US3906942A - Portable traction splint - Google Patents

Portable traction splint Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3906942A
US3906942A US455265A US45526574A US3906942A US 3906942 A US3906942 A US 3906942A US 455265 A US455265 A US 455265A US 45526574 A US45526574 A US 45526574A US 3906942 A US3906942 A US 3906942A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
splint
secured
limb
connecting means
lashing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US455265A
Inventor
Jr Henry Oliver Lumb
Robert Richard Morrissey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US455265A priority Critical patent/US3906942A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3906942A publication Critical patent/US3906942A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/04Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbs; Devices for distractions; Splints
    • A61F5/05Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbs; Devices for distractions; Splints for immobilising
    • A61F5/058Splints
    • A61F5/05841Splints for the limbs
    • A61F5/0585Splints for the limbs for the legs

Definitions

  • the splint comprises upper and lower sections joined together by hinge joints allowing folding over of the splint onto itself.
  • a traction bar is provided slidably movable along substantially the full length of the lower section, ratchet means being included to lock the traction bar in place.
  • a foot lashing of fixed length, but of variable diameter to accommodate feet of different size, is attached between the traction bar and the victims foot.
  • This invention relates to portable tractionsplints for use at the scene of accidents and thelike, and particularly to traction splints which are readily adjustable ,in size to accommodate victims of various sizes.
  • Traction splints of the type carried in emergency vehicles are well known. In general, such splints shouldbe simple to operate, compactable and of light weight for ease of transportation, and should be adjustable in size to provide proper traction substantially regardless of the size of the victim. I
  • FIG. 1 is a view in perspective, and partly exploded, of a splint in accordance with this invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a view in perspective, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the side supports of the splintshown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view, partly broken-away, showing the securing of the leg of a victim to the splint shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view, partly broken-away, of a lower portion of the splint shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a view of a foot lashing used with the splint shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of a lower portion of the splint shown in FIG. 1 showing the lashing of.a foot to the splint.
  • the splint 10 comprises a generally rectangular frame including a lower section 12 and an upper section 14, each section being of generally U-shape, and the two sections being connected together via a pair of double-hinged joints 16.
  • the lower section 12 includes two side bars 18 integrally joined by a connecting bar 20, and the upper section 14 likewise includes two side bars 22 integrally connected by a bar 24.
  • the upper section additionally includes a transverse bar 25 secured, as by welding, to the side bars 22, the bar 25 curving downwardly out of the plane of the side bars 22 to provide room for a limb secured between the side bars, as described below.
  • the double-hinged joint 16 between each of the upper and lower sections 12 and 14 comprises a short bar or link 26 pivotally. attached to an end of'each side bar 18 and 22 by means of a pin 28, a vertical slot 30 being provided in the end of each bar 18 and 22 to receive an end of the link 26.
  • collars or bushings 32 are provided frictionally slidable along the side bars 22 andlinks 26.
  • the bushings 32 are ofa length greater than that of links 26, and when in place over the links 26 and pins 28, as shown about the hinge-joint is prevented.
  • each frame section 12 and 14 Extending transversely between the side bars 18 an 22 of each frame section 12 and 14 are a number of limb supports 34 of known .type.
  • the supports 34 comprise a closed loop of an elastic material
  • each support includes a pair of extending bands 36 which, as shown in FIG. 3, can
  • the bands 36 preferably include means such as known self-adheringfabric connectors, one band containing a strip of fabric including plastic hooks, the other band containing a strip of fabric including plastic loops. Alterna'tely, conventional buckle means can be.used.
  • FIG. 3 Shown herein is a leg splint, and to this end, the side bars 22 of the upper section 14 curve downwardly out of the mainplane of the splint frame and towards one another to form a more narrow section fitting under the upper thigh and buttock of the victim as shown in FIG. 3.
  • a buttock support pad 38 is provided covering the connecting bar 24, and a pair of straps 40 including buckle and/or self-adhering fabric means at the ends thereof are provided secured to the pad 38 for firmly securing the upper thigh of the victim to the splint.
  • a traction bar 42 (FIG. 1.) is provided slidably movable along the side bars 18 of the lower section 12, a ratchet mechanism being provided for locking the traction bar 42 against movement towards the splint upper section 14.
  • each side bar 18 is provided on its inner surface with a series of notches 44 providing a ratchet track, and a block46 is provided on each bar 18 for movement therealong.
  • Each block 46 has an opening 48 therethrough exposing the ratchet track, and each end of the traction bar 42, which is hollow, is secured to the block 46 within the block opening 48, as being press-fitted or pinned in place therewithin.
  • a pair of pins or ratchet catches 50 having angled outer ends, a compression spring 52 being disposed between the two ratchet catches 50 for biasing them in theoutwardly extended, ratchet-locking position.
  • a pin 54 is secured to theinner end of each catch 50 and extends transversely outwardly from the traction bar 42 through slots 56 through the wall thereof. Tounlock or release the ratchet mechanism, the pins 54 are squeezed towards one another to retract and disengage. the ratchet catches 50 from the ratchet track.
  • the ratchet track formed by the notches 44 extends substantially the entire length of the lower seciton 12 (see FIG. 1), whereby the traction bar 42 can be locked substantially anywhere along the length of the lower section.
  • the foot lashing 58 comprises a first strap 60 having free ends 62 and 64, the ends including means such as the aforementioned self-adhering fabric means for adhering the ends to one another, and a second strap 66 secured to the first strap 60 intermediate its ends.
  • the second strap 66 is secured to a hook 68 having two end loops 70 and 72, a further extension 73 of the second strap 66 terminating in a snap catch 74.
  • a pair of short straps 76 and 78 each terminating in a buckle 80.
  • the various straps of the foot lashing 58 can be made of fabric, e.g., canvas, and the straps sewn to one another by conventional stitching.
  • the second strap 66 can be secured to the hook 68 by means of a loop stitched around the hook loop 70.
  • a pad 59 is disposed between the lashing 58 and the victims foot for greater comfort.
  • a support 82 (FIGS. 1 and 3) by means of which the lower end of the splint can be raised off the ground.
  • the support 82 comprises a U-shaped bar, the ends of which are pivotally secured to the movable blocks 46 to which the traction bar 42 is secured, the pivotal securing means allowing folding over of the support 82 against the lower section 12 during storage of the splint.
  • the splint 10 in its locked, extended configuration, is disposed beneath the leg and buttock of the victim, as shown in FIG. 3, and the leg securely bound to the splint by means of the support bands 36 and the buttock pad straps 40.
  • the foot lashing 58 is secured to the victims foot (FIGS. 3 and 6) by positioning the point of attachment of the first 60 and second 66 straps of the lashing on one side of the leg, just above the ankle bone, and wrapping the first strap 60 about the 'ankle, the free ends of the first strap overlapping and being secured to one-another.
  • one or the other of the short straps 76 and 78 secured to the first strap 60 is disposed more or less diametrically opposite to the second strap 66, i.e., on the other side of the foot just above the ankle bone, and the snap catch 74 extending from the hook 68 is secured to the strap buckle 80.
  • the two straps 76 and 78 are of equal length, and the combined lengths of the strap extension 73, the snap hook 74 and the strap 76 or 78 to which the hook 74 is connected are approximately equal to the length of the strap 66 between the hook 68 and the strap 60.
  • equal tension is applied by the foot lashing 58 to each side of the foot.
  • the traction bar 42 is then moved towards the foot (the ratchet catch pins 54, FIG. 4, being squeezed together to disengage the ratchet mechanism), the hook 68 (FIG. 3) of the lashing is looped about the bar 42, and the traction bar moved in the direction away from the foot to place the limb in traction, the ratchet mechanism associated with the traction bar 42 locking the traction bar in position.
  • the splint 10 can be used with victims of greatly varying sizes.
  • the traction bar 42 can be locked substantially anywhere along the length of the lower section 12 of the splint.
  • the splint is useful on legs varying in length between 18 and 40 inches, i.e., on an adult of a height in the order of 6 feet 10 inches down to children of a height in the order of 3 feet 7 inches.
  • the foot lashing 58 is provided with two (or more, as desired) short straps 76 and 78 connected to the first, ankle strap 60, whereby, within a relatively wide range of ankle girths, one of the two short straps 76 or 78 is disposed approximately diametrically opposite the point of attachment of the second strap 66 with the ankle strap 60.
  • tension is applied to the leg on opposite sides thereof (FIG. 6), i.e., at opposite ends ofa line perpendicular to a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the leg.
  • This arrangement applying equal traction to each vertical side of the ankle, is effective to maintain the foot perpendicular to the leg while traction is being applied. As known, this is generally desired for reasons of comfort and avoidance of further injury to the victim during transportation.
  • the foot lashing 58 provides a major portion of the vertical support'for the foot.
  • a further advantage of the splint 10 is that the foot lashing 58 is of a fixed, relatively short length between the traction bar 42 and the victims ankle.
  • the amount of vertical support provided by the foot lashing is the same regardless of the length of the limb and regardless of the axial disposition of the traction bar 42 along the splint frame.
  • This feature is particularly desirable in comparison with known splints where the traction applying means is fixedly disposed at the lower end of the splint, and various size limbs are accomodated by varying the length of the foot lashing extending between the foot and the traction applying means. The longer the foot lashing, the less is the vertical support provided the foot.
  • ratchet means other than the particular one shown for positioning the traction bar 42 along the splint frame, can be used.
  • a ratchet mechanism can be dispensed with, and other traction bar locking means can be used.
  • the traction bar 42 can be locked in place by means of a strap extending between the traction bar 42 and the connecting bar 20 of the lower frame section 12.
  • a hollow inflatable tubing can be used having free ends which can be secured to one another. In such case, only a single short strap for attachment to the snap catch 74 need be provided, variations in ankle size being accommodated by different amounts of inflation of the ankle encircling tubing.
  • splints in accordance with this invention can be used, suitably modified, on arms.
  • Such modifications relate .to the dimensions of the splint and lashings, and to the substitution of, e.g., a crescent shaped, crutch-type upper end, for the upper or buttock end of the splint 10.
  • a portable traction splint comprising:
  • a pair of elongated side members and means for securing a limb therebetween at least one of said side members including a ratchet track extending axially therealong,
  • traction means mounted on said side members, said traction means comprising a pair of blocks mounted one each on each of said side members for movement therealong, and a hollow bar extending transversely between said side members and secured to said blocks, one of said blocks having an opening therethrough in alignment with said bar and exposing said track,
  • a ratchet mechanism for locking said traction means against movement towards one end of said side members, said mechanism comprising a ratchet catch disposed within said hollow bar and biased to extend outwardly from one end thereof through said block opening and into engagement with said track, and means for retracting said catch inwardly of said bar for disengaging it from said track, and
  • limb lashing means for securing said traction means to a limb secured to said splint, limb length variations being accommodated by varying the position of said traction means along said side members.
  • a splint as in claim 1 including a compression spring disposed within said bar for biasing said catch, and wherein said retracting means comprises a pin secured to said catch and extending transversely away from said bar through a slot in the wall thereof.
  • a limb lashing for securing a limb to a splint comprising:
  • an elongated first member including securing means whereby said member can be disposed around and secured to a limb
  • a second elongated member extending transversely from said first member and secured thereto at a first point, said second member having a first connecting means at its free end and a second connecting means intermediate said first point and said free end,
  • a third elongated member extending transversely from said first member and secured thereto at a second point spaced from said first point, said third member having a third connecting means at the free end thereof, said first and third connecting means being connectable to one another,
  • the dimensions of said lashing being such that, when in its operative disposition for securing a limb to a splint, the distance between said first connecting means and said first point when measured along said second member is substantially equal to the distance between said first connecting means and said second point when measured along said third member.
  • the lashing of claim 3 including a fourth elongated member extending from said first member transversely thereto and secured to said first member at a third point spaced from said second point and having a fourth connecting means at the free end thereof connectable to said first connecting means, said third and fourth members, including the connecting means attached thereto, being of substantially the same length, whereby, depending upon the girth ofa limb secured by said lashing, said first connecting means can be connected to either of said third or fourth connecting means to provide two connections between said first connecting means and said first elongated member of substantially equal length.

