FR2672501A1 - Apparatus for multiple stretching exercises for the lower limbs and pelvic region - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for stretching, without danger and without aid from anyone else, the muscles or muscle groups of the lower limbs and the pelvic region (pelvis). This apparatus consists of a metal frame (A) which rests on the ground and acts as a support with three traction systems composed of sets of pulleys (F) and of ropes (G). A seat (B) and two small boards (C) enable the user to instal himself in diverse positions depending on the desired stretching exercises. And, finally, a belt (D) and two straps (E) equipped with a fastening point (10) enabling the user to be connected to the traction systems. By pulling on the ropes (G), the user brings the parts (H) in question into the desired stretching exercise. Stretching may be maintained by fastening the ropes in the holding means (11) of the belt (D). This apparatus is intended for the sports and paramedical fields.

Description

 The present invention relates to an apparatus for multiple stretching of the lower limbs and the pelvic region.

 Traditionally, these stretches are done alone or with partner (s).

 Stretching performed alone, is quite forbidding and requires a person's efforts which sometimes lead to harmful muscle contractions with the desired effects.

 Stretching performed with the help of one or more partners is effective, but the opportunities are rare and the time allocated is quite long and not always appropriate for the partner (s).

 In stretching, the partner (s) exerts pressure, pulls or oppositions thanks to their weight or strength.

 The device presented more effectively replaces these partners. Indeed, it allows by practical, simplified and safe use, to stretch to the maximum physiological limits of one user, several muscles or muscle groups of the lower limbs and the pelvic region.

These stretches are done in smooth and smooth progression, in comfortable and durable positions which allow the user to obtain an optimal relaxation of his whole body.

 For this, the user installs himself on a seat and two boards in a chosen position. It has straps at the ankles or knees and at the waist with a belt, each with a fixing point. To stretch its limbs and back, it has three identical traction systems (hoists) composed of sets of pulleys and rope attached to a metal frame serving as support.

 Depending on the position adopted and depending on the number of parts to be stretched, the user connects the system (s) to the attachment points of the straps and the belt. By pulling on each end of the strings of each system used, it stretches one or its lower limbs or its back - or all three at the same time. The user can maintain the stretch obtained by placing each end of the rope in holding means fixed to the belt.

 The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

 Figures 1 and 2 show the apparatus and its elements.

 Figure 3 shows in magnification the method of fixing the pulleys on the frame.

 Figure 4 shows in section the mounting of the seat on the frame.

 FIG. 5 represents one of the traction systems of the apparatus.

 FIG. 6 shows, by way of example, a type of rope holding means which can be used on the belt.

 FIG. 7 represents one of the positions chosen by the user.

 Figures 8 to 16 show the positions that can be adopted with the device.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the device consists of: - a metal frame (A) which rests on the ground and is provided with support means (2) (3) with at least three traction systems composed of sets of pulleys (F) and ropes (G) - a seat (s) and two boards (C) provided with displacement means (5) (8) allowing the user to s '' install in various positions depending on the desired stretches, and finally a belt (D) and at least two straps (E) each provided with at least one fixing point (10) allowing the user to hearth connected to the traction systems, so that by pulling on the cords (G), the user brings the parties concerned (H) into the desired stretch. In more detail the apparatus is composed as follows
- a metal frame (A) in hollow rectangular tube
resting on the ground with pads (1) and having
four elements:
a T-shaped central part (a),
three arms (bl, b2, b3) - of a lower caliber
fitting into the three ends of the game
central (a):
- two of these arms (bowl, b2) are identical; they are
long and end with a small vertical square
(2) having on two levels (high and low), a
fastening system (3) for pulley sets (F1, F3),
- the third arm (b3) is also long, but ends
by a three-pronged fork (4) of the same caliber.
three teeth each end in a square
vertical (2) and have the same types of fasteners
(3);
- a flat seat (B) (padded) which slides on the branch
central part fa) of the frame (A) thanks to a guide
(5) arranged in the lower part. The arms (bl, b2, b3) and
the seat (B), once adjusted to the desired length, are
fixed to the central part (a) by pins
vertical (6) with a folding ring (14) which pass
in the holes (7) of each element;
- two padded boards (C), movable either
freely thanks to the presence in each corner of
multidirectional rollers (8) either sliding
on the frame (A) thanks to the addition of a guide
(5) of the same type as the seat guide (B), also
arranged in the lower part.

