Hand support and method for using the same
AssigneeOssur Iceland Ehf
InventorsStefan Orn Stefansson, Dana Stewart Marlin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hand support including a base component arranged for securing to at least a portion of a hand, an anchor element adjustably connected to the base component and arranged for grasping a thumb, and a counterforce device connecting to the base component and the anchor element. The counterforce device arranged to generate a counterforce in combination with or against the base component and anchor element. The hand support may be arranged to provide traction for an extended period to remedy complications of the hand and associated joints.
Claims16
A hand support, comprising:
- a base component arranged for securing to at least a portion of a hand, and forming a base opening adapted for insertion of a thumb;
- an anchor element adjustably connected to the base component and arranged for grasping the thumb;
- a counterforce device defined by a helical spring having a first end connecting to the base component and surrounding the base opening and extending distally therefrom, and a second end holding the anchor element and distally located relative to the base component, the helical spring arranged to generate a counterforce in combination with or against the base component and the anchor element, the helical spring spanning a distance between the base component and the anchor element, and arranged for encircling the thumb, the anchor element being biased by and rotatable relative to the helical spring, the helical spring being compressible in height relative to and from the base component.
A method for securing a hand support over a hand, the method comprising the steps of:
- securing a base component about a thumb of a user, the base component having a base opening adapted for insertion of the thumb;
- extending a counterforce device from the base component, the counterforce device being a helical spring having a first end connecting to the base component and surrounding the base opening to extend distally therefrom, the helical spring being compressible in height and elastic relative to and toward the base opening;
- adjusting an anchor element on a second end of the counterforce device located at a distal end of the helical spring;
- biasing the counterforce device between the anchor element and the counterforce device due to the elasticity and compressibility of the helical spring.
A hand support, comprising:
- a base component arranged for securing to at least a portion of a hand, the base component having a base opening;
- a joint stabilizer connecting to the base component and arranged for securing the joint stabilizer about a base portion of a thumb;
- an anchor element having an annular shape and adjustably connected to the joint stabilizer about the base opening, the anchor element having at least one wedge portion arranged for having an open configuration and a closed configuration for insertion of the thumb therethrough and locking against the thumb, respectively;
- a counterforce device formed as an elastic element having a first end secured to the joint stabilizer about the base opening, and a second end connecting to the anchor element, the elastic element arranged for encircling about the thumb and biasing between the joint stabilizer and/or the anchor element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.