Abstract:
A pelvic clamp for back stretching is disclosed which provides temporary relief for low back pain by employing means for stretching the lumbar region. Embodiments which provide this means for stretching include a cam stop assembly, a block stop assembly, a slide panel assembly and a bend rod assembly. Each of these assemblies works by squeezing the sides of the pelvic region in order to hold it stationary while the user exerts pressure on assembly elements to force the upper torso away from the pelvic region.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of back pain. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for physical exercise and temporary relief of back pain. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Low back pain is very common today and has most likely existed before recorded history, e.g. due to carrying a heavy kill to a cave. It is estimated that 20% of the adult population is afflicted with chronic low back pain today, and 60% of the adult population will be afflicted by chronic low back pain at some time during their lifetime. 
     By far the best medicine for most skeletal/muscular ailments is exercise. Physical therapists recommend stretching our muscles before we exercise. However, a person cannot exercise if he is in so much pain that he cannot get up to do the exercise. 
     Since low back pain is such a common problem many devices have been invented that attempt to solve it. These devices attempt to resolve this problem with all kinds of methods, including hanging upside down, bending over backwards and stretching the entire body. Most of these inventions require participation of the user and require some amount of physical exertion which puts these inventions in the class of exercise devices. These exercise devices are generally complicated and take some time to prepare the user due to the strapping of the user into the device and the adjusting of the device to fit the user. 
     Existing devices for relief of back pain have several other problems. Some stretching devices work by requiring one end of the user&#39;s extremities to be stationary while the other is pulled in the opposite direction. Other inventions require considerable preparation by positioning the user in contorted positions, e.g. strap on a harness, position it, adjust it, take a measurement, calibrate the equipment, and other elaborate maneuvers. Some of the inventions are motorized and/or computerized, and require the supervision of another person, e.g., a doctor or chiropractor. These inventions generally have a lot of parts and are usually expensive. 
     These and other problems exist. Previous attempts to solve these and other problems include the following. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,194, issued to Kirk Saber on Aug. 29, 2000, discloses an alignment apparatus for spinal chord of human beings comprised of a board which includes channel and channel extends along length direction parallel to edges. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,079, issued to Richard P. Miller on Jun. 10, 1997, discloses a self contained portable traction apparatus that has a frame with two tensile force application devices and two frames which have parallel elongate struts. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,067, issued to Dennis J. Colonello on Jun. 21, 1988, discloses an exercise appliance for lower part of body having a backward curved part, a rocker part and a pelvis part. 
     While these patents and other previous methods have attempted to solve the above mentioned problems, none have utilized a combination of levers and squeeze panels in a portable device to target the area to be stretched. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an improved pelvic clamp for back stretching that addresses the above mentioned problems. 
     The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor&#39;s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the present invention. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor&#39;s claimed invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides a back stretching device. In particular, the present invention provides a back stretching device that provides temporary relief for low back pain. The present invention employs means for stretching the lumbar region. Assemblies which provide this means for stretching include a cam stop device, a block stop device, a slide panel device and a bent rod device. Each of these assemblies works by squeezing the sides of the pelvic region in order to hold it stationary while the user exerts pressure on assembly elements to force the upper torso away from the pelvic region. 
     The present invention targets the area to be stretched to the area between the hips and the shoulders. This minimizes the possibility of incurring neck and leg pain from using the device. The present invention is very simple to operate and takes very little time to prepare to use. The user simply lies on his back with his hips on the top of the invention base, positions himself so that the tips of two squeeze panels contact the soft tissue between the pelvis and top of the femur on each side; chooses the adjustment hole in the bottom of the squeeze panel for comfort and firm fit, then the user exerts pressure on two levers to engage the squeeze panels to hold the user&#39;s pelvic area stationary. While continuing to exert pressure on the levers with varying degrees of force, the user will effectively counter push the shoulders and upper torso away from the hips to stretch the lumbar area. Used properly the present invention can offer immediate relief from chronic back pain. Through regular use the present invention not only will relieve low back pain but also over time will allow the user to strengthen the muscles around the targeted area and help the user to return to a normal life style. 
     Before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     One advantage of the present invention is to provide a pelvic clamp for back stretching that targets the midsection of the body. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a pelvic clamp for back stretching that can be self operated without doctor supervision. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a pelvic clamp for back stretching that is easy to use. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a pelvic clamp for back stretching that is inexpensive. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a pelvic clamp for back stretching that is portable. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a pelvic clamp for back stretching that can be made of readily available materials. 
     Another advantage of present invention is that it is very portable and light weight. It can easily be moved from the bedroom to the exercise room and even be taken on trips. 
     The provision of this more simple and cost effective device has not been contemplated by the prior art. Nor does the prior art described above teach or suggest a pelvic clamp for back stretching which may be used by individuals of varying skill and strength levels, as well as people of varying ages. In the existing art, many of the devices are expensive to manufacture and are not easily portable. The foregoing disadvantages are overcome by the unique structure of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages and features of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows the positioning of a person preparing to use a cam stop embodiment, the preferred embodiment, of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a representation of the activation of a cam stop embodiment, the preferred embodiment, of the present invention and the resultant movement of the spinal column. 
         FIG. 3  shows a top perspective view of a cam stop embodiment, the preferred embodiment, of the present invention in the activated position. 
         FIG. 4  shows a top plan view of a cam stop embodiment, the preferred embodiment, of the present invention in the activated position. 
         FIG. 5  shows a top plan view of a cam stop embodiment, the preferred embodiment, of the present invention in the static position. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a cam stop lever element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a cam stop squeeze panel element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of a mount assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of base assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of a pelvic clamp for back stretching according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a top perspective view of a block stop embodiment of a pelvic clamp for back stretching in the activated position. 
         FIG. 12  shows a top plan view of a block stop embodiment of a pelvic clamp for back stretching in the activated position. 
         FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of a block stop embodiment of a pelvic clamp for back stretching. 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a block stop lever according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a block stop squeeze panel element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows a top plan view of a slide panel pelvic clamp for back stretching in the static position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows a top plan view of a slide panel pelvic clamp for back stretching in the activated position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows a top perspective view of a bent rod pelvic clamp for back stretching in the activated position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows a top plan view of a bent rod pelvic clamp for back stretching in the activated position according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of a bent rod lever element according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of a bent rod lever retainer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  shows an exploded view of a bent rod pelvic clamp for back stretching according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention works by holding the pelvic region stationary while the user applies pressure to both levers simultaneously to force the upper torso away from the pelvic region. This is a stretching action, which helps to stretch the lumbar region. The user simply lies on his back with his hips on the invention base, positions himself so that both squeeze panel tips contact the soft tissue between the pelvis and top of the femur on each side. Then the user applies pressure on both levers to engage both squeeze panels to hold the pelvic area stationary. While continuing to apply pressure on the handles with varying degrees of force the user counter pushes the shoulders and upper torso away from the hips to stretch the lumbar area. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 10 , the preferred embodiment, cam stop device  1 , works by holding the pelvic region stationary while the user pushes on each cam lever  070  to force the pelvic region away from the upper torso. This is a stretching action, which separates the lumbar region. The user simply lies on their back with their hips on the invention base, positions themselves so that both squeeze panel tips contact the soft tissue between the pelvis and top of the femur on each side. Then the user pushes down on both cam levers  070  to engage both squeeze panels  060  to hold the pelvic area stationary. While continuing to push down on the handles with varying degrees of pressure the user counter pushes the shoulders and upper torso away from the hips to stretch the lumbar area. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is made entirely of wood, metal screws, and bolts. However, other materials, e.g. plastic, or light weight metal, may be used. 
     Base assembly  020  is the foundation to which all other parts are mounted and is comprised of base  010  and a plurality of wood screw  080 . Base  010  is preferably made from cabinet finish type plywood, with dimensions of 2′×1′×0.5″. Two of mount assembly  030  are mounted to each end of base assembly  020 . Each mount assembly is comprised of mount  040 , which is preferably a standard finished two by four board beveled to 45 degrees at both ends and being 4.5 inches long on the top shortest surface. Mount  040  is further comprised of first pivot hole  041  and second pivot hole  042 . First pivot hole  041  and second pivot hole  042  are both ⅜″ in diameter. First pivot hole  041  is positioned approximately 1 inch diagonally from first corner  043 . Second pivot hole  042  is positioned approximately 1 inch diagonally from second corner  044 . Pivot rod  050  is preferably ⅜″×4.5″ carriage bolts, and both first pivot hole  041  and second pivot hole  042  are counter sunk to accommodate the carriage bolt heads on the bottom side of mount  040 . One pivot rod  050  is inserted in first pivot hole  041  and another pivot rod  050  is inserted in second pivot hole  042 , in preparation for the mounting of squeeze panel  060  and cam lever  070 . 
     Each squeeze panel  060  mounts on the pivot rod that is further from the edge of the base. Squeeze panel  060  is preferably made of a 2″×6″ standard finished board and is approximately 8′ long with the ends rounded. Squeeze panel  060  preferably has six of squeeze panel adjustment hole  061 , approximately ⅜″ in diameter, along the bottom facing side of squeeze panel  060 . These six holes are preferably 0.25″ apart starting 2″ from one end of squeeze panel  060 . These holes allow for moving each squeeze panel  060  to the hole that will accommodate the girth of the user&#39;s hips firmly when activated. 
     Cam lever  070  is preferably fashioned from a 2″×6″ standard finished board with one end shaped into a handle and the other end having a curve, e.g. an are of approximately a 2″ radius, to contact squeeze panel  060 . Cam lever  070  preferably has cam hole  071  that is a roughly ⅜″ perpendicular hole, approximately 1.5″ from the curved end for mounting on the appropriate pivot rod  050 . Pivot rod  050  is preferably off-center of the 2′ radius center by about 0.5″ so that the rotation of cam lever  070  creates a cam action with squeeze panel  060 . 
     All these parts: mount  040 , pivot rods  050 , squeeze panel  060 , and cam lever  070  make up mount assembly  030 . Each mount assembly  030  is then mounted to base assembly  020  using two 1.5″×0.38″ wood screw  080 . One mount assembly  030  is placed flush with one of the short sides of base assembly  020  and preferably 2″ from one of the long sides of base assembly  020 . The other mount assembly  030  is placed flush with the opposite side of base assembly  020  and preferably 2″ from the long side of base assembly  020 . The short sides of base assembly  020  are preferably 1 foot in length. The long sides of base assembly  020  are preferably 2 feet in length. Each mount assembly  030  is held in place with two 1.5″×0.38″ wood screws placed through the bottom side of base assembly  020  so that the wood screws each penetrate through mount assembly  030  approximately 1″ from the long side and 1″ from the short side of mount assembly  030  and on the opposite corner from which pivot rod  050  is mounted. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11  through  FIG. 15 , an alternate embodiment is shown illustrating block stop device  2 , block stop lever  070 BS, block stop squeeze panel  060 BS, block stop pivot rod  050 BS, block stop mount  040 BS, wood screw  080  and block stopper  200 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , an alternate embodiment is shown illustrating slide panel device  3 , slide panel lever  070 SP and slide panel squeeze panel  060 SP. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18  through  FIG. 22 , an alternate embodiment is shown illustrating bent rod device  4 , bent rod mount  040 BR, bend rod lever  070 BR, and base  010 . 
     With respect to the above description, it should be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore, all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed only by the scope of appended claims. 
     While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred versions of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalents.