WO2006005840A1

WO2006005840A1 - Hand support for grip, stick grip provided with such a support and stick equipped with such grip

Info

Publication number: WO2006005840A1
Application number: PCT/FR2005/001485
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexandre Nappa
Original assignee: Erola, Joan; Puigdemasa, Jordi
Priority date: 2004-06-17
Filing date: 2005-06-15
Publication date: 2006-01-19
Also published as: FR2871663B1; FR2871663A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a hand support (10) for a grip (1) for a stick (2), comprising at least one support (4, 5, 45) pivoting about an axis of rotation (36). Said support (4, 5, 45) comprises two support surfaces (4a, 5a) designed to co-operate respectively with at least one phalanx of the thumb and with part of the palm of the hand corresponding to the metacarpal bone of said thumb, the axis of rotation (36) being then closes to the matacarpophalangeal joint of said thumb.

Description

HAND CARRIER FOR GRIPPING HANDLE, GRIPPING HANDLE FOR SOCKET HAVING SUCH A SUPPORT AND STICK HAVING SUCH A HANDLE.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hand holder for gripping handle for a stick, comprising at least one support pivoting about an axis of rotation.

STATE OF THE ART

Many solutions tend to improve the general ergonomics of the hand supports for handles intended in particular for the ski pole or walking.

Some solutions seek to improve the comfort and effectiveness of hand holders for handles by trying to better distribute the efforts produced by the hand at the time of the push. So that the thrust forces exerted are distributed over the largest possible area, solutions (FR2294725, EP0266329) provide handles which then tend to increase the bearing surface of the hand. In addition, these solutions allow excellent grip of the stick and the risks of escaping this type of stick are then reduced.

Given the general shape of the support surface of the handle, these solutions have the disadvantage of limiting the thrust force on the stick in the second part of the race of said stick. Indeed, when the stick is at the rear of the user, the rotation of the hand being limited, the thrust force is no longer in the axis of the stick and the effectiveness of the thrust is reduced. Furthermore, in the final push phase, the forced movement of the wrist imposed by the shape of the handle can become painful.

Other solutions are intended to overcome this disadvantage by seeking to transmit thrust forces during movement of the arm of the walker or skier. This transmission of thrust forces during the movement from front to back is often done by means of more or less complex wrist straps that tend to support the hand especially at a part of the palm of the hand, more particularly towards the metacarpal of the thumb. These solutions, which tend to concentrate a pushing force towards the support of the metacarpal of the thumb, become traumatic after a certain period of use. In addition, at the end of the thrust, because of the rotation of the strap around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stick, the thrust force exerted at the level of the support surface of the hand on the handstrap , is no longer in this longitudinal axis but is shifted. This axial shift of the thrust tends to significantly reduce its overall efficiency.

The solutions as described in US4775168, NO160116, US5287870 use a rotary handle. The point of rotation of the handle is located at the attachment point of the handle on the stick. The point of attachment is usually located at the end of the stick on which is fixed the handle. These solutions reproduce the last disadvantage described above where there is a misalignment between the axis of rotation of the fulcrum of the hand, the fulcrum itself and the point of impact of the stick.

The solution (EP1105194 B1) has a handle having a single point of support of the hand on said handle. This reduced surface bearing point allows a rotation of Ja -main and constitutes a means of transmission of forces. The fulcrum is intended to be more particularly in contact with the first phalanx of the thumb and / or the meta-articular-phalangeal articulation of the hand. This solution has the disadvantage of locating the thrust forces on a very small bearing surface. This has the effect on the one hand to reduce the effectiveness of the thrust and on the other hand to give birth, after a period of use, a focus of pain. In addition, considering that the rotational movement of the hand relative to the stick is accompanied by localized friction towards the first phalanx and / or the metacarpophalangeal joint, a risk of heating of the skin is to be deplored. To remedy this last problem, variants of the main solution (EP1105194 B1) propose in particular to rotate the fulcrum relative to a remote axis of rotation which is then connected to the fulcrum by a pendulum. This pendulum must have a length optimal. Given that the fulcrum is remote from the axis of rotation by a length equal to that of the balance, there is then a strong axial offset between the fulcrum and the axis of the stick which then reduces the effectiveness of the thrust.

