U.S. patent application number 12/013317 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for horizontal lumbar stretching machine and method.
Invention is credited to John P. Boren.
Application Number | 20080176721 12/013317 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39641850 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080176721 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boren; John P. |
July 24, 2008 |
Horizontal Lumbar Stretching Machine and Method
Abstract
A machine and method for horizontally stretching and exercising
the human body, specifically the human frame or torso. The machine
comprised a bed, table, or platform having three main sections: an
upper stationary section upon which user's upper body is physically
attached, an actuated lower section which receives the user's lower
body, and a slack section, including an upright projection,
disposed at the end of the lower section of the bed, table, or
platform. A strap or similar device is connected between a pelvic
harness worn by the user and the upright projection of the slack
section. While lying atop the upper and lower sections of the
machine, the user self-actuates movement of the lower and slack
sections of the machine away from (or towards) the upper body,
thereby causing the strap to pull upon (or loosen from) the user's
trunk or midsection. Because the user's upper body is physically
attached to the stationary upper section of the machine, the user's
trunk is effectively stretched and exercised by outward movement of
the strap to the extent desired by the user.
Inventors: |
Boren; John P.; (Katy,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANDREWS & KURTH, L.L.P.
600 TRAVIS, SUITE 4200
HOUSTON
TX
77002
US
|
Family ID: |
39641850 |
Appl. No.: |
12/013317 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60880163 |
Jan 12, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/1621 20130101;
A61H 1/0218 20130101; A61H 1/0222 20130101; A61H 2203/0456
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/92 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine (10) for stretching a human body comprising,
a table (12) arranged and designed to support a user in a supine
position, said table having an upper stationary section (14) which
receives a user's upper body and a moveable lower section (16, 18)
which receives a user's lower body, said moveable lower section
arranged and designed to move longitudinally away from said upper
stationary section, a mechanism for preventing longitudinal
movement of said user's upper body about said upper stationary
section of said table, a restraining device (32) arranged and
designed to be worn about a user's midsection, an upright
projection (20) disposed at an end (18) of said table adjacent to
said moveable lower section, said upright projection extending
above said table and having a device (38) toward a distal end
thereof for connecting a strap thereto, and a strap (36) having one
end connected to said device of said upright projection and another
end connected to said restraining device, whereby when said
moveable lower section of said table is moved longitudinally away
from said upper stationary section of said table, said upright
projection is moved away from said upper stationary section and
said strap connected to said upright projection is drawn taut
between said restraining device and said upright projection while
said user is supported by said table in a supine position and said
restraining device is worn about said user's midsection.
2. The machine of claim 1 wherein, said mechanism for preventing
longitudinal movement of said user's upper body about said upper
stationary section of said table is a jacket (30) having an
attachment device arranged and designed to cooperatively fasten to
said upper stationary section of said table, said attachment device
comprising a hook and loop fastener.
3. The machine of claim 2 wherein, said moveable lower section is
moved longitudinally away from said upper stationary section by an
actuator (22) that is arranged and designed to be controlled by a
user of said machine.
4. The machine of claim 3 wherein, said device of said upright
projection for connecting a strap thereto is arranged and designed
to permit connection of said strap at one of multiple locations
along said upright projection toward said distal end.
5. The machine of claim 1 wherein, said moveable lower section is
moved longitudinally away from said upper stationary section by an
actuator (22).
6. The machine of claim 5 wherein, said actuator is arranged and
designed to be controlled by a user of said machine.
7. The machine of claim 1 wherein, said mechanism for preventing
longitudinal movement of said user's upper body about said upper
stationary section of said table relies upon a user's body
weight.
8. The machine of claim 1 wherein, said device of said upright
projection for connecting a strap thereto is arranged and designed
to permit connection of said strap at one of multiple locations
along said upright projection toward said distal end.
9. The machine of claim 1 wherein, said moveable lower section is
moved longitudinally away from said upper stationary section by a
manually-operated wheel crank (40).
10. An exercise machine (10) for stretching a human body
comprising, a table (12) arranged and designed to support a user in
a supine position, said table having an upper stationary section
(14) which receives a user's upper body and a moveable lower
section (16, 18) which receives a user's lower body, said moveable
lower section arranged and designed to move longitudinally away
from said upper stationary section, a mechanism for preventing
longitudinal movement of said user's upper body about said
stationary section of said table, and an upright projection (21)
disposed at an end (18) of said table adjacent to said moveable
lower section, said upright projection having a device (43)
arranged and designed to secure a user's lower extremities thereto,
whereby when said moveable lower section of said table is moved
longitudinally away from said upper stationary section of said
table, said upright projection is moved away from said upper
stationary section thereby slightly moving said user's lower
extremities away from said user's upper body while said user's
upper body is supported by said table in a supine position and said
user's lower extremities are secured to said upright
projection.
11. The machine of claim 10 wherein, said moveable lower section is
moved longitudinally away from said upper stationary section by an
actuator (22).
12. The machine of claim 11 wherein, said actuator is arranged and
designed to be controlled by a user of said machine.
13. The machine of claim 12 wherein, said mechanism for preventing
longitudinal movement of said user's upper body about said upper
stationary section of said table is a jacket (30) having an
attachment device arranged and designed to cooperatively fasten to
said upper stationary section of said table, said attachment device
comprising a hook and loop fastener.
14. The machine of claim 10 wherein, said mechanism for preventing
longitudinal movement of said user's upper body about said upper
stationary section of said table relies upon a user's body
weight
15. The machine of claim 10 wherein, said device (43) to secure a
user's lower extremities to said upright projection comprises two
opposing horizontal bars (42, 44) connected to said upright
projection, said two opposing horizontal bars being disposed
perpendicularly about a user's legs when said user is supported by
said table in a supine position.
16. The machine of claim 10 wherein, said mechanism for preventing
longitudinal movement of said user's upper body about said upper
stationary section of said table is a jacket (30) having an
attachment device arranged and designed to cooperatively fasten to
said upper stationary section of said table, said attachment device
comprising a hook and loop fastener.
17. An exercise method for stretching a human body comprising the
steps of: positioning a user on a table (12) arranged and designed
to support said user in a supine position, said table having an
upper stationary section (14) which receives a user's upper body
and a moveable lower section (16, 18) which receives a user's lower
body, said moveable lower section arranged and designed to move
longitudinally away from said upper stationary section, employing a
mechanism to prevent said user's upper body from longitudinally
moving about said upper stationary section of said table, disposing
a restraining device (32) about said user's midsection, attaching
one end of a strap (36) having two ends to said restraining device
and another end of said strap to an upright projection (20)
disposed at an end (18) of said table adjacent to said moveable
lower section, and extending thereabove, said upright projection
having a device (38) disposed toward a distal end thereof for
attaching said strap thereto, moving said upright projection away
from said upper stationary section by moving said moveable lower
section of said table longitudinally away from said upper
stationary section of said table, and drawing taut said strap
attached between said restraining device and said upright
projection such that that said user's midsection is slightly moved
away from said user's upper body.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein, said step of moving said
upright projection away from said upper stationary section by
moving said moveable lower section of said table longitudinally
away from said upper stationary section is enabled by an actuator
(22) controlled by said user.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein, said mechanism for preventing
longitudinal movement of said user's upper body about said upper
stationary section of said table is a jacket (30) having an
attachment device arranged and designed to cooperatively fasten to
said upper stationary section of said table, said attachment device
comprising a hook and loop fastener.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein, said mechanism for preventing
longitudinal movement of said user's upper body about said upper
stationary section of said table is a jacket (30) having an
attachment device arranged and designed to cooperatively fasten to
said upper stationary section of said table, said attachment device
comprising a hook and loop fastener.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon provisional application
60/880,163, filed on Jan. 12, 2007, the priority of which is
claimed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a device or machine for stretching
and exercising the human body. Specifically, the invention relates
to a user-controlled device or machine for stretching and
exercising the torso section of the user's body while lying in a
horizontal supine position.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Prior art devices for stretching the human frame have
included numerous medical and non-medical mechanical devices. These
mechanical devices include both motorized and non-motorized
movement, and employ weight stacks, plyometric resistance and/or
gravity to accomplish the goal of stretching, flexing, or unloading
the human frame. Purely medical devices have included over-the-door
and power-controlled traction devices, among others, arranged and
designed to decompress the spine. Non-medical devices have
typically included gym-type stretching equipment including, but not
limited to, gravity balls and Pilates machines, arranged and
designed to improve flexibility and range of joint motion. However,
Pilates equipment, MedX exercise equipment, and other
fitness-oriented exercise and stretching units are uncomfortable,
cumbersome, and/or difficult to operate. Furthermore,
fitness-oriented exercise and stretching units are not necessarily
directed at conditioning and unloading the user's spine and trunk
section.
[0006] Among the more common types of prior art devices for
stretching the human frame are "inversion" devices which operate by
inverting the human body. These inversion devices suspend the user
in an upside down position by the ankles or knees so that the spine
and associated structures that produce vertical pressure while
upright can be unloaded and stretched. The principle behind these
inversion devices is that, by turning the human frame upside down,
gravity acting on the human frame in the reverse direction will
assist in relaxing the spine and associated structures, thereby
giving the user a sense of relaxation and well being. However, a
major drawback of these inversion devices and their method of
operation is that the user's cardiovascular system must operate in
an abnormal state thus potentially causing the user to feel ill
effects from the inversion.
[0007] 3. Identification of Objects of the Invention
[0008] An object of the invention is the accomplish one or more of
the following:
[0009] Provide a machine which horizontally stretches the human
frame by slightly pulling the user's lower body away from the
user's upper body while the user is supported in a horizontal
position;
[0010] Provide a machine which horizontally stretches the human
frame by slightly pulling the user's midsection/pelvis away from
the user's upper body while the user is supported in a horizontal
position; and
[0011] Provide a machine which permits the user to precisely
control the degree of horizontal stretching which occurs by
controlling the degree to which the user's lower body or
midsection/pelvis is pulled away from the user's upper body.
[0012] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following
specifications and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] An exercise machine and method are disclosed for
horizontally stretching and exercising the human body. The machine
has a bed, table, or platform upon which the user lies and becomes
physically attached thereto while using and operating the machine.
The table is composed of three main sections: (1) an upper
stationary section upon which a user's upper body is physically
attached, (2) an actuated or moveable lower section which receives
the user's lower body, and (3) a slack section, including an
upright projection, disposed at the end of the lower section of the
table. The user's upper body is restrained to the upper stationary
section of the table using a jacket vest or similar apparatus with
an attachment mechanism. In addition to the jacket vest, the user
also wears a harness or similar restraining device around the
pelvis or midsection which is capable of restraining the human
frame without slippage. The machine has a user-controlled actuator
which preferably moves the lower and slack sections of the table
longitudinally inward and outward. The slack section of the machine
has an upright projection with several hooks, eyelets, or similar
devices for receiving and attaching a strap or similar device
thereto. A strap or a similar device is attached between the
upright projection of the slack section and the pelvic harness worn
by the user while lying atop the machine.
[0014] The user uses the exercise machine by fastening the harness
or similar restraining device about her pelvis or midsection and
attaching the strap between the harness and one of the hooks
disposed on the slack section upright projection. The user then
lies on the table in a supine position using the jacket vest or
similar apparatus to physically attach the upper body to the upper
stationary section of the table. The user controls the
self-actuator to move the lower and slack sections of the table
longitudinally outward. In this way, any slack in the strap between
the user's pelvis and the upright projection is removed. The user
continues to self-actuate movement of the lower and slack sections
of the table away from (or towards) the upper body; thereby causing
the strap to pull upon (or loosen from) the user's trunk or
midsection. Because the user's upper body is physically attached to
the upper stationary section of the table, the user's trunk is
effectively stretched and exercised by outward movement of the
strap. The user fully controls the amount and duration of
horizontal stretching by regulating the amount of outward (or
inward) longitudinal movement of the strap (i.e., the lower and
slack sections of the table). Therefore, the machine is much easier
and safer to operate and more effective in horizontally stretching
and exercising the human frame than other exercise and physical
strengthening devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The objects, advantages, and features of the invention will
become more apparent by reference to the drawings which are
appended hereto, and wherein by way of illustration and not
limitation implementations of the invention are described, of
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred implementation of the
invention in which the user-actuated lower section of the machine
for horizontally stretching and exercising the human frame is in
the retracted position;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred implementation of the
invention in which the user-actuated lower section of the machine
for horizontally stretching and exercising the human frame is in
the extended position; and
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative implementation of the
invention in which the upright projection of the slack section of
the machine is replaced by two opposing horizontal cushions for
securing the user's ankles and feet while using the machine.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0019] As generally shown in FIG. 1, a preferred implementation of
the invention is a machine 10 for horizontally stretching and
exercising the human body. The machine 10 has a bed, table, or
platform 12 upon which the user is positioned during operation. The
table 12 is comprised of three main sections: (1) an upper
stationary section 14 upon which user's upper body is physically
attached, (2) an actuated or moveable lower section 16 which
receives the user's lower body, and (3) a slack section 18,
consisting of an upright projection 20, disposed at the end of the
lower section 16 of the table 12. The table 12 is preferably
disposed a comfortable distance above ground level using a frame 8,
which is capable of fully supporting the table 12 and the user's
entire weight. The table 12, while being supported by the frame 8,
is not immovably attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 2, an actuator
22 is arranged and designed to longitudinally move the lower
section 16 of the table 12, and thus the slack section 18 disposed
at its end and with its upright projection 20, inward and outward
relative to the upper stationary section 14.
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the user lies atop and becomes
physically attached to the table 12 while using and operating the
machine 10. The user's upper body is preferably restrained to the
upper stationary section 14 of the table 12 using a jacket vest 30
or similar apparatus with an attachment mechanism. Hook and loop
fasteners, such as Velcro.RTM., are the preferred attachment
mechanism for attaching the jacket vest 30 to the table 12,
however, other attachment mechanisms are equally suitable. A matrix
of hook or loop fasteners is preferably disposed on the back of the
jacket vest 30 while the corresponding matrix of hook or loop
fasteners is disposed on the top of the upper stationary section 14
of the table 12. The matrix of hook and loop fasteners on the back
of the jacket vest 30 permits the wearer to position the body in a
supine horizontal position atop the table 12. The matrix of hook or
loop fasteners on top of the upper section 14 of the table 12 is
arranged and designed so that while the user's body is atop the
table 12, the user's upper body is positioned towards the upper
section 14 and the user's lower body is positioned towards the
lower section 16. Alternatively, the user can forego use of the
jacket vest 30 and allow her own body weight upon the upper section
14 to mitigate movement of her upper body atop the table 12.
[0021] In addition to the jacket vest 30, the user also wears a
harness 32 or similar restraining device around the pelvis or
midsection which is capable of restraining the human frame without
slippage. The harness 32 is arranged and designed with an
attachment device, such as a hook, eyelet, or grommet, disposed on
its device 34 for attaching a strap 36 or similar device. The strap
attachment device 34 disposed on the front of the harness 32
permits the user to operate the machine 10 while in the supine
position. While in the supine position, the user may choose to
operate the machine 10 with an optional knee wedge (not shown)
positionally adjusted and affixed atop the lower section 16 of the
table 12 to receive the user's lower body. The knee wedge (not
shown) changes the angle of the user's pelvis thereby creating a
more comfortable position for the user which is similar to sitting.
The knee wedge (not shown) remains physically attached to the table
12 while the machine 10 is in operation. Optionally, a head rest 24
or head cushion may be positioned on the upper section 14 of the
table 12 to cradle the user's head, neck, and upper shoulders in
the supine position while using the machine 10.
[0022] The slack section 18 of the machine 10 has an upright
projection 20, similar in shape to the tail of a scorpion, which is
attached to the end of the actuated or moveable lower section 16 of
the table 12. The upright projection 20 has several hooks, eyelets,
or similar devices 38 disposed at select intervals thereon for
receiving and attaching a strap 36 line, rope, chain, or similar
device. While the machine 10 is in operation, a strap 36 line,
rope, chain, or similar device is connected between the user's
pelvic harness 32 and the upright projection 20 of the slack
section 18. The hooks 38 disposed at varying intervals on the
upright projection 20 permit the user to attach the previously
described strap 36 or a similar device between the user's pelvic
harness 32 and a desired height on the upright projection 20. The
strap 36 physically connects the user's pelvic harness 32, and
hence the user's upper body, to the moveable upright projection 20
of the slack section 18.
[0023] The machine 10 has a user-controlled actuator 22 which
preferably moves the lower section 16 and the attached slack
section 18 of the table 12 longitudinally inward and outward.
Actuators and other powered mechanisms which move and manipulate
physical objects relative to each other are well known in the art
and thus will not be discussed at length herein. Likewise, control
interfaces for actuators and similar mechanisms, which are operable
by the user, are also well known in the art and include, but are
not limited to, remote controlled device, hard wired devices,
wireless devices and voice command systems. The actuator 22 in a
preferred implementation of the machine 10 is user-controlled so
that the user may move the lower section 16 of the table 12, and
hence the slack section 18 with its attached upright projection 20,
outwardly away from the upper stationary section 14, thereby
causing the strap 36 attached between the user's pelvic harness 32
and the upright projection 20 to become taut. Preferably, any slack
in the strap 36 extending between the user's pelvic harness 32 and
the upright projection 20 is first manually removed using a wheel
crank 40 to physically extend the slack section 18 of the table 12
away from the actuated lower section 16 (and the upper stationary
section 14) until the strap 36 becomes taut. This reduces the
distance the user must self-actuate the lower section 16 of the
table 12 in order to commence stretching of the user's lumbar
region.
[0024] In a preferred method, the user positions herself on the
table 12, fastens the harness 32 or similar restraining device
about the pelvis or midsection, and attaches the strap 36 or
similar device between the hook 34 on the front of the harness 32
and one of the hooks 38 disposed on the slack section 18 upright
projection 20. The height at which the strap 36 is connected to the
upright projection 20 determines the pull angle between the user's
pelvis harness 32 and the upright projection 20. This pull angle
may be as little as zero degrees to as much as forty degrees. By
varying the pull angle, the human torso may be more fully stretched
and exercised in directions that are most beneficial and/or
comfortable to the user. In an alternative implementation of the
invention, the upright projection 20 of the slack section 18 has
only one hook 38 or similar device for attaching the strap 36.
Preferably, this one hook 38 or similar device is vertically
movable with a second user-controlled actuator so that the user can
control and adjust the height of the pull angle in conjunction with
the outward movement of the lower 16 and slack 18 sections of the
table 12.
[0025] After attaching the strap 36 between the harness 32 and the
upright projection 20, the user then lies on the table 12 in a
supine position using the jacket vest 30 or similar apparatus to
physically attach the upper body to the upper section 14 of the
table 12. The user's lower body is placed over and across the knee
wedge (not shown) affixed to the lower section 16 of the table 12.
Using a control interface provided (not shown), the user controls
the actuator 22 to move the lower section 16 of the table 12, and
hence the slack section 18 with its attached upright projection 20,
longitudinally outward. In this way, any slack in the strap 36
between the user's pelvic harness 32 and the upright projection 20
is removed. As previously described, any slack between the user's
pelvic harness 32 and the upright projection 20 is preferably first
removed manually by turning a wheel crank 40 which physically
extends the slack section 18 of the table 12 until the strap 36
becomes fully taut.
[0026] After any slack is removed, the user continues to
self-actuate movement of the lower 16 and slack 18 sections of the
table 12 away from (or towards) the upper body; thereby causing the
strap 36 to pull upon (or loosen from) the user's trunk or
midsection. Because the user's upper body is physically attached to
the stationary upper section 14 of the table 12, the user's trunk
is effectively stretched and exercised by outward movement of the
strap 36 to the extent desired by the user. For example, the user
may desire to slowly move the lower 16 and slack 18 sections away
from the upper stationary section 14 until the stretching by the
strap 36 becomes uncomfortable and then slowly return the lower 16
and slack 18 sections to a position closer to the upper stationary
section 14. The user may then repeat the process by slightly
increasing the tautness of the strap 36 until the user's torso
becomes fully stretched and exercised. As the user's torso and
frame is progressively stretched, the user becomes relaxed and
experiences an increased sense of well being. The user fully
controls the amount and duration of horizontal stretching by
regulating the amount of outward (or inward) longitudinal movement
of the strap 36 (i.e., the lower 16 and slack 18 sections of the
table 12). Therefore, the machine 10 permits the user to accomplish
the degree of horizontal stretching and exercise that is most
comfortable. In this way, the machine 10 accommodates a wide
variety of human morphologies while being much easier and safer to
operate than other exercise and physical strengthening devices.
[0027] In an alternative implementation of the invention,
illustrated in FIG. 3, the upright projection 21 of the slack
section 18 has a device 43 comprising two opposing horizontal bars
42, 44 for securing the ankles. Preferably, the two opposing
horizontal bars 42, 44 have cushions 48 disposed thereon for the
comfort of the user. The two opposing horizontal bars/cushions 42,
44 are arranged and designed so that after the user has placed her
ankles on top of the bottom bar/cushion 44, the top bar/cushion 42
is moved by another user-controlled actuator (not shown) downward
into a position just above the user's ankles, thereby locking the
user's ankles and feet therebetween. The height of the bottom
horizontal bar/cushion 44 can also be adjusted in order to
comfortably accommodate the user's ankles no matter the size of the
user. In lieu of a pelvic harness 32 and a strap 36 between the
pelvic harness 32 and the upright projection 21, the two opposing
horizontal bars/cushions 42, 44 pull the user's ankles and legs
outward as the lower 16 and slack 18 sections of the table 12 are
actuated outward. Thus, the strap 36 and pelvic harness 32 are
effectively replaced by the user's own legs and ankles. However, by
employing this implementation, the user-controlled movement of the
lower 16 and slack 18 sections effectively stretches and exercises
the user's entire frame between the upper body and the ankles and
without the need of a pelvic harness 32, strap 36, or upright
projection 20.
[0028] The Abstract of the disclosure is written solely for
providing the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the
public at large with a means by which to determine quickly from a
cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure,
and it represents one implementation of the invention and is not
indicative of the nature of the invention as a whole.
[0029] While some embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated in detail, the invention is not limited to the
embodiments shown; modifications and adaptations of the above
embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art. Such
modifications and adaptations are in the spirit and scope of the
invention as set forth herein:
* * * * *