Abstract:
A wrist support worn by a user can diminish or eliminate pain, stress, or discomfort on the wrist and hand regions while lifting various objects of size and weight in a repetitive or non-repetitive manner. To this end, the disclosed inventions generally seek to inhibit wrist extension and flexion, and ulnar and radial deviation, by means of a support that transfers forces around the wrist muscles and ligaments onto the larger and stronger muscles of the upper and lower arm.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present inventions relate generally to body braces and particularly to braces with features that provide wrist support. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Lifting objects can place harmful stress on the wrist. For example, during the process of moving an object from waist-level to above one&#39;s head, the weight of the object must be carried by the sensitive and relatively weak ligaments and muscles in the wrist, which consequently may be damaged. The risk of such damage may be particularly prevalent among laborers, such as waiters or construction workers who frequently must lift objects above shoulder level as part of their employment. 
         [0005]    Various braces are used in the region of the wrist. Some braces are too large, heavy, and restrictive extending from forearm to the upper regions of the hand. Other braces are too small and fail to provide adequate support. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A wrist support worn by a user can diminish or eliminate pain, stress, or discomfort on the wrist and hand regions while lifting various objects of size and weight in a repetitive or non-repetitive manner. To this end, the disclosed inventions generally seek to inhibit wrist extension and flexion, and ulnar and radial deviation, by means of a support that transfers forces around the wrist muscles and ligaments onto the larger and stronger muscles of the upper and lower arm. 
         [0007]    Thus, in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein, the support can comprise a cuff, such as a rigid cuff made of a hard plastic or other hard material, which generally surrounds and extends across the user&#39;s wrist. The cuff can extend a distance on both sides of the user&#39;s wrist, toward the fingers and toward the forearm, so that when the cuff is worn, movement of the wrist is diminished or substantially restricted. Because bending of the wrist is limited, when a user wearing the support lifts or moves objects, forces are transferred through the support to the forearm or other muscles of the user. Nevertheless, mobility of the fingers and thumb of the user can be unobstructed because the support is generally contoured about the base of the thumb and palm. 
         [0008]    The support can be made in a variety of sizes to fit many individuals. In some embodiments, various cushioning and/or securing means such as O-rings, trapped-air cushions, or elastic can be provided on the interior of the support to provide a more secure and/or comfortably fit to the wearer. Some embodiments include cushioning or padding to offer a more comfortable fit to the user. Some embodiments of the support may be attached and detached from the user with a fastening mechanism, to removably lock the support around a wearer&#39;s wrist. Although the support has particular utility for those who often lift objects above the shoulders, the design can also be useful for other applications, including athletics. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The above-mentioned and other features, aspects, and advantages of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings. Illustrated embodiment is intended to provide an example but not to limit the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wrist support. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a side plan view of the palmar surface of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a side plan view of the dorsal surface of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the ulnar side of an embodiment with a hinge. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  being installed over a hand. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  installed on a hand in the closed, but not tightened, position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  is a detail view of the clasping mechanism of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  taken along the line  6 A- 6 A. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  installed on a hand in the closed and tightened position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  is a detail view of the clasping mechanism of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , taken along the line  7 A- 7 A. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]      FIGS. 1-7  illustrate an embodiment of a wrist support  10 . The illustrated wrist support  10  can include a hinged-type brace with a clasp. Other embodiments can comprise other types of opening, closing, or securing mechanisms, or can be positioned on the body in some other way. Moreover, although the illustrated embodiment is a support for the left hand, other embodiments include supports for the right hand (in which the design is substantially reversed). 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the support  10  rigid can be made of material configured to substantially surround a wearer&#39;s writs. In some embodiments, the support can substantially flex in portions or in a region substantially surrounding the wearer&#39;s writs. The support  10  may be made from many types of materials, such as one or more of ceramics, plastics, rubber and rubber alloys, resins, fabrics, carbon fibers, paper, metal and wood products. In some embodiments, the support  10  can be made waterproof. 
         [0021]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-7 , the support  10  comprises a body  12 , a fastener  14 , and a pivot element  52 . The body  12  is comprised of a palmar portion  16 , dorsal portion  18 , external surface  28 , and internal surface  30 . The body  12  also has a longitudinal axis  68  generally parallel to the wearer&#39;s arm when inserted within the body  12 , a transverse axis  70  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  68  and generally parallel to the plane of the palm, and a vertical axis  72  generally perpendicular to the plane of the palm. The body  12  has a thickness  74  extending from the exterior surface  28  to the interior surface  30 . 
         [0022]    The palmar portion  16  and dorsal portion  18  are each further comprised of a distal end  20 , proximal end  22 , ulnar side  24 , and radial side  26 . The proximal end  22  is the end closer to the wearer&#39;s elbow and the distal end  20  is the end farther from the wearer&#39;s elbow. The ulnar side  24  is the side of the support  10  that is generally apposite from the medial plane of the human body when the arms are at rest with palms facing toward the posterior. In other words, the ulnar side  24  is on the side of the support  10  with the pinky finger on the hand. Conversely, the radial side  26  is the side of the support  10  that is generally closer to the medial plane of the human body when the arms are at rest with palms facing toward the posterior. That is, the radial side  26  is on the thumb side of the support  10 . 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the body  12  can be of continuous construction; that is, the body  12  is a single unitary piece. In some embodiments, the body  12  is an assembly of a plurality of pieces. For example, in the illustrated embodiments the palmar portion  16  and the dorsal portion  18  are individual portions in a unitary construction that together form the body  12 . In some embodiments, two, three, four, or more separate pieces are formed separately and attached together to form the body  12 . 
         [0024]    In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness  74  of the body  12  is generally uniform all around. Some embodiments include areas of increased or decreased thickness for various reasons, such as to save weight, add strength, or enhance comfort. For example, some embodiments use a palmar portion  16  that is thicker than the dorsal portion  18 . Some embodiments have a dorsal portion  18  that is thicker than the palmar portion  16 . Likewise, some embodiments have a distal end  20  that is thicker than the proximal end  22 , and vice versa. 
         [0025]    The illustrated embodiment has a solid, homogeneous thickness  74 . In this embodiment there is no void or cavity between the exterior surface  28  and the interior surface  30 . Alternate embodiments can have one or a plurality of cavities between these surfaces  28 ,  30 , or the surfaces  28 ,  30  can be made of different materials or layers. The cavities can be empty or can be filled with various materials such as foam, rubber, cotton, down, gel, water, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments the cavities are filled with compressed air or other gases. Sometimes is it desirable to be able to change the rigidity of the support  10 . Accordingly, some embodiments allow for adjustment of the amount of material and/or pressure inside the cavities. For example, some embodiments with air-filled cavities include a pump to add air and a valve to remove it. 
         [0026]    The thickness  74  can vary according to the material used, whether the support wall is solid or has cavities, and the amount of rigidity sought. For instance, some embodiments with solid hard plastic have a uniform thickness of at least about 1/16″. Some embodiments, including those utilizing gel-filled cavities, can have a thickness ranging from at least about t 1/32″ to at least about ¼″. Some embodiments, including those formed at least in part from metal can have a thickness of at least about 1/32″ on the palmar  16  portion and at least about 1/16″ on the dorsal portion. 
         [0027]    The external and internal surfaces  28 ,  30  can generally closely follow the contours of a typical human hand to ensure a snug fit between the body  12  and the wearer&#39;s hand. In some embodiments, the exterior surface  28  is substantially smooth all around. Such a smooth surface can help avoid snags or scrapes caused by inadvertent contact between the support  10  and other objects or body parts. Other embodiments include a rough portion on a least a portion of the exterior surface  28  of the support  10 . The rough portion may, for example, provide gripping assistance or facilitate a connection between the support  10  and other implements or components. In addition, for similar reasons, the interior surface  30  can be smooth or rough. In some instances, it is helpful to facilitate airflow or reduce weight, and some embodiments can include one or a plurality of penetrations or vents from the external surface  28  to the internal surface  30 , and/or the interior surface  30  may include one or more raised portions, channels, or similar means to permit some level of ventilation between the hand, wrist, or arm, and the support  10 . 
         [0028]    A cushion  58  may be located on the interior surface  30 . The cushion  58  can help secure the support  10  on the wrist by increasing the friction, contact surface area, or pressure between the support  10  and the wearer&#39;s skin and it can also help make the support  10  more comfortable to wear. In some embodiments, the cushion  58  covers a majority of or substantially the entire internal surface  30 . Some embodiments utilize a plurality of cushions  58  arranged in spots, strips (as illustrated), or rings on the internal surface  30 . The cushion  58  can be a resilient and soft material such as neoprene, rubber, cotton, wool, fabric, closed-cell foam, memory foam, natural or synthetic fur, leather, etc. Washable cushion materials can be advantageous. Some embodiments can include cushions  58  comprising bubble wrap or other types of sealed air padding. Some cushions  58  utilize thermal elastic, environmentally responsive, or other types of gel. Some embodiments include one or a plurality of O-rings. 
         [0029]    In the plan view of  FIG. 2 , the palmar portion  16  of the illustrated embodiment has an overall substantially hourglass shape. The distal end  20  and the proximal end  22  can both be wider than a region positioned between these ends. The proximal end  22  can be narrower than the distal end  20 . The proximal end  22  can be sized to fit an average size arm slightly below the wrist, while the distal end  20  can be sized to fit the base region of an average size hand slightly above the writs. In the longitudinal direction  68  this shape is formed by the substantially convex or outwardly flared distal end  20  and proximal end  22 . In the transverse direction  70 , this shape is formed by the substantially concave ulnar side  24  and radial side  26 . The distal end  20  of the palmar portion  16  may cover, in relation to the anatomy of the hand, portions of the hypothenar  36  and thenar  38 . Some embodiments may cover, completely or in part, the palmar aponeurosis  40  ligament and/or palmar brevis  42  ligament. The proximal end  22  of the palmar portion  16  can extend in the longitudinal direction at least far enough to cover a portion of the wrist crease  44 . All of the anatomical references herein can be determined using standard anatomical models for the target population for particular embodiment of the product. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the support can terminate at the proximal end  22  slightly below the head of the radius bone (the so-called “wrist bump” and the distance from the wrist crease to the distal end  20  can be approximately the same as or slightly greater than the distance from the wrist crease to the proximal end  22 . In the usage, the term “approximately the same as” is intended to encompass about +1½ inches. The same embodiments, no additional structure is attached to or made integral with the support  10  on either the proximal or distal ends  20 ,  22 . In other words, the support can terminate at the proximal and distal ends  20 ,  22 . The support  10  can be made in different sizes to fit persons with different hand sizes. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the dorsal portion  18  of the illustrated embodiment also has an overall substantially hourglass shape in the plan view. In the longitudinal direction  68  this shape is formed by the substantially convex distal end  20  and proximal end  22 . In the transverse direction  70 , this shape is formed by the substantially concave ulnar side  24  and radial side  26 . In relation to hand anatomy, the distal end  20  of the dorsal portion  18  of the illustrated embodiment can be made to cover, in whole or part, the dorsal carpal ligament  46 . The proximal end  22  of the dorsal portion  18  can extend in the longitudinal direction at least far enough to cover all or a portion of the wrist crease  44  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0032]    It can be helpful to allow the fingers and thumb to move unencumbered. Accordingly, the distal end  20  of the radial side  26  of either or both of the portions  16 ,  18  can curve outwardly about the base of the thumb. Thus, the thumb and fingers can be substantially free to move while the wrist is substantially restrained. The palmar portion  16  and the dorsal portion  18  can also have a distal end  20  which is contoured  76  such that the distal end  20  is higher on the ulnar side  24  than on the radial side  26 . That is, the distal end  20  can be contoured closer to the pinky finger  78  and further away from the thumb  80 . In some embodiments, this distal contour  76  can be equally close to the thumb  80  and pinky finger  78 . Some embodiments include a concave distal contour  76  to further promote movement of the thumb and/or palm, and some embodiments have a substantially convex contour  76  to aid the palm also. 
         [0033]    Similarly, the palmar portion  16  and the dorsal portion  18  can have a proximal end  22  which is contoured  82 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  show the proximal end contour  82  lower on the ulnar side  24  than on the radial side  26 . That is, the proximal end  22  can be closer to the thumb  80  than to the pinky finger  78 . In some embodiments, the proximal end contour is such that the proximal end  22  is equally close to the thumb  80  and pinky finger  78 . In some embodiments the proximal contour  82  is convex and extends in the longitudinal direction toward the wearer&#39;s elbow to provide additional coverage and/or bracing on the wearer&#39;s arm. Some embodiments have a concave proximal contour  82  to allow flexion and/or extension of the wrist. 
         [0034]    The length of the palmar portion  16  and dorsal portion  18 , as measured along the longitudinal axis  68  at the transverse midpoint of the relevant portion, can vary according to the amount of support and restraint sought from the support and the size of the hand or arm designed to fit within it. For instance, some embodiments have a palmar portion  16  and dorsal portion  18  with a length of less than about 2″. Other embodiments have a palmar portion  16  with a length of at least about 1¼″ and a dorsal portion  18  with a length of at least about 2½″. Yet other embodiments have a palmar portion  16  with a length of at least about 1¾″ and a dorsal portion  18  with a length of at least about 1⅛″. Some embodiments have a palmar portion  16  with a length of at least about 3″ and a dorsal portion  18  with a length of at least about 2¼″. In many embodiments, the length of the support on either or both of the palmar or dorsal sides  16 ,  18  is less than about 2¾′. It can be very useful in some embodiments for the support  10  to terminate or be free of any additional structures attached to the distal or proximal ends  10 , 22  so as to maximize the user&#39;s freedom of movements. Various other lengths can be used. 
         [0035]    In the illustrated embodiment, in both the palmar and dorsal portions  16 ,  18 , the transverse length of the distal end  20  is greater than the transverse length of the proximal end  22 . In some embodiments, the length of these ends can be about equal. In some embodiments, the proximal end  22  that is wider than the distal end  20  in the transverse direction. 
         [0036]    The distal end  20  and proximal end  22  can have edges  84  and corners  86 . In the illustrated embodiment, these features  84 ,  86  are angular. However, to enhance comfort, the edges  84  and corners  86  can be smooth. For example, the edges  84  and corners  86  may be radiused or chamfered. Also, cushioning material may be fixed to the ends  20 ,  22  to cover the edges  84  and corners  86 . Such cushioning materials may include, but are not limited to, plastic, soft rubber, and foam. Various other materials can be used, but washable materials and waterproof materials are preferred. 
         [0037]    The radial side  26  can be contoured to generally follow the shape of a standard thumb side of the hand. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment has an outward curve  48  as the radial side of the body  12  approaches the distal end  20 . Similarly, the ulnar side  24  can be contoured to follow the shape of the pinkie side of the hand. Thus, the illustrated embodiment has an outward curve  50  as it approaches the distal end  20 , with the radius of the curve  48  of the radial side  26  being less than the radius of the curve  50  of the ulnar side  24 . In some embodiments, the curves  48 ,  50  can have about equal radii. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the illustrated embodiment includes a pivot element  52  on the ulnar side  24  in the longitudinal direction  68 . In some embodiments, the pivot element  52  can be located in any other location around the circumference of the body  12 . For example, other embodiments can have the pivot element  52  located on the radial side  26 . Some embodiments include the pivot element  52  in the palmar portion  16  and/or the dorsal portion  18 . To facilitate removal of the support  10 , sometimes it is helpful to have multiple pivot elements. For example, some embodiments have pivot elements  52  on both sides  24 ,  26 . In some embodiments, such as those made from flexible materials, the support  10  can expand over a wearer&#39;s hand, and thus a distinct pivot element  52  may not be necessary. For instance, a body  12  made of spandex, or a resilient material such as a flexible plastic can be sized to snuggly fit the wearer&#39;s wrist and can also be expanded to fit over the wearer&#39;s hand. Such supports may not include a separate pivot element  52 . 
         [0039]    The pivot element  52  in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4  is a generally linear hinge that is substantially flush with the exterior portion  28  and interior portion  30  of the body  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the ulnar side  24  of the palmar portion  16  and dorsal portion  18  are sized and shaped to substantially interlock with one another to form the pivot element  52  and receive a hinge pin  54  (not shown). Other embodiments can have different geometry and connection and/or movement means. For instance, in some embodiments, such interlocking of the portions  16 ,  18  does not occur and instead the sides of the portions  16 ,  18  abut in a substantially flush geometry with the pivot element  52  added as a separate component. In other embodiments, the portions  16 ,  18  do not directly join or abut, so the pivot element  52  bridges the gap and serves as the connection. In some embodiments, the portions  16 ,  18  overlap. The pivot element  52  can be substantially flush with the exterior surface  28  and interior surface  30  to avoid snagging. 
         [0040]    Various types of pivots may be used, including but not limited to, pins, straps, butt hinges, slip hinges, pivot hinges, flush hinges, swaged hinges, and flanged hinges. In some embodiments the pivot  52  is spring-loaded to prevent or facilitate operation of the pivot  52  and thus opening/closing of the body  12 . Some embodiments utilize one or a plurality of strips of flexible material as the pivot element  52 . The pivot element  52  may be made of any suitable materials, including any water resistant and/or washable material such as plastic, nylon, polyester, neoprene, spandex, cotton, canvas, and metal. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 5-7A , in some embodiments the body  12  is secured by a fastener  14 . When the fastener  14  is in the open position, the body  12  can be expanded and thus be slipped over the user&#39;s hand and/or wrist. Conversely, movement of the support  10  is substantially prevented when the fastener  14  is closed. This is accomplished by the fastener  14  exerting compressive or tensile force on the body  12 . Such forces can generally prevent the pivot element  52  from operating, so the body  12  cannot expand to fit over the wearer&#39;s hand and/or wrist. When the fastener  14  is released, the pivot element  52  is free to open so the body  12  can expand to facilitate installation or removal. 
         [0042]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the fastener  14  is a clasp comprising a clasping member  60 , strap  62 , and locking member  64 . The clasping member  60  can be rotatably attached to an end of the strap  62 . The opposite end of said strap can be fixed to the exterior surface  28  of the body  12 . Both the clasp  60  and strap  62  can be located on either the palmar surface  16  or dorsal surface  18  while the locking member  64  can be located on the opposite surface therefrom. The locking member  64  can be positioned and sized and shaped to closely fit within the clasping member and contain a detent and/or lip  66  to lock the clasping member in place. Once the clasping member  60  is engaged with the locking member  64 , the body  12  is held closed. The detent and/or lip  66 , plus the force of the locking member  64  through the clasp  60  into the strap  62  onto the body  12 , can inhibit or prevent the body  12  from opening. In some embodiments, the length of the strap  62  can be altered to allow for adjustment of the amount of force exerted by the fastener  14 . Many other embodiments of a clasp can be used, with or without a fastener  14 . 
         [0043]    Such other clasp-type fasteners  14  can include deployment buckles, expansion bracelets, fold-over clasps, push-button clasps, jewelry clasps, and toggle clasps. Furthermore, many other types of fasteners can be used, including hook and loop fasteners, zippers, straps, buckles, buttons, hooks, snaps, laces, magnets, cotter pins, split pins, rivets, staples, elastic threads and/or cords, and combinations thereof. The fastener  14  can include one or many securing devices. For instance, some embodiments include one zipper and two snaps. Another embodiments have multiple straps and buckles. Some embodiments include hook and loop across all or substantially all of the longitudinal length of the body  12  and about 2″ in the transverse direction. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the fastener  14  is located on the radial side  26 , while in other embodiments the fastener  14  is located on the ulnar side  24 . A fastener  14  for a support  10  designed to be worn on the left hand can close towards the wearer&#39;s right hand. Conversely, a fastener  14  for a support  10  designed to be worn on the right hand can close towards the wearer&#39;s left hand. In some embodiments, the fastener  14  vertically protrudes from the body  12 . In the closed position, the fastener  14  can be substantially flush with the exterior surface  28  of the body  12 . 
         [0045]    Some embodiments include features for attaching, retaining, and/or interfacing with accessories. For example, the support  10  may include one or a plurality of pockets. Some embodiments have, but are not limited to, snaps, hooks, laces, and/or magnets. Some embodiments have hook and loop fasteners. Accessories attached to, embedded in, or mounted on the support  10  may include, but are not limited to, tools, instruments, clocks, calculators, mirrors, vibration dampers, and heat shields. Accessories may also include radios, telephones or other communication devices, LCD or other viewing screens, navigation devices, notification or monitoring means, heart-rate monitors, GPS location determination devices, audio or video device (such as MP3 players), and/or e-mail receiving devices sand other electronic devices. 
         [0046]    Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Also, although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Some embodiments can include one or more features described in connection with one or more of the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein.