Hand orthoses

Hand orthotics are provided for protecting and/or supporting phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand providing thin, lightweight, moldable devices that form to the digits of and to the hand to provide shock absorption and limited range of motion in flexion and extension movements of the digits of the hand, but mitigate or prevent hyperextension. Each orthotic has several plates of thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like that are generally, if not entirely, inflexible and interlinked through limited range of motion hinges, overlapping, and/or abutting plates that accommodate stability and protection. The plates are contained within, on top, underneath, or permutations of these, a form fitting material (e.g. neoprene or vinyl) to maintain a tight fit to the hand, digits and wrist. A thumb plate is hinged to an upper or lower hand plate of the device and includes a loop for receiving the thumb.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to orthotics, particularly upper limb orthotics and, more particularly, to hand orthoses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The hand and wrist is subject to a lot of stress and strain from everyday tasks. Sports, such as but not limited to, mountain biking, motorcycling, snow and water skiing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and the like, for both amateur and professionals put additional strains on the hand and wrist. Hand and wrist injuries can also occur due to manual labor. A highly common injury to the hand is fracture of the metacarpals. Another is rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament. Other injuries to the phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand and wrist also occur. In view of the above, it would be advantageous to have a device to protect the phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand and the wrist from the above-mentioned and other injuries and/or support the phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of hand and wrist after such injuries have occurred.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device to protect the phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand from the above-mentioned and other injuries and/or support the phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand after such injuries have occurred.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hand orthotics, orthoses or gloves are provided for protecting and/or supporting phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand (i.e. hand orthoses). The present hand orthoses are thin, lightweight, preferably, but not necessarily, moldable devices that form to the digits of and to the hand to provide shock absorption and limited range of motion in flexion and extension movements of the digits of the hand, but mitigate or prevent hyperextension.

Each orthotic, orthosis or glove has several generally inflexible, it not entirely inflexible, preferably, but not necessarily, formable plates of thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like that are interlinked through limited range of motion hinges, overlapping, and/or abutting plates that accommodate stability and protection. The plates are contained within, on top, underneath, or permutations of these, a form fitting material (e.g. neoprene or vinyl) to maintain a tight fit to the hand, digits and wrist. A thumb plate is hinged to an upper or lower hand plate of the device and includes a loop for receiving the thumb.

Each orthotic, orthosis or glove fits under another glove such as a sports glove, whereby the use will be able to wear the orthosis in future activities to aid in preventing hand re-injury, post-operatively, and/or prophylactically.

Each orthotic, orthosis or glove may have gel padding strips or the like at the base of the palm within the device liner to accommodate for shock absorption and potential injury.

In one form, the orthotic, orthoses or glove has one or more fitting straps, tensioning bands or the like that cross the wrist, central palm (e.g. inside the hand and on top), as well as wrap the thumb to ensure a custom fit. The straps or tensioning bands or the like mitigate vibration fatigue and reduce carpal tunnel issues.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the following description of forms of the invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that other forms of the invention are possible and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number of respects without departing from the inventive concept. The following drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FORMS OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, there is depicted an exemplary form of a hand orthosis, glove, hand covering, or the like (collectively, “orthosis”) generally designated10fitted onto a right hand. The hand orthosis10is characterized by a body11formed of a flexible, but durable, form fitting material such as, but not limited to, neoprene, vinyl, cloth, or the like. The body11includes a wrist section12that covers the wrist of the hand, a middle section13that covers the palm, back and knuckles of the hand, and a digits section covering lower portions of the digits that includes a thumb section14that covers a lower portion the thumb, an index finger section15that covers a lower portion of the index finger, a middle finger section16that covers a lower portion of the middle finger, a ring finger section17that covers a lower portion of the ring finger, and a baby (pinky) finger section18that covers a portion of the baby finger. Each digit section,14,15,16,17,18may cover more of each digit than shown. Particularly, while each digit section14,15,16,17,18shown as covering the metacarpals, one or more digit section14,15,16,17,18may also cover the phalanges.

FIG. 1shows a strap, tensioning band or the like (collectively, strap)25that may be provided to adjust and/or tighten the body11onto the hand. The strap25is connected to the palm of the middle section13(seeFIG. 3) and may utilized a hook and loop material, or otherwise, for securing the free end of the strap25to the back side of the middle section13.FIG. 2shows the hand orthosis10without the strap25.

A first formable plate19of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the upper side (backside) of the wrist section12and partially the middle section13, the nomenclature “first” being arbitrary. The first plate19eliminates, prevents, or hinders hyperextension of the wrist. A second formable plate20of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the middle section13at the back side of the hand and shown adjacent the first plate19, the nomenclature “second” being arbitrary. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second plates19,20overlap one another, but may abut or nearly abut one another, may be hinged to one another, or may be otherwise joined to provide stability and protection to the wrist and the carpals (back) of the hand.

A formable thumb plate21of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the thumb section14. The thumb plate21partially surrounds the thumb such that only the outside lateral area of the thumb is covered. A hinge22pivotally connects the thumb plate21to the first plate19. The thumb plate21has a loop23at its distal end that receives the thumb of the wearer. The pivoting thumb plate21allows flexion but limits extension so as to eliminate, prevent or hinder hyperextension of the thumb.

FIGS. 1 and 2depict slightly different sized components of the same hand orthosis10illustrating the formable nature of the plates. For instance, the first plates19have slightly different lengths. The thumb sections21are also slightly different. Additionally, while the digit sections14,15,16,17,18are part of the non-formable body11, they may also be slightly different to accommodate different dimensioned hands. Otherwise, the components and functions are the same.

FIG. 3shows the palm side of the right hand and thus the palm side of the present hand orthosis10. The hand orthosis10has a third formable plate26of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the palm side of the wrist section12, the nomenclature “third” being arbitrary. Gel pads or inserts27a,27b,27c,27dare provided on the palm side of the middle section13of the body11. The gel pads27a,27b,27c,27daid in reducing vibration and/or fatigue. The strap25is also preferably, but not necessarily, anchored to the body11in this area.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, there is depicted another exemplary form of a hand orthosis, glove, hand covering, or the like (collectively, “orthosis”) generally designated34fitted onto a right hand. The hand orthosis34is characterized by a body35formed of a flexible, but durable, form fitting material such as, but not limited to, neoprene, vinyl, cloth, or the like. The body35includes a wrist section36that covers the wrist of the hand, a middle section37that covers the palm, back and knuckles of the hand, and a digits section covering lower portions of the digits that includes a thumb section38that covers a lower portion the thumb, an index finger section39that covers a lower portion of the index finger, a middle finger section40that covers a lower portion of the middle finger, a ring finger section41that covers a lower portion of the ring finger, and a baby (pinky) finger section42that covers a portion of the baby finger. Each digit section,38,39,40,41,42may cover more of each digit than shown. Particularly, while each digit section38,39,40,41,42shown as covering the metacarpals, one or more digit section38,39,40,41,42may also cover the phalanges.

A strap, tensioning band or the like (collectively, strap)49may be provided to adjust and/or tighten the body37onto the hand, and thusFIG. 5shows the strap whileFIG. 4does not. The strap29is connected to the palm of the middle section37(seeFIG. 5) and may utilized a hook and loop material, or otherwise, for securing the free end of the strap49to the back side of the middle section37.

A first formable plate43of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the upper side (backside) of the wrist section36and partially the middle section37, the nomenclature “first” being arbitrary. The first plate43eliminates, prevents, or hinders hyperextension of the wrist. A second formable plate44of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the middle section37at the back side of the hand and shown adjacent the first plate43, the nomenclature “second” being arbitrary. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second plates43,44overlap one another, but may abut or nearly abut one another, may be hinged to one another, or may be otherwise joined to provide stability and protection to the wrist and the carpals (back) of the hand.

A formable thumb plate45of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the thumb section38. The thumb plate45partially surrounds the thumb such that only the outside lateral area of the thumb is covered. A hinge46pivotally connects the thumb plate45to the first plate43. The thumb plate45has a loop47at its distal end that receives the thumb of the wearer. The pivoting thumb plate45allows flexion but limits extension so as to eliminate, prevent or hinder hyperextension of the thumb.

FIG. 5shows the palm side of the right hand and thus the palm side of the present hand orthosis34. The hand orthosis34has a third formable plate50of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the palm side of the wrist section36, the nomenclature “third” being arbitrary. Gel pads or inserts51a,51b,51c,51dare provided on the palm side of the middle section37of the body35. The gel pads51a,51b,51c,51daid in reducing vibration and/or fatigue. The strap49is also preferably, but not necessarily, anchored to the body37in this area.

As seen inFIG. 4, the hand orthosis34has a formable index finger plate54of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, provided within, on top, or underneath the distal end of the middle section37and the proximal end of the index finger section39. A loop55of the formable index finger plate54is provided at a distal end thereof that receives the index finger. A hinge56pivotally connects the formable index finger plate54to the distal end of the second formable plate44. The hand orthosis34also has a formable middle finger plate57of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, provided within, on top, or underneath the distal end of the middle section37and the proximal end of the middle finger section40. A loop58of the formable middle finger plate57is provided at a distal end thereof that receives the middle finger. A hinge59pivotally connects the formable middle finger plate57to the distal end of the second formable plate44. The hand orthosis34also has a formable ring finger plate60of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, provided within, on top, or underneath the distal end of the middle section37and the proximal end of the ring finger section41. A loop61of the formable ring finger plate60is provided at a distal end thereof that receives the ring finger. A hinge62pivotally connects the formable ring finger plate60to the distal end of the second formable plate44. The hand orthosis34further has a formable baby (pinky) finger plate63of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, provided within, on top, or underneath the distal end of the middle section37and the proximal end of the baby finger section42. A loop64of the formable baby finger plate63is provided at a distal end thereof that receives the baby finger. A hinge65pivotally connects the formable baby finger plate63to the distal end of the second formable plate44.

Referring toFIG. 6, there is depicted another exemplary form of a hand orthosis, glove, hand covering, or the like (collectively, “orthosis”) generally designated70fitted onto a right hand. The hand orthosis70is characterized by a body71formed of a flexible, but durable, form fitting material such as, but not limited to, neoprene, vinyl, cloth, or the like. The body71includes a wrist section72that covers the wrist of the hand, a middle section73that covers the palm, back and knuckles of the hand, and a digits section covering lower portions of the digits that includes a thumb section74that covers a lower portion the thumb, an index finger section75that covers a lower portion of the index finger, a middle finger section76that covers a lower portion of the middle finger, a ring finger section77that covers a lower portion of the ring finger, and a baby (pinky) finger section78that covers a portion of the baby finger. Each digit section,74,75,76,77,78may cover more of each digit than shown. Particularly, while each digit section74,75,76,77,78shown as covering the metacarpals, one or more digit section74,75,76,77,78may also cover the phalanges.

A strap, tensioning band or the like (collectively, strap)90may be provided to adjust and/or tighten the body71about the hand, and thusFIG. 6shows the strap. The strap73is connected to the palm of the middle section73(e.g., seeFIG. 5) or otherwise, as well as additional straps (not shown) and may utilized a hook and loop material, or otherwise, for securing the free end of the strap49to the back side of the middle section73. Other strap configurations and/or connections may be used and are contemplated.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second plates19,20overlap one another, but may be separate if desired. A first formable plate79of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the upper side (backside) of the wrist section72and partially the middle section73, the nomenclature “first” being arbitrary. The first plate79eliminates, prevents, or hinders hyperextension of the wrist. A second formable plate80of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the middle section73at the back side of the hand and shown adjacent the first plate79, the nomenclature “second” being arbitrary. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second plates79,80overlap one another, but may abut or nearly abut one another, may be hinged to one another, or may be otherwise joined to provide stability and protection to the wrist and the carpals (back) of the hand.

A formable thumb plate81formed by a first section82and a second section83of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the thumb section14. The thumb plate81partially surrounds the thumb such that only the outside lateral area of the thumb is covered. Particularly, a hinge85pivotally connects the first thumb plate section82to the first plate79, while a hinge84pivotally connects the second thumb plate section83to the first thumb plate section82. The second thumb plate section83has a loop86at its distal end that receives the thumb of the wearer. The pivoting first and second thumb plates82,83allows flexion but limits extension so as to eliminate, prevent or hinder hyperextension of the thumb.

The hand orthosis70has a palm side that is similar, if not identical, to the palm side of the right hand as shown inFIG. 3. The hand orthosis70has a third formable plate of a thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like, is provided within, on top, or underneath the palm side of the wrist section72, the nomenclature “third” being arbitrary. Gel pads or inserts are provided on the palm side of the middle section73of the body71. The gel pads aid in reducing vibration and/or fatigue. The strap90is also preferably, but not necessarily, anchored to the body71in this area.

The formable plates of each of the present hand orthotics, orthoses, or gloves may be generally if not entirely inflexible if desired. Moreover, the formable plates may be non-formable but still generally if not entirely inflexible if desired.

It should be appreciated that dimensions of the components, structures, and/or features of the present hand orthotics/orthoses/gloves may be altered as desired within the scope of the present disclosure.