Abstract:
An apparatus is shown for applying a traction force to a body member of a patient. The apparatus includes a columnar support coupling a lower arm to an upper arm. The columnar support has a fine adjustment mechanism for incrementally adjusting the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm along a central axis of the columnar support, wherein the distance corresponds to the traction force applied to the body member. The columnar support includes a plurality of sections that may be folded or separated for storage or transport. An attachment assembly, coupled to the upper arm, secures to one or more appendages in communication with the body member. A restraining element, coupled to the lower arm, secures to an opposing side of the body member such that the restraining element and the attachment assembly distribute the traction force to the body member upon actuation of the fine adjustment mechanism.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/645,435 filed on Jan. 18, 2005, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,541, also incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION  
       [0004]     A portion of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.14.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0006]     This invention pertains generally to a traction apparatus, and more particularly to a portable traction apparatus.  
         [0007]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0008]     Several traction devices exist, but each one fails to be of practical use in many real-life situations. As seen in U.S. Pat. No. 2,584,203, the traction apparatus uses rubber tubing to apply traction. The use of rubber tubing, under some situations, presents possible dangers to the patient and operator. Pulling tension with rubber tubing could potentially be hazardous due to a significant possibility of rubber break-down and separation, since the rubber could be ripped easily, develop holes, or could simply tear while in use. Replacement of torn rubber tubing takes time and is inconvenient. Further, this product is not portable in a user friendly way. Generally, this device either sits on the floor or on a table, thereby putting a patient several feet off the ground which is not ideal and usually impractical.  
         [0009]     Disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,291 is a device that involves a significant expense to fabricate. First, a user must purchase the related table and frame together. Second, this device may only be used in an operating room, since this invention was designed for surgery on the wrist or forearm. Many utilization options are precluded with this design.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,806 presents a wrist traction apparatus that it is not adjustable in many critical locations. Force is applied to both the thumb and a finger and if the operator wants to place added tension to the thumb, for alignment purposes, the finger next to the thumb experiences decreased tension. Thus, applying a deliberately stronger load on a specific finger is difficult, if not impossible, with the &#39;806 apparatus. With the &#39;806 tension apparatus the exact amount of force can not be determined. This could result is a possibly dangerous situation. Additionally, the traction pulley in the &#39;806 apparatus is a relatively expensive “complete” component with no currently available parts for servicing.  
         [0011]     Presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,168 is a glove-like support for arthroscopy. Since arthroscopic type surgical procedures are only envisioned, in an operating room (OR) environment, this device would not work in a typical emergency room (ER) setting. The current subject apparatus may be utilized in both ER and OR settings and doesn&#39;t need a glove, which would need to be laundered.  
         [0012]     Described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,506 is a bone aligning apparatus that is bulky and involves several time consuming fine-adjustments for use. Given the limited space available in a typical ER or OR environment, this apparatus would take up too much space and present a difficult cleaning problem. The fingers are placed into the finger holders, then an operator must manually adjust even tension once traction has begun which takes time. Further, with the &#39;506 system there is no guarantee there will be an even distribution of traction to all of the secured fingers. The fixed position design not only restricts a patient&#39;s hand to that position only, which is not always needed, but the &#39; 506  device does not have individual finger adjustments so it limits the hand to solely that position.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,850,166 discloses a fracture reduction system that offers a wide range of configurations, but by presenting a wide range of configuration is overly complicated. With the &#39;166 system there are a significant number of parts. If a part fails, it becomes complicated to replace them. Although the finger positioning can be adjusted manually, it does not allow for automatic finger tension adjustment simply by pulling traction. Additionally, the &#39;166 device would be difficult to clean and sterilize.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,783,758 and 3,693,617 relate a fracture reducing device for the arm in which a table or table-like means supports the device. The arm is virtually fixed in a non-variable position and no automatic finger tension adjustment exists. Also, the traction device has only one finger trap, which could create undue stress on the finger (care must be taken of the associated ligaments and tendons in a hand and not to damage one by undue stress). Additionally, the necessity of having a sturdy table or table-like support limits the versatility of this devise, especially in spaces crowded with critical equipment. Further, in the &#39;617 version a sandbag is utilized for downward force and is not adjustable.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     An aspect of the invention is an apparatus for applying a traction force to a body member of a patient, comprising a columnar support coupling a lower arm to an upper arm. The columnar support has a fine adjustment mechanism for incrementally adjusting the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm along a central axis of the columnar support, wherein the distance corresponds to the traction force applied to the body member. The device further includes a base coupled to the columnar support for maintaining a substantially vertical orientation of the central axis. An attachment assembly is coupled to the upper arm, and is configured to secure to one or more appendages in communication with the body member. The traction force is applied to the body member through the one or more appendages such that the attachment assembly may selectively distribute the traction force applied to the one or more appendages. A restraining element is coupled to the lower arm, wherein the restraining element configured to be securably coupled to an opposing side of the body member from the one or more appendages such that the restraining element and the attachment assembly distribute the traction force to the body member upon actuation of the fine adjustment mechanism.  
         [0016]     In one mode of the present aspect, the attachment assembly comprises a plurality of finger traps each adapted to retain a finger upon tensile loading of the finger trap. Each finger trap is releasably coupled to the upper arm via a spring, with a swivel base coupled between the spring and the upper arm.  
         [0017]     In another mode, the apparatus further comprises a force measurement device, such as a scale, or strain guage, disposed between the attachment assembly and the upper arm.  
         [0018]     In a preferred embodiment, the restraining element comprises an arm cuff configured to secure to the patient&#39;s arm.  
         [0019]     In another mode, the upper arm, and/or the lower arm are configured to translate on the columnar support so as to provide course vertical adjustment of the distance between the upper arm and the lower arm. Additionally, the upper arm and/or lower arm may be configured to rotate about the columnar support so as to provide rotational adjustment of either the upper arm or lower arm about the central axis.  
         [0020]     In another preferred embodiment, the columnar support comprises an extendable segment coupled to the fine adjustment mechanism such that the length of the extendable segment along the central axis may be varied upon actuation of the fine adjustment mechanism.  
         [0021]     Preferably, the fine adjustment mechanism comprises a worm drive that allows for micro-motion of the extendable segment. For example, the fine adjustment mechanism may include an adjustment knob, wherein the worm drive converts rotational motion of the adjustment knob into linear motion of the extendable segment along the central axis.  
         [0022]     In yet another embodiment, the columnar support is made up of a plurality of sections that allow the support to be broken down after use. The sections may be releasably secured, such as with a quick release mechanism, so that the section may be separated and reassembled quickly and easily.  
         [0023]     In one variation of the current embodiment, the columnar support comprises an upper section supporting the upper arm, a lower section supporting the lower arm and an intermediate section linking the upper section to the lower section. Preferably, the extendable segment and the fine adjustment mechanism are housed in the intermediate section. However, these components may be housed in any section. Furthermore, it is appreciated that the columnar support comprise as little as one section, and up to any number of sections.  
         [0024]     In another embodiment, the upper arm, lower arm and base all have hinged joints that allow them to collapse for storage. The columnar support may also have hinge joints, in place of, or in combination with separable sections.  
         [0025]     Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus for applying a traction force to manipulate a body member in communication with a patient&#39;s arm, The apparatus has an extendable segment coupled to and separating an upper arm and a lower arm along a translation axis. A fine adjustment mechanism is coupled to the extendable segment for incrementally adjusting the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm along the translation axis. The upper arm is coupled to an attachment assembly configured to secure to one or more of the patient&#39;s fingers of the patients arm, and a restraining element configured to be securably coupled to the patient at an opposing location is coupled to the lower arm. Upon actuation of the fine adjustment mechanism, the extendable segment may be extended to generate the traction force applied to the body member through the patient&#39;s fingers and the opposing location via the attachment assembly and the restraining element, to manipulate said body member, wherein the attachment assembly is configured to selectively distribute the traction force applied through the one or more fingers.  
         [0026]     In one mode of the present aspect, the attachment assembly comprises a plurality of finger traps each adapted to individually retain one of the fingers upon tensile loading of the finger trap, wherein each finger trap is releasably coupled to the upper arm via a spring. Each spring may be configured to equally or variably disperse the traction force among the one or more fingers.  
         [0027]     Yet a further aspect of the invention is an apparatus for applying a traction force to manipulate a body member in communication with a patient&#39;s arm, comprising an extendable segment coupled to and separating the upper arm and the lower arm along a translation axis, and an adjustment means coupled to the extendable segment for incrementally adjusting the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm along the translation axis. The upper arm is coupled to an attachment means for securing the upper arm to one or more of the patient&#39;s fingers of the patient&#39;s arm, and a restraining means is coupled to the lower arm. Upon actuation of the fine adjustment means, the extendable segment may be lengthened to generate the traction force applied to the body member, wherein the traction force applied through the patient&#39;s fingers and an opposing location via the attachment means and the restraining means to manipulate said body member.  
         [0028]     Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)  
       [0029]     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates an assembled traction device in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an attachment assembly in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3A  illustrates the finger traps of the present invention prior to attachment to the patient&#39;s hand.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3B  illustrates the finger traps of the present invention installed to the patient&#39;s hand.  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the swivel base in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary finger spacer in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates a traction device in accordance with the present invention applied to a patient&#39;s arm.  
         [0037]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the intermediate member of the present invention, illustrating a portion of the fine adjustment mechanism.  
         [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates the intermediate section in a separated configuration from the upper section, with the upper arm in a folded configuration.  
         [0039]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of the base in a folded configuration.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 9 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein.  
         [0041]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary traction device  10  in accordance with the present invention. Traction device  10  comprises an upper arm  12  and a lower arm  14  spaced vertically apart from each other along a columnar support  48 . Columnar support  48  comprises three modular sections: upper section  16 , intermediate section  18 , and lower section  20 , all of which generally lie along a central axis  50 . Upper and lower arms  12 , 14  and columnar support sections  16 , 18 , and  20  are generally tubular members comprised of a structurally rigid material, such as aluminum, steel, composite, or the like.  
         [0042]     During use, the central axis  50  of the columnar support  48  is preferably retained in a vertical orientation via a base  34 . Base  34  is releasably coupled to the lower section  20  via clamp  42 . The base  34  has two horizontal members  36 , each having a foot  38  at one end, wheel  40  at the other end. Wheels  40  allow traction device  10  to be moved along the ground without lifting the device. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the base may have four wheel (without feet  38 ), and incorporate brakes, or similar mechanisms to keep the wheels from moving when not in transit.  
         [0043]     The upper arm  12  is slideably received on upper section  16 , and lower arm is slideably received on lower section  20  via releasable collar-type clamps  44 . Clamps  44  may be tightened or loosened to allow adjustment of the upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  vertically along the central axis  50 .  
         [0044]     The intermediate section  18  has an extendable member  22  that is at least partially housed in stationary member  46  and coupled to a fine-adjustment mechanism  24 . The adjustment mechanism  24  comprises a worm drive mechanism (explained in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) that is coupled between an adjustment knob  26  and the extendable section  22 . Hence, rotational motion of the adjustment knob  26  is converted to linear motion of the extendable member  22  with respect to the tubular stationary member  46 . The translation of the extendable member  22  along the central axis acts to change the distance between the upper arm  12  and the lower arm  14 . When driven to separate the upper arm and lower arm from each other, the adjustment mechanism  24  is used to impart a traction force on a body member of a patient.  
         [0045]     The traction device  10  further comprises a first attachment means or assembly  60  for retaining a first aspect (e.g. one or more fingers of the patient&#39;s arm) of the patient&#39;s body member to be treated. The attachment assembly  60  is mechanically coupled to the upper arm  12  via eyelet  52  on slideable collar  28 . Accordingly, the traction device  10  also has a second attachment means or assembly  90  for restraining a second aspect of the patient&#39; body (e.g. patient&#39;s upper arm) to effect a traction force on the body member. The restraining element  90  is mechanically coupled to the lower arm  14  via eyelet  52  on slideable collar  30 .  
         [0046]     Attachment assembly  60  is further detailed in  FIG. 2 . A plurality of finger traps  62  are provided to secure the subject device to the patient. Each finger trap  62  preferably comprises finger cot having a tapered cylinder of interlaced filaments that reversibly grip or tighten on a finger placed within the trap  62  and pulled away from the opposite end.  FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary configuration of four finger traps. However, it is appreciated that as little as one, and as many as five, finger traps may be used. Each finger is released by relieving the tension on the trap  62  and working the filaments loose ( FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a patient&#39;s fingers free and inserted, respectively). One end of each trap  62  is wide and open to receive a finger and the other end narrows to a fastening means such as a ring, loop, or similar device.  
         [0047]     The attachment assembly  60  further comprises a plurality of resilient means  64 . Usually, each resilient means comprises a spring  64  or similar means such as an elastic member or the like. Each of the springs  64  is capable of releasably associating with at least one trap  62  by means of a releasable coupling such as a quick-release clip or carabineer  82 . For desirable traction purposes, more than one spring, or a spring of differing resiliency, may be connected to any trap  62  to increase the traction force.  
         [0048]     The attachment assembly  60  further comprises a swivel base  66  that secured to each of the springs  64 . The swivel base  66  is secured to an upper end  28  of each spring  64  by suitable means.  FIG. 4  depicts the bottom of the swivel base  66  and illustrates one suitable attachment means in which each spring end  68  fits within a receiving aperture  70  and is fastened in place by pinning means. Other suitable attachment means include, but are not limited to, quick-release clips, clamps, and the like. Preferably, to facilitate proper traction, the springs  64  are secured to the swivel base  66  in a generally circular attachment pattern (see  FIG. 4 ). Included in and projecting from the swivel base  25  is a swiveling eyelet  72  that allows the attachment assembly  60  to swivel freely. The swivel eyelet  72  is usually an “eye” component (the “eye” presents a coupling aperture for securing to the remainder of the subject invention) rotationally secured in the swivel base  66 .  
         [0049]     The novel subject design of the attachment assembly  60  allows the traction device  10  to pull traction with exact tension to all fingers used, and also allows increase tension to any one digit safely and easily for situations when an operator desires to align certain bones by pulling on one finger slightly harder.  
         [0050]     The attachment assembly  60  has a generally circular finger positioning design, along with the spring suspension system, to permit various hand alignment possibilities (utilizing a ball within the hand to generate a desired natural position). This advantageously allows for a natural position for the hand and hence easier alignment of bones, especially when the thumb is needed in the reduction. The subject spring suspension allows among other things, freedom to move fingers into positions needed for other concentrated reductions.  
         [0051]     The current subject device is easy to use and self adjusts for tension and all parts are designed to rapidly disassemble. With the current subject device extra tension may be added to any finger just by a simple clip.  
         [0052]     In a preferred embodiment, a force measurement device  80  is coupled between the attachment assembly  60  and the upper arm  12 . Generally, carabineers  82  are used to couple both ends of the force measurement device  80  to the eyelets  52  and  72  of the upper arm  12  and attachment assembly  60 . A suitable traction force measurement means  80  may comprise a strain gauge or an analog or digital scale or balance. For example, a 50 lb scale may be used to monitor the exact force applied to the patient&#39;s arm for traction purposes. It is appreciated that the force measurement device  80  may alternatively be coupled between the lower arm  14  and retaining member  90 .  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a finger spacer  84  may be utilized to position a patient&#39;s fingers during traction.  FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative finger spacer  86  that may be used in place of spacer  84 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 6  illustrates the traction device  10  of the present invention being used to generate traction on region of a patient&#39;s arm  100 . Prior to securing either attachment assembly  60  or  90  to the patient, the upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  may be coarsely adjusted (distance C) to the proper positioning according to the patients position (e.g. standing or seated) and anatomy. First the attachment points may be adjusted laterally (i.e. perpendicular to the central axis  50 ) by loosening collar  28  on the upper arm  12  and collar  30  on the lower arm  14 . Once the proper lateral adjustment is made, the collar may be tightened to retain motion in the lateral direction.  
         [0055]     Upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  may also be adjusted vertically along central axis  50  by loosening clamps  44 . Rotation about the central axis  50  may also be facilitated at this time to angularly offset the lower arm  14  from the upper arm  12 , if so desired. After the course adjustments are made, the claps  44  may be tightened to maintain the position of the upper and lower arms.  
         [0056]     With the traction device properly positioned, the patient&#39;s fingers may then be secured to the attachment assembly  60  as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The retaining member  90 , which preferably comprises a padded arm cuff  95 , may then be fit about the patient&#39;s upper arm. If necessary, further course adjustments may then be made by adjusting arms  12  and  14  via clamps  44  and collars  28  and  30 .  
         [0057]     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , traction force may then be applied to the patient&#39;s arm by rotating the adjustment knob  26  of the fine adjustment mechanism  24 . The gearing on the worm drive is such that each rotation of the knob  26  only effects a small linear motion (e.g. micromotion) in the vertical direction (central axis). This motion separates the upper arm  12  from the lower arm  14  via extension of the extendable member  22 . After any slack in the system is removed, further separating motion affects a tensile traction force F that is transmitted through the attachment assemblies  60  and  90 , and into the patient&#39;s fingers and upper arm. The body member of interest (e.g. a fractured segment of the patient&#39;s wrist) is thus subject to the tensile force F, which may be incrementally increased upon further rotation of adjustment knob  26 .  
         [0058]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate in further detail the fine adjustment mechanism  24 .  FIG. 7  shows a bottom view of the intermediate section  18 . Adjustment knob  26  is rigidly coupled to worm  102 , which extends horizontally into the interior cavity of the tubular stationary member  42 . Worm  102  has a tooth  110  in the form of a screw thread that is configured to drive adjacent worm gear  104 . Worm gear  104  has helical inclined teeth that are configured to engage the worm thread  110  while avoiding interference with worm  102 . Gear  104  is positioned such that rotation of worm  102  causes a corresponding clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of worm gear  104 . Worm gear  104  is rigidly coupled to vertical worm  106  such that rotation of worm gear  104  affects the same rotation of vertical worm  106 .  
         [0059]     The worm  102  drives the worm gear  104  and not vise versa. The mechanism locks if the worm gear  104  tries to drive the worm  102 . Thus, after a traction force is generated on the body member, the loading is such that a force will be imparted to try to reverse the motion of the worm gear  104 . However, since this motion is locked, the worm gear  104  will not back out, therefore maintaining the traction force until the adjustment knob  26  is moved. This configuration advantageously obviates the need for a ratchet or like mechanism, thus allowing for more precise adjustment with minimal or no slop or backlash. Worm drives also tend to run much quieter and smoother, a feature that can be much more appealing to a patient who is already in a traumatic predicament.  
         [0060]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , vertical worm  106  runs generally parallel to, but offset from the central axis  50  along the length of the stationary member  46  and into the extendable member  22 . Rigidly coupled to the extendable member  22  is a nut  108  (female helical threads) that is configured to interface with vertical worm  106  such that rotation of worm  106  advances the extendable member  22  with respect to the stationary member  46 . The extendable member  22  is preferably keyed with respect to the stationary member such that the extendable member  22  is restricted from rotating along with worm  106 . To lessen the traction force applied, or unload the body member, the extendable member  22  may be retracted by simply rotating the adjustment knob  26  in the opposite direction.  
         [0061]     It is appreciated that other gearing mechanisms known in the art may be used in the fine adjustment mechanism  24  to drive the extendable member  22 . However, the worm drive of the present invention is advantageous in that it allows easy rotational motion about an axis normal to the central axis  50  to affect a small, or micro motion, linearly along the central axis  50 . Under the present gearing configuration, one revolution of the adjustment knob  26  results in 0.025 inches of linear travel of the extendable member  22  along the central axis relative to the stationary member  46 . Thus, the adjustment knob  26  is turned  40  times for one linear inch of travel. This allows the operator to precisely, and incrementally, load the body member of interest.  
         [0062]     It is appreciated that the worm drive may be geared accordingly to gain additional, or less precision. In the present embodiment, the worm drive has approximately 4 linear inches of travel, although it may be configured to have more or less based on the application.  
         [0063]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the components of the traction device  10  are configured to disassemble and retract for storage and transport.  FIG. 8  illustrates the intermediate section  18  and upper section  16 , with the upper arm  12  folded for storage. To disassemble the upper section  16  from the intermediate section  18 , the clamp  42  located on the extendable member  22  is rotated counter-clockwise and loosened. The upper section  18  may then be pulled out from the intermediate section  18  along central axis  50 . The upper section  16  is generally a cylindrical tube that has a lower end  102  that has a smaller diameter than the rest of the tube, with the diameter of lower end  102  corresponding closely with the inner diameter of the receiving hole of extendable member  22 . Locking the intermediate section  18  and upper section  16  together is facilitated by clockwise rotation of clamp  42  to tighten on the lower end  102  to the extendable member  22 . The lower section  20 , similarly interfaces with the clamp  42  on the stationary member  46 .  
         [0064]     It is appreciated that clamp  42 , as well as collar clamps  44 , may comprise a variety of configurations known in the art, such as a cam-type lock found on quick release skewers, or a depressible button type lock commonly used for interconnecting tubular members. Alternatively, the mating ends of each section may be threaded with corresponding male/female threads to releasably join each segment together.  
         [0065]      FIG. 8  illustrates the upper arm  14  folded to run generally parallel to and adjacent to upper section  16 . This is generally achieved by loosening joint  33  and rotating the upper arm  14  downward toward the upper section  16 . Lower arm  14  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), may be similarly folded to run adjacent to lower section  20 . This may be done while the device  10  is fully assembled so that the device  10  occupies less space in the treatment area. Alternatively, the arms  12  and  14  may be folded after all of the sectional members are separated for storage in a portable container.  
         [0066]      FIG. 9  illustrates base  34  separated from the lower section  20  and in a folded configuration. As shown in  FIG. 9 , both of the horizontal members  36  may be folded inward after loosening releasable joints  32 . The base is separated from the lower section  20  by loosening clamp  42  and sliding extension  114  (preferably having same diameter as and  112 ) from the inner diameter of the bottom end of the lower section  20 .  
         [0067]     It is appreciated that the columnar support  48  may comprise a number of configurations. For example, the support  48  may comprise a greater number of sections, such as five or more, to further compartmentalize the device for storage. Alternatively, the support may not be constructed of any separable sections, but rather comprise a plurality of foldable joints such as joints  32  of the upper and lower arms. A still further alternative is a support  48  having a combination of separable parts (e.g. separation between the base  34  and columnar support  48 , and foldable joints disposed along the support.  
         [0068]     Thus, the entire traction device  10  may be broken down and collapsed to be stored in a container for easy storage and transport. Accordingly, the device  10  may be reassembled in operating configuration quickly and easily. Thus, the compartmental nature of the present invention is highly advantageous in situations where the treatment room is an emergency room or the like, where space is limited and time is of the essence.  
         [0069]     Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”