 of the tubular elements 15 are communicating with the first tubular cavity 12, so as to define as a whole a region inside the glove 1a in which the user's hand is received.

In the example, said first side wall 11 and said second side walls 16 are made of flexible material, for example in fabric, so as to allow the movements of the user's hand and fingers.

Even more particularly, the tubular element 15 is ideally divided into sections or sections 17a, 17b, 17c arranged in succession and corresponding to the phalanges of a finger which is received in the second cavity 17, in which said sections 17a, 17b, 17c they are connected two by two by means of hinge zones 17g; a first section 17a is also directly communicating with the metacarpal section or section 12a of the first cavity 12.

Inflatable elements, with the function of motor means, in the example bags or sacks, which can assume a first deflated configuration and a second inflated configuration, are arranged adjacent to the second side walls 16, i.e. in correspondence with the fingers when the wearable device 1 is worn by the user; even more particularly, these inflatable elements are arranged in proximity to said portions 17a, 17b, 17c, to allow and operate a relative angular displacement of two successive portions 17a, 17b, 17c. The inflatable elements are made of flexible and gas-tight material, such as polyamide or nylon. In particular, there are first inflatable elements 21 positioned along one side of a respective tubular element 15 and second inflatable elements 32 positioned along an opposite side of said tubular element 15. Even more particularly, the first inflatable elements 21 are intended to face the backs fingers, while the second inflatable elements 32 are designed to face the palms of the fingers, so that the first inflatable elements 21 and the second inflatable elements 32 are in correspondence with the joints of the respective finger, that is, in correspondence with the knuckles. More specifically, the first inflatable elements 21 and the second inflatable elements 32 are arranged in correspondence with the hinge areas 17g between successive portions 12a, 17a, 17b, 17c, in other words they are arranged astride each pair of successive portions 12a, 17a, 17b, 17c, that is to say they extend between a section immediately upstream of the hinge zone 17g and a section immediately downstream of this hinge zone 17g, so as to be completely in correspondence with the knuckle or joint of the bone joint.

A respective second inflatable element 32, arranged on the opposite side of the tubular element 15, that is on the other side with respect to the second cavity 17, corresponds to each first inflatable element 21; in other words, assuming for simplicity that the tubular element 15 is cylindrical, a first inflatable element 21 and a respective second inflatable element 32 are aligned on a diameter of the cross section of the tubular element 15.

In a first embodiment, shown in Figures 1 to 4B, each first inflatable element 21 has an elongated shape in the direction of development 18 of the respective tubular element 15 and also has a first surface 211 having a surface extension in said direction of development 18 which is greater than the surface extension of a second surface 212 opposite the first surface 211. In other words, the first surface 211 of the first inflatable element 21 comprises a greater amount of material than the second surface 212, for example because it uses a sheet of flexible material of greater length and / or surface extension. In the step of manufacturing the first inflatable element 21, in which the first surface sheet 211 is associated with the second surface sheet 212, the first surface sheet 211 is folded with folds 23 orthogonal to the direction of development 18, so as to obtain a plurality of overlapping flaps 22, and therefore associated with the second surface sheet 212 along the peripheral edges, for example by stitching 24.

Therefore, when the first inflatable element 21 is in a deflated configuration (Figures 1, 1A, 2, 3A, 4B), the first surface 211 comprises said plurality of overlapping flaps 22 obtained by means of said folds 23.

When the first inflatable element 21 is in an inflated configuration (Figures 3B, 4A), the greater surface extension of the first surface 211 causes the first inflatable element 21 to assume an arched or curved configuration according to this direction of development 18.

In fact, during inflation, the overlapping flaps 22 extend and the first surface 211 extends to its maximum extension; the second surface 212, being smaller, is unable to accommodate this extension of the first surface 211 and therefore flexes, assuming a concave shape. Basically, the overlapping flaps 22 allow a preferential development of the first surface 211 during inflation.

The first inflatable element 21, when inflated, therefore has an arch-curved shape, in which the intrados is the second, smaller surface 212, and the extrados is the first, larger surface 211.

