Abstract:
A glove for reducing lateral subluxation of the first carpometacarpal joint that includes a glove body, and a strap portion carried by the glove body. The strap portion extends from a proximal end portion of the glove, and has a length sufficient to allow the strap to be looped around the thumb, to provide dorsal-radial tension on the thumb near the distal end of the first metacarpal in order to reduce lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. An attachment element is also provided for securing a distal end of the strap portion to a mutually engaging attachment element secured to the glove body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/045,518, filed Apr. 16, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a glove for use by those suffering from arthritis. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a sports glove for use by participants suffering from an arthritic thumb (first) carpometacarpal joint. 
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
       [0003]    A variety of sporting gloves are known in the art for providing protection and or an enhanced grip. Additionally, there are various orthopedic support devices for providing protection and/or support of appendages and/or joints, such as finger splints, or those to guard against wrist injury. However, it is often uncomfortable or impossible to use such orthopedic support devices in conjunction with sporting gloves, which often require a close fit to maximize control of sporting equipment. 
         [0004]    The present invention addresses one aspect of this problem by providing a sports glove with integral tension band for applying radial-dorsal tension to the thumb to minimize the effects of pathologies, such as arthritis and instability of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings. 
         [0006]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, the invention includes, in one aspect, a glove for reducing lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. The glove includes a glove body, and a strap portion carried by the glove body. The strap portion extends from a proximal end portion of the glove body, and has a length sufficient to allow the strap to be looped around the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) to extend the thumb metacarpal and serve as a dorsal radial tension band to reduce lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. In this manner, the strap portion is capable of gently extending the distal end of the first metacarpal thereby maximizing the first web space for gripping and redirect force at the first CMC joint. An attachment element is also provided for securing a distal end of the strap portion to a mutually engaging attachment element secured to the glove body. 
         [0007]    The strap portion can be integrally formed with the glove body. Alternatively, the strap portion can be separately formed from the glove body, with a proximal end of the strap being permanently attached to the glove body. Alternatively still, the proximal end of the strap can be removably attached to the glove body. 
         [0008]    The strap portion can be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material can be rubber, such as polychloroprene. The strap portion can alternatively be formed of leather, a composite material or another suitable material. 
         [0009]    The attachment element can be a buckle secured to the glove body for engaging a distal end portion of the strap. Alternatively, the attachment element can be a snap, with a portion of the snap being provided on the glove body, and a second portion of the snap for engaging the first portion thereof, which is provided on in the distal end portion of the strap. Alternatively still, the attachment element can include hook-and-loop fastening material. A first portion of the hook-and-loop fastening material can be provided on the glove, and a second portion of the hook-and-loop fastening material can be provided on a distal end portion of the strap. 
         [0010]    Although discussed and illustrated herein as applying to the first (thumb) carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, Applicant recognizes, and it is to be understood that the invention can advantageously be applied to other joints of the hand in order to provide stability, reduce pain and the like. 
         [0011]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the devices and methods of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a radial-dorsal view of a glove in accordance with the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is dorsal view of the glove shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a palmer view of the glove shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0016]    Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The method and corresponding steps of the invention will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the device. 
         [0017]    The devices and methods presented herein may be used for providing stability for an arthritic or lax first (thumb) carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. The invention is particularly suited for use as a sports accessory, such as a glove for use in playing golf. When a person has laxity or degenerative changes at the first CMC joint, the metacarpal demonstrates lateral subluxation, with the distal end thereof assuming an adduction posture. Such posture narrows the first web space of the hand, and therefore affects the comfortable positioning of sports equipment, such as a golf club, in the hand. Additionally, lateral subluxation of the first metacarpal weakens pinch and grip strength due to abnormal biomechanics, and the pain associated therewith. 
         [0018]    Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a sports glove that stabilizes the first carpometacarpal joint and thus provides a golfer with a stable and less painful joint as they carry out motion, such as a swing of a golf club. 
         [0019]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , in accordance with the invention, a sports glove  100  is provided, which includes a glove body  110  and a strap portion  140 . The glove body  110  need not be substantially different from an ordinary sports glove. A palm portion  113  and corresponding back portion  114  join four finger sheaths  120  and a thumb sheath  125 . A wrist portion  130  of the body  110  includes an inner (radial) portion  131  and an outer (ulnar) portion  133 , which can be separated by a split  132  of any desirable configuration. Alternatively, a gaiter can be formed across this region, or a flexible material can be used, such that the split  132  is not required to facilitate placement of the glove  100  on the hand of a user. 
         [0020]    Gloves in accordance with the invention can be provided with closed finger and thumb sheaths  120 ,  125 , or alternatively, such finger and thumb sheaths can be open to facilitate dexterity, to otherwise improve grip of an object and/or to allow for improved air circulation and cooling of the hand. 
         [0021]    Gloves in accordance with the invention and the respective components thereof can be made from any of a variety of materials including but not limited to natural materials such as leather or cotton, synthetic materials such as plastic, rubber, foam rubber, polychloroprene (e.g., neoprene) and the like. Gloves in accordance with the invention can include any of a variety of features, including but not limited to perforations to enhance ventilation, additional materials to enhance gripping of objects, padding and/or stitched, bonded or welded seams, for example. 
         [0022]    In accordance with the invention, a tension band is provided with the glove body. The tension band, which can have any suitable shape, but is generally shaped as a strap, is carried by the glove body and can be integrally formed with the material of the glove, permanently attached thereto, such as by heat, solvent or ultrasonic welding, stitching, adhesives, rivets or any other suitable fastening elements, or removably attached to the glove body such as by way of snaps, clips, hook-and-loop materials, zippers, adhesive or any other suitable reversible fastening elements. 
         [0023]    In the embodiment of the sports glove  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the tension band  140  is provided on the outer (ulnar) part  133  of the wrist portion or gaiter  130  of the glove body  110 . In use, the band  140  is inserted through the eye  137  provided in connection with the inner (radial) part  131  of the wrist gaiter  130  of the glove body  110 . An eyelet  135  is formed in or attached to the inner (radial) part  131  of the gaiter  130 , and can include reinforcing materials and/or stitching. The eye  137  can be formed of the material of the glove, of the band  140 , such as polychloroprene or of another material, such as a plastic, metal or composite material, for example. 
         [0024]    The band body  141 , after passing through the eyelet  135  is looped around the thumb, first toward the palm portion  113 , then around the volar aspect of the thumb MCP joint (V), crossing around the thumb, again toward the dorsal/radial side thereof, crossing over itself at point C, and continuing across the palmer aspect of the wrist toward portion  130 , where the band  140  is then secured to a mating attachment portion secured to the glove body  110 . 
         [0025]    Point C is in the general area of the CMC joint, depending on the particular anatomy of the user. In any case, the relative proximity of point C, in combination with the cradling effect of the band  140  wrapped around the volar aspect (V) of the thumb, stabilizes the CMC joint. Tension applied during application of the band in the aforementioned configuration determines the amount of tension applied to the CMC joint. Depending on the particular severity of the pathology of the CMC joint, and the comfort level of the user, the tension in the band  140  can be adjusted accordingly, during application. Preferably, the band  140  applies dorsal/radial tension to the thumb, to extend the distal end of the first metacarpal to a normal posture. 
         [0026]    One or more graduated marks can be provided on the attachment portion  149   a  provided on the glove body  110  that correspond with a portion of or a mark on the closure portion  149   b  of the band  140 , so that when comfortable placement of the distal end of the strap is found, the position can quickly and easily be replicated without excessive trial and error. 
         [0027]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the closure portions  149   a,b  include mating hook-and-loop fastener materials. As set forth above, a portion of the hook-and-loop material is associated with the distal end of the band  140 , and the mating material is associated with a region to which the distal end portion of the band  140  will be secured. Accordingly, the body  141  of the band  140  itself can have on its outer surface one portion of the material, such as the loop portion, for example, while the closure portion  149   b  on the distal end portion of the band  140  can have the mating hook material, for example. Additionally or alternatively, one or more regions of material can be provided on the wrist portion  130  for attachment of the distal end portion of the band  140 . 
         [0028]    Additionally or alternatively snaps, catches, clasps, a buckle or other suitable closure elements can be provided for the purpose of adjustably securing the band  140  to the glove body  110 . 
         [0029]    If so desired, a wrist band  143 , as indicated by phantom line in  FIG. 1 , can be included to provide additional structural integrity to the glove  100  in the wrist portion  130 . The wrist band  143  can be integral with the elongate band  140 , or formed separately therefrom. Although the wrist portion  130  of the glove  100  can be fabricated with materials of sufficient strength, it may be desirable to use thinner or lightweight materials that may be suitable for the glove body  100 , but may not provide sufficient strength to withstand prolonged tension applied by the band  140 . Accordingly, the wrist band  143  can be integrated into the body  110  of the glove, either when forming the glove, or by applying the band  143  afterward. Additionally or alternatively, reinforcing stitching can be provided in the wrist portion  130  for strengthening the region and/or for securing the wrist band  143  to the glove body  110 . Alternatively still, the wrist band  143  can be laminated into the material of the glove body  110 , fused, welded, riveted or attached in another suitable manner thereto. 
         [0030]    If so embodied, a rubberized surface or other high-friction material can be applied onto part of, or onto the entire the inner surface of the wrist portion  130 , or band  143  if provided, to inhibit unintentional rotation of the glove body  110  due to tension applied by the band  140 . 
         [0031]    As set forth above, the glove body  110  can be formed of any conventional material, including natural materials such as leather or cotton, or synthetic materials, including but not limited to nylon, polyester, and polychloroprene (e.g., neoprene). 
         [0032]    Similarly, the band  140  can be formed of any suitable natural or synthetic material. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the band  140  is formed of an elastic material, such as polychloroprene, for example. However, leather, rubber, or knitted or woven synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester can advantageously be used to form the band  140 . The band  140  can optionally include a surface material other than polychloroprene, such as a polyester fabric or other reduced friction material to facilitate relative movement between the glove body  110  and the band  140  in use. Alternatively, if reduced movement is desirable for a particular condition, increased friction may be included by appropriately selecting the band  140  material. For this purpose, a less flexible material having a higher coefficient of friction can also be utilized. 
         [0033]    The device and related methods of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for a sports glove with superior properties including increased support for a user&#39;s thumb, while maintaining a non-bulky appearance and feel, and light weight. 
         [0034]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the device and methods of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, although discussed and illustrated herein as applying to the first (thumb) carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, Applicant recognizes that the invention can advantageously be applied to other joints of the hand to provide stability, reduce pain and the like. Thus, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations.