Therapeutic Gloves

Abstract

The invention provides an assistive apparatus which enables a wearer to enjoy greater control when opening or closing their hands and fingers. The Therapeutic Glove is a fitted sheath with individual sections for one's thumb and fingers. The base of the glove comprises a reinforced and stretchy elastic wristband and facilitates a comfortable custom fit. The material of the glove includes a breathable cotton, spandex™ or nylon fabric. Running the length of each digit of the glove and joined together at the dorsal portion of the glove is a series of heavy duty elastic bands configured in strip form and designed to pull the individual fingers and thumb straight. These elongated and reinforced bands are adjustable in length to vary the amount of tension for each finger and thumb.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/685,560 filed Mar. 20, 2012, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Therapeutic Gloves.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of hand gloves, and more specifically to the field of therapeutic hand gloves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for hand gloves for exercising and strengthening hands and fingers. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,064 to Thomas Fasano describes a glove and hand exerciser containing longitudinal stiffening inserts adapted to create and apply tension when the finger and hand muscles are flexed thereby exercising the muscles.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,944,220 to Charlton H. Williams, Jr. describes an exercise glove incorporating rods which offer resistance to movement of fingers, hands or wrists. This glove exercises fingers, hands, wrists and forearms of a user. The device incorporates flexible resilient rods made of a material such as a composite. The flexural strength of the rods creates the exercising resistance. The rods extend parallel to the hand of a user and allow the user to perform other functions while wearing the gloves.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,244 to John F. Waller and Arnold Tobin describes a bidirectional exercise glove molded from elastic material in a shape such that the glove biases the wearer's hand into a relaxed position. The wrist is cocked approximately thirty degrees and the fingers and thumb are positioned in relaxed equilibrium positions, approximately one third closed. Rods embedded along the fingers of the glove resist flexion and extension of the fingers. Alternatively, flexion and extension of the fingers are resisted by thick molded regions formed integrally with the glove about the fingers.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic glove for straightening and strengthening hands, fingers and thumbs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is three perspective views of a therapeutic glove showing form and fit of the glove on fingers and thumb of a right hand in an open, slightly straightened and potentially gripping position.

FIG. 2 is another perspective representation of the therapeutic glove of the present invention showing the tension bands, adjustable section of tension band and tension band stretch length covered by hook and loop fastener for easy adjustment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Millions of consumers suffer various ailments which compromise their manual dexterity and limit their ability to lead an independent life. Regardless of age or overall health, these types of ailments are devastating as they hinder one's ability to complete the most basic of tasks. Ailments such as hand neuropathy, arthritis and carpal tunnel greatly limit a sufferer's manual dexterity and often render them unable to perform simple actions such as tying their shoes or styling their hair. Attempting to open a can of soda or jot down a grocery list when one is unable to open and close the hands and fingers can be a time consuming and seemingly impossible endeavor. Unable to achieve a firm grip on a hand tool, hair brush or other common item due to lack of flexibility in the hands results in tasks that once were second nature becoming impossible to perform. Having to retire early or take disability because of a hand related ailment causes frustration, depression and grief for one losing their ability to fend for themselves.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Therapeutic Glove, provides an effective means for those people who experience debilitating problems with their hands to improve manual dexterity. The Therapeutic Glove is a specially designed assistive apparatus which enables a wearer to enjoy greater control when opening or closing their hands and fingers. Similar in appearance to a traditional glove, the Therapeutic Glove is a fitted sheath with individual sections for one's thumb and fingers. The base of the glove comprises a reinforced and stretchy elastic wristband 14, also referred to as the base portion, and facilitates a comfortable custom fit. The material of the glove includes a breathable cotton, spandex™ or nylon fabric. Running the length of each digit of the glove and joined together at the dorsal portion of the glove is a series of heavy duty elastic bands configured in strip form and designed to pull the individual fingers and thumb straight. These bands are also known as tension bands and are shown in FIG. 2 designated as tension bands 12. These elongated and reinforced bands 12 are double stitched and discreetly hidden within the fabric of the glove.

Tension bands 12 run the length of each finger and are attached to the dorsal side of the glove. The bands are fixedly attached to the fingertip 18 of each finger sheath and are adjustable in length. The adjustability provides a variable amount of tension for each finger, according to the needs of the user. The adjustable portion 16 of each finger sheath is anchored to the base of the glove 14 and covered by hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro™, for example.

In an alternative embodiment, the gloves can be made without fingertips, to provide exposed fingertips. In this embodiment, the tension bands 12 would extend to the edge of the opening of the fingertip for each finger.

In a further alternative embodiment, the tension bands 12 could comprise thin strips of metal, or flexible semi-rigid plastic. In these cases, tension could be adjusted by adding or removing tension band strips.

The Therapeutic Glove is produced in a variety of sizes to accommodate male and female consumers. The Therapeutic Glove is available in a host of vibrant colors and neutral hues.

Use of the Therapeutic Glove is simple and straightforward. The user purchases the Therapeutic Glove in the desired size and color. With the assistance of a family member or friend if necessary, the user dons the gloves and makes adjustments for a comfortable fit. The integrated elastic bands 12 on the digits of the Therapeutic Glove pull individual fingers and thumbs straight and taut. After the user has handled an object or completed a specific task, the closed hand gently springs back to an open position, providing support to the hands and fingers that prevents the hands from cramping and closing back into a fist. The Therapeutic Glove is worn as long as desired, then removed and stored away until used again.

The Therapeutic Glove provides consumers who suffer limited hand mobility with a simple therapeutic device. An easily applied glove which stretches and straightens the hands and fingers, the Therapeutic Glove enables consumers who suffer arthritis, carpal tunnel, hand neuropathy and paralysis and other medical ailments to straighten their hands and fingers when these afflictions result in painful constriction. Helping them to write, prepare meals and even dress themselves without experiencing difficulty and pain, the Therapeutic Glove fosters a renewed sense of independence and self sufficiency in patients afflicted with arthritis or similar ailments. This versatile product proves invaluable to anyone with mobility challenges from sufferers of palsy, scoliosis and stroke paralysis to individuals recovering from temporary disabilities stemming from surgery or broken bones. The resistance provided by the gloves when closing the fingers and hands strengthens weakened muscles while enabling a user to enjoy greater control. Ideal for the home health sector, the Therapeutic Glove is invaluable to physical and occupational therapy facilities. User friendly and versatile, the present invention's easy fit allows users to return to completing many everyday tasks in a pain free manner. Affordably priced, the Therapeutic Glove will be well received by anyone with limited hand mobility.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A therapeutic glove for straightening and strengthening hands, fingers and thumbs, comprising a glove having a fitted sheath with individual finger sections for thumb and fingers, a base portion, a wristband, a tension band for each finger and thumb and a length adjustment for each tension band wherein the base portion of the glove comprises a reinforced and stretchy elastic; wherein the tension band is fixedly attached to the finger tip of each finger portion and adjustably attached to the base portion.

2. The therapeutic glove of claim 1 are comprised of materials selected from the group consisting of: breathable cotton, spandex, nylon fabric, or any combination of breathable cotton, spandex™, nylon fabric.

3. The therapeutic glove of claim 1 wherein the tension bands are double stitched and discreetly hidden on within the fabric of the glove.

4. The therapeutic glove of claim 1 wherein the tension bands are fixedly attached to the fingertip of each finger sheath and are adjustable in length, wherein the adjustable portion of each finger sheath is anchored to the base of the glove and covered by hook and loop fastener.

5. The therapeutic glove of claim 1 wherein the base portion comprises a reinforced and stretchy elastic wristband to facilitate a comfortable custom fit.

6. A therapeutic glove for straightening and strengthening hands, fingers and thumbs, comprising a glove having a fitted sheath with individual finger sections for thumb and fingers, wherein the fingertip portion of each finger section is removed, a base portion, a wristband, a tension band for each finger and thumb and a length adjustment for each tension band wherein the base portion of the glove comprises a reinforced and stretchy elastic; wherein the tension band is fixedly attached to the edge of the finger tip opening of each finger portion and adjustably attached to the base portion.