EP2362764B1 - Apparatus for mobilization of the body - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for ensuring the body mobilization of a subject, and more particularly capable of setting in motion the vertebral axis, the articulation of the pelvis and the lower limbs with respect to this vertebral axis.

The invention is therefore part of the search for such a bodily mobilization by the implementation of a platform or platform capable of oscillating along an infinity of axes passing through its center, these different oscillations being capable of to be carried out randomly.

PRIOR STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Various devices capable of performing operations of correction and rehabilitation of general biomechanics have been proposed to date. These at the beginning had more vocation to ensure a training notably muscular for the sportsmen.

These devices generally comprise a platform capable of oscillating with respect to a central support pivot, such as for example described in the documents US-A-2,827,894 or US-A-4,290,601 . The movement of the platform induces an imbalance of the subject based on it, able to induce reactions on the part of the subject and ensure the desired mobilization of the various biomechanical elements, including spine, pelvic girdle and joints.

It has also been described, for example in the document EP 1 023 111 , a device in which the platform is both driven by a rotational movement and an oscillation movement. In other words, the kinematics of the device described in this document is limited to a rotary oscillation of adjustable amplitude and speed. However, such a device is particularly complex to achieve and moreover, oscillation movements are limited in terms of amplitude by the same structures used, and the randomness of the oscillation can not be obtained for the same reasons.

It was also proposed, for example in the document WO 2007/141429 another device of the type in question, but which again, has degrees of freedom limited in terms of oscillation, because of the mode of support and motorization of the platform with which it is equipped, reducing in fact the possibilities and the efficiency of the treatment, due to the absence of any randomness of the oscillations. JP2007082915 A discloses a body mobilization device according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention is an apparatus of the type in question that allows to give the platform a multitude of degrees of freedom in terms of oscillation, that is to say capable of conferring on a platform an infinity of possible tilts with respect to an axis passing substantially through its center. It follows from this infinity, the possibility of making discreet tilts and thus to give the oscillation a random character, particularly to promote rehabilitation, or even training with regard to athletes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention therefore relates to a body mobilization device comprising a mobile receiving platform relative to a fixed frame, for supporting a subject to be treated standing.

According to the invention, the platform is secured to the chassis by a double pivot connection and is driven by an oscillation movement relative to an axis passing substantially through its center to the actuator means each secured by a pivot connection on a same shaft secured to said platform, said actuators being themselves hinged to the frame. The platform is articulated on an upper frame defining a first substantially horizontal axis of articulation, said upper frame itself being hinged to the frame along a second substantially horizontal axis of articulation and perpendicular to said first axis.

Said platform is provided with a central axis or arm, extending perpendicular to the plane defined by it, and the actuators, preferably two in number, are secured to the free end of said shaft by means of a gimbal, said actuators being activation direction substantially perpendicular to each other.

These actuators may each be constituted by a particularly electric jack, whose attachment point to the frame is constituted by a pivot connection.

Advantageously, the body mobilization device of the invention is associated with handles and in general any means of holding, allowing the subject to treat or train to maintain through its upper limbs, given the imbalances to which it is subjected, because of the oscillation of the platform on which it rests. A use of the body mobilization device according to the invention is proposed, according to which the amplitude and the various oscillation movements printed on the platform are set according to specific programs, which may include a random oscillation mode.

Alternatively, the oscillation movements of the platform are printed in real time on the order of a "joystick" manipulable by a person controlling the said body mobilization, and in particular by a practitioner. In this hypothesis, the response of the platform is immediate and direct, and faithfully follows the action of the practitioner through the orders given by the joystick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• Les figures 1 et 2 sont deux représentations schématiques en perspective vues selon deux orientations différentes du principe de fonctionnement du dispositif de mobilisation corporelle conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 3 est une représentation schématique en perspective éclatée d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• Les figures 4 et 5 sont deux vues schématiques en section sagittale du dispositif de l'invention, selon deux plans perpendiculaires l'un par rapport à l'autre.
• La figure 6 est une représentation schématique du dispositif de l'invention vue du dessous.

The manner in which the invention can be realized and the advantages which result therefrom will emerge more clearly from the exemplary embodiment which follows, given by way of indication and not limitation, in support of the appended figures.

