Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20040059267A1/en
Timestamp: 2018-07-18 05:37:43
Document Index: 8983337

Matched Legal Cases: ['application no. 60', 'art 224', 'art 221', 'art 217', 'art 221', 'art 224', 'art 221', 'art 224', 'art 221', 'art 224', 'art 221', 'art 224', 'arts 224', 'art 221', 'art 224', 'art 233', 'arts 233', 'art 233', 'art 233', 'art 233']

US20040059267A1 - Therapeutic treatment apparatus and method - Google Patents
Therapeutic treatment apparatus and method Download PDF
US20040059267A1
US20040059267A1 US10383854 US38385403A US2004059267A1 US 20040059267 A1 US20040059267 A1 US 20040059267A1 US 10383854 US10383854 US 10383854 US 38385403 A US38385403 A US 38385403A US 2004059267 A1 US2004059267 A1 US 2004059267A1
US10383854
US7247145B2 (en )
This application claims priority to provisional application no. 60/410,365, filed Sep. 11, 2002, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
It is known that massaging or using devices applied externally to the body can impart pressure and otherwise have a soothing and/or pain relief effect. One typical pressure application device is illustrated in German Disclosure No. 2,128,410. Such a device provides a backbone to which discreet brackets are mounted. Each of the brackets has two support surfaces for applying pressure or support to the back of the person wearing the device. Such devices suffer disadvantages of being rigid and thereby failing to contour to the shape of the body of the wearer. Furthermore, they typically lack flexibility for easily increasing or decreasing the size of the area for application of pressure or other treatment. They also are composed of multiple parts.
[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0017]FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a multi-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0018]FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of a multi-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0019]FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a multi-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0020]FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of a multi-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0021]FIG. 6 illustrates a first side view of a multi-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0022]FIG. 7 illustrates a second side view of a multi-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0023]FIG. 8 is a view of a method of using an embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0024]FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a single-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0025]FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a single-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0026]FIG. 11 illustrates a back view of a single-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0027]FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a single-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0028]FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom view of a single-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0029]FIG. 14 illustrates a first side view of a single-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0030]FIG. 15 illustrates a second side view of a single-column embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0031]FIG. 16 is a view of a method of using an embodiment of the therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0032]FIG. 17a illustrates a top end view of a mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;
[0033]FIG. 17b illustrates a cross-sectional top end view of a mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention, taken along line b-b of FIG. 17e;
[0034]FIG. 17c illustrates a first end view of a mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;
[0035]FIG. 17d illustrates a second end view of a mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;
[0036]FIG. 17e illustrates a front view of a mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;
[0037]FIG. 17f illustrates a top end view of a mounting bracket and therapeutic treatment apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0038]FIGS. 18a-h illustrate a buckle and binder system in accordance with the present invention;
[0039]FIGS. 19a-h illustrate a binder system in accordance with the present invention;
[0040]FIG. 20 illustrates use of a buckle system in accordance with the present invention;
[0041]FIG. 21 illustrates a process of using a binder system in accordance with the present invention; and
[0042]FIG. 22 illustrates a carrying bag system in accordance with the present invention.
The contact surfaces 30 are positioned on a backplane 40 of the treatment apparatus 10, such as shown in the illustrated embodiments. The term “backplane” is used interchangeably herein with “mounting structure” to refer to the portion of the therapeutic apparatus 10 upon which the mounting surfaces 30 are situated. The contact surfaces 30 optionally may be mounted to the backplane 40 or may be integrally formed with it. If the contact surfaces 30 are mounted to the backplane 40, any suitable mounting material maybe used that is of sufficient strength to attach the surfaces 30 to the backplane 40, such as mechanical fasteners such as rivets or screws, mating projections and apertures, or adhesives as glue, wax or any other adhesive material.
In an example of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the operational unit is 10 cm. wide, 22 cm. long, and includes 30 concave ribs (i.e. contact elements) arranged in 5 columns each having 6 concave ribs. Of course other sizes and numbers of ribs maybe used. For example if a larger coverage area is desired, each column may be lengthened, or alternatively, one or more columns may be added, or alternatively both longer columns may be used and one or more columns may be added.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-16, slidable mounting brackets 110 are provided. The mounting brackets 110 engage the long operational unit 15 of the therapeutic apparatus 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 17f. The brackets 110 can slide up and down the operational unit in any fashion desired by the user 100. In this embodiment, a projection 120 is provided at one end of the column 20. In another embodiment, projections 120 are provided at both ends. The projection(s) 120 serve to prevent any of the slidable mounting brackets 110 from slipping off the end(s). In a preferred embodiment of operation of the invention, a first mounting bracket 110 is positioned near the neck of user 100, a second is mid-way down the column 20 of the operational unit 15 and a third mounting bracket 110 is positioned in the vicinity of the lower back or waist. This arrangement is believed suitable for mounting the device 10 to the user 100, along the user's spinal column, in a comfortable and secure fashion, although other arrangements also can be used.
[0055]FIG. 17a and 17 b show respective side and side cross-sectional views of a mounting bracket 110. FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b shown in FIG. 17e. FIGS. 17c and 17 d show respective end side views. FIG. 17e shows a front face view. FIG. 17f shows a side view of a mounting bracket 110 positioned on an operational unit 15 of a single column embodiment of the treatment apparatus 10. The mounting bracket includes side apertures 150, 155. The interior surface 160 of the mounting bracket optionally may include a groove 165 running the length from side aperture 150 to side aperture 155. A strap can be drawn through the side apertures 150,155 and along the groove 165.
[0056]FIG. 16 illustrates one option for applying the treatment apparatus 10 to the back of a wearer 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 10 is positioned along the spine so as to position the contact elements 30 adjacent the users spine. Preferably the operational portion of the apparatus is as long as the spine, although other lengths maybe selected, such as shorter or longer. In the illustration, straps 113, 115 and 117 are mounted to the operational unit 15 of the apparatus 10 using mounting brackets 110 that are positioned along the apparatus. One or more slidable mounting brackets 110 optionally may be used, and preferably stops 120 are situated at one or both ends of the treatment apparatus 10. As with the other illustrated embodiment, the contact elements 30 are positioned on the inside, i.e. skin or clothing side. Optionally the wearer may apply the apparatus directly to the skin, or alternatively may have a barrier, such as clothing between the apparatus and skin.
A method of using the apparatus 10 by applying straps will now be described. Examples of buckles and strap binders that can be used with straps 112, 113, 115 and 117 are illustrated in FIGS. 18a-h, 19 a-h, 20 and 21. The straps preferably are elasticized so as to be stretchable, although non-stretch straps can be used as well.
One binder is illustrated in FIGS. 19a-h. This binder preferably is used in conjunction with straps 113 and 115, although it can be used with any of the straps 113, 115 or 117. In one embodiment, one end of strap 113 is bound, using a binder in accordance with the invention, in a substantially fixed and adjustable relation to a corresponding end of strap 115, strap 113 going over the user's shoulder and down in front, and strap 115 going under the user's arm and up in front. They are adjustably bound together using the binder, as described herein, although they can be tied, buckled or fastened in any fashion that secures them in place. The binder is used where it is desired to link together two strap end portions in an adjustable fashion. One end portion of a strap, such as an end of strap 113 is passed through and affixed to the binder. Another strap end, such as an end of strap 115 is drawn through in a slidably adjustable fashion. Alternatively two ends of the same strap can be bound together, although the example discussed herein will be an end of strap 113 and an end of strap 115.
