GB2223955A - Compact stretching aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A compact stretching aid, e.g. for use in the Martial Arts, Gymnastics and Athletics, comprises two padded platforms 31 and 32, Fig. 1. The first of these is anchored to the floor by means of rubber feet whilst the second platform is free to move in a straight line due to four wheels 28, Fig. 8 one placed within each corner and protruding below the main chassis 6 of the platform. The User would assume the splits position (Fig. 1) in the normal fashion, the back foot is placed on the moving first platform 31 and the front foot on the second rolling platform 32 which rolls in the direction of the stretch. The hands are placed on the floor for stability as normal for the splits. More or less weight is then transferred to the feet pushing them further apart and hence stretching. <IMAGE>

Description

COMPACT STRETCHING MACHINE This invention relates to a compact stretching machine, in particular an aid for stretching the ligaments and tendons of the human body. Increasing the length by which the tendons and ligaments may stretch gives the joints a greater range of movement and flexibility.

Increased flexibility is desirable in many sports for example martial arts, gymnastics, dancing, athletics, skating and ballet. Stretching machines currently available tend not to lend themselves to portability or be of such a shape not condusive to convenient carriage to locations where its use would be an advantage. Such locations could be sports centres where its use would be prior to an event.

One aim of the invention is to provide an efficient stretching machine whilst maintaining compact dimensions to facilitate carriage in the average sized sports bag.

According to the present invention there is provided two padded platforms, the first of these is anchored to the floor by means of rubber feet whilst in use, hereinafter described as platform one. The second platform is free to move in a straight line due to four wheels one placed within each corner and protruding below the main chassis of the platform hereinafter described as platform two.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. shows the user in the splits position utilising the stretch machine.

Figure 2. shows the user in the front box splits position utilising the stretch machine.

Figures3. shows the user in the splits position using the stretch machine aided ty a second person.

Figure 4. is an end view of the chassis of platform two.

Figure 5. is a side view of the chassis of platform two in the direction of arrow B of Figure 4.

Figure 6. is a plan view of the chassis of platform two in the direction of arrow A of Figure 4.

Figure 7. is a plan view of the underside of the complete platform two.

Figure 8. is a section view of platform two on x - x of Figure 7. in the direction of arrow D.

Figure 9. is an end view of platform two in the direction of arrow C of Figure 7.

Figure 10. is an end view of the chassis of platform one with the lower side uppermost.

Figure 11. is a side view of the chassis of platform one in the direction of arrow F of Figure 10.

Figure 12. is a plan view of the lower side of the chassis of platform one in the direction of arrow E of Figure 10.

Figure 13. is a plan view of the lower side of the complete platform one.

Figure 14. is a side view of platform one in the direction of arrow H of Figure 13.

Figure 15. is a section view of platform one on y - y of Figure 13. in the direction of arrow G.

Figure 16. is a perspective view of either platform one or platform two, The physical dimensions being the same except that platform one has rubber feet on the unseen lower side and platform two has wheels on the unseen lower side.

Figure 17. is a plan view of a wheel.

Figure 18. is a side view of a wheel in the direction of arrow I of Figure 17.

Figure 19. is a side view of a rubber foot.

Figure 20. is a plan view of the underside of a rubber foot in the direction of arrow J of Figure 19.

Another aim of the invention is to allow the ligaments and tendons to be stretched. This is acheived by placing the two platforms on the floor, rubber feet and wheels in contact with the floor. The initial distance between the two platforms depends on the user and extending to the splits position.

Platform two 32 is placed to roll in the direction towards and away from Platform one 31. The user 1 and 2 then places one foot on each platform as in Figure 1.or 2.depending on side or full splits respectively. The user 1 and 2 then stretches using the hands as normal for the splits. Varying weight is transferred from the hands to the feet allowing the foot on platform two 32 to move away from platform one 31 and hence stretching is achieved.

According to another aspect of the invention platform two 32 can only move forwards and backwards in a straight line from platform one 31. The aim of restricting platform two 32 to the afrementioned movement increases the stability of the user 1, 2 and 3. Platform two 32 may only move towards or away from platform one 31 even when the force applied by the user 1, 2 and 3 is not directly in line with the stretch. This feature is especially relevant when the user 2 assumes the full splits position Figure 2. where the force applied is not always in the direction of the stretch hence greater efficiency is achieved. Figures 1. 2. and 3. show arrows 5 indicating the direction of movement of platform two 32 with respect to the stationary platform one 31.

Referring to the drawings, the stretch machine comprises two padded platforms Figures 1. 2. or 3.

Platform one 31 comprises of a chassis 17 the lower side 14 of which lies parallel to the ground in use. The lower side has four rubber feet 18 attached by screws 19 to the screw guides 16. The upper side 15 of the chassis 17 has a padded cushion 22 for example foam which is bonded to the surface.

The chassis 17 and cushion 22 forms a sandwich which is covered with a pliable cover 21 for example leather or vinyl. The cushion 22 is compressed slightly by tension applied by the cover 21 which is stretched over the cushion 22 and wrapped round the chassis 17 and attached to the underside 14 by a suitable means such as staples 7 and trimmed to a border 20.

Platform two 32 comprises of a chassis 6 the lower side 25 of which lies parrallel to the ground in use. Within chassis 6 are four wheel recesses 4 which each house a wheel 28. The four wheels 28 are mounted in the recesses 4 by axles 8. The axles 8 are housed in bores 26. The wheels 28 are able to rotate freely about the axles 8 with suitable lubrication. The wheels 28 are held on the axles 8 laterally by bushes 10 for example a washer.

The upper side 24 of chassis 6 has a padded cushion 11 for example foam which is bonded to the surface. The chassis 6 and cushion 11 form a sandwich which is covered with a pliable cover 12 for example leather or vinyl.

The cushion 11 is compressed slightly by the tension applied by the cover 12 which is stretched over the cushion 11 and wrapped round the chassis 6 and attached to the lower side 25 by a suitable means such as staples 13 and trimmed to a border 9.

Claims (6)

1 A compact stretching aid comprising two padded platforms, the first of these is anchored to the floor by means of rubber feet whilst in use, the second is free to move in a straight line due to four wheels one within each corner and protruding below the main chassis of the platform.

2 A compact stretching aid as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first platform contains rubber feet attached to the underside of the chassis at each corner.

3 A compact stretching aid as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 wherein the first platform's movement is arrested in use by the rubber feet.

4 A compact stretching aid as claimed in any preceeding claim wherein the second platform contains wheels attached within the chassis and protruding below the same at each corner.

5 A compact stretching aid as claimed in any preceeding claim, wherein the movement of the second platform is restricted to forwards and backwards in a straight line by the wheels.

6 A compact stretching aid substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 20 of the accompanying drawings.