DEVICE FOR IMPROVING A PERSON'S POSTURE, AND KIT INCLUDING SEVERAL SUCH DEVICES

Abstract

DEVICE FOR POSTURAL IMPROVEMENT OF A PERSON, AND KIT COMPRISING SEVERAL SUCH DEVICES Device (1) for postural improvement of a person, comprising a long, thin element of a given thickness forming a closed curve with a predefined three-dimensional shape, the deformation of which generates a set of restoring forces on said device. The device, in turn, exerts a constraint when worn by the person.The elongated element forms two pairs (10, 20) of wire segments (11, 12, 21, 22) adapted, when a first pair (10) is positioned laterally on either side of the person's neck and a second pair (20) is positioned on the lower surface of the person's lower jaw and on the frontal surface of the person's thorax, to support the lower jaw in a given orientation relative to the thorax by means of an initial deformation of said device and to maintain the device around the neck. A kit comprising several such devices, each different from the others. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR IMPROVING A PERSON'S POSTURAL POSTURE, AND KIT COMPRISING SEVERAL SUCH DEVICES. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0001] This document falls within the field of devices for improving the cervical position of a human being.

[0002] US patent 2021 / 0290423 Al discloses a cervical splint for supporting a person's lower jaw during sleep. The splint is held in place on the person's neck by means of a collar that encircles the neck and is attached to the splint. Stabilized in this way, the splint prevents movement of the lower jaw relative to the neck and thorax, from a position in which the person's airway is likely to be open.

[0003] US document 6409694 B1 discloses a neck brace to limit the cervical movement of the person wearing it, having a wire construction to allow air circulation on the skin of the person's neck.

[0004] Document CN 211095085 U discloses a cervical brace for immobilizing a person's neck. The brace includes a frame that can be worn below the lower jaw and on an anterior surface of a person's thorax. Since the frame does not stay in place on its own on the neck of the person wearing the brace, the brace also includes a strap that is worn on a posterior surface of the person's neck and whose tension holds the frame in place.

[0005] Such devices, which immobilize the person's neck, make it possible to ensure a desirable cervical position. However, this immobility can lead to problems such as atrophy of the cervical muscles. EXPOSED

[0006] The inventors identified a need for a device that improves a person's cervical posture while allowing cervical mobility for the person wearing it.

[0007] Thus, the present disclosure proposes a device for improving a person's posture. The device comprises a linear element. The linear element has a given thickness. The linear element forms a closed curve. The closed curve has a predefined three-dimensional shape. The linear element is deformable. Deformation of the linear element generates a set of restoring forces on the device. The device, in turn, exerts a stress When the device is worn by the person, the elongated element forms two pairs of wire segments. The person can wear the device by placing the wire segments of one pair on either side of their neck, and the wire segments of the second pair on the lower surface of their jaw and on the front surface of their chest. When the device is worn in this way, the wire segments are designed to support the person's lower jaw in a specific orientation relative to their chest through an initial deformation of the device, and to secure the device around the person's neck.

[0008] The predefined shape corresponds to a rest position of the device, and the set of forces tends to return the shape of the deformed elongated element to the rest position.

[0009] The elongated element may have a surface profile comprising at least one rounded edge extending along a portion of the closed curve. The surface thus defined may be intended to be in contact with the person's skin.

[0010] Thus, the device may have a rounded surface for contact with the person's skin. A rounded contact surface may be more comfortable than an angular contact surface.

[0011] The long element may have a surface profile having at least one edge forming a flat surface extending along a portion of the closed curve.

[0012] Thus, the device can present a flat surface for contacting the person's skin. A flat contact surface can offer a larger contact area than a non-flat contact surface.

[0013] The long element may include at least one part whose cross-section has an oval profile.

[0014] An oval profile makes it possible to create a wide and rounded contact surface, and to preserve high local rigidity against deformations in a direction parallel to the skin.

[0015] The device may include a plane of symmetry.

[0016] The plane of symmetry may intersect a midpoint of a first wire segment of the second pair and a midpoint of a second wire segment of the second pair. The plane of symmetry may pass through a point equidistant between the midpoint of the first wire segment of the first pair and the midpoint of the second wire segment of the first pair.

[0017] Thus, the device is substantially symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane of the person when worn. Such symmetry allows the device to conform to the person's neck, which is typically substantially symmetrical with respect to the person's sagittal plane as well.

[0018] The wire portions of the first pair can be arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry of the device.

[0019] The plane of symmetry can cross the wire portions of the second pair.

[0020] The curve can intersect the plane of symmetry perpendicularly to the plane of symmetry.

[0021] A maximum width, measured perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, of the first wire portion of the second pair, may be less than a maximum width of the second wire portion of the second pair.

[0022] Thus, the wire portions of the second pair are of different widths. Generally, the anterior surface of a person's thorax is wider than the external surface of the person's lower jaw. Thanks to the difference in widths of the wire portions of the second pair, one of the wire portions of the second pair can be adapted to the available contact area at the level of the lower jaw, while the other of the wire portions of the second pair can be adapted to the available contact area at the level of the thorax.

[0023] The midpoint of one of the portions of the first pair and the midpoint of one of the portions of the second pair can be arranged on either side of a frontal plane of the device which is perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the device.

[0024] A wire portion of the first pair can extend towards the plane of symmetry from transitions between said wire portion of the first pair and each of the wire portions of the second pair.

[0025] The wire portions of the second pair can extend from the plane of symmetry, thus placing the transitions between the wire portions of the second pair and the wire portions of the first pair relatively far from the plane of symmetry, while the wire portions of the first pair approach the plane of symmetry, thus defining hoops suitable for receiving the person's neck when putting on the device.

[0026] The curve may have a peak of curvature at least locally maximum, at the level of said portion of the first pair, between said transitions.

[0027] A projection of the first portion of the second pair onto the plane of symmetry, and a projection of the second portion of the second pair onto the plane of symmetry, can define an internal angle. The internal angle can be sufficient so that a person's gaze, when the person is standing on a horizontal surface such that one torso of the person is substantially parallel to one of the person's shins, is directed horizontally.

[0028] Thus, the resting position of the device corresponds substantially to a defined internal angle between the frontal surface of its thorax and the external surface of its lower jaw when the person is standing on a horizontal surface with its The torso is parallel to the shin, with the gaze directed towards the horizon. Such a position can correspond to a healthy posture for the individual. Thus, the device gently guides the person's lower jaw into a position relative to the thorax that closely resembles a relatively healthy cervical posture.

[0029] A length, measured in the plane of symmetry from a vertex of the angle, of the projection of the first portion of the second pair may be less than a length of the projection of the second portion of the second pair.

[0030] Thus, the wire portions of the second pair are of different lengths. The external surface of the lower jaw and the frontal surface of the thorax define an internal angle when projected onto the person's sagittal plane, and the projection length corresponding to the external surface of the lower jaw is generally shorter than that of the projection corresponding to the frontal surface of the thorax. Due to the difference in lengths between the wire segments of the second pair, one segment can be adapted to the available contact area at the lower jaw, while the other segment can have a greater lever arm by utilizing the larger support surface available at the thorax.

[0031] The vertices of the wire portions of the first pair can be separated by a distance of between five centimeters and eight centimeters.

[0032] Thus, the apexes of the wire portions of the first pair define a gap smaller than a typical width, measured in a frontal plane of the person, of the person's neck. The person must therefore slightly deform the device in order to put it on.

[0033] The first wire portion of the second couple and the second wire portion of the second couple can each be substantially contained in a plane.

[0034] Thus, the wire portions of the second couple are adapted to bear on a substantially flat surface of the person's body.

[0035] The long element may exhibit, when the person wears the device, a stiffness in a sagittal plane of the person, high enough to reduce by at least fifty percent cervical muscle activity necessary to maintain a neutral cervical posture, but low enough to allow voluntary cervical flexion by the person.

[0036] Thus, wearing the device can help relieve the person's cervical muscles while allowing the person's cervical mobility.

[0037] Said stiffness may be greater than or equal to 80 Newtons per meter.

[0038] Thus, the device can support the person's head when the person stops to keep one's head upright.

[0039] In addition or alternative, said stiffness may be equal to or less than 340 Newtons per meter.

[0040] Thus, the device can allow the person to voluntarily flex their neck, for example to lower their head voluntarily.

[0041] The elongated element can be made entirely of material that is not irritating to a person's skin.

[0042] Thus, the person can wear the device directly on the skin. The person can then choose to wear the device under their clothing.

[0043] The elongated element may comprise at least one material from the following list: PTFE, resin-impregnated fiberglass, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene of a grade greater than or equal to 500,000 daltons and less than or equal to 1,000,000 daltons.

[0044] Such materials can offer, in addition to being non-irritating to the skin: ease of manufacture and / or recycling, a low carbon footprint, advantageous mechanical performance, or even a combination of these advantages.

[0045] The elongated element can be made entirely from a combination of materials selected from the following list of PTFE, resin-impregnated fiberglass, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene, said combination forming a homogeneous material.

[0046] Thus, the elongated element is constructed in a homogeneous manner, which can facilitate manufacturing compared to a heterogeneous construction of several materials, while taking advantage of the mechanical performance of the constituent materials of the mixture.

[0047] The elongated element can be made entirely of a single material selected from the following list of PTFE, resin-impregnated fiberglass, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene of a grade greater than or equal to 500,000 daltons and less than or equal to 1,000,000 daltons.

[0048] Thus, the long element is constructed from a single material, which facilitates manufacturing compared to a construction from several materials.

[0049] The elongated element may include a resilient core and one or more contact layer(s).

[0050] Thus, the device may have a heterogeneous construction.

[0051] The contact layer(s) may be arranged so that, when the person wears the device, the contact layer(s) are positioned between the resilient core and the skin in such a way that the core, at the levels of the wire portions of the The first pair and the filarial portions of the second pair, respectively rest on the skin at the levels of the neck, thorax, and lower jaw through the contact layer(s).

[0052] Thus, the contact layer(s) allows(s) to maintain a separation between the skin and the soul when wearing the device.

[0053] The wire portions of the first pair and the wire portions of the second pair may comprise a single central core connecting each of the portions together.

[0054] Thus, the core ensures the correct positioning of the contact layer(s) and ensures the correct movement of the latter during the deformation of the device.

[0055] A shape of the core can be configured to ensure the set of restoring forces of the elongated element.

[0056] Thus, the mechanical performance of the device can be ensured at least in part by a choice of material used for the construction of the core.

[0057] The contact layer(s) may be made of material that is non-irritating to the skin of the person.

[0058] Thus, the comfort of wearing the device can be ensured at least in part by choosing another material used for the construction of the contact layer(s).

[0059] The device can be adapted to allow transverse rotation of the person's neck when said person is wearing said device.

[0060] Thus, the person can turn their head to the right and to the left, even while wearing the device on their neck.

[0061] At least one of the wire portions of the first couple can be configured to rest on a posterolateral surface of the person's neck when said person is wearing said device, in order to limit a forward movement of said device of the person.

[0062] Thus the device can stand alone on the person's neck, limiting movement of the device forward on the person when wearing it.

[0063] The wire portions of the first pair can be adapted to be separated laterally from each other with respect to the sagittal plane of the person when the device is put on and / or removed by the person.

[0064] Thus, the person can deform the device relative to the resting position by separating the wire portions of the first couple to put on and / or take off the device.

[0065] The second pair of wire portions can be configured to bring the wire portions of the first pair closer laterally to the sagittal plane of the person.

[0066] Thus, the first couple tends to return to a position allowing the device to stand on its own on the person's neck when the device is not deformed during putting on and / or taking off.

[0067] This disclosure also proposes a kit comprising at least two devices as described above. A first of said devices may have a different dimension, material and / or stiffness from a second of said devices.

[0068] Thus, the kit provides distinct but similar devices, which makes it possible to respond to morphological variations, sensitivities and / or allergies, and variations in support, which may exist from one person to another. Brief description of the drawings

[0069] Other features and advantages of the proposed technology will become apparent from the description below, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate non-limiting examples of its implementation. In the figures: [Fig. 1A] represents a device for improving a person's posture in a resting position, as seen in perspective.

[0070] Fig.1B represents the device illustrated in Fig.1A, seen in a first direction along an axis parallel to a plane of symmetry of the device.

[0071] Fig.1C represents the device illustrated in Fig.1B, seen in a second direction, opposite to the direction of Fig.1B.

[0072] Fig.1D represents the device illustrated in Fig.1C, seen perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the device.

[0073] Fig. 2 represents a device for improving a person's posture, worn on a person's neck.

[0074] Fig. 3 represents a first cross-sectional view of the elongated element along the 111-111 section line shown in Fig. 1A.

[0075] Fig. 4 represents a second cross-sectional view of a long, slender element.

[0076] Fig. 5 represents a device for the postural improvement of a person, with a core and at least one contact layer, according to a perspective view.

[0077] Fig. 6 represents a third cross-sectional view of a long element along the VLVI cross-sectional line shown in Fig. 5.

[0078] Fig. 7 represents a profile of the elongated element.

[0079] Fig. 8 represents a kit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Identical reference numbers / symbols designate equivalent elements / features.

[0081] Figure 1A represents a device 1 for improving a person's posture. The device 1 comprises a long, thin element that is deformable relative to a resting position of the device 1. The device is in its resting position in Figures 1A to 1D.

[0082] As can be seen in [Fig.1A], the long element is arranged in a shape defining two U curves ul, u2 and two C curves cl, c2.

[0083] A "U-curve" comprises two "branches" extending from a "union zone". The proximal regions of the branches of the U-curve are connected to each other at the union zone of the U-curve.

[0084] The same applies to a "C-curve", but, unlike a U-curve, distal portions of the branches of a C-curve turn back towards each other.

[0085] The "distal zone" of a branch of a U or C curve designates a portion of the branch distant from the proximal portion of said branch.

[0086] The union zone of a U-curve is located at a vertex of maximum curvature of the U-curve. The union zone of a C-curve is located at a vertex that is at least locally maximum of the C-curve, but it is not excluded that a vertex of maximum curvature of the C-curve may be located elsewhere, for example where one of the branches of the C-curve turns back towards the other of the branches of the C-curve.

[0087] The two U-curves ul, u2 are connected to the two C-curves cl, c2 to form a closed curve. The first U-curve ul is connected to the first C-curve cl at a first transition zone t1. The first U-curve ul is connected to the second C-curve c2 at a second transition zone t2. The second U-curve u2 is connected to the first C-curve cl at a third transition zone t3. The second U-curve u2 is connected to the second C-curve c2 at a fourth transition zone t4.

[0088] The first transition zone t1 connects a first branch ul1 of the first U-curve to a first branch c11 of the first C-curve. The second transition zone t2 connects a second branch u12 of the first U-curve to a first branch c21 of the second C-curve. The third transition zone t3 connects a first branch u21 of the second U-curve to a second branch c12 of the first C-curve. The fourth transition zone t4 connects a second branch u22 of the second U-curve to a second branch c22 of the second C-curve.

[0089] The closed curve has a predefined three-dimensional shape. The union zones zul, zu2, zcl, zc2 of the U and C curves are not coplanar with each other. The closed curve serves as a generator for a profile defining the external surfaces of the element Long and slender. The profile can vary in size, orientation, and / or shape along the closed curve.

[0090] Each U-shaped curve ul, u2 and each C-shaped curve cl, c2 defines, in combination with the profile, a wire portion 11, 12, 21, 22 of the longitudinal element. The longitudinal element then comprises a first pair 10 of wire portions 11, 12 corresponding to the U-shaped curves ul, u2, and a second pair 20 of wire portions 21, 22 corresponding to the C-shaped curves cl, c2. These wire portions 11, 12, 21, 22 are joined together via the transition zones t1, t2, t3, t4.

[0091] Device 1 may include a plane of symmetry.

[0092] Fig. 1B represents the device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1A, viewed in a first direction along an axis parallel to the plane of symmetry PS. The wire portion 21 corresponding to the first curve in C1c1 is in the foreground of Fig. 1B, while the wire portion 22 corresponding to the second curve in C2c2 is in the background of Fig. 1B.

[0093] The plane of symmetry PS passes through the wire segments 21, 22 of the second pair 20. The two curves in C cl, c2 are each bisected by the plane of symmetry PS. The plane of symmetry PS intersects a midpoint of a first wire segment 21 of the second pair 20 and a midpoint of a second wire segment 22 of the second pair 20. The two curves in C cl, c2 intersect the plane of symmetry PS perpendicularly to the plane of symmetry PS.

[0094] The two U-shaped curves ul, u2, and therefore the wire segments 11, 12 of the first pair 10, are arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry PS. The plane of symmetry PS passes through a point equidistant between the midpoint of the first wire segment 11 of the first pair 10 and the midpoint of the second wire segment 12 of the first pair 10.

[0095] The first wire portion 11 of the first pair 10 extends towards the symmetry plane PS from transitions between the first wire portion 11 of the first pair 10 and each of the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 — from the first transition zone t1 and the second transition zone t2. The union zone zul of the first U-shaped curve ul is therefore located closer to the symmetry plane PS than the distal zones of the branches ul1, ul2 of the first U-shaped curve ul.

[0096] The second wire portion 12 of the first pair 10 extends towards the symmetry plane PS from transitions between the second wire portion 12 of the first pair 10 and each of the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 — from the third transition zone t3 and the fourth transition zone t4. The union zone zu2 of the second U-curve u2 is therefore located closer to the symmetry plane PS than the distal zones of the branches u21, u22 of the second U-curve u2.

[0097] The wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 extend from the plane of symmetry PS, thus arranging the transitions between the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 and the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 relatively away from the plane of symmetry PS, while the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 approach the plane of symmetry PS, thus defining hoops suitable for receiving the person's neck when putting on the device 1.

[0098] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the person can wear the device 1 by arranging the wire portions 11, 21 of the first pair 10 on either side of his neck 3, and the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 on one side on an inferior surface of his lower jaw 4 and on the other side on a frontal surface of his thorax 5.

[0099] Wearing device 1 can cause deformation of device 1. Device 1 can then in turn exert a stress when said device 1 is worn by the person.

[0100] When the person wears the device 1, the device 1 can be substantially symmetrical with respect to the person's PSP sagittal plane. Such symmetry can allow the device 1 to conform to the person's neck 3, which is typically substantially symmetrical with the person's PSP sagittal plane as well.

[0101] The wire portions 11, 12, 21, 22 are adapted, when the device 1 is thus worn by the person, to support the lower jaw 4 of the person according to a given orientation vis-à-vis the thorax 5 of the person by a first deformation of said device 1 and to maintain the device 1 around the neck 3 of the person.

[0102] Generally, the anterior surface (sometimes called the "frontal surface") of a person's thorax 5 is wider (in the person's lateral sense) than the external surface of the person's lower jaw 4.

[0103] [Fig.1C] represents device 1 illustrated in [Fig.1B], but in the opposite direction to that of the view in [Fig.1B]. The wire portion 21 corresponding to the first C1c curve is in the background of [Fig.1C], while the wire portion 22 corresponding to the second C2c curve is in the foreground of [Fig.1C].

[0104] A maximum width L21, measured perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, of the first wire portion 21 of the second pair 20, may be less than a maximum width L22 of the second wire portion 22 of the second pair 20.

[0105] Thus, the wire portions of the second pair are of different widths.

[0106] Thanks to the difference in maximum widths L21, L22 of the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20, one of the wire portions 21 of the second pair 20 can be adapted to the contact area available at the level of the lower jaw 4, while the other of the wire portions 22 of the second pair 20 can be adapted to the contact area available at the level of the thorax 5.

[0107] When the person is standing with their torso parallel to their tibia, the external surface of their lower jaw 4 and the frontal surface of their thorax 5 define an internal angle when projected into the person's sagittal plane, the vertex of which is closer to the person's spine than to the person's chin. By For the sake of brevity, such an angle is referred to as "healthy" in this description when the person is standing with their torso roughly parallel to their shin and looking at the horizon (which corresponds to a neutral neck position); by extending the neck (raising the gaze above the horizon), the internal angle increases relative to the healthy angle; by flexing the neck (lowering the gaze below the horizon), the internal angle decreases relative to the healthy angle. The healthy angle can correspond to a healthy cervical posture for the individual.

[0108] Fig.1D represents device 1 illustrated in Fig.1C, but from a view normal to the plane of symmetry PS of device 1.

[0109] A projection, onto the plane of symmetry of the device, of the closed curve defined by the longitudinal element, or even of the projections of the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 of the longitudinal element themselves, onto the plane of symmetry, can be substantially inscribed within an internal angle α1, α2, which can correspond more or less approximately to the healthy angle. Thus, when the person wears the device 1, their lower jaw is in contact with the first wire portion 21 of the second pair 20 of the device 1 when the internal angle in its sagittal plane between their lower jaw and the anterior surface of the torso is healthy. In [Fig. 1D], angle α2 inscribes the closed curve, and angle α1 inscribes the entire device.

[0110] A first straight line dl1 of the internal angle al, of device 1 is tangent to a part of the first portion 21 of the second pair 20, corresponding to the first branch cil of the first curve in C cl, and is tangent to a part of the first portion 21 of the second pair 20, corresponding to the second branch c12 of the first curve in C cl. A second straight line dl2, of the internal angle al of device 1 is tangent to a part of the second portion 22 of the second pair 20 corresponding to the first branch c21 of the second curve in C c2, and is tangent to a part of the second portion 22 of the second pair 20 corresponding to the second branch c22 of the second curve in C c2.The first rectus dl 1 corresponds approximately to the contact surface of the person's lower jaw, projected into the person's sagittal plane, and the second rectus dl2 corresponds approximately to the contact surface of the person's thorax, projected into the person's sagittal plane.

[0111] The first wire portion 21 of the second pair 20 and the second wire portion 22 of the second pair 20 can each substantially be contained within a plane PI, P2. Thus, the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 are adapted to bear against relatively flat surfaces of the person's lower jaw and thorax. Optionally, the first straight line d21 of the internal angle a2 of the device 1 corresponds to a projection of the plane PI of the first curve in C1 onto the plane of symmetry of the device. Alternatively, the second straight line d22 of the internal angle a2 of the device 1 corresponds to a projection of the plane P2 of the second curve at C c2 in the plane of symmetry of the device. The internal angle a2, defined between the right angle d21 and d22, can then correspond to the angle between the plane PI and P2.

[0112] A vertex vl of the internal angle al is located closer to the projection, in the plane of symmetry, of the union zone zul of the first curve in U ul than to the union zones zcl, zc2 of the curves in C cl, c2. The same is true for the vertex v2 of the internal angle a2.

[0113] By way of example, the internal angle al, a2 defined by the device 1 in its plane of symmetry may be greater than the healthy angle by 10 degrees or less, 7 degrees or less, 5 degrees or less, or 3 degrees or less.

[0114] By way of example, the difference between the internal angle a1, a2 defined by device 1 in its plane of symmetry and the healthy angle may be 10 degrees or less, 7 degrees or less, 5 degrees or less, or 3 degrees or less. If there is a difference between the internal angle a1, a2 defined by device 1 in its plane of symmetry and the healthy angle, this difference may be in favor of the internal angle a1, a2 defined by device 1 in its plane of symmetry, or in favor of the healthy angle.

[0115] When there is a difference in favor of the healthy angle, the first wire portion 21 of the second pair 20 comes into contact with the lower surface of the jaw when the person lowers their head, beyond an angle corresponding to this difference from the healthy angle. By feeling this contact, the person can then be warned of an inadvertent flexion of their neck.

[0116] When there is substantially no difference—for example, less than 3 degrees—between the internal angle a1, a2 defined by device 1 in its plane of symmetry and the healthy angle, the first wire portion 21 of the second pair 20 of device 1 comes into contact with the lower jaw when the internal angle between the lower jaw and the anterior surface of the thorax corresponds to the healthy angle. The person can then confirm, via this contact, the maintenance of the healthy angle through their own muscular activity.

[0117] A deformation of the longitudinal element generates a set of restoring forces. This set of restoring forces tends to return the device 1 to its rest position.

[0118] When there is a difference in favor of the internal angle a1, a2 defined by the device 1 in its plane of symmetry, the first wire portion 21 of the second couple 20 supports the lower jaw when the internal angle defined by the lower jaw and the anterior surface of the thorax corresponds to the healthy angle. This support, which may be partial or total, can help reduce the muscular activity required to maintain the neck in such a way as to preserve the healthy angle. This support can be part of the overall restoring forces of the device generated by the deformation of the slender element.

[0119] Whether the internal angle a1, a2 defined by the device 1 in its plane of symmetry is less than, equal to, or greater than the healthy angle, flexion of the neck of the person wearing the device, so as to reduce the angle a1, a2 defined by the device 1 in its plane of symmetry, generates at least one restoring force tending to extend the neck towards a healthy cervical posture. This restoring force is exerted at least via the anterior surface of the thorax and the lower jaw, so as to separate them from each other by causing an extension movement of the neck.

[0120] In general, the projection length, in the sagittal plane of the person, corresponding to the external surface of the lower jaw is less than that of the projection, in the sagittal plane of the person, corresponding to the frontal surface of the thorax.

[0121] As shown in [Fig. 1D], the distance between the projection, in the plane of symmetry, of the union zone zul of the first U-shaped curve ul to the union zone zcl of the first C-shaped curve cl is less than the distance between the projection, in the plane of symmetry, of the union zone zul of the first U-shaped curve ul to the union zone zc2 of the second C-shaped curve c2. Thanks to the difference in lengths of the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20, one of the wire portions 21 of the second pair 20 can be adapted to the contact area available at the level of the lower jaw, while the other of the wire portions 22 of the second pair 20 can have a greater lever arm by taking advantage of the larger bearing surface available at the level of the thorax.With a greater length for the second wire portion 22 of the second couple 20, which is adapted to be positioned at the level of the anterior surface of the person's thorax, than for the first wire portion 21 of the second couple 20, which is adapted to be positioned at the level of the person's lower jaw, the support force exerted by the second wire portion 22 of the second couple 20 on the anterior surface of the thorax may be less than the support force exerted by the first wire portion 21 of the second couple 20 on the lower jaw.

[0122] The union zones zul, zu2 of the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 can be separated from each other by a distance L10 of between five and eight centimeters. Thus, the union zones zul, zu2 of the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 define a gap smaller than a typical width, measured in a frontal plane of the person, of the person's neck. The person must therefore slightly deform the device 1 in order to put it on and / or take it off.

[0123] The wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 can be adapted to be separated laterally from each other relative to the sagittal plane of the person when the device 1 is put on and / or taken off by the person. Thus, the person can deform the device 1 relative to its resting position by separating the portions wires 11, 12 of the first couple 10 for threading and / or removing device 1. Such deformation can be relatively easy and / or quick to achieve by hand.

[0124] The second pair 20 of wire portions 21, 22 can be configured to bring the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 closer laterally to the sagittal plane of the person. Thus, the first pair 10 tends to return to a position allowing the device 1 to remain on its own on the person's neck when the device 1 is not deformed during donning and / or doffing.

[0125] When the second wire portion 22 of the second couple 20 rests on the anterior surface of the thorax in the context of recalling the person to a healthy cervical posture, this support may tend to move the device 1 forward of the person.

[0126] By comparing Figures 1D and 2, it can be seen that the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 can bear against a posterolateral surface 31, 32 of the person's neck 3 when said person is wearing said device 1, thus generating a counter-support tending to move the device 1 backwards from the person. Therefore, the device 1 can stand on its own on the neck 3 of the person wearing the device 1.

[0127] Returning to [Fig. 2], it can be seen that, when the person wears device 1, the wire portion 21 corresponding to the first curve in C1 is entirely inferior (in the anatomical sense) to the entirety of the person's lower jaw. Device 1 is therefore adapted to allow transverse rotation of the person's neck 3 when said person is wearing said device 1. Thus, the person can turn their head to the right and left, possibly in order to work at least some of their cervical muscles and also possibly in order to prevent muscle atrophy in these muscles, even when wearing device 1 on the neck 3.

[0128] The elongated element may, when the person wears the device 1, exhibit stiffness in the sagittal plane of the person's PSP, sufficiently high to reduce by at least fifty percent the cervical muscle activity necessary to maintain a neutral cervical posture, but sufficiently low to allow voluntary cervical flexion by the person. By way of example, the stiffness may be greater than or equal to 80 Newtons per meter. Thus, the device 1 can support the person's head when the person stops keeping their head upright. By way of non-limiting example, the stiffness may be equal to or greater than 130 Newtons per meter, equal to or greater than 220 Newtons per meter, equal to or greater than 230 Newtons per meter, or even equal to or greater than 330 Newtons per meter.

[0129] In addition or alternative, the stiffness of the device in the sagittal plane of the person may be equal to or less than 340 Newtons per meter, equal to or less than 240 Newtons per meter, equal to or less than 230 Newtons per meter, equal to or less than 140 Newtons per meter, or even equal to or less than 90 Newtons per meter. Thus, device 1 can allow the person to voluntarily flex their neck 3, for example to lower their head voluntarily.

[0130] By way of non-limiting example, the stiffness of the device in the sagittal plane of the person may be equal to or greater than 81 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 135 Newtons per meter, equal to or greater than 135 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 226 Newtons per meter, equal to or greater than 226 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 238 Newtons per meter, or equal to or greater than 238 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 331 Newtons per meter.

[0131] The elongated element has a given "thickness". The thickness of the elongated element corresponds to a dimension locally perpendicular to the closed curve and to the skin of the person when wearing the device 1. By way of example, the thickness may be: • equal to or greater than 2 millimeters (mm) and less than or equal to 10 mm, • equal to or greater than 2 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm, which may limit the protrusion of the device on the person's skin, • equal to or greater than 4 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, which may promote the rigidity of the device, and / or • equal to or greater than 3 mm and less than or equal to 8 mm, which offers adequate performance for most people while remaining discreet.

[0132] A relatively significant thickness gives the device 1 a relatively high degree of rigidity in the plane of symmetry PS of the device 1, but makes the device 1 protrude more on the skin of the person wearing the device 1. The thickness can vary within the device 1, or even within a given wire portion 11, 12, 21, 22. These thickness variations can be substantially continuous.

[0133] The elongated element can exhibit, when the device 1 is in its resting position, a stiffness, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of symmetry PS, greater than or equal to 40 Newtons per meter, and equal to or less than 600 Newtons per meter. Thus, the device 1 can comfortably contact the person's neck 3 — without hindering the person's blood circulation or respiration — and remain on its own on the neck 3 when the person is wearing the device 1, while allowing for the occasional separation of the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 during donning and / or doffing of the device 1.

[0134] The elongated element also has a given "width". The width of the elongated element corresponds to a dimension locally perpendicular to the closed curve and substantially parallel to the skin of the person when wearing the device 1.

[0135] By way of example, the width could be: • equal to or greater than 2 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, • equal to or greater than 2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, which can give an appearance of lightness, • equal to or greater than 7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, which can promote comfort, and / or • equal to or greater than 4 mm and less than or equal to 8 mm, which offers an advantageous combination of lightness and comfort.

[0136] A relatively large width gives the device a relatively large stiffness in a direction perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the device. The width can vary within the device, or even within a given wire segment. Width variations can be substantially continuous.

[0137] The middle of one of the portions of the first pair 10 and the middle of one of the portions of the second pair 20 can be arranged on either side of a front plane of the device 1 which is perpendicular to the plane of symmetry PS of the device 1.

[0138] Fig. 3 represents a first cross-sectional view of the long-lined element of device 1 illustrated in Fig. 1A, along the section line 111-111.

[0139] The elongated element is made entirely of a material that is not irritating to the person's skin. Thus, the person can wear the device directly on the skin. The person can then choose to wear the device under their clothing.

[0140] By way of example, the elongated element may comprise at least one material from the following list: PTFE, glass fiber impregnated with a suitable resin, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene of a grade greater than or equal to 500,000 daltons and less than or equal to 1,000,000 daltons. Such materials may offer, in addition to being non-irritating to the skin: ease of manufacture and / or recycling, a low carbon footprint, advantageous mechanical performance, or even a combination of these advantages.

[0141] Optionally, by way of example, the elongated element can be made entirely from a combination of materials selected from the following list: PTFE, glass fiber impregnated with a suitable resin, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene, said combination forming a homogeneous material. Thus, the elongated element is constructed homogeneously, which can facilitate manufacturing compared to a heterogeneous construction of several materials, while taking advantage of the mechanical performance of the constituent materials of the mixture.

[0142] Optionally, by way of example, the elongated element may be made entirely of a single material selected from the following list: PTFE, Fiberglass impregnated with a suitable resin, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene of a grade greater than or equal to 500,000 daltons and less than or equal to 1,000,000 daltons. Thus, the elongated element is constructed from a single material, which simplifies manufacturing compared to a multi-material construction.

[0143] In [Fig.3], the section of the long element is solid.

[0144] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view, different from that shown in Figure 3, of a long element. To facilitate comparison with Figure 3, the view shown in Figure 4 is also shown along section line III-III.

[0145] Unlike the section illustrated in [Fig.3], the one illustrated in [Fig.4] comprises a first portion 51 which is positioned towards the skin of the person when wearing the device, and a second portion 52 which is separated by the first portion 51 from the skin of the person when wearing the device.

[0146] Although the section illustrated in [Fig. 4] is presented as an alternative to that illustrated in [Fig. 3], it is envisaged that a given elongated element will have a first section at one location and a second section at another location. Therefore, representing the section in [Fig. 4] as an alternative to that illustrated in [Fig. 3] does not preclude the possibility of combining a solid section, used at one location on a given elongated element, with a section having several portions 51, 52, used at another location on the same elongated element.

[0147] The first portion 51 of the section illustrated in [Fig.4] can be constructed of the same detailed materials as for the section illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0148] The thickness of the first portion 51 of the section, measured in the direction of the second portion 52 of the section from a surface, which is disposed towards the skin of the person when wearing the device, of the first portion 51 of the section, may, by way of example, be equal to or greater than one quarter of the thickness of the longitudinal element — or of the width of the longitudinal element when the latter is less — and equal to or less than one third of the thickness of the longitudinal element — or of the width of the longitudinal element when the latter is greater.

[0149] The second portion 52 of the section may be empty or filled with fluid (for example, gas, possibly ambient). For example, the elongated element may be at least locally hollow.

[0150] Alternatively, as seen in [Fig. 5], the second portion 52 can also be solid, so that the device 101 has a heterogeneous construction. [Fig. 5] represents a device 101 for postural improvement in a person. Unlike the device 1 illustrated in [Fig. 1A], the elongated element of the device 101 illustrated in [Fig. 5] comprises a resilient core 9 and a contact layer 8. The The contact layer 8 is located in the first portion 51 of the section, and the core 9 is located in the second portion 52 of the section. Thus, the contact layer 8 is arranged so that, when the person wears the device 101, the contact layer 8 is positioned between the core 9 and the skin in such a way that the core 9, at the levels of the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 and the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20, rests respectively on the skin at the levels of the neck, thorax, and lower jaw through the contact layer 8. Thus, the contact layer 8 maintains a separation between the core 9 and the skin on which the core 9 rests when wearing the device 101.

[0151] The core 9 ensures the correct positioning of the contact layer 8 and ensures the correct movement of the latter during the deformation of the device 101.

[0152] A shape of the web 9 can be configured to ensure the set of restoring forces of the elongated element. Thus, the mechanical performance of the device 101 can be ensured at least in part by the construction of the web 9 — for example by a choice of material used for the construction of the web 9.

[0153] The contact layer 8 is made of a material that is not irritating to the person's skin. Thus, the comfort of wearing the device 101 can be ensured, at least in part, by choosing a different material for the construction of the contact layer 8.

[0154] Although several contact layers 8 are also envisaged, in this case, the device 101 includes a contact layer 8 along the closed curve. When several contact layers 8 are present, they are arranged between the core 9 and the skin of the person wearing the device 101 so as to contact the person at the nape of the neck, the clavicle(s), and / or the chin.

[0155] Although several cores 9 are also considered, in this case, the wire portions 11, 12 of the first pair 10 and the wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 have a single central core 9 connecting each of the portions 11, 12, 21, 22 to each other along the entire closed curve. When the core 9 defines only a part of the closed curve of the elongated element, the contact layer(s) 8 connect(s) the ends of the core 9 to each other. When there are several cores 9 arranged in series on the closed curve of the elongated element, the contact layers 8 connect the cores 9 to each other, the end of one of the cores 9 to the end of a neighboring core 9.When a contact layer 8 connects one end of a web 9 to another end of a web 9, the section of the longitudinal element can be solid between these ends of web 9, and can include several portions 51, 52 at the levels of these ends of webs — each end of web 9 then constituting a portion of the section other than the first portion 51 of the section.

[0156] The soul 9 can be considered in [Fig.3] solid, because it does not define a third portion of the section of the long-line element which is separated from the first portion 51 of the section by the second portion 52 of the section.

[0157] But in [Fig.6], we see a third cross-sectional view of the long element whose section, unlike the section illustrated in [Fig.4], includes a third portion 53, separated from the first portion 51 of the section by the second portion 52 of the section.

[0158] The core 9 can be disposed in the second portion 52 of the section and / or in the third portion 53 of the section.

[0159] When the core 9 is disposed in the second portion 52 of the section, but not in the third portion 53 of the section, the third portion 53 of the section may be empty or filled with fluid (for example, gas, possibly ambient). For example, the core 9 may be at least locally hollow.

[0160] When the core 9 is disposed in the third portion 53 of the section, but not in the second portion 52 of the section, the second portion 52 of the section can be filled with a material other than that of the core 9 and that of the contact layer 8.

[0161] When the soul 9 is disposed in the second portion 52 of the section and the third portion 53 of the section, it can comprise a first matter at the level of the second portion 52 of the section and a second matter at the level of the third portion 53 of the section.

[0162] Optionally, when the device comprises several webs in series along the closed curve, one of the webs may be at least locally hollow and disposed in the second portion 52 of the section, and a neighboring web may be at least locally solid and disposed in the third portion 53 of the profile section so as to be received in the web which is at least locally hollow.

[0163] The surface profiles illustrated in Figures 3-4 and 6 each have a rounded edge 50 extending along a portion of the closed curve of the longitudinal element. The rounded surface thus defined is intended to be in contact with the person's skin. Thus, the device 1, 101 can have a rounded surface for contacting the person's skin, which may be more comfortable than an angular contact surface.

[0164] By way of example, the long element may include at least one part whose cross-section has an oval profile, as illustrated in Figures 3-4 & 6. An oval profile makes it possible to create a wide and rounded contact surface, and to preserve high local stiffness against deformations in a direction parallel to the skin, when the major axis of the oval is substantially parallel to the skin.

[0165] Figure 7 shows a surface profile having at least one straight edge 60, forming a flat surface extending along a portion of the closed curve. Thus, the device 1, 101 can present a flat surface for contacting the skin of The person. A flat contact surface can offer a larger contact area than a non-flat one. Thus, the pressure forces exerted by the device 1, 101 on the skin can be distributed over a larger area of ​​the skin via these flat surfaces, compared to a rounded surface. Optionally, the flat surface is tangent to a neighboring rounded surface to minimize the sensation of an edge on the skin of the person wearing the device 1, 101.

[0166] The profile illustrated in [Fig.7] can define a section with one or more portions - one of the several portions possibly being hollow, as illustrated in figures 4 and 6.

[0167] Figure 8 illustrates a kit 200 comprising at least two devices 201, 202 as described above. The first of said devices 201 has a different dimension, material, construction and / or stiffness than the second of said devices 202. Thus, the kit 200 provides distinct but similar devices 201, 202, which makes it possible to respond to morphological variations, sensitivities and / or allergies, and variations in support that may exist from one person to another.

[0168] Although the present description refers to specific embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) for the postural improvement of a person, said device (1, 101, 201, 202) comprising: • a long, thin element having a given thickness forming a closed curve having a predefined three-dimensional deformable shape, the deformation of which makes it possible to generate a set of restoring forces on said device (1, 101, 201, 202), said device (1, 101, 201, 202) in turn exerting a constraint when worn by the person;• said long-spanning element forming two pairs (10, 20) of wire portions (11, 12, 21, 22) adapted, when a first (10) of the two pairs is arranged laterally on either side of a neck (3) of the person and a second (20) of the two pairs is arranged on the one hand on a lower surface of a lower jaw (4) of the person and on the other hand on a frontal surface of a thorax (5) of the person, to: • support the lower jaw (4) of the person according to a given orientation with respect to the thorax (5) of the person by a first deformation of said device (1, 101, 201, 202), and • maintain the device (1, 101, 201, 202) around the neck (3) of the person.;

2. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to claim 1, wherein the long element has a surface profile having at least one rounded edge (50) extending along a portion of the closed curve and intended to be in contact with the person's skin.

3. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the long element has a surface profile having at least one straight edge (60) forming a flat surface extending along a portion of the closed curve.

4. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the long element comprises at least one part whose cross-section has an oval profile.

5. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a plane of

6. symmetry (PS) intercepting a midpoint of a first portion (21) of the second pair (20) and a midpoint of a second portion (22) of the second pair (20) and passing through a point equidistant between the midpoint of the first portion (11) of the first pair (10) and the midpoint of the second portion (12) of the first pair (10). Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:

7.

8. • the portions (11, 12) of the first pair (10) are arranged on either side of a plane of symmetry (PS) of the device (1, 101,201,202); • the plane of symmetry (PS) crosses the portions (21, 22) of the second pair (20), the curve intersecting perpendicularly the plane of symmetry (PS); • a maximum width (L21), measured perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (PS), of the first portion (21) of the second pair (20), is less than a maximum width (L22) of the second portion (22) of the second pair (20); • a portion (11) of the first pair (10) extends towards the plane of symmetry (PS) from transitions between said portion (11) of the first pair (10) and each of the portions (21, 22) of the second pair (20); • the curve has a peak of curvature at least locally maximum, at the level of said portion (11) of the first pair (10), between said transitions; • a projection of the first portion (21) of the second pair (20) onto the plane of symmetry (PS), and a projection of the second portion (22) of the second pair (20) onto the plane of symmetry (PS), define an internal angle (al1, a2) sufficient for a person's gaze, standing on a horizontal surface, such that a torso of the person is substantially parallel to a tibia of the person, to be directed horizontally; and • a length, measured in the plane of symmetry (PS) from a vertex of said internal angle (al, a2), of the projection of the first portion (21) of the second pair (20) is less than a length of the projection of the second portion (22) of the second pair (20). Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to claim 6, wherein the vertices of the portions (11, 12) of the first pair of portions (10) are separated by a distance (L10) equal to or greater than five centimeters and less than or equal to eight centimeters. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first portion (21) of the second couple (20) and the second portion (22) of the second pair (20) are substantially each contained in a plane (PI, P2).

9. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elongated element has, when the person wears the device (1, 101), a stiffness in a sagittal plane (PSP) of the person, greater than or equal to 80 Newtons per meter and equal to or less than 340 Newtons per meter.

10. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the elongated element is made entirely of material that is not irritating to a person's skin.

11. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the elongated element comprises at least one material from the following list: PTFE, resin-impregnated glass fiber, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene of a grade greater than or equal to 500,000 daltons and less than or equal to 1,000,000 daltons.

12. Device (1, 201, 202) according to claim 11, characterized in that the elongated element is made entirely of a single material selected from the following list of PTFE, resin-impregnated fiberglass, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene of a grade greater than or equal to 500,000 daltons and less than or equal to 1,000,000 daltons.

13. Device (1, 201, 202) according to claim 11, characterized in that the elongated element is made entirely of a combination of materials selected from the following list of PTFE, resin-impregnated glass fiber, bronze, PA6, non-bio-based PA11, bio-based PA11, PA12, POM C, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene, said combination forming a homogeneous material.

14. Device (101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: • The elongated element comprises a resilient core (9) and one or more contact layer(s) (8); • The wire portions (11, 12) of the first pair (10) and the wire portions (21, 22) of the second pair (20) have a single central core connecting each of the portions together; • A shape of the core (9) is configured to ensure the set of restoring forces of the elongated element; • The contact layer(s) (8) is / are made of a material that is non-irritating to the skin of the person;and • the contact layer(s) (8) is / are arranged so that, when the person wears the device (101), the contact layer(s) (8) is / are arranged between the resilient core (9) and the skin so that the core (9), at the levels of the wire portions (11, 12) of the first pair (10) and the wire portions (21, 22) of the second pair (22), rests respectively on the skin at the levels of the neck (3), the thorax (5), and the lower jaw (4) through the contact layer(s) (8).;

15. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, adapted to permit transverse rotation of the neck (3) of the person when said person is wearing said device (1, 101, 201, 202).

16. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one of the wire portions (11, 12) of the first pair (10) is configured to rest on a posterolateral surface (31, 32) of the person's neck when said person is wearing said device (1, 101, 201, 202), in order to limit a forward movement of said device (1, 101, 201, 202) of the person.

17. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the wire portions (11, 12) of the first pair (10) are adapted to be laterally separated from each other with respect to the sagittal plane of the person (PSP) during donning and / or doffing of the device (1, 101, 201, 202) by the person, and the second pair (20) of wire portions (21, 22) is configured to laterally bring the wire portions (11, 12) of the first couple (10) in relation to the sagittal plane of the person (PSP, 201, 202).

18. Kit comprising (200) at least two devices (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, a first of said devices (201) having a different dimension, material, construction and / or stiffness from a second of said devices (202).