US3654922A - Door mounted cervical variable weight traction unit - Google Patents

Door mounted cervical variable weight traction unit Download PDF

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Publication number
US3654922A
US3654922A US53911A US3654922DA US3654922A US 3654922 A US3654922 A US 3654922A US 53911 A US53911 A US 53911A US 3654922D A US3654922D A US 3654922DA US 3654922 A US3654922 A US 3654922A
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arm
tension member
lift arm
support
supported
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US53911A
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Dale E Outcalt
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/16—Supports for anchoring force-resisters
    • A63B21/1618—Supports for anchoring force-resisters on a door or a door frame
    • A63B21/1663—Supports for anchoring force-resisters on a door or a door frame for anchoring between a door and the door frame
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0218—Drawing-out devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0218—Drawing-out devices
    • A61H1/0229—Drawing-out devices by reducing gravity forces normally applied to the body, e.g. by lifting or hanging the body or part of it
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/16—Supports for anchoring force-resisters
    • A63B21/1618—Supports for anchoring force-resisters on a door or a door frame
    • A63B21/1645—Supports for anchoring force-resisters on a door or a door frame for anchoring on a door
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1604—Head
    • A61H2201/1607—Holding means therefor

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A support assembly for stationary support from a suitable structure and including a support arm pivotally supported [52] US. Cl ..128/75 therefrom for Swinging in a vertical plane about a horizontal [5 IIII. transverse i An elongated p g tension member is p Fleld 0 Search 83, 84, i d and one end portion of the arm defines an anchor Point to which the upper end of the upright tension member is at- [56] References cued tached.
  • the lower end portion of the tension member has a UNITED STATES PATENTS head sling supported therefrom and a weight is carried by the arm and ad ustable therealong relative to the axis of oscilla- 2,81 1,965 1 H1957 Richards ..128/75 i f h arm f r swinging the arm, by gravity weighting, in a 2,3 1958 Sanders 1 28/75 direction causing the lower end portion of the tension member 3,068,859 12/1962 Treutelaar l 28/75 and the head sling supported therefrom to be urged upwardly, 2,658,506 11/1953 Haskell ...128/75 whereby an upward force may be exerted upon a persons 2,843,] head engaged the ling 2,938,695 5/1960 Ciampa ....128/75 X 2,712,820 7/1955 Robinson 128/75 6 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures gm-I 60 62 DOOR MOUNTED CERVICAL VARIABLE WEIGHT TRACTION UN
  • the traction unit is constructed in a manner whereby it may be readily stationarily supported from the upper marginal edge portion of a horizontally swingable door which is disposed in an open position.
  • the unit includes a mounting bracket portion which may be clampingly engaged over the upper marginal edge portion of the associated open door and a horizontal support arm is supported from and projects generally horizontally outwardly from the mounting bracket portion.
  • the outer end of the support arm defines an anchor point from which a pulley sheave is supported and a lift arm is provided beneath and generally parallel to the support arm with its end portion corresponding to the base end of the support arm pivotally supported from the mounting bracket portion for oscillation about a horizontal transverse axis.
  • the free swinging end of the lift arm defines an anchor point to which one end of an elongated flexible tension member is secured and the tension member extends upwardly from the free end of the lift arm, over the pulley sheave and then downwardly from the latter.
  • the lower depending end of the tension member has a head sling supported therefrom and a weight is carried by and adjustable along the lift arm whereby the outer end of the lift arm may be gravity weighted downwardly in order to pull upwardly upon the head sling.
  • the unit By constructing the mounting bracket portion of the unit for ready support from the upper marginal edge portion of a horizontally swingable door, the unit may be utilized in substantially any building structure. Further, the unit may be readily removably mounted on the associated door and the position of the weight carried by the lift arm may be adjusted so as to apply an adjustable upward pull on the head sling.
  • the main object of this invention is to provide a cervical variable weight traction unit that may be readily utilized by patients at home and in clinics and hospitals where space for treatment equipment is limited.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a traction unit whose structural components may be readily fabricated.
  • Still another object of this invention is to provide a traction unit constructed in a manner so as to enable even unexperienced patients to utilize the unit at home without fear of misusing the unit.
  • a final object of this invention to be specifically enumerated herein is to provide a traction unit in accordance with the preceding objects which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of a horizontally swingable door and with the traction unit of the instant invention illustrated as supported from the upper edge portion of the door;
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
  • the numeral generally designates a horizontally swingable door including a free swinging edge 12 and an upper marginal edge portion 14.
  • the traction unit of the instant invention is referred to in general by the reference numeral 16 and defines a support assembly for stationary mounting from a suitable support structure such as the door 10.
  • the unit includes a mounting bracket assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 18 and including a clamp assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 20 and a support arm structure referredto in general by the reference numeral 22.
  • the clamp assembly 20 includes a pair of inverted right and left hand L-shaped plates 24 and 26 and it will be noted that the plate 24 includes a vertical flange 28 and an upper horizontal flange 30 while the plate 26 includes a vertical flange 32 and an upper horizontal flange 34.
  • the horizontal flange 30 is lapped over the horizontal flange 34 so as to define a channel 36 between the confronting inner surfaces of the flanges 28 and 32 and the inner surface of the flanges 28 and 30 are covered by a protective coating 38 while the inner surfaces of the flanges 32 and 34 are covered by a protective coating 40.
  • the horizontal flange 30 has an elongated transverse slot 42 formed therein whose side walls are downwardly convergent and the horizontal flange 34 has a threaded aperture 44 formed therein which is registered with the slot 42 when the flange 30 is lapped over the flange 34 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings.
  • a fastener 46 is provided and includes a beveled head portion seated in the slot 42 and a threaded shank portion threadedly engaged in the aperture 44 whereby the flanges 30 and 34 are releasably retained in adjusted overlapped position according to the thickness of the door 12 received in the channel 36 defined between the vertical flanges 28 and 32.
  • the support arm assembly or structure 22 includes an upper horizontal rod whose inner end is fixedly secured by welding 48 to the outer surface of the flange 32 and the rod 50 projects outwardly from the flange 32 at right angles relative thereto and is formed at its free end so as to define an upwardly opening hook 52.
  • the support arm assembly 22 also includes an elongated bracing rod 54 whose inner end is secured to the outer surfaces of the flange 26 as by welding 56 at a point spaced below the inner end of the rod 50.
  • the outer end of the rod 54 is secured in any convenient manner to the outer end of the rod 50 immediately inwardly of the hook 52. In this manner, a strong support amt assembly is provided.
  • the unit 16 further includes an apertured mounting lug 58 which is supported from and projects outwardly from the outer surface of the flange 32 below the rod 54 and the inner end of a lift arm 60 is pivotally supported from the mounting lug 58 by a pivot fastener 62.
  • the lift arm 60 generally parallels the support arm structure 22 and has a plurality of upwardly opening notches 64 formed in its upper marginal edge portion 66 at points spaced longitudinally therealong.
  • a pulley wheel assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 68 and including an integral eye portion 70 has its eye portion engaged with the hook 52 whereby the assembly 68 is removably supported from the support arm assembly 22 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings.
  • the assembly 66 includes a journaled pulley wheel 72 and the upper end portion of an upstanding tension member 74 is passed over the pulley wheel 72 with the depending upper terminal end portion of the tension member 74 secured through an aperture 76 formed in the outer end of the lift arm 60.
  • a stop member 78 is carried by the long depending end portion of the tension member 74 for engagement with the assembly 68 and the extreme lower end of the long leg of the tension member 74 has a hook member 80 supported therefrom.
  • a head sling referred to in general by the reference numeral 82 is provided and includes an upper anchor member 84 provided with an eye 86 with which the hook 80 is engaged.
  • the opposite ends of an elongated strap 88 are anchored through slots formed in the opposite ends of the anchor member 84 and the lower looped end 90 of the strap 88 defines a chin loop.
  • An elongated brace referred to in general by the reference numeral 92 is provided and comprises a pair of end overlapped and aligned sections 94 and 96 whose lapped ends are secured together in adjusted extended positions by means of fasteners 98 secured through registered slots 100 formed in the sections 94 and 96.
  • the opposite ends of the sections 94 and 96 are provided with fixed upstanding buckle members 102 through which the opposite end portions of the strap 88 are passed for frictional engagement with the buckle members 102 in the opposite ends of the sections 94 and 96.
  • the sling 82 further includes an adjustable strap loop 104 whose opposite ends are secured to the strap 88 at points spaced below the buckle members 102 as at 106.
  • the strap member 104 includes adjustably overlapped strap section ends secured together in adjusted extended positions by means of a buckle 108 and accordingly, the strap member 104 may be adjusted to suit the shape and size of the head of the user of the unit 16.
  • the unit 16 further includes a spherical weight 110 including a support hook 1 12 which may be engaged with a selected notch 64 so as to position the weight 110 at the desired distance from the axis of oscillation of the lift arm 60 relative to the clamp assembly 20.
  • a person desiring to utilize the unit 16 may first adjust the spacing between the flanges 28 and 32 in order that the clamp assembly 20 may be snugly embraced with the upper marginal edge portion 14 of the door 10. Then, the clamp assembly 20 is engaged with the upper marginal edge portion of the door 10. Thereafter, the user of the unit may apply the head sling 82 to his head and the weight 1 may be supported from the lift arm 60 with the hook 112 engaged with the desired notch 64. In this manner, the weight 110 will serve to urge downwardly, by gravity, on the outer free end of the lift arm 60 so as to pull downward on the short upper depending end of the tension member 74 and thus effect a pull upward on the anchor member 84.
  • the clamp assembly 20 is capable of being adjusted so as to snugly receive the upper marginal edge portions of various width doors therein.
  • the unit 16 may be utilized in substantially any building structure provided with horizontally swingable doors.
  • the unit 16 does not require a support stand or base nor a support standard and thus, it may be quite compactly stored when not in use.
  • the weight 110 when the weight 110 is removed, the unit 16 has little weight and it may therefore be readily engaged with the upper marginal edge portion of the door 10 and with little difficulty.
  • the weight 110 and its support hook 112 are constructed in a manner whereby the weight 110 and its support hook 1 12 may be readily engaged with the lift arm 60 after the head sling 82 has been engaged with the head of a user of the unit 16.
  • the unit 16 even if constructed of expensive non-corrosive metallic materials, may be manufactured at a reasonable cost for use in hospitals and clinics.
  • less expensive units constructed of less expensive materials may be readily produced at considerably lower costs with the units still being fully capable of withstanding repeated use over long periods of time.
  • a support assembly for stationary mounting from a suitable support structure, said support assembly including a base adapted for mounting on said support structure and including a horizontally outwardly projecting support arm, a lift arm including a first inner end pivotally supported from said base below the inner end of the support arm for rotation about a horizontal axis relative to the base and including an outer end spaced below the outer end of the support arm, tension member guide means carried by the outer end of the support arm, an elongated flexible tension member looped over the guide means and including two depending end portions, a first end portion of the tension member being anchored to the outer end of the lift arm and the second end portion of the tension member having a head sling supported therefrom, weight means supported from said lift arm intermediate said axis and the outer terminal end of said lift arm and adjustably posi- V tionable therealong, said base defining a downwardly opening channel extending transversely of said support arm for embracingly engaging the upper marginal edge portion of a door, said channel being defined between a pair of depending generally parallel
  • said head sling includes an elongated flexible strap disposed in a vertical loop with its upper portion anchored to the end of said tension member remote from the free end of said lift arm, and an adjustable length brace secured between and frictionally engaged with the upper portions of the sides of said loop with said upper portions frictionally retained against longitudinal displacement relative to the opposite ends of said brace.
  • said sling includes a second flexible adjustable strap arranged in an upwardly opening and inclined loop, the upper ends of said second loop being secured to the sides of the first loop below the opposite ends of said brace.
  • a variable weight traction unit comprising an inverted U- shaped base adapted to embracingly engage the upper marginal edge portion of a horizontally swingable door, a support arm structure projecting horizontally outwardly from one side of said base, a generally horizontal lift arm disposed on said one side of said base and generally paralleling said support arm, one end of said lift arm being pivotally secured to said one side of said base for swinging about a horizontal axis extending transversely of said lift arm, a pulley assembly supported from the outer end of said support arm, an elongated flexible tension member passed over said pulley assembly and having a first end secured to the end of said lift arm remote from said base, the other end of said tension member having a head sling supported therefrom, and a weight supported from said lift arm and adjustably positionable therealong.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)

Abstract

A support assembly for stationary support from a suitable structure and including a support arm pivotally supported therefrom for swinging in a vertical plane about a horizontal transverse axis. An elongated upright tension member is provided and one end portion of the arm defines an anchor point to which the upper end of the upright tension member is attached. The lower end portion of the tension member has a head sling supported therefrom and a weight is carried by the arm and adjustable therealong relative to the axis of oscillation of the arm for swinging the arm, by gravity weighting, in a direction causing the lower end portion of the tension member and the head sling supported therefrom to be urged upwardly, whereby an upward force may be exerted upon a person''s head engaged by the sling.

Description

[15] 3,654,922 [4 1 Apr. 11, 1972 [54] DOOR MOUNTED CERVICAL VARIABLE WEIGHT TRACTION UNIT [72] Inventor: Dale E. Outcalt, PO. Box 84, Flat Rock,
22 Filed: July 10, 1970 21 Appl.No.: 53,911
761,504 5/1904 Kleinbach ..l28/75X Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-J. Yasko Attorney-Clarence A. OBrien and Harvey B. Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT A support assembly for stationary support from a suitable structure and including a support arm pivotally supported [52] US. Cl ..128/75 therefrom for Swinging in a vertical plane about a horizontal [5 IIII. transverse i An elongated p g tension member is p Fleld 0 Search 83, 84, i d and one end portion of the arm defines an anchor Point to which the upper end of the upright tension member is at- [56] References cued tached. The lower end portion of the tension member has a UNITED STATES PATENTS head sling supported therefrom and a weight is carried by the arm and ad ustable therealong relative to the axis of oscilla- 2,81 1,965 1 H1957 Richards ..128/75 i f h arm f r swinging the arm, by gravity weighting, in a 2,3 1958 Sanders 1 28/75 direction causing the lower end portion of the tension member 3,068,859 12/1962 Treutelaar l 28/75 and the head sling supported therefrom to be urged upwardly, 2,658,506 11/1953 Haskell ...128/75 whereby an upward force may be exerted upon a persons 2,843,] head engaged the ling 2,938,695 5/1960 Ciampa ....128/75 X 2,712,820 7/1955 Robinson 128/75 6 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures gm-I 60 62 DOOR MOUNTED CERVICAL VARIABLE WEIGHT TRACTION UNIT The traction unit of the instant invention has been specifically designed to be utilized by persons at home, although the unit may also be utilized in clinics where available space for treatment equipment is limited.
The traction unit is constructed in a manner whereby it may be readily stationarily supported from the upper marginal edge portion of a horizontally swingable door which is disposed in an open position. The unit includes a mounting bracket portion which may be clampingly engaged over the upper marginal edge portion of the associated open door and a horizontal support arm is supported from and projects generally horizontally outwardly from the mounting bracket portion. The outer end of the support arm defines an anchor point from which a pulley sheave is supported and a lift arm is provided beneath and generally parallel to the support arm with its end portion corresponding to the base end of the support arm pivotally supported from the mounting bracket portion for oscillation about a horizontal transverse axis. The free swinging end of the lift arm defines an anchor point to which one end of an elongated flexible tension member is secured and the tension member extends upwardly from the free end of the lift arm, over the pulley sheave and then downwardly from the latter. The lower depending end of the tension member has a head sling supported therefrom and a weight is carried by and adjustable along the lift arm whereby the outer end of the lift arm may be gravity weighted downwardly in order to pull upwardly upon the head sling.
By constructing the mounting bracket portion of the unit for ready support from the upper marginal edge portion of a horizontally swingable door, the unit may be utilized in substantially any building structure. Further, the unit may be readily removably mounted on the associated door and the position of the weight carried by the lift arm may be adjusted so as to apply an adjustable upward pull on the head sling.
The main object of this invention is to provide a cervical variable weight traction unit that may be readily utilized by patients at home and in clinics and hospitals where space for treatment equipment is limited.
Another object of this invention, in accordance with the immediately preceding object, is to provide a traction unit whose structural components may be readily fabricated.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a traction unit constructed in a manner so as to enable even unexperienced patients to utilize the unit at home without fear of misusing the unit.
A final object of this invention to be specifically enumerated herein is to provide a traction unit in accordance with the preceding objects which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of a horizontally swingable door and with the traction unit of the instant invention illustrated as supported from the upper edge portion of the door; and
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the numeral generally designates a horizontally swingable door including a free swinging edge 12 and an upper marginal edge portion 14.
The traction unit of the instant invention is referred to in general by the reference numeral 16 and defines a support assembly for stationary mounting from a suitable support structure such as the door 10.
The unit includes a mounting bracket assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 18 and including a clamp assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 20 and a support arm structure referredto in general by the reference numeral 22. The clamp assembly 20 includes a pair of inverted right and left hand L- shaped plates 24 and 26 and it will be noted that the plate 24 includes a vertical flange 28 and an upper horizontal flange 30 while the plate 26 includes a vertical flange 32 and an upper horizontal flange 34. The horizontal flange 30 is lapped over the horizontal flange 34 so as to define a channel 36 between the confronting inner surfaces of the flanges 28 and 32 and the inner surface of the flanges 28 and 30 are covered by a protective coating 38 while the inner surfaces of the flanges 32 and 34 are covered by a protective coating 40.
The horizontal flange 30 has an elongated transverse slot 42 formed therein whose side walls are downwardly convergent and the horizontal flange 34 has a threaded aperture 44 formed therein which is registered with the slot 42 when the flange 30 is lapped over the flange 34 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings. A fastener 46 is provided and includes a beveled head portion seated in the slot 42 and a threaded shank portion threadedly engaged in the aperture 44 whereby the flanges 30 and 34 are releasably retained in adjusted overlapped position according to the thickness of the door 12 received in the channel 36 defined between the vertical flanges 28 and 32.
The support arm assembly or structure 22 includes an upper horizontal rod whose inner end is fixedly secured by welding 48 to the outer surface of the flange 32 and the rod 50 projects outwardly from the flange 32 at right angles relative thereto and is formed at its free end so as to define an upwardly opening hook 52. The support arm assembly 22 also includes an elongated bracing rod 54 whose inner end is secured to the outer surfaces of the flange 26 as by welding 56 at a point spaced below the inner end of the rod 50. The outer end of the rod 54 is secured in any convenient manner to the outer end of the rod 50 immediately inwardly of the hook 52. In this manner, a strong support amt assembly is provided.
The unit 16 further includes an apertured mounting lug 58 which is supported from and projects outwardly from the outer surface of the flange 32 below the rod 54 and the inner end of a lift arm 60 is pivotally supported from the mounting lug 58 by a pivot fastener 62. The lift arm 60 generally parallels the support arm structure 22 and has a plurality of upwardly opening notches 64 formed in its upper marginal edge portion 66 at points spaced longitudinally therealong.
A pulley wheel assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 68 and including an integral eye portion 70 has its eye portion engaged with the hook 52 whereby the assembly 68 is removably supported from the support arm assembly 22 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The assembly 66 includes a journaled pulley wheel 72 and the upper end portion of an upstanding tension member 74 is passed over the pulley wheel 72 with the depending upper terminal end portion of the tension member 74 secured through an aperture 76 formed in the outer end of the lift arm 60.
A stop member 78 is carried by the long depending end portion of the tension member 74 for engagement with the assembly 68 and the extreme lower end of the long leg of the tension member 74 has a hook member 80 supported therefrom.
A head sling referred to in general by the reference numeral 82 is provided and includes an upper anchor member 84 provided with an eye 86 with which the hook 80 is engaged. The opposite ends of an elongated strap 88 are anchored through slots formed in the opposite ends of the anchor member 84 and the lower looped end 90 of the strap 88 defines a chin loop. An elongated brace referred to in general by the reference numeral 92 is provided and comprises a pair of end overlapped and aligned sections 94 and 96 whose lapped ends are secured together in adjusted extended positions by means of fasteners 98 secured through registered slots 100 formed in the sections 94 and 96. The opposite ends of the sections 94 and 96 are provided with fixed upstanding buckle members 102 through which the opposite end portions of the strap 88 are passed for frictional engagement with the buckle members 102 in the opposite ends of the sections 94 and 96.
The sling 82 further includes an adjustable strap loop 104 whose opposite ends are secured to the strap 88 at points spaced below the buckle members 102 as at 106. The strap member 104 includes adjustably overlapped strap section ends secured together in adjusted extended positions by means of a buckle 108 and accordingly, the strap member 104 may be adjusted to suit the shape and size of the head of the user of the unit 16.
The unit 16 further includes a spherical weight 110 including a support hook 1 12 which may be engaged with a selected notch 64 so as to position the weight 110 at the desired distance from the axis of oscillation of the lift arm 60 relative to the clamp assembly 20.
In operation, a person desiring to utilize the unit 16 may first adjust the spacing between the flanges 28 and 32 in order that the clamp assembly 20 may be snugly embraced with the upper marginal edge portion 14 of the door 10. Then, the clamp assembly 20 is engaged with the upper marginal edge portion of the door 10. Thereafter, the user of the unit may apply the head sling 82 to his head and the weight 1 may be supported from the lift arm 60 with the hook 112 engaged with the desired notch 64. In this manner, the weight 110 will serve to urge downwardly, by gravity, on the outer free end of the lift arm 60 so as to pull downward on the short upper depending end of the tension member 74 and thus effect a pull upward on the anchor member 84.
The clamp assembly 20 is capable of being adjusted so as to snugly receive the upper marginal edge portions of various width doors therein. In this manner, the unit 16 may be utilized in substantially any building structure provided with horizontally swingable doors. Of course, the unit 16 does not require a support stand or base nor a support standard and thus, it may be quite compactly stored when not in use. Also, when the weight 110 is removed, the unit 16 has little weight and it may therefore be readily engaged with the upper marginal edge portion of the door 10 and with little difficulty. Further, the weight 110 and its support hook 112 are constructed in a manner whereby the weight 110 and its support hook 1 12 may be readily engaged with the lift arm 60 after the head sling 82 has been engaged with the head of a user of the unit 16.
It is believe that it will be readily apparent that the unit 16, even if constructed of expensive non-corrosive metallic materials, may be manufactured at a reasonable cost for use in hospitals and clinics. In addition, less expensive units constructed of less expensive materials may be readily produced at considerably lower costs with the units still being fully capable of withstanding repeated use over long periods of time.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.
What is claimed as new is as follows:
l. A support assembly for stationary mounting from a suitable support structure, said support assembly including a base adapted for mounting on said support structure and including a horizontally outwardly projecting support arm, a lift arm including a first inner end pivotally supported from said base below the inner end of the support arm for rotation about a horizontal axis relative to the base and including an outer end spaced below the outer end of the support arm, tension member guide means carried by the outer end of the support arm, an elongated flexible tension member looped over the guide means and including two depending end portions, a first end portion of the tension member being anchored to the outer end of the lift arm and the second end portion of the tension member having a head sling supported therefrom, weight means supported from said lift arm intermediate said axis and the outer terminal end of said lift arm and adjustably posi- V tionable therealong, said base defining a downwardly opening channel extending transversely of said support arm for embracingly engaging the upper marginal edge portion of a door, said channel being defined between a pair of depending generally parallel flange portions supported for adjustable positioning toward and away from each other, said inner ends of said support and lift arms being supported from the outer surface of one of said flanges remote from the other flange.
2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the inner opposing surfaces of said flanges are covered with a resilient protective coating.
3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the upper marginal portion of said lift arm has a plurality of longitudinally spaced notches formed therein, said weight means including a suspension hook removably engageable in said notches.
4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said head sling includes an elongated flexible strap disposed in a vertical loop with its upper portion anchored to the end of said tension member remote from the free end of said lift arm, and an adjustable length brace secured between and frictionally engaged with the upper portions of the sides of said loop with said upper portions frictionally retained against longitudinal displacement relative to the opposite ends of said brace.
5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said sling includes a second flexible adjustable strap arranged in an upwardly opening and inclined loop, the upper ends of said second loop being secured to the sides of the first loop below the opposite ends of said brace.
6. A variable weight traction unit comprising an inverted U- shaped base adapted to embracingly engage the upper marginal edge portion of a horizontally swingable door, a support arm structure projecting horizontally outwardly from one side of said base, a generally horizontal lift arm disposed on said one side of said base and generally paralleling said support arm, one end of said lift arm being pivotally secured to said one side of said base for swinging about a horizontal axis extending transversely of said lift arm, a pulley assembly supported from the outer end of said support arm, an elongated flexible tension member passed over said pulley assembly and having a first end secured to the end of said lift arm remote from said base, the other end of said tension member having a head sling supported therefrom, and a weight supported from said lift arm and adjustably positionable therealong.

Claims (6)

1. A support assembly for stationary mounting from a suitable support structure, said support assembly including a base adapted for mounting on said support structure and including a horizontally outwardly projecting support arm, a lift arm including a first inner end pivotally supported from said base below the inner end of the support arm for rotation about a horizontal axis relative to the base and including an outer end spaced below the outer end of the support arm, tension member guide means carried by the outer end of the support arm, an elongated flexible tension member looped over the guide means and including two depending end portions, a first end portion of the tension member being anchored to the outer end of the lift arm and the second end portion of the tension member having a head sling supported therefrom, weight means supported from said lift arm intermediate said axis and the outer terminal end of said lift arm and adjustably positionable therealong, said base defining a downwardly opening channel extending transversely of said support arm for embracingly engaging the upper marginal edge portion of a door, said channel being defined between a pair of depending generally parallel flange portions supported for adjustable positioning toward and away from each other, said inner ends of said support and lift arms being supported from the outer surface of one of said flanges remote from the other flange.
2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the inner opposing surfaces of said flanges are covered with a resilient protective coating.
3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the upper marginal portion of said lift arm has a plurality of longitudinally spaced notches formed therein, said weight means including a suspension hook removably engageable in said notches.
4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said head sling includes an elongated flexible strap disposed in a vertical loop with its upper portion anchored to the end of said tension member remote from the free end of said lift arm, and an adjustable length brace secured between and frictionally engaged with the upper portions of the sides of said loop with said upper portions frictionally retained against longitudinal displacement relative to the opposite ends of said brace.
5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said sling includes a second flexible adjustable strap arranged in an upwardly opening and inclined loop, the upper ends of said second loop being secured to the sides of the first loop below the opposite ends of said brace.
6. A variable weight traction unit comprising an inverted U-shaped base adapted to embracingly engage the upper marginal edge portion of a horizontally swingable door, a support arm structure projecting horizontally ouTwardly from one side of said base, a generally horizontal lift arm disposed on said one side of said base and generally paralleling said support arm, one end of said lift arm being pivotally secured to said one side of said base for swinging about a horizontal axis extending transversely of said lift arm, a pulley assembly supported from the outer end of said support arm, an elongated flexible tension member passed over said pulley assembly and having a first end secured to the end of said lift arm remote from said base, the other end of said tension member having a head sling supported therefrom, and a weight supported from said lift arm and adjustably positionable therealong.
US53911A 1970-07-10 1970-07-10 Door mounted cervical variable weight traction unit Expired - Lifetime US3654922A (en)

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US4271813A (en) * 1977-05-11 1981-06-09 David Rowe Batter actuated baseball pitching machine
EP0066450A2 (en) * 1981-05-29 1982-12-08 George Alan Carruthers Device for applying traction to patients
US4419990A (en) * 1980-02-29 1983-12-13 Helmut Forster Apparatus for relieving the spinal column
FR2800273A1 (en) * 1999-11-03 2001-05-04 Kodzovi Agbenowossi Kpomda Chin brace for stretching vertebral column has main band, occipital strap and three suspension straps
GB2377897A (en) * 2001-07-24 2003-01-29 Mark Baughan Door-mounted support for exercise equipment
US20030228955A1 (en) * 2002-06-05 2003-12-11 Makofsky Howard W. Exercise device for improving head, neck, and spinal alignment
US7125415B1 (en) 2003-12-22 2006-10-24 William Hudgens Neck traction system
US20130274074A1 (en) * 2012-04-12 2013-10-17 Yousef Ghandour In-field kits and systems for self-directed theraputic pulley-based muscle rehabiliation methods
US20140336004A1 (en) * 2013-05-07 2014-11-13 Rogers Athletic Company, Inc. Exercise device
CN104921901A (en) * 2015-05-07 2015-09-23 冯世英 Simple head balancer composition and using method
USD749226S1 (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-02-09 Gorbel, Inc. Medical rehab lift actuator
USD761968S1 (en) * 2012-06-01 2016-07-19 Larry W. Taylor Head and neck support
US9510991B2 (en) 2013-01-22 2016-12-06 Gorbel, Inc. Medical rehab lift system and method with horizontal and vertical force sensing and motion control
USD794204S1 (en) * 2014-09-19 2017-08-08 Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg Shoulder positioning device
US10398618B2 (en) 2015-06-19 2019-09-03 Gorbel, Inc. Body harness
US10456315B2 (en) 2016-07-29 2019-10-29 Innovatio Devices LLC User-actuated dynamic tension traction apparatus
US10478371B2 (en) 2013-01-22 2019-11-19 Gorbel, Inc. Medical rehab body weight support system and method with horizontal and vertical force sensing and motion control
US20200054515A1 (en) * 2018-08-17 2020-02-20 Troy Bruesewitz Therapy Device for Neck and Spine

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US2830581A (en) * 1955-12-05 1958-04-15 Sanders Harold Bailey Cervical traction device
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Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4271813A (en) * 1977-05-11 1981-06-09 David Rowe Batter actuated baseball pitching machine
US4419990A (en) * 1980-02-29 1983-12-13 Helmut Forster Apparatus for relieving the spinal column
EP0066450A2 (en) * 1981-05-29 1982-12-08 George Alan Carruthers Device for applying traction to patients
EP0066450A3 (en) * 1981-05-29 1983-02-16 George Alan Carruthers Device for applying traction to patients
FR2800273A1 (en) * 1999-11-03 2001-05-04 Kodzovi Agbenowossi Kpomda Chin brace for stretching vertebral column has main band, occipital strap and three suspension straps
GB2377897A (en) * 2001-07-24 2003-01-29 Mark Baughan Door-mounted support for exercise equipment
US20030228955A1 (en) * 2002-06-05 2003-12-11 Makofsky Howard W. Exercise device for improving head, neck, and spinal alignment
US6939269B2 (en) * 2002-06-05 2005-09-06 Howard W. Makofsky Exercise device for improving head, neck, and spinal alignment
US7125415B1 (en) 2003-12-22 2006-10-24 William Hudgens Neck traction system
US20130274074A1 (en) * 2012-04-12 2013-10-17 Yousef Ghandour In-field kits and systems for self-directed theraputic pulley-based muscle rehabiliation methods
USD761968S1 (en) * 2012-06-01 2016-07-19 Larry W. Taylor Head and neck support
US10478371B2 (en) 2013-01-22 2019-11-19 Gorbel, Inc. Medical rehab body weight support system and method with horizontal and vertical force sensing and motion control
US10470964B2 (en) 2013-01-22 2019-11-12 Gorbel, Inc. Medical rehab lift system and method with horizontal and vertical force sensing and motion control
US9510991B2 (en) 2013-01-22 2016-12-06 Gorbel, Inc. Medical rehab lift system and method with horizontal and vertical force sensing and motion control
US20140336004A1 (en) * 2013-05-07 2014-11-13 Rogers Athletic Company, Inc. Exercise device
US9504872B2 (en) * 2013-05-07 2016-11-29 Rogers Athletic Company, Inc. Exercise device
USD794204S1 (en) * 2014-09-19 2017-08-08 Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg Shoulder positioning device
USD749226S1 (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-02-09 Gorbel, Inc. Medical rehab lift actuator
CN107157634A (en) * 2015-05-07 2017-09-15 冯世英 The application method of convenient type head balancer
CN104921901A (en) * 2015-05-07 2015-09-23 冯世英 Simple head balancer composition and using method
US10398618B2 (en) 2015-06-19 2019-09-03 Gorbel, Inc. Body harness
US10456315B2 (en) 2016-07-29 2019-10-29 Innovatio Devices LLC User-actuated dynamic tension traction apparatus
US20200054515A1 (en) * 2018-08-17 2020-02-20 Troy Bruesewitz Therapy Device for Neck and Spine
US11844738B2 (en) * 2018-08-17 2023-12-19 Troy Bruesewitz Therapy device for neck and spine

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