Facilitated stretching machine

Abstract

A system to facilitate stretching for a user, including a force-applying component and a subject-engaging surface, such that the force applying element is attached to a first end of a rotatable element that rotates about a first point of secured support, or fulcrum, and the subject engaging surface is operatively connected to a second end of said rotatable element, such that application of force via the force-applying component causes rotational movement of the subject-engaging surface toward the user.

1 . A system to facilitate stretching for a user, comprising:
 a first element selectively capable of applying a force directed toward said user via a second element,   wherein said second element is operatively connected to said first element, such that when a force is selectively applied to the first element, said second element translates said force and moves a surface in a first direction.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a third element operatively connected to said first and said second element such that the third element may be selectively operable to limit movement of said surface in said first direction. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a supporting surface capable of supporting the user in a position, such that the supporting surface can resist applied force applied by the first element. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said second element is attached to a first end of a rotatable element that rotates about a first fulcrum, and said second element is operatively connected to a second end of said rotatable element, such that application of force via first element causes rotational movement of the surface in a first rotational direction. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , further including a user-operated release element connected to said first end of said rotatable element which functions to release force applied by the first element. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the release element comprises an elongate bar with a first end operatively connected to said force-applying component and a second end manually-operable by said user. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first element is a surface. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the third element comprises an elongate bar with a first end operatively connected to the second element and a manually operable second end. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the supporting surface remains stationary when the surface is moved in the first direction. 
     
     
         10 . A method of facilitating stretching, comprising:
 providing a first element having a surface; and   providing a second element capable of accepting a weight, wherein the first element is operatively connected to the second element such that the accepted weight associated with the first element actuates the surface by rotation about a fulcrum to apply a force against a user's body.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing a third element capable of reducing the applied force against the user's body.