U.S. patent application number 10/779877 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for back traction and muscle stretching bench.
Invention is credited to Dayal, Soorya.
Application Number | 20050181917 10/779877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838454 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050181917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dayal, Soorya |
August 18, 2005 |
Back traction and muscle stretching bench
Abstract
The back traction and muscle stretching bench has an inclined
bench panel to support the thigh area of a user in a prone position
on the bench, and a bench panel for supporting the user's torso in
a horizontal to downwardly inclined position. Traction is applied
to the spine of a user lying prone on the bench. The torso
supporting bench panel is adjustable to vary the degree of traction
applied. A leg supporting assembly provides padded rollers that may
be used to place an additional downward force on the users legs
while in the prone position, thereby increasing the degree of
traction applied to the spine. The leg supporting assembly is
adjustable to place the padded rollers in a higher or lower
vertical position, thereby varying the degree of traction imparted
by the rollers.
Inventors: |
Dayal, Soorya; (Dubai,
AE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
34838454 |
Appl. No.: |
10/779877 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 ;
482/907 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 1/0222 20130101;
A61H 2205/081 20130101; A61H 2203/0468 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 ;
482/907 |
International
Class: |
A63B 026/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A back traction and muscle stretching bench, comprising: a base
frame having a front end and a rear end; a thigh support panel
disposed on top of said base frame, the thigh support panel being
downwardly inclined toward the rear end of said base frame; a torso
support member pivotally connected to said base frame; an
adjustable support member disposed between said base frame and said
torso support member, the adjustable support member allowing
inclination of said torso support member to be varied; and a
footrest assembly attached to and extending rearward from the rear
end of said base frame, the footrest assembly being adjustable in
height relative to said thigh support panel.
2. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to claim
1, further comprising an armrest assembly adjustably extending
forward from the front end of said base frame.
3. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to claim
1, further comprising a neck rest assembly adjustably extending
forward from said torso support member.
4. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to claim
1, further comprising at least one body-securing belt disposed on
said torso support member.
5. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to claim
4, further comprising a belt tensioning device disposed on said
torso support member, at least one of said body-securing belts
being in connection with, and tensionable by, said belt tensioning
device.
6. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to claim
1, wherein said footrest assembly comprises: an elongated support
arm having first and second ends, the first end being pivotally
attached to said base frame and being pivotal in a vertical plane;
a pair of footrests disposed on said elongated support arm; and at
least a pair of roller pads disposed on said elongated support
arm.
7. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to claim
6, wherein said footrests further comprise a clamp member slidable
on and selectively clamped to said elongated support arm, whereby
said footrests are adjustable in position along the length of said
elongated support arm.
8. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to claim
6, wherein said roller pads further comprise a clamp member
slidable on and selectively clamped to said elongated support arm,
whereby said roller pads are adjustable in position along the
length of said elongated support arm.
9. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to claim
6, wherein said roller pads are located between said footrests and
said first end.
10. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to
claim 1, wherein said torso support member comprises a torso
support panel.
11. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to
claim 10, wherein said torso support member comprises a frame, the
frame being pivotally connected to said base frame, said torso
support panel being disposed on said frame.
12. The back traction and muscle stretching bench according to
claim 10, wherein said torso support panel is pivotal from side to
side of said base frame.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to equipment for exercise and
physical therapy. More specifically, the present invention is a
back traction and muscle stretching bench for providing multiple
traction, stretching, and exercise solutions for treating and
preventing pain in the lumbar and thoracic spine and lower limb
areas.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Back pain is a common problem for many people. Frequently,
back pain is concentrated in the lower back, or lumbar area. The
lumbar area includes five large vertebrae on each side of the
spine, which carry much of the body's weight. Because of its
weight-supporting role, and because it is central to, and involved
in, nearly every kind of body movement, the lumbar area is
particularly susceptible to injuries. It is estimated that as much
as 80-85% of the population suffers from lower back pain at some
point in their lifetime.
[0005] The upper back (thoracic back) area is generally less prone
to pain and injury. However, it can be a significant source of
discomfort and pain when injury does occur. The most common causes
of upper back pain are muscular irritation and joint
dysfunction.
[0006] Numerous methods and devices have been devised to treat back
injury and back pain, and to exercise and strengthen back muscles
to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of pain.
[0007] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0128576, published on Sep.
12, 2002, discloses an exercise table and exercise routine useful
in the treatment of low back pain. The table permits a user to
apply low levels of traction to the lower back by pushing on
adjustable arm support posts. The table is slightly inclined,
placing a user in a slightly head-down position. The user's feet
are restrained by a harness against a pair of foot pegs, so that
traction is applied as the patient pushes against the arm support
posts. Thus, the degree of traction applied is limited by the
strength of the user. Additionally, the exercise table does not
support a variety of traction, stretching, and exercise solutions
for treating and preventing pain in the lumbar and thoracic spine
and lower limb areas. A similar apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,592,501, issued on Jul. 15, 2003 to B. Mayes.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,109, issued on Apr. 1, 1986 to L.
Lundblad, discloses an apparatus for treating back ailments. A
patient support table supports a patient in a horizontal, lying
position. A first belt is secured around the patient's pelvic
region, while a second belt is secured around the patient's chest.
Traction is applied mechanically by drive means that pull on the
belts. While the disclosed apparatus is useful for a variety of
traction therapies, it is dependant on electrical power to operate
the drive means, and does not serve to facilitate stretching or
exercise solutions either individually or in conjunction with the
traction.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,401, issued on Dec. 5, 1995 to M.
Rouillard et al., discloses a ramped and horizontal stretching
bench for relieving spinal and muscle conditions contributing to
back pain. A user lies on the bench with his upper torso on a
horizontal section of the bench, with his lower torso and legs
extending downward along a ramped portion of the bench. The
stretching bench relies on gravity to pull the user's legs and
lower torso, relieving tightness and tension in the muscles and
vertebrae in the user's back.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,589, issued on Sep. 24, 1991 to R.
Engle, discloses an apparatus and method for performing extension
and flexion of a knee joint, wherein the patient is in a prone
position on an inverted V-shaped table. The inverted V-shaped table
is adjustable to vary the inclination of both the patient's torso
and the patient's legs. The apparatus is intended for use with an
iso-kinetic rehabilitation machine that is not part of the
apparatus. The apparatus provides no features to apply or enhance
traction to the lower back or other body regions.
[0011] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0095182, published on Jul.
18, 2002, discloses a physiotherapy bench including a body
supporting panel supported on a frame. The body supporting panel
includes a substantially horizontal front end for supporting the
chest of a patient, and an inclined rear end for supporting the
patient's hips and upper legs. A patient is subjected to a gentle
traction while positioned on the bench. A headrest and arm supports
are provided for the patient's comfort while using the device. The
body supporting panel, however, is not adjustable in inclination,
restricting its use to a single position. Additionally, the
apparatus provides no features to enhance the traction that results
simply from gravity, or to use the apparatus in varied
positions.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,168, issued on Nov. 23, 1999 to L. See,
discloses an exercise bed that is composed of a front and rear
frame pivotally fastened together. A transmission motor is
connected to the frame, and functions to raise the center of the
bed, thereby bracing and extending the backbone of a person lying
on the bed. Padded rollers support a user's legs and retain the
feet in position as the bed operates.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,001, issued on Nov. 24, 1998 to R.
Schedel, discloses a therapy table that separately supports the
lower and upper body of a user. The table is movable between a
vertical position, wherein a user can easily mount the device, and
an essentially horizontal position in which the user may perform
selected exercises. The upper body-supporting portion of the table
is pivotal relative to the lower body-supporting portion of the
table. Electrical or hydraulic actuators position the table. A
leg-locking pad retains the user's legs during use. The table does
not facilitate side-to-side movement of the torso during use.
[0014] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed. Thus, a back traction and muscle stretching bench
solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The back traction and muscle stretching bench of the present
invention provides multiple traction, stretching, and exercise
solutions for treating and preventing pain in the lumbar and
thoracic spine and lower limb areas. A variety of traction and
stretching therapies, in prone and supine positions, are
facilitated, both individually and in combination.
[0016] A sturdy base frame supports a padded thigh support board
and a padded torso support board. The torso support board is
adjustable from a generally horizontal position to a position
angled downward toward the front. The thigh support board is fixed
in a position angled slightly downward toward the rear. Thus, a
patient may lie on the back traction and muscle stretching bench in
a prone position with thighs supported on the thigh support board,
torso supported on the torso support board, and legs extending to
the rear.
[0017] A leg support extends rearward from the base frame, and
includes a pair of footrest plates and a pair of padded leg support
rollers. The footrest plates and the leg support rollers are
adjustable both in their extension from the base frame and in their
vertical height. A patient in the prone position may position his
or her legs underneath the leg support rollers to apply traction to
the lumbar region. The degree of traction applied may be adjusted,
by moving the leg support into a more downward position to
increase, or into a more upward position to decrease, the force
applied. Traction may also be varied by adjusting the downward
angle of the torso support board. Additionally, increasing the
downward angle of the torso support board decreases static pressure
on the back caused in patients with a large stomach or abdomen,
such as in overweight patients.
[0018] In one embodiment of the back traction and muscle stretching
bench, the torso support board pivots horizontally from side to
side. This allows a patient to perform lateral stretching of lower
back muscles, and is beneficial for treatment of certain types of
nerve compression in the lumbar area.
[0019] Arm support stands extend to the front of the bench,
providing both an arm rest and a handhold for each arm. The arm
support stands are adjustable in position and height. The arm
support stands provide handholds for the patient to grasp for
stability and comfort, and to aid in stretching the body during
treatment. The arm support stands also provide support for the
patient during push-up like exercises.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1A is an environmental, perspective view of a back
traction and muscle stretching bench according to the present
invention, showing a user engaged in a first traction therapy.
[0021] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a back traction and muscle
stretching bench according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 1C is an environmental, perspective view of a back
traction and muscle stretching bench according to the present
invention, showing a user engaged in a second traction or
stretching therapy.
[0023] FIG. 1D is an environmental, perspective view of a back
traction and muscle stretching bench according to the present
invention, showing a user engaged in a third traction or stretching
therapy.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a back traction and
muscle stretching bench according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base frame for a back
traction and muscle stretching bench according to the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a torso support frame for a
back traction and muscle stretching bench according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustment screw for
adjusting the inclination of a torso supporting portion for a back
traction and muscle stretching bench according to the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an arm supporting assembly
for a back traction and muscle stretching bench according to the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a leg supporting assembly
for a back traction and muscle stretching bench according to the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a thigh support panel for a
back traction and muscle stretching bench according to the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a torso support panel for a
back traction and muscle stretching bench according to the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pivoting torso support
panel for a back traction and muscle stretching bench according to
the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a top view of a back traction and muscle
stretching bench with a pivoting torso support panel according to
the present invention.
[0034] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The present invention is a back traction and muscle
stretching bench, designated generally as 10 in the drawings.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, and 2, the back traction and muscle
stretching bench 10 allows a user U to engage in various stretching
and traction therapies and strengthening exercises, particularly
those suited to treating and preventing middle and lower back and
lower limb pain.
[0036] The back traction and muscle stretching bench 10 comprises a
thigh supporting bench panel 800 and a torso supporting bench panel
700 disposed on a base frame 100. The thigh supporting bench panel
800 is inclined downward toward the rear of the base frame 100. In
the present embodiment, the torso supporting bench panel 700 is
mounted onto a torso frame 200 that is connected to the base frame
100 by at least one hinge. In alternate embodiments, the torso
supporting bench panel 700 could be a single, self-supporting panel
itself directly hinged to the base frame 100. An adjustment
mechanism 300, disposed between the base frame 100 and the torso
frame 200, holds the torso supporting bench panel 700 at a position
that is adjustable between generally horizontal to a position
inclined downward towards the front of the base frame 100.
[0037] Belts secure the user U in position during traction
therapies, and apply variable tension to selected regions of the
back. Fixed belts 220 are attached to the base frame 100 and torso
frame 200, and are adjustably joined with belt clasps or a hook and
loop fastener. In FIG. 1A, fixed belts 220 are shown secured around
the torso and lower back of the user U. The fixed belts 220 are
fastened together around the user's torso with a hook and loop
fastener or belt clasps. Tensionable belts 221, seen in FIGS. 1B
and 1C, are attached to tensioning belt 219, preferably by a hook
and loop fastener for flexibility, the tensioning belt 219 in turn
being attached to a belt tensioner 210. As seen in FIG. 1C, the
tensionable belts 221 are wrapped around the torso of the user U
and fastened together with a hook and loop fastener or belt clasps.
The tensionable belts 221 may be positioned along the user's spine
to more precisely locate the application of traction.
[0038] These basic components of the back traction and muscle
stretching bench 10 provide an exercise and therapy bench that has
an inclined bench panel to support the thigh area of a user in a
prone position on the bench, and a bench panel for supporting the
user's torso in a horizontal to downwardly inclined position.
[0039] With a user U lying prone on the back traction and muscle
stretching bench 10 as shown in FIG. 1A, with the torso supporting
bench panel 700 in a downwardly inclined position to place the user
U in an inverted "V" position slightly bent at the waist, a degree
of stretching and traction is applied to the spine as a result of
the user's position and gravity acting on the user's extended legs.
Varying the downward incline of the torso supporting bench panel
70b varies the degree and effect of the treatment.
[0040] In addition, incrementing the downward force on the user's
legs increases the degree of traction applied. A leg support
assembly 600 extends rearward from the base frame 100, and provides
both foot rests 604 and leg roller pads 608. The roller pads 608
may be used to add such an additional downward force on the user's
legs, thereby increasing the degree of traction applied to the
user's spine. In use, with the user U lying prone on the back
traction and muscle stretching bench 10, the user's legs are placed
under the roller pads 608 with the rollers positioned generally
along the user's calves. The leg support assembly 600 is pivotally
adjustable to vary the vertical position of the roller pads 608.
Adjusting the leg support assembly 600 to place the roller pads 608
into a lower position increases the downward force on the user's
legs, thereby increasing traction. Traction is decreased with the
roller pads 608 positioned higher.
[0041] In order to provide for user comfort, as well as to provide
arm support and handholds during various therapies and exercises,
an arm support assembly 400 extends forward from the base frame
100. The arm support assembly 400 provides a pair of armrests 410
and handgrips 418. The armrests 410, along with the handgrips 418,
are adjustable in height. The user U may use the armrests 410 along
with the handgrips 418 to perform push-ups and similar exercises,
or may use the handgrips 418 to pull, thereby creating additional
stretching or traction during an exercise or treatment. The
armrests 410 and the handgrips 418 are also useful in mounting and
dismounting the equipment.
[0042] A chin rest 504 is provided on an adjustable arm 502
attached to and extending forward from the torso frame 200. The
chin rest 504 is useful for head and neck support for a tall user,
or when the user U is positioned on the back traction and muscle
stretching bench 10 in a more forward position.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 1D, the back traction and muscle
stretching bench 10 is shown with an alternative, pivoting torso
supporting bench panel 900 in place of the torso supporting bench
panel 700. The pivoting torso supporting bench panel 900 allows the
user U to move from side to side, allowing lateral stretching of
the back muscles and spine. Such a sideways stretching is helpful
in treating certain types of nerve compression in the lumbar area,
including a herniated disk or other kinds of nerve compression.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 3, the base frame 100 is illustrated in
greater detail. A rectangular or trapezoidal thigh bench frame 114
has a pair of front legs 106 and a pair of rear legs 102. In the
present embodiment, the thigh bench frame 114 is an isosceles
trapezoid, having its base 116 at the rear of the base frame 100.
Rear legs 102 depend from the base 116 of the thigh bench frame
114, and front legs 106 depend from the front of the thigh bench
frame 114. A cross member 104 joins the bottom ends of the rear
legs 102, the rear legs 102 being generally vertical, and in a
generally parallel and spaced apart relationship to one another.
Horizontal leg members 108 extend forward from the bottoms of the
front legs 106, and are adapted to rest on a floor surface, giving
the back traction and muscle stretching bench 10 a sturdy and
stable foundation. The horizontal leg members 108 are joined in a
generally parallel and spaced apart relationship to one another by
a cross member 110.
[0045] A bracket 112 is disposed on the cross member 110 for
attachment of the adjustment mechanism 300, as seen on FIG. 1B.
Hinge members 122 are disposed on the front of the thigh bench
frame 114 for mounting of the torso frame 200. The hinge members
122 engage with hinge members 208 on the torso frame 200, seen in
FIG. 4 (hinge pins are not shown). A bracket 118 is disposed on the
rear of the thigh bench frame 114, for mounting the leg support
assembly 600.
[0046] Turning now to FIG. 4, the torso frame 200 is shown in
greater detail. Seen from below in FIG. 4, the torso frame 200
comprises essentially an elongated rectangular or trapezoidal frame
having a front end 201, a rear end 202, and two opposing sides 203.
Hinge members 208, disposed on the rear end 202 of the torso frame
200, engage with hinge members 122 on the thigh support frame 114,
seen in FIG. 3 (hinge pins are not shown). A crossbar 204 extends
transversely between sides 203 of the torso frame 200. A bracket
206 is disposed on the crossbar 204 for attachment of the
adjustment mechanism 300.
[0047] A mounting assembly 222, disposed at the rear end 202 of the
torso frame 200, allows for the attachment of the torso supporting
bench panel 700 to the torso frame 200. The mounting assembly
includes an aperture 224 that will receive a pivot pin 708, and an
arcuate slot 226 that will receive a clamping pin 710 (shown in
FIG. 9).
[0048] A plurality of belt loops 218 are disposed on the sides 203
of the torso frame 200. Fixed belts 220 are attached to the belt
loops 218. Tensionable belts 221, in connection with tensioning
belt 219, run along the top of the torso supporting bench panel 700
or are channeled through belt loops 218. The tensionable belt 219
is attached to a belt tensioner 210 that is disposed on the front
end 201 of the torso frame 200. A ratchet mechanism 212 selectively
engages or disengages with the belt tensioner 210 to secure the
belt tensioner 210 in place as a belt 221 is tightened, or to
release the belt tensioner 210 when a belt 221 is to be released.
The belts 220 and 221 are configured to fasten around the body of a
user to hold the user in place on the back traction and muscle
stretching bench 10, as well as to provide pressure against
selected portions of the spine during various treatments.
[0049] A lateral support arm 214 is pivotally disposed on each side
203 of the torso frame 200. Each lateral support arm 214 may be
pivoted between a position generally flush alongside the side 203
of the torso frame 200 and a position generally perpendicular to
the torso frame 200. The lateral support arms 214, in their
extended position, support a pivoting torso bench member 900 as it
pivots from side to side (discussed below in reference to FIG.
11).
[0050] Turning now to FIG. 5, the adjustment mechanism 300 is shown
in greater detail. The adjustment mechanism 300 comprises a
threaded shaft member 302, disposed partially within and partially
extending from a cylinder 306, the cylinder 306 having an upper end
308 and a lower end 310. An adjusting handle 312 has an internally
threaded hub 314 threadably engaged about the threaded shaft member
302, whereby turning the adjusting handle 312 extends the threaded
shaft member 302, or retracts the threaded shaft member 302 into
the cylinder 306. The hub 314 of the adjusting handle 312 abuts the
upper end 308 of the cylinder 306. As seen in FIG. 2, the
adjustment mechanism 300 is disposed between the torso frame 200
and the base frame 100, with the threaded shaft member 302 adapted
to engage with bracket 206 and the lower end 310 of the cylinder
306 adapted to engage with bracket 112. The adjustment mechanism
300 allows the inclination of the torso frame 200 to be varied.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 6, the arm support assembly 400 is shown
in greater detail. Horizontal leg members 402 are joined together
by a cross bar 404 at the front end of the assembly, the horizontal
leg members 402 being in a generally parallel and spaced apart
relationship to one another. The horizontal leg members 402 are
adapted to rest on a floor surface, giving the arm support assembly
400 a sturdy and stable foundation. A pair of first upright members
408 are attached to, and extend vertically from, the horizontal leg
members 402. The first upright members 408 are tubular, and have a
hollow interior. A second upright member 412 telescopically extends
upward from each of the first upright members 408. An armrest
assembly 410 is disposed on the top end of each of the second
upright members 412. Each arm rest assembly comprises a plate 414,
a padded arm rest 416 disposed on the plate 414, and a hand grip
418 disposed on the plate 414. As shown in FIG. 1B, the arm support
assembly 400 engages with the base frame 100 with the horizontal
leg members 402 of the arm support assembly 400 telescopically
engaged with the horizontal leg members 108 of the base frame 100.
A handle 406, disposed on the crossbar 404, facilitates positioning
and adjustment of the arm support assembly 400. The height is
adjusted by inserting a pin through aligned holes in the first and
second telescoping upright members 408 and 412.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 7, the leg support assembly 600
comprises a support arm 602 that extends rearward from the base
frame 100 (see FIG. 2). The support arm 602 is an elongated arm
having a first end 601 that engages with bracket 118 on the base
frame 100, and a second end 603 extending rearward. The support arm
402 supports a pair of footrests 604 and at least a pair of roller
pads 608. The footrests 604 are connected to the leg support
assembly 600 by a clamp 606 that allows the footrests 604 to be
adjustably positioned along the support arm 602. Similarly, the
roller pads 608 are connected to the leg support assembly 600 by a
clamp 610 that allows the roller pads 608 to be adjustably
positioned along the support arm 602. Typically, the leg support
assembly 600 is configured with the footrests 604 positioned near
the second end 603 of the support arm 602, and the roller pads 608
generally midway between the first end 601 of the support arm 602
and the footrests 604.
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 8, the thigh supporting bench panel 800
is a padded bench panel disposed on the base frame 100 as seen in
FIG. 1B. The thigh supporting bench panel 800 may be a single
molded panel, or a rigid planar panel member, such as plywood,
having a padded covering. Similarly, a torso supporting bench panel
700, seen in FIG. 9, is a padded bench panel disposed on the frame
200 as seen in FIG. 1B. The torso supporting bench panel 700 may be
a single molded panel, or a rigid planar panel member, such as
plywood, having a padded covering. The torso supporting bench panel
700 is an isosceles trapezoid having a base 702, sides 704, and a
forward end 706. The torso supporting bench panel 700 is mounted
onto the torso frame 200 by a pivot pin 708, that engages with
aperture 224 on the torso frame 200, and a clamping pin 710, that
engages with the arcuate slot 226 on the torso frame. Clamp 712,
threadably engaging the clamping pin 710, may be tightened to
secure the torso supporting bench panel 700 in position.
[0054] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a
pivoting torso supporting bench panel 900 is similar to the torso
supporting bench panel 700, having a base 902, sides 904, and a
forward end 906, except that the base 902 is V-shaped to allow the
pivoting torso supporting bench panel 900 to pivot on the torso
frame 200 from side to side of the base frame 100. A pivot pin 908,
which engages with aperture 224 on the torso frame 200, and a
clamping pin 910, which engages with the arcuate slot 226 on the
torso frame, mount the pivoting torso supporting bench panel 900
onto the torso frame 200. Clamp 912, threadably engaging the
clamping pin 910, may be tightened to secure the torso supporting
bench panel 900 in position. With the clamp 912 untightened, the
V-shape of the base 902 of the pivoting torso supporting bench
panel 900 allows the pivoting torso supporting bench panel 900 to
be freely pivoted from side to side of the base frame 100. Lateral
support arms 214, pivotally disposed on the sides 203 of the torso
frame 200, extend to support the pivoting torso supporting bench
panel 900 as it pivots from side to side.
[0055] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *