SPINAL EXTENSION AND STRETCHING DEVICE

Abstract

Spinal Extension, Stretching, and Exercise Board. This back exercise board comprises two bases (3, 5), a flat connecting element (7) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) between the two bases (3, 5) and adapted to connect the two bases (3, 5), each base having a plinth (11, 19) and a flexible panel (13, 15) removably connected to the plinth (11, 19), each flexible panel (13, 15) having a first face with a plurality of protrusions (16, 21) distributed over said first face and a second face opposite the plinth (11, 19) and without any protrusions. Figure for the abbreviation: [Fig 2]

Description

Title of the invention: SPINE EXTENSION AND STRETCHING DEVICE

[0001] The present invention relates to spinal extension, stretching, and exercise devices that allow the user to massage and treat their back by lying on the device, particularly for working the spine.

[0002] The present invention aims to provide an extension, stretching, and exercise device adapted to massage the spine in several places, particularly its extremities, by being adapted to both the neck and lower back simultaneously. PRIOR TECHNOLOGY

[0003] Back massage devices are known which have a domed surface and allow a massage to be performed on a single area, the neck or back, such as those described in documents USD877916 SI, USD820460 SI or US20140115789 AL. In order to adapt to the area to be massaged, the device has a domed surface possibly equipped with massaging protrusions.

[0004] This solution is nevertheless unsuitable for massaging multiple areas and requires the use of several different devices, resulting in an imprecise and complex setup for a single user. In particular, the user is not guided in adjusting the massage devices when using several, and may strain their back while positioning them, or position themselves incorrectly without realizing it. Furthermore, known devices are not both adjustable for use on the neck or back and adjustable to adapt to the body shape of different users. Moreover, using several similar devices instead of one large device such as that of the invention can lead to slippage and difficulty maintaining position. Most importantly, no specific adjustment method for this purpose is known in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to overcome at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a stretching, extension and exercise device suitable for massaging both the user's neck and part of their back, for example the lower back, and which is capable of combining the advantages of speed, simplicity and reliability for its implementation, and this over a wide range of human morphologies.

[0006] In light of the foregoing, the invention relates to a stretching, extension, and exercise board for the spine comprising two bases and a flat connecting element extending along a longitudinal axis between the two bases and adapted to connect the two bases together, each base comprising a plinth and a flexible panel removably linked to the base, each flexible panel having a first face having a plurality of protrusions distributed over said first face and a second face facing the base opposite the first face and having no protrusions, the bases having means for retaining the flexible panels in a curved position, in which position the flexible panels are curved so that the first face is convex so as to present the protrusions outwards to allow a user to be massaged, said retaining means consisting of at least two parallel grooves provided in each base and adapted for the insertion of two opposite ends of the flexible panels.

[0007] Preferably, the bases comprise an upper base and a lower base, and the connecting element is adapted to mechanically connect the upper base to the lower base.

[0008] For example, the connecting element is mounted fixed relative to the bases.

[0009] Advantageously, the connecting element is mounted in a sliding connection relative to the two of the bases.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the connecting element comprises a transverse extension to the longitudinal axis and that of the bases relative to which the connecting element is mounted in a sliding connection comprises a window in which said transverse extension is inserted so as to be able to slide longitudinally in said window, said transverse extension acting as a stop against two opposite edges of the window for limiting longitudinal sliding.

[0011] In one embodiment, each base comprises a mat through which at least one of the two parallel grooves is made.

[0012] Advantageously, the protrusions are at least partly formed of hemispheres of about fifteen millimeters in diameter arranged longitudinally and spaced about twenty-five millimeters apart on the first, convex face of each flexible panel.

[0013] The spinal stretching, extension and exercise board may further provide that at least one of the flexible panels has a through slot extending longitudinally through the center of the flexible panel.

[0014] Preferably, the protrusions form at least two parallel rows and the through slot extends between the two parallel rows of protrusions.

[0015] The invention relates to a stretching, extension and exercise board for the spine in which the connecting element also has longitudinally distributed protrusions on it. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The invention will be better understood upon a detailed study of some embodiments taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] [Fig-1] represents an extension, stretching and exercise device according to the invention, in perspective.

[0018] [Fig.2] represents a device for extending, stretching and exercising the spine Exploded view of the vertebral column.

[0019] [Fig.3] represents a device for extending, stretching and exercising the spine vertebral column in frontal view.

[0020] [Fig.4] represents a fourth embodiment of the visualization system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates the spine extension, stretching and exercise board the backbone of the invention.

[0022] In the first embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1], we see that the spinal extension, stretching and exercise board is divided into several parts on which the user lies on his back.

[0023] The spinal extension, stretching, and exercise device for the spine 1 comprises two bases 3, 5. These are intended to allow for stretching and extension of the user's spine. Indeed, prior art devices only allow for partial massage of the spine, either of a part of the back or of the neck, which is contraindicated since the spine is a chain of vertebrae that form a unit and must be worked as a whole.

[0024] It is known that exercises and devices allowing complete work of the spine have a very favorable effect on its mobility and flexibility, particularly with regard to blockages and occasional back pain.

[0025] This also allows for more complete sets of exercises that reduce stress and help to relieve or eliminate back pain.

[0026] As illustrated by Figures 2 and 3, the spinal extension and stretching device 1 comprises a flat connecting element 7 extending along a longitudinal axis X, between the two bases 3,5.

[0027] The connecting element 7 allows a connection in length, along the X axis, and therefore according to the lengthening of the user's column which lies on its back on the bases 3,5 and the connecting element 7.

[0028] The connecting element 7 extends between the two bases 3,5, which allows them to be linked and kept in a good alignment position, and prevents the user from doing exercises with their spine bent, which can happen without them realizing it with current devices, in particular because these are in several disjoint parts.

[0029] The connecting element 7 is thus adapted to connect the two bases 3,5 together.

[0030] The bases 3,5 may include an upper base 3 and a lower base 5, and The connecting element 7 is adapted to mechanically connect the upper base 3 to the lower base 5.

[0031] The lower base 5 intended for the spine, more particularly at the bottom of the spine, is larger, on the order of three hundred and eighty millimeters, than the upper base 3 intended for the neck, on the order of two hundred and twenty millimeters.

[0032] Each base comprises a plinth 11,19 and a flexible panel 13,15 removably linked to the plinth 11,19.

[0033] As illustrated, for example, two bases of 3.5 are provided, therefore two panels of 13.15.

[0034] These panels 13,15 are placed on a base 11,19 creating an arc shape to support the neck and lower spine of the user.

[0035] Each flexible panel 13.15 has a first face, which is the top face as illustrated, and is intended to accommodate the spine of the user lying down.

[0036] The first face or upper face has a plurality of protrusions 16, 21 distributed over it.

[0037] These panels 13, 15 are for example made of plastic. They are removable and easily detachable for easy cleaning, to change the type of protrusions 16, 21, and also to reduce the size of the device 1 when stored.

[0038] Each flexible panel 13,15 has a second face opposite the base 11,19, opposite the first face and having no protrusion.

[0039] The protrusions 16,21 are approximately fifteen millimeters in diameter arranged longitudinally and spaced approximately twenty-five millimeters apart on the first, convex face of each flexible panel 13,15.

[0040] The protrusions 16,21 form reliefs which can be of different sizes and shapes, and for example made of plastic.

[0041] It is of course possible to provide shapes of protrusions adapted to back work, other than shapes of massage balls, such as pyramidal, cylindrical, hemispherical shapes... and to provide for mixing several different shapes.

[0042] The second face is the one that forms the underside of panels 13,15 in the illustrations, and which faces the base 11,19 and indirectly the ground.

[0043] The panels can be made from hard foam, like many existing products on the market, so as to form domed pads which can be added to or detached from the base 3.5 and exchanged with protrusion panels of different shape or style or heights.

[0044] The bases 11,19 include means for holding the flexible panels 13,15 in a curved position.

[0045] These means of support 25,27,29,30 are illustrated more particularly in [Fig.4].

[0046] They allow the curved retention of the flexible panels 13,15, and constitute, like the connecting element 7, a novelty compared to the prior art.

[0047] In the curved position, the flexible panels 13, 15 are curved so that the first face is convex, presenting the protrusions 16, 21 outwards. This allows for a massage of the user, to work their spine.

[0048] The retaining means 25,27,29,30 consist of at least two parallel grooves 25,27,29,30 provided in each base 11,19 and adapted for the insertion of two opposite ends of the flexible panels 13,15.

[0049] Figure 4 shows that grooves 25, 27, 29, 30 can in particular be slightly at an angle thanks to an inclined rim 26 in each groove 25,27,29,30 relative to the vertical, so as to accommodate the flexible panels 13,15 which are inserted into it by entering at an angle.

[0050] One advantage of grooves 25,27,29,30 is that the user does not feel them when lying on them, unlike other solutions.

[0051] Several grooves can be provided, for example three parallel grooves, as illustrated, which makes it easy to adjust the height of the curvature of the flexible panels 13,15, and thus adapt the curvature to the user's curvature, their desired level of comfort, or to change exercises.

[0052] The bases 3,5 then each have four grooves to accommodate the panels 13,15, namely a single slot and three opposite grooves.

[0053] The panels 13,15 flex and fit into the single slot of a first edge, which is the longest edge if the base is trapezoidal in shape, while there are three slots on the opposite side to adjust the height of the arch formed by each curved panel 13,15 when it is in flexing.

[0054] The three spaced grooves 25,27,29,30 into which the flexible panels 13,15 can connect allow three positions to be defined per base 3,5, which is generally sufficient to modify the height of the two arches formed according to the user's preference, for a possible adjustment ranging from three hundred to five hundred millimeters.

[0055] It can also be provided that the connecting element 7 is mounted fixed relative to one of the bases 3.5. It can of course be provided that it is fixed relative to both bases 3.5.

[0056] Advantageously, the connecting element 7 is mounted in a sliding connection relative to the two bases 3,5.

[0057] Thus, the connecting element 7 can be in a sliding connection with respect to one of the bases 3, 5 and fixed with respect to the other, or in a sliding connection with respect to both bases 3.5, or fixed relative to the two 3.5 bases, all configurations are possible for this device.

[0058] The advantage of a fixing relative to one of the bases 11, 19 or both is the absence of the need for adjustment relative to it or them, while the adjustable link allows for adjustment making the device adaptive.

[0059] According to one embodiment, in the case of the connecting element 7 being mounted in a sliding connection, the connecting element 7 includes, for example, a transverse extension 35 to the longitudinal axis X. The base 3,5 relative to which the connecting element 7 is mounted in a sliding connection then further includes a window 37 in which said transverse extension 35 is inserted so as to be able to slide longitudinally in said window 37.

[0060] It is thus possible to define a longitudinal setting of the spacing of the bases 3.5 according to the size of the user.

[0061] The transverse extension 35 then acts as a stop against two opposite edges of the window 37 to limit longitudinal sliding.

[0062] A plurality of windows can be provided, forming a notch, in which the transverse extension 35 can be inserted and locked, at the user's choice, for maintaining the longitudinal setting of the chosen distance between the two bases 11,19 according to the window.

[0063] It can also be foreseen that the element 7 passes through at least one of the bases 11,19 and slides in it.

[0064] The free sliding joint of the connecting element 7 relative to the bases 11,19 allows the two bases to slide freely back and forth according to the size of the user.

[0065] Each base 11,19 may further include a mat 9,17 through which at least one of the two parallel grooves 25,27,29,30 is made.

[0066] The mat 9,17 can be used to pad all or part of the space between the base 11,19 and the panel 13,15.

[0067] It can be held by a rim 31,33 arranged all around the base 11,19.

[0068] The back exercise board may further provide that at least one flexible panels 13.15 have a through slot 19.23 extending longitudinally through the center of the flexible panel 13.15.

[0069] The central slot 19,23 allows for good positioning and support of the spine.

[0070] Preferably, the protrusions 16,21 form at least two parallel rows and the through slot 19,23 extends between the two parallel rows of protrusions 16,21.

[0071] Alternatively, it may also be provided that the connecting element 7 is made in two complementary parts extending along the X-axis from each base 11,19, by for example two straps, complementary by mutually cooperating fastening means such as male and female elements, velvet and hooks, two adhesive parts, or even protrusions and perforations...

[0072] It can indeed be foreseen that the connecting element 7 also has protrusions distributed longitudinally on it.

[0073] These protrusions are, for example, balls, elongated bumps in the shape of bars... The user can thus benefit from an additional massage along the spine between the two bases 3.5.

[0074] The protrusions of the connecting element 7 can further be adapted to cooperate with complementary protrusions or holes for the retention and adjustment of the connecting element and thus of the distance between the two bases 3,5.

[0075] While lying on the device 1, the user can remain still or add exercises, for example, balance exercises between the two bases 3 and 5. This improves posture and reduces, or even eliminates, back pain. It is advisable to remain lying on the device before going to bed for best results.

Claims

Demands

1. Spinal extension, stretching, and exercise board (1) comprising two bases (3, 5), a flat connecting element (7) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) between the two bases (3, 5) and adapted to connect the two bases (3, 5), each base comprising a plinth (11, 19) and a flexible panel (13, 15) removably connected to the plinth (11, 19), each flexible panel (13, 15) comprising a first face having a plurality of protrusions (16, 23) distributed over said first face and a second face opposite the plinth (11, 19) and without any protrusions, the plinths (11, 19) comprising means (25, 27, 29, 30) for holding the flexible panels (13, 15) in a curved position, in which position the flexible panels (13, 15) are curved such that The first face is convex so as to present the protrusions (16,21) outwards to allow for massage of a user,said retaining means (25, 27, 29, 30) consisting of at least two parallel grooves (25, 27, 29, 30) provided in each base (11, 19) and adapted for the insertion of two opposite ends of the flexible panels (13, 15), the bases (3, 5) comprising an upper base (3) and a lower base (5), and the connecting element (7) being adapted to mechanically connect the upper base (3) to the lower base (5), characterized in that the connecting element (7) comprises an extension (35) transverse to the longitudinal axis (X) and that of the bases (3, 5) relative to which the connecting element (7) is mounted in a sliding connection, comprises a window (37) in which said transverse extension (35) is inserted so as to be able to slide longitudinally in said window (37), said transverse extension (35) acting as a stop against two opposite edges of the window (37) for the limitation of the longitudinal sliding.

2. Spinal extension, stretching and exercise board (1) according to claim 1, wherein each base (11,19) comprises a mat (9,17) through which at least one of the two parallel grooves (25,27,29,30) is made.

3. Spinal extension, stretching and exercise board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusions (16,23) are at least partly formed of hemispheres of about fifteen millimeters in diameter, arranged longitudinally and spaced about twenty-five millimeters apart on the first, convex face of each flexible panel (13,15).

4. Spinal extension, stretching and exercise board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the flexible panels (13,15) has a through slot (19,23) extending longitudinally through the center of the flexible panel (13,15).

5. Spinal extension, stretching and exercise board (1) according to claim 4, wherein the protrusions (16,21) form at least two parallel rows and the through slot (19,23) extends between the two parallel rows of protrusions (16,21).

6. Spinal extension, stretching and exercise board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (7) also has longitudinally distributed protrusions thereon.

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