EP2486814A1 - Ergonomic support orthosis for leg - Google Patents

Abstract

The orthosis (1) has a main body (2) with leg, ankle or thigh comfort coatings (16, 17, 18) supported to leg or thigh of a person. The body has length equal to a distance between patella and tibial tuberosity. The body has a lower part forming a plane base (3), and an upper part formed with a conical groove. The body has rear height (Har) in a rear part equal to length of the foot and less than height of the toes, and a front height (Hav) in a front part equal to or greater than the rear height. The groove has a section (6) adopting shape of the patella and a knee lower part. The comfort coatings are made of flexible foam or gel.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an ergonomic orthosis adapted to be attached to the leg of a person that allows the wearer to kneel without causing extreme and / or prolonged joint stress in the knee, ankle, back or leg. basin.

State of the art

Different activities require that the person performing them take a kneeling position, often for an extended period. Among these activities, we mention: building work, some work in industry, agriculture, or some handling work, etc. The work of the building, especially those requiring extended kneeling positions, are at the origin of well-known wounds and suffering. We recall in particular the pain of the patella which is crushed by the positions held in support on it, but also on the lower part of the knee, on the top of the tibia with the classic hygroma of the tilers, even the old so-called pathology miners, namely meniscus lesions related to the hyper-flexed position and the pressure of the knees. Such pain is caused largely by the direct contact between the kneecap and the ground, contact that will be all the more painful that there will be irregularities on the ground.

It is known in the state of the art, the use of protective knee pads during work performed in these kneeling positions. Such kneepads only improve the contact with the ground, including a supple support at the knee, which protects the tibial tuberosity and prevent injuries in case of uneven ground. On the other hand, they do not have any action on the hyper pressure inside the knee (in particular in the patella, menisci and patellar tendon), the hyper flexion or hyper extension of the ankle, according to the chosen position, nor on the hyper flexion of the toes and in particular the metacarpophalangeal joints that will suffer if this position is maintained. Repetitive pain in the knees and feet (little or no protection) caused by repetitive positions of short or long duration promote the automatism of the bad gestures and postures which cause traumatisms to other parts of the body, for example to last lumbar discs (due to an early bust tilt) and wrists often used as a support during a kneeling.

In addition, these knee pads are often held by elastics passing to the back of the calf. Such links tend to create friction and interfere with venous returns and are therefore uncomfortable.

A solution has been proposed in the document US 6,438,754 which describes a knee protection consisting of a foam pad covered with a cloth, attached to a rigid support and having tether straps around the calf. A longitudinal channel for housing the wearer's leg is formed in the pad. Such a pad allows, of course, to deport support at the tibia, but at the cost of having the knee completely suspended. In addition, the longitudinal leg receiving channel has an inclined shape and stops abruptly below the knee. Therefore, when the body is leaning forward, the load is concentrated at the front stop of the pad causing discomfort there, while risking to unbalance the wearer because of the tilting torque created, the inclination of the canal also causing a sliding of the leg.

The document US 6,415,441 describes another protective device having a shell that surrounds the shin by stopping below the knee, which is attached by straps around the calf and is supported by a small booster at its front end. Assuring, certainly, a better stability of the wearer than the pad of the previous document, this device has the disadvantage of causing shear inside the knee and to put the toes in hyper flexion, to exert an extension stress also at the ankle and therefore present discomfort in use. In addition, due to the small dimensions of the bearing surface, a forward tilting may occur with the risk of unbalancing the wearer.

The document US 6,845,515 describes him, a support for the lower part of the tibia, which is positioned and set up from the user's foot. In order to also protect the knee, this support of the tibia is used in combination with a knee of known type. Such a set allows, certainly, to release the tension in the ankle and toes, but while maintaining the load at the patella and tendon patellar. Such a knee stress is difficult to bear in time.

In addition, the documents US 2003/0127900 and US 7,669,920 describe devices for supporting the lower body of a user in a kneeling position with a seat. Such devices make it possible to release the stresses at the ankle and toes when the person is sitting on the seat of the device, but not at the level of the knee which remains very stressed especially when the person leaves the seat or leans forward.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic leg support orthosis that overcomes the disadvantages of the aforementioned devices, in particular that allows to relieve joint and muscle forces during the bending of the leg, to avoid the appearance trauma in the kneeling position, improve comfort when working on the ground, relieve handling work during the installation of materials or materials and protect the leg of any blows.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic leg support orthosis which allows to perform work in kneeling position, while releasing the joints at the leg, foot, pelvis or back and allowing the user to adopt a natural body posture, even when the kneeling position is maintained over time.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic support orthosis for the leg to perform, comfortably and by limiting the effort, work requiring support on the ground of one or both knees, while allowing the user to return to the standing position without effort.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic leg support orthosis that makes it possible to avoid reaching the extreme amplitudes of extension and flexion of the joints of the lower limbs, at the level of the knee, the ankle and the ankles. toes.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic leg support orthosis that allows a comfortable, stable kneeling position, requiring no action of support of the feet and hands.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic support orthosis for the leg allowing a good comfort in use, while being able to be made economically.

These aims are achieved with an ergonomic leg support orthosis comprising a main body which is made to have a length substantially equal to at least the distance between the patella and the tibial tuberosity, the lower part of the body forming a base substantially flat and intended to support the ground and the upper part having a gutter for housing the leg, and means for attaching to the carrier, because said body has in its rear portion a rear height substantially equal to the length of the foot of the wearer, after deduction of the height of the toes, and, in its front part, a front height which is substantially equal to or greater than said rear height, and in that said gutter has a profile designed so as to match the shape of the shin and lower knee.

By profile made to fit the shape of the tibia and the lower part of the knee, we understand a profile of the gutter that allows to conform at least in part to the anatomy of the hard parts of the leg and the lower part knee. Thus, as seen in longitudinal section, the front portion of the profile of the gutter comprises at least a first clearance having substantially the shape of the lower part of the knee and, preferably, also a second clearance for accommodating the tibial tuberosity. The gutter may, in addition, include a portion slightly inclined downwards to form a bearing zone for the tibial crest. Such a shape of the profile of the gutter provides a good support of the leg which ensures a uniform distribution of the body load over the entire length of the orthosis.

In addition, the body of the orthosis is high enough to reduce the amplitude of the flexion of the knees during the transition from standing to kneeling position, thereby relieving the joint and / or muscle constraints of the knee, foot , thigh and leg. In addition, the hips remain free allowing great mobility of the bust, in all directions, the movements are not held by pain caused by the direct contact of the leg with the ground or when using the devices of the state of the art. This height is limited, however, in the rear part of the body, to allow the toes to support the ground when the person wearing the orthosis wants to kneel or stand up. This well-defined height of the main body makes it possible to relieve the efforts muscles by limiting the flexion height for a kneeling on one or two legs, but also during the work of handling, gardening, etc., while allowing to generate good postures.

In addition, the main body is high enough to protect the wearer's leg and clothing from water, dirt and pollutants during the work performed.

The length of the orthosis is greater than the distance between the patella and the tibial tuberosity. Preferably, the minimum length of the orthosis is between the bottom (the base) of the tibial tubercle and the anterior aspect of the thigh measured in a kneeling position on the orthosis when the knee is bent at 90 ° to the knee. horizontal.

Thus, the orthosis of the invention makes it possible to relieve and eliminate the tensions and pains in the joints of the foot, the ankle, the tibial tuberosity, the knee (in particular the patella, the menisci, the patellar tendon). , to release the movement of the hips, removes the constraint of the fibular nerve at the level of the fibula head, allows to respect the physiological lordosis in the work of handling, protects the lumbosacral hinge, etc.

Advantageously, the front portion of said profile comprises a first clearance made so that its depth and / or its shape makes it possible to house the lower part of the knee. This makes it possible to create a space for receiving the patella in order to prevent it from being crushed and to relieve the support on it.

Preferably, said clearance extends towards the front of the orthosis by a connection or by a chamfer connected to said base via a front face which forms an acute angle with the latter. Such a chamfer or connection allows to leave the patella free during the various movements of extension of the knee and provide support to the patellar tendon and / or the patella during a forward movement of the wearer. The sloped front has the role of increasing stability when the wearer leans forward.

Advantageously, said channel has a conical shape, the base of the cone being oriented towards the front of the orthosis. Such a conical shape of the gutter allows it to better adapt to the shape of the leg, by surrounding it with its walls sideways along the entire length of the orthosis for added stability.

Preferably, the side walls of said channel comprise at least one lateral clearance at the knee joint. This clearance made in the side walls of the gutter increases comfort, especially during intensive use of the orthosis, removing the lateral friction zones at the knee joint.