The binder includes two mating portions, insertion portion 201 and a receiving portion 202. The fixed strap end (such as an end of strap 113) is drawn through respective apertures defined in each of the insertion and receiving portions 201, 202, and then the insertion portion 201 is mated with the receiving portion 202 forming a secure connection and binding the strap in place. In operation, the fixed strap end is drawn first through the aperture 215 of binder receiving portion 202, all the way through the other end and out aperture 216. The aperture 215 preferably is positioned in a face 203 of the receiving portion 202, which is angled, facilitating insertion of the strap into aperture 215. The second aperture 216 of the binder receiving portion 202 optionally is wider than the first aperture 215. Then the strap is drawn through the aperture 211 of the insertion portion 201 and then back again through the aperture 216 of the receiving portion 202 and out aperture 215. The insertion portion 201 then is slid into receiving portion 202, securing the strap in place. As illustrated, the insertion portion 201 preferably includes and extension portion 210, that is dimensioned so as to fit into the aperture 216 of receiving portion 202 along with the strap. In use, the insertion portion is inserted until all of the extension portion 210 is inserted within receiving portion 202. This insertion process is illustrated in FIG. 21 in which the arrows show the directions of relative movement between the portions 201 and 202. In an embodiment, projections and indentations are provided that serve to lock in place the two portions 201, 202. For example, the insertion portion 201 can include projections 204 that are received in indentations 205 of receiving portion 202. To complete the connection of the strap ends, the end of strap 115 can be threaded though apertures 212 and 213 of the insertion portion 201 to a desired length. Preferably the binder is applied so that the angled side (side B, as illustrated in FIG. 19h) is adjacent the body of the user for greater comfort. In such an orientation, the straps exiting the binder (115, 113 as illustrated in FIG. 19h) fit into the binder and provide a softer contact. In addition, although the surfaces are shown to be angled, they can be squared or curved; an angled or trapezoid-like surface is understood to fit better into potential skin folds of a user minimizing discomfort. Thus, we have discussed linking of one end of strap 113 with one end of strap 115 around the shoulder of a user, using the binder described. The other ends of the same straps also may be bound together over/under the user's other shoulder using another one of the binders.
Another example of a suitable buckle/binder combination is now described with reference to strap 117 and FIGS. 18a-h. In this embodiment, the two strap ends of the same strap are connected to one another via the buckle/binder described. The buckle/binder includes three pieces, binder receiving part 224, binder insertion part 221 and buckle plug part 217. In operation, one end of the strap 117 can be threaded through apertures 150, and 155 of the mounting bracket 110. The other end of strap 117 is led first through a aperture 225 of the binder receiving portion 224, all the way through the other end and out aperture 226. The binder receiving portion 224 is similar to the receiving portion 202 discussed above. The aperture 225 preferably is positioned in a face 243 of the binder receiving portion 224, which is angled, facilitating insertion of the strap into aperture 225. The second aperture 226 of the binder receiving portion 224 optionally is wider than the first aperture 225. Then the strap is drawn through aperture 222 of the binder insertion part 221 and then back again through the aperture 226 of the binder receiving part 224 and out aperture 225. The insertion part 221 is then slid into aperture 226 of the receiving part 224, securing the strap in place. As illustrated, the insertion part 221 preferably includes an extension portion 240, that is dimensioned so as to fit into the aperture 226 of the receiving part 224, along with the strap. The insertion part 221is inserted preferably until all of the extension portion 240 is inserted within the receiving part 224. In an embodiment, projections and indentations are provided that serve to lock in place the two parts 224, 221. For example, the insertion part 221 can include projections 244 that are received in indentations 245 of receiving part 224.
Use of the straps and buckles now will be discussed with reference to FIG. 8, which illustrates one option for applying the treatment apparatus 10, such as to the lower back area of a wearer. In the illustration, a strap 112 is mounted to the apparatus using mounting brackets 110 (i.e. 110 a, 110 b, 100 c and 110 d) that are positioned in optional mounting bracket apertures 119 formed in the apparatus 10, such as in the backplane 40. The illustrated mounting brackets 110 a-d can be affixed to the apparatus 10, using two of the apertures 119. The two ends of each of the mounting brackets 110 a-d are pushed through respective apertures 119. Then a strap can be threaded through the bracket 110 (such as through its apertures 150, 155 and along the groove 165 of interior surface 160) thereby securing the strap to the apparatus 10. The strap can then be used to mount the apparatus 10 to the user. The contact elements 30 are positioned on the inside, i.e. skin or clothing side. Optionally the wearer may apply the apparatus directly to the skin, or alternatively may have a barrier, such as clothing between the apparatus and skin.
In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, a carrying bag 233 is provided for mounting the therapeutic treatment apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the carrying bag 233 has one or more pockets 234 where one or more therapeutic treatment apparatus 10 are positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, three pockets 234 are provided. It should be recognized that any form of the apparatus may be used, such as the columnar version such as shown in FIG. 9 (of any desired length), or the multi-column version, such as shown in FIG. 1 (of any desired size as well). Any desired number of apparatus 10 also maybe positioned within each of the pockets. In one example, columnar therapeutic treatment apparatus 10 (such as shown in FIG. 9) are used, each having 23 or 24 contact elements 30 positioned on them. Three such apparatus 10 are positioned in each of the pockets 234 of the carrying bag 233, making nine total. Of course other numbers, sizes and shapes may be selected. In this example, the upper part 233 b of the carrying bag 233 takes approximately one sixth of the length and is sewn up at its sides, while the shorter side is not sewn up. The parts 233 a and 233 c of the carrying bag 233 have three vertical sections made by means of two parallel seams 238 extending in the lengthwise direction. At approximately two sixths of the length of the bag, a seam (or seams) 239 is provided across the width of the bag 233 to close completely the section 233 c, and enclosing the apparatus 10 positioned within the enclosed pockets of it (if any). Optionally no apparatus 10 are positioned within section 233 c. The apertures 240 for the therapeutic apparatus 10 allowing them to be positioned in (or removed from) the pockets in section 233 a are on the upper side of the part 233 a. Near the upper side of part 233 a, and in the middle of part 233 b an optional band 235 is sewn, through which a fastening cord 236 can be drawn. One end of the cord 236 is drawn through two apertures on one side of the buckle 237, while the other end of the cord 236 is drawn through two apertures on the other side of the buckle 237. The buckle 237 can be of any shape, but in the illustrated example is rectangular and has rounded edges; four apertures are arranged evenly along its length. Examples of uses for this embodiment, are for use in public places, where the therapeutic apparatus 10 is shielded from view by the carrying case 233. In use, the apparatus is mounted on a user, such as on the user's back in such a way, that its lower end 233 b is placed on the lower back and that by stretching the cord 236 the middle part of the bag 233 a, with the therapeutic apparatus 10 is positioned such as in the middle of the user's back.
a plurality of contact elements, each element including a contact surface having at least one peak, each peak having a summit and sides extending therefrom;
the contact elements in at least two columns, the columns each comprising at least two contact elements spaced apart from one another.
2. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a support structure, wherein the contact elements are positioned in fixed relation thereon.
3. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 2 wherein the support structure and contact elements are integrally formed with one another.
4. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 2 wherein the support structure and contact elements are molded in a single piece construction of a polymeric material.
5. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 2 wherein the support structure defines a plurality of mounting bracket apertures.
6. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 5 further comprising:
a first mounting bracket attached to the treatment apparatus by being partially positioned within at least one of said mounting bracket apertures;
at least one strap attached to the treatment apparatus using the mounting bracket each of the at least one strap including at least one strap end portion; and
7. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:
wherein the securing apparatus is attached to at least two said straps allowing one of the strap end portions of one said strap to be secured in substantially fixed relation to the one of the strap end portions of another said strap.
8. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 6 wherein the mounting bracket comprises at least two through apertures, at least one said strap passing into the mounting bracket through one of said apertures and out another of said apertures.
9. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 6 wherein the securing apparatus comprises a binder means for securing respective ends of the strap in substantially fixed relation.
10. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 6 wherein the securing apparatus comprises a binder including:
11. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 6 wherein the securing apparatus comprises a buckle apparatus including:
a buckle receiving portion to mating with said protruding buckle insertion member.
12. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 6 wherein:
the strap end portions include first and second strap end portions, each said strap end potion including a strap terminating at an ultimate strap end; and
a binder insertion portion defining a third aperture, a strap passable through the third aperture, the binder insertion portion including a protruding insertion member dimensioned to fit within the binder receiving portion via said second aperture.
13. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 6 wherein:
the strap end portions include first and second strap end portions, each said strap end portions including a strap terminating at an ultimate strap end; and
a binder apparatus for securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion in substantially fixed and adjustable relation with one another, each said strap end portion including a strap terminating at an ultimate strap end, the binder apparatus comprising:
a receiving portion including a first aperture of said insertion portion through which the first strap end portion can be drawn through into the insertion portion and a second aperture of said receiving portion through which the first strap end portion can be drawn through and out of the insertion portion;
an insertion portion matable with the receiving portion including an aperture in the insertion portion through which the first strap end portion can be drawn through and wherein said first strap end portion then can be drawn through said second aperture of said receiving portion and out through said first aperture of said receiving portion;
14. The binder apparatus of claim 11 wherein said insertion portion further defines a second aperture in said insertion portion through which said second strap end portion can be drawn and a third aperture in said insertion portion through which said second strap end portion can be drawn after being drawn through the first aperture in said insertion portion.
15. The binder apparatus of claim 11 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on respective first and second straps.
16. The binder apparatus of claim 11 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on the opposite ends of a single strap.
17. A therapeutic treatment apparatus comprising:
a plurality of contact elements integrally formed with the support structure, each element including a contact surface having at least one peak, each peak having a summit and sides extending therefrom;
18. A therapeutic treatment apparatus comprising:
the contact elements arranged in fixed position in a single column on the support structure; and
a stop positioned on the support structure.
19. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 18 wherein the support structure and contact elements are integrally formed with one another.
20. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 18 wherein the support structure has first and second ends and the stop is positioned at one of the first and second ends.
21. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 18 wherein the support structure defines a first guide surface on one side of the column of contact elements, and a second guide surface on the opposite side of the column of contact elements.
22. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 21 further comprising a mounting bracket slidably positioned on the treatment apparatus by being partially positioned along the respective guide surfaces.
23. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 22 further comprising:
24. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 23 further comprising:
25. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 23 wherein the securing apparatus comprises a binder including:
26. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 23 wherein the securing apparatus comprises a buckle apparatus including:
27. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 23 wherein:
28. The therapeutic treatment apparatus of claim 23 wherein:
the strap end portions include first and second strap end portions, each said strap end potions including a strap terminating at an ultimate strap end; and
29. The binder apparatus of claim 26 wherein said insertion portion further defines a second aperture in said insertion portion through which said second strap end portion can be drawn and a third aperture in said insertion portion through which said second strap end portion can be drawn after being drawn through the first aperture in said insertion portion.
30. The binder apparatus of claim 26 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on respective first and second straps.
31. The binder apparatus of claim 26 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on the opposite ends of a single strap.
32. A method of using a therapeutic treatment apparatus comprising:
providing an operational unit of a therapeutic treatment apparatus;
mounting at least one mounting bracket to the operational unit;
applying a strap using the mounting bracket; and
attaching respective ends of the strap to one another using a securing apparatus.
33. A method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion in substantially fixed and adjustable relation with one another using a binder apparatus including an insertion portion and a receiving portion matable with one another, each said strap end portion including a strap terminating at an ultimate strap end, the method comprising:
mating together the receiving portion and the insertion portion substantially securing said first strap end portion in place relative to said binder apparatus.
34. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 33 further comprising:
drawing said second strap end portion through at least one aperture in said insertion portion.
35. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 33 further comprising:
drawing said second strap end portion through a first aperture in said insertion portion; and
drawing said second strap end portion through a second aperture in said insertion portion.
36. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 33 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on respective first and second straps.
37. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 33 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on the opposite ends of a single strap.
38. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 33 further comprising drawing at least one of said first and second strap end portions through at least one strap retaining structure on a mounting bracket.
39. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 38 further comprising:
providing a therapeutic treatment apparatus including a support structure defining a plurality of apertures;
positioning said mounting bracket to the therapeutic treatment apparatus by partially positioning the mounting bracket within at least one mounting bracket aperture.
40. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 38 further comprising:
providing a therapeutic treatment apparatus including at least one guide surface;
slidably positioning said mounting bracket to the therapeutic treatment apparatus by partially positioning the mounting bracket along the at least one guide surface.
41. A strap binder apparatus comprising:
a receiving portion matable with the insertion portion.
42. A strap binder apparatus comprising:
43. The strap binder apparatus of claim 42 wherein the binder insertion portion defines a fourth and fifth apertures adapted to adjustably securing a second strap.
44. A binder apparatus for securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion in substantially fixed and adjustable relation with one another, each said strap end portion including a strap terminating at an ultimate strap end, the binder apparatus comprising:
45. The binder apparatus of claim 44 wherein said insertion portion further defines a second aperture in said insertion portion through which said second strap end portion can be drawn and a third aperture in said insertion portion through which said second strap end portion can be drawn after being drawn through the first aperture in said insertion portion.
45. The binder apparatus of claim 44 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on respective first and second straps.
46. The binder apparatus of claim 44 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on the opposite ends of a single strap.
47. The binder apparatus of claim 44 further comprising a mounting bracket comprising a strap retaining structure.
48. The binder apparatus of claim 47 further comprising means for securing said mounting bracket to a therapeutic treatment apparatus.
49. The binder apparatus of claim 47 further comprising a therapeutic treatment apparatus including a support structure defining a plurality of apertures, wherein said mounting bracket includes mounting members adapted to fit at least one of said apertures.
50. The binder apparatus of claim 47 further comprising a therapeutic treatment apparatus including at least one guide surface wherein said mounting bracket includes mounting members adapted to be slidably position said mounting member along the at least one guide surface.
52. A method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion in substantially fixed and adjustable relation with one another using a binder apparatus including a binder having a binder insertion portion and a binder receiving portion matable with one another and a buckle plug portion matable with said binder, the binder insertion portion including a buckle insertion portion, each said strap end portion including a strap terminating at an ultimate strap end, the method comprising
drawing the first strap end portion in through a first aperture of said binder receiving portion and out through a second aperture of said binder receiving portion;
drawing the first strap end portion through an aperture in the binder insertion portion;
drawing the first strap end portion in through said second aperture of said binder receiving portion and out through said first aperture of said binder receiving portion;
mating together the binder receiving portion and the binder insertion portion substantially securing said first strap end portion in place relative to said binder.
53. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 52 further comprising:
drawing said second strap end portion through at least one aperture in said binder plug portion.
54. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 53 further comprising:
drawing said first strap end portion through at least one aperture in said binder plug portion.
55. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 52 further comprising:
drawing said second strap end portion through a first aperture in said binder plug; and
drawing said second strap end portion through a second aperture in binder plug portion.
56. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 55 further comprising:
drawing said first strap end portion through a first aperture in said binder plug; and
drawing said first strap end portion through a second aperture in binder plug portion.
57. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 52 further comprising inserting said buckle insertion portion into an aperture in said buckle plug portion.
58. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 52 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on respective first and second straps.
59. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 52 wherein said first strap end portion and said second strap end portion are on the opposite ends of a single strap.
60. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 52 further comprising drawing at least one of said first and second strap end portions through at least one strap retaining structure on a mounting bracket.
61. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 60 further comprising securing said mounting bracket to a therapeutic treatment apparatus.
62. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 60 further comprising:
63. The method of adjustably securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion of claim 60 further comprising:
64. A buckle apparatus comprising:
65. A strap binder and buckle apparatus comprising:
a protruding insertion member dimensioned to fit within the binder receiving portion via said second aperture; and
a buckle receiving portion including an aperture adapted to mating with said protruding buckle insertion member.
66. A binder and buckle apparatus for securing a first strap end portion and a second strap end portion in substantially fixed and adjustable relation with one another and for buckling, each said strap end portion including a strap terminating at an ultimate strap end, the binder and buckle apparatus comprising:
a buckle receiving portion including:
a binder receiving portion defining a first aperture of said receiving portion which the first strap end portion can be drawn through into the binder receiving portion and a second aperture of said binder receiving portion through which the first strap end portion can be drawn through and out of the binder receiving portion;
a binder insertion portion matable with the receiving portion including an aperture in the binder insertion portion through which the first strap end portion can be drawn through and wherein said first strap end portion then can be drawn through said second aperture of said binder receiving portion and out through said first aperture of said binder receiving portion; and
a buckle insertion member; and
a buckle receiving portion defining a structure for receiving said buckle insertion member.
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US10383854 US7247145B2 (en) 2002-09-11 2003-03-07 Therapeutic treatment apparatus and method
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PCT/EP2003/010050 WO2004023917A1 (en) 2002-09-11 2003-09-10 Therapeutic treatment apparatus and method
EP20110184549 EP2407044A1 (en) 2002-09-11 2003-09-10 Strap binder and buckle apparatus
CA 2756582 CA2756582A1 (en) 2002-09-11 2003-09-10 Therapeutic treatment apparatus and method
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US7247145B2 US7247145B2 (en) 2007-07-24
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