U.S. patent number RE32,650 [Application Number 06/869,201] was granted by the patent office on 1988-04-26 for body weight support system.
Invention is credited to Thomas P. Waddell.
United States Patent |
RE32,650 |
Waddell |
April 26, 1988 |
Body weight support system
Abstract
A body weight support system for skiing or other physical
activities including at least one leg brace. The brace consists of
a pair of parallel elongated tubular members interconnected by a
cable, a plurality of cylindrical segment members are interposed in
the knee section of the brace with the cable extending therethrough
to form non-resilient flexure means for allowing the brace to bend
with the knee upon flexure of the knee. Tensioning means are
provided for the cable to establish the tension therein and hence
establish a maximum angle deflection of the flexure means. The
brace and flexure means are non-resilient so that once the maximum
angle is attained the brace resists further deflection. The brace
also includes fabric means spanning the tubular members for
supporting the legs of the wearer. Strap means are provided for
securing the brace to the leg and to a boot (e.g., ski boot).
Inventors: |
Waddell; Thomas P.
(Downingtown, PA) |
Family
ID: |
27021382 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/869,201 |
Filed: |
May 29, 1986 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
411404 |
Aug 25, 1982 |
04450832 |
May 29, 1984 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/23; 2/22;
280/809 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
5/0106 (20130101); A63B 69/18 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
5/01 (20060101); A63B 69/18 (20060101); A61F
003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/8R,8C,8G,87R,88,89
;2/22,24 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0039578 |
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Nov 1981 |
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EP |
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56069 |
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Jun 1889 |
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DE2 |
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58575 |
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Jan 1890 |
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DE2 |
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66490 |
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Apr 1892 |
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DE2 |
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838479 |
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Jul 1949 |
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DE |
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1478143 |
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Aug 1970 |
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DE |
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1578974 |
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May 1972 |
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DE |
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2238038 |
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Feb 1973 |
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DE |
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Primary Examiner: Yasko; John D.
Claims
I claim:
1. A body weight support system for releasable securement to at
least one leg of a person, comprising first support means, second
support means and non-resilient, flexure means, said first support
means including a first portion extending along the thigh, said
first support means terminating at its upper and immediately
adjacent the buttocks-thigh interface to form a seat and
terminating at its lower end adjacent the knee, said second support
means including a second portion extending along the calf, said
second support means terminating at its upper end adjacent the knee
and at its lower end adjacent the foot, said flexure means being
located adjacent said knee and connected between said first and
second support means for permitting the person to repeatedly freely
bend and unbend said knee through any angular range up to a
predetermined angle of bend and for providing substantial
resistance to flexure therebeyond, said first and second support
means including securement means for releasably securing said
system to said leg.
2. The body weight support system of claim 1 wherein said second
suport means is arranged to be stationarily secured to means worn
on the foot.
3. The body weight support system of claim 1 wherein said flexure
means is adjustable for establishing said angular range of
flexure.
4. The body weight support system of claim 3 wherein said flexure
means comprise plural elements coupled to one another, via
tensioning means, whereupon said elements can pivot with respect to
one another, with the degree of pivoting being established by said
tensioning means.
5. The body weight support system of claim 4 wherein said
tensioning means comprises an elongated, flexible cable on which
said plural elements are strung.
6. The body weight support system of claim 5 wherein said cable is
fixedly secured to one of said support means.
7. The body weight support system of claim 6 wherein said
tensioning cable is connected between said first and second support
means and wherein said flexure means includes adjustable means for
shortening or lengthening said cable means to establish the tension
in said tensioning cable.
8. The body weight support system of claim 7 wherein each of said
elements is tubular and include surface means adapted to engage the
immediately adjacent element to facilitate uniform pivoting of each
of said elements.
9. The body weight support system of claim 1 wherein said system is
arranged for use by a skier with said system supporting the skier
in a centered position over a ski mounted on a boot on the skier's
foot, with the skier's buttocks located over the boot and with the
skier's knee forward thereof to expedite skiing.
10. The skier body weight support system of claim 9 wherein said
second support means includes releasable securement means for
stationarily securing said second support means to said ski
boot.
11. The skier body weight support system of claim 10 wherein said
flexure means is adjustable to establish said angular range.
12. The skier body weight support system of claim 11 wherein said
adjustment means comprises quick acting means wherein once the knee
is flexed to the desired angle, the quick acting means can be
engaged to impede flexure beyond that angle.
13. The skier body weight support system of claim 11 wherein said
flexure means comprise plural elements coupled to one another, via
tensioning means, whereupon said elements can pivot with respect to
one another, with the degree of pivoting being established by said
tensioning means.
14. The skier body weight support system of claim 13 wherein said
tensioning means comprises an elongated, flexible cable on which
said plural elements are strung.
15. The skier body weight support system of claim 14 wherein said
cable is fixedly secured to one of said support means.
16. The skier body weight support system of claim 15 wherein said
tensioning cable is connected between said first and second support
means and wherein said flexure means includes adjustable means for
shortening or lengthening said cable means between said first and
second support means to establish the tension in said tensioning
cable.
17. The skier body weight support system of claim 16 wherein each
of said elements is tubular and include surface means adapted to
engage the immediately adjacent element to facilitate uniform
pivoting of each of said elements.
18. The skier body weight support system of claim 17 wherein said
adjustment means comprises quick acting means wherein once the knee
is flexed to the desired angle, the quick acting means is engaged
to prevent flexure beyond that angle.
19. The skier body weight support system of claim 9 wherein each of
said first and second support means comprises at least one
elongated frame-like member.
20. The skier body weight support system of claim 19 wherein each
of said support means comprises a pair of generally parallel
elongated, frame-like members having webbing means interposed
therebetween for engaging an associated portion of the leg of the
skier.
21. The skier body weight support system of claim 19 wherein said
first and second support means and said flexure means are
incorporated in a garment worn on the leg.
22. The skier body weight support garment of claim 21 wherein said
releasable securement means comprises strap means arranged for
stationarily mounting said second support means on said ski
boot.
23. The skier body weight support system of claim 20 wherein said
first support means includes strap means for strapping said first
support means to the thigh just below the buttocks and just above
the knee and wherein said second support means includes strap means
for strapping said second support means to the calf just below the
knee.
24. The body weight support system of claim 23 wherein said strap
means for securing said second mounting means to said boot is
adjustably mounted on said second support means to provide an
optimal interface with said boot.
25. The skier body weight support system of claim 9 wherein said
flexure means includes adjustment means located adjacent the upper
end of said first support means for establishing said predetermined
angular flexure range.
26. The skier body weight support system of claim 9 wherein said
first and second support means and said flexure means are arranged
to be worn over a garment on the leg.
27. The skier body weight support system of claim 9 wherein said
first and second support means and said flexure means are
incorporated in a garment worn on the leg. .Iadd.
28. A body joint support for limiting angular movement of a
selected joint of the body to a preselected range of angular
motion, comprising:
a. a longitudinally elongated flexible central support member;
b. a plurality of members adjacent to one another and extending in
cantilever fashion from a common side of said central support
member in a direction interior to the angle through which said
selected joint moves, adjacent ones of said members being spaced
from one another when said central support member is essentially
unflexed and said selected joint is at a corresponding first end of
said preselected angular range and adjacent ones of said members
interferingly contacting one another to prevent further angular,
flexure of said central support member when said central support
member is flexed to an extent corresponding to said selected joint
being at a second end of said preselected angular range;
c. first support means extending away from said central flexible
support member at a first end thereof and adapted for securement to
a portion of the body extending away from said joint in a first
direction;
d. second support means extending away from said central flexible
support member at a second end thereof and adapted for securement
to a portion of the body extending away from said joint in a second
direction generally oppositely disposed to said first direction.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.29. The body support system of claim 28 wherein
said flexible central support member passes through said members.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.30. The body support system of claim 29 wherein
said permissible range of angular motion is from about 0 to about
120 degrees. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31. The body support system of claim
30 wherein each of said members includes top and bottom surfaces
with at least a portion of said top surface being generally planar.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.32. The body support system of claim 31 where said
planar portion of said top surface is generally perpendicular to
said central flexible member and adjacent thereto. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The body support system of claim 32 wherein said bottom
surface has a portion which is generally planar. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The body support system of claim 33 wherein said planar
portion of said bottom surface is generally perpendicular to said
central flexible member and adjacent thereto.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.35. The body support system of claim 30 wherein top
and bottom surfaces of said members each include respective shaped
surface portions adapted to complementally interferingly contact
corresponding respective shaped surface portions of bottom and top
surfaces of immediately adjacent members at maximum angular flexure
of said support system thereby preventing further angular flexure
of said system. .Iaddend. .Iadd.36. The body support system of
claim 35 wherein said planar portions of said member top and bottom
surfaces are intermediate said shaped surface portions and said
central support member. .Iaddend.
Description
.Iadd.This application is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,832,
filed Aug. 28, 1982. .Iaddend.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to support structures, and more
particularly, to systems for supporting the body weight of a person
to facilitate various recreational and vocational activities.
Various braces have been proposed in the patent literature to
provide leg support for persons. Some braces have even been
proposed for wearing on a person's legs to facilitate snow skiing.
For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,872 (Johnson), there is
disclosed a pair of devices, each of which is securable to a leg of
the skier, to provide flexural knee and leg support. Each device
includes an upper support sleeve positioned about the skier's leg
above the knee and interconnected by a spring to lower support
sleeve which is positioned about the skier's leg below the knee.
The devices are ostensibly arranged so that the skier can assume a
crouched position with part of the upper body weight being
supported other than by the skier's knees. The springs are
resilient beam springs. While the stated objective of the device in
the Johnson patent is to reduce weight load on the knees, absorb
shock and reduce the strain when the knee flexes, the use of
resilient spring means appears to inherently produce an oscillatory
or bouncing effect on the skier's body as the angle of his or her
knee flexure changes during a ski run owing to the uneven terrain
of a typical ski slope. The more rigid the spring, the more
pronounced the rebounding effect will be, which effect is quite
undesirable for controlled skiing. Moreover, the frequency of the
springs of the Johnson patent will likely rarely match the
frequency of flexure of the knee as caused by the traversal over
the terrain. Thus, the device may tend to take the skier out of
synchronism with the terrain, thereby also resulting in the loss of
balance and control.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,404 (Lange), there is disclosed a brace for
a skier which includes for each leg an upper and lower brace member
interconnected at the knee in a pivoting, hinged joint. Each brace
includes lateral support members which are arranged to be secured
to respectively the upper and lower portions of the skier's leg.
The brace is arranged to be mounted on the ski boot so that when so
mounted, it has the effect of transmitting lateral forces to the
edge of the skier's skis, while precluding excessive lateral
bending forces on the skier's legs. While the device of the Lange
patent appears generally suitable for its intended purposes, it
fails to provide any body weight support for the skier since it
permits free and unencumbered forward and rearward flexing of the
skier's legs.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,619 (Gray), discloses a skier leg support in
the form of a contoured member adapted to be secured by a strap to
the ski boot. The contoured member extends upward toward the
wearer's calf so that the support stiffness is transferred upwardly
onto the skier's calf, adding strength to the leg when the skier
leans back on the skis during acceleration.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,678,603 (Kaufman et al), discloses a ski boot
having extension means extending up from the boot to the skier's
calf in a similar manner to the patent to Gray. Both the Kaufman et
al and Gray patents fail to provide any body weight support for the
skier.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the instant invention to provide a body
weight support system which overcomes the disadvantages of the
prior art.
It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a
support system for use on a person's leg to allow unimpeded flexing
of the knee up to a predetermined angle while restricting further
flexing therebeyond.
It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a
support system for wearing on the leg which is incorporated in a
garment.
It is still a further object of the instant invention to provide a
body weight support system which is particularly suitable for
skiing.
These and other objects of the instant invention are achieved by
providing a body weight support system to be securable to at least
one leg of a person. The system comprises first support means,
second support means and non-resilient, flexure means. The first
support means includes a first portion extending along the thigh
and terminates at its upper end immediately adjacent the
buttocks-thigh interface to form a seat and terminates at its lower
end adjacent the knee. The second support system includes a second
portion extending along the calf and with the second support means
terminating at its upper end adjacent the knee and its lower end
adjacent the foot. The flexure means is located at the knee and is
connected between the first and second support means to enable the
person to bend the knee through an angular range up to a
predetermined angle while precluding any flexure therebeyond. The
first and second support means includes securement means for
releasably securing said system to the leg.
Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this
invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a skier wearing one embodiment
of the body weight support system of the instant invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the system shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG.
2;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG.
5;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the device
shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the system;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG.
8;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 10--10 of
FIGS. 2 and 8;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view, similar to that shown in FIG. 10, but
showing the structure therein undergoing flexure;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view, partially in section,
showing an alternative body weight support system which is
incorporated in a garment;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 13--13 of
FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 14--14 of
FIG. 12; and
FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 15--15 of
FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like
reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in FIG. 1
a snow skier wearing one embodiment of the body weight support
system 20 constructed in accordance with the instant invention. A
typical system 20 basically consists of a pair of braces 22, each
of which is secured to a respective leg of the skier and to the ski
boots 24 worn by the skier. While the system 20 usually will
consist of a pair of braces, this invention contemplates a body
weight support system having only a single brace, such as would be
used by a one-legged skier. Even the single brace system is
sufficient to provide all of the advantages of the invention for
the skier. Moreover, while the remainder of this specification will
be directed at the invention for use by skiers, it must be kept in
mind that the system of this invention can be used for various
applications where support of body weight is of importance.
As will be appreciated from the following specification, the system
20 shown herein is configured so that it can be readily adjusted to
provide support for the skier so that the skier can readily assume
and maintain the proper "attack" position, e.g., knees 26 bent
forward of the boots 24, with the buttocks 28 centered over the
boots.
Each brace 22 of the system shown in FIG. 1 is in the form of an
attachment arranged for securement to an associated leg and worn
over the garment on the leg. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12,
which embodiment will be described later, the system 20 is itself
incorporated into a garment, e.g., pants.
Referring now to FIG. 2 the details of one embodiment of the system
20 will now be described. As can be seen therein, each brace 22
basically comprises a framelike construction consisting of an upper
leg support section 32, a lower leg support section 34, and flexure
means 36. Upper leg securement means 38 are mounted on the upper
section 32. Lower leg securement means 40 and boot securement means
42 are mounted on the lower section 34. Adjustment means 44 is also
mounted on the upper section 32.
