AU2013101310A4 - Apparatus for stretching - Google Patents

Abstract

APPARATUS FOR STRETCHING Abstract There is provided an apparatus (100) for stretching, the apparatus (100) comprising an effector (110) and a lever (105) operably coupled to the effector (110), wherein, in use, the apparatus (100) is adapted for applying leverage to a limb. Fig. 1

Description

I APPARATUS FOR STRETCHING Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for stretching soft tissue of the lower trunk and lower limb. In particular to an apparatus for stretching muscles and neural tissue around the hip and knee, including, but not limited to the hamstrings, hip adductor and adductor complex, iliotibial Band, gastrocnemius and caudal neural structures of the lower limb and lower lumbar area. [002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in stretching lower limb soft tissue and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. Background [003] Stretching of soft tissue is generally indicated to ensure the body remains flexible, optimise performance, thereby preventing injury during sport, activities of daily living or performing special tasks. People engage in stretching for many reasons. On a regular basis for general wellbeing, prior to sporting activities, to loosen soft tissue that may be shortened, loosen joints that may be stiff due to disease process of injury or to relieve pain or discomfort.. To stretch the muscles around the hip, people are required to get into positions that may be hard to achieve depending on their capabilities. Furthermore, if done improperly due to poor stretching technique, muscle cramp, injury and inability to target and stretch the correct muscles may occur. Usually, to stretch properly, assistance from another may be required. However, such assistance is labor intensive and may not always be available. Alternatively, it is possible to lean against the wall or the like to stretch dependent on the users capabilities. However, in such stretching posture, injury may still occur due to poor technique, loss of balance or slipping of the feet. [004] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

2 Summary [005] The invention seeks to provide an apparatus for stretching which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [006] According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for stretching, the apparatus comprising an effector and a lever operably coupled to the effector. In use, the apparatus is adapted for applying leverage to limb, forcing the knee into extension while the person is able to control the pressure exerted in a comfortable and safe position. [007] Preferably, an angle of the lever with respect to the effector is set in accordance with a predetermined angle. [008] Preferably, a leverage of the lever is configurable. [009] Preferably, the lever is extendable. [010] Preferably, the lever is telescopic. [011] Preferably, the lever comprises a grip. [012] Preferably, the grip comprises a handle. [013] Preferably, the lever is adapted to act on a leverage point, wherein the position of the leverage point is configurable. [014] Preferably, a leverage angle of the lever with respect to the effector is configurable. [015] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a lockable hinge between the lever and the effector. [016] Preferably, the lockable hinge comprises a clutch. [017] Preferably, the lockable hinge comprises a hinge and a brace, wherein the brace is adapted to cooperate with a hinge to lock the lockable hinge. [018] Preferably, the effector comprises a limb engagement adapted to engage the limb in use. [019] Preferably, the limit engagement comprises a first limit engagement portion and a second limb engagement portion that are adapted to oppositely act on the limb in use. [020] Preferably, at least one of the first limb engagement and the second limb engagement comprises a band. [021] Preferably, the band is rigid.

3 [022] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a terminal limb engagement coupled to the limb engagement [023] Preferably, the terminal limb engagement is adapted to engage one of the hand and the foot. [024] Preferably, the terminal limb engagement comprises a foot engagement. [025] Preferably, the foot engagement comprises a recess. [026] Preferably, the foot engagement comprises a band. [027] Preferably, the limb engagement is coupled to the terminal limb engagement at a terminal angle. [028] Preferably, the terminal angle is configurable. [029] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a lockable hinge between the terminal limb engagement and the limb engagement. [030] Preferably, the lockable hinge comprises a clutch. [031] Preferably, the lockable hinge comprises a hinge and a brace, wherein the brace is adapted to cooperate with a hinge to lock the lockable hinge. [032] Preferably, the apparatus comprises metal. [033] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a substantially tubular construction. [034] Preferably, the substantially tubular construction is looped. [035] Preferably, the apparatus is collapsible. [036] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings [037] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention the preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: [038] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for stretching in accordance with the present invention. Description of Embodiments [039] Referring to figure 1, there is shown an apparatus 100 for stretching. As will become apparent from the description below, the apparatus 100 is used for stretching various limbs, including those of athletes, physiotherapy patients and the like. Advantages of the apparatus 100 include an athlete, physiotherapy patient or the like to be able to self-stretch, to remain in a comfortable position during a long 4 stretch, and to control the pressure of the stretch, as opposed to having to request the assistance of another, lean against the wall or the like. [040] In the description that follows, the apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the preferred embodiments wherein the apparatus 100 is used for stretching soft tissue of the lower limb. However, as will become apparent, the apparatus may be used for stretching other limbs also, including the arm. [041] The apparatus 100 comprises an effector 110 and a lever 105 operably coupled to the effector 110 so as to be able to apply leverage to a limb. Specifically, in use, the user will apply force to the lever 105 to apply leverage to the limb, which as alluded to above, may be the lower leg of the user so as to provide a stretch to the soft tissue. In this manner, the user is able to self administer a greater leverage to a limb as opposed to conventional arrangements. [042] In the embodiment shown, the lever 105 is shown connected to the effector 110 at a slightly oblique angle. However, it should be appreciated that the lever 105 may be connected to the effector 110 at any angle depending on the application. However, in one embodiment, the angle of the lever 105 with respect to the effector 110 may be set in accordance with a predetermined angle for achieving a desired outcome (different settings will target different soft tissue groups while the embodiment is in the same position on the limb). [043] As is apparent from the embodiments given in figure 1, the length of the lever 105 is set so as to apply a set amount of leverage to the limb in use and to facilitate ease of reach to the user. However, in one embodiment, the leverage of the lever 105 is configurable. In one manner, the length of the lever 105 may be extendable so as to be adjustable in use by the user so as to apply more less leverage or to vary the reaching distance required for the user depending on the application. For example, the lever 105 may be extendable, such as by being telescopic or the like. In this manner, the user may extend or retract the lever 105 depending on the desired amount of leverage. Generally, in use, the user grips the lever 105 at a grip 135, which may be rubberised and may comprise a handle or the like so as to enhance friction. Alternatively, the leverage applied by the lever 105 may be configurable through configuring the leverage point on which the lever acts 105. Specifically, as is apparent from the embodiment, the lever 105 acts upon a leverage point substantially at band 130 (as will be described in further detail below). In this manner, the position of the leverage point may be relocated by the user, such as by sliding the band 130 along the body of the apparatus 100 so as to generate more or less leverage and accommodate different limb sizes, depending on the application. Lockable hinge [044] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a lockable hinge (not shown). The lockable hinge enables the user to adjust the leverage angle according to the intent. For example, a change in the angle at the ankle will allow different soft tissue structures to be targeted dependent on the persons requirements. The lockable hinge may be coupled to the lever 105 and the effector 110 for configuration of a leverage angle of the lever 105 with respect to the effector 110. The lockable hinge may comprise a clutch in one embodiment, and may comprise a hinge (not shown) and a brace (not shown) adapted to cooperate with the hinge in another embodiment. It is appreciated that configuration of the leverage angle is not to be construed as being limited to such embodiment. That is, other mechanical and non-mechanical means may be used for adjusting the leverage angle, depending on the application. Limb engagement [045] In one embodiment, the effector 110 may further comprise a limb engagement 115 adapted to engage the limb in use so as to apply leverage. The limb engagement may 115 comprise a first limb engagement portion 130 and a second limb engagement portion 125 that are adapted to oppositely act on the limb in use. In one embodiment, each of the first and second limb engagement portions 130, 125 comprises a band, which may be rigid band, and which may be made of webbing, or any suitable material. The band of each of the first and second limb engagement portions 130, 125 may be slidably movable in a longitudinal direction along the limb engagement 115 so as to adjust the leverage point. However, it should be appreciated that only one of the first and second limb engagement portions 130, 125 comprises a band in one embodiment, and that other means of acting on the limb or the like may instead be employed in another embodiment. It is appreciated that the band may be made of other materials, and may be an elastic band in other embodiments. Terminal limb engagement [046] In another embodiment, the limb engagement 115 may further comprise a terminal limb engagement 120. The terminal limb engagement 120 may be coupled 6 to the limb engagement 115 and may be adapted to engage the foot. The terminal limb engagement 120 may serve to restrain movement of the terminal limb (i.e. the hand or the foot) with respect to the apparatus 100, and may apply leverage to the terminal limb in use. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the terminal limb engagement 120 comprises a band for acting upon the sole of the foot. In another embodiment, the terminal limb engagement 120 may be configured to form a recess for insertion of the terminal limb. In yet another embodiment, the terminal limb engagement 120 may further comprise a mechanism configurable for adjusting an angle of the terminal limb with respect to the terminal limb engagement 120. Such a mechanism may comprise a plurality of chocks of different sizes. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may further comprise another lockable hinge or the like coupled to the terminal limb engagement 120 and the limb engagement 115 for configuration of a terminal angle of the terminal limb engagement 120 with respect to the limb engagement 115. [047] In another embodiment, the terminal limb engagement 120 may be detachable from the limb engagement 115 such that leverage is applied only to the lower leg. In yet another embodiment, the terminal limb engagement 120 may be omitted. Stretching of the hip muscles / gastrocnemius or caudal neural structures. [048] In use, a user engages the lower leg with the limb engagement 115 such that the shin is supported by the band of the first limb engagement portion 130 anteriorly and the lower calf is supported by band of the second limb engagement portion 125 posteriorly near the maleoli. The user then engages the foot with the terminal limb engagement 120. In this position, the user may pull the handle of the grip 135 downwardly toward the chest to apply and anterior - posterior pressure to the first limb engagement portion 130 leverage to the effector 110 via the limb engagement 115, thereby stretching the targeted soft tissue of the leg. Configuration of the leverage angle [049] In use, the user may configure the lockable hinge to increase or decrease one of the leverage and terminal angles and the terminal angle so as to target differential soft tissue structures of the lower limb according to need. [050] The apparatus 100 may be made partially or entirely of metal or any other suitable material. The apparatus 100 shown in figure 1 may comprise a substantially 7 tubular construction, and may be looped in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise a non-tubular construction and may be non-looped. Moreover, the apparatus 100 may be collapsible or foldable to facilitate transport and/or stowage. [051] Furthermore, the apprentice 100 may further comprise a strain gauge for measuring straining of the limb. [052] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

8 Embodiments: [053] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [054] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [055] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Specific Details [056] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

9 Terminology [057] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Different Instances of Objects [058] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Comprising and Including [059] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [060] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention [061] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or 10 deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [062] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability [063] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the sporting and fitness industries.

Claims (30)

1. An apparatus for stretching, the apparatus comprising: an effector; and a lever operably coupled to the effector, wherein, in use, the apparatus is adapted for applying leverage to a limb.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle of the lever with respect to the effector is set in accordance with a predetermined angle.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a leverage of the lever is configurable.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever is extendable.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever is telescopic.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever comprises a grip.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the grip comprises a handle.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever is adapted to act on a leverage point, wherein the position of the leverage point is configurable.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a leverage angle of the lever with respect to the effector is configurable.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a lockable hinge between the lever and the effector.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lockable hinge comprises a clutch.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lockable hinge comprises a hinge and a brace, wherein the brace is adapted to cooperate with a hinge to lock the lockable hinge.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the effector comprises a limb engagement adapted to engage the limb in use.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the limit engagement comprises a first limit engagement portion and a second limb engagement portion that are adapted to oppositely act on the limb in use.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one of the first limb engagement and the second limb engagement comprises a band.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the band is rigid.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the effector further comprising a terminal limb engagement coupled to the limb engagement 12

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the terminal limb engagement is adapted to engage one of the hand and the foot.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the terminal limb engagement comprises a foot engagement.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the foot engagement comprises a recess.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the foot engagement comprises a band.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the limb engagement is coupled to the terminal limb engagement at a terminal angle.

23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the terminal angle is configurable.

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22, further comprising a lockable hinge between the terminal limb engagement and the limb engagement.

25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the lockable hinge comprises a clutch.

26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the lockable hinge comprises a hinge and a brace, wherein the brace is adapted to cooperate with a hinge to lock the lockable hinge.

27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises metal.

28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a substantially tubular construction.

29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the substantially tubular construction is looped.

30. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is collapsible.