• The figures 1 and 2 are two schematic representations in perspective seen in two different orientations of the operating principle of the body mobilization device according to the invention.
• The figure 3 is a schematic perspective exploded representation of an embodiment of the invention.
• The figures 4 and 5 are two schematic views in sagittal section of the device of the invention, in two planes perpendicular to each other.
• The figure 6 is a schematic representation of the device of the invention seen from below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Diagrammatically within figures 1 and 2 , a perspective view adapted to schematically illustrate the principle of operation of the device according to the invention.

Basically, it comprises a platform 1 , schematically represented square, but which could adopt any other shape, including circular or oval.

This platform 1 is articulated by means of a rigid armature 2 on a rigid upper frame 3 , according to a horizontal axis of articulation AA represented in dashed lines on said figure 1 . In other words, the connection of the platform 1 to the upper frame 3 is a pivot connection, said platform 1 is therefore pivotable relative to the aforementioned axis AA.

As a corollary, the upper frame 3 is itself hinged on a rigid frame 4 secured to the frame of the device, along a hinge axis BB shown in dashed lines, also horizontal, and oriented perpendicular to the axis AA.

In other words, the platform 1 is secured to the chassis according to a double pivot link.

Given this double pivot link, the platform 1 is therefore likely to have an infinite number of orientations relative to its horizontal plane of origin.

In order precisely to allow this multiplicity of orientations, and thus corollary of printing on the subject coming to be positioned on said platform an infinite number of oscillating movements in order to vary its equilibrium and to lead to the various movements of mobilization sought, said platform 1 extends in the lower direction by a shaft 6 , secured substantially in the center of the platform, by any means, for example by screws or the like. Thus, and in the example described, the shaft 6 is oriented perpendicular to the plane defined by the platform 1 .

The free end of this shaft 6 , that is to say opposite to the platform 1 , is secured by pivot connection to two actuators 8 and 9 , in this case consist of electric cylinders.

Said actuators are themselves secured to the frame of the device to the pivot connection means respectively 10 and 11 , and in this case gimbals, giving said actuators a certain movement in the horizontal plane.

More particularly, these actuators 8 and 9 each consist of a ball screw rotatable in both directions by means of a brushless motor, respectively 12 and 13 , provided with an encoder or a reducer if necessary . The free end of each of the screws is secured to the free lower end 7 of the shaft 6 by means of a gimbal, again to allow an angular displacement of the end of the screw relative to the free end 7 of the shaft 6 . The two actuators 8 and 9 are oriented perpendicular to each other, when the platform 1 is in the rest position, that is to say flat or horizontal.

It is therefore conceivable that by playing on the one hand, on the respective rotational speeds of the brushless motors 12 , 13 , and on the other hand, on the direction of rotation of the screws, it is possible to give the shaft 6 and as a corollary to the platform 1 which is directly linked to it, all types of possible orientations. The displacement of the shaft 6 is however limited by construction, and in this case by a slot 5 formed in the rigid frame 4 .

The aim is not to give the platform too much inclination, but to give it an unlimited and indefinite number of orientations, and thus to multiply the number of oscillations possible with respect to its central axis. 6 .

We have shown in relation with the Figures 3 to 6 a particular embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Thus, this device consists of a frame 20 , resting on the ground by means of feet 21 , six in this case, advantageously provided with a non-slip coating.

This frame 20 receives an upper frame 22 , which is directly secured to it, for example by welding.

This upper frame 22 is provided with two fixing plates 23 , 24 of the rigid frame 4 . These two fixing plates are separated from each other, and define, in cooperation with the upper frame 22 , the delimiting light 5 of the extent of deflection of the shaft 6 .

The rigid armature 4 is provided at its center with a through opening 25 , intended to allow the passage of the shaft 6 . It is fixed by means of screws on said plates 23, 24. It is further provided with opposite vertical extensions 26 , 27 , whose outer faces each receive a hinge pin 28, adapted to cooperate with through orifices 29, arranged on the periphery of the upper frame 3.

Said upper frame 3 is also recessed in its center, always with the purpose of allowing the passage of the shaft 6. In addition, it comprises two other through holes 30 , also opposite to each other, but whose axis which connects them, and corresponding to the AA axis of the figures 1 and 2 is oriented at 90 ° to the axis connecting the through holes 29 , and corresponding to the axis BB of said figures let 2.

These through holes 30 in turn each receive a hinge pin 31 adapted to cooperate with through holes 32 formed at the periphery of the rigid frame 2. The latter is provided with an upper surface, on which comes screw a plate 33 integral with the platform of the platform 1, plate at which is secured, also by screwing, the upper end of the shaft 6. The plate is bolted to the upper face of the frame rigid 2, the latter being provided with housings 34 for receiving the bolts or nuts.

We have shown on the figure 6 the implantation of the actuators 8 and 9. These are located below the entire device, and are housed in the volume defined by the frame 20, and under the upper frame 22. Said actuators are respectively secured at an angle of the frame 20, by means of a pivot connection 10, 11 , whose axis passes through a fastening lug 35, 36 integral with the frame.

The end of the ball screws 37, 38 constituting these actuators is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 6 by means of a gimbal 39,40.

It is conceivable that because of the infinity of possible tilting movements of the platform, it can lead to an important mobilization of the vertebral axis. In doing so, the device of the invention is particularly adapted to the pathologies frequently encountered in relation to said vertebral axis.

• ▪ la remise en forme ;
• ▪ l'équilibre corporel ;
• ▪ l'amincissement ;
• ▪ l'entrainement pour les sportifs, notamment de haut niveau.

In addition, this device can be implemented for other applications, among which may be mentioned, without it being any limiting:

• ▪ fitness;
• ▪ body balance;
• ▪ thinning;
• ▪ Training for athletes, especially high level athletes.

According to the pathologies detected or according to the envisaged applications, different programs of oscillation speeds and oscillation angles can be realized by means of a programmable automaton, acting directly on the brushless motors of the two actuators.

As a corollary, it may also be envisaged to give the platform specific movements, for example by means of a "joystick", directly actuated by a practitioner monitoring the subject, the movements of the "joystick" corresponding to the movements imparted to the platform. Thus, it is possible to adapt the care very precisely, depending on the pathology detected. It is also conceivable to record a specific trajectory related to the pathology of the subject, and to implement it automatically in self-service mode.

The device is further provided with handles (not shown) located substantially at the height of the trunk of a standard user to allow the latter to stand and not to risk falling, given the oscillation movements conferred to the platform on which he rests while standing. These handles can also be animated with particular movements, to optimize the action of rehabilitation or bodybuilding desired.

Claims (4)

1. An apparatus for mobilization of the body comprising a receiving platform (1) which is movable in relation to a fixed chassis (20, 22), and which is designed to support a subject who is to be treated in a standing position, the platform (1) being connected to the chassis by a double pivot connection, and being driven in an oscillating movement in relation to an axis passing substantially through its centre by means of actuators (8, 9) which are each connected by a pivot connection to a single shaft (6) connected to said platform, and extending perpendicularly with regard to the plane defined by said platform, said actuators having a substantially perpendicular direction in relation to one another, characterized:

   • in that said actuators (8, 9) are themselves articulated on the chassis ;

   • in that the platform (1) is articulated on a rigid upper frame or armature (3), defining a first substantially horizontal axis of articulation (A-A) constituting the first pivot connection of the double pivot connection, said upper frame (3) itself being articulated on a rigid armature (4) along a second substantially horizontal axis of articulation (B-B) perpendicular to said first axis of articulation, constituting the second pivot connection of the double pivot connection, said rigid armature being integral with the chassis (20, 22) ;

   • and in that the actuators (8, 9) are connected to the free end of said shaft by means of a cardan coupling (39, 40).
2. The apparatus for mobilization of the body as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the actuators (8, 9) are each constituted by a linear actuator, and particularly an electric linear actuator, the point where it is fixed to the chassis being constituted by a pivot connection (10, 11) of the cardan coupling type.
3. The apparatus for mobilization of the body as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the actuators are each constituted by a ball screw (37, 38), capable of turning in both directions by means of a brushless motor (12, 13), provided with an encoder or even a reducer.
4. The apparatus for mobilization of the body as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises handles and in general terms any holding means, that allow the subject who is to be treated or trained to keep steady by means of his upper limbs, in consideration of the imbalances to which he is subjected, given the oscillation of the platform (1) on which he is standing.

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