FR2663855A1 - EXERCISE SUPPORT FOR SPINE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The exercise device comprises a hollow rigid tube (1) wrapped in a layer of structural foam (2). A vibrating sub-assembly (3) is centrally housed in the tube, a source of electricity (9) is housed at a first end (10) of the tube, and a power supply control device (15) is housed at the other end of the tube. The exercise device can be used as an axial back support unit for a user and provides spinal relaxation, care and rehabilitation.

Description

EXERCISE SUPPORT FOR SPINE
The present invention relates to an apparatus intended to be used in particular for relaxation, maintenance or rehabilitation of the spine.

 To carry out these functions, vibrating tables are already known which allow a tilting posture. The user is in back support on the flat surface of the table, and is stressed by the vibrations of the table. However, it is found that such a device provides only a mediocre effect of stretching and reducing curvatures of the back.

 The problem proposed by the present invention is to significantly increase the effect obtained, by applying the following two considerations - it is considered that a spine, resting on a flat surface, rests mainly by the muscle areas located on either side of the column; it follows that the known devices do not have a direct action on the spine itself, which is probably a cause of the lack of effectiveness of these known devices; we must therefore design means constituting more direct support on the dorsal spines, while support on the lateral muscle areas of the back must be reduced or avoided; it must therefore be possible to place the entire vertebral axis in a horizontal position, with calibrated support on the area of the posterior vertebral spinous muscles. In addition, this must allow, during the ventilation movements carried out by the rib cage, to seek the amplification of the costal arches.

- When the back is resting on a flat surface such as a known vibrating table, it is in the rest state, and is passively subjected to the vibrations of the table. It is assumed that this passivity is the second cause of the mediocre effects obtained by known devices. To avoid these drawbacks, the invention aims to design an apparatus which forces the user to seek postural balance, so as to stimulate the arthro-neuromuscular elements. Thus, by reflex system, the active stresses and activations of all the articular and periarticular structures dependent on the vertebral axis are favored.

 To reach objects as well as others, the exercise support for a spine according to the present invention comprises a generally cylindrical body comprising a surface portion, intended to form the upper surface, the radius of curvature of which is in the vicinity of the generator. summit is between 3 and 8 centimeters approximately. In this way, the user can rest lengthwise on the cylindrical body by his spine, and the posterior dorsal spines are then supported on the upper surface of the cylindrical body; the curvature of said upper surface makes it possible to completely release the lateral muscular zones of the user's back. The vertebral axis is thus in calibrated support on the area of the posterior vertebral spinous, that is to say aligned on the long axis of the cylinder, in search of stability. The relaxing effect obtained is very important. There is an immediate analgesic effect of neck pain, back pain, lumbar pain, by effect of "vertebral loosening". By favoring the movements of the costal arches, since they are not maintained by the cylindrical body, we improve the muscular effects of the muscles of the whole trunk and in particular of the abdominals, in static, dynamic and in short position. It also improves the sense of balance at the muscular level, and promotes the equilibration of muscle tone and proprioceptive couples.

 It is advantageous to use such a generally cylindrical body whose length is greater than the length of the spine of an adult man. Thus, the entire vertebral axis can rest on the device.

 Preferably, the upper surface of the generally cylindrical body is formed of a layer of elastically deformable material surmounting a rigid base. The elasticity of the material is chosen so that the thorny carriers of a spine, resting on the exercise support, sink into the elastic material to a depth of between 3 and 7 millimeters approximately. This makes it possible to distribute the mechanical support forces of the user over a sufficient dorsal surface, however limiting the support zones to only the zones immediately adjacent to the dorsal spines. Such an effect can be obtained for example by using a polyurethane skin foam with elastic memory of thickness between 5 and 25 millimeters approximately and density between 200 and 600 grams per liter approximately.

 The rigid base, surmounted by the layer of elastically deformable material, must have sufficient rigidity so that the ends of the support remain flat on the flat ground when a user is supported according to all their weight in the central part.

 It is advantageous to use a cylindrical body comprising a rigid cylindrical core of revolution, the entire outer surface of which is covered with a surface layer of said elastically deformable material.

 Alternatively, provision may be made for a generally cylindrical solid body made of a relatively deformable material, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, or any other material allowing the appropriate insertion of the backbone thorny carriers into the device.

 According to an advantageous embodiment, the exercise support according to the invention further comprises internal vibrating elements for biasing the cylindrical body in vibration. For example, one can conceive of such a support comprising a cylindrical aluminum tube whose diameter is between 60 and 160 millimeters, and containing, in its central part, a vibrating sub-assembly secured to the inner wall of the tube. Control and supply means make it possible to adjust the vibration frequency, its amplitude, and possibly make it possible to determine vibration cycles comprising periods of rest and periods of operation.

 Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description of particular embodiments, given in conjunction with the attached figures, among which - FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of an exercise support according to a embodiment of the present invention - Figure 2 is a cross section illustrating the relative positions of the back and the exercise support, in dorsal support along the longitudinal axis of the exercise support - Figure 3 shows in perspective an element support usable to hold the exercise support - Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exercise support held in two support elements - Figure 5 shows another mode of use of the support elements with an exercise support - Figures 6 to 8 illustrate three postures for using the exercise support as a back support - Figure 9 illustrates another posture for using the exercise support e - Figure 10 illustrates a use of the exercise support for an action on the soles of the feet - Figure 11 illustrates another possibility of using the exercise support, balanced on the feet; and - Figure 12 illustrates another use of the exercise support, in transverse support on the back and rolling.

 In the embodiment shown in the figures, the exercise support according to the invention comprises a rigid cylindrical core in the form of an aluminum tube 1, of substantially circular section, with a diameter advantageously between 60 and 160 millimeters , and of length between 80 and 120 centimeters. The aluminum tube has a sanded outer surface, and overmolded with a continuous outer surface layer 2 of skin foam, of thickness between 5 and 25 millimeters, and of density between 200 and 600 grams per liter.

 Inside the tube 1, in the central zone, is housed a vibrating sub-assembly 3. The vibrating sub-assembly 3 comprises an electric motor 4 with direct current, partially embedded in a block of high density rubber 5 whose surface device bears against the internal face 6 of the tube 1. The motor shaft 7 exits outside the high density rubber block 5, and drives in rotation at least one eccentric counterweight 8. The speed of rotation of the eccentric counterweight is advantageously between 50 and 80 revolutions per second.

 The DC motor 4 is powered by a source of electrical energy, for example a rechargeable accumulator 9 held at one end 10 of the tube. In the embodiment shown, the rechargeable accumulator 9 is partially embedded in a block of high density rubber 11 closing the end 10 of the tube, inside said tube. An external charger 12, provided with connection means 13, can be connected in a suitable connector 14 electrically connected to the rechargeable accumulator 9, for recharging said accumulator at will.

 An engine power control device 15 is disposed at the second end 16 of the tube 1, for example held in a block of high density rubber 17 closing the second end 16 of the tube 1. The engine power control device 15 comprises an electronic card 18 and various display and control members such as switches, for modulating the electrical energy coming from the rechargeable accumulator 9 and sent to the direct current motor 4. Thus, the control device 15 comprises switching means for transmitting electrical energy from the rechargeable accumulator 9 to the direct current motor 4, or for interrupting this transmission of energy, causing the rotation or stopping of the motor. The control device 15 advantageously comprises timing means for produce operating cycles with alternating periods of engine rotation and shutdown. For example, the following cycles can advantageously be defined - cycle number 1: pause 1 minute - vibration 30 seconds - pause 1 minute - vibration 1 minute - pause 30 seconds - vibrations 1 minute off.

- cycle number 2: pause 30 seconds - vibration 1 minute - pause 30 seconds - vibration 1.5 minutes - pause 30 seconds - vibration 2 minutes - stop.

- cycle number 3: pause 1 minute - vibration 4 minutes - stop.

 The control device 15 may advantageously comprise means for adjusting the supply voltage of the direct current electric motor 4, to adjust the speed of rotation of the motor and the counterweight 8 between at least a first speed at which the assembly of the tube 1 and of the elements which it contains vibrate in demionde, the two ends 10 and 16 being nodes of vibration, the center of the tube 1 being a belly of vibration, and a second speed in which the whole of the tube and elements which it contains vibrate in whole wave, the two ends 10 and 16 and the center of the tube being three bellies of vibration.

 The electrical energy supplied by the rechargeable accumulator 9 is transmitted to the control device 15 by a first line of electrical conductors 19, and this energy is then transmitted from the control device 15 to the electric motor 4 by a second line of electrical conductors 20.

 Switching means, accessible from the external face of the block 17, allow the user to choose the cycles and the operating modes of the DC motor 4.

 Figure 2 is a partial schematic cross section of the support area when a user is in axial back support on the exercise support according to the invention. The back 21 of the user is shown diagrammatically, with a posterior dorsal spine 22, and the lateral muscular zones 23 and 24. The posterior dorsal thorn 22 is supported on the exercise support according to the invention, comprising the rigid tube 1 and the layer of elastically deformable material 2. The layer of elastically deformable material 2 is deformed by the posterior dorsal thorn machine 22, as shown in the figure, the thorn machine 22 sinking to a depth of between 3 and 7 millimeters. The support area of the back on the exercise support according to the invention is thus defined by the only area adjacent to the posterior dorsal thorn 22, and the lateral muscle areas 23 and 24 of the back remain free.

 It is advantageously possible to provide a layer of elastically deformable material 2 whose structure is heterogeneous, comprising for example liquid inclusions. The difference in density of the materials of said layer 2 produces a massage effect.

 FIG. 3 represents, in perspective, an accessory capable of being used in association with the exercise support shown in FIG. 1. This accessory is a support element 25, consisting of a rigid substantially parallelepipedal block pierced with a lumen 26 shaped to be traversed by the cylindrical body of the exercise support. One of the lateral faces 27 of the support element 25 is concave, in the form of a cylindrical hollow, forming a cradle on which the cylindrical body of the exercise support can rest.

 For example, in FIG. 4, the cylindrical body of the exercise support can be inserted into two support elements 25 and 251, said support elements 25 and 251 resting on the ground along their edges, so that the body cylindrical is kept away from the ground, for example to improve its vibration possibilities.

 Similarly, in FIG. 5, the cylindrical body of the exercise support rests on two support elements 25 and 251, both arranged flat on the ground, with their concave faces, such as the face 27, directed upwards. and receiving the lower side face of the cylindrical body.

 In the embodiment which has been represented in FIG. 1, the exercise support according to the invention comprises a vibrating sub-assembly 3 and supply and control means. The vibrating subassembly embodiment 3 makes it possible to request information transmitted to all the neuro-muscular, neurotendinous, neuro-ligament receptive elements inherent in all of the various articular systems of the vertebrae.

 It is however possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to design a more simplified exercise support comprising only the tube 1, the outer layer of elastically deformable material 2, and not comprising a motor, a counterweight, and power or control element. The exercise support is then purely static, but can however be used effectively to obtain sensitive effects.

 Also, one can provide according to the invention a generally cylindrical body whose section is not circular. For example, it is advantageously possible to provide a flat on a portion of the periphery of the body, said flat constituting a privileged face for bearing on the ground, opposing the rotations or displacements of the body.

 Figures 6 to 12 illustrate various modes of use of the exercise support according to the invention, whether it is an exercise support with vibrating elements 3 or without vibrating elements.

 In FIG. 6, the user is in axial dorsal support on the exercise support, and his back rests on the support by the posterior dorsal spines. The legs are folded, and the feet rest on the ground.

 In FIG. 7, the user has a position relatively similar to that of FIG. 6, and his legs are folded upwards, to eliminate the hollow of the back.

 In FIG. 8, the position is similar to that of FIG. 7, legs stretched upwards.

 In Figure 9, the user has the exercise support in a transverse position, and is supported on its upper surface by the cervical area.

 In FIG. 10, the user seated on a seat allows the soles of his feet to rest on the exercise support.

 In FIG. 11, the exercise support is supported on two support elements 25 and 251, and the user is standing on the exercise support.

 In FIG. 12, the user has the exercise support on the ground, transversely with respect to himself, and is supported by a dorsal area. He can roll the exercise support to modify the back support area.

 In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aluminum tube 1 is in one piece. It is however possible to design a device consisting of two removable sections, allowing them to be axially assembled for use, and allowing them to be dismantled for transport.

 The device according to the invention allows many exercises by rolling effect, while keeping or not the vibratory system in action. By its nature, the device is very light and robust. It is intended for the general public, including the elderly and trauma victims of the spine, once the lesions have consolidated.

 The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variants and generalizations thereof contained in the field of claims below.

Claims (14)

 1 - Exercise support for spine, characterized in that it comprises a generally cylindrical body comprising an outer surface portion, intended to form the upper surface, whose radius of curvature in the vicinity of the summit generatrix is between 3 and about 8 centimeters, so that a user's spine can align and rest on said upper surface.  2 - Exercise support according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper surface is formed of a layer of elastically deformable material (2) surmounting a rigid base (1), the elasticity of material being chosen so that the spiny carriers (22) of a spine resting on the exercise support sink to a depth of between 3 and 7 millimeters approximately.  3 - Exercise support according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the base (1) has sufficient rigidity so that the ends of the exercise support (10, 16) remain flat on the flat floor when a user is supported according to all their weight in the central part of the exercise support.  4 - Exercise support according to claim 2, characterized in that the generally cylindrical body comprises a rigid core (1) cylindrical covered with a surface layer (2) of said elastically deformable material.  5 - Exercise support according to one of claims 2 or 4, characterized in that said elastically deformable surface layer (2) consists of a skin foam with elastic memory, of thickness between 5 and 25 millimeters approximately, and density between 200 and 600 grams per liter approximately.  6 - Exercise support according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cylindrical body has a circular section.  7 - Exercise support according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises internal vibrating elements (3) for biasing the cylindrical body in vibration.  8 - Exercise support according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises - a cylindrical aluminum tube (1), whose diameter is between 60 and 160 millimeters, - a vibrating sub-assembly (3), housed in the tube (1) in the vicinity of its central portion, and integral with the internal face (6) of the wall of the tube (1), - an external surface layer (2) of skin foam covering the external face of the tube (1) , the foam (2) having a thickness of between 5 and 25 millimeters approximately and a density of between 200 and 600 grams per liter approximately.  9 - Exercise support according to claim 8, characterized in that - the vibrating sub-assembly (3) comprises an electric motor (4) with direct current partially embedded in a block of high density rubber (5) whose peripheral surface door against the internal face (6) of the tube (1), - the drive shaft (7) piles up at least one eccentric counterweight (8) according to a rotation speed of between 50 and 80 revolutions per second, - a source of electrical energy (9), supplying the motor (4), is housed at one of the ends (10) of the tube (1).  10 - Exercise support according to claim 9, characterized in that - the energy source (9) is a rechargeable electric accumulator, - a motor power control device (15) is housed in the second end (16 ) of the tube (1), to control the start and stop of the motor (4).  11 - Exercise support according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device (15) comprises timing means for producing operating cycles comprising alternating periods of rotation and stopping of the engine (4).  12 - Exercise support according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the control device (15) comprises means for adjusting the supply voltage of the electric motor (4), for adjusting the speed of motor rotation between at least a first speed in which the whole of the exercise support vibrates in half wave and a second speed in which the whole of the exercise support vibrates in full wave.  13 - Exercise support according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises two support elements (25, 251) each consisting of a parallelepipedal block pierced with a light (26 ) shaped to be traversed by the cylindrical body, so that the cylindrical body can rest on its two support supports (25, 251) placed on the ground according to their edge.  14 - Exercise support according to claim 13, characterized in that the support supports (25, 251) comprise a concave side face (27) forming a cylindrical hollow in a cradle to receive a portion of the lateral surface of the cylindrical body , so that the cylindrical body can rest on its two support supports (25, 251) placed flat on the ground.