U.S. patent application number 11/530756 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for medical device for an athlete's digits.
Invention is credited to Tyler Liebowitz.
Application Number | 20070021700 11/530756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39184522 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070021700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liebowitz; Tyler |
January 25, 2007 |
MEDICAL DEVICE FOR AN ATHLETE'S DIGITS
Abstract
There is disclosed a medical device and a medical treatment
process. The device may be a sheath. The sheath may fit around at
least a circumference of a finger. The sheath may be attachable and
detachable to adjacent sheaths. The process may include wrapping a
first piece of an elastic material around a circumference of at
least two adjacent digits and a knuckle between the at least two
adjacent digits of a first finger, wrapping a second piece of the
elastic material around a circumference of a second, adjacent
finger. The elastic material may have a first surface with a
frictional element and a second surface with an adhesive.
Inventors: |
Liebowitz; Tyler; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SoCAL IP LAW GROUP LLP
310 N. WESTLAKE BLVD. STE 120
WESTLAKE VILLAGE
CA
91362
US
|
Family ID: |
39184522 |
Appl. No.: |
11/530756 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60821669 |
Aug 7, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/10 20130101; A61F
5/0118 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/022 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00 |
Claims
1. A medical device comprising a tape having a first side and a
second side, the first side having an adhesive surface, the second
side having a frictional element.
2. The medical device of claim 1 having a plurality of frictional
elements, wherein the frictional elements are arranged on a first
side of a finger and not on a second side of the finger when the
tape is wrapped around the finger.
3. The medical device of claim 2, wherein the frictional elements
are dots.
4. The medical device of claim 3, wherein the frictional elements
are arranged based on the surface of a basketball.
5. The medical device of claim 4, wherein the first side of the
tape has a hook fastener.
6. A medical device comprising a sheath adapted to fit around at
least a portion of a finger and be magnetically attachable and
detachable to adjacent sheaths.
7. The medical device of claim 1, the sheath including an inner
surface and an outer surface, the outer surface including
depressions, the depressions adapted to fasten with a
protrusion.
8. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the sheath has sufficient
rigidity to not bend about a knuckle of a finger when a person
flexes the finger about the knuckle.
9. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the sheath defines an
aperture adapted to receive a finger.
10. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the sheath includes a
ferrous material adapted to oxidize thereby generate heat.
11. The medical device of claim 8, wherein the sheath includes a
metal fiber loaded polymer.
12. The medical device of claim 8, wherein the polymer has an
anti-bacterial agent.
13. The medical device of claim 1, the medical device having a
flexible band integral with the sheath.
14. A medical device comprising: a cylindrical body having a
geometry for fitting around at least a portion of a finger, the
cylindrical body including a polymer an attachment device selected
from the group consisting of a tongue and a band, the attachment
device integral to the cylindrical geometry, the attachment device
attached to a cylindrical body of another medical device.
15. The medical device of claim 14, the cylindrical body having an
outer surface including frictional elements arranged based on the
surface of a football.
16. The medical device of claim 14, the cylindrical body including
holes along a side of the cylindrical body, the cylindrical body
adapted to fasten with protrusions of another medical device via
the holes.
17. The medical device of claim 14, wherein the cylindrical body
has sufficient rigidity to not bend about a knuckle of a finger
when a person flexes the finger about the knuckle.
18. The medical device of claim 17, wherein the polymer includes an
anti-fungal agent.
19. The medical device of claim 18, wherein the attachment device
is an elastic band.
20. A medical treatment process comprising: wrapping a first piece
of an elastic tape around a circumference of at least two adjacent
digits and a knuckle between the at least two adjacent digits of a
first finger the elastic tape having a first surface and a second
surface, the first surface having a frictional element, the second
surface having an adhesive wrapping a second piece of the elastic
tape around a circumference of a second finger, the second finger
adjacent to the first finger.
21. The medical treatment process of claim 20, wherein the elastic
tape includes a magnetic material.
22. The medical treatment process of claim 21, wherein the first
surface includes loop fasteners.
23. The medical treatment process of claim 22 further comprising
securing the first piece to the second piece by attaching a backing
across the first surface of both the first piece and the second
piece wherein the backing is disposed proximate a back of the first
finger and a back of the second finger.
24. A medical device comprising: a wrap means for fitting around at
least a portion of a finger, the wrap means including a polymer an
attachment means integral to the wrap means, the attachment means
for attaching the wrap means to another wrap means.
25. The medical device of claim 24, the wrap means having an outer
surface including frictional elements arranged based on the surface
of a volleyball.
26. The medical device of claim 24, the wrap means including holes
along a side of the wrap means, the wrap means adapted to fasten
with protrusions of another medical device via the holes.
27. The medical device of claim 24, wherein the wrap means has
sufficient rigidity to not bend about a knuckle of a finger when a
person flexes the finger about the knuckle.
28. The medical device of claim 24, wherein the wrap means includes
an anti-fungal agent.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION
[0001] This patent claims priority to and incorporates by reference
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/821,669 filed Aug. 7,
2006.
[0002] This patent incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/743,674 filed Mar. 22, 2006, which
discloses devices and features which may be combined with or
complementary to those described herein.
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent
document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become
trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has
no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade
dress rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field
[0005] This disclosure relates to medical devices for the digits of
athletes.
[0006] 1. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, water polo, soccer,
hockey, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, racquetball, table
tennis, power lifting, boxing, swimming, polo, lacrosse,
gymnastics, track and field and other sports are widely played by
many people.
[0008] Because of the physical nature of sports, finger and toe
injuries are common.
[0009] Most people have fifteen finger bones in each hand.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the back 110 of a hand 100 of a
typical person. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120, a ring
finger 130, a middle finger 140, a pointer finger 150 and a thumb
160. In turn, the pinky finger 120, ring finger 130, middle finger
140 and pointer finger 150 respectively have a first digit (or
phalange) 121, 131, 141, 151, a first knuckle (or joint) 122, 132,
142, 152, a second digit 123, 133, 143, 153, a second knuckle 124,
134, 144, 154 and a third digit 125, 135, 145, 155.
[0010] Each of the bones (not shown) within the fingers 120, 130,
140, 150 are connected at the knuckles 122, 132, 142, 152, 124,
134, 144, 154 with ligaments (not shown). Knuckles 122, 132, 142,
152, 124, 134, 144, 154 are susceptible to sprains, strains,
dislocations and ligament tears while playing sports.
[0011] The term jammed finger refers to an injured finger, due to
injuries such as compression, a sprain, a strain, or dislocation of
one or more of the joints. Jamming may result following impact with
an opponent or teammate, sudden contact with a ball, a fall, or any
sudden stretching of a finger 120, 130, 140, 150. Falls onto hard,
unyielding surfaces (for example. a basketball floor) may result in
jams. It is also common for ligaments to tear near the joints when
joints 122, 132, 142, 152, 124, 134, 144, 154 become
dislocated.
[0012] Common treatments for a jammed finger include taping an
injured finger to an adjacent finger or splinting a finger.
[0013] Toes may be similarly injured, though the treatment options
are typically more limited.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a back of a hand.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a palm of a hand with a sheath.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a palm of a hand with a sheath.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sheath.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a back of a hand with a sheath.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a back of a hand with a sheath.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a back of a hand with a sheath.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a back of a hand with a sheath.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a palm of a hand with a sheath.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples
shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on
the apparatus and methods disclosed or claimed.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a plan view of the
palm 115 of a hand 100 and a sheath 820. As the most common finger
injured in physical sports is the middle finger 140, the sheath 820
is shown disposed around a circumference of the first digit, first
knuckle and the second digit of the middle finger 140.
[0025] The term sheath refers to a device which at least partially
covers and/or supports a finger or toe (i.e., a digit) of a warm
blooded vertebrate, having a general geometry of a hollow cylinder
such as a sleeve, with either open ends or one open and one closed
end. The sheath 820 may have the shape of a thimble, a cylinder a
mitt or other geometry.
[0026] The sheath 820 may be utilized as a medical device in a
variety of sports. The sheath 820 may provide support to one or
more digits and/or one or more knuckles during physical activities.
By providing support and rigidity to one or more fingers, the
sheath 820 may protect a person's finger from further injury.
[0027] The sheath 820 may be formed of a flexible sheet of
material, for example, spandex. Spandex is lightweight, durable,
soft smooth, supple, and resistant to body oils, perspiration,
lotions, and detergents. Moreover, spandex has sufficient
flexibility to take the form of a finger when stretched. Because
spandex is not very strong, the sheath 820 may be formed by
wrapping several layers around the middle finger 820. Additionally,
the density of the spandex may be customized to provide a stiffness
that prevents the first knuckle from bending. Thus, the spandex may
be manufactured such that only a single wrap or layer may be needed
to provide desired stiffness to at least partially immobilize a
portion of a finger.
[0028] Additional materials may be selected based on one or more of
density, rigidity and modulus of elasticity. For example, the
sheath 830 may include leather, vinyl, cotton, neoprene or other
material.
[0029] Because people have different size fingers, the sheath 820
may be customized for each person. An example of customizing the
sheath 820 is manufacturing the sheath according to ring sizes.
Another example of customizing the sheath 820 is providing the
sheath 820 in the form of a two sided tape. The term tape refers to
a rolled up strip of long, thin anti narrow material. One side of
the tape may include an adhesive or fastener, such as a hook and
look type fastener. The other side of the tape may include
frictional elements 830, disposed on the outside of the middle
finger 140, analogous to the features of one or more of a football,
a basketball, a volleyball, a rugby ball, a water polo ball, a
soccer ball or other sporting device. In order to fully customize
the sheath 820, the frictional elements 830 may be spaced along the
sheath 820 such that one side of the finger includes frictional
elements 830 and the other side of the sheath 820 provides a
surface for attachment.
[0030] Examples of frictional elements include integrated bumps,
dots, ridges, irregularities, granular elements to match a sporting
good, and other elements. The frictional elements 830 may be
incorporated into the sheath 820 during manufacturing or added
manually by an athlete. If the sheath 820 has a relatively high
coefficient of friction, then an athlete may grip a ball, a stick,
a person, or another object with greater ease than with bare
fingers. For example, the frictional surface may include small
bumps, hooks, protrusions, suction cups or other features that
provide for high friction. Each frictional element may 830 be
sized, shaped, positioned and characterized (e.g., its stickiness)
to complement the object to be controlled. For example, an array of
dots may be used as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,956, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference, particularly the
disclosures regarding frictional elements 830 and gloves as they
may be combined with or used in the medical devices disclosed
herein.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a plan view of the
palm 115 of a hand 100 and a sheath 900. As shown, the sheath 900
is formed of a two sided tape wrapped around the pinky finger 120,
the ring finger 130 and the middle finger 140. The sheath 900 may
be wrapped tightly around the finger 120, 130, 140 in order to bind
an injured finger to one or more adjacent fingers. As shown, the
ring finger 130 is bound to both the middle finger 140 and the
pinky finger 120. Because the ring finger 130 may be generally
immobilized by the use of the sheath 900 the ring finger 130 may be
protected from further injury.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown a plan view of a
sheath 200. The sheath 200 may include a tongue 230 and a body 205.
The body 205 may include an outer surface 210, an inner surface
270, an opening 250 disposed at the top end of the body 205, an
opening 260 disposed at the bottom end of the body 205, an aperture
220, a depression 245 and a protrusion 240.
[0033] The term tongue refers to a projecting section of material
which extends from a body. The term body refers to the main or
structural portion of a device. The term aperture refers to a an
opening or open space, such as a hole, gap, cleft, chasm or
slit.
[0034] The sheath 200 may be manufactured as a unitary device, for
example via injection molding, extrusion, weaving, stitching or
other process. In turn, the sheath 200 may be adapted to fit a
single finger or multiple fingers (as shown in the plan view of a
hand 100 in FIG. 9). The sheath 200 may provide support among
adjacent fingers. The sheath 200 may be permanently or
non-permanently attached to, integrated with, or installed around a
glove covering all or other parts of the hand (not shown). As shown
in the plan view of a hand 100 in FIG. 5, a first sheath 310 on a
pinky finger 120 may be adapted to be repeatedly attached and
detached from a second sheath 320 that fits on a ring finger
320.
[0035] The characteristics of the sheath 200 may be selected based
upon the object to be gripped, and how the fingers are to move.
Such objects include basketballs, footballs, baseballs, rugby
balls, baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, tennis racquets
and table tennis paddles. For example, in sports which include bats
or sticks, at least one knuckle may need to bend in order to
control the sporting device whereas the other knuckle can be
immobilized and protected.
[0036] The strength and weight of the sheath 200 may be determined
based on the material that it is manufactured from. Appropriate
materials include a plastic, a woven fabric, an elastomer, a
rubber, a paper based material, a metal or combinations of
materials. The sheath 200 may include a fabric soaked in a resin,
which, when removed from a hermetically sealed package and
unraveled onto a finger, cures into a firm covering, such as a mold
or cast. The sheath 200 may be an elastomer, such as latex, that
unravels onto a plurality of fingers.
[0037] Examples of polymers include synthetic resins and organic
resins. Organic resins may be thermoplastic, which may aid in the
spinning, crimping, shaping and bonding of component sections by
thermal processes. Examples of organic resins include hydrocarbon
resins such as vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene,
polyamides, polyesters, polypropylene or other material. Polymers
are inexpensive to manufacture and therefore may be produced for
one time usage.
[0038] The sheath 200 may be woven from a soft fabric, such as
cotton, but may also have some sections which are firm. Stiffness
may be varied by section by manufacturing a material which has a
greater thickness in a given section or a greater density in a
given section. For example, the sheath 200 may include a dense
spandex for covering a knuckle, and a less dense cotton to cover
the balance of a finger. Thus, the knuckle may be immobilized
whereas the balance of the finger is aesthetically dressed. For
some professional athletes, a custom device may be produced in
order to last several games.
[0039] Additionally, to provide support to an athlete's injured
finger, a section of the sheath 200 associated with an injured
knuckle or digit of the injured finger may include a support, such
as one or more hard plastic or metal strips or rods (not shown).
The support may be selectively attached to the sheath 200 such that
an injured athlete may add additional support as needed.
[0040] Physical sports generally result in sweating. Thus,
bacteria, mold, fungus and other undesirable microorganisms may
attempt to grow on the sheath 200. In order to retard growth of the
undesirable microorganisms, the material of which the sheath 200
manufactured may include or be treated with one or more anti-fungal
or anti-bacterial agents.
[0041] An example of a chemical that acts both as an anti-bacterial
and an anti-fungal agent is an oxy-substituted aromatic arsine such
as oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA). The oxysubstituted aromatic arsine,
such as OBPA, is a bacteriostat, disinfectant and fungicide. OBPA
prevents the growth of microorganisms when compounded in resins and
also acts as a preservative. OBPA can be formulated as an
emulsifiable concentrate, pelleted, tableted, soluble
concentrate/liquid and ready-to-use liquid. OBPA may be
incorporated into a polymer or cloth of which the sheath 200 is
formed.
[0042] Some sports are played in cold weather environments, such as
skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, football and other sports. In
cold weather, if a finger is relatively immobilized, it may be
difficult to generate heat and the finger may become numbingly
cold. In order to aid the player in maintaining heat with the
finger, the sheath 200 may include ferrous or other material that
oxidizes rapidly. If the sheath 200 is provided in an air tight
seal and then the seal is broken, the ferrous material may oxidize
creating heat. This embodiment would be applicable to a one time
use. However, a miniature heating coil may be embedded in the
material of the sheath 200 that can be activated via a pressure
switch, a small battery or other system.
[0043] Additionally, when injuries first occur, a health care
professional may recommend cooling of the injured area. Thus, the
sheath 200 may be stored in a cooler or frozen prior to sports
play. At the time of injury, the sheath 200 may be applied and
provide dual function, that of an ice pack and that of support.
[0044] The body 205 of the sheath 200 may have a geometry that fits
over a knuckle and at least a portion of adjacent digits of a
finger to the knuckle (not shown). The body 205 may be sufficiently
rigid such that an injured knuckle does not flex when a person
attempts to flex the finger. Thus, the body 205 may prevent bending
about the knuckle of a finger and allow for healing.
[0045] The body 205 may define a first opening 260 disposed
proximate the bottom of the sheath 200, a second opening 250
disposed proximate the top of the sheath 250 and an aperture 220
disposed along a side of the sheath 200. The aperture 220 may be
disposed towards the bottom of the side, the top of the side, the
middle of the side, the majority of the length of the side or other
configuration. The size of the aperture 220 may be based upon the
size of a person's fingertip or other dimension. A person may
stretch or slide the first opening 260 over the tip of a finger
(not shown) and then down the finger towards the base of a finger.
Another embodiment of the body 205 (not shown) does not include the
second opening 250 but has a closed tip. This embodiment may be
suited for cold weather sports in order to maintain heat in the
finger tip.
[0046] The aperture 220 may have geometry and dimensions based the
size of a person's fingertip or other dimension. For example, if a
person is able to insert a fingertip into the aperture 220, the
person can to pull the sheath 200 down across the finger.
Additionally, the aperture 220 may provide for breathing of skin
and reduction in moisture buildup. An additional embodiment (not
shown) includes a plurality of dispersed small apertures to promote
cooling and air flow. This embodiment may be selected for sports
played in the warm weather and/or when the sheath 200 is worn for a
prolonged period of time.
[0047] When the sheath 200 is in place on a person's finger, the
person's finger tip may be exposed beyond the second opening 250.
In some sports, such as basketball, exposed fingers allow the
athlete to better control a ball, as an athlete's fingertips are
touch sensitive. In this embodiment, the sheath may not extend
beyond the midpoint of the second digit of a finger or the first
digit of the thumb in order to maintain finger--ball contact.
[0048] The outer surface 210 of the sheath 200 may include a high
coefficient of friction and/or frictional elements. The outer
surface 210 may include an attachment device or fastener to aid in
attaching the sheath 200 to another sheath (not shown). Examples of
attachment devices include loop fasteners, adhesives, snaps,
zippers, slips, combinations herein or other fasteners.
[0049] In order to fasten to another sheath (not shown), the tongue
230 may include a first surface 235 which includes hooks that
interlock with loops on the another sheath's outer surface (not
shown). The first surface of the tongue 235 may include an adhesive
or a magnetic material which secures the tongue 235 to the another
sheath.
[0050] The tongue 230 may have a length that allows the athlete to
wrap the tongue 230 around two or more sheaths (not shown) thereby
securing the sheath 200 to other sheaths (not shown). An additional
embodiment may utilize an elastic band (not shown) integral to the
body 205 to wrap around and secure the sheath 200 to adjacent
sheaths (not shown).
[0051] Attachment features may be disposed along the body 205
and/or the tongue 230. Attachment features may be disposed
proximate the adjacent sections of the sheath of one finger to the
sheath of the adjacent finger.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 240 and depression 245
define interlocking members which provide for mechanical fastening
between the sheath 200 and an adjacent sheath (not shown). The
protrusion 240 may have the shape of a nipple, tab or other shape.
The depression 245 may extend at least partially into the body 205
or be a hole in the body 205. The depression 245 and the protrusion
240 may have respective dimensions such that they interlock with a
friction fit, an interference fit or other fit. Examples of
protrusions and depressions include dimples and holes, snaps, pegs
and holes, and other male and female members.
[0053] Interference fits are characterized by a diametral
interference of approximately 0.001 to 0.002 units per unit of
depression diameter. Friction fits are characterized by diametral
interference of less than approximately 0.001 to 0.002 units per
unit of depression diameter.
[0054] In order to maintain an interference fit and/or a friction
fit, the protrusion 240 and the depression 245 may be manufactured
with a low coefficient of elasticity. In turn, the protrusion and
the depression 245 may not easily deform or separate. Hard
polymers, dense fabrics, metals and other materials may provide
these properties.
[0055] The inner surface 270 may include an attachment device. For
example, if the body 205 is formed by a material that is able to be
rolled, but not bent axially, the body 205 may be formed by a sheet
including one or more attachment devices. In fact, the inner
surface 270 may include an adhesive to secure the body 205 to a
person's finger.
[0056] The body 205 may be directionally flexible and/or
directionally rigid depending on the type of sport the athlete is
playing. For example, in sports like lacrosse or hockey, a person
holds a stick with the fingers curved around the stick. If the
person's second knuckle is injured, it may be necessary to
immobilize the second knuckle, but allow the first knuckle to bend.
However, due to swelling, the injured finger may have a swelling
about the injury that is up to approximately two times the
circumference of the adjacent digit. Therefore, the body 205 may
need to stretch axially and radially while being applied to the
injured finger and then provide bending rigidity about the injured
section. Moreover, based on the sport, the body 205 may be adapted
to provide bending rigidity along the whole finger, one portion of
the finger, or multiple portions of the finger. When holding a bat
or stick, the person may desire a single knuckle maintained in a
straight set with the other knuckle having the ability to bend.
When playing a game such as basketball, the entire finger may be
restrained from bending. The amount of bending and where bending
may or may not occur may be determined by a sports physician, a
physical therapist, a professional trainer, a nurse, first aid
provider, an emergency services provider or other heath care
professional.
[0057] Directional rigidity may be provided by incorporating
axially aligned metal fibers, carbon fibers or other materials in
conjunction with a polymer and/or fabric. Such metallic components
may allow for magnetic properties. Examples of metallic components
include wood, metal or composite wires, rods or strips, metal
powder loaded polymers, metal fiber loaded polymers and other
components.
[0058] Additionally, a customized set of two, three, four or five
sheaths 200 may be temporarily or permanently fixed to or inside of
a baseball glove, a football glove, a golf glove, a soccer goalie
glove, a rugby glove, a volleyball glove, a wrestling glove, a
weight lifting glove, a track and field glove, a water polo glove,
a hockey glove or other glove (not shown).
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a plan view of the
back 110 of a hand 100. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120
and a ring finger 130. Disposed around the pinky finger 120 from a
first digit to a third digit is a first sheath 310. Disposed around
a circumference of the first digit of the ring finger 130 is a
second sheath 320.
[0060] The first sheath 310 includes an outer surface 315 and a
tongue 330. The tongue 330 includes a first surface 335. The second
sheath 320 includes an outer surface 325. The first surface 335 of
the tongue 330 may be adapted to secure the first sheath 310 to the
second sheath 320. For example, the first surface 335 of the tongue
330 may include an adhesive.
[0061] If the first sheath 310 is secured to the second sheath 320,
then an injured pinky finger 120 may be immobilized relative the
first digit of the ring finger 130. By securing the first sheath
310 to the second sheath 320, additional strength and control may
be exercised in various maneuvers. For example, when a basketball
athlete attempts to gain control of a basketball via a rebound, if
the ball hits a tip of the pinky finger 120, the first sheath 310
and the second sheath 320 may provide strength amongst the pinky
finger 120 and the ring finger 130 and distribute the impact among
the pinky finger 120 and the ring finger 130 and not further injure
the pinky finger 120.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a plan view of the
back 110 of a hand 100. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120
and a ring finger 130. A first sheath 410 is disposed around the
pinky finger 120 from the first digit to the third digit. A second
sheath 420 is disposed around the ring finger 130 about the first
digit.
[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the first sheath 410 includes
an outer surface 415 which includes a magnetic material and the
second sheath 420 includes an outer surface 425 which includes a
magnetic material. As shown, the magnetic material of the outer
surface 425 of the second sheath 420 magnetically secures to the
outer surface 415 of the first sheath 410. Magnetic attachment may
be utilized where any additional material or protrusion could
improve the player's performance. For example, in baseball, a
player throwing a baseball may need sheaths that are thin, fitted
specifically to their fingers and do not provide much bulk between
the fingers and the ball.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a plan view of the
back 110 of a hand 100. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120, a
ring finger 130 and a middle finger 140. Disposed around the pinky
finger 120 from the first digit to the second digit is a first
sheath 510. Disposed around the ring finger 130 from the first
digit to the second digit is a second sheath 520. Disposed around
the middle finger 140 from the first digit to the second digit is a
third sheath 530. The first finger sheath 510, the second finger
sheath 520 and the third finger sheath 530 respectively prevent
bending of the first knuckle of the pinky finger 120, the ring
finger 130 and the middle finger 140.
[0065] The first finger sheath 510, the second finger sheath 520
and the third finger sheath 530 may respectively include ridges
515, 525, 535 in the outer surfaces. The first finger sheath 510,
the second finger sheath 520 and the third finger sheath 530 may be
attached to each other via a band 540. The band 540 may wrap around
the finger sheaths 510, 520, 530 and interlock with the ridges 515,
525, 535 in order to prevent the finger sheaths 510, 520, 530 from
moving relative to each other. Additionally, the band 540 may be
elastic member to fit tightly around the finger sheaths 510, 520,
530. In turn, the finger sheaths 510, 520, 530 and the band 540
provide protection to the first knuckles of the pinky, ring and
middle fingers from jams or other injuries.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a plan view of the
back 110 of a hand 100. The hand 100 includes a pinky finger 120, a
ring finger 130 and a middle finger 140. Disposed around the pinky
finger 120 from the first digit to the second digit is a first
sheath 510. Disposed around the ring finger 130 from the first
digit to the second digit is a second sheath 520. Disposed around
the middle finger 140 from the first digit to the second digit is a
third sheath 530. The first finger sheath 510, the second finger
sheath 520 and the third finger sheath 530 respectively prevent
bending of the first knuckle of the pinky finger 120, the ring
finger 130 and the middle finger 140.
[0067] The first finger sheath 510, the second finger sheath 520
and the third finger sheath 530 may respectively include axial
depressions 515, 525, 535 in the outer surfaces. The first finger
sheath 510, the second finger sheath 520 and the third finger
sheath 530 may be attached to each other via a strip 600. The strip
600 may include ridges which interlock with the axial depressions
515, 525, 535 in order to prevent the finger sheaths 510, 520, 530
from moving relative to each other. Moreover, the strip 600 may
include an adhesive and/or magnetic material to provide additional
binding to the finger sheaths 510, 520, 530 such that the strip 600
may be disposed only on the portion of the finger sheaths 510, 520,
530 toward the back 110 of the hand 100. Therefore, the strip 600
need not contact a ball when an athlete handles a ball.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a plan view of the
palm 115 of a hand 110. The hand 100 includes an index finger 150
and a middle finger 140. Disposed around the outside of the index
finger 150 and the middle finger 140 from the respective second
digit to the respective third digit is a sheath 700. The sheath 700
includes an outer surface 710.
[0069] Because the sheath 700 secures the second knuckle of the
index finger 150 and the second knuckle of the middle finger 140
relative one another, injury to second knuckles may be prevented.
The outer surface 710 may include small suction cups or sticky dots
to aid in the handling of a sports ball such as a football. For
example, a wide receiver may be able to catch a pass easier with
the sheath 700.
[0070] Additionally, by securing one or more sheaths to one or more
other sheaths in a relatively fixed position, a predetermined angle
may be set for optimum performance. For example, if the digits of
the fingers are set in a general "C" geometry, an athlete may have
an advantage while managing a lacrosse stick (not shown). If the
digits of the fingers are set in a general "(" geometry, an athlete
may have an advantage while passing a football (not shown).
[0071] Additionally, by securing one or more sheaths to one or more
other sheaths in a generally planar geometry, a martial arts
practitioner may have an advantage when striking an opponent or an
object due to the rigidity amongst the sheaths (not shown).
[0072] Detachability and re-attachability may also provide other
benefits. This includes replacement of worn sheaths. Also, an
athlete can change the appearance of their sheath by replacing one
or more sheaths with one appearance (e.g., color) with sheaths of a
different appearance. Moreover, the sheath may include an appealing
fragrance or deodorant which may increase demand among feminine
athletes and/or athletes who are offended by the smell of dried
sweat.
[0073] Another benefit of detachability (and re-attachability) is
the ability to conform to varying rules. That is, some rules may
allow an open tipped sheath whereas some sports may allow only a
closed tipped sheath (not shown). Additionally, some rules may
allow for the sheaths to be attached to one another, whereas others
may require the sheaths not to attach to one another.
[0074] Moreover, rules may permit or prohibit friction enhancing
features in varying locations.
[0075] The relative position of various parts of the sheath 200 is
described based upon the view of FIG. 4. For example, terms such as
top, bottom, inner, outer, side, left and right are disclosed.
However, the platform sheath 200 may be used in various positions
such as upside down or inside out. Thus, some descriptive terms are
used in relative terms and not absolute terms.
[0076] Although shown implemented with fingers, the apparatus may
be implemented with human toes, and/or fingers and toes of warm
blooded vertebrate pets.
[0077] Closing Comments
[0078] The foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting,
having been presented by way of example only. Although examples
have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art that changes, modifications, and/or
alterations may be made.
[0079] For any means-plus-function limitations recited in the
claims, the means are not intended to be limited to the means
disclosed herein for performing the recited function, but are
intended to cover in scope any means, known now or later developed,
for performing the recited function.
[0080] As used herein, "plurality" means two or more.
[0081] As used herein, a "set" of items may include one or more of
such items.
[0082] As used herein, whether in the written description or the
claims, the terms "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having",
"containing", "involving", and the like are to be understood to be
open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the
transitional phrases "consisting of"and "consisting essentially
of", respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases
with respect to claims.
[0083] Use of ordinal terms such as "first", "second", "third",
etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself
connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element
over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are
performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim
element having a certain name from another element having a same
name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim
elements.
[0084] As used herein, "and/or" means that the listed items are
alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of
the listed items.
* * * * *