- a belt (O) adjustable for example by elements
self-hanging type "VELCRO" (9) (registered trademark)
having a fixing point (10) and three means
holding for rope (11);
- two straps (E) adjustable for example by elements
self-hanging type VELCRO "(9) each with a
attachment point (10);
- six sets of three pulleys (F3) and seven of a pulley (F1)
is fixed either on the fasteners (3) of the brackets (2) of the
frame (A) thanks to a vertical axis (12), either on the
attachment points (10) for straps (E) and belt
(O), by means of a hook (13)
- three high resistance cords (G), for example of the "NYLON" type.

 The set of pulley and rope sets is made up of three identical traction systems.

With reference to FIG. 5, these systems are each articulated as follows:
- a mobile set of three pulleys (F3) attached to a load
(H) (lower limb or back), faces a game
similar (F3) fixed on the frame (A). These games are related
between them by a cord (G), passing in all
pulleys.

One of the ends (15) of the rope (G) is fixed to a fixing point (16) of the frame (A) with a carabiner (I 7), the other (18) is held by the user. By pulling on it, the mobile set of pulleys (F3) approaches the set (F3) fixed on the frame (A), carrying with it the load (H). This process is that of the hoist; it allows to multiply the force used by the user;
- the games of a pulley (F1) superimposed on the games of
pulleys (F3) allow pulling from angles
different.

 The sets of pulleys attached to the frame can pivot more than 1800 around their vertical axis (12).

 The sets of pulleys attached to the load can pivot on 3600 around the longitudinal axis (19) of the hook (13).

 With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, an overall description of the method of using the device as a function of one of the adaptable positions is given.

 The user with the belt (D) and the straps (E) sits on the seat (B), his legs resting on either side in front of him on the boards (C). It hangs on the three fixing points (10), the mobile sets of pulleys (F3) by means of the hooks (13). By pulling on each end of the rope (G), the user spreads his lower limbs from one another and lowers his back towards the ground. It can maintain the desired position, leaving the cords (G) trapped in their holding means (11) of the belt (D).

 This rope holding means (11) shown in FIG 6, is a type of example which could be used on the belt (O) and which would allow the user, with one hand, to easily place the rope (G) to block. This holding means (11) is a metal clip of the "clothespin" type made up of a single block, forming two branches, one (20) fixed on the belt, the other (21) free. The two internal faces of these two branches are covered with an abrasive part (22).

The rounding of the tops of the two branches facilitates, from above, the introduction of the rope (G).

 With reference to the figures numbered 8 to 16, a brief description of each of the embodiments of the positions adapted to the apparatus is explained.

 - FIG. 8 corresponds to the position which has just been described with reference to FIG. 7.

- FIG. 9: User sits with both legs bent
on the sides, soles against each other in
support on a single board (C) guided by the part
(b3) of the frame. He can lower his back towards the
ground and spread his knees outward by pulling
alternately or simultaneously on the three systems
of traction connected to the belt and to the two straps
attached above each knee joint.

 Reminder for each figure: each pull being performed, the user wedges the strings in their respective holding means, so as to relax the muscles used, and then stretch them again according to his possibilities.

- FIG. 10: The user is seated on the seat between the
heels, bent legs, knees and necks
foot resting on each side on the boards. he can
bring his back down to the ground and spread his legs
outwards by pulling alternately or simultaneously
on the three traction systems connected to the belt
and the two straps attached above each
knee joint. The boards follow
the movement thanks to the rollers and guides
moving on the parts (bl and b2) of the frame.

- FIG. Il: Same principle as FIG. 10, but with a
leg stretched with its strap on the ankle.

- FIG. 12 and 14: The user is on his knees or standing in
depending on the figure, legs apart and placed on
each board, one hand resting on the seat, back
flat and parallel to the ground. He can spread each leg apart
alternately pulling on both
traction systems connected by two straps attached to the
above each knee joint. The boards
follow the movement thanks to the rollers and guides
moving on the parts (bl and b2) of the frame.

- FIG. 13: user sits on seat, legs
slightly apart and bent, the heels resting
before him on the board. He can lower his
back to the ground and stretch your legs while pulling
alternately or simultaneously on the three systems of
traction connected to the belt and the two attached straps
at the ankles. The board follows the movement thanks to
rollers and guide moving on part (b3) of the
frame.

- FIG. 15: The user is lying down, his back on the seat
and the boards, which occasionally meet above
from (b3), form a mattress. His legs are spread apart and
leaning against a wall. He can spread each leg apart
alternately or simultaneously pulling on both
traction systems connected to the two attached straps
above each knee joint.

- FIG. 16.: Same position of the user, but with a
leg stretched vertically and the other flexed resting
On the ground. He can bring his leg towards his head by pulling
on the traction system connected to the strap fixed on the
ankle.

 All these maneuvers are done without the use of force and thus allow the user to be relaxed and to be able to concentrate on something else (example: reading a book), all this in effective stretching positions .

The structure of the device can be varied depending on the existing materials, but the implementation must take into account the following important points:
- The frame must be rigid and heavy enough not to fold or take off under the effect of pulls;
- The scope of the apparatus must be sufficient to perform the stretching in the maximum physiological range of the lower limbs;
This device is intended for anyone wishing to obtain more muscular and articular flexibility of the lower limbs and the pelvis in order to perform movements with maximum amplitude. Its scope extends more particularly in the sports and paramedical sectors.

In the sports sector: it will be a tool for gaining or preserving flexibility in sports requiring dan, gymnastics, combat sports ... - And it will considerably reduce the risks of muscle and joint accidents in sports requiring significant muscle strengthening and which, for lack of daily stretching, logically lead to a failure in the elasticity of the muscle - team sports, running, skiing, etc.
* In the para-medical sector: it will be used by rehabilitation centers and specialists such as physiotherapists and chiropractors.

 This device can be used individually or within a community.

Claims (10)

1 / Apparatus for multiple stretching of the lower limbs and the pelvic region, characterized in that it consists of: a metal frame (A) which rests on the ground and is provided with support means (2) (3 ) at least three traction systems composed of sets of pulleys (F) and ropes (G) - a seat (B) and two boards (C) provided with displacement means (5) (8) allowing the user to settle in various positions depending on the desired stretches, and finally a belt (D) and at least two straps (E) each provided with at least one fixing point (10) allowing the user to be connected to the traction systems, so that by pulling on the ropes (G), the user brings the parts concerned (H) in the desired stretch. 2 / Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the metal frame (A) comprises two lateral arms (bl and b2), having at their respective end, a small square (2) vertical having on two levels (top and bottom) a attachment system (3) for sets of pulleys (F) and a central arm, having at its end a fork with three teeth (4) of the same caliber with, on each, a small vertical bracket (2) also having on two levels (top and bottom) a fastening system (3) for sets of pulleys (F). 3 / Apparatus according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the metal frame (A) is made of four removable parts three arms (bowl, b2 and b3) intended to be connected by fitting and fixed - by vertical pins (6) - on a T-shaped central part (a) 4 / Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the seat (B) and the two boards (C) are flat, padded and are provided in the lower part with a guide (5) allowing their sliding on the metal frame (A) . 5 / Apparatus according to claims 1 and 4 characterized in that the seat (B) is adjustable in the front-rear position and is fixed by a pin (6) vertical - on the central part (a) of the metal frame (A). 6 / Apparatus according to claims 1 and 4 characterized in that the boards (C) are further provided with multidirectional rollers (8) fixed on their four corners, allowing them to move out of the frame (A). 7 / Apparatus according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the apparatus comprises six sets of three pulleys (F3) and seven of a pulley (F1) is fixed either on the fasteners (3) of the brackets (2) of the arms (bowl, 82 and b3) of the frame (A), or on the fixing points (10) of the straps (E) and of the belt (D). 8 / Apparatus according to claims 1 and 7 characterized in that the sets of pulleys are mounted pivoting at an angle of 1800 around a vertical axis (12) for the games fixed on the frame (A), and pivoting on 3600 around a longitudinal axis (19) provided on a hook (13) for those fixed on the fixing points (10) of the straps (E) and of the belt (D). 9 / Apparatus according to claims 1, 7 and 8 characterized in that the rope (G) of each traction system, passing through the set of pulleys (F3) intended to be hung on a load (H) and by the similar game (F3) fixed on the frame (A), is provided at its end (15) opposite to that (18) held by the user, with a carabiner (17) intended to be fixed on a fixing point (16 ) provided on the frame (A). 10 / Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the belt (D) is provided with three holding systems (11) allowing, at the ends of ropes (18) respective, to maintain the stretch obtained without being held by the user .