Stretching apparatus for stretching and strengthening the back

Abstract

The invention relates to a stretching apparatus on which a user lies face down or in a supine position and which is used for stretching the back. It consists of a framework with supports (1, 2; 3, 4) like a stepladder. Arranged at the upper, interconnected ends of the two supports (1, 2; 3, 4) is in each case a stationary, downwardly projecting carrier stub (5, 6). On both sides of the framework, a U-shaped carrier frame (7), with a recliner panel (11) thereon, is suspended at the connection points of the supports (1, 2; 3, 4). The recliner panel is movable thereon in a longitudinal direction. A carrier rod (14) extends parallel to the plane of the recliner panel (11) and carries a foot plate (17) at the rear. A U-shaped guide frame (18) is pivotably articulated on the lower, free ends of the stationary support stubs (5, 6) which extend downwards from the connection points of the supports (1, 2; 3, 4). During pivoting of the recliner panel (11) about its pivot axle (23), it is moved at a distance from the foot plate (17).

Description

Marcel Häne Badweg 5 CH-5707 Seengen Stretching device for stretching and strengthening the back

[0001] The invention relates to a traction device for independently stretching and strengthening one's own back. Many people suffer from back pain, and stretching their back on a traction bed brings them relief. However, conventional traction beds are not user-friendly enough and are often not operable alone, meaning that a person undergoing treatment cannot effectively use the traction bed independently; a therapist or assistant is required.

[0002] A traction device for back extension is known from WO 2015 / 107458 A1. This traction device consists of a base plate with a height-adjustable mast on which a table is mounted at the top. The table is pivotally mounted on this height-adjustable mast about a horizontal axis. Adjustable restraints for the upper arms are attached to a sliding carriage with padding at the head end of the table, and restraints with foot pads are attached to a sliding carriage with padding at the foot end of the table. A standing surface perpendicular to the table is formed at the foot end. Two handles for manually pivoting the table are hinged to the front of the upper mast section.The movable sleds with the cushions, together with the restraint devices on the couch, are connected to each other by means of pulleys with a steel cable around several deflection pulleys in such a way that by swiveling the couch around the horizontal position the sleds with the cushions can be coupled and moved apart and vice versa. The two sides can be moved in opposite directions. By rocking the lounger around its horizontal position, the back can be alternately stretched and relieved. While this design functions perfectly, it proves to be relatively complex and complicated to construct, heavy, bulky, and above all, expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, it can only be used while lying face down.

[0003] In view of this state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a stretching device for stretching and strengthening the back, which is simpler, lighter, more space-saving and less complex in design, so that it can also be manufactured more cost-effectively, and which in particular does not require cables, pulleys and deflection pulleys, and which is furthermore extremely easy and comfortable to use both in a prone and supine position, as well as being variably adjustable for different body sizes, and by means of which the stretching of the back can be very finely dosed by the user himself during application.

[0004] The task is solved by a stretching device for lying on one's stomach or back to stretch and strengthen the back, consisting of a frame with supports in the manner of a trestle ladder, so that the frame, viewed from the side, forms the shape of two inverted letters V arranged parallel to one another, with a stationary downward-projecting support stub arranged at the upper, interconnected ends of each of the two supports, and which is characterized in that on both sides of the frame, at the connection points of the supports, a U-shaped support frame is suspended from a pivot axis, on which a lying plate rests and is longitudinally slidable in the direction of movement, and a support bar extends rearward, fixed to the support frame and parallel to the plane of the lying plate, with a foot plate arranged perpendicular to this support bar at the bottom.and furthermore that a U-shaped guide frame is pivotally hinged to the lower free ends of stationary support stubs extending downwards from the connection points of the supports, and that this guide frame is pivotally connected at both ends to the lying plate via a connecting rod, so that due to the geometric arrangement of the U-shaped, The support frame to the U-shaped guide frame and their spaced-apart pivot axes when the lying surface is pivoted about its pivot axis, the same is moved at a distance to the foot plate.

[0005] The drawings show this stretching device and its individual parts, which are subsequently described, and the function of the stretching device is also explained and illustrated. It shows: Fig. 1: The stretching device in its erected operating position, seen from a slant front view in its entry position; Fig. 2: The stretching device in its erected operating position, viewed from an oblique front angle after the lying plate has been tilted or swung forward into the horizontal position; Fig. 3: The stretching device in its erect operating position, viewed obliquely from the front after tilting or pivoting the lying plate forward into a position in which the user lies upside down or with his head at the bottom and the footplate and his feet in their uppermost position; Fig. 4: The stretching device in the position according to Figure 3, seen from a rear oblique angle; Fig. 5: The stretching device in the position with the lying plate in an approximately horizontal position, seen from the side; Fig. 6: The stretching device in the entry position, seen from a diagonal rear right view; Fig. 7: The stretching device in the entry position, seen from a diagonal front right view; Fig. 8: The stretching device in the entry position, seen from a diagonal rear left.

