Abstract: An inversion table includes a supporting stand, a tilt inversion mechanism and an operating unit. The tilt inversion mechanism includes an inversion unit including a support table assembly which is pivotally disposed on the supporting stand, and an extension assembly which is coupled with and extends from the support table assembly downwardly. A feet holding unit includes a front feet holding assembly securely and non-pivotably disposed on a lower portion of the inversion unit, and a rear feet holding assembly pivotably and movably connected to the inversion unit. The operating unit includes an operating assembly operably coupled with the front feet holding assembly, and is rotatable about a rotating axis at the front feet holding assembly to actuate the rear feet holding assembly to rotate and move toward the front feet holding assembly. In an inversion state, the users feet is firmly held on the front feet holding assembly.

Abstract: Stretching apparatus consisting of a base plate having a vertically adjustable mast and an upper end of which a lying element is mounted. The lying element is pivotable about a horizontal shaft. Adjustable restraining elements with pads for the arms and the feet are attached to movable slides. A standing surface extending perpendicularly to the lying element is formed thereon. Handle bars for controlling pivoting of the lying element are articulated at the upper mast part. The movable slides are connected with the restraining means on the lying element via cable pulls having a steel cable about a plurality of deflecting rollers. By pivoting the lying element about the horizontal position, the slides with the pads can be moved apart and back toward each other again. By rocking about the horizontal position of the lying element, the back can be alternately stretched and relaxed.

Abstract: The invention features a desk and recovery system that affords the user the ability to avoid stress and strain on the user's back, head and neck. The system features an upper body support featuring a torso or chest support which receives the stomach of the user for face-down support or face-down recovery. Adjustable arms are provided for an entertainment system, such as keyboard and monitor. The torso or chest, knee and buttocks supports can tilt, rotate and are height adjustable.

Abstract: An exercise machine for supporting a user during exercise includes a base and a platform assembly coupled to the base. The base is adapted to be supported on a floor and the platform assembly is mounted to the base so that the platform is supported above the floor. The platform assembly is configured to support a user performing an exercise.

Abstract: A chiropractic table has a power-operated linkage that will invert a user of the table. The table employs a foot plate which secures the user's feet. A set of rollers can rotate and massage the user and can travel the length of the user's spine. The use of the rollers while in an inverted position allows greater health benefits than while in a non-inverted position due to the decompression of the spinal cord.

Abstract: A chiropractic table system for providing effective treatment of sacroiliac joint pain in a patient. The chiropractic table system generally includes a table with an upper opening, a first support member extending through the upper opening and a second support member extending through the upper opening. The support members engage the hip portion of a patient lying upon the table. The support members are separated thereby separating the sacroiliac joints, then the support members are counter-pivoted with respect to one another thereby torquing the hip portion of the patient and then the support members are quickly lowered a distance to set the hip portion of the patient as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) at a so-called back bench (2) and comprises a lying part (6) that is supportable by a stand (3), turnably mounted around a pivot joint (5), and movable along the length extension (8) thereof, as well as a mechanism (9) for manual actuation of the arresting of said lying part (6) in the desired angular setting, and having clamping members (10) for the clamping of persons' legs.

Abstract: A therapeutic, tilting, split table, traction apparatus for home use manually operated by the user to relieve back pain and/or to stretch lumbar spine and exercise back muscles and provide mechanical traction with the user in supine position. The apparatus having a upper tilting frame ,one end being back and head support and opposing end being a rolling or sliding carriage, pivotally hinged on base frame with approximately 13 kilograms of upper body weight offset unto the back support to offset the effect of the 13 kilogram spring used to retract the rolling or sliding carriage and keep body weight balanced for ease of use. Lower body is anchored by pelvic or waist harness to the rolling or sliding carriage. As the user releases latch, the frame tilts and simultaneously pushes up a rod and roller assembly, which is hinged to under back support and under rolling carriage, along the 35 degree incline track thereby pushing carriage away from back support creating traction/distraction force.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vertebral stabilization are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a bone anchor with a threaded portion positioned opposite a post portion. A connector is provided including a pair of oppositely positioned branches defining a receptacle structured to receive the post portion. The receptacle is positionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the connector is positionable along and about the post portion in the open configuration. The system also includes an elongate support member defining a passage structured to receive and engage a portion of the connector. As the connector is received in the passage, the branches of the connector move toward one another and force the receptacle toward the closed configuration wherein the connector is fixed relative to the post portion. Other systems, apparatuses and methods for vertebral stabilization are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) at a so-called back bench (2) and comprises a lying part (6) that is supportable by a stand (3), turnably mounted around a pivot joint (5), and movable along the length extension (8) thereof, as well as a mechanism (9) for manual actuation of the arresting of said lying part (6) in the desired angular setting, and having clamping members (10) for the clamping of persons' legs.

Abstract: Therapeutic, tilting, split table, traction apparatus for home use manually operated by the user to relieve back pain and/or stretch, lumbar/spine/exercise back muscles/and provide mechanical traction with person in supine position. Apparatus having a upper tilting frame (one end being back and head support and opposing end being a rolling or sliding carriage), pivotally hinged on base frame with approximately 13 kilograms of upper body weight offset unto the back support to offset the effect of the 13 kilogram spring used to retract rolling or sliding carriage and keep body weight balanced for ease of use. Lower body is anchored by pelvic or waist harness to rolling or sliding carriage, As person releases latch, frame tilts (head lower then feet) and simultaneously pushes rod and roller assembly (hinged to under back support and under rolling carriage) up the 35 degree incline track pushing carriage away from back support creating traction/distraction force.

Abstract: A chiropractic table has a power-operated linkage that will simultaneously tilt the table as it is lowered from an elevated position and also return the table to a horizontal position as it is elevated. The table employs a modified, movable parallelogram type of linkage, as opposed to a scissors-type linkage, which when combined with an open center frame allows the table to be lowered to a height not attainable with the prior art tables. A patient footplate assembly includes additional linkage and is operated by the tilt actuator so that when the table is elevated, the footplate is rotated out of the way, and when the table is tilted and lowered, the footplate will be rotated upwardly into position so that the patient can easily step off the table.

Abstract: A spinal traction/decompression device suitable for home or clinical treatment of lumbar and cervical spine pathology. The traction apparatus has a substantially flat upper body support that is moveable with respect to a fixed base. The upper body support is adapted to receive the upper torso of an individual leaning forward in a prone position while kneeling on a knee cushion. A pelvis/hip restraining portion holds the individual's lower torso in position with respect to the fixed base when the upper body support is moved. Lumbar traction may be induced by a user positioning their upper torso on the upper body support and moving it forward or backward with respect to the fixed base. The upper body support may also be divided into two independently moveable sections such that cervical traction can be induced in a neck region of a user. The traction force is preferably supplied by the individual pushing or pulling the upper body support forward with their arms.

Abstract: A spinal adjusting device having a base plate assembly with an upper plate assembly coupled thereto, the base plate assembly configured to permit the upper plate assembly to drop a predetermined distance when subjected to a predetermined force. The base plate assembly includes a coupling mechanism having a drop assembly that enables adjustment in the amount of predetermined force required to drop the upper plate assembly onto the base plate. A patient is placed with their neck supported at the vertebra adjacent to the vertebra in need of repositioning. The patient's cervical spine and skull are flexed or extended with sufficient force to cause the entire upper assembly to drop, facilitating repositioning of the target vertebrae.

Abstract: A calf/foot support and treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction and lateral movement of the body of a patient includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor, and a system support assembly having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to the base, a rigid support platform having a lower part and an upper part, the support platform pivotally secured to a pivot axle of said system support assembly; a lumbar support assembly disposed on the lower part of the support platform; and a calf/foot support assembly for linear traction.

Abstract: A sleeping method for a participant having a foot end and a head end including 1)providing a sleeping surface having upper and lower ends, the sleeping surface inclined at least 10–25 degrees from the upper end to the lower end, 2)providing a predetermined unit of time having successive nightly sleep periods, and 3)the participant sleeping on the sleeping surface in a head down position for at least half or other portion of the successive nightly sleep periods, the head down position comprising the participant laying down on the sleeping surface with the legs and feet of the participant disposed toward the upper end of the sleeping surface and the head end of the participant disposed toward the lower end of the sleeping surface, in which the feet end of the participant is upward relative to the head end of the participant.

Abstract: A foot-and-calf support and treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction and lateral movement of the spine and lower body of a patient includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor, and a system support assembly having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to the base, the support assembly including a pivot axis proximal to upper end. The treatment table also includes a selectable reciprocal extension element having an upper end and a lower end, one end pivotally attached to the system support assembly, the selectable extension elements providing reciprocal movement of the one end relative to an opposite end. The table further includes a rigid support platform having an upper end and a lower end, the platform pivotally secured to the pivot axis of the support assembly and, further, pivotally secured to the one end of the selectable extension element to provide a resultant rotational motion of the support platform.

Abstract: A rotatable chiropractic treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction and lateral movement of the spine of a patient includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor, and a system support assembly having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to the base, the support assembly including a pivot axis proximal to upper end. The treatment table also includes a selectable reciprocal extension element having an upper end and a lower end, one end pivotally attached to the system support assembly, the selectable extension elements providing reciprocal movement of the one end relative to an opposite end. The table further includes a rigid support platform having an upper end and a lower end, the platform pivotally secured to the pivot axis of the support assembly and, further, pivotally secured to the one end of the selectable extension element to provide a resultant rotational motion of the support platform.

Abstract: A novel umbilical cord clamp and a combined umbilical cord clamp and cutter are provided for clamping and cutting umbilical cords in one motion. The cutter comprises two shells joined by a longitudinal hinge. A transverse blade is mounted in one shell, and a cutting support is mounted in the other shell across from the blade. A clamping member is provided on one side of the blade as part of the cutter, and a removable clamp is provided on the other side of the blade. The umbilical cord to be cut is oriented generally parallel to the hinge and lying across the cutting support. As the shells of the cutter are closed, the umbilical cord is clamped on both sides of the blade, and the blade severs the umbilical cord in the same motion. After the cut is completed, the removable clamp is removed from the cutter, preferably revealing an aesthetically pleasing form such as the face of a koala bear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus which actively moves the legs of a disabled person in a movement pattern that is similar to physiological walking. The inclination of the standing table can be adjusted between a horizontal and a vertical position as desired. The patient is fixed to the standing table by means of a belt gear. The aim of this kind of rehabilitating locomotion therapy is to activate the locomotion structures in the spinal cord in order to improve the muscular situation in a time optimal manner, to prevent the intensity of spasticity and to improve the circulatory conditions.

Abstract: A rotatable chiropractic treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction and lateral movement of the spine of a patient includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor, and a system support assembly having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to the base, the support assembly including a pivot axis proximal to upper end. The treatment table also includes a selectable reciprocal extension element having an upper end and a lower end, one end pivotally attached to the system support assembly, the selectable extension elements providing reciprocal movement of the one end relative to an opposite end. The table further includes a rigid support platform having an upper end and a lower end, the platform pivotally secured to the pivot axis of the support assembly and, further, pivotally secured to the one end of the selectable extension element to provide a resultant rotational motion of the support platform.

Abstract: A hydraulic braking apparatus for an orthopedic apparatus having a main base which is adapted to rest on the floor and a support frame mounted on the main base. A head table, a center table, and an end table are mounted on the support frame. The end table is capable of sliding movement along the centerline of the frame, of rotative adjustment movement about the centerline, and of a swinging adjustment movement about a vertical pivotal axis passing through the centerline. An adjustment mechanism is located between the support frame and the end table to provide for the movements of the end table in adjustment and to hold the end table above the frame at the same general level as the head and center tables. The adjusting mechanism includes a cylindrical bar along which the end table is slidable and which provides for the rolling mode adjustment of the end table. The bar also pivots about a vertical axis at one end to provide for swinging adjustment movement of the end table.

Abstract: A mount for a tilting inversion exercise table includes a stand composed of spaced A-frames having spaced trunnion-supporting bearing plates with blind bearing slots receiving trunnions in such slots, and swingable keeper arms pivoted on the trunnion-supporting bearing plates and having hooked ends swingable into positions blocking escape of the trunnions from the bearing slots. Helical tension springs connected between the trunnion-supporting bearing plates and the keeper arms urge the arms into positions in which their hooked ends block escape of the trunnions from the blind bearing slots.

Abstract: A multi-function chiropractic treatment table for effecting extension, flexion, lateral flexion and distraction of the spine of a patient. The table includes a weighted platform adapted to rest upon a floor, and telescoping vertical elevation units having upper and a lower ends, each upper end secured to a transverse horizontal pivot axis, the lower end integrally secured to the weighted platform. The table further includes a rigid elongate support frame having an upper part and a lower part, the support frame secured to the horizontal pivot axis of the elevation units, the upper part defining a plane tilted convexly relative to a plane defined by the lower part and an assembly means for selectably rotating the rigid support frame upon the transverse horizontal pivot axis.

Abstract: A stretching device for stretching and massaging the back of a user. The stretching device includes a base frame and a back rest pivotally coupled to the top of the base frame. The lower end of a support shaft is pivotally coupled to the top of the base frame while the upper end of the support shaft is slidably mounted to the back face of the back rest to permit movement of the upper end of the support shaft between the top and bottom ends of the back rest when the support shaft is pivoted. A pivoting device is provided for pivoting the support shaft to move the upper end of the support shaft between the top and bottom ends of the back rest.

Abstract: A health improving gymnastic apparatus comprises a fixed frame, a carrier for carrying a body of a user, a rotary handle to be operated by the user getting on the carrier, and a power transmission mechanism. The carrier is provided with a foot holding unit to hold feet of the user. The carrier is rotatably supported by the fixed frame to give a rotary motion about a horizontal axis relative to the fixed frame between a standing position, where the user stands upright with one's feet held by the foot holding unit, and an upside-down position, where the user is suspended one's head down with one's feet held by the foot holding unit. The rotary handle is mounted on the carrier to give a rotary motion about a handle axis. The power transmission mechanism transmits the rotary motion of the rotary handle to the rotary motion of the carrier relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a user's back while supporting the user's back and hips includes a support defining a longitudinal axis, and a seat pad disposed along the support at a position corresponding to the user's hips for supporting the user's hips. The seat pad is rotatable around the longitudinal axis and has an attached seat belt for holding a user on the seat pad. A pair of handles are provided, one on each side of the seat pad, which are coupled to the seat pad and which are movable in reciprocal back-and-forth motion to control rotation of the seat pad around the longitudinal axis. A resistance device is coupled to the seat pad or elsewhere for providing resistance to reciprocal back-and-forth motion of the handles, and two mechanical stops are provided, one on each side of the apparatus, for limiting rotation of the seat pad. The mechanical stops each have plural settings for adjusting a maximum angle of rotation of the seat pad.

Abstract: A therapy table, the articulated platform of which may be vertically positioned for ease of mounting by a user, particularly a disabled or injured user. The articulated platform separately supports the lower and upper body of the user. A foot rest platform is provided at the lower end of the platform for the user to initially mount the table. A leg locking arrangement secures the user to the foot rest platform and table during foot rest platform positioning of the user in vertical relationship to the articulated platform. The platform may be rotated to an essentially horizontal position. The upper body support portion of the platform may be moved away from the user whereby the user may perform selected exercises such as hyper extension of the lower back. Weights may be made accessible to the user to allow conditioning of selected muscle regions. The design and use of this table is particularly adapted to reduce the stress of therapy for a user having an injured back.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the raising and lowering of the foot plate on a chiropractic table of the tilt-elevating type. The foot plate is pivotly mounted on the fixed base and has stabilizer pins that are engaged by lugs on the upper or moveable part of the table when the table is tilted and disengaged when the table is returned to a horizontal position. A sliding bar and roller mechanism slowly lowers the foot stand to its normal position on or near the floor.

Abstract: A multi-position body support, commonly known as a stander, supports a user in either a prone or supine orientation at any position from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially standing or vertical position. The multi-position body support comprises a tubular base having dual lock caster wheels for easy moving and positioning of the stander. A vertical support assembly, pivotally mounted to the tubular base, comprises a foot cylinder, knee support frame and a height adjustment frame. A foot support is mounted to the foot cylinder, a knee support is mounted to the knee support frame and a hip support, a trunk support and a head support can be mounted to the height adjustment frame. A padded strapping system secures the user within the pads and to the vertical support assembly. The foot supports can be rotated to aid in orienting the user in the prone or supine position.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a framework is arranged to pivotally mount a bed structure including a mattress to permit an individual to elevate the feet portion of the individual relative to the head. The feet of the individual are secured within a strap structure, with the strap structure rotatably mounted relative to a rotary support. The tilting bed apparatus allows a person to sleep in a tilted position, whereby beneficial effects of gravity, such as increased blood flow to the brain and reduced spinal column compression, may be obtained.

Abstract: A device for studying patello femoral articulation in a magnetic resonance machine has an armature with a step-cut slot. The armature is pivoted to a base frame. A leg lever has two ends, a first end with a padded cross-member for accommodating lower legs or ankles, and a second end that is pivotally mounted to the base frame. The leg lever is interconnected with the step-cut slot, so that the leg lever may be positioned in vertical increments within the slot. A secondary lever is pivotally mounted to the base frame at the same location as the leg lever, and is also fixedly attached to an end portion of the leg lever. The leg lever can be incrementally raised and lowered within the step-cut slot. Furthermore, the first end of the leg lever is biased upward. The apparatus may be substantially metal-free so that the device will not distort the magnetic field inside the magnetic resonance machine.

Abstract: A traction bed which can be moved from one location to another without harm or discomfort to the patient has a device for raising the bed to an angle such that the part of the body to be held in traction can be kept above the heart's level. The mobile traction bed also has a unique opening and closing side rail for keeping the patient safe and secure within the bed. The traction side of the bed can have a bar and sleeve for supporting traction weights. By using the mobile traction bed, the patient can rest at home instead of at the hospital, yet can be moved to and from the hospital as is required.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for therapeutically treating an injured spine by lifting and rotating the pelvic area to straighten the lumbar spine and by applying a force to the spine to separate vertebral bodies and to stretch the connective tissue along the spinal cord by relative movement of the body of the patient with reference to a fixed point.

Abstract: A surgical operating table particularly adapted for shoulder arthroscopy includes a central seat support, a leg support, and a back support modified to include detachable modular shoulder cutouts to gain access to the posterior aspect of the shoulder. The leg support and back support are hingedly connected to the seat support for positioning the patient in a sitting posture by operating mechanical crank arms. The patient is first supported in a supine position, anesthetized, secured to the table, and the table is thereafter configured to a sitting position. One of the modular shoulder cutouts is then removed to provide access to the shoulder upon which arthroscopy is to be performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person 190 receives back therapy. The apparatus 100 includes a frame 101 designed to rest upon a floor surface 109. A support member 102 is pivotally mounted to the frame 101 above the floor surface 109, and a pelvic belt 103 is secured relative to the support member 102. In operation, the pelvic belt 103 stabilizes the person's pelvis relative to the support member 102, and the support member supports some portion of the person's torso including the pelvis. The support member 102 pivots among several positions, including a mounting position suitable for mounting by a person, and a locking mechanism 104 secures the support member 102 in any of a plurality of back therapy positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the lumbar and truncal regions of a person. A rigid framework supports two generally horizontal turntables at opposite ends thereof. A person reclines the upper region of his torso on one turntable and lower region of his torso on the other turntable, thereby permitting cyclic bending of the torso and, as a result, working of the paraspinous and associated muscles. An adjustable headrest extends from one turntable, and an adjustable footrest extends from the other turntable. Each turntable may be adjusted toward or away from the other, set at a predetermined tilt with respect to the rigid frame, and set at a predetermined degree of rotational resistance. A cyclic motion driving means and a cycle counter are provided.

Abstract: A back belt comprising a continuous, non-baffled, pressurizable air chamber having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposing ends defining the periphery thereof; cushioning rims along the top and bottom edges of the air chamber; symmetrical contouring notches along the top and bottom edges of the air chamber and along the cushioning rims; belt means connected to the ends of the air chamber; valve means on the air chamber operable to allow presurization of the air chamber to a desired internal air pressure; and supportive wall means overlaying the air chamber to provide stability and durability to the air chamber, and connected to the belt means and to the air chamber at the ends of the air chamber; and a novel connector permanently couples the materials from which the air chamber and belt straps for the air chamber of the preferred embodiment of the invention are constructed, providing a stability to the joinder of these materials not obtainable by known sewing means, thereby enhancing the durability