FR2891748A1 - Medical and sports apparatus for muscular and balance training and re-education has rotating/tilting supports that are linked to turn in opposite directions - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (10) consists of a base (11) with two circular supports (13) that are able to rotate about vertical axes on shafts (24) and tilt about horizontal axes on pivots (22). They are connected by a system of levers (20, 26, 27) and bevel gears (23) that cause one support to rotate and tilt at the same angle but in the opposite direction to the other. The apparatus can be used with a supporting frame to be gripped with the hands, which can replace one of the circular supports, or with a seat to provide exercises for the pelvis and lower limbs.

Description

Medico-sporting muscle solicitation device for rebalancing

  TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a medico-sporting muscular solicitation apparatus 10 comprising: a base for positioning the apparatus on the ground, first and second supports, first articulation means relative to at the base of each support, about a vertical axis of rotation, second articulation means with respect to the base of each support, about a horizontal pivot axis, first coupling means of said first articulation means supports, so that any angular displacement of a support, according to the vertical axis of rotation, causes an angular displacement 20 opposite the other support, according to the vertical axis of rotation. STATE OF THE ART In the medico-sports field, in particular physiotherapy or fitness, there are devices for the rehabilitation and / or muscle strengthening of different muscles or joints of a patient. These devices make it possible to perform flexion and / or extension type exercises to work, for example, the abdominal, gluteal or lumbar muscles. For more precise treatments of the back or spine, professionals generally propose the use of a multitude of devices combined with each other, to work several muscles at the same time.

  However, these devices are too bulky and too bulky and generally have a purchase price too high. In addition, the effectiveness of such a device is relatively low, because the range of exercises proposed is limited and most often inappropriate to the specific problems of users.

  The document US 2004/0097337 describes a rehabilitation device, of the stepper type, having a base on which are articulated supports for the upper limbs and for the lower limbs of the user. The means of articulation of the supports are coupled, for example by means of pinions or pulleys and belts, so that an angular displacement in a direction of support of the upper limbs, about a vertical axis of rotation, causes the angular displacement in an opposite direction of the support of the lower limbs, about a vertical axis of rotation. This type of device makes the exercises more effective, because the coupling of the rotational movements between the lower limbs and the upper limbs leads to a more appropriate and more effective solicitation of the muscles.

  However, this type of device does not adapt to the work of all muscles, including the pelvic girdle and the shoulder belt of the spine. This results in a limited effectiveness of the device, depending on the muscles to be treated. Moreover, this type of device is very bulky and its purchase price proves to be too high. Object of the Invention The object of the invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and is aimed at producing a device medico-sporting muscle solicitation that is effective, easy to use, compact and inexpensive, while allowing the user to be autonomous in the application of his exercises.

  The object of the invention is characterized in that: said second articulation means of each support each comprise means for transforming the pivoting movement of the corresponding support, around the horizontal pivot axis, into a rotational movement of an associated vertical shaft, and in that the apparatus comprises second coupling means of said vertical shaft associated with the second means of articulation of the supports, so that any angular displacement of a support, along the axis of pivoting horizontal, causes an angular displacement opposite the other support, along the horizontal pivot axis.

  Such a muscular biasing device allows optimal work of the muscles, especially at the level of the scapular and pelvic belts, because all movements around the vertical axis of rotation and around the horizontal pivot axis are coupled.

  According to a development of the invention, the vertical shaft associated with said second articulation means of each support is provided, at its upper end, with a first conical pinion of vertical axis, cooperating with a second conical pinion pinion horizontal.

  According to another development of the invention: - said first hinge means comprise a hollow vertical sleeve, rotatably mounted relative to the base around the vertical axis of rotation 3 and serving as a rotation bearing for the associated vertical shaft said second articulation means, and a yoke with two branches, integral with an upper end of the vertical sleeve and associated with the horizontal axis of the second conical gear, said second articulation means comprise a tilting beam, arranged between the branches of the yoke and secured to the corresponding support and the horizontal axis of the second conical gear.

  Such an apparatus allows the user to work in the three directions of space, thanks to these particular means of articulation and coupling movements. This results in an efficient transmission of movements from one support to another, for optimal efficiency exercises performed.

  According to one embodiment of the invention, the user's supports comprise a platform, respectively for the upper and lower limbs of the user.

  Such configuration of the apparatus allows the user to work in the so-called four-legged position, allowing effective and complete mobilization of the spine for rebalancing of the spine.

  According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the user's supports comprise a platform and a gripping frame, respectively for the lower limbs and for the upper limbs of the user. Such a configuration of the apparatus allows the user to stand up and work including complete proprioceptive reprogramming in charge of the joints of the ankles and knees, combined with effective work of muscle strengthening of the arms. Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

  FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of a medico-sports apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 schematically represents an enlarged sectional view of the articulation of a support of the user relative to the base of the apparatus according to FIG. FIG. 4 is a view from below of the apparatus according to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a sports medicine apparatus according to FIGS. invention. FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus according to FIG. 5. FIG. 7 represents an enlarged view of the coupling means of the means of articulation of the supports of the apparatus according to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 8 schematically represents an enlarged sectional view of the articulation of the support of the upper limbs of the user relative to the base of the apparatus according to FIGS. 5 to 7. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8 , the medico-sport apparatus 10 according to the invention is particularly intended for the rebalancing of the human body by mobilization of the spine by automatically opposite rotation of the scapular and pelvic belts. It is obvious that it is possible to build muscle of other muscles, by performing appropriate exercises. It is also possible to use the device for any other application, for example stretching type.

  In Figures 1 to 4, a first embodiment of the apparatus 10 comprises a base 11, for placing the apparatus 10 on the ground. The base 11 is preferably substantially I-shaped, with a longitudinal branch and two transverse branches. The base 11 has four support legs 12, preferably arranged at the ends of the transverse branches of the I. By way of example, the base 11 is made of metal and the feet 12 are made of gripping plastic, in order to prevent the sliding of the apparatus 10 on the floor during use. Referring to the reference plane shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal leg of the I is oriented along the reference axis y and the base 11 is placed horizontally on the ground, namely parallel to the plane Pxy (Figures 2 and 4).

  In the particular embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the apparatus 10 comprises two support platforms 13, for example of circular shape, for supporting the upper and / or lower limbs of the user. Depending on the length of the apparatus 10, the user can work in a first standing position, with one foot on each platform 13, or can work in a so-called four-legged position, in which his upper limbs are on a platform 13 and lower limbs on the other platform 13.

  In FIG. 2, the base 11 comprises two mounting orifices 14, preferably made at the ends of the longitudinal bar of the I and each cooperating with a platform 13. The orifices 14 are spaced a predetermined distance, depending on the different configurations that can take the device 10.

  In Figures 2 and 3, each support platform 13 is articulated on the base 11 about a vertical axis of rotation R1 and about a horizontal pivot axis R2. In the particular embodiment described below, the elements constituting the articulation of a platform 13 with respect to the base 11 are identical for the two platforms 13.

  For the articulation of each platform 13, the apparatus 10 comprises a hollow vertical sleeve 15 rotatably mounted in the corresponding orifice 14 (FIG. 3). The vertical sleeve 15 is provided with a yoke 16 at its upper end, comprising two parallel vertical branches 17. The vertical sleeve 15 and the clevis 16 with two branches 17 define the first articulation means of each platform 13, about the vertical axis of rotation R1. A tilting beam 18 is arranged between the branches 17 of the yoke 16. The beam 18 preferably has an inverted U-shaped section, the base of the U being integral with the corresponding platform 13 and the wings of the U extending parallel to the legs 17 of the yoke 16. The beam 18 20 is pivotally mounted relative to the legs 17 of the yoke 16, about the horizontal pivot axis R2.

  In Figures 1, 3 and 4, the lower end of each vertical sleeve 15 is provided with a first link 19 coupling, projecting perpendicularly from the lower end. The first links 19 of the vertical sleeves 15 corresponding to each platform 13 are connected by a first coupling rod 20 serving as coupling member of the vertical sleeves 15 and the transmission member of the rotational movement of the platforms 13. In the figure 4, the first rods 19 are oriented, preferably in opposition along the reference axis x, and the first rod 20 is articulated on the first links 19 via, for example, pivots 21.

  Thanks to this configuration of the device 10 coupling the vertical sleeves 15 of each platform 13, any angular displacement of a platform 13, along the vertical axis of rotation R1, causes an opposite angular displacement of the other platform 13, according to the vertical axis of rotation R1.

  For example, if the user is in the so-called four-legged position, the rotation of the shoulders in the clockwise direction then causes the rotation of the corresponding platform 13, which then causes the rotation in an opposite direction of the other platform 13, via the rod 20 and rods 19. This results in a rotation in the counterclockwise direction of the basin. This specific work in opposition of the scapular and pelvic belts makes the muscular reinforcement very effective.

  In FIGS. 1 to 4, for each platform 13, the tilting beam 18 is pivotally mounted, about the horizontal pivot axis R2, via horizontal axes 22 rotatably mounted in the branches 17 of FIG. the yoke 16 and integral with the U-shaped beam 18 reversed (Figure 3). The horizontal axis 22 mounted in one of the branches 17 comprises a conical pinion 23 horizontal, integral with the corresponding flange of the beam 18 U inverted.

  For each platform 13, the tilting movement of the beam 18, around the horizontal pivot axis R2, is transformed into a rotational movement by means of an associated vertical shaft 24, provided at its upper end with a vertical conical pinion, cooperating with the conical pinion 23 horizontal (Figure 3). The vertical shaft 24 and the vertical sleeve 15 are coaxial, along the vertical axis of rotation R1, and the vertical shaft 24 is rotatably mounted in the vertical sleeve 15, which then serves as a rotational bearing.

  The tilting beam 18 thus defines the second articulation means of each platform 13, about the horizontal pivot axis R2, and the vertical shaft 24 and the two bevel gears 23, 25 define the means for transforming the movement of pivoting in rotational motion.

  The pivoting of the tilting beam 18 drives the rotation of the pinion 23 of horizontal axis 22, which then causes the rotation of the associated vertical shaft 24, along the vertical axis of rotation R1, by meshing of the bevel gears 23 and 25 .

  The vertical shaft 24 associated with the articulation means of each platform 13 is provided with a second tie rod 26 at its lower end (FIG. 3), projecting perpendicularly from the lower end.

  In FIGS. 3 and 4, the second links 26 of the vertical shafts 24 corresponding to each platform 13 are connected by a second coupling rod 27 serving as coupling member for the vertical shafts 24 and of the transmission member for the tilting movement. 13. In FIG. 4, the second links 26 are oriented in opposition, along the reference axis x, and the second link 27 is articulated on the second links 26 via, for example, pivots 21, identical to those articulating the first rod 20.

  Thanks to this configuration of the device 10 coupling the vertical shafts 24 associated with the articulation of each platform 13, any angular displacement 30 of a platform 13, along the horizontal pivot axis R2, causes an angular displacement opposite the other platform 13, according to the horizontal pivot axis R2.

  For example, if the user is in the so-called four-legged position, the tilting of the shoulders to the left then causes the rotation of the vertical shaft 24 associated with the platform 13 of the upper limbs, which then causes the rotation in an opposite direction of the vertical shaft 24 associated with the platform 13 of the lower limbs, through the rods 26 and the rod 27. This results in the tilting of the platform 1 o 13 of the lower limbs to the right. This specific work in opposition of the scapular and pelvic belts makes the muscular reinforcement very effective.

  Thus, any angular displacement made at a platform 13 causes an identical angular displacement at the other platform 13, but in the opposite direction. The transmission of the rotational movement, according to the vertical axis of rotation R1, and the transmission of the tilting movement, according to the horizontal pivot axis R2, can be performed independently or simultaneously. In this case, this results in a joint in the three planes of the space of each platform 13, which optimizes the efficiency of all the exercises performed with the apparatus 10.

  The apparatus 10 thus offers a multitude of possible exercises, adapted to each user, and allows an optimal reinforcement of all the muscles, in particular of the scapular belt and the pelvic girdle, in order to perform a complete rebalancing of the human body.

  Furthermore, in FIGS. 1 and 4, the base 11 is preferably hollow-shell shaped, receiving the links 19, 26 and corresponding rods 20, 27 so that they are not visible from the outside (Figure 2). Furthermore, the rods 20 and 27 intersect under the base 11 by overlapping. This results in a sliding rods 20, 27 on each other during their respective movements.

  In an alternative embodiment not shown, the first rod 20 may comprise, for example, an opening in its middle part, so that the other rod 27 passes through the first rod 20 and slides in the opening of the rod 20 during their respective movements.

  In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the medical device 10 differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 by the support used to support the upper limbs of the user. The apparatus 10 comprises a platform 13 as described above, for the lower limbs of the user, and a gripping frame 28, intended to cooperate with the upper limbs of the user. In this configuration of the apparatus 10, the user works in a standing position and the apparatus 10 notably allows complete proprioceptive reprogramming in charge of the joints of the ankles and knees, combined with an effective work of arm muscle strengthening.

  In FIG. 6, the platform 13 of the apparatus 10 is articulated according to the same principle as above, around the vertical axis of rotation R1 and around the horizontal pivot axis R2. The gripping frame 28 is also articulated according to the same principle as above, around the vertical axis of rotation R1 and around the horizontal pivot axis R2.

  For the articulation of the gripping frame 28 relative to the base 11, the apparatus 10 advantageously comprises an upright 29, for example tubular and, preferably, secured to the base 11. The upright 29 is intended to position the frame 28 substantially at shoulder level of the user.

  As shown schematically in FIG. 6, the vertical shaft 24 associated with the transformation of the tilting movement of the frame 28 and the vertical sleeve 15 associated with the articulation of the frame 28 extend inside the upright 29. The links 19, 26 and the rods 20, 27 (not shown in Figure 6 for the sake of clarity), defining the coupling means of the apparatus 10, are located under the base 11. The bevel gears 23, 25, defining the means for transforming the tilting movement into rotational movement, and the yoke 16 integral with the upper end of the vertical sleeve 15, defining the articulation of the frame 28 about the vertical axis of rotation R1, are located at the frame 28, at shoulder height of the user.

  In Figure 7, only the lower ends of the vertical shaft 24 and the vertical sleeve 15, corresponding to the gripping frame 28, are shown. The operation of the coupling means is identical to the operation described above. Any angular displacement, around the axis of rotation R1, of the platform 13 causes an angular displacement in the opposite direction of the gripping frame 28, around the vertical axis of rotation R1, by means of the rods 19 and the 20. Any angular displacement of the platform 13, about the horizontal pivot axis R2, causes an angular displacement in the opposite direction of the gripping frame 28, about the horizontal pivot axis R2, via the rods. 26 and the rod 27. Conversely, any angular displacement of the gripping frame 28 causes an angular displacement in the opposite direction of the platform 13.

  In Figure 8, only the upper ends of the upright 29, the vertical shaft 24 and the vertical sleeve 15 are shown for reasons of clarity. The mechanism for transforming the pivoting movement of the frame 28, about the horizontal pivot axis R2, into rotational movement of the associated vertical shaft 24 is identical to the mechanism described above. The bevel gears 23 and 25 mesh one into the other so that the pivoting of the pinion 23, integral with the tilting beam 18, causes the rotation of the associated vertical shaft 24, inside the vertical sleeve 15. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the apparatus 10 with a platform 13 and a gripping frame 28 may comprise coupling rods 20, 27 which are superimposed or slide one into the other, as previously described. In another embodiment not shown, the medical device 10 advantageously comprises means for measuring the forces applied by the user, along the axis of vertical rotation R1 and along the horizontal pivot axis R2, on both platforms 13 (FIGS. 1 to 4) or on the platform 13 and the gripping frame 28 (FIGS. 5 to 8). The measuring means are preferably arranged under the base 11, at the crossing of the coupling rods 20 and 27. By way of example, the measuring means are connected to the rods 20, 27, for measuring during of their respective movements. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, whatever the embodiment of the apparatus 10, it may comprise means for blocking the articulations, around the vertical axis of rotation R1 and around the horizontal pivot axis R2. In Figures 3 and 8, the apparatus 10 may comprise indexing fingers 30, mounted in a branch 17 of the yoke 16 of the platform 13 or the corresponding frame 28. The indexing fingers 30 are preferably arranged on the side of the flange of the beam 18 opposite to the flange integral with the horizontal axis 22 of the conical pinion 23. The tilting beam 18 then comprises a long flange. extending all the way along the corresponding branch 17 and intended to cooperate with the indexing fingers 30.5 In the free tilting position, the indexing fingers 30 are arranged in the branches 17 of the yoke 16 and in the locked position, the fingers 30 fit into corresponding holes made in the thickness of the corresponding flange of the U-shaped beam 18 reversed. The platform 13 and the frame 28 are then locked in their tilting around the horizontal pivot axis R2. The principle of the apparatus 10 remains the same, with opposite rotation, around the vertical axis of rotation R1, of the user's supports.

  Whatever the embodiment of the medical-sports apparatus 10 described above, its operation is very simple and the user actuates indifferently one of the supports 13, 28 of the apparatus 10, to obtain the characteristic rotation in Opposite supports 13, 28. This results in optimum solicitation of the scapular and pelvic belts. The apparatus 10 offers a multitude of possible exercises, without any guidance, the user being completely autonomous in the application and in the force of his movements.

  Whatever the embodiment of the medical-sports apparatus 10 described above, it allows in particular a complete rebalancing of the human body by mobilization of the spine by opposite and automatic rotation of the scapular and pelvic belts, thanks to a multitude of possible exercises. The mobilization is active in the three planes of the space by coupling both the means of articulation of the supports 13, 28 of the user around the vertical axis of rotation R1 and around the axis of pivoting. horizontal R2.

  The apparatus 10 makes it possible to perform exercises without opposition force to the movements. The user gives the intensity he wants to his movements, so he is completely autonomous. The device is thus very easy to use. Moreover, the apparatus 10 is inexpensive and compact.

  The invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above. The coupling assembly, consisting of rods 19, 26 and rods 20, 27 may be replaced by any other type of transmission and coupling member. For example, the apparatus 10 may comprise systems of the type chains or cross belts or systems of the gear type.

  The apparatus 10 may comprise other types of media, for the support of the user. For example, the apparatus 10 may include a seat articulated on the base 11, for the lower limbs and the pelvis, and a gripping frame 28 for the upper limbs. The user is then in a sitting position with the hands on the frame 28, to perform the different exercises.

  The apparatus 10 may comprise additional indexing fingers, integral with the base 11 and cooperating, for example, with the yokes 16, to block them in their rotation about the vertical axis of rotation R1.

  In the case of using a gripping frame 28 as support for the upper limbs, it can be adjustable in height through, for example, a splined shaft.

  In the case of the use of two platforms 13, two users can work at the same time on the apparatus 10, each user standing on a platform 13 and standing with the other user facing him. 30

Claims (10)

claims   1. medico-sporting apparatus (10) of muscular biasing comprising: 5 - a base (11) for positioning the apparatus (10) on the ground, - first and second supports (13, 28), first means of articulation relative to the base (11) of each support (13, 28), about a vertical axis of rotation (R1), second articulation means relative to the base (11) of each support (13, 28), about a horizontal pivot axis (R2), - first coupling means of said first support articulation means (13, 28), so that any angular displacement of a support (13, 28) along the vertical axis of rotation (R1), causes an opposite angular displacement of the other support (13, 28) along the axis of vertical rotation (R1), characterized in that: said second means of rotation articulation of each support (13, 28) each comprise means for transforming the pivoting movement of the corresponding support (13, 28) around the axis of 20 partly horizontally (R2), in a rotational movement of an associated vertical shaft (24), and in that the apparatus comprises second coupling means of said vertical shaft (24) associated with the second means of articulation of the supports ( 13, 28), so that any angular displacement of a support 25 (13, 28), along the horizontal pivot axis (R2), causes an opposite angular displacement of the other support (13, 28), according to the horizontal pivot axis (R2).   2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical shaft (24) associated with said second articulation means of each support (13, 28) is provided at its upper end with a first conical gear ( 25) 16a vertical axis, cooperating with a second conical pinion (23) of horizontal axis (22).   3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said first hinge means comprise a hollow vertical sleeve (15) rotatably mounted relative to the base (11) about the vertical axis of rotation (R1) and serving as a rotational bearing for the vertical shaft (24) associated with said second articulation means, and a clevis (16) with two branches (17) secured to an upper end of the vertical sleeve (15) and associated with the horizontal axis (22) of the second bevel gear (23), said second articulation means comprise a tilting beam (18), arranged between the legs (17) of the yoke (16) and secured to the support (13, 28). ) and the horizontal axis (22) of the second bevel gear (23).   4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: said first coupling means comprise a first rod (20) articulated at each of its ends on a first rod (19) integral with the lower end of the vertical sleeve (15). corresponding first means of articulation of each support (13, 28), said second coupling means comprise a second rod (27) articulated at each of its ends on a second rod (26) integral with the lower end of the vertical shaft (24) associated with said second articulation means of each support (13, 28).   5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the first (19) and second (26) rods of said first and second coupling means are arranged, so that said first (20) and second (27) rods intersect under the base (11).   6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises locking means (30) independent of said first and second hinge means of each support (13, 28), around the vertical axis of rotation (R1) and the horizontal pivot axis (R2).   7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means for measuring the forces applied by the user on the supports (13, 28), along the vertical axis of rotation (R1 ) and the horizontal pivot axis (R2).   8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the measuring means are arranged under the base (11) and cooperate with said coupling means.   9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the supports (13, 28) of the user comprise a platform (13), respectively for the upper and lower limbs of the user.   10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the supports (13, 28) of the user comprise a platform (13) and a gripping frame (28), respectively for the lower limbs and for the upper limbs of the user. 25