GB2188551A

GB2188551A - Traction apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2188551A
Application number: GB08705910A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Trueman Henshaw
Original assignee: ELLIOTT DORIS; FRANK PETER LEO
Current assignee: ELLIOTT DORIS; FRANK PETER LEO
Priority date: 1986-04-01
Filing date: 1987-03-12
Publication date: 1987-10-07
Also published as: EP0240229A3; EP0240229A2; GB2188551B; GB8705910D0; GB8607924D0

Abstract

Traction apparatus which is readily portable and enables a patient to subject himself or herself to treatment in the home is provided. The traction apparatus (10, 50) comprises a frame (11) on which two body support members (18, 22) are mounted. One body support member (22), or both of them, is provided with tracks (24) which move on wheels (21) rotatably mounted in the frame (11) so that the body support member (22) can move towards or away from the other body support member (18) and relative to the frame (11). The movement is effected by a jack (26) connected between the body support members (18, 22) and operated by a handwheel (28) conveniently mounted at the side of the frame (11) adjacent the other body support member (18). <IMAGE>

Description

GB 2 188 551 A - 1 SPECIFICATION mounted on said frame, a second body

support member mounted on said frame for movement Traction apparatus towards and away from said first body support member, and extension means connected to said This invention relates to traction apparatus. 70 body support members and operable to effect said Many people suffer from disorders of the spine, movement of said second body su pport mem ber and treatment of such disorders often involves the relative to said f irst body su pport member and said patient undergoing traction, i.e. extension of the frame. Said first body support member may be spine. This treatment may be effected by securing fixedly mounted on said frame.

one part of the patient's bodyto a support and 75 The apparatus may comprise extension means, applying a force to another part of the body in a operating means which may be mounted on said direction away from the first part. Alternatively, frame at one side thereof, and said operating means particularly in cervical traction cases in which may be located adjacent said first body support extension of the neck region is required, an upwards member. Said operating means may be located force may be applied to the neckso asto tend to lift 80 substantially centrally of said first body support the patient againstthe force of gravity acting on the member in a direction longitudinally of saidframe arms, legs, and trunk of the patient. towards said second body support member.

Apparatusfor performing traction by either of the Said extension means may comprise a screw-jack above methods is known. In the former casethe and said operating means may comprise a hand patient is laid on a bed ortraction couch and 85 wheel. Alternatively said operating means may respective harnesses secure the patient's chest and comprise a ratchet lever.

pelvis to respective parts of the couch. A loading Said body support members may each have cable is attached to the pelvic harness and to a motor secured thereto attachment meansfor a harness by driven or winch device secured to the f rame of the means of which a part of a body may be secured to couch. By means of the handle or motor a tension 90 the body support member.

can be created in the loading cable and hence a force Embodiments of traction apparatus in accordance on the pelvic harness so as to tension and extend the with the invention will now be described with lumbar region of the spine. The part of the couch on reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

which the patient's lower body rests, and to which Figure 1 is a plan view, partly cut away, of a first the pelvic harness is secured is movablewith the 95 embodiment, patient's lower body away f rom the other part of the Figure2 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure couch on which the patient's upper body rests and to 1 ' which the chest harness is secured. Figure 3 is a perspective internal viewfrom below In the latter case, cervical traction apparatus may of the embodiment of Figure 1, comprise a seat on which the patient sits, the seat 100 Figure4 is a side view of a second embodiment, having a gallows-like structure extending upwardly and at its rear. Asling is placed underthe patient's head Figures5to 7areviews corresponding with and a loading cable passesfrom the sling, around a Figures 1 to 3 of a third embodiment.

pulley supported bythe "gallows" and down to Referring nowto Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a weights or a motor driven winch device mounted on 105 traction apparatus 10 particularly suited to lumbar the chairframework. traction. The apparatus 10 comprises a rectangular Both types of apparatus as described above are frame 11 which is closed at its underside by a base costly and preferably should be operated by skilled plate 12. The base plate 12 has been removed from personnel. In addition the operator must rely to a Figure 3 to show the interior of the traction apparatus very large extent on information given bythe patient 110 10. Cornerfillets 13 and a transverse bracing strut 14 as to the effect of the applied traction on the pain (Figure 3) are provided to resisttorsional and being experienced bythe patient. Furthermorethe shearing deformation of theframe 11. A treatment by such apparatus can only be substantially centrally disposed transverse rib 15 administered in a hospital orthe like having the and further cornerfillets 13 also assist in maintaining necessary apparatus, thereby necessitating 115 the rectangular integrity of the frame 11, and the rib movement of the patientto the hospital and the use 15 dividesthe interior into two compartments 16,17.

of hospital staff and facilities whilstthe patient is in Compartment 16 is closed by a first bodysupport hospital. It is an object of the present inventionto member 18 (partly cut away in Figure 1) on which is a providetraction apparatus, use of which avoids or cushion 19. Secured to theframe 11 atthe end of the substantially mitigates the above disadvantages. It is 120 traction apparatus 10 are straps 20to which a pelvic also an object of the present invention to provide a harness (not shown) may be attached. Alternatively, traction apparatus which, with little modification, or additionally, straps 20 may extend out of can perform either of the above described compartment 16 at opposed sides of the traction treatments which heretofore required two separate apparatus 10.

6Q and costly forms of apparatus. It is a preferred 125 Mounted on the frame 11 within compartment 17 further object to provide a traction apparatus which at each side of the traction apparatus 10 are two is portable and can be used by the patient himself or freely rotatable wheels 21. A second body su pport herself in the home or other non-hospital location. member 22, on which is a cushion 23, has two tracks The invention provides traction apparatus 24 secured to its underside and adapted to receive comprising a frame, a first body support member 130 the wheels 21. The second body support member 22 2 GB 2 188 551 A 2 is thereby supported ontheframe 11 soastobe head support 36 is secured, for example bybolts37, movable longitudinally thereof towards and away totheendoftheframell remote from the first body from the first body support member 18, closing support member 18. The head support 36 comprises compartment 17 when positioned adjacent the first ahead support member 38, on which is a cushion 39, body support member 18, although Figure 1 70 and to which straps 40 are secured forthe purpose of illustrates the traction apparatus 10 with the second the attachment thereto of ahead sling (not shown).

body support member 22 removed to show In use the handwheel 28 is rotated so as to move the compartment 17. Attached to the second body second body support member 22 to its extended support member 22 are furtherstraps 25 to which a position awayfrom the first body support member chest harness (not shown) may be attached. 75 18 and adjacentthe head support member 38. A head Ascrewjack 26 is secured to the underside of the sling secured to straps 40, and a chest harness first body support member 18 within compartment secured to straps 25 are fastened around the patient 16 so asto extend longitudinally of the traction and a p.t.f.e. sheet is positioned underthe patient on apparatus 10. Extending laterally of the apparatus 10 the cushion 19 of the first body support member 18.

through the side wall of theframe 11 isagearedjack 80 The handwheel 28 is then rotated in the opposite drive e.g. worm shaft 27, to the outer end of which is direction to move the second body support member secured a handwheel 28. Pivotally attached to the 22 towards the first body support member 18 and jack spigot 29 is a push-rod 30 which passes through awayfrom the head support member 38, thereby the central rib 15 into the compartment 17. The other pulling the patient's shoulders awayfrom his or her end of the push-rod 30 is attached to a block 31 which 85 head and applying cervical traction. The patient's is attached to and located between a pair of brackets lower body can move overthe first bodysupport 32 secured to the underside of the second body member 18 due to the reduced friction therebetween support member 22. To restrain the second body provided by the p.t.f.e. sheet.

support member 22 from becoming displaced if the As previously mentioned the handwheel 28 may traction apparatus 10 is inverted, a guide rod 33 90 be replaced by a ratchet lever if desired, the ratchet extends centrally of the traction apparatus 10 across mechanism having a positionally adjustable pawl so compartment 17 and has two slide blocks 34 thatthe ratchet may operate in either direction as mounted thereon, the slide blocks 34 being located required bythe type of traction treatmentto be between the brackets 32. A handle 35 is attached to undertaken. To accommodate any misalignment of the side of the frame 11 so thatthe traction device 10 95 the attachments of the push rod 30 to the jackspigot can be readily transported. 29 and the block 31 a pairof flexible couplings41 are Operation of thetraction device 10 is asfollows. provided.

Sincethe device 10 is of relatively lightweight, i.e. Referring nowto Figures 5to 7 there is shown a approximately 10 kg, it can readily betransportedto third embodiment of traction apparatus 50which is the patient at his or her home using the carrying 100 generally similarto that of Figures 1 to 3, and handle 35. Wood or a plastics material are suitable corresponding parts are designated with the same for use in manufacturing the frame 11, base plate 12 reference numerals. However in this embodiment and body support members 18,22 in orderto the screwjack 26 is operated by a flexible drive shaft minimise the weight of the traction device 10. The 51 to which the handwheel 28 is attached. In this case device may be laid on a bed or on the floor and the 105 the screw 52 of the screwjack 26 is rotatably patient's chest and pelvis are secured to the second mounted on the rib 15 and the jack body 53 is and first body support members 22,18 respectively secured to the underside of the second body support by means of appropriate harnesses attached to the member 22. Rotation of the handwheel 28 causes strap 25,20. In this position the handwheel 28 is rotation of the flexible drive shaft 51 and consequent conveniently plated for operation by the patient. 110 movement of the jack body 53 and second body Turning the handwheei 28 causes the jack 26 to su pport mem ber 22 towards or away from the first extend, the push rod 30 forcing the second body body su pport member 18. The traction apparatus 50 su pport member 22 to move on wheels 21 awayfrom may be modified to provide for cervical traction in a the first body support member 18, resulting in similar manner to the modification shown in Figure 4 lumbar traction. The hypersensitive patient control 115 for the traction apparatus 10.

system incorporating gearing which is relatively low, Other embodiments of traction apparatus in i.e. approximately 7 revolutions of handwheel 28to accordance with the invention will be readily 1 em movement of the second body support member apparentto persons skilled in the art. For example, 22, allows very safe and controlled operation of the instead of the first body support member 18 being traction apparatus 10 bythe patient. By means of the 120 secured to the frame 11, it may be movably mounted invention therefore the patient can undergotraction thereon in like mannerto the second body support treatment at home or at a doctor's or member 22. In this case a jack means 26, such as a physiotherapists surgery withoutthe need to involve scissors jacC may be connected between thetwo and use hospital staff and equipment. Furthermore support members 18,22 so as to move both support the traction apparatus of the present invention is 125 members by substantially equal amounts relative to considerably less expensive to manufacture than the the frame 11.

apparatus conventionally used. At present there are two alternative methods of Referring nowto Figure 4there is shown the treatment of patients bytraction, (1) as an out-patient traction apparatus 10 of Figures 1 to. 3 modified for at a hospital or physiotherapist's clinic, (2) as an cervical traction purposes. In this case an outrigger 130 in-patient on continuous traction in hospital. The 3 GB 2 188 551 A 3 out-patient methods so far available can be supportmember.

administered at best only once a day, whereas the 17. Traction apparatus according to anyone of present invention a] lows the patient to be treated at claims 1 to 16 comprising a handle secured to a side home with several courses of traction per day. of said frame.

70 18. Traction apparatus according to claim 9 or

Claims

CLAIMS any claim dependent thereon wherein seven revolutions of said

handwheel produce 1. Traction apparatus comprising a frame, a first approximately 1 cm movement of said second body body support member mounted on said frame, a support member relative to said first body support second body support member mounted on said 75 member.

framefor movementtowards and awayfrom said 19. Traction apparatus according to anyone of first body support member, and extension means claims 1 to 18 comprising an outrigger head support connected to said body support members and secured to an end of said frame remote from said operable to effect said movement of said second first body su pport member.

body su pport member relative to said first body 80 20. Traction apparatus according to claim 19 support member and said frame. wherein said head support has attached thereto
2. Traction apparatus according to claim 1 attachment means fora head sling.

comprising extension means operating means. 21. Traction apparatus according to claim 20 or
3. Traction apparatus according to claim 2 claim 21 wherein said head support has attached wherein said extension means comprises ajack. 85 thereon a cushion.
4. Traction apparatus according to claim 3 22. Traction apparatus according to claim 3or wherein said extension means comprises a screw any claim dependent thereon wherein said operating jack. means is connected to said jack by means of a
5. Traction apparatus according to anyone of gearing.

claims 2 to 4 wherein said first body support member 90 23. Traction apparatus according to claim 3 is fixedly mounted on said frame. wherein said operating means is connected to said
6. Traction apparatus according to anyone of jack by means of a flexible drive shaft.

claims 2to 5 wherein said operating means is 24. Traction apparatus according to claim 23 mounted on said frame atone side thereof. wherein said drive shaft is connected to a screw of
7. Traction apparatus according to claim 6 95 said jack, which screw is rotatably mounted in said wherein said operating means is located adjacent frame and a body of said jack is secured to said body said first body support member. supportmember.
8. Traction apparatus apcordingto claim 7 25. Traction apparatus according to anyone of wherein said operating means is located claims 1 to 4wherein said first boly support member substantially centrally of said first bodysupport 100 is movably mounted on said frame in like mannerto member in a direction longitudinally of said frame said second body support member and a jack means towards said second body support member. is connected between said two body support
9. Traction apparatus according to anyone of members to effect movement thereof by claims 1 to 8 wherein said operating means substantially equal amounts relative to said frame.

comprises a handwheel. 105 26. Traction means substantially as hereinbefore
10. Traction apparatus according to anyone of described with reference to and as illustrated in claims 1 to 8 wherein said operating means Figures 1 to3, Figures5W7,orin Figures 1 to3or comprises a ratchet lever. Figures 5to 7 when modified as illustrated in Figure
11. Traction apparatus according to anyone of 4.

claims 1 to 10 wherein each of said body support members has attached thereto attachment means for a body securing harness.
12. Traction apparatus according to anyone of Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Croydon Printing Company (UK) Ltd,8187, D8991685.

claims 1 to 11 wherein each of said body support Published by The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 'I AY, members has attached thereon a cushion. from which copies maybe obtained.
13. Traction apparatus according to anyone of claims 1 to 12 wherein said frame has wheels rotatably mounted therein.
14. Traction apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said second body support member has tracks secured thereto adapted to receive said wheels for rolling motion relative thereto.
15. Traction apparatus according to claim 4or any claim dependent thereon wherein said screw-jack is secured to the underside of said first body support member.
16. Traction apparatus according to claim 15 wherein pivotally attached to a spigot of said jack is one end of a push rod, and the other end of said push rod is secured to the underside of said second body