Finally, the use of a single support of small area (EP1105194 B1) gives the stick too great freedom of movement in all directions. In particular, a de-alignment of the stick relative to the plane of rotation of the movement of the arm is observed. Thus, at the time of the return of the arm from the rear to the front, the user must exert additional effort to bring and maintain the stick in said plane of rotation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention therefore aims to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art, so as to provide a comfortable hand support and allowing optimized transmission of efforts.

The switching device according to the invention comprises a support which comprises bearing surfaces intended to cooperate respectively with at least one phalanx of the thumb of the hand and with part of the palm of the hand corresponding to the metacarpal of said thumb. , the axis of rotation then being closer to the metacarpophalangeal joint of said thumb.

In a particular embodiment, the hand support comprises a first support comprising a bearing surface intended to cooperate with at least one phalanx of the thumb of the hand and a second support having a bearing surface intended to cooperate. with a portion of the metacarpal of the hand connected to said thumb, each support being pivotable about the axis of rotation.

Preferably, the bearing surface is intended to cooperate with the first and second phalanges of the thumb over all their lengths.

Preferably, the bearing surface is intended to cooperate with the metacarpal of the thumb over its entire length. [0014] Advantageously, the hand support comprises holding means connecting the first support to the second support and producing an opening force tending to increase an opening angle between the longitudinal axes of the supports, said opening force s' opposing the efforts generated by the hand on said supports.

Advantageously, the hand support comprises holding means connecting the first support to the second support and locking means blocking in rotation the first support relative to the second support so that an opening angle between the longitudinal axes of said supports is constant.

According to a development of the invention, a gripping sheath is intended to maintain at least a portion of the second phalanx of the thumb in contact with the bearing surface.

According to a development of the invention, a gripping sheath is intended to maintain at least one phalanx of the thumb and part of the palm of the hand respectively in contact with the bearing surfaces.

Advantageously, the gripping sheath is fixed on the hand support at the main surfaces.

Advantageously, the gripping sheath is fixed on the hand support at the support surface.

Advantageously, the gripping sheath comprises two crossed straps above the hand support at the axis of rotation.

Preferably, a gripping sheath is intended to maintain at least one phalanx of the thumb and part of the palm of the hand respectively in contact with the bearing surface.

A handle for a stick comprises a hand support as defined above so that the axis of rotation of said support is fixed on said handle. A walking stick or ski comprises at one of its two ends a handle comprising a hand support as defined above.

A walking stick or ski comprises at one of its two ends a hand support as defined above so that the axis of rotation of said support is fixed on said end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 to 3 show perspective views of the hand support according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of the hand support according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of the hand support according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a handle for a stick having a hand support according to the invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the hand support according to the various preferred embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the hand support according to the various preferred embodiments of the invention;

Figures 8 and 9 show views of the hand support according to the invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

According to a first preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the hand support 10 is composed of two physically distinct parts 4 and 5. Each portion 4, 5 has an ergonomic shape for supporting respectively a separate part of the hand.

The support 4 comprises two main surfaces before 4a, 4b and two side surfaces perpendicular to the main surfaces before 4a, 4b. Said main surfaces are substantially parallel towards a first end of the support 4.

In addition, they tend to meet towards the second end forming a rounded 30. The front support surface 4a evolves along a curve substantially resembling the inner profile of the two thumb phalanges when the hand is in a state rest. This front support surface 4a of the first support 4 is intended to cooperate with the first and second phalanges of the thumb of the hand.

The rounded portion 30 has a hole 33 whose longitudinal axis 3 is perpendicular to the lateral faces of the support 4. Furthermore, the rounded portion 30 has a slot 34 made in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3 of the hole 33.

The support 5 comprises two rear main surfaces 5a, 5b and two side surfaces perpendicular to the main rear surfaces 5a, 5b. Said main surfaces are substantially parallel to a first end of the support 5. In addition, they tend to meet towards the second end forming a rounded 31. The rounded 31 has a hole 33 whose longitudinal axis 3 is perpendicular to the lateral faces of the support 5. The rear support surface 5a evolves in a curve substantially taking the internal profile of a portion of the palm of the hand at the metacarpal of the thumb, the hand being in a state of rest . This rear support surface 5a of the second support 5 is intended to cooperate with the palm of the hand towards the metacarpal of the thumb and with the metacarpophalengeal joint of the thumb.

