Abstract:
A stretching machine that can be used for rehabilitation, medical treatment and fitness for paraplegics and athletes. The stretching machine is comprised of a stretching bar and a base. The stretching machine allows the user to stretch while in a seated or standing position. The telescoping stretching bar includes a mechanism for allowing the user to sit and fully extend his arms either directly in front of his torso, directly above his head, or any angle in between. Positioning the telescoping stretching bar to either side of the user allows for arm and shoulder stretching. In addition, the telescoping stretching bar can pivot to an angular orientation with respect to the user&#39;s waist. By changing the angle of the telescoping stretching bar and the position of the bar, with respect to the seated user, the target muscle groups change. Because of its open design the stretching machine can be easily operated by the user or easily assisted by a therapist or trainer. The telescoping stretching bar of the stretching machine uses a series of telescoping tubes to achieve a greater length when being used and extended, than when collapsed and not in use.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/500,293, filed Sep. 4, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention is generally related to an apparatus for safely facilitating stretching exercises and rehabilitation. More particularly, the invention is directed to a stretching apparatus that allows stretching of a wide variety of muscle groups without undue stress.  
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART  
       [0003]     A physically fit person is defined by a combination of strength, endurance, and flexibility. Many individuals concentrate on strength and endurance by engaging in activities such as weight lifting and jogging, but ignore the need to be flexible. However, it is widely recognized by experts in the field that stretching prior to commencing an exercise regimen is of paramount importance to reduce the likelihood of exercise related injuries. Furthermore, lack of flexibility can lead to problems with the lower back, etc., as a person ages.  
         [0004]     Stretching is also an important part of any physical therapy regimen practiced by patients undergoing physical rehabilitation following an accident or illness, as well as patients seeking relief from common ailments such as back pain. This type of therapy is commonly supervised by a highly trained physical therapist, and may be conducted in a hospital setting or at the patient&#39;s home. Paraplegic and quadriplegic patients must also have their limbs stretched on a regular basis to avoid further medical complications. For severely impaired patients, the therapist must maneuver the patient&#39;s limbs through a full range of motion while at the same time being careful not to force or over stretch the muscles.  
         [0005]     Traditionally, pre-exercise, post-exercise, as well as therapeutic stretching exercises, are performed on the floor using a simple floor mat, or by hanging from a bar. In a typical floor stretching exercise, a person sits with his legs in a straddle position extended out in front of his torso. The person bends his torso into the mat, thereby stretching his legs and back muscles. To maximize the stretch, the person may extend his arms out over his head in a reaching fashion and the stretch is held for a short period of time. The stretching exercise may be assisted with the help of a partner or therapist. For severely impaired patients, a therapist must individually move each of the patient&#39;s limbs while the patient is on a table or on the floor. In a hanging stretch exercise, the person hangs from a bar, such as, for example, in a chin-up preparation position, and allows the weight of his or her own body to provide a downward stretch. This method is particularly undesirable in a therapeutic environment since the full body weight often provides many times more force than is necessary or desired to accomplish the stretch, thus putting strain on the muscles. Additionally, a patient in therapy often lacks the strength in their hands that is required to support their own body weight.  
         [0006]     In the design and manufacture of exercise machines, the trend has been to move away from manual or free-weight apparatuses and to provide more machines which are designed to ensure proper movement of a specific muscle group. Although this trend has been more prevalent for muscle building exercise machines, it is becoming more prevalent for stretching machines as well.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,090 to Reed shows an exercising machine for stretching a user&#39;s leg and back muscles, which closely simulates conventional floor exercises. A user sits with his legs extended out and locked in front of his torso. A handgrip is provided at the end of a motorized telescoping arm for the user to grasp. Forward and reverse buttons on the handgrip are used to control the direction of the telescoping arm as it pulls the user to the floor or pushes him back to a sitting position. This machine is mechanically complex and extremely limited in the types of exercises and range of motions that can be accomplished. For example, this type of machine cannot be used in a therapeutic environment where the patient has a back injury and is physically unable to bend at the torso. Additionally, since it is a user operated motorized machine, that is actually stretching the muscles, it would be easy for an inexperienced or overzealous user to go too far and cause muscle hyperextension or some other unhealthy result.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,453 to Hestilow shows an example of a stretching machine where a user sits with his legs secured in a pair of leg decks which are longitudinally slidable to accommodate different size users. A hydraulic jack is used to move the leg decks in an arc movement to stretch the user&#39;s legs in a spread-eagled fashion. A handle bar is positioned in front of the user in the same plane as the user&#39;s legs to aid in front stretches.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,684 to Ruff shows a leg stretch machine somewhat similar to the one that is described in Hestilow. A crank and ratchet mechanism is provided which, when turned, moves a pair of spreader arms to split a user&#39;s legs apart. A hand-grip is bolted to a central bar in front of the user near the ground. This allows the user to pull his upper body closer to the floor with his legs spread thereby simulating various martial arts positions.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,504 to Mangini shows a stretching machine where a seat is provided with pivotally mounted leg platforms extending there from. A user sits in the seat in an upright position with his legs strapped into the leg platforms. The machine employs a steering wheel type crank which, when turned, moves the leg platforms and stretches the user&#39;s legs apart. A rod is positioned directly in front of the user. The rod has a left and right hand grip and a cable extending from the center of the rod to the seat backrest. When the user grasps and turns the rod, a ratchet mechanism winds the cable around the rod pulling the backrest forward and causing the user to assume a bent over posture. In this manner, the leg and back muscles are stretched simultaneously.  
         [0011]     The aforementioned stretch exercise machines offer significant improvement over conventional floor exercises in that they ensure proper muscle movement and, in most cases, allow for holding the muscles in a stretched position for a period of time. Unfortunately, the stretch machines only allow the user to assume a straight-out, bent over posture and do not permit side-to-side movements or vertical stretch movements, which simulate hanging.  
         [0012]     To date few advances have been made in the design of machines which facilitate stretching exercises. Typical examples are U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,801 to Davies and U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,560 to Davies. These machines are essentially leg stretching machines with an added back stretching bar. The user sits on these machines with their legs positioned outward, resting on a pair of movable leg supports. The user turns a crank to which moves the leg supports outward, away from each other in a jaw like fashion thus stretching the legs apart. The user then positions the stretching beam, captured between the two leg supports in front of him, grasps the handle that rides along the beam and stretches forward thus stretching the users&#39; back. While primitive, this is the finest back stretcher to date. Unfortunately, the stretch machines only allow the user to assume a straight-out, bent over posture and side-to-side stretching is limited by the leg flexibility of the user.  
         [0013]     It is important that stretching be carried out with smooth continuous movements, rather than bouncy movements, in order to avoid injuries during the stretching exercise itself. Ideally, the muscles should be in a relaxed state to maximize the stretch and to avoid undue stress on the muscle, tendons, and skeleton. In addition stretching a wide variety of muscle groups will maximize the benefit to the user. Having a machine designed to accomplish these objectives would be advantageous since it would encourage healthy individuals to include stretching in their fitness routine, and would aid in rehabilitation and treatment regimens as well as reduce the cost of therapy.  
         [0014]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus for stretching a wide variety of a user&#39;s muscle groups.  
         [0015]     It is an object of this invention to provide a stretching apparatus useful for rehabilitation, medical treatment and fitness.  
         [0016]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus which is convenient and easy to use.  
         [0017]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus which allows for a wide variety of stretches in a wide variety of directions.  
         [0018]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus which decreases the risk of injury to the user.  
         [0019]     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus which allows for smooth and continuous movements by the user.  
         [0020]     Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]     A stretching apparatus provides safe and effective stretching of a wide variety of muscle groups while the user is in a relaxed sitting or semi-prone orientation. The stretching apparatus includes a mechanism for stretching the back, arm and shoulder muscles without using the full weight of the patient to apply the stretching force. The back, arm, shoulder muscles, and joints of a paraplegic can be stretched with the user in a seated position. For example, the user is permitted to stretch above his head as well as towards his or her feet. In addition, the back and arm muscles and joints can be stretched with the user&#39;s torso being turned towards one side or the other, thus, a different set of muscle groups and joints are stretched than when the torso is oriented in a forward direction. The stretching apparatus can also include a mechanism for allowing the user to stretch in an arched back position thus allowing additional backstretches. When the user is seated with the stretching bar positioned at his side, or he positions the telescoping stretching bar to either side of his torso he can stretch the shoulder joint and the various muscles of his shoulder. All stretching mechanisms can be motorized, controlled by hand crank, and or computer controlled by adding sensors, cables, pulleys, ropes, gears, chains, torque converters or any suitable means. In addition, a weight attachment, magnetic or mechanical resistance may be added to the back stretching apparatus to add strengthening capabilities to the telescoping stretching bar. Electronic sensors may be added for positive feedback to the user, such as audible commands or tones, as well as to provide a trainer or therapist with stretching assessment information. There can be as few as two tubes for the telescoping section of the telescoping stretching bar; however, there can be three or more depending on the extension length desired. The pivoting end of the telescoping section may be either the smaller or the larger diameter tube. The telescoping stretching bar handle may take several forms such as Velcro straps, a T handle, or other. The telescoping stretching bar may also have a fixed hand grip means at the end or may have an attachment port at the end to accommodate the various handle configurations or other attachments. The hand grip may also be slidably connected to the telescoping section of the stretching bar. The footrest may be removable and can be adjustable and can also rotate up to 360 degrees. The stretching machine may also contain a seat or back support and can include a single or multiple pivoting arms. The location of the pivoting arms may vary depending on the application. There are also other mechanisms that can be built into this stretching machine like a thigh spreading mechanism or a leg spreading mechanism. Indices can be added to the moving mechanisms to represent degrees similar to a goniometry. A scale similar to that of a yardstick can be added to the telescoping section of the stretching machine for measuring the stretch. All angle adjustments will use pin locks or other suitable means. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the first embodiment ( 29 ) of the stretching machine invention, which is wheelchair accessible or can be used while standing;  
         [0023]      FIGS. 3 &amp; 4  are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the second embodiment ( 27 ) of the stretching machine invention where a seat ( 7 ) has been added to the first embodiment ( 29 ) of the stretching machine invention;  
         [0024]      FIGS. 5 &amp; 6  are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the third embodiment ( 22 ) of the stretching machine invention where a back support assembly ( 37 ) has been added to the second embodiment ( 27 ) of the stretching machine invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the stretching machine according to the fourth embodiment ( 38 ) of the stretching machine invention wherein the pivoting arm ( 3 ) of the stretching machine has been added to the third embodiment ( 22 ) of the stretching machine invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the stretching machine according to the fifth embodiment ( 39 ) of the stretching machine invention where movable seat back assembly ( 37 ) ports ( 30 ) have been added to the second embodiment ( 27 ) of the stretching machine invention;  
         [0027]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are side views and  FIG. 10  is a top view of the stretching machine according to the sixth embodiment ( 21 ) of the stretching machine invention. The telescoping stretching bar ( 32 ) can now pivot to either side of the seat because the horizontal pivot of the horizontal pivoting arm ( 12 ) of the telescoping stretching bar  32  has moved from in front of the seat to under the seat to the central pivot point ( 6 ) of the third embodiment ( 22 ) of the stretching machine invention;  
         [0028]      FIGS. 11   a,    11   b,    11   c  and  12  are side views and  FIGS. 13, 14 ,  15  and  16  are top views of the stretching machine according to the seventh embodiment ( 20 ) of the stretching machine invention where the pivoting arm ( 3 ) of the stretching machine has been added to the sixth embodiment ( 21 ) of the stretching machine invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 17 &amp; 18  are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the eighth embodiment ( 40 ) of the invention where a swivel seat has been added to the first embodiment ( 29 ) of the stretching machine invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the expanded stretching bar that can be used by this invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the seat back assembly that can be used by this invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 22  is a top view of a rack that can be used with  FIG. 23  to complete a two-piece ratchet assembly used by this invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 23  is a top view of a pull pin-lock with a beveled pin that can be used with  FIG. 22  to complete a two-piece ratchet assembly used by this invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 24  is a top view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention; and  
         [0036]      FIG. 25  is a side view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 26  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 27  is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 26 ;  
         [0039]      FIGS. 28   a  and  28   b  are side views of the gimbal mechanism of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 26 ; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 29  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     ELEMENT LIST  
       [0041]    
       
           1 . Base  
           2 . Telescoping section of stretching bar  
           3 . Pivoting arm  
           4 . Footrest  
           5 . Vertical angle adjustment for the telescoping stretching bar  
           6 . Central pivot  
           7 . Seat  
           8 . Backrest  
           9 . Handle  
           10 . Adjustable pivot for handle  
           11 . Horizontal angle adjustment of telescoping stretching bar  
           12 . Horizontal pivoting arm of the telescoping stretching bar  
           13 . Vertical arc of the telescoping stretching bar  
           14 . Vertical arc of back support assembly  
           15 . Telescoping direction of telescoping stretching bar  
           16 . Height adjustment for back support assembly  
           17 . Depth adjustment for back support assembly  
           18 . Horizontal arc of pivoting arm of stretching machine  
           19 . Horizontal arc of stretching bar  
           20 . Seventh embodiment of the invention  
           21 . Sixth embodiment of the invention  
           22 . Third embodiment of the invention  
           23 . Arc of handle  
           24 . Counter balance for stretching bar  
           25 . Arc of footrest  
           26 . Vertical member of base  
           27 . Second embodiment of the invention  
           28 . Ratchet release or pin-lock  
           29 . First embodiment of the invention  
           30 . Port for movable back support assembly  
           31 . Landing area  
           32 . Telescoping stretching bar  
           33 . Holes  
           34 . Pin lock for vertical angle adjustment of stretching bar  
           35 . Pin lock for horizontal angle adjustment of stretching bar  
           36 . Pin lock for horizontal angle adjustment of pivoting arm of stretching machine  
           37 . Back support assembly  
           38 . Fourth embodiment of the invention  
           39 . Fifth embodiment of the invention  
           40 . Eighth embodiment of the invention  
           41 . Horizontal arc of pivoting back support assembly  
           42 . Stretching bar horizontal pivot point  
           43 . Stretching bar vertical pivot point  
           44 . Pivot for stretching bar handle  
           45 . Pin lock for stretching bar handle  
           46 . Bearings for telescoping tubes of telescoping stretching bar  
           47 . Pivot for footrest  
           48 . Inner tube of telescoping stretching bar assembly  
           49 . Middle tube of telescoping stretching bar assembly  
           50 . Outer tube of telescoping stretching bar assembly  
           51 . Pin lock for stretching bar attachments  
           52 . Stretching bar attachment port  
           53 . Vertical angle adjustment for back support assembly  
           54 . Vertical pivot point for back support assembly  
           55 . Upright support for back support assembly  
           56 . Backrest support for back support assembly  
           57 . Beveled pin  
           58 . Sliding carriage  
           59 . Direction of movement of sliding carriage  
           60 . Gimbal mechanism  
           61 . Height adjustment for vertical member  
           62 . Horizontal angle adjustment for gimbal mechanism  
           63 . Vertical angle adjustment for gimbal mechanism  
           64 . Seat tilting mechanism  
           65 . Seat tilt angle adjuster  
           66 . Seat tilt locking mechanism  
           67 . Seat swivel mechanism  
           68 . Pivot plate  
           69 . Tension springs  
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0110]     The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention.  
         [0111]     Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are shown side and top views of the stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral  29 . The support frame of the stretching machine is comprised of a base  1  which contains a single or multiple vertical support members  26  which are preferably made from tubular steel or a similar sturdy material of any desired cross-section, for example, round, square, U-shaped, or other appropriate shape. In the preferred embodiment, the telescoping stretching bar assembly  32  (shown in additional detail in  FIGS. 19 and 20 ) consists of three nesting sections  48 ,  49 ,  50  and attaches to a vertical support member  26  of the base  1 . In the preferred embodiment, the stretching machine includes an arm, back and shoulder stretching component called the telescoping stretching bar  32 . The telescoping stretching bar  32  projects outward from the base  1  and may be pivotally mounted to support  26  at a horizontal pivoting arm  12 . The telescoping stretching bar  32  has a vertical angle adjustment  5  that pivots at the telescoping stretching bar vertical pivot point  43 . A counter balance  24  may be used if desired. This pivot allows a seated user to change the vertical angle of the telescoping stretching bar  32 , while seated, to any position along the vertical arc  13  of the telescoping stretching bar  32 , thus allowing the user to sit and fully extend his arms either directly above his head, directly in front of his torso, or at any angle there between, as depicted by the vertical arc  13  of the telescoping stretching bar  32 .  
         [0112]     In addition, the telescoping stretching bar  32  can be pivoted to an angular orientation with respect to the user&#39;s waist as shown on  FIG. 2  by arrow  19 . The horizontal adjustment may be accomplished by moving the horizontal pivoting arm  12  towards the left or right while changing the horizontal angle adjustment  11  that pivots at pivot  42 .  
         [0113]     The telescoping stretching bar assembly  32  may include a handle  9  connected to a pivot  10  at its end or may contain an attachment port  52  at its end to accept a variety of other attachments which may be locked in place by means of a pin lock  51  (see  FIG. 20  for additional detail). The handle  9  may take numerous forms such as, for example, rubber or Velcro straps (not shown), a T handle or other suitable means for grasping. The handle  9  can pivot about pivot point  44  for particular exercises and can achieve any angular orientation as shown by arrow  23  on  FIG. 19 . A pin lock  45  is preferably used to retain the handle in the desired angular orientation. There can also be an attachment port  52  as shown on  FIG. 20  for the handle  9  and other attachment types. The handle  9  may also be attached to a carriage  58 , as shown on FIGS.  1  Ic,  24  and  25 , that is slidably attached to the telescoping stretching bar  32  such that movement in the direction of arrow  59  is permitted.  
         [0114]     If desired, the stretching machine  29  may include a footrest  4 . The footrest  4  may be adjustable about pivot point  47  through angle  25  as shown in further detail in  FIG. 19  and may further be removable.  
         [0115]     In operation the user may move his wheelchair to the landing area  31  according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The user then faces the telescoping stretching bar  32 , grasps the handle  9 , and adjusts the vertical angle  5  by pulling out the pin lock  34  then pushes the telescoping stretching bar  32  away from or pulls the bar to his body and then releases the pin lock  34  when the desired vertical angle along arc  13  is achieved. Then in a similar fashion the horizontal angle is chosen by pulling the horizontal angle adjustment pin lock  35 , while still grasping handle  9 , and swinging the telescoping stretching bar  32 , which is pivoting now at pivot point  42 , along arc  19  until the desired horizontal angle is achieved. The user then releases pin lock  35  and the horizontal angle is locked in. The user then begins to stretch, pushing the handle  9  outward away from his body in the direction shown by arrow  15 . The telescoping sections  2  of the telescoping stretching bar  32  now extend in the selected direction under the force of the user. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user&#39;s movements with bearings  46  providing smooth motion of the telescoping sections  2 .  
         [0116]     A ratchet mechanism (shown in detail in  FIGS. 22 and 27 ) built into the telescoping stretching bar  32  permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the handle  9  cannot slip backwards and the telescoping stretching bar  32  may hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time. The ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter. Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar  32  to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other stretching related injury. A release lever  28  may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle  9  can be lowered for another exercise repetition.  
         [0117]     The user may also enter wheelchair landing area  31  from the side thus positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar  32  towards their left or their right arm. In this position the user will operate the telescoping stretching bar  32  in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar.  
         [0118]     In addition to the previously described stretches the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar  32  for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle  9  or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle  9  or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component. In the latter case, a motorized mechanism would slowly raise the handle  9  in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user&#39;s arms, shoulders and back. For safety, an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user&#39;s movements. Since, the ratchet mechanism permits movement only in one direction, the handle  9  cannot slip backwards and the machine  29  can hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time.  
         [0119]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there are shown side and top views of the second embodiment of the stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral  27 . This stretching machine is similar to the first embodiment  29  of the stretching machine with the addition of a seat  7  added at the top of the base. If desired, vertical support members  26  of different lengths may be used to angle the seat  7 . For example, if the vertical support members at the rear of the sear  7  are shorter than the vertical support members  26  at the forward edge of the seat  7 , gravity will force the user towards the back of the seat  7 , thus aiding in the stretch. Alternatively, the angular orientation of the seat  7  may be adjustable. The seat  7  may also include grab bars on either or both sides. The grab bars may be attached to the seat  7  or to the base  1  as preferred.  
         [0120]     According to  FIG. 3  the user may sit facing the telescoping stretching bar  32  or may sit facing north with the telescoping stretching bar  32  to his left or the user may sit facing south with the telescoping stretching bar to his right. In this configuration, the stretching machine has a broader target user. An athlete, as well as a physical therapy patient may use this apparatus. In operation the user can sit facing the telescoping stretching bar  32  on seat  7  according to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The user then does all forward stretching in the same fashion as described in the first embodiment  29  of the stretching machine. Similarly, when the user is on the apparatus with their left arm or right arm adjacent to the telescoping stretching bar  32  the resulting stretch is also the same as previously described for the first embodiment  29  of this invention.  
         [0121]      FIGS. 5 and 6  represent the third embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral  22 . This stretching machine is similar to the second embodiment  27  of the stretching machine with the addition of a back support assembly  37  which may be particularly effective for providing upper and lower lumber support for a user when the telescoping stretching bar  32  is oriented in a vertical position. Pin locks can be used to permit the back rest  8  to move in the direction of arrow  16  along an upright support beam  55  or in the direction of arrow  17  along a backrest support beam  56 . The vertical angle  14  of the back support assembly  37  may also be adjusted about a pivot point  54  as required for certain exercises. This can be accomplished by changing the back support assembly vertical angle adjustment  53  on  FIG. 21 . The stretching routine however, remains the same as with the second embodiment  27  of the machine.  
         [0122]      FIG. 7  represents the fourth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral  38 . This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment  22  of the stretching machine with the addition of a pivoting arm  3  attached to the back support assembly  37 . This pivoting arm  3  can allow the back support assembly  37  to swivel, preferably 360°, and can lock at various positions around the seat  7  with pin lock  36 . The pivoting arm  3  can be used to attach a bar, a seat or other appropriate attachment. The stretching routine however, remains the same as with the previous embodiments of the invention.  
         [0123]      FIG. 8  represents the fifth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral  39 . This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment  22  of the stretching machine with the back support assembly  37  of  FIG. 21  being a separate attachment that may be moved to various ports  30  around the seat  7 . This configuration of the stretching machine invention would be cheaper to construct than reference numeral  38 . The stretching routine however, remains the same as with the previous embodiments of the invention.  
         [0124]      FIGS. 9   a,    9   b  and  10  represent the sixth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral  21 . This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment  22  of the stretching machine wherein the horizontal pivoting arm  12  has been lengthened and the pivot mechanism has been changed and is now represented by reference numeral  6 . This stretching machine has the advantage of improved ergonomic forward stretching. In operation, the user sits facing the telescoping stretching bar on the seat  7  according to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The user may then grasp the handle  9 , adjust the vertical angle  5 , as previously described, and finally adjust the horizontal angle  18  by pulling out the pin lock  36  and swinging the telescoping stretching bar  32  left or right and releasing pull pin  36  when the telescoping stretching bar  32  is in the proper position. The user can then begin to stretch, pushing the handle  9  outward away from his body. The telescoping stretching sections  2  now extend under the force of the user, in the selected direction. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user&#39;s movements.  
         [0125]     A ratchet mechanism (see  FIGS. 22 and 27 ) can be built into the telescoping stretching bar  32  which permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the handle  9  cannot slip backwards and the telescoping stretching bar  32  holds the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time. The ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter. Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar  32  to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other stretching related injury. A release lever  28  may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle  9  can be lowered for another exercise repetition.  
         [0126]     The user may also sit on the seat  7 , positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar  32  towards their left arm or their right arm. In this position, the user will operate the telescoping stretching bar  32  in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar.  
         [0127]     In addition to the previously described stretches, the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle  9  or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle  9  or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component. In the latter case a motorized mechanism would slowly raise the handle  9  in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user&#39;s arms, shoulders and back. For safety, an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user&#39;s movements. Since, the ratchet mechanism permits movement only in one direction, the handle  9  cannot slip backwards and the machine  21  can hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time.  
         [0128]      FIGS. 11   a,    11   b,    11   c,    12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  represent the seventh embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral  20 . This stretching machine is a merging of technology represented in the third  22  and sixth  21  embodiments of the stretching machine. By adding the pivoting arm  3  and pivot point  6  to the third embodiment  22  of the stretching machine, the number of three dimensional positions of the telescoping stretching bar  32  is substantially increased, thus making this version of the stretching machine more versatile than many of the others. In operation, the user can sit facing the telescoping stretching bar  32  on seat  7  according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The user may then grasp the handle  9 , adjust the vertical angle  5  and adjust the horizontal angle  11  thus selecting the stretching angle. The user can then begin to stretch, pushing the handle  9  outward away from his body. The telescoping stretching bar  32  now extends under the force of the user, in the selected direction. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user&#39;s movements.  
         [0129]     A ratchet mechanism can be built into the telescoping stretching bar  32  which permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the ratchet mechanism prevents the handle  9  from slipping backwards, allowing the telescoping stretching bar  32  to hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time. The ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter. Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar  32  to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other stretching related injury. A release lever  28  may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle  9  can be lowered for another exercise repetition.  
         [0130]     The user may also sit on seat  7  positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar  32 , towards their left arm or their right arm. In this position, the user will operate the telescoping stretching bar  32  in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar. In addition to the previously described stretches, the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle  9  or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle  9  or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component. In the latter case a motorized mechanism would slowly raise the handle  9  in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user&#39;s arms, shoulders and back. For safety, an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user&#39;s movements.  
         [0131]      FIGS. 17 and 18  represent the eighth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral  40 . This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment  22  of the stretching machine with the addition of a seat pivot (not shown) allowing the seat to rotate up to 360 degrees through angle  41 . This version of the stretching machine would be easier to construct than many other versions. The stretching routine however, remains the same as with the first embodiment of the machine.  
         [0132]      FIGS. 22 and 23  show the preferred mechanism for providing the sliding stretch described above. As discussed above, a ratchet mechanism can be used to provide a one-way stretch. The preferred ratchet mechanism is constructed by creating holes  33  in the telescoping stretching bar  32  as shown in  FIG. 22 . A pin lock  28  which has a spring loaded, beveled pin  57  is used to maintain motion in a single direction of the telescoping sections  2  of the telescoping stretching bar  32 . As the beveled pin  57  moves along the holes  33  in the telescoping stretching bar  32 , the beveled pin  57  is forced inward, against the spring (not shown). As the beveled pin  57  reaches each hole  33 , the spring forces the beveled pin  57  into each hole  33 , thus providing one way movement of the telescoping sections  2  of the telescoping stretching bar  32 . While the preferred method is the ratchet mechanism described, other methods, such as a pull pin, may be satisfactory.  
         [0133]      FIGS. 26-28  show an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the seat  7  is adjustable from a horizontal orientation. The seat rotates around a tilting mechanism  64  and is locked at the desired angle by means of a locking mechanism  66  and angle adjusters  65 . The seat  7  may also, if desired, swivel about a swivel mechanism  67 .  
         [0134]     The stretching bar  32  is mounted on a gimbal assembly  60  which allows translation of the bar  32  from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation through a vertical angle adjustment mechanism  63  and locking of the bar at a desired location from vertical to horizontal. The gimbal mechanism  60  also allows rotation of the bar  32  through a horizontal angle adjustment mechanism  62 . The height of the bar can also be adjusted through a height adjustment mechanism  61 .  
         [0135]      FIG. 27  shows an alternate embodiment of the ratchet mechanism shown in  FIG. 22 . As before, the ratchet mechanism is constructed by creating holes  33  in each section  2  of the telescoping stretching bar  32 . A pin lock  28  which has a spring loaded, beveled pin  57  (see  FIG. 23 ) is used to maintain motion of the telescoping sections  2  in a single direction. As the beveled pin  57  moves along the holes  33  in the telescoping stretching bar  32 , the beveled pin  57  is forced inward, against the spring (not shown). As the beveled pin  57  reaches each hole  33 , the spring forces the beveled pin  57  into each hole  33 , thus providing one way movement of the telescoping sections  2  of the telescoping stretching bar  32 .  
         [0136]     As described above, movement of the telescoping sections  2  of the stretching bar  32  is preferably controlled by a ratchet mechanism such as that shown in  FIGS. 22 and 27 . An alternate method of controlling the movement of the telescoping sections  2  of the stretching bar  32  is shown in  FIG. 29 . In this embodiment, one or more pivot plates  68  are connected to the outer telescoping section  2  by means of a tension spring  69 . The spring  69  biases the pivot plates  68  towards an angled orientation which is preferably about 30° from a line perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the telescoping sections  2 . At this angle, an opening in the pivot plate  68  approximates the outer perimeter of the telescoping section  2  and maintains frictional contact with the telescoping section  2 . To extend the stretching bar  32 , each telescoping section  2  is moved from its nested orientation. In this direction, movement is not impeded by the pivot plates  68 ; however, movement in the opposite direction is prevented by the geometry of the plates  68  and the outer telescoping section  2 . To return the telescoping sections  2  to their nested orientation, the ends of the pivot plates  68 , which are opposite the attachment points of the tension springs  69 , are lifted, against the bias of the springs  69 , and the telescoping sections  2  can return to their nested orientation.  
         [0137]     While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.