Advantageously, the orthosis of the invention comprises a seat body and means for connecting the latter to said main body.

Such a seat body limits the bending by a support of the thighs on a stop coming into contact with the ground. The seat body is connected, fixed or removable, to the main body of the orthosis. This allows additional support at the back of the orthosis to release all the joints of the foot, ankles or knee, as well as compressions, flexions or extensions at the same, while providing rest station between two spots. In addition, starting from a raised and seated position, the bust can be kept straight or easily tilted forward until it can be supported on the ground with the hands, without exerting pressure on the joints.

Thus, the shape of the ergonomic support orthosis of the invention makes it possible to match the shape of the leg, especially at the level of the lower part of the knee and the tibia, and to reduce, by distributing uniformly over the length of the orthosis, the pressure usually exerted on the kneecap in the kneeling position and according to the different postures of the body. Thus, when the bust is forward, the pressure is distributed over the front half of the orthosis; when the pelvis tilts towards the heels, the pressure is distributed on the back half of the orthosis; and when the bust reclines while seated on the seat body, the seat relieves pressure on the shin and completely relieves pressure on the knees. Returning to the upright position is also facilitated by tilting the bust back from the sitting position on the seat.

Preferably, said seat body has a foot passage opening located between a support base and a seat stop. This allows, during the establishment of the orthosis around the leg, to freely slide the ankle, through the opening of the seat body, while leaving the ankle the opportunity to take different positions relative to the support offered by the lower edge of this opening of passage.

Advantageously, said main body and / or said seat body are provided with at least one comfort coating on the parts coming into contact with the leg and / or the thigh. This improves the contact with the leg and, therefore, increase the performance of the distribution of the load, as well as to ensure better comfort in use.

Preferably, the orthosis of the invention comprises means for adjusting the height and the length of said main body and said seat body, as well as the distance between said main body and said seat body allowing their adjustment to the size of the wearer. This allows the wearer to work in the optimal position and to adopt the correct postures during the work.

Advantageously, said attachment means comprise at least one strap connecting said main body to the wearer's belt and said orthosis also comprises means for positioning said main body around the leg and / or said seat body around the foot. This allows the orthosis to be suspended at the size of the wearer, its weight can be supported by a belt, not by tight straps around the calf. This has the effect of removing any discomfort due to the tightening of the straps, while promoting the venous return and the comfort of the wearer. The orthosis is then only positioned relative to the leg, for example, by its shape or by using non-clamping positioning means.

Description of figures

• The figure 1 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the orthosis of the invention, with the leg of the wearer represented by bearing on the orthosis to better explain the operating principle thereof.
• The Figures 2 to 13 illustrate by perspective views different embodiments of the orthosis of the invention.
• The figure 14a illustrates protective equipment comprising two orthoses of the invention and the Figures 14b to 14d different components of this set.
• The Figures 15a to 15c illustrate with perspective views various accessories for use with the orthosis of the invention.

List of landmarks:

1 Ergonomic support orthosis 2 Main body 2a, 2b Main body blocks 3 Based 4 Gutter 5 sling 6 Profile 7 First release 8 Chamfer, fitting 9 Front face 10 Lateral walls 11.11 ' Lateral clearance 12 Seat body 12a, 12b Seat Body Blocks 13 Opening 14 Base of support 15 Seat stop 16 Leg comfort coating 17 Ankle comfort coating 18 Thigh comfort pad 19 Fixing tape 20 Positioning taile 21 Fastening strap 22 stem 23 Rear chamfer 24 Second release 25 Sloping line 26 Strap fastener 27 Side face 28 Hidden 29 Horizontal cutting plot 30 Vertical cutting line 31 Canvas passages 32 Century body slide 33 Bullet protection bellows 34 Rear gutter 35 Thigh support 136 Headband 37 Strap 38 Sliding rod 39 Sole 40 Ankle support 41 Slide tongue 42 Sliding groove 43 Booster block 44 rods 45 housing 46 Passing strap 47 Main case 48 Seat box 49 Hinge 50 Connecting plate 51 Let 52 Orthosis body ports 53 Through holes 54.54 ' Retractable set 55 First arm 56 Second arm 57 Sliding rod 58 Pivot joint 59 Second articulation 60 Sliding tongue 61 Swivel arm 62 First articulation 63 Second articulation 64 Set screw 65 Support tongue 66 Protective gear 67 Belt 68 Thigh straps 69 Fabric sleeve 70 skates 71 Fixing plate 72 Safety hook 73 Conical planter 74 Telescopic rod 75 Support cone 76 Connecting piece

Detailed description of the invention

The figure 1 illustrates an ergonomic support orthosis 1 for leg according to the invention and the way the leg is supported on the orthosis, the orthosis comprises a main body 2 whose lower part forms a flat base 3 which bears on the ground and the upper part comprises a gutter 4 provided for housing the leg of the orthosis wearer. The orthosis 1 also comprises attachment means to the body of the wearer, such as a ramp 5, as will be explained later.

According to the invention, the groove 4 has a profile 6 made to fit the shape of the tibia and the lower part of the knee. More particularly with reference to the figure 1 , the profile 6 has, at the front portion of the orthosis 1, a first clearance 7 slightly deeper than the protuberant portion of the patella and extending over a length corresponding to approximately the lower half of the patella. This first release relieves the support on the patella. The first clearance 7 is connected to a second clearance 24, which is in line with the first and makes it possible to accommodate the tibial tuberosity of the orthosis wearer. The profile 6 of the trough 4 continues towards the rear part of the orthosis 1 along a slightly downward sloping line 25 to give the rear profile of the trough 4 the shape of the tibial crest of the wearer and form a bearing zone for the latter. The longitudinal profile of the gutter is made so that the leg is supported over the entire length of the orthosis to better distribute the load on it during a support on the ground. A rear chamfer 23 may also be provided to prevent the sharp contact with the leg when returning to standing position. Releases 7 and 24 can serve as benchmarks for the correct positioning of the leg on the orthosis.

According to the invention also, the orthosis has in its rear part a rear height (Har) substantially equal to the length of the foot, deduction made of the height of the toes, and, in its front part, a front height (Hav) which is substantially equal to or greater than said rear height. The height of the body main 1 thus reduces the height of flexion of the leg, thereby relieving the joint and / or muscle constraints of the knee, ankle, foot, thigh and leg. The length (I) of the main body 2 is substantially equal to or greater than the distance between the patella and the tibial tuberosity of the wearer, in other words, greater than the distance between the base of the tibial tuberosity and the anterior surface of the thigh. when the knee is bent at 90 ° to the horizontal, the leg resting on the orthosis. This makes it possible to evenly distribute the load of the wearer's body and the weight carried by it over the entire length of the main body.

The main body 2 has an indignant front face 9 which makes an angle between 60 ° and 85 ° with the horizontal plane and allows a better stability of the wearer when he leans forward.

The trough 4 has a conical shape to better adapt to the shape of the leg and has side walls 10 that go up to about half of the calf to provide more lateral stability. Lateral clearance 11 is made in the side walls at the knee joint to avoid friction with it.

The orthosis 1 is suspended at the size of the wearer, being attached to the belt thereof by a shoulder strap 5. Optionally, positioning means without clamping the orthosis around the leg can be provided, such a positioning fabric 20 closed by a fastening strip 19.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the main body 2 of the orthosis 1 is connected to a seat body 12. This connection is made by the rod 22 in the example of the figure 1 . The seat body 12 has, in its lower part, a support base 14 on the ground and, in its upper part, a seat stopper 15. An opening 13 is provided in the seat body 12 to allow the passage of the foot of the carrier. The anterior surface of the lower part of the shin then bears on the rim of the opening 13. The wearer can rest his thigh on the seat stop 15 in order to completely release the stresses at the ankle. The ankle is free to take any position as indicated by the arrows F2 to F4, especially when the wearer of the orthosis sits on the seat stop 15, the fingers being oriented along F1. This sitting position then allows to release all the joints of the foot, ankles or knee, as well as compressions, flexions or extensions at these, while providing the wearer a rest station between two tasks.

The body 2 and / or seat body 12 may be made of a plastic material (thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomer), resin (especially resin containing latex), or from natural materials or materials comprising natural materials, such as cork (especially reconstituted cork), wood (especially post-formed wood), leather, or from recyclable composite materials, or metal. Such a material may be, at least in part, covered with a textile material.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, comfort coatings, of flexible foam or of gel, are placed on the contact surfaces between the orthosis and the body of the wearer, such as a comfort lining for the leg 16 disposed to inside the gutter 4, a comfort coating for the ankle 17 disposed on the rim of the opening 13 and a comfort coating for the thigh 18 disposed on the seat abutment 15.

An orthosis thus produced has a length L which must be less than the distance between the knee joint and that of the ankle, to allow freedom of movement to the latter. Such an orthosis is attached to the wearer by the strap 5, the cloth 20 and by a fastening strap 21 which passes under the foot. The orthosis is thus attached to the wearer, the latter can then move easily, standing or kneeling position and also easily move from one position to another.

The orthoses represented on the Figures 2 to 14 illustrate embodiments of the orthosis of the invention, the reference numerals bearing the same number as those of the figure 1 having the same function as previously described.

The figure 2 illustrates a first embodiment of orthesis from a block made of a thermoplastic material, such as PVC or expanded polystyrene, or a foam, such as a polyurethane foam. The block has a height Hr which can be adapted to the size of the wearer by making cuts at the level of the base of the block, according to horizontal cutting tracings 29 marked on the body of the orthosis. The block has a length Lr which can be adapted to the size of the wearer by making cuts at the rear face of the block, according to vertical cutting tracings 30 marked on the body of the orthosis. A cover 28 provided with an interlocking seal can be fixed on the rear face of the block. A comfort coating 16 is placed on the gutter 4. The side walls 27 are inclined so that the base 3 is wider than the width of the gutter (side walls included) for stability. A brace fastener 26 connects the brace to the size of the wearer is attached to the body thereof and passages 31 for the positioning web around the calf are provided through the body of the brace.

The figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the orthosis of the invention also from a block of thermoplastic or thermosetting material, as in the previous example, but whose block is made with a seat body portion located in the extension of the main body. The seat body 12 can be made in one piece with the main body 2 or, as in the example shown in FIG. figure 3 in two parts, for example using a slide 32 belonging to the main body 2 on which a correspondingly shaped drawer belonging to the seat body 12 slides. The seat stopper 15 can be made in one piece with the seat body 12 or, as depicted on the figure 3 in two interlocking parts, for example using a form assembly. The orthosis of the figure 3 has a height Hr which can be adapted to the size of the carrier by cutting the block according to the horizontal cutting traces 29. In the variant where the orthosis is made in a single piece, vertical cutting traces can also be provided to adapt the length of the orthosis to the size of the wearer. The orthosis is attached by a strap 5 to the wearer's belt, by the web 20 around the calf and by the strap 21 around the foot.

Orthotics made according to the examples of figures 2 and 3 are intended for general public use, especially for persons wishing to perform domestic work, gardening, recreation, etc. The orthotics that will be presented in the following will be specifically intended for use by building professionals, industry, etc.

The figure 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the orthosis of the invention. The body 2 of the orthosis 1 comprises two blocks 2a, 2b connected together by rods 38 integral with a block 2a and which slide in housings of corresponding shape provided in the other block 2b. The sliding arrangement of the two blocks 2a, 2b makes it possible to adjust the length of the body 2 and to adapt it to the size of the wearer. The adaptation in height is done by fitting (for example by a form assembly) soles 39 on the lower part of the blocks 2a, 2b. The blocks 2a, 2b each have a gutter 4,34 having the role of adapting to the shape of the lower part of the knee and that of the tibia, as previously described, to distribute the load along the length of the gutter. The side walls of the gutters 4,34 provide lateral positioning of the leg. The front portion of the block 2a further comprises a projectile protection bellows 33 which can be generated by the work carried out. The bellows 33 has a fastener 26 for a suspension strap at the waist or for the passage of a strap attached to a thigh band, such as the strip 36 having, in turn, strap passages 37. The block 2b comprises a seat body 12 in the form of a raising wedge provided with a passage opening 13 for the foot. A leg support 35 is disposed on the upper part of the seat body 12.

An orthosis of the type illustrated in figure 4 can be achieved by assembling different parts made of a plastic material by an injection technique for the different parts of the bodies 2 and 12 and a thermosetting material for the soles. The assembly thus obtained is very light and provides great mobility to the wearer of the orthosis. In addition, it protects the leg, but also the knee against possible blows during travel.

The figure 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the orthosis 1 of the invention. It comprises a main block 2 comprising a gutter 4 whose longitudinal profile can be adapted to the shape of the lower part of the knee and that of the tibia and the side walls serve lateral positioning of the leg. The lateral faces of the main body 2 each comprise a slide groove 42 which cooperates with a slide tongue 41 provided on each of the lateral faces of the seat body 12 for the purpose of adjusting the length of the orthosis. The seat body 12 is made in two parts 12a, 12b slidably nesting into one another and thus allowing adjustment of the seat abutment height 15. The seat abutment 15 can, moreover, be pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis (not shown) to adapt to the inclination of the thigh of the wearer. The adjustment of the height of the main body 2 and the seat body 12 is done by fitting the stems of the booster blocks 43 in the housings 45 provided for this purpose in the body of the orthosis, such an interlocking being able for example to be done by sliding. Advantageously, each booster block 43 is made by interlocking several small staged blocks, for a finer adjustment of the height of the orthosis. Passers 46 for straps (not shown) allow the attachment of the orthosis to the body of the wearer.

The figure 6 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the orthosis 1 of the invention wherein the main body 2 is arranged sliding vertically inside a main housing 47 and the seat body 12 is arranged sliding vertically inside of a seat housing 48. The main body 2 comprises a gutter 4 whose longitudinal profile can be adapted to the shape of the lower part of the knee (see the release 7) and that of the tibia. The seat body 12 has a foot passage opening 13 and is made to be pivotally open around a side hinge 49. The seat body housing 48 is connected to the main body case 47 by two Connecting plates 50. Each connecting plate 50 has through holes 53 allowing adjustment of the distance between the two housings. The adjustment in height and length of the orthosis is done by fixing the pins 51 in the orifices 52 of the main body 2 and the seat body 12 through the orifices 53 of the connecting plate 50. The assembly thus obtained is attached by means of the straps or straps attached to the loops 46, a web 20 ensuring positioning around the leg of the wearer.

The Figures 7 and 8 respectively illustrate sixth and seventh embodiments of the orthosis of the invention where the main body 2 of the orthosis is connected to a retractable set of seat body 54, respectively 54 ', the sets 54, 54' are made so that they can be stored along the main body 2 in the storage position. The main body 2 is made in a manner similar to that of the example of the figure 5 , the height adjustment being made by interlocking 43 modular booster blocks on the base of the main body.

The adjustment of the height of the seat body is done, in the example of the figure 7 , by attaching a retractable assembly 54 to the body 2. The retractable assembly 54 comprises a first arm 55 having, at one of its ends, a first pivoting joint 58 about an axis of the body 2 and, at the opposite end, a second hinge 59 around which is pivotally mounted a second arm 56 which is extended by a sliding rod 57 for varying the height of the seat abutment 15.

The adjustment of the length of the seat stop 15 of the figure 8 is made using a sliding tongue 60 in a groove provided for this purpose on the side of the main body 2. The tongue 60 is provided at its end projecting outside the body 2, a first pivoting pivot 62 extended by a flush bearing a second pivot joint 63 around which is rotated a pivoting arm 61 whose end forms the seat abutment 15.

The Figures 9 to 13 illustrate other embodiments of the orthosis 1 of the invention which have in common a gutter construction 4 in the form of an elastic shell having side walls 10 of stability of the leg having a first lateral clearance 11 and a second clearance lateral 11 'in order to avoid friction at the level of the knee joint. Such a channel 4 may be made of a plastic material, for example polypropylene, PVC, etc. by an injection technique or also of metal, for example steel or aluminum,

The gutter 4 is supported by a main body 2 whose height can be adjusted in different ways. Thus, the height of the main body of figures 9 and 11 can be set by interlocking several blocks on the basis of the first. The height of the body of the figure 10 is made by sliding relative to an outer casing. The main body 2 of the orthosis illustrated in figure 12 is made in one block which can then be cut to the desired height.

The main body 2 is connected to a seat body 12, the height of the seat stop 15 and the distance from the main body 2 can be adjusted in different ways, similar to the previously described examples. The siege body 12 of the figure 11 is it adjustable in height using an adjusting screw 64. The seat body 12 of the orthosis illustrated in figure 12 is made in one block which can then be cut to the desired height.

The gutter 4 of the orthosis 1 illustrated at figure 13 is supported by a support tongue 65 of a main body 2 made of a profile whose cross section has a general L shape. The seat body 12 having the seat abutment 15 is, in this example, fixed directly on the gutter 4 at the rear end thereof. Means for adjusting the height of the main body may be provided, such as soles 39.

The figure 14a illustrates protective equipment 66 comprising two orthoses 1 of the invention and the Figures 14b to 14d different components of this set. The protective equipment 66 comprises two fabric sleeves 69 which are connected to a belt 67 by straps 5 and around the thighs by straps 68. Inside each sleeve 69 is inserted a orthosis 1, which can be closed by a fabric 20 and means for attaching to the sleeve, such as Velcro ^® type fasteners. The sleeves 69 comprise fastening straps 21 to the foot, a seat body 12 which can be inserted inside the loop formed by the strap 21. The fastening strap 21 thus constitutes the link which connects the seat body 12 with the main body 2 of the orthosis 1. Pads 70 are provided to ensure the contact of the equipment with the ground.

The Figures 15a to 15c illustrate accessories for attachment to the base of an orthosis 1 of the invention. Each accessory comprises a fixing plate 71, made for example of a plastic material, and whose dimensions are adapted to those of the body of the orthosis, Each plate has means for fixing the body of the orthosis. The lower ground contact surface of the plate 71 is preferably provided with anti-slip means.

The accessory of the figure 15a is provided for roofing work, the plate 71 having at the front a safety hook 72 mounted on a slide so that its distance relative to the plate 71 is adjustable. The hook hangs on the batten during roofing work.

The accessory of the figure 15b is intended for gardening work, the plate 71 having at the front a conical planter 72 mounted on a telescopic rod 74 so that its distance relative to the plate 71 is adjustable.

The accessory of the figure 15c is provided for masonry work, the plate 71 having below a support cone 75 mounted on the plate 71 by means of a connecting piece 76.

In another example of an accessory (not shown in the figures), two orthoses can be secured to each other (one for each leg) by connecting together two fixing plates 71.

The orthosis of the invention finds its use in the work of the building (tiling, flooring, masonry, plumbing, roof covering, etc.), the industry (for example during cleaning work, handling, etc.), agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and any other activity where the work requires laying on the ground of at least one knee, repeatedly.

Other examples and embodiments of the invention may be envisaged without departing from the scope of its claims.

Claims (14)

Ergonomic support orthosis (1) for a leg comprising a main body (2) which is made to have a length substantially equal to at least the distance between the patella and the tibial tuberosity, the lower part of the body forming a base ( 3) substantially flat and intended to bear on the ground and the upper part having a gutter (4) for housing the leg, and means for attaching to the carrier, characterized in that said main body has in its rear part a rear height (Har) substantially equal to the length of the wearer's foot, after deduction of the height of the toes, and, in its front part, a front height (Hav) which is substantially equal to or greater than said rear height, and in that that said gutter has a profile (6) designed to fit the shape of the tibia and the lower part of the knee. Orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that the front portion of said profile comprises at least a first clearance (7) made so that its depth and / or its shape makes it possible to house the lower part of the knee. Orthosis according to claim 2, characterized in that said clearance extends towards the front of the orthosis by a connection or by a chamfer (8) connected to said base via a front face (9) which forms an acute angle with this last. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said channel (6) has a conical shape, the base of the state cone oriented towards the front of the orthosis, Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (10) of said channel (6) comprise at least one lateral clearance (11) at the knee joint. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a seat body (12) and means for connecting the latter to said main body. Orthosis according to claim 6, characterized in that said seat body comprises a foot passage opening (13) located between a support base (14) and a seat stop (15). Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (2) and / or said seat body (12) are made of plastic material (in particular thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomeric), of resin (in particular resin containing latex), or from natural materials or materials containing natural materials, such as cork (including reconstituted cork), wood (including postformed wood), leather, or from recyclable composite materials, or metal, possibly at least partly covered with a textile material. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main body (2) and / or said seat body (12) are provided with at least one comfort coating (16, 17, 18) on the parts coming from in contact with the leg and / or the thigh. Orthosis according to claim 9, characterized in that said comfort lining (16,17,18) is a comfort lining for the leg (16) disposed inside the trough (4) and / or a comfort liner for the ankle (17) disposed on the rim of the opening (13) and / or a comfort layer for the thigh (18) disposed on the seat stop (15). Orthosis according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said comfort coating is of flexible foam or gel. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the height and the length of said main body and of said seat body, as well as of the distance between said main body and said seat body allowing their adjustment to the size of the wearer. Orthosis according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that said attachment means comprise at least one strap (5) connecting said main body (2) to the wearer's belt and that said orthosis also comprises means for positioning said main body around the leg and / or said seat body around the foot. Use of an orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 13 in the building work, especially during the installation of tiles, flooring, masonry, plumbing, roofing, in the industry, especially during the work cleaning or handling, or in agriculture, horticulture or forestry.

Images