U.S. patent application number 13/105177 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-17 for pediatric hand therapy device.
Invention is credited to Paul Forrest Harris, JR., Amy Lynn Karpus.
Application Number | 20110281688 13/105177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44912245 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110281688 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris, JR.; Paul Forrest ;
et al. |
November 17, 2011 |
Pediatric Hand Therapy Device
Abstract
A pediatric hand therapy device, handwriting trainer, and fidget
of a stretchable, deformable, resilient material, in the shape of
an animal, character, or object having a plurality of ergonomically
positioned openings for the thumb and fingers such that device is
capable of providing resistance for all the motions of the wrist
and hand, a means of somatosensory input, and positioning for
handwriting.
Inventors: |
Harris, JR.; Paul Forrest;
(Ladson, SC) ; Karpus; Amy Lynn; (Ladson,
SC) |
Family ID: |
44912245 |
Appl. No.: |
13/105177 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61333815 |
May 12, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4019 20151001;
A63B 2208/12 20130101; A63B 2071/0655 20130101; A63B 21/0428
20130101; A63B 23/16 20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/44 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/16 20060101
A63B023/16 |
Claims
1. A pediatric hand therapy device, handwriting trainer, and
fidget, comprising: a body in the shape of an animal, character, or
object having a plurality of ergonomically positioned openings for
the thumb and fingers wherein said device is capable of providing
resistance for finger flexion, extension, abduction, adduction,
grip, pinch, pronation, supination, and a means of somatosensory
input.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is comprised of a
thermoplastic elastomer having Shore 00 durometer between 6 and
30.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said device has a range of
elasticity of at least 8 times during extension while maintaining
original shape at rest.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said device contains embedded
objects such as a noisemaker, light or hard objects to allow for
additional therapeutic activities in manipulating the embedded
objects.
5. The device of claim 1 further comprising an antimicrobial agent
incorporated into elastomeric composition to prevent or minimize
bacterial growth on or within said device.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein said openings are sized to remain
on the thumb/fingers in the absence of the user's ability to grip
the device.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is comprised of a
polymeric material of a gelatinous elastomeric composition
comprising: a styrenic block copolymer, SEBS (styrene
ethylene/butylene styrene), and a mineral oil; said oil being in
excess, by weight, of said copolymer.
8. A handwriting positioning device comprising: a body having a
plurality of ergonomically positioned openings for the thumb and
fingers and a deformable body shaped to fit in the palm of the user
so as to provide proper positioning and alignment for handwriting
training.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein the body has an additional opening
placed proximate to the thumb opening and the first finger opening
to accommodate a writing utensil.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein the body has a groove proximate
to the thumb and finger openings to accommodate a writing
utensil.
11. The device of claim 8 wherein wherein the device is comprised
of a thermoplastic elastomer having Shore 00 durometer between 6
and 30.
12. The device of claim 8 wherein said openings are sized to remain
on the thumb/fingers in the absence of the user's ability to grip
the device.
13. The device of claim 8 wherein said device is tear and/or break
resistant.
14. A pediatric hand exerciser device, handwriting trainer, and
fidget, comprising: a body in the shape of an animal, character, or
object having a plurality of ergonomically positioned openings for
the thumb and fingers, having a substantially convex side to
ergonomically accommodate the palm of the user, and a substantially
planar side to provide stability for the device to be used in
weight bearing activities.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/333,815 filed on May 12, 2010.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is in the technical field of pediatric
rehabilitation/therapy. The present invention relates to exercising
the hands and fingers of children, and specifically to a
deformable, stretchable and resilient hand exercise device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Motions of the hand and wrist that are often used in
therapy, rehabilitation and fitness include finger flexion,
extension, adduction, abduction, pinch, grasp and wrist flexion,
extension, pronation, and supination. Although conventional devices
exist for each of these functions, there are no commercially
available devices that combine them all in a single device.
Further, virtually none exist which are designed specifically for
pediatric patients.
[0004] A therapeutic exercise program is only effective if it is
used by the patient. When the patient is a child, it becomes more
difficult to achieve compliance unless the program appeals to the
interests of a child and does not create discomfort. In other
words, the program needs an element of fun for the patient while
minimizing discomfort.
