Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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GLOVE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates to a glove and, more particularly, to a glove adapted
to be
worn on the hand, distal forearm and wrist of a user for increased comfort and
support.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART:
Carpal-tunnel syndrome is a significant problem in the work place. It is
believed
to occur from repetitive stress trauma. The theory is that frequent movement
of the hand,
excessive vibrations or other such trauma will result in disfunction of the
median nerve.
The theory addresses only one of the causes. In fact, the more significant
problem,
particularly with bench working individuals, such as typists, computer users,
data processors
and the like, is in the repetitive motion of the forgers in combination with
direct pressure
on the nerve caused by laying the wrist down upon the table or keyboard. Such
combination of pressure with motion increases the friction inj ury to the
nerve which
compounds the problem.
By providing elements for off loading forces from the median nerve to adjacent
areas, areas that are less susceptible to pressure injury, it has been found
possible to prevent
and relieve the symptoms of carpal-tunnel syndrome and median nerve injury.
The purpose
of the present invention is to off load the median nerve through a glove of a
new, useful
and unobvious design which also allows full and free motion of the wrist and
hand.
As evidenced by a large number of prior art patents, efforts are continuing to
improve gloves for various purposes. Consider, for example, United States
patent No.
4,747,163 to DZIERSON which relates to an improved glove for cyclists. Such
glove
comprises a flexible shell including a palm side, an outside, glove fingers
and across the
crotch area between the glove index finger and the glove thumb. The padding
comprises
an elastomeric layer, a layer of fibrous batting, and an external layer.
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Also consider United States patent No. 4,881,533 to TEURLINGS which relates to
a versatile orthopaedic variance wrist brace. Such brace is designed to
support the wrist
joint in excessive weight bearing activities such as gymnastics. It includes
an adjustable,
removable palmar base support, a pad which elevates the wrist in a support
position
reducing the extension angle at the wrist joint, thus relieving pressure and
pain in the wrist.
This palmar pad is designated specifically to compensate for unbalanced load
forces which
are the result of ulnar variance in support position at the wrist joint. The
wrist brace is also
made of a dorsal base support pad including an elongated reinforcing member
that consists
of a rigid material and a malleable material for comfort. This dorsal
reinforcing member
supports the wrist and the upper part of the hand in extension and might have
two
malleable side support members. A wrist strap extends from the dorsal base
support,
adheres to the palmar base support and is wrapped around the user's wrist to
hold both base
supports into place. Two straps extend from both top sides of the palmar base
support to
adhere its free ends to the dorsal base support on the back side of the hand.
One of these
straps contours the thumb and the shorter strap contours the little finger
side of the hand.
Lastly, consider United States patent No. 5,376,066 to PHILLIPS et al relates
to a
glove for the treatment and/or prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome. This
glove-like device
is to be worn on the hand and wrist of a person. It comprises a sleeve formed
of an
elastomeric material, for example, neoprene, which stretches longitudinally as
well as
transversely and includes a palmar side, a dorsal side, a distal end portion,
an intermediate
portion, and a proximal end portion. The distal end portion of the sleeve
includes
respective finger receiving openings. A thumb receiving opening is provided in
the
intermediate portion of the sleeve. The proximal end of the sleeve includes a
releasably
securable strap located adjacent the wrist of the person fro wrapping about a
portion of the
wrist to secure the glove-like device in place. When the device is in place
the person's
fingers extend through the respective finger openings and the person's thumb
extends
through the thumb opening. The dorsal side of said sleeve is biased backwards
at a slight
angle to the axis of the wearer's wrist for extending the wearer's hand in
extension at that
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slight angle to the axis. The intermediate portion of the sleeve is configured
to tightly
encircle the palm and contiguous dorsal portion of the hand to resist the palm
from
spreading. A pad may be provided on the palmar side of the glove-like member
at the
interface of the intermediate portion and proximal end portion.
As will become evident, nothing in the prior art provides the benefits and
advantages attendant with the present invention.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvement which
overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and
provides an
improvement which is a significant contribution to the advancement of the art.
Another object of this invention is to provide comfort and support to bench-
top
workers.
Another object of this invention is to off load forces from the median nerve.
Another object of the invention is to abate carpal-tunnel syndrome.
Another object of the invention is to maintain full and unrestricted motion of
the
hand and wrist.
Another object of this invention is to provide a device adapted to be worn by
a user
to protect an elongated portion of the user's body. The device comprises a
support member
positionable on a user's body adjacent to the elongated portion of the user's
body to be
protected. A pair of anatomically linear load-bearing members are included.
The load-
bearing members are coupled in laterally spaced relationship with respect to
the support to
define an elongated space therebetween. The load-bearing members and space
therebetween are essentially parallel with each other and parallel with the
elongated portion
of the user's body to be protected. Further included are retention means to
maintain the
support member in position on the user's body with the space between the load-
bearing
members overlying the elongated portion of the user's body to be protected.
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21 787 72
The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent obj ects of the invention.
These
obj ects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more
prominent
features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial
results can be
attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by
modifying the
invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a
fuller
understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the summary of
the
invention, and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in
addition to the scope
of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
For the purpose of summarizing this invention, this invention comprises a new
an
improved device adapted to be worn on the hand, distal forearm and wrist of a
worker
manipulating a bench-top machine of the type including a computer mouse and a
keyboard
and the like. The device includes a tubular sleeve. The sleeve is in a
generally cylindrical
configuration when worn on the hand, distal forearm and wrist of a wearer and
with a
central axis adapted to be located in essentially parallel alignment with the
median nerve
of a wearer. The sleeve has an open proximal end positioned around the forearm
of a
wearer and an open distal end positionable around the hand of a wearer. The
sleeve has
a volar surface located between the ends and positionable over the palm of a
hand, distal
forearm and wrist of a wearer and a dorsal surface located between the ends
and
positionably over the back of a hand, distal forearm and wrist of a wearer.
The sleeve has
a radial region with a radial fold line located between the volar and dorsal
surfaces and
between the distal and proximal ends and an ulnar region with an ulnar fold
line located
between the volar and dorsal surfaces and between the proximal and distal
ends. The radial
and ulnar regions are at diametrically opposed locations and essentially
parallel with the
axis of the sleeve. The sleeve is fabricated of an elastomeric material having
greater
elasticity in the circumferential direction than in the axial direction. The
sleeve has an axial
length between the proximal and distal ends of between about four and eight
inches with
a circumference of between about four and ten inches. An opening in the radial
region
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adjacent to the distal end is for the passage of a thumb of a wearer. A pair
of elongated
load-bearing members are secured to the volar surface. The load-bearing
members are
fabricated of a flexible and resilient material and have centre lines
positioned essentially
parallel with each other and the axis of the sleeve. The support members are
between
about three and eight inches in length, 1/a and 3/8 inches in height, and 3/8
and '/a inches
in width. The radial support member has a centre line spaced between about '/z
and 1 inch
from the radial fold line and the ulnar support member has a centre line
spaced between
about 1-'/a and 2-1 /8 inches from the radial fold line. The support members
have widely
spaced exterior edges and closely spaced interior edges at a distance of
between about 3/8
and 1 inch, and separated whereby when properly positioned on a wearer, the
support
members will be laterally offset from the median nerve of the wearer.
The foregoing has outline rather broadly the more pertinent and important
features
of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the
invention that follows
may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be
more fully
appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described
hereinafter which form
the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those
skilled in the
art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily
utilized as
a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same
purposes of
the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such
equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
invention as set forth
in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,
reference
should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with
the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective showing of the preferred embodiment of the new and
improved glove shown on a hand, distal forearm and wrist of a wearer and
constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention with an alternate
position shown in
dotted lines;
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Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figures 3 and 4 are plan views of the materials utilized to construct the
sleeve
showing such pieces of material in a planar orientation;
Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a glove constructed in accordance with
an
alternate embodiment of the invention;
Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged views of the foam in the load-bearing members of
the
glove shown in Figures 1 and 5;
Figures 8 through 14 and 16 are cross-sectional views of the glove showing
various
alternate embodiments for the load-bearing members;
Figure 15 is a perspective illustration of a glove constructed in accordance
with an
other alternate embodiment of the invention;
Figure 16 is a further alternate embodiment illustrating a roll bar;
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the roll-bar taken along line 17-17 of
Figure
15;
Figure 18 is a plan view of a sleeve constructed in accordance with yet
another
alternate embodiment of the invention;
Figure 19 is a cross-section view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 5;
Figure 20 is a perspective illustration of a further alternate embodiment of
the
invention;
Figure 21 is a perspective illustration of an additional alternate embodiment
of a
load-bearing member.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several
Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1 thereof,
there is
shown a new and improved glove 10 constructed in accordance with the
principles of the
present invention. Such glove is comprised of a plurality of components. Such
components in their broadest context include a support member 12 positionable
on a user's
body adjacent to the elongated portion of the user's body to be protected; a
pair of
anatomically linear load-bearing members 14, the load-bearing members being
coupled in
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21 7 87 7 2
laterally spaced relationship with respect to the support to define an
elongated space 16
therebetween, the load-bearing members and space therebetween being
essentially parallel
with each other and essentially parallel with the elongated portion of the
user's body to be
protected; and a retainer means to maintain the support member in position on
the user's
body with the space between the load-bearing members overlying the elongated
portion of
the user's body to be protected. Such components are individually or jointly
configured
and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired obj
ective.
The primary component of the present invention is a tubular sleeve 22. The
sleeve
is in a generally cylindrical configuration. It takes the cylindrical
configuration when worn
on the hand 21, distal forearm 23 and wrist 25 of a wearer. When so configured
on a
wearer, a central axis 24 is formed. The central axis is adapted to be located
in essentially
parallel alignment with the median nerve 26 of the wearer.
The sleeve has a open proximal end 30 positioned around the forearm of a
wearer.
It also has an open distal end 32 positionable around the hand of a wearer.
In addition, the sleeve also has a volar surface 36. The volar surface is
adapted to
be located between the ends of the sleeve. Such volar surface is positionable
over the palm
of a hand, distal forearm and wrist of a wearer when in use. The sleeve also
has a dorsal
surface 38 located between the ends of the sleeve. The dorsal surface is
positioned over
the back of the hand, distal forearm and wrist of a wearer.
Located between the volar and dorsal surfaces is a radial region 42 which is
adapted
to form a radial fold line 43. The radial region is adjacent to the
anatomically radial aspect
of the hand, wrist and arm when worn and is located between the volar and
dorsal surfaces
as well as between the distal and proximal ends of the sleeve. Also included
as a part of
the sleeve is an ulnar region 44. The ulnar region has an ulnar fold line 45.
Such fold
lines are located between the volar and dorsal surfaces and extends between
the proximal
and distal ends of the sleeve. The radial and ulnar regions are at
diametrically opposed
locations around the circumference of the sleeve. They are located essentially
parallel with
the axis of the sleeve when the glove is worn.
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217877Z
In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve is fabricated of an elastomeric
material.
Such elastomeric material preferably has a greater elasticity in the
circumferential direction
than in the axial direction.
In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve has an axial length between the
proximal
and distal ends at the centre thereof between four and eight inches. The
sleeve also has a
circumference at its midpoint of between about four and eight inches. The size
can vary
as a function of the size of a user whether a child, woman, adult or extra-
large. The
elasticity of the sleeve allows for greater latitude in the sizing of the
device to the user.
Next provided as a component of the system is an oval opening 48 in the radial
region. This oval opening is adjacent to the distal end. Such opening
functions for the
passage of the thumb of a wearer. Such hole could also be formed as a simple
linear slit
49 with the edges secured through stitching in the nature of a buttonhole.
Next provided as functioning components of the system are a pair of elongated
load
bearing support members 14. Such members are secured to the volar surface of
the sleeve.
The support members are fabricated of a flexible material which is also
resilient. The
preferred material is closed-cell polyurethane foam.
Each of the load-bearing support members has its own individual centre line 50
and
52. Such centre lines are positioned essentially parallel with each other as
well as
essentially parallel with the axis of the sleeve. The support members are
between three and
eight inches in length. They are between 3/16 and 3/8 inches in height and are
between
about 3/8 and 5/8 inches in width. When utilized in the preferred mode, the
radial support
member centre line is spaced between about 1/a inch to 1 inch from the radial
fold line and
the ulnar support member centre line is spaced between about 1 inch and 1-3/4
inches from
the radial support member centre line. When in use, they are separated whereby
when
properly positioned on a wearer, the support members will be laterally offset
from the
median nerve of a wearer by between about 3/16 and 3/8 inches. The support
members
having widely spaced exterior edges 54 and closely spaced interior edges 56 at
a distance
of between about 3/8 and 1 inch and are separated whereby, when properly
positioned on
wearer, the support members will be laterally offset form the median nerve of
the wearer.
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2178772
Provided in an alternative embodiment of the invention is an arcuate recess
60.
Such arcuate recess is formed in one edge of the radial support member. It is
located
adj scent to the radial region at the end thereof adj scent to the radial
region at the end
thereof adjacent to the distal end. Such recess functions for the receipt of
the base of the
thumb (thenar eminence) of a wearer.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastomeric material of the
sleeve
is preferably elastic in all directions. A preferred elastic material for this
purpose is
spandex, preferably Raschel style spandex manufactured by Norbrook Industries,
Ltd., New
York, New York, U. S.A. Such material is characterized by the ability to
elongate to
different extents in different directions. In the preferred embodiment, it has
been found that
the preferred extent of elasticity is about 150 percent in the circumferential
direction and
about 50 in the axial direction. Such spandex fulfils such preferred
capabilities. Spandex
is a knitted fabric with the weaving being done by elastic strands. It is this
arrangement
which allows for the characteristics of the material of the present invention
and allows for
greater latitude in the sizing of the device to the user.
In one of the embodiments of the invention, the elastomeric material has a low
coefficient of friction. Such is achieved by utilizing nylon strands when
knitting the
spandex.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the elastomeric material is of a
relatively high coefficient of friction. Such is effected through the use of a
less lubricous
material such as cotton and wool.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the volar surface 64 of the sleeve
is
fabricated of a wear-resistant material, preferably leather. Greater wear life
is thus
provided.
As can be seen in Figure 3 an 4, the materials 68 and 70 of which the present
invention is utilized is laid out prior to stitching. An average size glove
would be slightly
larger than the sizes shown in order to allow bending over prior to stitching.
Note that the
material of the sleeve is formed with a gentle taper 72 angling downwardly
toward the
midpoint 74. This provides for a greater circumference of the sleeve at the
distal end than
at the proximal end. The circumference of the proximal end is essentially the
same as that
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21 787 72
at the midpoint. The circumference at the proximal end may be greater than the
circumference at the midpoint for certain application. Note is also taken that
the length of
the sleeve is greater at the radial fold line than at the ulnar fold line.
As can be seen in Figure 20, the opening at the distal end is formed with
spaced
contact points formed as by stitches 78. Such contact points form therebetween
a plurality
of finger holes 80 for a wearer. In such embodiment, three such points of
contact are
provided for four forger holes to supplement the thumb hole. A lesser number
of contact
points could be utilized and strategically located so that more than one
forger may pass
through any one of the holes.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the load-bearing members are
secured
within pocket means 84 associated with respect to the sleeve. In the primary
embodiment
such pocket means is a single piece of fabric 70 with four parallel rows of
stitching 86.
This forms two side pockets, one for each support member. The pocket means may
readily
for formed of a common piece of material. The pocket means may also be formed
of
separate pieces of fabric. Such would require excess stitching and fabric
piecing. An
oblique stitch line 87 limits the pocket length to properly position the load
bearing
members. Openings 89 are at the proximal end of the sleeve and pockets for
receiving and
removing the load bearing members. Axial stitch lines 86 hold the pocket
material in place
on the sleeve and form the pockets.
The pocket is preferably fabricated with a pocket segment material which is
oriented
with greater stretch in the axial direction and reduced stretch in the
circumferential
direction. This is to limit separation of the support members to ensure their
continued
orientation in the proper anatomical position on the user. In such situation,
the pocket and
sleeve are fabricated of a common material but with the greater direction of
stretch of the
pocket material being at right angles to that of the sleeve. In such situation
it is preferred
to have the elastomeric material of the sleeve oriented to have maximum
stretch around the
circumference.
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21 787 72
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the pocket segment may be sewn
with
simple stitching 90 to limit the lateral displacement of the load-bearing
members with
separation of the centre line of the load-bearing members being about 1'/a
inch.
Consideration is now given with respect to the load-bearing members 14. Such
load-bearing members are preferably made of an elastomeric foam, preferably a
closed-cell
polyurethane foam which will allow for greater ability in cleaning. Such load-
bearing
members are flexible to allow bending during operation and use. Such load-
bearing
members are also resilient to allow returning to their original shape after
the removal of
deforming forces.
In a yet further alternate embodiment of the invention, the load-bearing
members
are of vaxiable compressibility to allow for easier flexing at the point where
flexing
normally occurs. This is readily effected through rendering the cells 94 of
the foam of
greater size in the area where the greater compressibility and flexibility is
desired. Cells
96 are of a lesser size for lesser compressibility and flexibility.
In yet another alternate embodiment of the invention, the load-bearing members
are
segmented into a plurality of load-bearing members l02. In such embodiment,
spacings
104 are provided along the centre line of each of the load-bearing members.
Varying cross-sectional configurations of the load-bearing members are shown
in
Figures 8 through 14. In Figure 8, the load-bearing members 108 and 110 are
tapered at
the edges to conform flush to the plane of the sleeve.
Also shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14 are other alternate embodiments of the
load-
bearing members including the use o elongated paxallel load-bearing members
112 and 114
which are greater than two in number.
In Figure 13, there is shown an embodiment wherein the support members are
connected by a transversely-oriented support member 118 external to the
innermost plane
of the sleeve.
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21 787 72
In Figure 12, the load-bearing members 122 are attached by glue 124. In Figure
11,
the load-bearing members are attached by stitching 126. In Figure 9, the load-
bearing
members are removably coupled to the sleeve by complimentary sections of a
pile-type
fastener 128 and 128 such as Velcro'.
In alternate embodiments of the invention the elongated load-bearing members
may
be tubes 130 filled with a cohesive gel 132. In the alternative, the load-
bearing members
may be tubes 134 which are simply inflated through valves l36 during operation
and use.
In the preferred embodiment, the load-bearing members extend from about Ih
inch
proximal from the distal end to about 1/a inch distal from the proximal end of
the sleeve.
In any case, it is found that the preferred height of the support members must
be at
least 3/l6 of an inch for insuring a sufficient height to cause the off
loading of the median
nerve.
A key feature of a11 of the embodiments is that the load-bearing members,
regardless
of their shape, have widely-spaced exterior edges in combination with closely-
spaced
interior edges. The interior edges are preferably at a distance of between
about 3/8 inch
and 1 inch. This allows for proper off loading of the median nerve.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the elongated segments 108 are
shaped
in cross-section as a hemi-ellipse. In another embodiment, the elongated
segments 140 are
shaped in cross-section such as a trapezoid. In yet another, the elongated
segments 110 are
shaped in cross-section as a triangle. Compare Figures 8, 14, and 9.
In the Figures 10 and 11 embodiments, the elongated segments are multiple
members attached to a common base 144 and 146. As such, the segments are
coupled
together but at separated locations for effecting the off loading of the
median nerve.
In a yet further embodiment of the invention, the load-bearing members 152 are
fabricated of stiffened material. Such stiffened material includes a
curvilinear bend 154 of
between about fifteen and twenty-five degrees, preferably about twenty degrees
located a
position adjacent to the midpoints 44 of the load-bearing members,
perpendicular to the
axis 24 of the sleeve. Such stiffened material in association with the bend
tends to extend
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21 787 72
the wrist of a wearer dorsally for even further support. Such support may be
fabricated of
a stiffened material which is a laminated plastic. The stiffened material may
also include
an upper layer and a lower layer of different resistances. The stiffened
material may be
nylon or other plastic or, it may be a metal and, it might be of a moulded
material.
Another aspect of the present invention is the use of an adjustable strap 158
attached
transverse to the axis of the sleeve. Such is shown in Figure 14 as being
located about the
dorsal aspect of the midpoint 44 of the sleeve. The strap is secured at one
end 160 at
adjacent to the radial fold line and is releasably coupled at its other end
l62 to a connector
element laterally offset from adjacent to the ulnar fold line. Coupling
adjustment are
effected through any appropriate means such as a button 164 and button hold
166. In an
alternative embodiment, the single adjustment strap is replaced by two straps
165 and l67
stitched at opposite ends to the sleeve with a buckle 169 as one strap through
which the
other strap may pass for adjustment proposes. Note Figure 16.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the elongated support member
curves
60 to conform to the location of the thenar eminence of the hand.
Another feature of an alternate embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure
5
is the elongate support member which is formed as by molding to include a
lateral
projection 170. Such projection is to conform and overlie the bony prominences
of the
wrist for added support.
Figures 15, 16 and 17 illustrate an optional roll bar 174 with a curved
configuration
secured to the exterior surfaces of the supporting members adj acent to their
midpoints.
Such roll bar facilitates rocking of the wearer's wrist for certain
applications where such
is desired. In Figure 17 the roll bar is fabricated of two coupled strips 176
and 178 of
metal of different degrees of elasticity to tailor the overall flexibility for
the intended
application.
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2178772
The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims, as well
as
that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described
in its
preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that
the present
disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that
numerous
changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of
parts may
be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Now that the invention has been described,
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