CA1196241A - Cervical traction device - Google Patents
Cervical traction deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1196241A CA1196241A CA000427479A CA427479A CA1196241A CA 1196241 A CA1196241 A CA 1196241A CA 000427479 A CA000427479 A CA 000427479A CA 427479 A CA427479 A CA 427479A CA 1196241 A CA1196241 A CA 1196241A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- traction
- user
- strap
- force
- harness
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICE
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A cervical traction device in which the user, himself, applies the traction force. A harness which is adjustable both as to size and shape fits about the user's head between the occi-put and forehead. A strap is attached to the harness and is used to apply traction thereto, the opposite ends of the strap being attached to the ends of a traction bar. The traction bar has attachment means at its center and to the left and right of center, a line or cable being selectively attached to one of these attach-ment means. The line fits through a suitable fitting so that it re-verses direction to a position forward of the user's head where it is attached to a force indicator device which is within the user's view. Another line runs from the opposite end of the indi-cator device to a force input drive member adapted to be engaged by the user's feet. In using the device, the user applies the desired amount of force to the force input drive member, as indi-cated on the indicator device, this force being delivered to the user's neck.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A cervical traction device in which the user, himself, applies the traction force. A harness which is adjustable both as to size and shape fits about the user's head between the occi-put and forehead. A strap is attached to the harness and is used to apply traction thereto, the opposite ends of the strap being attached to the ends of a traction bar. The traction bar has attachment means at its center and to the left and right of center, a line or cable being selectively attached to one of these attach-ment means. The line fits through a suitable fitting so that it re-verses direction to a position forward of the user's head where it is attached to a force indicator device which is within the user's view. Another line runs from the opposite end of the indi-cator device to a force input drive member adapted to be engaged by the user's feet. In using the device, the user applies the desired amount of force to the force input drive member, as indi-cated on the indicator device, this force being delivered to the user's neck.
Description
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i2 CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICE
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
This invention relates to a cervical traction device~ and more particularly to such a device in which the user thereof him-self applies the traction force.
Cervical traction devices o~ the prior art for applying traction to the cervical spine often employ cervical halters which run under the chin of the user. With this type of device, the cervical force has a likelihood of being improperly directed in that although the harness may be optimally adjusted to the particu-lar head shape in an ~ttempt to deliver the major part of the force from posteriorly, as is desire~, often too much force is directed along the chin strap. Also, many prior art traction devices are not adapted to apply traction to a reclining patie~t with a force that assures traction in flexion. Further, such prior art devices do not provide for versatllity of adjustment to enable the force to be delivèred at any desired position on the neck to allow trac-tion to a particular desired location asymmetrically either to the left or the right of center or with a rotational component, as particular thereapeutic needs may require.
Prior art cervical traction units are avaîlable for home use by a patient. Such units, however, have the following short-comings. First, such units generally do not enable the application of intermittent traction which has certain therapeutic advantages~
Many prior art devices employ bags of water or varying solid weights to provide static traction. In certain systems, i~ is possi~le for the patient to pull on the traction line to provide his own force. However, in such systems, no means are provided for measuring the amount of force being applied so that such force cannot be properly adjusted to suit the individual treatment requirements. Further, prior art cervical harnesses are manufactured to fit a general head shape and cannot be adjusted to the individual head shape and size of the user, which of-ten detracts from the proper applicaion of traction force.
The chin strap type of harness has several disadvantages. First, with this type of harness it is possible to deliver excessive force through to the chin to the joints of the jaw, thereby compounding the injury. Secondly, this type of harness forces the individual's mouth closed, which is somewhat discomforting and limits the individual's ability to talk.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cervical traction device for use in applying traction to the cervical spine of a user comprising:
harness means a portion thereof which fits against the occiput of the user's head, traction strap means removably attached to said portion of said harness means at a preselected position therealong~
said traction strap being positionable along said portion of said harness means at any selected posi-tion thereon, attachment means fixedly attached to said strap means at each of the opposite ends thereof, a traction bar positioned above the user's head, the attachment means being removably connected to said traction bar near the opposite ends thereof, line means attach~ a~ traction bar at a predetermined position therealong, means for doubling said line means back on itself so that it returns to a position below the user's head, a force indicator device positioned within view of the user attached at one end to said line means, second line means attached at one end thereof to the other end of said force indicator device, force input drive means attached to the other end of said second line means for receiving a force input from the user, whereby the force applied by the user to said force input drive means is applied to the user's neck in a predetermined symmetrical or asymmetrical manner which is in accordance with the attachment position of said traction strap means, said force being indicated on said indicator device.
A device of the present invention overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art by avoiding the use of a chin strap and in the preferred embodiment employing a harness which fits around and adapts to both the size and the shape of the user's head. The harness, which is adjustable in both size and shape, fits about the user's head between the posterior aspect of the head (the occiput) and the forehead.
The harness may be removably held to the userr's h~ad by the use of suitable attachment means such as Velcro (Trade Mark) material. In the preferred embodiment, a strap For applying traction through the harness is removably attached thereto at a selected position which may be in the center to provide neutral - 2a ~3 rotation, or to the left or right of center to provide rotation either to the left or the right, as the particular situation may require. In an alternative embodiment of the inven-tion, the harness and strap are integrated into a single unit and the harness may not wrap around the user's forehead. The ends of the s-trap are - 2b ... ~
119~2~
1 ¦ attached to the opposite ends of a traction bar, this traction bar
i2 CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICE
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
This invention relates to a cervical traction device~ and more particularly to such a device in which the user thereof him-self applies the traction force.
Cervical traction devices o~ the prior art for applying traction to the cervical spine often employ cervical halters which run under the chin of the user. With this type of device, the cervical force has a likelihood of being improperly directed in that although the harness may be optimally adjusted to the particu-lar head shape in an ~ttempt to deliver the major part of the force from posteriorly, as is desire~, often too much force is directed along the chin strap. Also, many prior art traction devices are not adapted to apply traction to a reclining patie~t with a force that assures traction in flexion. Further, such prior art devices do not provide for versatllity of adjustment to enable the force to be delivèred at any desired position on the neck to allow trac-tion to a particular desired location asymmetrically either to the left or the right of center or with a rotational component, as particular thereapeutic needs may require.
Prior art cervical traction units are avaîlable for home use by a patient. Such units, however, have the following short-comings. First, such units generally do not enable the application of intermittent traction which has certain therapeutic advantages~
Many prior art devices employ bags of water or varying solid weights to provide static traction. In certain systems, i~ is possi~le for the patient to pull on the traction line to provide his own force. However, in such systems, no means are provided for measuring the amount of force being applied so that such force cannot be properly adjusted to suit the individual treatment requirements. Further, prior art cervical harnesses are manufactured to fit a general head shape and cannot be adjusted to the individual head shape and size of the user, which of-ten detracts from the proper applicaion of traction force.
The chin strap type of harness has several disadvantages. First, with this type of harness it is possible to deliver excessive force through to the chin to the joints of the jaw, thereby compounding the injury. Secondly, this type of harness forces the individual's mouth closed, which is somewhat discomforting and limits the individual's ability to talk.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cervical traction device for use in applying traction to the cervical spine of a user comprising:
harness means a portion thereof which fits against the occiput of the user's head, traction strap means removably attached to said portion of said harness means at a preselected position therealong~
said traction strap being positionable along said portion of said harness means at any selected posi-tion thereon, attachment means fixedly attached to said strap means at each of the opposite ends thereof, a traction bar positioned above the user's head, the attachment means being removably connected to said traction bar near the opposite ends thereof, line means attach~ a~ traction bar at a predetermined position therealong, means for doubling said line means back on itself so that it returns to a position below the user's head, a force indicator device positioned within view of the user attached at one end to said line means, second line means attached at one end thereof to the other end of said force indicator device, force input drive means attached to the other end of said second line means for receiving a force input from the user, whereby the force applied by the user to said force input drive means is applied to the user's neck in a predetermined symmetrical or asymmetrical manner which is in accordance with the attachment position of said traction strap means, said force being indicated on said indicator device.
A device of the present invention overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art by avoiding the use of a chin strap and in the preferred embodiment employing a harness which fits around and adapts to both the size and the shape of the user's head. The harness, which is adjustable in both size and shape, fits about the user's head between the posterior aspect of the head (the occiput) and the forehead.
The harness may be removably held to the userr's h~ad by the use of suitable attachment means such as Velcro (Trade Mark) material. In the preferred embodiment, a strap For applying traction through the harness is removably attached thereto at a selected position which may be in the center to provide neutral - 2a ~3 rotation, or to the left or right of center to provide rotation either to the left or the right, as the particular situation may require. In an alternative embodiment of the inven-tion, the harness and strap are integrated into a single unit and the harness may not wrap around the user's forehead. The ends of the s-trap are - 2b ... ~
119~2~
1 ¦ attached to the opposite ends of a traction bar, this traction bar
2 ¦ having attachment means both at the center thereof and at various
3 ¦ positions to the left and right of center. A line which may be ¦ of webbing, rope or cable is attached to the traction bar at one of the attachment positions thereof, the central attachment posi-6 ¦ tion providing symmetrical traction while asymmetrical traction 7 of various degrees can be applied by attachment to other positions 8 ¦ to the left or right of center. The line fits through a suita~le 9 ¦ fitting so that it reverses direction to a position forward of 1~ ¦ the head of the user where it is attached to a force indicator 11 ¦ device, the scale of which is within the user's view. A line runs 12 ¦from the opposite end of the indicator device to a force input 13 ¦drive member which is adapted to be engaged by the user~s foot.
14 ¦ In using the device, the user applies the desired amount 15 ¦of force to the force input drive member as indicated on the indi 16 ¦cator device, this force being délivered precisely ~o the neck as 17 ¦prescribed by the aoctor, ~ither symmetrically or asymmetrically0 18 ¦with or without rotation, and with selected degrees of flexion 19 ¦and lateral bending.
20 ¦ It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an 21 ¦improved cervical traction device for use by a patient wherein he 22 ¦himself, by his own force, can apply the required amount of ~3 ¦ traction.
2~ ¦ It is a further object of this invention to provide a 25 ¦cervical traction device employing an adjustable harness for the 2~ ¦ user's head and which can be adjusted to provide both xotatio~
27 ¦ and asymmetrical traction in accordance with the user~s needs~
~8 Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the 29 description proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawings of which.
3~ -3-. .
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~ ¦ FIG 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating the device o 2 ¦ the invention in ~se;
3 ¦ FIG 2 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of
14 ¦ In using the device, the user applies the desired amount 15 ¦of force to the force input drive member as indicated on the indi 16 ¦cator device, this force being délivered precisely ~o the neck as 17 ¦prescribed by the aoctor, ~ither symmetrically or asymmetrically0 18 ¦with or without rotation, and with selected degrees of flexion 19 ¦and lateral bending.
20 ¦ It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an 21 ¦improved cervical traction device for use by a patient wherein he 22 ¦himself, by his own force, can apply the required amount of ~3 ¦ traction.
2~ ¦ It is a further object of this invention to provide a 25 ¦cervical traction device employing an adjustable harness for the 2~ ¦ user's head and which can be adjusted to provide both xotatio~
27 ¦ and asymmetrical traction in accordance with the user~s needs~
~8 Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the 29 description proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawings of which.
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~ ¦ FIG 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating the device o 2 ¦ the invention in ~se;
3 ¦ FIG 2 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of
4 ¦ the traction bar employed in the device of the invention;
~ FIG 3 is a top plan view of the traction bar of the pre-6 ferred embodiment;
7 FIG 4 is a side elevational view of the force input drive 8 member employed in the preferred embo~iment;
9 FIG 5 is a cross-sectional side eIevational view of the force indicating means of the preferred embodiment;
1~ ¦ FIG 6 is a top plan view of the traction strap o the 12 ¦preferred embodiment;
13 FIG 7 is a top plan view of the harness of the preferred 14 ¦emkodiment;
15 ¦ FIG 8 is a view illustrating the attachmen~ means employed 16 ¦in the harness of the preferred embodiment;
17 FIG 9 is a cross-sectional view, ta~en along the plane 18 indicated by 9-9 in FIG 8;
19 FIG lO is a modified version of the strap and harness of the invention wherein these two elemen~s are combined in a single 21 unit; and 22 FIG ll is a schematic drawing illustrating the harness and 23 traction strap of the preferred embodiment of the invention attached 24 to a user's head. ..
25 Referring now to FIG l, a preferred mbodiment of the . .
26 device of the invention is illustrated in us~. ~arness 1~ is 27 wrapped around the forehead of the individual requiring txaction 28 and held in position by suitable means as Velcro.(Trade Mark) 29 fasteners. Th-e harness is fabricated of a soft/--flexible material-33o so that in its 3~
_~_ l ¦ wrapped-around position it conforms to the size and shape of the 2 ¦ user's head. Removably and adjustably attached to the harness at 3 ¦ a preselected position along the rearward portions thereof is 4 ¦ traction strap 14. This strap, as to be explained further on in
~ FIG 3 is a top plan view of the traction bar of the pre-6 ferred embodiment;
7 FIG 4 is a side elevational view of the force input drive 8 member employed in the preferred embo~iment;
9 FIG 5 is a cross-sectional side eIevational view of the force indicating means of the preferred embodiment;
1~ ¦ FIG 6 is a top plan view of the traction strap o the 12 ¦preferred embodiment;
13 FIG 7 is a top plan view of the harness of the preferred 14 ¦emkodiment;
15 ¦ FIG 8 is a view illustrating the attachmen~ means employed 16 ¦in the harness of the preferred embodiment;
17 FIG 9 is a cross-sectional view, ta~en along the plane 18 indicated by 9-9 in FIG 8;
19 FIG lO is a modified version of the strap and harness of the invention wherein these two elemen~s are combined in a single 21 unit; and 22 FIG ll is a schematic drawing illustrating the harness and 23 traction strap of the preferred embodiment of the invention attached 24 to a user's head. ..
25 Referring now to FIG l, a preferred mbodiment of the . .
26 device of the invention is illustrated in us~. ~arness 1~ is 27 wrapped around the forehead of the individual requiring txaction 28 and held in position by suitable means as Velcro.(Trade Mark) 29 fasteners. Th-e harness is fabricated of a soft/--flexible material-33o so that in its 3~
_~_ l ¦ wrapped-around position it conforms to the size and shape of the 2 ¦ user's head. Removably and adjustably attached to the harness at 3 ¦ a preselected position along the rearward portions thereof is 4 ¦ traction strap 14. This strap, as to be explained further on in
5 ¦ the specification, may be removably a~tached to the harness by means ~ ¦ of Velcro fasteners at a central position along the harness to pro-7 ¦ vide neutral rotation during traction, or at positions to ~h~ left ~ ¦ or right of center to provide rotation ;n the traction. The 9 ¦ opposite ends of traction strap 14 are removably attached to trac-1~ ¦ tion bar 16 teither at the ends thereof or to other attachment 11 ¦ points), as to be explaine~ further on in the specification. At-12 ¦ tached to an attachmen~ part of bar 16, which either may be at 13 ¦ the center thereof or to the right or left of center, depending 14 ¦on whether symmetrical or asymmetrical traction is desired, is a 15 ¦traction line or strap 18 which may comprise webbing> Line 18 1~ Iruns through pulley 19 and doubles back on itself. Pulley l9 is 17 ¦supported by means of strap 20 which runs around bar 22 which is 18 ¦also fixedly supported. Bar 22 may comprise a bar mounted between 19 ¦the lower portions of the jambs of a door, or the pulley may be 20 ¦mounted on a strap for insertion and fixation in a door hinge space.
21 ¦In lieu of a pulley, a 'ID" ring or buckle may be usPd.
~2 ¦ The other end of cable 18 is attached to one end of force 23 ¦indicator 25 which has a scale 25a thereon which indicates the 2~ ¦ force applied to strap 18 which is indicat;ve of traction force ~5 ¦ being applied to the user. The other end of force indicator 25 ~6 ¦ is connected by means of strap 18a to a force input drive member 2~ ¦ ~7 which may be in the shape of a bar with foot straps suitable 28 for receiving the feet of the user in force-applying relationship, 29 as indicated in the figure.
1196Z~l 1 I In using the device, the user applies force with his feet 2 ¦against force input drive member 27, the amount of this force being 3 ¦indicated on the indicator scale 25a of force indicating device 4 125. Traction can be applied intermittently by the user and in ~ ¦the amounts prescribed by the doctor which will be indicated on
21 ¦In lieu of a pulley, a 'ID" ring or buckle may be usPd.
~2 ¦ The other end of cable 18 is attached to one end of force 23 ¦indicator 25 which has a scale 25a thereon which indicates the 2~ ¦ force applied to strap 18 which is indicat;ve of traction force ~5 ¦ being applied to the user. The other end of force indicator 25 ~6 ¦ is connected by means of strap 18a to a force input drive member 2~ ¦ ~7 which may be in the shape of a bar with foot straps suitable 28 for receiving the feet of the user in force-applying relationship, 29 as indicated in the figure.
