Patent ID: 7935069

Claim:
An apparatus adapted for generating traction on a limb comprising: a proximal limb support member, the proximal limb support member comprising: a proximal inflatable structure, wherein at least a portion of the proximal inflatable structure is expandable from a first deflated state to a second inflated state, the proximal inflatable structure in the first deflated state configured to surround a limb of a patient along the axis of the limb; a proximal closure device for closing the proximal inflatable structure in the first deflated state around the limb; and a proximal inflation port affixed to the proximal inflatable structure, wherein the proximal inflatable structure is inflated from the first deflated state to the second inflated state through the proximal inflation port; a distal limb support member, the distal limb support structure comprising: a distal inflatable structure, wherein at least a portion of the distal inflatable structure is expandable from a first deflated state to a second inflated state, the distal inflatable structure in the first deflated state configured to surround the limb of the patient along the axis of the limb; a distal closure device for closing the distal inflatable structure in the first deflated state around the limb; and a distal inflation port affixed to the distal inflatable structure, wherein the distal inflatable structure is inflated from the first deflated state to the second inflated state through the distal inflation port; and a traction generating member disposed between the proximal limb support member and the distal limb support member, the traction generating member comprising: an inflatable structure, wherein the inflatable structure is expandable from a first deflated state to a second inflated state, the inflatable structure configured to expand the traction generating member primarily in length along a longitudinal axis of the limb; and an inflation port affixed to the inflatable structure, wherein the inflatable structure is inflated from the first deflated state to the second inflated state through the inflation port; and an inflation device configured to separately inflate at least the traction-generating member; wherein the proximal inflatable structure, the distal inflatable structure, and the traction-generating member are not operably connected with regard to inflation.