RETAINING ELEMENT FOR MAKING AN ORTHOSIS IN PLACE

Abstract

One of the objectives of this invention is to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the use of an orthosis designed to rest on the wearer's head, by preventing the orthosis from slipping while ensuring optimal comfort for the wearer. To this end, the inventor proposes an orthosis retention device comprising an elastically deformable intra-auricular portion that can be comfortably positioned. In this way, since the orthosis no longer rests on a highly sensitive part of the body, it is possible to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by its use. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: RETAINING ELEMENT FOR KEEPING AN ORTHOSIS IN PLACE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the fields of orthoses. In particular, it relates to a retaining element for holding in place and at least one orthosis intended to rest on at least part of the head of a wearer. Prior art

[0002] Glasses are the most well-known orthoses.

[0003] However, a regular wearer of glasses may have to constantly push them up, because they keep slipping.

[0004] In practice, there are various reasons why glasses can slip, namely perspiration, the size of the glasses, the adjustment, but also the morphology of the wearer (e.g. the shape of the nose or the position of the ears).

[0005] A known solution to solve this problem is to go to an optician to have your glasses adjusted to your face.

[0006] However, the operation of adjusting the glasses, for example by bending the arms of the glasses to prevent them from slipping, can cause real discomfort or even pain behind the wearer's ears.

[0007] Indeed, if a branch of glasses does not follow the curvature of the ear, this will cause a painful point.

[0008] However, such a solution does not guarantee that the glasses will be comfortable for the wearer or that they will not slip over time.

[0009] Thus, there is a need for a solution against the slipping of glasses while guaranteeing optimum comfort for the wearer. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to resolve, at least partially, this need.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention relates to a retaining element for holding at least one first orthosis in place, the first orthosis being intended to rest on at least part of the head of a wearer.

[0012] The retaining element comprises, - a branch portion that extends between a proximal end and a distal end, and - a tortuous part intended to be inserted into the wearer's outer ear, outside the ear canal.

[0013] In practice, the tortuous portion extends from the distal end of the portion of branch and comprises a plurality of curved sections.

[0014] Furthermore, the tortuous portion is elastically deformable under pressure and forms an elastic return means, which is designed to, when using the retaining element, be such that at least a portion of a first curved section which is adjacent to the distal end, is received in the notch of the wearer's concha, the tortuous portion extending, in addition, from the first curved section upwards so as to form a second curved section of which at least a portion extends into the cradle formed by the interior of the winding of the wearer's helix to be held there.

[0015] Further, at least a portion of the branch portion bears against at least a portion of an outer surface of the wearer's helix.

[0016] In a first embodiment, the branch portion is adapted to be coupled, at the proximal end, to the first orthosis.

[0017] In a first example of the first embodiment, the proximal end is open to the outside, and all or part of the branch portion is hollow so as to receive at least part of a connecting element of the first orthosis.

[0018] In a particular implementation of the first example of the first embodiment, a portion of the branch portion is hollow so as to receive at least a portion of a connecting element of the first orthosis, such that the connecting element of the first orthosis, when installed in the branch portion, lies in a plane substantially parallel to a horizontal plane which includes an inter-auricular axis of the wearer.

[0019] In a second example of the first embodiment, the retaining element further comprises a connecting element that projects from the branch portion from the proximal end, all or part of the connecting element being configured to penetrate all or part of a hollow portion of the first orthosis.

[0020] In a second embodiment, the first curved section is adapted to be coupled, at least in one area of ​​its apex, to a second orthosis different from the first orthosis.

[0021] In a third embodiment, when using the retaining element, the first curved section forms a convex curvature which is oriented towards the antihelix of the wearer.

[0022] In a fourth embodiment, when using the retaining element, the branch portion extends from the first curved section at an oblique angle toward the front and top of the wearer's head relative to a horizontal plane that includes an inter-auricular axis of the wearer.

[0023] In a fifth embodiment, when using the retaining element, at least a portion of the branch portion bears against at least a portion of an outer surface of the root of the helix of the wearer.

