U.S. patent application number 11/953432 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for method for controlling the connection between a gliding/rolling apparatus and user and a device for implementing the method.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.. Invention is credited to Laurent DAMIANI, Pierre DESARMAUX, Jean-Francois MERINO.
Application Number | 20080136157 11/953432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38461231 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080136157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAMIANI; Laurent ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN A GLIDING/ROLLING
APPARATUS AND USER AND A DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD
Abstract
A method and a device for controlling the connection between a
user and a gliding or rolling apparatus on which the user is
retained by a releasable retaining system, i.e., such as between a
skier and ski by means of a ski binding. According to the method,
the values of at least two flexion and torsion angles between the
user's upper leg and lower leg are measured and the values of these
angles in relation with the angles that indicate a critical posture
of the user are considered, and the release of the retaining system
is caused if the angle values measured exceed the indicative
values. The device includes a member for measuring at least two
angles and a processing circuit in relation with a table of
indicative values.
Inventors: |
DAMIANI; Laurent; (Villaz,
FR) ; MERINO; Jean-Francois; (Epagny, FR) ;
DESARMAUX; Pierre; (Evires, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
38461231 |
Appl. No.: |
11/953432 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/809 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/0885 20130101;
A63C 2201/06 20130101; G01L 5/03 20130101; A63C 2203/18 20130101;
A63C 9/088 20130101; A63C 2203/24 20130101; A61B 5/1071
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/809 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/08 20060101
A63C009/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2006 |
FR |
06.10784 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a connection of a user to a gliding or
rolling apparatus to which the user is retained by a releasable
retaining system equipped with a two-state retaining member, a
first state of said two states being a retaining state, a second
state of said two states being a release state, said method
comprising: measuring, during the retaining state of the retaining
member, at least two distinct flexion or torsion angles between the
user's upper leg and lower leg and determining a measured value for
each of said at least two angles; comparing the measured value of
each of said at least two angles to a respective posture-indicative
value; transmitting a command to cause the two-state retaining
member to be in said release state when, for each of said at least
two angles, the measured value exceeds the respective
posture-indicative value.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein: said measuring at least
two angles comprises measuring a knee-bend angle (AFX) and at least
one of the following angles: a valgus angle (AVG), a varus angle
(AVR), a medial rotation angle (ARI), and a lateral rotation angle
(ARE).
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein: said measuring at least
two angles comprises measuring at least two angles from among the
following angles on two decision-making levels: flexion angle
(AFX), varus angle (AVR), valgus angle (AVG), medial rotation angle
(ARI), and lateral rotation angle (ARE).
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein: on a first of said two
decision-making levels, at least one angle from among the following
angles is measured: medial rotation angle (ARI), flexion angle
(AFX), and algus angle (AVG).
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein: said measuring comprises
measuring the medial rotation angle (ARI) and the flexion angle
(AFX); said comparing results in determining whether the medial
rotation angle (ARI) is greater than the respective
posture-indicative value by about 15 degrees and whether the
flexion angle (AFX) is less than the respective posture-indicative
value by about 20 degrees.
6. A method according to claim 4, wherein: said measuring comprises
measuring the medial rotation angle (ARI) and the and the varus
angle (AVR); said comparing results in determining whether the
medial rotation angle (ARI) is greater than the respective
posture-indicative value by about 15 degrees and whether the varus
angle (AVR) is greater than the respective posture-indicative value
by about 5 degrees.
7. A method according to claim 4, wherein: said measuring comprises
measuring the flexion angle (AFX) and the medial rotation angle
(ARI); said comparing results in determining whether the flexion
angle (AFX) is greater than the respective posture-indicative value
by about 90 degrees and whether the medial rotation angle (ARI) is
greater than the respective posture-indicative value by about 15
degrees.
8. A method according to claim 4, wherein: said measuring comprises
measuring the valgus angle (AVG) and the lateral rotation angle
(ARE); said comparing results in determining whether the valgus
angle (AVG) is greater than the respective posture-indicative value
by about 5 degrees and whether the lateral rotation angle (ARE) is
greater than the respective posture-indicative value by about 15
degrees.
9. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: measuring, in
an initialization phase, at least part of said at least two
distinct flexion or torsion angles at rest.
10. A control device for controlling a connection of a user to a
gliding or rolling apparatus while the user is retained to the
apparatus by a releasable retaining system equipped with a
two-state retaining member, a first state of said two states being
a retaining state, and a second state of said two states being a
release state, said device comprising: a measuring member for
measuring at least two distinct flexion or torsion angles between
the user's upper leg and lower leg.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein: said at lease two
distinct flexion or torsion angles comprises an angle corresponding
to knee bend (AFX) and at least one angle from among the following
angles: a valgus angle (AVG), a varus angle (AVR), a medial
rotation angle (ARI), a lateral rotation angle (ARE).
12. A device according to claim 11, further comprising: a table of
user posture-indicative values associated with at least part of the
flexion or torsion angles (AFX, AVG, AVR, ARI, ARE).
13. A device according to claim 12, further comprising: a
processing circuit for analyzing measuring signals transmitted by
the measuring member and for comparing said measuring signals to
the posture-indicative values of the table.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
of French Patent Application No. 06 10784, filed on Dec. 11, 2006,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a method for controlling the
connection between a user and his/her gliding or rolling apparatus.
The invention also relates to a device for controlling the
implementation of the method.
[0004] 2. Description of Background and Other Information
[0005] Particularly in the field of skis, it is known to retain
each of the skier's boots on the skis by means of retaining
elements, i.e., bindings. These elements are conventionally of the
releasable type, that is, they are able to release the boot in case
of excessive force to prevent, as much as possible, injury or
fracture of a limb of the skier.
[0006] A substantial number of models of retaining elements are
commercially available. These elements are essentially mechanical,
that is, the boot is released after the boot retaining jaw is
opened. The jaw is returned by means of a spring, and the opening
of the jaw occurs when the forces that the boot exerts on the jaw
override the return force applied by the spring.
[0007] These devices yield good results for simple falls, namely,
mostly front and torsion falls. For so-called combined falls, for
example a front torsion fall or a twisted fall, the friction
between the boot and the retaining elements is difficult to
control. However, there are compensating devices for the combined
falls, such as described, for example, in the patent documents FR 2
523 857 and family member U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,828, FR 2 314 742 and
family member U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,821; and FR 2 707 514.
[0008] There are also constructions by which the forces between the
boot and the ski are received by electronic gauges and are
processed by electronic circuitry, which controls the release of
the boot. Such constructions are disclosed, for example, in the
patent documents FR 2 459 669 and family member U.S. Pat. No.
4,395,759, FR 2 351 678 and family member U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,555;
and U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,188. The electronic reception of the forces
is more precise and less sensitive to friction than mechanical
reception. However, it is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the
reception of the forces in the area of the boot does not enable
certain postures of the skier, any of which risks an injury to the
skier, to be highlighted or identified. Moreover, commercially
available boots are increasingly high-performance boots. They
provide better protection for the lower portion of the leg,
particularly protection against injuries, caused by a fall, which
extend along the leg and which affect more particularly the knee,
especially the ligaments of the knee.
[0009] Certain constructions have been proposed which receive the
forces along the leg, as in the patent documents U.S. Pat. No.
3,909,028 and FR 2 767 266, for example. The solutions described in
these two documents are mostly mechanical and, therefore, they are
very limiting for the skier.
[0010] The patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,086 proposes arranging
directional transmitter systems and receivers on the skis and on
the user, and to control the release of the boot when a receiver
transmitter transmits its signal in a direction outside the
receiving area of the receiver. Such a device does not allow for
the forces exerted on the skier's lower limbs to be received with
sufficient precision.
[0011] Another solution, described in the patent U.S. Pat. No.
5,295,704, provides for the skier to be equipped with a type of
knee pad and for the flexion angle of the lower limb to be measured
on this element. However, such measurement alone is insufficient to
identify the situations by which the skier risks an injury.
[0012] In view of the state of the art, there is a need for a
method for controlling the connection between a user and his/her
gliding or rolling apparatus, such as a board, a snowboard, or
skis, that enables the critical situations in which the skier runs
a risk of an injury to be determined more precisely.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A method and a device of the invention provide for critical
situations of a user to be determined more precisely, as well as
for the achievement of various objects and advantages, the
descriptions of which follow.
[0014] The invention is directed to a method for controlling a
connection between a user and his/her gliding or rolling board to
which he/she is bound by a releasable type of retaining system
provided with a two-state retaining member, a retention state and a
release state, whereby, in the retention state of the retaining
member, the measurement of at least two distinct flexion or torsion
angles is taken between the skier's thigh and leg, and whereby the
value of each of such angles is compared to posture indicative
values, and whereby the switch of the retention state to the
release state of the member is controlled if, for each of the two
angles, the angle value measured is greater than its posture
indicative value.
[0015] In a particular aspect of the invention, in a control method
of the invention, the angle corresponding to the knee bend (AFX)
and at least one of the angles among the angles corresponding to
the valgus angulation (AVG), the varus angulation (AVR), the
internal rotation (ARI), and the external rotation (ARE) are
measured
[0016] The control device includes a member for measuring at least
two distinct flexion or torsion angles between the user's thigh and
leg.
[0017] In a particular aspect of the invention, in a control device
according to the invention, the measuring member measures the angle
corresponding to the knee bend (AFX) and at least one of the angles
among the corresponding to the valgus angulation (AVG), the varus
angulation (AVR), the internal rotation (ARI), and the external
rotation (ARE).
[0018] According to a particular aspect of the invention, various
critical postures in which the skier runs a significant risk of
injury in the area of the skier's knees, particularly in the area
of different ligaments, are observed and identified. These postures
can be identified by taking at least two angle measurements in the
area of each of the skier's lower limbs.
[0019] The control method and device according to the invention can
be implemented on any type of releasable retaining system. For
example, it is possible to complete a releasable retaining system
that is known and broadly distributed on the market with the
control device of the invention. In such case, the front stop and
the rear heel piece of a boot retaining system are releasable as a
function of the forces to which the user's leg is subjected while
an additional release will occur in accordance with the invention
as a function of the user's posture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] The invention will be better understood from the following
description, with reference to the annexed drawings.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a skier;
[0022] FIG. 2 schematically shows a flexing position of the
skier;
[0023] FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically show so-called valgus/varus
positions;
[0024] FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show situations in
external/internal rotation;
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart representing the determination
mode of the release control;
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of the principle of the control
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a skier 1 gliding on a gliding apparatus in the
form of two skis 2 and 3. A connection system connects the skier to
his gliding apparatus, the connection system including retaining
elements, or bindings, namely, toe piece 4a and heel piece 4b which
retain the left boot 6 on the ski 2, and toe piece 5a and heel
piece (hidden by the left boot) which retain the right boot 7 on
the ski 3. The retaining elements are of the releasable type, which
means that they can release the boot in the case of an application
of force exceeding certain threshold levels. For example, these
elements are constructed in accordance with the patent documents FR
843 037 FR 2 860 729, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,812, the disclosure
of the latter of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto
in its entirety. However, the constructions disclosed in these
documents are not to be considered limiting to the present
invention, and any other construction can be suitable. In a known
manner, the retaining elements have two main states, a retaining
state by which they retain the boots on their respective skis, and
a release state by which they allow the boot to be released. In the
case where the retaining system includes front and rear elements,
only one of these elements needs to have a control for switching to
the release state. In other types of known constructions, the boot
is retained by a central retaining element.
[0028] A control device is provided to control the connection
between the user/skier and each of his/her skis. In particular,
this device controls the change of state of the connection between
the boot and the ski to its release state.
[0029] In the release state of the retaining system, the control
device receives the forces sustained by the skier, analyzes them,
and transmits a release command to the connection system if the
analysis of the forces identifies a critical situation
necessitating the release of the connection between the skier and
his/her apparatus, that is, at least one of the skis in the present
case, i.e., in the case of the gliding apparatus comprising a pair
of skis rather than a single gliding board or other apparatus.
[0030] The control method and device of the invention focus upon
the forces sustained by the skier's knees and upon the
consideration by which at least two angles are measured in the area
of the knees for the purpose of detecting certain movements or
postures of the skier that are susceptible to causing injury to the
knees.
[0031] The movements that are monitored include the flexional
movements of the upper leg on the lower leg, that is, a knee-bend
angle; varus/valgus movements, that is, an inward or outward
deviation of the upper leg with respect to the lower leg; and a
rotational movement toward the outside or inside of the lower leg
relative to the upper leg. In the following description, reference
will be made to the femur and tibia, with respect to the upper leg
(or thigh) and the lower leg, respectively.
[0032] These movements are observed by measuring angles in the area
of each of the knees. The angles measured include the flexion angle
(AFX), represented in FIG. 2 between the axes 10 and 11 of the
femur 12 and the tibia 13; the valgus/varus (AVR, AVG) angle,
represented in FIGS. 3 and 4; and the medial/lateral (ARI, ARE)
rotation angle, represented in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0033] These angles are measured with any appropriate means. For
example, as suggested in FIG. 1, the skier can be provided with
knee pads 25, 26. The knee pads are worn directly by the skier or
they are incorporated to the skier's clothing. The knee pads are
instrumentalized, i.e., equipped, for example, with conductive
fibers that are integrated into the material of the knee pad at
various locations and according to various orientations, and which
work as extensometry gauges. Another possibility is to provide the
knee pad with an inertial unit that has goniometers and/or
inclinometers. Other measuring means are also suitable, such as
potentiometers, for example.
[0034] The flowchart diagram of FIG. 7 represents an algorithm on
the basis of which a command to switch to the release state of a
binding is generated. In the diagram, the command to switch to the
release state is designated by the reference character "C" and is
located in the last box of the chart.
[0035] At each step of the chart, when the answer to the question
asked in the decision box (diamond) is "YES", a "1" appears on the
arrow connecting the diamond to a subsequent diamond; a "0" appears
if the answer is "NO".
[0036] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the algorithm
includes a the real-time measurement of the angles AFX, AVR, AVG,
ARI, ARE, which measurement is transmitted from the box 28, the
measurement being designated by the reference character "M".
[0037] The algorithm includes two decision-making levels 29 and 31.
On a first level 29, the angles ARI, AFX, and AVG are measured, and
the measured values are compared with indicative values, namely 15
degrees for ARI, 90 degrees for AFX, 5 degrees for AVG. This is
shown in the three diamonds 32, 33, 34 of the chart.
[0038] If one of the three angles is greater than the associated
indicative value, one then moves to the second analysis level
31.
[0039] If it is the ARI value that is greater than its indicative
value, the measurement of AFX and AVR is then considered, more
particularly, a consideration is them made whether AFX is less than
the indicative 20-degree value or whether AVR is greater than the
5-degree indicative value as determined in the diamonds 37 and 38.
If one of these conditions is fulfilled, a command to switch to the
release state is transmitted to the retaining system in order to
release the connection between the user and his gliding
apparatus.
[0040] In the case where the indicative value of AFX has been
exceeded, the value of the angle ARI is considered, which is shown
schematically in the diamond 39. If ARI is greater than the
15-degree indicative value, a release command is transmitted to the
retaining system.
[0041] If AVG has exceeded its indicative value, the value of the
angle ARE is considered, as shown in the diamond 41. If ARE is
greater than the 15-degree indicative value, a release command is
transmitted to the retaining system.
[0042] Thus, a release command is triggered in each case scenario,
from the measurement of two angles among the angles which include
the flexion angle, the valgus/varus angle, the internal/external
(i.e., medial/lateral) rotation angle, and the comparison of these
angles to posture-indicative values which are associated to them,
respectively.
[0043] The angle measured can be the real angle, that is, measured
between the directions defined by the femur axis and the tibia
axis, or it can be a measurement of the variation of this angle
from an initial value. Indeed, for the valgus/varus and the
medial/lateral rotation, it is known that the deviation or rotation
angle at rest can vary by several degrees inwardly or outwardly,
from one user to the next. In such a case, one can, in an
initialization phase, measure these angles, or part of these
angles, at rest so that only the variation of the angles involved
is measured subsequently.
[0044] The angle measurements can be processed in any appropriate
format, whether analog or digital. To this end, the measurement can
be carried out continuously or sequentially.
[0045] Each association of indicative angles identifies a critical
posture of the skier in which an injury in the area of the knee is
at risk. The values of the indicative angles are not to be
considered limiting. For example, the values can considered, within
the scope of the invention, to be within a margin of more or less
30 percent. These values may not be exactly the same for all users
or categories of users. For example, the indicative values can be
more or less high for experienced skiers or beginners.
[0046] The algorithm of FIG. 7 includes a consideration of four
critical postures. This number is non-limiting; there could be more
or less, the general idea being that there needs to be at least two
angle measurements between the upper leg and lower leg in order to
identify a critical posture. A third level could also be added,
above the level 31, that is, adding the measure of a third angle
and its comparison with an associated indicative angle to analyze
the posture of the skier and identify the critical character of the
skier's posture.
[0047] Moreover, the invention is to prevent only certain risks of
injury, meaning that it is possible to control the release command
by associating the measurement and the analysis of other angles or
forces, for example, of the angles or forces in the area of the
ankle and/or of the user's boot.
[0048] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of the principle of
the control device. It shows a measuring member in the form of a
knee pad 42. This member is able to measure at least two flexion or
rotation angles of the lower limb of the skier among the angles,
which include the flexion angle, the valgus/varus angle, the
medial/lateral rotation angle. Other constructions are suitable for
this measuring member. The signal originating from the measuring
member is transmitted to a circuit 44 for processing the
signal.
[0049] The device further includes a table 46 with the
posture-indicative values associated with each of the measured
angles. A processing circuit 47 analyzes the angles measured and
compares them to the indicative values in accordance to what has
been described above.
[0050] The processing circuit 47 controls a command circuit 48,
which is able to transmit a command for switching the release state
to the retaining system. For example, as shown, the circuit 48
controls the opening of a front retaining element 49 in accordance
to the patent documents FR 2 843 037 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,812,
mentioned above. Other constructions of retaining systems are also
suitable.
[0051] The transmission between the various components of the
device is carried out by wire or wireless, as appropriate.
Furthermore, the signals can be analog or digital.
[0052] The present disclosure is given only by way of example, and
other embodiments of the invention are possible without leaving the
scope of the invention.
[0053] In particular, the invention is not limited to the field of
skiing but can be applied to any gliding or rolling activity
whereby the user is retained on his/her apparatus by at least one
releasable retaining mechanism/binding, such as the activities of
snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross-country skiing, and other
types of activities and sports. Depending upon the sport and the
category of users, the indicative values can be different from
those that have been described herein.
* * * * *