LU85758A1 - APPARATUS TO FACILITATE THE PRACTICE OF ALPINE SKIING - Google Patents

Description

• Ί ^> - 1 -, ή The invention relates to an apparatus to facilitate the practice _ of alpine skiing in particular.

The object of the invention relates to the technical sector of sports, more particularly equipment for the practice. than skiing and in the medical technical sector of apparatus intended for the lower limbs.

It is known that the practice of downhill skiing presents traumatic risks, in particular for the lower limbs and generates significant muscular efforts in the thighs resulting from the position most often in bending of the knees. skier. This state of affairs has led to the creation of a “conforming device to reduce the traumatic risk” of this sporting activity by increasing safety and by providing technical aid and assistance to the muscles.

In terms of safety, the device makes it possible to prevent accidents by increasing the mechanical resistance of the lower limb and also authorizes the practice of skiing for subjects weakened by a previous accident, age, lack of physical preparation. .

Regarding technical assistance, the device prevents axial rotation of the leg on the knee and ensures better control of the parallelism of the skis by avoiding lateral flutter, the source of many falls.

On the other hand, it is known that the flexion of the lower limbs constitutes the basic principle of modern skiing techniques. As a result, the weight of the body constantly rests on the thigh muscles, which imposes significant muscular efforts to face the two constraints on the one hand, static, balance the weight of the body and on the other hand, dynami-, ques, absorb all the jolts linked to unevenness in the ground.

. The device allows part of these forces to be transferred to a system of elastic suspension, thus reducing fatigue and consequently the accidents for which it is responsible.

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This elastic suspension, for reasons related to the technique of skiing, is designed so that it is effective - = - ve of 10 to 90 ° of bending of the knees.

For this purpose, the apparatus as characterized in the claims comprises, for each lower limb, a toggle comprising essentially two suitably curved and profiled plates of flexible material, one of which envelops the leg while the other envelops the thigh. These two plates are held and connected together by two frames, one internal, the other external, articulated at the knee. Or, in another model, these two plates are held and connected together by being directly articulated at the knee.

The curved lower plate or part of the corresponding reinforcement is subject to elastic members capable of being "tensioned during the bending of the knee. For this purpose,; on either side of the knee, a formed disc at the base of the upper armature or of an arm extending downwards the upper curved plate is profiled in the form of a cam, to cooperate with a lever, which pivots around a disc mounted excessively - • stick on an axis integral with a part of the frame or of the lower curved plate putting the elastic members under tension. It is constituted by the eccentric disc maneuvered by a lever making it possible to lower the lever, removing from this does the action of elastic organs.

To fix the subject of the invention, without however limiting it in the appended drawings: - Figures 1 and 2 are the external profile views of the device adapted to the leg of a skier and according to a first embodiment of said device.

- Figure 3 is, on a larger scale, a partial view I s showing the detail of the constituent parts [of the device mechanism.

'1 - Figure 4 is a side view of the device adapted to! the leg of a skier, according to a preferred embodiment du- j! says device.

! i · a · - 3 - ♦ - Figure 5 is a view, on a larger scale = · of the device illustrated in Figure 4, showing the constituent parts of the mechanism.

- Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view seen along the main axes of the device, shown in Figure 5.

- Figures 7, 8 and 9 are respectively horizontal section views considered along lines 7.7, 8.8, and 9.9 ‘of Figure 5.

- Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the device for skiing, shown in Figure 4.

- Figure 11 shows the model of Figure 10 suitable for a ski boot specially designed for this use and secured to the device by a self-gripping device, in particular.

- The figure. 12 represents a vertical cross section of the apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 13 and 14 represent two horizontal sections at the level of the connection of the device to the shoe, according to the embodiment of FIG. 11.

- Figure 15 shows a side view of the device intended for medical use.

- Figure 16 shows a view of a simplified device intended for medical use.

- Figures 17 and 18 show horizontal sections considered along lines 17.17. and 18.18. in Figure 16.

. The apparatus according to the invention comprises for each lower member a toggle comprising essentially two suitably curved and profiled plates (13) and (14) made of flexible material. The plate (13) partially envelops the thigh, while the plate (14) partially envelops the leg.

In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 1, 2 and 3, the two plates (13 ^ and (14) are held and connected to each other by two frames (1), one internal, the other external, ar - k- -4-- 'm I · ticulated at the knee.'

For this purpose, each frame (1) consists of two profiled arms (2) and (3) articulated on a common axis (4). These two arms (2) and (3) are subject to an elastic system working during the flexion of the limb, so that, under the effect of the body weight, the angle between the upper (2) and lower arms ( 3) decreasing, the elastic system is tensioned to support all or part of the body weight as indicated in the following description.

The upper arm (2) has at its lower end (2b) a specially shaped profile acting as a cam (2c).

This part of the upper arm is mounted with free articulation around the axis (4) while being held between two parallel flanges (6) which the upper part of the lower arm (3) presents directly or in an attached manner. On the flanges (6) is fixed 1 axis (4).

Between the flanges (6) below the arm (2) is articulated: a lever (7) arranged to transmit the suspension forces by pivoting around an axis (8) on which is angularly indexed an eccentric disc (8a). The lever (7) is shaped to receive at the end a rolling roller (10) coming to bear on the cam profile (2c) of the upper arm (2). The eccentric device (8a) is subject to a control lever (11) for manually lowering the lever (7) in order to erase the action of the roller (10) opposite the cam profile (2c).

! The lower arm (3) is controlled by an elastic system (12) produced in the example of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 by a series of elastomer rings (12a), simultaneously enclosing the said arm (3) and the lower part of the articulated lever (7).

: The frames (1) are fixed to the outside of the plates! - sections (13) and (14) by means, for example, of rivets (15).

| In a preferred embodiment shown in Figures | - 4 to 14 in particular, the frames of the device are eliminated, their role of holding and connecting is assigned to the curved and profiled plates (13) and (14) themselves which are made of plastic 1 A- »* I · - 5 - * only sufficiently resistant, each of the plates (13) and (Γ4) extending by two profiled arms (13a) and (14a), to be ar ~ = * · twisted on the main axis (4) on both sides, of the knee.

The upper arms (13a) end in a disc (13b), the lower edge of which has a contour of suitable shape acting as a cam and capable of cooperating with part of the lever (7). On either side of the leg, the profiled and curved plate (14) is extended downwards by two profiled legs (14c) fitting between the skier's leg and the ski boot to help maintain the apparatus.

The eccentric disc (8a) on which the lever (7) is pivotally mounted, is angularly indexed on a flat surface (8b) of the axis (8) integral with the lever (11). This axis (8) is rotatably mounted in the thickness of the curved plate (14), the assembly being held by a nut (23) (Figure 8). Superimposed on the lever (7), the axis (8) receives a profiled and angled assembly part (24) fixed in a removable manner on a part of the: curved plate (14) and on the curved plate upper (13) via the axis (4). This part (24) has, at its front part and in the direction of the bottom, an arm (24a), fixed in a detachable manner, on the plate (14) while being shaped to ensure the positioning and the maintenance of the elastic members ( 12).

The elastic suspension device consists essentially of the combination of the lever (7) which can pivot around the eccentric disc (8a) under the action of the cam resulting from the profiled lower edge (13b) and the elastic members (12) which can be made by elastic straps or a rubber sleeve and which enclose the base of the lever (2) and the arm (24 a).

As indicated, the position of the disc (8a) is slaved to the axis by a cutout of square section and of eccentric position and into which a part of the axis (8) of complementary square section is inserted. By acting on the lever (11), integral with the axis (8), the lever (7) is lowered or consequently raised.

The upper (13) and lower (14) / ί '·:' • i ι - 6 - curved plates are fitted with inextensible straps (17) fitted with "adjustable self-gripping systems (18), intended to ensure the maintenance of the device on the lower limb with the help of the legs (14c).

The good maintenance of the device and the comfort of use are further improved by two concave plates (16) of circular outline, made of flexible plastic, located on either side of the knee and able to pivot around the axis (4 ).

Another variant of the device is shown in Figure 10.

It consists in placing the concave holding plates (16) no longer concentrically with the axis (4) around which the plates (13) and (14) pivot but in an independent position below and in front of the 'axis (4).

| This technical modification is likely to reduce the overall dimensions of the device at the level of the leg where the space is limited by the ski boot and allow better adaptation to body contours.

1 The device described, whatever its embodiment, I x 1 can be adapted to all ski boots. But, it is pre-! fable to use a ski boot specially designed for I this device as illustrated in Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14.

I The ski boot (25) comprises a rod comprising I two curved and profiled plates of lateral arrangement (25a) I and (25b) capable of spreading laterally. These plates comprise on their internal face, part of a self-gripping system, the other part being arranged on the external face of the lugs Î (14c). These plates are arranged outside of a liner (26) which has a special shape matching the contours of the tab (14c) as shown in Figures 11 and 14. The use of special shoes has two advantages, namely better device and shoe cohesion, and a plus | '' great comfort of use.

î It is now necessary to describe the operation of? *,, '([The apparatus. Under the effect of knee flexion, the curved plate

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i. r- »β *; - 7 - ί î! : (13) drives the cam (13b) which causes the lever (7) to tilt over | turn of the disc (8a) tensioning the elastic member (12).

| This has the effect of opposing the flexion of the knee and by pressing the cam (13b) to favor by spring effect, the return 180 ° of the plate (13) on the palque (14) , that is to say, from the thigh to the leg. Beyond a certain bending angle | knee of about 90 °, the radius of the cam (13b) becoming constant 1, the return effect of the elastic member disappears which constitutes a favorable element.

In certain circumstances, especially for walking, it is useful to be able to disengage the elastic device. For this purpose, it suffices to raise the lever (i) which by means of the axis (8) lowers the eccentric disc (8a) and by means of • "s consequently the lever (7) which then ceases to press on the cam (13b)

Without departing from the scope of the invention, the device can, with some minor modifications, be of great benefit in a field different from that of skiing: it is the medical field. In this case, the main purpose of the device is to help support a deficient lower limb. It can be useful, in certain cases to block in extension, that is to say 180 °, the knee joint, which blocking must be able to be disengaged. This latter possibility is obtained by a device little different from that of the device, intended for skiing and illustrated by FIGS. 15. and 16.

In this case, the lever (7) no longer has the role of transmitting the elastic suspension forces, but of ensuring the 180 ° locking of the device. For this, the lever (7) comprises an overhang a lug (7a) capable of engaging in the extended position and under the action of the elastic member (12) in a corresponding notch (13e) arranged in the profile. (13c) which in this case has a circular shape. To decouple the two plates (13) and (14) angularly, it suffices to lower the lever (7) by means of the eccentric operated by the 4! i · 4 · * *. * - 8 - lever (II).

In some conditions, blocking in extension is not necessary. In this case, a simplified model is provided, illustrated by FIG. 16, in which only the plastic plates (13) and (14) remain, articulated on the axis (4) provided with the holding discs (16), the two plates being held by the straps provided with hook-and-loop systems and the tabs (14c) penetrating between the leg and the special shoe. The latter is a shoe with a high upper and more or less rigid depending on the use for which the device is intended. To ensure better cohesion between the device and the shoe, a self-gripping system (27) is used, the shoe itself being held at the foot by several legs with self-gripping device (28).

These devices intended for medical use are indicated 1 in many ailments to compensate for a functional deficit, relieve a joint, consolidate a weakened limb.

Without going into details, we can cite: - the after-effects of trauma, such as sprained knees. In this case, the role of the device is to support the limb and to avoid abnormal movements and worsening of the lesions, - knee arthritis. The purpose of the device is to relieve the joint and thus avoid pain and worsening of osteoarthritis, - certain neurological conditions such as the sequelae of poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, incomplete limb paralysis lower.

These devices for medical use have great advantages over current devices: - possibilities of mass production because they are made, for the most part, of plastic, hence a lower cost, - lightness and comfort of use, - great possibilities of adaptation to the various morpholo- J; gies.

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In some subjects, there is an abnormal lateral angulation of the leg on the thigh which can be opened inside, or, on the contrary, outside. For these cases, there is provided a “possibility of adjusting the device so that it adapts to this deformation, which can be used both for devices intended for skiing and for those intended for the medical field. It is illustrated by Figures 16, 17 and 18 concerning the simplified device for medical use, but its principle can easily be transposed to other devices.

The curved plate (14) is made in two halves (14d) and (14e) whose front parts, which overlap more or less, are provided with hook-and-loop devices. These allow a perfect adaptation with different subjects by playing either on the size of the overlap surfaces, or on the angular offset with which one can adjust these surfaces.

Likewise, the various constituent parts of the device can be executed in any material. For example, for the purpose of maximum lightening, all of the parts can be made of plastic.

The shapes of the various parts or parts of the apparatus described and / or illustrated are in no way limiting and do not exclude any other capable of fulfilling the same functions with a view to achieving the desired goal.

For example, the system can be integrated into a complete assembly including the skier's shoe and thus constituting a ski boot, whether the shoe part can be separated or not J .............. .........

Claims (13)

1. Apparatus to facilitate the practice of alpine skiing in particular, characterized in that it comprises for each lower limb, a toggle essentially comprising two suitably curved and profiled plates (13) and (14) one of which (13) envelops the thigh while the other (14) envelops the leg being able to cooperate with part of the shoe: the upper plate 7 (13 * perieure / is extended downwards by two opposite and parallel arms (13a) profiled and each articulated on an axis (4), on either side of the knee, the lower plate (14) being extended upwards by two opposite and parallel arms (14b) profiled and articulated around the axis (4) in combination with the upper plate (13), the lower plate being slaved to elastic members capable of being tensioned, when the knee is bent in combination with appropriate means (7) - (13b), shaped to cancel this enslavement beyond a certain angle of flexion, lesdi ts means being subject to a manual declutching member (11) to completely cancel the elastic servo. 2. Apparatus to facilitate the practice of alpine skiing in particular, characterized in that it comprises for each lower limb, a toggle comprising essentially two suitably curved and profiled plates (13) and (14), one of which (13), envelops the thigh, while the other (14) envelops the leg while being capable of cooperating with part of the shoe; the two plates (13) and (14) are held and connected to each other by two frames (1) mounted on each side of the lower limb, each of the frames consisting of two profiled arms (2) and (3) articulated on an axis (4), on either side of the knee; the * lower arm (3) being slaved to elastic members capable of being put in tension, during the bending of the knee in combination with appropriate means (7) - (2c) shaped to cancel this slaving beyond d 'a certain bending angle, À - 11 -! i _ said means being subject to a manual declutching member (11) to completely cancel the elastic servo. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower part of the two arms (13a), at their articulation, has a profile (13b) acting as a cam and capable of cooperating with part of a lever ( 7) pivotally mounted around an eccentric disc (8a) angularly indexed on a flat surface (8b) of an axis (8) secured to the manual declutching member in the form of a lever (11) to lower the lever (7), said axis (8) being mounted rotating in the thickness of the curved plate (14), the assembly being held by means (23). I - 4 - Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that | · Superposition of the lever (7), the axis (8) / receives a profiled and angled assembly piece (24) fixed on a part of the curved plate I (14) and on the upper curved plate (13 ) via the axis (4), said part (24) having forward! an arm (24a) directed downwards, shaped and arranged to ensure i j the positioning and the maintenance of the elastic system (12). î 3 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic system (12) encloses both the arm (24a) and the lower part of the lever (7). ! - 6 - Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the base of the arms (2) has a cam profile (2c) capable of j cooperating with part of a lever (7) pivotally mounted around | - an eccentric disc (8a) angularly indexed on a part I 'of an axis (8) secured to the normal declutching member (11 ^ under Λ) - form of a lever for lowering said lever (7 ). i ^ - 7 - Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the i | elastic system is produced from a series of rings made of; i jt - 12 -, · * r • i elastomer (12a) simultaneously enclosing and jointing the arm (3) and the lower part of the articulated lever (7). 8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the upper (13) and lower (14) curved plates are equipped with adjustable straps each equipped with components of a self-gripping system to ensure the maintenance of the entire apparatus on the lower limb of the user, the lower part of the plate (14) being extended downwards by two tabs (14c) fitting into the shoe. 9. Simplified device characterized by its application in the medical field, said device comprising a profiled and curved upper plate (13) for holding the device at the level of the thigh, and extended downwards by two opposite and parallel arms (13a) profiled and articulated around the axis (4) in combination with the upper plate (13) said plates (13) and (14) being equipped with adjustable straps each equipped with components of a hook-and-loop system for ensuring maintaining the entire apparatus with respect to the user's leg. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9., characterized in that the lower part of the two arms (13a) has a circular profile (13b) cooperating with a lever (7) pivotally mounted around an eccentric disc (8a), indexed angularly on a flat part of an axis (8) integral with the declutching member, in the form of a lever (11) for lowering the lever (7), which has an overhanging lug (7a) capable of cooperating with a corresponding notch (13e) formed at the end of the profile (13b). to ensure at will the 180 ° angular blocking of the two plates (13) and (14). not a word- 11 - Apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 9 A - 13 - * s and 10, characterized in that circular and concave flanges ^ (16) are mounted on the axis (4) taking support on the internal and external surfaces of the knee. 12. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that circular and concave flanges (16) are articulated on the plate (14), in particular below and in front of the axis (4). 13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2 characterized in that it is coupled to a ski boot specially studied, comprising a rod in two lateral parts, each of which joining the legs (14c) at by means of a self-gripping device, and a liner suitably shaped and arranged to adapt to the device. f) ____