Abstract: An apparatus and method for decompressing invertebral discs, relieving back pain, and promoting back healing is provided, involving a pelvic harness, elastic member, and foot-pad-pressing unit. The pelvic harness has a back side and a front side. The back side of the pelvic harness is connected to the elastic member's top end. The elastic member's bottom end is connected to the foot-pad-pressing unit. The foot-pad-pressing unit has a centrally located connector receptacle. The centrally located connector receptacle is used to attach the bottom end of the elastic member to the foot-pad-pressing unit.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the length of a belt having first and second front portions and a back portion, the first and second front portions each moveable with respect to the back portion, includes attaching opposite ends of a strap to each of the front two portions. The strap includes a middle bonding section bound together. The method further includes coupling the strap to the back portion between the opposite ends such that movement of the first and second front portions away from the back portion causes detachment of portions of the middle bonding section and moving each of the two front portions away from the back portion.

Abstract: An exercise table and exercise routine useful in treatment of low back pain is disclosed. The table design permits a users to apply low levels of traction to the lower back by pushing lightly on adjustable arm support posts. The table design permits the users to have complete control of the level of traction applied to the lower back. An exercise routine uses the methodology of relaxing the user and applying very low levels of traction to the lower back. The low level of traction is alternated every few seconds and utilizes deep breaths to keep the user in a relaxed condition.

Abstract: An orthotic device for limiting abduction of the legs of a wearer includes first and second flexible bands (10, 12) for attachment to the legs of the wearer. A fastener (14) slidably fastens the bands together and includes first and second straps (30, 32) each having first and second portions (34, 36, 38, 40) connected to the anterior and posterior aspects of the respective band. The straps form adjustable loops that are slidably connected to a ring (50). The straps are adjustable (42, 44) to adjust the limit of abduction, and the sliding connection of the fastener permits adduction, differential rotation, extension and flexion.

Abstract: A human body traction and mending apparatus consists of an inflation member, a control means mounted to the pouch, a delivery means connecting to the control means, and a fluid generation means for coupling to a human hand, leg, waist or neck to support or stretch a patient's sore body portion for achieving healing and mending purpose. The traction and mending apparatus of the invention is portable and may be worn on human's hand, leg, waist or neck for carrying outdoors.

Abstract: The present invention is a device or apparatus to stretch and massage the back and shoulders in an active way in order to naturally fix the muscles and shoulders of these areas and obtain a correct and natural position of the shoulders, spine and back. It includes a frame/base and a back support anchored to a handle in the obverse of the upper end of the support, so that the support is attached and held in place by means of a steel cable that anchors in turn to a pulley inside the motor-reductor on the base frame. The back support is attached to the base frame in its lower end by means of a pivot axis inserted in a steel countersheet joint. This system is operated through an electrical motor-reductor that gradually pulls the cable and rolls it up to an internal pulley, thus inclining or retracting the support on which the user lies face up and is firmly held against a handle or grip with his/her arms up, allowing the back muscles and shoulders to stretch and the spine to return to its correct position.

Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing. A bicycle-style hand pump fluidly connected to the pneumatic cylinder is provided for injecting pressurized air into the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for restoring the balance of the human body, consisting essentially of a platform (2) for supporting the subject to be treated and capable of being actuated with an oscillating movement. The invention is characterized in that said platform is power-driven and receives its oscillating movement about a central support axis (6), movement associated with a rotational reciprocating movement, the amplitude and the speed of both the oscillation and the rotation being adjustable and capable of being varied while the apparatus is being used.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable traction apparatus (10) for applying traction forces to a patient's limb wherein the apparatus (10) includes a base platform member (20) provided with a rail unit (14) that is raised relative to the base platform member (20) and a limb immobilizing unit (12) and pulley unit (13) slidably disposed on the rail unit (14) and adapted to be angularly adjusted relative thereto; wherein, the pulley unit (13) includes a support post member (50) and a pulley member (60) suspended from the support post member (50) and provided with a bracket element (61) whose height can be varied to the base platform member (20).

Abstract: An ambulatory traction device includes a first support configured to be positioned on a user's body and a second support configured to be positioned on the user's body spaced apart from the first support such that a joint of the user's body is positioned between the first and second supports. The traction device also includes one or more lifting mechanisms that couple the supports and that apply a decompressive force to the joint when the supports are positioned on the user's body. Each lifting mechanism includes a sleeve having a substantially elliptical cross-section and a piston configured to move within the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure within the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

Abstract: An adjustable support for supporting the upper part of the leg, the thigh, or the buttocks during an application of medical treatment to the leg, such as the application of a cast or an amputation is disclosed. The device provides a support of variable height which may be constructed according to dimensions and materials which may be sterilized inside available surgical sterilization equipment. The casting support comprises a base, a leg support frame, and locking means for selectively locking the support frame in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the base. The leg support frame is pivotally attached to the base. Leg support means, such as a roller, are attached to the leg support frame. The locking means selectively lock the support frame in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the base, as the leg support frame pivots about the base.

Abstract: This invention encompasses, methods, devices and system for prevention and relief of carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist through the use of traction. The device contains a wrist member, an anchor member connected at one end each of an interconnecting adjustable interface member. The apparatus for applying extremity traction contains a tensioning cable and a retaining device attached to the tensioning cable as well as an anchor member.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable lumbar support kit for use by a person to support the lumbar region of the person's back. The portable lumbar support kit comprises a pouch having an inner compartment and a clip member that allows the pouch to be removably attached to the belt of the person. The kit further comprises an inflatable cushion folded and stored within the pouch. When needed, the inflatable cushion may be removed from the pouch and unfolded and inflated by the person to support the lumbar region of the person's back.

Abstract: A traction device is provided that includes a harness coupled to a suspension assembly for suspending the harness at a predetermined height. The harness includes a neck support placed behind a user's neck and a chin rest connected to the neck support on which the user's chin rests. Hand grips extending from the chin or forehead rest allow a user to manually grasp the chin rest and support a portion of their weight as the remainder of their weight is supported by the cervical spine through the traction device. Approximately six to eight repetitions of the method, each performed for ten to twenty seconds, result in nourishment, repair, and regeneration of avascular tissues in the disks, ligaments, cartilage, and improved cervical and lumbar lordotic curves.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for spinal column extension (1), in which the carrier part (4) bearing the attachment point (40) or the attachment element (45) for the transfer part (451) for the traction to be applied to the area of the spinal column of the patient (10) to be treated is pivotably mounted (70) relative to the base part (2). Thereby it is possible for the device (1) to be used more simply for cervical spinal column extension in various areas and even additionally for lumbar spinal column extension.

Abstract: A traction device utilizes a harness connected to the body of a patient, such as the head or hips. The harness is connected by a clip to a tether which passes through a ratchet pulley connected to a first end of a spring chamber. A second end of the spring chamber is connected to a support. As tension is applied to the tether, the ratchet pulley incrementally applies traction to the patient as a first spring housed within the spring chamber deflects with the application of force.

Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical or lumbar traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing.

Abstract: A vertical traction assembly for using gravity to stretch a person's spine comprises a frame structure and a torso harness combination coupled to depend from the frame structure. The harness combination is effective to maintain a person in a vertical traction position after the person dons the harness combination. A focused traction force mechanism is attached to the frame structure for applying a predetermined amount of focused traction pressure directly to a selected location along the spine of the person who is in the vertical traction position. A feature of the traction force mechanism may include its ability to be adjusted to different locations along the frame structure depending on the location of the afflicted area along the spine of the person being treated.

Abstract: A fray tester for evaluating fray resistance of surgical sutures is provided, which comprises a first and a second pulley rotatably adapted in a spaced relation to each other, a tensioning weight, and a reciprocity driver. A suture having a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion is mounted in the fray tester such that the first end portion is subject to the tensioning weight, the intermediate portion is mounted to the first and second pulleys and defines a wrapped portion, the second end portion being connected to the reciprocating driver to cause the suture to rub against itself at a wrapped portion. The reciprocating driver includes a rotating wheel connected to a motor for providing the reciprocating movement to the suture to be tested. The tester may further include a revolution counter for counting and displaying the number of reciprocating cycles at the time the suture breaks or seizes.

Abstract: A nose end adjusting device includes a first nostril projection having a first upper surface. The base connector has a recess and a vertical axis. The recess has a recess base and a recess gap. The recess base accepts the back of the septum of a nose, and the recess gap accepts the end of the septum of the nose. The vertical axis and the first upper surface form an angle &agr;. When the first nostril projection is inserted into a first nostril of the nose, the first nostril projection applies pressure to the first nostril. The pressure causes the first nostril and the nose to be lowered.

Abstract: A device for holding and immobilizing the hand of a patient for wrist and shoulder arthroscopy and/or surgery, the device comprising a threaded upright tower bar for moving up and down in an operating room table, and an horizontal arm for moving back and forth in an upper end of the upright bar, the horizontal arm having a proximal end for operation of the horizontal arm and a distal end for connecting to the patient's fingers.

Abstract: An abdomen exercise bench includes a frame, which includes a base for resting upon a floor. A generally planar upper body platform is secured to the frame in a position generally parallel to the floor. A generally planar, elongated abdomen platform, having a first end and a second opposed end, is rotatably mounted upon the frame, adjacent to the upper body platform, for rotation about an axis generally parallel to the upper body platform. A restraint is provided for preventing a user from sliding off the abdomen platform during rotation.

Abstract: A self-seating occiput wedge system for applying a therapeutic traction force to the occipital areas on a patent's head. The self-seating occiput wedge system includes a pair of self-seating, upstanding occiput wedges rotatably mounted generally perpendicular to a carriage. The occiput wedges define opposing engaging surfaces arranged to engage with the occipital areas of the patient's head. End stops define a range of rotation about an axis of rotation for each of the occiput wedges. The range of rotation is about 20 degrees. A cervical traction device utilizes the occiput wedge system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A traction device is provided that includes a harness coupled to a suspension assembly for suspending the harness at a predetermined height. The harness includes a neck support placed behind a user's neck and a chin rest connected to the neck support on which the user's chin rests. Hand grips extending from the chin or forehead rest allow a user to manually grasp the chin rest and support a portion of their weight as the remainder of their weight is supported by the cervical spine through the traction device. Approximately six to eight repetitions of the method, each performed for ten to twenty seconds, result in nourishment, repair, and regeneration of avascular tissues in the disks, ligaments, cartilage, and improved cervical and lumbar lordotic curves.

Abstract: A universal bucks traction boot for orthopedic traction on the leg having an asymmetrical shape which when connected together forms a heel pocket and has attached to it a stirrup of webbing that is reinforced with plastic stays and has a friction free movable circular ring around the webbing for attachment. The convoluted foam inside surface has a hook compatible surface on the outside of the material for the attachment of the wide straps. In addition, a large dorsal area that is cut out allows access to the foot for patient assessment or for the application of an external/intermittent pneumatic compression device that is often needed to be used with the patient who needs orthopedic traction. The foam will be of soft durometer but of sufficient density so that when attempts are made to over tighten the straps the hook and loop interface will release and not allow over tightening.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the amount of tension distributed to a patient receiving traction including a gripping structure having a switching sensor to sense action commands from the patient, a control consul communicated with the switching sensor so as to receive action commands from the switching sensor and process the action commands so as to create processed commands, and a traction device for applying tension to the patient, the traction device includes a tensioning device communicated with the control consul so as to receive processed commands from the control consul, wherein the tensioning device controls the traction device so as to engage or disengage the traction device.

Abstract: A limb-positioning device is adapted for use in an operating room and is attachable to an operating room table. The limb-positioning device includes a full motion arm, a patient-receiving surgical device and a tension controller. The full motion arm has a plurality of pivotally connected arms with a plurality of joints therebetween. One end of the full motion arm is adapted to be attached to an operating room table. The patient-receiving surgical device is attached to a block joint at the distal end of the full motion arm. There is a tension controller for each joint. Preferably the tension controller concurrently controls the tension in each joint. The patient-receiving surgical device may be a forearm tray, a lower leg tray, a distraction harness or a Chinese finger trap assembly. There is provided a method of using the limb-positioning device. In addition, a patient-receiving surgical device includes a patient-receiving portion and a bar attached thereto.

Abstract: An exercise table and exercise routine usefull in the treatment of low back pain is disclosed. The table design permits a user to apply low levels of traction to the lower back by pushing lightly on adjustable arm support posts. The table design permits the user to have complete control of the level of traction applied to the lower back. An exercise routine uses the methodology of relaxing the user and applying very low levels of traction to the lower back. The low level of traction is alternated every few seconds and utilizes deep breaths to keep the user in a relaxed condition.

Abstract: A new and improved limb support apparatus that include a vertical support assembly, embodying a top portion/female part, which is adapted to serve as a cradle or rest for the limb. A bottom portion/male part that add stability to the vertical support assembly, possessing a wide base and a profound fit within the top portion. Both, the top segment and the bottom segment have correlating holes or openings in which a pin is selectively inserted creating the locking assembly.

Abstract: A portable cervical traction apparatus includes a head receiving member having a U-shaped configuration and a chin strap for being secured to the back of a person's head. The head receiving member includes a protrusion for engaging the occipital bone of the person's head. The apparatus includes a base member contoured to rest atop a person's shoulders. An air cylinder is attached to the base member and includes a shaft extendable therefrom by actuation of an air pump. The shaft is coupled to the head receiving member such that the head receiving member is incrementally moved away from the base member upon actuation of the air cylinder, whereby to relieve cervical pressure or tension.

Abstract: A back-stretching apparatus, capable of suspending a person comfortably in an upright position. The backboard comprises an inclined platform with footholds and a strap wrap. Facing away from the platform, a patient would step on to foothold and snugly wrap the strap wrap under the patient's arms, and across the patient's torso, securely fastening the patient. The patient may then step off the footholds leaving the patient freely and comfortably suspended. The platform may be fixed to a wall or free standing with the assistance of a support rack and a T-bar.

Abstract: A frame with two parallel foot-retention bars (1) and two handles (7) that extend beside the hips of a user lying on a horizontal surface. A user inserts his/her feet between the foot-retention bars, and pushes downward on the handles to stretch the spine. The handles preferably are adjustably extendable to accommodate different user sizes. The foot retention bars push the feet away from the body, producing traction in the spine. Preferably, the foot retention bars are adjustably separable. Preferably, each of the handle assemblies (5-7) is pivotable 180 degrees to a compact storage position within the respective frame portion (3). Optionally, the device can be shipped partially assembled, for completion by the user.

Abstract: A therapeutic table system for supporting a body of a user above a surface and for applying traction to a spine of a user lying on the therapeutic table system. The therapeutic table system includes a table assembly that includes a tabletop and a plurality of leg members. A support assembly is mounted on an upper surface of the tabletop for supporting a body of a user lying on the tabletop. The support assembly includes a hip support assembly for supporting hips of a user lying on the tabletop. The hip support assembly is positionable between an extended position and a contracted position. A traction assembly is mounted on a lower surface of the tabletop for moving the hip support assembly from the contracted position toward the extended position such that a user lying on the tabletop is placed in traction.

Abstract: A chiropractic exerciser device designed to permit a person to hang upside-down from the waist or hips. The chiropractic exerciser consists of three main parts or elements that include handles, a main body including a hang bar, and an upright hang-bar. The first element are handles connected to a step-up bar and inner legs which facilitate additional stretching and exercising positions. The step-up bar feature allows individuals of any height to use the device. The second element is the main body or base, which includes the hang bar that permits a person to hang upside down. The third element is the upright hang-bar which is designed for pull-ups and hanging thereby allowing the vertebrae to straighten and re-align. The upright hang-bar can be used as a static upright hang-bar permitting standard chin-ups, or it can be used with a spring mechanism.

Abstract: An abdomen exercise device includes a bed body having a backrest and a seat pivotally connected with a joint to permit the backrest swing up and down to force the back of a user lying on the bed body bend the back up and down to exercise the user's abdomen. The backrest is swung up and down by a drive rod moved by a drive device consisting of a motor, a drive wheel, and a chain gear fixed with a lower end of the drive rod and a drive chain gear fixed eccentrically with the drive wheel rotated by the motor. With an endless chain extends around the drive chain gear and the chain gear to let two ends of the drive rod seesaw to swing up and down the backrest automatically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splint that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The splint may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not in use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The present invention also provides a single member adjustable splint.

Abstract: A protective article adapted to cover a joint by allowing the joint to bend. The protective article includes a frame that includes at least one bending zone having an abutment limiting the bending of the joint to a predetermined angle so as to avoid the hyper-flexion of the joint. The abutment is obtained by notches that are beveled so as to close for the predetermined angle. The protective article can especially be positioned on a boot in the area of the ankle.

Abstract: A support device for back and knees comprising a belt or loop that can be fitted around one's body while in a sitting position.

Abstract: An improved angularly adjustable traction apparatus (10) including a generally rectangular platform member (20) having an elongated track groove (30) disposed in one side (23) for slidably receiving a limb immobilizing unit (12) and a pulley unit (13) having a traction device (90). Both the limb immobilizing unit (12) and the pulley unit (13) are provided with securing elements (50), (50′) etc. for captively engaging the limb immobilizing (12) and pulley (13) units at selected locations within the track groove (30) and a pair of anchor units (15) associated with portions of the limb immobilizing (12) and pulley (13) units to maintain their angular orientation relative to the platform member (20).

Abstract: Rigid left and right side members extend vertically along the user's left and right sides. A girdle that encircles the user is suspended on adjustable straps from the upper ends of the rigid left and right side members. The adjustable straps on opposite sides of the girdle each have a first end permanently affixed to the inside surface of the girdle. The straps extend upward along the user's sides and pass through slots located near the tops of the rigid left and right side members. The straps then extend downwardly to second ends that are removably attached to the outside of the girdle at opposite sides by a hook-and loop fastener. In the front-to-rear direction, the rigid left and right side members coincide with the center of gravity of the lifted weight to avoid pitching moments. The straps by which the girdle is suspended are readily adjustable, thereby promoting the comfort of the user.

Abstract: A collapsible cervical traction device having an elongated primary support leg and a elongated secondary support leg that are pivotally connected to each other so that they are collapsible toward each other. Each support leg has a transversely extending foot member at its rear end. An elongated body support beam has its front end pivotally connected to the top wall of the primary support leg and it has a plurality of laterally spaced roller assemblies attached to its side walls at longitudinally spaced intervals along its length. A neck support assembly is removably received in a tubular sleeve that is pivotally mounted on the front end of the primary support leg. The neck support assembly has a Y-shaped support member having foam cushion members mounted on its upwardly extending arms.

Abstract: A portable appliance for treating carpal tunnel syndrome and/or other problems of the wrist of a person. The appliance comprises a releasably securable sleeve means for securement to a person's forearm, a stationary member positioned on the sleeve means, a moveable member slidably coupled to the stationary member, a cuff means secured to an end of the moveable member and a bias means coupled between the stationary member and the moveable member.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a user's arm strength opposed by large stretch bands attached to the harness to achieve 100% of the traction force or “pull-weight.” The principal components of the device are an anchoring system, such as a frame, and a harness, which are used simultaneously as part of a single system. The user lies upon a body support atop the frame and uses his/her arm strength to slide forward by pulling with his/her hands against a harness fastened around the user's waist. The user accomplishes the sliding forward by pulling on handles attached to the top of the frame, while the harness is attached to the bottom of the frame. The effect is distraction of the lower spine. The unique mode of action of the device utilizes the user's own arm strength to achieve a completely variable traction force. The user is in complete control of the amount of traction force to be delivered at all times without any dependence upon electricity to generate force.

Abstract: A free-standing head support frame for passively inducing cervical and thoracic flexion while maintaining traction includes a base support platform for placement on a stable treatment surface, an upright head support frame that projects transversely with respect to the base platform, a head cradle including a V-shaped occipital block with engagement edges extending transversely on opposite sides of the occipital center line, and an adjustable coupling for holding the head cradle at a desired elevation above the base platform. The patient assumes a static, semi-reclined position with the upper torso and head being elevated and inclined with respect to the support surface. The weight of the patient's upper torso induces a gentle stretch and traction in cervical and thoracic flexion, providing relief of cervical and upper thoracic muscle spasm, and facet joint, costovertebral joint and soft tissue conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing back traction in a water therapy environment is disclosed which includes a back support member extending vertically within a body of water such as a swimming pool including two arms extending outwardly therefrom to be placed under the arms of a user while the user's back is in contact with the back support member. A suspension apparatus lifts the back support member and both arms to a limited extent while a user is positioned within the user receiver zone defined between the arms at a slightly elevated position to provide a controllable amount of downwardly directed traction force upon the back of the user. Most of the user's weight is supported by the water and very active control of the amount of traction force can be achieved. The present apparatus is disclosed in a permanent embodiment as well as an embodiment detachably securable with respect to a swimming pool ladder.

Abstract: A vertebral traction device for applying traction to the cervical vertebral column. A method for applying traction to the cervical vertebral column.

Abstract: A simple and easy-to-use therapeutic device comprises a pair of spaced arm supports for supporting the arms of the patient. The patient pushes the arms laterally against the arm supports to self-stabilize the shoulder girdle complex and horizontally load the sternoclavicular joints. Controlled movements of the head, neck, shoulder, and/or hip are made effective to create self-participatory healing of various portions of the spinal column by inducing synovial lubrication of the vertebrae. The patient's body can be positioned in different postures for isolating different parts of the spinal column for re-education, including a sitting position on a chair, a kneeling position, and a saddle position on a saddle seat. A head rest prevents or minimizes compensations by the body, and further isolates the movements of the body to promote more effective re-education of specific portions of the spinal column. The device is simple in structure and easy to manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exercise device capable of entirely supporting a person's head, back and buttocks (seat) through the use of a carriage (located and moving on the inclined semi-circular tracks) and the feet through the use of the foot rest. The semi-circular tracks and the foot rest are mounted on vertical posts which are connected to a solid rectangular frame. The movement of the carriage is made possible by four small wheels fastened at the bottom of the carriage, which roll in corresponding partially covered grooves of the semi-circular tracks. The body weight of a person is used as a resistance for the exercises which can be varied by changing the inclination of the tracks. When a person is properly positioned in the device, the person's body moves the carriage up the tracks by the interaction between the torso and the legs. The flexed legs extend and the head and back resist the leg action by pressing against the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention provides the method for placing the patient's wrist in traction to alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The preferred apparatus utilizes a harness to connect the patient's hand to a traction device and a stabilizing attachment to restrain the patient's arm in an anatomically neutral position while isolating the patient's soldier and elbow from the traction device.