The lower leg support section 34 is an integral, framelike, tubular
member of a general U-shape having a pair of upwardly extending leg
portions 46 and an arcuate bottom portion 48. The parts of the leg
portions 46 contiguous with the bottom portion 48 are denoted by
the reference numeral 50 and are co-planar with the bottom portion
48. The parts of the leg portions 46 contiguous with portions 50
are denoted by the reference numeral 52 and extend at a slight
angle to the plane of the portions 50. The top of the leg portions
46 are denoted by the reference numeral 54 and extend at a slight
accute angle to the portions 52. The leg portions 46 of the lower
section extend along the back of the calf muscle toward the medial
and lateral sides of the leg. The contiguous parts 52 and 54 of
each of the leg portions 46 thus produce a concavity in the brace
to accomodate the calf of the skier's leg. Thus, when the lower
support 34 is secured to the skier's leg, as shown in FIG. 1, with
the upper end of the lower leg support section located at the
calf-knee interface, the calf is comfortably fit within tne
frame.
The flexure means 36 comprises a pair of flexure assemblies 58,
each of which is disposed at the upper end of a respective leg
portion 54 of the lower support section. The flexure assemblies
will be described in considerable detail later. Suffice for now to
state that each assembly includes a plurality of disk (slug)-like
cylindrical segments 60 (FIGS. 10 and 11), strung on a tensioning
cable 62 (FIGS. 5, 10 and 11) which is common to both assemblies
and which extends through and interconnects the sections 32 and 34.
The segments 60 of each assembly are arranged to pivot with respect
to each other to enable the cable extending therethrough to freely
bend or flex about an articulation axis perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the cable, with the amount of pivoting being
established by the tension in the cable.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 each flexure assembly 58 is located
adjacent the back of the knee on a medial and lateral sides of the
leg. Thus, the flexure assemblies allow the skier wearing the
system to freely bend at the knee to the point at which the cable
undergoes substantial tension, whereupon further flexure is
precluded.
The upper support section 32 is somewhat similar to the lower
section and basically comprises a pair of tubular frame members 64,
each having a lower end 66 and an upper end 68. The lower end 66 of
each member 64 is connected to the upper end of the associated
flexure assembly 58. Each member 64 is generally linear and when
the brace is secured to the leg it extends along the back of
hamstring muscle toward either the medial or lateral sides of the
leg (depending upon which member is involved), with the top end 68
of each member being located at the buttocks-thigh interface 70
(FIG. 1). The top end 68 of the members of each brace, as well as a
web of material (to be described later) strung therebetween, form a
"seat" for the skier's body.
The material forming the tubular frame sections is preferably
non-resilient. One particularly suitable material comprises
aluminum tubing. Type 6061T6, of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) outside
diameter, having a wall thickness of 0.083 inch (2.1 mm). While the
tubing is shown as being circular in cross-section it can be of any
other suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the tubing might
be flat or slightly convex at the point of contact with the leg in
the interest of comfort and to provide a slimmer, trimmer
appearance.
The common tensioning cable 62 extends from the tension adjustment
means 44 located at the top end 68 of one of the tubular upper
frame members 64, through the segments of the contiguous flexure
assembly 58, the contiguous lower leg support section 34, the
segments of the other (contiguous) flexure assembly 58 and the
other (contiguous) frame member 56 making up the upper leg support
section 32. The adjustment means 44 is arranged to set and adjust
the degree of flexure provided by the flexure assemblies of the
flexure means. In accordance with this invention the adjustment
means can be constructed in various manners. Two types of such
means are shown herein, namely, a continuous adjustment embodiment
shown in FIG. 14 and a quick release embodiment shown in FIG. 5.
The details of said embodiments will be described later.
The boot securement means 42 of each brace is mounted on the lower
leg support section 34 contiguous with the bottom portion 48. Such
mounting means is provided in the preferred embodiment of this
invention to enable each brace to be stationarily mounted on the
ski boot so that when the boot is secured to the ski, via a
conventional ski binding, the brace in effect becomes an extension
of the ski. Thus, the flexure means allow the brace to bend at the
knee when desired. As the knee bends the tension in the cable
builds up until it reaches a predetermined level of substantial
tension which establishes the maximum flexure angle. Once the
maximum flexure angle is reached the skier's weight is fully
supported by the ski via the brace and its now tense flexure means.
Moreover, since the amount of tension, (and hence the maximum
flexure angle), is adjustable by the means 44, the skier can
transfer as much of his or her body weight as desired to the skis
to reduce the amount of physical effort expended during skiing. A
typical flexure of the brace constructed in accordance with this
invention is shown by the phantom lines in FIGS. 2 and 8.
It must be pointed out at this juncture that while the ski brace
system of this invention is primarily designed for mounting
directly to the ski boot, alternative arrangements can be utilized
to mount the system to the binding or directly to the ski itself.
Moreover, for some applications the brace can be constructed with
its lower section arranged to be secured only to the lower portion
of the leg of the skier and not to any portion of the ski boot,
binding or ski. In such an alternative arrangement, the skier's
body weight is transferred to the lower portion of the skier's leg
and not to the ski itself.
As can be seen in FIG. 2 a web 80 of fabric or other flexible
material is mounted spanning the frame of the brace from the top
end thereof to a point just below the knee. The material web 80
includes a pair of tubular marginal side portions 82. Each tubular
side portion 82 is adapted to receive therein an associated upper
frame member 64, the contiguous flexure assembly 58 and the
contiguous portion 54 of associated leg portion 46 of the lower leg
support section. With the web 80 mounted in place as shown in FIG.
2 a hammock-like construction results for supporting the back of
the skier's leg from the buttocks-thigh interface to below the
knee-calf interface. This feature serves to spread out the support
pressure applied by the brace over the back of the leg, thereby
insuring long term wearing comfort.
The upper leg section mounting means 38 comprises a pair of straps
90 and 92 fixedly secured to the material web 80, with strap 90
being located adjacent the top of the upper section 32 for
securement about the thigh just below the crotch and with strap 92
mounted approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) to 6 inches (17.8 cm)
above the knee. The lower leg securement means 40 consists of a
strap 94 mounted on the web 80 approximately 4 inches (10 cm) below
the knee cap. Each strap includes a conventional buckle 96 located
at one end for releasable securement to the other end of the strap.
In lieu of the buckles 96, VELCRO or other releasable fastening
means, e.g., snaps, etc., can be used.
As mentioned earlier, when the brace is in place on the leg the
upper end of the upper support section 32 (and hence the web 80
suspended between the frame members forming the upper support
section) forms a seat-like construction at the buttock-thigh
interface. This feature is of considerable importance to prevent
the brace from riding up over the buttocks during use. Such sliding
action is adverse in that it would reduce the support effect of the
brace.
In the interest of comfort padding is provided in the fabric web
tubular side portions 82 at the top end of the upper body support
section 32.
In order to effect the optimal mounting of the brace on the ski
boot, the boot securement means 42 is adjustable in height. The
details of the securement means 42 can best be appreciated by
reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As can be seen therein the means 42
basically comprises a strap 97 having a conventional hasp-type
latching means 98 disposed at opposite ends thereof. A mounting
block 100 is secured at a midpoint of the strap 97. The mounting
plate 100 is fixedly secured to the strap 97 by a pair of rivets
102. Key means in the form of a cross-like projection 104 (FIGS. 3
and 4) extends outward from the rear surface 106 of the mounting
plate 100. The key means is arranged for cooperation with means on
the brace for mounting the ski boot strap at various elevations on
the lower end of the brace section 34. This feature enables one to
readily adjust the height of the boot securement strap on the brace
to comfortably fit the leg of the skier irrespective of the length
of the skier's legs. To that end a slotted plate 108 is fixedly
mounted, e.g., welded, to adjacent frame portions disposed at the
bottom of the brace's lower leg support section 34. The plate 108
includes an elongated, vertically oriented slot and a plurality of
cross-slots 112 intersecting the vertical slot at respective
equadistantly spaced heights along the vertical slot to produce
respective cross-shaped openings 114. Each opening 114 is
configured to closely receive the key 104 on the strap means 42. A
washer 118 and an associated wing nut 120 are threadedly mounted on
a bolt 122 fixedly secured to the mounting block 100 to serve as
the means for locking the key in place in any particular opening
114.
Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11 the details of each of the flexure
assemblies 58 will be described. As mentioned heretofore, each
assembly includes a plurality of disk-like segments 60 strung on a
common cable 62 extending through both assemblies and tubular frame
members making up the brace. The assemblies 58 are arranged to
enable the skier's knee to freely flex up to a predetermined angle
at which point the cable undergoes substantial tension, whereupon
further flexure is precluded.
In FIG. 10 there is shown the condition of a typical flexure
assembly when the skier's knee is straight. In such a case the
longitudinal axis 130 of the cable 62 is linear and generally
vertical. When the skier's knee is flexed, as shown in FIG. 11, the
disk-like segments 60 pivot slightly with respect to each other (as
will be described hereinafter) to permit the cable to flex or bend
through an angle denoted by the reference numeral 132 about an
articulation axis (not shown) which is disposed perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis 130. The maximum angle of flexure is
established by the amount of tension in the cable 62 (and hence by
the setting of the adjustment means 44, to be described later) and
can be anywhere within the range of approximately 0.degree. to
approximately 120.degree.. Once the assemblies 38 have flexed
through the predetermined angle flexure beyond that angle is
precluded while return of the knee to a more linear orientation is
freely permitted.
The assemblies 38 exhibit only slight resiliency once the maximum
flexure angle is attained so that they will dampen shock yet
produce very little bounce when in use on uneven terrain. The
slight or residual resiliency exhibited by the flexure assemblies
at the maximum flexure angle is on the order of approximately
10%.
Since the flexure assemblies and the associated frame sections are
essentially non-resilient they do not produce any force on the
skier's legs tending to straighten the legs, which
force could result in leg instability. Hence the flexure assembly
of this invention, in combination with the rigidity of the brace's
frame, provides passive, adjustable support for the skier.
Moreover, since the angle of flexure is adjustable through a large
range and since the flexure assemblies do not impede any lateral or
side motion of the knee joint, the brace can be worn without
interference with normal leg motion.
In order to insure that the flexure assemblies bend uniformly and
without subjecting the tensioning cable to potentially destructive
shear forces, each of the segments includes surface contour
features which will now be described. Thus, as can be seen each
segment 60 comprises a cylindrical, disk-like member having a top
surface 140, bottom surface 142 and a central, longitudinally
extending passageway 144. The top surface 140 is generally planar
and includes an annular mesa 146 contiguous with the central
passageway 144 and projecting upward slightly, e.g., 1/64" (0.4 mm)
above the surface 142. An annular, semi-circular groove or recess
148 extends into the top surface 140 immediately adjacent the
periphery 150 of each segment. An annular, semi-circular ridge 152
projects downward from the bottom surface 142 of each segment. The
ridge 152 is located at the same radial distance from the center of
the passageway 144 as the annular recess 148. The height of the
ridge 152 is slightly greater than the height of the mesa 146, but
slightly less than the depth of the recess 144. Accordingly, when
the skier's knee is straight, each of the segments 60 are
equadistantly spaced slightly from one another as shown in FIG. 10,
with the ridge of each segment being disposed slightly within the
recess in the segment immediately therebelow. The slight spacing
between the contiguous segments 60 insures that when the skier's
knee is bent that each segment will pivot uniformly with respect to
the other as shown in FIG. 11.
In operation when the bending or flexure of the assembly 58
commences, such action commences at the points of least resistance
to flexure, namely the spaces between the contiguous segments.
Thus, all of the spaces on the side of the segments toward the bend
close together while the diametrically opposed spaces open (see
FIG. 11). This action occurs uniformly. The amount of tension
provided in the cable establishes the maximum amount of pivoting of
the segments with respect to one another.
The mating of the ridge-groove of the contiguous segments serves to
center or axially align those segments and keep them axially
aligned when the assembly is bent. This action prevents any
cable-fraying-inducing, segment misalignment, which could otherwise
occur if the segments could slide laterally with respect to each
other.
In the interests of strength and long term reliability, the flexure
assembly segments 60 are preferably formed of a strong, tough
material, such as tempered steel. The height of the segments, that
is the distance between the upper and lower surfaces, can be of any
suitable size, although it has been found that segments in the
range of approximately 5/16 inch (8 mm) to 5/8 inch (16 mm), are
particularly effective. The diameter of the segments can also be of
any suitable size, although segments in the range of from 5/8 inch
(16 mm) to 3/4 inch (19 mm) provide sufficient strength without
sacrificing comfort or appearance.
The means for establishing the amount of tension in the cable
preferably consists of the quick acting embodiment 44 shown in
FIGS. 5-7. Thus, as can be seen therein, the quick release
adjustment means 44 basically comprises a housing 200 mounted on
the top end of one of the frame sections 64. The housing is
basically cylindrical and includes a central bore 202 bounded at
the lower extremity by a bottom wall or ledge 204. A central
opening 206 is provided in the wall 204. A cylindrical slide 208 is
disposed within the bore 202. At the lower end of the slide 208
there is a central hole 210 into which the end 212 of the
tensioning cable 62 is disposed. The cable is locked in place
within the hole 210 by either a swaged or soldered connection. The
other end of the cable is fixedly secured (such as by swaging) in
the other tubular member of the upper leg section 32.
The diameter of the slide 208 contiguous with the hole 210 is less
than the diameter of the remaining portion of the slide to provide
an annular recess about which a helical compression spring 214 is
disposed. The compression spring is arranged to apply an upward
force to the slide to cause the slide to move, if unimpeded by
means to be described hereinafter, to the phantom line position
shown in FIG. 5. When the slide is in the phantom line position the
maximum tension is applied to the cable 62. When the slide is in
the lowermost position, shown in full in FIG. 5, that is when the
return spring is compressed to its maximum, the minimum tension is
applied to the cable 62.
As can be see the slide 208 includes a plurality of adjustment
locking grooves 218 extending about the periphery of the slide at
equadistantly spaced locations therealong.
The slide 208 is arranged to be held in any position between the
fully extended (phantom line) position and the fully retracted
(full line) position by the locking means to be described now. That
means comprises the heretofore mentioned adjustment grooves 218 and
spring-loaded adjustment lock means 220. The adjustment lock means
220 basically comprises a slide lock 222 (FIGS. 6 and 7) in the
form of a planar member. The slide lock is disposed for
reciprocating movement within a slot 224 in the side wall of the
housing 220 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slide
208. The slide lock 222 includes a hole 226 extending therethrough.
The hole 226 is made up of an enlarged diameter circular opening
228 and a smaller diameter circular opening 230. The smaller
diameter opening 230 tangentially merges into the larger diameter
portion 228. The diameter of the larger opening 228 is slightly
greater than the maximum diameter of the slide 208, while the
diameter of the smaller circular opening 230 is slightly larger
than the diameter of the slide at each of the recesses 218.
When the slide lock 222 is located within the slot 224 a portion of
the slide 208 extends through the opening 226. The slide lock 222
is normally maintained in the position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 by a
leaf spring 232. The leaf spring 232 consists of a bow-shaped
member secured at opposite ends thereof to the housing 200 via a
milled groove 236. The apex of the leaf spring 232 is located
opposite to the slot 224 and is connected to the slide lock 222 via
a screw 234 or other means, such as a rivet.
When the leaf spring is in its normal state, as shown in FIG. 5,
the slide lock is automatically retracted slightly from the slot
224 so that the opening 230 in the slide lock is axially aligned
with the center of the slide 208. The thickness of the slide lock
224 is slightly less than or equal to the width of each of the
locking recesses 218 in the slide. Accordingly, when the slide lock
leaf spring 232 is in the position shown in FIG. 5, the slide lock
222 is received within one of the grooves 218, thereby locking the
slide 208 in place against the urging of the compression spring
214. When the leaf spring 232 is depressed radially inward, that is
toward the housing 200, so that the enlarged diameter opening 228
is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the slide 208, the
slide is free to move either up or down the bore to establish a
setting for the tension cable.
The adjustment of the tension on the cable is accomplished as
follows: The leaf spring is depressed by applying a force thereto,
e.g., pressing on it with one's finger. This action releases the
slide lock from the slide. The user then freely bends his or her
knees to the position desired for skiing. This action has the
effect of bending the cable and segments thereon, thereby pulling
the slide against the action of the helical return spring to the
equilibrium position for that particular knee angle. The leaf
spring 232 is then released so that it pulls the slide lock 224
back to the locked position, whereupon the slide lock is received
within that recess 218 disposed opposite the slot 224. This action
effectively locks the slide in the vertical position to establish
the maximum flexure angle assumed by the skier.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, once the
maximum deflection angle is set the skier can thereafter freely
straighten his or her legs, unimpeded by the brace. In fact such
knee straightening action will result in the slackening of the
cable from the position set when the knees were bent.
In the interest of wearing comfort the quick release means 44 is
located within surrounding padding material in the tubular sleeve
82 of the webbing 80. The leaf spring 232 extends through a slot in
the webbing for ready access by the skier.
In FIGS. 8, 9, 14 and 15 there is shown an alternative embodiment
of a ski brace device constructed in accordance with this
invention. The device shown therein basically consists of the same
structure as shown and described heretofore except for the
structure of the boot securement means and the cable tensioning
means. Thus, the common details of the brace shown in FIG. 8 will
not be reiterated.
As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 15 the means for adjusting the height
of the boot securement strap 97 basically comprises a pair of
mating blocks 300 and 302. Block 300 includes a slightly concave
inner surface 304 to which the boot securement strap 97 is secured
via plural rivets 306. The block 300 includes a generally planar
face 308. A pair of semi-circular recesses 310 are provided in the
face 308 and extend vertically from the top to the bottom of the
block. The block 302 is releasably secure to the block 300 via a
bolt 312 extending through those blocks and perpendicular to face
308. The block 302 is held in place on the bolt via a wing nut 314.
Block 302 includes a generally planar face 316 disposed immediately
adjacent to face 308. A pair of semi-circular elongated recesses
318 are provided in the front face 316 of block 302 directly
opposite to the recesses 310 and block 300. A resilient material,
e.g. rubber, ring 320 is disposed within recess 310 and the
contiguous recess 316 on one side of the two adjacent blocks and a
similar ring 320 is disposed in the contiguous recess on the other
side of the block. The frame portions 50 of the lower leg assembly
34 extend through respective sleeves 320. Thus, if the wing nut 314
is loosened so that block 302 moves slightly away from block 300,
the blocks may be slid along frame portions 50 to the desired
height position thereon. The wing nut is then tightened to lock the
boot securement means at tne desired height position.
An alternative cable tension adjusting means is shown in FIG. 14.
The means shown in FIG. 14 is not of the quick adjustment type, but
rather of the continuous adjustment type. That means is denoted by
the reference numeral 400 (FIG. 9). The continuous tension
adjusting means 400 is located within the sleeve 82 of the web 80
at the top 68 of one of the frame members 64. Padding 402 is
disposed about means 400 in the interest of wearing comfort. A
padded flap 404 is also provided to cover the top of the adjusting
means and includes at its free end VELCRO fastening means 406 to
hold the flap in place on the sleeve 82.
The tensioning means 400 basically comprises an enlarged body
portion 404 disposed at the top end of member 64. The body portion
404 may be formed integrally with the member 64 and includes a
central bore 406 from which a pair of diametrically opposed slots
408 extend radially outward. An adjustment cap 410 is mounted on
the body 404. The adjustment cap 410 includes an enlarged head or
knob from which there projects downward a cylindrical extension
412. The cylindrical extension is of a diameter equal to or
slightly less than the diameter of the bore 406. A threaded hole
414 extends into the extension 412 along the central axis thereof.
