Device for improving the posture of a person, and kit comprising a plurality of such devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for improving the posture of a person, the device (1) comprising an elongate element having a given thickness forming a closed curve having a predefined three-dimensional shape, deformation of which makes it possible to generate a set of restoring forces on the device. The device in turn exerts a stress when worn by the person. The elongate element forms two pairs (10, 20) of wire portions (11, 12, 21, 22), the two pairs being suitable, when a first pair (10) is arranged laterally on either side of the neck of the person and a second pair (20) is arranged, on the one hand, on a lower surface of a lower jaw of the person and, on the other hand, on a front surface of a thorax of the person, for supporting the lower jaw in a given orientation with respect to the thorax by a first deformation of the device and for keeping the device around the neck. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a plurality of such devices, which are different from one another.

Description

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

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

[0002] US patent 2021 / 0290423 A1 discloses a cervical splint designed to support a person's lower jaw during sleep. The splint is held in place on the person's neck by 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 chest, thus preventing movement from a position in which the person's airway could be opened.

[0003] US document 6409694 B1 discloses a neck brace to limit cervical movement of the person wearing it, featuring a wire construction to allow air circulation over 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 the anterior surface of a person's chest. Since the frame does not stay in place on its own, the brace also includes a strap that is worn on the posterior surface of the person's neck, and the tension of which holds the frame in place.

[0005] Such devices, which immobilize the person's neck, help ensure a desirable cervical position. However, this immobility can lead to problems such as cervical muscle atrophy.

[0006] Document US8567407B1 discloses a "double loop" device for "chin repositioning" to be worn to "prevent snoring".

[0007] Document GB873138A discloses a surgical device.

[0008] Document US4782824A discloses a breathing route support. EXPOSED

[0009] The inventors identified a need for a device that improves a person's cervical posture while allowing cervical mobility for the person wearing it.

[0010] This 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 constraint when worn by the person. The linear 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.The wire portions are adapted, when the device is thus worn by the person, to support the person's lower jaw in a given orientation with respect to the person's thorax by a first deformation of said device and to maintain the device around the person's neck.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The device can be configured to allow, when the wire portions of the second pair are arranged on one side on the lower surface of the person's lower jaw and on the other side on the frontal surface of the person's thorax, a predefined flexion of the person's neck, measured in the person's sagittal plane.

[0013] Optionally, the flexion distance obtained by the movement of the person's neck, authorized by the device, is predefined and greater than or equal to 1 centimeter (cm), 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm or 7 cm; in addition or alternatively, the predefined flexion of the person's neck, authorized by the device, is equal to or less than 8 cm, 7 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, or 2 cm.

[0014] The predefined bending distance can define a reversible bending deformation of the device without wear significantly degrading the device, while acting as a movement limiter.

[0015] Depending on the permitted neck flexion of the person allowed by the device, the device can promote maintaining the head in a position consistent with a healthy cervical posture, voluntary cervical mobility to meet the person's occasional mobility needs, or a combination of both.

[0016] 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.

[0017] Thus, the device may have a rounded surface to contact the person's skin. A rounded contact surface may be more comfortable than an angular one.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Thus, the device can present a flat surface for contact with the person's skin. A flat contact surface can offer a larger contact area than a non-flat contact surface.

[0020] The long element may include at least one part whose cross-section has an oval profile.

[0021] An oval profile allows for the creation of a wide and rounded contact surface, and preserves high local rigidity against deformations in a direction parallel to the skin.

[0022] The device may include a plane of symmetry.

[0023] The plane of symmetry can intersect the midpoint of a first wire segment of the second pair and the midpoint of a second wire segment of the second pair. The plane of symmetry can 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.

[0024] Thus, the device is essentially symmetrical with respect to the person's sagittal plane when worn. This symmetry allows the device to conform to the person's neck, which is typically also essentially symmetrical with respect to the person's sagittal plane.

[0025] The wire portions of the first pair can be arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry of the device.

[0026] The plane of symmetry can pass through the wire portions of the second pair.

[0027] The curve can intersect the plane of symmetry perpendicularly to the plane of symmetry.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Thus, the wire segments of the second pair are of different widths. Generally, the anterior surface of a person's thorax is wider than the external surface of their lower jaw. Thanks to the difference in widths of 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 be adapted to the available contact area at the thorax.

[0030] The midpoint of one portion of the first pair and the midpoint of one portion of the second pair can be positioned on either side of a frontal plane of the device that is perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the device.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The curve may exhibit a peak of curvature at least locally maximal, at the level of said portion of the first pair, between said transitions.

[0034] 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. This internal angle can be sufficient so that a person's gaze, when standing on a horizontal surface with one torso of the person substantially parallel to one of the person's shins, is directed horizontally.

[0035] Thus, the device's resting position corresponds approximately to a defined internal angle between the front surface of the thorax and the outer surface of the lower jaw when the person is standing on a horizontal surface with their torso parallel to their shin and their gaze directed towards the horizon. Such a position can be considered a healthy posture for the individual. Therefore, the device gently returns the person's lower jaw to a position relative to the thorax that closely resembles a relatively healthy cervical posture.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Thus, the wire segments 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 the projection length corresponding to the frontal surface of the thorax. Due to the difference in lengths of 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.

[0038] The apexes of the wire portions of the first pair can be separated by a distance of between five centimeters and eight centimeters.

[0039] Thus, the apexes of the wire sections 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.

[0040] The first wire portion of the second pair and the second wire portion of the second pair can each be substantially contained in a plane.

[0041] Thus, the wire portions of the second couple are adapted to rest on a substantially flat surface of the person's body.

[0042] 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 the cervical muscle activity necessary to maintain a neutral cervical posture, but low enough to allow voluntary cervical flexion by the person.

[0043] Thus, wearing the device can help relieve the person's cervical muscles while allowing the person's cervical mobility.

[0044] This stiffness can be greater than or equal to 80 Newtons per meter.

[0045] Thus, the device can support the person's head when the person stops keeping their head upright.

[0046] In addition or as an alternative, the said stiffness may be equal to or less than 600 Newtons per meter, or even equal to or less than 340 Newtons per meter.

[0047] Thus, the device can allow the person to voluntarily flex their neck, for example to lower their head voluntarily.

[0048] The elongated element can be made entirely of material that is non-irritating to a person's skin.

[0049] Thus, the person can wear the device directly on the skin. The person can then choose to wear the device under their clothing.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In addition to being non-irritating to the skin, such materials can offer: ease of manufacture and / or recycling, a low carbon footprint, advantageous mechanical performance, or even a combination of these advantages.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The elongated element may 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.

[0055] Thus, the elongated element is constructed from a single material, which simplifies manufacturing compared to a multi-material construction.

[0056] The elongated element may include a resilient core and one or more contact layer(s).

[0057] Thus, the device may have a heterogeneous construction.

[0058] The contact layer(s) may be arranged so that, when the person wears the device, the contact layer(s) are arranged between the resilient core and the skin so that the core, at the levels of the filiform portions of the first pair and the filiform portions of the second pair, rests respectively on the skin at the levels of the neck, thorax, and lower jaw through the contact layer(s).

[0059] Thus, the contact layer(s) allow(s) to maintain a separation between the skin and the soul when wearing the device.

[0060] The wire portions of the first pair and the wire portions of the second pair may have a single central core connecting each of the portions together.

[0061] 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.

[0062] A shape of the core can be configured to provide the set of restoring forces of the elongated element.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The contact layer(s) may be made of a material that is non-irritating to the person's skin.

[0065] Thus, the comfort of wearing the device can be ensured at least in part by choosing a different material used for the construction of the contact layer(s).

[0066] The device can be adapted to allow transverse rotation of the person's neck when said person is wearing said device.

[0067] Thus, the person can turn their head to the right and to the left, even while wearing the device on their neck.

[0068] At least one of the wired portions of the first pair 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 forward movement of said device of the person.

[0069] Thus the device can stay on its own on the person's neck, limiting forward movement of the device while wearing it.

[0070] The wire portions of the first pair can be adapted to be laterally separated from each other relative to the person's sagittal plane when the device is put on and / or removed by the person.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Thus, the first couple tends to return to a position allowing the device to stay on its own on the person's neck when the device is not deformed during donning and / or removal.

[0074] The wire portions of the first pair can each have a surface profile of a length equal to or greater than 1 centimeter and less than or equal to 1.7 centimeters, measured perpendicular to the closed curve.

[0075] A relatively small length of the surface profile of the first pair of wire portions can be associated with a relatively low stiffness of the device in the sagittal plane of the person, while a relatively large length of this surface profile can be associated with a relatively large stiffness of the device in this plane.

[0076] This disclosure also proposes a kit comprising at least two devices as described above. One of these devices may have a different dimension, material, and / or stiffness than a second of these devices.

[0077] 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.

[0078] As an option, several devices in the kit have essentially the same stiffness as each other, and / or allow the same flexing as each other, while they have a difference in dimension(s), construction, and / or material between them.

[0079] Thus, the kit provides separate devices, but which meet the same need for postural improvement and / or cervical mobility, despite their differences in geometry, manufacture, and / or composition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Other features and advantages of the proposed technology will become apparent from the description below, with reference to the attached figures which illustrate examples of its implementation without any limitation. Figure 1A shows a device for improving a person's posture in a resting position, in perspective view.

[0081] Figure 1B represents the device illustrated in Figure 1A, viewed in a first direction along an axis parallel to a plane of symmetry of the device.

[0082] Figure 1C represents the device illustrated in Figure 1B, viewed in a second direction, opposite to the direction of Figure 1B.

[0083] Figure 1D represents the device illustrated in Figure 1C, viewed perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the device.

[0084] Figure 2 depicts a device for improving a person's posture, worn around a person's neck.

[0085] Figure 3 represents a first cross-sectional view of the elongated element along the section line lll-lll shown in Figure 1A.

[0086] Figure 4 shows a second cross-sectional view of a long, thin element.

[0087] Figure 5 represents a device for postural improvement of a person, with a core and at least one contact layer, according to a perspective view.

[0088] Figure 6 represents a third cross-sectional view of a long element along the section line VI-VI shown in Figure 5.

[0089] Figure 7 represents a profile of the elongated element.

[0090] Figure 8 represents a kit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Identical reference numbers / symbols denote equivalent elements / characteristics.

[0092] 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.

[0093] As can be seen in figure 1A, the long element is arranged in a shape defining two U curves u1, u2 and two C curves c1, c2.

[0094] A "U-shaped curve" comprises two "branches" extending from a "union zone". The proximal regions of the branches of the U-shaped curve are connected to each other at the union zone of the U-shaped curve.

[0095] The same is true for a "C-curve", but, unlike a U-curve, distal portions of the branches of a C-curve turn back towards each other.

[0096] The "distal zone" of a branch of a U or C curve refers to a portion of the branch that is distant from the proximal portion of said branch.

[0097] The union zone of a U-shaped curve is located at a vertex of maximum curvature of the U-shaped curve. The union zone of a C-shaped curve is located at a vertex that is at least locally maximum of the C-shaped curve, but it is not excluded that a vertex of maximum curvature of the C-shaped curve may be located elsewhere, for example where one of the branches of the C-shaped curve turns back towards the other of the branches of the C-shaped curve.

[0098] The two U-shaped curves u1, u2 are connected to the two C-shaped curves c1, c2 to form a closed curve. The first U-shaped curve u1 is connected to the first C-shaped curve c1 at a first transition zone t1. The first U-shaped curve u1 is connected to the second C-shaped curve c2 at a second transition zone t2. The second U-shaped curve u2 is connected to the first C-shaped curve c1 at a third transition zone t3. The second U-shaped curve u2 is connected to the second C-shaped curve c2 at a fourth transition zone t4.

[0099] The first transition zone t1 connects a first branch u11 of the first U-curve u1 to a first branch d1 of the first C-curve c1. The second transition zone t2 connects a second branch u12 of the first U-curve u1 to a first branch c21 of the second C-curve c2. The third transition zone t3 connects a first branch u21 of the second U-curve u2 to a second branch c12 of the first C-curve c1. The fourth transition zone t4 connects a second branch u22 of the second U-curve u2 to a second branch c22 of the second C-curve c2.

[0100] The closed curve has a predefined three-dimensional shape. The union zones zu1, zu2, zc1, zc2 of the U and C curves are not coplanar. The closed curve serves as a generator for a profile defining the external surfaces of the longitudinal element. The profile can vary in size, orientation, and / or shape along the closed curve. By way of non-limiting example, at the apexes of curvature of the U-shaped curves u1, u2, the surface profile may have a length equal to or greater than 1 centimeter (cm), 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.3 cm, or 1.4 cm, and equal to or less than 1.7 cm, 1.6 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.4 cm, 1.3 cm, or 1.2 cm, while at the apexes of curvature of the C-shaped curves c1, c2, the surface profile may have a length equal to or greater than 0.8 cm and less than or equal to 1.2 cm.

[0101] Each U-shaped curve u1, u2 and each C-shaped curve c1, 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 u1, u2, and a second pair 20 of wire portions 21, 22 corresponding to the C-shaped curves c1, c2. These wire portions 11, 12, 21, 22 are joined together via the transition zones t1, t2, t3, t4.

[0102] Device 1 may include a plane of symmetry.

[0103] Figure 1B represents device 1 illustrated in Figure 1A, viewed from a first angle along an axis parallel to the plane of symmetry PS. The wire portion 21 corresponding to the first C curve c1 is in the foreground of Figure 1B, while the wire portion 22 corresponding to the second C curve c2 is in the background of Figure 1B.

[0104] The plane of symmetry PS passes through the wire segments 21, 22 of the second pair 20. The two curves in C c1, 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 c1, c2 intersect the plane of symmetry PS perpendicularly to the plane of symmetry PS.

[0105] The two U-shaped curves u1, 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.

[0106] The first filament portion 11 of the first pair 10 extends towards the PS symmetry plane from transitions between the first filament portion 11 of the first pair 10 and each of the filament portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 — from the first transition zone t1 and the second transition zone t2. The union zone zu1 of the first U-curve u1 is therefore located closer to the PS symmetry plane than the distal zones of the branches u11, u12 of the first U-curve u1.

[0107] The second filament portion 12 of the first pair 10 extends towards the PS symmetry plane from transitions between the second filament portion 12 of the first pair 10 and each of the filament 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 PS symmetry plane than the distal zones of the branches u21, u22 of the second U-curve u2.

[0108] The wire portions 21, 22 of the second pair 20 extend from the plane of symmetry PS, thus placing 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 far 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.

[0109] As can be seen in figure 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.

[0110] Wearing device 1 can cause deformation of device 1. Device 1 can then in turn exert stress when said device 1 is worn by the person. [YES] When the person wears device 1, device 1 can be substantially symmetrical with respect to the person's PSP sagittal plane. Such symmetry can allow device 1 to conform to the person's neck 3, which is typically substantially symmetrical to the person's PSP sagittal plane as well.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In general, 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.

[0114] Figure 1C represents device 1 illustrated in Figure 1B, but in the opposite direction to that of the view in Figure 1B. The wire portion 21 corresponding to the first C curve c1 is in the background of Figure 1C, while the wire portion 22 corresponding to the second C curve c2 is in the foreground of Figure 1C.

[0115] 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.

[0116] Thus, the wire portions of the second pair are of different widths.

[0117] 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 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 thorax 5.

[0118] When a person stands with their torso parallel to their shin, the external surface of their lower jaw (4) and the frontal surface of their thorax (5) define an internal angle when projected onto the person's sagittal plane. The vertex of this internal angle is closer to the person's spine than to their chin. For brevity, such an angle is referred to as "healthy" in this description when the person stands with their torso substantially parallel to their shin and is looking at the horizon (corresponding to a neutral neck position). Extending the neck (raising the gaze above the horizon) increases the internal angle relative to the healthy angle; flexing the neck (lowering the gaze below the horizon) decreases the internal angle relative to the healthy angle. The healthy angle can be considered a healthy cervical posture for the individual.

[0119] Figure 1D represents device 1 illustrated in figure 1C, but from a view normal to the plane of symmetry PS of device 1.

[0120] 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 cd, a2, which can correspond more or less approximately to the healthy angle. Thus, when the person wears device 1, their lower jaw is in contact with the first wire portion 21 of the second pair 20 of device 1 when the internal angle in its sagittal plane between their lower jaw and the anterior surface of the torso is healthy. In Figure 1D, angle a2 inscribes the closed curve, and angle cd inscribes the entire device.

[0121] A first straight line d11 of the internal angle cd, of device 1 is tangent to a part of the first portion 21 of the second pair 20, corresponding to the first branch d1 of the first curve in C c1, 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 c1. A second straight line d12, of the internal angle cd 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 right d11 corresponds substantially to the contact surface of the person's lower jaw, projected into the person's sagittal plane, and the second right d12 corresponds substantially to the contact surface of the person's thorax, projected into the person's sagittal plane.

[0122] The first wire segment 21 of the second pair 20 and the second wire segment 22 of the second pair 20 can each be substantially contained within a plane P1, P2. Thus, the wire segments 21 and 22 of the second pair 20 are suitable for resting on relatively flat surfaces of the person's lower jaw and thorax. Optionally, the first straight line d21 of the internal angle a2 of device 1 corresponds to a projection of plane P1 of the first curve at C c1 onto the plane of symmetry of the device. Alternatively, the second straight line d22 of the internal angle a2 of device 1 corresponds to a projection of plane P2 of the second curve at C c2 onto the plane of symmetry of the device. The internal angle a2, defined between straight lines d21 and d22, can then correspond to the angle between planes P1 and P2.

[0123] A vertex v1 of the internal angle cd is located closer to the projection, in the plane of symmetry, of the union zone zu1 of the first U curve u1 than to the union zones zc1, zc2 of the C curves c1, c2. The same is true for the vertex v2 of the internal angle a2.

[0124] As an example, the internal angle cd, a2 defined by 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.

[0125] For example, the difference between the internal angle cd, a2 defined by device 1 in its plane of symmetry and the healthy angle can 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 cd, a2 defined by device 1 in its plane of symmetry and the healthy angle, this difference can be in favor of the internal angle cd, a2 defined by device 1 in its plane of symmetry, or in favor of the healthy angle.

[0126] When there is a difference in favor of the healthy angle, the first filar 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 alerted to an inadvertent flexion of their neck.

[0127] When there is no significant 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 segment 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, through this contact, the maintenance of the healthy angle via their own muscular activity.

[0128] A deformation of the elongated element generates a set of restoring forces. This set of restoring forces tends to return the device 1 to its rest position.

[0129] When there is a difference favoring the internal angle cd, a2 defined by 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 may be part of the overall restoring forces of the device generated by the deformation of the slender element.

[0130] Whether the internal angle cd, a2 defined by 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, in order to reduce the angle cd, a2 defined by 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 by causing an extension movement of the neck.

[0131] In general, the projection length, in the person's sagittal plane, corresponding to the external surface of the lower jaw is less than the projection length, in the person's sagittal plane, corresponding to the frontal surface of the thorax.

[0132] Figure 1D shows that the distance between the projection, in the plane of symmetry, of the union zone zu1 of the first U-shaped curve u1 to the union zone zc1 of the first C-shaped curve c1 is less than the distance between the projection, in the plane of symmetry, of the union zone zu1 of the first U-shaped curve u1 to the union zone zc2 of the second C-shaped curve c2. Thanks to the difference in lengths of the wire segments 21 and 22 of the second pair 20, one of the wire segments 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 segments 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.

[0133] The union zones zu1, 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 zu1, 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.

[0134] The wire portions 11 and 12 of the first pair 10 can be adapted to be separated laterally from each other relative to the person's sagittal plane when the device 1 is put on and / or taken off. Thus, the person can deform the device 1 from its resting position by separating the wire portions 11 and 12 of the first pair 10 to put on and / or take off the device 1. Such a deformation can be relatively easy and / or quick to perform manually.

[0135] 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.

[0136] When the second wire portion 22 of the second pair 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.

[0137] Comparing Figures 1D and 2, we see 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 push the device 1 backwards from the person. Therefore, the device 1 can remain supported on its own on the neck 3 of the person wearing the device 1.

[0138] Returning to Figure 2, we see that when the person wears device 1, the portion of wire 21 corresponding to the first C-shaped curve 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 possibly also in order to prevent muscle atrophy in these muscles, even while wearing device 1 on the neck 3.

[0139] The elongated element can, when the person wears the device 1, exhibit stiffness in the sagittal plane of the person's PSP, high enough to reduce by at least fifty percent the cervical muscle activity necessary to maintain a neutral cervical posture, but low enough to allow voluntary cervical flexion by the person. Since the device allows neck flexion, the person can wear the device relatively easily in contexts where they need cervical mobility at least occasionally, but where their posture is at risk of deteriorating through inattention. The device's stiffness in the person's sagittal plane helps to retract the head against the force of gravity when the person's torso is upright (e.g.(when the person is sitting or standing), and can vary from one device to another depending on the weight of the person's head, their need for cervical mobility, and their need for support from the device.

[0140] For given overall dimensions, of a device 1, its stiffness in the sagittal plane of the person can be increased by increasing the surface profile at the level of the wire portions 11, 12 of the first couple 10, and reduced by reducing the surface profile of the wire portions of the first couple.

[0141] For example, the stiffness can be greater than or equal to 80 Newtons per meter, greater than or equal to 130 Newtons per meter, greater than or equal to 220 Newtons per meter, greater than or equal to 230 Newtons per meter, greater than or equal to 330 Newtons per meter, greater than or equal to 400 Newtons per meter, greater than or equal to 500 Newtons per meter, or even greater than or equal to 590 Newtons per meter. Thus, device 1 can support the person's head when the person stops keeping their head upright.

[0142] In addition or as an alternative, the stiffness of the device in the person's sagittal plane can be equal to or less than 600 Newtons per meter, equal to or less than 510 Newtons per meter, equal to or less than 410 Newtons per meter, 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.

[0143] By way of non-limiting example, the stiffness of the device in the person's sagittal plane 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, equal to or greater than 238 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 331 Newtons per meter, equal to or greater than 331 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 445 Newtons per meter, or equal to or greater than 445 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 475 Newtons per meter, equal to or greater than 475.

[0144] By way of non-limiting example, the device may allow neck flexion when the person wears the device with the lower surface of their lower jaw 4 resting on a first wire portion 21 of the second pair 20 and a second wire portion 22 of the second pair 20 on a frontal surface of their thorax 5 equal to or greater than 1 cm (centimeter), 2 cm, or 3 cm. Optionally, the allowable flexion in the person's sagittal plane may also be equal to or less than 8 cm, 6 cm, or 4 cm. The distance of the allowable flexion may be measured between the apexes of curvature of the C curves c1, c2 of the second pair 20 of wire portions 21, 22.

[0145] By way of non-limiting example, the stiffness may be equal to or greater than 445 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 475 Newtons per meter. In addition or as an alternative, the device may allow a deflection equal to or greater than 3 centimeters and less than or equal to 4 centimeters.

[0146] By way of non-limiting example, the stiffness may be equal to or greater than 263 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 538 Newtons per meter. In addition or as an alternative, the device may allow a deflection equal to or greater than 2 centimeters and less than or equal to 6 centimeters.

[0147] By way of non-limiting example, the stiffness may be equal to or greater than 80 Newtons per meter and less than or equal to 600 Newtons per meter. In addition or as an alternative, the device may allow a deflection equal to or greater than 1 centimeter and less than or equal to 8 centimeters.

[0148] Depending on the device's stiffness in the person's sagittal plane, and / or the cervical mobility allowed in the person's sagittal plane, wearing the device can contribute to postural improvement while still allowing the necessary cervical mobility to meet the person's specific needs. When the person requires cervical mobility, the device deforms; when the person does not seek to mobilize their neck, the device promotes postural improvement by gently guiding the neck and head back to a neutral position and / or by providing tactile feedback through contact between the lower jaw and the thorax. Depending on the person's needs, the device can allow for significant flexion (e.g., up to 4-8 cm or more) to promote cervical mobility, or minimal flexion (e.g., from 1-3 cm or less) to promote postural support, or even intermediate flexion (e.g.,(3-4 cm included) to meet both needs.

[0149] Generally, the predetermined flexion distance in the person's sagittal plane corresponds to an elastic deformation of the device, without causing immediate breakage or significant wear. When the predetermined permitted flexion distance is relatively small, the device provides strong cervical support; when the predetermined permitted flexion distance is relatively large, the device allows for relatively significant cervical mobility. Unlike a neck brace or other device designed to immobilize the head, the device described in this document allows, depending on the predetermined permitted flexion distance, cervical mobility for the wearer, which can help limit muscle atrophy in the neck while relieving overstressed tissues.

[0150] The linear element has a given "thickness". The thickness of the linear element corresponds to a dimension locally perpendicular to the closed curve and to the person's skin when wearing device 1. For example, the thickness could 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.

[0151] A relatively significant thickness gives device 1 considerable stiffness in the plane of symmetry PS of device 1, but makes device 1 protrude more on the skin of the person wearing it. The thickness can vary within device 1, or even within a given wire portion 11, 12, 21, 22. These thickness variations can be substantially continuous.

[0152] 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 in place 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.

[0153] 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 they are wearing device 1.

[0154] For 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.

[0155] A relatively large width gives the device a relatively high degree of stiffness, in a direction perpendicular to the device's plane of symmetry. The width can vary within the device, or even within a given wire segment. These variations in width can be virtually continuous.

[0156] The midpoint of one of the portions of the first pair 10 and the midpoint of one of the portions of the second pair 20 can be arranged on either side of a frontal plane of the device 1 which is perpendicular to the plane of symmetry PS of the device 1.

[0157] Figure 3 represents a first cross-sectional view of the long element of device 1 illustrated in figure 1A, along the section line lll-lll.

[0158] The elongated element is made entirely of a material that is non-irritating to the skin. Therefore, the person can wear the device directly on their skin. The person can then choose to wear the device under their clothing.

[0159] For example, the elongated element may comprise at least one of the following materials: 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 with a density 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.

[0160] As an option, for example, the elongated element can be made entirely from a combination of materials 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, and polyethylene (high-density polyethylene), the combination forming a homogeneous material. Thus, the elongated element is constructed homogeneously, which can simplify manufacturing compared to a heterogeneous construction of several materials, while still benefiting from the mechanical properties of the constituent materials of the mixture.

[0161] As an option, for example, the elongated element can 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, or polyethylene, said polyethylene being high-density polyethylene with a density 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.

[0162] In figure 3, the cross-section of the elongated element is solid.

[0163] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view, different from that illustrated in Figure 3, of a long element. To facilitate comparison with Figure 3, the view illustrated in Figure 4 is also shown along section line III-III.

[0164] Unlike the section illustrated in Figure 3, the one illustrated in Figure 4 has a first portion 51 which is positioned towards the person's skin when wearing the device, and a second portion 52 which is separated by the first portion 51 from the person's skin when wearing the device.

[0165] Although the section illustrated in Figure 4 is presented as an alternative to that illustrated in Figure 3, it is assumed that a given elongated element has a first section at one location and a second section at another location. Therefore, representing the section in Figure 4 as an alternative to that illustrated in Figure 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.

[0166] The first portion 51 of the section illustrated in figure 4 can be constructed from the same detailed materials as for the section illustrated in figure 3.

[0167] 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.

[0168] The second portion 52 of the section may be empty or filled with fluid (e.g., gas, possibly ambient). For example, the elongated element may be at least locally hollow.

[0169] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the second portion 52 can also be solid, so that the device 101 has a heterogeneous construction. Figure 5 represents a device 101 for postural improvement in a person. Unlike the device 1 illustrated in Figure 1A, the elongated element of the device 101 illustrated in Figure 5 comprises a resilient core 9 and a contact layer 8. 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 arranged between the 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 20, rests respectively on the skin at the levels of the neck, the thorax, and the lower jaw through the contact layer 8. Thus, the contact layer 8 makes it possible to maintain a separation between the core 9 and the skin on which the core 9 rests when wearing the device 101.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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 the choice of material used for the construction of the web 9.

[0172] The contact layer 8 is made of a material that is non-irritating to the person's skin. Therefore, 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.

[0173] Although multiple contact layers 8 are also envisaged, in this case, device 101 includes one contact layer 8 along the closed curve. When multiple contact layers 8 are present, they are arranged between the core 9 and the skin of the person wearing device 101 so as to contact the person at the nape of the neck, the clavicle(s), and / or the chin.

[0174] 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 s connects one end of a web 9 to another end of a web 9, the section of the elongated 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.

[0175] We can consider the soul 9 in figure 3 to be solid, because it does not define a third portion of the section of the longitudinal element which is separated from the first portion 51 of the section by the second portion 52 of the section.

[0176] But in figure 6, we see a third cross-sectional view of the long element whose section, unlike the section illustrated in figure 4, includes a third portion 53, separated from the first portion 51 of the section by the second portion 52 of the section.

[0177] The core 9 can be disposed in the second portion 52 of the section and / or in the third portion 53 of the section.

[0178] When the core 9 is located 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 (e.g., gas, possibly ambient). For example, the core 9 may be at least locally hollow.

[0179] 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.

[0180] When the soul 9 is disposed in the second portion 52 of the section and the third portion 53 of the section, it can include 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.

[0181] Optionally, when the device includes 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.

[0182] 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 linear element. This rounded surface is intended to be in contact with the person's skin. Thus, device 1, 101 can have a rounded surface for contact with the person's skin, which may be more comfortable than an angular contact surface.

[0183] As an 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.

[0184] Figure 7 shows a surface profile with 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 contact with the person's skin. A flat contact surface can offer a larger contact area than a non-planar contact surface. Therefore, 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.

[0185] The profile illustrated in Figure 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.

[0186] 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, kit 200 provides distinct but similar devices 201, 202, which makes it possible to address morphological variations, sensitivities and / or allergies, and variations in support that may exist from one person to another.

[0187] Optionally, at least two devices 201, 202 of the kit have different dimensions, different materials, different structures and / or are made according to two different manufacturing methods, and exhibit substantially the same stiffness in the sagittal plane of the person.

[0188] By "approximately the same stiffness," we mean that the stiffness of one of the devices is less than 10%, 5%, or 2% greater than that of the other devices. The kit may contain several devices of approximately the same stiffness, which are nevertheless adapted to people with different body types.

[0189] Optionally, at least two devices 201, 202 have different dimensions, different materials, different structures and / or are made according to two different manufacturing methods, and allow substantially the same predefined distance of neck flexion in the sagittal plane of the person - when their wire portions of their second pairs are arranged on one side on the lower surface of the person's lower jaw and on the other side on the frontal surface of the person's thorax - as the other.

[0190] By "approximately the same flexion" or "approximately the same predefined flexion distance," we mean that the flexion distance allowed by one of the devices is less than 20%, 10%, 5%, or 2% greater than that allowed by the other device. The kit may contain several devices allowing approximately the same flexion distance, which are nevertheless adapted to people with different body types and / or different levels of stiffness.

[0191] Although this description refers to specific embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) for improving a person's posture, 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 whose deformation allows 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 it is worn by the person; ■ said elongated element forming two pairs (10, 20) of adapted wire portions (11, 12, 21, 22), 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: - to support the person's lower jaw (4) in a given orientation relative to the person's thorax (5) by means of a first deformation of said device (1, 101, 201, 202), and - maintain the device (1, 101, 201, 202) around the person's neck (3); characterized in that said device is configured to permit, when the wire portions (21, 22) of the second pair (20) are disposed on the one hand on the lower surface of the lower jaw (4) of the person and on the other hand on the frontal surface of the thorax (5) of the person, a predefined distance of flexion of the neck of the person, greater than or equal to 1 centimeter and less than or equal to 8 centimeters, measured in a sagittal plane (PSP) of the person.

2. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to the preceding claim, in which 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 skin of the person.

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

6. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: ■ 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 perpendicularly 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 (a1, a2) sufficient for a gaze from the person, 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 (a1, 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).

7. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to the preceding claim, 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.

8. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of claims 6 to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first portion (21) of the second pair (20) and the second portion (22) of the second pair (20) are substantially each contained in a plane (P1, P2).

9. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the long element has, when the person wears the device (1, 101), a stiffness in the sagittal plane (PSP) of the person, greater than or equal to 80 Newtons per meter and equal to or less than 600 Newtons per meter.

10. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 the preceding claims, 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 the preceding claim, 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 the preceding claims, wherein: ■ the long 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 form of the soul (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 person's skin; 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 the preceding claims, adapted to allow transverse rotation of the neck (3) of the person when said person wears said device (1, 101, 201, 202).

16. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 the preceding claims, 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 (PSP) of the person during donning and / or removal 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 pair (10) closer together with respect to the sagittal plane of the person (PSP, 201, 202).

18. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predefined permissible bending distance of the neck is greater than or equal to 3 centimeters and less than or equal to 4 centimeters.

19. Device (1, 101, 201, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wire portions (11, 12) of the first pair (10) each have a surface profile of a length equal to or greater than 1 centimeter and less than or equal to 1.7 centimeters, measured perpendicular to the closed curve.

20. Kit (200) comprising 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 and / or construction(s) from a second of said devices (202).

21. Kit (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first device (201) has the same stiffness in the sagittal plane (PSP) of the person as the second device (202).

22. Kit (200) according to any one of claims 20 to the preceding claim, wherein the first device (201) permits the same flexion of the person's neck, measured in the sagittal plane (PSP) of the person, as the second device (202).

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