Device for repeated stressing of a joint

Abstract

Device for Repeated Stressing of a Joint The invention relates to a device for repeated stressing of a joint connecting the first and second parts (10.1, 10.2) of a person (10). This device comprises: at least one first support (12) adapted to support the first part (10.1), at least one second support (18) configured to receive at least one area of ​​the second part (10.2), at least one lateral stop (26) configured to transversely block an area of ​​the first part (10.1) adjacent to the joint, at least one traction system (30) comprising at least one actuator (34) configured to exert a traction force in a traction direction (T), and at least one annular strap (36) attached to the actuator (34) and configured to be positioned around the second part (10.2), as close as possible to the joint. Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Device for repeated stressing of a joint

[0001] The present application relates to a device for repeated stressing of a joint, more particularly adapted for a hip joint.

[0002] As part of his activity, a physiotherapist may repeatedly and alternately exert traction and compression forces on the hip joint of a person to relieve certain pains.

[0003] These alternating and repeated manipulations are relatively tiring for the practitioner.

[0004] Document EP2949306 describes a device for moving a person's leg in an alternating and repeated manner. This device comprises a support on which a supine person can be positioned, a rigid splint in which a limb of the person can be positioned, straps for securing the limb in the splint, at least one slide along which the splint can move relative to the support, and a mechanism for moving the splint along the slide in an alternating and repeated motion.

[0005] Even if this device allows a joint to be stimulated without fatigue for the practitioner, it does not allow the joint to be manipulated precisely.

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for repeated stressing of a joint connecting the first and second parts of a person.

[0008] This device comprises: a. At least one initial, suitable support to support the first part of the person, b. at least one second support configured to receive at least one area of ​​the second part of the person, the first and second supports being aligned in a longitudinal direction, c. at least one lateral stop configured to block, in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an area of ​​the first part of the person adjoining the joint, d. at least one traction system comprising: i. at least one actuator configured to exert a pulling force in a pulling direction, ii. at least one ring strap attached to the actuator and configured to be positioned around the second part of the person, as close as possible to the joint.

[0009] This configuration allows for the positioning, as close as possible to and on either side of the joint to be stimulated, of a first element (namely the lateral stop) which immobilizes the first part of the person and a second element (namely the annular strap of the traction system) which exerts traction on the second part of the person. This device allows for precise and repeatable stimulation of the joint without fatigue for the practitioner.

[0010] According to another feature, the actuator is adjustable so as to adjust at least one parameter of the traction force among its intensity, its amplitude, its speed as well as its frequency.

[0011] According to another feature, the device includes at least one linkage system, connecting the traction system and the first support, which can be detachable and / or adjustable to adjust the direction of traction relative to the first support.

[0012] According to another feature, the device includes at least one linkage system connecting the side stop and the first removable and / or adjustable support in order to adjust the position of the side stop relative to the first support in the longitudinal direction and / or the transverse direction.

[0013] According to another feature, the ring strap includes an area for attaching to the actuator and has a significant width opposite the attachment area so as to increase the contact area between the ring strap and the person in order to improve the comfort of the latter.

[0014] Finally, according to another feature, the device includes at least one control configured to trigger and stop a stimulus and / or adjust at least one parameter of the stimulus among its duration, intensity, frequency, speed and amplitude.

[0015] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0016] [Fig. 1] is a top view of a device for repeated stressing of a joint illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0017] [Fig.2] is a side view of the repeated stress device of a joint visible on [Fig.1],

[0018] [Fig.3] is a top view of the repeated stress device for a joint visible in [Fig.1] on which a person is seated,

[0019] [Fig.4] is a side view of part of the repeated stress device of a joint visible in [Fig.1] on which a person is seated,

[0020] [Fig. 5] is a front view of a part of the repeated stress device of a joint visible on the [Fig.1] on which a person is seated.

[0021] A device for repeatedly stressing a joint, such as the hip joint, can be used to achieve decoupling by temporarily separating two surfaces of the joint. Of course, the invention is not limited to this type of stress and this joint. For example, the repeated stressing device could be used for the cervical spine.

[0022] Regardless of the joint, a person 10 comprises first and second parts 10.1, 10.2 connected by the joint (visible in Figures 3 to 5). In the case of the hip joint, the first part 10.1 corresponds to the pelvis or trunk of the person 10 and the second part 10.2 corresponds to one of the legs of the person 10.

[0023] During repeated stress, the first part 10.1 of person 10 is substantially static and at least one area of ​​the second part 10.2 of person 10 closest to the joint is displaced.

[0024] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, a device for repeated stressing of a joint comprises at least a first support 12 adapted to support the first part 10.1 of the person 10. This first support 12 has a surface, in contact with the person 10, which may include a comfort covering. In the case of hip joint decompression, the first support 12 is configured to receive the person 10 in a supine position. According to this configuration, the first support 12 comprises a frame 14 and a platform 16 supported by the frame 14. This platform 16 has an upper surface configured to receive the first part 10.1 of the person 10, namely their torso, head, and possibly their upper limbs. This platform 16 is not flat but shaped according to the morphology of the person 10's body.

[0025] The chassis 14 may include at least one adjustment system for adjusting the height and / or tilt of the platform 16. The chassis 14 may include wheels to make it mobile.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the chassis 14 is a mechanically assembled structure. By way of example, the first support 12 can be a physiotherapist's table.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the device for repeated stressing of a joint includes at least a second support 18 configured to receive at least one area of ​​the second part 10.2 of the person 10. Generally, the device includes at least a first linking system 20 connecting the first and second supports 12, 18.

[0028] The first and second supports 12, 18 are aligned along a longitudinal direction X.

[0029] The second support 18 has a surface, in contact with the person 10, which may include a comfort coating.

[0030] In the case of hip joint decoaptation, the second support 18 is configured to support the lower part of one of the person's legs 10.

[0031] This second support 18 includes a leg rest 22 configured to receive the calf of one of the lower legs and a support 24 which has an upper end connected to the leg rest 22 and a lower end connected, via the first linkage system 20, to the first support 12 and more particularly to the frame 14 of the first support 12. In operation, the leg rest 22 is positioned so as to maintain the leg of the person 10 being used in a position in which the upper part of the leg of the person 10 forms an angle of approximately 90° with the trunk of the person 10 and the lower part of the leg of the person 10 forms an angle of approximately 90° with the upper part of the leg of the person 10 (as illustrated in [Fig.4]).

[0032] According to one configuration, the first connecting system 20 is a removable and / or adjustable connection along the longitudinal direction X. According to one arrangement, the first connecting system 20 comprises a first longitudinal member 20.1 parallel to the longitudinal direction X and a guide or sleeve 20.2 attached to the lower end of the support 24 and configured to slide along the first longitudinal member 20.1. The first connecting system 20 is configured to be able to adjust the position of the guide or sleeve 20.2 along the first longitudinal member 20.1 and to lock it in a given position along the first longitudinal member 20.1.

[0033] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the second support 18. The latter is adapted according to the morphology of the area of ​​the second part 10.2 of the person 10 to be supported. Providing a first removable connection system 20 makes it possible to attach different second supports 18, adapted to support different parts of the person 10's body, to the same first support 12. Thus, the device for repeated stressing of a joint can be configured to stress the right hip. In this case, a second support 18 adapted to support the right lower leg is connected to the first support 12. The device for repeated stressing of a joint can be configured to stress the left hip. In this case, a second support 18 adapted to support the left lower leg is connected to the first support 12.

[0034] The device for repeated stressing of a joint includes at least one lateral stop 26 configured to block an area of ​​the first part 10.1 of the person 10 adjoining the joint in a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the Longitudinal direction X. This lateral stop 26 has a contact surface 26.1 against which the body of the person 10 can rest, more particularly the area of ​​the first part 10.1 of the person 10 adjacent to the joint. This contact surface 26.1 generally includes a comfort covering.

[0035] In addition to the lateral stop 26, the repeated stress device for a joint includes at least one second connecting system 28 linking the lateral stop 26 and the first support 12, more particularly the lateral stop 26 and the frame 14 of the first support 12. In one configuration, the second connecting system 28 is adapted to adjust the position of the lateral stop 26 relative to the first support 12 along the longitudinal direction X and / or the transverse direction Y. In one embodiment, the second connecting system 28 includes at least one removable part to allow the lateral stop 26, 26' to be detached from the first support 12. Thus, it is possible to attach different types of lateral stops 26 to the same first support 12.

[0036] According to one configuration, the repeated stress device of a joint comprises two lateral stops 26, 26', positioned on either side of a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X, configured to cooperate with the right and left hips of the person 10.

[0037] For each lateral stop 26, 26', the second linking system 28 comprises a longitudinal member 28.1 parallel to the longitudinal direction X, a substantially vertical upright 28.2 which has at a first end a first guide or sleeve 28.3 sliding along the longitudinal member 28.1 and at a second end a guide or sleeve 28.4 as well as a cross member 28.5 substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y and sliding in the guide or sleeve 28.4, the lateral stop 26, 26' being connected to one end of the cross member 28.5.

[0038] To adjust the position of the lateral stop 26, 26', the first sleeve 28.3 is moved along the longitudinal member 28.1 so as to position the lateral stop 26, 26' in the longitudinal direction X. When the latter is correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction X, the first guide or sleeve 28.3 is immobilized along the longitudinal member 28.1. The cross member 28.5 is moved in the second guide or sleeve 28.4 so as to position the lateral stop 26, 26' in the transverse direction Y. When the latter is correctly positioned in the Y direction, the cross member 28.5 is immobilized relative to the second guide or sleeve 28.4.

[0039] To stress the joint, the device for repeated stressing of a joint comprises at least one traction system 30 configured to exert a traction force along a traction direction T forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction X. The traction system 30 is configured to stress the joint rhythmically (according to a more or less regular cadence). Generally, the repeated stress device of a joint includes at least a third linking system 32 connecting the traction system 30 and the first support 12, more particularly the traction system 30 and the chassis 14 of the first support 12.

[0040] This third linkage system 32 is adjustable and includes at least one articulation system allowing adjustment of the traction direction T relative to the first support 12. Thus, the traction direction T can be adjusted according to a first angle A1 formed between a horizontal plane and the traction direction T, as well as a second angle A2 formed between the longitudinal direction and the traction direction T. In practice, the traction direction T is oriented by a practitioner according to the person being treated. Once correctly oriented, the traction direction T is maintained during the application of the joint.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the third linkage system 32 comprises a longitudinal member 32.1 (which may be common with the second adjustment system 28), an upright 32.2 which has at a first end a first guide or sleeve 32.3 sliding along the longitudinal member 32.1 and at a second end a ball joint 32.4 as well as a cross member 32.5 integral with the ball joint 32.4. Thus, the position of the traction direction T is adjusted by changing the position of the cross member 32.5 relative to the upright 32.2 and by moving the first guide or sleeve 32.3 along the longitudinal member 32.1.

[0042] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the third linking system 32. Other solutions can be considered for adjusting the traction direction T.

[0043] According to one configuration, the third linking system 32 includes at least one removable part to allow the traction system 30 to be detached from the first support 12. Thus, the same traction system 30 can be positioned to the right or left of the first support 12 in order to stress the right or left hip.

[0044] The traction system 30 comprises at least one actuator 34 configured to alternately exert a traction force along the traction direction T and a release. This actuator 34 is integral with the third linkage system 32, more particularly with the cross member 32.5, and includes an attachment point 34.1 movable along the traction direction T. Depending on one configuration, the actuator 34 is adjustable so as to adjust at least one parameter among the intensity of the traction force, the amplitude of the traction force, the speed of the traction force, and the frequency of the traction force.

[0045] The traction system 30 also includes at least one annular strap 36 attached to the actuator 34, more particularly to its attachment point 34.1. This annular strap 36 is configured to be positioned around the second part 10.2 of the person 10, as close as possible to the joint to be stressed. This strap annular 36 has at least one adjustment 36.1 to allow adjustment of its diameter in order to adapt it to the morphology of the person 10.

[0046] This ring strap 36 includes an attachment area for the actuator 34, more specifically at the attachment point 34.1, and has a significant width opposite the attachment area, greater than that of the rest of the circumference of the ring strap 36, so as to increase the contact surface between the ring strap 36 and the person 10 in order to ensure greater comfort. In all cases, the ring strap 36 is configured so as not to injure the person 10. The ring shape of the strap allows it to be positioned as close as possible to the joint and to exert a tensile force as close as possible to it.

[0047] The device for repeated stressing of a joint includes at least one control 38 allowing control of the actuator 34 and, ultimately, the repeated stressing on the joint.

[0048] This control 38 is configured to start and stop the stimulation and / or adjust at least one parameter of the stimulation among its duration, intensity (force), frequency, speed and amplitude.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the traction system 30 includes at least one force sensor for measuring the force exerted by the actuator 34 on the annular strap 36. The measurement obtained by the force sensor can be used by the control 38 to better control the actuator 34.

[0050] Of course, the invention is not limited to these parameters. Other parameters could be adjusted.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for repeated stressing of a joint connecting first and second parts (10.1, 10.2) of a person (10), said device comprising at least a first support (12) adapted to support the first part (10.1) of the person (10), at least a second support (18) configured to receive at least an area of ​​the second part (10.2) of the person (10), the first and second supports (12, 18) being aligned along a longitudinal direction (X); characterized in that the device comprises at least one lateral stop (26) configured to block, along a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), an area of ​​the first part (10.1).1) of the person (10) adjoining the joint and at least one traction system (30) comprising at least one actuator (34), configured to exert a traction force in a traction direction (T), as well as at least one annular strap (36) attached to the actuator (34) and configured to be positioned around the second part (10.2) of the person (10), as close as possible to the joint.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuator (34) is adjustable so as to adjust at least one parameter of the traction force among its intensity, its amplitude, its speed as well as its frequency.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one linkage system (32), linking the traction system (30) and the first support (12), adjustable to adjust the traction direction (T) relative to the first support (12).

4. Device according to the preceding direction, characterized in that the linkage system (32) connecting the traction system (30) and the first support (12) comprises a longitudinal member (32.1), an upright (32.2) which has at a first end a first guide or sleeve (32.3) sliding along the longitudinal member (32.1) and at a second end a ball joint (32.4) as well as a cross member (32.5) integral with the ball joint (32.4).

5. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the linkage system (32) connecting the traction system (30) and the first support (12) includes a removable part to allow the traction system (30) to be detached from the first support (12).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one linkage system (28), connecting the lateral stop (26) and the first support (12), configured to adjust the position of the lateral stop (26) relative to the first support (12) in the longitudinal direction (X) and / or the transverse direction (Y).

7. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the linkage system (28) connecting the lateral stop (26) and the first support (12) includes at least one removable part to allow the lateral stop (26, 26') to be separated from the first support (12).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises two lateral stops (26, 26') positioned on either side of a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal direction (X).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular strap (36) has at least one adjustment (36.1) to be able to adjust its diameter.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular strap (36) includes an attachment area to the actuator (34) and has a significant width opposite the attachment area so as to increase the contact area between the annular strap (36) and the person (10).

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one control (38) configured to trigger and stop a stimulus and / or adjust at least one parameter of the stimulus among its duration, intensity, frequency, speed and amplitude.

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