Portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device

Abstract

An exercise device adapted for installation on a door frame or stand includes a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free articulating end. The clamping members are pivotally connected at a first pivot point provided between the first and second ends. A pair of gripping members is disposed on the free articulating end of the arcuate portion of the clamping members. A pair of links is provided where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point. An elastic member extends between the second pivot of the clamping members. The clamping members are movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 580,369, filed Dec. 27, 2011, entitled “Portable Therapeutic Stretching, Strengthening, and Spinal Traction Device”. The entire disclosure of this application is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal fraction device.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Current vertical gravity traction devices used today for relief of back pain are typically large, heavy and expensive devices that require significant space for use, prohibit mobile use of the device, and are prohibitively priced for many consumers. Additionally, the existing full body vertical gravity traction devices do not integrate a mechanism for articulating anterior, posterior, and lateral movement of the spine in an anatomical upright position ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device and method for installing and using the therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device. An additional need exists for a therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device that is lightweight, portable, is significantly less expensive than the existing devices, and offers the user the ability to laterally articulate and control the adequate upper to lower back body motions with anatomical positioning and kinetic motion and pressure applied to enhance the relief of the user's back pain. Additionally, it is desirable to provide exercise routines, by providing for stretching and strengthening functionality. As described in detail herein, a portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device and method for installing and using the portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device are disclosed.

Problems solved by technology

Current vertical gravity traction devices used today for relief of back pain are typically large, heavy and expensive devices that require significant space for use, prohibit mobile use of the device, and are prohibitively priced for many consumers.

Additionally, the existing full body vertical gravity traction devices do not integrate a mechanism for articulating anterior, posterior, and lateral movement of the spine in an anatomical upright position with kinetic anterior, posterior, and lateral motion.

Furthermore, such devices prohibit a user from controlling the adequate upper to lower back body motions and pressure applied to enhance the relief of back pain.

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