FR3060293A1 - ORTHESIS, IN PARTICULAR KNEE, COMPRISING DEFORMABLE LATERAL SUPPORTS - Google Patents

Abstract

The orthosis (1) comprises: - two lateral supports (2) comprising a first arm (11) and a second arm (12) pivotally assembled between a neutral position, in which they are aligned, and a bent position; at least one first strap (61a-b) connecting the first arms (11) and a second strap (62a-b) connecting the second arms (12) to hold the supports around the member (102). At least one arm (11, 12) comprises: - a main portion (30); a tongue (34, 39) having a base (35, 40) connected to the main part and extending parallel to the main part and separated from it by a slot (50, 53), an opening ( 52, 54) receiving a strap being arranged on the tongue, the tongue being able to deviate from the main part under the effect of a pull of the strap.

Description

® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY © Publication number:

(to be used only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number

060 293

62574

COURBEVOIE

©) Int Cl ⁸ : A 61 F5 / 01 (2017.01)

PATENT INVENTION APPLICATION

A1

©) Date of filing: 16.12.16. (30) Priority: ©) Applicant (s): GIBAUD Simplified joint stock company - FR. @) Date of public availability of the request: 06.22.18 Bulletin 18/25. ©) Inventor (s): DEVILLERS Laurent and ANGLADA Gérard. (56) List of documents cited in the preliminary search report: See the end of this brochure (© References to other related national documents: ©) Holder (s): GIBAUD Simplified joint-stock company. ©) Extension request (s): @) Agent (s): CABINET GERMAIN ET MAUREAU.

(04) ORTHESIS, IN PARTICULAR OF THE KNEE, COMPRISING DEFORMABLE LATERAL SUPPORTS.

FR 3 060 293 - A1 (br) The orthosis (1) includes:

- two lateral supports (2) comprising a first arm (11) and a second arm (12) pivotally assembled between a neutral position, in which they are aligned, and a bent position;

- At least a first strap (61 a-b) connecting the first arms (11) and a second strap (62a-b) connecting the second arms (12) to hold the supports around the member (102).

At least one arm (11, 12) comprises:

- a main part (30);

- a tongue (34, 39) which has a base (35, 40) linked to the main part and which extends parallel to the main part, being separated from it by a slot (50, 53), an opening ( 52, 54) receiving a strap being arranged on the tongue, the tongue being able to move away from the main part under the effect of a traction of the strap.

i

The present invention relates to an orthosis for a joint of a limb of a person, in particular a knee orthosis.

The invention can be used on a limb of a person comprising an upper portion and a lower portion connected by a joint. Subsequently, we focus more specifically on the knee, but the invention can also be used on a person's elbow.

In the particular case of the knee, such an orthosis aims in particular to stabilize the knee joint in the frontal plane, and to control and / or support the flexion and extension in the sagittal plane. This orthosis can be prescribed especially in the following cases: sprain, trauma (in the rehabilitation or rehabilitation phase), chronic laxity, or a medical pathology leading to a painful and unstable knee. The orthosis can in particular be worn when practicing a sport.

Among the known knee orthoses, some include a tubular element of elastic material which the wearer puts on the leg, as well as articulated lateral supports which can be fixed on the tubular element, on either side of the leg, so as to improve the stabilization of the joint.

These orthoses are generally satisfactory.

However, they could be improved in terms of wearing comfort and holding position on the wearer, especially when the wearer flexes the member equipped with the orthosis, here the leg for example.

In addition, the wearing of an orthosis including lateral supports may be prohibited in certain sports. This therefore requires the person to have a first orthosis without such lateral supports for the practice of the sport concerned, and a second orthosis including such lateral supports, which they can wear the rest of the time to obtain a increased stabilization to reduce pain and / or speed up healing.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above.

To this end, the invention relates to an orthosis for a joint of a limb of a person, in particular a knee orthosis, comprising:

- two lateral supports each arranged globally in a plane, and intended to be placed on either side of the member, each support comprising a first arm and a second arm joined to each other via at least one pivot axis which is orthogonal to the plane of the support and which is close to the articulation of the limb, in the position of use, so that the arms are movable between a neutral position, in which they are substantially aligned in a longitudinal direction, and a position bent, in which they form an angle of less than 100 ° between them;

- A system for holding the supports around the member, comprising at least a first strap connecting the first arms and a second strap connecting the second arms, each strap being engaged in an opening arranged on at least one of the corresponding arms.

According to a general definition of the invention, the or each arm comprising the opening comprises:

- A main part which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction, in the neutral position, and which has an end linked to the pivot axis and a free end;

- At least one tongue which has a base linked to the main part and which extends substantially parallel to the main part, being separated from the main part by a slot, the opening being arranged on the tongue, so that the tongue can deviate from the main part under the effect of a pull of the strap, reversibly.

By providing an arm including such a tongue, the invention makes it possible to obtain a certain number of advantages.

First of all, the orthosis can thus adapt, from a geometric point of view, to the needs of the wearer. On the one hand in static, that is to say when the limb of the wearer remains in anatomical position (typically the wearer is standing with the leg substantially in extension in the case of a knee orthosis), a traction more or less important on the strap results in a more or less significant spacing of the tongue relative to the main part of the support arm. On the other hand in dynamics, that is to say in particular when the member of the carrier is flexed, some of the muscles of the member increase in volume and therefore exert an increased traction on the strap (s). Again, this results in increased spacing of the tongue relative to the main part of the support arm. Conversely, when the traction on the strap decreases, the tongue approaches its position in the non-constrained state (that is to say in the absence of stresses).

By virtue of this variable and reversible spacing, the invention ensures the maintenance of an effective contact and without excessive tightening under the various conditions set out above. In addition, it is not necessary for the wearer to carry out a loosening, in particular when the limb passes from the extended position to the flexed position, and conversely to a tightening, when the limb passes from the flexed position to the extended position, to avoid any discomfort while ensuring the required support. The flexibility thus obtained, and the spring effect, thus give the orthosis increased comfort and greater ease of use.

It is also noted that, due to the spacing of the tongue relative to the main part of the arm, following the increase in traction on the strap, the bearing surface of the arm is increased. In other words, this limits the increase in pressure at the supports resulting from the increase in traction on the strap, which further increases wearing comfort.

Furthermore, such an orthosis can be placed on a tubular element of elastic material that the wearer has previously put on his leg or his arm. Thus, a modular orthosis is obtained, the wearer of which can adapt the configuration according to the circumstances, without having to acquire two separate orthoses.

According to a possible embodiment, the or each arm comprising the opening comprises:

an anterior tongue which has a base linked to the main part of the arm and which extends substantially parallel to the main part while being separated from the main part by a slit, an opening intended to receive a strap being arranged on the anterior tongue ;

- a posterior tongue which has a base linked to the main part of the arm and which extends substantially parallel to the main part, on the side opposite to the front tongue, being separated from the main part by a slit, an opening intended to receiving a strap being arranged on the posterior tongue.

The expression “on the opposite side” is understood with respect to the frontal plane, which is the plane containing the pivot axis and the longitudinal direction. Having two languages increases the flexibility and adaptability of the arm concerned.

In addition, it can be provided that, in the neutral position, the longitudinal distance between the pivot axis and the extreme edge of the opening of the anterior tongue located farthest from said pivot axis is substantially equal to the longitudinal distance between said pivot axis and the extreme edge of the posterior tongue opening located closest to said pivot axis. In other words, there is a shift of the openings in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, one can get rid of a strap around the upper portion, or the lower portion, of the member equipped with the orthosis, and thus avoid creating a vascular and muscular tourniquet.

According to a possible embodiment, the anterior tongue has a base linked to the main part of the arm in the vicinity of the pivot axis and extends in the direction of the free end of the main part, and the posterior tongue has a linked base to the main part of the arm in the vicinity of the free end of the main part and extends in the direction of the pivot axis. The reverse arrangement is however possible.

The first strap, and / or respectively the second strap, can be engaged in an opening arranged on the first arm of each of the supports, respectively arranged on the second arm of each of the supports.

Such an arrangement allows adjustment of the tension of the strap at each of the supports, for example by folding and fixing on itself each end part of the strap, on either side of the opening. Alternatively, the first strap could be fixed on the first arm of a support, and engaged in an opening arranged on the first arm of the other support, which would allow adjustment to a single end portion of the first strip. The arrangement for the second strip may or may not be similar.

According to one possible embodiment, the system for holding the supports around the member comprises:

- A first anterior strap connecting the first arms of the supports, and a first posterior strap connecting the first arms of the supports on the side opposite to the first anterior strap;

- And / or a second anterior strap connecting the second arms of the supports, and a second posterior strap connecting the second arms of the supports on the side opposite to the second anterior strap.

With such a configuration, the anterior strap and the posterior strap can typically each each form substantially a half turn of the limb.

For example, the first or second anterior strap is engaged in the opening of the anterior tongue of the corresponding arm (s), and the first or second posterior strap is engaged in the opening of the posterior tongue of the corresponding arm (s) (s). In other words, the tongue is located on the side of the frontal plane where the strap it receives is located.

Provision may be made for the first anterior strap and the first posterior strap to be offset with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction, and / or for the second anterior strap and the second posterior strap to be offset by one relative to each other along the longitudinal direction.

Such an arrangement makes it possible to avoid creating a vascular and muscular tourniquet effect. In other words, the openings in which the straps are engaged on the same arm are also offset with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction.

For example, the anterior strap is located closer to the pivot axis than the posterior strap cooperating with the same arm. Thus, the anterior straps help "frame" the wearer's patella. When a patellar ring is present, the anterior straps add their effect to that of the patellar ring to improve the maintenance of the patella.

According to a possible embodiment, the or each arm comprising the opening is made in one piece, the or each tongue being integral with the main part by its base and being able to be spaced apart elastically from the main part.

The opening can be formed through the arm. This means that the opening is integrated in the structure of the arm - the arm being for example molded by forming an opening - as opposed to an opening which would be constituted by a separate piece in the form of a ring fixed on the arm.

Provision may be made for the first arm and the second arm of a support to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a transverse plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in the neutral position and which is close to the joint of the limb, in the position of use.

Furthermore, provision may be made for the supports to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the pivot axis (this plane corresponding to the median plane of the member of the person in the position of use). According to one embodiment, the first arms of the supports could be substantially identical, and the second arms of the supports could be substantially identical.

The or each arm comprising the opening can be produced by molding a plastic material, such as polyamide. It may preferably include reinforcing ribs. Thus, the arm may have a relatively small thickness, for example of the order of 1 to 2 mm, which makes it lighter and more flexible, the ribs providing the required rigidity without greatly weighing down the support. The ribs may be in the form of localized excess thicknesses, for example projecting outward from the limb of the person, in the position of use.

The support arms may have a curved shape around a longitudinal axis (like a flattened gutter), and not a completely flat shape, so as to better adapt to the morphology of the member against which they are placed. .

In addition, each of the supports may comprise a connecting piece arranged between the first and second arms, the first arm being mounted to pivot relative to the connecting piece around a first pivot axis and the second arm being mounted to pivot relative to to the connecting piece around a second pivot axis, the pivot axes being substantially parallel and located in the same plane containing the longitudinal direction, in the neutral position. Said plane corresponds to the frontal plane of the person wearing the orthosis. A side cover can also be removably mounted on the connecting piece, to hide and protect the pivot axes.

The orthosis can comprise an anterior stop arranged between the first and the second arm of at least one support, and / or a posterior stop arranged between the first and the second arm of at least one support. Such stops can be used to prevent movement of the area of the support located in the vicinity of the pivot axis in the anteroposterior direction.

It would also be possible to provide a stop limiting the relative movement of the first and second arms in the direction of flexion, below a predetermined angle between the first and second arms, and / or a stop limiting the relative movement of the first and second arm beyond the neutral position, in the opposite direction to bending.

The orthosis may further comprise a tubular element of elastic material intended to be threaded on the limb of the person, the supports being assembled on the tubular element in a removable manner. The assembly can be done by hanging by a Velcro® system.

A possible embodiment of the invention is now described, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended figures:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an orthosis according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising two lateral supports connected by straps;

Figures 2a and 2b are cross-sectional views of a leg of a person fitted with the orthosis of Figure 1, respectively at the thigh and at the lower portion of the leg;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a support of the orthosis of Figure 1, in the neutral position;

Figure 4 illustrates the support of Figure 3 in the neutral position and in the bent position;

Figures 5 and 6 show the orthosis of Figure 1 placed on the leg of a person, respectively substantially in extension, and in flexion;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tubular member which can be used with the orthosis of Figure 1;

Figures 8a and 8b are schematic views of the tubular member of Figure 7 and a support of the orthosis of Figure 1, to illustrate their assembly;

Figures 9 and 10 are views of the orthosis of Figure 1 placed on the leg of a person, to show other features of the orthosis.

FIG. 1 represents an orthosis 1 of knee 100, in neutral position, and this orthosis 1 is represented in the same position, placed on the leg 101 of a person, in FIG. 5.

The “neutral position” corresponds to the position occupied by the orthosis 1 when it is in place, correctly, on a person, the person being upright, as in FIG. 5. In the neutral position, the person has the legs substantially stretched, and more precisely in very slight flexion, the angle between the axes of the thigh and the lower portion of the leg being of the order of 175 ° and not 180 °, which corresponds to a natural position .

Generally, positioning terms such as "sagittal plane", "lateral", "anterior", "posterior" and the like are used with respect to the anatomy reference system.

More precisely, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the median plane P 1 is defined as the plane of symmetry separating the left half from the right half of the body, and a sagittal plane as a plane parallel to the median plane P 1. transverse plane as a horizontal plane separating the body into an upper part and a lower part. In FIGS. 1 and 5 is illustrated the transverse plane P2 which is close to the knee joint 100. A frontal plane is also defined as a plane perpendicular to the median plane P1 and to any transverse plane P2.

In addition, we define:

- the anteroposterior direction X as the direction substantially perpendicular to a frontal plane, with respect to which the terms "anterior" and "posterior" will be used;

- The transverse direction Y as the direction substantially perpendicular to a sagittal plane, that is to say to the median plane P1, with respect to which the term “lateral” will be used;

- And the direction Z as the direction substantially perpendicular to a transverse plane, this direction therefore being substantially vertical in the neutral position of use. The term "longitudinal" will be used with reference to this direction Z.

In FIGS. 1 and 5 is illustrated the frontal plane P3 which contains the substantially centered longitudinal direction of the leg 101.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the orthosis 1 comprises two lateral supports 2 intended to be placed on either side of the person's leg 101, as well as a system for holding the supports around the leg 101 , with straps.

Each support 2 is generally arranged in a plane which, in the position of use, is substantially parallel to the median plane PI of the wearer. In one possible embodiment, the supports 2 are substantially symmetrical with respect to the median plane PI.

Each support 2 comprises a first arm 11 and a second arm 12. In the embodiment shown, the first arms 11 are located in the upper part of the orthosis 1 and are intended to be placed on either side of the thigh 102 of the carrier, while the second arms 12 are located in the lower part of the orthosis 1 and are intended to be placed on either side of the lower portion of the leg 103 of the carrier.

As seen in Figures 2a and 2b, in one possible embodiment, the first arms 11 and second arms 12 are not completely planar but have a curved shape around a longitudinal axis, their concavity being directed towards the plane PI. Thus, these arms 11, 12 have a shape whose curvature matches the surface of the thigh 102, respectively of the lower portion of the leg 103 of the wearer.

The arms 11, 12 are assembled to each other so that they can be movable relative to each other between a neutral position, in which the arms 11, 12 are substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction Z ( Figures 3 and 5), and a bent position, in which the arms 11, 12 form between them an angle a, for example less than 100 ° (Figures 4 and 6). The flexed position of the arms corresponds to a flexion position of the leg 101.

In the embodiment shown, each of the supports 2 further comprises a connecting piece 3 arranged between the first and second arms 11, 12. The first arm 11 is pivotally mounted relative to the connecting piece 3 about a first axis of pivoting 21 transverse and the second arm 12 is pivotally mounted relative to the connecting piece 3 about a second pivot axis 22 transverse. The pivot axes 21, 22 are close to the knee joint 100, in the position of use. In addition, they are located substantially in the same frontal plane (that is to say the same plane parallel to P3), as seen in particular in FIG. 3.

Each support 2 can also include stops to limit the movement of the arms 11, 12.

More specifically, in the embodiment shown, a support 2 comprises a front stop 4 and a rear stop 5. These can serve to prevent the movement of the part of the arms 11, 12 located in the vicinity of the plane P2 in the antero-direction. posterior X.

One could also provide an anterior stop 4 limiting the relative movement of the first and second arms 11, 12 beyond the neutral position, in the direction opposite to bending. Such an anterior stop 4 aims to prevent recurvatum of the knee 100. It can also limit the angle a between the first and second arms 11, 12 to a predetermined amax value less than 170 °. A support 2 could also include a rear stop 5 limiting the relative movement of the first and second arms 11,12 in the direction of bending, below a predetermined amin angle between the first and second arms 11,12.

A cover 10 can be placed on the connecting piece 3, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5.

The arms 11, 12 are now described in more detail in the neutral position as illustrated in FIG. 3.

According to a possible embodiment, the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 of a support 2 are substantially symmetrical with respect to the plane P2.

The arm 11, 12 comprises a main part 30 which has an axis 31 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction Z, in the neutral position. The main part 30 has an end 32 located in the vicinity of the plane P2, and a free end 33.

The arm 11, 12 also includes a front tongue 34 which has a base 35 linked to the main part 30 of the arm in the vicinity of the first pivot axis 21. The front tongue 34 extends substantially parallel to the main part 30 in the direction of the free end 33 of the main part 30, being separated from the main part 30 by a slot 50. The front tongue 34 also has a free end 36 located closer to the plane P2 than the free end 33 of the part main 30 of the arm 11.12.

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In the vicinity of its free end 33, the main part 30 may have an anterior protuberance 37 located in the extension - in the longitudinal direction Z - of the anterior tongue 34 but separated from the latter by a channel 51 extending the slot 50. A hole 38 can be provided at least partially in the protuberance 37. The protrusion 37 and the hole 38 make it possible to increase the bearing surface of the support 2 on the lateral face of the leg 101 while offering a gain in material. Another advantage of the hole 38 will be explained later, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

The front tongue 34 further comprises an opening 52 intended for the passage of a strap, as will be seen below. The opening 52 is oblong and extends generally in the longitudinal direction Z, in the neutral position.

The arm 11, 12 further comprises a posterior tongue 39 which has a base 40 linked to the main part 30 of the arm in the vicinity of the free end 33 of the main part 30. The posterior tongue 39 extends substantially parallel to the main part 30 in the direction of the plane P2, on the side opposite the anterior tongue 34, being separated from the main part 30 by a slot 53. The posterior tongue 39 has a free end 41.

The posterior tongue 39 further comprises an opening 54 intended for the passage of a strap, as will be seen below. The opening 54 is oblong and extends generally in the longitudinal direction Z, in the neutral position. The opening 54 may be slightly inclined in the direction of the plane P3 when the opening 54 is traversed in the direction of the plane P2.

The opening 52 of the anterior tongue 34 has an end edge 55 located near the free end 36 of the anterior tongue 34. The opening 54 of the posterior tongue 39 has an end edge 56 located near the end free 41 of the posterior tongue 39.

In the neutral position, as can be seen in FIG. 3, and in one possible embodiment, the longitudinal distance between the plane P2 and the extreme edge 55 of the opening 52 of the anterior tongue 34 is substantially equal to the longitudinal distance between the plane P2 and the extreme edge 56 of the opening 54 of the posterior tongue 39. Thus, there is a offset of the openings 52, 54 in the longitudinal direction Z.

Each arm 11, 12 can be made in one piece, for example by molding a plastic material, such as polyamide. The openings 52, 54 as well as the slots 50, 53 are made during the molding operation. It is specified that by "slit" is meant a narrow and elongated opening made throughout the thickness of the arm, case opening on either side of the arm in the direction Y.

The arm 11, 12 is designed so that, under the effect of a pull of the strap or straps engaged in the openings 52, 54, the anterior tongue 34 and / or the posterior tongue 39 can move away from the part main 30 of the arm, reversibly. More particularly, there is an elastic deformation of the arm 11, 12 at the base 35, 40 of the anterior tongue 34, posterior 39, which allows this separation but also the return to the unstressed position when the stress exerted by the straps stop.

It can also be provided that the arm 11, 12 comprises reinforcing ribs 45. These can be formed with a localized excess thickness of the arm 11,12, in particular around the slots 50, 53, and / or on at least one part of the periphery of the main part 30.

We will now describe the system for holding the supports 2 around the leg 101. This system comprises:

a first front strap 61a engaged in the openings 52 of the front tongues 34 of the first arms 11 of the supports 2, in order to connect said first arms 11;

a first posterior strap 61b engaged in the openings 54 of the posterior tongues 39 of the first arms 11 of the supports 2, in order to connect said first arms 11 on the opposite side to the first anterior strap 61a;

a second front strap 62a engaged in the openings 52 of the front tongues 34 of the second arms 12 of the supports 2, in order to connect said second arms 12;

and a second rear strap 62b engaged in the openings 54 of the posterior tongues 39 second arms 12 of the supports 2, in order to connect said second arms 12 on the opposite side to the second front strap 62a.

Concretely, each strap can have an extreme lateral part engaged in the corresponding opening 52, 54, then folded down and attached to the part of the strap situated between the two supports 2. For this purpose, the strap can be made in one self-gripping material, for example using a Velcro® type system. Each strap can thus be more or less stretched, by acting on one and / or the other of its end parts. In practice, each strap - in its folded position - substantially covers a half-turn of the thigh 102 or of the lower portion of the leg 103.

Due to the offset of the openings 52 in the anterior language 34 and 54 in the posterior language 39, in the longitudinal direction Z:

the first anterior strap 61a and the first posterior strap 61b are offset from each other along the longitudinal direction;

and the second anterior strap 62a and the second posterior strap 62b are offset from each other along the longitudinal direction.

As is clearly visible in FIG. 5, this does not create a circular tightening zone, all around the leg 101 (at the level of the thigh 102 or of the lower portion of the leg 103), and therefore of avoid creating a tourniquet effect.

In the embodiment shown, the anterior strap 61a or 62a is located closer to the plane P2 than the posterior strap 61b or 62b cooperating with the same arm 11,12.

Figures 5 and 6 show the deformation of the orthosis 1, and more precisely of the arms 11,12, under the effect of the traction of the straps.

In FIG. 5, where the leg 101 is in the neutral position, that is to say almost in extension, the support 2 is shown in the unstressed state in dotted lines, that is to say when the traction on the straps is not sufficient to deform the support 2.

When the traction on the straps 61a-b, 62a-b increases, typically because the user exerts a greater tightening, the anterior 34 and posterior tongues 39 deviate from the main part 30 of the arm 11, 12 concerned, respectively in the anterior direction and in the posterior direction. This is made possible by the existence of the slots 50, 53 and the elasticity of the arm 11, 12 particularly at the level of the base 35, 40 of the anterior tongue 34, posterior 39. The support 2 thus deformed is shown in lines full.

It follows an increase in the overall support surface on the leg, hence a better distribution of the forces making it possible to locally decrease the tightening, and increased support. The wearing comfort is therefore improved, without compromising the quality of tightening and the good holding in position of the orthosis.

In Figure 6, the leg 101 is shown in the bent position. The dotted lines represent the orthosis 1 in the unconstrained state, that is to say when the leg was in neutral position, while the solid lines represent the orthosis 1 deformed following the bending of the leg. Indeed, even without the wearer acting on the traction of the straps 61a-b, 62a-b, they are more tense due to the increase in volume of the quadriceps, in particular, during the flexion of the leg 101 .

As explained above, this increased traction on the straps leads to the separation of the anterior 34 and posterior 39 tongues relative to the main part 30 of the corresponding arm 11, 12. We find the advantages of the invention detailed above.

In addition, the elasticity of the arms 11, 12 allows an automatic return of the arms to the unstressed state when the traction on the straps 61a-b, 62a-b is reduced, by returning the leg 101 to the neutral position.

In other words, the orthosis 1 according to the invention automatically adapts to the movements of the wearer, without the latter having to tighten or loosen the straps to avoid feeling discomfort when his movements result in an increase in the traction exerted on the straps.

The orthosis 1 as shown in FIG. 1 can be placed alone on the leg 101.

However, the orthosis 1 may also include a tubular element 6 made of elastic material, for example textile, as illustrated in FIG. 7. This element may have an initial tubular shape and be threaded on the leg, or may be made from a generally flat strip that the wearer comes to put around his leg to form a tubular piece. The tubular element 6 preferably comprises an anterior opening 7 for accommodating the knee 100, and / or a substantially central orifice 8 which will be placed behind the knee so as not to impede flexion. Various reinforcing elements 9a can also be provided, as well as a patellar ring 9b.

The supports 2 are placed over the tubular element 6 and held by tightening the straps 61a-b, 62a-b. This assembly is removable, so that the person can choose to wear, according to his needs and according to the circumstances:

the tubular element 6 only the orthosis 1 of FIG. 1 alone, that is to say comprising the supports 2 and the straps 61a-b, 62a-b but not the tubular element 6;

or the complete orthosis 1, comprising the tubular element 6 and, overcoat, the supports 2 and the straps 61a-b, 62a-b.

In one possible embodiment, the supports 2 can be fixed to the tubular element 6 by means of a Velcro® type system.

Thus, the tubular element 6 can comprise three zones of hook-and-loop fabric (loop part of the Velcro®) located substantially in the frontal plane P3, on each side, namely: a central zone 70a (located substantially in the transverse plane P2 which is near the knee joint 100), an upper zone 70b and a lower zone 70c (see FIG. 8a). These zones 70a, 70b, 70c may consist of fabric coupons sewn onto the tubular element 6.

In a complementary manner, each support 2 can comprise three zones of self-gripping fabric (hook part of the Velcro®), respectively central 71a, located at the level of the connecting piece 3, upper 71b and lower 71c, arranged so that they can come in correspondence of zones 70a, 70b, 70c (see Figure 8b).

It is therefore possible to fix or separate the supports 2 and the associated straps of the tubular element 6, depending on the activity.

Another functionality of the orthosis 1 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

As can be seen in these figures, the holes 38 made in the first arms 11 and second arms 12 of the support 2 can serve as gripping zones allowing the user to don the orthosis 1 (FIG. 9) or remove orthosis 1 (FIG. 10), but also to adjust its position on the limb, here the leg 101.

Thus, the invention brings a decisive improvement to the prior art, by providing a modular orthosis, of easy installation, offering wearing comfort and increased positional support, and according to the movements of the wearer.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example but that it includes all the technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

In particular, although the description has been made in the case of a knee orthosis, the invention relates more generally to an orthosis for a joint of a member of a person, and could in particular equip the elbow of a person .

Claims (16)

1. Orthosis for a joint of a limb (102) of a person, in particular a knee orthosis, comprising: two lateral supports (2) each arranged generally in a plane, and intended to be placed on either side of the member (102), each support (2) comprising a first arm (11) and a second arm (12) assembled to each other via at least one pivot axis (21, 22) which is orthogonal to the plane of the support (2) and which is close to the articulation of the member (102), in the position of use, so that the arms (11, 12) are movable between a neutral position, in which they are substantially aligned in a longitudinal direction (Z), and a bent position, in which they form an angle (a) of less than 100 ° ; a support holding system (2) around the limb (102), comprising at least a first strap (61a, 61b) connecting the first arms (11) and a second strap (62a, 62b) connecting the second arms (12) , each strap being engaged in an opening (52, 54) arranged on at least one of the arms (11, 12) corresponding; characterized in that the or each arm (11, 12) comprising the opening (52, 54) comprises: a main part (30) which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction (Z), in the neutral position, and which has an end (32) linked to the pivot axis (21, 22) and a free end (33 ); at least one tongue (34, 39) which has a base (35, 40) linked to the main part (30) and which extends substantially parallel to the main part (30) while being separated from the main part (30) by a slot (50, 53), the opening (52, 54) being arranged on the tongue (34, 39), so that the tongue (34, 39) can move away from the main part (30) under the effect of a pull of the strap (61a-b, 62a-b), reversibly. 2. Orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that the or each arm (11,12) comprising the opening (52, 54) comprises: an anterior tongue (34) which has a base (35) linked to the main part (30) of the arm (11, 12) and which extends substantially parallel to the main part (30) while being separated from the main part ( 30) through a slot (50), an opening (52) intended to receive a strap (61a, 62a) being arranged on the anterior tongue (34); a posterior tongue (39) which has a base (40) linked to the main part (30) of the arm (11, 12) and which extends substantially parallel to the main part (30), on the side opposite the anterior tongue (34), being separated from the main part (30) by a slot (53), an opening (54) intended to receive a strap (61b, 62b) being arranged on the posterior tongue (39). 3. Orthosis according to claim 2, characterized in that, in the neutral position, the longitudinal distance between the pivot axis (21, 22) and the extreme edge (55) of the opening (52) of the anterior tongue ( 34) located farthest from said pivot axis (21, 22) is substantially equal to the longitudinal distance between said pivot axis (21, 22) and the extreme edge (56) of the opening (54) of the posterior tongue (39) located closest to said pivot axis (21, 22). 4. Orthosis according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the anterior tongue (34) has a base (35) linked to the main part (30) of the arm (11, 12) in the vicinity of the pivot axis ( 21, 22) and extends towards the free end (33) of the main part (30), and in that the posterior tongue (39) has a base (40) linked to the main part (30) of the arm (11, 12) in the vicinity of the free end (33) of the main part (30) and extends in the direction of the pivot axis (21, 22). 5. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first strap (61a, 61b), and / or respectively the second strap (62a, 62b), is engaged in an opening (52, 54) arranged on the first arm (11) of each of the supports (2), respectively arranged on the second arm (12) of each of the supports (2). 6. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the system for holding the supports (2) around the member (102) comprises: a first anterior strap (61a) connecting the first arms (11) of the supports (2), and a first posterior strap (61b) connecting the first arms (11) of the supports (2) on the side opposite to the first anterior strap (61a ); and / or a second anterior strap (62a) connecting the second arms (12) of the supports (2), and a second posterior strap (62b) connecting the second arms (12) of the supports (2) on the side opposite to the second strap anterior (62a). 7. Orthosis according to claim 6, when it depends on claim 2, characterized in that the first or second anterior strap (61a, 62a) is engaged in the opening (52) of the anterior tongue (34) of the corresponding arms (11, 12), and in that the first or second posterior strap (61b, 62b) is engaged in the opening (54) of the posterior tongue (39) of the arm (s) (11, 12) correspondent (s). 8. Orthosis according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first anterior strap (61a) the first posterior strap (61b) are offset with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction (Z), and / or the second front strap (62a) and the second rear strap (62b) are offset from each other along the longitudinal direction (Z). 9. Orthosis according to claim 8, characterized in that the anterior strap (61a, 62a) is located closer to the pivot axis (21, 22) than the posterior strap (61b, 62b) cooperating with the same arm ( 11.12). 10. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the or each arm (11, 12) comprising the opening (52, 54) is made in one piece, the or each tongue (34, 39) being integral with the main part (30) by its base (35, 40) and being able to be spaced apart elastically from the main part (30). 11. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the opening (52, 54) is formed through the arm (11,12). 12. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first arm (11) and the second arm (12) of a support (2) are substantially symmetrical with respect to a transverse plane (P2) which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (Z) in the neutral position and which is close to the joint of the limb (102), in the position of use. 13. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the or each arm (11, 12) comprising the opening (52, 54) is produced by molding a plastic material, such as polyamide, and preferably comprises reinforcing ribs (45). 14. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that each of the supports (2) further comprises a connecting piece (3) arranged between the first and second arms (11, 12), the first arm ( 11) being pivotally mounted by 5 relative to the connecting piece (3) about a first pivot axis (21) and the second arm (12) being pivotally mounted relative to the connecting piece (3) about a second pivot axis ( 22), the pivot axes (21, 22) being substantially parallel and located in the same plane (P3) containing the longitudinal direction (Z), in the neutral position. 15. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises an anterior stop (4) arranged between the first and the second arm (11, 12) of at least one support (2), and / or a rear stop (5) arranged between the first and the second arm (11,12) of at least one support (2). 16. Orthosis according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises a tubular element (6) of elastic material intended to be threaded on the limb (102) of the person, the supports (2) being assembled on the tubular element (6) in a removable manner. 1/4 61b 2/4 CsJ 3/4 σ) 4/4