Orthotic Device

Abstract

An orthotic device (10) to be worn a user comprises a base unit (12) and a flexible strap (14) extending about the forearm of the user. The metacarpal unit (16) is positioned over the hand of the user, and includes an upper pocket (18) having a rearward facing opening therein. A hinge system (24) includes a pair of pivots (26) and another pivot (30) for allowing vertical and lateral movement of the metacarpal unit relative to the base unit. A paddle (20) extends from the hinge system for fitting within the upper pocket (18) of the metacarpal unit for movably interconnecting the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an orthotic device to be worn a user to protect against wrist injuries. More particularly, the orthotic device may be used to strengthen wrist motion within preselective limits. One embodiment includes a protective sleeve such that the orthotic device may be worn by athletes engaged in contact sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of orthotic protective devices have been devised during the past decades. Some orthotic devices are cumbersome and cannot be worn by the user during normal daily movements. Some devices provide a resistant to movement of the hand relative to a base unit, but again such devices normally cannot be worn by a user during daily activities. Other orthotic devices are so large or awkward that they practically cannot be worn by an athlete while engaged in sports.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,148 discloses an improved orthotic device which has been accepted in the marketplace in large measure because the device may be worn by the user with an injured wrist during routine daily movements, and may also be worn by some athletes engaged in noncontact sports.

The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention, an improved orthotic device is hereinafter disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an orthotic device includes a base unit for positioning on a dorsal side of the user's forearm, a metacarpal unit for positioning on the hand of the user, and a hinge system including a pair of pivots for pivoting the metacarpal unit vertically with respect to the base unit, and another pivot for pivoting the metacarpal unit laterally with respect to the base unit. A flexible strap extends about the forearm for securing the base unit to the user's forearm. A paddle extends from the hinge system for removably fitting within a pocket in the metacarpal unit.

In one embodiment, an upper elastic band extends between the paddle and a base portion of the hinge system. A lower elastic band extends between a lower extension of the paddle and the base unit, thereby providing vertical biasing against movement of the user's hand in both directions. The metacarpal unit may include a glove with at least two receptacles each for receiving a respective finger. A substantially sleeve-shaped pad may extend from the glove over the user's forearm and over the metacarpal unit and hinge system.

These and further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, wherein reference is made to the figures in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an orthotic device including a glove as a metacarpal unit.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the glove shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of another embodiment wherein a pad extends about the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the hinge components and paddle.

FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 3 as worn by the user.

FIG. 6 illustrates the components of the hinge system in dashed lines within the pad.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an orthotic device including a pad and strap for the metacarpal unit and vertical biasing members.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the device shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of another orthotic device with vertical and lateral biasing members.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the device shown in FIG. 9, showing lateral movement in dashed lines.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the device shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is another top view of the device shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An orthotic device as shown in FIG. 1 includes a glove 16 as a metacarpal unit which cooperates with the orthotic protective device for the wrist while allowing for normal extension of the hand and preventing involuntary hyperextension.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of orthotic device 10 including a base unit 12 for positioning on the dorsal side of the user's forearm, and a flexible strap 14 extending about the forearm for securing the base unit to the user's forearm. A metacarpal unit consisting of a glove 16 is positioned about the hand of the user, and includes an upper pocket 18 discussed subsequently and having a rearward facing opening therein. A hinge system 24 includes a pair of pivots 26 for pivoting the hand and glove vertically with respect to the base unit, and another pivot 30 for pivoting the hand and the glove 16 laterally with respect to the base unit. A paddle 20 may be curved to generally conform to the back of the user's hand, and extends from the hinge system 24.

Velcro strip 21 is provided for securing the glove to the paddle. More particularly, one sheet of Velcro material 21 is secured to the top of the paddle 20, while the mating piece of Velcro material is secured to the inside upper surface of the pocket 18, which in turn is secured to glove 16. Member 22 of the hinge system may be pivoted vertically with respect to hinge base 23 by pivoting member 22 about the pair of laterally opposed hinge members 26. Paddle 20 may pivot with respect to member 22 about pivot 30. Pin 28 may be provided for reasons discussed subsequently.

FIG. 2 depicts the glove 16 generally shown in FIG. 1, with the glove including the upper pocket 18 therein with a rearward facing opening for receiving the paddle 20, such that the paddle slides within the pocket, which is sewn or otherwise secured to the glove. Velcro strip 27 is provided on a lower surface of the pocket 18 or the upper surface of the glove, and is secured to the glove for attaching to a similar Velcro strip on the lower surface of the paddle 20. The paddle 20 may thus be secured within the pocket 18 and thus secured to the sleeve 16 by mating Velcro straps on both the upper and lower surfaces of the paddle. Glove 16 may be specifically designed for reliably gripping a ball or other object by an athlete, while still providing protection against hyperextension of the wrist.

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of the orthotic device 10 with a glove 16 and a sleeve-shaped wrapping 15 which substantially encloses the forearm of the user when positioned in place. Velcro strip 31 provided on the exterior surface of the glove is designed for engagement with the Velcro strip 32 of the wrapping 15, while Velcro strip 38 similarly engages Velcro strip 40 when the wrapping 15 is wrapped about the arm of the user and about the orthotic device. Velcro strip 34 mates with Velcro strip 29 provided on an upper surface of the pocket 18.

FIG. 4 depicts in greater detail the primary components of the hinge system, including members 22 and 23 discussed above. Hole 27 is provided for receiving pin 28 shown in FIG. 1, and its purpose is discussed below. Laterally opposite side ports 25 are provided each for receiving a respective pin 26 to allow for vertical movement of the metacarpal unit or glove 16 relative to the base unit 12. Curved plate 22 extends forward of hinge base 23, and serves as a stop to limit vertical movement of the hand relative to the forearm, as discussed subsequently.

FIG. 5 depicts a rearward end of the sleeve 17 and the glove 16, and indicates the wrapping 15 wrapped about the hinge assembly and the forearm of the user. Glove 16 and sleeve 17 may be formed as a unitary component. FIG. 6 illustrates the same assembly, and indicates in dashed lines the position of the hinge system relative to the glove. The glove 16 includes at least two receptacles, as shown in FIG. 6, each for receiving a respective finger (including optionally the thumb). The glove 16 may include five receptacles each for receiving a finger or thumb, although two or more fingers may be positioned together within a mitten portion of the glove. The sleeve 15 substantially encloses the device when worn by the user, and allows the orthotic device to be worn by an athlete engaged in contact sports.

The pad 15 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 wraps about the forearm of the user and in use is a substantially sleeve shaped pad. This pad both protects the user from injury, and protects other players from injury that may occur in the event the orthotic device were not padded for safety, particularly when the user is engaged in contact sports. In a preferred construction, a sleeve shaped pad and the glove may be formed as a single member.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict another version of an orthotic device. The device utilizes a paddle 20 pivotally connected at 30 to hinge segment 22, which in turn is connected to hinge base 23. The side pins 26 are provided for vertical movement of the hand relative to the base unit 12. Strap 14 wraps about the forearm of the user and secures the base unit to the forearm, as discussed above.

For this embodiment, the metacarpal unit consists of a pad 44 which rests on the upper surface of the hand of the user, and strap 42 for wrapping about the lower portion of the hand for securing the metacarpal unit in place. Paddle 20 thus rests on top of pad 44. Aperture 45 in strap 42 is provided for receiving the thumb of the user. The strap 42 may be secured to the paddle 20 by Velcro strips, as discussed above.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict another feature of the invention, namely that the orthotic device includes biasing members for resisting vertical movement of the hand and thereby strengthening hand movement while creating an increased resistance to overextension. Moreover, stops are preferably provided so that any vertical movement which overcomes the preselected resistance is limited within preselected limits by mechanical stops. FIG. 7 illustrates an elastic band 50 positioned between pin 48 and pin 30, and this elastic band presents a biasing force to downward movement of the hand relative to the forearm. Another elastic band 52 extends between pin 64 and bracket 66, with bracket 66 being secured in place by the wrapping 14 about the user's forearm. Biasing member 52 thus provides a resistance to vertically upward movement of the hand relative to the forearm. Pins 60 and 62 are shown, and their function is discussed below. FIG. 8 shows a limit of upward movement of the hand. Stop plate 33 is secured to hinge base 23, and during upward movement of the hand engages a top surface of member 22, limit pivoting upward movement of 22 relative to 23, and thus upward movement of the hand relative to the forearm. If desired, the position of the stop member 33 may be adjusted to vary the stop limit.

Member 68 as shown in FIG. 8 is secured to paddle 20, and extends downwardly to support the pin 64, which is normally positioned below the hand of the user. Clip 86 may be used for reliably securing the opposing end of the elastic band 52 to the strap 14, and in turn may be covered by the wrapping so as not irritate the user when worn.

FIG. 9 discloses a unit functionally similar to FIGS. 7 and 8, and again depicts an upper band 50 for biasing against downward movement of the hand relative to the base unit, and lower band 52 for biasing against upward movement of the hand relative to the base unit, and bands for lateral biasing. Band 50 is thus secured between pin 28 and pin 30, with pin 30 being secured to the paddle 22. Band 50 thus effectively extends between the metacarpal unit or glove (which moves with paddle 30) and the base unit 12 (which is secured to hinge base 23). The lower band 52 is secured to pin 64 at the lower end of curved plate extension 68 of the paddle, and extends to the strap 14 which is reliably positioned about the forearm of the user. The band 52 thus effectively extends between the base unit 16 and the paddle 20.

While various apertures may be provided for movably positioning the pins relative to one another to alter the biasing force, the preferred embodiment as shown herein uses stationary pins or other mounting members, and the strength of the biasing bands 50, 52 is adjusted by changing out the hand to obtain the desired biasing force. Green bands may thus provide approximately 30% of the maximum intended biasing force, blue bands 50%, orange bands 70%, and red bands 100% of the maximum intended biasing force. Moreover, vertical upward movement of the hand relative to the base unit is limited by stop plate 33. For most applications, a vertically downward stop is not necessary. Moreover, lateral stops could be provided for limiting lateral movement of the hand relative to the forearm, but typically are not required. Pins 92 may be provided for effectively locking the paddle 20 laterally in place to prohibit any lateral movement of the hand relative to the forearm, and thus would not typically be used with bands 61, 63.

FIG. 9 shows lateral band 61 connecting post 30 with post 60, and lateral band 63 connecting post 30 with post 62. These bands control biasing against movement of the hand in either lateral direction. The position of the paddle 20 shown in FIG. 10 in solid lines could move laterally to the right, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the same structure, and better depict the lengthening of band 63 when lateral movement is to the left, and lengthening of band 61 when movement is to the right. Throughports 94 may be provided for receiving lateral stop 92, as shown in FIG. 9.

Velcro or other hook-and-loop constructions may be used for removably securing one member, such as a strap, to another member. Various other types of removable fasteners may be used for this purpose, including

As disclosed herein, the paddle connected to the hinge system is removably positioned within a pocket on the glove or other metacarpal unit. The terms “paddle” and “pocket” as used herein should be broadly interpreted as a substantially rigid member or paddle which is pivotally connected to the hinge system, and preferably has a flat or slightly curved configuration to conform to the upper portion of the user's hand. Similarly, the term “pocket” as used herein refers to a receptacle for receiving the paddle. Each of the paddle and the pocket may have substantially different configurations from that shown herein. Accordingly, each term should be understood to include devices which serve the function as discussed above.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein in some detail, this has been done solely for the purposes of explaining the various aspects of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims which follow. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment shown and described is exemplary, and various other substitutions, alterations and modifications, including but not limited to those design alternatives specifically discussed herein, may be made in the practice of the invention without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. An orthotic device to be worn by a user, comprising:

a base unit for positioning on a dorsal side of the user's forearm;

a flexible strap extending about the forearm for securing the base unit to the user's forearm;

a metacarpal unit for positioning on the hand of the user, the metacarpal unit including an upper pocket having a rearward facing opening therein;

a hinge system including a pair of pivots for pivoting the metacarpal unit vertically with respect to the base unit, and another pivot for pivoting the metacarpal unit laterally with respect to the base unit; and

a paddle extending from the hinge system for removably fitting within the upper pocket of the metacarpal unit for removably interconnecting the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

2. The orthotic device as defined in claim 1, wherein the metacarpal unit includes a glove with the upper pocket thereon, the glove including at least two receptacles each for receiving a respective finger.

3. The orthotic device as defined in claim 2, further comprising:

a substantially sleeve-shaped pad for positioning over the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

4. The orthotic device as defined in claim 1, wherein the glove and the sleeve shaped pad are structurally connected.

5. The orthotic device as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

an elastic band for varying resistance to movement of the metacarpal unit relative to the base unit, the elastic band extending between a hinge base of the hinge system and the paddle.

6. The orthotic device as defined in claim 5, further comprising:

a second elastic band extending between the base unit and the paddle.

7. The orthotic device as defined in claim 1, wherein the hinge system includes a curved hinge base and a pivotal hinge segment, with the pair of pivots interconnecting the base unit and the hinge base, and with the another pivot interconnecting the base unit and the paddle.

8. The orthotic device as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

one or more elastic bands for varying resistance to lateral movement of the hand relative to the user's forearm.

9. An orthotic device to be worn by a user, comprising:

a base unit for positioning on a dorsal side of the user's forearm;

a strap extending about the forearm for securing the base unit to the user's forearm;

a metacarpal unit for positioning on the hand of the user;

a hinge system including a pair of pivots for pivoting the metacarpal unit vertically with respect to the base unit, and another pivot for pivoting the metacarpal unit laterally with respect to the base unit; and

an elastic band extending between the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

10. An orthotic device as defined in claim 9, further comprising:

a second elastic band extending between the base unit and the metacarpal unit.

11. The orthotic device as defined in claim 9, wherein the hinge system includes a curved hinge base and a pivotal hinge segment, with the pair of pivots interconnecting the base unit and the hinge base, and with the another pivot interconnecting the base unit and the paddle.

12. An orthotic device as defined in claim 9, wherein the metacarpal unit includes a glove with the upper pocket thereon, the glove including at least two receptacles each for receiving a respective finger.

13. An orthotic device as defined in claim 12, further comprising:

a substantially sleeve-shaped pad for positioning over the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

14. An orthotic device as defined in claim 9, further comprising:

the metacarpal unit having an upper pocket having a rearward facing opening therein; and

a paddle extending from the hinge system for removably fitting within the upper pocket of the metacarpal unit.

15. The orthotic device as defined in claim 9, further comprising:

one or more elastic bands for varying resistance to lateral movement of the hand relative to the user's forearm.

16. An orthotic device to be worn by a user, comprising:

a base unit for positioning on a dorsal side of the user's forearm;

a flexible strap extending about the forearm for securing the base unit to the user's forearm;

a glove with the upper pocket thereon, the glove including at least two receptacles each for receiving a respective finger;

a hinge system including a pair of pivots for pivoting the metacarpal unit vertically with respect to the base unit, and another pivot for pivoting the metacarpal unit laterally with respect to the base unit;

a paddle extending from the hinge system for fitting within the upper pocket of the metacarpal unit for removably interconnecting the metacarpal unit and the hinge system; and

a substantially sleeve-shaped pad for positioning over the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

17. An orthotic device as defined in claim 16, further comprising:

an elastic band for varying resistance to movement of the metacarpal unit relative to the base unit, the elastic band extending between the base unit and the paddle.

18. An orthotic device as defined in claim 16, further comprising:

a second elastic band extending between the base unit and the hinge system.

19. The orthotic device as defined in claim 16, further comprising:

one or more elastic bands for varying resistance to lateral movement of the hand relative to the user's forearm.

20. An orthotic device as defined in claim 16, wherein the hinge system includes a curved hinge base and a pivotal hinge segment, with the pair of pivots interconnecting the base unit and the hinge base, and with the another pivot interconnecting the base unit and the paddle.