Patent Description:
In the human body, collateral ligament injuries, e.g. radial and ulnar collateral ligament injuries, can occur due to forced lateral deviation and/or rotational movement that is not congruent with the normal range of motion of a joint, e.g. of the finger. For example, ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb are particularly common, and may be referred to as skier's or gamekeeper's thumb, e.g. which may be caused by an abrupt forced radial deviation.

Injuries to the hand are common among athletes, because the hands frequently absorb impact during sports activity. These sports-related injuries may include damage to the supporting ligaments, tendons and/or bones.

Some sports have a notable higher frequency of wrist and finger injuries, for example wrestling or combat sports in which a training suit is used, e.g. a kimono, such as Brazilian JiuJitsu, Judo and Budokai-do. In practicing this type of combat sports, an injury can easily result from a wrong grip. Other sport activities with a high risk of hand injuries may include, for example, climbing, basketball and American football.

Such injuries can be classified into two main categories: traumatic (acute) and overuse (chronic). Nonetheless, the majority of hand injuries, depending on the type of injured tissue, may require a long time to heal, e.g. particularly in the case of torn or ruptured ligaments.

Furthermore, athletes may often be prone to not respecting the proper recovery time and may proceed with training notwithstanding the suffered injuries. Such mentality may be one of the decisive reasons, alongside lower quality of the healed scar tissue in ligaments and tendons, e.g. weakness in tissue strength and tissue stiffness, why an acute injury can develop into a chronic injury.

Repetitive injuries to the ligaments cause improper motion of the joint and play a crucial role in the development of osteo-arthritis (OA). OA is characterized with cartilage loss and reactive new bone formation at joint margins which results in permanent disabilities of the fingers.

It is known in the art to protect joints, e.g. to provide protection against traumatic finger injuries, by using sports tape. Athletic taping can be adopted as a measure to prevent injuries or during post-injury rehabilitation. However, this has the disadvantage that such taping can be expensive, e.g. particularly when required frequently, the application of such taping can be time-consuming and the incorrect application of tape, e.g. by people unskilled in its use, can expose the athlete to injury. Furthermore, taping disadvantageously only provides temporary support, e.g. due to activity and motion the stiffness of the tape may reduce. Taping may also carry a risk due to blood flow restriction caused by the tape when applied too firmly, e.g. in an effort to compensate for the previously mentioned disadvantage.

Document <CIT> discloses a reinforced glove having reinforcements with an X-shaped pattern centered on an axis of rotation of the interphalangeal joint, for reducing restriction of movement of the fingers caused by the presence of the glove. These reinforcements can extend from one joint to the other. However, the protection against injuries is still limited.

Document <CIT> discloses a tubular body with two bow-shaped elastic materials on the side. The bows turn away from each other, so that when the tubular body is worn on the finger, the bows restrict bending of the finger. The bows are joined to each other with an elastic material.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide good and efficient protection against injury of at least one human joint, the invention is solely defined by the appended independent claim, and the embodiments forming part of the invention as claimed in the dependent claims. Embodiments not disclosed in the claims do not form part of the claimed invention.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a disadvantage of protective taping as known in the prior art, e.g. as mentioned hereinabove, may be overcome.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a protective device for protecting a human joint for articulating a first bone with respect to a second bone, e.g. a human hinge joint, such as a digit joint. Particularly, the protective device in accordance with embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention is a protective device for protecting a proximal interphalangeal joint and a distal interphalangeal joint of a human finger.

The protective device comprises a flexible sheath adapted for wearing around the human finger, e.g. around the human joint.

The flexible sheath comprises a palmar side for covering a palmar face of the human finger, a dorsal side for covering a dorsal face of the human finger and two lateral sides for covering respectively an ulnar and a radial face of the human finger.

The protective device also comprises at least four motion constraining elements integrated in or secured to the flexible sheath. The at least four motion constraining elements correspond to respectively each of both lateral sides of each of the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint of the human finger.

Each of the at least four motion constraining elements is adapted for constraining, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger, a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of a first phalanx with respect to a second phalanx articulated with respect to each other by the interphalangeal joint (i.e. a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of any of the pair of phalanges that are directly connected to the proximal or distal interphalangeal joint to which the motion constraining element corresponds). Thus, each motion constraining element is adapted for constraining, when the flexible sheath is worn, a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of the first bone with respect to the second bone, e.g. to protect the human joint articulating the first bone with respect to the second bone.

Each of the at least four motion constraining elements covers a lateral side of the flexible sheath at a location corresponding to the interphalangeal joint (i.e. that distal or proximal interphalangeal joint to which the motion constraining element corresponds), when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger.

Each of the motion constraining elements is adapted for resisting elongation of the motion constraining element in a longitudinal direction of the flexible sheath.

Each of the motion constraining elements is bendable in a dorso-palmar direction to allow flexion of the interphalangeal joint when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger.

Each of the two motion constraining elements (of the at least four motion constraining elements) that corresponds to the distal interphalangeal joint and each of the two motion constraining elements (of the at least four motion constraining elements) that corresponds to the proximal interphalangeal joint are distinct and separate elements having different points of engagement on the flexible sheath, e.g. such that the former motion constraining element corresponding to the distal joint and the latter motion constraining element corresponding to the proximal joint do not share any common point of engagement on the flexible sheath. For example, a motion constraining element corresponding to the distal interphalangeal joint does not form a continuous structure with a motion constraining element corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint. For example, a motion constraining element corresponding to the distal interphalangeal joint is not fixed to the flexible sheath in a point were also a motion constraining element corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint is fixed to the flexible sheath.

The flexible sheath may be structure for enveloping the human finger in a close-fitting manner. The flexible sheath may be adapted to exert a compressive force on the human finger when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger.

For example, the compressive force on the finger may advantageously increase friction between the flexible sheath and the finger when worn, such that the motion constraining elements remain aligned with their corresponding joints in use and such that the motion constraining elements remain sufficiently stationary in at least two end regions thereof to constrain the lateral and/or rotational deviation motion.

The sheath may be a tubular structure. Particularly, the sheath may enclose at least part of the human finger, around the entire cross-sectional circumference of the member on both sides of the joint, e.g. may enclose the member around the first phalanx around its entire circumference and may enclose the member around the second phalanx around its entire circumference, both enclosing parts for enclosing respectively the first phalanx and the second phalanx being connected. However, the sheath is not necessarily continuous over its entire surface area, e.g. may comprise holes, insofar a continuous and closed path is formed around the entire member, e.g. such as to exert a compressive force on the finger, on both sides of the joint. For example, the flexible sheath may comprise or even consist of at least two annular elastic structures for exerting a compressive force on the human body around the shaft of respectively the first phalanx and the second phalanx, when worn around the human finger, and the motion constraining element may be secured to the at least two annular elastic structures, thus forming a connection between the enclosing parts for enclosing respectively the first phalanx and the second phalanx. However, preferably, the sheath may also comprise a flexible textile connecting such annular elastic structures to aid in applying the protective device on the body, aligning the protective device to the anatomical features of the body when worn and to increase comfort when worn.

The deviation motion may refer to a motion, e.g. a lateral or rotational deviation motion, that is unsupported by the natural range of motion of the joint, e.g. causing a displacement of the first phalanx with respect to the second phalanx in a lateral direction, e.g. having a substantial component parallel to a hinge axis of the joint, and/or causing a rotation of the first bone with respect to the second bone along a rotation axis that has a substantial component perpendicular to the hinge axis of the joint.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a protection against collateral ligament injuries of the human joint due to lateral deviation and/or rotational deviation is provided without substantially impeding or restricting the natural range of motion of the joint.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the protective device may comprise two of the motion constraining elements respectively covering each lateral side of the flexible sheath at opposite lateral locations of the human joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint. Thus, two of the motion constraining elements may respectively cover each lateral side of the flexible sheath at opposite lateral locations of the proximal interphalangeal human joint, and (another) two of the motion constraining elements may respectively cover each lateral side of the flexible sheath at opposite lateral locations of the distal interphalangeal joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger.

In embodiments according to the present invention, each motion constraining element may be secured, e.g. at a first end of the motion constraining element, to the flexible sheath in a first region corresponding to a position of the shaft of the first phalanx and the motion constraining element may be secured, e.g. at a second end of the motion constraining element, to the flexible sheath in a second region corresponding to a position of the shaft of the second phalanx, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the flexible sheath may be adapted for exerting a compressive force on the human finger, when worn around the human finger.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the flexible sheath may comprise at least two annular elastic structures for exerting a compressive force on the human body around the shaft of respectively the first phalanx and the second phalanx, when worn around the human joint, and the motion constraining element may be secured to the at least two annular elastic structures.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a compressive force can be exerted on the central part of the bones to support the internal anatomical structure. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that annular elastic structures can be provided over the central part of the bones to improve grip. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that annular elastic structures may be provided to securely hold a motion constraining element in an aligned position with respect to a human joint. It is a further advantage of providing the annular elastic structures around the shaft of the bones, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, that longitudinal displacement of the annular structures and/or of the motion constraining element secured by the annular structures is prevented, e.g. due to a narrow cross section of the human member at the shaft of the bones.

According to the invention, each motion constraining element comprises at least two elongate elements fastened to or integrated in the flexible sheath, wherein the at least two elongate elements intersect to form a cross where an axis of rotation of the interphalangeal joint intersects the flexible sheath, when worn on the human joint, and form a cross at a point where an imaginary axis, perpendicular to the plane of motion in which the articulation motion of the joint occurs, projects through the pivot point of the joint. Where reference is made to a 'cross', this is not necessarily limited to two crossing elements, but this may also refer to any number of elements, such as three, intersecting in substantially a same point.

In embodiments of the present invention, the cross formed by the at least two elongate elements may have an angle between two of the elongate elements in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, e.g. in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, e.g. in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. It shall be clear to the skilled person that embodiments of the present invention may relate to any range formed by a lower limit selected from <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>° and <NUM>° and an upper limit (greater than the selected lower limit) selected from <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

In embodiments of the present invention, the cross may have an acute angle between two parts of respectively two elongate elements, in which these parts extend from the center of the cross to the frontal side.

In embodiments of the present invention, the cross may have an obtuse angle between two parts of respectively two elongate elements, in which these parts extend from the center of the cross to the frontal side.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that, by crossing multiple elongate elements, a small cross section of the motion constraining element can be provided near an axis of rotation of the human joint, such as to allow good bending of the motion constraining device near the axis of rotation, e.g. to prevent a restricted flexion due to folding of the material near the axis of rotation when the joint is flexed. It is a further advantage that regions where the motion constraining device engages the flexible sheath, e.g. corresponding to attachment points of the elongate elements, can be spaced apart around the circumference of the human member to enable a good protection against lateral and/or rotational deviations.

In embodiments according to the present invention, a first elongate element of the two elongate elements may extend from a position on the frontal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the first phalanx to a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the second phalanx, and a second elongate element of the two elongate elements may extend from a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first phalanx to a position on the frontal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second phalanx, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human finger.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that by forming a cruciate pulley system lateral to a human joint, a good protection against collateral damage due to lateral and/or rotational deviation can be provided.

In embodiments according to the present invention, a third elongate element may extend from a position on the lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first phalanx to a position on that lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second phalanx.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the first, second and/or third elongate element may comprise a thread, a wire, a yarn, a strip or a band composed of a stretch resistant material.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the first, second and/or third elongate element may be interwoven with or stitched into the flexible sheath.

In embodiments of the present invention, the flexible sheath may comprise at least one opening for exposing a dorsal aspect of the proximal and/or distal interphalangeal joint, e.g. a knuckle, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human finger. For example, the flexible sheath may have at least one opening for exposing a dorsal aspect of the joint, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human finger.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a substantially unimpeded flexion and a good range of motion of the joint can be enabled.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the protective device may be an orthopaedic brace.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that motion of a joint can be allowed in a good range of motion when recovering from a collateral ligament injury, while protecting the joint from further harmful lateral and/or rotational deviations.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a protection against collateral ligament injuries of the human finger due to lateral and/or rotational deviations is provided without substantially impeding or restricting the natural range of motion of the finger.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the or each motion constraining element may be secured to the flexible sheath in a first region corresponding to a position of the shaft of the first phalanx and the or each motion constraining element may also be secured to the flexible sheath in a second region corresponding to a position of the shaft of the second phalanx, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the flexible sheath may comprise at least two annular elastic structures for exerting a compressive force on the human finger around the shaft of respectively the first phalanx and the second phalanx, when worn around the human finger, and the or each motion constraining element may be secured to the at least two annular elastic structures, e.g. the first end and the second end may be secured to corresponding annular elastic structures of the at least two annular structures.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a compressive force can be exerted on the central part of the phalanges to support the internal anatomical structure of the finger. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that annular elastic structures can be provided over the central part of the phalanges to improve grip. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that annular elastic structures are provided to securely hold a motion constraining element in an aligned position with respect to a human finger. It is a further advantage of providing the annular elastic structures around the shaft of the phalanges, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, that longitudinal displacement, along the medial axis of the finger, of the annular structures and/or of the motion constraining element secured by the annular structures is prevented, e.g. due to a narrow cross section of the finger at the shaft of the phalanges.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the or each motion constraining element may comprise at least two elongate elements fastened to or integrated in the flexible sheath, wherein the at least two elongate elements intersect to form a cross where an axis of rotation of the interphalangeal joint intersects the flexible sheath, when worn on the human finger.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that, by crossing multiple elongate elements, a small cross section of the motion constraining device can be provided near an axis of rotation of an interphalangeal joint, such as to allow good bending of the motion constraining device near the axis of rotation, e.g. to prevent a restricted flexion due to folding of the material near the axis of rotation when the digit is flexed. It is a further advantage that regions where the motion constraining device engages the flexible sheath, e.g. corresponding to attachment points of the elongate elements, can be spaced apart around the circumference of the finger to enable a good protection against lateral and/or rotational deviations.

In embodiments according to the present invention, a first elongate element of the two elongate elements may extend from a position on the palmar side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the first phalanx to a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the second phalanx, and a second elongate element of the two elongate elements may extend from a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to said position of the shaft of the first phalanx to a position on the palmar side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second phalanx, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human finger.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that by forming a cruciate pulley system lateral to a finger joint, a good protection against collateral damage due to lateral deviation can be provided, e.g. for lateral deviations ranging from a dorsal-lateral direction to a palmar-lateral direction.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the device may comprise a third elongate element extending from a position on the lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first phalanx to a position on the lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second phalanx.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the flexible sheath may comprise an opening for exposing a fingertip of the human finger when the flexible sheath is worn on the human finger, e.g. the flexible sheath may have an opening for exposing a fingertip of the human finger when the flexible sheath is worn on the human finger.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that good tactile sense and good grip can be enabled when the protective device is covering a finger, e.g. enclosing a finger while leaving a fingertip uncovered.

In embodiments of the present invention, the flexible sheath may comprise at least one opening for exposing a dorsal aspect of the interphalangeal joint of the human finger, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human finger. For example, the flexible sheath may have at least one opening for exposing a dorsal aspect of the interphalangeal joint of the human finger, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human finger.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a substantially unimpeded flexion and a good range of motion of the finger can be enabled.

In embodiments of the present invention, the protective device may be a glove for wearing on a human hand, e.g. a sports glove, such as a glove for use in martial arts or combat sports or for use in climbing. The glove may comprise a plurality of flexible sheaths for wearing around a plurality of corresponding human fingers of the human hand, at least one of the at least four motion constraining elements being integrated in each of the flexible sheaths or secured to each of the flexible sheaths, in which bases of the flexible sheaths are joined together such as to form a connective textile covering at least a proximal part of a proximal phalanx of said human hand when the glove is worn. Particularly, the glove may comprise a plurality of protective devices in accordance with embodiments of the present invention as described hereinabove, e.g. four such protective devices for respectively four corresponding fingers.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a plurality of fingers on a single hand can be easily protected against collateral ligament injury.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the glove may further comprise a wristband for enclosing a wrist of the human hand, and the connective textile may furthermore extend along an ulnar side of the human hand to connect to the wristband at the ulnar side, when the glove is worn.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the connective textile may extend along a radial side of the human hand, around a base of the thumb of the human hand, to connect to the wristband at the radial side, when the glove is worn.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the glove may further comprise a strap connecting the radial side of the connective textile to the ulnar side of the connective textile over a dorsal side of the human hand, such as to leave an opening between the strap and the bases of the flexible sheaths to expose dorsal aspects of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the human hand, when the glove is worn.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a glove being worn may be held securely in place while leaving the hand palm and/or the metacarpophalangeal joints uncovered to allow a broad range of substantially unimpeded motion of the hand.

In embodiments according to the present invention, one of the plurality of flexible sheaths may be adapted for wearing around a thumb of the human hand, another of the plurality of flexible sheaths may be adapted for wearing around a forefinger of the human hand, and the connective textile may comprise a gusset connecting the flexible sheath for wearing around the thumb to the flexible sheath for wearing around the forefinger such that this gusset is stretched to a taut condition when the thumb is fully extended, when the glove is worn.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that protection can be provided against injury due to overextension of the thumb.

In embodiments according to the present invention, the flexible sheath and/or the connective textile may comprise a knitted, braided, woven and/or non-woven stretchable textile, such as for example a stretchable textile comprising neoprene, elastane, rubber, polyester, vinyl, velvet, vinyl and/or cotton.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a protective device for protecting a human joint for articulating a first bone with respect to a second bone, e.g. a human hinge joint, such as an elbow, a knee, an ankle or a digit joint. The protective device comprises a flexible sheath adapted for wearing around the human joint. The protective device also comprises at least one motion constraining element integrated in or secured to the flexible sheath. The or each of the at least one motion constraining element is adapted for constraining, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint, a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of the first bone with respect to the second bone. The or each at least one motion constraining element covers a lateral side of the flexible sheath at a location corresponding to the human joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint. The or each at least one motion constraining element is adapted for resisting elongation of the motion constraining element in a longitudinal direction of the flexible sheath. The or each at least one motion constraining element is bendable in a direction to allow flexion of the human joint. The flexible sheath comprises at least two annular elastic structures for exerting a compressive force on the human body around the shaft of respectively the first bone and the second bone, when worn around the human joint, and the motion constraining element is secured to the at least two annular elastic structures.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a protective device for protecting a human joint for articulating a first bone with respect to a second bone, e.g. a human hinge joint, such as an elbow, a knee, an ankle or a digit joint. The protective device comprises a flexible sheath adapted for wearing around the human joint. The protective device also comprises at least one motion constraining element integrated in or secured to the flexible sheath. The or each of the at least one motion constraining element is adapted for constraining, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint, a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of the first bone with respect to the second bone. The or each at least one motion constraining element covers a lateral side of the flexible sheath at a location corresponding to the human joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint. The or each at least one motion constraining element is adapted for resisting elongation of the motion constraining element in a longitudinal direction of the flexible sheath. The or each at least one motion constraining element is bendable in a direction to allow flexion of the human joint. The or each motion constraining element comprises at least three elongate elements fastened to or integrated in the flexible sheath, wherein the at least three elongate elements intersect to form a cross where an axis of rotation of the human joint intersects the flexible sheath, when worn on the human joint, e.g. to form a cross at a point where an imaginary axis, perpendicular to the plane of motion in which the articulation motion of the joint occurs, projects through the pivot point of the joint. A first elongate element of the at least three elongate elements extends from a position on the frontal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the second bone, and a second elongate element of the at least three elongate elements extends from a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on the frontal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second bone, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human joint. A third elongate element (of the at least three elongate elements) extends from a position on the lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on that lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second bone.

The flexible sheath may comprise at least two annular elastic structures for exerting a compressive force on the human body around the shaft of respectively the first bone and the second bone, when worn around the human joint, and the motion constraining element is secured to the at least two annular elastic structures.

In embodiments of the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention, the flexible sheath may be structure for enveloping the joint, e.g. at least part of a human member comprising the joint, in a close-fitting manner. The sheath may be a tubular structure. Particularly, the sheath may enclose at least part of a human member comprising the joint around the entire cross-sectional circumference of the member on both sides of the joint, e.g. may enclose the member around the first bone around its entire circumference and may enclose the member around the second bone around its entire circumference, both enclosing parts for enclosing respectively the first bone and the second bone being connected. However, the sheath is not necessarily continuous over its entire surface area, e.g. may comprise holes, insofar a continuous and closed path is formed around the entire member, e.g. such as to exert a compressive force on the member, on both sides of the joint. For example, the flexible sheath may comprise or even consist of at least two annular elastic structures for exerting a compressive force on the human body around the shaft of respectively the first bone and the second bone, when worn around the human joint, and the motion constraining element may be secured to the at least two annular elastic structures, thus forming a connection between the enclosing parts for enclosing respectively the first bone and the second bone. However, preferably, the sheath may also comprise a flexible textile connecting such annular elastic structures to aid in applying the protective device on the body, aligning the protective device to the anatomical features of the body when worn and to increase comfort when worn.

In embodiments of the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention, the protective device may comprise two of the motion constraining elements respectively covering each lateral side of the flexible sheath at opposite lateral locations of the human joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint.

In embodiments of the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention, the first, second and/or third elongate element may comprise a thread, a wire, a yarn, a strip or a band composed of a stretch resistant material.

In embodiments of the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention, the first, second and/or third elongate element may be interwoven with or stitched into the flexible sheath.

In of the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention, the flexible sheath may comprise at least one opening for exposing a dorsal aspect of the human joint, e.g. a knuckle, or a frontal aspect of the human joint, e.g. a patella, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human joint. For example, the flexible sheath may have at least one opening for exposing a dorsal aspect of the human joint, or a frontal aspect of the human joint, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human joint.

In embodiments of the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention, the protective device may be an orthopaedic brace.

In a first, second and third aspect, the present invention relates to a protective device for protecting a human joint, e.g. a human joint for articulating a first bone with respect to, e.g. relative to, a second bone.

The protective device comprises a flexible sheath adapted for wearing around the human joint, and at least one motion constraining element integrated in or secured to the flexible sheath.

Each motion constraining element is adapted for constraining, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint, e.g. around the human finger, a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of the first bone, e.g. a first phalanx, with respect to the second bone, e.g. a second phalanx. Each motion constraining element covers a lateral side of the flexible sheath at a location corresponding to the joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint, e.g. around the finger. Each motion constraining element is adapted for resisting elongation of the motion constraining element in a longitudinal direction of the flexible sheath. Each motion constraining element is bendable in a direction to allow flexion of the human joint.

Particularly, the protective device in accordance with embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention is adapted for protecting a proximal interphalangeal joint and a distal interphalangeal joint of a human finger. Four of the motion constraining elements correspond to respectively each of both lateral sides of each of the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint of the human finger. The motion constraining elements corresponding to the distal interphalangeal joint and the motion constraining elements corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint are distinct and separate elements having different points of engagement on the flexible sheath.

For example, the motion constraining element may be integrally formed with the flexible sheath, e.g. by a continuous or discontinuous change of material properties or composition of the flexible sheath. Nevertheless, the point of engagement may still be identified with a point or discrete region where the properties of the flexible sheath changes into the properties of the motion constraining element, e.g. where a flexible material changes into a more rigid material. For example, embodiments not necessarily limited thereto, the flexible sheath and the motion constraining elements may be integrally formed by knitting, braiding, weaving or otherwise composing a textile from a yarn, fiber or other elongate component structure, in which the material properties of such elongate component structure may be locally altered, e.g. by adding a resin or thermoplastic material, such as a coating of the yarn or fiber, to obtain suitable properties of the textile at that location for implementing the motion constraining element.

The protective device in accordance with embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention comprises at least two annular elastic structures for exerting a compressive force on the human body around the shaft of respectively the first bone and the second bone, when worn around the human joint, and the motion constraining element is secured to the at least two annular elastic structures.

In the protective device in accordance with embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, which is not necessarily limited to a protective device comprising at least two annular elastic structures, the or each motion constraining element comprises at least three elongate elements fastened to or integrated in the flexible sheath, wherein the at least three elongate elements intersect to form a cross (i.e. intersect all three in substantially a single common center) where an axis of rotation of the human joint intersects the flexible sheath, when worn on the human joint, to form a cross at a point where an imaginary axis, perpendicular to the plane of motion in which the articulation motion of the joint occurs, projects through the pivot point of the joint. A first elongate element of the at least three elongate elements extends from a position on the frontal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the second bone, and a second elongate element of the at least three elongate elements extends from a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on the frontal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second bone, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human joint. A third elongate element (of the at least three elongate elements) extends from a position on the lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on that lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second bone.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of a protective device <NUM> in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown. The protective device <NUM> may for example be an orthopaedic brace.

<FIG> show a protective device <NUM> for protecting a human joint <NUM>, e.g. joints <NUM> of a human finger. As illustrated in <FIG>, the protective device may be adapted for protecting a plurality of human joints <NUM>, e.g. multiple joints of a finger. The protective device <NUM> may be adapted for protecting a human finger.

For example, the flexible sheath <NUM> may be adapted for wearing around an interphalangeal joint that connects a first phalanx of the human finger to a second phalanx of the human finger, the second phalanx being adjacent to the first phalanx. The flexible sheath <NUM> may be adapted for wearing around two interphalangeal joints of the human finger. Thus, the flexible sheath <NUM> may comprise a palmar side for covering a palmar face of the human finger, a dorsal side for covering a dorsal face of the human finger and two lateral sides for covering respectively an ulnar and a radial face of the human finger. The palmar side, the dorsal side and the two lateral sides may refer to surface aspects of the flexible sheath, and do not necessarily imply a clear structural separation and/or delineation of these sides. For example, the flexible sheath may have a substantially tubular shape, and quadrants around the circumference of the tubular structure for covering corresponding aspects of the finger when worn may be referred to as the respective sides.

The flexible sheath and/or the connective textile may comprise a knitted, braided, woven and/or non-woven stretchable textile.

The flexible sheath <NUM> may have at least one opening <NUM> for exposing a dorsal aspect of the human joint, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human joint.

Furthermore, the flexible sheath <NUM> of a protective device <NUM> for protecting a finger in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may have an opening for exposing a fingertip of the human finger when the flexible sheath <NUM> is worn on the human finger.

The protective device <NUM> further comprises at least one motion constraining element <NUM> integrated in or secured to the flexible sheath <NUM>. For example, the at least one motion constraining element may be woven into, stitched to or glued onto the sheath, and/or may be fixed to the sheath at predetermined connection points, e.g. by staples, stitches, nail rivets, screws, buttons and/or similar fasteners.

While the motion constraining element may be a clearly distinct structure affixed to or joined to the flexible sheath, this is not necessarily the case for each embodiment in accordance with the present invention. For example, the motion constraining element may be integrally formed with the flexible sheath, e.g. by a continuous or discontinuous change of material properties or composition of the flexible sheath. Nevertheless, a change of the properties of the flexible sheath into the properties of the motion constraining element would still allow an unambiguous identification of the features represented by the flexible sheath and the motion constraining element. For example, a flexible material may change into a more rigid material where the motion constraining element is implemented. For example, embodiments not necessarily limited thereto, the flexible sheath and the motion constraining elements may be integrally formed by knitting, braiding, weaving or otherwise composing a textile from a yarn, fiber or other elongate component structure, in which the material properties of such elongate component structure may be locally altered, e.g. by adding a resin or thermoplastic material, such as a coating of the yarn or fiber, to obtain suitable properties of the textile at that location for implementing the motion constraining element.

The at least one motion constraining element <NUM> is adapted for constraining, when the flexible sheath <NUM> is worn around the human joint <NUM>, a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of the first bone with respect to the second bone. For example, the at least one motion constraining element <NUM> may be adapted for constraining, when the flexible sheath <NUM> is worn around the human finger, a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of the first phalanx with respect to the second phalanx, in which the first and the second phalanx are connected by the interphalangeal joint.

The at least one motion constraining element <NUM> covers a lateral side L of the flexible sheath <NUM> at a location corresponding to the human joint <NUM>, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint. For example, each motion constraining element <NUM> may cover one of the lateral sides L of the flexible sheath at a location corresponding to the interphalangeal joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger.

The at least one motion constraining element <NUM> is adapted for resisting elongation of the motion constraining element <NUM> in a longitudinal direction <NUM> of the flexible sheath <NUM>.

The at least one motion constraining element <NUM> is bendable in a direction to allow flexion of the human joint <NUM>.

For example, the at least one motion constraining element <NUM>, in a protective device for protecting an interphalangeal joint of a human finger in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, may be bendable in a dorso-palmar direction to allow flexion of the interphalangeal joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human finger.

The protective device <NUM> may comprise two of the motion constraining elements <NUM> respectively covering each lateral side L of the flexible sheath at opposite lateral locations of the human joint <NUM>, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint <NUM>.

The protective device <NUM> may comprise four of the motion constraining elements <NUM> for respectively each of both lateral sides L of each of a proximal interphalangeal joint and a distal interphalangeal joint of a human finger. Thus, respectively four motion constraining elements <NUM> may be integrated in or secured to the flexible sheath <NUM>, in which these four motion constraining elements respectively cover a first lateral side of the flexible sheath <NUM> at a location corresponding to a radial side of a proximal interphalangeal joint of a human finger, a second lateral side of the flexible sheath <NUM> at a location corresponding to an ulnar side of the proximal interphalangeal joint, the first lateral side of the flexible sheath <NUM> at a location corresponding to a radial side of a distal interphalangeal joint of the human finger and the second lateral side of the flexible sheath <NUM> at a location corresponding to an ulnar side of the distal interphalangeal joint.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the motion constraining elements corresponding to the distal interphalangeal joint and the motion constraining elements corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint are distinct and separate elements having different points of engagement on the flexible sheath.

It is an advantage of embodiments that, by providing for each interphalangeal joint separate motion constraining elements that engage with the flexible sheath in different points, the motion constraints imposed on each joint can be independently controlled. The motion constraining element <NUM> may be secured to the flexible sheath <NUM> in a first region <NUM> corresponding to a position of the shaft of the first bone and the motion constraining element <NUM> may be secured to the flexible sheath in a second region <NUM> corresponding to a position of the shaft of the second bone, when the flexible sheath <NUM> is worn around the human joint.

The flexible sheath <NUM> may comprise at least two annular elastic structures <NUM> for exerting a compressive force on the human body around the shaft of respectively the first bone and the second bone, when the flexible sheath is worn around the human joint, e.g. around respectively the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>. The motion constraining element <NUM> may be secured to the at least two annular elastic structures, e.g. to the first annular elastic structure at a first end of the motion constraining element <NUM> in the first region <NUM> and to the second annular elastic structure at a second end of the motion constraining element <NUM> in the second region <NUM>.

However, the flexible sheath may also be an integrally formed compressive structure, e.g. a compression glove. For example, the flexible sheath may be adapted for being more compressive, when worn, around the middle of the (or each) phalanx. Thus, a same effect as provided by annular elastic structures may be achieved by an integrally formed flexible sheath without clearly distinct annular structures.

Such compressive glove structures are known in the art. For example, for the management of oedema and/or arthritis. For example, for the uses known in the prior art, e.g. in medical applications such as the oedema and/or arthritis care, a different, e.g. higher, compressive force may be required than for the use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a compressive force may be exerted on the finger and/or hand such as to ensure that sufficient friction can be generated between the glove structure and the body, i.e. such that the motion constraining elements remain substantially stationary, e.g. well-aligned, with respect to the finger and can generate a sufficient constraining force between ends thereof on opposite sides of the joint to protect the joint.

The motion constraining element <NUM>, e.g. each motion constraining element <NUM>, comprises at least two elongate elements <NUM>,<NUM> fastened to or integrated in the flexible sheath <NUM>. The at least two elongate elements intersect to form a cross where an axis of rotation of the human joint intersects the flexible sheath, when worn on the human joint, as shown in <FIG>.

Where reference is made to a 'cross', this is not necessarily limited to two crossing elements, but this may also refer to any number of elements, such as three, intersecting in substantially a same point.

In embodiments of the present invention, the cross formed by the at least two elongate elements may have an angle between two of the elongate elements in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, e.g. in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, e.g. in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Other ranges between any pair of the mentioned endpoints are also contemplated.

In embodiments of the present invention, the cross may have an acute angle between two parts of respectively two elongate elements, in which these parts extend from the center of the cross to the frontal side. In embodiments of the present invention, the cross may have an obtuse angle between two parts of respectively two elongate elements, in which these parts extend from the center of the cross to the frontal side.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the elongate elements may be configured such as to be parallel, or substantially parallel, with the collateral ligaments <NUM>, when the flexible sheath is worn. Thus, the motion constraining elements may mimic the function of the collateral ligaments.

Alternatively, the elongate elements may be configured such as to be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the collateral ligaments <NUM>, when the flexible sheath is worn. For example, the motion constraining elements may engage with the flexible sheath at a short distance to the knuckle, e.g. substantially away from the middle points of the shafts of the phalanges. Thus, a larger impact force can be absorbed by the elongate elements when pulled taut.

For example, when the elongate elements were to form a continuous band around the finger covering both the proximal and the distal interphalangeal joint, only a suboptimal protection might be achieved. One helix would connect the rotation point of a knuckle, over the phalanx, to the rotation point on the opposite lateral side of the next knuckle. Consider the radius at the first knuckle to be R<NUM> and the radius at the second knuckle to be R<NUM>, where R<NUM>< R<NUM>, while the length of the (middle) phalanx is L. The path of such hypothetical continuous band can be expressed as: <MAT> with <MAT> and z a coordinate along the longitudinal axis of the finger, y a coordinate in the dorso-palmar direction.

Using this model, the angle that the helix makes with the vertical direction y can be estimated. For example, for typical values of R<NUM> =<NUM>/2π, R<NUM> =<NUM>/2π, L =<NUM>, then at the first knuckle (between proximal and middle phalanx), an angle of <NUM> degrees of obtained, while at the second knuckle (between middle and distal phalanx) an angle of <NUM> degrees is obtained. Thus, using such continuous band, the angles are fixed and dependent on the geometry of the finger, with angles in the range of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. However, such angles may not be optimal.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an elongate element may be fixed in a connection point at a distance, measured in the longitudinal direction, from the rotation point in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, e.g. in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, e.g. <NUM>. For example, the connection point may be at a distance, measured in the dorso-palmar direction in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, e.g. in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, e.g. <NUM>.

For example, with a connection <NUM> to the left and right of the rotation point, but <NUM> above and below this point, an angle of <NUM> degrees can be obtained.

A first elongate element <NUM> of the at least two elongate elements may extend from a position on the frontal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to a position of the shaft of the second bone, and a second elongate element <NUM> of the two elongate elements may extend from a position on the dorsal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on the frontal side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second bone, when the flexible sheath is worn on the human joint.

As shown in <FIG>, the device, e.g. the at least one motion constraining element <NUM>, may further comprise a third elongate element <NUM> that extends from a position on the lateral side of the flexible sheath <NUM> corresponding to the position of the shaft of the first bone to a position on that lateral side of the flexible sheath corresponding to the position of the shaft of the second bone.

Referring again to <FIG>, it can be seen that the third elongate element may approximate the roughly horizontal orientation of the collateral ligaments <NUM>.

Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, the at least one motion constraining element may comprise a plurality of elongate elements, e.g. more than three, such as <NUM> or even more, e.g. <NUM> or even more, oriented in a plurality of different orientations, for example ranging from a horizontal alignment (e.g. parallel to the longitudinal axis) to <NUM>° between the longitudinal and dorsopalmar direction, or even to <NUM>° with respect to the longitudinal direction, e.g. almost vertical in the dorsopalmar direction. The plurality of elongate elements may be clearly distinct elongate elements, or may be co-integrated, e.g. as strands oriented in the different directions in a composite textile.

The elongate elements <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> may comprise a thread, a wire, a yarn, a strip and/or a band composed of a stretch resistant material.

The elongate elements <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> may be interwoven with or stitched into the flexible sheath.

Referring to <FIG>, the protective device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be a glove <NUM> for wearing on a human hand. The glove <NUM> may comprise a plurality of flexible sheaths <NUM>, e.g. as described hereinabove, for wearing around a plurality of corresponding human fingers of the human hand. At least one of the at least one motion constraining element <NUM> is integrated in each of the flexible sheaths <NUM>, or secured to each of the flexible sheaths <NUM>. Each of the flexible sheaths <NUM> may comprise at least one of the at least one motion constraining element <NUM>.

Bases <NUM> of the flexible sheaths may be joined together such as to form a connective textile <NUM> covering at least a proximal part of a proximal phalanx of the human hand when the glove is worn.

The glove <NUM> may comprise a wristband <NUM> for enclosing a wrist of said human hand, in which the connective textile <NUM> extends along an ulnar side <NUM> of the human hand to connect to the wristband <NUM> at the ulnar side, when the glove is worn.

The connective textile may also extend along a radial side <NUM> of the human hand, around a base of the thumb of the human hand, to connect to the wristband <NUM> at the radial side, when the glove is worn. Furthermore, a thumb support <NUM> may be provided around the base of the thumb, e.g. to support the carpometacarpal joint, e.g. an elastic structure exerting a compressive force on the carpometacarpal joint when the glove <NUM> is worn.

The glove <NUM> may comprise a strap <NUM> connecting the radial side <NUM> of the connective textile <NUM> to the ulnar side <NUM> of the connective textile over a dorsal side of the human hand, when the glove is worn. An opening <NUM> may be formed between the strap <NUM> and the bases <NUM> of the flexible sheaths to expose dorsal aspects of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the human hand, when the glove is worn.

Furthermore, the strap <NUM>, or another strap, may also connect the radial side of the connective textile to the ulnar side of the connective textile over a palmar side of the human hand, when the glove is worn, e.g. as shown in <FIG>.

One flexible sheath of the plurality of flexible sheaths may be adapted for wearing around a thumb of the human hand, another of the plurality of flexible sheaths may be adapted for wearing around a forefinger of the human hand.

Referring to <FIG>, the connective textile may comprise a gusset <NUM> connecting the flexible sheath for wearing around the thumb to the flexible sheath for wearing around the forefinger such that the gusset <NUM> is stretched to a taut condition when the thumb is fully extended, when the glove is worn.

Claim 1:
A protective device (<NUM>) for protecting a proximal interphalangeal joint and a distal interphalangeal joint of a human finger, said protective device comprising:
- a flexible sheath (<NUM>) adapted for wearing around said human finger, wherein said flexible sheath (<NUM>) comprises a palmar side for covering a palmar face of said human finger, a dorsal side for covering a dorsal face of said human finger and two lateral sides (L) for covering respectively an ulnar and a radial face of said human finger, and
- at least four motion constraining elements (<NUM>), integrated in or secured to said flexible sheath (<NUM>), corresponding to respectively each of both lateral sides of each of said proximal interphalangeal joint and said distal interphalangeal joint of said human finger,
wherein each motion constraining element (<NUM>) is adapted for constraining, when said flexible sheath (<NUM>) is worn around said human finger, a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of a first phalanx with respect to a second phalanx, said first and second phalanx being articulated with respect to each other by said interphalangeal joint to which said motion constraining element corresponds,
wherein each motion constraining element (<NUM>) covers a lateral side (L) of the flexible sheath (<NUM>) at a location corresponding to said interphalangeal joint, when the flexible sheath is worn around said human finger,
wherein each motion constraining element (<NUM>) is adapted for resisting elongation of the motion constraining element (<NUM>) in a longitudinal direction (<NUM>) of the flexible sheath (<NUM>), wherein said at least one motion constraining element (<NUM>) is bendable in a dorso-palmar direction to allow flexion of the interphalangeal joint (<NUM>), when said flexible sheath is worn around said human finger,
said motion constraining elements corresponding to the distal interphalangeal joint and said motion constraining elements corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint are distinct and separate elements having different points of engagement on the flexible sheath, the protective device is characterized in that each motion constraining element (<NUM>) comprises at least two elongate elements (<NUM>,<NUM>) fastened to or integrated in the flexible sheath, wherein the at least two elongate elements (<NUM>,<NUM>) intersect to form a cross where an axis of rotation of the interphalangeal joint (<NUM>) intersects the flexible sheath (<NUM>), when worn on the human finger.