Abstract

The splint comprises upper and lower sections joined together by hinge joints allowing folding over of the splint onto itself. A traction bar is provided slidably movable along substantially the full length of the lower section, ratchet means being included to lock the traction bar in place. A foot lashing of fixed length, but of variable diameter to accommodate feet of different size, is attached between the traction bar and the victim''s foot.

Description

United States Patent [191 Lumb, Jr. et a1.
[ Sept. 23, 1975 PORTABLE TRACTION SPLINT Inventors: Henry Oliver Lumb, Jr., 1050 Powell Dr., Riviera Beach, Fla. 33404; Robert Richard Morrissey, 845 Fosteria Dr., Apt. 14, Lake Park, Fla. 33403 Filed: Mar. 27, 1974 Appl. No.: 455,265
U.S. Cl 128/84 C; 128/85 Int. Cl. A61F 5/04 Field of Search 128/84, 83, 85, 75, 165, 128/88, 87, 80
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Barnes 128/85 Allen 128/85 Nourse 128/85 1,238,224 8/1917 Vickers 1,442,711 H1923 Delorme 128/85 Primary ExaminerRichard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-J. Yasko [5 7] ABSTRACT The splint comprises upper and lower sections joined together by hinge joints allowing folding over of the splint onto itself. A traction bar is provided slidably movable along substantially the full length of the lower section, ratchet means being included to lock the traction bar in place. A foot lashing of fixed length, but of variable diameter to accommodate feet of different size, is attached between the traction bar and the victims foot.
5 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 1 of2 3,906,942
US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 2 of 3,906,942
PORTABLE TRACTION SPLINT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to portable tractionsplints for use at the scene of accidents and thelike, and particularly to traction splints which are readily adjustable ,in size to accommodate victims of various sizes. i
Traction splints of the type carried in emergency vehicles are well known. In general, such splints shouldbe simple to operate, compactable and of light weight for ease of transportation, and should be adjustable in size to provide proper traction substantially regardless of the size of the victim. I
While known commercially available splints more or less satisfy these requirements, thereis room for improvement as exemplified by the splint of the instant invention.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIG. 1 is a view in perspective, and partly exploded, of a splint in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 2 is a view in perspective, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the side supports of the splintshown in FIG. 1. i
FIG. 3 is a side view, partly broken-away, showing the securing of the leg of a victim to the splint shown in FIG. 1. v
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view, partly broken-away, of a lower portion of the splint shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a view of a foot lashing used with the splint shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a lower portion of the splint shown in FIG. 1 showing the lashing of.a foot to the splint.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION With reference of FIG. 1, the splint 10 comprises a generally rectangular frame including a lower section 12 and an upper section 14, each section being of generally U-shape, and the two sections being connected together via a pair of double-hinged joints 16. The lower section 12 includes two side bars 18 integrally joined by a connecting bar 20, and the upper section 14 likewise includes two side bars 22 integrally connected by a bar 24. For greater rigidity, the upper section additionally includes a transverse bar 25 secured, as by welding, to the side bars 22, the bar 25 curving downwardly out of the plane of the side bars 22 to provide room for a limb secured between the side bars, as described below. v
As shown in FIG. 2, the double-hinged joint 16 between each of the upper and lower sections 12 and 14 comprises a short bar or link 26 pivotally. attached to an end of'each side bar 18 and 22 by means ofa pin 28, a vertical slot 30 being provided in the end of each bar 18 and 22 to receive an end of the link 26. By virtue of the hinged-joint connection between the two sections 12 and 14, the splint can be readily folded onto itself, thus reducing the length of the splint and facilitating handling and storage thereof.
To lock the splint 10 in its unfolded, extended configuration, collars or bushings 32 are provided frictionally slidable along the side bars 22 andlinks 26. The bushings 32 are ofa length greater than that of links 26, and when in place over the links 26 and pins 28, as shown about the hinge-joint is prevented.
Extending transversely between the side bars 18 an 22 of each frame section 12 and 14 are a number of limb supports 34 of known .type. Preferably, the supports 34 comprise a closed loop of an elastic material,
e-.g., elasticized nylon, and each support includes a pair of extending bands 36 which, as shown in FIG. 3, can
be disposed about the limb to. rigidly secure it to the splint. For simplicity and rapidity of joining the bands 36 around the limb, the bands 36 preferably include means such as known self-adheringfabric connectors, one band containing a strip of fabric including plastic hooks, the other band containing a strip of fabric including plastic loops. Alterna'tely, conventional buckle means can be.used.
Shown herein is a leg splint, and to this end, the side bars 22 of the upper section 14 curve downwardly out of the mainplane of the splint frame and towards one another to form a more narrow section fitting under the upper thigh and buttock of the victim as shown in FIG. 3. A buttock support pad 38 is provided covering the connecting bar 24, and a pair of straps 40 including buckle and/or self-adhering fabric means at the ends thereof are provided secured to the pad 38 for firmly securing the upper thigh of the victim to the splint.
To provide traction to a limb'secured to the splint 10, a traction bar 42 (FIG. 1.) is provided slidably movable along the side bars 18 of the lower section 12, a ratchet mechanism being provided for locking the traction bar 42 against movement towards the splint upper section 14. Thus, as showninFIG. 4, each side bar 18 is provided on its inner surface with a series of notches 44 providing a ratchet track, and a block46 is provided on each bar 18 for movement therealong. Each block 46 has an opening 48 therethrough exposing the ratchet track, and each end of the traction bar 42, which is hollow, is secured to the block 46 within the block opening 48, as being press-fitted or pinned in place therewithin. Slidably mounted within the traction bar 42 are a pair of pins or ratchet catches 50 having angled outer ends, a compression spring 52 being disposed between the two ratchet catches 50 for biasing them in theoutwardly extended, ratchet-locking position. A pin 54 is secured to theinner end of each catch 50 and extends transversely outwardly from the traction bar 42 through slots 56 through the wall thereof. Tounlock or release the ratchet mechanism, the pins 54 are squeezed towards one another to retract and disengage. the ratchet catches 50 from the ratchet track.
Of particular importance herein, as more fully described hereinafter, is that the ratchet track formed by the notches 44 extends substantially the entire length of the lower seciton 12 (see FIG. 1), whereby the traction bar 42 can be locked substantially anywhere along the length of the lower section.
For securing the traction bar 42 to a limb secured to the splint 10, a foot lashing 58 as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 is used. The foot lashing 58 comprises a first strap 60 having free ends 62 and 64, the ends including means such as the aforementioned self-adhering fabric means for adhering the ends to one another, and a second strap 66 secured to the first strap 60 intermediate its ends. The second strap 66 is secured to a hook 68 having two end loops 70 and 72, a further extension 73 of the second strap 66 terminating in a snap catch 74. Secured to the first strap 60 between the free end 62 thereof and the point of attachment of the second strap 66 are a pair of short straps 76 and 78 each terminating in a buckle 80. The various straps of the foot lashing 58 can be made of fabric, e.g., canvas, and the straps sewn to one another by conventional stitching. Likewise, the second strap 66 can be secured to the hook 68 by means of a loop stitched around the hook loop 70. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, but omitted from FIG. 5 for greater clarity, a pad 59 is disposed between the lashing 58 and the victims foot for greater comfort.
Completing the splint is a support 82 (FIGS. 1 and 3) by means of which the lower end of the splint can be raised off the ground. The support 82 comprises a U-shaped bar, the ends of which are pivotally secured to the movable blocks 46 to which the traction bar 42 is secured, the pivotal securing means allowing folding over of the support 82 against the lower section 12 during storage of the splint.
In use, the splint 10, in its locked, extended configuration, is disposed beneath the leg and buttock of the victim, as shown in FIG. 3, and the leg securely bound to the splint by means of the support bands 36 and the buttock pad straps 40. The foot lashing 58 is secured to the victims foot (FIGS. 3 and 6) by positioning the point of attachment of the first 60 and second 66 straps of the lashing on one side of the leg, just above the ankle bone, and wrapping the first strap 60 about the 'ankle, the free ends of the first strap overlapping and being secured to one-another. As shown, one or the other of the short straps 76 and 78 secured to the first strap 60, depending upon the girth of the ankle being secured, is disposed more or less diametrically opposite to the second strap 66, i.e., on the other side of the foot just above the ankle bone, and the snap catch 74 extending from the hook 68 is secured to the strap buckle 80. The two straps 76 and 78 are of equal length, and the combined lengths of the strap extension 73, the snap hook 74 and the strap 76 or 78 to which the hook 74 is connected are approximately equal to the length of the strap 66 between the hook 68 and the strap 60. Thus, equal tension is applied by the foot lashing 58 to each side of the foot.
The traction bar 42 is then moved towards the foot (the ratchet catch pins 54, FIG. 4, being squeezed together to disengage the ratchet mechanism), the hook 68 (FIG. 3) of the lashing is looped about the bar 42, and the traction bar moved in the direction away from the foot to place the limb in traction, the ratchet mechanism associated with the traction bar 42 locking the traction bar in position.
Of particular importance is that the splint 10 can be used with victims of greatly varying sizes. First, as previously noted, the traction bar 42 can be locked substantially anywhere along the length of the lower section 12 of the splint. Thus, for example, with a splint having an upper section 14 length of about 23 inches, a lower section 12 length of about 28 inches, and a foot lashing 58 having an extending length of about 1 1 inches, the splint is useful on legs varying in length between 18 and 40 inches, i.e., on an adult of a height in the order of 6 feet 10 inches down to children of a height in the order of 3 feet 7 inches.
Second, as noted above, the foot lashing 58 is provided with two (or more, as desired) short straps 76 and 78 connected to the first, ankle strap 60, whereby, within a relatively wide range of ankle girths, one of the two short straps 76 or 78 is disposed approximately diametrically opposite the point of attachment of the second strap 66 with the ankle strap 60. By attaching the snap catch 74 end of the second strap 66 to this short strap, tension is applied to the leg on opposite sides thereof (FIG. 6), i.e., at opposite ends ofa line perpendicular to a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the leg. This arrangement, applying equal traction to each vertical side of the ankle, is effective to maintain the foot perpendicular to the leg while traction is being applied. As known, this is generally desired for reasons of comfort and avoidance of further injury to the victim during transportation.
The foot lashing 58, as can be observed, provides a major portion of the vertical support'for the foot. A further advantage of the splint 10 is that the foot lashing 58 is of a fixed, relatively short length between the traction bar 42 and the victims ankle. Thus, the amount of vertical support provided by the foot lashing is the same regardless of the length of the limb and regardless of the axial disposition of the traction bar 42 along the splint frame. This feature is particularly desirable in comparison with known splints where the traction applying means is fixedly disposed at the lower end of the splint, and various size limbs are accomodated by varying the length of the foot lashing extending between the foot and the traction applying means. The longer the foot lashing, the less is the vertical support provided the foot.
Various known ratchet means, other than the particular one shown for positioning the traction bar 42 along the splint frame, can be used. Also, a ratchet mechanism can be dispensed with, and other traction bar locking means can be used. For example, the traction bar 42 can be locked in place by means of a strap extending between the traction bar 42 and the connecting bar 20 of the lower frame section 12.
Also, other means for securing the traction bar 42 to a foot are within the scope of this invention. For example, in place of the first strap 60 of the lashing 58 shown herein, a hollow inflatable tubing can be used having free ends which can be secured to one another. In such case, only a single short strap for attachment to the snap catch 74 need be provided, variations in ankle size being accommodated by different amounts of inflation of the ankle encircling tubing.
While described for use with a leg, splints in accordance with this invention can be used, suitably modified, on arms. Such modifications, clear to persons skilled in these arts, relate .to the dimensions of the splint and lashings, and to the substitution of, e.g., a crescent shaped, crutch-type upper end, for the upper or buttock end of the splint 10.
What is claimed is:
1. A portable traction splint comprising:
a pair of elongated side members and means for securing a limb therebetween, at least one of said side members including a ratchet track extending axially therealong,
traction means mounted on said side members, said traction means comprising a pair of blocks mounted one each on each of said side members for movement therealong, and a hollow bar extending transversely between said side members and secured to said blocks, one of said blocks having an opening therethrough in alignment with said bar and exposing said track,
a ratchet mechanism for locking said traction means against movement towards one end of said side members, said mechanism comprising a ratchet catch disposed within said hollow bar and biased to extend outwardly from one end thereof through said block opening and into engagement with said track, and means for retracting said catch inwardly of said bar for disengaging it from said track, and
limb lashing means for securing said traction means to a limb secured to said splint, limb length variations being accommodated by varying the position of said traction means along said side members.
2. A splint as in claim 1 including a compression spring disposed within said bar for biasing said catch, and wherein said retracting means comprises a pin secured to said catch and extending transversely away from said bar through a slot in the wall thereof.
3. A limb lashing for securing a limb to a splint comprising:
an elongated first member including securing means whereby said member can be disposed around and secured to a limb,
a second elongated member extending transversely from said first member and secured thereto at a first point, said second member having a first connecting means at its free end and a second connecting means intermediate said first point and said free end,
a third elongated member extending transversely from said first member and secured thereto at a second point spaced from said first point, said third member having a third connecting means at the free end thereof, said first and third connecting means being connectable to one another,
the dimensions of said lashing being such that, when in its operative disposition for securing a limb to a splint, the distance between said first connecting means and said first point when measured along said second member is substantially equal to the distance between said first connecting means and said second point when measured along said third member.
4. The lashing of claim 3 wherein said first elongated member comprises a hollow inflatable tubing.
5. The lashing of claim 3 including a fourth elongated member extending from said first member transversely thereto and secured to said first member at a third point spaced from said second point and having a fourth connecting means at the free end thereof connectable to said first connecting means, said third and fourth members, including the connecting means attached thereto, being of substantially the same length, whereby, depending upon the girth ofa limb secured by said lashing, said first connecting means can be connected to either of said third or fourth connecting means to provide two connections between said first connecting means and said first elongated member of substantially equal length.

Claims (5)

1. A portable traction splint comprising: a pair of elongated side members and means for securing a limb therebetween, at least one of said side members including a ratchet track extending axially therealong, traction means mounted on said side members, said traction means comprising a pair of blocks mounted one each on each of said side members for movement therealong, and a hollow bar extending transversely between said side members and secured to said blocks, one of said blocks having an opening therethrough in alignment with said bar and exposing said track, a ratchet mechanism for locking said traction means against movement towards one end of said side members, said mechanism comprising a ratchet catch disposed within said hollow bar and biased to extend outwardly from one end thereof through said block opening and into engagement with said track, and means for retracting said catch inwardly of said bar for disengaging it from said track, and limb lashing means for securing said traction means to a limb secured to said splint, limb length variations being accommodated by varying the position of said traction means along said side members.
2. A splint as in claim 1 including a compression spring disposed within said bar for biasing said catch, and wherein said retracting means comprises a pin secured to said catch and extending transversely away from said bar through a slot in the wall thereof.
3. A limb lashing for securing a limb to a splint comprising: an elongated first member including securing means whereby said member can be disposed around and secured to a limb, a second elongated member extending transversely from said first member and secured thereto at a first point, said second member having a first connecting means at its free end and a second connecting means intermediate said first point and said free end, a third elongated member extending transversely from saiD first member and secured thereto at a second point spaced from said first point, said third member having a third connecting means at the free end thereof, said first and third connecting means being connectable to one another, the dimensions of said lashing being such that, when in its operative disposition for securing a limb to a splint, the distance between said first connecting means and said first point when measured along said second member is substantially equal to the distance between said first connecting means and said second point when measured along said third member.
4. The lashing of claim 3 wherein said first elongated member comprises a hollow inflatable tubing.
5. The lashing of claim 3 including a fourth elongated member extending from said first member transversely thereto and secured to said first member at a third point spaced from said second point and having a fourth connecting means at the free end thereof connectable to said first connecting means, said third and fourth members, including the connecting means attached thereto, being of substantially the same length, whereby, depending upon the girth of a limb secured by said lashing, said first connecting means can be connected to either of said third or fourth connecting means to provide two connections between said first connecting means and said first elongated member of substantially equal length.
US455265A 1974-03-27 1974-03-27 Portable traction splint Expired - Lifetime US3906942A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US455265A US3906942A (en) 1974-03-27 1974-03-27 Portable traction splint

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US455265A US3906942A (en) 1974-03-27 1974-03-27 Portable traction splint

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3906942A true US3906942A (en) 1975-09-23

Family

ID=23808113

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US455265A Expired - Lifetime US3906942A (en) 1974-03-27 1974-03-27 Portable traction splint

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3906942A (en)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4079734A (en) * 1976-12-03 1978-03-21 Orthopedic Equipment Company Traction device for use with a Thomas splint
US4174709A (en) * 1977-12-20 1979-11-20 Maddux Richard H Extensible splint
US4265230A (en) * 1978-07-11 1981-05-05 Jordon Donald A Traction splint
US4350153A (en) * 1981-08-03 1982-09-21 Borschneck Anthony G Splint for use with a human leg
US4419991A (en) * 1982-04-29 1983-12-13 Roger Lee Splint
US4649907A (en) * 1984-02-29 1987-03-17 Australian Biomedical Corporation Limited Traction splint
US4911152A (en) * 1986-05-23 1990-03-27 Aero Products, Inc. Femoral traction splint
US4941465A (en) * 1989-02-21 1990-07-17 Borschneck Anthony G Ischial perineal cushion for emergency traction splint
US5316544A (en) * 1992-02-13 1994-05-31 Detroit Receiving Hospital & University Health Center Splint pad
US5342288A (en) * 1992-08-03 1994-08-30 Roger Lee Traction splint
US6669660B2 (en) 1998-08-10 2003-12-30 Thomas P. Branch Orthotic apparatus and method for using same
US6872186B2 (en) 2001-05-15 2005-03-29 Ermi Corporation Apparatus for enabling the movement of human limbs and method for using same
US20050251076A1 (en) * 2004-04-09 2005-11-10 Branch Thomas P Method and apparatus for multidirectional positioning of a shoulder
US20060116619A1 (en) * 2004-09-02 2006-06-01 Weinstein Robert B Method and apparatus for manipulating a toe joint
US20060184083A1 (en) * 2004-01-24 2006-08-17 Buckman Robert F Splint system and method of use
US8273044B1 (en) 2009-12-04 2012-09-25 Larson Donald O Traction splint device
US8870802B1 (en) 2011-04-13 2014-10-28 Water Crest Industries LLC Traction splint
US9180037B1 (en) * 2009-07-28 2015-11-10 Joel N. Smith Leg brace
EA025902B1 (en) * 2014-10-29 2017-02-28 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "МЕДПЛАНТ" Collapsible traction splint

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US76382A (en) * 1868-04-07 Elizur h
US170656A (en) * 1875-12-07 Improvement in hip and thigh braces
US1164956A (en) * 1915-08-27 1915-12-21 Frank P Nourse Extension-splint.
US1238224A (en) * 1917-05-07 1917-08-28 Harry Wm Vickers Splint.
US1242688A (en) * 1916-06-30 1917-10-09 Kny Scheerer Corp Extension-splint.
US1442711A (en) * 1921-05-16 1923-01-16 Delorme Alfred Fracture apparatus

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US76382A (en) * 1868-04-07 Elizur h
US170656A (en) * 1875-12-07 Improvement in hip and thigh braces
US1164956A (en) * 1915-08-27 1915-12-21 Frank P Nourse Extension-splint.
US1242688A (en) * 1916-06-30 1917-10-09 Kny Scheerer Corp Extension-splint.
US1238224A (en) * 1917-05-07 1917-08-28 Harry Wm Vickers Splint.
US1442711A (en) * 1921-05-16 1923-01-16 Delorme Alfred Fracture apparatus

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4079734A (en) * 1976-12-03 1978-03-21 Orthopedic Equipment Company Traction device for use with a Thomas splint
US4174709A (en) * 1977-12-20 1979-11-20 Maddux Richard H Extensible splint
US4265230A (en) * 1978-07-11 1981-05-05 Jordon Donald A Traction splint
US4350153A (en) * 1981-08-03 1982-09-21 Borschneck Anthony G Splint for use with a human leg
US4419991A (en) * 1982-04-29 1983-12-13 Roger Lee Splint
US4649907A (en) * 1984-02-29 1987-03-17 Australian Biomedical Corporation Limited Traction splint
US4911152A (en) * 1986-05-23 1990-03-27 Aero Products, Inc. Femoral traction splint
US4941465A (en) * 1989-02-21 1990-07-17 Borschneck Anthony G Ischial perineal cushion for emergency traction splint
US5316544A (en) * 1992-02-13 1994-05-31 Detroit Receiving Hospital & University Health Center Splint pad
US5342288A (en) * 1992-08-03 1994-08-30 Roger Lee Traction splint
US20110218469A1 (en) * 1998-08-10 2011-09-08 Branch Thomas P Orthotic apparatus and method for using same
US7479121B2 (en) 1998-08-10 2009-01-20 Branch Thomas P Orthotic apparatus and method for using same
US20040171973A1 (en) * 1998-08-10 2004-09-02 Branch Thomas P. Orthotic apparatus and method for using same
US20090143708A1 (en) * 1998-08-10 2009-06-04 Branch Thomas P Orthotic apparatus and method for using same
US8361002B2 (en) 1998-08-10 2013-01-29 Ermi, Inc. Orthotic apparatus and method for using same
US6669660B2 (en) 1998-08-10 2003-12-30 Thomas P. Branch Orthotic apparatus and method for using same
US20050202943A1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2005-09-15 Ermi Corporation Apparatus for enabling the movement of human limbs and method for using same
US6872186B2 (en) 2001-05-15 2005-03-29 Ermi Corporation Apparatus for enabling the movement of human limbs and method for using same
US20060184083A1 (en) * 2004-01-24 2006-08-17 Buckman Robert F Splint system and method of use
US8845569B2 (en) 2004-01-24 2014-09-30 Damage Control Surgical Technologies, Inc. Splint system and method of use
US7507216B2 (en) * 2004-01-24 2009-03-24 Damage Control Surgical Technologies, Inc. Splint system and method of use
US8211046B2 (en) 2004-01-24 2012-07-03 Damage Control Surgical Technologies, Inc. Splint system and method of use
US7935069B2 (en) 2004-01-24 2011-05-03 Damage Control Surgical Technologies, Inc. Splint system and method of use
US20110213285A1 (en) * 2004-01-24 2011-09-01 Buckman Robert F Splint system and method of use
US20050251076A1 (en) * 2004-04-09 2005-11-10 Branch Thomas P Method and apparatus for multidirectional positioning of a shoulder
US7686775B2 (en) 2004-04-09 2010-03-30 Branch Thomas P Method and apparatus for multidirectional positioning of a shoulder
US7874996B2 (en) 2004-09-02 2011-01-25 Ermi Corporation Method and apparatus for manipulating a toe joint
US20060116619A1 (en) * 2004-09-02 2006-06-01 Weinstein Robert B Method and apparatus for manipulating a toe joint
US9180037B1 (en) * 2009-07-28 2015-11-10 Joel N. Smith Leg brace
US8273044B1 (en) 2009-12-04 2012-09-25 Larson Donald O Traction splint device
US8870802B1 (en) 2011-04-13 2014-10-28 Water Crest Industries LLC Traction splint
EA025902B1 (en) * 2014-10-29 2017-02-28 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "МЕДПЛАНТ" Collapsible traction splint

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3906942A (en) Portable traction splint
US5101815A (en) Splinting method, splint and strap
US4124908A (en) Rescue and transportation device
US4608971A (en) Emergency leg splint
GB1115511A (en) Improvements relating to collapsible supporting structures
US3158875A (en) Invalid stretcher
US4478311A (en) Safety harness for hunters
US4587962A (en) Tibia/ankle orthosis
US9427238B2 (en) Device for control of hemorrhage including stabilized point pressure device
US3574871A (en) Safety litter
US2198908A (en) Traction splint hitch
US20180021162A1 (en) Protective limb brace
JPS60227757A (en) Traction splint
US2319609A (en) Traction splint
US3125766A (en) Splint-stretcher
US5681272A (en) Portable traction device
US20130110027A1 (en) Multi-purpose modular trauma management system and novel individual elements forming part thereof
US3720206A (en) Ankle hitch
US3419002A (en) Traction device
US2060001A (en) Splint
US10624775B2 (en) Strapping system for securing an orthopedic brace to the body
US20040220502A1 (en) Apparatus for supporting the back
US20220104860A1 (en) Traction tensioning apparatus and system
US8562552B1 (en) Emergency quick splint
US3274998A (en) Leg splint