TRACTION APPARATUS

Abstract: The invention relates to a traction apparatus having a head end (4) and a foot end (2), comprising a body support panel (1), a stand (3) detachably and pivotably joined to the body support panel, and a foot retainer (5) arranged at the foot end and joined to the body support panel. The foot retainer is displaceable between different locked positions in the longitudinal direction of the traction apparatus. The body support panel is pivotable about the stand between a starting position in which the foot end of the traction apparatus is in contact with a surface on which the apparatus is placed, and the body support panel is inclined to the horizontal plane, and a traction position in which the traction apparatus is in contact with the surface at its head end and the body support panel is inclined to the horizontal plane, wherein the traction apparatus is arranged to pivot between starting position and traction position by displacement of the centre of gravity of the user past a geometric pivot of the body support panel.

Description: TRACTION APPARATUS Technical Field The present invention relates to a traction apparatus comprising Background Art It is known to treat certain common types of back problems by means of traction. The treatment entails pressure being taken off the back and the back being statically stretched to a certain extent for a certain period of time. A known traction apparatus for performing this treatment is shown m WO 0508307. This Known apparatus comprises a body support panel and a stand. The panel is pivotably joined to the stand between the ends of the panel but the connection is lockable m a few positions by means of an operable ratchet . The apparatus also com- prises a foot rest forming the foot end of the traction apparatus and being joined to the panel. In a starting position the panel is almost perpendicular. A person about to use the apparatus stands on the foot rest, clamps his/her feet with the aid of a clamping mechanism and then leans back against the body support panel. In this position the user releases the ratchet and, by pushing off from handles that are integrated with and project from the stand, pivots the panel to an active position m which it is inclined to the horizontal plane so that the head end is lower than the foot end. The ratchet locks the panel m one of a few optional positions with different angles of inclination. Most people find pivoting themselves backwards from standing position unpleasant and insecure. A feeling that the panel may "flip over" is expressed by many although, if the ratchet is released as soon as the starting position has been left, it will automatically engage m a notch and lock the panel m the first active position reached. However, there is some justification for this concern since an actual risk of accident does exist. The ratchet may get jammed so that it fails to engage or the user may easily become paralysed and retain the ratchet m open position. This problem means that many people do not venture to use the apparatus at all, or only if someone else is standing by ready to prevent the panel from swinging round too far or too quickly. For most people, at least a period of acclimatisation is required before the device can be used completely independently. Summary of the Invention The object of the invention is to provide a traction apparatus that is simple to use oneself m a home environment and that eliminates the risk of accident described above . The object is achieved with a traction apparatus having a head end and a foot end and comprising a body support panel, a stand detachably and pivotably joined to the body support panel between the two ends of the body support panel , and a foot retainer arranged at the foot end and joined to the body support panel. The foot retainer is displaceable between different locked positions m the longitudinal direction of the traction apparatus m relation to the body support panel. It is thus easy to adjust the apparatus to suit different body lengths. The body support panel is pivotable about the stand between a starting position and a traction position. In the starting position the foot end of the traction apparatus is m contact with a surface, normally a floor, on which the apparatus is placed, and the body support panel is inclined to the horizontal plane so that the foot end is lower than the head end. In traction position the traction apparatus is in contact with the surface at its head end and the body support panel is inclined to the horizontal plane so that the head end is lower than the foot end. The traction apparatus is arranged to move between starting position and traction position by displacement of the centre of gravity of the user past the pivot axis of the body support panel . The apparatus defined m claim 1 provides a device that is pivotable between two positions, with an ex- tremely clear restriction of the movement m the form of the surface on which it rests, which maximises the angle of inclination m a manner immediately recognised by the user. The pivot movement is also well controllable since the user achieves it by moving his own centre of gravity along the body support panel. The risk of accident is thus eliminated and very few users experience even a tendency towards uneasiness when the body support panel, hereinafter called the panel, pivots from starting to traction position. The angles of inclination m the two positions are thus restricted and preferably kept within limits that are normally perceived as pleasant. In some embodiments the angles are adjustable to suit the individual, and are preferably maximised to about 30 degrees. Even more pref- erably the angle of inclination, at least m traction position, is at most about 20 degrees, most preferably from 10 to 20 degrees. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention the height of the stand is adjustable. Thus the angles of inclination are adjustable. Other advantageous embodiments also exist which per se offer adjustable inclination m at least one position. One such embodiment constitutes retractable support legs arranged at the head end, the length of the legs being adjustable. It is of course possible to combine the individual adjustment functions. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention the foot retainer comprises a lower support and an upper support which extend substantially m transverse direction of the apparatus and arranged with a distance between them that increases from the centre of the apparatus out towards its sides. The foot retainer is thus arranged to wedge the feet firmly when they are inserted between the upper or ankle support and the lower or heel support . The foot retainer is thus also suitable for feet of different sizes. In accordance with another embodiment the foot retainer is pivotable about a transversal shaft, i.e. a shaft extending m the sideways direction of the traction apparatus. The foot retainer thus adapts to the bending angle of the knee joint that the user finds most comfor - able. The user generally has relatively bent knees when he/she sits on the body support panel and inserts his/her feet into the foot retainer. When the user then moves his/her centre of gravity past the pivot m order to swing the body support panel to traction position, the user stretches his/her legs. The user's knees will then be bent to varying extents m traction position. It is also recommended to place a cushion below the hollow of the knees m order to achieve a relaxed state. Thanks to its swivelling feature the foot retainer accommodates to the best position m relation to the bend of che knee. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention and further advantages gained therefrom will be described m more detail m the following m embodiments shown by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings m which Figs la-e illustrate the use of the traction apparatus m accordance with the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic view m perspective from above of one embodiment of the traction apparatus m accordance with the invention, Fig. 3 is a schematic view m perspective from below of the embodiment of the traction apparatus shown m Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a schematic view from the side of the actual foot retainer forming a part of the traction apparatus shown m Fig. 2, m a starting position, Fig. 5 is a schematic view from the side, partially in section, of the foot retainer shown m Fig. 4, m a traction position, Fig. 6 is a schematic view from the front of the foot retainer shown m Figs 4 and 5 , and Fig. 7 is a schematic view perspective of an alternative embodiment of a stand included m the apparatus . Detailed Description of an Embodiment of the Invention Fig. 2 shows a currently preferred embodiment of a traction apparatus m accordance with the present invention. Let us m the following use the term "traction bench" or just "bench" for the traction apparatus. The traction bench comprises a body support panel, m the following designated "panel", 1, a stand 3 and a foot retainer 5, and consisting of a foot end 2 and a head end 4. The panel 1 is connected to a first frame part 7. The foot retainer 5 is displaceably joined to the panel 1 via a second frame part 9, connected to the first frame part 7. A third frame part 11 is displaceably joined to the first frame part and forms the head end of the bench. The stand 3 is pivotably joined to the panel 1 via the first frame part 7. More specifically the stand 3 comprises two leg parts 13, 15 arranged one on each side of the panel 1, and a rod 17 which connects the leg parts 13, 15 and on which the panel 1 rests and about which the panel 1 pivots. On its lower side, shown in Fig. 3, the panel 1 comprises stand holders 19, 21, one on each side of the panel 1. Each stand holder 19, 21 is provided with a number of notches 23 to receive the rod 17. The stand 3 is thus displaceable between different positions m the longitudinal direction of the bench m order to permit exact adjustment of the bench m accordance with people of dif- ferent heights. It should be mentioned that this adjustability is not necessary since the foot retainer 5 is displaceable m the longitudinal direction of the bench relation to the panel 1. However, the fact that the bench is movable further increases its adjustment possibilities, which is per se an advantage. In this embodiment each stand holder 19, 21 consists of an angle iron and reinforces the bench to such an extent that thinner frame parts 7, 9, 11 can be used than if the stand holders 19, 21 did not contribute with reinforcement. The total weight of the traction bench is low, particularly if materials such as plastic and light metal are used for its construction. The low weight compared, for instance, with the prior art traction apparatus described above contributes to easy handling a home environment. The stand 3 is also collapsible, each leg part 13, 15 being pivotable a connecting part 18 m relation to the rod 17 so that it is situated parallel with the rod 17 instead of at right angles to the rod 17 as the leg parts 13, 15 are shown m the operative position in Fig. 2. In operative position the leg parts 13, 15 are naturally blocked to prevent them from folding unmten- tionally. This feature offers the advantage that the bench can be folded up to reduce its height, thus facilitating storage when it is not use. The leg parts 13, 15 also comprise handles 25, 27 standing vertically. In this embodiment the frame parts 7, 9 and 11 con- sist of tubes, the two tube ends of the second frame part 9 being inserted into the tubular sides 7a, 7b of the first frame part, and the tube ends of the third frame part 11 also being inserted into the tubular sides 7a of the first frame part 7, but m a fixed connection. For manufacturing reasons the third frame part 11 is initially manufactured as a separate part. Fitting members 29, 31 lock the second frame part 9 m relation to the first frame part 7. The foot retainer comprises a lower support 33 and an upper support 35 extending substantially transverse direction of the apparatus and arranged at a distance from each other that increases from the centre of the bench out towards its sides. The lower support 33 is straight whereas the upper support 35 is curved m arc shape. The upper support 35 is so arranged m relation to the lower support 33 that the curvature removes the upper support from the lower both upwards and forwards, i.e. in direction from the head end towards the foot end. A user may insert his/her feet into the gap between the supports 33, 35 so that the ankles are m contact with the upper support 35 and the backs of the heels are contact with the lower support 33. The feet are thus held firmly place m the foot retainer 5. As mentioned, the foot retainer 5 is pivotable about a transversal shaft, more specifically about a part 37 of the second frame part 9 extending laterally across the bench. As will become clear m the following, this is an advantage that allows free adjustment m accordance with the user's requirements as revealed Fig. 5 showing a typical starting position and Fig. 6 showing a typical traction position. The traction bench also comprises a support leg 39 placed on the lower side of the panel 1 close to the head end of the panel 1. This support leg 39 is foldable and can be folded out to the position shown m Fig. 3 or folded to a position where it is received and retained by a clamp 41. The shown embodiment of the traction apparatus m accordance with the invention functions and is used as follows, referring to Figs la-le. The user sits on the panel 1 between the stand 3 and the foot end 2. The user then inserts his/her feet into the foot retainer, between the lower and upper supports 33 and 35, respectively, so far that they are wedged firmly between the supports 33, 35. The back of each heel rests against the support 33 and each ankle is contact with the upper support 35. The supports 33, 35 are preferably covered with a soft material of some sort. The user then leans back to reclining position on the panel 1. By pushing off with his/her feet and/or hands, the user then moves his/her body towards the head end 4 so far that the centre of gravity of his/her body is between the stand 3 and the head end 4 of the traction bench, order to pivot the panel from starting position to traction position. The panel then swings or tilts over of its own accord to traction position. The handles 25, 27 on the leg parts 13, 15 facilitate the swinging movement by making it simple for the user, with the aid of his/her hands, to move his/her body while at the same time having full control over the pivot movement . To further facilitate movement of the body the panel 1 preferably has a shiny surface giving low friction against fabric . In traction position the foot retainer 5 prevents the user from slipping off the panel 1. In traction position the support leg 39 rests on the floor. A space is thus formed between the third frame part 11 and the floor so that, if desired, the user can take hold of the third frame part. The grip on the third frame part 11 may be used, for instance, order to increase the traction force or to give the user a more comfortable or effective position. To return to the starting position upon completion of the treatment, the user need only grip the handles 25, 27 and pull him/herself towards the foot end 2 so that the centre of gravity of the body is once more located between the stand 3 and the foot end 2. When the user moves his/her body along the panel 1 the angle of the knees alters, which turn causes the position for retaining the feet to be beneficially altered. This is possible thanks to the foot retainer 5 being swivellable. Alternative Embodiments The above description constitutes a non-limitmg example of how the apparatus according to the invention may be designed. Many modifications are possible withm the scope of the invention as defined the appended claims. A few examples of such modifications follow. It may be desirable for a user to be able to adjust the inclination of the traction bench. This is, of course, already possible m the embodiment described above by moving the stand 3 between different notches 23 m the stand holders, but this also affects the displacement of the centre of gravity. It is therefore often necessary to move the foot retainer 5 m relation to the panel 1. Some alternative embodiments have a completely separate adjustment of the inclination. According to a modified embodiment shown m Fig. 7, the stand 51 is adjustable the vertical direction, each leg part being m two sections, m the form of a handle 53 and a pair of legs 55 that are telescopically connected to each other and lockable in a few different positions using a cotter pm 59, for instance. The cotter p extends through holes a sleeve 57 joining the two legs 56a and 56b m the pair of legs 55, and through corresponding holes m the handle 53 ex- tending through the sleeve 57. The pair of legs 55 can also be folded so that the stand will take up a minimum of space when not m use . In accordance with another alternative embodiment the length of the support leg can be adjusted. The stand with adjustable height can naturally be combined with the support leg having adjustable length, although all that is achieved is a certain increased flexibility of adjustment . In an alternative embodiment the distance between the supports of the foot retainer can also be adjusted.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A traction apparatus having a head end (4) and a foot end (2) , comprising a body support panel (1) , a stand (3) detachably and pivotably joined to the body support panel, and a foot retainer (5) arranged at the foot end and joined to the body support panel, the foot retainer being displaceable between different locked po- sitions the longitudinal direction of the traction apparatus relation to the body support panel, wherein the body support panel is pivotable about the stand between a starting position m which the foot end of the traction apparatus is m contact with a surface on which the apparatus is placed, and the body support panel is inclined to the horizontal plane so that the foot end is lower than the head end, and a traction position which the traction apparatus is contact with the surface at its head end and the body support panel is inclined to the horizontal plane so that the head end is lower than the foot end, wherein the traction apparatus is arranged to pivot between starting position and traction position by displacement of the centre of gravity of the user past a geometric pivot of the body support panel . 2. The traction apparatus as claimed claim 1, wherein the foot retainer (5) comprises a lower support (33) and an upper support (35) which extend substantially in transverse direction of the apparatus and are arranged so that the distance between them increases from the centre of the traction apparatus out towards its sides. 3. The traction apparatus as claimed claim 2, wherein the upper support (35) is arc -shaped. 4. The traction apparatus as claimed m any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot retainer (5) is pivotable about a transversal shaft. 5. The traction apparatus as claimed any one of the preceding claims, comprising a retractable support leg (39) arranged at the head end (4) , its length being adjustable . 6. The traction apparatus as claimed m any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the stand (3) is adjustable. 7. The traction apparatus as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stand has leg parts (13, 15) that are pivotable between a position which each leg part is arranged substantially perpendicular to a rod (17) connecting the leg parts, and a position m which each leg part is arranged substantially parallel with the rod. 8. The traction apparatus as claimed m any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stand is detachably connectable to the body support panel m several different positions distributed along the traction apparatus. 9. The traction apparatus as claimed m any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angles of inclination in the starting position and the traction position, respectively, are maximally about 30 degrees.

Inventors: JOHANSSON BENGT SUNE, JOHANSSON, BENGT, SUNE
Applicants: JOHANSSON BENGT SUNE, JOHANSSON, BENGT, SUNE
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A61H1
IPC codes: A61H1