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.

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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