Flexible splint

A device for limiting movement of a joint. Once prepared, the device includes two tubular openings for encircling phalanxes on either side of the joint. The tubular sides are attached by a portion of the device that can cover either the top portion of the joint or the underside of the joint. This configuration allows an individual to flex the joint in a limited manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention generally relates to devices for restricting the movement of joints. In particular, the invention provides a device for limiting the movement of a joint, while allowing the joint to retain sufficient mobility for functioning, i.e., gripping with a hand.

2. Background Art

Joint stiffening or locking can occur due to several different causes, for example, arthritis, trauma, etc. Joints of fingers, for example, can frequently become stiffened or locked. Several devices exist for the aid and therapy of fingers. Generally, these devices completely immobilize a finger, thereby preventing all movement. While immobilization prevents the joint from locking, the finger cannot be used for various hand functions, for example, gripping. Further, the immobilization does not provide any therapeutic assistance in repairing the joint.

In addition, preexisting devices are provided in a limited number of sizes to conform to common finger sizes. Manufacturing of various device sizes adds complication and expense to the manufacturing process. Further, retailers and physicians are then required to stock the various sizes. In some instances, an individual's finger may not conform to any of the readily available device sizes, thereby limiting the effectiveness of the device.

Some devices also include only a small surface area in contact with the finger. Due to the small surface area, a relatively high amount of pressure is applied at the limited contact areas of the finger causing discomfort for the user. Further, the small contact areas may cause the device to become unstable and slip when the joint is moved.

As a result, there exists a need for a flexible splint that allows a joint to maintain some movement, thereby allowing the finger to remain functional. Additionally, there exists a need for a flexible splint device that is adjustable to conform to any finger size. Further, a need exists for a flexible splint device that provides increased comfort and stability when in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention provides a flexible splint for providing limited movement to a joint. The flexible splint includes a connected pair of tubular sides that encircle the phalanxes on either side of the joint, and a connector that covers a portion of the joint thereby limiting its movement.

A first aspect of the invention provides a device for limiting movement of a joint, comprising: an elongate member having: a first end; a second end, opposite the first end; and an elongate opening formed between the first end and the second end; wherein the first end attaches to the second end, forming a connected pair of tubular sides between which the joint is positioned.

A second aspect of the invention provides a device for limiting movement of a joint, comprising: a first tubular side; a second tubular side substantially parallel to the first tubular side; a connector attaching a portion of the first tubular side to a portion of the second tubular side; and wherein the joint is positioned between the first tubular side and the second tubular side.

A third aspect of the invention provides a device for limiting movement of a joint, comprising: means for encircling a phalanx on a first side of the joint; means for encircling a phalanx on a second side of the joint; and means for attaching the means for encircling the first side to the means for encircling the second side.

The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solve the problems herein described and other problems not discussed, which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The current invention provides a device for limiting the movement of a joint of a finger. The device can be used to cover either the top portion of the joint or the underside of the joint, while encircling the phalanxes (phalanges) on either side of the joint. In this manner, the joint is allowed to flex, but cannot flex over its entire range of motion.

Turning to the Figures,FIG. 1shows a view of a device10according to one aspect of the invention. Device10is shown having a first end12and a second end14, located opposite first end12. An elongate opening16is shown formed between the first end and the second end, forming a first side18and a second side20. First end12is configured to be attached to second end14. First end12can be removably or permanently attached to second end14using any means now known or later developed.

For example, first end12can include one or more slots22and second end14can include one or more tabs24. As shown inFIGS. 2-4, device10can be curled so that first end12and second end14are brought together. This allows one of tabs24to be inserted and secured within one of slots22. Alternatively, first end12can be attached to second end14using a hook and latch fastener, a snap, a button, stitching, tape, glue, etc. First end12can be attached to second end14around a joint to help ensure a proper and snug fit. However, first end12can also be attached to second end14and device10can be inserted around a finger and aligned with the desired joint.

As shown inFIG. 1, device10includes three slots22on first end12, and four tabs24on second end14. This illustrative arrangement allows for the accommodation of twelve different sizes. It is understood that this is only illustrative, and more or less slots22and tabs24can be included. In addition, it is understood that the use of slots22and tabs24to accommodate various sizes is also only illustrative of the possible methods of providing adjustable sizing. Further, device10can be manufactured in one or more sizes with or without the ability to adjust the size. Available sizing options for device10can be made to conform to the various ring sizes of individuals.

Once first end12is attached to second end14, device10comprises a connected pair of tubular sides between which a joint can be positioned.FIGS. 5-8show a perspective, top, side, and bottom view of device10after having been formed to function as a flexible splint. As can be seen, device10includes a first tubular side30, and a second tubular side32attached by a connector34. A cut out area36is formed below connector34and between tubular sides30,32. As clearly shown inFIG. 8, tubular side30is smaller than tubular side32to conform to the natural shape of a finger. Further, tubular sides30,32form tapered openings to further conform to the finger. Alternatively, tubular sides30,32can form non-tapered openings of substantially the same size or different sizes. For example, when desired for use on the joint on the thumb, non-tapered openings of substantially the same size may be desired. However, additional or reduced tapering for tubular sides30,32can also be obtained through the selected method of attaching first end12with second end14. For example, slots22and tabs24shown inFIG. 1can be configured so that sufficient lateral movement is retained to provide for a variable amount of tapering of tubular sides30,32to accommodate the thumb and various finger shapes.

FIGS. 9 and 10show alternative perspective views of device10positioned on a finger40. As shown, tubular side32is located on the palm-side of a joint, while tubular side30is located on the opposite side of the joint. Each tubular side is positioned to encircle a phalanx (i.e., bone) on either side of a joint. Because of the respective sizes and tapering of tubular sides30,32, both sides conform to the size and shape of finger40. Connector34is located so that it covers the top of the joint, thereby aligning cut out area36with the bottom of the joint. With this configuration, an elongated surface area of device10covers the top of the joint thereby preventing movement. This surface area acts to distribute the pressure applied when a joint is moved, and also provides stability so that the location of device10does not move relative to the joint.

The flexible splint can also be manufactured as a single, preformed molded unit. For example,FIGS. 11-14show a perspective, top, side, and bottom view, respectively, of a device110comprising a first tubular side130, and a second tubular side132attached by a connector134that has been manufactured as a preformed molded unit. As shown, device110can be molded in a form similar to device10after having the ends attached as depicted inFIGS. 5-8. Additionally,FIGS. 15 and 16show device110positioned on a finger140. Connector134is shown substantially aligned over the joint, thereby aligning cut out area136with the bottom of the joint.

The edges of the device and/or interior of the device can be configured to further enhance the comfort of the device when positioned on an individual's finger. For example, the inner and/or outer edges of the device can be rounded. Additionally,FIGS. 17 and 18show a perspective and side view, respectively, of a device210having edges250that include flanges252for providing additional rounding of edges250. Flanges252are configured to protrude away from the finger on which device210is positioned. As shown, the thickness of flanges252can be adjusted according to the amount of flexibility that is desired for a particular portion of device210. E.g., the surface area of flange252can be reduced where flexibility is desired, and increased where flexibility is not required.

FIG. 19shows a device310in which portions of the interior surfaces that contact the finger have a softening material360attached thereto for cushioning the contact of device310with a finger. Softening material360can comprise any type of material suitable for cushioning the contact between device310and a finger, for example, a foam material, a cotton fabric, a soft plastic, etc. Softening material360can be permanently or temporarily attached to device310by glue or tape, for example, or any means now known or later developed.

While two illustrative methods of manufacturing the device of the current invention are shown and discussed, it is understood that any valid manufacturing of the device is possible according to the current invention. For example, the connector and tubular sides can be formed separately, and subsequently be permanently or temporarily attached using any system now known or later developed. Additionally, each tubular side can be made to be individually adjustable by being individually formed, for example, by a strap attached using a hook and latch fastener.

The device of the current invention can comprise any material possessing sufficient strength and flexibility for limiting the motion of a joint. For example, the device can comprise a hardened polystyrene plastic of a width such that sufficient flexibility is retained to attach the first end to the second end. In this case, the edges of the device may comprise a non-hardened polystyrene plastic or similar material to increase user comfort. Alternatively, the device can comprise polypropylene, rubber, latex, vinyl, leather, cotton fabric, stretch fabric, etc.