US20140230828A1 - Device for protecting the knee joint that is able to engage with a ski boot - Google Patents

Device for protecting the knee joint that is able to engage with a ski boot Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140230828A1
US20140230828A1 US14/347,880 US201214347880A US2014230828A1 US 20140230828 A1 US20140230828 A1 US 20140230828A1 US 201214347880 A US201214347880 A US 201214347880A US 2014230828 A1 US2014230828 A1 US 2014230828A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
shell
boot
collar
knee
axis
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Abandoned
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US14/347,880
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English (en)
Inventor
Pierre Gouniot
Michel Behr
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aix Marseille Universite
Original Assignee
Ifsttar (Institut Français Des Science Et Technologies Des Transport, De L'aménagement
Universite D'aix-Marseille
Et Des Réseaux
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Publication of US20140230828A1 publication Critical patent/US20140230828A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/12—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders
    • A63B71/1225—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
    • A61F5/0123—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations for the knees
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/18—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for skiing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
    • A61F2005/0181—Protectors for articulations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/12—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders
    • A63B71/1225—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet
    • A63B2071/125—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet for the knee
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/12—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders
    • A63B71/1225—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet
    • A63B2071/1258—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet for the shin, e.g. shin guards

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general field of devices for protecting the knee joint and suitable for co-operating with a ski boot, where such a boot conventionally comprises a footwear portion surmounted by a collar.
  • Such a device is for use by a competitive and/or recreational skier.
  • a competitive and/or recreational skier nowadays, every year in France, there are about 17,000 knee sprains with or without broken ligaments as a result of falls while skiing. This gives rise to treatments that are lengthy and to side effects that are often major.
  • Direct and indirect costs for society are very considerable, being evaluated at 300 million euros (M ) per year.
  • the knee can withstand relatively high stress so long as it is of very short duration.
  • lesions can appear in the ligaments at low levels of force if the stress is maintained for a duration that is long enough.
  • Devices for protecting the knee joint seek to reduce the risk of tearing a ligament in a skier's knee. Proper operation of such devices requires them to protect the joint while it is being very highly stressed, while also allowing freedom of movements during normal skiing.
  • the ski binding In general, the only safety element in existence for protecting a skier's knee is the ski binding.
  • the principle consists in releasing the boot when the jaws of the binding are subjected to torque exceeding a certain trigger threshold.
  • the trigger threshold is then never reached, even if it is set low enough.
  • the invention seeks to limit the risks of knee injuries in particular sprains and torn ligaments associated with excessive relative axial rotation of the tibia or femur and/or excessive shear in the X′Y′ plane.
  • the invention seeks to provide a protection device that does not impede the skier under normal skiing conditions, in particular during frontal flexing of the knee.
  • FR 2 679 931, GB 2 436 799, and WO 2009/092452 devices are described for fastening around the thigh, the tibia, and/or the knee and to the boot.
  • Those devices have pivot connection type hinge systems at the knee since they seek to accompany frontal flexing of the femur relative to the tibia in the (substantially vertical) sagittal plane.
  • those devices do not prevent axial rotations of the femur and the tibia; at best they slow down axial rotations without controlling them and without preventing them.
  • the devices co-operate with a boot by means of pads that are inserted inside the collar.
  • the device essentially comprises no more than a rigid shell provided with lateral flanges in its upper portion without any connection with the thigh and with means for connecting the shell to the collar so as to enable controlled limitation of rotation of the shell relative to the collar about the Z axis.
  • the invention makes it possible to limit the risk of injury associated with shear in the tibial plane, in particular shear and axial or lateral movements in rotation of the tibia or femur.
  • the flanges completely cover the sides of the knee and the contact surfaces of the flanges, which press internally against the sides of the knee, cover at least the lateral surfaces of the knee that are in register with the femoral condyles.
  • the thigh is held relative to the boot by using simple flanges that press against the condyles of the femur in association with a rigid tibia-protecting shell that is limited in the movements it can perform relative to the ski boot.
  • This limitation very greatly reduces any risk of pathological movements in axial or lateral rotation between the tibia and the femur at the knee, and/or limits risks of shear, in particular forward shear of the femur along the axis X′.
  • connection between the low portion of the shell and the collar of the boot provided by associating the first and second connection means provides a connection giving the shell at least one degree of freedom to move in rotation relative to the boot about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the collar of the boot, the connection means being such that this movement in rotation of the shell relative to the boot is limited to a predetermined angular sector, preferably of less than 14°.
  • connection means provide a connection with at least one degree of freedom to move in rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of the tibia. The skier thus conserves a satisfactory amplitude of movement for skiing.
  • This characteristic enables the skier to adapt the limit on rotation provided by the device to the skier's manner of skiing. This makes it possible to adjust the threshold beyond which axial rotation is blocked or at least braked by the device.
  • the device is such that the predetermined angular sector of rotation of the shell relative to the collar about an axis parallel to the Z axis of the collar is less than 14°, preferably less than 10°, and more preferably less than 7°.
  • the amplitude of axial rotation between the tibia and the femur is limited respectively to less than 45°, advantageously to less than 30°, and preferably to less than 14°.
  • the device of the invention may include a mechanical fuse so as to transfer the load to the knee even at the risk of that leading to a sprain.
  • the device of the invention prevents, or under the worst circumstances brakes, movement of the thigh in rotation relative to the boot, i.e. the angle of the longitudinal axis of the femur relative to the axis of the ski.
  • This provides a significant limit on the risk of damage to the ligaments and/or the bones, which is achieved by the presence of the lateral flanges in contact with the condyles and by the limited movement of the shell relative to the boot, with this limitation being adapted as a function of the maximum angular amplitude allowed by the knee and as a function of the skiability preferences of the user.
  • the first connection means comprise at least one guide part for installing in stationary manner on the collar of the boot, said guide part being suitable for co-operating with the second connection means of the shell that are complementary to said guide part so as to limit movement in rotation to the predetermined angular sector.
  • This embodiment involves installing at least one particular element on each boot for enabling the shell connection means to operate, and it makes it possible to achieve accurate control over the behavior of the shell relative to the boot.
  • these first connection means installed on the boot are elements that are present on the boot by default, such as a fastener or other element relative to which the shell takes up its position in order to have its movement in rotation limited.
  • the guide part comprises at least one rail for fastening to the collar of the boot so as to be substantially parallel to the axis of the boot, the second connection means constituting a groove that is complementary to the rail, the groove presenting a width that is greater than the width of the rail, thus allowing limited rotation about the axis that is substantially parallel to the collar of the boot.
  • the use of such a guide part forming the rail along the axis of the collar of the boot and co-operating with a groove carried by the connection means of the shell makes it possible for them to be relatively movable in rotation over an angle that is limited, and specifically over an angular sector of less than 14°, or advantageously less than 10°, or preferably less than 5°.
  • the width of the groove and the width of the rail are then determined as a function of the degree to which it is desired to limit rotation of the shell on the collar of the boot.
  • the guide part has at least one groove for fastening on a lateral flank of the collar of the boot so as to be substantially parallel to the axis of the collar, the second connection means constituting a rail complementary to the groove, the groove presenting a width that is greater than the width of the rail, this width allowing limited rotation about the axis that is substantially parallel to the collar of the boot.
  • the collar of the boot that carries the groove and the shell that carries a rail that can be allowed to move in the groove by the groove being wider than the rail.
  • the difference between the width of the groove and the width of the rail varies along those structures, with this variable difference in width governing a front/rear flexing angle between the shell and the boot.
  • a variable difference in width between the two structures, the groove and the rail serves to determine a front/rear flexing angle between the shell and the boot.
  • the width of the groove and the width of the rail are constant, and the length of the rail is determined so as to determine a front/rear flexing angle between the shell and the boot.
  • This embodiment enables the groove to pivot about the rail.
  • the rail then acts as a pivot within the groove, which pivots about the rail.
  • first and/or second connection means comprise at least one strap fastened firstly to the collar of the boot, and secondly to the shell in order to secure the shell to the collar of the boot.
  • This embodiment makes use either of the elasticity of the strap adapted as a function of the desired limitation on movement in rotation, or on a particular adjustment of the clamping of the strap which should then be inextensible, so as to allow a limited amount of movement in rotation of the shell relative to the boot.
