Abstract: A mechanical massage and traction apparatus provides patient weight-induced cervical traction and particular stimulation of distinct pressure points along a patient's shoulders and occipital ridge. A fixed base provides at least two shoulder-engaging members that preferably firmly engage with and massage the patient's shoulders. Pivotally coupled to the base is a head support that includes a plurality of occipital ridge engaging fingers that preferably firmly engage with and massage the patient's occipital ridge. A spring between the base and head support operatively flexes under the weight of the patient's head and shoulders, and thereby increases a distance between the shoulder-engaging members and occipital ridge support, to operatively produce traction in the patient's cervical vertebrae. The upper torso support operatively contacts an underlying support surface, and the occipital ridge support operatively floats above the underlying support surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molded boat hull with a novel structural stiffening system. The boat hull has a number of laterally positioned compartments molded into the inner shell with vertical partitions that are integrally welded to the outer shell and are interconnected to each other and to the transom. A keel plate and a transom support are molded into the transom, the inner wall, and a bridge along the longitudinal center line of the boat. A keel support beam is placed along the keel, connected to the keel plate, and adhered into a channel in the boat hull inner shell. A pair of stringer braces is assembled between the integral stringers to provide transverse stiffness of the boat hull.