The radius of the rounding 31 is substantially equal to that of the rounding 30. In addition, the side surfaces placed at the rounded portion 31 are shaped so that the width of said round is substantially equal to that of slot 34. The rounding 31 is intended to be positioned entirely in the slot 34. The respective holes 33 of the roundings 30, 31 are then coaxial.

The longitudinal axes 44, 55 of the respective supports 4, 5 form an angle OC subsequently called opening angle.

Holding means then allow the two supports 4, 5 to be interconnected. These holding means comprise in particular an axis 36 of rotation passing right through the two supports 4, 5 via the holes 33.

In addition, the holding means comprise elastic means 37 which produce an opening force tending to increase the opening angle α between the longitudinal axes 44, 55 of the supports 4, 5; said opening force then opposing the forces generated by the support of a hand on said supports.

When the hand support 10 is not used, the angle α takes its largest value under the action of the elastic holding means 37 applying to the two supports 4, 5. The support of the hand on the hand support 10 produces a closing force supports that tends to reduce the angle α.

The elastic means 37 comprise a torsion spring placed in the slot 34 around the axis of rotation 36. Each end of the torsion spring is respectively in contact with one of the supports 4, 5.

Stoppers 65 placed respectively on the rounded 30 and 31, to limit the amplitude of the rotational movement of a support relative to the other. Thus, according to this embodiment, the opening angle α is generally between 90 ° and 180 °.

Thus according to this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotating hand support 10 comprises two supports 4, 5 linked via a single axis of rotation 36. The rotations of each support 4, 5 remain independent of each other, so as to accommodate the morphology of the hand of the user. This adaptation results in a variation of the opening angle α between two extreme positions corresponding to the movements of the thumb relative to the palm of the hand and vice versa. In addition, this morphological positioning of said supports at hand is performed at any time, that is to say regardless of the position of the arm and whatever the opening of the hand.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the hand support 10 consists of two ergonomically shaped supports 4 and 5 comprise locking means 50 for blocking the rotation of a support relative to the other and thus adjust the angle Gt. Unlike the previous embodiment, the opening angle α is then constant during use whatever the pressing force exerted by the hand on the hand support 10 .

The rounded portion 30 of the support 4 has on one of the two lateral faces a series of locking notches 50 uniformly distributed around the hole 33. According to this embodiment, the notches 50 have a triangular cross section, but other shapes can also be used such as rounded or rectangular shapes. In the same way, the rounding 31 of the support 5 also has on a lateral face a series of locking notches 50 distributed uniformly around the hole 33.

The notches 50 present on the two rounded 30, 31 are intended to collaborate. Indeed, when the two supports are assembled via the locking means, their respective holes 33 are coaxial and the locking notches 50 of the rounded 30 are positioned in those of the rounded 31, and vice versa.

The opening angle α between the supports 4, 5 is then fixed.

In practice, before using the hand support 10, the user positions the two supports between them and sets an opening angle α so that the bearing surfaces 4a, 5a adapt as well as possible to the morphology of the hand. The opening angle α can take as many values as there are locking notches 50 on the rounded surfaces 30, 31 of the supports 4, 5. In addition, the greater the angular pitch between the locking catches 50 is fine, the more the setting of the opening angle α is accurate. Other locking means 50 can obviously be used. In particular, it is possible to replace all the locking notches 50 placed respectively on the rounded surfaces 30, 31 by rough surfaces. The presence of friction between the surfaces, would be sufficient to block a support relative to the other.

According to a third preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, the hand support 10 is composed of a single support 45 comprising two bearing surfaces 4a, 5a. These bearing surfaces 4a, 5a are then respectively intended to cooperate substantially with the two phalanges of the thumb of the hand over all their lengths and with a portion of the palm of the hand at the metacarpal of the thumb. The axis of rotation 36 of said hand support 10 is then closest to the metacarpophalangeal joint of said thumb.

The opening angle between the longitudinal axes of said surfaces is then substantially equal to 170 ° which corresponds substantially to a rest position or physiological thumb when the hand is open.

The various parts 4, 5, 45 of the hand support 10 can be made by a molding process of a plastic material.

The hand support 10 according to the various preferred embodiments of the invention is particularly intended to be combined with a handle 1 for stick 2. As shown in FIGS. 6 to

10, a handle 1 for stick 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises a handle generally made of plastic or cork associated with a hand support 10 according to one of the three preferred embodiments of the invention. The handle of the handle 1 is generally hollow. The axis of rotation 36 of the holding means is fixed in a hole present in the handle of the gripping handle 1 so that the axis of rotation 36 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11 of said handle. This positioning of the axis of rotation 36 through the hand support 10 and the gripping handle 1 allows the lateral fixing of said support relative to the longitudinal axis 11 of the gripping handle 1. The movement in rotation of the hand support 10 about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the longitudinal axis 11 of the handle 1 remains always free.

When the gripping handle 1 comprises the hand support 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotational movement of a support relative to the other is also free.

In addition, following the ergonomic shape of the handle of the handle 1, the hand support 10 may be indifferently intended for left-handed or right-handed people.

According to an alternative embodiment of the handle, the axis of rotation 36 is an integral part of the handle handle. For example, when the handle is made by a molding method, the axis of rotation 36 can be molded directly on the handle of the handle.

According to an alternative embodiment of the handle 1, the axis of rotation 36 of the hand support 10 is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis 11 of said handle. The offset of the axis of rotation 36 relative to the axis 11 is made along the axis X. The two axes 11, 36 are perpendicular but are not intersecting. This positioning makes it possible to slightly move the metacarpophalangeal joint away from the axis 11 of the handle, which reduces the risk of jamming of the hand during the rotation of the hand support 10 around the axis of rotation 36. There is thus greater freedom of movement of the hand relative to the handle 1.

According to a third embodiment, the hand support 10 is fixed to the handle 1 by latching means for mounting and rapid disassembly of the hand support 10 on the axis of rotation 36. These means of snap also allow disengagement of the hand support 10 when excessive forces are applied to said support. The various embodiments of the invention provide a hand support 10 which deliberately limits the degrees of freedom of movement of the hand in order to optimize the efficiency and comfort of use. However, in case of misuse of the hand support 10, particularly in the event of a fall, lateral forces can be applied to the hand via the hand support 10, and risk causing hand trauma.

According to another embodiment, shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the hand support 10 comprises a gripping sheath 20 positioned above the front bearing surface 4a. This gripping sleeve intended to maintain at least a portion of the second phalanx of the thumb in contact with the front support surface 4a optimizes the holding of the hand on the hand support 10. This maintenance also promotes the guiding of the stick in rotation during the movement of the arm from front to back and vice versa.

According to another embodiment, the front support surface 4a of the hand support 10 evolves in a curve substantially resembling the inner profile of the first phalanx of the thumb when the hand is in a state of rest. The gripping sheath 20 is intended to then hold at least a portion of the first phalanx of the thumb in contact with the bearing surface 4a.

The handle 1 comprising a hand support 10 according to the various preferred embodiments of the invention, is particularly intended to be combined with a stick 2. The stick 2 according to one embodiment of the invention, to preferably of metal or composite materials, comprises two ends. A first end, generally pointed, is intended to come into contact with the ground, and a second end is used for handling. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end supports a gripping handle 1 according to the invention. The hollow handle of said handle is positioned on the second end of the stick 2. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the stick at the second end is adjusted to that of a hole in the handle 1 of the handle and the longitudinal axis 11 of the gripping handle 1 is then substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stick 2.

According to another embodiment, the hand support 10 is directly attached to the second end of the stick 2. The axis of rotation 36, directly positioned on the stick 2, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stick 2. In FIGS. 8A and 9A, the hand support according to the various embodiments of the invention comprises a gripping sheath 30 of the hand. This gripping sleeve 30 has the particularity of being connected directly to the hand support 10. When the hand support 10 is attached to a gripping handle 1 according to the invention, the gripping sleeve 40 is not linked. The gripping sleeve 40 essentially comprises two straps 41, 42. Each strap has a first end attached to the hand support 10 at the main front surfaces 4a, 4b, preferably at the level of the surface. front support 4a. The two straps 41, 42 then intersect above the hand support 10 at a point of intersection 43. This crossing point 43 is placed substantially at the axis of rotation 36 of the hand support 10. The positioning of the crossing point 43 at the level of the axis of rotation 36, makes it possible effectively to press the metacarpophalengeal joint of the hand on the hand support 10. At the point of intersection 43, the straps 41, 42 can to be connected together either immovably by a seam or removably through first adjustment means such as scratches or pressures. The crossing point 43 divides each strap 41, 42 into two main parts. The first part of the straps, close to the bearing surface 4a is intended to press the two thumb phalanges on the hand support 10. The second parts of the straps 41, 42, surrounding part or all of the hand are intended preferably to press the palm of the hand on the bearing surface 5a of the hand support 10. The second ends of the two straps are connected together removably by second adjustment means. The second adjustment means may comprise scratches or pressures making it possible to adjust the tightness of the hand on the hand support 10.

Figure 9 shows the handle 1 when the forearm of a stick carrier is located substantially in front of the bust of the wearer. Figure 10 shows the handle 1 when the forearm of the stick carrier is located substantially behind its bust. For example, for a walker, these two positions are representative of the extreme positions of the hand during the walk. Whatever the position of the hand between these two extreme positions, the resultant FA of the hand resting forces on the hand support 10, remains parallel and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 11 of the handle 2.

Unlike the handles described in the state of the art, the handle comprising the hand support according to the various preferred embodiments of the invention adapts the gesture to the upper trunk for the duration of the thrust. The thrust is optimal regardless of the position of the arm relative to the body. As for the existing solutions, we observed an adaptation of the gesture to the handle. The user had to adapt the movement of his arm and his hand according to the inclination of the handle relative to the point of support on the ground.

Claims

Hand support (10) for gripping handle (1) for a stick (2), comprising at least one support (4, 5, 45) pivoting about an axis of rotation (36) characterized in that said support (4, 5, 45) has bearing surfaces (4a, 5a) for cooperating respectively with at least one phalanx of the thumb of the hand and with a portion of the palm of the hand corresponding to the metacarpal of said thumb, axis of rotation (36) being positioned closest to the metacarpophalangeal joint of said thumb.

2. Hand support (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a first support (4) having a bearing surface (4a) intended to cooperate with at least one phalanx of the thumb of the hand and a second support (5) comprising a bearing surface (5a) intended to cooperate with a portion of the metacarpal of the hand connected to said thumb, each support (4, 5) being pivotable about the axis of rotation (36).

3. Hand support (10) according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the bearing surface (4a) is intended to cooperate with the first and second phalanges of the thumb over all their lengths.

4. Hand support (10) according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the bearing surface (5a) is intended to cooperate with the metacarpal of the thumb over its entire length.

5. Hand support (10) according to claim 2 characterized in that it comprises holding means (36, 37) connecting the first support (4) to the second support (5) and producing an opening force tending to increasing an opening angle (α) between the longitudinal axes (44, 55) of the supports (4, 5), said opening force being intended to oppose the forces generated by the hand on said supports.

6. Hand support (10) according to claim 2 characterized in that it comprises holding means (36) connecting the first support (4) to the second support (5) and locking means (50) blocking in rotation the first support (4) relative to the second support (5) so that an opening angle (Ot) between the longitudinal axes (44, 55) of said supports is constant.

7. Hand support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that a gripping sheath (20) is intended to maintain at least a portion of the second phalanx of the thumb in contact with the bearing surface (4a).

8. Hand support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that a gripping sheath (40) is intended to maintain at least one phalanx of the thumb and part of the palm of the hand respectively in contact with the bearing surfaces (4a, 5a).

9. Hand support (10) according to claim 8 characterized in that the gripping sheath (40) is fixed on the hand support (10) at the main surfaces (4a, 4b).

10. Hand support (10) according to claim 9 characterized in that the gripping sheath (40) is fixed on the hand support (10) at the bearing surfaces (4a).

11. Hand support (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10 characterized in that the gripping sheath (40) comprises two straps (41, 42) crossed above the hand support (10) at the axis rotation (36).

12. Gripping handle (1) for a stick (2) characterized in that it comprises a hand support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the axis of rotation (36) of said support being fixed perpendicularly. to the longitudinal axis (11) of said handle (1).

13. Stick (2) walking or skiing characterized in that it comprises at one of its two ends a gripping handle (1) according to claim 12, the hollow portion of the handle (1) being fitted on one of the two ends of said stick.

14. Stick (2) walking or skiing characterized in that it comprises at one of its two ends a hand support (10) according to claims 1 to 11, the axis of rotation (36) of said support being fixed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said stick (2).