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

Abstract: An foldable electric traction machine comprises a front beam, a rear beam and a joint connecting the front beam and the rear beam. A motor is mounted beneath the rear beam. A sliding bracket is mounted on an extension beam and can be moved by the motor. The body of a patient lying on the traction machine will be stretched by the motor driving the sliding bracket along the extension beam. A rope is provide under the front and the rear beam and will be gradually tensioned with the movement of the sliding bracket. Therefore, when the motor is operated, the traction machine not only can improve the user's body condition, but also raise the user's waist.

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 seat 100 is used with a device 10 for transferring stress from the lumbar spine to the rib cage of a person. The device 10 includes torso embracing members 29 and 30 and a seat 100 supported by the device 10. The seat includes a fluid tight chamber 106 and a fluid control device for controlling flow of fluid into and out of the chamber 106. The chamber has a first height when filled with fluid and a second, lesser height when fluid has been removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A cervical traction device which can be used on a elevated support surface such as a bed which applies a tractive force to the back of the patient's skull approximate to the occipital bone through the use of contoured blocks which can preferably be positioned behind the patient's head and mounted on a head rest assembly. The tractive force can be continuous or cycled on and off manually during a cervical traction session. The head rest assembly slides on the bed or similar surface and can be vertically and laterally adjusted to vary the flexion-extension angle. The cervical traction device can be operated by the patient with or without the help of a second party.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable apparatus for providing lumbar traction in the home or while traveling which is used in conjunction with a door or gate. The apparatus includes an anchoring device which fits over the top of an ordinary door. The anchor is connected to an adjustable support strap which is attached to a junction box. An adjustable rope passing over a pulley in the junction box is provided with a grip at one end, and a pelvic traction belt at the other end. A locking mechanism is provided on the junction box to set the adjustable rope attached to the traction belt in a desired position. The device is attached over a door, and the user puts on the traction belt and lies down on the floor with knees bent, the soles of both feet flat against the door. By pulling the grip of the rope, the traction belt can be raised to a desired position for traction, and then locked in place. After an appropriate period of traction, the user disengages the lock, and lowers the traction belt.

Abstract: Physiotherapy apparatus for the treatment of articular stiffness including a table for a patient having a static board, a moving board which is displaceable towards and away from the static board and a device for applying a traction force between parts of the patient's body. The moving board is mounted such that it can also rotate about a horizontal axis between a horizontal position and an inclined position, and about a vertical axis between two extreme positions which are symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis of the table. The device for applying a traction force includes a traction cord and a system of pulleys with which the cord is associated in order to apply the traction to a joint of the patient in a desired direction. The apparatus is highly versatile, permitting treatment of cervical and lumbar vertebrae, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle.

Abstract: A device is provided for stabilizing and positioning an otherwise hand-held medical instrument, such as a biopsy power driver and probe, to ensure the ability to accurately place the probe into the breast and maintain position relative to a particular tissue site from any desired entry point. The device comprises a main arm having a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion. A clamping assembly permits attachment of the apparatus to a stationary object, which is preferably an examination table, and includes a locking clamp having a gripping mode and a releasing mode for alternately gripping and releasing the main arm, and a lever assembly for actuating the locking clamp between the gripping mode and the releasing mode.

Abstract: The pneumatic lumbar traction device comprises two separable parts, namely an upper hollow shell and a lower plate or frame. The plate or frame has a pneumatically operated piston and cylinder mechanism located centrally thereof with a piston rod extending outwardly to engage a guided bar guided in a guideway mounted to the plate or frame. The guided bar extends outwardly of a foot end of the hollow shell and the plate or frame has an outer perimeter. The hollow shell has an inner perimeter which is sized to seat over and around the outer perimeter of the plate or frame, such that the outer perimeter of the plate or frame can bear against the inner perimeter of said hollow shell at a head end of the device when traction is placed on the lumbar region of a users back. The hollow shell has the foot end and a head end. The opening at the foot end allows the guided bar to extend therethrough.

Abstract: A body stretching and decompression system for use on a horizontal surface is disclosed. The system includes a frame having first and second portions adjustably connected together. A pair of hand grips are secured to the second portion of the frame. The system also includes a cuff assembly to be secured to a user, a rollable positioning member for allowing a user to move on the horizontal surface in a direction away from the first portion of the frame, and a resilient coupling resiliently attaching the first portion of said frame to the cuff assembly. When the cuff assembly is secured to a user and the user is disposed on the positioning member in an initial position with respect to the first portion of the frame, the user may apply a user-selected amount of traction to the user's skeletal system by grasping the hand grips and moving the user's body to an extended position. The amount of traction is generally proportional to the distance between the initial and extended positions.