A threaded insert 416 is threadedly engaged in the opening 414. The
threaded insert is fixedly connected by a swaged connection 418 to
the upper end 420 of the common cable 62. The other end of the
cable is fixedly secured within the other member 64 of the upper
body support section 32. A guide pin 422 extends through the
threaded member 416 and projects radially therefrom. Each end of
the guide pin 422 is located within a respective slot 408 within
the body 404 to prevent rotation of the insert.
The adjustment knob 410 is arranged to be rotated either clockwise
or counter-clockwise. As will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, when the adjustment knob 412 is rotated in the clockwise
direction the threaded member 416 is pulled deeper into the
threaded bore 414, whereupon the tension in the cable is increased.
Conversely when the knob 412 is rotated in the counter-clockwise
direction tension in the cable is decreased. Thus, one can set the
cable at the lowest tension, bend the knees to the desired
orientation and thereafter tighten the adjustment knob by rotating
it until further rotation is impeded by the tension on the cable.
At this point the system is set for the knee angle selected.
In FIG. 12 there is shown an alternative embodiment of this
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 ski braces like those
described heretofore are incorporated into a garment, such as a
pair of ski pants 500. In the interest of drawing simplicity only a
portion of the ski pants 500 is shown. The ski pants 500 basically
consists of a pair of leg portions 502 (only one of which is shown)
formed of any conventional fabric. Each leg portion 502 comprises a
pair of longitudinally extending passageways 504 and 506 formed of
respective fabric strips sewn onto the inside of the leg. Each
passageway 504 and 506 is arranged to receive therein a respective
portion of the ski brace frame and associated flexure means and
tension adjustment means like that shown in FIG. 2. The bottom
portion of the brace extends through respective openings 508 in
each of the passageways so that the lower portion of the brace is
exposed within the interior of the pants leg 502 for ready
connection to the ski boot. In the interest of comfort padding,
such as foam rubber 510, is disposed within the passageways 504 and
506 surrounding the brace sections therein.
While either of the two boot securement height adjustment means can
be utilized in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the continuous
height adjustment means, of the ski brace embodiment of FIG. 8 has
been shown.
The preferred embodiment of the tensioning means used in the
garment support system embodiment of FIG. 12 consists of the
heretofore described quick release mechanism 44. In such a
construction the quick release means 44 is disposed within the
garment so that the leaf spring 232 is disposed under the outer
fabric of the garment, but extending radially outward. Accordingly,
all that is required to adjust the setting of the support system is
to press on the fabric of the garment over the leaf spring to
release the locking mechanism and thereafter bend at the knee to
establish the tensioning of the cable as described heretofore.
As will thus be appreciated from the foregoing, the support system
of the instant invention has a wide variety of applications other
than the specifically disclosed skiing application. For example,
the device can be used whenever it is desirable to provide support
for a person who must stand with the knees bent in a predetermined
position for an extended period of time. One example of such
applications is use by farm workers for manual picking of low
growing crops, inasmuch as the system can provide capability for
total support of the body, while allowing complete flexibility for
all normal leg and body movements, e.g., lateral bending, leg
extension, walking, etc.
Insofar as the advantages of the system to skiers are concerned,
the adjustment of the degree of flexure of the angle enables skiers
to readily set the point at which the knee bend angle produces
total support for the body, thereby resulting in weight-less skiing
based on personal preference. The total support provided by the
system not only relieves leg strain but also tends to center the
skier's weight over the skis which is desirable for effective
skiing. The non-resilient nature of the system provides proper
damped, supportive force which does not oscillate or rebound,
thereby insuring that the skier can maintain effective control.
The fabric web of the system spreads the body weight over a large
surface on the rear side of the upper leg so there are no pressure
points which would tend to be uncomfortable. Moreover, by virtue of
the securement of the system to the boots, most of the body weight
is transferred to the boots. Thus, the skier can "sit" on the
system while remaining in a good attack posture. The resulting
relaxation of the leg muscles during such operation eliminates the
normal muscle strain and fatigue associated with skiing, thereby
making skiing a much more pleasurable recreation.
The location of the support means halfway between the rear and side
of the leg, puts the support means out of the way during a fall,
since during most falls the skier either lands on the rear portion
of the legs or on the side-hip area. Moreover, the supports are
themselves padded. The padding of the system coupled with the
location of the system on the fleshy, well-muscled areas of the
leg, thus, does not present any hazard in the event that the skier
does fall.
Owing to the height adjustment means for establishing the
connection to the boot, the system can be utilized by skier's of
various heights.
The adjustment feature of the support system of the instant
invention enables one to accurately reset the system to any desired
position, thereby compensating for any wear-induced changes which
may occur over the long life of the system.
By virtue of the foregoing features of the instant invention,
persons heretofore unable to ski due to some physical defect such
as amputees, persons with muscle or nerve disorders, bad knees,
etc., can ski effectively and safely. Thus, the instant invention
provides for safer, more aggressive and effective skiing for all
persons.
Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate
my invention that others may, by applying current or future
conditions of service.
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