  • Such a particular adjustment of the clamping of the strap allowing a limited amount of movement in rotation over a predetermined angular sector is achieved by means of a mechanical element enabling the strap to be lengthened or shortened or enabling a predetermined length of the strap to be maintained.
  • This type of device makes it easier to establish the connection between the shell and the collar.
  • the strap presents a particular length or a particular marking for adjustment purposes.
  • the limitation is obtained by adjusting the width of the rail, whereas when a strap is used, the limitation is obtained by the ability of the strap to be extended, either because it is initially slack or because it is elastic.
  • the first and second connection means comprise two straps, each of which has one end fastened to the collar and the other end to the shell, with the extent to which the straps can be extended limiting rotation in each of two opposite directions of rotation.
  • connection between the low portion of the shell and the collar of the boot provided by associating the first and second connection means prevents the shell from moving in rotation relative to the boot about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the collar of the boot.
  • said first and second connection means include non-elastic straps comprising two first straps fastened or suitable for being fastened in releasable manner on either side to the rear of the collar, and two second straps fastened or suitable for being fastened in releasable manner on either side of the shell, said first and second straps including complementary reversible connection means at their free ends suitable for reversibly securing the free ends of the first strap with the free ends of the second strap.
  • the device also includes at least one abutment part for fastening to the collar of the boot, the shell also including a collar abutment element complementary to the abutment part of the collar and suitable for co-operating therewith in order to position the shell vertically along the tibia.
  • the abutment part serves to control proper vertical positioning of the shell relative to the tibia, and thus relative to the lower limb, in general manner.
  • the flanges apply force against the condyles substantially normally relative to the flanks of the thigh with a magnitude lying in the range ]0, 100 newtons (N)].
  • the flanges it is advantageous for the flanges to exert a non-zero force on the condyles of the femur so that any movement of the condyles relative to the flanges of the shell is minimized. Under such circumstances, only the degree of freedom to move in rotation about the axis Z is made available by the connection means connecting the shell to the collar of the boot and by the deformability of the material of the shell and the deformability of the soft tissues.
  • the flange in its broadest definition, presents an outline over its rear portion and its top portion that is of arbitrary shape and the flange is of a size that is sufficient to cover the surface of the condyles of the femur.
  • each flange presents a surface area suitable for covering the total surface area of the sides of the knee, preferably an area of at least 50 square centimeters (cm 2 ), and preferably of at least 100 cm 2 .
  • the flanges present an outline that is substantially in the form of a portion of an ellipse, in particular in the top and rear portions of the flanges. More particularly, the flanges present an outline that is substantially in the shape of at least half an ellipse over its top portion and over its rear portion.
  • the major axis of the ellipse is inclined at an angle lying in the range 45° to 135° relative to the main longitudinal axis of the shell parallel to the rectilinear section of the front face of the shell in section on a longitudinal midplane of the shell.
  • the major axis of the portion of an ellipse is inclined at an angle lying in the range 70° to 110° and preferably equal to about 90° relative to said main longitudinal axis of the shell.
  • flanges having an elliptical outline is particularly suitable for providing lateral support to the lateral flanks of the thigh, with the orientation of the flanges enabling the skier's femur to be supported correctly in the skiing position without hindering the skier.
  • each flange corresponds substantially to the surface of the top lateral portion of the shell situated above the bottom tangent of the ellipse parallel to the major axis of the ellipse and behind an axis parallel to the minor axis of the ellipse (and thus perpendicular to the major axis of the ellipse) situated about halfway along the major radius of the ellipse starting from the rectilinear section of the front face of the shell in a longitudinal midplane of the shell.
  • the center of the ellipse is located substantially facing the condyle to within ⁇ 20 millimeters (mm) depending on the flexing at the knee.
  • the bottom tangent to the ellipse parallel to the major axis of the ellipse is situated substantially facing the tibial plane when the major axis of the ellipse is at substantially 90° to said longitudinal axis of the shell parallel to the rectilinear section of the front face of the shell in section on a longitudinal midplane of the shell.
  • the major axis of the ellipse is at least 5 cm long, and preferably of a length lying in the range 6 cm to 15 cm, and the minor radius of the ellipse is at least 2 cm long, and more particularly lies in the range 3 cm to 10 cm.
  • the major axis of the ellipse is situated at 2 cm to 5 cm from the top end of the shell, and the center of the ellipse is situated at 5 cm to 10 cm from the rectilinear section of the front face of the shell in section on a longitudinal midplane of the shell.
  • Such dimensions for the ellipse and such an angle of inclination for the major axis of the ellipse lying in the range 70° to 110° enable the relationship between the flanges and the end of the bottom femoral epiphysis to be maintained in spite of the movement of the condyles during flexion/extension movements of the knee.
  • This angle of inclination also corresponds to an intermediate angle of inclination between the positions of the thigh in movement or at rest.
  • the flanges present surface areas suitable for covering the entire surface area of both sides of the knees, each flange preferably having an area of at least 50 cm 2 , and more preferably of at least 100 cm 2 .
  • Such a size for the flanges makes it possible to ensure good coverage of the femoral epiphysis, while ensuring that the device of the invention does not hinder the skier.
  • the shell supports at least one element for connection to the tibia in its high portion, in particular a third strap having a self-gripping tape for holding it around the tibia.
  • Such a characteristic is the simplest way of holding the shell relative to the skier's tibia, other than securing it to the boot. It presents the advantage of being easy to implement and simple for the skier to handle.
  • the contact of the lateral flanges against the condyles of the femur takes place via ergonomic spacers inserted against the inside faces of the flanges.
  • the device has flanges that cooperate with or that include ergonomic spacers against the inside spaces of the flanges. This characteristic makes it possible to adapt a common shell to condyles having a variety of dimensions by interposing a variety of spacers. A common molded shell can thus be used for different sizes of device and also for making devices that are personalized. Under such circumstances, only the spacers need to be modified in order to obtain a variety of sizes or in order to obtain a personalized device.
  • the inside surfaces of the spacers may be made to measure so as to match the shape of the lower limb of a particular skier without hindering the flexion/extension movements of the knee.
  • the flanges include ergonomic spacers on their inside surfaces that match in part the shape of the morphology of the sides of the knee without hindering frontal flexing of the knee.
  • the area defined by the outline of a spacer thus corresponds to the area defined by the outline of the flange as described above and thus presents a value of at least 50 cm 2 , and preferably of least 100 cm 2 .
  • these ergonomic spacers may present a surface that is the result of melding the surfaces observed at the condyles of the skier for at least two preferred angular positions of the skier's lower limbs.
  • This personalization characteristic enables the device to be particularly agreeable to use in all skiing positions. Furthermore, this personalization of the protection device of the invention is most advantageous insofar as it serves to provide a very secure connection between the lateral flanges and the knee. This avoids any penalizing clearance being present at this point of the device, where such clearance would involve the femur being free to turn through an angle relative to the boot that is greater than the maximum angle determined by the device of the invention.
  • said flanges and/or spacers include linings of flexible material for coming into contact with the sides of the knee of the skier (S).
  • each of said spacers comprises a rigid support covered in a lining of flexible material for coming into contact with the skier's knee, i.e. the portion that is to press against a side of the knee.
  • the linings are arranged on the inside faces of the flanges, or preferably on the inside faces of the spacers, when spacers are used.
  • This characteristic increases skier comfort without degrading the effectiveness of the invention in terms of lateral movements in rotation.
  • each of said spacers comprises a rigid support covered on its knee side with a lining of flexible material for coming into contact with the knee of the skier.
  • the lining may be made of a flexible material of the cellular material type (foam etc.), or of the gel type (silicone, etc.).
  • the lining is thus advantageously made from at least one elastomer or plastics material of the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) type or of some other type that is optionally thermoformable and that presents thickness and density that are sufficient to provide comfort during movement of the lower limb while skiing.
  • EVA ethylene vinyl acetate
  • the material may be a silicone gel in the form of a plate having thickness lying in the range 1 mm to 10 mm, and preferably in the range 2 mm to 5 mm.
  • the shell and the spacers are advantageously made of a rigid material that may be inorganic or organic, and it may be in a single piece or it may be in composite form, using materials selected from the following: magnesium, aluminum, titanium, metal alloys, polymers that may optionally be filled and that may optionally be reinforced, and resins that may optionally be composite, that may optionally be filled, and that may optionally be reinforced.
  • the composite is constituted by a matrix based on a thermosetting type resin such as epoxy, polyester, etc., or on a thermoplastic resin of the polyamide (PA) type or of the polycarbonate (PC) type or of some other type, together with at least one reinforcing material.
  • the reinforcing material may be based on carbon fibers and/or on glass fibers and/or aramid fibers, e.g.
  • Kevlar® trademark of the supplier of Dupont de Nemours
  • PBO poly p-phenylene-2.6-benzobisoxazole
  • UHMWPE ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
  • the reinforcing content in the composite lies in the range 0% to 70%.
  • the reinforcement may be woven or knitted or braided, and it may be of the two-dimensional, or three-dimensional, or uni-dimensional type, or it may be constituted by cut fibers.
  • Organic or inorganic fillers may be added to the matrix depending on the desired specifications. It is possible for the polymer material of the matrix and for the reinforcing fibers to contain carbon nanotubes in order to improve their mechanical characteristics. These materials generally serve to provide the shell and the spacers with good stiffness while also being light in weight and comfortable.
  • a film or a fabric of the spandex or elastic type having a thickness of at least 10 micrometers ( ⁇ m), the film or fabric being attached by adhesive to said surface in order to match the shape of the spacer.
  • the material of the film or fabric may present a low coefficient of friction.
  • the material may be made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g. of trademark Teflon in the name of Dupont de Nemours, USA).
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the thickness of the film or of the fabric is selected depending on the desired mechanical characteristics.
  • connection means need not authorize any degree of freedom of the shell to move relative to the boot about an axis Z substantially parallel to the axis of the collar of the boot, since the condyles of the femur are held by the spacers positioned in the flanges and the spacers allow for a small amount of relative axial movement in rotation between the femurs and the tibias because the soft tissues between the condyles and the spacers deform when performing a movement in rotation.
  • the angular sector is thus limited sufficiently by the shape and the clearance of the spacer in contact with the soft tissue over the condyles of the femur.
  • the capacity of the device for adjustment and adaptation by using spacers enables the device to be adapted to the variability of skiers: age, sex, physical condition, muscle tone, contraction levels, etc. . . . .
  • the expected levels of stress conditions are also corresponding parameters for adjusting the device: shear, lateral section, speeds, skier position, vertical acceleration, prestress between the device and the knee, etc.
  • FIG. 1 shows the principle of the invention
  • FIGS. 2A to 2E show a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 3A to 3E show a second embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 4A to 4E show a third embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the principle of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B show a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 7A to 7C show spacers as used in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows a device of the invention provided with spacers in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a preferred embodiment without a boot ( FIG. 9A ) and fastened on a boot ( FIG. 9B );
  • FIG. 10 shows a shell fitted with non-elastic straps
  • FIGS. 11A to 11C show rotations between the femur and the tibia, axial rotation about the axis of rotation Z′ ( FIG. 11A ), frontal rotation about Y′ ( FIG. 11B ), and lateral rotation about X′ ( FIG. 11C );
  • FIG. 12 shows the XYZ frame of reference relative to a boot
  • FIG. 13 shows variations in the angle of the femur relative to the longitudinal axis of the ski resulting from axial rotation of the tibia with and without the device of the invention, thereby showing the effectiveness of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram of the invention. This figure shows the bottom of the body of a skier S.
  • the skier S has a ski boot 2 , which is fastened to a ski 1 by means of a binding 1 a .
  • the boot 2 has a footwear portion and a collar 21 .
  • FIG. 1 the foot P, the tibia T, and the femur F of the skier S can be seen.
  • the femur F has condyles CF at its distal end. These condyles CF occupy a plurality of intermediate positions between two extreme positions that are shown in FIG. 1 , as a function of the flexion position of the skier S.
  • the skier S is wearing a device of the invention.
  • the device comprises a rigid shell 10 with a high portion 11 and a low portion 12 .
  • the low portion 12 has connection means for securing the shell 10 to the collar 21 of the boot 2 .
  • the high portion of the shell 10 has two lateral flanges that cover the condyles CF of the femur F on either side of the leg of the skier S, with this covering being provided by the lateral flanges in any flexion position of the skier S.
  • the lateral flanges present an outline 11 c forming a portion of an ellipse with a major axis X1 being oriented at about 70° relative to Z′.
  • This orientation lies in the range 45° to 135° and serves to obtain satisfactory pressure on the condyles of the femur and thus good retention of the femur for axial and lateral rotations relative to the tibia.
  • the embodiments described below show preferred orientations for the lateral flanges lying in the range 70° ( FIG. 1 ) to 90° ( FIG. 10 ).
  • the height H of the shell lies in the range 300 mm to 600 mm, and more particularly in the range 350 mm to 500 mm, depending on the size of the skier.
  • the outline 11 c of the top and rear portions of the flange presents a shape including substantially an upper half-ellipse and a lateral half-ellipse forming parts of the same virtual ellipse of center C1 that is substantially in register with the condyle CF.
  • the major axis X1 of the ellipse is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal main axis of the shell and perpendicular to the rectilinear section of the front face limit 10 a of the shell in a section on a longitudinal midplane of the shell.
  • Each flange is defined by a bottom tangent X2 of said ellipse that is substantially in register with the tibial plane X′Y′ parallel to the major axis X1 of the ellipse.
  • the major radius R of the ellipse is 65 mm and the minor radius r of the ellipse is 50 mm.
  • each flange 11 a, 11 b as defined by the surface situated above the bottom tangent line X2 to the ellipse that is parallel to X1 and behind an axis Z2 parallel to the minor axis Z1 of the ellipse is situated at about 1 ⁇ 2 R from the rectilinear section of the front face 10 a of the shell in section on the longitudinal midplane of the shell, and said surface area is about 100 cm 2 .
  • the lateral flanges completely cover the distal femoral epiphysis, each bearing on opposite sides of the end of the femur, i.e. against the femur condyles CF on either side of the knee. They serve to limit lateral rotation of the femur F relative to the foot P of the skier S.
  • the force with which the flanges press against the condyles is adjustable.
  • the flanges apply a force on the condyles substantially normal to the flanks of the thigh with a magnitude lying in the range ]0, 100N].
  • the device 10 has two lateral flanges 11 a and 11 b for placing on either side of the skier's knee so as to clamp onto the femur condyles CF.
  • the lateral flanges 11 a and 11 b may themselves be in contact with the garment covering the condyles CF or it may be in contact with the condyles CF via spacers, as described below.
  • the first connection means 22 a and 22 b constitute a guide part made up of two elements referenced M 1 and M 2 and forming jaws.
  • the second connection means 12 a and 12 b are constituted by two tongues referenced La and Lb, each sliding between the two pairs of jaws M 1 and M 2 placed on either side of the collar 21 of the boot 2 .
  • the tongue can move a little, and this movement causes a limited angular sector of the shell 10 to move in rotation.
  • the fastening of the shell 10 on the collar 21 of the boot 2 provides a degree of freedom in rotation relative to the boot 2 over an angular sector that is predetermined and limited. It may be observed at this point that the jaws M 1 and M 2 may also be positioned so that the tongue is prevented from moving in rotation. Under such circumstances, the shell is maximally secured to the boot and knee protection is at its best.
  • FIG. 3 show a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the shell 10 has two lateral flanges 11 a and 11 b on its high portion 11 that is comparable with the high portion of the above-described embodiment.
  • the shell 10 has second connection means 12 a and 12 b that are different from those of the above-described embodiment.
  • These connection means 12 a and 12 b have orifices for attaching a strap 13 shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E .
  • the strap 13 is typically riveted in the orifices 12 a and 12 b.
  • the slackness of the adjustment of the strap 13 or its pre-calibrated elasticity make it possible to limit rotation of the shell 10 relative to the boot 2 containing the foot of the skier S.
  • FIG. 3 show a single lateral strap for reasons of simplicity in drawing. It can be understood that it is necessary to use two straps, one on either side of the boot 2 , in order to limit rotation in both directions. Nevertheless, it should be observed in this example that a single strap fastened level with the second connection means 12 a and 12 b of the shell as shown in FIG. 3 could be used with first connection means fitted to the boot 2 in order to adjust completely movement in rotation of the shell 10 relative to the boot 2 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment that differs slightly from the second embodiment.
  • This embodiment uses a strap 13 to secure the low portion 12 of the shell 10 to the boot.
  • the strap is fastened in a slot 12 a, however its function is substantially identical to that performed by the strap 13 in FIG. 3 .
  • an abutment part 24 is placed on the boot 2 .
  • This abutment part 24 is complementary to an abutment element 14 , in this example an orifice in the shell 10 .
  • the abutment part 24 serves to position the shell 10 relative to the collar 21 of the boot 2 in a vertical direction so as to prevent the shell moving vertically along the skier's tibia.
  • Such an abutment part 24 is also used in the embodiment of FIG. 5 .
  • These figures show a guide part 22 a suitable for being fastened directly on a lateral side of the collar 21 of the boot 2 .
  • the guide part 22 a has a rail referenced R that is terminated by a second abutment part 25 , complementary to the abutment part 24 . It can be understood that the abutment part 25 prevents any downward movement of the shell 10 having part of its low portion 12 shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C .
  • This low portion 12 of the shell 10 includes a slideway or groove G that is positioned relative to the rail R by sliding along the rail.
  • the rail R is of a width such that the slideway or groove G can move forwards and rearwards through a greater or lesser angle. This flexing angle depends on the clearance present between the rail R and the slideway G. This enables satisfactory skiability to be conserved.
  • the spacing between the rail R and the slideway G is thus advantageously adjustable in order to provide control over a few degrees of movement in rotation of the system about the axis of the boot 2 .
  • FIG. 6A shows the shell 10 associated with a single support for a spacer 30 that is useful for positioning the shell 10 relative to the leg of the skier S.
  • FIG. 6B shows the FIG. 6A device installed on a skier's leg, which leg is shown in two extreme positions of flexing.
  • FIGS. 7A to 7C are various perspective views of the functional lateral portions of the spacer 30 , which portions are referenced 30 a and 30 b. It can be seen that the surfaces of the functional portions of the spacer 30 are molded to have shapes that are quite particular.
  • the functional portions 30 a and 30 b of the spacer 30 are thus not symmetrical, since the sides of the knee have shapes and deformations that are quite distinct during their flexing movements. In contrast, symmetry may exist between the corresponding functional portions for the two knees.
  • FIG. 8 shows a preferred embodiment in which the shell 10 is provided with two functional portions 30 a and 30 b. This is the shell adapted for a right knee. The shell for the left knee is advantageously symmetrical to the shell shown in FIG. 8 .
  • the shell 10 has a central abutment orifice 14 and grooves G, in this example oblong orifices. These grooves G co-operate with an abutment or a rail as shown in FIG. 5 in order to allow angularly limited movement in rotation.
  • the shell 10 of FIG. 8 also has through holes or orifices O for receiving a mechanical element that fastens a strap 13 .
  • the strap 13 is a strap of the type shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . Under such circumstances, the two types of limitation on movement in rotation of the shell of the invention coexist within a single article.
  • a particularly simple and preferred version uses only one strap 13 on either side attached permanently to the shell or to the heel of the boot by means of a hook 23 , as shown in FIGS. 9 . Under such circumstances, it is the adjustment of the strap received in the orifices O that alone determines the angular sector over which the shell can pivot relative to the boot.
  • FIGS. 9A , 9 B, and 10 there can be seen an embodiment of the shell with said means for fastening the shell to the collar in which said first and second connection means comprise non-elastic straps, made up of two first straps 13 a that are releasably fastened or suitable for being releasably fastened to an element 23 on either side of the rear portion of the collar, and two second straps 13 b, 13 b - 1 , 13 b - 2 that are releasably fastened or suitable for being releasably fastened (in an orifice O) on either side of the shell, said first and second straps 13 a and 13 b having complementary connection elements 13 c, 13 d at their free ends that are suitable for reversibly connecting the free ends of the first strap 13 a with the free ends of the second strap 13 b.
  • said first and second connection means comprise non-elastic straps, made up of two first straps 13 a that are releasably fastened or
  • FIG. 13 shows a model of the axial internal rotation of the tibia leading to angular movement in the horizontal plane between the femur and the axis of the tibia that is plotted in degrees relative to time for a skier wearing a device of the invention (curve AKG) and for a skier not wearing a device of the invention (curve SKG).
  • the internal rotation is very greatly reduced when the device of the invention is worn by the skier.
  • the device of the invention provides significant improvements in terms of accidents leading to knee sprain associated with this type of relative axial rotation between the tibia and the femur.
  • Models may have standardized lateral flanges preferably associated with a spacer having functional surfaces calculated on the basis of an average of the femur condyle surfaces observed in the population between the two extreme positions of flexing under skiing conditions.
  • the invention also makes it very easy to personalize the protection device of the invention.
  • a shell of the same kind as is used for consumer goods in association with functional spacer portions specifically designed and shaped to correspond with the particular morphology of a ski champion, for example.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
US14/347,880 2011-11-04 2012-10-25 Device for protecting the knee joint that is able to engage with a ski boot Abandoned US20140230828A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1160020A FR2982167B1 (fr) 2011-11-04 2011-11-04 Dispositif de protection de l'articulation du genou apte a cooperer avec une chaussure de ski
FR1160020 2011-11-04
PCT/FR2012/052448 WO2013064770A1 (fr) 2011-11-04 2012-10-25 Dispositif de protection de l'articulation du genou apte à coopérer avec une chaussure de ski

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US20140230828A1 true US20140230828A1 (en) 2014-08-21

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US14/347,880 Abandoned US20140230828A1 (en) 2011-11-04 2012-10-25 Device for protecting the knee joint that is able to engage with a ski boot

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US (1) US20140230828A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP2773434A1 (zh)
JP (1) JP2014532495A (zh)
CN (1) CN103945910A (zh)
CA (1) CA2852094A1 (zh)
FR (1) FR2982167B1 (zh)
WO (1) WO2013064770A1 (zh)

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US20150106991A1 (en) * 2012-05-30 2015-04-23 Pierre Gouniot Device for protecting the knee joint with a strap
US20160286871A1 (en) * 2015-04-03 2016-10-06 Muhamed Becirevic Worker's Knee Pads
US20170113118A1 (en) * 2015-10-26 2017-04-27 Sled Legs, LLC Snow Sled Leg Apparatus And Method Of Use Thereof
US20190201226A1 (en) * 2016-09-06 2019-07-04 Bauerfeind Ag Tiltable articulated joint brace
US11202954B2 (en) 2017-12-21 2021-12-21 Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. Hinged leg guard

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JP6110252B2 (ja) * 2013-08-07 2017-04-05 モリト株式会社 脛サポータ
WO2023092397A1 (zh) * 2021-11-25 2023-06-01 孙寅贵 单板滑雪靴

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US5611080A (en) * 1993-04-02 1997-03-18 Jofa Ab Limb protector
US5452475A (en) * 1993-09-27 1995-09-26 Wilson Hunt International Ltd. Baseball catcher's leg guard
US20070250977A1 (en) * 2006-04-28 2007-11-01 Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. Leg protector with adjustable foot and toe guard

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150106991A1 (en) * 2012-05-30 2015-04-23 Pierre Gouniot Device for protecting the knee joint with a strap
US20160286871A1 (en) * 2015-04-03 2016-10-06 Muhamed Becirevic Worker's Knee Pads
US20170113118A1 (en) * 2015-10-26 2017-04-27 Sled Legs, LLC Snow Sled Leg Apparatus And Method Of Use Thereof
US20190201226A1 (en) * 2016-09-06 2019-07-04 Bauerfeind Ag Tiltable articulated joint brace
US11771576B2 (en) * 2016-09-06 2023-10-03 Bauerfeind Ag Tiltable articulated joint brace
US11202954B2 (en) 2017-12-21 2021-12-21 Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. Hinged leg guard

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2982167A1 (fr) 2013-05-10
CA2852094A1 (fr) 2013-05-10
WO2013064770A1 (fr) 2013-05-10
EP2773434A1 (fr) 2014-09-10
JP2014532495A (ja) 2014-12-08
FR2982167B1 (fr) 2014-06-20
CN103945910A (zh) 2014-07-23

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