Hand cover

A hand cover includes a protective housing secured to an adjustment mechanism. The protective housing inhibits contact between the hand and the external environment. The adjustment mechanism secures the hand cover to the user. An optional upper access aperture provides air circulation and access to the hand. An optional lateral access aperture also provides access to the hand. An optional positioning mechanism helps maintain the hand cover in place. Attachment anchors for restraints or exercise bands may be provided and devices for orienting and securing IV lines may be provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates to hand covers and methods of using the same.

BACKGROUND

Critical care hospital patients often receive medically necessary interventions such as endotracheal tubes, intravenous (IV) lines, nasogastric tubes, and urinary catheters. Medically unsupervised removal of a device, such as the intentional or unintentional removal of a tube or line by a patient, can cause life-threatening situations. The standard of care includes tying cloth restraints around a patient's wrists and securing the restraints to the patient's bed frame with cloth strands short enough to prevent the patient's hands from reaching and moving or removing the devices. The standard of care also includes sedating the patient.

Restraint can be physically uncomfortable for the patient and emotionally disturbing to the patient's family and friends. Restraint also increases the risk of critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), also known as critical care weakness (CCW). Up to 30% of critical care patients develop CIP, which is characterized by profound muscle weakness and neurological dysfunction. CIP can extend a patient's hospital stay for days or even weeks and worsen a patient's prognosis for improvement.

Pediatric, cognitively impaired, and other non-critical patients may intentionally or unintentionally move or remove medical interventions such as wound dressings, IV lines, and nasogastric tubes.

Critical care patients may benefit from muscle strengthening exercise to improve muscle tone or strength or help prevent muscle atrophy. Some patients have arterial IV lines in or near the wrist and may benefit from maintaining the wrist in a cocked position and securing the lines out of the way of the hand.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded as subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be limited.

SUMMARY

The technology disclosed herein relates to hand covers. The hand covers may be used to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions such as endotracheal tubes, intravenous (IV) lines, nasogastric tubes, urinary catheters, and wound dressings. The hand cover includes a protective housing secured to an adjustment mechanism. The protective housing surrounds a hand and inhibits contact between the hand and the external environment. The protective housing resists deformation and may be constructed of a stiff plastic. The adjustment mechanism is adjustable and secures the hand cover to the hand of the user.

In some embodiments, the protective housing is ribbed to provide extra support or stiffness. In some embodiments, the protective housing is fenestrated to provide air circulation to the hand.

In some embodiments, the protective housing has an upper access aperture to provide air circulation and access to the hand. The upper access aperture may also reduce a user's sense of restriction, restraint, or claustrophobia. The upper access aperture may be releasably openable or closable.

In some embodiments, the protective housing has a lateral access aperture to provide access to the hand without removing the hand cover. The lateral access aperture may be releasably closable.

In some embodiments, the protective housing has a positioning mechanism to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions as well as to maintain the hand cover in place.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is provided with an attachment point for securing restraints that help restrain upper extremity movement of the user or for securing exercise bands to enable a user to perform therapeutic exercises.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is provided with at least one retention device for positioning and securing tubes or lines away from the user's hand.

In some embodiments, the hand cover is provided with a splint and cocking mechanism for maintaining the hand or wrist in a cocked position. The splint includes a hand portion and a wrist portion. In some embodiments, the splint is provided with a securing member that encircles the forearm and helps maintain the splint in place.

In one implementation, a method for using the hand cover, such as to inhibit a user from moving or removing a medical intervention, is provided. The hand cover is applied over a user's hand. The size of the adjustment mechanism is adjusted to fit the wrist of the user and is secured at its adjusted size. The protective housing surrounds the hand and thereby inhibits contact between the hand and the external environment.

In another implementation, a method for using the hand cover including an upper access aperture, such as to provide access and air circulation to the hand, is provided. The protective housing and adjustment mechanism are used according to the method described above. The upper access aperture may be fixed in an open position or may be closable.

In another implementation, a method for using the hand cover including a lateral access aperture, such as to provide access to the hand, is provided. The protective housing and adjustment mechanism are used according to any method described above. The lateral access aperture may be opened or closed to permit or inhibit, respectively, access to the hand.

In another implementation, a method for using the hand cover including a positioning mechanism, such as to inhibit the hand cover from moving in relation to the hand, is provided. The protective housing is guided onto the hand such that the base of the thumb is captured by the positioning mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is used according to any method described above.

In another implementation, a method for using the hand cover including an attachment point, such as to attach restraints, cords, or bands, is provided. The protective housing and adjustment mechanism are used according to any method described above. Restraints may be attached to help restrain upper extremity movement of the user. Cords or exercise bands may be attached such that the user can perform strengthening exercises while in a hospital bed.

In another implementation, a method for using the hand cover including a retention device, such as to selectively position and secure IV lines, is provided. The protective housing and adjustment mechanism are used according to any method described above. The IV lines are positioned and secured away from the user's hand.

In another implementation, a method for using the hand cover including a splint and cocking mechanism, such as to maintain the hand or wrist in the cocked position, is provided. The protective housing and adjustment mechanism are used according to any method described above. The splint, which may be integral with the protective housing, is positioned behind the hand and wrist. The hand is captured by the cocking mechanism and is thereby secured in the cocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A hand cover is disclosed herein. As an introduction, the hand cover may be generally understood as including a protective housing secured to a user by an adjustment mechanism. The protective housing permits full arm, wrist, and hand movement while also inhibiting a user's manipulation or removal of a medical device applied to the user. The adjustment mechanism maintains the protective housing in place relative to the hand, and also aids in applying and removing the hand cover with minimal disruption to the user. In some implementations, an opening is formed at an end portion of the protective housing, which provides air circulation and access to the top portion of the hand. It may help reduce a user's sense of restriction, restraint, or claustrophobia. In some implementations, a lateral opening is formed in the protective housing to provide access to the lower portion of the hand while the hand cover is in use. In some implementations, a positioning mechanism helps maintain the hand cover in place while the hand cover is in use. In some implementations, the adjustment mechanism includes an attachment point to which restraints or exercise bands can be attached. In some implementations, the adjustment mechanism includes a device for securing IV lines away from the user's hand. In some implementations, a splint helps maintain the hand or wrist in a cocked position.

FIGS. 1 and 2depict one embodiment of a hand cover100. A hand cover100may be configured for either a right hand or a left hand or both hands, with the description herein directed to the hand cover100used on a patient's left hand. The hand cover100includes a globule-shaped protective housing110defining an insertion aperture154at one end portion, and includes an adjustment mechanism150adjacent the insertion aperture154. When a user's hand is received within the housing110through the insertion aperture154, the adjustment mechanism150may secure the housing110to a region near or at the user's wrist or lower hand. The protective housing110may serve as a bubble or barrier that collectively surrounds, or substantially surrounds, the palm, fingers, and thumb of a user's hand, and inhibits the user's manipulation of items able to be reached by the hand. While the hand can cause the cover100to generally contact an item, the cover100inhibits the fine motor skills of the fingers, thumb, and palm from grasping or otherwise manipulating the item. An upper access aperture112may be formed in an upper portion of the protective housing110.

The protective housing110may be any shape that surrounds or substantially surrounds a hand, such as an elongated or tapered spherical shape with truncated top and bottom ends as depicted inFIGS. 1-5.

The protective housing110may be a size that fits an adult's, a child's, or an infant's hand. When in use on a user's hand, the protective housing110may be tall enough that it extends to or past the user's finger tips. In embodiments, the protective housing110has a height144of from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 7 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 8 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 7 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 8 inches.

When in use on a user's hand, the protective housing110may be wide enough that the user's fingers are not pressed together. In embodiments, the protective housing110has a width (diameter)146at the widest point of from about 3 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 7 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 8 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 9 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 8 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 7 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 9 inches.

The width of the protective housing110at or near the upper access aperture112may be less than the width146at the widest point. In embodiments, the protective housing110has a width (diameter) at or near the upper access aperture112of from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 4 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 2 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches.

The width of the protective housing110at or near the adjustment mechanism150may be less than the width146at the widest point. In embodiments, the protective housing110has a width (diameter) at or near the adjustment mechanism150of from about 1 inch to about 6 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 4 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 2 inches, or from about 2 inch to about 5 inches, or from about 3 inch to about 4 inches.

When in use on a user's hand, the protective housing110may be deep enough that the back (dorsal surface) and palm (ventral surface) of the user's hand do not touch the inner surface120of the protective housing110when the user's wrist is in a neutral position. In embodiments, the protective housing has a depth148of from about 0.75 inch to about 3.5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, or from about 1.25 inches to about 3.5 inches, or from about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, or from about 1.75 inches to about 3.5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 3.5 inches, or from about 0.75 inch to about 3.25 inches, or from about 0.75 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 0.75 inch to about 2.75 inches, or from about 0.75 inch to about 2.5 inches, or from about 0.75 inch to about 2.25 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3.25 inches, or from about 1.25 inches to about 3 inches, or from about 1.5 inches to about 2.75 inches.

The protective housing110may be constructed of many different types of material having sufficient rigidity and shape retention to restrict or limit the use of the hand through the housing110. For instance, the material may be generally formed of a sheet material made of plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or acrylic, man-made or natural fabric (woven or non-woven), or a combination thereof. The material may be transparent or translucent. The protective housing110may be constructed as a single piece or as multiple pieces. The material may be a single layer or sandwich structure of two or more layers. The protective housing may be formed by, for example, molding such as press, heat, or injection molding, or bending a sheet into a desired shape and securing the sheet in the desired shape, such as with one or more seams.

The material may be of sufficient firmness that it resists significant deformation or breakage by the weight of a user's hand or by a user's intentional effort to shape or deform the cover100from the inside. The material may be of sufficient strength and toughness that it resists permanent deformation or breakage upon impact with an object, such as the side rail of a hospital bed or gurney.

The protective housing110may have a uniform thickness or a variable thickness. A lower thickness in some areas may help reduce the weight of the hand cover100, which may improve its comfort. A greater thickness in some areas may help increase the strength and decrease the vulnerability of the protective housing110in areas susceptible to impact or damage, such as cracking, breaking, or deformation. In embodiments, the protective housing110has a thickness of from about 0.05 mm to about 5 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or from about 1 mm to 5 mm, or from about 1.5 mm to 5 mm, or from about 2 mm to 5 mm, or from about 2.5 mm to 5 mm, or from about 3 mm to 5 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to 4 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to 3 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, or from about 1 mm to 4.5 mm, or from about 1.5 mm to 4 mm, or from about 2 mm to 3.5 mm.

The protective housing110may have a uniform rigidity or stiffness or a variable stiffness. For example, a curved portion of the protective housing110may be stiffer than a flat portion. As another example, the protective housing110may be relatively more rigid in the region between the insertion aperture154and the upper access aperture112, which may increase the strength of the protective housing110and decrease the deformability in that region. The protective housing110may be relatively less rigid at or near the insertion aperture154, which may increase flexibility, increase the ability of the housing110to bend or flex out of the way as the hand cover100is applied to a hand, and increase the ease with which the hand cover100is applied to a hand. The protective housing110may be relatively less rigid at or near the upper access aperture112, which may increase its pliability and decrease the ability of a user to use the upper access aperture112as a lever or pry. A relatively less rigid protective housing110at or near the upper access aperture112may also allow the aperture112to be openable or closable by deforming the walls160of the aperture112.

The protective housing110of the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1-5includes a dorsal portion122, a palm or ventral portion124, an ulnar portion126, and a thumb portion132. By way of example but not limitation, when the hand cover100is not in use, the ulnar portion126may be identified as the portion including a lateral access aperture128or the thumb portion132may be identified as the portion including a positioning mechanism138.

The outer surface118of the protective housing110may be smooth, as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2. In some embodiments, the outer surface118is ribbed as depicted inFIG. 3. The ribs or struts134may be constructed of the same material or different material as the portions of the protective housing110between the ribs134. For example, the ribs134may be constructed of plastic and the portions of the protective housing110between the ribs134may be constructed of fabric. The ribs134may provide support or strength to the protective housing110. Each rib134may be oriented in any direction, such as vertically or horizontally, and all ribs134may be oriented in the same direction or in different directions. Each rib134may extend for the full distance of a given dimension such as height144, width146, or depth148of the protective housing110, as depicted inFIG. 3, or may extend a portion of a given dimension of the protective housing110. Ribs134may be positioned on any one or more of a dorsal portion122, palm portion124, ulnar portion126, and thumb portion132of the protective housing110.

In some embodiments, the outer surface118is fenestrated as depicted inFIG. 4. The fenestrae136may be one of many shapes, or a combination more than one shape, such as circular, triangular, square, or rectangular. The fenestrae136may be oriented regularly, such as in rows, or randomly. Fenestrae136may be positioned on any one or more of the dorsal portion122, palm portion124, ulnar portion126, and thumb portion132of the protective housing110.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS. 1-5, the protective housing110includes an upper access aperture112. The upper access aperture112provides air circulation and access to the upper portion of the hand, such as to apply medication to the hand or to monitor IV lines or other medical devices attached to the hand, and may help reduce a user's sense of restriction, restraint, or claustrophobia.

The upper access aperture112may be any shape, such as substantially circular or elliptical when open or not deformed. In embodiments, the open upper access aperture112has a width (diameter) of from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 4 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 2 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches.

The upper access aperture112may be selectively openable or closable. When closed, the aperture112may prevent a caregiver from accessing the hand but may still permit air to enter into the hand cover100. In some embodiments, the closed upper access aperture112has a width (diameter) of less than 2 inches or less than 1 inch or less than 0.5 inch. A closed upper access aperture112or the walls160surrounding a closed aperture112may have any shape, such as substantially circular or elliptical or a slit. An open upper access aperture112and a closed aperture112may have the same shape or a different shape. For example, when open, the aperture112may be substantially circular and when closed may be a substantially rectangular slit.

In some embodiments, the upper access aperture112is releasably closable by an upper access securing member114, which may be one of many types of fastener. Fasteners may include, for example, zippers, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or hook-and-eye fasteners. For example, engaging a complimentary hook-securing member114and loop-securing member114may close the upper access aperture112. In some embodiments, the upper access aperture112is releasably closable by a flap or cap that may be positioned across the upper access aperture112when the flap or cap is in the closed position and may be withdrawn from the upper access aperture112when the flap or cap is in the open position. In some embodiments, the upper access aperture112is mechanically releasably openable. By deforming the protective housing110, such as by pressing on the sides142of the upper access aperture112, the walls160surrounding the upper access aperture112are deformed and cause the aperture112to open. Eliminating the external forces causing the deformation of the walls160allows the housing walls160and upper access aperture112to return to the closed position.

In some embodiments, the edges162of the walls160surrounding the upper access aperture112are rounded or curved, which may decrease the ability of a user to use an edge162as a lever or pry. In some embodiments, the edges162are relatively less rigid than other portions of the protective housing110, which may increase their pliability and decrease their functionality as levers or pries.

In the exemplary embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5, the protective housing110includes a lateral access aperture128. The lateral access aperture128may provide access to the hand while the hand cover100is in use and without needing to remove the hand cover100. In some embodiments, the lateral access aperture128extends along the entire length of the protective housing110, as shown inFIG. 2, which helps maximize access to the hand for, for example, caring for wounds; inserting, monitoring, or removing IV lines or other medical devices; adjusting a positioning mechanism138; or adjusting a cocking mechanism176. In some embodiments, the lateral access aperture128extends along a portion of the length of the protective housing110, which may decrease the accessibility of the hand compared to an aperture128that extends along the entire length of the housing110. The lateral access aperture128may be releasably closable by a lateral securing mechanism130, which may be any one of many fasteners. Fasteners may include, for example, zippers, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or hook-and-eye fasteners. In the exemplary embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5, the lateral access aperture128may be a zipper, which may include one or more pull tabs166for opening or closing the zipper. With reference toFIG. 2, the lateral access aperture128may be positioned on the ulnar portion126of the protective housing110, which permits the user to naturally move his or her hands towards the face or chest without the lateral securing mechanism130scratching or otherwise irritating the face or chest. Positioning the lateral access aperture128on the ulnar portion126also permits a caregiver to conveniently access the aperture128and hand.

In the exemplary embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5, the protective housing110includes a positioning mechanism138, which may be a strap, loop, hook, or other securing device. The positioning mechanism138may help maintain the hand cover100in place on a user's hand, such as by capturing the user's thumb and inhibiting the hand cover100from rotating around the user's hand and inhibiting the user's hand from sliding to or through the upper access aperture112. When present, the positioning mechanism is located near the thumb portion132of the protective housing110. When in use, and as depicted inFIGS. 1-5, the positioning mechanism138may be positioned over the base of the user's thumb. The positioning mechanism138may be constructed of a soft flexible material such as fabric, ribbon, or cord, or may be constructed of a stiff material such as plastic. The length of the positioning mechanism138may be adjustable. The positioning mechanism138may be secured to the inner surface120of the protective housing110at one or more positioning mechanism attachment sites140. The positioning mechanism138may be secured by stitches, glue, staples, tape, bonding, fasteners, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the positioning mechanism138is releasably secured at at least one attachment site140, which enables adjusting the length of the mechanism138and thereby helps customize the fit of the mechanism138to a user. In one embodiment, the positioning mechanism138includes a series of two or more button holes than run along the length of the mechanism138from a fixed end that is permanently attached to an attachment site140towards a free end capable of being secured to a second attachment site140that is a button. The positioning mechanism138may be secured to the protective housing110by buttoning the button-attachment site140to the button hole closest to the free end of the mechanism138. Securing the positioning mechanism138to the protective housing110at a button hole closer to the fixed end decreases the length of the mechanism138and maintains it at its decreased length.

As shown inFIGS. 1-5, the protective housing110is secured to a user's arm at or near the wrist by the adjustment mechanism150attached to the protective housing110adjacent the insertion aperture154. In the exemplary embodiment, the protective housing110is secured to the adjustment mechanism150at a juncture116. A juncture116may be formed by any known means including, but not limited to, stitches, glue, tape, bonding, or any combination thereof. The adjustment mechanism150may be secured along the entire juncture116or a portion of the juncture116. The adjustment mechanism150may help maintain the protective housing110in place while the hand cover100is in use, such as by inhibiting the hand cover100from being withdrawn over the user's hand or pushed down the user's forearm. The adjustment mechanism150may be constructed of any soft material such as fabric, foam, padding, gel-filled pouch, or combinations thereof. The fabric material may be any natural or synthetic fabric such as cotton, elastane or spandex, microfiber, polyester, rayon, silk, viscose, or wool, or any combination thereof. The material may be stretchable, which may help secure the adjustment mechanism150to the user's wrist and may also provide versatile adjustability of the circumference of the adjustment mechanism150. The adjustment mechanism150may be constructed as a single piece or as multiple pieces.

The adjustment mechanism150may be sufficiently long such that it is capable of encircling the wrist of a user. The size or circumference of the adjustment mechanism150may be adjustable to help provide a tighter or looser fit of the adjustment mechanism150around the user's wrist. The size of the adjustment mechanism150may be adjusted and secured at its adjusted size by at least one adjustment member152, which may be a drawstring, strap, hook-and-loop closure, hook-and-eye closure, snap, button, or any combination thereof. For example, when the adjustment member152is a hook-and-loop closure (Velcro), the adjustment member152can be pulled to tighten the fit of the adjustment mechanism150, such as by decreasing the effective circumference of the adjustment mechanism150. The Velcro-adjustment member152can be releasably secured to the adjustment mechanism150by pressing it against a complimentary Velcro-adjustment member152positioned on the adjustment mechanism150. Securing the Velcro-adjustment member152helps maintain the adjusted size of the adjustment mechanism150until the Velcro-adjustment members152are released. Separating the complimentary Velcro-adjustment members152loosens the fit of the adjustment mechanism150by increasing the effective circumference of the adjustment mechanism150. The adjustment member152helps fit the adjustment mechanism150to all sizes of users' wrists.

In some embodiments, the full or unadjusted circumference of the adjustment mechanism150is from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 7 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 8 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 7 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 8 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 7 inches. In some embodiments, adjusting the adjustment mechanism150may decrease the circumference by about 10% to about 50%, or by about 15% to about 50%, or by 20% to about 50%, or by 25% to about 50%, or by 30% to about 50%, or by 35% to about 50%, or by about 10% to about 45%, or by about 10% to about 40%, or by about 10% to about 35%, or by about 10% to about 30%, or by about 10% to about 25%, or by about 15% to about 45%, or by about 20% to about 40%, or by about 25% to about 35%.

The adjustment mechanism150is functionally attached to the protective housing110adjacent the insertion aperture154. The insertion aperture154may be substantially circular in shape and may be large enough that a user's hand can be inserted through the aperture154. In some embodiments, the circumference of the insertion aperture154is from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 7 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 8 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 7 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 8 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 7 inches.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS. 1-4, the adjustment mechanism150includes an attachment anchor156. The attachment anchor156may be configured to have devices such as restraints, cords, or bands attached to it. For example, elasticized exercise bands may be attached to an attachment anchor156. The attachment anchor156may be a ring, loop, hook, tab, or similar structure. In some embodiments, the attachment anchor156is positioned on the adjustment mechanism150near or in line with the ulnar portion126of the protective housing110, which permits the user to naturally move his or her hands towards the face or chest without the attachment anchor156wounding or irritating the face or chest. Positioning the attachment anchor156near or in line with the ulnar portion126also permits a caregiver to conveniently access the anchor156and hand.

With reference toFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism150includes at least one retention device158, which may be a strap, such as a Velcro strap, loop, or other securing device. The retention device158may be secured to the adjustment mechanism150by stitches, glue, staples, tape, bonding, fasteners, or any combination thereof. The retention device158may help secure devices such as cords, tubes, or IV lines in a desired position, such as away from the user's hand. For example, when the retention device158is a strap, an IV line may be captured between the retention device158and the adjustment mechanism150such that the IV line can be selectively positioned. Securing an IV line or other device to the adjustment mechanism150also helps to avoid placing medical tape on a user's skin, which can irritate or abrade the skin upon removal.

In some embodiments, and as depicted inFIG. 5, the hand cover100includes a splint170. The splint170may help maintain the hand or wrist in a cocked position, such as when an arterial IV line has been inserted in or near the wrist. The splint170may be constructed of any rigid and lightweight material. The material may be plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or acrylic. The material may be of sufficient stiffness that it supports the wrist and hand in a cocked position. The material may be the same as or different from the material of the protective housing110. The splint170may be constructed as a single piece or as multiple pieces. The protective housing110with the splint170may be constructed as a single piece or as multiple pieces.

The splint170may be generally L-shaped when viewed in profile (seeFIG. 5). The splint170may include a hand portion172and a wrist portion174. The hand portion172may be integrated into or separate from but positioned adjacent to the protective housing110. The hand portion172may be substantially rectangular in shape when viewed in rear plan view. The width of the hand portion172may be approximately the width of the dorsal portion122of the protective housing110or approximately the width of a hand. The hand portion172may extend from the fingers to the wrist. In the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG. 5, the hand portion172extends from at or near the proximal phalanges to the wrist. In embodiments, the length of the hand portion is from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or from about 1.5 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 2.5 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 4.5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 4 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches.

The hand portion172may join the wrist portion174at or near the adjustment mechanism150. The splint170may bend at approximately 10° to 60° away from the plane of the hand portion172at or near the adjustment mechanism150. The hand portion172may be integrated into or separate from but positioned adjacent to the adjustment mechanism150. The wrist portion174may be an extension of or separate from the protective housing110.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG. 5, the wrist portion174extends from the wrist beyond the insertion aperture154and down the forearm. The wrist portion174may be substantially rectangular in shape when viewed in rear plan view.

The width of the wrist portion174may be approximately the width of the hand portion172or approximately the width of a wrist. In embodiments, the wrist portion174has a width of from about 1 inch to about 4 inches, or from about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 2.5 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches, or from about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 3 inches.

A cocking mechanism176, which may be a strap, bar, loop, or other securing device, may help maintain the hand or wrist in a cocked position, such as by capturing the user's hand and inhibiting the hand from moving towards the neutral position. The cocking mechanism176may be constructed of a stiff material such as plastic. The material may be of sufficient stiffness that it resists the force of the hand naturally or intentionally moving away from the cocked position. The cocking mechanism176may be constructed of a soft flexible material such as elastic, fabric, ribbon, or cord. The material may have sufficient resistance that it resists the force of the hand naturally or intentionally moving away from the cocked position. When in use, and as depicted inFIG. 5, the cocking mechanism176may be positioned around and across the user's fingers or palm such that the user's fingers are or palm is captured between the cocking mechanism176and the hand portion172of the splint170.

The cocking mechanism176may be permanently or releasably attached to the inner surface120of the dorsal portion122of the protective housing110at one or more cocking mechanism attachment sites178. Releasably securing the cocking mechanism176enables adjustment of the length of the mechanism176and thereby helps customize the fit of the mechanism176to a user. The cocking mechanism176may be secured by stitches, glue, staples, tape, bonding, fasteners, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the cocking mechanism176includes a series of two or more button holes that run along the length of the mechanism176from a fixed end that is permanently attached to an attachment site164towards a free end capable of being secured to a second attachment site164that is a button. The cocking mechanism176may be secured to the protective housing110by buttoning the button-attachment site164to the button hole closest to the free end of the mechanism176. Securing the cocking mechanism176to the protective housing110at a button hole closer to the fixed end decreases the length of the mechanism176and maintains it at its decreased length.

With continued reference toFIG. 5, an optional splint securing mechanism180may help maintain the splint170in place while the hand cover100is in use. The splint securing mechanism180may be constructed of any soft material such as fabric, foam, padding, gel-filled pouch, or combinations thereof. The fabric material may be any natural or synthetic fabric such as cotton, elastane or spandex, microfiber, polyester, rayon, silk, viscose, wool, or any combination thereof. The material may be stretchable, which may help secure the splint securing mechanism180to the user's forearm and may also provide versatile adjustability of the circumference of the splint securing mechanism180. The material may be the same as or different from the material of the adjustment mechanism150. The splint securing mechanism180may be constructed as a single piece or as multiple pieces.

The splint securing mechanism180may be substantially circular in shape such that it is capable of encircling the forearm of a user. The size or circumference of the splint securing mechanism180may be adjustable to help provide a tighter or looser fit of the splint securing mechanism180around the user's forearm. The size of the splint securing mechanism180may be adjusted and secured at its adjusted size by at least one splint adjustment member (not shown), which may be a drawstring, strap, hook-and-loop closure, hook-and-eye closure, snap, button, or any combination thereof. The split adjustment member helps fit the splint securing mechanism180to all sizes of users' wrists.

In some embodiments, the full or unadjusted circumference of the splint securing mechanism180is from about 2 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 7 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 8 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 9 inches to about 12 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 8 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 7 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 11 inches, or from about 4 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 5 inches to about 9 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 8 inches. In some embodiments, adjusting the splint securing mechanism180may decrease the circumference by about 10% to about 50%, or by about 15% to about 50%, or by 20% to about 50%, or by 25% to about 50%, or by 30% to about 50%, or by 35% to about 50%, or by about 10% to about 45%, or by about 10% to about 40%, or by about 10% to about 35%, or by about 10% to about 30%, or by about 10% to about 25%, or by about 15% to about 45%, or by about 20% to about 40%, or by about 25% to about 35%.

Methods of Use of the Hand Cover

By way of example, but not limitation, the hand cover100ofFIGS. 1-4may be used to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions according to the following procedure. While the adjustment mechanism150is loose or not tightened, such that the effective circumference of the adjustment mechanism150is relatively large, the hand cover100may be guided over a user's (patient's) hand such that the fingertips pass through the insertion aperture154and in to the protective housing110until the adjustment mechanism150encircles the wrist. The hand cover100can be slid over the hand with minimal contact with the hand, which minimizes disturbance to and stress on the user.

The adjustment mechanism150is secured to the wrist by tightening the adjustment member152. A drawstring-adjustment member152is tightened by pulling on the drawstring and is secured in its tightened position by tying or knotting the drawstring close to the adjustment mechanism150or by sliding a cord lock to be adjacent to the adjustment mechanism150.

The hand cover100of the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5may include an upper access aperture112. By way of example, but not limitation, a hand cover100may be used with an upper access aperture112to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions as well as to provide air circulation and access to the hand and reduce a user's sense of restriction, restraint, or claustrophobia according to the following procedure.

The hand cover100may be applied to a user's hand according to the method described above. The hand cover100is guided over a user's hand until the fingertips are at or near the upper access aperture112. The upper access aperture112may be open or closed when the hand cover100is guided over the hand. At any time during use, the upper access aperture112may be opened or closed. For example, the upper access aperture112may be closed by engaging the upper securing access members114and opened by releasing the upper access securing members114. As another example, the upper access aperture112may be opened by pressing on the sides142of the aperture112and closed by releasing pressure on the sides142.

The hand cover100of the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5may include a positioning mechanism138. By way of example, but not limitation, a hand cover100may be used with a positioning mechanism138to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions as well as to maintain the hand cover100in place according to the following procedure.

The hand cover100may be applied to a user's hand according to any method described above. The hand cover100is guided over the user's hand such that the positioning mechanism138is positioned across the base of the thumb. The thumb is positioned between the positioning mechanism138and the inner surface120of the thumb portion132of the protective housing110. The remaining fingers are positioned between the positioning mechanism138and the inner surface120of the ulnar portion126of the protective housing110. The positioning mechanism138may be adjusted and secured by pulling on a free end of the mechanism138and fastening a button hole on the mechanism138to a button-attachment site140on the inner surface120of the protective housing110.

The hand cover100of the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5may include a lateral access aperture128. By way of example, but not limitation, a hand cover100may be used with a lateral access aperture128to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions as well as to provide access to the hand without removing the hand cover100according to the following procedure.

The hand cover100may be applied to a user's hand according to any method described above. The lateral access aperture128is positioned alongside or near the little (most ulnar) finger. The lateral access aperture128may be open or closed when the hand cover100is guided over the hand. When the lateral access aperture128is open while the hand cover100is being applied, the hand and a positioning mechanism138may be accessible such that the positioning mechanism138can be guided into position over the base of the thumb. At any time during use, the lateral access aperture128may be opened or closed. For example, the lateral access aperture128may be closed by zipping up a zipper-lateral securing mechanism130and opened by unzipping a zipper-lateral securing mechanism130.

The hand cover100of the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5may include an attachment anchor156. By way of example, but not limitation, a hand cover100may be used with an attachment anchor156to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions as well as to restrain a user or allow a user to perform therapeutic exercises according to the following procedure.

The hand cover100may be applied to a user's hand according to any method described above. The attachment anchor156is positioned on the ulnar side of the wrist. A device such as a restraint, exercise band, or strengthening cord is secured to the attachment anchor156such as by threading one end of the device through a ring-attachment anchor156and tying or knotting the device to secure it to the attachment anchor156. The other end of the device may be tied to the user's bedframe. A restraint may be used for a patient who is violent or who exhibits spastic movements. A strengthening cord or exercise band may be used to provide resistance such that a user can perform muscle strengthening or toning exercises or other therapeutic upper extremity movements while still in the critical care setting.

The hand cover100of the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-5may include a retention device158. By way of example, but not limitation, a hand cover100may be used with a retention device158to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions as well as to secure devices in a desired location according to the following procedure.

The hand cover100may be applied to a user's hand according to any method described above. The retention device158is positioned at or near the dorsal surface of the wrist. An arterial IV line placed in the wrist may be positioned toward a desired location, such as away from the hand, and secured between a strap-retention device158and the adjustment mechanism150. Securing an IV line or other device to the adjustment mechanism150with a retention device158also helps to avoid placing medical tape on a user's skin, which can irritate or abrade the skin upon removal.

The hand cover100of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 5may include a splint170and cocking mechanism176. By way of example, but not limitation, a hand cover100may be used with a splint170and cocking mechanism176to inhibit a user from moving or removing medical interventions as well as to maintain the hand or wrist in a cocked position according to the following procedure.

The hand cover100may be applied to a user's hand according to any method described above. In embodiments wherein the cocking mechanism176is permanently attached to the protective housing110, the hand cover100may be guided over the user's hand such that the cocking mechanism176is positioned around the fingers or the palm of the hand. In embodiments wherein the cocking mechanism176is releasably attached to the protective housing110, the cocking mechanism176may be secured snugly around the fingers or palm of the hand after the hand cover100is in position. The palm is or fingers are positioned between the cocking mechanism176and the inner surface120of the dorsal portion122of the protective housing110.

When provided, the splint securing mechanism180is tightened, such as by pulling on a drawstring, around the forearm to help maintain the splint170in place.