[0005] There are many devices than can effectively work the muscles
in the hand. However, separate exercisers using multiple devices
may be necessary to satisfactorily develop complete hand
functionality. Enabling a therapist, teacher, or caregiver to use a
single device to work all the functions of a child's hand, provide
positive sensory input, allow for proper positioning of the hand
for handwriting, and make it entertaining and comfortable for the
patient is very beneficial to both the patient and the
therapist/parent/caregiver. Other devices do not have the
elasticity, comfort, durability, and flexibility to allow such a
comprehensive therapy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a hand exerciser device is provided that includes an elastomeric
body with one opening for a thumb and four additional openings for
the fingers. The outer edges of the device will stretch easily for
extension, abduction, pronation and supination movements while the
enlarged portion provides resistance for flexion of the fingers and
grasp. The body of the device is designed in the shape of an
animal, character, or object appealing to children such as a
monkey, clown, or other object. When used, the unique shape allows
the therapist to instruct patient to create various expressions
such as surprised, happy or sad with the device, thereby performing
the specific target muscle exercises. A child's imagination can be
a powerful motivator for exercise. Additionally, the device is
designed with elastic finger holes to allow the device to stay in
place in the child's hand, preventing accidental dropping.
[0007] The device is also useful for providing positive sensory
feedback to children with disorders such as autism, ADHD, or
sensory disorders. The material of which the device is composed
provides positive tactile and sensory input, and may also provide a
soothing/calming effect. The device may also be used to facilitate
proper positioning of the hand for handwriting, wherein the user
places the device on the hand in order to assist in proper
placement of the fingers and writing utensil. In another
embodiment, the device may have one or more grooves or holes
proximal to the thumb and first finger openings to provide a means
of properly positioning a writing utensil for handwriting training,
or assisting users who are unable to position the writing
utensil.
[0008] The present invention may be used to provide strengthening
and rehabilitation to the wrist and hand and may be provided in
various sizes to fit children of various ages, as well as various
levels of resistance to accommodate different needs and goals.
Strengthening may be facilitated with flexion, extension,
abduction, adduction, pronation, supination, pinch, and grip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying
drawings and described below.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a view of a hand exerciser according to the
present invention
[0011] FIG. 2 is a view of the hand exerciser in use in the
extension mode
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hand exerciser in use in
neutral
[0013] FIG. 4 is a view of a hand exerciser of a second
embodiment
[0014] FIG. 5 is a view of a hand exerciser of a third
embodiment
[0015] FIG. 6 is a view of a hand exerciser of a fourth
embodiment
[0016] FIG. 7 is a view of a hand exerciser of the fourth
embodiment in use
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view of a hand exerciser of a fifth
embodiment
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of a hand exerciser in
accordance to the present invention has a three dimensional shape
resembling a monkey head 6. The device may be thinner around the
edges 7 to allow for full range of motion of the child's hand
during extension and abduction exercises. The center portion of the
device 8 is thicker to ergonomically conform to the palm of the
hand and provide a full range of motion for flexion of the digits.
There are a series of finger holes 10 placed at the perimeter to
engage the fingers, and an opening for the thumb 9 on the opposite
edge.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows the exerciser of the present invention in use.
Specifically, the hand and finger muscles are in extension 11, as
it may be seen that the exerciser is stretched at the thumb 9 and
finger openings 10.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows the exerciser in the neutral position in the
hand. The device is ergonomically shaped in order to optimize
exercise benefits with a larger convex portion 14 on one side to
engage the palm, and a less convex portion on the opposite face 15.
The device may be used in either direction to facilitate other
desired therapeutic outcomes.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a second embodiment in which the device is
shaped like a clown, with corresponding holes for thumb 9 and
fingers 10, convex body 8 to conform to the palm, and thinner
perimeter 7 to allow for full range of movement of the fingers. A
manipulative 18, such as a noisemaker, light, or other object may
be integrated into the body to provide auditory, visual, or tactile
feedback.
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts a third embodiment in which the device has
the relative shape of a puppy head. This embodiment has the holes
for fingers 10 and thumb 9 with enlarged convex center portion 8.
This embodiment illustrates additional holes 12, 13 which allow for
variation in position of the hand and available range of motion for
exercise.
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts a fourth embodiment in which the device has a
groove or hole 15 proximal to the thumb 9 and first finger openings
10 surrounding the body 8 to provide a means of properly
positioning a writing utensil for handwriting training, or
assisting users who are unable to position the writing utensil. The
groove 15 may also serve to provide optimal graded resistance in
extension.