Abstract: A table that corrects postures when looking at the anterior aspect of the person. The table will be mirror-imaging their postures including: Right and left head translations, right and left thoracic translations, and right and left lateral bending of the thorax. The table is made up of two movable sections (cervical and thoracic) and a stationary seat having a pelvic support. The head is placed in between two padded walls, and the cervical section is slid to one side and gets locked down, placing the head of the patient in the mirror-image translation. The thorax of the person is strapped down to the thoracic support, which is then slid to one side and locked in place, causing the thorax to be in mirror-image translation and/or lateral bending posture.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance that is designed to assist in the reduction of an anterior dislocation, during a course of treatment given to a person who is laying horizontal on a table or similar elevated surface, with the affected arm hanging directly downward. The appliance eliminates the need for a person to grip or in any way consciously hold on to weighted objects, thereby allowing the patient to fully relax during the treatment procedure. The appliance comprises one or more forearm straps which are wrapped around the forearm of the person receiving treatment, where one or more weighted units are attached to the forearm straps, with extending supports so that the weights hang down, so that a direct downward pull on the affected arm is possible. Said weighted units may be attached to the forearm straps using one or more descending loops, in which weights such as dumbbells may be placed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for applying traction to the back and neck of a patient. The traction device is inexpensive, relatively attractive and inconspicuous when mounted on a chair for use by the patient, and can be used with most household chairs.

Abstract: A back stretching system is provided including a stationary rest. A movable rest is slidable with respect to the stationary rest in constant coplanar relationship therewith. The movable rest and stationary rest further reside in a common angled plane during use.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus for a limb of a patient includes a support assembly, such as a sling, for supporting the limb during a surgical procedure, and a mounting assembly slidably coupled to the support assembly by at least one slide rod and at least one slide tube, the support assembly being vertically positionable relative to the mounting assembly. A method for supporting and positioning a patient's body part during surgery comprising the steps of attaching the body part to a sling or other support assembly, and adjusting the position of the body part by positioning the support assembly relative to a mounting assembly slidably coupled thereto, the mounting assembly including at least one slide rod and at least one slide tube to effect vertical positioning of the support assembly relative to the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A backbone straightening device includes a base plate, a platform member firmly secured to the base plate, and a plurality of circular ring-shaped supporting members. The platform member has a vertical cavity and two obliquely angled cavities. The vertical cavity is formed in a generally central area on a top surface of the platform member and has a rectangular opening in plan view, and the two obliquely angled cavities are respectively formed on opposite sides of the vertical cavity.

Abstract: For the purpose of supporting the subject's head corresponding to the motion of the subject's neck, there is provided a neck fixing apparatus comprising a base disposed on a surface on which the subject is mounted, an arm extending along the body axis of the subject to be mounted and pivotally attached to the base, and a head rest 82 for mounting the subject's head, movably attached to the arm and movable along the arm 60.

Abstract: A device for exerting force between two portions of the human anatomy, such as a back or neck. The device includes an upper brace for attachment to an upper portion of the human anatomy and a lower brace for attachment to a lower portion of the human anatomy. The first and the second fluid containing cylinder, each cylinder having a lower portion and a telescopically extendable upper portion, have attachment means thereon and extend generally in a longitudinal direction of a patient. The first cylinder upper portion is attached to the upper brace, the first cylinder lower portion is attached to the lower brace. The second cylinder upper portion is attached to the upper brace and the second cylinder lower portion is attached to the lower brace. The first and second cylinders are positioned on opposite sides of the human anatomy with the fluid within the cylinders being compressive and under compression providing a constant force urging the upper brace away from the lower brace.

Abstract: A spinal joint separator device and method for exercising a spine to promote spinal health are provided. The device may generally include a frame and a first and a second bladder secured to the frame for separating vertebrae in the spine in order to promote fluid imbibition therethrough. The bladders provide diverging directions of force against a lordotic arc in the spine of a user, for example against the lumbar or cervical spine. When in an uninflated state the second bladder is disposed on the frame such that it overlaps the first bladder. In addition, a pump and valve may be provided for allowing independent and sequential inflation of the bladders. In accordance with a method of the invention, the first bladder may be inflated against the spine in a first direction to lift and hold the spine in a lordotic arc. Subsequently, the second bladder is inflated against the spine in a second direction to further lift the spine, stretch the spine linearly and gently separate the vertebrae.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traction device for treating leg fractures 81, wherein the device 1 includes a traction bar 2 or the like which carries at its rear end a branched support 3 intended for abutment with the crotch region of a patient or a person on which the device is used, and which carries at its front end at least one attachment point 4 for the attachment of tensioning devices 5 which are intended to act between the attachment point or attachment points and the feet or lower leg parts of said person. The branched support 3 includes support surfaces 35, 36 which are positioned for supportive engagement with the ischial tuberosities (tuber ossis ischii) 80 of said person. The branched support 3 includes a recess 34 or opening which provides room for the genital organs of said person. The branched support 3 includes a base part 30 which includes a part 31 by means of which the branched support can be affixed to the traction bar 2.

Abstract: Medical therapeutic equipment for applying tension or compression to various body parts of a patient, the equipment being a rectangular frame structure made up of a plurality tubular elements intended to be placed around the patient lying on a horizontal surface, the rectangular frame structure having an elongated post member with a ring at the end thereof in a generally parallel relationship intended to extend between the legs of the patient, and a pair of anchorage devices, a first adapted to fasten a first selected body part of the patient to the ring, and a second adapted to fasten a second selected body part of the patient to a transverse end member opposite the elongated post member, and further including an apparatus for mechanically drawing the post member and ring away from the opposed transverse end member to activate the equipment.

Abstract: A system for applying a force caudally to the shoulders of a patient laying flat on a hospital table for purposes of taking x-rays of the neck area of the patient. This system includes a shoulder harness having a band near the shoulders with straps attached to the band. The straps extend longitudinally across the body of the patient toward the feet and, at the edge of the table on which the patient is laying, the straps are directed downward by means of pulleys. Hanging on the ends of the straps are weights. If the straps are criss-crossed across the patient, they will tend to pull the patient's shoulders down and inward, allowing for a better x-ray view of the neck area of the patient.

Abstract: A lower back support apparatus for supporting the user's lower back when seated. The lower back support apparatus includes a support frame and a support belt which is supportable on the frame. The support belt defines a belt portion and straps secured to the belt portion. The belt portion is securable around the waist of a user, and the straps extend from the belt portion and are configured to fit securely on the shoulders of the user. The straps carry two rings one each positionable at each shoulder. The support frame is configured to releasably secure to a seat. Two spring and hook assemblies mounted on opposing sides of the support frame and each includes a hook for hooking onto each of the rings.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical traction device is provided which includes a motor driven linear actuator connected to a guided carriage. A second carriage is mounted in tandem with the first on a common guide. The two carriages are connected by a spring. A patient engaging device is connected to the second carriage. The linear actuator and carriage guide are mounted to a common surface. When power is provided to the linear actuator motor, it moves the first carriage. The motion is transmitted through the spring to the second carriage and patient engaging device to provide traction to the patient. Reversing the motor relieves the traction force.

Abstract: A transportable, diagnostic and surgical procedure patient support board (10) compatible for use with CT, X-ray and MRI machines includes a rectangular board to which the patient is secured, tracks (21) along the head end and partially along the sides of the board, and clamps (22) made of a non-ferromagnetic material mounted adjustably on the tracks which support traction gear and immobilization rods (45-48) that extend to a halo on the head of the patient. Various configurations of rods and adjustable clamps are disclosed.

Abstract: A seat supportable device for relieving lower back pressure is provided. The device includes a seat portion arranged to be supported on a seat and to be sat upon by a user, a rib cage engagement portion arranged to removably engage the rib cage of the user when he is sitting on the seat portion and user controlled tensioning apparatus for selectably applying tension between the rib cage engagement portion and the seat portion, thereby to relieve lower back pressure on the user.

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic apparatus for re-educating the posture of the backbone includes in combination mechanism for controlling the orthostatic posture of the patient, mechanism for carrying out a differential traction on the same patient at different levels in order to cancel out all or a part of his weight, mechanism for correcting the postural defects in the three planes of the space and for blocking the patient within postural limits in order to prevent him from assuming postures other than that therapeutic even during the deambulation.

Abstract: A spine relaxing device includes a base and a support column vertically supported on the base. An adjustable main support member, an adjustable head support member and an adjustable foot support member are mounted on the support column. The head and foot members are movable relative to each other support member. A hand operated control device can be operated by the user to move the position of the head support member and the foot support member relative to the main support member. The main support member and head support member are adjustable in width.

Abstract: Traction apparatus for medically and physically treating herniated nucleosus pulposus or sprain and strain is disclosed. The traction apparatus comprises an upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a plurality of tubes. The traction apparatus further includes an exercising device. The upper support frame encircles the upper part of the therapy region and has two free ends positioned in space relation. The lower support frame encircles the lower part of the therapy region and hits two free ends positioned in space relation. The tubes are expandable to provide traction on the therapy region and are filled up with fluid which is generated by a fluid generating device. Preferably, the fluid generating device is a programmed controller including additionally pressure regulating function, timing function, intermittent ON and OFF function, etc.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for an orthopedic knee brace that pivotally couples a first rotation member and a second rotation member. The hinge assembly includes a pad assembly, a hinge, and first and second adjustment members enabling adjustment of the normal force applied by the hinge assembly to the knee joint for the effective treatment of osteoarthritis. The hinge includes an end of the first rotation member, an end of the second rotation member, first and second hinge plates positioned on opposite sides of the ends, and first and second hinge fasteners. The first and second hinge fasteners each has a bore therethrough that is internally threaded. The first hinge fastener rotatably connects the end of the first rotation member to the first and second hinge plates and the second hinge fastener rotatably connects the end of the second rotation member to the first and second hinge plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a traction force to an appendage of a subject which includes a one-way gripping device having a channel and a cam. The cam is pivotal so that a gripping surface of the cam can be positioned in the channel. A force applicator which can be a rope or cable extends through the channel of the one-way gripping device. The force applicator is free to slide through the channel of the one-way gripping device in one direction, but is gripped by the cam and prevented from moving in an opposite direction. One end of the force applicator is secured to an appendage of a subject. A traction force is applied to the appendage by pulling the force applicator through the one-way gripping device.

Abstract: For the treatment of spinal damage in medical physiotherapy, the patient's spine is stressed via the pelvis by longitudinal forces on the legs in such a way that the setting of displaced spinal components is promoted and the muscles are strengthened. With this device the tensile forces are applied to the feet by spring components which are tensioned by means of cables from the movements of the pins of linear movement components driven by an electric motor. The frequency and amplitude of these tensile forces can be changed via a control unit and thus phase shifts between the forces acting on the legs can be adjusted. During the exercises the patient can adjust the exercise programme by actuating controls connected to the supporting grips. The success of the therapy can be improved by fitting heating elements in the backrest to provide heat treatment for the patient's muscles.

Abstract: A pneumatic ambulatory traction device comprises modular components that can be readily stowed at a facility or in a vehicle with minimum as-stowed space requirements and that can be readily and quickly assembled into a compact traction device usable at a facility, in a vehicle, at an accident site and the like to provide pneumatic traction force to a patient's body in a manner that can be controlled and varied as may be needed. The traction device comprises an elongated tubular housing connectable to a support, which may include an operating table or bed or a stretcher in a vehicle or at an accident site. A pneumatic cylinder is disposed in the housing and a piston is received in the cylinder and includes a piston rod movable in response to cylinder pressure to apply a traction force correlated to the cylinder pressure via a flexible cable connected to the piston rod and to a patient's body.

Abstract: A spinal traction and exercise device adapted to be secured about the spine for imparting the desired lordotic shape into the cervical, cervico-thoracic, thoraco-lumbar, and lumbar regions of the spine and manipulating the spine and surrounding tissue to promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. The device includes a cervical unit and a thoraco-lumbar unit and is designed so each unit can work independent of each other or in conjunction with each other. The device includes a frame, upstanding neck and back supports carried by the frame inflatable bladders carried by the neck and back supports, restraining arms or straps for securing the device to the user's body such that the bladders are disposed below and adjacent the user's spine, and means for selectively inflating and deflating the bladders to force the cervical, cervico-thoracic, thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spine to curve forwardly and apply angular/circular traction to the spine.

