WO2005023168A2 - Machine d'etirement - Google Patents

Machine d'etirement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005023168A2
WO2005023168A2 PCT/US2004/029108 US2004029108W WO2005023168A2 WO 2005023168 A2 WO2005023168 A2 WO 2005023168A2 US 2004029108 W US2004029108 W US 2004029108W WO 2005023168 A2 WO2005023168 A2 WO 2005023168A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stretching
telescoping
user
bar
set forth
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/029108
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English (en)
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WO2005023168A3 (fr
Inventor
David R. Davies, Iii
Original Assignee
Davies David R Iii
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Davies David R Iii filed Critical Davies David R Iii
Publication of WO2005023168A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005023168A2/fr
Publication of WO2005023168A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005023168A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0218—Drawing-out devices
    • A61H1/0229—Drawing-out devices by reducing gravity forces normally applied to the body, e.g. by lifting or hanging the body or part of it

Definitions

  • the invention is generally related to an apparatus for safely facilitating stretching exercises and rehabilitation. More particularly, the invention is directed to a stretching apparatus that allows stretching of a wide variety of muscle groups without undue stress.
  • a physically fit person is defined by a combination of strength, endurance, and flexibility. Many individuals concentrate on strength and endurance by engaging in activities such as weight lifting and jogging, but ignore the need to be flexible. However, it is widely recognized by experts in the field that stretching prior to commencing an exercise regimen is of paramount importance to reduce the likelihood of exercise related injuries. Furthermore, lack of flexibility can lead to problems with the lower back, etc., as a person ages.
  • Stretching is also an important part of any physical therapy regimen practiced by patients undergoing physical rehabilitation following an accident or illness, as well as patients seeking relief from common ailments such as back pain.
  • This type of therapy is commonly supervised by a highly trained physical therapist, and may be conducted in a hospital setting or at the patient's home.
  • Paraplegic and quadriplegic patients must also have their limbs stretched on a regular basis to avoid further medical complications.
  • the therapist must maneuver the patient's limbs through a full range of motion while at the same time being careful not to force or over stretch the muscles.
  • pre-exercise, post-exercise, as well as therapeutic stretching exercises are performed on the floor using a simple floor mat, or by hanging from a bar.
  • a typical floor stretching exercise a person sits with his legs in a straddle position extended out in front of his torso. The person bends his torso into the mat, thereby stretching his legs and back muscles. To maximize the stretch, the person may extend his arms out over his head in a reaching fashion and the stretch is held for a short period of time.
  • the stretching exercise may be assisted with the help of a partner or therapist. For severely impaired patients, a therapist must individually move each of the patient's limbs while the patient is on a table or on the floor.
  • a hanging stretch exercise the person hangs from a bar, such as, for example, in a chin-up preparation position, and allows the weight of his or her own body to provide a downward stretch.
  • This method is particularly undesirable in a therapeutic environment since the full body weight often provides many times more force than is necessary or desired to accomplish the stretch, thus putting strain on the muscles.
  • a patient in therapy often lacks the strength in their hands that is required to support their own body weight.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,090 to Reed shows an exercising machine for stretching a user's leg and back muscles, which closely simulates conventional floor exercises.
  • a user sits with his legs extended out and locked in front of his torso.
  • a handgrip is provided at the end of a motorized telescoping arm for the user to grasp. Forward and reverse buttons on the handgrip are used to control the direction of the telescoping arm as it pulls the user to the floor or pushes him back to a sitting position.
  • This machine is mechanically complex and extremely limited in the types of exercises and range of motions that can be accomplished. For example, this type of machine cannot be used in a therapeutic environment where the patient has a back injury and is physically unable to bend at the torso. Additionally, since it is a user operated motorized machine, that is actually stretching the muscles, it would be easy for an inexperienced or overzealous user to go too far and cause muscle hyperextension or some other unhealthy result.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,453 to Hestilow shows an example of a stretching machine where a user sits with his legs secured in a pair of leg decks which are longitudinally slidable to accommodate different size users.
  • a hydraulic jack is used to move the leg decks in an arc movement to stretch the user's legs in a spread-eagled fashion.
  • a handle bar is positioned in front of the user in the same plane as the user's legs to aid in front stretches.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,684 to Ruff shows a leg stretch machine somewhat similar to the one that is described in Hestilow.
  • a crank and ratchet mechanism is provided which, when turned, moves a pair of spreader arms to split a user's legs apart.
  • a hand-grip is bolted to a central bar in front of the user near the ground. This allows the user to pull his upper body closer to the floor with his legs spread thereby simulating various martial arts positions.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,504 to Mangini shows a stretching machine where a seat is provided with pivotally mounted leg platforms extending there from. A user sits in the seat in an upright position with his legs strapped into the leg platforms. The machine employs a steering wheel type crank which, when turned, moves the leg platforms and stretches the user's legs apart. A rod is positioned directly in front of the user. The rod has a left and right hand grip and a cable extending from the center of the rod to the seat backrest. When the user grasps and turns the rod, a ratchet mechanism winds the cable around the rod pulling the backrest forward and causing the user to assume a bent over posture. In this manner, the leg and back muscles are stretched simultaneously.
  • the aforementioned stretch exercise machines offer significant improvement over conventional floor exercises in that they ensure proper muscle movement and, in most cases, allow for holding the muscles in a stretched position for a period of time.
  • the stretch machines only allow the user to assume a straight-out, bent over posture and do not permit side-to-side movements or vertical stretch movements, which simulate hanging.
  • U.S Pat. No. 5,529,560 to Davies These machines are essentially leg stretching machines with an added back stretching bar.
  • the user sits on these machines with their legs positioned outward, resting on a pair of movable leg supports.
  • the user turns a crank to which moves the leg supports outward, away from each other in a jaw like fashion thus stretching the legs apart.
  • the user then positions the stretching beam, captured between the two leg supports in front of him, grasps the handle that rides along the beam and stretches forward thus stretching the users' back. While primitive, this is the finest back stretcher to date.
  • the stretch machines only allow the user to assume a straight-out, bent over posture and side-to- side stretching is limited by the leg flexibility of the user.
  • a stretching apparatus provides safe and effective stretching of a wide variety of muscle groups while the user is in a relaxed sitting or semi-prone orientation.
  • the stretching apparatus includes a mechanism for stretching the back, arm and shoulder muscles without using the full weight of the patient to apply the stretching force.
  • the back, arm, shoulder muscles, and joints of a paraplegic can be stretched with the user in a seated position. For example, the user is permitted to stretch above his head as well as towards his or her feet.
  • the back and arm muscles and joints can be stretched with the user's torso being turned towards one side or the other, thus, a different set of muscle groups and joints are stretched than when the torso is oriented in a forward direction.
  • the stretching apparatus can also include a mechanism for allowing the user to stretch in an arched back position thus allowing additional backstretcb.es.
  • All stretching mechanisms can be motorized, controlled by hand crank, and or computer controlled by adding sensors, cables, pulleys, ropes, gears, chains, torque converters or any suitable means.
  • a weight attachment may be added to the back stretching apparatus to add strengthening capabilities to the telescoping stretching bar.
  • Electronic sensors may be added for positive feedback to the user, such as audible commands or tones, as well as to provide a trainer or therapist with stretching assessment information.
  • the pivoting end of the telescoping section may be either the smaller or the larger diameter tube.
  • the telescoping stretching bar handle may take several forms such as Velcro straps, a T handle, or other.
  • the telescoping stretching bar may also have a fixed hand grip means at the end or may have an attachment port at the end to accommodate the various handle configurations or other attachments.
  • the hand grip may also be slidably connected to the telescoping section of the stretching bar.
  • the footrest may be removable and can be adjustable and can also rotate up to 360 degrees.
  • the stretching machine may also contain a seat or back support and can include a single or multiple pivoting arms. The location of the pivoting arms may vary depending on the application. There are also other mechanisms that can be built into this stretching machine like a thigh spreading mechanism or a leg spreading mechanism. Indices can be added to the moving mechanisms to represent degrees similar to a goniometry. A scale similar to that of a yardstick can be added to the telescoping section of the stretching machine for measuring the stretch. All angle adjustments will use pin locks or other suitable means.
  • Figures 1 & 2 are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the first embodiment (29) of the stretching machine invention, which is wheelchair accessible or can be used while standing;
  • Figures 3 & 4 are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the second embodiment (27) of the stretching machine invention where a seat (7) has been added to the first embodiment (29) of the stretching machine invention;
  • Figures 5 & 6 are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the third embodiment (22) of the stretching machine invention where a back support assembly (37) has been added to the second embodiment (27) of the stretching machine invention;
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the stretching machine according to the fourth embodiment (38) of the stretching machine invention wherein the pivoting arm (3) of the stretching machine has been added to the third embodiment (22) of the stretching machine invention;
  • Figure 8 is a top view of the stretching machine according to the fifth embodiment (39) of the stretching machine invention where movable seat back assembly (37) ports (30) have been added to the second embodiment (27) of the stretching machine invention;
  • Figures 9a and 9b are side views and Figure 10 is a top view of the stretching machine according to the sixth embodiment (21) of the stretching machine invention.
