Damping system between a load-bearing article to be worn and two load-bearing elements serving as means of movement

A damping system with a continuously curved spring blade and U-shaped gutter addresses the complexity and underutilization of leaf springs, providing adaptable, compact, and efficient damping and propulsion for diverse applications.

EP4419223B1Active Publication Date: 2026-01-21NOTTEBAERE VINCENT
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2022809899
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-10-20
Filing Date
2022-10-19
Publication Date
2026-01-21
Estimated Expiration
2042-10-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing damping systems, such as those in Kangoo Jumps® shoes, are complex, not adaptable to existing footwear, and underutilize the properties of continuously curving leaf springs, while other applications like nautical vehicles and wheelchairs use costly and low-amplitude systems.

Method used

A damping system with structurally independent load-bearing elements connected by a continuously curved spring blade, fixed at the central portion to a carried article and anchored at the ends to supporting elements, guided by a U-shaped gutter to prevent twisting, providing a large amplitude of movement and improved damping and propulsion.

Benefits of technology

The system offers simplified, adaptable, and compact damping with enhanced comfort, flexibility, and propulsion, suitable for various applications including footwear, aircraft, and nautical vehicles, by effectively absorbing shocks and generating a restoring force.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a shock-absorption system (10) between a worn item (20) and two load-bearing elements (30) that are intended to make contact with a friction surface and act as movement means for the movement of the worn item (20). Said system (10) comprises a continuously curved leaf spring (11) that is attached by the mid-portion (11c) to the worn item (20) and extends relative to the worn item (20) along a continuous concave path between a first end (11a) and a second end (11b), the first end (11a) and the second end (11b) being attached to the two load-bearing elements (30a, 30b), respectively, such that the load-bearing elements (30a, 30b) are able to move relative to the worn item (20) as the spring (11) compresses and / or decompresses, while allowing shock absorption and propulsion of the worn item (20) relative to the two load-bearing elements (30a, 30b).
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Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of damping systems between a carried article and two load-bearing elements serving as means of movement.

[0002] One of the objects of the present invention is to propose a robust and simple to implement assembly system which is capable of improving comfort, cushioning, flexibility and providing additional rebound propulsion.

[0003] The present invention will find many advantageous applications for footwear articles such as, for example, Rollerblade ® type roller skates, quad roller skates or ski spatulas, nautical vehicles of the bihull type vessel such as, for example, a catamaran, snow vehicles of the ski sled type, land vehicles, wheelchairs, scooters or even aircraft.

[0004] The present invention will also find other advantageous applications for small-sized objects such as children's toys, scale models, etc.

[0005] For the purposes of this invention, a damping system is defined throughout the following description as a system comprising one or more elastic or spring elements that both dampen shocks by compressing the element and generate a force accompanying the element's rebound movement. Previous art

[0006] The Applicant observes that certain solutions in the field of footwear articles, in particular Kangoo Jumps ® type rebound sports shoes, make it possible to couple to the sole of the article a cushioning system allowing to modify walking, running or even sports practice.

[0007] Such a damping system comprises two continuous curvature spring blades; said blades have identical length and width to promote stability.

[0008] In this prior art solution, the slats compress against each other under the user's weight to reduce transmitted shocks, particularly to the user's spine; the release of the springs generates a propulsive force that improves the user's performance, especially jumping, and reduces the effort required to perform usual movements.

[0009] The design of a Kangoo Jump ®< remains complex.

[0010] It cannot be adapted to existing footwear and is not currently applicable to other applications.

[0011] It should also be noted that the configuration of the spring leaf system implemented on the Kangoo Jump ®< does not allow for the maximum exploitation, in other situations, of the cushioning, flexibility, propulsion or rebound properties offered by a spring leaf.

[0012] Furthermore, still within the field of damping systems but with a broader range of applications, the Applicant observed that the properties / advantages of continuously curving leaf springs were underutilized. Document WO 2007 / 137834 A1 discloses a damping system with a leaf spring according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0013] Thus, the Applicant submits that vehicles such as nautical vehicles of the bihull type such as a catamaran, sleds, wheelchairs, land vehicles or aircraft generally use complex, low amplitude and travel and costly damping systems. Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

[0015] The present invention aims more particularly to overcome the above drawbacks by providing a damping system that can be adapted to any type of article and serves as a connecting element between a worn article (shoe, cockpit, etc.) and at least two load-bearing elements serving as means of propulsion (wheels, spatulas, wings, flotation hulls). The present invention is defined by independent claim 1.

[0016] The object of the present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a damping system between a carried article and two load-bearing elements.

[0017] According to the invention, the two load-bearing elements are structurally independent of each other and are intended to be in contact with a friction surface.

[0018] According to the invention, the two load-bearing elements serve as means of displacement for a displacement of the carried article relative to the friction surface.

[0019] Advantageously, the system according to the present invention comprises a spring blade. Advantageously, this blade has a continuously curved shape with a central portion and first and second ends.

[0020] It should be noted that the continuous curvature of the leaf spring advantageously allows a large amplitude enabling a significant movement of the leaf spring.

[0021] Advantageously, the lamella is fixed in the middle portion on the article worn and extending relative to the article worn along a concave and continuous trajectory between the first and second ends.

[0022] Advantageously, the first and second ends are each fixed respectively to the two supporting elements so that the two supporting elements are able to move relative to the supported item during compression and / or extension of the leaf, while also allowing damping of the supported item relative to the two supporting elements. Optionally, it can be provided that, when the movement occurs along the length of the spring leaf, at least one of the two supporting elements, preferably both, has a contact width with the ground substantially equal to or greater than the width of the spring leaf, in order to prevent any twisting movement along its length.

[0023] Advantageously, the system according to the present invention comprises an elastic tensioner connecting the first and second ends, said tensioner exerting a restoring force between the first and second ends.

[0024] It is understood here that during the compression and relaxation phases of the slat, the worn item will exert a force on the load-bearing elements; part of this force and associated stresses will be absorbed / returned through the slat, thus acting as a shock absorber / propellant.

[0025] According to the invention, the middle part of the slat is fixed to the article carried by means of a long-line fixing plate at a first anchor point.

[0026] Advantageously, the first and second ends of the slat are fixed to the two load-bearing elements according to a second and a third anchor point respectively, said first, second and third anchor points forming an isosceles triangle whose first anchor point constitutes the principal apex both during compression and relaxation of the slat.

[0027] According to the invention, the fixing plate has along its entire length a gutter forming a cradle suitable for receiving at least partially said slat in compression.

[0028] It is thus understood that this gutter serves as a guide to receive at least part of the blade during its compression and then decompression phase.

[0029] Such a gutter has a cross-section that is substantially U-shaped, the distance between the two arms of the U being very slightly greater than the width of the slat so that the slat under compression can penetrate the gutter without friction up to the base of the U.

[0030] It is also understood that this slat will be able to engage in the cradle in whole or in part depending on the compression force.

[0031] The presence of this channel is advantageous because it improves damping by guiding the blade along its natural compression / rebound axis, thus preventing twisting and / or torsion. This channel constitutes a true anti-torsion system; it is also referred to as a precision vertical guide.

[0032] Advantageously, the ends of this gutter are closed by stiffeners ensuring the rigidity of the gutter and preventing any spreading and / or deformation of it under various stresses.

[0033] The object of the present invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a footwear article comprising a system as described above, in which the article worn is in the form of a slipper and the two supporting elements each comprise, for example, a set of wheels or at least a ski tip (respectively front and rear).

[0034] Optionally, it can be provided that at least one of the wheel assemblies (or at least one ski tip) has a width greater than or equal to the width of the spring blade, in order to prevent the blade from twisting lengthwise.

[0035] The object of the present invention relates according to a third aspect to an aircraft comprising a system as described above, in which the carried article comprises the aircraft cockpit and the two load-bearing elements each comprise a wing.

[0036] Preferably, the item being worn is positioned under the leaf spring and the passenger compartment is fixed and moves (as well as the wings) in the width direction relative to the leaf spring.

[0037] The object of the present invention relates according to a fourth aspect to a two-hulled nautical vehicle of the catamaran type comprising a system as described above, in which the carried article comprises the deck and the two load-bearing elements each comprise at least one flotation hull.

[0038] Preferably, such a vehicle includes two leaf springs.

[0039] Preferably, the load-bearing elements are fixed and move in the width direction relative to the two spring blades.

[0040] The object of the present invention relates according to a fifth aspect to a wheelchair comprising a system as described above, in which the article worn includes in particular a seat intended to receive the user and the two load-bearing elements each include a wheel (for example an omnidirectional wheel or any other wheel system).

[0041] In a particular embodiment with omnidirectional wheels, the load-bearing elements are fixed and move laterally relative to the leaf spring. The constraint of lateral friction on the ground thus necessitates the use of wheels that move both in the natural direction of travel and laterally to freely accommodate the lateral movement of the wheels on the ground, which accompanies the movements of the leaf spring.

[0042] Alternatively, in another embodiment, to avoid the use of omnidirectional wheels, a sliding tube (preferably with a square cross-section) can be provided on the wheel hub, to which the leaf spring is attached by hinges. Here, the leaf spring then compresses a spring on each side (between the sliding tube and the wheel) when the leaf is compressed, thus preventing lateral movement of the wheel itself.

[0043] Thus, through the various functional and structural characteristics described above, the Applicant proposes a simplified and compact damping system with a large travel, ensuring good comfort, flexibility, and a wide range of damping while providing increased propulsion. Description of the figures

[0044] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below with reference to figures 1 to 18 attached, illustrating a plurality of examples of implementation which are not exhaustive and on which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents an exploded view of a footwear item comprising a cushioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents a schematic profile view of a footwear item including a cushioning system according to the figure 1in a resting configuration (leaf spring relaxed); [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents a schematic profile view of a footwear item including a cushioning system according to the figure 1 in an active configuration (spring blade in compression); [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 represents a schematic profile view of a footwear item comprising a cushioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 represents a schematic front view of an aircraft comprising a damping system according to another embodiment of the present invention in a resting configuration; [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 represents a schematic front view of an aircraft conforming to the figure 5 in an active configuration; Fig. 7 ] There figure 7represents a schematic profile view of a wheeled land vehicle comprising a damping system according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 represents a schematic view of a catamaran comprising a damping system according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 represents an exploded view of a wheelchair including a damping system according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 ] There Figure 10 represents a schematic front view of a wheelchair conforming to the figure 9 in a resting configuration; Fig. 11 ] There figure 11 represents a schematic front view of a wheelchair conforming to the figure 9 in an active configuration; Fig. 12 ] There figure 12represents a schematic view of a footwear item according to another embodiment comprising a cushioning system according to the invention; [ Fig. 13 ] There figure 13 represents a schematic view of a footwear item according to another embodiment comprising a cushioning system according to the invention; [ Fig. 14 ] There figure 14 represents a schematic view of a stroller or pram comprising a damping system according to the invention; Fig. 15 ] There figure 15 represents an exploded schematic view of a damping system according to the invention; [ Fig. 16 ] There figure 16 represents a schematic view of a damping system according to the invention; [ Fig. 17 ] There figure 17 represents another schematic view of a damping system according to the invention; and [ Fig. 18 ] There figure 18represents a schematic view from below of a plate featuring a gutter with stiffeners at its ends. Detailed description

[0045] Several examples of the implementation of a damping system including a spring blade will now be described in what follows, with joint reference to figures 1 to 18 .

[0046] As stated in the preamble to the description, current damping system solutions are complex and very rarely utilize a leaf spring. One of the underlying concepts of the present invention is to propose an innovative damping system characterized by its simplicity of implementation and offering highly satisfactory performance in terms of damping, flexibility, travel, amplitude, comfort, and propulsion.

[0047] Several implementation examples will be illustrated later in the description.

[0048] THE Figures 1 to 3 provide, by way of illustration, a first example of implementation in the field of footwear articles.

[0049] There figure 4 gives a second example of the implementation of a footwear article within the meaning of the present invention. This second example corresponds to inline roller skates and constitutes an alternative variant of the example of figures 1 to 3 .

[0050] Similarly, the Figures 12 and 13 propose further possible implementations of the present invention on other types of footwear.

[0051] In these Figures 1 to 3, one of the objectives of the present invention is to integrate into a footwear article 100 a cushioning system 10 making the connection between means of movement 30 comprising (also called carrier elements) and the sock 20 (also called worn article) of a footwear article 100, this in an ergonomic manner and adapted to the movements of the user during a sporting activity.

[0052] This is made possible in the example described below, which relates more specifically to a footwear item 100 of the shoe type comprising means of movement 30 which in the figures 1 to 4 And 12 are of the Rollerblade® or Roller quad wheel type (or ski spats for the figure 13 ).

[0053] It will be understood here that the example is not limiting and that the invention will find other applications for the association of any form of means of movement with footwear in the broadest sense in a compact manner and providing additional propulsion, or even for the association of means of movement with other types of articles (ski tips, ski skates, means of gliding, etc.).

[0054] Following the example of figures 1 to 3 , a footwear article 100 developed within the framework of this classically comprises a sole having a toe (front) and a heel (rear) and is associated with means of locomotion 30a and 30b, for example pre-existing or non-pre-existing quad roller wheel trains 31a and 31b by means of a connecting element comprising a spring strip 11 capable of elastic deformation and forming at least partially a damping system 10 of the footwear article 100.

[0055] In one example, the spring blade 11 is removably assembled to the sole, for example by means of a complementary imprint of the sole and forming a negative of a specific sole of a particular footwear item 100 or an imprint compatible with a variety of footwear items or adjustable between several models and / or positions of footwear items.

[0056] According to the design, the footprint is configured to receive a central portion of the sole ( figures 1 to 3 ), the tip of the sole (not shown) or any other portion or combination of portions of the sole.

[0057] In another example, the spring blade 11 is fixedly assembled to the sole of the footwear item 100, for example in a one-piece design combining the sole and the spring blade 11.

[0058] In order to receive the weight of the user of the footwear article 100 without changing the user's feeling compared to a standard footwear article, the spring blade 11 is advantageously arranged under the sole of the footwear article 100 according to an anchor point C and extends under this sole along a continuous concave trajectory, i.e. a bend starting from a point of contact between the sole and a median portion 11c of the spring blade 11, for example defined by the imprint, and extending along the sole forwards and backwards, i.e. substantially in the direction of the toe and heel of the sole, moving away from this same sole, to an anterior distal portion (first end 11b) forwards and a posterior distal portion (second end 11a) backwards.The deformation of the spring slat 11 then corresponds to an evolution of its bending resulting in a distancing, during its compression, and a coming together, during its relaxation, of these ends 11a and 11b from each other along a substantially horizontal axis along the length of the sole.

[0059] According to a second perspective, the compression of the spring slat 11 results in a rapprochement of the sole by the ends 11a and 11b, in particular along a substantially vertical axis corresponding to the axis of application of the user's weight.

[0060] In accordance with the underlying concept of the invention, the ends 11a and 11b are assembled respectively with the movement means 30a and 30b according to the anchor points A and B. When the spring slat 11 is compressed, for example when the user of the footwear article 100 presses on the bottom of their slipper 20, the user's weight is transmitted to the spring slat 11 via the sole and the middle portion 11c, the ends 11a and 11b of the slat 11 move towards the sole along a vertical axis, while moving away from each other along a horizontal axis, the movement means 30a and 30b being set in motion in a similar manner according to their assembly with the ends 11a and 11b.The restoring force of the spring blade 11 accompanies in parallel the relaxation movement of the spring blade 11 and is transmitted to the body of the footwear article 100, and therefore to the user, via the sole, which thus generates a rebound when the user lifts their foot.

[0061] To guide the relative movement of the slat 11 during compression and / or expansion, the examples illustrated here provide for the implementation of a plate 40 equipped with a groove 40a opposite the slat 11 as illustrated in figures 1 to 17

[0062] It will be understood here that the slat 11 is fixed to this gutter 40a at the level of the median part 11c, approximately in the center of it ( Figures 15 And 16 ).

[0063] It should also be noted here that the gutter 40a is U-shaped, forming a cradle with a separation distance between the arms of the U determined to be slightly greater than the width of the slat so that the slat can engage in the gutter 40a and thus guide said slat to prevent it from twisting on itself.

[0064] The presence of this 40a gutter therefore improves the damping and the proper functioning of the damping system as a whole.

[0065] In the example described here and as illustrated in figure 18 , the ends of this gutter 40a are closed by stiffeners 40b ensuring the rigidity of the gutter 40a and preventing any spreading and / or deformation of it under the various stresses.

[0066] The presence of these 40b stiffeners guarantees greater robustness and improved anti-torsion function of the gutter over time, according to an initial design illustrated in the figure 1 The means of movement 30a and 30b are assembled in the immediate vicinity of the ends 11a and 11b, for example by means of at least one pair of blocks 32a and 32b which dampen the shocks between the spring slat 11 and the means of movement 30a and 30b. The trajectory of the means of movement 30a and 30b is then substantially similar to that of the ends 11a and 11b.

[0067] Following the example of the figure 1 , at least one pair of blocks 32a and 32b corresponds to a pair of solid rubber blocks arranged along an underside of the ends 11a and 11b.

[0068] A variety of alternative means of assembling the roller onto the front or rear plate are also designed, for example a slot and / or a groove made on an underside face of the plate(s) and designed to receive at least one roller, for example a single roller centered according to the width of the plates, or even a half inline skate plate and at least one wheel on the front or rear plate.

[0069] In parallel with the assembly of the means of movement 30a and 30b with the spring slat 11, a variant illustrated in the figure 1 a longitudinal elastic reinforcement 12 assembled on one side with the anterior means of displacement 30a and 30b and allowing to balance the forces from the spring slat 11.

[0070] Obviously, depending on the respective design of the spring slat 11 and the elastic reinforcement 12, in particular their respective configuration at rest, the elastic reinforcement 12 can oppose the movement of the means of displacement 30a and 30b and therefore the compression of the spring slat 11, thus increasing the rebound effect generated by the release of the spring slat 11, or conversely oppose the movement of the means of displacement 30a and 30b and therefore the release of the spring slat 11.

[0071] This elastic reinforcement 12, for example removable and / or interchangeable with a plurality of elastic reinforcements presenting a variety of configurations at rest, thus makes it possible to adapt a given spring blade 11, for example from a unique model or a limited range, to a plurality of uses of the footwear article 100, for example to a variable weight of the user, to a more flexible prolonged use or a sporting use seeking a greater rebound force.

[0072] We also design alternative embodiments in which the elastic reinforcement 12 is assembled to means of displacement 30a and 30b received by plates, or even an elastic reinforcement 12 directly assembled with the plates.

[0073] Thus, we will understand in this example... figures 1 to 3The present invention provides for a footwear item 100 incorporating both means of movement 30a and 30b, for example, a double pair of vertical wheels, and a shock-absorbing system 10 capable of absorbing shocks and generating propulsion in return, while remaining compact and suitable for prolonged use. This footwear item 100 is particularly well-suited for assisting sports activities by maximizing the user's mobility and facilitating foot lift, even when used with bulky means of movement, but can also be adjusted and sized for recreational use by accommodating and supporting movements.

[0074] Upon reading this description and the figures 2 And 3 , it will be understood that the figure 2 represents the system in a resting configuration, denoted C1, and that the figure 3represents the system in an active configuration, denoted C2, in which the slat 11 works under stress and allows the cushioning of the footwear item.

[0075] As mentioned previously, the example of the figure 4 is an alternative conception of the example of figures 1 to 3 and includes all the technical elements described above. The Applicant has also succeeded in transferring this leaf spring technology 11 to other applications as illustrated in Figures 5 to 14 .

[0076] THE figures 5 and 6 each represent an aircraft 100' comprising a cockpit 20 corresponding to the carried element within the meaning of the present invention and a pair of wings corresponding to the load-bearing elements 30a and 30b serving as means of movement.

[0077] In this example, the aircraft 100' is equipped with a damping system 10 according to the invention which allows the cockpit 20 to be connected to each of the wings 30a and 30b.

[0078] The assembly will move widthwise relative to the spring blade 11.

[0079] Such a design makes it possible to absorb the stresses exerted on each of the wings during flights, particularly during takeoff and landing phases.

[0080] In the example described here and illustrated in figure 5 The aircraft, number 100, is in a ground rest phase. It is understood that in flight the wings will deploy under the lift forces exerted, as illustrated in... figure 6 The damping system 10, via the slat 11, then absorbs part of these forces for better passenger comfort, who will feel less of the jolts generated by these forces.

[0081] Other examples of implementation are planned, such as in figure 7 , in figure 8 or in figures 9 to 11 .

[0082] In the figure 7For example, the technology according to the present invention is transposed to a motor vehicle 100".

[0083] In this example, all the technical features of the invention are present, with the implementation of a 100" wheeled land vehicle; the axles supporting the wheels 30a and 30b are assembled to the vehicle's passenger compartment 20 by means of a leaf spring 11. In this example, the movement is along the length of the leaf spring. In the figure 8 For example, the technology according to the present invention is transposed to a 100‴ marine vehicle of the catamaran type.

[0084] In this example, we find all the technical characteristics of the invention with its implementation on a 100''' catamaran comprising two waterline hulls 30a and 30b, which are assembled to the deck of the catamaran by means of a set of spring slats.

[0085] In this example, the assembly moves in the width direction relative to the spring blades 11.

[0086] Within the framework of the present invention, another example of application of the present invention is also provided in figures 9 to 11 relating to a 100" wheelchair.

[0087] In this example, a wheelchair 100'''' is therefore provided comprising a seat 22 corresponding to the carried element 20 in the sense of the present invention and a pair of omnidirectional wheels corresponding to the carrier elements 30a and 30b serving as means of movement.

[0088] In this innovative example, the damping system 10 connects the chair 100" to each of the wheels 30a and 30b. The assembly will move laterally relative to the spring leaf 11.

[0089] Finally, a last embodiment is illustrated in figure 14which is mounted on a stroller or pram 100''''' which includes a shock-absorbing system

[0090] Other applications implementing the invention to other vehicles and means of transport may be considered here while remaining within the scope of the present invention: sled, trailer, children's toy, scale model, etc.

[0091] Thus, it should be noted that this detailed description relates to specific embodiments of the present invention, but in no way does it limit the scope of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to eliminate any possible ambiguity or misinterpretation of the following claims. It should also be noted that the reference symbols placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way intended to limit their scope; these symbols serve only to improve the clarity and understanding of the following claims and the scope of protection sought.

Claims

1. Damping system (10) between a worn item (20) and two supporting elements (30a, 30b) designed to be in contact with a friction surface, said two supporting elements (30a, 30b) serving as means for moving said worn item (20) relative to said friction surface, which comprises a spring strip (11) fastened at a central portion (11c) to said worn item (20) and extending with respect to said worn item (20) along a continuous concave path between a first (11a) and a second (11b) ends, said first (11a) and second (11b) ends being respectively fastened to the two supporting elements (30a, 30b) so that said two supporting elements (30a, 30b) are able to move with respect to said worn item (20) when compressing and / or releasing said strip (11) while allowing damping of the worn item (20) with respect to the two supporting elements (30a, 30b), said system being characterised in that the central portion (11c) of the strip (11) is secured to said worn item (20) via an elongated mounting plate (40) at a first anchor point (C), said mounting plate (40) featuring a groove (40a) along its entire length, forming a cradle that is capable of at least partially receiving said strip (11) under compression to prevent any torsion or twisting of the strip and said supporting elements (30a, 30b).

2. System (10) according to Claim 1, which comprises an elastic tensioner (12) connecting the first (11a) and second (11b) ends, with said tensioner (12) exerting a restoring force between the first (11a) and second (11b) ends.

3. System (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first (11a) and second (11b) ends of said strip (11) are secured to the two supporting elements (30a, 30b) at a second (A) and a third (B) anchor point respectively.

4. System according to Claim 3, wherein said first (C), second (A), and third (B) anchor points form an isosceles triangle, with the first anchor point (C) serving as the main apex during the compression and release of the strip.

5. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (40a) is closed at its ends by stiffeners (40b).

6. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said two supporting elements (30a, 30b) has a width that is greater than or equal to the width of the spring leaf (11) when movement occurs in the longitudinal direction of the spring leaf (11).

7. Footwear article (100) comprising a system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the worn item (20) comprises a shoe liner (21) and two supporting elements (30a, 30b) each comprising a set of wheels or a ski tip.

8. Aircraft (100') comprising a system (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the worn item (20) comprises a cabin of the aircraft and the two supporting elements (30a, 30b) each comprise a wing.

9. Wheeled land vehicle (100'') comprising a system (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the worn item (20) comprises a cabin of said vehicle and the two supporting elements (30a, 30b) each comprise a set of wheels.

10. Catamaran-type twin-hull watercraft (100‴) comprising a system (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the worn item (20) comprises a deck and the two supporting elements (30a, 30b) each comprise a floating hull.

11. Wheelchair (100‴ʺ) comprising a system (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the worn item (20) comprises a seat (22) designed to accommodate the user of said wheelchair, and the two supporting elements (30a, 30b) each include a wheel.

Citation Information

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