WO2003075819A2

WO2003075819A2 - Variable radius flexibility apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2003075819A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/007005
Authority: WO
Inventors: James H. Levine
Original assignee: Fitnesslab, Llc
Priority date: 2002-03-06
Filing date: 2003-03-06
Publication date: 2003-09-18
Also published as: AU2003220080A1; WO2003075819A3

Abstract

A muscle stretching and spine decompressing apparatus including a base frame (20, 120), a flexible sheet (12, 112) attached to the top of the base frame (20, 120) for supporting the body of a user, and a motorized actuation means (16, 116, 216) for bending the flexible sheet (12, 112) from a substantially flat position to a substantial arc.

Description

VARIABLE RADIUS FLEXIBILITY APPARATUS

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to fitness exercise equipment, more particularly to muscle stretching and spine decompression exercise equipment.

The trends in fitness exercise devices over the past 40 years began with strengthening exercise (resistance training) equipment, then aerobic exercise equipment, and now has evolved to flexibility exercise equipment. This third category of fitness exercise devices has recently emerged to address the need for enhancing muscle stretching and spine decompression. Chronic muscle contraction and spine decompression can occur from injury, fatigue, excessive sitting and standing, over or under exercising, and gravity. Even the two prevalent forms of exercise, aerobics and resistance training, tone the muscles through repetitious contraction. Although healthy, this creates an added need for flexibility in order to bring the muscles into a relaxed balance between contraction and extension.

Static and dynamic muscle stretching and spine decompression devices are known in the prior art. Longfellow in US Pat. No. 2,010,766 show a device that has a sheet support that begins in a relatively flat position and is bent into an arc that is very limited due to the fixed sheet ends being unable to be drawn towards each other. Fong in US Pat. No. 5,100,131 shows a device that requires the user to begin the exercise in a seated position and rotate into a limited arc defined by two constant arcs with only one arc pivoting at a fixed point. These devices limit the user to conforming to the limited arc, which can be too much or too little for the great variety of body types, resulting in either hyperextension or insufficient stretching and/or decompression benefit .

Harlan in US Pat. No. 4,795,150 shows a device for stretching the leg muscles of a user straddling two hinged sheets. This device requires the user to begin stretching in a raised high degree of arc and then increases the stretch as it flattens the arc.

Liao L.S.C (inventor) in US Pat. No. 5,531,658 shows a device for strengthening the mid-section of a user by requiring the user to actively push two pull rods with the user's hands and feet to arc the body until a significant portion of a user's body is in uncomfortably, unsupported position. The effort to self-support the body weight overhanging the sheet may assist strengthening, but would hinder the relaxation required for flexibility. The user starts in a lying down position on a sheet that has a significant degree of arc. Due to the relatively short length of that surface, the sheet forms an acute and uncomfortable degree of arc as the mid section of the body is lifted.

Current stretching exercise devices tend to be uncomfortable and unsafe because they do not provide the comfort of full-body support combined with the safety of adjusting to users' needs.

It is an object of this invention to provide a muscle stretching and spine decompression device for exercise and rehabilitation of the soft tissue and joints of the body, while minimizing discomfort and risk of injury.

It is a further object of this invention to facilitate flexibility by providing relaxation and muscle stretching while having a user exert no effort. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a muscle stretching and spine decompression device that allows for bending and straightening the user's body from a substantially flat position to a semicircular arc that creates an elongating force to stretch a user's spinal column and muscles at a comfortable speed and with the ability to stop at any point in between. The one embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible sheet of polycarbonate, approximately 72" x 24" x 1/4", that acts as a support surface platform for the user. Any suitable sheet material, such as plastic or metal, can be used in place of polycarbonate providing its bending characteristics are substantially the same. The sheet is flexible enough to bend to desired comfortable arcs and strong enough to support any human weight. Cables and pulleys are attached to the ends of sheet to draw sheet inward along the support frame by a motor, thereby increasing the arc of the sheet. Whereby, the user's muscles are relaxed during the operation of the present invention. As the sheet ends are drawn in, rigid struts pivotally attached to the sheet provide added support to the sheet at key load bearing points. Further, the center of the flexible sheet extends upward as the sheet ends are drawn in. The mid-section of the user is elevated. The motor can be controlled either manually, or by varied pre-defined programs consisting of adjustable cycles, time, repetitions and stops.

In an alternative embodiment, the cables and pulleys attached to the ends of the sheet draw the sheet ends downward, as well as inward, to create the arc of the sheet. In this embodiment, the center section of the flexible sheet, as well as the user's mid-section, stays at a constant height above the floor. The user's legs, arms, lower torso and upper torso travel with the sheet ends and drop to a lower vertical height as the sheet ends drawn downward and inward by a motor. Thereby, the user' s body will take the arc-like form of the sheet. A vertical rod or support can be positioned below the mid-section of the flexible sheet to provide a flexure point and further support of the user. The arc of the sheet can be further facilitated by placement of a rigid arc-shaped structure below the center of the flexible sheet. As the motor reverses direction and the cables are released, the flexible sheet will flatten substantially to its original shape because of the elastic, spring-like qualities of the sheet material. Optional bearing rods pivotally connected at predetermined locations facilitate the flattening, as well as the bending of the sheet.

Yet another alternative embodiment replaces the above- identified cables and pulleys with bearing rods . One end of each of the four bearing rods is pivotally fastened to the flexible sheet at the four corners . The other ends of the bearing rods are pivotally connected to the actuation system. The actuation system, for example, includes parallel tracks extending along the length of the base of the apparatus, a rod connector traveling, within the track, and a chain or cable coupling the rod connector to a motor. The motor pulls the lower ends of the rod connected to the rod connectors along the track, thereby drawing down the ends of the flexible sheet. A fixed arc is positioned below the mid-section of the flexible sheet to support the user and to facilitate the nature arc-shape form the flexible sheet will take as the ends of the flexible sheet are being drawn down. As the motor reverses direction and the bearing rods are released, the flexible sheet will flatten substantially to its original shape due to the combined efforts of the bearing rods pushing upward on the ends to the sheet and the elastic, spring-like qualities of the sheet material.

Devices of the present invention, including but not limited to the above example, stretch the muscles of the torso and decompress the spine of a user by arching the user on a one piece sheet by electro-mechanical means. The user begins stretching in a lowered flat degree of arc (approximately 147 inches radius) and then increases the stretch as the arc is increase (up to approximately 27 inches radius). The user's entire body is comfortably supported during the extension (arc increase) and retraction (arc decrease) operations. The effortless raising and lowering of a user' s mid-section would facilitate the muscle release compatible with efficient muscle stretching. The relatively long length of the sheet facilitates a gradual and comfortable degree of arc.

Other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, having a sheet support, with phantom lines illustrating the sheet retracted and solid lines illustrating the sheet extended;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the base of the frame showing the structural members of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the Fig. 1 device illustrating the motor and drive system (and usable in other embodiments) ;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of the motor and drive system of the Fig. 1 device;

FIG. 5 is a partial section view of the motor illustrating the spring-actuated self-acting brake and a pictorial of the actuation system illustrating the guide rails ;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the Fig. 1 device illustrating the actuation system mechanism and support structure;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the Fig. 1 device illustrating the sheet end attachment to the actuation system;

FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of the main connecting rod connecting the flexible sheet to the frame of the Fig. 1 device;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the sheet end attachment to the actuation system of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial frontal view of the Fig. 1 device illustrating the inner guide rail and support structure;

FIG. 11 is a isometric view of a control system usable in other embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a pictorial view of an alternative preferred embodiment illustrating sheets end being drawn downward and inward to create the therapeutic arc;

Fig. 13 is a pictorial view of the embodiment of Fig. 12 illustrating a rod connection coupling the flexible sheet to the drive system in the resting position;

Fig. 14 is a pictorial view of an alternative preferred embodiment (alternative to the device shown in Fig. 13) illustrating a rod connection coupling the flexible sheet to the drive system in the stretching position; and