  • the telescoping stretching bar (32) can now pivot to either side of the seat because the horizontal pivot of the horizontal pivoting arm (12) of the telescoping stretching bar 32 has moved from in front of the seat to under the seat to the central pivot point (6) of the third embodiment (22) of the stretching machine invention;
  • Figures 11a, lib, lie and 12 are side views and Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 are top views of the stretching machine according to the seventh embodiment (20) of the stretching machine invention where the pivoting arm (3) of the stretching machine has been added to the sixth embodiment (21) of the stretching machine invention;
  • Figure 17 & 18 are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the eighth embodiment (40) of the invention where a swivel seat has been added to the first embodiment (29) of the stretching machine invention;
  • Figure 19 is a side view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention.
  • Figure 20 is a top view of the expanded stretching bar that can be used by this invention.
  • Figure 21 is a side view of the seat back assembly that can be used by this invention.
  • Figure 22 is a top view of a rack that can be used with Figure 23 to complete a two-piece ratchet assembly used by this invention
  • Figure 23 is a top view of a pull pin-lock with a beveled pin that can be used with Figure 22 to complete a two-piece ratchet assembly used by this invention
  • Figure 24 is a top view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention.
  • Figure 25 is a side view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention.
  • Figure 26 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 27 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in
  • Figures 28a and 28b are side views of the gimbal mechanism of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 26;
  • Figure 29 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • Element List 1 Base 2. Telescoping section of stretching bar 3. Pivoting arm 4. Footrest 5. Vertical angle adjustment for the telescoping stretching bar 6. Central pivot 7. Seat 8. Backrest 9. Handle 10. Adjustable pivot for handle 11. Horizontal angle adjustment of telescoping stretching bar 12. Horizontal pivoting arm of the telescoping stretching bar 13. Vertical arc of the telescoping stretching bar 14. Vertical arc of back support assembly 15. Telescoping direction of telescoping stretching bar 16. Height adjustment for back support assembly 17. Depth adjustment for back support assembly 18. Horizontal arc of pivoting arm of sitetching machine
  • the support frame of the stretching machine is comprised of a base 1 which contains a single or multiple vertical support members 26 which are preferably made from tubular steel or a similar sturdy material of any desired cross-section, for example, round, square, U-shaped, or other appropriate shape.
  • the telescoping stretching bar assembly 32 (shown in additional detail in Figures 19 and 20) consists of three nesting sections 48, 49, 50 and attaches to a vertical support member 26 of the base 1.
  • the stretching machine includes an arm, back and shoulder stretching component called the telescoping stretching bar 32.
  • the telescoping stretching bar 32 projects outward from the base 1 and may be pivotally mounted to support 26 at a horizontal pivoting arm 12.
  • the telescoping stretching bar 32 has a vertical angle adjustment 5 that pivots at the telescoping stretching bar vertical pivot point 43.
  • a counter balance 24 may be used if desired. This pivot allows a seated user to change the vertical angle of the telescoping stretching bar 32, while seated, to any position along the vertical arc 13 of the telescoping stretching bar 32, thus allowing the user to sit and fully extend his arms either directly above his head, directly in front of his torso, or at any angle there between, as depicted by the vertical arc 13 of the telescoping stretching bar 32.
  • the telescoping stretching bar 32 can be pivoted to an angular orientation with respect to the user's waist as shown on Figure 2 by arrow 19.
  • the horizontal adjustment may be accomplished by moving the horizontal pivoting arm 12 towards the left or right while changing the horizontal angle adjustment 11 that pivots at pivot 42
  • the telescoping stretching bar assembly 32 may include a handle 9 connected to a pivot 10 at its end or may contain an attachment port 52 at its end to accept a variety of other attachments which may be locked in place by means of a pin lock 51 (see Figure 20 for additional detail).
  • the handle 9 may take numerous forms such as, for example, rubber or Velcro straps (not shown), a T handle or other suitable means for grasping.
  • the handle 9 can pivot about pivot point 44 for particular exercises and can achieve any angular orientation as shown by arrow 23 on Figure 19.
  • a pin lock 45 is preferably used to retain the handle in the desired angular orientation.
  • the handle 9 may also be attached to a carriage 58, as shown on Figures 1 lc, 24 and 25, that is slidably attached to the telescoping stretching bar 32 such that movement in the direction of arrow 59 is permitted.
  • the stretching machine 29 may include a footrest 4.
  • the footrest 4 may be adjustable about pivot point 47 through angle 25 as shown in further detail in Figure 19 and may further be removable.
  • the telescoping sections 2 of the telescoping stretching bar 32 now extend in the selected direction under the force of the user. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements with bearings 46 providing smooth motion of the telescoping sections 2.
  • a ratchet mechanism (shown in detail in Figures 22 and 27) built into the telescoping stretching bar 32 permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the handle 9 cannot slip backwards and the telescoping stretching bar 32 may hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time.
  • the ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter.
  • Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar 32 to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other ' stretching related injury.
  • a release lever 28 may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle 9 can be lowered for another exercise repetition.
  • the user may also enter wheelchair landing area 31 from the side thus positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar 32 towards their left or their right arm. In this position the user will operate the telescoping sitetching bar 32 in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar.
  • the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar 32 for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle 9 or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle 9 or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component. In the latter case, a motorized mechanism would slowly raise the handle 9 in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user's arms, shoulders and back.
  • an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 there are shown side and top views of the second embodiment of the stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 27.
  • This stretching machine is similar to the first embodiment 29 of the stretching machine with the addition of a seat 7 added at the top of the base.
  • vertical support members 26 may be used to angle the seat 7. For example, if the vertical support members at the rear of the sear 7 are shorter than the vertical support members 26 at the forward edge of the seat 7, gravity will force the user towards the back of the seat 7, thus aiding in the stretch.
  • the angular orientation of the seat 7 may be adjustable.
  • the seat 7 may also include grab bars on either or both sides. The grab bars may be attached to the seat 7 or to the base 1 as preferred.
  • the user may sit facing the telescoping stretching bar 32 or may sit facing north with the telescoping stretching bar 32 to his left or the user may sit facing south with the telescoping stretching bar to his right.
  • the stretching machine has a broader target user. An athlete, as well as a physical therapy patient may use this apparatus.
  • the user can sit facing the telescoping stretching bar 32 on seat 7 according to Figures 3 and 4.
  • the user then does all forward stretching in the same fashion as described in the first embodiment 29 of the stretching machine.
  • the user is on the apparatus with their left arm or right arm adjacent to the telescoping stretching bar 32 the resulting stretch is also the same as previously described for the first embodiment 29 of this invention.
  • Figures 5 and 6 represent the third embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 22.
  • This sitetching machine is similar to the second embodiment 27 of the stretching machine with the addition of a back support assembly 37 which may be particularly effective for providing upper and lower lumber support for a user when the telescoping stretching bar 32 is oriented in a vertical position.
  • Pin locks can be used to permit the back rest 8 to move in the direction of arrow 16 along an upright support beam 55 or in the direction of arrow 17 along a backrest support beam 56.
  • the vertical angle 14 of the back support assembly 37 may also be adjusted about a pivot point 54 as required for certain exercises. This can be accomplished by changing the back support assembly vertical angle adjustment 53 on Figure 21.
  • the stretching routine however, remains the same as with the second embodiment 27 of the machine.
  • Figure 7 represents the fourth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 38.
  • This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine with the addition of a pivoting arm 3 attached to the back support assembly 37.
  • This pivoting arm 3 can allow the back support assembly 37 to swivel, preferably 360°, and can lock at various positions around the seat 7 with pin lock 36.
  • the pivoting arm 3 can be used to attach a bar, a seat or other appropriate attachment.
  • the stretching routine however, remains the same as with the previous embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 8 represents the fifth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 39.
  • This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine with the back support assembly 37 of Figure 21 being a separate attachment that may be moved to various ports 30 around the seat 7.
  • This configuration of the stretching machine invention would be cheaper to construct than reference numeral 38.
  • the stretching routine however, remains the same as with the previous embodiments of the invention.
  • FIGs 9a, 9b and 10 represent the sixth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 21.
  • This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine wherein the horizontal pivoting arm 12 has been lengthened and the pivot mechanism has been changed and is now represented by reference numeral 6.
  • This stretching machine has the advantage of improved ergonomic forward stretching.
  • the user sits facing the telescoping stretching bar on the seat 7 according to Figures 9 and 10.
  • the user may then grasp the handle 9, adjust the vertical angle 5, as previously described, and finally adjust the horizontal angle 18 by pulling out the pin lock 36 and swinging the telescoping stretching bar 32 left or right and releasing pull pin 36 when the telescoping stretching bar 32 is in the proper position.
  • the user can then begin to stretch, pushing the handle 9 outward away from his body.
  • the telescoping stretching sections 2 now extend under the force of the user, in the selected direction. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements.
  • a ratchet mechanism (see Figures 22 and 27) can be built into the telescoping stretching bar 32 which permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the handle 9 cannot slip backwards and the telescoping stretching bar 32 holds the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time.
  • the ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter. Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar 32 to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other stretching related injury.
  • a release lever 28 may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle 9 can be lowered for another exercise repetition.
  • the user may also sit on the seat 7, positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar 32 towards their left arm or their right arm. In this position, the user will operate the telescoping stretching bar 32 in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar.
  • the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle 9 or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle 9 or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component. In the latter case a motorized mechanism would slowly raise the handle 9 in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user's arms, shoulders and back.
  • an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements.
  • FIG. 11a, lib, lie, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 represent the seventh embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 20.
  • This sitetching machine is a merging of technology represented in the third 22 and sixth 21 embodiments of the stretching machine. By adding the pivoting arm 3 and pivot point 6 to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine, the number of three dimensional positions of the telescoping stretching bar 32 is substantially increased, thus making this version of the sitestching machine more versatile than many of the others.
  • the user can sit facing the telescoping stretching bar 32 on seat 7 according to Figures 1 and 2.
  • the user may then grasp the handle 9, adjust the vertical angle 5 and adjust the horizontal angle 11 thus selecting the stretching angle.
  • the user can then begin to stretch, pushing the handle 9 outward away from his body.
  • the telescoping stretching bar 32 now extends under the force of the user, in the selected direction. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements.
  • a ratchet mechanism can be built into the telescoping stretching bar 32 which permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the ratchet mechamsm prevents the handle 9 from slipping backwards, allowing the telescoping stretching bar 32 to hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time.
  • the ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter. Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar 32 to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other stretching related injury.
  • a release lever 28 may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle 9 can be lowered for another exercise repetition.
  • the user may also sit on seat 7 positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar 32, towards their left arm or their right arm. In this position, the user will operate the telescoping sitestching bar 32 in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar.
  • the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle 9 or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle 9 or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component.
  • a motorized mechamsm would slowly raise the handle 9 in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user's arms, shoulders and back.
  • an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements.
  • FIGs 17 and 18 represent the eighth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 40.
  • This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment 22 of the sitestching machine with the addition of a seat pivot (not shown) allowing the seat to rotate up to 360 degrees through angle 41.
  • This version of the stretching machine would be easier to construct than many other versions.
  • the stretching routine however, remains the same as with the first embodiment of the machine.
  • Figures 22 and 23 show the preferred mechanism for providing the sliding stretch described above.
  • a ratchet mechanism can be used to provide a one-way stretch.
  • the preferred ratchet mechanism is constructed by creating holes 33 in the telescoping sitestching bar 32 as shown in Figure 22.
  • a pin lock 28 which has a spring loaded, beveled pin 57 is used to maintain motion in a single direction of the telescoping sections 2 of the telescoping stretching bar 32. As the beveled pin 57 moves along the holes 33 in the telescoping stretching bar 32, the beveled pin 57 is forced inward, against the spring (not shown).
  • the spring forces the beveled pin 57 into each hole 33, thus providing one way movement of the telescoping sections 2 of the telescoping sitetching bar 32. While the preferred method is the ratchet mechanism described, other methods, such as a pull pin, may be satisfactory.
  • FIGS 26 - 28 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the seat 7 is adjustable from a horizontal orientation.
  • the seat rotates around a tilting mechanism 64 and is locked at the desired angle by means of a locking mechanism 66 and angle adjusters 65.
  • the seat 7 may also, if desired, swivel about a swivel mechanism 67.
  • the stretching bar 32 is mounted on a gimbal assembly 60 which allows translation of the bar 32 from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation through a vertical angle adjustment mechanism 63 and locking of the bar at a desired location from vertical to horizontal.
  • the gimbal mechanism 60 also allows rotation of the bar 32 through a horizontal angle adjustment mechanism 62.
  • the height of the bar can also be adjusted through a height adjustment mechanism 61.
  • Figure 27 shows an alternate embodiment of the ratchet mechanism shown in
  • the ratchet mechanism is constructed by creating holes 33 in each section 2 of the telescoping stretching bar 32.
  • a pin lock 28 which has a spring loaded, beveled pin 57 (see Fig. 23) is used to maintain motion of the telescoping sections 2 in a single direction.
  • the beveled pin 57 moves along the holes 33 in the telescoping stretching bar 32, the beveled pin 57 is forced inward, against the spring (not shown).
  • the spring forces the beveled pin 57 into each hole 33, thus providing one way movement of the telescoping sections 2 of the telescoping sitetching bar 32.
  • a ratchet mechanism such as that shown in Figs. 22 and 27.
  • An alternate method of controlling the movement of the telescoping sections 2 of the stretching bar 32 is shown in Fig. 29.
  • one or more pivot plates 68 are connected to the outer telescoping section 2 by means of a tension spring 69.
  • the spring 69 biases the pivot plates 68 towards an angled orientation which is preferably about 30° from a line perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the telescoping sections 2. At this angle, an opening in the pivot plate 68 approximates the outer perimeter of the telescoping section 2 and maintains frictional contact with the telescoping section 2.
  • each telescoping section 2 is moved from its nested orientation. In this direction, movement is not impeded by the pivot plates 68; however, movement in the opposite direction is prevented by the geometry of the plates 68 and the outer telescoping section 2.
  • the ends of the pivot plates 68 which are opposite the attachment points of the tension springs 69, are lifted, against the bias of the springs 69, and the telescoping sections 2 can return to their nested orientation.

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  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une machine d'étirement destinée à être utilisée dans le cadre d'une rééducation, d'un traitement médical et de culture physique à l'intention des paraplégiques et des athlètes. La machine d'étirement comprend une barre d'étirement et une base et permet à l'utilisateur de s'étirer en position debout ou assise. La barre d'étirement télescopique comprend un mécanisme qui permet à l'utilisateur de s'asseoir et d'étendre totalement ses bras, soit directement devant lui, soit directement au-dessus de sa tête, ou dans n'importe quel angle entre ces deux directions. Le positionnement de la barre d'étirement télescopique de chaque côté de l'utilisateur permet l'étirement des bras et des épaules. La barre d'étirement télescopique peut, en outre, pivoter selon une orientation angulaire par rapport à la taille de l'utilisateur. En modifiant l'angle et la position de la barre d'étirement télescopique par rapport à la position assise de l'utilisateur, les groupes de muscles cibles changent. Du fait de sa conception ouverte, la machine d'étirement peut être actionnée facilement par l'utilisateur ou un thérapeute ou entraîneur. La barre d'étirement télescopique de la machine peut être allongée grâce à une série de tubes télescopiques lorsqu'elle est en utilisation et étendue.
PCT/US2004/029108 2003-09-04 2004-09-07 Machine d'etirement WO2005023168A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US50029303P 2003-09-04 2003-09-04
US60/500,293 2003-09-04
US10/933,592 US20050054499A1 (en) 2003-09-04 2004-09-03 Stretching machine
US10/933,592 2004-09-03

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005023168A2 true WO2005023168A2 (fr) 2005-03-17
WO2005023168A3 WO2005023168A3 (fr) 2006-02-02

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/029108 WO2005023168A2 (fr) 2003-09-04 2004-09-07 Machine d'etirement

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US (1) US20050054499A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2005023168A2 (fr)

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US7267641B2 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-09-11 Strong Power Engineering Consultant Ltd. Co. Muscle training device
AU2007201433A1 (en) * 2006-07-04 2008-01-24 Strang, Alan Wayne Mr Sit and Reach Carry Case Flexibility Assessment Apparatus
PL2340994T3 (pl) 2009-12-30 2012-09-28 Agustawestland Spa Zespół nośny drążka sterowego helikoptera
US8968162B2 (en) * 2012-10-18 2015-03-03 Mauro Jaguan Rotary arm/leg exerciser
TWI577416B (zh) * 2015-12-25 2017-04-11 正修學校財團法人正修科技大學 主被動混合運動訓練設備
US9687406B1 (en) * 2016-02-16 2017-06-27 Gerald M. Steiner Stretching device
US10272287B1 (en) * 2018-10-09 2019-04-30 Michael A. Rector Post-mountable exercise apparatus
CN116271755A (zh) * 2021-12-21 2023-06-23 上海赤朱丹彤教育科技有限公司 一种舞蹈教学用辅助训练装置
CN115263881B (zh) * 2021-12-30 2024-06-18 苏州劲山电动工具有限公司 一种可传递力的伸缩机构

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20050054499A1 (en) 2005-03-10
WO2005023168A3 (fr) 2006-02-02

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