Stretching method and device

Abstract

The invention falls within the field of fitness or stretching devices intended to facilitate the stretching of human muscles. More particularly, the stretching device comprises a central structure including at least one main working axis arranged to form an angle α with the horizontal of the ground in operational mode, and a handle extending on either side of the central structure, arranged to be movable along the main axis of the central structure and including means for locking the handle on the structure.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of fitness or stretching devices intended to facilitate the stretching of human muscles. More particularly, the invention relates to a versatile device allowing a user to stretch different muscles of his body according to a variable amplitude defined by said user. Context

[0002] In recent years, physical activities such as Pilates or yoga have been enjoying real success. They include body stretching activities, particularly targeting specific muscles or muscle chains (e.g. anterior, posterior, etc.). Most of the time, these exercises are performed without accessories. Similar stretching exercises are also performed by non-athletic people, simply to stay in shape. Such exercises are increasingly recommended by health professionals to people who work all day sitting down, for example, to prevent back problems. These positions are quite difficult to maintain without outside help if you want to maintain them correctly, i.e. without relaxing while holding the position.Furthermore, using only the human body, it is difficult or even impossible to gradually increase the amplitude of the stretches with a view to continuous improvement. A stretching device is known from US patent 5,421,801 A.

[0003] The applicant considered it useful to develop a simple and easily transportable device which allows the human body to be maintained in optimal stretching positions for different muscles or muscle chains. Solution of the invention

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to a stretching device comprising: a central structure comprising at least one main working axis arranged to form an angle with the horizontal in operational mode, a handle extending on either side of the central structure, arranged so as to be movable along the main axis of the central structure and comprising means for locking the handle on the structure, and the handle comprising a degree of freedom in rotation on itself, this being associated with the one-way longitudinal movement of the handle along the main axis.

[0005] The device primarily allows the user to lock their position relative to the device in order to vary the amplitude of the stretch gradually using the handle, the position of which can change during the stretch. Once the handle has reached a desired position, it is possible for the user to maintain the corresponding position without effort.

[0006] To facilitate maintaining the user's position relative to the device, stop means may be arranged on either side of the central structure, on which the user places his feet.

[0007] The device is easily transportable.

[0008] A central structure here refers to the main rigid element on which the other mechanical elements (handle, stops, etc.) intended to make the device operational will be fixed. The central structure can be of various shapes. The structure has the overall appearance of a "beam" along the main axis, i.e. the characteristic length of the beam section is much shorter than its characteristic length.

[0009] Preferably, the central structure also comprises, at least at each end of the main axis, returns of different heights, making it possible to position the main axis above ground level, at an angle.

[0010] These returns can be connected by another beam, the central structure then being a continuous and hollow structure forming a sort of frame.

[0011] The core structure can then be described as the sweep of a defined section (e.g. rectangular or circular) along a closed path (e.g. a rectangle, trapezoid, ellipse, triangle etc.) to form a frame.

[0012] The central structure is characterized by at least one main working axis. This axis is arranged so as to form an angle with the horizontal of the ground in operational mode.

[0013] It is called the working axis because it is the axis that will allow the movement of the handle, which causes the user's muscles to stretch.

[0014] There are different operational modes of the device. A common feature of the first two modes of use is that the stretching device is in operational mode when the central structure of the device rests on a flat surface, a floor, so that the main axis is raised above the floor and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the horizontal.

[0015] The angle formed by the main axis and the ground plane is an acute angle. Preferably, this angle is between 0 and 60 degrees, preferably between 1 and 50°, more preferably between 5 and 40°. A non-zero angle makes it possible to optimize the stretching position by best matching the shape of the human body.

[0016] The angle is such that the handle moves closer to the ground as it moves away from the user.

[0017] The inventive core of the present invention is that the device comprises a handle extending on either side of the central structure, arranged to be movable along the main axis of the central structure and comprising means for locking the handle on the structure.

[0018] Although integral with the central structure, the handle is therefore movable along the main axis of said structure. The main axis can then support or be combined with a slide or rack system or any other mechanical means known to those skilled in the art allowing translational movements.

[0019] The handle is attached to the central structure by a connecting piece. In this case, it is this connecting piece that will be responsible for guiding the movement of the handle along the main axis of the structure.

[0020] In the case of a central frame-like structure, the handle can be arranged towards the inside of the frame or towards the outside.

[0021] The handle includes means for locking it on the central structure. In other words, the handle is movable along the main axis but its movement can be stopped and its position locked. The location of the locking or immobilization of the handle is chosen by the user.

[0022] To this end, the assembly part of the handle connecting it to the structure may include a ratchet mechanism. Indeed, this makes it possible to constrain the translational movement of the assembly part to an incremental and one-way movement. This one-way corresponding to the movement of the handle which causes the muscle or muscle chain to extend. During this movement, the handle therefore moves closer to the ground while moving away from the user's body.

[0023] To activate this ratchet mechanism, the handle may, for example, include a degree of freedom in rotation around itself. The translational movement along the main axis of the handle is then associated with the rotation of said handle. In other words, an increment in rotation of the handle corresponds to an increment in longitudinal movement along the main axis. This is made possible by a rack housed in the central structure, for example.

[0024] Each increment of rotation in the handle therefore corresponds to a "one-way" advancement of the handle along the axis of the central structure. This makes it easy for the user to increase the amplitude of their stretch little by little and then maintain their position. Increasing the amplitude of the stretch by rotating the handles allows for constant tension to be maintained in the muscle or muscle chains being stretched.

[0025] A ratchet mechanism is shown here, but the means for locking the handle to the structure could be completely different. For example, a button that allows sufficient frictional force to be activated and deactivated to lock the handle to the structure.

[0026] The handle of the invention may have various shapes, it is preferably ergonomic and designed to allow easy gripping by the user.

[0027] Preferably, the handle is a set of two short cylinders or sleeves arranged on either side of the central structure, like a bicycle handlebar.

[0028] In order to reset the movement or simply when the user decides to reverse a few increments, the assembly part may incorporate means for releasing the handle, such as a trigger provided for this purpose, i.e. a trigger which temporarily releases the handle from the retaining mechanism.

[0029] Stop means are arranged on either side of the central structure. These stop means are used in particular to hold the device in place using the feet. For operational modes in which the user's feet are not used, the stop means increase the stability of the central structure. These stop means are fixed relative to the central structure during stretching. However, these stop means can be moved to different positions on the central structure.

[0030] The stop means are understood here as all rigid elements fixed to the central structure capable of resisting a certain mechanical stress without deforming or breaking.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, these stop means correspond to an assembly of two pallets on either side of the central structure. The pallets are secured to each other using a rigid mechanical part, for example a rod or a hollow cylinder.

[0032] The paddle-rod assembly can also have a degree of freedom in rotation "on itself", this allows the inclination of the paddles to be adjusted in relation to the central structure before an exercise, to vary the stretch at the level of the legs, particularly at the level of the calf.

[0033] The paddle-rod assembly is secured to the main structure using an assembly part. This assembly part may also contain a ratchet locking mechanism that restricts the paddles to rotate in one direction, similar to the handle shown above. The paddles can rotate in a coupled or separate direction. Separate rotation allows the calves to be stretched in a different way, which may be useful in cases of leg weakness or in a rehabilitation context that does not necessarily involve symmetrical stretching.

[0034] The invention also relates to three methods of using the device described above. For the first two methods, the device is in operational mode, i.e. the central structure of the device rests on a flat surface (e.g., a floor). For the third method, the device is used for stabilization purposes and is not considered to be in operational mode.

[0035] The first method is a method of using the device according to the invention to stretch the posterior muscle chain according to which: a user sits with the device between his legs, the highest part of the device towards him, he grasps the handle using his hands, he moves the handle along the main working axis until his posterior muscle chain is tensed.

[0036] When the device used includes stop means, before grasping the handle, the user places his feet on the stop means.

[0037] A second method of use for stretching the anterior muscle chain includes the steps of: a user lies on his back with the device in line with his head, the upper part of the device towards him; the user grasps the handle and moves it along the main working axis to tension his anterior muscle chain.

[0038] Regardless of the method used, the user can move the handle at regular intervals a little further along the main working axis to increase the stretch.

[0039] The third method consists of using the device according to the invention as a means of stabilizing the user's body when the user stretches certain leg muscles, particularly the psoas muscles.

[0040] The method then includes the steps of: a user sits on the ground with one leg bent forward and resting on the foot and the other leg backward, resting on the foot or knee, so as to stretch his psoas muscles, and the user places the device in front of him and uses it to stabilize himself.

[0041] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the drawing in which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention. figure 2 illustrates a mode of use of the device according to the invention, and the figure 3 illustrates another mode of use of the device according to the invention. figure 4 illustrates another mode of use of the device according to the invention.

[0042] Unless otherwise stated, the "forward" direction is defined as the direction in which the handle produces a stretch in the user's muscle or muscle chains.

[0043] Stretching corresponds to putting tension on a muscle or a muscle chain, its lengthening.

[0044] In reference to the figure 1 , a stretching device 1 according to the invention comprises a central structure 10, stop means 11 and a handle 12.

[0045] The central structure 10 comprises three edges 101, 102, 103 and three corner joining elements 104. These edges and joining elements are of rectangular section. These are assembled together to form a generally triangular frame. The joining elements are rounded for aesthetic reasons. The edges and / or the corner joining elements may also be covered with a non-slip coating to facilitate the adhesion of the device to the ground during use.

[0046] The upper edge 102 of the central structure 10 is arranged along a main working axis 106 arranged to form an angle α with the edge 101 arranged along an axis 105, parallel to the ground in operational mode. Preferably, the angle α is between 0 and 60 degrees, preferably between 5 and 30 degrees.

[0047] The edges 101 and 102 are here grooved all along their internal and lateral faces. These grooves have a guiding role but can also include a slide or rack mechanism which is partly responsible for the movement of the handle 12.

[0048] In operational mode, the axis 105 (de facto the edge 101) is parallel to the flat surface on which the device is installed while the axis 106 (de facto the edge 102) is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle α. Such an arrangement allows the device to conform to the natural shape of the body in operational mode, i.e. during stretching.

[0049] The various parts of the central structure can be made of aluminum, PVC or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. The structure can be made from a single piece or by assembling several parts.

[0050] The stop means 11 are installed on the edge 101 by means of an assembly part 110. The stop means 11 comprise two pallets 111 fixed on either side of the structure 10 by means of a rigid rod 112, itself integral with the assembly part 110. The two pallets 111 are intended to receive the feet of a user, if necessary. The pallets here are rectangular and identical plates but these pallets can have any other suitable shape such as the shape of a human foot or a shoe, or even be absent, the rod 112 then serving as a stop means.

[0051] The paddles 111 may be movable in rotation about the axis 113, the longitudinal axis of the rod 112. In other words, it is possible for the rod-paddle assembly to rotate about the axis 113, the assembly part 110 then acting as a rolling bearing. Alternatively, each paddle 111 may have a degree of freedom in rotation independent of the other in order to allow specific adjustments to each foot. The assembly part 110 may also be provided with a “ratchet” type mechanism in order to constrain the rotation of the paddles in a single direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). Indeed, it may be desirable for the user’s feet to be kept flexed during the exercise. In this case, the assembly part 110 may also comprise a trigger 114 making it possible to release the rotational movement of said mechanism.In addition, the support element 110 may be movable along the edge 101 in order to provide different settings and adapt to the user. In this case, the groove of the edge 101 may be provided with several notches (not shown here) corresponding to pre-settings. For example, four notches may correspond to the user's sizes S, M, L and XL.

[0052] In reference to the figure 1 still, the handle 12 comprises an assembly part 120 on which two sleeves 121 are arranged. The assembly part 120 may be similar to the part 110. These two sleeves 121 form a handlebar-shaped handle that the user can, in operational mode, grasp with his hands. The handle 12 is movable along the axis 106, for example using a slide or rack system, to move linearly along the edge 102. The movement of this handle forward allows the user to stretch his muscle chains, which is the main purpose of the present invention. For the following, unless otherwise stated, the “forward” direction is defined as the direction in which the handle produces a stretching of the user’s muscle or muscle chains. Conversely, when the user is not using the device or it is not used with a sufficiently large stretch amplitude, the body is in a state of rest.

[0053] More particularly, this movement is only made possible in a single direction (the direction of stretching) using, for example, a ratchet mechanism located in the assembly element 120. The forward constraint of this movement is a key element of the present invention because it makes it possible to remain in positions conducive to stretching by providing less effort than during a similar exercise without the device. Without this mechanical aid, the body tends to return to its resting position. The quality of the stretch is therefore directly impacted.

[0054] However, it is provided that the constraint of the mechanism can be released using an ad-hoc trigger 122. This allows, for example, a smooth return to the resting state of the body.

[0055] The handles 121 here have a degree of freedom in rotation on themselves. More particularly, the linear movement of the handle 12 along the edge 102 is linked to the rotation of the handles 121. The assembly part 120 then plays the role of a rolling bearing. With reference to the shot of the figure 1 , a clockwise actuation of the handles 121 causes them to move forward, i.e. towards the stop means 11, and vice versa. However, as mentioned previously, the reverse movement is only possible if the handle is released from the retaining mechanism. In order to be able to follow the user's progress, a visual marker may be present on the edge 102. This may then be a colored tab moving forward with the handle 12 but remaining in place when said handle is moved back to its initial position.

[0056] For large stretching amplitudes, it is provided that the handle 12 can move forward and exceed the stop means 11, if these are installed sufficiently towards the rear, which is made possible by the triangular shape of the central structure 10 and the mobility of the stop means on the axis 105.

[0057] The device can be used by a user to stretch different muscles or muscle chains, for example the posterior or anterior muscle chain.

[0058] In reference to the figure 2 , when a person wishes to stretch his posterior muscle chain, he sits on a flat surface 23 with the device 2 (represented here schematically by a trapezoidal frame) between his legs. The device of the invention is therefore also placed flat on the ground, resting on the edge 20 arranged in the crotch of the user. In addition, he places his feet on the stop means, more particularly on the paddles 21. At the start of the exercise, the handle is close to the body, on the higher part of the working axis 24. To begin the stretch, the user grips the handle 22 using his hands and pivots it on itself to drive the mechanism allowing the handle to move forward (towards his feet in the case of a user who lacks flexibility) and to put tension on the posterior muscle chain.The user can then rotate the handles until they reach the desired stretch and maintain their position. To maintain their position, the user simply has to stop rotating the handle; a non-return mechanism ensures that the handle will not return. To complete the exercise, the user simply releases the non-return mechanism using, for example, a special trigger. It is then possible to move the handle back to its initial position.

[0059] Alternatively, with reference to the figure 3 , when a person wishes to stretch his anterior muscle chain, he lies down on a flat surface 23 on his back with the device 2 also placed on the ground and in line with his head. The edge 20 is close to or squarely against the top of the user's skull and the stop means 21 are at the end of his head. The edge 20 may also include a pad to cushion or soften the contact between the user's head and the device. To begin the stretching, the user grips the handle 22 with his hands and turns it on itself to drive the mechanism allowing the handle to move away from his head, thus putting the anterior muscle chain under tension. In a similar manner to the method explained above, he can then turn the handle 22 until he finds the desired stretching amplitude and maintains his position.To complete the exercise, the user simply releases the anti-reverse mechanism using the appropriate trigger. It is then possible to move the handle 22 back to its initial position.

[0060] In reference to the figure 4 , the device of the invention can also be used as a stabilizing element for a user when the latter performs leg stretches, in particular the psoas muscles. In this case, the device can be used vertically or horizontally depending on the user's height, with the narrower end 40 against the ground. Using an external support element in this type of exercise allows the user to concentrate the exercise on stretching the muscle concerned without losing energy and also having to maintain balance.

[0061] Thus, with a simple device, several stretching exercises can be carried out. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous technical variations can be achieved to obtain the desired effect. The invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stretching device (1) comprising: - a central structure (10) comprising at least one main working axis (106), and - a handle (12) extending on either side of the central structure (10), arranged to be movable along the main working axis (106) of the central structure; the main working axis (106) of the central structure (10) being arranged to form an angle (a) with the horizontal ground in operational mode such that the handle moves closer to the ground as it moves away from the user, and the handle (12) comprising locking means for locking the handle (12) to the structure, said device being characterized in that the handle has a degree of freedom in rotation on itself, this being associated with the one-way longitudinal displacement of the handle (12) along the main axis (106) .

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the locking means of the handle to the structure comprise a ratchet mechanism.

3. A device according to Claims 1 to 2, in which the angle (α) is preferably between 0 and 60°.

4. A device according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising stop means (11) arranged on either side of the central structure (10).

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the stop means (11) comprise two paddles (111).

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the paddles are rotatably adjustable about an axis connecting them.

7. A device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the stop means (11) are movable along the central structure (10).

8. A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central structure is a frame of rectangular cross-section.

9. A device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the handle is movable along the main axis by means of a rack.

10. A method of using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to stretch at least one muscle of the posterior muscle chain wherein: - a user sits with the device (2) between his legs, the highest part of the device towards him, - he grasps the handle (22) with his hands, - he moves the handle along the main working axis (24) until tension is applied to his posterior muscle chain.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein, before grasping the handle, the user places his feet on stop means (21).

12. A method of using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for stretching at least one muscle of the anterior muscle chain wherein: - a user sits lying on his back with the device (2) in the extension of his head, the upper part of the device towards him; the user grasps the handle (22) and moves it along the main working axis (24) to apply tension to his anterior muscle chain.

13. A method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the user moves the handle at regular intervals a little further on the main axis of work to increase the stretch.

14. A method of using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for stretching the leg muscles wherein: - a user sits on the ground with one leg bent forward and resting on the foot and the other leg backwards resting on the knee or foot, so as to stretch his psoas muscles, and - the user places the device in front of him and leans on it to stabilize himself.

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