Patient positioning device - Chiropractic Patents

Patient positioning device
USPTO
United States Patent 6,986,181
Murphy , et al. January 17, 2006

Abstract

The patient positioning device of this invention relates to an apparatus used to assist a patient into a supine position and additionally through which traction is applied to the spine, such as physical therapy and chiropractic treatment. The patient positioning device is preferably a stand alone portable device that can be readily transported and adapted to almost any horizontal surface, such as a treatment table. A primary application of the leg support of this invention is in raising and supporting a patient's lower legs during before, during, and after traction is applied to a patient. The device includes a lower support frame, vertical supports, and a leg support coupled to a top frame. The patient positioning device may also have a motor which powers the leg support to rotate from a lowered position, in which a patient's lower legs rest on the leg support, to an elevated position in which a patient's lower legs are elevated. Once in the elevated position, traction can be applied to the lower back preferably with a cable and a board that is placed across the front of a patient's thighs.

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Inventors: Murphy; Stephen P. (Westfield, MA), Murphy; Edward T. (Douglasville, GA), Murphy; George W. (Franklin, MA)
Assignee: GES Company (Douglasville, GA)

Appl. No.: 10/080,071
Filed: February 21, 2002

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Current U.S. Class: 5/648 ; 5/624
Current International Class: A47C 20/02 (20060101)
Field of Search: 5/648,650,624

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References Cited [Referenced By]

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U.S. Patent Documents

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Primary Examiner: Safavi; Michael
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Woodcock Washburn LLP