BODY MOBILIZATION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a body mobilization apparatus, i.e. an apparatus for controlling the movement of a part of the body of a human subject using the apparatus.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of functional rehabilitation of patients, as well as the physical preparation of healthy subjects.

[0003] In this field, one of the basic techniques implemented by physiotherapists is passive mobilization, which is applied, among others, in traumatology, rheumatology, neurology, resuscitation, etc. In this technique, the patient does not perform any voluntary motor action, so the patient's joints are moved by the physiotherapist with or without equipment, such as devices called arthromotors.

[0004] Mobilization is said to be active when the subject's joint movements are obtained by voluntary muscle contractions. Active mobilization allows the subject to perform exercises with or without the assistance of the physiotherapist and with or without constraint, depending on the pathology and / or the physical preparation objective to be achieved. Various dedicated equipment is generally used. Among these, we know the balls, commonly called "Swiss Ball", "Klein-Vogelbach Balls" or "gymball", which are inflatable spheres with a certain elasticity, on which the subject places a part of his body to perform physical exercises, particularly joint exercises.For example, the subject sits on the ball, resting his pelvis directly on a high portion of the ball, while his feet remain in contact with the ground: by trying to keep his balance, the subject works in particular the joints and muscles of his lower limbs, his pelvis and his back. The existing balls are comfortable and come in different diameters, the diameter chosen by the subject depending on the size of the latter and the part of the body to be rehabilitated or worked. Such balls allow to work on muscle strengthening, proprioception of deep muscles, coordination, flexibility, core strengthening, etc. The advantages and virtues of these balls are now well established, so much so that they are used both in the medical world and by athletes, particularly for muscle strengthening.

[0005] However, existing balls remain inherently unstable equipment. Using them requires "taming" the precariousness of their stability, which can be difficult or dangerous, or even impossible for some people with reduced mobility or fragility. Furthermore, existing balls do not allow for easy control of characteristics, such as the amplitude and speed of the ball's movements, and therefore do not allow for control of the effects of mobilization exercises performed with the ball.

[0006] In a separate field, namely that of virtual reality equipment, US 6,135,928 discloses equipment enabling natural human locomotion. This equipment comprises a sphere and a chassis. The chassis is arranged below the ground and supports the sphere so that only a small upper portion of the sphere emerges above the ground, via an opening in the ground. The equipment also comprises an aerial support which is held fixed vertically above the sphere by a gallows. This aerial support holds a user standing on the upper portion of the sphere, via a harness. The sphere is sized accordingly, having a diameter of between 6 and 7 feet, i.e. between 180 and 215 cm.The sphere is left to rotate freely around its center relative to the chassis, allowing the user to walk or run on the upper part of the sphere, causing the latter to rotate around its center while the user "hovers" relative to the chassis. For this purpose, the equipment comprises, at the interface between the chassis and the sphere, both "idler" casters, which are distributed over the entire surface of the sphere, located under the ground, and which allow the sphere to move in rotation around its center in any direction, and wheels with a fixed horizontal axis, which are located at the equator of the sphere and which are used to reduce the slippage of the sphere and its involuntary rotation around a vertical axis passing through the center of the sphere. The equipment is designed to operate without using a motor.That being said, US 6,135,928 mentions the possibility of motorizing the wheels with a horizontal fixed axis in order to be able to "accelerate" the rotation of the sphere and thus force the user to "walk faster". In this case, US 6,135,928 specifies that the wheels with a horizontal fixed axis must be in close contact with the outer face of the sphere, which amounts to saying that the wheels with a horizontal fixed axis are pressed horizontally against the sphere.

[0007] Document IT UA 20 162 748 A1 describes a body mobilization apparatus comprising a frame which is adapted to rest fixedly on the ground, a ball which is adapted to, while a user keeps at least one of his feet on the ground, support the weight of a part of the user's body, supported on a high portion of the ball, a stabilizing member which is carried by the frame and which is designed to retain the ball by contact so as to keep a center of the ball substantially fixed relative to the frame, while leaving the ball freely movable relative to the frame at least following a first tilting movement about a first horizontal axis passing through the center of the ball, the body mobilization apparatus comprising a movable support member, which is adapted to support a low portion of the ball, pressed downwards against the movable support member under the effect of the user pressing on the high portion of the ball.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to propose a new body mobilization device which, while using a ball similar to those mentioned above, is simple and safe to use and allows effective and controlled body mobilization exercises to be carried out, if necessary in passive mobilization.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a body mobilization device, as defined in claim 1.

[0010] One of the ideas underlying the invention is to use an existing ball, of the type mentioned above, but seeking, on the one hand, to stabilize the position of the ball relative to the ground, in particular to prevent the ball from rolling on the ground, and, on the other hand, to cause the ball to rotate on itself in a motorized and therefore controlled manner. To this end, the invention provides that the ball is held by contact by a dedicated member of the device, called a stabilizing member, which, while keeping the center of the ball fixed relative to a fixed frame of the device, leaves the ball free to at least tilt on itself around a horizontal axis passing through the center of the ball, or even to rotate on itself around its center, relative to the frame. The user who rests part of his body on a high portion of the ball, while keeping at least one foot on the ground, thus does not run the risk of being substantially destabilized.For example, the user can sit on the ball, keeping both feet on the ground, or stand with one foot on the ground and the other foot on the upper portion of the ball. In addition, the invention provides that the ball is driven at least in tilting about the aforementioned horizontal axis, or even in rotation about its center, relative to the chassis by a dedicated motorized member of the device, called a mobile support member, on which a lower portion of the ball rests. When the user rests the weight of a part of his body on the upper portion of the ball, the lower portion of the ball is pressed against the mobile support member, the motor activation of which correspondingly drives this lower portion of the ball following controlled movements. In particular, these motorized movements can, for example, be of low angular amplitude and rapid in displacement, or be with a greater angular amplitude and a slower speed.The user passively accompanies these motorized movements of the ball or, on the contrary, seeks to resist these motorized movements of the ball. In both cases, these motorized movements are operated either in a pre-programmed manner or randomly. The invention is also available in a version where the ball is not spherical, but has an elongated shape, in particular peanut-shaped, centered on the aforementioned horizontal axis. In practice, as detailed below, the stabilizing member and the mobile support member can have multiple embodiments, which are covered by the invention. In all cases, the apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to carry out functional rehabilitation exercises, typically under the supervision of a physiotherapist, but, more generally, makes it possible to carry out physical preparation exercises in the field of sport and fitness, as detailed below.The health or sports professional can in particular use the device according to the invention to make the user work according to precise movements while respecting biomechanics, which are controlled in terms of their characteristics, such as time, speed, amplitude, repetition, etc. The user of the device according to the invention thus works in a safe, efficient and fun manner.

[0011] Advantageous characteristics of the apparatus according to the invention are specified in the other claims.

[0012] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which: [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 is a perspective diagram of an apparatus according to the invention, according to a first embodiment; [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 is a schematic section along plan II-II of the figure 1 ; [ Fig 3 ] there figure 3 is a schematic section along line III-III of the figure 2 ; [ Fig 4 ] there figure 4 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment for a movable support member belonging to the apparatus of the preceding figures; [ Fig 5 ] there figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 3 , illustrating a different usage configuration than that of the figures 1 à 3 ; [ Fig 6 ] there figure 6 is a schematic section in the same plane as the figure 3 , illustrating another embodiment of the movable support member; [ Fig 7 ] there figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 2 , illustrating an alternative embodiment for a stabilizing member belonging to the apparatus of the preceding figures; [ Fig 8 ] there figure 8 is also a similar view to the figure 2 , schematically illustrating another alternative embodiment for the movable support member of the apparatus of the preceding figures; [ Fig 9 ] there figure 9 is a cut similar to the figure 3 , illustrating a second embodiment of the apparatus, in accordance with the invention; [ Fig 10 ] there figure 10 is a schematic elevation view, according to arrow X of the figure 9 , of a part of the device envisaged at the figure 9 ; And [ Fig 11 ] And [ Fig 12 ] THE figures 11 And 12 are views respectively similar to the figures 1 And 2 , which illustrate a third embodiment of the apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

[0013] On the figures 1 à 3 a body mobilization device 1 is shown, designed to move the body of a user U.

[0014] The apparatus 1 comprises a ball 10 having a spherical shape whose center is referenced 11. In practice, the ball 10 is made up of a flexible, in particular elastic, envelope which is designed to be inflatable and which, in the inflated state, gives the ball 10 its spherical shape. The specific features of the ball 10 are not limiting of the invention as long as this ball can support the weight of a part of the user's body U, resting on an upper portion 12 of the ball, that is to say a portion which, when the apparatus 1 is used, is turned upwards. For example, on the figure 1 , the user sits on the upper portion 12 of the ball 10, resting on this upper portion 12 by his pelvis, while the user's two feet are in direct contact with the ground. The ball 10 has for example a diameter of between 50 and 90 cm. Given the flexibility of the wall of the ball 10, the upper portion 12 tends to slightly flatten under the effect of the weight of the user U, as shown schematically in the figure 3 , it being noted however that the balloon 10 is designed to generally retain its spherical shape, in particular in its intermediate portion 13 connecting the upper portion 12 to a lower portion 14 of the balloon.

[0015] The ball 10 thus typically corresponds to the balls mentioned in the introductory part of this document, i.e. the balls intended for physical activity and commercially available under the names “Klein-Vogelbach balls”, “gymball” or “Swiss Ball”.

[0016] As clearly visible on the figures 1 à 3 , the apparatus 1 also comprises a frame 20 by which the apparatus 1 rests fixedly on the ground. In the embodiment considered on the figures 1 à 3 , the chassis 20 mainly comprises a tubular box 21 centered on a geometric axis which, when the device 1 is used, extends vertically, that is to say perpendicular to the ground. In practice, the specific features of the chassis 20 are not limiting as long as this chassis ensures, in service, a fixed support of the device 1 on the ground. Thus, as an advantageous arrangement, the chassis 20 comprises a base 22.

[0017] When the apparatus 1 is used, the balloon 10 is attached to the chassis 20 not directly, but with the interposition of a stabilizing member 30. This stabilizing member 30 is carried by the chassis 20 and is designed to retain the balloon 10 by contact so as to, at the same time, keep the center 11 of the balloon 10 fixed relative to the chassis 20 and allow the balloon 10 to rotate freely around its center 11 relative to the chassis 20. In practice, this stabilizing member 30 takes multiple possible embodiments.

[0018] In the embodiment envisaged on the figures 1 à 3 , the stabilizing member 30 comprises a part 31 which, in service, is fixedly integrated into the chassis 10 and is in sliding contact with the balloon 10. This part 31 here has the shape of an open torus, arranged coaxially with the tubular box 21 of the chassis 20, being located at the end of the tubular box 21, which is axially opposite the ground. The toric shape of the part 31 is used to arrange the stabilizing member 30 laterally with the balloon 10 and to bring this stabilizing member 30 into contact with the intermediate portion 13 of the balloon 10 on an area 32 of the part 31, which runs continuously all around the intermediate portion 13 of the balloon 10.Thus, in projection in a horizontal plane, that is to say parallel to the ground, the zone 32 of the stabilizing member 30, which is in contact with the intermediate portion 13 of the ball 10, extends continuously over 360 degrees around the ball, which physically retains the ball 10 relative to the chassis 20 in all horizontal directions. This amounts to saying that this zone 32 of the stabilizing member 30 prevents, by interference of contact with the intermediate portion 13 of the ball 10, that the position of the center 11 of the ball 10 can be modified relative to the chassis 20. Of course, the center 11 of the ball 10 is thus immobilized relative to the chassis 20 at ready functional clearances, linked in particular to the inherent flexibility of the wall of the ball 10.In a variant not shown, the zone 32 extends continuously over a lesser angular extent around the intermediate portion 13 of the balloon 10, since this zone of the stabilizing member 30 extends continuously, in projection in a horizontal plane, over more than 180° around the balloon 10.

[0019] Furthermore, the sliding contact provided between the zone 32 of the stabilizing member 30 and the intermediate portion 13 of the ball 10 leaves the capacity for the ball 10 to rotate freely on itself around its center 11 relative to the chassis 20: this sliding contact results, in particular, from ad hoc characteristics of the part 31, in particular its geometric profile, its constituent material, etc.

[0020] Whatever the embodiment of the stabilizing member 30, the apparatus 1 is designed to drive the ball 10 in a motorized manner in rotation around its center 11 relative to the chassis 20. For this purpose, the apparatus 1 comprises a mobile support member 40, which is only shown schematically in the figures 1 à 3 and of which multiple embodiments are conceivable. Whatever its embodiment, the mobile support member 40 is motorized and is adapted to support and rotate around the center 11 the lower portion 14 of the balloon 10, which in use, is pressed against the mobile support member 40, as clearly visible in the figure 3 . Thus, when the apparatus 1 is used, the lower portion 14 of the ball 10 is pressed downwards against the movable support member 40 under the effect of the user U pressing on the upper portion 12 of the ball 10, this lower portion 14 having a tendency to slightly deform in a flexible manner by crushing for reasons similar to those indicated above with regard to the crushing of the upper portion 12 of the ball 10. In practice, the support of the lower portion 14 of the ball 10 on the movable support member 40 allows the transmission of movement from the movable member 40 to the lower portion 14 of the ball 10 and, thereby, to the entire ball 10.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the movable support member 40, which is illustrated in figure 4 , the movable support member 40 comprises a plate 41, on which the lower portion 14 of the ball 10 rests and which is mounted movably on a base 42 of the movable support member 40, being guided, here exclusively, according to a rectilinear translation movement T relative to this base 42, and this by any appropriate guide means. The base 42 is fixedly secured to the chassis 20 and thus forms a fixed part for the movable support member 40, compared to the plate 41 which forms a movable part. In addition, the movable support member 40 comprises a motor unit 43 making it possible to control the movement, according to the translation T, of the plate 41 relative to the base 42: in the example envisaged in figure 4 , the drive unit 43 comprises an electric motor 44 whose output drives a worm screw 45 in rotation on itself, which is carried by the base 42 with interposition of bearings and which is screwed into a nut 46 securely connected to the plate 41. By actuating the electric motor 44, the screw 45 is screwed / unscrewed into the nut 46 while the latter is locked in rotation, which drives this nut 46 and, thereby, the plate 41 following the rectilinear translation T. More generally, it is understood that the mobile support member 40 illustrated in the figure 4 corresponds to a motorized actuator with a translational linear output.

[0022] The translational movement T of the movable support member 40 is transmitted to the lower portion 14 of the balloon 10, being transformed, by the presence of the stabilizing member 30, into a tilting movement B of the balloon 10 around a horizontal axis X40 passing through the center 11 of the balloon. This tilting movement B, which is here the only movement with which the lower portion 14 of the balloon 14 is driven by the movable support member 40, is oriented correspondingly to the direction of the translational movement T, and this in the two possible opposite directions, as illustrated schematically in the figure 3 .

[0023] Whatever the embodiment of the mobile support member 40, the latter is advantageously controlled in movement by a control unit 50 belonging to the device 1. This control unit 50 is shown schematically only at figure 1 , being housed inside the chassis 20 without this arrangement being limiting. This control unit 50 makes it possible to control the actuation of the mobile support member 40. Applied to the example embodiment at figure 4 , this amounts to saying that the control unit 50 controls the electric motor 44 so as to control the kinematic characteristics of the translational movement T and, thereby, those of the tilting movement B. In practice, the control unit 50 is typically of an electronic nature, including for example a microprocessor. More generally, the control unit 50 is connected, in a wired or wireless manner, to the mobile support member 40 for the purposes of controlling the latter, in particular its power supply, typically electricity.

[0024] Before looking at the implementation alternatives which are illustrated in figures 6 and following, we will now present in more detail examples of use of the device 1 described so far. Thus, according to the example of use illustrated in figure 1 , where the user U sits on the ball 10 as described above, the actuation of the movable support member 40 by the control unit 50 drives the ball 10 according to the tilting movement B centered on the horizontal axis X40. This tilting movement B is advantageously controlled back and forth relative to an initial position of the ball 10 around the horizontal axis X40, with an angular amplitude which is controlled by the control unit 50. The user U can then either work passively, accompanying the tilting movement B of the ball, or work in resistance to this tilting movement B. In both cases, the user U mobilizes the joints and muscles of his lower limbs, his pelvis and his back in order to maintain his balance in a seated position on the upper portion 12 of the ball 10.The user U works in this way in a safe manner since the ball 10, even when driven with the tilting movement B, is retained by the stabilizing member 30, as explained above.

[0025] It will be noted that when the user U is seated on the ball 10 so that the horizontal axis X40 extends substantially perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the user U, as illustrated in the figures 1 à 3 , the joint and muscular mobilization of the user U is oriented in an anteroposterior direction relative to the user, as indicated by the AP arrows on the figure 3 . That being said, this joint and muscular mobilization can be oriented differently, notably with a left-right component, depending on the angulation between the horizontal axis X40 and the sagittal plane of the user U. Thus, for example, the figure 5 illustrates the situation where the user U is seated on the ball 10 so that the horizontal axis X40 extends substantially in the sagittal plane of the user U, the latter being observed from behind on the figure 5 : the joint and muscular mobilization of the user U is then oriented in a mediolateral direction relative to the user, as indicated by the arrows ML on the figure 5 . The situations respectively illustrated on the figures 3 And 5, in which the user U occupies respectively two different sitting positions which are at 90° to each other, are two configurations of use which are not limiting, but which are preferential in the sense that the latter can respectively allow mobilization exclusively in the anteroposterior direction and mobilization exclusively in the mediolateral direction. In practice, to facilitate the identification of these two configurations of use, the chassis 20 is advantageously provided with visual markings or indicators, which are respectively associated with the two configurations of use and which allow the user U to easily position himself in relation to the chassis and thus to place himself on the ball 10 in the chosen sitting position.In all cases, the angular amplitude of the tilting of the ball 10 relative to the aforementioned initial position, as well as the speed of this tilting and the number of back-and-forth movements can be adjusted using the control unit 50, for example by defining one or more pre-programmed sequences or, on the contrary, by authorizing random sequences.

[0026] It will also be noted that the user U can use the device 1 in positions other than the seated position. In particular, according to a possibility not shown, the user U stands, with one of his feet placed downwardly on the upper portion 12 of the ball 10 so that the ball supports the weight of a part of the body of the user U, while his other foot remains pressed directly on the ground. More generally, the device 1 can be used, for the purposes of bodily mobilization of the user U, according to multiple positions of the user, allowing the latter to support the weight of at least one part of his body on the upper portion 12 of the ball 10.

[0027] Taking into account the explanations given so far, it is understood that, in the field of physiotherapy, the device 1 allows functional rehabilitation to be carried out on the user U, in passive mobilization or resistance, with control of the user's bodily mobilization. In the field of sport and fitness, the device 1 allows the user U to work on their flexibility and muscular strength, to perform stretches, to improve their balance and to perform postural gymnastics. In all cases, the bodily mobilization applied to the user U by the device 1 is carried out in a simple and effective manner, without apprehension on the part of the user, even if the latter is in a situation of reduced mobility or cognitive fragility.

[0028] According to an advantageous optional arrangement, which is schematically illustrated in the embodiment envisaged in the figure 1 , the apparatus 1 is equipped with an interface 60 which is connected to the control unit 50 for the purposes of activating and adjusting the latter. The interface 60 comprises control elements, which are respectively associated with the activation and adjustment parameters of the control unit 50 and which are operable by hand. According to an advantageous embodiment, the interface 60 comprises a display screen 61, which integrates the aforementioned control elements and which, in addition, makes it possible to display to the user U values ​​relating to the operation of the apparatus 1, such as the duration of the current exercise, the kinematic characteristics of the movements applied to the ball 10 by the movable support member 40, the details of the sequence(s) in progress, etc. The display screen 61 thus allows feedback to the user U, allowing the latter to follow and control the bodily mobilization applied to him by the apparatus 1.

[0029] Below, we take a closer look at the figures 6 and following to discuss alternatives for implementing the arrangements of the device 1 described so far.

[0030] As mentioned above, the movable support member 40 of the device 1 may have other embodiments than that illustrated in figure 4 . So, the figure 6 shows, as an alternative to the movable support member 40, a movable support member 140, which is functionally similar to the movable support member 40, but which is structurally different. More specifically, the movable support member 140 comprises a conveyor belt 141 on which the lower part 14 of the ball 10 rests. The movable support member 40 also comprises rollers 142, around which the conveyor belt 141 is mounted by being movably linked to these rollers 142, as well as support shafts 143 on which the rollers 142 are respectively mounted for rotation about their central axis. The support shafts 143 are fixedly secured to the frame 20.The mobile support member 140 also comprises a motor unit 144, typically electrically powered, which makes it possible to drive at least one of the rollers 142 in rotation and, thereby, to control the movement of the conveyor belt 141 in a rectilinear translational movement, which is similar to the translational movement T described with respect to the . figure 4 and which, for convenience, is also referenced T on the figure 6 . Thus, the conveyor belt 141 and the rollers 142 together form a movable part for the movable support member 140, which, with respect to the fixed part constituted by the support shafts 143 and with respect to the drive unit 144, is functionally similar to the plate 41 of the movable support member 40, with respect to the base 42 and the drive unit 43 of this movable support member 40.

[0031] The movable support members 40 and 140, respectively illustrated in figures 4 And 6, are not limiting but, on the contrary, illustrate the multiple possibilities of realization that the mobile support member belonging to the device 1 can take, in order to support the lower part 14 of the balloon 10 and to drive this lower portion of the balloon in rotation around the center 11 of the balloon 10 relative to the chassis 20, in particular following the tilting movement B around the horizontal axis X40, or even exclusively following this tilting movement B.

[0032] As mentioned above, the stabilizing member 30 of the apparatus 1 may have other embodiments than that illustrated in figures 1 à 4 . So, the figure 7 shows, as an alternative to the stabilizing member 30, a stabilizing member 130, which is functionally similar to the stabilizing member 30, but which is structurally distinguished therefrom in several respects.

[0033] More precisely, the stabilizing member 130 comprises three rollers 131 respectively centered on axes X131. The rollers 131 are arranged laterally to the balloon 10, being in contact with the intermediate portion 13 of the balloon 10 on three respective distinct zones 132 of the rollers 131. According to a practical and efficient arrangement, the respective axes X131 of the rollers 131 extend, both horizontally and substantially parallel to tangents to the intermediate portion 13 of the balloon 10. Thus, the three zones 132 where the rollers 131 are in contact with the intermediate portion 13 of the balloon 10 are punctual, or almost punctual taking into account the deformation capacity of the wall of the balloon 10. In all cases, the zones 132 of the rollers 131 are, in projection in a horizontal plane, regularly distributed around the intermediate portion 13 of the balloon 10 so as to constrain the center 11 of the balloon 10 fixedly in position.It is understood that, in variants not shown, the rollers 131 can be provided in a number other than three and can be produced in various forms of individual support elements belonging to the stabilizing member, provided that respective distinct zones of these support elements are in contact with the intermediate portion 13 of the balloon 10, being, in projection in a horizontal plane, sized and distributed around the balloon so as to keep the center 11 of the balloon substantially fixed relative to the chassis 20.

[0034] Furthermore, independently of the arrangement detailed above for the rollers 131 around the balloon 10, each of the rollers 131 is provided, when the apparatus 1 is used, to be freely rotatable around its axis X131. Thus, unlike the part 31 of the stabilizing member 130, provided in sliding contact with the balloon 10, the rollers 131 are, in use, freely movable relative to the chassis 20, namely, here, freely rotatable around their axis X131. When the balloon 10 is rotated around its center 11 relative to the chassis 20, the rollers 131 are driven by contact by the balloon, in rotation around their axis X131.

[0035] There figure 8 shows, as an alternative embodiment to the mobile support members 40 and 140 for the apparatus 1, a mobile support member 240. In a similar manner to the mobile support members 40 and 140, the mobile support member 240 makes it possible, in particular from the translational movement T, to drive the lower portion 14 of the balloon 10 relative to the chassis 20 following the tilting movement B around a horizontal axis 240 similar to the horizontal axis X40. The mobile support member 240 also makes it possible to drive this lower portion 14 of the balloon 10 following a movement other than the tilting movement B, namely a tilting movement B' around a horizontal axis X240', which passes through the center 11 of the balloon 10 but which is distinct from the horizontal axis X240. The horizontal axes X240 and X240' are preferably perpendicular to each other, as in the example considered in figure 8 . In practice, the driving of the ball 10 following the tilting movement B' by the mobile support member 240 can be obtained from a translational movement T' of the mobile support member 240 relative to the chassis 20, in particular by integrating into the mobile support member 240 arrangements similar to those described above for the mobile support members 40 and 140 in connection with the translational movement T. For example, the mobile support member 240 comprises two motorized actuators with translational linear output, which are individually similar to the linear actuator presented in FIG. figure 4 , but which are arranged “in series” with each other.

[0036] Whatever the embodiment of the mobile support member 240, the latter allows, in service, to drive the ball 10 in rotation around its center 11 relative to the chassis 20 according to two different distinct movements, namely the tilting movements B and B'. The respective kinematic characteristics of these two different movements are advantageously controlled by the control unit 50, adapted accordingly to control the movement of the mobile support member 240.

[0037] On the figure 9 And 10 a body mobilization apparatus 301 is shown, as an alternative embodiment to the apparatus 1 considered so far.

[0038] This apparatus 301 comprises the balloon 10 described above, as well as a frame 320, a stabilizing member 330 and a movable support member 340, which are functionally similar to, respectively, the frame 20, the stabilizing member 30 or 130, and the movable support member 40 or 140 of the apparatus 1, but which are structurally different from the latter.

[0039] In particular, the stabilizing member 330 is arranged below the lower part 14 of the balloon 10 and forms a bowl 331, which is fixedly integrated into the frame 320 and in the hollow of which the lower part 14 of the balloon 10 is brought into complementary contact. This bowl 331 makes it possible, in particular by its complementarity with the lower portion 14 of the balloon 10, to retain the balloon by contact, keeping the center 11 of the balloon 10 substantially fixed relative to the frame 320, while leaving the balloon 10 freely rotatable around its center 11 relative to the frame. For this purpose, the bowl 311 is provided in sliding contact with the balloon 10, the upper face of the bowl 311 being advantageously covered with sliding contact strips 332, as shown schematically in the figure 10 .

[0040] The mobile support member 340 is, for its part, produced in the form of a motorized roller 341 centered on a horizontal axis X341. The motorized roller 341 includes a motorization, which is typically electric and which is advantageously integrated inside the motorized roller. This motorization is capable of driving the motorized roller 341 in rotation on itself around its axis X341 relative to a fixed support of the motorized roller, this support being fixedly secured to the frame 320. The corresponding rotary movement of the motorized roller 341, which is referenced R on the figures 9 And 10 , is transmitted to the lower part 14 of the balloon 10, which is pressed against the motorized roller 341, by means of the flexible deformation of this lower portion 14 of the balloon 10, as indicated schematically on the figure 9 . The motorized roller 341 thus provides support for the lower portion 14 of the balloon 10 and, when it is rotated following the movement R, drives this lower portion of the balloon in rotation around the center 11 of the balloon relative to the chassis 320, in particular or even exclusively following a tilting movement, which is similar to the tilting movement B presented above and which, for convenience, is also referenced B on the figure 9 .

[0041] On the figures 11 And 12 a body mobilization apparatus 401 is shown, as an alternative embodiment to the apparatuses 1 and 301 considered so far.

[0042] This apparatus 401 comprises a balloon 410, which, like the balloon 10, consists of an inflated flexible envelope, but which, unlike the balloon 10, is not spherical but has an elongated shape. The elongated shape of the balloon 410 is centered on an axis X410, along which this elongated shape extends in length and which, when the apparatus 401 is used, extends horizontally. The balloon 410 thus has a center 411, through which the horizontal axis X410 passes and which is located substantially midway between the opposite longitudinal ends of the balloon 410. In section perpendicular to the horizontal axis 410, the elongated shape of the balloon 410 has a contour, that is to say an external profile, which is circular and centered on the horizontal axis X410. This circular contour is found substantially at any point on the horizontal axis X410 along the balloon 410 between its opposite longitudinal ends, except, where applicable, locally at the level of these longitudinal ends.In practice, following considerations similar to those developed above for the ball 10, an upper portion 412 of the ball 410, on which the user U rests the weight of at least part of his body in use, as well as a lower portion 414 of the ball 410, vertically opposite its upper portion 412, tend to deform slightly by crushing in service.

[0043] In the embodiment considered on the figures 11 And 12, the diameter of the contour of the elongated shape of the balloon 410 is not constant in the current part of the balloon, connecting the opposite longitudinal ends of the balloon to each other. The balloon 410 thus advantageously includes a middle part 415, at which the center 411 is located along the horizontal axis X410, and two end parts 416 and 417, which are arranged on either side of the middle part 415 along the horizontal axis X410. In the middle part 415, the contour of the elongated shape of the balloon 410 has a diameter whose value is smaller than the diameter of the contour in the end parts 416 and 417: as a result, the balloon 410 generally has a peanut shape.

[0044] The apparatus 401 also includes a frame 420 which is functionally similar to the frame 20 of the apparatus 1, but which is structurally different therefrom in that the frame 420 is adapted to the elongated shape of the balloon 410.

[0045] The apparatus 401 also comprises a stabilizing member 430. In a similar manner to the stabilizing member 30 of the apparatus 1, the stabilizing member 430 is carried by the frame 420, being in service interposed between the latter and the balloon 410, and makes it possible to retain the balloon 410 by contact. More precisely, as for the stabilizing member 30, the stabilizing member 430 keeps the center 411 of the balloon 410 substantially fixed relative to the frame 420, while allowing the balloon freedom of movement relative to the frame 420. This freedom of movement is however less than that allowed by the stabilizing member 30, in the sense that, given the elongated shape of the balloon 410, the stabilizing member 430 leaves the balloon freely movable relative to the frame 420 essentially, or even exclusively, following a tilting movement around the horizontal axis X410.This tilting motion is similar to the tilting motion B described previously so that, for convenience, it is also referenced B on the . figures 11 And 12 In practice, the specifications for the implementation of the stabilizing member 430 are not limiting and the various considerations previously developed regarding the multiple possible embodiments for the stabilizing member 30 apply, mutatis mutandis, to the stabilizing member 430.

[0046] The apparatus 401 also comprises a movable support member 440 which is functionally similar to the movable support member 40 or 140 of the apparatus 1. The movable support member 410 is in particular designed to support the lower portion 414 of the ball 410, pressed, in particular at the level of the end parts 416 and 417, against it under the effect of the user U pressing on the upper portion 412 of the ball, and to drive this lower portion 414 and, thereby, the entire ball 410 following the tilting movement B, in particular from a translational movement which is similar to the translational movement T described previously for the movable support members 40 and 140. In practice, the movable support member 440 is for example structurally similar to the movable support members 40 and 140 detailed above.

[0047] The use of device 401 is similar to that of device 1. As an example illustrated on the figures 11 And 12, the user U is seated on the ball 410, more precisely on the middle part 415 of the latter, thus benefiting from an anteroposterior wedging effect of his pelvis by the terminal parts 416 and 417 of the ball, and this so that the horizontal axis X410 extends substantially in the sagittal plane of the user: by means of its driving by the mobile support member 440 and its retention guided by the stabilizing member 430, the ball 410 is moved according to the tilting movement B, which induces joint and muscular mobilization of the user U oriented in a mediolateral direction relative to the user. Of course, taking into account the preceding explanations on the use of the apparatus 1, it is understood that the apparatus 401 can be used in various other configurations.

[0048] Beyond the specificities of the different embodiments that have been described so far for the different parts of the body mobilization devices 1, 301 and 401, it is understood that these different embodiments can be combined with each other to give rise to new embodiments of body mobilization devices, functionally similar to the devices 1, 301 and 401.

[0049] Finally, various advantageous optional arrangements can be envisaged for the body mobilization device, in accordance with the invention. For example: the stabilizing member of the apparatus, such as the stabilizing members 30, 130, 330 and 430, can be arranged to adapt to balls having different respective diameters; in other words, by means of ad hoc arrangements, the stabilizing member is advantageously adjustable to the size of the ball 10 or 410 actually used within the body mobilization apparatus, this adjustment being carried out in particular before the actual use of the apparatus by the user; and / or the chassis of the apparatus, such as the chassis 20 or 320 or 420, can be provided with attachments for elastic bands designed to be tensioned by the user when the latter uses the apparatus as described above; in this way, the user U can exercise his upper limbs at the same time as the other parts of his body, mentioned above.

Claims

1. A body mobilization apparatus (1; 301; 401), comprising: - a frame (20; 320; 420) which is suitable for resting fixedly on the ground, - a ball (10; 410) which, while a user (U) keeps at least one of their feet on the ground, is suitable for supporting the weight of a part of the user's body, abutting on an upper portion (12; 412) of the ball, - a stabilizing member (30; 130; 330; 430), which is supported by the frame and which is designed to retain the ball so as to keep substantially stationary, a center (11; 411) of the ball with respect to the frame, while leaving the ball freely movable with respect to the frame at least following a first tilting movement (B) about a first horizontal axis (X40; X240; X410) passing through the center of the ball, and - a movable support member (40; 140; 240; 340; 440), which is motorized and which is suitable for supporting a lower portion (14; 414) of the ball, pressed downwards against the movable support member under the effect of the user pressing on the upper portion of the ball, and for driving the lower portion of the ball at least following the first tilting movement (B) with respect to the frame.

2. The body mobilization apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the ball (10) has an overall spherical shape centered on said center (11), wherein the stabilizing member (30; 130; 330) is designed, while maintaining substantially stationary the center of the ball with respect to the frame, to allow the ball to rotate freely about the center thereof with respect to the frame, and wherein the movable support member (40; 140; 240; 340) is suitable for rotating the lower portion (14) of the ball about the center of the ball with respect to the frame.

3. The body mobilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the movable support member (40; 140; 340) is suitable for driving the lower portion (14) of the ball (10) with respect to the frame (20; 320) exclusively following the first tilting movement (B).

4. The body mobilization apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the movable support member (240) is designed, in addition to driving the lower portion (14) of the ball (10) with respect to the frame (20) following the first tilting movement (B), to drive the lower portion of the ball with respect to the frame following a second tilting movement (B') about a second horizontal axis (X240'), which passes through the center (11) of the ball and which is distinct from the first horizontal axis (X240).

5. The body mobilization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second horizontal axis (X240') is perpendicular to the first horizontal axis (X240).

6. The body mobilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ball (410) has an elongated shape, which extends lengthwise along the first horizontal axis (X410) and which, in cross-section perpendicular to the first horizontal axis, has a circular contour which is centered on the first horizontal axis.

7. The body mobilization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said circular contour has a diameter which varies in value along the ball (410) along the first horizontal axis (X410), having a first value in a median portion (415) of the ball and having a second value in each of two end portions (416, 417) of the ball, which are arranged on both sides of the median portion along the first horizontal axis, the first value being less than the second value.

8. The body mobilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movable support member (40; 140; 240; 340; 440) includes: - a drive unit (43; 144), - a stationary part (42; 143), which is rigidly attached to the frame (20; 320), and - a movable part (41; 141; 142), on which the lower portion (14) of the ball (10; 410) rests and which is mounted so as to be movable, in particular in translation or in rotation, on the stationary, part by being driven in motion by the drive unit.

9. The body mobilization apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing member (30; 330; 430) in service, is fixedly integrated into the frame (20; 320; 420) and in sliding contact with the ball (10; 410).

10. The body mobilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stabilizing member (130) in service, is freely movable with respect to the frame (20) being driven, by contact, by the ball (10).

11. The body mobilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing member (30) is arranged laterally to the ball (10) and is in contact with an intermediate portion (13) of the ball over a continuous zone (32) of the stabilizing member which, in projection in a horizontal plane, extends over more than 180°, or even 360°, around the ball.

12. The body mobilization apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stabilizing member (130) is arranged laterally to the ball (10) and is in contact with an intermediate portion (13) of the ball over a plurality of distinct zones (132) of the stabilizing member which, in projection in a horizontal plane, are dimensioned and distributed around the ball so as to maintain substantially stationary, the center (11) of the ball with respect to the frame (20).

13. The body mobilization apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stabilizing member (330) is arranged below and is in matching contact with the lower portion (14) of the ball (10).

14. The body mobilization apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (1; 401) includes a control unit (50) suitable for controlling the movement of the movable support member (40; 340), and an interface (60) suitable for activating and setting the control unit and to display values relating to the operation of the body mobilization apparatus.