1196Z~l 1 I In using the device, the user applies force with his feet 2 ¦against force input drive member 27, the amount of this force being 3 ¦indicated on the indicator scale 25a of force indicating device 4 125. Traction can be applied intermittently by the user and in ~ ¦the amounts prescribed by the doctor which will be indicated on
6 ¦scale 25a. Further, by preadjusting strap 14 relative to harness
7 ¦11, various amounts of left or right rotation can be provided as
8 ¦may be required for the individual treatment. In addi~ion, various
9 ¦amounts o~ asymmetrical traction can be provided by the preselec-
10 ¦tion of the attachment point of strap 18 to traction bar 16, as
11 may be prescribed by the therapist or doctor.
12 Referring now to FIGS 2 and 3, traction bar 16 of the
13 preferred embodiment is illustrated. Traction bar 16 is fabricated
14 of a suitable, relatively rigid metal or plastic and is flat in configuration, having a pair of ar~s 16a and 16b which form a wide 16 "Vi'. The bar has a plurality of spaced grooves 16c and apertures 17 16d near the ends of the arms thereof for use in attachment the 18 traction strap 14 thereto. Grooves 16c are symmetrically arranged 19 in pairs on arms 16a and 16b. A plurality o~ attachment apertures 16d are provided in the central portion of the traction bar to pro-~1 vide attachments for strap 18. One of these apertures~ as indicated ~2 by line "a" in FIG 2, is at the geometric center o~ ~he bar for use 23 in providing symmetrical tractio~, the others of these apextures 24 being to the left and right of centex for use in pro~iding various degrees and types of asymmetrical traction. For illustrative pur-26 poses, the bar is shown by the dashed lines in FIG 2 in an as~mme-27 trical traction posi~ion effected by connec~ing the strap 18 to the 28 aperture opposite dashed line 'Ibn. It is to be noted that asymme-29 trical kraction can be provided by selective attachment of strap 14 to various combinations of attachment points 16c~
32 _~_ ~624~l 1 ¦ Referring now to FIG 4~ the force input drive member of 2 ¦ the prefer~ed emb~diment is illustrated~ This member is in the 3 ¦ general shape of a bar and has a "D" ring 27a to which strap 18a 4 ¦ is attached (see FIG 1). A transverse, flat bar 27b is provided ~ ¦ in this member for engagement by ~he foot of the user when applying 6 ¦ traction, as shown in FIG 1. The bar has a strap 27c for holding 7 ¦ the user's feet in place~
¦ Referring now to F~G 5~ the force indicator 25 of the pre-9 ¦ ferred embodiment is sche~atically illustrated. This d~vice com 10 ¦prises a pair of slidably engaging cylindrical casing portions 25b 11 ¦and 25c which are fitted together telescopically. A ring ~5d is 12 ¦ fixedly attached to casing 25b at one end wall of the device, while 13 la ring 25e is fixedly mounted on the other end ~all of the device 14 ¦and is fixedly joined to a rod 25f which fits through the end
32 _~_ ~624~l 1 ¦ Referring now to FIG 4~ the force input drive member of 2 ¦ the prefer~ed emb~diment is illustrated~ This member is in the 3 ¦ general shape of a bar and has a "D" ring 27a to which strap 18a 4 ¦ is attached (see FIG 1). A transverse, flat bar 27b is provided ~ ¦ in this member for engagement by ~he foot of the user when applying 6 ¦ traction, as shown in FIG 1. The bar has a strap 27c for holding 7 ¦ the user's feet in place~
¦ Referring now to F~G 5~ the force indicator 25 of the pre-9 ¦ ferred embodiment is sche~atically illustrated. This d~vice com 10 ¦prises a pair of slidably engaging cylindrical casing portions 25b 11 ¦and 25c which are fitted together telescopically. A ring ~5d is 12 ¦ fixedly attached to casing 25b at one end wall of the device, while 13 la ring 25e is fixedly mounted on the other end ~all of the device 14 ¦and is fixedly joined to a rod 25f which fits through the end
15 ¦walls of casings 25c and 25b~ The opposite end of rod 25f has
16 la disc-shaped head 25h thereon, there being a second largex disc
17 ¦or washer 25i slidably mounted on the rod in abutment against
18 ¦head 2Sh. Mounted on rod 25f between an end wall of casing 25b
19 ¦and washer 25i is coil spring 25g. An indicator scale is marked
20 ¦along the wall portion 25a of casing 25~, such that the force
21 ¦applied between rings 25d and 25e will cause casing 25b to be tele-
22 ¦scopically withdrawn fxom casing 25c against the force of spring
23 ¦ 25g in an amount proportional to the force applied to the indicator ~4 ¦device, which will cause a corresponding compression of the spring 25 ¦ and relative displacement between casings 25h and 25c, this reia-2~ ¦ tive displacement being indicated on indicator scale 25a [see ~7 ¦ FIG 1~. In this manner, a continuous indication is provided to 28 the user of the force applied to straps 18 and 18a.
2~ ..
1196~1 1 ¦ Referring now to FIG 6~ the traction ~trap 14 of the pre-2 ¦ ferred embodiment is illustrated. This strap is made of a strip 3 ¦ of non-stretch material having hooks 14a and 14b attached to the opposite ends thereof (refer additionally to FIG 11)~ At the ¦ central portions of the strap, a Velcro fastener strip 14c is pro-! vided for use in removably attaching the strap to harness 11, as 7 ¦shown in FIG 11.
I Referring now to FIGS 7, 8 and 9, the harness 11 of the 9 ¦preferred embsdiment is il~ustrated. The harness has a central 1~ ¦portion lla which is widened for convenient ~itting against the 11 ¦occipital region of the user's head and narrower end portions llb 12 ¦and llc which are join~d together in abutment with each other by 13 ¦means of Velcro fasteners lle which can best be seen in FIGS 8 and 14 ¦9. Harness 11 is preferably made of a cushionin~ material which 1~ ¦may include a foam rubber lining. The harness, bein~ flexible, 16 ¦follows the contour of the user's head and by virtue of its adjust-1~ ¦able attachment adjusts to the size of t~e head, as can be seen 18 ¦in FIG 11.
19 ¦ A plurality of markers llf are formed alony the central 20 ¦portion of the harness~ for example, by stitching. One of these 21 ¦markers is at the geometric ~enter of the harness with others being ~2 ¦equally spaced to either sidQ of center and are used in conjunction 2~ ¦with a similar marker 14d (see FIG 6) on strap 14 for positioning
2~ ..
1196~1 1 ¦ Referring now to FIG 6~ the traction ~trap 14 of the pre-2 ¦ ferred embodiment is illustrated. This strap is made of a strip 3 ¦ of non-stretch material having hooks 14a and 14b attached to the opposite ends thereof (refer additionally to FIG 11)~ At the ¦ central portions of the strap, a Velcro fastener strip 14c is pro-! vided for use in removably attaching the strap to harness 11, as 7 ¦shown in FIG 11.
I Referring now to FIGS 7, 8 and 9, the harness 11 of the 9 ¦preferred embsdiment is il~ustrated. The harness has a central 1~ ¦portion lla which is widened for convenient ~itting against the 11 ¦occipital region of the user's head and narrower end portions llb 12 ¦and llc which are join~d together in abutment with each other by 13 ¦means of Velcro fasteners lle which can best be seen in FIGS 8 and 14 ¦9. Harness 11 is preferably made of a cushionin~ material which 1~ ¦may include a foam rubber lining. The harness, bein~ flexible, 16 ¦follows the contour of the user's head and by virtue of its adjust-1~ ¦able attachment adjusts to the size of t~e head, as can be seen 18 ¦in FIG 11.
19 ¦ A plurality of markers llf are formed alony the central 20 ¦portion of the harness~ for example, by stitching. One of these 21 ¦markers is at the geometric ~enter of the harness with others being ~2 ¦equally spaced to either sidQ of center and are used in conjunction 2~ ¦with a similar marker 14d (see FIG 6) on strap 14 for positioning
24 ¦the strap relative to the harness to provide either no ro~a~ion or
25 ¦various degrees o~ rotation to the right or left in applying the
26 ~ traction. Thus, with the marker 14d directly opposite the central
27 ¦ one of markers 14f, no rotation is providedy while various degrees
28 of rotation to the left and right can be provided by positioning
29 marker 14d opposite one of the left or right of center markers 14f, ..
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il96Z~l I
1 ¦as may be prescribed b~ the doctor or therapist.
2 ¦ Referring now to FIG 7, an alternate configuration for the 3 ¦strap and harness is shown wherein these two units are integrated 4 ¦into a single unit and the harness need not wrap around the fore-~ ¦head. In the use of this device, th~ harness portion fits against 6 ¦the occipit of the ~ser's head. With this alternate configuration, 7 no rotational adjustment is possible, except as provided by the use 8 ¦of the traction bar. However, this is a convenient piece for use 9 ¦in therapy where no rotation may be needed or where the device is being used in a nontherapeutic situation where the strengthening 11 of the muscles or non-medical trac~ion is the objective of the user 12 of the device and the fitting of the device around the user's head 13 may not be necessary.
14 It is to be noted that the strap may be placed high or low on the harness to deliver traction to the entire neck or any section 16 thereof.
1~ While the device has been described and illustrated in de-18 tail, it is to be clearly understood that this is intendea by way 19 of illustration and example only and is not to be ta~en by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of this invention being limited 21 on by the terms of the following claims.
;!4 2~
32 _9_ .
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il96Z~l I
1 ¦as may be prescribed b~ the doctor or therapist.
2 ¦ Referring now to FIG 7, an alternate configuration for the 3 ¦strap and harness is shown wherein these two units are integrated 4 ¦into a single unit and the harness need not wrap around the fore-~ ¦head. In the use of this device, th~ harness portion fits against 6 ¦the occipit of the ~ser's head. With this alternate configuration, 7 no rotational adjustment is possible, except as provided by the use 8 ¦of the traction bar. However, this is a convenient piece for use 9 ¦in therapy where no rotation may be needed or where the device is being used in a nontherapeutic situation where the strengthening 11 of the muscles or non-medical trac~ion is the objective of the user 12 of the device and the fitting of the device around the user's head 13 may not be necessary.
14 It is to be noted that the strap may be placed high or low on the harness to deliver traction to the entire neck or any section 16 thereof.
1~ While the device has been described and illustrated in de-18 tail, it is to be clearly understood that this is intendea by way 19 of illustration and example only and is not to be ta~en by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of this invention being limited 21 on by the terms of the following claims.
;!4 2~
32 _9_ .
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
In a cervical traction device for use in applying traction to the cervical spine of a user comprising harness means a portion thereof which fits against the occiput of the user's head, traction strap means removably attached to said portion of said harness means at a preselected position therealong, said traction strap being positionable along said portion of said harness means at any selected position thereon, attachment means fixedly attached to said strap means at each of the opposite ends thereof, a traction bar positioned above the user's head, the attachment means being removably connected to said traction bar near the opposite ends thereof, line means attached to said traction bar at a predetermined position therealong, means for doubling said line means back on itself so that it returns to a position below the user's head, a force indicator device positioned within view of the user attached at one end to said line means, second line means attached at one end thereof to the other end of said force indicator device, force input drive means attached to the other end of said second line means for receiving a force input from the user,, whereby the force applied by the user to said force input drive means is applied to the user's neck in a predetermined symmetrical or asymmetrical manner which is in accordance with the attachment position of said traction strap means, said force being indicated on said indicator device.
The device of Claim 1 wherein said harness means comprises a flexible soft material adapted to be wound around the user's head to conform to the size and shape thereof.
The device of Claim 2 wherein said harness means has a central widened portion which is adapted to fit against the dorsal and neck portions of the user's head, and end portions have fastener means therein for joining said end portions together.
The device of Claim 2 wherein said strap means com-prises a single narrow strap and means for fastening said strap to said harness at any position therealong.
The device of Claim 4 wherein said strap has a marker at the center thereof, said harness having a marker at the center thereof and markers to the left and right of center for use in setting the strap at predetermined positions along the harness.
The device of Claims 3 or 4 wherein said fastening means for said harness means and for said strap means comprises Velcro fasteners.
The device of Claims 1 wherein said traction bar comprises a flat bar having a pair of arms forming a wide "V", said bar having a plurality of spaced grooves near the ends of the arms thereof for use is attaching the attachnent means to the traction bar.
The device of Claim 7 wherein said attachment means comprises hooks attached to the opposite ends of the strap means.
The device of Claim 1 wherein the traction bar has an aperture in the center thereof and apertures to the right and left of said center for use in selectively attaching said line means to said predetermined position therealong.
The device of Claim 1 wherein said force indicator device comprises a pair of slidably engaging concentric casing portions fitted together telescopically, and spring means mounted in the inner one of said casing portions for resiliently urging said casing portions towards each other, and scale means on one of said casing portions whereby when a force is applied between the casing portions said casing portions axe drawn apart against the force of the spring means to provide an indication of the applied force on said scale means.
The device of Claims 1 or 9 wherein said means for doubling the line means back on itself comprises a pulley around which the line means runs and means for supporting said pulley.
The device of Claim 1 wherein said force input drive means comprises a member in the general shape of a bar having strap attachment means at its center and foot straps supported thereon and adapted for engagement by the feet of the user for applying traction.
The device of Claim 1 wherein the harness means and traction strap means are integrated into a single unit.
In a cervical traction device for use in applying traction to the cervical spine of a user comprising harness means a portion thereof which fits against the occiput of the user's head, traction strap means removably attached to said portion of said harness means at a preselected position therealong, said traction strap being positionable along said portion of said harness means at any selected position thereon, attachment means fixedly attached to said strap means at each of the opposite ends thereof, a traction bar positioned above the user's head, the attachment means being removably connected to said traction bar near the opposite ends thereof, line means attached to said traction bar at a predetermined position therealong, means for doubling said line means back on itself so that it returns to a position below the user's head, a force indicator device positioned within view of the user attached at one end to said line means, second line means attached at one end thereof to the other end of said force indicator device, force input drive means attached to the other end of said second line means for receiving a force input from the user,, whereby the force applied by the user to said force input drive means is applied to the user's neck in a predetermined symmetrical or asymmetrical manner which is in accordance with the attachment position of said traction strap means, said force being indicated on said indicator device.
The device of Claim 1 wherein said harness means comprises a flexible soft material adapted to be wound around the user's head to conform to the size and shape thereof.
The device of Claim 2 wherein said harness means has a central widened portion which is adapted to fit against the dorsal and neck portions of the user's head, and end portions have fastener means therein for joining said end portions together.
The device of Claim 2 wherein said strap means com-prises a single narrow strap and means for fastening said strap to said harness at any position therealong.
The device of Claim 4 wherein said strap has a marker at the center thereof, said harness having a marker at the center thereof and markers to the left and right of center for use in setting the strap at predetermined positions along the harness.
The device of Claims 3 or 4 wherein said fastening means for said harness means and for said strap means comprises Velcro fasteners.
The device of Claims 1 wherein said traction bar comprises a flat bar having a pair of arms forming a wide "V", said bar having a plurality of spaced grooves near the ends of the arms thereof for use is attaching the attachnent means to the traction bar.
The device of Claim 7 wherein said attachment means comprises hooks attached to the opposite ends of the strap means.
The device of Claim 1 wherein the traction bar has an aperture in the center thereof and apertures to the right and left of said center for use in selectively attaching said line means to said predetermined position therealong.
The device of Claim 1 wherein said force indicator device comprises a pair of slidably engaging concentric casing portions fitted together telescopically, and spring means mounted in the inner one of said casing portions for resiliently urging said casing portions towards each other, and scale means on one of said casing portions whereby when a force is applied between the casing portions said casing portions axe drawn apart against the force of the spring means to provide an indication of the applied force on said scale means.
The device of Claims 1 or 9 wherein said means for doubling the line means back on itself comprises a pulley around which the line means runs and means for supporting said pulley.
The device of Claim 1 wherein said force input drive means comprises a member in the general shape of a bar having strap attachment means at its center and foot straps supported thereon and adapted for engagement by the feet of the user for applying traction.
The device of Claim 1 wherein the harness means and traction strap means are integrated into a single unit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000427479A CA1196241A (en) | 1983-05-05 | 1983-05-05 | Cervical traction device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000427479A CA1196241A (en) | 1983-05-05 | 1983-05-05 | Cervical traction device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1196241A true CA1196241A (en) | 1985-11-05 |
Family
ID=4125174
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000427479A Expired CA1196241A (en) | 1983-05-05 | 1983-05-05 | Cervical traction device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1196241A (en) |
-
1983
- 1983-05-05 CA CA000427479A patent/CA1196241A/en not_active Expired
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| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |