Arm Or Hand Patents (Class 128/878)
  • Patent number: 7207960
    Abstract: An orthotic device for restoring range of motion to a patient's limb, includes a first device cuff configured for attaching the device to an upper region of a patient's limb above a limb joint, a second device cuff configured for attaching the device to a lower region of the patient's limb below the limb joint, and a spring attached between the first and second cuffs for bending in a manner counteracting muscle contraction of the limb to which the device is attached, the spring having spring characteristics whereby a counteracting spring force of the spring increases during an initial flexing of the spring through a first angle range, then remains peaked during a subsequent flexing of the spring through a second angle range and finally decreases with a subsequent flexing of the spring through a third angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: NeuroFlex Orthotics, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Kenney
  • Patent number: 7182742
    Abstract: An orthopaedic brace apparatus for the treatment of fractures is described. The brace comprises two portions (2,3) joined together by a strap (4). The first portion (2) comprises at least one preformed pad and the second portion (3) comprises at least two preformed pads (5, 6) joined together by resilient material (7). The resilient material is elastically deformable and the preformed pads are formed from a material that resists slippage such that the apparatus provides gentle compression on the fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Grampian Health Board
    Inventor: Douglas Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 7182088
    Abstract: An arm immobilizer comprises a closeable sleeve of a compressible material which can be placed around the patient's arm above and below the elbow joint with an opening on the inside of the arm positioned to give access to an intravenous site. One or more stays running the length of the immobilizer prevent excessive flexure movement at the elbow, while the compressible foam permits smaller movements that will not dislodge or impede the operation of the intravenous site and attached tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Catholic Healthcare West
    Inventor: Karen E. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7125391
    Abstract: The device with vacuum bag for pressure therapy solves the problem of accurate measuring of the under-pressure created in the vacuum bag and the problem of appropriate adjustment of the liner clothing to individual patients. he device with vacuum bag for pressure therapy according to the invention consists of a vacuum bag, specially designed liner clothing, and a control and measuring unit, situated in a housing, including a pressure gauge, which has direct connection to the vacuum bag through a tube. The air is sucked out from the bag through tubes attached on the one side to six connections on the vacuum bag and on the other side to connections provided on the housing. The liner clothing consists of several pieces designed for different parts of the body. The liner clothing pieces are made of two layers of porous fabric sewn together with longitudinal seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventors: Jeienc Joze, Vogrin Sasa
  • Patent number: 7087029
    Abstract: A massage device is composed of an elongated main body in the form of a sheet of flexible plastic material. The main body is configured with a plurality of flexible elongated strips extending from one end of the elongated body in cantilever fashion and juxtaposed spaced apart at their free ends to give the appearance of a hand with fingers splayed. The elongated strips define substantial contact areas, and an additional substantial contact area is defined at the other end of the main body. A vibration motor is fixed to the main body, which when operated imparts vibrations to the substantial contact areas via the main body to enable the device to perform a massage that simulates a hand massage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Friedland
  • Patent number: 7081102
    Abstract: A hinged dorsal carpal tunnel brace comprises a first substantially arcuate splint portion for fastening to a dorsal side of a patient's forearm. The first splint portion includes at least one strap for fastening the first arcuate splint portion to the patient's forearm. A second splint portion attaches to a dorsal side of the patient's hand and includes at least one strap for fastening to the patient's hand. A hinge pivotally connects the first splint portion to the second splint portion and allows pivotal motion through a preselected arcuate distance in radial and ulnar directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Active Ankle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Koetter, Scott T. Morton
  • Patent number: 7074202
    Abstract: An arm brace comprising an elongated relatively stiff support configured for application adjacent the inner side of the arm and for nesting adjacent the obtusely angled inner side zone of the partly bent arm opposite the elbow; retainer straps carried by the support near opposite ends thereof, to be independently tightened about the arm at retention locations spaced from a shallow angle shaped mid-section of the support, whereby the user's arm is maintained in shallowly bent condition by the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Weber Orthopedic Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Weber, David Auerbach
  • Patent number: 7069934
    Abstract: A keyboard posture device includes a lateral support shaft, left and right members, and left and right arm restraints. The frame member may be adjustably movable along the support shaft. Left and right arm restraints are also optionally adjustably movable, forward and back, on the forward struts of the left and right frame members respectively. The arm restraints extend forward from the struts and away from each other to form left and right arm crooks. The device may further includes a back pad and a wraparound strap to secure the device to the torso of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Nicholas M DiBella
  • Patent number: 7052478
    Abstract: Bandage for the shoulder and upper arm area, comprising an anatomically shaped upper arm part which receives the upper arm, and an anatomically shaped forearm part which receives the forearm, the upper arm part being designed in the shape of a half shell and having a cap-like recess for receiving the shoulder joint, and the forearm part being designed in the shape of a half shell and having an enclosure for the elbow joint, the upper arm part and the forearm part being connected to one another in an adjustable manner, and a support strap being arranged on the upper arm part and a holding strap being arranged on the forearm part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventors: Stefan Bodenschatz, Thorsten Herzberg
  • Patent number: 7037286
    Abstract: The present application discloses an open air wrist brace for use in supporting the wrist in an anatomically neutral position, or in a position that permits therapeutically-useful extension, without increasing pressure on the carpal tunnel, median nerve or flexor tendons in the forearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Tannhauser Gate LLC
    Inventor: James W. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 7033331
    Abstract: A wrist brace comprising in combination, a flexible holder to receive the user's wrist and having two flaps adapted to be closed toward one another or toward the wrist to secure the holder about the wrist of the user, tightening straps associated with the flaps, at least one first strap having an anchored end or ends at one flap and at least one second strap having an anchored end or ends at the other flap, at least one first loop on the other flap to pass at least one first strap, and at least one second loop on the other flap to pass at least one second strap, the straps and flaps having connective material thereon whereby the straps can be pulled and tightened after passing through said loops, to adjustably press-together on the connective material on the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Weber Orthopedic Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Hely
  • Patent number: 7000438
    Abstract: A restraint system includes a wrist restraint system and an ankle restraint system that allow the limbs of a detainee to be restrained. The lockable wrist restraint system includes a waist belt and wrist restraints that are rotatably mounted to the waist belt. The wrist restraints can be positioned anywhere around the waist belt. The lockable ankle restraint system includes a strap and two buckles that form the strap into two loops. Each loop is used to restrain a leg of the detainee. A lockable buckle includes a housing that creates a tortuous path that traps a strap to which the buckle is mounted and prevents the strap from being adjusted or removed from the detainee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Restraint Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Cooper, Daniel T. Hilliard, D. Patrick Jones, Jimmy Warnell, Randy Norton, Tim Quintana
  • Patent number: 6997020
    Abstract: Wrist retention apparatus for handcuffs that have two curved jaws, and a pivot connection for the jaws, comprising in an insert configured to interfit one jaw and present a wrist engaging curved surface toward the other jaw, the insert having a projection configured to fit over a terminal of the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: James E. Kozak, Nicholas J. Kozak
  • Patent number: 6974429
    Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the arm cuff is adjustably and removably attached to the vest at the upper attachment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Moore, Shirley H. Moore
  • Patent number: 6949077
    Abstract: An antispasticity aid device designed to aid stroke victims. The invention is a hand brace constructed to hold the thumb and fingers flat and a series of accessories designed to re-educate the muscles after a stroke. The device has a hand-mounting and thumb-mounting member. First and second restraining straps hold the hand and thumb firmly in contact with the hand-mounting and thumb-mounting member, respectively. Accessories for use with the device include: A first accessory fitting on an arm of an armchair; a second accessory providing physical therapy; a third accessory maintaining a comfortable position to rest an arm; a fourth accessory fitting frictionally over the arm of a chair; a fifth accessory accepting the mounting bracket of the device; a sixth accessory suspending the arm; a seventh accessory providing a channel for resting an arm; an eighth accessory providing exercise for arm muscles; and a ninth accessory permitting physical therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Robert K. Froom
  • Patent number: 6945252
    Abstract: A surgical hand support for performing surgical procedures on the volar side of the human thumb. The support includes an elongate forearm support plate with a hand support plate and a thumb support plate extending from this forearm support plate. The hand support plate and thumb support plate are dimensioned for respectively engaging the back of an individual's hand and thumb. The hand support plate extends upwardly from a wrist bend on the forward edge of the forearm support plate at an obtuse angle. The thumb support plate extends upwardly from a side edge of the forearm plate adjacent the wrist bend at an obtuse angle and the thumb support plate also extends forward from the side edge of the forearm plate at an obtuse angle and adjustable straps are provided for securing the forearm to the forearm plate, the hand to the hand plate and the thumb to the thumb plate whereby the volar side of the thumb is suitably presented for surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Richard A. Mengato
  • Patent number: 6942632
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrist apparatus for handling a bowling ball. The apparatus comprises a hand plate to which is affixed a strap controller which clamps the back of wrist to the hand plate efficiently by tightening the strap with fixed and rotating rollers placed on each side of the hand plate, respectively; a rotating angular mechanism which includes a projection placed on both top and bottom of the hand plate to allow the user to pre-select accurate angles of disposition between the hand plate and the wrist plate; an angular control gauge with a sill to make the angular control easy for moving upward and downward; and a fixed roller of wrist strap placed on both sides of the wrist plate where the hand plate is connected to; thus, enabling the user to adjust the wrist support to a comfortable position for both hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Young-Kook Cho
  • Patent number: 6936020
    Abstract: An orthopedic splint for a patient having a limb including an upper limb, a lower limb, and a joint therebetween, and being useful for therapeutically stretching the soft tissue of the limb. The orthopedic splint includes a flexible support member having a distal end and a proximal end thereof. A first contact pad is rotatably attached to the proximal end of said flexible support member and is disposed for distributing load to the underside of the upper limb. A second support pad attached to the distal end of said flexible support member is disposed for distributing load to the underside of the lower limb; and, a third support pad is attached to a fulcrum disposed near the center of the flexible support member and being disposed for distributing load to the topside of the upper limb and in close proximity to said joint. Accordingly, the orthopedic splint provides therapeutic traction to the limb while placing the limb in a self-aligning suspension sling arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Perry H. Davis
  • Patent number: 6935342
    Abstract: An arm holding device. The device includes a waist band, a groin strap fitted with an attachment/release buckle, and arms bands which are slidably attached to the waist band. The attachment/release buckle on the groin strap makes placing and removing the device on the patient a simple process. The slidably attached arm bands give the patient limited movement of their arms, while effectively holding the arms of the patient to prevent the patient from aggravating an injury. The device is made of flexible materials to provide as much comfort as possible for the patient, while still being effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Brent Larson
  • Patent number: 6932086
    Abstract: A support fixture for setting a fractured distal radius includes a pair of lower support plates extending in opposite directions and a central support bracket movable away from the support plates. The support plates are pivotable relative to one another. To set a fractured distal radius, the forearm of the patient is attached to one of the support plates and his hand is attached to the other of the support plates. Then, the support plates are pivoted and clamped to achieve a desired positioning of bones adjacent to the fracture. Next, the central support bracket is moved away from the support plates, moving the patient's wrist until another desired positioning of these bones is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
  • Patent number: 6932781
    Abstract: The present invention is a shoulder dislocation acute-phase immobilization orthosis for supporting, in treatment for a shoulder dislocation, an arm in a prescribed position while the elbow is bent at a right angle in an arm hanging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: A.T. Labo, Co., LTD
    Inventor: Eiji Itoi
  • Patent number: 6929615
    Abstract: An ergonomic wrist wrap defined by a flexible elongated material having a first terminal portion, a middle portion, and an opposite terminal portion. Each portion has an external surface and an internal surface. The first terminal portion having a substantially rectangular shape with a first lateral edge and the opposite terminal portion having a substantially rectangular shape with a opposite lateral edge. The middle portion has a substantially square with dimensions to support the heel of a hand. The middle portion have a second lateral edge integrated with the first lateral edge the first terminal portion and a second opposite lateral edge integrated with the second opposite lateral edge of the opposite terminal portion. The present invention further includes a fastener means for holding the wrist wrap in place around the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Terrance Lee Derr
  • Patent number: 6918885
    Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the arm cuff is adjustably and removably attached to the vest at the upper attachment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Moore, Shirley H. Moore
  • Patent number: 6913020
    Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use thereof, for storing, transporting and deploying multiple restraint system components is provided. The inventive apparatus consists of two trays composed of flexible materials. The first tray is configured for storing wrist and ankle restraint systems, the second tray, smaller than the first tray, includes a top-mounted compartment for storing a multi-point restraint connection system. The storage compartment of second tray is secured to the tray by releasable connectors, and is at least partially disengaged to receive the various components of the multi-point restraint connection system, and releasably secured thereafter. The connection system is stored in such a manner as to partially display a portion of each system component outside of the storage compartment, with each portion oriented toward its eventual deployment area once the second tray is placed on the structure on which the EDP will be restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Handle With Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Chapman
  • Patent number: 6913582
    Abstract: A gutter splint aids the healing of injuries to the metacarpals, proximal phalanges, and middle phalanges by substantially immobilizing the injured digits. The splint includes a volar member and a dorsal member. The volar member has a volar forearm support region for supporting a volar forearm, a volar palm support region for supporting a palm of the hand at a predetermined angle to the forearm, and a finger support region for supporting the fingers at a predetermined angle to the palm. The dorsal member has a dorsal forearm support region for supporting the dorsal forearm, a dorsal hand support region for supporting the hand at a predetermined angle to the dorsal forearm, and a finger support region for supporting the fingers at a predetermined angle to the dorsal hand. The volar member and dorsal member are flexibly secured to each other using a series of removable straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: EBI, L.P.
    Inventors: Franklin Chen, Jeffrey Stearns
  • Patent number: 6904915
    Abstract: A novel device and method for minimizing lateral hand and arm tremors in individuals is disclosed. The device is effective in minimizing tremors in patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease as well as other neurological or drug-induced conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Schuman
  • Patent number: 6901932
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly restraining a person's limbs are disclosed. The inventive apparatus includes a pair of cuff modules, each with three rigid loops positioned on their outer surface, and a cuff interconnect having a flexible elongated body sized and configured to fit through the rigid loops, that is attached to one of the rigid loops on one of the cuff modules. When the cuff modules are applied to the person's limbs, the interconnect body is threaded through the other rigid loops and around the person's midsection, such that the interconnect body surrounds the person's midsection from front and back and forms two tension zones, one at each of the cuff modules to significantly restrict the range of motion of the person's first and second limbs. Optionally, the cuff modules may include releasable connectors to releasable connect to corresponding external stationary restraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Handle With Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Chapman
  • Patent number: 6895971
    Abstract: A limb protection device for protecting a section of a user's limb against contact comprises and enclosure for enclosing the limb section and at least one integral flexible cuff located at a respective limb entry to the enclosure. The cuff is adapted in use for being positioned against that part of the user's limb adjacent thereto to restrict the ingress of matter via the entry into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Hydroskin Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Andrew James Evans
  • Patent number: 6892733
    Abstract: The nature of the invention is to thoroughly compress the entire length and circumference of a medical site, limb, torso, neck, arm and leg with a tubular elastic sleeve that has openings at both ends. The I.V. Sleeve has bands of compressed elastic reinforcement about its circumference and equidistant throughout its entire length. The purposes of the bands are to reinforce the I.V. Sleeve and protect the compressed integrity of the remainder of the site and sleeve in the event of puncture or rupture of the sleeve in another section. For distribution and packaging it is rolled upon itself like an elastic ring. During use the entire elastic ring is stretched over any obstruction and onto the medical site where it is then unrolled onto the site becoming a skin tight protective barrier. The I.V. sleeve allows for its material to be manufactured with both impregnable and pregnable materials, man made and natural.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Dessa O. Clinton
  • Patent number: 6887212
    Abstract: A therapeutic hand device comprising a first thumb-sleeve for receiving therein the thumb of a hand, a second index-finger sleeve for receiving therein the index finger of the hand, and a third middle-finger sleeve for receiving therein the middle finger of the hand. The first thumb-sleeve is connected to said second sleeve and is also connected to the third sleeve by adjustable straps. An open space is defined interiorly of, and delimited by, the first, second and third sleeves, whereby when the device is worn on a hand, an object may be inserted into the open space between the first, second and third sleeves, with the adjustable straps being used to firmly hold the thumb and fingers in a pincer hold against the object, whereby the object may be held and manipulated with support and assistance by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Marc Bennett
  • Patent number: 6880347
    Abstract: A shoulder pad accessory arm pad, to protect the upper arm of a wearer from injury. The arm pad includes a tapered padded member which attaches to the shoulder pad and arm of the wearer. The arm pad remains in place during athletic activity, and does not limit the effective range of motion of the upper arm of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Douglas M. Stam
  • Patent number: 6874506
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly restraining a person for an extended period of time at a seat are disclosed. The inventive apparatus includes a pair of wrist cuff modules, each supplied with a releasable connector, configured to either attach to existing hardware on one or more seats, or to a first interconnect for releasably connecting the wrist cuff modules to one another behind the seat in which the restrained person is positioned. A set of two ankle cuff modules with a second interconnect and an elongated connection member secured to the second interconnect is provided for securing the person's legs by applying the ankle cuff modules to the ankles and then connecting the connection member to a seat. The second interconnect may be provided with an optional quick release mechanism that enables instant disconnection of the second interconnect from the ankle cuff modules to immediately free the person's legs in case of an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: HWC, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Chapman
  • Patent number: 6869410
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the fitting of compression bandages consisting of an essentially tubular arrangement of metal rods mounted to a ring base over which a compression bandage is stretched to allow a user to push an arm into the bandage for complete and efficient deployment of the bandage. A guide is provided to align the distal ends of the rods to engage the lock pins in the holes before mounting the bandage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Robert L. Mosemiller
  • Patent number: 6860863
    Abstract: A splint (10) worn by a sufferer of carpal tunnel syndrome. A first sleeve (12) fits over the person's hand (H) and extends up their arm (A) past their wrist (W). This sleeve is worn during non-working portions of the person's day and includes a support (14) formed in the palm portion of the sleeve to support the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the median nerve passing through it. This alleviates pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. A second sleeve (22) also fits over the person's hand and extends up their arm past their wrist. This second sleeve, which is also worn during non-working portions of the day, extends further up the person's arm than the first sleeve. A support (24) of this second sleeve extends along the back of the person's hand to also relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: James C. Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 6852089
    Abstract: A compression garment for selective application for treatment of lymphedema and related illnesses manifested at various locations of the body. The garment includes a pair or series of layers of hermetically sealed material, that can capture pressurized air, when applied therein, and is formed through the patterned sealing of the layers of the garment together, at select locations, to form air pockets that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure to the patient's affected area, without disrupting normal vascular and lymphatic functioning. The garment is design cut, for application to various segments of the body, and applies encompassing pressure over the entire affected area, and includes valves that can allow for the injection of measurable air, to the desired pressure points, or its deflation, after treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Innovative Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Kloecker, Kent F. Schien, James A. Muir
  • Patent number: 6845514
    Abstract: Protective pads placed over the palm of the hand to protect the median and ulnar nerves. The pads are placed peripheral to the nerves in order to protect them from pressure and vibration related trauma. An optional rigid splint member may be added to also protect the nerves from repetitive motion/traction irritation. Embodiments may include incorporation of the protective pads into a splint or a glove depending upon the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Yao
  • Patent number: 6835182
    Abstract: A wrist splint assembly for being custom-fitted to a hand and wrist to be supported. The wrist splint assembly includes a first splint for being positioned against and formed to the volar aspect of the hand and wrist, and a second splint for being positioned against and formed to the dorsal aspect of the hand and wrist. Each of the first and second splints defines a concave side edge extending inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the splint for permitting ease of movement of the thumb and associated carpometacarpal joint of the hand against which the splint is positioned. Each splint also includes an inner cushion layer, an initially flexible intermediate layer overlying the inner cushion layer, and a flexible outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: BSN Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Darcey
  • Patent number: 6832611
    Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting indwelling medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield comprises an inner bag having an opening containing by a medical grade absorbent material, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device in inserted into the bag through the absorbent material. This bag is covered by an attached outer cover, which has an adhesive material applied along it peripheral edge or attachment to the patient, which diverts the flow of fluid away from the opening of the inner bag. The absorbent material in opening of the inner bag traps and hold fluid penetrating the two adhesive barriers affording additional level of protection in preventing fluid from reaching the inside of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: SDA Product, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanford D. Altman
  • Patent number: 6808502
    Abstract: There is a mulifunctional finger, hand and wrist splint which includes a slab support member. In a position of use the slab support member extends along the underside of, and substantially follows the contours of, a wearer's lower forearm wrist and palm so that the wrist is immobilized. The slab support member in the area of the wearer's palm forms an anchor plate for a fracture support which is releasibly attached to the anchor at a range of positions to align with one or more finger or metacarpal fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Jimmy Phong Xuan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20040149293
    Abstract: An arm restraint is adapted for limiting arm movement of a patient. The arm restraint includes a fabric arm wrap designed for receiving and folding around an arm of the patient in a generally extended condition. The arm wrap has a first end adapted for residing adjacent an upper arm of the patient and a second end residing adjacent a wrist of the patient. A plurality of spaced-apart elongated stays are incorporated within the arm wrap, and extend longitudinally from its first end to its second end. The stays cooperate to restrict bending of the arm at the elbow. A fabric shoulder fold is formed with the first end of the arm wrap, and is designed for extending over and covering a shoulder of the patient adjacent the upper arm. A torso strap is secured to the shoulder fold at a first attachment point. The torso strap has a free end designed for extending across and around an upper torso of the patient. The free end attaches to the shoulder fold at a second attachment point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Shannon L. Freedman
  • Patent number: 6730053
    Abstract: Wrist bandage, consisting of an anatomically shaped section which receives the wrist and the hand and which is formed from a single piece of flexible and elastic material, the section narrowing in the proximal direction, the section having, on the medial edge, a cutout for receiving the thumb, and with at least two straps secured on the medial edge, which straps can be secured on the dorsal side of the bandage, and with a pocket which is secured on the palmar side of the bandage, in particular sewn thereon, in such a way that the centre axis of the pocket forms an inwardly directed arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventors: Stefan Bodenschatz, Thorsten Stradt
  • Patent number: 6708935
    Abstract: The device is used for supporting an upper extremity limb of a patient located in either a bed or a chair. The device preferably includes bracket, a pole, a knee joint, a cradle, and an extremity support. Preferably, the knee joint provides movement in three radial directions to allow for optimal placement of the extremity support for a particular patient. The bracket preferably provides the flexibility to attach to a wide variety of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Eric M. Smeed
  • Patent number: 6692453
    Abstract: A two-piece wrist-hand-finger orthosis of the present invention includes a rigid forearm section secured to the patient's arm, and a rigid hand section with a proximally projecting extension lever. The hand section is donned on the patient with the patient's hand in flexion. The hand section is then leveraged into a position of predetermined flexion or extension by pivoting the extension lever downwardly into contact with the forearm section. The extension lever is then secured to the forearm section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Board of Regents, University of Nebraska Medical Center
    Inventor: Andrew W. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6681772
    Abstract: A hand, wrist and forearm device for patients during surgery, including a pair of mating shells which fit about the patient's hand, and wrist and forearm. Each shell has a generally accurate lateral section wrist and forearm channel and a larger, generally accurate longitudinal section hand enclosure. The two shells are loosely hinged together along one edge, with a mutually mating closure provided along the edge generally opposite the hinges. The interior is preferably lined with removable padding, such as gel packs, visco-elastic material in order to apply light pressure to the hand and stabilize the position of surgical device on the hand. The pressure of the removable padding also provides a light outward pressure to stabilize the two halves of the assembly during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Kim A. Atwater, Marian J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6672310
    Abstract: A prisoner activated restraining device which is activated when the wrists of a prisoner are placed in channels of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ramage Streeter, John W. Boothman
  • Patent number: 6663653
    Abstract: Following a catheterization of the radial artery in the forearm, the flow of blood through to puncture wound has to be stopped. An adjustable radial artery compressor (1) according to the invention comprises a support arm (2) provided with a support pad (5), a compressor arm (3) provided with a compression pad (6), and a pressure-adjusting means (7, 9, 10) for adjusting the distance between the support pad (5) and the compression pad (6). When the adjustable radial artery compressor (1) is arranged on the forearm of a patient, the support pad (5) bears against a well-defined area at the upside of the radius bone while the compression pad (6) presses against a well-defined area at the underside of the radius bone. With the pressure-adjusting means (7, 9, 10) the compression pressure can be adjusted with high precision, and due to the well-defined contact surfaces, which minimize the risk of vein stasis, the compression pressure is constant irrespective of any movement of the hand or forearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Radi Medical Systems AB
    Inventor: Dan Akerfeldt
  • Patent number: 6640809
    Abstract: A keyboard posture device includes a lateral support shaft, left and right L-shaped tubular frame members, and left and right arm restraints. The lateral branch of each frame member is adjustably movable along the support shaft. Left and right arm restraints are adjustably movable, forward and back, on the forward struts of the left and right frame members respectively. The arm restraints extend forward from the struts and away from each other to form left and right arm crooks. The device is adjustable as to width and depth by movement and selective locking engagement of the frame members on the support shaft, and of the arm restraints on their respective frame members. The device further includes a back pad and a wraparound strap to secure the device to the torso of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Nicholas M. DiBella
  • Patent number: 6592537
    Abstract: A wristpad apparatus includes a flexible wristband and a flexible pillow connected to the bottom wristband portion, either separably or permanently. With one embodiment, the wristband includes a plurality of wristband segments connected together with intersegment hinges. With other embodiments, a wristpad apparatus includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall provide a flexible wristband, and wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall define a first interwall chamber which contains a quantity of flexible filler material providing a flexible pillow. With another embodiment, the flexible wristband includes first and second wristband strap portions connect to each other when on a person's wrist. With another class of embodiments of the invention, a wrist pad apparatus includes a flexible pillow which includes wrist elevation adjustment means, e.g. water or air supplied through an attached valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Todd R. Stager
  • Publication number: 20030127103
    Abstract: Patients on immobilization backboards may be elevated by selective attachment to a separate stand. The stand may be attached to the foot end of the backboard to raise the patient's feet. The stand may be attached to the head end of the backboard to raise a patient's head. The stands are collapsible for convenient storage. Optionally, straps or other mechanisms are provided for selectively attaching a patient's ankle or arms to the backboard while the patient is elevated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: THERACARDIA, INC.
    Inventor: Rodney Brenneman
  • Publication number: 20030121525
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly restraining a person's limbs are disclosed. The inventive apparatus includes a pair of cuff modules, each with three rigid loops positioned on their outer surface, and a cuff interconnect having a flexible elongated body sized and configured to fit through the rigid loops, that is attached to one of the rigid loops on one of the cuff modules. When the cuff modules are applied to the person's limbs, the interconnect body is threaded through the other rigid loops and around the person's midsection, such that the interconnect body surrounds the person's midsection from front and back and forms two tension zones, one at each of the cuff modules to significantly restrict the range of motion of the person's first and second limbs. Optionally, the cuff modules may include releasable connectors to releasable connect to corresponding external stationary restraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Chapman