FR3048596A1 - PORTABLE DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING THE HUMAN BODY - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable device connected to the lower limbs. It allows the user who wears it to be able to benefit at a desired moment of a seat for a desired posture. Indeed, the user is free in his movements until he activates the support mode. It consists mainly of a seat (10), an upper support (20), a lower support (30), an articulated arm (40) and links to connect the assembly. The device has two modes of operation: free mode and support mode. In support mode, the connections are blocked and the weight of the body is taken up by the seat and the upper support. The weight is then transferred to the ground through the lower support and the articulated arm which also acts as a stabilizer.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for supporting a portion of the weight of the human body. This device is worn on both legs and include a seat, the portage of the device does not disrupt the mobility of the legs, it allows the user to be able to a desired time to block the system to benefit from a seat to a desired posture.

There are devices prior to this one. However, some of these devices are limited in number of sitting positions. This is particularly the case for patent US3538512A with only one possible position. The limitation for others stems from reduced ground stability (only two ground supports) and the absence of an organ for weight recovery at the hips. This is particularly the case for the patents WO2015 / 028373A1 and US 4 138156. Other devices make it possible to achieve the added value of this invention but which are not portable (US2009 / 0058151 patent).

The device according to the invention makes it possible to support a part of the weight of the human body with several possibilities of different postures. This device can be worn while walking.

With its support mode, it can be controlled to lock on a desired position among the multitude of possible positions and thus form a support for the user. It may or may not deploy additional arms to stabilize the device on the ground when needed (Figure 17 & 18).

The wearing of the device does not change the freedom of movement and does not require additional effort. The supplied external energy only serves to switch from free mode to support mode and vice versa. The skilled reader thus understands that the energy required to change the state of the device is minimal compared to the energy required for the operation of the other motion aids.

This invention is composed of several elements:

For the sake of understanding the various elements of the support, it is recalled that the lower limb of a person comprises the thigh, the leg and the foot. The thigh is the part between the hip and the knee, the leg is the part between the knee and the ankle.

Assise: Its function is to support the weight of the user in support mode, especially in positions close to the "standing" position. The orientation angle of the seat remains unchanged (Figure 14) regardless of the posture chosen to benefit from the best comfort of use. The seat is connected to the upper right and left supports by a ball joint. The orientation of the seat is controlled from four fixed length wire ropes that connect the seat to the lower right and left supports. This function is provided by a flexible metal cable (twisted steel) whose end is connected to the seat and the other is connected to the lower right / left support. A flexible sheath (consisting of a contiguous coil spring wrapped in a plastic sheath) is used to guide the cable. This sheath has both ends fixed in stops (integral with the upper supports) pierced to allow the sliding of the cable.

Upper right / left support: it is attached to the thigh via a gripping band, its function is to support the weight of the user in the positions close to the "sitting" position and the intermediate positions (half between sitting and standing) and to route the effort of the seat to the lower right / left support. It is connected to the seat via a ball joint and to the lower right / left supports via a controlled pivot connection.

Lower right / left support: it is attached to the leg via a gripping band. It is also attached to the foot via a ball joint. Its function is to convey the effort of the seat and the upper support to the ground. It is linked to the upper support via a controlled pivot connection. It is also linked to the articulated arm via a controlled-motorized pivot link. At its end (contact with the ground), it has a sliding system to dampen contact with the ground.

The articulated arm is connected to the lower support via a motor-driven pivot link. Its function is to stabilize the device and to convey part of the weight on the ground thanks to the third and fourth points of support.

The controlled pivot connection: It links the two lower and upper supports by a pivot connection. In free mode, the two supports are always free to rotate relative to each other. In support mode, one direction of rotation is always free while the other direction is blocked. The meaning "always free" corresponds to the transition from sitting to standing. The control of this connection can be done by a servomotor or a solenoid.

The controlled-motorized pivot link: It links the articulated arm to the lower support by a pivot connection. It consists of a controlled pivot connection (described in the previous paragraph) and a motor to allow folding or deployment of the articulated arm to switch from support mode to free mode and vice versa.

An essential advantage of this mechanism over most other currently available solutions is the stability it provides to the user. This stability is due to the presence of four support points on the ground unlike the others that have only two points of support on the ground, it eliminates the constraint of having to provide the necessary efforts to be in balance. The other advantage of this system is to be able to support the weight of the user even in standing position (see Figure 17). This function is ensured through the use of the seat that recovers most of the weight at this posture.

Another essential advantage of this system is the multitude of possible seating positions as needed, unlike other systems that are restricted in number of positions.

Finally, another feature of this system is that it requires only a small amount of external energy. Indeed, the system requires only energy to change the operating mode (free or support).

Figure 1 illustrates a person wearing the device in free mode.

Figure 2 illustrates the blocking device carried by a person in a sitting position.

Figure 3 illustrates a close-up view of the free-mode device carried by a person in a standing position.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the connection of the metal cables and their sleeves to the lower support.

Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the seat and its connection to the rest of the system.

Figures 6 and 7 show a close view of the junction between the upper and lower support and in particular the controlled pivot connection.

Figure 8 illustrates the pivot connection controlled in support mode.

Figure 9 illustrates the pivot connection controlled in free mode.

Figure 10 shows the mechanism for locking the controlled pivot link (for support mode).

Figure 11 shows a detailed view of the lower part of the system including the mechanism for deploying or folding the (s) articulated arm (s).

Figure 12 shows the locking mechanism of the motorized controlled pivot link with a detailed view.

Figure 13 illustrates the system damping mechanism with the ground.

Figure 14 shows the fixed orientation of the seat in several positions and the metal cables that hold it.

Figure 15 shows the attachment system at the foot.

Figure 16 shows the attachment system at the level of the leg and thigh.

Figure 17 shows a position of the support or there is no need to deploy the articulated arm.

Figure 18 illustrates a seating position of the support with the main components of the device.

The embodiment described in this patent with reference to plan views, shows an ideal illustration of the present invention. In the drawings, the thicknesses of the shapes and certain areas are exaggerated for an efficient description of the technical content. As a result, the shapes of the illustrated drawings may vary according to the manufacturing technologies and the constraints of aesthetics.

This invention consists mainly of 4 parts: seat (10), upper support (20), lower support (30) and articulated arms (40) (see Figure 3).

In Figure 5, the seat (10) is connected to the upper support (20) via a ball joint (12) through the two connecting pieces (13 and 14) and the axis (11) which is integral therewith. The two parts (13 and 14) are integral with the upper support (20). A ball joint is used and not a pivot connection to give more freedom of movement to the wearer. The ball is embedded in the connecting piece (13).

Depending on the desired position, the seat should always keep the same orientation (see figure 14). This function is provided by the metal cables (15) and the sheaths (16). The end of the cables (15a) is fixed to the seat (10). The other two ends (15b) are attached to the lower support (Figure 4 & 5). Thus the direction of the seat changes with the change of the angle between the upper support (20) and the lower support (30). The stops (17 & 18) integral with the upper support (20), are used to maintain the sheath. Two metal cables are used to allow a continuous stabilization of the seat (the wire rope works only in tension, it then takes two at least to fix the seat).

The upper support (20) is connected to the lower support (30) via a controlled pivot connection (50) (see Figure 3). The purpose of this connection is to rotate the two elements while having the possibility to block the rotation for the support mode. In this system, one direction of rotation is always free while the other direction can be blocked. To perform this function, a gear (31) is attached to the lower support (30) (Fig. 6, 7, 8 & 9). On the side of the upper support, a pawl (21) mounted with clearance, allows the blocking of the rotation (Figure 7). In free mode, the wheel and the ratchet are separated (Figure 9). In support mode (Figure 8), for a direction of rotation, the pawl blocks the rotation of the wheel (31). For the other direction of rotation, the teeth of the wheel (31) push the pawl (21). The pivot connection between the two supports (upper and lower) is provided by the axis (32). The switching between the two operating modes is done through a servomotor (23) which rotates a drive arm (24) which itself causes the rotation of the pawl (21) (see Figure 10).

In Figure 3, the articulated arm (40) is connected to the lower support (30) by a motor-driven pivot link (60). This connection provides the same operation as the controlled pivot connection (50) (described in the preceding paragraph), in addition it ensures the deployment or folding of the articulated arms (40).

In Figure 11, a motor (61) is mounted on the frame (64) which is integral with the lower support (30). This motor rotates a gearwheel (62). The latter rotates another toothed wheel (63) which itself is integral with the articulated arm (40). Thus the engine can deploy or fold the articulated arm. The locking mechanism of this connection is shown in Figure 12. A servomotor (65) rotates a pawl (67) through the drive arm (66). The assembly is fixed on the frame (64).

At the end of the lower support (30), a damper is integrated in the structure to dampen the shock between the device and the ground when the user is walking (free mode of the system) (see Figure 13). The two pieces (33 & 34) are connected by screws and can slide along the lower part of the lower support (30). Two springs (36) act as a shock absorber for the system. The screw (35) acts as a stop so that the damper does not dissociate itself from the rest of the system. The parts (38) and (41) serve as an anti-slip pad for the articulated arm (40) and the lower support (30) (see FIGS. 13 and 12).

In Fig. 15, the user's foot is connected to the device via a ball link (70) through the mount (72) and the workpiece (71). This connection ensures a certain freedom of movement for the foot. Gripping strips (73) serve to clamp the foot to the workpiece (72) which itself is connected to the lower support via the ball joint (70).

In Figure 16, we observe how the device is attached to the wearer at the thigh and leg. This is accomplished thanks to the pieces (composed of rather rigid materials) (75 and 74). At the ends of these parts there are oblong holes (78) to allow the passage of gripping strips (77 and 76) for clamping. The activation of the support mode can be carried out by means of a push button or by other more sophisticated control methods in case of hand-held such as the detection of movements prerecorded by one or more accelerometers. One of the advantages of this invention when it is worn by employees / workers, is to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and therefore the decrease in productivity due to days of absenteeism due to sick leave. This device can be used in other fields as well as in industry, such as the rehabilitation of disabled people. This device will relieve the weight of the body on the user's legs. It can take up to 2/3 of the weight (all the weight of the body except the lower limbs) allowing the reduction of muscle fatigue, to have heavy legs and to avoid varicose veins. With its stand-up mode function (Figure 17), it gives the user good mobility of the upper limbs and a large area of attack. Its use may be profitable in trades where there is a need to be upright, especially in factories, assembly lines (cars, aircraft ...), sorting centers, restaurants or even in hospitals. Especially for surgeons who spend hours in the operating room and the medical staff. Its application can extend even to the field of individuals. For example for household tasks that require standing such as doing laundry, cooking, cleaning ... With its very intuitive control system, it can easily switch between free mode and support mode (even in case of hands taken ) to follow the user's need to move and stop as needed.

Claims (10)

1) Posture aid device characterized in that it comprises: - A seat (10) to support the user. - An upper support (20) attached to the thigh and connected to the seat (10) by a ball joint (to benefit from the three freedoms of rotation for the comfort of the user - A lower support (30) attached to the leg and connected to the upper support (20) by a controlled pivot connection (50) - Two articulated arms (40) connected to the lower support by a motor-driven pivot connection (60) The articulated arms can be folded or deployed to to stabilize the system. 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the controlled pivot links (50 & 60) may have two modes of operation: a free mode and a support mode. The corresponding support mode has a direction always free (extension of the leg or deployment of the articulated arms) and a blocked direction (bending of the leg or folding of the articulated arms). In the free mode, both directions of rotation are always free. 3) Device according to claim 1 and 2 characterized in that the two links (50 & 60) comprise a toothed wheel (31 & 63) respectively integral with the lower support (30) and the articulated arm (40) and a ratchet ( 21 & 67). In support mode, the ratchet is inserted to lock the wheels (31 & 63). In free mode, the pawl is disengaged from the toothed wheel and thus allow free rotation. 4) Device according to claim 3 characterized in that a servomotor (23 & 65) engages the pawl (21 & 67). 5) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the articulated arm (40) can be deployed or folded by a motor (61). In free mode, the articulated arm is folded to allow free movement of the user. In support mode, the arm can then be deployed so that its end (41) touches the ground to provide additional support and stabilize the system. 6) Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the controlled and motorized connection (60) comprises a gear (62) for transmitting the movement between the motor (61) and the articulated arm (40) through the toothed wheel (63) . 7) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the seat is connected to the upper support by a ball joint. To guide this connection and ensure its maintenance function, four metal cables of fixed length are fixed on the one hand to the seat and on the other side to the lower support. Thus the orientation of the seat is directly dependent on the angle between the lower and upper support. By stretching both sides of the seat, the metal cable system (15) prevents the tilting thereof. 8) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the lower support (30) comprises a damping system consisting of springs (36) and two sliding parts (33 and 34) for damping the shock between the device and the ground mode free (moving the user). 9) Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that gripping strips / laces attach the upper support (20), the lower support (30) and the frame (72) respectively to the thigh, the leg and the foot of the user. 10) Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the upper supports (20) and lower (30) are adjustable relative to their length to comfortably accommodate people of different measurement.