US4419990A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for relieving the spinal column
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-02-19
•
Granted: 1983-12-13
•
Expires: 2001-02-19
Abstract
Abstract In order to relieve the neck vertebrae or the lumbar vertebrae, a patient suspends himself, either by his head, using a Glisson sling, or by his feet, from a pivotable bracket mounted on one side of a support element which is connected to a counter-support by at least one flexible element which passes over the top of a door.
Inventors
- 👤 Helmut Forster
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61H; A61H1/00; A61H1/02; A61H1/0218; A61H2203/00; A61H2203/04; A61H2203/0481; A61H2203/0493
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A portable apparatus for relieving the spinal column, comprising a support element, a counter-support sized to bear against at least the top of a typical closed door or its door frame without passing through the slot therebetween, flexible means connecting the support element to the counter-support and sized to pass through said slot, and suspension means in the form of a bracket of generally T-shaped configuration having a cross-piece extending generally parallel to the support element in a manner to engage and fully suspend a patient by his feet or by a head sling and having a foot portion solely pivotally attached to said support element so as to afford a range of rotation of said bracket between a position substantially perpendicular to said support element and a downward position substantially parallel to said support element when in use mounted on said door through said slot.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A portable apparatus for relieving the spinal column, comprising a support element, a counter-support sized to bear against at least the top of a typical closed door or its door frame without passing through the slot therebetween, flexible means connecting the support element to the counter-support and sized to pass through said slot, and suspension means in the form of a bracket of generally T-shaped configuration having a cross-piece extending generally parallel to the support element in a manner to engage and fully suspend a patient by his feet or by a head sling and having a foot portion solely pivotally attached to said support element so as to afford a range of rotation of said bracket between a position substantially perpendicular to said support element and a downward position substantially parallel to said support element when in use mounted on said door through said slot.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
83 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the foot of said generally T-shaped bracket is of a U configuration having a base and two legs and wherein the base of said U forms a hinge portion and the cross-piece of said bracket is formed of two lateral members extending opposingly outwardly each from the end of a respective leg of said foot and each being in line with the other and parallel to the base of said foot and to said support element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the support element comprises a plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 3, in which the plate is rectangular.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the support element comprises a frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising padding on the side of the support element opposite to the said one side on which the suspension means is mounted.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 6, in which the padding comprises a layer of rubber or foam material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising padding on the said one side of the support element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the bracket is bent from a round bar.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which regions of the bracket which extend parallel with the support element are provided with padding.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 12, in which the padding is removable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the bracket is provided with suspension regions for a Glisson sling.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the bracket is pivotally biased to orient substantially perpendicular to the support element. PG,17
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the bracket is connected to the support element by a hinge whose axis extends horizontally when said apparatus is in use mounted on said door.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising spring means for biasing the bracket to an approximately horizontal position when said apparatus is in use mounted on said door.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the flexible connecting means comprises at least two fabric strips.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the flexible connecting means comprises at least two belts.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the flexible connecting means comprises a fabric web.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the flexible connecting means is of adjustable length.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the counter-support comprising a bar.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 20, in which the bar has slots or recesses for receiving the flexible connecting means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the counter-support is provided with a warning sign.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the counter-support is associated with a safety device for preventing the opening of a door over which the apparatus is fitted.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2938695A
Cited
IT649788A
Cited
FR1400480A
Cited
US3380447A
Cited
US3593708A
Cited
US3654922A
Cited
FR2371211A1
Cited
US4241915A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-12-12 | 1987-06-13 | 1987-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-12 | 1991-06-13 | 1991-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-12 | 1995-06-13 | 1995-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |