Abstract: There is disclosed a medical correction device for correcting the attitude of a finger of the user which is prone to adopting an undesirable attitude, as is the case, for example, in conditions such as clawed fingers. The device comprises a base portion that can secure the user's hand or wrist to which a resilient member such as a coiled spring, and a rotatable projection member are attached. The resilient member is also attached to the rotatable projection member and subtends an angle therewith. In use, relative rotation between the projection member and the base portion gives rise to a restoring force exerted by the resilient member, a component of which acts on the finger. As the user bends his or her finger, the projection member rotates away from the base portion and reduces the angle subtended between the projection member and the resilient member.

Abstract: A thumb wrist splint with a main body portion which includes a plurality of straps for encircling the wrist and securing the same firmly to the wrist with desirable palmar and dorsal stays. A sewn thumb spica/splint is fabricated, and finished by normal binding around the periphery. The thumb strap loop is fixed to the splint and a removable securable anchor is also applied to the spica/splint. The spica/splint is a VOLARA® grade polyolefin closed foam material which is desirably laminated to nylon cloth on one side. The sewn thumb spica is secured to the main body portion. Thereafter, the entire blank, as just described, is positioned over an anvil intended to form a curvilinear pattern to the thus encapsulated VOLARA® so that it will conform to the upper portion of the wrist. Once secured in place on the wrist by means of the straps around the wrist portion, the thumb strap is secured.

Abstract: A finger protector and grasping implement for fitting over a single finger during surgical procedures includes an elongated, curved, hollow body having a cylindrical wall, a closed end wall connected to the cylindrical wall and defining an open end in opposed relationship with the closed end wall. A plurality of projections of various lengths extend outwardly from the cylindrical wall and from the end wall, and the end wall defines a groove therein to act as a safety stop for preventing undesired slipping movement of a surgical needle during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A digit splint is defined by an arcuate angularly inclined base and an ovoid which extends upwardly and radially outward from the base. The base is positioned on the palmar side of a joint of a digit and the ovoid conforms to the dorsum of a digit when the digit is in an extended position without hyperextension. The ovoid has two substantially parallel sides which, when worn, conform to impinge on the sides of the joint of a digit at the axis to provide lateral stability at the joint of a digit and to prevent migration of the splint on a digit. The splint also prevents hyperextension of the joint of a digit. In an alternate configuration, the splint may be rotated 180 degrees about the horizontal axis on a joint of a finger. In this configuration, the splint provides lateral stability at a joint of a digit and corrects flexion at a joint of a digit.

Abstract: A surgical stay including a hook, a handle and an elastomeric band. The hook has a tissue engaging portion and is retained by the handle such that the tissue engaging portion extends from a first end of the handle. A handle end of the band is retained by a second end of the handle. The band has a longitudinal body and at least one hub disposed around the body. The hub has a generally flat engagement surface facing the handle.

Abstract: A remedial hand wear article is for use by individuals who have suffered nerve damage which diminishes use of the hand. The article comprises (a) a glove for comfortably fitting onto a hand of an individual, (b) an enclosure permanently attached on the glove's top side and superimposed over at least one finger of the glove, and (c) a substantially rigid member positioned within the enclosure and contoured to follow the shape of a top of the individual's hand and to be operably associated with at least one finger of the individual to hold the at least one finger in a desired position and so that full finger flexure at proximal and distal knuckles is retained. The hand wear article is designed to remedy problems caused by different nerve damage in that one to five enclosure elongated sections are permanently attached over glove fingers depending on which finger(s) of the individual is affected by the damaged nerve.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, particularly suited for treating mallet deformities, which has a strip of material having a body portion and a first, second, and third strap that are preferably connected to the body portion; and a splint having a first and second end portion. The splint is secured to a top side of the body portion of the strip of material so that when the strip of material is wrapped around an injured appendage, or finger, the first strap engages the first end of the splint and the second strap engages the second end of the splint. The third strap is also wrapped around the injured appendage and provides additional support to the orthopedic device of the present invention. It is also preferred that the splint be bent between the first and second end portions so that the appendage will be held in a hyperextended position once attached to the appendage by the first and second straps.

Abstract: A thumb support (1) including a thumb engaging portion (3) and an anchoring portion (5). The thumb engaging portion (3) is attached to the anchoring portion (5) by means a first elastically extensible strap (7), such that the thumb is resiliently biased towards a preselected healing position. In a preferred embodiment, a second elastically extensible strap (9) is included which provides additional support.

Abstract: A thumb sucking deterrent device that includes a cloth palm cover structure having a palm chamber formed therein for receiving the palm of a hand, the palm cover structure including an insertion opening and a finger extension opening in connection with the palm chamber; a thumb shield structure having a thumb receiving chamber formed therein and in connection with the palm chamber of the palm cover structure that is constructed of a terry cloth fabric having at least one surface covered with a plurality of outwardly extending terry cloth loops, the plurality of terry cloth loops extending outwardly, the thumb shield structure having a tip portion at a terminal end thereof; and an anti-sucking latex rubber coating covering the tip portion of the thumb shield structure, the anti-sucking latex rubber coating be applied in a manner such that the latex rubber coating covers a second plurality of terry cloth loops covering the tip portion to form a third plurality of sucking deterrent protrusions, each sucking dete

Abstract: A specialized immobilizing splint that is adapted for protection of an injured thumb, where the person who sustained the injury may continue activities with the diminished risk of re-injury. A skier with an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) may use this splint to immobilize the thumb without diminishing the strength of his grip. The glove is the basic element that retains the splinting device and maintains it in place. The plastic splint gives support to the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal articulation and the associated ulnar collateral ligament. The tensioning strap assists the thumb in its gripping motion because of the positioning of this strap in relation to its point of attachment. The thumb is also protected from hyperextension in the areas where it is supported.

Abstract: The glove and associated structures provide both healing and support pressure on the user's tendons. When properly used, the integrated glove and associated structures will significantly aid in the support and healing of the hands, wrists and fingers of users. Not only will passive use of the tendon support structures help heal and soothe damaged tendons, but they will also help the user perform work tasks. In a first embodiment, an integrated glove provides finger and upper wrist support portion, along with a lower wrist band attached to the upper wrist support portion. In a second embodiment, a band system includes finger bands, a palm band, an upper wrist band and a lower wrist band which is used without interconnecting fabric, and the components of which may be used independently as needed. A third embodiment has a wrist band having palm band and wrist band portions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a splint prosthesis for body limbs, such as fingers, toes, arms and legs. The splint prosthesis includes a sheath, having a size and thickness which can be varied as to application, e.g., from 1 to about 3 millimeters in thickness for toe and finger splints up to several centimeters for larger body limbs such as legs and arms. The splint prosthesis has at least two longitudinal retractable stiffeners embedded within said sheath and oriented so that the stiffeners have a stable coiled configuration and a stable extended configuration. The stiffeners are formed of thin, elastic sheet material which can be rolled into a coil, and which readily unrolls. At least two stiffeners are provided, extending longitudinally along the extended sheath configuration and these are spaced apart by an angular increment which is sufficient to maintain the sheath in its extended configuration.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage having a flexible backing element with a generally circular central region and a plurality of salient points radially extending from the central region giving the bandage a generally star-shaped or asterisk-shaped appearance. Wherein, the shape of the bandage helps the bandage protect and cover cuts on flexible parts of the body, such as the fingers and toes, without buckling and exposing the cut to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A patient restraint includes a plurality, preferably three, of finger traps stitched to the end of a long strap. The patient's fingers are inserted into the finger traps so the finger traps constrict in diameter when the ends are pulled. The finger traps are preferably transparent so a nurse can inspect the patient's fingers for signs of poor blood circulation. The strap preferably includes two lengths of fabric material so a bow knot can be tied to a support, such as a bed rail or frame, so the patient's hand cannot reach the throat or the patient's other hand.

Abstract: In one embodiment a flexible puncture proof material for preventing a puncture by a sharp element having a pointed end includes a flexible layer for providing a flexible substrate for binding and embedding capture elements, a first plurality of capture elements for capturing the pointed end of the sharp element, the first plurality of capture elements being essentially identical and arranged in a first two dimensional array embedded in the flexible layer, a second plurality of capture elements being essentially identical and arranged in a second two dimensional array bound to and embedded in the flexible layer, the second two dimensional array offset relative to the first two dimensional array for capturing the pointed end of the sharp element if the pointed end of the sharp element passes between the first plurality of capture elements, and a third plurality of capture elements for capturing the pointed end of the sharp element, the third plurality of capture elements arranged in a third two dimensional arra

Abstract: A device and method for treating hand-involved habits, including smoking, hair-twirling, nose-picking, nail-biting, skin-pulling, and the like, is disclosed. The invention consists of a form-fitting barrier placed on the hand of a patient. The barrier is made of a fabric which is generally form fitting and moves with the hand on which it is placed. The barrier is preferably in the form of a glove wherein the second and third digits are substantially inseparably joined together and webbing connects the third and fourth digits and the fourth and fifth digits. An insert portion of the barrier reduces ease of contact between the connected second and third digits and the thumb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for polishing fingernails. The polishing fingernail device comprises an integral structure having a forward portion for the fingernail section and a rearward portion for a portion of the finger rearwardly from the fingernail. The forward portion extends about the side ends of the nail and the rear end of the nail. In another embodiment the forward portion includes a section which extends under and about the forward portion of the nail being treated. The rearward portion extends about the top and side portion of the finger with a mechanism, such as a belt to releasably secure the polishing fingernail device to the finger.

Abstract: An apparatus for discouraging habitual finger sucking by delivering a small current to an individual's tongue. An electrical current is delivered by two electrodes mounted within an adhesive band which is wrapped around the individual's finger and the adhesive band having contact points where the electrodes are exposed to the individual's tongue. The current may be produced by the band itself by constructing the band in layers including a layer supplying an electrolyte and a layer supplying two dis-similar metals, thus producing a current that can be delivered directly to the individual's tongue.

Abstract: A finger protector for protecting the fingers of health care workers from inadvertent needle stabs during arterial blood gas sampling and intravenous and intra-arterial catheter insertion includes a housing to be received on the fingers. The housing is fabricated from a puncture resistant, and preferably rigid and transparent material, and includes apertures on a lower Surface for permitting tactile contact of the finger tip(s) with the skin surface for facilitating palpation of the body surface.

Abstract: This invention is a device for the prevention of thumb and finger sucking that utilizes a vacuum-breaking device such as a cylinder that is placed over one or more fingers or the thumb and prevents the formation of a sucking vacuum by utilizing air passages in or between the vacuum-breaking cylinder and the thumb or fingers. The vacuum-breaking cylinder is secured to the hand by means of a wrist band and a suitable means, such as one or more straps, for connecting the vacuum-breaking cylinder to the wrist band.

Abstract: A device for retraining thumb suckers has a glove fitted to the digit with an external cover having a hard shape which impairs the normal gratification derived and an inherently unpleasant taste to displace the normally pleasant associations upon which the habit is based. Straps encircle the wrist and a lockable buckle resists all but destructive removal of the device.

Abstract: A traction mechanism utilizing a tube of flexible material possessing an inner chamber which includes a dimension that is reducible in size upon the application of tension to the tube. Likewise, the tube chamber dimension is expandable in size upon the application of compression on the tube. The first end portion of the tube extends from a closure and terminates in a second open end portion. A tube may be formed of flexible material and possess a dual wall construction. A line extends from the first end portion of the tube to the second end portion thereof for attachment at that point. Pulling the line compresses the tube and thus increases the dimension of the same, releasing items held thereby in traction.

Abstract: A finger protector for protecting the fingers of health care workers from inadvertent needle stabs during arterial blood gas sampling and intravenous and intra-arterial catheter insertion includes a housing to be received on the fingers. The housing is fabricated from a puncture resistant, and preferably rigid and transparent material, and includes apertures on a lower Surface for permitting tactile contact of the finger tip(s) with the skin surface for facilitating palpation of the body surface.

Abstract: An adjustable tension and adjustable compression splint for one or more joints on a finger or a toe formed of a strip of elastic, stretchy material which is cooperatively joined with a narrow pocket containing a dynamic extension strut or stay or a static malleable position strut or stay.

Abstract: For use with infants and toddlers, an improved manicuring aid has a cylindrical body (10) of semi-rigid plastic with an interior cavity (16). The body has four shallow grooves (28) for guiding and separating the fingertips; two slots (12) and (14) through which an elastic cloth restraining strap (18) for restraining and controlling finger movement is drawn; and two fingertip support ledges (30) and (32) projecting from the body. The strap comprises two hook-and-loop strips (24) and (26) and a doubled strap end (20) which is engaged when drawn through one of the two slots. Multiple support ledges and slots permit the manicuring aid to be grasped in multiple ways. Unrestricted access to the interior cavity facilitates storage, removal, and use of the elastic cloth strap. The manicuring aid does not have small parts which can cause choking or be swallowed.

Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray transparent orthopedic device (10) for positioning a selected digit away from the adjacent digits facilitate the taking of X-rays. The device (10) comprises a first centrally located elongated longitudinal support (12) having a contoured upper surface (18) for the selected digit, and second and third elongated longitudinal supports (14) and (16), respectively, on either side of the support (12). Partitions (30, 32) and side walls (34, 36) depending from supports (14, 16) define channels (38, 40) for the adjacent digits.

Abstract: A finger splint is provided for immobilizing a fracture of a finger's middle or proximal phalanx. A hinged splint body cradles a finger with a fractured phalanx. A hinging portion of the splint body is positioned beneath an interphalangeal joint located immediately adjacent and distal to the fractured phalanx. A fulcrum is placed between the splint body and the finger and is positioned directly beneath the fractured phalanx's line of fracture. Means are provided for securing the splint body and fulcrum in place such that the splint body is free to move about the hinged portion thereof in correspondence with a portion of the finger located distally with respect to the fractured phalanx. In this way, the fulcrum exerts an upward reduction force on the fractured phalanx at the fracture line. Furthermore, the finger splint simultaneously allows motion by adjacent joints both distal and proximal to the fracture to encourage a dynamic reduction of the fracture.

Abstract: A basketball shooting aid device including an elongated tape member having a loop at one end adapted to fit over the thumb, or a finger adjacent the thumb, and being long enough to wrap around the thumb and the wrist of the weak or non-shooting hand of a basketball player, and fastener devices for securing the free end of the tape member about the wrist of the weak hand when the loop member secures the thumb in a restrained position relative to the fingers on the weak hand.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance corrects a habit of inserting a habit instrument, such as a thumb, within a mouth. A wire frame of the appliance has two distal ends which are doubled over and each received within a respective lingual sheath carried on a maxillary molar. Two first portions of the wire member extend anteriorly from each distal end, and each has a U-shaped loop for adjusting the position of the appliance within the mouth. Two second portions each extend anteriorly from a respective first portion, and curve downwardly through a gap formed by an overjet condition between the upper and lower incisors. A guard portion is coupled to the two curved portions and has two circular loops formed within the wire member. The two circular loops are located anteriorly with respect to the lower incisors and posteriorly with respect to the labial vestibule when the mouth is closed, and deter the insertion of a thumb (or other habit instrument) upon opening and subsequent closure of the mouth.

Abstract: A surgical hand restrainer including a plate for supporting the hand, a clamping member for restraining the fingers in a fixed position on the support plate, and a restraining device for retaining the thumb on the support plate.

Abstract: An improvement in orthosis apparatus (10) for a users limb (100) including a primary support unit (11) operatively and adjustably connected to a secondary support unit (12) by a releasable fastening unit (13), and a body securing unit (14) for captively engaging a selected portion of a users limb (100).

Abstract: An orthopedic splint (10) comprises a neoprene rubber tube having an internal surface forming a curved splint passage (50) for snugly fitting on a joint (14, 16) to be treated and defining a radially directed internal ridge (52) extending lengthwise along the tube for pressing against the joint. The splint is constructed by folding in half a flat sheet of neoprene rubber (18), attaching free end portions (26, 28) of the sheet to form a transition tube (44) having a transition internal passasge (46), sewing a seam (40) in said free adjacent free edge portions to define a wedge shaped angle pointing away from the transition internal passage having an angle of between 140.degree.-160.degree., cutting away excess neoprene sheet so as to leave a V-shaped seam allowance (42) at the free edge portions beyond the seam to form the ridge, and turning the transition tube inside out to form the splint (10).

Abstract: A device to encompass and engage with the thumb to substantially immobilize the metacarpalphalangeal joint, thereby preventing radial deviation of the thumb phalanx while leaving the interphalangeal joint with substantially full flexion.

Abstract: An apparatus which is worn to condition the wearer against bed wetting is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wetness sensor that has a circuit pattern in which a multiplicity of interleaved, spaced apart conductive fingers reside on a non-conductive substrate. The circuit pattern is optimized to quickly and reliably detect small quantities of urine. The substrate is curved into a three dimensional, cup-like shape which has an edge that conforms to the urogenital area of the wearer. A foam pad is positioned at this edge to help seal the wetness sensor against the wearer and to make the wetness sensor comfortable to wear. Electrical components couple to the wetness sensor and drive a speaker. The electrical components include a battery and a relay. The realy is configured to oscillate when the wetness sensor detects urine, and the oscillating relay causes the speaker to broadcast an alarm signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved construction of finger and toe housing devices. It is adapted to be readily applied to the ends of fingers or toes for protecting injured and wounded areas.Still another aim of the invention is to improve and provide a housing construction that may be economically manufactured and sold to be worn in order to protect and enable the wearer to perform their duties in the home and office, requiring the use of the hands and legs during the recovery period.Still a further aim of the invention is to provide a strong protector of the class described of self-contained resilient molded bead-spine-hinged connected section having yieldable means of holding the sections in applied position with the built-in rear locking system 2 and 13, beyond the last joint of the finger or toe. Both sections 1 and 10 provide a convex apertured portion adapted to house the injured finger or toe during the recuperation period.

Abstract: A restraint for disenabling a child afflicted with a compulsive biting syndrome from biting his or her hand or arm, yet otherwise permitting the child substantially free arm movement. The restraint is composed of a brief, two flexible extension members which are each attached to the brief, and a wrist band adjustably connected to each extension members. The object of the structure of the invention is to secure the brief about the waist and groin of the child, then secure each of wrist bands to the arms of the child adjacent the wrists, then adjust the length of the extension members so that the child will be able to move his or her arms in substantial freedom, yet not be able to move his or her arms so that his or her arm may come into contact with the his or her mouth, thereby preventing the child from biting himself or herself.

Abstract: A glove to be worn by one who habitually sucks one or more the the digits (thumb or finger) of the hand has a tubular part which encloses the sucked digits(s) and which has on its external surface adjacent its outer end the representation of a human figure having a face and a hat the brim of which is formed by a flange which extends outwardly from the tubular part.

Abstract: A manicuring aid for use with infants between the ages of six months and two years old has a hollow cylindrical body (10) of pliable plastic. The body (10) has shallow grooves (24) for guiding and separating the fingertips; a support ledge (26) for supporting the fingertips; and a loop (28) through which an elastic restraining strap (18) for restraining and controlling finger movement is drawn. The strap (18) comprises two strips (20) and (22) with hook-and-loop fasteners and is fixed within an interior cavity (16) which is revealed when the end (12) of the body is removed.

Abstract: A method for breaking a nail biting habit includes preventing a patient from moving his tongue into a position to contact the fingernail or fingertip when such fingernail or fingertip is placed in the patient's mouth for the purpose of biting the fingernail.

Abstract: A flexible adjustable thumb brace to position and hold the thumb portion of a patient's hand so as to restrict movement and supply adequate support thereto. The thumb brace encompasses the patient's hand with a separate thumb engageable portion. Adjustment and support straps engage the brace and the thumb portion, stabilizing same against movement and further injury.

Abstract: The splint of our invention comprises a substantially cylindrical flexible outer member, an inner liner, advantageously a soft material for comfort, and a plurality of stiffening members interposed between the outer member and the inner liner distributed substantially uniformly about the entire circumference of the terminal member or extremity to provide a uniform pressure around the circumference preventing bending. The stiffening members are not completely rigid, advantageously somewhat flexible steel rods, while the flexible outer member can be a piece of rubber tubing.

Abstract: A protective surgical hand covering having a hardened molded material placed over the hand. The material will cover the meat of the palm, the knuckles, the lower knuckles, and breadth of the palm. Thimble shaped tips are also available for use. Surgical latex gloves may be worn either over or under the invention.

Abstract: A removable retainer for the radical side of the thumb pocket of a glove, which retainer restricts the radial movement of the thumb in the glove away from the other fingers so as to prevent damage to the ligaments of the thumb should radial force be applied to the thumb.