Stretching machine

Abstract

A stretching machine that can be used for rehabilitation, medical treatment and fitness for paraplegics and athletes. The stretching machine is comprised of a stretching bar and a base. The stretching machine allows the user to stretch while in a seated or standing position. The telescoping stretching bar includes a mechanism for allowing the user to sit and fully extend his arms either directly in front of his torso, directly above his head, or any angle in between. Positioning the telescoping stretching bar to either side of the user allows for arm and shoulder stretching. In addition, the telescoping stretching bar can pivot to an angular orientation with respect to the user's waist. By changing the angle of the telescoping stretching bar and the position of the bar, with respect to the seated user, the target muscle groups change. Because of its open design the stretching machine can be easily operated by the user or easily assisted by a therapist or trainer. The telescoping stretching bar of the stretching machine uses a series of telescoping tubes to achieve a greater length when being used and extended, than when collapsed and not in use.

1 . A stretching apparatus, comprising: 
 a base;    an extendable column connected to the base; and    a handle connected to the extendable column.    
   
   
       2 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base.  
   
   
       3 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base such that the extendable column pivots in the horizontal direction with respect to a surface on which the stretching apparatus sits.  
   
   
       4 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base such that the extendable column pivots in the vertical direction with respect to a surface on which the stretching apparatus sits.  
   
   
       5 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base such that the extendable column pivots in the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to a surface on which the stretching apparatus sits.  
   
   
       6 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the handle is adjustable.  
   
   
       7 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein extendable column comprises at least two telescoping elements capable of being arranged in a nested arrangement.  
   
   
       8 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 7  wherein the extendable column includes a means for extending a first telescoping element from within a second telescoping element.  
   
   
       9 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 8  further comprising a means for maintaining the first and second telescoping elements in a desired orientation.  
   
   
       10 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 7  wherein the extendable column includes a means for extending a first telescoping element from outside of a second telescoping element.  
   
   
       11 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a seat.  
   
   
       12 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 11  wherein the seat is attached to the base.  
   
   
       13 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 11  wherein the seat comprises a seat bottom and a seat back.  
   
   
       14 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the seat back is adjustable.  
   
   
       15 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 11  wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base such that the extendable column pivots about the seat in the horizontal direction with respect to a surface on which the stretching apparatus sits.  
   
   
       16 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 11  wherein the seat is pivotally attached to the base.  
   
   
       17 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the seat bottom is adjustable.  
   
   
       18 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the seat bottom rotates.  
   
   
       19 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a foot rest.  
   
   
       20 . The stretching apparatus as set forth in  claim 19  wherein the foot rest is adjustable.