FR3083709A1 - MULTIPURPOSE MULTIPURPOSE SPORTS ACCESSORY FOR BODY SUPPORT AND ALLOWING BALANCE EXERCISES, PARTICULARLY FOR YOGA PRACTICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunctional multifunctional sports accessory for serving as support for different parts of the body, comprising at least: - a first rigid lateral part in the form of an arc of a circle, - a second rigid lateral part of substantially equal shape and dimensions to the first lateral part and arranged parallel to the first lateral part, - a rigid upper part forming a shell connecting the two lateral parts and along the arc of a circle so as to form a convex surface and a quadrilateral base, characterized in that the base comprises two flaps (11) and (12) of equal dimensions forming two feet raising the device when they are open and closing the cavity formed by the lateral parts (3) and (4) and the upper part (2 ) when closed.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Multipurpose multifunctional sports accessory serving to support the body and allowing balance exercises, in particular for the practice of yoga

Technical Field The present invention belongs to the field of sports accessories, and more particularly relates to an accessory suitable for the practice of yoga and related disciplines such as pilates and fitness but also physiotherapy and other body therapies or certain situations of everyday life such as working at a desk (sitting desk or standing desk).

PRIOR ART [0002] Yoga is an increasingly popular practice which aims, by means of postural exercises, of breathing and of concentration, to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, respiratory capacity. , the practitioner's stress management and his health as a whole.

There are many sports accessories suitable for the practice of yoga. These accessories include benches, chairs, wedges, supports, cushions, bolsters, straps or even rugs. These accessories are often available in several sizes and dedicated to particular positions or exercises. The practice of yoga then requires a variety of accessories that it is not always easy to transport due to their size and weight.

Existing devices may have been the subject of filing industrial property titles (patents in particular):

DE 20 2013 005 888 U1 [0006] US 2016 143444 Al [0007] US8734308B1 [0008] USD431617 [0009] There is therefore a need for a yoga accessory which is easy to transport and suitable for being used for more wide variety of postures.

Summary of the invention [0010] To this end, the invention relates to a multifunctional multifunctional sports accessory for serving as support for different parts of the body, comprising at least:

- a first rigid lateral part (3) in the shape of an arc of a circle,

a second rigid lateral part (4) of shape and dimensions substantially equal to the first lateral part (3) and arranged parallel to the first lateral part (3), a rigid upper part forming a shell (2) connecting the two lateral parts (3) and (4) along the arc of a circle so as to form a convex surface and a quadrilateral base.

The accessory is remarkable in that the base has two flaps (11) and (12) of equal dimensions forming two feet raising the device when they are open and closing the cavity formed by the side parts (3) and (4) and the upper part (2) when closed, the external surface of the accessory being made of a rigid material adapted to essentially retain its shape when it supports the weight of a person on any of its parts.

In the remainder of this document, the terms accessories, device, apparatus are equivalent and can be used interchangeably to designate the subject of the present invention.

The flaps (11) and (12) thus make it possible to raise the device so that it can be used as a bench or as a raised wedge, and to close the cavity formed by the lateral parts, the base and the upper part forming a shell when closed so as to allow a user to store accessories such as a blanket, strap, or any other object inside. Closing the shutters makes it possible to obtain a compact accessory, compact and therefore easy to transport, the rounded shape of the device, the outline of which is circular, oval, elliptical, partially rectilinear or a combination of these different shapes associated with Removable flaps allow the practitioner, whether beginner or advanced, to adjust the stall height of the different parts of his body during the exercises to his liking.

Indeed, depending on the location of the convex surface where the user is supported with his heels, his wrists or other parts of his body [Fig. 15] to [Fig. 28], the pitch height will be more or less important. The opening of the removable flaps (11) and (12) and the use of the accessory in a vertical position on one of its lateral parts (3) or (4) increases the number of possibilities of setting heights and makes it possible to use the accessory in many exercises.

This therefore allows the device to be used in a wide variety of postures, to adapt them to his own physical limitations, to improve his comfort, and therefore to perform the exercises in the muscular relaxation necessary for progress. and become flexible at all levels.

The versatility of the invention simplifies the use and the need for several yoga accessories.

The device can be used on a yoga mat or on the floor.

The device can be used anywhere, at home, at work, at the gym, in health and wellness centers, in the doctor's office or in other leisure facilities, sport and health.

In a preferred embodiment, the size and dimensions of the device are configured so that it can be easily transported and stored in places such as under a bed or even in the upper compartment of an airplane, a train, etc.

According to a particular embodiment, at least one of the two lateral parts (3) and / or (4) comprises a recess (13) and / or (14) forming a handle.

Or the handles allow both the user to grasp the accessory for transport and also to be grasped by the user to perform certain exercises.

Or the handles formed by the recess or recesses do not protrude and therefore allow the accessory to rest stably in the vertical position. Such an arrangement facilitates the handling of the accessory and in particular facilitates its storage. In addition, recesses being made in each of the side parts, the accessory can be grasped with two hands when it rests on its base, to perform certain exercises as on the [Eig. 15] for example. The recess (s) made on the lateral part (s) also allow the device to be grasped with one hand during transport, for example, the accessory then being able to rest vertically on the opposite lateral part.

According to a particular embodiment, the upper part of the handles (13) and / or (14) is at a distance d of between 3 and 5 centimeters from the upper part (1 + 2) of the accessory on the [Eig. 4].

Such an arrangement allows an ergonomic configuration and allows the palm of the hand to rest on the upper part (1 + 2) of the accessory when the handle is grasped. Preferably, the distance d is 3.8 cm because this distance corresponds to the average length of the proximal phalanges, and to the average distance between the intermediate phalanges and the palm of the hand when the fingers bend to grip a handle. Such an arrangement allows a firmer grip without tension limiting muscle fatigue when the accessory is grasped with two hands.

This distance d of 3.8 cm also makes it possible to grasp the accessory in a comfortable and safe manner with one hand during its transport.

According to a particular embodiment, the quadrilateral base has dimensions L1 and L2 each between 30 and 50 cm on the [Eig. 4] to [Eig. 6].

These dimensions make it possible to take into account the morphology of the majority of potential users of the accessory in the various possible configurations of use, for example those illustrated [Eig. 15] to [Eig. 28].

A dimension L1 preferably between 35 and 45 cm allows to take into account the average spacing of the arms of an individual stretched out in front of him. In this way, a user's joints are less stressed when the accessory is grasped with both hands during exercises. Dimensions L1 and L2 preferably between 35 to 45 cm further allow a seat or a standing position on the accessory which is comfortable taking into account the average width of a basin while remaining compact.

Ideally, the dimensions L1 and L2 are equal so as to form a square base, which facilitates the use of the accessory as a working balance of balance in the two front-rear orientations [Fig. 23] and left-right [Fig. 24], especially for positioning the feet.

According to a particular embodiment, the upper part (1 + 2) has the shape of an arc of a symmetrical circle with respect to the axis V-V and which contains an angle A in [Fig. 4] between 30 ° and 140 °, and the height has a dimension H1 in [Fig. 5] between 5 and 20 cm, when the flaps (11) and (12) are closed with the angles B1 and B2 of [Fig. 10] equal to zero degrees.

This symmetrical shape with an angle A in [Fig. 4] preferably between 60 ° and 100 ° and a dimension H1 in [Fig. 5] preferably between 7 and 10 cm gives a geometry which allows the use of the accessory in an ergonomic, adaptive and comfortable way for a greater number of postures, reducing fatigue and pain in the various exercises.

The combination of these characteristics of shape and dimensions gives a geometry which allows the device to be useful in different configurations like those presented [Fig. 15] to [Fig. 28] and which allows in particular that the posture lying on the accessory [Fig. 19] is comfortable and that the device in balance configuration for the work of balance [Fig. 23] and [Fig. 24] is sufficiently unstable so that it is useful for balance work and sufficiently stable that it is not dangerous to use.

According to a particular embodiment, the flaps (11) and (12) form angles B1 and B2 in [Fig. 10] greater than or equal to 90 ° when open to their maximum amplitude.

Thus, when the device is raised, it is stable when the flaps (11) and (12) are open, the flaps not likely to close during an exercise. Such stability allows an individual to rest or mount securely on the accessory.

According to a particular embodiment, the flaps (11) and (12) respectively comprise an orifice (15) and (16) facilitating their opening.

These holes serve as handles which allow the user to open the shutters, otherwise the operation is not practical. The holes do not protrude, they advantageously allow the accessory to rest stably when it is placed on the base. Such an arrangement secures exercises which require solid support.

According to a particular embodiment, the flaps (11) and (12) have means for holding in a determined opening position.

Thus, the open or closed position of the flaps is maintained, the flaps not likely to open or close unexpectedly during the movement of the device between two exercises or during its transport. The use of the device is therefore made more convenient for the user.

According to a particular embodiment, the accessory comprises a coating (1) mainly on the shell (2) of the upper part.

This coating which ideally is flexible adds a comfortable thickness between the rigid structure of the accessory and the areas of contact with the user which improves the comfort of the user, his contacts with the accessory are amortized.

This same coating also ideally has the property of being non-slip which increases the friction forces of the surfaces in contact with it and prevents the accessory from slipping unintentionally.

The coating (1) present mainly on the shell (2) extends as far as the base at the areas (19) and (20) on the [Eig. 4] which prevents the device from moving involuntarily between two exercises and slipping when it is laid flat with its base in contact with the ground.

A non-slip coating also secures the use of the device in the balance configuration [Eig. 23] and [Fig. 24] by preventing the device from sliding on the ground under the weight of the user, especially when the user climbs on or off, which secures the use of the accessory.

According to a particular embodiment, the side parts (3) and / or (4) include a recess for fixing elements such as a carrying strap.

The accessory can be transported as is or using its handles incorporated in the side parts (3) and (4), or even using a strap which can be attached thanks to the recesses already present or to others. The location of the attachment points ensures that the accessory is balanced when worn over the shoulder or on the back, which facilitates its transport.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will be better understood on reading a particular embodiment described below and the appended figures among which:

[fig.l] is a perspective view and illustrates a device according to the invention, according to a particular embodiment, the flaps (11, 12) in the closed position [fig.2] is a view identical to [Fig . 1 [fig.3] is another perspective view of the device, the flaps (11, 12) in the closed position [fig.4] is a side view of the device, the flaps (11, 12) in the closed position [fig. 5] is a front view of the device, the flaps (11, 12) in the closed position [fig.6] is a bottom view of the device, the flaps (11, 12) in the closed position [fig.7] is a sectional view of the device along the axis VV of [Fig. 4 [fig.8] is a sectional view of the device along the axis W-W of [Fig. 5 [fig.9] is a side view of the device, the flaps (11, 12) in the open position [fig.10] is a front view of the device, the flaps (11, 12) in the open position [fig.ll ] is a bottom view of the device, the flaps (11, 12) in the open position [fig. 12] is a sectional view of the device along the axis X-X of [Fig. 9 [fig. 13] is a sectional view of the device along the Y-Y axis of [Fig. 10 [fig. 14] is a sectional view of the device along the axis Z-Z of [Fig. 10 [fig. 15], [Fig. 16

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided here. It should be understood, however, that the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific details described herein are not to be construed as limiting, but rather as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present invention in virtually any system. , structure or appropriately detailed.

Before explaining the described embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments . Likewise, the terminology used here is given by way of example and not of limitation.

The device according to the invention is particularly intended for yoga practitioners who need to adapt yoga postures to their comfort, and in particular to users with limits in the amplitude of their movements or a limited range of hands, wrists, arms, legs, feet, torso or head, and for those who need a stable support surface when used for a variety of applications such as yoga, pilates, fitness, different physical and massage therapies, meditation and relaxation, in the office or at home in daily life.

The [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 14] show an accessory according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising the following main parts:

(1) covering (2) shell (3) lateral flank 1 (4) lateral flank 2 (5) spar 1 (6) spar 2 (7) wedge 1 (8) wedge 2 (9) retaining strip 1 (10) retaining strip 2 (11) shutter 1 (12) shutter 2 (13) accessory handle 1 (14) accessory handle 2 (15) shutter handle 1 (16) shutter handle 2 (17) screw axis 1 (18) axis- screws 2 (19) and (20) extensions of the covering (1) under the base (21) and (22) free stops on the side members (5) and (6) for the flaps (11) and (12) in the open position (23) frank stop on the spar (6) for the flaps (11) and (12) in the closed position, a similar stop exists on the spar (5).

The accessory is made of rigid materials and at least practically dimensionally stable in a manner suitable for essentially retaining its shape when it supports the weight of a person on any of its parts.

It can be made of wood, a material similar to a plastic, such as PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), HDPE (Poly Ethylene High Density), PP (Poly Propylene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PA ( Poly Amide) possibly reinforced, in a light metal such as aluminum or a thin sheet or in any other suitably resistant material.

Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the materials and the manufacturing method chosen, the device can be made molded in one piece, or assembled in a more or less substantial number of elements interconnected by means such as adhesives. , screws, nails, staples, solder or other fastening means known in the art, so that it is robust enough to support at least the body weight of an adult user.

The shell (2), the lateral flank (3), the lateral flank (4), the spar (5) and the spar (6) form the bulk of the fixed structure of the accessory.

The [Eig. 6] shows the lateral parts (3) and (4) and the upper part (1 + 2) which form a quadrilateral base. This quadrilateral which is ideally a square, but can also be rectangular or trapezoidal, has dimensions L1 and L2 each between 30 and 50 cm, ideally around 35 to 45 cm.

The [Lig. 4] shows a side part of the device, the upper part (1 + 2) of which has the shape of an arc of a circle and which contains an angle A of approximately 30 ° to 140 °, preferably from 60 ° to 100 °. This form of arc of a circle could be replaced by another form of an arch whose outline is circular, oval, elliptical, partially rectilinear or a combination of these different forms, and symmetrical with respect to the V-V axis.

The height of this lateral part has a dimension H1 of between 5 and 20 cm, preferably around 7 to 10 cm when the flaps (11) and (12) are closed with angles B1 and B2 equal to zero degrees.

The geometry thus defined of the lateral flanks (3) and (4) allows the use of the apparatus for several exercises in several configurations and in a large number of postures.

According to a particular embodiment, a transverse support element connects the 2 lateral sides (3) and (4), the base and the upper part (1 + 2), which has the effect of improving the resistance when the device is made of a less resistant material, and to form a separation between two separate storage locations independently accessible by one and the other of the flaps.

The flaps (11) and (12) constitute the movable parts of the accessory.

The flap (12) can pivot around the axis formed by the screw axes (17) and (18), as shown in [Lig. 14] which represents a sectional view of the device. The appropriate tightening of these axes allows the user to easily open and close the flap (12), but also to maintain it in a determined position, so that it does not open or close. involuntarily during its movement or transport.

The flap (11) can pivot in the same way around the axis formed by two screw axes identical to (17) and (18) and functions in the same way as the flap (12).

In particular embodiments, other types of articulations can be envisaged, such as for example hinges, or other pivots.

On [Lig. 10], the flaps (11) and (12) form angles B1 and B2 greater than or equal to 90 °, ideally 105 °, when they are at their maximum amplitude.

The shims (7) and (8) make it possible to greatly reduce the risk of pinching during the respective closing of the flaps (11) and (12) by the user.

According to a particular embodiment, the accessory includes stops limiting the amplitude of the flaps (11) and (12) so that they can be in open abutment in the open position and in the closed position. The parts (21) and (22) of the side members (5) and (6) of the [Lig. 7] act as a clear stop for the flaps (11) and (12) in the open position. The part (23) of the beam (6) on [Lig. 12] and the similar part on the side member (5) act as a free stop for the flaps (11) and (12) in the closed position.

According to another particular embodiment, the accessory comprises means for locking the flaps (11) and (12) in the open position and also in the closed position.

The coating (1) which covers the shell (2) which constitutes the convex surface of the accessory and the base on the zones (19) and (20) is ideally between 2 and 8mm thick, is anti- slip and flexible (soft). This coating improves user comfort at the parts of his body in contact with the accessory and prevents it from inadvertently sliding on it. It also prevents the device from sliding off the ground depending on whether it is used in the right place [Lig. 1] or returned [Fig. 3],

For example, it is a cotton covering or includes a foam based on TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), latex or natural rubber.

The retaining strips (9) and (10) make it possible to wedge the covering (1) in the grooves provided respectively in the side members (5) and (6).

According to a particular embodiment, the retaining strips (9) and (10) are made of wood, metal, plastic or any other suitably rigid material.

According to a particular embodiment, the retaining strips (9) and (10) are removable and allow the coating to be released to allow its replacement or maintenance.

According to another particular embodiment, the coating is bonded to the accessory using an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive. In this way the covering is completely secured to the accessory, which prevents the user pressing on the covering from slipping during an exercise and being injured.

According to another particular embodiment, the covering is glued using a system of hooks and textile loops or hook-and-loop strips which makes it possible to release the covering to allow its replacement or maintenance.

The [Lig. 4] shows the accessory handle (13) and the [Lig. 3] shows the accessory handle (14). These handles are incorporated respectively into the lateral flank (3) and the lateral flank (4) in the form of recesses and are positioned at a distance d between 2 and 5 centimeters from the upper part (1 + 2) and centered on the axis of symmetry VV of the accessory. These recesses pierce the sides right through so as to allow the passage of the hand for a good grip.

The shutter handle (15) and the shutter handle (16) are incorporated respectively in the shutter (11) and the shutter (12) in the form of recesses.

According to a particular embodiment, the flaps (11) and (12) do not have recesses serving as handles but devices such as those existing on certain furniture doors and which allow maintenance of the flaps (11) and (12 ) closed by magnets and an opening of these same flaps by the release of the stress by a pressure triggered by a spring separating the flap to allow its gripping (push-pull system).

All these handles (13), (14), (15), and (16) can be made up of separate handles and possibly recessed or retractable, of metal, plastic, wood or any other material, attached to the device by conventional fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc.

The lateral flank (3) and the lateral flank (4) may also each comprise a recess or an additional element, such as a loop or hook, attached and embedded or retractable in a housing enabling elements such as a carrying strap or other accessories.

In the [Lig. 1] to [Lig. 14], the training devices shown are of course only examples and may be modified in any way, modified or supplemented by other elements. More specifically, the size ratios can vary, the bending angle, the bending itself, whether circular, oval, etc., as well as the materials used for the manufacture of the training apparatus can be varied or modified. Of course, it is also possible to add additional elements, such as holes, handles, etc.

The [Lig. 7] and [Lig. 8] show sectional views and show the volume available for storing objects when the flaps (11) and (12) are in the closed position.

When the flaps (11) and (12) are kept in the closed position as in [Lig. 1] and the [Lig. 4] to [Lig. 8], with the quadrilateral base in contact with the ground, the device makes it possible to serve as a wedge for different parts of the body of the user, as in [Lig. 15] to [Lig. 22], at a maximum height H1 of between 5 and 20 cm, preferably around 7 to 10 cm.

The curved shape of the upper part (1 + 2) allows it to measure the leveling height it needs, depending on where the curve is supported.

The [Lig. 21] and the [Lig. 22] show examples of use as a footstool while sitting at a desk.

In this closed configuration, the device can also be used with the convex face in contact with the ground and serve as a balance allowing the user to work his balance from front to back or from left to right as in the [Lig. 23] and [Lig. 24].

This use is also possible for people working at a standing desk. When the flaps (11) and (12) are kept in the open position as in [Lig.

2] and [Lig. 9] to [Lig. 14], with the quadrilateral base raised from the ground, the device makes it possible to serve as a higher hold compared to the previous configuration, to different parts of the body of the user, as on the [Lig. 25] to [Lig. 28], at a maximum total height H2 of between 15 and 30 cm, preferably about 20 to cm.

The curved shape of the upper part (1 + 2) allows it to measure the stall height it needs, depending on where the curve is supported.

This configuration is particularly interesting for use as a meditation bench or work at a coffee table.

You can of course imagine using the accessory in other configurations allowing you to perform other postures or exercises.

It can for example be placed with the flaps (11) and (12) closed and one of its lateral faces (3) or (4) in contact with the ground.

It can also be installed with the flaps (11) and (12) open and one of the side members (5) or (6) in contact with the ground.

These last configurations of use make it possible to obtain even greater heights of setting for the hands for example.

The [Fig. 15] to [Fig. 28] represent examples of the use of the device, and are not limited to those shown here. As shown in the figures, one or more locations of the device are chosen by the user or the therapist to facilitate the range of motion, and provide support and tactile comfort in the different positions, according to the needs of the user.

claims

Claims (10)

1. Multifunctional multifunctional sports accessory to serve as support for different parts of the body, comprising at least: - a first rigid lateral part (3) in the shape of an arc of a circle, a second rigid lateral part (4) of shape and dimensions substantially equal to the first lateral part (3) and arranged parallel to the first lateral part (3), - a rigid upper part forming a shell (2) connecting the two lateral parts (3) and (4) along the arc of a circle so as to form a convex surface and a quadrilateral base, characterized in that the base comprises two flaps (11) and (12) of equal dimensions forming two feet raising the device when they are open and closing the cavity formed by the lateral parts (3) and (4) and the upper part (2) when they are closed. 2. Accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the two lateral parts (3) and / or (4) comprises a recess (13) and / or (14) forming a handle. 3. Accessory according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper part of the handles (13) and / or (14) is at a distance d between 3 and 5 centimeters from the upper part (1 + 2) of the accessory . 4. Accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the quadrilateral base has dimensions L1 and L2 each between 30 and 50 cm. 5. Accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper part (1 + 2) has the shape of an arc of a symmetrical circle with respect to an axis VV and which contains an angle A of between 30 ° and 140 °, and the height has a dimension H1 of between 5 and 20 cm, when the flaps (11) and (12) are closed with angles B1 and B2 equal to zero degrees. 6. Accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flaps (11) and (12) form angles B1 and B2 greater than or equal to 90 ° when they are open to their maximum amplitude. 7. Accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flaps (11) and (12) respectively comprise an orifice (15) and (16) facilitating their opening. 8. Accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flaps (11) and (12) have means for holding in a determined opening position. 9. Accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a coating (1) mainly on the shell (2) of the upper part. 10. Accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lateral parts (3) and / or (4) comprise a recess making it possible to fix elements therein such as a carrying strap.