Shoulder mechanism for orthesis

{
  "publication_number": "US9592145B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Shoulder mechanism for orthesis",
  "abstract": "The invention relates to a shoulder mechanism for an orthosis comprising in succession: a first element (1) that is stationary relative to the user; a second element (2) that is hinged to the first element about a first hinge axis (A 1); a third element (3) that is hinged to the second element about a second hinge axis (A 2); and an upper arm (4) that is hinged to the third element about a third hinge axis (A 3). According to the invention, the hinge axes (A 1, A 2, A 3) extend in directions that define a frame of reference that is non-orthogonal.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A shoulder mechanism for an orthosis consisting essentially of in succession: a first element (1) that is stationary relative to a user; a second element (2) that is hinged to the first element about a first hinge axis (A 1); a third element (3) having a first end carrying a hinge that hinges the third element to the second element about a second hinge axis (A 2) and having a second end with a hinge that directly hinges the third element to an upper arm (4) about a third hinge axis (A 3); and actuators that actuates the hinges; wherein the first, second and third hinge axes (A 1, A 2, A 3) extending in directions that define a frame of reference that is non-orthogonal; wherein, when an arm of the user is at rest, the first hinge axis (A 1) extends at a first angle (α) in a range of plus or minus 10 degrees about an angle of 25 degrees in a horizontal plane containing a presumed center of the shoulder and relative to a longitudinal direction in said horizontal plane, the longitudinal direction (D) lying in the horizontal plane and extending from front to back relative to the user, and the first hinge axis (A 1) extends at a second angle (β) in a range of plus or minus 10 degrees about an angle of 25 degrees in a vertical plane relative to the horizontal plane.",
    "2. A shoulder mechanism for an orthosis according to claim 1, wherein the second hinge axis (A 2) extends at a third angle (γ) in a range of plus or minus 10 degrees about an angle of 75 degrees relative to the first hinge axis (A 1).",
    "3. A shoulder mechanism for an orthosis according to claim 2, wherein the third hinge axis (A 3) extends at a fourth angle in a range of plus or minus 10 degrees about an angle of 80 degrees relative to the second hinge axis (A 2).",
    "4. A shoulder mechanism for an orthosis according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third hinges are embodied by pivot bearings.",
    "5. The shoulder mechanism for an orthosis according to claim 1, wherein the arm of the user is at rest when the upper arm is in the adducted position."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Shoulder mechanisms are known that include a first element that is secured to the user of the mechanism. The first element may be stationary, or worn by the user. A second element is hinged to the first element about a first hinge axis that is substantially horizontal, extending in a longitudinal direction that extends from front to back relative to the user. A third element is hinged to the second element about a second hinge axis that is substantially vertical when the mechanism is at rest (i.e. when the user's arm extends down along the user's body), the second hinge axis being perpendicular to the first hinge axis. Finally, the upper arm proper of the mechanism is hinged to the third element about a third hinge axis that is once more substantially horizontal, and that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second hinge axes. Shoulder mechanisms are known in which the three hinges are made by means of successive pivots. Nevertheless, such mechanisms generally present interference with the user's arm while the arm is being moved. In particular, the second pivot, i.e. the pivot constituting the hinge of the third element on the second element, is carried by the second element so as to extend above the shoulder, such that when performing an abduction movement of the arm, the second pivot comes very quickly into the vicinity of the user's head, thereby greatly limiting the permissible amplitude of the abduction movement.",
  "cpc": [
    "A61F 5/013",
    "A61H 1/0274",
    "B25J 9/0006"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "A61F 5/01",
    "A61H 1/02",
    "B25J 9/00"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "GARREC PHILIPPE",
    "COMMISSARIAT ENERGIE ATOMIQUE"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "GARREC PHILIPPE"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2010-09-06",
  "publication_date": "2017-03-14",
  "grant_date": "2017-03-14",
  "priority_date": "2009-09-09",
  "application_number": "US-201013395184-A",
  "family_id": "42034618",
  "citations": [
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  ]
}