In particular, the second surface 212, that is the one with the smallest surface extension, faces the cavity 17 of the respective tubular element 15, or towards the user's finger, while the first surface 211 faces outwards in the opposite direction.

Each second inflatable element 32 also has an elongated shape in the direction of development 18 of the respective tubular element 15, although it preferably extends for a shorter length than the first inflatable elements 21. For the second inflatable elements 32 it is not required that they have a first surface with a surface extension greater than a second surface (although this could in principle be envisaged), and therefore they can be made with a simply tubular portion or by associating two sheets of flexible material of substantially equal size to each other.

When the second inflatable element 32 is in a deflated configuration (Figures 1, 1A, 2, 4B), it is flexible and bends easily, following the movements imposed on it; when the second inflatable element 32 is in an inflated configuration (Figure 4A), it assumes an elongated and unfolded state, i.e. an elongated and straight shape.

The first inflatable elements 21 and the second inflatable elements 32 each comprise an opening or entrance door 25 connected to a respective tube 26, 36, which allows gas, in particular air, to be introduced into the inflatable element 21, 32 in a phase of inflation and to remove the gas in a deflation phase.

In the example, for each tubular element 15 three of said first inflatable elements 21 are provided, aligned with each other along the respective housing cavity 17 (or said development direction 18) and each set to cover a respective joint of a finger, when the wearable device 1 is worn by the user. In particular, the first inflatable elements 21 are associated with the side wall 16 of the tubular element 15 by means of stitching.

In the example, each first inflatable element 21 is pneumatically communicating with inflation means, ie with an inflation unit 5, by means of first tubes 26, each extending from the respective first inflatable element 21 to the inflation unit 5.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first inflatable elements 21 are arranged in series, with a single communication tube with the inflation unit 5 and communication tubes between an inflatable element 21 and the subsequent inflatable element 21 .

Similarly, three of said second inflatable elements 32 are provided for each tubular element 15, also aligned along the housing cavity 17 (or said development direction 18) and each set to cover a respective joint of a finger, in particular the hollow region of the joint. As for the first inflatable elements 21, also the second inflatable elements 32 are associated with the side wall 16 of the tubular element 15 by means of stitching.

Each second inflatable element 32 is pneumatically communicating with the inflation unit 5 by means of second tubes 36, each extending from the respective inflatable element 32 to the inflation unit 5.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second inflatable elements 32 are arranged in series, with a single communication tube with the inflation unit 5 and communication tubes between a second inflatable element 32 and the next.

The first and second tubes 26, 36 are positioned along the tubular elements 15 and along the first side wall 11, coming out of the glove 1a at the mouth 13.

The wearable handling device 1 also optionally comprises a pair of third inflatable elements 43 and a pair of fourth inflatable elements 44, arranged adjacent to the first side wall 11, in particular facing the wrist region of the user's hand. The third inflatable elements 43 are arranged on opposite sides of the first side wall 11 at the wrist sides, while the fourth inflatable elements 44 are arranged on opposite sides of the first side wall 11 at the upper and lower parts of the wrist. In other words, the four inflatable elements 43, 44 are opposed two by two in two orthogonal directions.

Said third inflatable elements 43 and fourth inflatable elements 44 are preferably of the type already described for the first inflatable elements 21, ie presenting a first surface with a surface extension greater than a second surface and adapted to assume an arched shape in said inflated configuration.

Each of the third inflatable elements 43 and fourth inflatable elements 44 is connected to the inflation unit 5 by means of a respective tube 46.

The inflation unit 5 comprises in the example at least one compressor 51 or pump for gas, in particular air, operatively connected to a control unit 53, for example an electronic unit, of the inflation unit 5. In one embodiment alternatively, the inflation unit 5 comprises a container containing a gas under pressure, operatively connected to a control unit.

The compressor 51 (or the pressure vessel) is pneumatically connected to the inflatable elements 21, 32, 43, 44 by means of said tubes 26, 36, 46.

There are also valves (not shown) arranged on said tubes 26, 36, 46, whose opening and closing is managed by the control unit 53.

