Abstract The invention relates to an improved finger trap, commonly known as ''''Chinese Finger Trap,'''' and particularly to one which distributes load over a larger area so as to reduce the digging into the finger caused by the conventional stranded wire ''''Chinese Finger Trap.'''' This is achieved by forming the trap from stranded wire with a plurality of strands arranged in side by side adjacent relationship throughout their loop configuration to form the open mesh defining the tubular shape of the trap. The adjacent side by side relation of the plurality of strands, at least two in number, effectively distributes or spreads the load while retaining the large gripping range of a single stranded wire construction. A substantial improvement in comfort to the patient is thereby achieved. The improved trap is also provided with a novel compact single loop spring wire clip with extended leads for engagement of the trap with a traction applying device. The extended lead automatically feeds an element such as a cord into the clip, elastically spreading the clip open to allow passage of the cord and closing the clip behind the cord so that the trap cannot accidentally disengage from the cord during adjustment and application of traction. The extended lead similarly feeds the cord through the clip for removal of the trap.
A tubular shaped contractable finger trap comprising a plurality of looped strand groups formed into an open mesh to define the tubular shape, a closure element holding all the strand ends at one end of the tubular shape, and wherein each strand group is formed from at least two separate strands arranged to lie in immediate adjacent side by side relation over substantially their entire length in a surface essentially of revolution about the axis of the trap and wherein the strands comprising a single group are spaced apart by no more than a minor percentage of the cross-sectional measure of an individual strand and the spacing between parallel strand groups is several times larger than the total cross-sectional measure of a strand group.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A tubular shaped contractable finger trap comprising a plurality of looped strand groups formed into an open mesh to define the tubular shape, a closure element holding all the strand ends at one end of the tubular shape, and wherein each strand group is formed from at least two separate strands arranged to lie in immediate adjacent side by side relation over substantially their entire length in a surface essentially of revolution about the axis of the trap and wherein the strands comprising a single group are spaced apart by no more than a minor percentage of the cross-sectional measure of an individual strand and the spacing between parallel strand groups is several times larger than the total cross-sectional measure of a strand group.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A tubular shaped contractable finger trap as recited in claim 1 which further includes a clip in cooperation with the closure element to form an attachment point for the trap, the clip comprising a closed wire loop of at least one full turn with an extended lead on at least one end of the wire.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A trap according to claim 2 where the clip is formed with an extended lead on each end of the wire.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A trap according to claim 2 where the clip is formed with less than two full turns.