[0024] In a sixth embodiment, the tortuous portion further comprises a third curved section which extends from the second curved section to a distal end of the curved section in a direction substantially parallel to a horizontal plane which comprises an inter-auricular axis of the wearer, the third curved section being such that, when using the retaining element, the distal end of the curved section bears against the bottom of the cradle formed by the inside of the winding of the helix of the wearer so that the distal end of the curved section and the branch portion pinch a portion of the helix of the wearer between them.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system which comprises at least one retaining element according to the first aspect of the invention, and at least one first orthosis, the first orthosis being chosen from a visual orthosis and an auditory orthosis.

[0026] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a second orthosis different from the first orthosis, the second being selected from a visual orthosis and an auditory orthosis.

[0027] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for determining the compatibility between a visual orthosis of a wearer and a retaining element according to the particular implementation of the first example of the first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the visual orthosis being intended to rest on at least part of the wearer's head, the method comprising: - a first step of providing at least one retaining element according to the particular implementation of the first example of the first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, - a second step of introducing a connection element of the first orthosis into the branch part, forming a system for trying out the retaining element, - a third stage of installation of the fitting system on the wearer's head. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, given for illustrative purposes and in no way limiting.

[0029] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a first view of the use of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a second view of the use of the invention.

[0031] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a zoomed view of a portion of [Fig.l].

[0032] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a schematic sectional view of [Fig.l].

[0033] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a front perspective view of the invention.

[0034] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a rear perspective view of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a sectional view of the invention according to an embodiment work of the invention.

[0036] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents a sectional view of the invention according to another embodiment work of the invention.

[0037] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a schematic view of a system according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a method according to the invention.

[0039] The figures do not necessarily respect the scales, in particular in thickness, and this, for illustration purposes. Description of the embodiments

[0040] One of the objectives of this invention is to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the use of an orthosis intended to rest on the head of a wearer, by preventing the orthosis from slipping while ensuring optimum comfort for the wearer.

[0041] For this, the inventor proposes a device for retaining the orthosis, which comprises an elastically deformable intra-auricular portion under pressure which can be comfortably put in place.

[0042] In this way, as the orthosis no longer rests on a very sensitive part of the body, it is possible to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the slipping of the orthosis.

[0043] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], the invention relates to an intra-auricular retaining element 100 for holding in place at least one first orthosis 200.

[0044] In practice, the first orthosis 200 is intended to rest on at least part of the head of a wearer.

[0045] In one example, the first orthosis 200 is a visual orthosis that corrects the various visual defects of a wearer.

[0046] As is known, glasses constitute a visual orthosis. In practice, the glasses comprise a pair of corrective lenses or safety lenses which are embedded in a frame. Then, the frame is configured to be placed in front of the wearer's eyes, resting on the top of his nose while being held by temples which rest on his ears.

[0047] In another example, the first orthosis is a hearing orthosis that corrects a wearer's various hearing defects.

[0048] As is known, some hearing aids have only one part, called the internal part, which is introduced into the wearer's ear canal and which is intended to capture, amplify and then reproduce sounds. In this case, another part, called the internal part external, which usually includes a battery or power bank, is housed around the pinna of his ear.

[0049] In the invention, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the retaining element 100 comprises a branch portion 110 and a tortuous portion 120.

[0050] Generally, the branch portion 110 is intended to bear against the wearer's outer ear, while the tortuous portion 120 is intended to be inserted into the wearer's outer ear, outside the ear canal.

[0051] In practice, as illustrated in [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], the branch portion 110 extends between a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112.

[0052] In a first implementation of the branch portion 110, the latter is formed from a material which is suitable for being elastically deformed when hot or under pressure, in particular for being adapted to the morphology of the wearer.

[0053] In a second implementation of the branch portion 110, it is formed from the same material as the tortuous portion 120.

[0054] In one example, the branch portion 110 is heated using a heater of known type, such as that used by opticians to soften eyeglass frames.

[0055] In another example, the material which comprises at least one polymer selected from cellulose acetate, a cellulose ester, and mixed esters thereof.

[0056] However, depending on the needs, it will be possible to consider using other types of materials which can be deformed under heat or pressure, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0057] Returning to the invention, as illustrated in [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], the tortuous portion 120 extends from the distal end 112 of the branch portion 110.

[0058] In a first implementation of the branch portion 110, when the first orthosis 200 is a visual orthosis, the branch portion 110 is adapted to be coupled to the first orthosis 200, at the proximal end 111.

[0059] In one implementation of the first embodiment of the branch portion 110, the proximal end 111 is open to the exterior.

[0060] Furthermore, in this implementation of the first implementation of the branch portion 110, as illustrated in [Fig.7], all or part of the branch portion 110 is hollow.

[0061] With such an arrangement, the hollow portion of the branch portion 110 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a connecting element of the first orthosis 200.

[0062] For example, the connecting element of the first orthosis 200 may be a rod which is designed to penetrate in whole or in part into the hollow portion of the branch portion 110 in order to be locked there in a releasable manner.

[0063] In a particular aspect of the first implementation of the implementation of the branch portion 110, as illustrated in [Fig.8], only a portion of the branch portion 110 is hollow so as to receive at least a portion of a connecting element of the first orthosis 200, such that the connecting element of the first orthosis 200, when installed in the branch portion 110, lies in a plane substantially parallel to a horizontal plane which includes an interauricular axis of the wearer which passes through external auditory canals.

[0064] In a second implementation of the branch portion 110, a connecting element projects from the branch portion 110 from the proximal end 111, and all or part of the connecting element is configured to penetrate all or part of a hollow portion of the first orthosis 200 in order to be releasably locked therein.

[0065] In a second implementation of the branch portion 110, when the first orthosis 200 is a hearing orthosis, the branch portion 110 is adapted to be coupled to the first orthosis 200, at the proximal end 111.

[0066] In one example, all or part of the branch portion 110 is hollow so as to allow the passage therethrough of all or part of a cable which connects the internal and external portions of a hearing aid.

[0067] Still in the invention, as illustrated in [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], the tortuous part 120 comprises a plurality of curved sections 121, 122.

[0068] Indeed, the tortuous part 120 comprises at least a first curved section 121 and a second curved section 122.

[0069] In practice, the first curved section 121 is adjacent to the distal end 112.

[0070] In an implementation of the first curved section 121, the latter is adapted to be coupled, at least in one area of ​​its summit, to a second orthosis which is different from the first orthosis 200.

[0071] In an example of the implementation of the first curved section 121, when the first orthosis is a visual orthosis then the second orthosis is an auditory orthosis.

[0072] In this example, the first curved section 121 can be coupled to the internal part of the hearing aid.

[0073] In this example, all or part of the external part of the hearing aid is arranged at least partially inside the tortuous part 120.

[0074] In another example of the implementation of the first curved section 121, when the first orthosis is a hearing orthosis then the second orthosis is a visual orthosis.

[0075] In this example, the first curved section 121 can be coupled to a branch of the visual orthosis.

[0076] In yet another example of the implementation of the first curved section 121, this is coupled, at its summit, with the second orthosis.

[0077] Still in the invention, as illustrated in [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], the tortuous part 120 extends from the first curved section 121 upwards so as to form a second curved section 122.

[0078] Furthermore, in the invention, the tortuous portion 120 is elastically deformable under pressure and forms an elastic return means.

[0079] In one example, it is the wearer of the retaining element 100 who applies the pressure to the tortuous portion 120.

[0080] In another example, it is a user other than the wearer of the retaining element 100 who applies the pressure to the tortuous portion 120.

[0081] In another example, the tortuous portion 120 is made of a material selected from silicone, rubber, and a foam material.

[0082] However, depending on the needs, it will be possible to consider using other types of materials which are deformable under pressure and form an elastic return means, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0083] In the invention, when using the retaining element 100, as illustrated in [Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], the tortuous portion 120 is designed to be such that at least a portion of the first curved section 121 is received in the notch 10 of the wearer's concha and at least a portion of the second curved section 122 extends into the cradle formed by the interior of the winding of the wearer's helix 20 to be held there.

