PORTABLE STRETCHING EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A portable stretching apparatus includes a central support frame. The frame defines a top and legs extending from the top towards a relatively wider base. The legs form part of the sides of the frame. A seat is fixed on the top of the support frame. Hand grips are provided on either side of the seat. First and second support arms are pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the top of the central support frame. The first arm can be fixed in several angular orientations. The angular position of the second arm is substantially continuously variable. A control moves the angular position of the second arm while a person is on the apparatus. A restraint locks or restrains the person's foot or leg on at least one side of the frame.

Claims

1. A portable stretching apparatus comprising: a central support frame, the frame defining a top and legs extending from the top towards a relatively wider base, the legs forming part of the sides of the frame; a seat fixed on the top of the support frame which seat is arranged to be used by a person seated on the seat while seated in an upright position, hand grips which are provided on either side of the seat which may be grasped by a person using the stretching apparatus while in a seated position; first and second support arms pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the top of the central support frame; wherein the first arm is adapted to be fixed in a plurality of angular orientations with respect to the top of the frame; and wherein the angular position of the second arm with respect to the top of the frame is substantially continuously variable about an arc; at least one control configured to move the angular position of the second arm while the person is seated or supine on the apparatus; and at least one restraint configured to restrain or lock the person's foot or leg on at least one side of the frame.

2. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second arm defines a longitudinal axis and is telescopically adjustable in length along that longitudinal axis.

3. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second arm defines an end element in the form of a padded end restraint which extends to one side of the longitudinal axis of the arm in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second arm.

4. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the padded end restraint is pivotally mounted to the end of the second arm and may be rotated about the pivot and fixed to either side of the second arm.

5. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a ratchet mechanism controlling the position of the second arm and wherein the control configured to move the angular position of the second arm is a lever positioned adjacent the grips at the top of the frame.

6. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hand grips comprise arcuate rings and the lever is pivoted about a center of one of the arcuate rings and its position relative to the ring serves as an indicator of the position of the second arm.

7. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first support arm is pivotally mounted on a stub element, which projects from the top of the apparatus.

8. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first support arm comprises two parallel elongate members, each parallel elongate members being pivotally mounted to a stud member and linked by a padded crosspiece.

9. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the two parallel elongate members are telescopically extendible.

10. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot restraint comprises a padded bar or brace fixed to a side of the frame.

11. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the position of the padded bars on the sides of the frame is adjustable.

12. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame has an inverted V-shaped in use and comprises a foldable crosspiece bracing the frame.

13. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sides of the frame can be folded towards each other for transport or storage of the apparatus.

14. The stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one restraint is configured to restrain or lock the person's foot or leg on both sides of the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is an isometric view from the front and one side of a first embodiment of a stretching apparatus;

[0030] FIG. 2 is an isometric view from the rear and one side of the stretching apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the stretching apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 4 is shows the stretching apparatus configured to provide a lower back support;

[0033] FIGS. 5a to 5g show schematically a first series of stretches that can be carried out using stretching apparatus embodying the present invention;

[0034] FIGS. 6a to 6e show schematically a second series of stretches that can be carried out using stretching apparatus embodying the present invention;

[0035] FIGS. 7a to 7g show schematically a further series of stretches that can be carried out using stretching apparatus embodying the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a variant of the stretching apparatus shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a ratchet system for moving a support arm of the apparatus; and

[0037] FIG. 9 is shows detail of the ratchet system.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of a stretching apparatus 10. The apparatus includes a central support frame 12 in the shape of an inverted V, and a cushioned seat 14 on the top 13 of the support frame. First and second support members/arms 16 and 18 respectively are mounted to the top of the frame 12 on opposite sides of the frame and extend generally away from the support frame.

[0039] The support frame includes a generally rectangular top portion/frame 20 on top of which the seat 14 is mounted. Two legs 22, 24 are pivotally mounted to one side of the top of the frame. A further pair of legs 26, 28 are pivotally mounted to the opposite side of the top of the frame. A first foot restraint 30 or support pad in the form of a bar covered in tubular padding extends between the legs 22 and 24, close to the feet of those legs. Similarly a second foot restraint 32 also in the form of a bar covered in tubular padding extends between the legs 26 and 28, close to the feet of those legs. A bracing element 34 extends between legs 22 and 26 and a second bracing element 36 extends between legs 24 and 28. Each bracing element 34, 36 includes a central pivot 38 which allows the brace 34, 36 to be folded to allow the legs to be pivoted towards each other for storage or transport of the apparatus 10.

[0040] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a semi-circular ring 50, 52 is defined at each side of the top of the support frame. These rings can be gripped by the hands of a person stretching on the apparatus, in use.

[0041] As is best seen in FIG. 4, two short tubular stub members 60, 62 extend away from the top of the support frame. The first support member 16 is pivotally mounted to the distal ends of the stub members 60, 62. The first support member 16 comprises a first elongate tubular member 64 which is pivoted to the distal end of stub 60, a second elongate tubular member 66 which is pivoted to the distal end of stub 62 and a crosspiece 68 which extends between the distal ends of the tubular members and is covered in a padded tubular support 70. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 it can be seen that the first support member may be pivoted about the distal ends of the stub members into different fixed positions such as lowered when not required or for storage, as shown in FIG. 1, oriented generally vertically as a lower back support as shown in FIG. 4 or in angled or horizontal positions as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular elements 64 and 66 are telescopic so that the length of the first support member and the distance of the crosspiece 68 from the stubs 60 and 62 may be adjusted.

[0042] A further elongate tubular element 70 which forms part of the second support arm/member 18 is pivotally mounted to the top of the frame as is best seen in FIG. 3. The tubular element is telescopic and may be extended and retracted. FIG. 3 shows that the tubular element 70 defines an outer tube 72 and an inner tube 74 which slides in the outer tube and which defines a series of apertures 76 for receiving a locking pin 78 to adjust the length of the tubular element 70. The outer tube 72 is enclosed by a cylindrical pad 80. At the distal end of the tubular element there is a side tube 82 which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element. A cylindrical pad 74 locates over the side tube 72. In a preferred embodiment, the side tube may be rotated in an arc about the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 70.

[0043] As is best seen in FIG. 3, the seat 14 defines a cut out or aperture 90 which allows the second support arm 18 to rotate upward until it is nearly vertical. With reference also to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second support arm 18 is mounted to a movable arm 91 which is mounted about a pivot axis 93 and can be rotated by handle 100, which is located adjacent the ring/grip 52, via connecting rods 94, 96. When the handle 100 turns through a particular angle, the arms 91 and 18 move through the same angle.

[0044] A fixed toothed ratchet type wheel 92 is fixed to the frame A spring biased pawl or ratchet block 102 is mounted to the arm gland prevents the support arm 18 from moving when engaged with the toothed wheel 92 as shown in FIG. 9. On the reverse side of the toothed wheel to the connecting rods, and as shown in FIG. 9, there is a pivoted lever 104 which when the handle is moved disengages the pawl 102 from the ratchet when 92 and allows the arms to move. The support arm 18 may thus be moved by simply moving the handle 100 while the stretching apparatus is in use. When the handle is released the pawl 102 re-engages in the ratchet wheel.

[0045] A person can use the apparatus in a number of different positions, as shown including seated facing forwards; seated facing sideways; lying down both prone and supine; standing; and suspended with the front of the thighs on the seat and the legs hooked under one moving arm, while doing a traction movement.

[0046] The equipment is designed to allow isometric (muscle not changing length) contractions throughout a number of positions throughout the range of motion and muscle lengths. This strengthens the muscle throughout the muscle length and importantly increases the strength of the muscle at the longest muscle length and end of motion. This greatly decreases the risk of muscle injury and increases the total amount of muscle force generated over the entire range of motion and muscle length

[0047] The apparatus also allows for prolonged static stretching without causing bending of the lumbar or thoracic vertebrae in the back. Static stretching has been shown through research to be less than effective if the stretch is held for only 15 to 20 seconds. The machine allows the user to hold stretches for extended periods which allows for muscle fibre and tenderness elongation. During traditional stretching to maintain tension on the muscle that will cause elongation requires the user to bend at the waist which causes improper strain on the vertebrae in the back. Also this compressed position impacts on the stomach and lungs which causes discomfort. Further, during traditional stretching there is tension within the person's body, shoulders, arms etc. in creating a force sufficient to bring the lower limb muscles into stretch or tension positions. This discomfort often leads to inadequate time in the stretch position therefore ineffective stretching and poor results. Elderly people, people with larger waist measurements, and people with limited flexibility, find it difficult to place themselves into positions where they can gain effective stretching for a number of muscle groups around the pelvis, such as the Gluteal, Iliotibial band, Piriformis, hamstrings and quadriceps. The apparatus allows those stretches to be achieved easily by persons of limited flexibility, strength, mobility and by those with anthropometrically disadvantaged body shapes.

[0048] The may also enable the user to perform PNF stretching. This type of stretching is highly effective in requires the leg to be moved to, and halted at, a number of positions throughout the range of motion and muscle length. At each of these positions and isometric contractions will be performed against the support of the device. The apparatus allows for this PNF stretching to be performed on a large range of muscles in the body, including hamstrings, hip flexors, iliopsoas, gluteal, long adductors, short adductors, transverse adductors etc.

[0049] The apparatus also allows a user to perform eccentric stretching and strengthening which the user resists against the raising mechanism of the apparatus thereby contracting the muscles while they are lengthening.

[0050] The apparatus also allows the user to identify the differences in range of Motion from left to right side of the body. This is an important consideration as the differences are indicated to be prevalent in the development of back pain through the misalignment of the pelvis, and viscoelastic tension on the posture of the user. By identifying these differences, a plan can be put in pace that will correct these differences and in the long term assist in the resolution of back pain and sciatica suffering.

[0051] The apparatus also allows for the identification of muscle imbalances. Various type of stretches that may be carried out are shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. In particular FIG. 5b illustrates a gluteal stretch, FIG. 5c a long adductors stretch, FIG. 5d an short adductors stretch, FIG. 5e and inversion traction, FIG. 5f advanced front splits and FIG. 5g an assisted calf stretch (downward dog).

[0052] FIG. 6a illustrates a standing soleus stretch, FIG. 6b shows a hamstring gluteal stretch, FIG. 6c shows assisted push ups FIG. 6d shows a front deltoid pectoral stretch and FIG. 6e shows a standing gluteal stretch.

[0053] FIG. 7a shows s front or side splits, FIG. 7b shows a standing quadriceps stretch, FIG. 7c shows a hamstring hip flexor, FIG. 7d shows a seated hamstring hip flexor, FIG. 7e shows a standing hamstring hip flexor, FIG. 7f shows an advanced long adductors stretch and FIG. 7f shows a beginners long adductors stretch.

[0054] In summary, the apparatus embodying the invention may give the user the benefit of stretching a large number of muscle groups in a device that is portable, foldable and easily transportable. The device also allows the user to perform stretches without the need to flex their back to increase tension and induce stretch in the lower limbs.

[0055] The apparatus also allows the user to perform isometric contractions which both increase the strength of the muscles being targeted and decreased the impact of the stretch H reflex allowing deeper stretch with less discomfort. This function also realigns the myofascia of the muscles, which is currently addressed by either massage or the use of foam rollers.

[0056] The apparatus also, through the inventive positioning of foot restraints and the second swing arm, provides the user to perform contralateral stretches to the two separate muscle groups that are engaged in a person's stride. This is important in the rehabilitation of muscle strains and increases athletic performance through increases stride length and the increased muscle stretch at the end range of motion through the use of isometric contractions.

[0057] The apparatus also allows the user to change the position of the support arms without having to dismount from the apparatus. This allows for continuous use of the machine for numerous different muscle groups in a continuous operation.

[0058] Although the described embodiment provides for a lever and ratchet operated second arm, and a pivotable and lockable first arm mounted on a stub member, in a variant both the first and second support arms could be operated by the lever and ratchet mechanism as the second support arm. In this case the lever on one side of the seat will move one arm and the lever on the opposite side of the seat will move the other arm.

[0059] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.