EP0680309A1

EP0680309A1 - Exerciser for spine

Info

Publication number: EP0680309A1
Application number: EP93912753A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean Lapine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-05-22
Filing date: 1993-05-19
Publication date: 1995-11-08
Also published as: WO1993024091A1; AU4315993A

Abstract

The device comprises a plate (1) 10 cm wide and approximately 1 metre long supported by three pairs of legs (2, 3, 4) which place the plate (1) at about 15 centimetres above the ground or supporting surface. This position may be higher or lower depending on the user. A mat (5) covered in protuberances (5a) preferably of an elastically deformable material is placed on the top surface of the plate (1). The protuberances serve to massage the spinal region. By lying on the device, a person can obtain spinal release. The device is particularly suitable for treating cervicaldynia, dorsalgia and lumbago.

Description

Exercise device for spine.

The present invention relates to an exercise device for a spine consisting of an elongated body, the outer surface of which comprises an upper base intended to support the spine over its entire length and a base by which the device is supported on the soil or similar

Such a device is intended to be used in particular for the maintenance, rehabilitation and relaxation of the spine.

It is currently known that to obtain maintenance, relaxation, or even re-education of the spine, recourse is had to particular exercises, massage, the use of certain devices such as a cylinder which is rolls on the back, the cylinder being arranged perpendicular to the vertebral column or the positioning in a declining position on trays animated by vibrations. In the latter case, the patient or the user rests on the flat surface of the plate which is in vibration.

It is considered that the vibrations, in certain cases, allow a relaxation, even a musculation of the spine. However, the positioning in a declining position on a plateau allows only a mediocre stretching and flattening of the curvatures of the back.

Indeed, the back resting on a flat surface, these are the areas located on either side of the spine which are supported on this surface, as well as the buttocks and the shoulder girdle. It is important for the exercise of relaxation, maintenance and rehabilitation to be effective that the vertebral column rests on the spinous processes, which makes it possible to relieve the pressure on the discs and the nerve roots of the column. It is in this position that we get the vertebral detraction allowing it in addition to breathing under optimal conditions contributing to improved relaxation (anti-stress effect).

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a positive device for relaxation, maintenance and / or rehabilitation of the spine by overcoming the drawbacks or imperfections of the devices known to date.

The spine exercise device according to the present invention is characterized in that in order that the back rests on the upper base only by the spine and in particular the spinous apophy¬, the upper face is flat and has a width of 5 to 15 cm, preferably 10 cm, and that ladi¬ te upper face is covered with a layer of elastic material whose upper surface is in the form of spikes.

The advantages of the device according to the invention are as follows:

The fact that the surface on which the spine rests has a relatively small width, corresponding to the width of the discs of the vertebral column, allows the flattening of the spinal curvatures, because the weight of the subject bears on the spinous processes and not on the buttocks where the belt scapu- the air thus allowing to relieve the discs of the pressure which bears on them and the nerve roots. The subject is in a state of vertebral detraction. The fact that the face of the support is covered with a layer of elastic material, the upper surface of which is in the form of spikes, makes it possible to obtain, in addition to the vertebral traction, a light massage of the column by the action of spikes on the spine, an effect which can be accentuated when the subject practices certain exercises which are particularly recommended when he is in this posture.

According to another alternative embodiment, the device is provided with heating means to a temperature close to that of the body. The effect of the heat facilitates the contraction of the spine and the combined effect of the vertebral detraction due to the flattening of the spinal curvatures, of the massage due to the pins of the layer covering the support and that of the heat helps calm neck pain, back pain, as well as low back pain.

The means to obtain heating of the device are various:

According to a variant, the support is hollow and it is designed so that it can be filled with hot water, for example through a screw cap which is subsequently closed or,

- by providing an open body, which can be placed in a hot water basin, for example a bathtub in which hot water is made to flow and the subject can lie there, - It is also possible to provide a circulation of hot water by providing orifices on a closed hollow body.

or a purely electric heating using for example an electric resistance incorporated in the support or removable in the form of a heating mat which could be fixed on the support by quick fasteners such as VELCRO (brand depo¬ ).

When using the support in a basin such as a bathtub, means can be provided to prevent the support from sliding in the bathtub, for example by providing the base of the support with a few suction cups.

In order to contribute to the strengthening of the vertebral colon, it can be provided that the base of the device has a shape giving it a certain lateral instability, for example by providing that the base has a convex shape, thus the subject , in the search for balance, makes the spinal muscles work in isometry, which also leads to the development of reflexes at this level.

All this reeducation of the back is all the more interesting as it is accomplished without any discal fatigue and consequently whatever the state of the discs. It should also be emphasized that this position allows breathing in optimal conditions contributing to the relaxation of the subject.

In order to take advantage of the hours that some people spend seated at their place of work or in a car, if only to get to their place of work, the inventor proposed a This device is intended to be placed on the back of a seat. Of course, the effectiveness of this device is not as great as for the device that is placed on a horizontal surface, nevertheless, a good relaxation is obtained by taking advantage of the time that must be spent. on a seat while simultaneously having another occupation, such as reading, driving, ... The use of this execution in a mobile automobile makes it possible to take advantage of the speed variations and the vibrations of the vehicle and obtain gymnastics of the column vertebral.

The invention will be described in more detail using the attached drawing.

Figure 1 is a front view of a first execution of the device according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the example in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 of a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a profile view of the execution of FIG. 3.

Figure 5 is a front view of a third execu¬ tion.

Figure 6 is a front view of a fourth execu¬ tion.

Figure 7 is a front view of a fifth execu¬ tion. FIG. 8 is a profile view of the execution according to FIG. 7.

Figure 9 shows the use of the device according to the invention by an individual.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a device according to the present invention intended to be placed on a seat.

Figure 11 is a section along line XI-XI of Figure 10.

FIG. 12 represents an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 10.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 which can be considered as the simplest, the device comprises a plate 1 having a width of 10 cm and a length of approximately 1 meter supported by three pairs of legs 2, 3, 4, holding the plate 1 at a height of about fifteen centimeters from the ground or the surface on which the device rests by the ends of three pairs of legs. This height can be higher or lower depending on the user. Thus, someone who is afraid of falling if he lies on the device, will preferably choose a relatively low height.

On the upper surface of the plate 1, there is a mat 5 having pins 5a preferably made of an elastically deformable material. The effect of these pins is to cause a massage in the region of the spine, especially when the individual will do some exercises. The mat 5 is preferably extended on either side of the rounded edges of the plate 1.

The material of the plate 1 and of the legs 2, 3, 4 can be of any kind. By way of example, the plate could be made of agglomerated wood or of a synthetic material and the legs 2, 3, 4 could be made of a bent tube wrapped in a plastic sheath.

It is also possible that the assembly is made in one piece by molding of a suitable material.

In this form, the device can advantageously be used in a bathtub with hot water which allows the user to be in a temperature close to that of the body allowing the relaxation of the muscles favoring rehabilitation and increasing ¬ both the beneficial effects of this exercise.

It is obvious that in a bathtub depending on the body size of the user, the exercises are less easy than in a larger basin or on the floor.

For the case where the device should be used outside a bathtub and finally, to be able to benefit from the benefits of heating to a temperature close to the body, it is possible to have on the board and below the carpet 5 of an electric heating mat which could, for example, be fixed to the board or the feet by two quick fasteners of the VELCRO type (registered trademark).

According to another embodiment, the part could be made in tubular form of trapezoidal section as that shown in Figure 3. The material used in this case being a molded plastic. The upper face 6 being provided with a mat 7 with pins 7a similar to those of the mat 5. The base 8 on which the device rests on the ground being the large base of the trapezoid. This device for presenting sufficient stiffness could be provided with ribs or walls inside in order to avoid it being crushed under the weight of the user.

This light form also allows it to be used in a hot water basin, the water entering the tube to allow the spine in contact with the face 6 of the device to be at a temperature close to that of the body.

According to another alternative embodiment similar to that of FIG. 3, the device is closed at the ends and comprises a screw cap 9 by which the device can be filled with hot water. Thus the device can be used on the ground while benefiting from the positive effects of heat close to that of the body and without being obliged to put yourself in a bathtub which does not necessarily correspond to the dimensions of the user. , to make the most of rehabilitation and relaxation exercises.

It is also possible, in the execution of FIGS. 3 and 4, to provide, when using outside a bathtub, a heating mat as for the variant of FIGS. 1 and 2.

When used in a fixed position and location, the device could be heated, for example, for a variant close to that of the Figure 5, by inserting this device into a hot water circuit. It is sufficient in this case to have two orifi¬ these to allow the entry and exit of water in a circuit, for example, closed. Thus, in a rehabilitation room, several of these devices could be placed and exercises could be done under the supervision of a competent person.

In Figure 8 we have presented an execution as marketed. The device is formed by a profi¬ le in the shape of a rectangular omega (seen in section), the base of which is formed by two legs 11, 12 and the upper base 13 by the upper part of the omega, provided with 'a spiked rug 14. Such a plexiglass device whose legs 11, 12 measure 15 cm, the upper base 8 cm, a height of 12 cm and a length of 100 cm has been successfully marketed .

In FIG. 9, we have presented, quite schematically, the relative arrangement of a user with respect to one of these devices described previously: the person lies down on the device so that his column vertebral leans against the upper face of the device, the legs being on either side of this device. Several exercises can be performed in this position, the user's body resting on the device by the spine in its entire length and the arms and feet can be placed flat on the ground or do certain exercises depending on the state of the individual and specific needs.

According to a variant of the invention illustrated in Figure 6 and in order to try to work in isometry the spinal muscles with a development of reflexes at this level, an execution variant is provided according to which the bottom or base 10 of the device, for example, that of FIG. 3, is not flat but slightly concave introducing instability of the device by the ground and when the user tries to restore balance makes the muscles work.

The purpose of the present invention is not to give a collection of exercises to be performed on this device, exercises known to professionals, who usually practice them by laying down the subjects on their backs on a flat surface.

This device to be used alone or under the direction of a competent person makes it possible, among other things, to combat inflammatory and degenerative disorders of the back.

It is obvious that alternative embodiments of the present invention can be envisaged.

Both the dimensions of the top plate and the height can be standardized, but two or three different variants could be provided depending on the body size of the users. For certain de¬ formations of the spine, it is necessary to provide a sufficient width of the plate so that all the discs despite the deviation can rest on the plates.

For devices intended to be used in a bathtub, provision may be made for the base to be provided with a few suction cups to prevent the device from sliding on the convex and slippery surface of a bathtub. In Figures 10 to 12 we have shown two execu¬ tions intended to be used on the back of a seat, in particular a seat of a motor vehicle.

The two straps 22 and 23 of FIG. 10 serve to form a loop for suspending the body 20 for example, around the headrest which is often found on the seats of cars, while the bar 24 is slid between the backrest and the seat pad and it is handled in this position by the user's body.

It is obvious that the fixing means can be different depending on the type of seat, the only requirement being that the device remains well in the axis of the seat so that the spine of the user rests on this device and in particular on the pins 26, 26a, 26b of the coating.

In FIG. 12, we have shown a body 30 mu¬ ni of four strips 31, 32, 33, 34 making it possible to fix the body 30 on the back of a seat either by tying together the ends of these strips two to two, or by using rapid assembly means, for example velcro, snaps. It is also possible to replace the straps 31, 32, 33, 34 by two elastic bands which could be fixed around the back of a seat.

According to another alternative embodiment, it is also possible to provide means for heating the device, connected for example in the case of a car, to the ci¬ station lighter. By placing this device on the back of a seat whether it is that of a car or an office seat or any other seat, the person who is called upon to remain seated for a period of time can be supported by the greater part of his spine on this device requiring him to stand in a correct position and the fact that this device protrudes relative to the seat back ensures that the bends are flattened out as for the device which is the subject of the aforementioned French patent application. At the same time, the fact that this device is relatively narrow, introduces a certain imbalance which, by reflection, the subject tends to re-establish, which also allows the back to be strengthened.

The use of such a device in a mobile vehicle also makes it possible to take advantage of variations in speed as well as vibrations of the vehicle.

The advantage of this device is its flexibility of use and the fact that it constitutes a means of relaxation and re-education which one could call passive since this does not require devoting a particular time during the day of a person, the only loss of time being that requiring the installation and removal of the device.

It should also be noted that a positive device can be provided, the flexible body of which is permanently placed on the seat of a vehicle or a working seat, the covering with the pins being able to be put in place by fast assembly means (velcro, snaps, ...) only when the user wishes.

Claims

1. Exercise device for a spine consisting of an elongated body whose outer surface comprises an upper base intended to support the spine over its entire length and a base by which the device rests on the ground or the like ¬ area, characterized in that in order that the back rests on the upper base only by the spine and in particular the spinous processes, the upper face is flat and has a width of 5 to 15 cm, preferably 10 cm , and that said upper face is covered with a layer of an elastic material, the upper surface of which is in the form of pins.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said device comprises heating means.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said device is a hollow body and that it comprises means allowing its tight filling with hot water.

4. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said device is a hollow body and that it has on its lateral surface at least two openings intended to allow the immersion of the device in a basin with water hot such as a bathtub.

5. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said device is a hollow body and that it comprises means for being connected to a hot water circuit.

6. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the device is provided with electric heating means, which are preferably removable.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, ca¬ characterized by the fact that the cross section of the device is trapezoidal, the largest base being that by which the device is supported on the ground or the like.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, ca¬ characterized in that the underside of the base has a slightly convex shape to cause instability of the device, transverse to the spine.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, ca¬ characterized in that the cross section of the device is in the form of a rectangular omega.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises means for being fixed on the back of a seat.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the elongated body is provided at one of its ends with a rigid part, arranged perpendicularly to the axis of said elongated body and parallel to the face on which the spine must be supported, intended to be placed between the wall and the back of a seat, in particular of a motor vehicle seat, while the other end is provided with two flexible links making it possible to suspend the device on the upper part of the seat back.