[0084] Furthermore, in the invention, at least a portion of the branch portion 110 bears against at least a portion of an outer surface of the helix 20 of the wearer.

[0085] In a first implementation of the invention, when using the retaining element 100, the first curved section 121 forms a convex curvature which is oriented towards the antihelix 30 of the wearer.

[0086] In a second implementation of the invention, when using the retaining element 100, the branch portion 110 extends from the first curved section 121 at an oblique angle toward the front and top of the wearer's head relative to a horizontal plane that includes an inter-auricular axis of the wearer that passes through external auditory canals.

[0087] In a third implementation of the invention, when using the retaining element 100, at least a portion of the branch portion 110 bears against at least a portion of an outer surface of the root of the helix 20 of the wearer.

[0088] In a fourth implementation of the invention, the tortuous portion 120 further comprises a third curved section 123 which extends from the second curved section 122 to a distal end of the curved section 1121 in a direction substantially parallel to a horizontal plane which comprises an inter-auricular axis of the carrier that passes through external ear canals.

[0089] Thus, when using the retaining element 100, the distal end of the curved section 1121 comes to bear against the bottom of the cradle formed by the inside of the winding of the helix 20 of the wearer so that the distal end of the curved section 1121 and the branch portion 110 pinch a portion of the helix 20 of the wearer between them.

[0090] In a variation of the invention, the first curved section 121 has a particular curvature of the branch portion 110 which is coupled at the proximal end 111 to the internal portion of a hearing aid.

[0091] In this variation of the invention, the branch portion 110 extends from the first curved section 121 to form a first section which is oblique at an oblique angle toward the front and bottom of the wearer's head relative to a horizontal plane which includes an inter-auricular axis of the wearer which passes through external auditory canals. Furthermore, the branch portion 110 extends again to form a second section which is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane which includes an inter-auricular axis of the wearer which passes through external auditory canals, and which extends inside the wearer's auditory canal to be coupled there to the internal portion of the hearing aid.

[0092] With this arrangement, the first curved section 121 extends on either side of the root of the helix, with one end being received in the notch 10 of the wearer's concha and the other end being received in the wearer's ear canal.

[0093] The invention also covers a system 300.

[0094] As illustrated in [Fig.9], the system 300 comprises at least one retaining element 100 and at least one first orthosis 200.

[0095] In practice, the first orthosis 200 is chosen from a visual orthosis and an auditory orthosis.

[0096] In one implementation of the system 300, it further comprises a second orthosis which is different from the first orthosis 200.

[0097] In practice, the second orthosis is chosen from a visual orthosis and an auditory orthosis.

[0098] The invention also relates to a method 400, as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0099] In practice, the method 400 makes it possible to determine the compatibility between an orthosis visual of a wearer and the retaining element 100.

[0100] In this way, the practitioner can have the retaining element 100 tried on to check whether the device is suitable for the wearer, without requiring any complex or definitive modification of the visual orthosis.

[0101] Indeed, to implement the method 400, it is sufficient to bend the ends of the branches of the visual orthosis so that they are straight.

[0102] Then, in step 410, at least one retaining element 100 is provided according to the particular aspect of the first implementation of the implementation of the branch portion 110, as described above.

[0103] Then, in step 420, a connection element of the first orthosis 200 is introduced into the branch portion 110 so as to form a system for trying on the retaining element 100.

[0104] Finally, in step 430, the fitting system is installed on the wearer's head.

[0105] Thus, and the testing system makes it possible to test the retaining element 100 on a bearer without irrevocable modification.

[0106] We have described and illustrated the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments that we have presented. Thus, an expert in the field can deduce other variants and embodiments, by reading the description and the attached figures.

[0107] The invention may be the subject of numerous variants and applications other than those described above. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the different structural and functional characteristics of each of the implementations described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but on the contrary as simple juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional characteristics of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

[0108] In one example, the retaining member may be configured to be removable from the first orthosis and / or the second orthosis.

[0109] In another example, the retaining member may be configured to be integral with the first orthosis and / or the second orthosis.

Claims

Claims

1. A retaining element (100) for holding at least one first orthosis (200) in place, the first orthosis (200) being intended to rest on at least a portion of a wearer's head, the retaining element (100) comprising, - a branch portion (110) which extends between a proximal end (111) and a distal end (112), and - a tortuous portion (120) intended to be inserted into the wearer's outer ear, outside the ear canal, the tortuous portion (120) extending from the distal end (112) of the branch portion (110) and comprising a plurality of curved sections, wherein, - the tortuous portion (120) is elastically deformable under pressure and forms an elastic return means, which is designed to, when using the retaining element (100), be such that, at least a portion of a first curved section (121) which is immediately adjacent to the distal end (112),is received in the notch (10) of the wearer's concha, the tortuous part (120) extending, in addition, from the first curved section (121) upwards so as to form a second curved section (122) with an ascending angle, at least a part of the second curved section (122) extending into the cradle formed by the interior of the winding of the helix (20) of the wearer to hold itself there, and - at least a part of the branch part (110) is intended to come to bear against at least a part of an external surface of the helix (20) of the wearer.,

2. A retaining element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the branch portion (110) is adapted to be coupled, at the proximal end (111), to the first orthosis (200).

3. Retaining element (100) according to claim 2, in which, - the proximal end (111) is open to the outside, and - all or part of the branch part (110) is hollow so as to receive at least part of a connection element of the first orthosis (200).

4. A retaining element (100) according to claim 3, wherein only a portion of the branch portion (110) is hollow so as to receive at least a portion of a connecting element of the first orthosis (200), such that the connecting element of the first orthosis (200), when installed in the branch portion (110), lies in a plane substantially parallel to a horizontal plane which includes an inter-auricular axis of the wearer.

5. The retaining element (100) of claim 2, further comprising a connecting element that projects from the branch portion (110) from the proximal end (111), all or part of the connecting element being configured to penetrate all or part of a hollow portion of the first orthosis (200).

6. Retaining element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the first curved section (121) is adapted to be coupled, at at least one area of ​​its apex, to a second orthosis different from the first orthosis (200).

7. A retaining member (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in use of the retaining member (100), the first curved section (121) forms a convex curvature which is oriented towards the antihelix (30) of the wearer.

8. A retainer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, in use of the retainer (100), the branch portion (110) extends from the first curved section (121) at an oblique angle forward and upward of the wearer's head relative to a horizontal plane which includes an inter-auricular axis of the wearer.

9. A retaining member (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, in use of the retaining member (100), at least a portion of the branch portion (110) bears against at least a portion of an outer surface of the root of the helix (20) of the wearer.

10. A retaining element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tortuous portion (120) further comprises a third curved section (123) which extends from the second curved section (122) to a distal end of the curved section (1121) in a direction substantially parallel to a horizontal plane which comprises an inter-auricular axis of the wearer, the third curved section (123) being such that, when the retaining element (100) is in use, the distal end of the curved section (1121) bears against the bottom of the cradle formed by the inside of the winding of the helix (20) of the wearer so that the distal end of the curved section (1121) and the portion of

11.

12.

13. branch (110) pinch between them a part of the helix (20) of the wearer. System (300) comprising: - at least one retaining element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and - at least one first orthosis (200), the first orthosis (200) being chosen from a visual orthosis and an auditory orthosis. The system (300) of claim 11, further comprising a second orthosis different from the first orthosis (200), the second being selected from a visual orthosis and an auditory orthosis. A method (400) for determining compatibility between a wearer's visual orthosis and a retaining element according to claim 4, the visual orthosis being intended to rest on at least part of the wearer's head, the method comprising: - a first step (410) of providing at least one retaining element (100) according to claim 4, - a second step (420) of introducing a connection element of the first orthosis (200) into the branch part (110), forming a system for trying out the retaining element (100), - a third step (430) of installing the fitting system on the wearer's head.

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