Fig. 15 is pictorial view of an adjustable arc illustrating the operational motion in all of the above embodiments (retracted position in phantom) with a block diagram of the electrical and control components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Generally, as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 provides a variable radius flexibility apparatus including a sheet 12 made of polycarbonate, such as Lexan®, or other high strength, flexible, resilient material and a vinyl-covered cushioning material 14. The sheet 12 is pivotally joined at its ends 12a to an actuation system 16, which is driven by a motor 18. The above-mentioned components are movably, pivotally, or fixedly attached by conventional means to a frame 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the frame 20 of a device of one embodiment of the present invention 10 includes a base 22 and at least four perpendicular supporting members 24 positioned at the corners of frame 20. Base 22 is a conventional rectangular structure having at least two parallel longitudinal members 26 and at least two parallel cross members 28 oriented perpendicular to and disposed between the longitudinal members 26. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes six supporting members 24, two longitudinal members 26, and three cross members 28, where cross member 28a is a mid-span cross member and cross members . 28b, 28c are external members disposed on either side of cross member 28a. All members 24, 26, 28 are joined together by conventional means such as welds, screws or bolts.

Now turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, actuation system 16 is a cooperative combination of rollers, cables, links, pulleys, and connecting rods operatively connected to the motor 18 to change the curvature of sheet 12. Motor 18 is preferably a 115AC motor, for example Bodine model 0671, mounted to a mid- span cross member 28a. A small drive sprocket 32 is attached to a motor shaft 33 of motor 18. A chain 34 mechanically links small drive sprocket 32 to a large drive sprocket 36, which is attached to a main shaft 30. A small timing gear 38 attached to the main shaft 30 drives a large timing gear 40, which have cut-outs to trip limit switches 42. Limit switches 42 are electrically connected to the motor 18 to assure the apparatus 10 is not retracted below or extended above a predetemined sheet 12 arc radius (discussed below) . As illustrated in FIG. 5, the motor 18 also includes a brake mechanism 44, such as spring actuated self-acting brake, to stop the present invention 10 from back driving the motor 18 (discussed below) when no electrical power is applied. An alternatively embodiment (not shown) uses of a self braking gear motor that eliminates brake mechanism 44. Additionally, mechanical stops 106 can be attached to frame 20, as illustrated in FIG. 6, to stop the sheet 12 from retracting below a predetermined radius, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7.

Now returning to FIG. 3, the actuation system 16 begins with a helix grooved pulley 46 attached to at least one end 30e of the main shaft 30. The preferred embodiment includes two helix grooved pulleys 46 with two cables 48 connected to each helix grooved pulley 46, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Each cable 48 has a first end 48a and a second end 48b. First end 48a of each cable 48 is inserted into opposing entry holes 50 of the helix grooved pulleys 46 and crimped to secure cables 48 to the helix grooved pulley 46. The cables 48 will be wound on to the helix grooved pulleys 46 at different vertical heights. This could cause problems with the smooth operation of the actuation system 16. To maintain, for example, both cables 48 in a substantially same horizontal orientation along the length of the frame 20, an idler pulley 52 is employed, as illustrate in FIG. 4. In the preferred embodiment, the two helix grooved pulleys 46 have opposing groove orientations 47 to compensate for main shaft 30 rotational direction. One helix grooved pulley 46 will wind one cable 48 in the clockwise direction and the other helix grooved pulley 46 will wind the other cable 48 in the counter-clockwise direction. Though two pulleys with a pair of cables 48 attached to each pulley 46 are illustrated, it is within the contemplation of the present invention that the use of only one cable and one helix grooved pulley will achieve the objects of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second end 48b of cable 48 is attached to an end 54e of an inner connecting rod 54. Inner guide rollers 56 are rotatably connected to the inner connecting rod 54. Inner guide rollers 56 horizontally move along inner guide rails 58, which are fixedly attached to the frame 20. Main guide roller links 60 are pivotal connected at a first end 60a to the inner connecting rod 54 and at a second end 60b to the main connecting rod 62. Now returning to FIG. 5, main guide rollers 64 are rotatably connected to the main connecting rod 62. Main guide rollers 64 horizontally move along mail guide rails 66, which are fixedly attached to the frame 20. The main connecting rod 62 is pivotally attached at point P to the sheet 12 (details discussed below) .

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, two main connecting rod supports 68 are preferably fixedly attached to the bottom surface 12c of the sheet 12. The main connecting rod supports 68 can be bolted, as shown, to the sheet 12 at ends 12a, 12b. However any conventional attachment means, such as adhesive or doweled joint, is acceptable. The main connecting rod supports 68 are made of suitable material, such as plastic, graphite, metal or wood, to withstand operational stress modes. The sheet 12 of one embodiment of the present invention 10 is reinforced at ends 12a, 12b to withstand the bolt clamping loads and operational stress modes. The sheet ends 12a, 12b can be reinforced by two plates 70a, 70b, one each disposed on the bottom surface 12c and top surface 12d. However, only one plate may be required depending in the strength of the material used for sheet 12. The reinforcement plates 70a, 70b are conventionally attached to the sheet 12, but is preferably attached by adhesive. As illustrated in FIG. 8, main connecting rod supports 68 include a connecting rod hole 72 with a diameter slightly larger than the main connecting rod 62 to allow free rotational movement of the main connecting rod 62 within the connecting rod hole 72.

There are several alternative embodiments contemplated for attaching the main connecting rod supports 68 to the sheet 12. In one embodiment (not shown), the main connecting rod supports 68 are integral to the sheet ends 12a, 12b, and the sheet ends 12a, 12b may be reinforced to withstand operational stress modes. In another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, a U-shaped attachment sleeve 74 is utilized having a cavity 76 to receive the sheet ends 12a, 12b. The U-shaped attachment sleeve 42 can be bolted to the sheet 12. Alternatively, the cavity 76 can be slightly narrower in height h than the thickness t of the sheet 12 such that an interference fit is formed between the sheet 12 and the U- shaped attachment sleeve 74, thereby holding the sheet within the U-shaped attachment sleeve 74 without additional attachment means, such as bolts, screws or adhesive. The U- s aped attachment sleeve 74 further includes integral or bolted on connecting rod supports 68.

As stated above, main guide rails 66 and inner guide rails 58 are attached to frame 20 to support the longitudinal translation of main guide rollers 64 and inner guide rollers 56, respectively, as the motor 18 draws the sheet 12 inward as the present invention 10 is extended and outward as the present invention 10 is retracted. To reduce potential twisting of the sheet 12 during operation, the contact surface

78 of the main guide rollers 64 and the contact surface 80 of the inner guide rollers 56 are configured to be in contact with the main guide rails 66 and inner guide rails 58, respectively, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10. Other types of rails and guides, such as a dovetail configuration, are also contemplated to achieve the same result of constraining the corners of the sheet 12 from excessive vertical movement, which causes twisting and bending of the sheet 12.

For additional support of the sheet 12, one embodiment of the present invention 10 includes sheet reinforcement rods fixedly attached to the sheet 12 at predetermined locations. Returning to FIGS. 1 and 6, quarter sheet reinforcement rods 82 are positioned approximately at one-quarter distance from sheet ends 12a, 12b of sheet 12. Quarter sheet reinforcement rods 82 are pivotally connected to quarter sheet supporting links 84 at end 84a. Quarter sheet support links 84 are pivotally attached at opposing end 84b to frame 20 at pivot point 86. Mid sheet reinforcement rod 88 is pivotally attached to mid sheet supporting links 90 at end 90a. Mid sheet support links 90 are pivotally attached at opposing end 90b to inner connecting rod 54, which rotably supports inner guide rollers 56. Main guide roller link 60 connects the inner connecting rod 54 to the main connecting rod 62, which pivotally connects to main guide rollers 64. Inner guide rollers 56 move along inner guide rails 58, which are fixedly attached to the frame 20, during the extension and retraction operations .

As stated above, a preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 has a retraction and extension arc range from approximately 147 inch radius to 27 inch radius, respectively. The 147 inch radius retracted position assures a positive angle for ease of extension, however, any radius above 180 inch or flat is acceptable. The 27 inch radius extended position assures a safe and comfortable radius to maximize muscle stretching and spine decompression, however radii smaller than 27 inch radius are also acceptable. As best seen in FIG. 1, the sheet 12, is caused by motor 18 to raise the midsection 12c of sheet 12 from a extended position B to an retracted position A (phantom lines) .

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the control box 92 is connected by control lead 102 to motor 18. The control box 92 includes an up button 94, down button 96, and a programmable timer button 98, which can program one-cycle up to a desired time period, such as three minutes, to customize the maximum arc for each user. The control box 92 may include a display means 100 that electronically displays, for example, the measurement of a radius or time into the cycles. The display means 100 is a conventional device, such as digital, liquid- crystal or LED types. Power cord 104 connects the control box 92 to a suitable 110V or 220V electrical source (not shown) .

The vinyl-covered cushioning material 14 may be a foam and/or inflatable pad (l/4"-4" thickness) covering the surface of the sheet 12 for user comfort. The foam padding and/or inflatable bladders may be incorporated at strategic points on the sheet to increase or decrease the intensity of the stretching and/or decompression effect. Also the cushion material 14 may be further augmented by any of the following devices, whether individually or in combination, imparting heat, cold, vibration or mechanical massage.

In use of the present invention 10, control box 92 is used to change the arc of sheet 12. Pushing the up button 94 causes the midsection 12c of sheet 12 to rise. Midsection 12c will continue to rise until the down button 96 is pushed or until the highest position programmed is reached. Pushing the down button 96 causes the sheet 12 to lower. The sheet 12 will continue downwardly until the off button is pushed or until the lowest position programmed is reached or limit switches 42 are activated or mechanical stops 106 are contacted by the rollers 64.

One alternative embodiment includes one end of the sheet 12 being pivotally attached to the frame 20 but not capable of horizontal movement toward the opposing end of the sheet 12. The opposing end of the sheet 12 will be drawn toward the pivotal end until the desired arc is formed, which is twice the distance of the preferred embodiment.

One alternative embodiment includes a ball-screw drive mechanism in place of the pulley system 18.

One alternative embodiment implements the apparatus 10 within, underneath or on top of a user's mattress. This may provide muscle stretching and spine decompression to the user while lying in bed to increase relaxation before sleep or to reduce morning stiffness after sleeping. The user may also obtain the benefits of the invention while sleeping by programming the device to provide a sleep mode, which would cause it to operate at a reduced speed and degree of arcing.

Another alternative embodiment including a mechanized pivoting capability, which would create a vertical (standing) start and stop position for the user. The user would therefore be able to enjoy the benefits of the device without having to exert the considerable effort needed to raise and lower their body from a horizontal position. This would increase the comfort and safety of the user, especially those with soft tissue and/or spinal injury.

And yet a further alternative embodiment is an apparatus implemented for use within, or on top of, an automobile seat to provide muscle stretching and spine decompression while driving.

Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 12 that mechanically draws down both ends of the sheet 112, or either end independently, onto a rigid and weight bearing approximately 180 degree arc form underlying the sheet 112, and thereby creating a desired arc as the sheet 112 gradually conforms. This embodiment may be effective in hospital and/or rehabilitation facilities having users needing aid in transfer to the device. The table height elevation may reduce risk of injury both to the user and to the attendants assisting. Drawing the ends down as opposed to lifting the center up provides a measure of safety by preventing the user's body from raising any higher than table height while affording assistants the opportunity to aid the person on the sheet conveniently.

More specifically, the alternative embodiment of the present invention 110 relates to a variable radius flexibility apparatus similar to the exemplary embodiment described above, including a sheet 112 made of polycarbonate, such as Lexan®, or other high strength, flexible, resilient material, and a vinyl-covered cushioning material similar to vinyl-covered cushioning material 14 described above and illustrated in Figure 1. The sheet 112 is pivotally joined at its ends 112a to an actuation system 116, which is driven by a motor similar to motor 18 described above and illustrated in Fig. 1. The above-mentioned components are movably, pivotally, or fixedly attached by conventional means to a frame 120. Frame 120 is substantially the as frame 20 described above and illustrated in FIG.- 2.

The actuation system 116 is similar to the actuation system 16 described about and illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Actuation system 116 is a cooperative combination of rollers, cables, links, pulleys, and connecting rods operatively connected to a motor (not shown) to change the curvature of sheet 112.

Additionally, a support 200 can be positioned below the mid-section of the flexible sheet 112 providing a flexure point and additional support. The support 200 can in the form of a fixed arc 202, as illustrated in Fig. 13, or an adjustable arc 302, as illustrated in Fig. 15, having a predetermined arc radius suitable for facilitating the formation of the desired arc radius of the flexible sheet as described above. The adjustable 302 arc can be two sections 302a, 302b, for example, hinged 306 together and actuated by a motor 304, controlled by control box 308, to vary angle . Though adjustable arc 302 is illustrated as two pieces, there can be as many sections as necessary to define the desired arc. The arc 202 and adjustable arc 302 can be of any size up to the maximum bending capability of the flexible sheet 112.

For additional support of the sheet 112, one embodiment of the alternative embodiment 110 of the present invention includes sheet bearing rods fixedly attached to the sheet 12 at predetermined locations. Returning to FIG. 12, bearing rods 182 are positioned at a predetermined distance from sheet ends 112a, 112b of sheet 112 to provide additional stability, and facilitate bending and flattening of the sleet 112. Bearing rods 182 are pivotally connected to supporting links 184 at end 184a. Support links 184 are pivotally attached at opposing end 184b to roller 122 at pivot point 186. Roller 122 move along inner guide rails 158, which are fixedly attached to the frame 120, during the extension and retraction operations .

As stated above, the alternative embodiment 110 of the present invention has a retraction and extension arc range from approximately 147 inch radius to 27 inch radius, respectively. The 147 inch radius retracted position assures a positive angle for ease of extension, however, any radius above 180 inch or flat is acceptable. The 27 inch radius extended position assures a safe and comfortable radius to maximize muscle stretching and spine decompression, however radii smaller than 27 inch radius are also acceptable. As best seen in FIG. 12, the sheet 112, is caused by motor (not shown) to draw down the ends 112a, 112b of sheet 112 from a extended position B to an retracted position A (phantom lines) .

As the motor turns the main shaft (similar to main shaft 30 described above and illustrated in Fig. 11), the counter grooved helix pulleys 146 (similar to counter grooved helix pulleys 46 described above and illustrated in Fig. 11) wind up cable 116a attached to the ends 112a, 112b of the flexible sheet 112, thereby drawing the flexible sheet ends 112a, 112b downward to cause the flexible sheet 112 to bend. Simultaneously, as the helix pulleys 146 wind in the cable 116a the helix pulleys 146 unwind the cable 116b attached to roller 122. Roller 122 will translate along the guide rail 158 inward towards the center of the apparatus while the sheet ends 112a, 112b are being drawn down towards extended position B, and in the opposite direction when the motor unwinds the cable 116a allowing the flexible sheet 112 to return to the retracted position A. The bearing rods 182 horizontally translate with the roller 122 and pivot along a radius with the bending flexible sheet 112 to continue to provide required support, to facilitate the forming and maintaining of the desired arc, and to facilitate the return of sheet 112 back to an retracted position.

A control box (similar to control box 92 described above and illustrated in Fig.11) is utilized to operate the alternative embodiment. The control box is connected by control lead (similar to control lead 102 described above and illustrated in Fig.11), to a motor (similar to motor 18 described above and illustrated in Fig.11). The control box includes an up button, down button, and a programmable timer button, which can program one-cycle up to a desired time period, such as three minutes, to customize the maximum arc for each user. The control box may include a display means that electronically displays, for example, the measurement of a radius or time into the cycles. The display means is a conventional device, such as digital, liquid-crystal or LED types .

Power cord (similar to power cord 104 described above and illustrated in Fig.11) connects the control box to a suitable 110V or 220V electrical source.

In use of the alternative embodiment 110 of the present invention, the control box is used to change the arc of sheet 112. Pushing the up button causes the ends 112a, 112b of sheet 112 to be drawn down. Ends 112a, 112b will continue to drawn down until the down button is pushed or until the lowest position programmed is reached. Pushing the down button causes the ends 112a, 112b to rise. The ends 112a, 112b will continue upward until the off button is pushed or until the highest position programmed is reached or limit switches are activated or mechanical stops are contacted by the rollers 120.

Yet another exemplary embodiment 210 is illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14. Here, actuation system 216 replaces the cooperative combination of rollers, cables, links, pulleys, and connecting rods, described above, with connecting rods 218 pivotally connected at end 218a to ends 112a, 112b of sheet 112a and a track system 220. The opposing end 218b of the connecting rods 218 are pivotally connected to a connector 217 of track system 220. As motor 222 is activated, connector 217 translates horizontally toward the center 221 of the apparatus 210 along track 219 and connecting rod ends 218a are longitudinally drawn inward towards the motor 222, thereby causing ends 112a, 112b of sheet 112 to be drawn down from a extended position B (Fig. 13) to an retracted position A (Fig. 14). The track system 220 may include a conventional chain or cable system (not system) operably to motor 222 to translate connector 217 along track 219.

An alternative actuation system for any of the embodiments described above may include two or more motors to separately and independently control the retraction and extenuation of the ends 112a, 112b of the sheet 112. The independent action of ends 112a, 112b allows for increased flexibility in the arc and stretching targeted body zones. Each motor works in conjunction with its own helix pulley to wind/unwind cable or its own track system to translate horizontally a bearing rod support connector along a track. In operation, the lower torso can be stretched fully by actuating a motor that only draws down end 112a, for example, while the upper torso being maintained in a generally flat position. Alternatively, the upper torso can be stretched fully by actuating a motor that only draws down end 112b, for example, while the lower torso is maintained in a generally flat position.

It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments, improvements, details, and uses can be made consistent with the letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scope of this patent, which is limited only be the following claims, construed in accordance with the patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents .

Claims

1. A device for stretching the muscles and decompressing the spine of a user, comprising:

a flexible sheet, having two ends and a lower surface, for supporting the user;

actuation means for bending said flexible sheet, wherein said actuation means is connected to at least one end of said flexible sheet; and

a frame., wherein said actuation means is mounted to said frame .

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuation means comprises:

a motor, having a shaft;

at least one pulley connected to said shaft; and

at least one cable, having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is connected to said at least one pulley, and wherein said second end is connected to said at least one end of said flexible sheet and adapted to bend said flexible sheet to a predetermined arc radius while said flexible sheet is occupied by the user.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuation means comprises:

a motor; a track system operably connected to said motor, said track system having a track, a connector, and means for horizontally translating said connector along said track; and

connecting rods having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is pivotally connected to said connector, and wherein said second end is connected to said at least one end of said flexible sheet and adapted to bend said flexible sheet to a predetermined arc radius while said flexible sheet is occupied by the user.

4. The device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, further comprising a support structure below said lower surface of said flexible sheet.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said support structure is a fixed arc having a predetermined arc radius.

6. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said support structure is an adjustable arc having a plurality of pivotally connected sections and means for angular translation of said plurality of pivotally connected sections with relation to each of said plurality of pivotally connected sections from a substantially planar position to a predetermined angle.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one pivotal support having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is pivotally connected to said flexible sheet, wherein said second end is pivotally connected to said frame .

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one pivotal support having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is pivotally connected to said flexible sheet, wherein said second end is pivotally connected to said actuation means.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising control means for operating said actuation means.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a limit switch connected to said actuation means to stop said flexible sheet prior to retraction below a predetermined minimum radius or extension above a predetermined maximum radius .

11. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said control means further comprises timer means for regulating time said flexible sheet is bent or substantially planar.

12. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said control means further comprises an up button and a down button for regulating time said flexible sheet is bent or substantially planar.