[0006] Figure 1 shows the stretching device for lying on it in a prone or supine position to stretch and strengthen the back, in a view from a slightly oblique front left angle. Imagine a person standing to the right behind the stretching device, ready to step onto the footplate 15 visible below. The view is directed towards the stretching device, and from this position, right, left, front, and back are defined. The stretching device consists of a frame with supports 1, 2; 3, 4 in the manner of a trestle ladder, so that, viewed from the side, the frame forms the shape of two inverted letters V arranged parallel to each other. At the upper, interconnected ends of the two supports 1, 2; 3, 4, a stationary, downward-projecting support stub 5, 6 is arranged.In the example shown, the rear supports 3, 4 and the front supports 1, 2 are pivotally connected to each other via a pivot axis 23, so that the supports 1, 2; 3, 4 can be pivoted together like a trestle ladder for storing the stretching device when not in use. This pivot connection is not strictly necessary, however, and the supports on both sides can also be rigidly connected to each other at an angle. Specifically, a U-shaped support frame 7 is suspended from the connection points of the supports 1, 2; 3, 4, and a lying platform 11 is supported on the central leg or crossbeam 10 of this frame. Two guide rods 12, 13 extend along the front of this crossbeam 10, and the lying platform 11 is guided longitudinally by means of sliding sleeves 33.At the rear of the crossbeam 10, a support rod 14 extends rearward parallel to the surface of the lying platform 11, and at its rear end, it carries a footplate 15 arranged perpendicular to it. A second U-shaped guide frame 18 with longer legs 19, 20 is mounted on the pivot axis 24 at the lower free ends of the stationary support stubs 5, 6, with the support stubs 5, 6 extending downwards from the connection points of the stationary supports 1, 2; 3, 4. The guide frame 18 is pivotally connected to the lying platform 11 at both ends via a connecting rod 22. This is due to the geometric arrangement of the U-shaped support frame 7 relative to the U-shaped... Guide frame 18 and its spaced-apart pivot axes 23, 24 cause the lying surface 11 to be pivoted about its pivot axis 23, thus shifting it relative to the footplate 15. This stretches and strengthens the back of a person lying, for example, prone on the lying surface 11. This also works when the person is lying on their back on the lying surface 11.

[0007] The U-shaped support frame 7 for the lying platform 11 is thus suspended from these support stubs 5, 6, in that the U-legs 8, 9 of the support frame 7 are hinged at their free ends at the upper end region of the support stubs 5, 6 on the pivot axis 23, and the two U-legs 8, 9 are connected at their opposite ends to a crossbeam 10. This crossbeam 10 supports the lying platform 11, and guide rods 12, 13 extend forward at right angles from this crossbeam 10. The lying platform 11 is guided slidably along these guide rods 12, 13. Also extending at right angles to this crossbeam 10, but to the rear, is a support rod 14, at the lower end of which the footplate 15 is arranged at right angles to it. Above them are foot supports 16, 17, here in the form of two rubber rollers with a soft elastic surface.The second U-shaped frame 18 acts as a guide frame 18 and is hinged at the bottom of the support stubs 5, 6 by longer U-shaped legs 19, 20. Its U-shaped legs 19, 20 are hinged at their free ends in the lower end region of the support stubs 5, 6 to the pivot axes 24, and the two U-shaped legs 19, 20 are connected at their opposite ends by a crossbar 21. This crossbar 21 is pivotally connected to the crossbar 21 and to the underside of the lying plate 11 by at least one pivot rod 22, which has a joint at both ends. As a result of the pivot axes 23 of the U-shaped support frame 7 and the U-shaped guide frame 18 being spaced apart from each other, pivoting the lying surface 11 about its pivot axis 23 causes it to be displaced at its distance to the foot plate 15 on its guide rods 12, 13.When the user, lying prone on the lying platform 11, pivots the lying platform 11 forward in the direction of their gaze, it is moved forward relative to the footplate 11 and stretches the user. The user's back is turned, and when swiveling backward, the lying platform 11 moves back towards the footplate 15. By adjusting the degree of swiveling of the lying platform 11, the user can finely control the degree of displacement of the lying platform 11 on which they lie, while their feet are held below the footrests 16, 17 to absorb the reaction forces of the extension force.

[0008] Initially, the user steps onto the footplate 15 from behind. They can hold onto the left handrail 25 and the right handrail 26. As can be seen, these handrails 25 and 26 extend above the supports 1, 2; 3, 4 over a large area of ​​the supports, allowing the user to comfortably hold onto them in any swivel position and control the swivel. When standing behind the stretching device, ready to mount, the user first grasps the handrails 25 and 26 with both hands and then steps onto the footplate 15, one foot at a time. They place their feet sideways onto the footplate 15 so that the rollers of the footrests 16 and 17 enclose their ankles from the front and back. They then lie prone against the lying platform 11 and can begin swiveling it.To do this, he pulls himself forward using the handles 25 and 26, initiating the swivel. He follows the swivel forward with his hands on the handles 25 and 26, perfectly controlling and modulating the degree of swiveling at all times. The more the lying platform 11 swivels forward, the further it is moved away from the footplate 15, thus stretching the back of the person lying on the lying platform 11. The same effect can also be achieved when the user is lying on their back.

[0009] Figure 2 shows the stretching device in its erect, usable position, viewed from a slightly oblique front angle, after the user's body has been brought into a horizontal position following the forward pivoting of the lying platform 11. The footplate 15 is now vertical, and the foot supports 16, 17 are visible in front of it. The support frame 7 for the lying platform 11 and the guide frame 18 for the articulated rod 22 are also visible. To improve the stability of the entire construction, the lower ends of the supports 1, 2; 3, 4 are The two seats are connected transversely by means of connecting struts 27 and 28, each of which is fitted with rubber caps 29 at its end for secure contact with the floor. A protective frame 30 is attached to the rear seats. This frame acts as a stop for the support rod 14 of the footplate 15, limiting its swivel range and stabilizing the footplate 11 when mounting the stretching device.

[0010] Figure 3 shows the stretching device in its erect, usable position, viewed from a slightly oblique front angle. In this illustration, the lying platform 11 is swivelled forward to its maximum extent. A user lying on it is then upside down, with their feet resting against the footrests 16, 17. In this position, the user is essentially suspended by the footrests 16, 17, achieving maximum extension of their back.

[0011] Figure 4 shows the stretching device in the same position as in Figure 3, but now viewed from a rear oblique angle. Here, the position of the egg-shaped support frame 7 and the U-shaped guide frame 18 can be seen. The guide frame 18 is pivotally connected to the underside of the lying plate 11 via the articulated rod 22. Due to the different positions of the pivot axes 23 and 24, these two frames 7 and 18, together with the articulated rod 22, cause the relative movement of the lying plate 11 on the support frame 7 when the lying plate 11 is pivoted.

[0012] Figure 5 shows the stretching device viewed from its left side, with the lying plate 11 in an approximately horizontal position. The pivoting of the lying plate 11 with the support frame 7 thus occurs about the pivot axis 23, and the pivoting of the guide frame 18 occurs about the lower pivot axis 24. This is crucial for generating the relative movement of these components and for moving the lying plate 11 with its sliding sleeves 33 along the guide rods by means of the articulated rod 22.

[0013] Figure 6 shows the stretching device in the entry position, viewed from a rear right angle. In this figure, the articulated struts 31, 32, which are installed on both sides between the respective supports, can still be seen. The spreading during setup of the stretching device is limited, which also contributes to the stability of the construction. The joint struts 31, 32 have a hinge 34 in their center so that the supports can be pivoted together and the stretching device can be folded up for space-saving storage.

[0014] Figure 7 shows the stretching device in the entry position, viewed from a slightly oblique front right angle. The U-shaped support frame 7 and, further down, the U-shaped guide frame 18 are visible, as well as the connecting rod 22 for linking the guide frame 18 to the lying plate 11. The two offset pivot axes 23 and 24 for the pivoting connection of the two frames, namely the support frame 7 and the guide frame 18, can be seen.

[0015] Finally, Figure 8 shows the stretching device in the entry position, viewed from a slightly rear left angle. The protective frame 30 is visible here, providing a stop for the support bar 14, thus ensuring the footplate 15 is stable for entry and cannot pivot further into the stretching device. To step onto the device, one foot at a time, the user holds onto the two handles 25 and 26 and can then pull themselves forward using them to initiate the pivoting motion in a very controlled manner and then finely adjust it. They can gently rock back and forth, thereby varying the stretching force acting on their back, entirely according to their preference and what feels comfortable at any given moment. Number index 1 front right support 2 Support front left 3. Rear right support, not visible in Figure 1 4 Rear left support 5 carrier stubs right 6 carrier mute left 7 U-shaped support frame for lying surface 11 8 Right U-shaped leg of the support frame 7 9 Left U-shaped leg of the support frame 7 10 crossbeams on a U-shaped support frame 7 11 Lying platform 12 Right guide rod on the crossbeam 13 Left guide rod on the cross member 14 Support rod for base plate 15 15 Footplate 16 Rear footrest 17 Front footrest 18 U-shaped guide frames, hinged at the bottom to the support stubs 5, 6 19 Right leg of the U-shaped support frame 17 20 Left leg of the U-shaped support frame 17 21 Crossbar between legs 19 and 20 22 Joint rod 23 Swivel hinge for U-shaped support frame 7 24 Swivel hinge for U-shaped guide frame 18 25 Left handlebar 26 Right handlebar 27 connecting struts at the front 28 rear connecting struts 29 rubber caps as a base 30 protective frames as stops 31 Left-hand joint struts 32 Right-hand joint struts 33 sliding sleeves at the bottom of the lying plate 11" 34 Sharp kidneys in the middle of the joint struts 31, 32

Claims

Patent claims 1. Stretching device for lying on it in a prone or supine position and for stretching and strengthening the back, consisting of a frame with supports (1, 2; 3, 4) in the manner of a trestle ladder, such that the frame, viewed from the side, forms the shape of two inverted letters V arranged parallel one behind the other, wherein a stationary downward-projecting support stub (5, 6) is arranged at the upper interconnected ends of the two supports (1, 2; 3, 4), characterized in that on both sides of the frame at the connection points of the supports (1, 2;3, 4) a U-shaped support frame (7) is suspended on a pivot axis (23), on which support frame (7) a lying plate (11) rests in a longitudinally displaceable manner and is fixedly connected to the support frame (7), and parallel to the plane of the lying plate (11) a support rod (14) extends rearward, with a foot plate (17) arranged perpendicular to this support rod at the bottom, and furthermore, that a U-shaped guide frame (18) is attached to the lower free ends of stationary support stubs (5, 6) which extend from the connection points of the supports (1, 2;3, 4) extend downwards, is pivotally hinged, and this guide frame (18) is pivotally connected at both ends to the lying plate (11) via a joint rod (22), so that, due to the geometric arrangement of the U-shaped support frame (7) to the U-shaped guide frame (18) and their spaced-apart pivot axes (23, 24), when the lying plate (11) pivots about its pivot axis (23), it is displaced at a distance from the foot plate (17).

2. Stretching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the U-shaped support frame (7) is suspended from these support stubs (5, 6) by the fact that the U-legs (8, 9) of the frame (7) are articulated with their free ends in the upper end region of the support stubs (5, 6) to the same on a pivot axis (23) and the two U-legs (8, 9) at their the far ends are connected to a crossbeam (10), this crossbeam (10) supporting the lying plate (11), and guide rods (12, 13) projecting forward at right angles from this crossbeam (10), on which the lying plate (11) is guided slidably along these guide rods (12, 13) with sliding sleeves (33), and the support rod (14) extends backwards at right angles, at the lower end of which the foot plate (15) is arranged at right angles to it, and above the same are foot brackets (16, 17), and furthermore, that the second U-shaped guide frame (18) with longer U-legs (19, 20) is suspended from the support stubs (5, 6) and pivotally connected to each of its pivot axes (24), in that its U-legs (19, 20) with their free ends in lower end region of the support stubs (5, 6) are hinged to the same and the two U-legs (19, 20) are connected at their opposite ends with a crossbar (21 ).which is pivotally connected to the crossbar (21) on one side and to the underside of the lying plate (11) on the other side by at least one joint rod (22), so that, due to the spaced-apart pivot axes (23) of the U-shaped support frame (7) and the U-shaped guide frame (18), when the lying plate (11) pivots about its pivot axis (23), it is displaced at its distance from the foot plate (17) on its guide rods (12, 13).

3. Stretching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a continuous handle (25, 26) is arranged on each side of the stretching device above the front supports (1 , 2) and the rear supports (3, 4).

4. Stretching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a protective frame (30) is attached to the rear supports (3, 4), that the foot plate (15) serves as a stop for the support rod (14) so ​​that the pivoting range of the same is limited and the foot plate (15) is stabilized when climbing onto the stretching device.

5. Stretching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front supports (1 , 2) are pivotally connected to the rear supports (3, 4) by being connected to each other at their upper ends via a pivot axis (23).

6. Stretching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front supports (1 , 2) are connected to the rear supports in the lower half of their support length by a joint strut (31 , 32) with a central hinge (34).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower ends of the front supports (1 , 2) and the lower ends of the rear supports (3, 4) are each connected by a connecting strut (27) which project laterally beyond the supports (1 , 2, 3, 4), and these connecting struts (27) are equipped at their ends with rubber caps (29) as a support.

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