FR2986159A1 - Standard balance board device for use in gym, has board element that is arranged with curve in its center or middle, where curve faces ground for contact, and removable partial loss of balance compensation unit is arranged in device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a board element (2) that is circular, rectangular or octagonal in shape, where the board element is able to be supported by a user. A rigid spherical or semi-spherical element (3) is provided to create an imbalance. The rigid spherical or semi-spherical element is positioned on a lower face of the board element. The board element is arranged with a curve in its center or middle, where the curve faces the ground for contact. A removable partial loss of balance compensation unit (5) is arranged in the device. An independent claim is also included for a method for using a standard balance board device.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of devices of the equilibrium plateau type, allowing the muscular reinforcement and the rehabilitation of the lower limbs (standing) and the muscle work of the abdominals by sitting exercises or lumbar muscles by exercises lying flat on the device causing an imbalance. These devices can improve rehabilitation by proprioception, increase muscle strength, and also allow rehabilitation of tendons and ligaments. The apparatus is usable in the courses "PILATES" by its principle of programmable difficulty imbalance. These devices generally comprise a circular plate of a diameter adapted for a person to stand, and a half-ball fixed on said plate, in the lower part. These devices are mainly used for muscle building or rehabilitation. These devices put in equilibrium very unstable the user who will be standing on it. So much so that he will struggle not to fall and thus "work" these lower limbs (joints, muscles, including the ankle, knee). The fact of causing an imbalance forces the user to resist the imbalance by tilting the feet and distributing his weight. The muscles of the thigh also have a role to play in maintaining a certain balance.

Prior art: Gymnastics devices of this type are known, mainly used by physiotherapists for muscular exercises, muscle strengthening or rehabilitation. The main disadvantages of these devices lie in the fact that the balance caused by the half-ball is very strong and is absolutely not controllable. Indeed, since the imbalance is caused by the half ball, it is therefore by definition even the ball: total.

This means that the devices so far proposed, can not adapt to users according to their physical state, their age, whether it is for muscle strengthening, rehabilitation, etc ... The physiotherapist will have to define if his patient will be able to or not use this device, and if the patient in the context of a rehabilitation (eg ankles) is sufficiently advanced in its rehabilitation to be able to use this device without danger. In the case where the patient is not, the physiotherapist simply can not use this device and will have to turn to other solutions.

Another disadvantage is that the range of exercises proposed by the devices of the prior art is very limited. In reality, there is only one exercise, namely to stand on the device is "hold" as long as possible without putting a foot next to, or come into abutment against the ground.

Moreover, it is impossible to work in the long term. The imbalance is total and permanent, even a valid user, can not hold on more than a few seconds without having to find his balance by putting a foot next. Admittedly, he will be able to start this exercise again, but some frustration may exist. This frustration can exist even with the presence of a "coach" (monitor) in the room.

Finally, and as already stated above, this type of device is almost exclusively found in a physiotherapist (probably because of the drawbacks indicated above) and it is extremely rare that a user gets himself -Even one of these devices to be a re-education at home, or simply to make "fitness". The present invention is also interesting in the field of "fitness" because the invention makes it possible to work the abdominals in imbalance by adjusting the imbalance and the difficulty. Currently, there are devices in the form of "bowls" that allow imbalance to work the abdominals, but none has a system for adjusting this imbalance. These devices have been known for a relatively long time, so it would seem that the person skilled in the art has since accommodated himself to this type of device. The only parry found, was to change the shape of the half ball (lower its radius, flatten the contact surface of the half ball with the ground, etc ...) to change the imbalance, so adjust the levels of difficulties. This amounts to procuring as many devices as there may be levels of difficulty for users.