Abstract: The neck curvature alignment device comprises: a framework including a base portion adapted to be supported on a generally planar surface and having an upper surface and a pivot portion having an outer surface and being pivotally connected to the base portion; a moving mechanism situated between the base portion and the pivot portion for moving the pivot portion away from the base portion; a device for actuating the moving mechanism; a head and neck receiving device mounted on the upper surface of the base portion and having structure for engaging and bearing against the occipital bone of a patient's head, whereby operation of the moving mechanism will cause the pivot portion to move away from the base portion to cause the head and neck receiving portion to act in an arcuate direction against a patient's neck and head.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying traction or compression force to a patient in the treatment of an injured or diseased part of a musculoskeletal system, in which a point (b) is situated on a first side of a part to be treated L and a point (a) is situated on an opposite side of part L, point (a) being mobile with respect to point (b). The apparatus includes at least one connecting element R connecting point (a) to a point (p) located on a support. At least one force-transmitting element transmits traction or compression force F.sub.R from a force-applying device to each connecting element R. A control unit, which is connected to a force sensor and an acceleration sensor, controls the force-applying device such that the traction or compression force F.sub.R is adjusted to a value which is sufficient to keep a traction or compression force F.sub.O applied to part L constant and to compensate for any changes in F.sub.

Abstract: A portable traction device primarily for application of pelvic traction can be easily transported, assembled and dismantled by a user for the self-application of traction without the need for specialized in-patient equipment. The device is carried in a padded storage bag and includes a foldable traction frame assembly on which the user lies during application of traction. Also included are a pelvic belt, traction cords and water bags to be attached to the belt as well as hip and neck support cushions, all of the components being receivable in the storage bag. The user carries the bag and sets up the device at any convenient location. A primary component of the device is a foldable frame assembly having a base plate on which the user lies during treatment and a frame at one end providing elevated cord guides over which the traction cords extend from the belt to the water bags.

Abstract: A lumbar traction apparatus for applying traction to the back of a patient includes a frame structure, a winch support structure extending above the frame structure, a winch assembly having a hand crank mounted on the winch support structure, two harnesses for wrapping around the torso of the patient, tensioning cords extending from the winch assembly each to one of the two harnesses, so that rotating the hand crank on the winch assembly gathers both of these cords and thereby pulls the harnesses apart to create traction in the back of the patient. The frame structure preferably includes a connecting segment, a first arm segment substantially perpendicular and joined to the connecting segment, and a second arm segment substantially perpendicular and joined to the connecting segment and spaced apart from the first arm segment. The connecting segment is preferably formed of two telescoping portions for convenient assembly and disassembly of the frame structure for transport and storage.

Abstract: The gravity traction device comprises an inclined platform or table having an upper inclined surface for supporting a user's upper body or torso and a generally U-shaped, head receiving portion mounted to the platform adjacent an upper end thereof and having contoured surfaces for receiving and supporting a user's head and neck and a ridge with an adjacent lift surface for engaging against the occipital bone of the user's head received in the head receiving portion.

Abstract: A lower limb traction system utilizes a perineal post for applying counter-traction and for stabilizing the patient's hips and a traction unit for supporting the leg and for maintaining traction in the leg. The traction unit is moveable along a substantially horizontal arcuate path defined by a circumferential guide and having a center of rotation that is selected to be concentric with the center of rotation location of the hip associated with the leg to be placed in traction. Abduction and adduction of a leg is achieved by moving the traction unit along the arcuate path.

Abstract: A therapeutic tension applying apparatus for applying tensile stress on a persons neck and spine while traveling, the apparatus is attachable to a vehicle seat or a mounting surface such as a ceiling within a vehicle. The apparatus provides adjustable, variable tension for the user and further includes a break-away-means which allows detachment of the apparatus from a chin strap or pad so as not to endanger the user, such as in the case of an accicent.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel and unique orthopedic apparatus for holding, maneuvering and maintaining a body part of a patient during orthopedic surgery. The orthopedic apparatus provides for assisting the primary surgeon during orthopedic surgery by holding, maneuvering and maintaining a patient's leg, thereby eliminating any assistant surgeon in the surgery operation. The orthopedic apparatus is capable of independently accomplishing transverse sliding, up-and-down tilting, lateral swinging, longitudinal extension/retraction, and axial rotation so that the surgeon can properly positioned a patient's leg for the orthopedic operation. The orthopedic apparatus has self-locking gear mechanisms to hold the various sections of the orthopedic apparatus in position to thereby hold the patient's leg in the proper position throughout the surgical operation.

Abstract: An arcuate dynamic traction device for treating a finger having an injured joint, the device being used to apply a distraction force to the injured joint and including a yoke slidably supported on an arcuate track having spaced parallel sides and formed into an arch having a selected radius of curvature. The magnitude of the distraction force applied to the injured joint may be controlled using a tension adjuster that traverses the yoke and which is connected to the injured finger, an adjustable stop engaging the yoke when the desired distraction force is applied. The track is mounted to a forearm splint and can be positioned so that its relative longitudinal position to the forearm and its relative radial position will place the center of the arch on the joint and the finger will move in its normal anatomical plane, in an arcuate path concentric with the arch.

