AU2006100044B4 - A Muscle Stretching and Information Station - Google Patents

Description

A Muscle Stretching and Information Station The invention relates to a shaped frame and an angular box that allows the user to stretch a series of muscles. The box may be used externally or internally. If the station is used indoors it may have an access panel, which allows convenient storage. The box may have information panels that show instructions for use and can be used as an advertising display stand.

According to the present invention there is provided a stretching exercise aid comprising a box like structure that may be suitable for the storage of items therein, the structure including; A first surface upwardly inclined relative to the base of the structure and from the front end of the structure, the first surface being suitable for the placement of a users foot thereon in order to stretch the calf muscle, and; A second surface positioned above and behind the first surface and upwardly inclined in the same direction as and to a lesser extent than the first surface, the second surface being suitable for the placement of a users foot thereon to stretch the hamstring and lower leg muscles.

Above the floor mounted box is a shaped frame. This is positioned to surround the rear and both sides of the box, The shaped frame is provided as an upper body stretching exercise aid comprising of a suitable material such as steel tubing which is shaped on three sides around the box and fixed to the floor.

The frame is also suitable as a safety device that prevents individuals accidentally walking into the station if it is situated in public spaces.

Before and after any physical activity it is common advice to stretch the major muscle groups as a part of the warm up and warm down procedure. This is actually harder than it looks and often not done correctly. If the individual is exercising outdoors they may not warm up or warm down sufficiently. For indoor applications health clubs and other organisations also have difficulty communicating with the exerciser during their workout which can result in high customer attrition. They also often experience storage difficulties for towels in the change areas or small items in the exercise area as stretch bands or ropes.

An object of this invention is to provide an exercise station that allows the user to fully stretch a series of muscles and ligaments effectively storage and communication device to promote appropriate messages/information to the user. As well as a useful storage device for home use.

IP Australia 1 JUN 2006 Accordingly the box is floor mounted with a 45 degree angled front section, which is predominately used to stretch the calf muscles. The top section is angled at 13 degrees and used predominately to stretch the hamstrings. Both of these angled sections may be used to communicate corporate or advertising messages. The sides of the box may have hand holds and stretch bands or similar can also be passed through these holes and used as a part of the stretch routine.

Preferably the box can be made of wood or plastic material, but for heavy duty metal, concrete or equally hardwearing material may be used. The frame will preferably be made from a metal material, but others may be used. When used as functional furniture in the home, for example in a home gym and where colour and finish is an issue the muscle stretching box may be finished or unfinished, and may have removable information protectors for the user to customize.

The frame is manufactured to suit the application. An outdoor unit may be 1.8m high and has two side "arms" projecting 0.7m to maximise the exercise opportunity and help protect the public from accidentally walking into the unit.

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 shows the Exercise Station.

shows the advertising positions as white panels.

shows a method for stretching the calf muscle.

shows various stretching positions, one of the hamstring stretches and one upper body stretch.

shows an exercise using a stretch band through the frame.

Claims (2)

1. A stretching exercise aid comprising a frame and hollow box like structure suitable for the storage of items therein, the structure including; A first upwardly inclined relative to the base of the structure and from the front end of the structure, the first surface being suitable for the placement of a users foot thereon in order to stretch the calf muscle, and; A second surface positioned above and behind the first surface and upwardly inclined in the same direction as and to a lesser extent than the first surface, the second surface being suitable for the placement of a user foot thereon in order to stretch the hamstring and lower leg muscles. A three sided frame may be installed to surround the floor mounted box. Open to the front of the box like structure consisting of a upward inclined arch at the rear with two smaller side protection "arms" fixed from the rear arch frame and continuing to ground level or back to the rear frame as appropriate. The frame can be floor fixed, wall fixed or freestanding as appropriate

2. A stretching exercise aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein other fitness equipment such as stretch bands, free weights or similar can be used with the structure of the stretching exercise aid providing a stable surface for various exercise routines.