Traction tower assembly

Abstract

To provide a traction tower that allows the adjustability and flexibility to be appropriately sized for each individual patient.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a traction tower assembly and a traction tower scale. The traction tower assembly includes: a tower assembly including a first tower 2 having a first side surface and a second tower 3' having a second side surface positioned adjacent to the first side surface, where the second tower is movable with respect to the first tower in a first direction and in a second direction; and an elongated arm assembly attached to and extending from the tower assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 799,318, entitled "Wrist Traction Tower," filed on January 31, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 930,115, entitled "Traction Tower Scale," filed on November 4, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an orthopedic procedure positioning device / system, and more particularly, to a wrist traction tower and an associated traction tower scale.

Background Art

[0003] Description of the Related Art During arthroscopic surgery on the wrist, for example, a surgeon uses traction to create sufficient space in the wrist joint for proper and efficient use of an arthroscope and other related instruments. Conventional traction towers are generally used to form such traction required for wrist arthroscopic surgical procedures, X-ray imaging procedures, and other related medical procedures. However, conventional traction towers have limitations in their ability to accommodate a wide variety of individual patient sizes.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a structural design of a traction tower that allows for adjustability and flexibility to be appropriately sized for each individual patient.

[0005] Disclaimer for the Related Art Description Section: To the extent that certain patents / publications / products are described in this Related Art Description Section or elsewhere in this disclosure, such descriptions should not be construed as an admission that the patents / publications / products so described are prior art under patent law. For example, some or all of the described patents / publications / products may not be early enough in time, may not reflect a subject matter developed early enough in time, and / or may not be effective enough to qualify as prior art for the purposes of patent law. To the extent that certain patents / publications / products are discussed above in this Related Art Description Section and / or throughout the application, the description / disclosure thereof is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a wrist traction tower and related traction tower scales. Embodiments of the wrist traction tower are directed to a system having a plurality of components, one or more of which are configured, attached, positioned, and / or structured to move (e.g., slide, expand and contract, rotate about an axis, twist, turn) relative to one or more of the other parts of the system. Such adjustability, operability, and flexibility provide an improved and enhanced orthopedic medical treatment positioning system (compared to conventional devices / systems), which can accommodate patients of a wide range of lengths and sizes while providing sufficient space for physicians and their respective equipment to perform surgical procedures, X-rays, and other related medical treatments. Elements of the traction tower system of the embodiments can be made from aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and plastic (PEEK).

[0007] According to one aspect, the present invention is a traction tower assembly. The traction tower assembly includes a first tower having a first side and a second side positioned adjacent to the first side A first tower and a second tower having a second tower that is movable relative to the first tower in a first direction and a second direction, and an elongated arm assembly attached to and extending from the tower assembly. A traction tower scale may also be part of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] In one preferred embodiment, embodiments of the present invention take into account that when positioning the height of the upper tower and the connected arm assembly relative to the lower tower, the wrist joint of an individual patient should be approximately 1 inch above the pivot joint (identified below). This allows the physician, for example, to take an X-ray of the wrist while it is attached to the traction tower. If there is too much metal near the wrist joint, it may affect the X-ray image.

[0009] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate only general embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, and other equally valid embodiments may be recognized. Here, the accompanying drawings are briefly referred to.

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Aspects of the present invention, and specific features, advantages, and details thereof, will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the details of the present invention, descriptions of well-known structures are omitted. However, of course, the detailed description and specific non-limiting examples are illustrative of aspects of the present invention but are given for illustrative purposes only and not for purposes of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and / or arrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the underlying inventive concept will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0013] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective schematic view of a traction tower 100 according to one embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 are assembled perspective schematic views of the traction tower 100 shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. As shown, the traction tower 100 includes a base plate 1, a tower assembly, and an arm assembly. The tower assembly has a plurality of mating parts of a lower tower 2 and an upper tower 3, indicating that the upper tower 3 is movable relative to the lower tower 2 (as further discussed below). The lower tower 2 is removably fixable on the base plate 1 (via any attachment means 15 including clips, keyed sliding and locking mechanisms, nuts and bolts, etc. to be understood by those skilled in the art in the context of this disclosure). Additionally, the lower tower 2 may include a peg 2-2 biased in a downward (projecting from the bottom surface of the lower tower 2) direction via a spring (not shown) located in the lower tower 2. The peg 2-2 can fit into a hole (not shown) formed in the base plate 1 and can assist in locking the lower tower to the base plate 1 by rotating the lower tower (clockwise or counterclockwise). According to one embodiment, all other elements / components of the traction tower 100 are movable relative to at least one other element / component of the traction tower 100, but need not be movable.

[0014] Referring further to FIGS. 1 - 3, the lower tower 2 is in an L - shape and is configured to fit snugly into the upper tower 3 as shown. The tower assembly may include additional components and may include multiple shapes as long as the components fit together in an exact arrangement and the overall movement and locking function remains similar or the same as described herein. The tower assembly components (here the lower tower 2 and the upper tower 3) can be fixed / locked by a lock knob 4. The stem 4 - 1 of the lock knob 4 can be disposed through lateral openings located in each of the lower tower 2 and the upper tower 3, and by rotating the knob end, each tower component can be fixed (to be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with the review of the present disclosure). The opening of the upper tower 3 is a hole (not shown) shaped such that when the knob end rotates in the appropriate direction, the stem of the lock knob 4 fits, engages, and fixes snugly (and such that when the knob rotates in the opposite direction, the engagement is released and it is freed from the opening of the upper tower). The opening 2 - 3 of the lower tower 2 extends vertically (partially shown in FIG. 9), allowing the upper tower 3 to move vertically relative to the lower tower 2, and the upper tower 3 can be re - fixed to the lower tower 2 with each use of the lock knob 4 (to be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with the description herein and the review of the present disclosure). According to an additional embodiment, the lower tower 2 may include different or additional elongated openings that allow relative movement of the upper tower 3 in other directions at an angle to the diagonal, horizontal, or vertical direction B - B when assembled relative to the lower tower 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the type of opening may be reversed between the upper tower 3 and the lower tower 2. The upper tower 3 may also include an opening or through - hole 14 (vertical or other shape) that can accommodate a strap for holding the patient's forearm to the traction tower 100. The upper tower 3 also includes alignment pegs 3 - 3 configured to fit into corresponding elongated holes (upper and lower, not shown) of the lower tower 2.This alignment peg 3-3 acts with the stem 4-1 to assist in the alignment of the upper tower 3 relative to the lower tower 2 and prevent unwanted movement / rotation of the upper tower 3 relative to the lower tower 2 when the relative height of the upper tower 3 is adjusted relative to the lower tower 2.

[0015] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-3, the swivel joint 5 connects the tower assembly to the arm assembly. The stem 13 of the swivel joint 5 is positioned within the upper tower 3 (positioned through the upper surface 3-1 of the upper tower 3 as shown and further discussed below) and is rotatable. The upper surface 3-1 of the upper tower is configured to extend along a plane at an angle relative to the bottom surface 3-2 and / or the plane A-A of the base plate 1 when assembled. Alternatively, the upper surface 3-1 may extend along a plane parallel to the plane A-A of the base plate 1. The first end of the lower arm 6 is removably positioned within the head 5-1 of the swivel joint 5 (as further discussed below) and includes a slotted base end 12 that is rotatable and lockable. The lower arm 6 extends from the slotted base end 12 and the elongated lower end 6-1 to the curved portion 11 of the lower arm 6 that extends to the elongated upper end 6-2 of the lower arm 6. The upper end 6-2 of the lower arm 6 extends at an angle relative to the axis of the elongated lower end 6-1 (which can be at any angle including 45 degrees and can be substantially perpendicular to the vertical). The elongated lower end 7-1 of the upper arm 7 may be solid or non-solid, but is formed as a tube and fits within the elongated upper end 6-2 of the lower arm 6 and is telescopically movable. The lever 8 is connected to the elongated upper end 6-2 of the lower arm 6. The lever 8 includes a protrusion or tooth on an end positioned within the elongated upper end 6-2 of the lower arm 6, which engages a ridge 7-4 formed on at least one side of the elongated lower end 7-1 of the upper arm 7. Positioned therebetween and engageable (this is facing the protrusion or tooth of lever 8 when the elongated lower end portion 7-1 of upper arm 7 is positioned within the elongated upper end portion 6-2 of lower arm 6). When lever 8 is actuated in a first direction positioning the protrusion or tooth between one of a pair of ridges 7-4, upper arm 7 is fixed / clamped / locked relative to lower arm 6. When lever 8 is actuated in a second direction, upper arm 7 is released from its fixed / clamped / locked position and is free to move relative to lower arm 6 (e.g., further within or outside lower arm 6). According to an alternative embodiment, upper arm 7 may be tubular in structure, and lower arm 6 may be solid / non-tubular (although it need not be), and includes ridges (essentially the opposite configuration as shown in FIG. 1). Lever arm 8 may be any type of actuator including a linear slider, circular actuator, or switch, etc. (to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of the present disclosure).

[0016] The elongated lower end portion 7-1 of upper arm 7 extends from the lower arm to the curved portion 7-2 of upper arm 7 extending to the elongated upper end portion 7-3 of upper arm 7. The upper end portion 7-3 of upper arm 7 extends at an angle (which can be any angle including 45 degrees and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the elongated lower end portion 7-1) to the elongated lower end portion 6-1 of lower arm 6 and at essentially the same distance (extending in a plane that can be parallel or substantially parallel, although it need not be, and as shown in the figure, the elongated lower end portion 6-1 of lower arm 6 is slightly more oriented in a relatively downward direction compared to the elongated upper end portion 7-3 of upper arm 7 and extends in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to plane A-A). The elongated upper end portion 7-3 of upper arm 7 includes a through hole 7-5 configured to assist in securing thereto a traction tower scale (the embodiments of the traction tower scale and its attachment to the traction tower are further discussed below).

[0017] As described above, there are several structural features and configurations that enable the entire traction tower 100 to be properly sized for individual patients. In addition, when the height of the upper tower 3 is adjusted (as will be described later with respect to FIGS. 4-5), the forearm strap position 14 moves with it and always remains relatively close to the patient's wrist (the closer to the wrist, the better the strap has control). When the strap is in a single fixed position, it does not function well for different patient sizes.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, an enlarged perspective schematic view of the lower portion of the traction tower 100 shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment is provided. FIGS. 4-5 are provided to show the movement of the upper tower 3 relative to the lower tower 2 corresponding to the forearm sizes of various individual patients, and the structural features that enable such movement. FIG. 4 shows the upper tower 3 in its relatively lowest position relative to the lower tower 2, and FIG. 5 shows the upper tower 3 in its relatively highest position relative to the lower tower 2.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 4, it is shown that the upper tower 3 fits snugly within the contour of the lower tower 2 at the lowest position of the upper tower 3. As shown, the upper tower 3 and the lower tower 2 are both held together by the lock knob 4 (as discussed above). To assist in locking the upper tower 3 and the lower tower 2, an interlockable wave / serration pattern 16 may also be provided on each of the laterally facing surfaces of the upper tower 3 and the lower tower 2. The wave / serration pattern 16 can cover the entire laterally facing surfaces of the upper tower 3 and the lower tower 2, or a portion smaller than the entire surface of each. Also as described above, the upward adjustment of the upper tower 3 involves (1) loosening the lock knob 4 and the connection between the upper tower 3 and the lower tower 2, (2) moving the knob 4 within the elongated opening 2-1 (not shown) and the upper tower 3 from the position shown in FIG. 4 upward to the position shown in FIG. 5, and then tightening the lock knob 4 and the upper tower 3 in the new position, and (3) as a result of the upward movement of the upper tower 3 along arrow C, for the patient's arm The upward movement of the upper tower 3 relative to the lower tower 2, which includes a strap (not shown), a positionable through-opening 14, a swivel joint 5, and an arm assembly, among several other elements, is achieved. To move the upper tower 3 in the opposite direction, the same operation can be performed (i.e., start by loosening the lock knob 4 and move the lock knob 4, the upper tower 3, etc. in the opposite direction).

[0020] As described above, the upper surface 3-1 of the upper tower is configured to extend along a plane positioned at an angle with respect to the plane A-A of the base plate 1 when assembled (see Figure 1). The swivel joint 5 attached to the upper part of the upper tower 3 includes a rotation axis A1 that extends at an angle with respect to a straight up-and-down vertical axis (see B-B in Figure 1). By having the swivel joint 5 that houses a part of the lower arm 6 and is arranged at an angle of the angled rotation axis A1 (see Figure 6 showing the rotation axis A1 created by angling the swivel joint 5 arranged on the upper tower 3 and its stem 13), the rotation of the swivel joint 5 and the arm assembly (further described below) does not vary the point at which the traction is generated (to be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with the review of the present disclosure). This means that, as shown in Figures 7-8, the arm assembly can be moved without losing traction on the patient's arm or at its position.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, it is a top and perspective schematic view showing the rotation range of the rotary joint 5 (and thus the arm assembly) of the traction tower 100 about the rotation axis A1. The rotation D of the rotary joint 5 / arm assembly about the rotation axis A1 (see, for example, FIG. 6) is incremental and can be locked / unlocked via a slot / tooth embodiment, as discussed with respect to the additional rotation function (see that discussed with respect to FIGS. 18D - E), and is non-incremental when locked / unlocked via frictional engagement, or can be locked / unlocked via other known locking / unlocking mechanisms (to be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with the review of the present disclosure). The rotation range is shown by the shadow (transparent) arm assembly structure 20 located around the starting or zero position shown by the solid arm assembly structure 30. The position of the screw (not shown) holding the traction scale at 7 - 5 is consistent regardless of the rotation of the other parts of the arm assembly. As shown in FIG. 8, most of the arm assembly is offset from the patient's arm during use, creating sufficient space for surgical instruments, regardless of the rotational position of the arm assembly. In other words, this structural configuration and related functions enable the physician to move the arm assembly around the patient's hand without affecting the position or traction of the hand itself. The ability to rotate the arm assembly can be important if the physician needs more space around the outside of the wrist joint for medical instruments, as the physician can simply rotate the arm assembly behind the arm. Another use of this structural feature includes enabling the physician to manipulate the arm assembly to position the C-arm (X-ray device) for X-ray imaging while the wrist is in traction.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 9, a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the lower enlarged portion of the traction tower 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The joint surface between the slotted base end 12 of the elongated lower end 6-1 of the lower arm 6 and the swivel joint 5 is shown. In particular, the slots / teeth formed on the slotted base end 12 allow for incremental rotation of the arm assembly about the second axis of rotation E-E, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The main purpose of the rotation of the elongated lower end 6-1 of the lower arm 6 about the second axis of rotation E-E is to keep the patient's forearm vertical and to pull the traction on the hand at an angle (or vertically) from the elongated shaft positioned through the patient's forearm, so that during use, the physician can control the angle of the patient's wrist, which should be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with the review of the present disclosure. To enable rotation of the arm assembly about the second axis of rotation E-E, the button 5-2 is pressed (a force acting against the spring-biased button 5-2), overcoming the biasing force applied by the spring downward in the direction of the button 5-2 against the button housing 5-3, and the locking tooth 5-4 can be removed from being disposed between the two respective slots / teeth of the slotted base end 12. When the desired position of the arm assembly is reached, the force applied by the user to the button 5-2 may be removed, and the arm assembly may be locked in the desired position via the described interlocking mechanism (the biasing force applied by the spring presses the locking tooth 5-4 between another two slots / teeth of the slotted base end 12).

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, it is a perspective schematic view showing the rotation range of the elongated lower end portion 6-1 of the lower arm 6 of the traction tower 100 (and thus the arm assembly) around the rotation axis E-E. The rotation F of the elongated lower end portion 6-1 of the lower arm 6 around the rotation axis E-E is incremental through a slot / tooth embodiment and may be locked / unlocked, non-incremental when locked / unlocked through frictional engagement, or may be locked / unlocked through other known locking / unlocking mechanisms (to be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with the review of the present disclosure). An example of the rotation range for wrist angle control is shown by the shadow (transparent) arm assembly structure 20 located around the starting or zero position shown by the solid arm assembly structure 30.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 12, a perspective schematic view of the traction tower 100 having the engagement structure of the lever 8 and the ridge 7-4 and the resulting functionality according to one embodiment is shown in a partially transparent view. Briefly stated, the height adjustment mechanism is formed between the upper arm 7 and the lower arm 6. This joint surface between the upper arm 7 and the lower arm 6 allows another adjustment point to accommodate a wide variety of individual patient arm sizes. The adjustment mechanism illustrated in FIG. 12 includes a latch mechanism for rapid height adjustment by actuating the lever 8 in a selected / specific notch formed in the upper arm 7 at 7-4 to the position end 8-1.

[0025] Figures 13 to 14B show a traction tower scale 200 according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 13, a perspective photograph of a traction tower 100 is shown together with the traction tower scale 200. The traction tower 200 includes, but is not limited to, a tubular body 211 attached to the distal end of the upper end 7-3 of the upper arm 7 (to be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with the study of the present disclosure, via welding, screws, nuts, and bolts, or other known attachment means). The tubular body 211 includes a knob 209 and is configured to be attached to a spring (not shown) positioned through the upper portion of the tubular body 211. A rod / screw 213 attached to the lower end of the spring is partially positioned within the tubular body 211, and a portion thereof protrudes outside the lower end of the tubular body 211. The lower end of the rod / screw 213 includes a hole through which a clip 207 is received. The other end of the clip 207 is attached to a hole formed in or on a rack 203. The rack is shown together with two finger traps 201 (although one or more may be included) for fixing the patient's finger and applying a traction force.

[0026] Figures 14A - B show a schematic perspective view of a traction tower scale 200 according to an embodiment. The rack 203 (to which the finger traps 201 are attached) is directly connected to the knob 209 through the rod / screw 213 (which can be any type of connecting element capable of performing the function of the rod / screw 213 described herein and need not be a rod or screw). In the "rest state" before use (not attached to the patient's finger or at least not receiving force from the patient's finger), the knob 209 is biased upward by a spring positioned within the tubular body (which can be any type of spring including a coil spring having a known biasing force to be understood by those skilled in the art in conjunction with the study of the present disclosure). The force is applied downward (see arrow B) to the spring by the weight of the patient's hand / arm (from the finger trap, through the rod / screw 213, to the spring, and to the knob 209), and the knob 209 (including its stem) is ske It is further pulled downward into the tubular body 211 of the knob. The stem of the knob 209 may include a visual indicator (e.g., a line or other mark) that can be used to indicate an estimated amount of traction being applied. This can be done by indicating where the visual indicator is within the display window 211-2, and its position can be aligned with a groove indicating the traction amount number 211-1. The unit of traction force is pounds. However, the preferred embodiment uses the traction amount number as a relative reference traction number (e.g., the relative traction amount applied to the patient's arm / wrist) rather than as a specific measuring device.

[0027] Figures 15 - 26 collectively illustrate a traction tower 100' according to an alternative embodiment. This alternative embodiment of the traction tower 100' is similar in many respects to the traction tower 100 (including structural and functional aspects) described above with respect to Figures 1 - 12. Thus, the following description of the elements / components of the traction tower 100' is primarily limited to alternative / different aspects (such as the upper tower 3' and the swivel joint 5'). Although the structural elements and the resulting functionality (either singularly or collectively) are not described, where described above and / or as described above, the structure and related functionality are the same as those described above with respect to Figures 1 - 12 and apply in this section (similarly, the considerations regarding the traction tower scale 200 provided in Figures 13 - 14B apply mutatis mutandis to the traction tower 200 shown as part of the traction tower 100').

[0028] Referring now to Figure 15, a partially exploded perspective view of a traction tower 100 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. Figure 15 is similar to Figure 1, except for the addition of an alternative embodiment of the traction tower 200 (described with respect to Figures 13 - 14B) and the upper tower 3' and the swivel joint 5'. Figures 16 and 17 are assembled perspective views of the traction tower 100 shown in Figure 15 and are similar to Figures 2 and 3, respectively, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 18A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view of the lower portion of the traction tower 100 according to an alternative embodiment. As previously described with respect to FIG. 1, the upper tower 3' includes alignment pegs 3-3 configured to fit into corresponding elongated holes / slots 2-3 of the lower tower 2. The alignment pegs 3-3 assist the user in easily positioning the upper tower 3' on top of the lower tower 2 before installing the tower lock knob 4. Also, the upper tower 3' ensures that it remains vertical when the user adjusts the height of the upper tower 3', which is because there are two pins / stems in the slots 2-3 of the lower tower (pin 3-3 from the upper tower 3' and the threaded rod / stem 4-1 from the tower lock knob 4). In this way, when the height of the upper tower 3' is adjusted after the entire tower is assembled, there is no risk that the entire upper part (arm assembly) of the tower 100' will rotate and fall off when the tower lock knob 4 is loosened. In this embodiment, the height adjustment can be performed by loosening the tower lock knob 4 without completely removing it from the lower / upper tower.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 18B - C, enlarged transparent perspective views and solid line views of the lower portion of the traction tower 100' according to an alternative embodiment are shown. The lower tower 2 includes a sliding button 2-1 attached to a lock peg 2-2. A spring 2-4 biases the sliding button 2-1 and the peg 2-2 in the downward direction, which can be overcome by the user sliding the button 2-1 upward to move the peg 2-2 upward within the tubular body of the lower tower 2. The purpose of the peg 2-2 and the attachment means 15 (here a key lock mechanism) is to ensure that the lower tower 2 locks to the base plate 1 when it is attached and does not move until the tower 100' is ready to be disassembled. Also, when the user assembles the tower 100', the tower can be quickly assembled and locked passively (since the peg 2-2 is spring-biased in the downward position, the sliding button 2-1 does not need to be actuated during assembly, and the lower tower 2 is simply pushed into and twisted on the base 1, and the peg 2-2 is in the right-rotated position (which sometimes sinks into the base hole 1). After the twisting operation, the key lock mechanism 15 is placed on the base key hole 1-1 simultaneously to assist in locking the lower tower 2 to the base 1.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 18D, an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view of the lower part of the traction tower 100 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The sliding button 5-7 is shown connected to a locking peg 5-8 that is biased upward into a hole 5-10 formed within the tubular body of the rotary joint 5 via a spring 5-6. To release the rotary joint and rotate it freely about the axis of rotation A1, the user can push the sliding button 5-7 downward and remove the locking peg from the hole 5-10 until the desired rotational position is reached. Then the button can be released, and the spring 5-6 can move the locking peg 5-8 to another hole 5-10 (see FIG. 18E).

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 19-20, an enlarged perspective schematic view of the lower part of the traction tower 100 shown in FIG. 15 according to an alternative embodiment is provided. FIGS. 19 and 20 are similar to FIGS. 4-5 except for the considerations of the present specification regarding the rotary joint 5' and the upper tower 3' and the structural differences described above. However, the movement of the upper tower 3 with respect to the lower tower 2 corresponding to the forearm sizes of various individual patients, and the structural features enabling such movement are provided in the upper tower 3'. FIG. 19 shows the upper tower 3' in its relatively lowest position with respect to the lower tower 2, and FIG. 20 shows the upper tower 3' in its relatively highest position with respect to the lower tower 2. The openings shown other than the opening 14 indicate where metal has been removed for weight reduction and thermal management purposes.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 21, a perspective schematic view of the lower part of the traction tower 100 shown in FIG. 15 according to an alternative embodiment is provided. Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 21 shows the axis of rotation A1 formed by aligning a rotary joint 5' positioned on the upper tower 3' with its stem 13 positioned therein.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, perspective and top plan views are provided showing the range of rotation of the swivel joint 5 (and thus the arm assembly) of the traction tower 100 about the axis of rotation A1. FIGS. 22 and 23 are similar to FIGS. 22 and 23 respectively.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 24, an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view of the lower portion of the traction tower 100' according to one embodiment is shown. FIG. 24 is similar to FIG. 9, and the elements function in a similar manner, although there are some structural differences with respect to the swivel joint 5' and the upper tower 3' described above.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 25, a perspective view showing the range of rotation of the elongated lower end 6-1 of the lower arm 6 (and thus the arm assembly) of the traction tower 100 about the axis E-E is shown. FIG. 25 is similar to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 26, a perspective view of the traction tower 100 is shown in a partially transparent view with a height adjustment mechanism including the engagement structure of the lever 8 and the ridge 7-4 and the resulting functionality according to an alternative embodiment. FIG. 26 is similar to FIG. 12.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 27, a perspective photograph of the traction tower 100' according to an alternative embodiment is shown. FIG. 27 shows the placement of the patient's arm relative to the traction tower assembly 100'.

[0039] It should be understood that the above values are merely representative values and other values may be in accordance with the spirit and intent of the present disclosure.

[0040] Some inventive embodiments have been described herein with reference to specific exemplary embodiments Although it has been shown and described, those skilled in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is to be regarded as within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein (also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims supported by the written description and the drawings). More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations depend on one or more specific applications in which the teachings of the invention are used. Those skilled in the art can readily recognize, or confirm, numerous equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein using only routine experimentation. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and it will be understood that the inventive embodiments can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Further, if an exemplary embodiment is described with reference to a specific number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiment can be practiced using any number of elements less than the specific number.

[0041] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0042] All definitions, as defined and used herein, are to be understood to control the dictionary definitions, definitions in the documents incorporated by reference, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

[0043] The use of the terms "a", "an", and "the" and similar reference words in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) should be construed to include both the singular and plural forms unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "comprising", "having", "including", and "containing" shall be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including but not limited to"). The term "connected" shall be construed to mean that something is partially or fully incorporated, attached, or joined even if it is not directly attached at the point where something intervenes.

[0044] As used herein in the specification and claims, in relation to a list of one or more elements, the phrase "at least one" should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically recited in the list of elements and not necessarily excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the possibility that there may optionally be elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referred to by the phrase "at least one", whether or not they are related to or independent of the specifically identified elements. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently "at least one of A or B", or equivalently "at least one of A and / or B") may, in one embodiment, be at least one, optionally plural, A's (and optionally including elements other than B) where B is absent, in another embodiment, be at least one, optionally plural, B's (and optionally including elements other than A) where A is absent, and in yet another embodiment, be at least one, optionally plural, A's, and at least one, optionally plural, B's can refer to (and optionally include other elements).

[0045] Conversely, unless otherwise clearly indicated, in any method claimed herein, if it includes one or more steps or acts, it should also be understood that the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0046] Throughout this specification and the claims, when used herein, approximation language can be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may vary permissibly without causing a change in the basic function to which it relates. Thus, for example, values modified by terms such as "about" and "substantially" are not limited to the specific exact values. In at least some instances, the approximation language may correspond to the precision of the instrument for measuring the value. Throughout this specification, as well as throughout the specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and / or interchanged, and such ranges are specified and include all subranges contained therein, unless the context or language otherwise suggests.

[0047] The recitation of a range of values herein is merely intended to serve as a convenient method of referring individually to each separate value within the range, and each separate value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein, unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0048] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context. Any and all examples provided herein, or exemplary language (e.g., the use of "such as") are merely intended to better clarify embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise claimed.

[0049] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that an element not claimed is essential to the practice of the invention.

[0050] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "consisting of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. As defined in Section 2111.03 of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be construed as closed or semi-closed transitional phrases. essentially of) .

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is not intended to limit the invention to the one or more specific forms disclosed, but rather to cover all changes, alternative constructions, and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. a tower assembly comprising a first tower having a first side and a second tower having a second side positioned adjacent to the first side, the second tower being movable in a first direction and a second direction relative to the first tower; an elongated arm assembly attached to and extending from the tower assembly; A towing tower assembly comprising:

2. The towing tower assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

3. The towing tower assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an actuatable locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the second tower in position relative to the first tower.

4. The towing tower assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a base plate connected to a first bottom surface of the first tower.

5. 2. The towing tower assembly of claim 1, wherein a first side of said first tower defines a first geometric configuration and a second side of said second tower defines a second geometric configuration, said first geometric configuration being complementary to said second geometric configuration.

6. 6. The towing tower assembly of claim 5, wherein the first geometric configuration further comprises a first top surface of the first tower, the first top surface of the first tower opposing a first bottom surface of the first tower.

7. The towing tower assembly of claim 6 , wherein the second geometric configuration further comprises a second bottom surface of the second tower.

8. the arm assembly further comprising a first arm having a first end and a second end, and a second arm having a first end and a second end; the first end of the first arm is connected to the tower assembly; the second end of the first arm is connected to the first end of the second arm; The towing tower assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the second arm is movable relative to the second end of the first arm.

9. 9. The towing tower assembly of claim 8, wherein a portion of the second end of the first arm is tubular, and the first end of the second arm is movable within the second end of the first arm in a third direction and a fourth direction.

10. The towing tower assembly of claim 9 , further comprising an actuatable locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the second arm in position relative to the first arm.

11. 9. The towing tower assembly of claim 8, further comprising a revolute joint having a bottom surface, a top surface, and a side surface, the bottom surface being positioned on a second top surface of the second tower and the first end of the first arm being positioned through the side surface of the revolute joint.

12. 12. The towing tower assembly of claim 11, wherein the revolute joint includes a first axis positioned through a center of the top surface of the revolute joint and through a center of the bottom surface of the revolute joint, the revolute joint and the first end of the first arm configured to rotate about the first axis relative to the second tower.

13. The towing tower assembly of claim 12 , wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the revolute joint are positioned in respective planes positioned at an angle relative to a plane of the first bottom surface of the first tower.

14. 12. The towing tower assembly of claim 11, wherein the revolute joint includes a first axis positioned through a center of the side of the revolute joint and through a center of the first end of the first arm, the first end of the first arm being configured to rotate about the first axis relative to the revolute joint.

15. 10. The towing tower assembly of claim 8, further comprising a towing scale attached to the second end of the second arm, the towing scale configured to indicate a relative amount of towing applied to a patient's arm / wrist in use.

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