DEVICE FOR THE EXTENSION AND ADJUSTMENT OF THE SPINE Technical classification : According to the International Classification of Patents (ICP) this invention can be classified into the following categories: A61 F5/00-orthopedic procedures or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones and joints A63 B23/02-exercise devices specially adapted for the stomach, spine, chest or shoulders Technical problem : One of the toughest problems present in patients suffering from pains and disorders of the spine is the extension (lumboishialgia) and adjustment of the spinal column as it requires the application of a force and an adequate positioning of the patient.

The construction of this new device allows the patient to stretch his/her own spine using a natural body movement assisted and supervised by a physician.

This device can also be used for general exercising and health training.

The state of the art The US patent no. 5, 308, 359 named"The device and method for the extension of the spine"submitted by Lossing Orthopedic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., is a device and a method used for the therapy of spinal injuries by: 1. uplifting and turning of the pelvic portion to strengthen the lumbar spine, 2. applying (transmitting) a force onto the spinal column in order to separate vertebral bodies, and 3. stretching the spinal connective tissues using a relative shift of the patient's body with a fulcrum in a fixed point. The difference between the American and the relevant device lies in the construction, in the way the treatment is performed and in the therapeutic goals (stretching of the lumbar spine in relation to the entire spinal column).

The DE patent no. 3420858 A1 named"Orthopedic exercising device" submitted by Matuschek Eduard, Stuttgart, is a device used for strengthening of muscles and stretching of the spine. During exercises the patient stands in the vertical posture with the legs shifted away from a fixed point and the forearms leaning on U-shaped supports. The arm supports and the support for the back are

connected and make an elastic part that functions as a support for the entire body.

Using this device the patient can perform exercises aimed at strengthening of spinal muscles with the back leaning on a support so that the spine is free from straining and stretching. Another possibility is to stretch the spine using the body weight with no back support. The difference from the German and the relevant device lies in the construction, in the way the treatment is performed and the body posture.

The solution of the technical problem: The construction and design of this device for extension and adjustment of the spine solves the problem of stretching and adjusting of the spinal column in case of painful syndromes and lumboischialgia by the use of a relative shift of the patient's body with a fulcrum in two fixed points. The treatment is based upon natural body movements performed by the patient assisted or unassisted by medical staff (assistance with stretching and holding of the handgrips).

The position of the patient during the use of device is as follows : -the upper body portion (the chest and stomach) leans on the table, -the hands are on the handgrips, -the feet are on the stairs.

By assuming the described position, extension is carried out by weighing down of the lower body portion into the squatting position or by hanging down the legs. In this way the spine is extended in a natural way.

Primary purpose of this invention is improved treatment of spinal disorders.

Secondary purpose of this invention is to construct a device that has a top surface adjustable to patient's needs.

The drawings enclosed to the description illustrate the way this invention works and help explain the basic principles of its application.

Drawing 1-shows the device in the axonometric projection 'Drawing 2-shows the pillow in the axonometric position The device for spinal extension and adjustment constructed according to this invention consists of: base (1), handgrips (2 and 3), handgrip clamps (10), table (4), stairs (5), tilting bar (6), piston (7), cylinder (8) and pin (9).

As shown in Drawing 1, the base construction is made of metal tubular sections mounted on four legs. The legs are connected with transverse and longitudinal tubes to reinforce the frame. The adjustable table (4) consisting of a

metal plate padded with sponge (or similar material) and covered by a protective layer is not firmly connected to the upper portion of the base frame (1) so that it can be tilted upwards or downwards using the tilting bar (6). The design of the tilting bar (one of many possibilities) shown in Drawing 1 consists of the piston (7), cylinder (8) and the pin (9). There are holes along the longitudinal axis of the piston (7) and cylinder (8). The piston (7) is attached to the table at one end (4) and its other end enters the cylinder (7). The position of the piston (7) is fixed within the cylinder (8) by insertion of the pin (9) through a hole. The degree of the table tilt can be changed by inserting or pulling out of the pin. It is obvious that the regulation and securing of table tilt can be also done in a different way by minor adjustments and changes in the design without a major departure form the original scheme and idea of this invention. The L-shaped handgrips (2 and 3) are connected to the base (1) by handgrip clamps (10) and can be moved along or rotated around the frame tubes. The lower portion of the handgrips enters the clamps (10) where it is fixed with screws. The handgrip clamps (10) are attached to the transverse tube of the upper base frame (1).

The degree of table tilt depends upon the patient's height and severity of disorders. A pillow (11) placed on the table allows additional tilting of the table.

The stairs (5), the component part of this device, provide easy access and positioning of the patient.

This invention offers a practical, permanent and useful device. Its production is cost-effective and its efficacy has been proved in practice.