Specification of Alexander Melville Clark : orthopedic apparatus.

  • Clark, Alexander Melville.
Date:
1868
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Specification of Alexander Melville Clark : orthopedic apparatus. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Provisional Specification. A D. ISa;.—N 3493. Claries Improved Orthopedic Apparatus, at same time relieves the weak parts. The apparatus is arranged in such manner as to be suited to all ages, the parts being readily adjusted by means of cords. The apparatus may be employed both Tor promenade and bouse purposes, being made in parts which are readily adjustable, as shown in the Drawings. The apparatus is to be used as a remedy for all deformities of 5 the spine and neck, as it does not develop one member to the detriment of another, it ^being, as will be herein-after explained, capable by tightening or slackening certain cords of being adapted for use by a child in the several stages of its growth. The Invention thus consists Tn the employment of The herein-described 10 apparatus, more especially for curing spinal deformities of all kinds, two examples being shown in the accompanying Drawings. Figure 1 shows a side view of the first arrangement, and Figure 2 a front view of same. a, framing of the apparatus, the foot being provided with rollers or castors J 15 for moving the apparatus in any direction. The two uprights a, a, are con¬ nected by hooked arms c to the fore carriage d which is steered by the levery. g, seat, jointed at falling down in the red line position when the apparatus is to be used for walking purposes; i, back rest sliding on the upright rods ar\ the arm rests y of part i are supported and raised or lowered by means of pull '20 cords Jc for supporting the person under the arms ; 2, elastic ring and net¬ work enclosing the head and supporting same while permitting of its free \ movement. Figure 3 shows a side view and Figure 4 a front view of a modified arrangement of the apparatus. In these two Figures the apparatus is so 25 arranged that the patient may set it in motion and guide it in any direction. The motion of the vehicle is obtained by the aid of toothed gearing set in action by a crank handle which is turned by hand. Instead of toothed wheels another arrangement may be adopted (such as cranks) for setting the apparatus in motion in the manner of a velocipede. Further, instead of 30 using a steering rod, as shown, I may connect the foot plate to the fore wheel by means of metal rods, so as to steer with the feet in any direction. By this means the patient has free use of the hands for holding a book or otherwise. I may also render the apparatus elastic by the aid of springs, as in ordinary vehicles, or by plastic, india-rubber, or other straps for example. 35 a, supporting frame of the apparatus mounted on a carriage, consisting of two hind wheels b and a fore wheel c, the latter being mounted so as to turn by the hand lever for steering the vehicle, or it may be used for drawing it; /, foot plates provided on frame a as before mentioned ; these foot plates may be