Stretching Apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a stretching apparatus which is used to stretch the posterior muscles and tendons by means of powered stretching movements. The apparatus comprises a body ( 102 ), a seat area ( 101 ) a moveable handle grip ( 111 ) and foot pedals ( 105 ). In use grips ( 111 ) are moved forward whilst the user keeps his or her legs straight. That movement stretches some of the posterior muscles (including the back and buttock muscles). Further movement of the foot pedals 105 toward the user stretches his or her upper and lower leg muscles. The stretching movements could be mechanical, e.g. spring or worm screw actuated, or other power could be used. Electronic control ( 120 ) of the apparatus is described.

1 . A stretching apparatus for stretching the posterior muscles and tendons by means of powered stretching movements of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a body having a seat area, at least one powered foot pedal mounted to the body and arranged with the seat area for generally straight-legged sitting of a user, and a powered handle mounted to the body and arranged for pulling the user forwardly to cause the powered stretching movements. 
     
     
         2 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein is adapted such that the handle is powered for pulling the user forward for stretching movements and the foot pedal is powered for movement in substantially the opposition direction for further stretching movements. 
     
     
         3 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the handle is moved first followed by the foot pedal. 
     
     
         4 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 3  wherein, the handle includes hand grips. 
     
     
         5 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  wherein, the grips are moveable generally away from the seat area and toward the foot pedal for causing stretching of the posterior muscles and tendons. 
     
     
         6 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  wherein, the grips include a pair of grips with adjustable relative positions. 
     
     
         7 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the foot pedal(s) are moveable generally to cause toes of the feet of the user to move back toward the seat area while legs of the user are generally straight. 
     
     
         8 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein, the pedals are pivotable on the body. 
     
     
         9 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the height of the grips is adjustable relative to the seat area. 
     
     
         10 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the stretching movements are caused by stored mechanical energy. 
     
     
         11 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, the stretching movements are caused by one or more of electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically powered actuators. 
     
     
         12 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, the stretching movements are caused by mechanical energy produced by the user. 
     
     
         13 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, the apparatus includes mechanical stops and/or sensors operable to predefine the limit of the extent the stretching movements. 
     
     
         14 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further including stretching movement dampers or other control of stretching movements to restrict the velocity of the movements. 
     
     
         15 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 14  wherein, the damping or other control of release movements in the opposite direction to the stretching movements is provided. 
     
     
         16 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, the stretching movements to a first extent are followed by release movements in the opposite direction to the stretching movements, in turn followed by further stretching movements to a second extent of a greater distance than the first extent, followed by further release movements, and optionally further stretching movements with increasing extent, until a predefined extent has been obtained, each of the stretching movements being followed by further release movements. 
     
     
         17 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the grips are pivotable and thereby provide means for stretching the muscle and tendons associated with arm stretching. 
     
     
         18 . Stretching apparatus as claimed in  claim 17  wherein, the means includes pivotable hand grips.