U.S. patent application number 13/727781 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brian E. Demsey. Invention is credited to Brian E. Demsey.
Application Number | 20130165298 13/727781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48655122 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130165298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Demsey; Brian E. |
June 27, 2013 |
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.
Inventors: |
Demsey; Brian E.; (Glenshaw,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Demsey; Brian E. |
Glenshaw |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48655122 |
Appl. No.: |
13/727781 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61580369 |
Dec 27, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 7/02 20130101; A63B
23/0233 20130101; A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 23/0205 20130101;
A61H 2201/1642 20130101; A61H 1/0218 20130101; A61H 1/0292
20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001; A63B 2023/006 20130101; A61H
2201/1284 20130101; A63B 21/4034 20151001; A63B 21/00047 20130101;
A63B 23/0355 20130101; A63B 23/0227 20130101; A63B 21/1636
20130101; A61H 2201/1635 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/40 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise device adapted for installation on a door frame or
stand, the exercise device comprising: 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 end, the pair of clamping members pivotally
connected to each other at a first pivot point provided between the
first end and the second end; a pair of gripping members disposed
on the free end of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping
members such that the gripping members face one another; a pair of
links where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping
members at a second pivot point provided between the first pivot
point and the first end of the clamping members; and an elastic
member extending between the second pivot point of the clamping
members; wherein the pair of clamping members is 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, and wherein the elastic member is
adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of
clamping members to a first position.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the pair of links is
pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point.
3. The exercise device of claim 2, further comprising a hook
connected to the pair of links at the third pivot point.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, further comprising a stretching
or strengthening device attached to the hook by a strap or a
chain.
5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the stretching or
strengthening device is a tubular bar.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elongated body of
each clamping member has a flattened portion between the first and
second ends.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a fastener at
each of the first and second pivot points.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a
spring.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the gripping members
have a wall engagement surface and wherein the free ends of the
arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members are rotatable with
respect to the gripping members to allow for lateral articulation
of the exercise device.
10. An exercise device assembly adapted for installation on a door
frame or stand, the exercise device assembly comprising: at least
one exercise devices, each exercise device comprising: 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 end, the pair of clamping
members pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point
provided between the first end and the second end; a pair of
gripping members disposed on the free end of the arcuate portion of
the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face
one another; a pair of links where each link is pivotally connected
to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point provided
between the first pivot point and the first end of the clamping
members, and where the pair of links is pivotally connected to each
other at a third pivot point; and an elastic member extending
between the second pivot point of the clamping members; wherein the
pair of clamping members is 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,
and wherein the elastic member is adapted for providing a restoring
force to urge the pair of clamping members to a first position; a
hook connected to the pair of links at the third pivot point of
each exercise device; and a stretching or strengthening device
attached to the hook of each exercise device.
11. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the
stretching or strengthening device is attached to the hook of each
exercise device by a strap, a chain, or a connecting material.
12. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the
stretching or strengthening device is a tubular bar.
13. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the elongated
body of each clamping member has a flattened portion between the
first and second ends.
14. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, further comprising a
fastener at each of the first and second pivot points.
15. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the elastic
member is a spring.
16. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the gripping
members have a wall engagement surface wherein the free ends of the
arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members are rotatable with
respect to the gripping members to allow for lateral articulation
of the exercise device assembly.
17. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the gripping
members are made from a resilient polymeric material.
18. A method of manufacturing an exercise device, the method
comprising the steps of: providing 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 end; pivotally connecting the pair of
clamping members to each other at a first pivot point provided
between the first end and the second end; attaching a pair of
gripping members on the free end of the arcuate portion of the pair
of clamping members such that the gripping members face one
another; pivotally connecting a pair of links to the exercise
device where each link is pivotally connected to one of the
clamping members at a second pivot point provided between the first
pivot point and the first end of the clamping members; pivotally
connecting the links to each other at a third pivot point; and
attaching an elastic member between the second pivot point of the
pair of clamping members, wherein the pair of clamping members is
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, and wherein the elastic
member is adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair
of clamping members to a first position.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of
connecting a hook to the pair of links at the third pivot
point.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of
connecting a stretching or strengthening device to the hook.
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 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.
[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the existing traction
devices, it is desirable to overcome the above problems and others
by providing a vertical gravity fraction device used for
stretching, strengthening, and/or relief of back pain.
Additionally, there is a need for a portable 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[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.
