EP0101444A4 - Therapeutic device for a human body. - Google Patents
Therapeutic device for a human body.Info
- Publication number
- EP0101444A4 EP0101444A4 EP19830900216 EP83900216A EP0101444A4 EP 0101444 A4 EP0101444 A4 EP 0101444A4 EP 19830900216 EP19830900216 EP 19830900216 EP 83900216 A EP83900216 A EP 83900216A EP 0101444 A4 EP0101444 A4 EP 0101444A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- support
- platform
- foot
- lower body
- support means
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000001225 therapeutic effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 claims description 25
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 claims description 23
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910000975 Carbon steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010962 carbon steel Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 241000282320 Panthera leo Species 0.000 claims 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920006311 Urethane elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000272525 Anas platyrhynchos Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010023232 Joint swelling Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 206010046996 Varicose vein Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037396 body weight Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003141 lower extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008092 positive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002784 stomach Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000027185 varicose disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- 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
- A61H2201/164—Feet or leg, e.g. pedal
- A61H2201/1642—Holding means therefor
-
- 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
- A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
- A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
- A61H2203/0481—Hanging
- A61H2203/0493—Hanging by hanging the patient upside down or inclined downwardly
Definitions
- This invention relates to devices for the therapeutic treatment of the human body in general and in particular to therapeutic devices for inverting the human body. It has heretofore been generally known that certain therapeutic devices, if properly designed, can produce desirable and healthful therapeutic effects upon the human body.
- one class of such devices are those devices which are utilized to support the human body in an inverted position. Supporting the human body in an inverted position has the effect of counteracting the natural forces of gravity upon the body. The force of gravity produces many adverse effects upon the human body over a period of time, including: stooped shoulders , shortened spine , varicose veins and swollen ankles.
- Supporting the human body in an inverted position tends to produce a lengthening along the longitudinal axis of the body, separating various joints and vertebrae and improving circulatory exchange and overall posture. Additionally , exercise during such inversion can prove especially beneficial in strengthening back and stomach muscles.
- Prior art therapeutic devices which support the human body in an inverted position. Such devices generally use a restraining apparatus which must be manually adjusted to restrain the ankles of the operator. Other devices utilize individual boots or shoes which also must be carefully adjusted and secured to the feet of the operator. These devices have many common shortfalls such as the limited ability to accommodate various body sizes and the difficulty encountered in safely and comfortably restraining the ankles of the operator. The typical operator of such a device suffers from ailments of the back and cannot easily bend or contort as is typically necessary to engage a known ankle restraining device. Additionally, the safety aspect of any manual locking device is always subject to human error. The likelihood of inverting a patient without properly securing his lower extremities looms as a strong possibility with all known state of the art devices.
- the therapeutic device includes a body supporting platform that is pivotally mounted on a fulcrum and adjustably coupled to a lower body supporting portion.
- the lower body supporting portion includes a first support arranged to extend under the arch portion of each foot.
- a second support is positioned to engage the heel portion of each foot and acts with a movable third support which engages the instep portion of each foot.
- the third support is mechanically biased to grasp and automatically restrain each foot upon pivotal
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the therapeutic device of the present invention
- Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are side views of the therapeutic device of the present invention showing the action of the automatic ankle locking device;
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ankle locking mechanism of the therapeutic device of the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a sectional view of the ankle locking mechanism of the therapeutic device of the present invention in the unlocked position
- Figure 5 is a sectional view of the ankle locking mechanism of the therapeutic device of the present invention in the locked position.
- Therapeutic device 10 includes a body supporting platform which is comprised of tubular frame 12 and fabric support 14.
- Tubular frame 12 as well as the remaining tubular sections of therapeutic device 10 , may be constructed, in a preferred embodiment, of carbon steel, aluminum, or other metallic material of suitable rigidity.
- Fabric support 14 may be implemented utilizing canvas nylon duck or other suitable material.
- Tubular frame 12 is mounted to longitudinal support 18 by means of transverse support 16.
- Longitudinal support 18 includes a plurality of holes or apertures 20 and is open at the lower end thereof in order to receive lower body support 22.
- Lower body support 22 includes protuberances, which are not shown , which engage selected apertures 20 to allow for rapid and simple longitudinal adjustment of lower body support 22.
- Arch support 24 is mounted at the lower end of lower body support 22 in a manner similar to the coupling of lower body support 22 and longitudinal support 18.
- Arch support 24 includes a plurality of apertures 26 which permit adjustment of the position of arch support 24 on the lower end of lower body support 22.