Abstract: A self contained portable traction or back-stretch apparatus (11) comprising a frame assembly (13) with first tensile force application means in the form of two U-shaped members (15) for supporting a person under their arms, and a second tensile force application means (17 or 57) for supporting a person about their waist and hips. The frame assembly (13) is formed of two frames (19) comprising parallel elongate struts (21) and parallel elongate struts (23) connected about a pivot pin (25) in a scissor type relationship. Separation of the force application means (15 and 17 or 57) is limited by a resiliently stretchable mat (37) which also serves to support the weight of a person therebetween. The weight of the person supported in the traction apparatus results in a downward force on the frame assembly (13) which translates to a tensile force applied between the force application means (15 and 17 or 57) and effects traction, providing a degree of intervertebral separation in the person.

Abstract: A device for mounting onto a traction machine having a base console, an elongated standard extending upward therefrom, and an elongated traction cable suspended vertically downward from the standard and having a free end connector. The device comprises an upper arm support plate, a wrist band, and an adjustable mounting sleeve. The wrist band is arranged to be releasably secured about one wrist of a person and connected to the connection means of the traction machine to be suspended therefrom. The upper arm support plate is an elongated member releasably secured by a bracket to the sleeve for supporting the upper arm of the person and includes an adjustable strap for extending about the upper arm of the person to releasably secure it in place on support plate. The adjustable sleeve is slidably mounting on the standard and includes releasable securement means, e.g., at least one set screw, for releasably securing it at any vertical position along the standard.

Abstract: A chin support holds an anesthetized patient's head in the proper position during surgery so that the unconscious patient's airway is held open. A pylon attaches to and extends up from the side of an operating table. A tether attaches to the top of the pylon and extends around the patient's chin to keep the patient's head tilted during surgery. The pylon is held in place against the operating table by the tension on the tether when the chin support is in use.

Abstract: Device for positioning of a patient in an arms-over-head position. This device has a horizontal base which is placed on a horizontal supporting surface such as a floor or patient treatment table, a head positioning member affixed to the base near one end thereof, an upright handlebar supporting member which is secured to the base near another end thereof and extends upwardly from the base, and a handlebar which is adjustably mounted in or on the handlebar support member so that the hand grips on the handlebar may be positioned either closer to or farther from the head positioning member, in accordance with the height and arm length of the patient. The device also may be provided with interchangeable head and neck support members, each having a differently contoured head and neck support surface.

Abstract: A traction apparatus and method for remodeling a human subject's spinal posture toward an ideal normal static spinal model includes a rectangular frame within which the subject is supported on a knee rest and a pelvic rest. A traction belt is placed around the subject's pelvis from behind and anchored to a rear vertical column of the frame. A shoulder harness is applied from behind and also anchored in the same manner. A traction belt is placed around the dorsolumbar region from the front, and secured to a front vertical column of the frame. A rigid curved fulcrum is placed behind the cervical spine from the front and secured to the front column, either directly or via a pulley mounted on a horizontal toprail of the frame. A head halter is applied over the forehead and under the chin from behind and is secured to the rear vertical column, either directly or via a pulley mounted on the horizontal toprail of the frame.

Abstract: The pivotable cervical traction/stretch and neck curve support device comprises a base portion having an upper inclined surface for supporting a person's upper body or torso, a table or platform situated adjacent the base portion and having an upper surface and a bottom surface, a pivotable mounting mechanism attached to the base for pivotally and rotatably mounting the platform to the base in a manner allowing rotation of the platform about any one of or all of an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis. The mounting mechanism includes structure for securing the platform in a desired position, a head portion having an inner surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being in sliding contact with the platform, the head portion also having specially contoured surfaces for receiving a person's head, and a mechanism for incrementally moving the head portion on the platform away from the inclined surface.

Abstract: A cervical traction and exercise device adapted to be secured about the head and neck for imparting the desired lordotic shape into the cervical region of the spine and manipulating the spine and surrounding tissue to promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. The device includes a frame, an upstanding neck support carried by the frame, an inflatable elongated bladder carried by the neck support, restraining straps for securing the device to the user's head such that the bladder is disposed below and adjacent the user's neck, and means for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder to force the cervical spine to curve forwardly and apply angular traction to the spine.