US3896798A - Therapeutic traction apparatus - Google Patents

Therapeutic traction apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US3896798A
US3896798A US368759A US36875973A US3896798A US 3896798 A US3896798 A US 3896798A US 368759 A US368759 A US 368759A US 36875973 A US36875973 A US 36875973A US 3896798 A US3896798 A US 3896798A
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user
pair
spring means
spaced apart
supported
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Expired - Lifetime
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US368759A
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Peter J Simon
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Priority to US368759A priority Critical patent/US3896798A/en
Priority claimed from CA173,700A external-priority patent/CA993910A/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B3/00—Parallel bars or similar apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus ; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0218—Drawing-out devices
    • A61H1/0229—Drawing-out devices by reducing gravity forces normally applied to the body, e.g. by lifting or hanging the body or part of it
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1614—Shoulder, e.g. for neck stretching

Definitions

  • a requirement of traction devices is that they should be capable of providing gradation in the effect on the spine and also the tension exerted on the vertebrae should always be within the limit of capacity of the spine to stand the force applied thereto.
  • the apparatus is based on the concept that the traction effect should be provided entirely by the weight of the individual needing traction and not by external weights which have to be controlled by another person when applied to the individual needing traction treatment.
  • the apparatus consists of a frame which includes a pair of bars spaced apart a sufficient distance to receive the shoulders of the user and supported above the floor at a level higher than the shoulders of the individual who will use the apparatus to provide traction.
  • the ends of each bar are spring supported and each bar is provided with a cushion support for the arms of the individual using the apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus constructed according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged view taken on the lines 22 of FIG. 1 showing the upper arm support, cross-bar and spring referred to above.
  • FIG. 3 is a section taken on the lines 33 of FIG. 1.
  • the apparatus generally denoted by the numeral has a substantially rectangular base frame formed of a pair of spaced apart side members 12 and a pair of spaced apart end members 14, all made of tubular steel for reasons of strength and lightness.
  • Each end of each side member 12 is reduced in diameter and threaded. These reduced ends extend through the end members 14 for securement thereto by a nut 16.
  • a washer l8 curved on its inward face in the same manner as the end tube 14 is positioned against the nut 16.
  • each end member 14 inwardly adjacent of each end member 14,.ca'rry a rectangular sleeve secured to the side member 12 by a threaded bolt 22.
  • An inclined member 28 is secured to each upward member 26 intermediate of the length of the latter to provide reinforcement. the lower end of each inclined member being secured to the sleeve 20.
  • the pairs of upwardly extending members 26 adjacent each end member 14 are joined at their upper ends by cross-bar 30, the connections being reinforced by gussets 32.
  • each cross-bar 30 and spaced therefrom is another cross-bar 34 the ends of which are engaged in slots 36 provided in each upwardly extending member 26.
  • a coil spring 38 is located in each tubular member 26 adjacent the slot 36.
  • the lower end of each spring 36 is supported by a bolt 40 which passes through the upwardly extending member 26 a short distance below the lower end of the slot 36.
  • the ends of the cross-bars 36 are supported on the upper ends of the coil springs
  • the cross-bars 36 carry a spaced apart pair of horizontally disposed bars 42 which run in the same direction as the side members 12 of the base frame.
  • the horizontal bars 42 are secured to the spring supported cross-bars 36 by collars 44 which are slidable on the cross-bars 36 so as to enable the width apart of the horizontal bars 42 to be adjusted.
  • each horizontal bar 42 Adjacent a corresponding end of each horizontal bar 42 and secured thereto in surrounding relationship is a sponge-like bolster 46.
  • FIG. 1 The use of the apparatus is clearly illustrated in FIG. 1 and the amount of extension exerted on the spine is varied simply by the user adjusting his position on the bars vertically or alternatively adjusting the width apart of the horizontal bars 42.
  • one of a pair of platforms 48 is secured to the upwardly extending member 26, these platforms 48 being positioned to the rear of the user.
  • each pair of the rear coiled springs 38a is the same but the compressive strength of each of the pair of front coiled springs 38b is lower; this is to compensate for the fact that the bolster 46 is closer to the springs 38a and the pressure thereon exerted by the user is greater than it is on the front springs 38b.
  • the strength of springs 38a to springs 38b is the ratio of the distances Y to X as indicated in FIG. 2.
  • Apparatus to provide traction to the spine of the body of a user comprising a first and second pair of spaced apart upwardly extending members secured in fixed relationship, first spring means individual to said first pair, second spring means individual to said second pair, a pair of horizontally disposed spaced apart bars, at least one bolster means providing a padding to each horizontal bar intermediate of its length, each horizontal bar being supported at a corresponding one end by one of said first spring means with the other end supported by one of said second spring means at a height whereby the feet of the body of a user will clear the ground when the body of a user is supported by the users arms located on said bolster means, the ratio of the strength of the said first spring means to the strength of said second spring means increasing with the distance of said bolster means from said second of the body of a user.

Abstract

Apparatus to provide traction to the spine of an user has a pair of spaced apart bars, each having a bolster which enables the user to support himself thereon with the feet off the ground; the bars are supported at each end by a coiled spring.

Description

. 1 O United States Patent 1 [111 3,896,798 Simon 51 July 29, 1975 [54] THERAPEUTIC TRACTION APPARATUS 1,356,365 10/1920 Hosmer 128/75 [76] Inventor: W Peter J. Simon, 1065 Talbot St. FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Camda 88.238 5/1958 Netherlands 272/73 [22] Filed: June 11, 1973 Primary ExaminerLawrence W. Trapp [21] 368759 Attorney, Agent. or Firm-C. c. Kent; K. M. Hill [52] 0.8. CI 128/75; 128/75 [51] Int. Cl A6lh 1/02 [57] ABSTRACT [58] Field of Search 128/75, 68, 69, 84 R; ppa to Provide traction to the Spine of an user 272 3 has a pair of spaced apart bars, each having a bolster which enables the user to support himself thereon with 5 R f n Cited I the feet off the ground; the bars are supported at each UNITED STATES PATENTS end by a 12/1913 Pitts et a1. 128/75 UX 2 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures THERAPEUTIC TRACTION APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus designed to apply traction to the human frame andhas particular relation to providing apparatus akin to parallel bars but on which an individual may subject the spine to traction by suspending the body when it is supported only by the arms.
PRIOR ART Many forms of traction apparatus have been proposed but it appears that none have been developed which are simple to erect say in the home and also would enable the user to attain a desired result of traction in a safe manner, without requiring medical supervision.
A requirement of traction devices is that they should be capable of providing gradation in the effect on the spine and also the tension exerted on the vertebrae should always be within the limit of capacity of the spine to stand the force applied thereto.
Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide traction apparatus which is simple to erect and also effective to provide tension on the spine of the individual using the apparatus.
The apparatus is based on the concept that the traction effect should be provided entirely by the weight of the individual needing traction and not by external weights which have to be controlled by another person when applied to the individual needing traction treatment.
The apparatus consists of a frame which includes a pair of bars spaced apart a sufficient distance to receive the shoulders of the user and supported above the floor at a level higher than the shoulders of the individual who will use the apparatus to provide traction. The ends of each bar are spring supported and each bar is provided with a cushion support for the arms of the individual using the apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus constructed according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view taken on the lines 22 of FIG. 1 showing the upper arm support, cross-bar and spring referred to above.
FIG. 3 is a section taken on the lines 33 of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the drawings like numbers represent like parts, with letters being added to such numbers where necessary to facilitate describing the invention. The apparatus generally denoted by the numeral has a substantially rectangular base frame formed of a pair of spaced apart side members 12 and a pair of spaced apart end members 14, all made of tubular steel for reasons of strength and lightness. Each end of each side member 12 is reduced in diameter and threaded. These reduced ends extend through the end members 14 for securement thereto by a nut 16. A washer l8 curved on its inward face in the same manner as the end tube 14 is positioned against the nut 16.
2 Theside members12, inwardly adjacent of each end member 14,.ca'rry a rectangular sleeve secured to the side member 12 by a threaded bolt 22. Each sleeve Inward of each sleeve 20 and secured to the side member 12 by a bolt v24, is an upwardly extending member 26 which is also made of tubular steel, not only for reasons of strength and lightness. but for an additional reason explained below. An inclined member 28 is secured to each upward member 26 intermediate of the length of the latter to provide reinforcement. the lower end of each inclined member being secured to the sleeve 20.
The pairs of upwardly extending members 26 adjacent each end member 14 are joined at their upper ends by cross-bar 30, the connections being reinforced by gussets 32.
Below each cross-bar 30 and spaced therefrom is another cross-bar 34 the ends of which are engaged in slots 36 provided in each upwardly extending member 26. A coil spring 38 is located in each tubular member 26 adjacent the slot 36. The lower end of each spring 36 is supported by a bolt 40 which passes through the upwardly extending member 26 a short distance below the lower end of the slot 36. The ends of the cross-bars 36 are supported on the upper ends of the coil springs The cross-bars 36 carry a spaced apart pair of horizontally disposed bars 42 which run in the same direction as the side members 12 of the base frame. The horizontal bars 42 are secured to the spring supported cross-bars 36 by collars 44 which are slidable on the cross-bars 36 so as to enable the width apart of the horizontal bars 42 to be adjusted.
Adjacent a corresponding end of each horizontal bar 42 and secured thereto in surrounding relationship is a sponge-like bolster 46.
The use of the apparatus is clearly illustrated in FIG. 1 and the amount of extension exerted on the spine is varied simply by the user adjusting his position on the bars vertically or alternatively adjusting the width apart of the horizontal bars 42.
To assist the user to initially position himself on the bars 42 and also to provide for rest, one of a pair of platforms 48 is secured to the upwardly extending member 26, these platforms 48 being positioned to the rear of the user.
The compressive strength of each pair of the rear coiled springs 38a is the same but the compressive strength of each of the pair of front coiled springs 38b is lower; this is to compensate for the fact that the bolster 46 is closer to the springs 38a and the pressure thereon exerted by the user is greater than it is on the front springs 38b. As a guide the strength of springs 38a to springs 38b is the ratio of the distances Y to X as indicated in FIG. 2.
What is claimed is as follows:
1. Apparatus to provide traction to the spine of the body of a user comprising a first and second pair of spaced apart upwardly extending members secured in fixed relationship, first spring means individual to said first pair, second spring means individual to said second pair, a pair of horizontally disposed spaced apart bars, at least one bolster means providing a padding to each horizontal bar intermediate of its length, each horizontal bar being supported at a corresponding one end by one of said first spring means with the other end supported by one of said second spring means at a height whereby the feet of the body of a user will clear the ground when the body of a user is supported by the users arms located on said bolster means, the ratio of the strength of the said first spring means to the strength of said second spring means increasing with the distance of said bolster means from said second of the body of a user.

Claims (2)

1. Apparatus to provide traction to the spine of the body of a user comprising a first and second pair of spaced apart upwardly extending members secured in fixed relationship, first spring means individual to said first pair, second spring means individual to said second pair, a pair of horizontally disposed spaced apart bars, at least one bolster means providing a padding to each horizontal bar intermediate of its length, each horizontal bar being supported at a corresponding one end by one of said first spring means with the other end supported by one of said second spring means at a height whereby the feet of the body of a user will clear the ground when the body of a user is supported by the user''s arms located on said bolster means, the ratio of the strength of the said first spring means to the strength of said second spring means increasing with the distance of said bolster means from said second spring means.
2. Apparatus to provide traction to the spine of the body of a user as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of horizontally disposed spaced apart bars are joined by a pair of connecting spaced apart bars forming a frame therewith to distribute the weight of the body of a user suspended therebetween, evenly over the spring means and thereby to provide uniform traction upon the spine of the body of a user.
US368759A 1973-06-11 1973-06-11 Therapeutic traction apparatus Expired - Lifetime US3896798A (en)

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US368759A US3896798A (en) 1973-06-11 1973-06-11 Therapeutic traction apparatus
CA173,700A CA993910A (en) 1973-06-11 1973-06-11 Therapeutic traction apparatus

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Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4372552A (en) * 1979-01-26 1983-02-08 Rolf Carlmark Hang stand for unloading of backbone discs
US4838250A (en) * 1988-04-29 1989-06-13 Ross P. Angelo Back release apparatus
US4861023A (en) * 1987-07-31 1989-08-29 Mike Wedman Leg muscle exercise device and method
US4896659A (en) * 1986-10-24 1990-01-30 Regents Of The University Of Minnesota Gravity lumbar traction device
US4902000A (en) * 1989-02-16 1990-02-20 Starks Robert D Toddler walking trainer
US5018512A (en) * 1989-08-23 1991-05-28 Dolan Henry J Lumbar traction device
US5033460A (en) * 1986-10-24 1991-07-23 Regents Of The University Of Minnesota Gravity lumbar traction device and treatment method
US5224924A (en) * 1991-08-26 1993-07-06 Urso Charles I Back treatment device
US5380269A (en) * 1991-08-26 1995-01-10 Urso; Charles L. Back treatment device
US5540643A (en) * 1995-01-30 1996-07-30 Fontaine; Raymond E. Back stretching apparatus
US20060226615A1 (en) * 2005-04-07 2006-10-12 Monaghan Michael J Infant Activity Systems
US20090023566A1 (en) * 2007-07-17 2009-01-22 Phillip Florczak Exercise system and related methods
US20100221974A1 (en) * 2006-04-04 2010-09-02 Monaghan Michael J Child activity apparatus, system, and method
US20170095402A1 (en) * 2014-10-25 2017-04-06 Qinglin Qiu Moveable Feet-walking Massage Grabbing Bar Rack
US10029135B1 (en) * 2016-09-22 2018-07-24 Tucker Sharp Stretching device
US20200121555A1 (en) * 2018-10-22 2020-04-23 Qinglin Qiu Movable Barefoot Massage Grabbing Bar Rack
WO2021108355A1 (en) * 2019-11-27 2021-06-03 Breitowich Lee Exercise apparatus
US20230263683A1 (en) * 2019-12-17 2023-08-24 Benjamin J. HERBERT Bench assembly for stretching the quadriceps femoris and/or hip flexors muscles

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1080297A (en) * 1912-10-28 1913-12-02 John A Pitts Apparatus for handling invalids.
US1356365A (en) * 1919-10-08 1920-10-19 Hosmer Edward Everett Spinal traction-chair

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1080297A (en) * 1912-10-28 1913-12-02 John A Pitts Apparatus for handling invalids.
US1356365A (en) * 1919-10-08 1920-10-19 Hosmer Edward Everett Spinal traction-chair

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4372552A (en) * 1979-01-26 1983-02-08 Rolf Carlmark Hang stand for unloading of backbone discs
DE3030679C2 (en) * 1979-01-26 1990-04-19 Hedeco, Djursholm, Se
US4896659A (en) * 1986-10-24 1990-01-30 Regents Of The University Of Minnesota Gravity lumbar traction device
US5033460A (en) * 1986-10-24 1991-07-23 Regents Of The University Of Minnesota Gravity lumbar traction device and treatment method
US4861023A (en) * 1987-07-31 1989-08-29 Mike Wedman Leg muscle exercise device and method
US4838250A (en) * 1988-04-29 1989-06-13 Ross P. Angelo Back release apparatus
US4902000A (en) * 1989-02-16 1990-02-20 Starks Robert D Toddler walking trainer
US5018512A (en) * 1989-08-23 1991-05-28 Dolan Henry J Lumbar traction device
US5224924A (en) * 1991-08-26 1993-07-06 Urso Charles I Back treatment device
US5380269A (en) * 1991-08-26 1995-01-10 Urso; Charles L. Back treatment device
US5540643A (en) * 1995-01-30 1996-07-30 Fontaine; Raymond E. Back stretching apparatus
US20060226615A1 (en) * 2005-04-07 2006-10-12 Monaghan Michael J Infant Activity Systems
US7713175B2 (en) 2005-04-07 2010-05-11 Monaghan Michael J Infant activity systems
US20100221974A1 (en) * 2006-04-04 2010-09-02 Monaghan Michael J Child activity apparatus, system, and method
US20090023566A1 (en) * 2007-07-17 2009-01-22 Phillip Florczak Exercise system and related methods
US7717837B2 (en) * 2007-07-17 2010-05-18 Phillip Florczak Exercise system and related methods
US20170095402A1 (en) * 2014-10-25 2017-04-06 Qinglin Qiu Moveable Feet-walking Massage Grabbing Bar Rack
US10029135B1 (en) * 2016-09-22 2018-07-24 Tucker Sharp Stretching device
US20200121555A1 (en) * 2018-10-22 2020-04-23 Qinglin Qiu Movable Barefoot Massage Grabbing Bar Rack
US10813832B2 (en) * 2018-10-22 2020-10-27 Qinglin Qiu Movable barefoot massage grabbing bar rack
WO2021108355A1 (en) * 2019-11-27 2021-06-03 Breitowich Lee Exercise apparatus
US11559717B2 (en) 2019-11-27 2023-01-24 Lee Breitowich Exercise apparatus
US20230263683A1 (en) * 2019-12-17 2023-08-24 Benjamin J. HERBERT Bench assembly for stretching the quadriceps femoris and/or hip flexors muscles

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