- Lower body support 22 also includes heel supports 27. Heel supports 27 are molded pliable support members which are fixedly mounted to lower body support 22 and are formed, in a preferred embodiment, of a suitable plastic or rubber material such as neoprene or urethane elastomers .
- Instep supports 28 are sHdably mounted to lower body support 22 by means of interior shaft 29 and mounting shaft 31.
- Mounting shaft 31 is mounted to lower body support 22 at an angle of between 5° and 10° to ensure reliable ankle restraint in a manner explained herein.
- Instep supports 28 consist of a pair of pliable supports adapted to surroundingly engage the instep portion of the human foot.
- Instep supports 28 are also constructed of a pliable plastic or rubber material such as neoprene or urethane elastomers, in the preferred embodiment.
- Instep supports 28 are biased toward heel supports 27 by means of spring 30.
- Trigger 32 of interior shaft 29 is designed to interact with striker bar 36 to automatically overcome the mechanical bias provided by spring 30 at those times when the body supporting platform is in the upright position.
- Striker bar 36 is mounted to the support fulcrum of therapeutic device 10 by means of transverse supports 34 and 62.
- the body supporting platform of therapeutic device 10 is pivotally mounted at bearings 54 and 56 by means of support arms 50 and 52.
- Support arms 50 and 52 are, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, welded to tubular frame 12 and provide a secure mounting for the body supporting platform.
- Bearings 54 and 56 are mounted within support plates 46 and 48.
- Support plates 46 and 48 serve as a pivoting mounting point for fulcrum support legs 38, 40 , 42 and 44.
- Brackets 58 and 60 serve to limit the pivoting of fulcrum support legs 38 , 40 , 42 and 44 and also serve to increase the stability of the resultant fulcrum.
- brackets 58 and 60 serve to increase the stability of the resultant fulcrum.
- FIG. 2a a side view of the novel therapeutic device 10 of the present invention demonstrating the automatic ankle restraining feature of the present invention.
- an operator of the device is shown resting on the. body supporting platform with his feet upon arch support 24.
- Heel supports 27 are fixedly mounted on lower body support 22 in a position to surroundingly engage the heel portion of each of the operator's feet.
- Instep supports 28 are shown distended from the instep of the operator's feet due to the interaction of trigger
- FIG 2c therapeutic device 10 is shown in the fully inverted position.
- the ankles of the operator are securely restrained by the interaction of heel supports 27 and instep supports 28.
- the clockwise torque exerted upon heel supports 27 and instep supports 28 by the natural leverage of the human foot will serve to prevent instep supports 28 from slipping in response to the weight of the operator.
- the slight angular mounting of mounting shaft 31 also ensures firm restraint of the operator's ankles by providing an extra restraining force due to the lateral force exerted upon interior shaft 29 by the body weight of the operator.
- interior shaft 29 of instep supports 28 may be slightly serrated to mate with similar serrations within mounting shaft 31, thus ensuring rigidity and firmness of restraint on the ankles of the operator of the therapeutic device.
- FIG. 3 there is depicted a perspective view of the positive locking mechanism of the ankle lock of the present invention.
- a plurality of apertures 70 is provided in mounting shaft 31.
- a cam surface 75 within interior shaft 29 is selectively operated to engage a particular one of said plurality of apertures 70 and provides a positive lock position for instep supports 28 with respect to heel supports 27.
- Figure 4 is the sectional view of the ankle locking mechanism of the present invention which depicts the mechanism which operates cam surface 75.
- Cam surface 75 is shown as an elongated portion of cam 72 which is pivotally mounted about axis 74.
- Spring 76 is utilized to urge cam 72 in the counterclockwise direction about axis 74 , thus urging cam surface 75 out of the aperture provided in interior shaft 29 and away from contact with a selected one of apertures 70.
- Actuating lever 80 is pivotally mounted to cam 72 about axis 78 and serves as a mounting point for trigger 32.
- the interaction of trigger 32 with striker bar 36 overcomes the mechanical bias provided by spring 30 and urges actuating lever 80 in an upward direction rotating cam 72 to the position depicted in Figure 4.
- the ankle locking mechanism of the present invention is shown in the locked position. In this position, lower body support 22 has been rotated to the point where trigger 32 is no longer in contact with striker bar 36 (not
- cam surface 75 is rotated into a selected one of apertures 70.
- the design of cam surface 75 is such that shaft 25 , which supports instep supports 28 , may be urged in the downward direction to more tightly grasp the ankles of the operator; however, shaft 25 may not be moved in the upward direction until such time as trigger 32 has contacted striker bar 36 and actuating lever 80 has rotated cam 72 to the position depicted in Figure 4.
- novel therapeutic device depicted herein will act to automatically and securely restrain the ankles of an operator thereof upon pivotal displacement of the body support platform from the upright position. In this manner, it becomes apparent that it should be impossible to invert the human body within therapeutic device 10 of the present invention without firmly locking the ankles of the operator within the device, thus ensuring the safety of the operator.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
A therapeutic device for treating and exercising the human body by suspending the body in an inverted position. The device includes a body supporting platform that is pivotally mounted on a fulcrum and adjustably coupled to a lower body supporting portion (22). The lower body supporting portion (22) includes a first support (24) arranged to extend under the arch portion of each foot. A second support (27) is positioned to engage the heel portion of each foot and acts with a movable third support (28) which engages the instep portion of each foot. The third support (28) is mechanically biased to grasp and automatically restrain each foot upon pivotal displacement of the body supporting platform from a substantially upright position.
Description
-1- THERAPEUTIC DEVICE FOR A HUMAN BODY
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of pending prior application Serial No. 324 ,133 filed November 23 , 1981 , since abandoned in favor of this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to devices for the therapeutic treatment of the human body in general and in particular to therapeutic devices for inverting the human body. It has heretofore been generally known that certain therapeutic devices, if properly designed, can produce desirable and healthful therapeutic effects upon the human body. In particular, one class of such devices are those devices which are utilized to support the human body in an inverted position. Supporting the human body in an inverted position has the effect of counteracting the natural forces of gravity upon the body. The force of gravity produces many adverse effects upon the human body over a period of time, including: stooped shoulders , shortened spine , varicose veins and swollen ankles. Supporting the human body in an inverted position tends to produce a lengthening along the longitudinal axis of the body, separating various joints and vertebrae and improving circulatory exchange and overall posture. Additionally , exercise during such inversion can prove especially beneficial in strengthening back and stomach muscles.
_. O
Prior art therapeutic devices are known which support the human body in an inverted position. Such devices generally use a restraining apparatus which must be manually adjusted to restrain the ankles of the operator. Other devices utilize individual boots or shoes which also must be carefully adjusted and secured to the feet of the operator. These devices have many common shortfalls such as the limited ability to accommodate various body sizes and the difficulty encountered in safely and comfortably restraining the ankles of the operator. The typical operator of such a device suffers from ailments of the back and cannot easily bend or contort as is typically necessary to engage a known ankle restraining device. Additionally, the safety aspect of any manual locking device is always subject to human error. The likelihood of inverting a patient without properly securing his lower extremities looms as a strong possibility with all known state of the art devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved therapeutic device for supporting the human body in an inverted position.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved therapeutic device for supporting the human body in an inverted position which automatically restrains the ankles of the operator upon pivotal displacement of the support platform. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved therapeutic device for supporting the human body in an inverted position which includes means for adjusting the longitudinal axis of the device.
The foregoing objects are achieved as is now described. The therapeutic device includes a body supporting platform that is pivotally mounted on a fulcrum and adjustably coupled to a lower body supporting portion. The lower body supporting portion includes a first support arranged to extend under the arch portion of each foot. A second support is positioned to engage the heel portion of each foot and acts with a movable third support which engages the instep portion of each foot. The third support is mechanically biased to grasp and automatically restrain each foot upon pivotal
OM
displacement of the body supporting platform from an upright position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself; however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the therapeutic device of the present invention;
Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are side views of the therapeutic device of the present invention showing the action of the automatic ankle locking device;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ankle locking mechanism of the therapeutic device of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the ankle locking mechanism of the therapeutic device of the present invention in the unlocked position; and
Figure 5 is a sectional view of the ankle locking mechanism of the therapeutic device of the present invention in the locked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference to Figure 1 there is depicted a perspective view of therapeutic device 10 of the present invention. Therapeutic device 10 includes a body supporting platform which is comprised of tubular frame 12 and fabric support 14. Tubular frame 12 , as well as the remaining tubular sections of therapeutic device 10 , may be constructed, in a preferred embodiment, of carbon steel, aluminum, or other metallic material of suitable rigidity. Fabric support 14 may be implemented utilizing canvas nylon duck or other suitable material. Tubular frame 12 is mounted to longitudinal support 18 by means of transverse support 16. Longitudinal support 18 includes a plurality of holes or apertures 20 and is open at the lower end
thereof in order to receive lower body support 22. Lower body support 22 includes protuberances, which are not shown , which engage selected apertures 20 to allow for rapid and simple longitudinal adjustment of lower body support 22. Arch support 24 is mounted at the lower end of lower body support 22 in a manner similar to the coupling of lower body support 22 and longitudinal support 18. Arch support 24 includes a plurality of apertures 26 which permit adjustment of the position of arch support 24 on the lower end of lower body support 22. Lower body support 22 also includes heel supports 27. Heel supports 27 are molded pliable support members which are fixedly mounted to lower body support 22 and are formed, in a preferred embodiment, of a suitable plastic or rubber material such as neoprene or urethane elastomers . Instep supports 28 are sHdably mounted to lower body support 22 by means of interior shaft 29 and mounting shaft 31. Mounting shaft 31 is mounted to lower body support 22 at an angle of between 5° and 10° to ensure reliable ankle restraint in a manner explained herein. Instep supports 28 consist of a pair of pliable supports adapted to surroundingly engage the instep portion of the human foot. Instep supports 28 are also constructed of a pliable plastic or rubber material such as neoprene or urethane elastomers, in the preferred embodiment.
Instep supports 28 are biased toward heel supports 27 by means of spring 30. Trigger 32 of interior shaft 29 is designed to interact with striker bar 36 to automatically overcome the mechanical bias provided by spring 30 at those times when the body supporting platform is in the upright position. Striker bar 36 is mounted to the support fulcrum of therapeutic device 10 by means of transverse supports 34 and 62.
The body supporting platform of therapeutic device 10 is pivotally mounted at bearings 54 and 56 by means of support arms 50 and 52. Support arms 50 and 52 are, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, welded to tubular frame 12 and provide a secure mounting for the body supporting platform. Bearings 54 and 56 are mounted within support plates 46 and 48. Support plates 46 and 48 serve as a pivoting mounting point for fulcrum support legs
38, 40 , 42 and 44. Brackets 58 and 60 serve to limit the pivoting of fulcrum support legs 38 , 40 , 42 and 44 and also serve to increase the stability of the resultant fulcrum. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that the interaction of the pivotal mounting of fulcrum support legs 38 , 40 , 42 and 44 with brackets 58 and 60 will permit therapeutic device 10 to be compactly folded for ease of storage.
With reference now to Figures 2a, 2b and 2c there is depicted a side view of the novel therapeutic device 10 of the present invention demonstrating the automatic ankle restraining feature of the present invention. In Figure 2a, an operator of the device is shown resting on the. body supporting platform with his feet upon arch support 24. Heel supports 27 are fixedly mounted on lower body support 22 in a position to surroundingly engage the heel portion of each of the operator's feet. Instep supports 28 are shown distended from the instep of the operator's feet due to the interaction of trigger
32 of interior shaft 29 and striker bar 36 in overcoming the bias provided by spring 30.
In Figure 2b , as the operator raises his arms and shifts his center of gravity, the body supporting platform of the therapeutic device 10 rotates in a clockwise manner, and instep supports 28 are urged to a position which surroundingly engages the instep of each of the operator's feet by the action of spring 30. As trigger 32 of interior shaft 29 is rotated out of contact with striker bar 36 , spring 30 serves to urge instep supports 28 into contact with the instep of each of the operator's feet and to operate the ankle lock mechanism of the present invention.
In Figure 2c, therapeutic device 10 is shown in the fully inverted position. The ankles of the operator are securely restrained by the interaction of heel supports 27 and instep supports 28. Experimentation has demonstrated that the clockwise torque exerted upon heel supports 27 and instep supports 28 by the natural leverage of the human foot will serve to prevent instep supports 28 from slipping in response to the weight of the operator. Additionally, the slight angular mounting of mounting shaft 31 (exaggerated slightly in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c) also ensures firm restraint of the operator's ankles by providing an extra restraining force due to the lateral force exerted upon interior shaft 29 by the body weight of the
operator. To positively ensure firm restraint of the operator's ankles, a positive action locking mechanism is provided which will be explained in detail below. In an alternate embodiment, interior shaft 29 of instep supports 28 may be slightly serrated to mate with similar serrations within mounting shaft 31, thus ensuring rigidity and firmness of restraint on the ankles of the operator of the therapeutic device.
Upon rotation of therapeutic device 10 to the upright position, trigger 32 of interior shaft 29 will once again contact striker bar 36 , compressing spring 30 and urging instep supports 28 to the release position depicted in Figure 2a.
Referring now to Figure 3 , there is depicted a perspective view of the positive locking mechanism of the ankle lock of the present invention. As can be seen in Figure 3 , a plurality of apertures 70 is provided in mounting shaft 31. A cam surface 75 within interior shaft 29 is selectively operated to engage a particular one of said plurality of apertures 70 and provides a positive lock position for instep supports 28 with respect to heel supports 27.
The operation of the positive locking mechanism of the ankle lock depicted in Figure 3 can be illustrated by reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is the sectional view of the ankle locking mechanism of the present invention which depicts the mechanism which operates cam surface 75. Cam surface 75 is shown as an elongated portion of cam 72 which is pivotally mounted about axis 74. Spring 76 is utilized to urge cam 72 in the counterclockwise direction about axis 74 , thus urging cam surface 75 out of the aperture provided in interior shaft 29 and away from contact with a selected one of apertures 70.
Actuating lever 80 is pivotally mounted to cam 72 about axis 78 and serves as a mounting point for trigger 32. The interaction of trigger 32 with striker bar 36 (not shown) overcomes the mechanical bias provided by spring 30 and urges actuating lever 80 in an upward direction rotating cam 72 to the position depicted in Figure 4.
With reference now to Figure 5 , the ankle locking mechanism of the present invention is shown in the locked position. In this position, lower body support 22 has been rotated to the point where trigger 32 is no longer in contact with striker bar 36 (not
Cl.fl-
shown) and spring 30 has biased trigger 32 in the downward direction. The downward movement of trigger 32 causes in a downward movement of actuating lever 80 , thus rotating cam 72 in a clockwise direction. In this manner, cam surface 75 is rotated into a selected one of apertures 70. The design of cam surface 75 is such that shaft 25 , which supports instep supports 28 , may be urged in the downward direction to more tightly grasp the ankles of the operator; however, shaft 25 may not be moved in the upward direction until such time as trigger 32 has contacted striker bar 36 and actuating lever 80 has rotated cam 72 to the position depicted in Figure 4. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the novel therapeutic device depicted herein will act to automatically and securely restrain the ankles of an operator thereof upon pivotal displacement of the body support platform from the upright position. In this manner, it becomes apparent that it should be impossible to invert the human body within therapeutic device 10 of the present invention without firmly locking the ankles of the operator within the device, thus ensuring the safety of the operator.
Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such mo-difications of embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A therapeutic apparatus for the human body comprising: an elongated planar platform adapted to support the upper body in a reclining position, said platform being pivotally mounted on a fulcrum wherein said platform is pivotally displaceable about an axis transversed to the longitudinal axis of said platform; a lower body support connected to said platform by an elongated frame member, said lower body support including: a first support means mounted on said lower body support and positioned to extend under each foot; a second support means fixedly mounted on said lower body support and positioned to surroundingly engage the heel portion of each foot; a third support means mounted on said lower body support and movable between a first position .and a second position, said third support means adapted to surroundingly engage the instep portion of each foot and fixedly restrain each foot while disposed in said first position and adapted to release each foot while disposed in said second position; and means for automatically moving said third support means from said second position to said first position in response to a pivotal displacement of said platform from a substantially upright position.
2. The therapeutic apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said elongated planar platform comprises a tubular frame which includes a fabric surface mounted thereupon.
3. The therapeutic apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein said tubular frame is comprised of carbon steel tubing.
'
4. The therapeutic apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said first support means includes means for adjustably mounting said first support means to said lower body support whereby said first support means may be mounted in a plurality of discrete positions.
5. The therapeutic apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said third support means is movably mounted to said lower body support and includes biasing means for urging said third support means to said first position.
6. The therapeutic apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein said biasing means comprises a metal spring.
7. The therapeutic device according to Claim 5 wherein said fulcrum includes means for engaging said third support means and urging said third support means to said second position while said platform is positioned in a substantially upright position.
8. A therapeutic apparatus for the human t bod comprising: an elongated planar platform adapted to support th upper body in a reclining position, said platform bein pivotally mounted on a fulcrum wherein said platform i pivotally displaceable about an axis transversed to th longitudinal axis of said platform; a lower body support mounted to said platform by a elongated frame member, said elongated frame membe including means for adjusting the mounting of said lowe body support whereby said lower body support may b adjusted along the longitudinal axis of said platform, sai lower body support including: first support means mounted on said lower bod support and positioned to extend under each foot; a second support means mounted on said lowe body support and adapted to surroundingly engag and restrain the ankle portion of each foot whil disposed in a first position and adapted to release eac foot while disposed in a second position and means for automatically moving said secon support from said second position to said first positio in response to a pivotal displacement of said platfor from a substantially upright position.
9. The therapeutic apparatus according to Claim wherein said elongated planar platform comprises a tubular fram which includes a fabric surface mounted thereupon.
10. The therapeutic apparatus according to Claim wherein said tubular frame is comprised of carbon steel tubing.
11. The therapeutic apparatus according to Claim wherein said first support means includes means for adjustabl mounting said first support means to said lower body suppor whereby said first support means may be mounted in a plurality o discrete positions.
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12. A therapeutic apparatus for the human body comprising: an elongated planar platform adapted to support the upper body in a reclining position, said platform being
5 pivotally mounted on a fulcrum wherein said platform is pivotally displaceable about an axis transversed to the longitudinal axis of said platform; a lower body support connected to said platform by an elongated frame member, said lower body support including: 0 a first support means mounted on said lower body support and positioned to extend under each foot; a second support means fixedly mounted on said lower body support and positioned to surroundingly engage the heel portion of each foot; -5 a third support means mounted on said lower body support and movable between a first position and a second position, said third support means adapted to surroundingly engage the instep portion of each foot and fixedly restrain each foot while disposed in said first position and adapted to release each foot while disposed in said second position; means for automatically moving said third support means from said second position to said first position in response to a pivotal displacement of said platform from a substantially upright position; and means for restraining said third support means in said first position while said platform remains pivotally displaced from said substantially upright position.
13. The therapeutic apparatus for the human body according to Claim 12 wherein said means for restraining said third support means comprises a lever actuated cam surface lock and means for rotating said cam surface into a locked position in response to pivotal displacement of said platform.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/349,451 US4438761A (en) | 1981-11-23 | 1982-02-17 | Therapeutic device for a human body |
US349451 | 1989-05-09 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0101444A1 EP0101444A1 (en) | 1984-02-29 |
EP0101444A4 true EP0101444A4 (en) | 1985-04-24 |
Family
ID=23372470
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19830900216 Withdrawn EP0101444A4 (en) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-11-15 | Therapeutic device for a human body. |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0101444A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1983002889A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE511529C2 (en) * | 1993-09-22 | 1999-10-11 | Good Health Inc 4 | Body traction table for treatment of, among other things, back problems |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB187437A (en) * | 1921-10-03 | 1922-10-26 | Walter David Molby | Improvements in or relating to physical culture apparatus |
FR2430223A1 (en) * | 1978-07-06 | 1980-02-01 | Weibel Ludwig | TILT RELAXATION TABLE, SUCH AS A TABLE FOR THERAPEUTIC AND PROPHYLACTIC USE |
DE3007835A1 (en) * | 1980-02-29 | 1981-09-17 | Helmut Dipl.-Kfm. Dr. 8000 München Forster | DEVICE FOR RELIEVING THE SPINE |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1429313A1 (en) * | 1964-06-12 | 1969-01-23 | Gaertner Dr Ing Robert | Health bed with a board-like support that can be swiveled on a frame |
US3568669A (en) * | 1969-03-27 | 1971-03-09 | Physicare Inc | Tilting health table |
ZA743721B (en) * | 1974-06-11 | 1975-11-26 | N Krause | Therapeutic apparatus |
US4190377A (en) * | 1978-03-01 | 1980-02-26 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Adjustable column |
US4232662A (en) * | 1978-11-06 | 1980-11-11 | Barber S Morgan | Therapeutic device for a human body |
-
1982
- 1982-11-15 EP EP19830900216 patent/EP0101444A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1982-11-15 WO PCT/US1982/001613 patent/WO1983002889A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB187437A (en) * | 1921-10-03 | 1922-10-26 | Walter David Molby | Improvements in or relating to physical culture apparatus |
FR2430223A1 (en) * | 1978-07-06 | 1980-02-01 | Weibel Ludwig | TILT RELAXATION TABLE, SUCH AS A TABLE FOR THERAPEUTIC AND PROPHYLACTIC USE |
DE3007835A1 (en) * | 1980-02-29 | 1981-09-17 | Helmut Dipl.-Kfm. Dr. 8000 München Forster | DEVICE FOR RELIEVING THE SPINE |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of WO8302889A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1983002889A1 (en) | 1983-09-01 |
EP0101444A1 (en) | 1984-02-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19831024 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB LI LU NL SE |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19860926 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN |
|
18W | Application withdrawn |
Withdrawal date: 19871028 |