Method and apparatus for extension and stretching of the spine called “a pole” simulator

Abstract

The method and apparatus for stretching, i.e., the so-called “A POLE” simulator, consists of one or two or more curved planks with several round apertures along the planks, which apertures serve for inserting upper cylindrical handles perpendicular to the planks, onto which cylindrical handles a patient holds onto with both of her/his hands, while pressing his/her forehead against the plank(s), thus stretching his/her spine, with the bottom ends of the planks containing round apertures for inserting lower cylindrical handles, onto which two foam rollers are pulled, in order to ensure comfort of the user when the roller is stuck into the crevasse or space between the upper thigh and the bottom of the stomach in the user's sitting position, and where by increasing the forward incline of the torso progressively in 5-10 degree increments and holding a fixed position at 10-15 second intervals until a maximum stretching distance forward is reached, after which the user returns in the initial position by moving the torso backwards in 5-10 degree increments (hereinafter the simulator) is intended for decompression of the spinal column, which effectively relieves stress, stretches and weakens the muscles of the back, muscles of the abdomen and chest. The simulator is a curved rod made of solid material In the upper part of the rod there are a number of holes, they serve to insert the upper crossbar perpendicular to the rod. The user, depending on his height, sets the crossbar to the required height and grabs the crossbar with both hands. In the lower part of the rod there is a hole for inserting the lower crossbar, on which shock absorbers are installed on both sides, which provide comfort to the user. The lower bar is placed under the stomach to the user's pelvic bone in a sitting position. By increasing the dosed tilt and holding the user's body forward for several seconds, the spinal column is decompressed, tension is relieved, back muscles, abdominal and chest muscles are stretched and relaxed. The device uses harnesses for people with disabilities to secure the arms of a disable person through armpits to the upper bar thus ensuring that the person is able to do the exercises. The angle of the tilt is determined by a tilt angle indicator bubble level located on rod or plank. The device is also designed to be portable and foldable in half in the middle of the plan or rod by using a hinge and a latch.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device comprising a simulator designed for stretching the human body, including the human spine, which simulator, consists of one or two or more curved planks with several round apertures along the planks, which apertures serve for inserting upper cylindrical handles perpendicular to the planks, onto which cylindrical handles a patient holds onto with both of her/his hands, while pressing his/her forehead against the plank(s), thus stretching his/her spine, with the bottom ends of the planks containing round apertures for inserting lower cylindrical handles, onto which two foam rollers are pulled, in order to ensure comfort of the user when the roller is stuck into the crevasse or space between the upper thigh and the bottom of the stomach in the user's sitting position, and where by increasing the forward incline of the torso progressively in 5-10 degree increments and holding a fixed position at 10-15 second intervals until a maximum stretching distance forward is reached, after which the user returns in the initial position by moving the torso backwards in 5-10 degree increments and holding a fixed position at 10-15 second intervals. 
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1  can further comprise one or two or more curved planks with several round apertures along the planks, where the planks can be split into two or more shorter parts by way of attaching each part to the other through hinges, in order to ensure an increased portability of the apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1  can further comprise handles which can be of shapes other than cylindrical, such as, shaped in a concave manner in order to ensure better finger grip. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1  can further comprise one or two or more curved planks where the curvature of such planks may vary, and the planks may be of varying shapes, in order to fit various body shapes of intended users. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1  with the bottom ends of the planks containing round apertures for inserting lower cylindrical handles, onto which two foam rollers are pulled, in order to ensure comfort of the user when the roller is stuck into the crevasse or space between the upper thigh and the bottom of the stomach in the user's sitting position, where the rollers can be made of different materials of different density, and which rollers can be of different length or circumference, in order to ensure the comfort of the users. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1  where the degrees of the incline may be more or less than 5-10 degrees, and the time of holding in a specific position when stretching can be more or less than 10-15 seconds, depending on the comfort and the ability of the user. 
     
     
         7 . A device for people with disabilities who for some reason are not able to grab the upper bar of the simulator, another modification of the simulator (the M-simulator) is provided. The M-simulator is equipped with two straps that hook onto the user's armpits, and the other end is attached to the upper crossbar of the M-simulator. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7  containing two straps and the modified upper crossbar, on which recesses are added to fix the straps on the crossbar. Recesses are necessary for securely securing the straps on the upper rung. 
     
     
         9 . A device designed for people who travel, with the folding rod of the simulator is foldable in the middle by use of a hinge, thus making the exercise machine compact, portable and convenient for transportation. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 9  which is a folding rod consisting of two arcs. The arcs are interconnected on the one hand through a strap hinge, and on the other hand, through a latch, for reliability, stability and safety of the invention. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 9 , when assembled, two arcs form a rod which is the base. The use of the simulator remains the same, as previously described in previous claims. The mechanism of use and impact of the folding simulator is no different from the main simulator discussed above in prior claims. 
     
     
         12 . A device acting as a tilt angle indicator bubble which is used to measure, determine and indicate the angle of the tilt of the rod or plank, and which is located and protruding on a side of the rod or plank thus enabling the user to determine the tilt angle.