Passive dorsal exoskeleton

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a passive exoskeleton (1) comprising two shoulder straps (2), two fastening straps (4) for the legs, a dorsal part (5) connecting the shoulder straps (2) to each other, and two elastic belts (3) connecting the shoulder straps (2) and the dorsal part (5) to the fastening straps (4), characterized in that each elastic belt (3) is attached to a shoulder strap (2) at a first end, that it passes through a ring (32) fixed to a fastening strap (4), and that it returns to the same shoulder strap (2) where a second end of the elastic belt (3) cooperates with an adjustment buckle (30). Each elastic belt thus makes a round trip across the user's back, which makes it possible to have a strap that is less wide for the same restoring force since, with the belt being superposed, the restoring force is doubled.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: PASSIVE DORSAL EXOSKEMONTEL TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of passive exoskeletons and more particularly those for the back, which are intended to be worn by a user.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to an exoskeleton that reduces muscle activity, especially when lifting loads. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Exoskeletons are structures that externally duplicate the human skeleton and give it strength or physical capabilities that it does not have or no longer has.

[0004] There are two types of exoskeletons: robotic or "active" exoskeletons and "passive" exoskeletons. Robotic exoskeletons aim to significantly increase the strength of the wearer but require a power source and at least one actuator, which increases the weight of the exoskeleton or, if connected to an external power source, limits the user's range of motion. Conversely, passive exoskeletons are designed to reduce the effort required from the user and do not consume any energy.

[0005] Passive back exoskeletons come in varying sizes and types. Some are quite rigid, with a completely rigid back panel. Others require numerous attachments with multiple adjustments and attachment points, making them difficult to put on. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by being compact, allowing simple adjustment and providing a greater voltage range.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a passive exoskeleton comprising two shoulder straps, two leg straps, a back section connecting the shoulder straps, and two elastic straps connecting the shoulder straps and the back section to the leg straps. It is characterized in that each elastic strap is attached to a shoulder strap at a first end, passing through a ring fixed to a fastening strap and that it returns to the same shoulder strap where a second end of the elastic strap cooperates with an adjustment buckle.

[0008] Each elastic strap loops back and forth across the user's back, allowing for a narrower strap for the same pulling force, since the overlapping straps effectively double the pulling force. Because the elastic strap is open, it allows for more precise adjustment by lengthening or shortening it using the adjustment buckle.

[0009] Advantageously, the elastic strap has a width between 15mm and 35mm, preferably 25mm. This width is not bulky.

[0010] Advantageously, the elastic strap has a total length of between 50cm and 110cm, preferably 80cm. The strap is longer than that usually used because it is doubled; the folded length on the exoskeleton is therefore between 25cm and 55cm, preferably 40cm.

[0011] Advantageously, the elastic strap is held on the shoulder strap by a loop, and the adjustment buckle is located at the front. This allows the user to adjust the strap tension while the exoskeleton is in place, resulting in a better fit and improved comfort.

[0012] Advantageously, the shoulder straps are adjustable. Just like with a backpack, the user can adjust the length of the straps.

[0013] Advantageously, the two elastic straps cross over each other on the back.

[0014] Advantageously, the back panel includes another loop at its lower end. This loop helps keep the straps close to the body. It is preferably positioned where the straps cross.

[0015] Advantageously, each leg strap includes a buttock support. This support encompasses one of the user's buttocks for greater comfort. It can be padded.

[0016] Advantageously, the two fastening straps are connected by a link. This keeps the rings attached to the fastening straps close together.

[0017] The advantage is that the strap is elastic. This makes it more comfortable.

[0018] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The figures are presented as an indicative example and in no way limit the invention.

[0020] [Fig. 1] is a rear view of the exoskeleton according to the invention,

[0021] [Fig. 2] is a front view of the exoskeleton according to the invention,

[0022] [Fig. 3] is a side view of the exoskeleton according to the invention,

[0023] [Fig. 4] shows the detail of the back of figure 1,

[0024] [Fig. 5] shows the detail of the adjustment loop,

[0025] [Fig. 6] shows the detail of the back of the fastening straps. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.

[0027] In this description, the part intended to be placed in front of the user will be referred to as the "front," and the part intended to be placed behind the user will be referred to as the "back." The upper part intended to be placed on the user's shoulders will be referred to as the "top," and the lower part intended to be placed at the user's thighs will be referred to as the "bottom."

[0028] The exoskeleton 1 comprises two shoulder straps 2 joined at the rear by a dorsal section 5, two attachment straps 4 for securing to the user's legs, and two elastic straps 3. The shoulder straps 2 are adjustable in length by means of bands 20 in a known manner. The attachment straps 4 are also adjustable by means of bands 40 in a known manner.

[0029] As can be seen in Figure 4, the straps 2 have a V shape with one arm 23 longer than the other arm 22. The two long arms 23 are attached to the dorsal part 5 from the base of the V to about half its length.

[0030] The two shoulder straps 2 are connected to each other by a loop 24 located at the bottom of the V, this loop 24 allowing the passage of the two elastic straps 3. They are also connected by a link 25 at the top of the back part 5. They allow to keep the distance between the shoulder straps 2 limited.

[0031] Each of the two elastic straps 3 is attached at one end to a shoulder strap 2 by a stitch towards the top of the back part 5, in the example illustrated in figure 4. The second end is sewn to a non-stretch strap 31 which will join an adjustment buckle 30 attached to the front of the shoulder strap 2. In this way the elastic strap 3 makes a round trip from the user's shoulder U to the bottom of their back.

[0032] The length of each elastic strap 3 is between 50 cm and 110 cm, preferably 80 cm, resulting in a folded length of between 25 cm and 55 cm, preferably 40 cm. Because the folded elastic strap 3 is twice as strong as an unfolded elastic strap of the same width, it is therefore equivalent to an unfolded elastic strap twice as wide. This allows for a more comfortable exoskeleton to wear, as the elastic straps are narrower. The width of the elastic straps 3 is between 15 mm and 35 mm, preferably 25 mm, and the elongation percentage could be, for example, 50% ± 10%.

[0033] On the other hand, the longer elastic straps (3) allow for a greater range of adjustment. Users can choose the desired tension based on their activity or personal preference.

[0034] The elastic strap 3 passes through a ring 32 attached to a fastening strap 4. In the illustrated example, the two elastic straps cross, with the right-hand elastic strap 3 going to the left-hand ring 32 and the left-hand elastic strap 3 going to the right-hand ring 32. To secure the elastic straps 3 to the shoulder straps 2, loops 26 are provided on each shoulder strap 2 in the area intended to be placed on the user's shoulders.

[0035] The fastening straps 4 each include a buttock support 41 covering one buttock of the user U. The buttock supports 41 are connected to each other by a link 42 at the top.

[0036] We will now describe how to put on the exoskeleton 1. User U first puts the straps 2 over his shoulders, places a fastening strap 4 around each of his thighs, adjusts the straps 2 and the fastening straps 4, then adjusts each of the elastic straps 3.

Claims

6 DEMANDS

1. Passive exoskeleton (1) comprising two shoulder straps (2), two attachment straps (4) for the legs, a back part (5) connecting the shoulder straps (2) to each other and two elastic straps (3) connecting the shoulder straps (2) and the back part (5) to the attachment straps (4), characterized in that each elastic strap (3) is attached to a shoulder strap (2) at a first end which it passes through a ring (32) fixed to an attachment strap (4) and that it returns to the same shoulder strap (2) where a second end of the elastic strap (3) cooperates with an adjustment buckle (30).

2. Passive exoskeleton (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic strap (3) has a width between 15mm and 35mm, preferably 25mm. [Claims] Passive exoskeleton (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic strap (3) has a total length between 50cm and 110cm, preferably 80cm.

4. Passive exoskeleton (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic strap (3) is held on the shoulder strap (2) by a loop (26) and that the adjustment buckle (30) is located at the front. [Claims] Passive exoskeleton (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straps (2) are adjustable. [Claims] Passive exoskeleton (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two elastic straps (3) cross over the dorsal part (5).

7. Passive exoskeleton (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dorsal part (5) includes another pass-through (24) in the lower part of said dorsal part (5). [Claims] Passive exoskeleton (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each attachment strap (4) for the legs includes a buttock support (41). 7

9. Passive exoskeleton (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two attachment straps (4) are connected to each other by a link (42).

10. Passive exoskeleton (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the link (42) is elastic.

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