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an
exercise device adapted for installation on a door frame or stand
may include 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 pair of clamping members may be pivotally
connected to each other at a first pivot point provided between the
first end and the second end. Additionally, a pair of gripping
members may be disposed on the free end of the arcuate portion of
the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face
one another and articulate. Furthermore, a pair of links may be
provided, where each link is pivotally connected to one of the
clamping members at a second pivot point provided between the first
pivot point and the first end of the clamping members. An elastic
member may extend between the second pivot point of the clamping
members. In accordance with one embodiment, the pair of clamping
members may be 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. The elastic
member may be adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the
pair of clamping members to a first position.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the pair of links may be pivotally connected to each
other at a third pivot point. The exercise device may further
include a articulating hook connected to the pair of links at the
third pivot point. In another embodiment, the exercise device may
include a stretching or strengthening device attached to the hook
by a strap or a chain. The stretching or strengthening device may
be a tubular bar. The elongated body of each clamping member may
have a flattened portion between the first and second ends. In one
embodiment, the exercise device may include a fastener at each of
the first and second pivot points. The elastic member may be a
spring and the gripping members may have a wall engagement
surface.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, an exercise device assembly may be adapted for
installation on a door frame or stand. The exercise device assembly
may include at least one exercise devices, where each exercise
device may include 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 pair of clamping members may be pivotally
connected to each other at a first pivot point provided between the
first end and the second end. Additionally, a pair of gripping
members may be disposed on the free end of the arcuate portion of
the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face
one another. The free ends of the arcuate portion of the pair of
clamping members may be rotatable with respect to the gripping
members to allow for lateral articulation of the exercise device.
Furthermore, a pair of links may be provided, where each link is
pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second
pivot point provided between the first pivot point and the first
end of the clamping members. An elastic member may extend between
the second pivot point of the clamping members. In accordance with
one embodiment, the pair of clamping members may be 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. The elastic member may be adapted for
providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members to
a first position.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the pair of links may be pivotally connected to each
other at a third pivot point. The exercise device may further
include a hook connected to the pair of links at the third pivot
point. In another embodiment, the exercise device may include a
stretching or strengthening device attached to the articulating
hook by a strap or a chain. The stretching or strengthening device
may be a tubular bar. The elongated body of each clamping member
may have a flattened portion between the first and second ends. In
one embodiment, the exercise device may include a fastener at each
of the first and second pivot points. The elastic member may be a
spring and the gripping members may have a wall engagement surface
and may be made from a resilient polymeric material.
[0012] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention, a method of manufacturing an exercise device may include
the step of providing 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 method may further include the steps
of pivotally connecting the pair of clamping members to each other
at a first pivot point provided between the first end and the
second end and attaching a pair of gripping members on the free end
of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members such that
the gripping members face one another and articulate. Furthermore,
the method may also include the step of pivotally connecting a pair
of links to the exercise device where each link is pivotally
connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point
provided between the first pivot point and the first end of the
clamping members. Additionally, the method may further include the
step of pivotally connecting the links to each other at a third
pivot point and attaching an elastic member between the second
pivot point of the pair of clamping members. The pair of clamping
members may be 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. The elastic
member may be adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the
pair of clamping members to a first position. The method may
further include the step of connecting a hook to the pair of links
at the third pivot point. The method may further include the step
of connecting a stretching or strengthening device to the hook.
[0013] These and other features and characteristics of the portable
therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device,
as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related
elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies
of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the
following description and the appended claims with reference to the
accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this
specification, wherein like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of
illustration and description only, and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the
specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and
"the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a portable therapeutic stretching,
strengthening, and spinal traction device assembly in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a portable therapeutic stretching,
strengthening, and spinal traction device assembly of FIG. 1 in an
installed configuration;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of the portable therapeutic stretching,
strengthening, and spinal traction device of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one component of the
portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction
device shown in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of the component shown in FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the component shown in FIG. 4;
and
[0020] FIG. 7 shows the portable therapeutic stretching,
strengthening, and spinal traction device assembly during use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms
"upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof, shall
relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
[0022] Referring to the drawings in which like reference characters
refer to like parts throughout the several views thereof, various
embodiments and features of a portable therapeutic stretching,
strengthening, and spinal traction device 10 and method for
installing and using portable therapeutic stretching,
strengthening, and spinal traction device 10 will be described and
are desirable for improving upon the deficiencies of the prior art
devices. Hereafter, a single portable therapeutic stretching,
strengthening, and spinal traction device 10 may be referred to as
"device" or "exercise device", and a plurality of portable
therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction devices
10 may be referred to as "device assembly" or "exercise device
assembly".
[0023] With reference to FIG. 1, an exercise device assembly 20 is
shown as having two exercise devices 10. One of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that the exercise device assembly 20 may
include one or more exercise devices 10. Each individual exercise
device 10 is adapted for placement on a doorway such that the
exercise device assembly 20 may support a person standing under the
doorway. Desirably, each exercise device 10 is adapted for
supporting a certain maximum weight corresponding to a maximum
weight of a user, such as, for example, 300 pounds. It is to be
understood that alternative construction and materials may increase
the weight capacity of the exercise device 10.
[0024] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, each exercise device 10
includes a hook 30 for supporting a stretching or strengthening
device 40. The hook 30 is adapted for articulating at the
attachment point to allow forward and aft articulation with regard
to the exercise device 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
stretching or strengthening device 40 is a tubular bar 50 that is
connected at each end to the exercise device 10 by a chain 60. In
some embodiments, the chain 60 may be replaced with a strap, such
as a conventional nylon strap utilized in exercise equipment. The
stretching or strengthening device 40 may be connected directly to
the hook 30 on each exercise device 20 or it may be suspended there
from by a chain 60 or a strap. While a tubular bar 50 is
illustrated as an exemplary embodiment of the stretching or
strengthening device 40, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that various other components, configurations, and uses
thereof are also contemplated. For example, an ankle cuff and long
connecting strap may he used with one exercise device for lower and
upper extremity stretching exercises; a bar and long connecting
straps and chains may be used with two exercise devices for
abdominal and lower back strengthening exercises and chest pushups;
and an ankle sling may used to exercise the obliques, lower
extremities, and may be used for general back strengthening. In an
embodiment where the stretching or strengthening device 40 is used
for spinal traction to decompress the user's spine, the exercise
device assembly 10 provides the ability for the user to control a
proper amount of pressure applied to the spine based upon that
user's threshold of pain that he or she can tolerate.
[0025] Exercise device assembly 20 has two configurations. With
reference to FIG. 1, the exercise device assembly 10 is shown in an
uninstalled configuration where each exercise device 10 is removed
from a doorway 70 (not shown in FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 2, the
exercise device assembly 10 is shown in an installed configuration
where each exercise device 10 is secured to the doorway 70 as will
be explained hereafter.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, exercise device 20 includes a pair of
clamping members 80 pivotally connected to each other in a scissor
configuration. Each clamping member 80 has an elongated body
extending between a first end 90 and a second end 100. An arcuate
portion 110 extends from the second end 100 and terminates at a
free end 120. The pair of clamping members 80 are pivotally
connected to each other at a first pivot point 130 provided between
the first end 90 and the second end 100. A pair of gripping members
140 is disposed on the free end 120 of the arcuate portion 110 such
that the gripping members 140 face one another. Each free end 120
is rotatably positioned within the gripping member 140 to allow
lateral articulation of the exercise device 10. Furthermore, a pair
of links 150 is provided, where each link 150 is pivotally
connected to one of the clamping members 80 at a second pivot point
160 provided between the first pivot point 130 and the first end 90
of the clamping members 80. An elastic member 170 extends between
the second pivot point 160 of each clamping member 80. The elastic
member 170 may be a spring. In accordance with one embodiment, the
pair of clamping members 80 is movable between a first position
(FIG. 1, 3) where the gripping members 140 are urged toward one
another and a second position (FIG. 2) where the gripping members
140 are separated from one another. The elastic member 170 is
adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of
clamping members 80 to a first position. The pair of links 150 is
pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point 180. The
exercise device 20 further includes the hook 30 connected to the
pair of links 150 at the third pivot point 180. The pair of
clamping members 80 is pivotally connected at the first pivot point
130.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, construction of clamping member
80 will be described in greater detail. As noted above, the
clamping member 80 has an elongated body extending between a first
end 90 and a second end 100. An arcuate portion 110 extends from
the second end 100 and terminates at a free end 120 allowing for
articulation. The first pivot point 130 is provided between the
first end 90 and the second end 100 for pivotally connecting the
clamping member 80 to another clamping member 80 (not shown in
FIGS. 4-7) to form the exercise device 20. In one embodiment, the
first pivot point 130 may be a hole extending through the body of
the clamping member 80.
[0028] In FIGS. 4-6, elongated body of the clamping member 80 is
shown as having a substantially tubular construction with a
substantially uniform sidewall 190. In one embodiment, the
elongated body of the clamping member 80 may be construed from a
round metal tube. A central portion of the elongated body between
the first end 90 and the second end 100 may have a flattened
portion 200 to facilitate connection with a second clamping member
80. The flattened portion 200 is provided to align a central axis
210 of one clamping member 80 with the central axis of the
adjoining clamping member 80.
[0029] With continuing reference to FIGS. 4-6, the arcuate portion
110 has a radius R and extends in a U-shaped arc away from the
second end 100. The arcuate portion 110 may extend through an angle
a respective to the second end 100. Free end 120 may be angled with
respect to the second end 100 such that, in an installed
configuration, free end 120 is oriented substantially parallel to a
wall surface (as shown in FIG. 2). The gripping member 140 is
attached at the free end 120 of the arcuate portion 110 in order to
provide a gripping surface for exercise device 20 to grip the wall
in an installed configuration and allow articulation, as will be
described hereafter. The gripping member 140 has an opening that
corresponds to an outer diameter of the free end 120 of the arcuate
member 110 such that the gripping member 140 is secured on the free
end 120 and allows articulation. The gripping member 140 further
has a wall engagement surface 220 as shown in FIG. 3 that
facilitates attachment of exercise device 20 above a doorway 70.
The wall engagement surface 220 spreads the normal force imposed on
a wall surface in order to prevent damage to the wall.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 7, the exercise device 20 is adapted
to be positioned against a wall above the doorway 70. In order to
install the exercise device 20 on the doorway 70, a user spreads
apart first ends 90 of clamping members 80. Such movement causes
the gripping members to be separated in order for them to be
positioned over a door frame and against a wall surface above the
doorway 70. Relative separation of first ends 90 of the clamping
members 80 causes the elastic member 170 to be placed in tension,
which provides a restoring force that urges the first ends 90
toward one another. This also urges the gripping members 140 to
move toward each other. When the exercise device 10 is positioned
at a desired location above the doorway 70, the user releases the
first ends 90 such that gripping portions 140 are urged toward each
other. The arcuate portion 110 is preferably designed to project a
normal force against the wall when the exercise device 20 is in the
installed configuration. Such design of the arcuate portion 110
assures that only a perpendicular force is transferred to the wall
to essentially "squeeze" the wall between the opposing gripping
members 140. By placing a vertical load in a downward direction on
the hook 30, links 150 cause first ends 90 of clamping members 80
to be urged closer together, thereby increasing the force that the
gripping members 140 exert on the wall in order to prevent the
exercise device 20 from sliding from the wall surface. In one
embodiment, the angle between the clamping members 80 in an
installed configuration at the first pivot point 130 is
substantially a right angle.
[0031] The exercise device 10 and the exercise device assembly 20
allow the user to perform a plurality of different stretching,
strengthening, and spinal traction exercises. For example, the user
may firmly grip the bar and suspend the torso in a vertical
position, bending the knees at a 90.degree. angle. The user can
then begin to apply pressure from the feet to move the body forward
and backward in a controlled rocking motion that will provide the
user with anterior and posterior movement necessary to stretch his
or her back. The user may also perform a lateral stretch. For
example, to stretch the right side of the body, the user would
apply pressure from their right foot and twist their body to the
left, crossing their right knee toward the floor as they cross to
the left side of their body. To stretch the left side of the body,
the same steps would be employed, but in reverse. Various other
exercises are possible to help the user achieve the desired degree
of stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction.
[0032] Having described the exercise device assembly 10 and
exercise device 20, a method of manufacturing the exercise device
10 will now be described. The method includes the step of providing
a pair of clamping members 80 having an elongated body extending
between the first end 90 and the second end 100 and the arcuate
portion 110 extending from the second end 100 and terminating at
the free articulating end 120. The method further includes the
steps of pivotally connecting the pair of clamping members 80 to
each other at the first pivot point 130 provided between the first
end 90 and the second end 100 and attaching the pair of gripping
members 140 on the free end 120 of the arcuate portion 110 of the
pair of clamping members 80 such that the gripping members 140 face
one another. Furthermore, the method also includes the step of
pivotally connecting the pair of links 150 to the exercise device
20 where each link 150 is pivotally connected to one of the
clamping members 80 at the second pivot point 160 provided between
the first pivot point 130 and the first end 90 of the clamping
members 80. Additionally, the method further includes the step of
pivotally connecting the links 150 to each other at a third pivot
point 180 and attaching an elastic member 170 between the second
pivot point 160 of the pair of clamping members 80. The pair of
clamping members 80 is movable between a first position where the
gripping members 140 are urged toward one another and a second
position where the gripping members 140 are separated from one
another. The elastic member 170 is adapted for providing a
restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members 80 to a first
position. The method further includes the step of connecting a hook
30 to the pair of links 150 at the third pivot point 180. The
method further includes the step of connecting a stretching or
strengthening device 40 to the hook 30.
[0033] While various embodiments of the portable therapeutic
stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention were
provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art may
make modifications and alterations to these embodiments without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example,
it is to be understood that, to the extent possible, one or more
features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more
features of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing
description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.
The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended
claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the
meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *