CN102170850A - Stretching apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stretching device for stretching posterior muscles and tendons by a powered stretching motion. The device comprises a body (102), a seat area (101), a movable hand grip (111) and a foot pedal (105). In use, the hand grip (111) is moved forward while the user holds his or her legs straight. This motion stretches some of the posterior muscles, including those of the back and buttocks. Further movement of the foot pedal 105 towards the user stretches the muscles above or below his or her legs. The stretching movement may be mechanical, such as: an actuated spring or worm, or other motive forces may be used. An electronic controller (120) of the apparatus is described.

Description

stretching equipment

technical field

The present invention relates to stretching equipment, in particular, but not exclusively, for stretching training before, during and/or after strenuous exercise, such as athletic competition, and for the rehabilitation of sports injuries.

Background technique

Stretching is usually accomplished by flexing the body to individually stretch certain muscle groups and associated tendons. These stretches are usually performed before the activity (the so-called warm-up) and after it (the so-called cool-down). However, these stretches are sometimes ignored or performed incorrectly, often due to a lack of understanding of the proper procedure required. Shortened or stiff muscles that are not properly stretched are considered the leading cause of sports injuries.

It's not just athletes and sports professionals who benefit from stretching. Most people can benefit from stretching, for example, to improve posture, circulation, and relieve muscle, joint, or back pain.

The inventors have further appreciated that stretching of the muscles and tendons associated with the back, including but not limited to: shoulders, deltoids, upper back, lumbar region (lower back), glutes (small, medium, large) and Stretching of the hamstrings (to some extent), and associated muscles and tendons of the leg, including but not limited to: hamstrings (to some extent), tibialis anterior, and Achilles tendon, are all required when stretching Give special attention to avoid injury. These muscles are referred to in this application as the posterior muscles.

The present inventors have realized that factors such as the range of the stretched state, the length of the duration, and the rate of elongation of the stretch must be properly controlled to minimize the risk of sports injuries due to inappropriately stretched muscles and tendons. minimize. Even though stretching exercises such as "toe touch" can perform stretching of the back and leg muscles, it is often found that people compensate for strained leg muscles, for example, by over-flexing their backs, or vice versa. The present inventors have realized that there is a need for equipment for properly stretching at least the posterior muscle groups described above.

Contents of the invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a stretching device comprising a stretching device for stretching posterior muscles and tendons by means of a powered stretching movement of said stretching device, the device comprising a body; at least one powered footrest mounted to the body and arranged or capable of being arranged with the seating area so that a user can sit with substantially straight legs; and, the powered An actuated handle is mounted to the body and arranged for pulling the user forward to produce the said powered stretching motion.

In one embodiment, the device is adapted such that the handle is powered to pull the user forward, preferably followed by powered movement of one or more foot pedals in a substantially opposite direction for further Power-driven stretching exercises.

Typically, the handle includes a pair of hand grips.

Preferably said hand grip is substantially movable away from said seat area and towards said pedals to create said stretching of posterior muscles and tendons associated with back stretching.

Preferably, the handle portion includes a pair of handle portions whose relative positions are adjustable.

Typically, the one or more footrests are substantially movable so that the user's toes are moved rearwardly towards the seating area while his or her legs are substantially straight, thus providing a connection with the legs. Stretching exercises related to posterior muscles and tendons.

Preferably said one or more footrests are pivotable. In one embodiment, the powered stretching motion of the hand grips and one or more foot pedals is generated by stored mechanical energy, such as by tensioned or compressed resilient devices (e.g., springs, cables, or Elastic elements) are provided.

Alternatively, or in addition to stored mechanical energy, the powered stretching motion may be effected by one or more electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically driven actuating devices.

Further optionally, said powered stretching motion is achieved by user-generated mechanical energy (eg, by user's hand squeezing a rod).

In one embodiment, the device comprises a sensor and/or a mechanical stop operable to predefine the range limits of said stretching motion.

The device may include a damper or other control of the stretching motion to limit the speed of said motion.

More preferably, damping or other control of the release movement in the opposite direction to said stretching movement is provided.

Still further preferably, the stretching motion first reaches the first range, followed by a release motion in the opposite direction to the stretching motion, and the release motion is followed by a further stretching motion to reach a distance greater than the first range. A second range, followed by further release movements, optionally further stretching movements of increasing range, until a pre-defined range has been reached, each stretching movement followed by a further release movement.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the stretching machine with the members in an initial position;

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 with the components in a different position;

Figure 3 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 with the components still in a different position;

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the stretching machine; and

Figures 5 to 10 show a third embodiment of the stretching machine;

11 to 15 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Referring to FIG. 1 , the stretching device comprises a body 2 with a foot 3 and a seating area 1 . Body 2 adjustably supports frame 14 and also supports a footrest assembly including footrest 5 .

The frame elements are adjustably positioned on the frame by slackening the rod 4 and sliding the frame backwards towards the seating area or forwards away from the seating area. The frame includes hand grips 11 which are initially positioned so that the user 100 is sitting generally upright with his or her feet resting on the pedals 5 with the legs straight, as shown in FIG. 1 .

The device also comprises means for moving the hand grip 11 away from the user, ie away from the seating area. In this case, there is a headstock 7 mounted to the frame 14 . While the thumb-operated spring releasing the lever 12 adjacent to the hand grip 11 is compressed and held, the shaft 10 slides and is pulled in the headstock 7 via the coil spring 13 . Releasing the lever stops the motion. This movement pulls the user's torso in the direction of the pedals and thereby achieves stretching of the user's lower back muscles and tendons and (to some extent) muscles in the upper rear of the legs.

The position shown in Figure 2 is then obtained. The spring 13 , still coiled, then acts on the pedal 5 via the cable and pulley system 21 . The cables to the pedals are tensioned so that the pedals pivot towards the user, which moves the user's feet and toes backwards and also stretches the muscles and tendons in the lower back of the leg. The position shown in FIG. 3 is then obtained.

By means of the return spring 9 and the return spring 6 acting on the shaft 10 and the pedal 5 respectively, the device returns to its original position after stretching. The user can also pull the handle backward so that the spring 13 is stressed. The user can set the motion stop 8 to provide different degrees or ranges of stretch, and increasing these positions can provide some increased amount of stretch.

If the frame 14 is initially positioned further away from the seat, the device can be adapted to individuals with different initial flexibility such that if the frame 14 is initially positioned further away from the seat, their initial position bends more forward.

Figure 4 shows an apparatus mechanically similar to that of Figures 1 to 3, however, in this embodiment the control of the movement of the apparatus is largely controlled by electronics and powered actuation means . Components similar in structure to those described above have the same reference numerals.

The device in Figure 4 comprises a raised base 103 on which the body 1 rests. As described in more detail below, the base houses the control device. In this embodiment, instead of the spring 13, the device comprises a pneumatically driven actuating means 110, which pulls on the user's torso for stretching. A further powered actuation means 115 is provided for pushing back the user's foot as described above. The return springs 9 and 6 help to return the respective actuating means to their initial position, but it is obvious that a release movement by reversing the movement of these actuating means can also be used.

The stretching process as described above is controlled so that an initial back stretch is performed first, followed by a leg stretch. The user can control these functions at interface 8, which includes a display and push buttons. The base houses a computer 120 , an air pump unit 118 , an air reservoir 117 and a power supply or power input 119 .

In the preferred mode of operation, the device is manually adjusted so that the user sits on the device as shown, without stretching, but with legs straight. The amount of stretch can be entered via interface 8 . Stretching involves powering the actuation device 110 to move the hand grip 11 away from the user, and then powering the actuation device 115 to push the foot back. These exercises have the effect of stretching the muscles of the back and the rear of the legs and their corresponding tendons.

The movement can be limited initially and repeatedly, but increase the range with each execution to enhance the stretch. For safety reasons, the device includes sensors located in the connections 116 and 121 between the pump 118 and the respective actuation means 110 , 115 , said sensors detecting the pressure in the connections. Elevated pressure indicates high resistance to stretching exercises, so the user may be applying too much force to them. That way, the pump can be cut off or reversed to avoid potential injury to the user.

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the stretching machine. This machine works in a similar manner to the machine described above, but its structure is different. Components with similar functions to those described above bear the same reference numerals, but with the number 1 added in front of them.

In FIG. 5 , a seat 101 is included within a lower frame portion 102 . The frame portion 102 includes uprights 103 . Uprights 103 support height-adjustable mounts 114 . The mount 114 supports the hand grip 111 that is movable back and forth in the direction of arrow A. As shown in FIG.

The upright 103 also supports a pedal 105 movable back and forth in the direction of arrow B. As shown in FIG. Movement of the hand grip 111 and the foot pedal 105 is achieved by electric linear actuators 110 and 104 . These actuating devices are respectively controlled by electric switches installed on the handle portion 111 (will be described in detail below). These actuating means are powered by batteries housed in a battery box 109 .

FIG. 6 shows the machine used in FIG. 5 . The user 100 sits on the seat 101 in a substantially upright posture so that he or she is not stretched. The actuating device 110 extends the hand grip 111 . The scale 112 on the shaft of the linear actuator 110 allows repeatable positioning of the hand grip for continuous stretching exercises. The foot rest plate 105 is also substantially vertical so that the user initially does not stretch his muscles.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the user 100 has actuated the linear actuation device 110 such that the hand grip 111 is pulled in the direction of arrow _A1 . The user 100 may manually hold the actuator switch on until he or she feels that it cannot be stretched further, or until a predefined actuator 110 position has been reached.

Figure 8 shows a further actuation of the linear actuation means 104 in the direction of arrow B ₁ immediately after movement in direction A ₁ , whereby the user's foot pivots backwards. In this way, the user further stretches his muscles. The user may close the actuation switch to provide a comfortable level of stretch, after which release of the actuation switch will stop further movement in the direction of arrow _B1 . The predefined movement can be achieved again before the movement in direction B1 stops.

Figures 9 and 10 show further details of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8 . Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a hand grip 111 that is pivotable about a pivot point 113 in the direction of arrow C to increase the number of muscles that are stretched. Additionally, rocker switch 116 is shown in this view to provide movement of actuation devices 110 and 104 in a forward [S] or reverse [R] direction. FIG. 7 additionally shows an actuation trigger 115 for actuating the actuation devices 110 and 104 . Actuation of the trigger with rocker switch 116 in the first position [S] will cause a stretching motion of the actuating device, while actuation of the trigger with rocker switch 116 in the second position [R] will The movement of the corresponding actuating means is released.

In the embodiment described immediately above, the seat 101 includes vibrating pads that enhance blood circulation in the buttocks area and thereby enhance the efficacy of stretching exercises. The vibrating pad is operated by button 117 shown in FIG. 9 . The mount 114 is height adjustable in the direction of arrow D by means of a rack and pinion arrangement. This allows adjusting the height of the hand grip 111 relative to the seat 101 to suit the user 100 . The seat 101 is pivotable relative to the holding frame 102 so that the overall length of the machine can be reduced for storage. Along with the scale 112 of the linear actuator 110, additional scales may be included on the linear actuator 104 so that the user can judge the amount of stretch in his calf.

In the embodiments described immediately above, various electronic retrofits may be provided. For example, the power consumption of the linear actuator can be monitored and an automatic stop can be included to inhibit abuse and damage. A storage device may be used to allow the user to reset the machine to a comfortable initial position. In addition, the storage device enables the user to stretch a little more each time the machine is used.

Figures 11, 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is similar in structure to the third embodiment, wherein the same components are given the same reference numerals. Fig. 11 shows the starting position of the device, Fig. 12 shows the device when the hand grip 11 is pulled forward, and Fig. 13 shows the final position of the device when the foot pedal is pushed back.

Figure 14 is a view of the fourth embodiment with its cover plate removed. The height of the hand grip 111 is adjustable through an electric actuator 140 mounted on the column 103 . The actuator 140 is covered in use by a resilient bellows 142 shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13 .

A heating pad 160 is also provided in this embodiment to heat the user's legs. Heating mats generate infrared rays. The pad vibrates to massage the back of the legs. The heating and massaging action is especially useful in sports rehabilitation. An LCD display 150 is provided so that the user can observe the distance moved by the actuators 110 and 104 . The display may provide a distance indication, or it may be a bar graph display or the like.

A hand grip 111 used in the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 15 . The handgrip includes a pulse monitor 120 for each hand, a seat vibration activation switch 124, a handgrip height adjustment rocker switch 126, stretching motion switches 130 and 132 (one for the forward pulling motion of the handgrip, the other One for pedal backward movement), timing regulator 128 and reset switch 122. In operation, the actuators 104 and 110 can be manipulated by either buttons 130 or 132, and only operate when those buttons are held. The reset button starts a timer adjustable by regulator 128, at the end of the selected period the actuators return to their starting positions (as shown in Figure 11).

Only the embodiment is illustrated and described, but it is obvious that various modifications and additions are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the mechanically driven version of the apparatus shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 can have a variety of different mechanisms to apply the stretching motion. Additionally, the frame 14 shown can be adjusted on the body 2 by alternative mechanisms such as: a worm, a rack and pinion, or even a simple bar with Holes in different positions for fastening nails. The energy to cause the stretching motion can come from stored mechanical energy, such as the illustrated spring 13 or by utilizing motion such as gradually squeezing a trigger or stepping on a pedal to create a ratchet action. In addition, mechanisms such as worms, racks and pinions can also be used to achieve such movement.

The powered version shown in Figure 4 has an air pump and an air reservoir, however other means of providing stretching motion can also be used, such as: electric actuators, including gear motors or solenoid type devices; via hydraulic pumps driven hydraulic cylinders; or a combination of these devices.

It will be appreciated that the structural components of the device, such as the body and frame, are made of metal such as steel, however portable devices that are primarily manufactured from aluminum or composite materials such as carbon fiber or thermoplastics or combinations of these materials may made to have the same effect.

The stretching movements of the device are controlled according to a stretching program, eg a memory may be included in the computer 120 which can compare the details of the user with the defined stretching program. Such a program may involve a steadily increasing range of stretches over days or weeks.

While movable hand grips have been shown and described, it is also possible that the hand grips are stationary and the footrests are adjustable relative to the frame. In either case, a different mode of operation can be applied whereby the user holds the hand grip and slides backwards by being pushed by his or her feet before his or her legs are straightened, but he or she is The position of the initial back stretch is forward bending. In addition, the stretching of the calf muscles can be achieved through the hinged foot pedals to complete the stretching.

In these examples, it is recommended to stretch the back muscles first followed by the calf muscles. Of course, this order can also be reversed.

Motion dampers may be applied to limit the stretching motion employed or the release motion in the opposite direction, or both. These dampers may be of conventional type, such as a piston moving in a viscous fluid such as oil, or other damping means such as limiting means for current or fluid flow velocity in the circuit used to power the moving actuator.

The hand grip 11 is further movable by pivoting about an axis substantially parallel to the user's straightened leg. This movement, specifically the upward pivoting motion and the downward pivoting motion through 180 degrees, engages the muscles and tendons associated with arm stretching (including the triceps, biceps, and to a lesser degree the deltoids). stretch.

Several major posterior muscle groups that the device stretches include: back, lower torso and hamstrings and gastrocnemius, Achilles tendon. Stretching all of these muscle groups as a unit effectively reduces warm-up/cool-down time. Examples of groups of people who would benefit from using this device include: professional athletes, dancers, sports workers, and patients in need of physical therapy. It will be appreciated that the device may be portable, if desired, for use outdoors next to a sports field or at the user's home and other similar locations.

Claims (18)

1. According to the present invention there is provided a stretching device comprising a stretching device for stretching posterior muscles and tendons through a powered stretching motion of said stretching device, said stretching device comprising : a body with a seating area; at least one powered footrest mounted to the body and arranged or arrangeable with the seating area for use The user is able to sit with substantially straight legs; and, a powered handle mounted to the body and arranged for pulling the user forward to achieve the powered stretching motion. 2. The stretching device of claim 1 , wherein the stretching device is configured to power the handle to pull the user forward for a stretching motion, and the stretching device is configured to cause One or more foot pedals are powered for movement in generally opposite directions for further powered stretching motion. 3. The stretching device of claim 2, wherein the handle is moved first and the one or more foot pedals are moved subsequently. 4. The stretching device of claim 3, wherein the handle comprises a hand grip. 5. The stretching device of claim 4, wherein said hand grips are movable substantially away from said seating area and towards said one or more footrests to achieve said posterior muscles and tendons. stretch. 6. The stretching device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the hand grip comprises a pair of hand grips whose relative positions are adjustable. 7. Stretching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said one or more footrests are substantially movable such that while the user's legs are substantially straight, his or her The toes of the seat move backwards towards the seating area. 8. The stretching device of claim 7, wherein the one or more footrests are pivotable on the body. 9. Stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the height of the hand grip is adjustable relative to the seating area. 10. Stretching apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stretching motion is caused by stored mechanical energy. 11. Stretching apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stretching motion is caused by one or more of electric, pneumatic or hydraulically driven actuators. 12. Stretching apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the stretching motion is induced by user generated mechanical energy. 13. Stretching apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stretching apparatus comprises a sensor and/or a mechanical stop operable to predefine the range limits of the stretching movement. 14. Stretching apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, further comprising a stretching motion damper or other stretching motion controller for limiting the speed of the stretching motion. 15. Stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein damping or other control of the release movement in the opposite direction of the stretching movement is provided. 16. Stretching apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said stretching motion reaches a first range, followed by a release motion in the opposite direction of said stretching motion, said release motion being followed by a reaching ratio A further stretching motion of a second range with a greater distance from said first range, followed by a further release motion, optionally with a further stretching motion of increasing range, until a pre-defined range has been reached, each pull The stretching exercise is followed by a further release exercise. 17. Stretching apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand grip is pivotable and thereby provides means for stretching the muscles and tendons associated with arm stretching. 18. Stretching apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

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