Technical problem posed: There is a real need to have a device allowing to be adapted to the user, his level of rehabilitation, his age etc ..., or more generally to each of his wishes, and who can be usable by all without any risk, and without the need of the presence of a physiotherapist, nor of a "coach" (monitor). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: The invention resides in an equilibrium board device comprising a board-like element, a semispherical spherical element or the like, and "partial loss of equilibrium compensation" elements. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention thus relates to a device (1) of the equilibrium board type comprising a board-like element (2) which can be circular, rectangular, octagonal, etc ... generally any possible form allowing the support by it of a user. The device comprises a rigid spherical, semi-spherical or similar element (3) designed to create an imbalance. This element is referred to in this application simply as "spherical element". Said spherical element is positioned on the underside of the board-type element in its center (or middle) having its curvature face to ground for contact. Said board-type device will advantageously be adapted to receive at least one means of "partial compensation of loss of balance" (5) removable.

Said "partial loss of equilibrium compensation" means (5) is designed to compensate for part of the loss of equilibrium created by said spherical element. Said means (5) may be any type but preferably will be resilient, namely a spring-type element, a piston, or etc ... foam sticks, flexible piece synthetic rubber type, etc ... Said means of partial compensation of loss of equilibrium (5) is adapted to come into contact with the ground, and is fixed on the lower part of said board-type element (2). Thus, when a user will be positioned on said board-type member, the partial loss-of-balance means will compress and create a compensation force (by compressing said partial loss-of-balance compensation means) to that of imbalance. Of course, it is obvious that said partial equilibrium loss compensating means (5) need not completely prevent the total loss of equilibrium, otherwise it would render the device useless. Advantageously, it will be possible to have several of them along the diagonals or diameters or angles of said board-like element (2), at locations more or less close to the spherical element (3), as required. According to the provisions of said at least one loss of equilibrium partial compensation means, a greater or lesser compensation force will be created as required. Thus, the compensation force will be very high if said at least one partial loss of equilibrium compensation means (5) is positioned at the periphery of said board-like element (2) (i.e. further from the spherical element). On the contrary, this force will be very small if said partial equilibrium loss compensating means (5) is positioned very close to the center of the board-like element (2) (i.e., to the nearest of the spherical element (3)). Intermediate compensation forces will be achieved by placing said compensating means between the nearest points and those furthest away from the center. For information, it is useful to specify that the imbalance is created by the position of the body (feet or hands) on the device of equilibrium: - either the body is located in the polygon of levitation of the body and thus the equilibrium is more easy because the center of gravity of the person is inside this polygon. - Or the body is outside the support polygon and thus the balance is difficult because the center of gravity is found very quickly outside the polygon (strong imbalance). This partial loss of equilibrium compensation means (5) therefore partially compensates for the imbalance created by the spherical element (3) while ensuring the continuity of the exercise desired by the user.

It will be possible to arrange the asymmetrical partial loss compensation means, that is to say only one means used, or several means arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center of the balance device (1). .

All the elements described are removable relative to each other in order to be able to make all the possible adjustments, as well as to guarantee optimal storage (bulk).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be detailed with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 shows the device according to the present invention, for perspective from below. Figure 2 shows the device according to the present invention in view from below. FIG. 3, which consists of FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, shows the partial loss of equilibrium compensation means (5). Figure 3a shows the spring (7) attached to the shaft (6); Figure 3b shows the shaft (6) alone, and Figure 3c is a perspective view of the single shaft for identifying the groove (9). FIG. 4 also shows the partial loss of equilibrium compensation means (5), the spring (7) of which comprises a plastic protection element (14). Figure 5 shows the device according to the present invention for perspective from below. The device being in "row" position, ie with the spherical element (3) and the four equilibrium partial loss compensation means (5) arranged. Figure 6 which consists of Figures 6a, 6b and 6c shows the spherical element (3) in view, respectively, from above, in profile, and from below. FIG. 7, which consists of FIGS. 7a and 7b, shows the device of the present invention in plan view, indicating the positions of the non-slip elements (15, 16) on the board (2), and with respect to the position of the tenons. (4).

The present invention therefore relates to a versatile balance plate type device (1) comprising a board (2), preferably circular. A rigid, removable spherical element (3) is fixed in the center of said board (2). Elements of type tenons (4) are placed on the underside of the board (2). In a preferred embodiment, there are 16, arranged by 4 on four symmetrical radii of the circular board. They are adapted in shape and size to receive the partial equilibrium loss compensating means (5) constituted in the preferred embodiment by a spring support shaft (6) (7). The spring is positioned in a groove (9) specially created on the shaft (6) to maintain said spring position (and prevent it unintentionally detached from the shaft). This partial loss of equilibrium compensation means being fixed by "clipping" or by wedging thanks to the "play" adequate and being removable to be either completely removed from the device or simply moved to another element type tenon. Shafts (6) will preferably be cross-shaped on their upper part (see Figure 3) to fit in the tenons (4).

The shape of the cross makes it possible especially to have a molding tool simple and inexpensive because the output of the mold is in the axis and allows to create the piece without drawer in the mold. (Simple demolding without undercutting) In this preferred embodiment, four means of partial compensation of loss of equilibrium (5) will be used.

The spherical element (3) is also fastened by clipping or wedging in the center of the board (2) on a portion adapted in size to receive it, in a hole (10) specially created in said board (2). The spherical element also comprises reinforcing elements (11) to improve the strength of the structure and to prevent any deformation even if the user exerts a high weight. In a totally preferred manner, these reinforcing elements will be 10 arranged on 10 spokes of the spherical element. Reinforcing elements (8) of structure are arranged symmetrically. They are adapted to the dimensions of the board and are used to ensure maximum strength, and also to avoid any deformation of the board when it is used. Preferably, said reinforcing members may be slightly bent to provide disk stiffness and adapted to store the spherical member (and other members) by wedging between two reinforcing members. It will also be possible to adapt the lower part of the board, so that it comprises elements (12, 13) for storing the partial equilibrium loss compensation means, and the spherical element, by "clipping" "Or jamming. The springs are adapted in size and stiffness, so that at rest (that is to say without a user above the board), the spherical element does not come into contact with the ground. The fact that the spherical element does not come into contact with the ground at rest, allows in use (that is to say when a user is placed on it and that its weight will allow the spherical element to come into contact with the ground) to immediately allow compression of the springs. The stiffness of the springs makes it possible to have an action on the spring from the moment the person weighs more than 30 kg. The springs can in an "ultra strong version" act up to a body weight of 120 or 130 kg. However the "standard" version will be provided for a body weight up to 100 kg. 2 9 86 15 9 10 Of course a person weighing 45 kg will have less impact on the springs than a person of 90 kg. The fact of having a lighter body weight, in absolute terms, allows the person not to crush the spring enough to bear on the spherical element and thus be in total stability on the springs. But since it is the spherical element that gives instability, it is necessary that when a user is placed on the device, the spherical element is in contact with the ground. It will therefore be necessary to adapt the stiffness of the springs according to the weight of the users. It will also be possible to add to the present device, an element which will enhance (not shown) for example 1.5 cm the spring shaft for a person over 80 kg installs this riser. Thus, it will be (on the same tenons) under the same conditions as a person under 80 kg who will not have this enhancement. The riser therefore allows a heavier person not to come into contact with the spherical element as quickly and the compensation is done more quickly. When the user climbs (or applies part of his weight) on the balance board (2), the springs (7) contract and the spherical element (3) comes into contact with the ground thus causing the instability and loss of balance. This loss of balance will be partially compensated by the springs (7) which will adapt to the successive weight transfers created by the user to keep his balance. Thus the loss of balance is partially compensated by the springs (7) attached to the board (2). The circular board (2) will preferably have a diameter of between 350 and 600 mm (width corresponding to the spacing of the legs in a balanced position, ie about the width of the basin) and will very preferably have a diameter of 500 mm. According to the preferred embodiment, the dimensions used for the constituents are as follows: these values are given for information only. a board (2) 500 mm in diameter; a spherical element (3) of 65 mm radius; - four shafts (6) of 50 mm: 25 mm will penetrate the pin (4) and 25 mm will remain apparent to fix the spring; - four springs (7) of 75 mm at rest and compressed to a maximum of 25 mm corresponding to the 25 mm of the shaft coming out of the tenon (the spring will not be compressed beyond).

Here below is the reference of the standard spring that can be used according to the preferred embodiment: non-limitatively Lg free: 71.6 mm approximately Effort Ig 60 mm = 75N +/- 14N according to DIN 2095 class 2 Effort Ig 33 mm = 250N -F1- 17 according to DIN 2095 class 2 20 Stiffness: 6.48 N / mm The springs can be naturally adapted according to the needs of the users, physiotherapists, or sports "coaches" according to their wishes, and including can modulate on the same board different type of springs, in order to create different imbalances. It will also be possible to add on the upper surface of the board, anti-slip elements (15, 16), of various shapes (resembling a foot (15) or a hand (16)), or any other element that will be directly accessible to the skilled person. The device may also include notches to facilitate handling of the device.

Naturally, these anti-slip elements may be arranged (layout on the board (2)) and modified (shape, etc.) according to the wishes of the skilled person. It is possible to refer, without limitation, to Figure 7. Figure 7b corresponds to the arrangement according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. It will also be possible to add at the level of the lower part of the springs, plastic protection elements (14) allowing a better adhesion on the ground, or simply to avoid that the springs damage the ground (scratches).

It will be possible to use the device without the spherical element, the imbalance being created by moving the body masses out of the lift polygon area. The operation of the device remains of the same principle, that is to say the further away the springs of the periphery and the more easily we leave the equilibrium zone of the PDS (polygon ..) It is important to note that the the partial equilibrium compensation means (5) can be modulated by using only two of the four springs to create, for example, a controlled lateral imbalance while the anteroposterior imbalance is complete. By this principle, it may be useful to use only two of the four means of partial compensation of loss of equilibrium (in this case two are stored that will not be used in this configuration) and if we take the case of a user who uses, for example, the pitches reserved for the feet and standing while placing the two partial loss of equilibrium compensation means used furthest from the spherical element to the left and to the right, this person will realize an imbalance Lateral control while the anteroposterior imbalance will be total. In the set of adjustments, it is also possible (leaving as in this previous description) to place the partial compensating means of loss of balance right and left in the tenons (4) closest to the spherical element and previous springs and posterior in an intermediate position. In this case the lateral imbalance will be very important while the anteroposterior imbalance will be more controlled. In summary, two or four means of partial compensation of loss of equilibrium can be used.

Naturally, it will be easy for the skilled person in performing routine tests, to change the number of partial compensation means loss of balance according to his wishes. As we explained, it will also be possible to modify the characteristics of the springs, the dimensions of the boards etc ...

All elements except the springs are made of plastic: board, spherical element, tenons, trees.

The board-like elements, tenons and reinforcement are created by molding with preference for PP polypropylene for rigid elements and SEBS (synthetic rubber that can be molded for fingerprints of feet and hands and floor caps of the springs. The invention also covers all the embodiments and all the applications that will be directly accessible to those skilled in the art upon reading this application, and of their own knowledge.

Claims (3)

REVENDICATIONS1. An equilibrium board device (1) comprising a board-like member (2) which can be circular, rectangular, octagonal, etc ... generally any possible form for support thereof by a user, and comprising a spherical, semi-spherical or similar element (3) rigid, studied to create an imbalance, said spherical element being positioned on the underside of the board-type element in its center (or medium) having its curvature face-to-ground 10 for the contact, characterized in that said device comprises at least one means of "partial compensation of loss of balance" (5) removable. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said means of "partial compensation of loss of balance" (5) will be resilient, namely a spring-type element, a piston, or etc ... sticks 15 of foam, or flexible piece of synthetic rubber type. 3 Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said means of "partial compensation of loss of balance" (5) comes into contact with the ground, and is fixed on the lower part of said board-type element (2) . Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it will be possible to arrange a plurality of partial equilibrium loss compensation means (5) along the diagonals or diameters or angles of said plank-like element. at places more or less close to the spherical element (3). 5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it will be possible to arrange the partial equilibrium loss compensation means (5) asymmetrically, that is to say a only means used, or several means arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center of the balance device (1). 6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that all the elements described are removable relative to each other in order to perform all possible settings, as well as to ensure optimal storage (clutter). 7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that elements of the type tenons (4) are placed on the underside of the board (2): they are 16 in number, arranged by 4 on four symmetrical spokes of the board when it is circular and receiving the means of partial compensation of loss of balance (5) by "clipping" or by wedging with the "play" adequate and being removable to be completely removed from the device or simply moved to another tenon type element. 8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the partial equilibrium loss compensation means (5) is constituted by a shaft (6) of spring support (7) and characterized in that that the spring is positioned in a groove (9) specially created on the shaft (6) to maintain said spring in position. 9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that four means of partial compensation of loss of equilibrium (5) are used. 10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spherical element (3) is fixed also by clipping or wedging in the center of the board (2) on a dimensionally adapted portion to receive it in a hole (10) specially created in said board (2). 11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that reinforcing elements (8) of structure are arranged symmetrically to ensure maximum strength, and also to avoid any deformation of the board when it- 12. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the springs (7) are adapted in size and stiffness, so that at rest (that is to say without user above the board), the spherical element (3) does not come into contact with the ground, this allowing in use (that is to say when a user is placed on it and that its weight will allow the spherical element to come into contact with the ground) to immediately allow compression of the springs. 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the stiffness of the springs (7) allows an action on the spring from the moment the person weighs more than 30 kg and can act up to a weight of body of 120 or 130 kg. 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that is added to the present device, an element which will raise 1.5 cm the shaft (6) spring so that a heavier person can not come into contact with the spherical element too quickly and compensation can be done more quickly. 15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the circular board (2) has a diameter between 350 and 600 mm (width corresponding to the spacing of the feet in balanced position, or about width basin) and will very preferably have a diameter of 500 mm. 16. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the dimensions used for the constituents are as follows: a board (2) of 500 mm in diameter a spherical element (3) of 65 mm radius - four shafts (6) of 50 mm: 25 mm will penetrate the post (4) and 25 mm will remain visible to fix the spring 2 9 8 6 1 5 9 18 four springs (7) of 75 mm at rest and compressed to a maximum of 25 mm corresponding to the 25 mm of the shaft emerging from the post 17. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and 16, characterized in that all the elements except the springs consist of plastic: board, spherical element, tenons, tree. 18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the board-type elements, tenons and reinforcement are created by molding with PP polypropylene preference for the rigid elements. 19. Device according to any one of claims 8, 12, 13 and 16, characterized in that the spring (7) has the following characteristics: Free Lg: 71.6 mm approx. Effort Ig 60 mm = 75N +/- 14N according to DIN 2095 class 2 Effort Ig 33 mm = 250N +/- 17 according to DIN 2095 class 2 Stiffness: 6.48 N / mm 20. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it is added to the upper surface of the board (2) has anti-slip elements (15, 16) which can be of various shapes (resembling a foot or a hand). 21. A method of using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that when the user mounts (or applies part of its weight) on the balance board, the partial compensation elements of loss of equilibrium (5), preferably springs (7) contract and the spherical element comes into contact with the ground thus causing instability and the loss of equilibrium, this loss of equilibrium being compensated by the springs ( 7) that will adapt to the successive weight transfers created by the user to keep his balance. 22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that one can modulate the partial equilibrium loss compensation means (5) by using only two of the four springs (7) to create, for example, a lateral imbalance. controlled while the anteroposterior imbalance will be total. 23. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that it is also possible to place partial equilibrium loss compensating means (5) right and left in the tenons closest to the spherical element (3) and means of partial compensation of loss of balance (5) anterior and posterior in an intermediate position: in this case the lateral imbalance will be very important while the anteroposterior imbalance will be more controlled. 25