The inflation unit 5 can also comprise deflation means, and therefore can be an inflation and deflation unit. In particular, these deflation means can comprise an aspirator, or the compressor 51 operated in the opposite way, or said valves, which can be opened to the atmosphere. The deflation means are also operatively connected to the control unit 53.

Let us now describe the operation of a rehabilitation device 201, in particular an orthopedic rehabilitation device used for the functional rehabilitation of a patient's hand.

The orthopedic rehabilitation device 201 comprises the wearable handling device 1, the inflation and deflation unit 5 and the control unit 53. The wearable device 1, in an inoperative condition shown in Figure 1A in which the inflatable elements 21, 32, 43, 44 are basically floppy, it is worn by the patient like a normal glove. Activation of the inflation unit 5, which in the example operates according to a predetermined program controlled by the control unit 53, determines the start of a functional rehabilitation treatment.

In a first operating phase, shown in Figure 4A, the compressor 51 blows air, or other suitable gas or fluid, into the first inflatable elements 21 through the tubes 26. At the same time, the same compressor 51 or an aspirator sucks air from the second inflatable elements 32 through the tubes 36. The coordination between the inflation of the first inflatable elements 21 and the deflation of the respective second inflatable elements 32 is managed by the control unit 53.

As previously mentioned, the first inflatable elements 21 during inflation assume a curved or arched shape, in particular the second surface 212 facing the respective finger of the patient assumes a concave shape with an intrados. Since the first inflatable element 21 straddles or straddles the respective joint and extends for a certain distance along the back of the two affected phalanges of the joint, the first inflatable element 21, while tending to said curved shape, pushes on the two phalanges making them rotate relative to each other around the joint, in the direction of closing the hand.

In other words, the first inflatable element 21 is, as mentioned, a motor or forcing means for activating or forcing a relative angular displacement between two successive portions 12a, 17a, 17b, 17c of the first side wall 16 and therefore between two skeletal portions between their articulated. This angular displacement is forced during the inflation of the first inflatable element 21 itself.

The simultaneous deflation of the second inflatable elements 32 means that the second inflatable elements 32 do not oppose any resistance to this phalanx rotation movement.

Therefore, a forced movement of the fingers is obtained, according to a predetermined movement established according to the therapeutic needs. In fact, depending on the quantity of air introduced into the first inflatable elements 21, which can be preset and / or controlled by the control unit 53, the movement of the fingers can be more or less wide and reach the point of closing the hand into a fist, or move only a few fingers. Furthermore, by regulating in a different way the quantity of air introduced into each first inflatable element 21 associated with the same tubular element 15 (and / or the quantity of air sucked in by each second inflatable element 32) it is possible to move only some of the joints of the same finger. , or for example to move the entire finger held straight with respect to the metacarpus. In particular, the control unit 53 is able to manage a coordinated movement of all the fingers of the hand. The control unit 53 also allows to control the inflation and deflation speed of each inflatable element 21, 32, 43, 44.

In a second operating phase, shown in Figure 4B, the compressor 51 blows air, or other suitable gas or fluid, into the second inflatable elements 32 through the tubes 36. At the same time, the same compressor 51 or an aspirator sucks air from the first inflatable elements 21 through the tubes 26. Similarly to above, the coordination between the inflation of the second inflatable elements 32 and the deflation of the respective first inflatable elements 21 is managed by the control unit 53.

In this second phase there is therefore an opposite operation to that described above: the first inflatable elements 21 deflate and remove the force acting on the backs of the phalanges, while the second inflatable elements 32 inflate and exert a force on the palms of the phalanges. In fact, each second inflatable element 32 in the inflation phase tends to be elongated and straight and therefore, being astride the respective joint and extending for a certain distance along the palm of the two affected phalanges of the joint, it pushes on the two phalanges making them rotate the joint. relative to each other around the joint, in the direction of the hand opening. A forced and predetermined movement of the fingers and hand is thus obtained, in the opposite direction with respect to the first phase. Similarly to the above, also in this phase the differentiated regulation of the quantity of air introduced into and / or sucked in by each inflatable element allows the hand and fingers to perform more or less wide movements that involve all or only some joints.

Similarly to the first inflatable element 21, also the second inflatable element 32 is therefore a motor or forcing means for activating or forcing, in an inflation phase, a relative angular displacement between two successive portions 12a, 17a, 17b, 17c of cavity 12, 17, and therefore between two skeletal portions articulated to each other; this angular displacement is in the opposite direction to that operated by the first inflatable element 21.

At this point, the first phase is repeated and so on.

Therefore, with a predetermined succession of inflation and deflation phases of the inflatable elements 21, 32 managed by the control unit 53, an alternating repetition of said first phase and said second phase is obtained: in this way the hand of the patient the succession of movements foreseen by the rehabilitation therapy cycle. In particular, the control unit 53 allows to set the parameters of the movement and to control its execution; for example, the frequency values of the first phase-second phase cycle, the duration of each phase, the overall length of a therapy session, the amplitude of the forced movement, the movement of only some joints can be set.

It should be noted that, in particular, the use of a single compressor 51 is possible, for example by providing a suitable pneumatic circuit which sends the air sucked by the second inflatable elements 32 into the first inflatable elements 21. Alternatively, a first compressor 51 can be arranged. only for the first inflatable elements 21 and a second compressor for only the second inflatable elements 32, with a valve system for regulating the direction of air flow and therefore the pumping or suction from the respective inflatable elements. Furthermore, only one compressor 51 can be provided for inflation, while the deflation of an inflatable element is carried out with an aspirator, or by opening an atmospheric discharge valve located on the relative tube; in the latter case, the deflation of the inflatable element is also favored by the crushing action on the inflatable element being deflated exerted by the joint that moves under the thrust of the inflatable element being inflated. As mentioned, the management of the opening and closing of the valves and of the operation of the compressor 51 and of the possible aspirator is carried out by the control unit 53. It should also be noted that, in principle, the wearable handling device 1 could be provided to move only some fingers or only some joints of them. Therefore, it could comprise fewer than five tubular elements 15, and / or it could comprise fewer than three first inflatable elements 21 and / or second inflatable elements 32 for each tubular element 15.

If movement of the wrist is also required, the control unit 53 also activates the inflation and deflation of the third and fourth inflatable elements 43, 44, similarly to what has already been described. In particular, an inflatable element of the pair, for example a fourth inflatable element 44a, is inflated while the other inflatable element of the pair, for example the other fourth inflatable element 44b, is deflated. This imposes a rotational movement of the wrist with respect to a first direction, in a first direction. Reverse deflate / inflate forces the wrist to rotate in the same direction, but in the opposite direction, and so on.

The similar inflation / deflation of the other pair of inflatable elements, in the example the third inflatable elements 43, imposes rotational movements on the wrist with respect to a second direction orthogonal to the first.

A second embodiment of a wearable handling device according to the present disclosure is shown in Figures 5A and 5B and is indicated with the reference number 101. Elements having the same function and structure retain the same reference number as the previously embodiment described, and therefore are not again described in detail.

The handling device 101, also forming part of or included in a glove 101a, comprises first inflatable elements 121 positioned along one side of a respective tubular element 15 for a finger of the hand, and second inflatable elements 132 positioned along an opposite side of said tubular element 15. In particular, the first inflatable elements 121 correspond to the backs of the fingers, while the second inflatable elements 132 correspond to the palms of the fingers, so that the first inflatable elements 121 and the second inflatable elements 132 are in correspondence with joints of the respective finger.

In the example, said second inflatable elements 132 are similar to the second inflatable elements 32 of the previously described embodiment, and are similarly arranged.

The first inflatable elements 121 are arranged spaced between rigid plates 160, also positioned near the same side of the housing cavity 12, 17 and aligned along the tubular element 15 at the backs of the fingers, in particular at the phalanges and metacarpus. The rigid plates 160 are fixed to the side wall 11, 16, for example by means of sewing. The rigid plates 160 are for example made of polypropylene.

In other words, each first inflatable element 121 is interposed between two successive rigid plates 160 and mutually aligned along said development direction 18 of the respective tubular element 15; the two rigid plates 160 are respectively placed upstream and downstream of the joint.

The first inflatable elements 121 have a shape such that, during inflation, they extend along the direction of development 18 of the tubular element 15, in other words causing the respective rigid plates 160 to move away from each other.

Compared to the first inflatable elements 21 of the first embodiment, the first inflatable elements 121 of the present embodiment have more limited dimensions and moreover it is not necessarily required that a first surface have a greater surface extension than the surface extension of a second surface opposite to the first surface; this last characteristic could however be advantageously present.

During the described first operating step, shown in Figure 5A, i.e. during the inflation of the first inflatable elements 121 and the simultaneous deflation of the second inflatable elements 132, the first inflatable elements 121 increase their volume, in particular along said development direction 18. In this way each first inflatable element 121 tends to move a first rigid plate 160 away from a respective second subsequent rigid plate 160, in particular it tends to move the edges 161 of the plates 160, 160 away from each other which face the same first inflatable element 121.

Due to the limited elasticity of the fabric which constitutes the side wall 16 of the respective tubular element 15, this removal is hindered along the direction of development 18 and therefore the force exerted by the first inflatable element 121 when inflating on the two plates 160 adjacent to it finds an outlet. by rotating a first portion or section (for example 17a) with respect to a second portion or section (for example 17b), compatibly with the articulation of the finger of the user's hand. This can be favored for example by providing that the side wall 16 at the first inflatable elements 121 is more deformable than the side wall 16 at the respective second inflatable elements 132. In other words, a certain degree of deformation is allowed for the fabric between one plate 160 and the other, in correspondence with the first inflatable element 121, but is prevented from the opposite side of the tubular element 15, so that said opposite side, not being able to extend along the direction of development 18, acts as a fulcrum for the rotation of one section with respect to the other.

Therefore, the effect of the inflation of the first inflatable elements 121 is analogous to the effect of the inflation of the first inflatable elements 21 of the first embodiment, i.e. a forced movement of a joint of a finger of the hand is obtained, in particular in the direction hand closing.

In the second operating step, shown in Figure 5B, the compressor 51 blows air, or other suitable gas or fluid, into the second inflatable elements 132 through the tubes 36. At the same time, the first inflatable elements 121 are deflated. The second inflatable elements 132 during inflation, tending to an elongated and unfolded state, exert a force on the palms of the phalanges causing them to rotate relative to each other around the joint, in the direction of the opening of the hand. During the rotation of the joint, the plates 160 facing the same first inflatable element 121 move closer together, since the respective first inflatable element 121 when deflated no longer acts as a spacer.

Thus the wearable handling device 101 is ready for the repetition of the first step, and so on.

A device for protecting the hand of a user is shown in Figure 6, where it is indicated with the reference number 251. Elements having the same function and structure retain the same reference number as the previously described embodiments, and therefore are not again described in detail.

The protection device 251 comprises a wearable handling device 102 in the form of a glove 102a, similar to those previously described. The protection device 251 also comprises inflation means, in the example a compressed gas cylinder 54, and a control unit 55. In particular, the wearable handling device 102, or glove, comprises first inflatable elements 121 interposed between pairs of rigid plates 160, similar to glove 101a previously described. The second inflatable elements 132 opposite the first inflatable elements 121 may not be present in the glove 102.

The rigid plates 160, for example made of polypropylene, preferably have a thickness such as to have good impact resistance and to absorb at least part of the impact energy.

The gas cylinder 54 and the control unit 55 are in the example arranged in or associated with a garment worn by the user, such as for example a jacket or a motorcyclist suit.

The inflatable elements 121 are usually deflated, so as not to interfere with the movements of the user's hand, leaving him full freedom of movement.

The control unit 55 cooperates with, or implements, a system for predicting a fall or a slip, which system detects some parameters of motion such as position, speed, and / or acceleration of the user or of the vehicle on which he travels and , based on instantaneous values of these parameters, it determines a situation of imminent risk of falling or impact.

In correspondence with this risk situation, the control unit 55 activates the inflation means, causing the gas to flow from the can 54 to the inflatable elements 121 through the tubes 26.

During inflation, the inflatable elements 121 force the hand to close into a fist, according to the methods already described above, thus minimizing the impact surface and the risk of injury to the hand. Furthermore, the inflated inflatable elements 121 remain facing the external surface of the fist and can therefore act as an air-bag and cooperate with the rigid plates 160 to absorb at least part of the impact energy.

Inflatable elements 43, 44 located at the wrist can also be provided, also for carrying out a combined movement and protection action by means of an airbag.

A second embodiment of a protection device according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 7, where it is indicated with the reference number 252. Elements having the same function and structure retain the same reference number as the previously described embodiments, and therefore are not described again in detail.

The protection device 252 comprises a wearable handling device 103 in the form of a glove 103a, similar to those previously described. The protection device 252 also comprises inflation means, in the example a compressed gas cylinder 54, and a control unit 55. In particular, the wearable handling device 103 comprises first inflatable elements 321 positioned along a side of the respective tubular elements 15 and intended to face the backs of the fingers, at the joints of the respective finger, that is, at the knuckles, similarly to the previously described glove 1a. The inflatable elements 321 are made and positioned similarly to the inflatable elements 21 previously described. The second inflatable elements 132 opposite the first inflatable elements 321 may not be present in the glove 103.

Compared to the inflatable elements 21, the inflatable elements 321 of the glove 103a can have a greater length, so that, in an inflated configuration, the inflatable elements 321 on the same finger overall substantially cover the entire length of the back of the finger itself.

The gas cylinder 54 and the control unit 55 are in the example arranged in or associated with a garment worn by the user, such as for example a jacket or a motorcyclist suit.

The inflatable elements 321 are usually deflated, so as not to interfere with the movements of the user's hand, leaving him full freedom of movement.

The control unit 55 cooperates with, or implements, a fall or slip prediction system

In correspondence with a risk situation, the control unit 55 activates the inflation means, causing the gas to flow from the can 54 to the inflatable elements 321 through the tubes 26.

During inflation, the inflatable elements 321 assume an arched shape and consequently force the hand to close into a fist, according to the modalities already described previously. This minimizes the impact surface and the risk of injury to the hand. Furthermore, the inflatable elements 321 in inflated configuration remain facing the external surface of the fist and act as an air-bag to absorb impact energy and protect the hand from injury.

Inflatable elements 43, 44 located at the wrist can also be provided, also for carrying out a combined movement and protection action by means of an airbag.

A further embodiment of a wearable device according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 8, where it is indicated with the reference number 253. Elements having the same function and structure retain the same reference number as the previously described embodiments, and therefore are not described again in detail.

In the example, the device 253 is a protective device, but it can also be used as an orthopedic device for rehabilitation of a bone joint.

The protection device 253, in the example for a hand, comprises a wearable device 104 in the shape of a glove 104a, similar to those previously described. The protection device 253 also comprises inflation means, in the example a compressed gas cylinder 54, and a control unit 55.

The wearable handling device 104 comprises first inflatable elements 421 positioned along a side of the respective tubular elements 15 and intended to face the backs of the fingers, at the joints of the respective finger, that is, at the knuckles, similarly to the glove 1a described above. Each inflatable element 421 consists of two surfaces or side walls 422, 423, in the example made of sheets of soft and flexible and gas-tight material, for example of polyamide or nylon. The side walls 422, 423 are mutually opposite and joined, for example by sewing, along peripheral edges 424 of the atheral surfaces 422, 423; the seams are made in such a way as to be gas-tight and to obtain an inflatable element 421 with an elongated shape.

The inflatable element 421 also comprises an opening or inlet door 25 connected to a respective tube 26, which allows gas to be introduced, in particular air, into the inflatable element 421 in an inflation phase and to remove the gas in a phase of deflation.

The side walls 422, 423 are arc-shaped, that is to say they have an arcuate shape or profile at the peripheral edges 424. In other words, when placed on a plane (such as for example the plane of the sheet as shown in figure 10), they have an arched shape and substantially corresponding to the curved shape that the inflatable element 421 must assume. This arched shape also has an intrados 421 a whose curvature substantially corresponds to the curvature that the respective finger or joint must assume in the bent condition.

In a first deflated configuration, therefore not tensioned, the inflatable element 421, being made of flexible material, adapts to the current shape of the respective tubular element 15, regardless of the arched profile of the side walls 422, 423.

So if the tubular element 15 is in a straight or slightly bent condition, the inflatable element 421 is also in a straight position (Figure 9), or slightly bent. In this case, on the edge 424b opposite the edge 424a of the intrados 421 a, folds 424c are formed to compensate for the greater length of this opposite edge 424b with respect to the edge 424a of the intrados 421a.

In other words, in the deflated configuration the inflatable element 421 does not impose any position or movement on the respective finger or joint.

During the inflation of the inflatable element 421, the lateral surfaces 422, 423 are tensioned to the maximum possible extension, and then return to their arched shape. In other words, by inflating the inflatable element 421, the peripheral edges 424 reach a tense and arched condition.

It follows that the inflatable element 421, in a second inflated configuration (Figures 8 and 10), assumes a curved shape, corresponding to the arched shape of the lateral surfaces 422, 423, and therefore activates the angular displacement (bending) of the joint.

In other words, when the inflatable element 421 is deflated it is soft and flexible, while when the inflatable element 421 is inflated it replicates the shape and curvature of the bent finger, and thus forces the joints of the finger to make an angular displacement. towards a bent finger position.

In particular, the inflatable element 421 has an extension in length such as to cover and operate all the joints of the same finger; therefore, unlike the previously described embodiments, in the wearable device 104 only one inflatable element 421 is provided for each finger, and said first inflatable element 421 simultaneously activates all the joints of the respective finger.

Optionally, further inflatable elements, each arranged on the opposite side to a corresponding inflatable element 421 such as the one described above, in which said opposite part is intended with respect to the tubular element 15, can be present in the wearable device 104 to actuate an angular displacement in the opposite direction . These further inflatable elements obviously have the opposite behavior to that of the inflatable element 421, such as for example the elements 32, 132 described in the embodiments described above, ie they actuate the bone joint from a bent condition to a straight condition.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), instead of at the back of the finger, the inflatable element 421 is placed at a lateral side of a respective finger, for example interposed between the respective finger and an adjacent finger.

The object of the present disclosure has been described up to now with reference to its preferred embodiments.

It is to be understood that other embodiments may exist which pertain to the same inventive core, all falling within the protection scope of the claims set out below.

Claims (22)

CLAIMS 1. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) suitable for handling a bone joint, comprising, in a body (11, 15, 16), a housing (12, 17) suitable for receiving said bone joint, said body (11, 15, 16) including at least two portions (12a, 17a, 17b, 17c) mutually connected by means of a hinge zone (17g), in which in correspondence with said hinge zone (17g) there is designed to be positioned said bone joint, said wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) further comprising motor means (21, 32, 43, 44, 121, 132, 321, 421) adapted to actuate a displacement relative angular of said at least two portions (12a, 17a, 17b, 17c), in which said motor means comprise at least one inflatable element (21, 32, 43, 44, 121, 132, 321, 421) adapted to assume a first configuration deflated and a second configuration inflated and adapted to actuate said relative angular displacement in a passage between the first configuration and the second configuration, or vice versa. 2. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one inflatable element (21, 32, 43, 44, 121, 132, 321, 421) is positioned as a rider between said at least two portions (12a, 17b, 17b, 17c). 3. Wearable handling device (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said motor means comprise a first inflatable element (21, 121, 43, 44a) and a second inflatable element (32, 132, 43, 44b ) opposed to the first inflatable element (21, 121, 43, 44a) on the other side with respect to said housing (12, 17) and connected to said at least two portions (12a, 17a, 17b, 17c), said first inflatable element ( 21, 121, 43, 44a) and said second inflatable element (32, 132, 43, 44b) being adapted to respectively actuate a relative angular displacement with an increase in angle between said at least two portions (12a, 17a, 17b, 17c) and the other a relative angular displacement with a decrease in the angle between said at least two portions (12a, 17a, 17b, 17c). 4. Wearable handling device (1, 103, 104) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said inflatable element (21, 43, 44, 321, 421) in said second inflated configuration is adapted to assume an arched shape . 5. Wearable handling device (1, 103) according to claim 4, wherein said inflatable element (21, 43, 44, 321) comprises a first flexible surface (211) and a second flexible surface (212) opposite the first surface (211) and associated with it along peripheral edges, in which said first flexible surface (211) has a surface extension greater than the surface extension of said second flexible surface (212), and in which in the first deflated configuration of the inflatable element (21, 43, 44, 321) said first flexible surface (211) has respective flaps (22) superimposed, and in the second inflated configuration of the inflatable element (21, 43, 44, 321) said flaps (22) are extended, so that said inflatable element (21, 43, 44, 321) assumes said arched shape. 6. Wearable handling device (104) according to claim 4, wherein said inflatable element (421) comprises a first flexible surface (422) and a second flexible surface (423) opposite the first surface (422) and associated thereto along peripheral edges (424, 424a, 424b), in which said first flexible surface (422) and said second flexible surface (423) have, at said peripheral edges (424, 424a, 424b), an arcuate shape, and in which said inflatable element (421) in the second inflated configuration assumes said arched shape. Wearable handling device (1, 101) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said inflatable element (32, 132) in said second inflated configuration is adapted to assume an elongated and straight shape. 8. Wearable handling device (101, 102) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising two rigid plates (160) each associated with a respective of said at least two portions (12a, 17a, 17b, 17c), wherein said at least one inflatable element (121) is interposed between said two rigid plates (160) to actuate a mutual separation between said two rigid plates (160) in a passage between the first deflated configuration and the second inflated configuration. 9. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising inflation and deflation means (5, 51, 54) of said at least one inflatable element (21, 32, 43, 44, 121, 132, 321, 421). 10. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to claim 9, further comprising a control unit (53, 55) of said inflation and deflation means (5, 51, 54). 11. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to claim 10, wherein said control unit (53, 55) is adapted to carry out a predetermined succession of inflation and deflation phases of said at least an inflatable element (21, 32, 43, 44, 121, 132, 321, 421). 12. Wearable handling device (1, 101) according to claim 10 or 11 when dependent on at least claim 3, wherein said control unit (53, 55) is adapted to coordinate an inflation of said first inflatable element (21, 121) , 43, 44a) with a deflation of said second inflatable element (32, 132, 43, 44b), and vice versa. 13. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to any one of the preceding claims, intended for handling at least one joint of a user's hand. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to claim 13, wherein said housing (17) has an elongated shape to receive a finger of the user's hand, wherein said at least one inflatable element ( 21, 121, 321, 421) is intended to appear on the back of said finger. 15. Wearable handling device (1, 101) according to claim 14, when dependent at least on claim 3, in which said first inflatable element (21, 121) is intended to face a back of said finger and said second inflatable element ( 32, 132) is intended to face a palm of said finger, opposite to said back. 16. Wearable handling device (1, 101) according to claim 15, comprising three of said first inflatable elements (21, 121), arranged aligned along said housing (17), and corresponding three of said second inflatable elements (32, 132) ), arranged aligned along said housing (17). 17. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, comprising a plurality of said housings (17), a housing (17) being provided for each finger of said hand . 18. Wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising at least one inflatable element (43, 44) for moving a wrist of the user's hand. 19. Wearable movement device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to claim 18, comprising four inflatable elements (43, 44) arranged opposite two by two in correspondence with two orthogonal directions, for a movement of the wrist with respect to to said two orthogonal directions. 20. Glove (1a, 101a, 102a, 103a, 104a) including a wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to any one of the preceding claims. 21. Orthopedic rehabilitation device (201) for a bone joint, comprising a wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to any one of claims 1 to 19. 22. Protective device (251, 252, 253) of a user's hand, comprising a wearable handling device (1, 101, 102, 103, 104) according to any one of claims 13 to 19, inflation means ( 54) of said inflatable element (21, 32, 121, 132, 43, 44, 321, 421), and a fall prediction system (55), in which said fall prediction system (55) is operatively connected to said means inflation (54).