[0024] FIG. 7 depicts the device of the fourth embodiment in which
the device is being used for handwriting training with a writing
device 16 in a groove or hole 15 proximal to the thumb 9 and first
finger openings 10 to provide a means of properly positioning a
writing utensil for handwriting training, or assisting users who
are unable to position the writing utensil.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a fifth embodiment in
which the back of the device is flat 17 to allow for more stability
during weight bearing exercise, while the other side 8 is convex to
fit into the palm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In one embodiment the material is made of a thermoplastic
elastomer with a Shore 00 durometer ranging from 6 to 30, a
stretchability of at least 8.times. during extension, maintaining
the desired shape at rest, and further maintaining the proper
degree of resistance even after extensive repeated use. This degree
of elasticity and softness of the material are the key components
that make the device functionally effective and unique from
conventional products, by comfortably and consistently allowing
progress through the full range of motion of every part of the
hand.
[0027] The polymeric material may make up a gelatinous elastomeric
composition that is a mixture of a thermoplastic elastomer and an
oil (or plasticizer). Further, the material will be non-toxic,
hypoallergenic and latex-free. In one embodiment, the composition
may be a mixture comprised of a styrenic block copolymer and an
oil, where the oil is in excess, by weight, of the copolymer. These
compositions are elastic, soft, and tear-resistant, even when
damaged.
[0028] The styrenic block copolymers, which are thermoplastic
elastomers, have a structure normally consisting of a block of
rigid styrene on each end with a rubbery phase in the center.
Styrenic block copolymers include, but are not limited to, SBS
(styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene isoprene styrene), SEPS
(styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene
ethylene/butylene styrene), and SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene
propylene styrene). These materials are commercially available
from, for example, Kraton Polymers (Houston, Tex.). Exemplary
Kraton (US) products include KRATON 1651 (SEBS). It is possible to
use just one of these polymers or a combination of these
polymers.
[0029] Oil or plasticizer generally refers to mineral oil or
silicone (dimethyl silaxone) oil. The oil is mixed with the
styrenic block copolymer. Exemplary oils include: BLANDOL white
mineral oil, specific gravity @ 25.degree. C./25.degree. C. (ASTM
D4052)-0.839/0.855; SEMTOL white mineral oil, specific gravity @
25.degree. C./25.degree. C. (ASTM D4052)-0.804/0.827. Varying the
amount of copolymer and oil can provide an end product having
different durometer readings. In one specific embodiment, the
thermoplastic elastomer may be white mineral oil-based, and may
include 40 centistoke viscosity medical grade mineral oil, and
Kraton 1651 thermoplastic rubber.
[0030] Other additives may be added to the elastomeric material
which include, but are not limited to, UV-stabilizer,
heat-stabilizer, antimicrobial agents, antiviral agents, antifungus
agents, antioxidants, pigments, glitters, dyes, or combinations
thereof. Other additives may be included to enhance durability,
flowability of the polymeric melt, and aesthetics of the end
product, such as coloring, plasticizers, decorative agents, and the
like. The device can be formed in a wide variety of sizes, shapes,
and colors, ranging from transparent to opaque. Manipulatives 18
such as a noisemaker, light, counter, or small objects may be
embedded in the device to provide additional therapeutic options
for fine motor skills training. The user can be directed to squeeze
or open the device in order to make a sound, illuminate a light, or
move a manipulative. Children can easily be motivated by visual,
tactile, and auditory feedback that can be provided by the added
manipulatives. The openings for the fingers 10 and thumb 9 may vary
in position, size, number, and shape to accommodate varying
therapeutic applications. The finger openings 10 and thumb opening
9 shall be sized to fit around the fingers in such a way as to
allow the device to remain on the hand in the absence of active
grip
[0031] Soft textures and deep pressure input have been demonstrated
to have positive effects on patients suffering from sensory
processing disorders. The device serves as a quiet, attachable
fidget which promotes attention to task and relieves stress; many
classrooms are using fidgets for these purposes, and there is a
need for a quiet, attached, comfortable, washable device that also
improves hand and finger function. The device may be heated or
cooled to provide additional temperature feedback to increase
sensory input. The exerciser may float for use with hydrotherapy
exercises, and may be nontoxic, durable, washable, and kid-safe.
Device can be used for facilitation of weight bearing during
rehabilitation, to provide positive input on the palmar surface of
the hand in order to promote proper positioning during upper
extremity weight bearing activities.
[0032] The device of the present invention can be made by many
conventional molding processes, wherein the flexible elastomeric
material may be diced and placed in or extruded into a mold under
heat and pressure, then partially cured. The devices are then
removed from the molds. They are subsequently cured to the desired
durometer, for example, by cooling in a water bath for 10-15
minutes.
[0033] In one embodiment, the exerciser may be injection molded at
temperatures in excess of 300*F. in an aluminum mold which is
temperature controlled.
[0034] The exerciser of the present invention may isolate
metacarpophalangeal (MCP), distal interphalangeal (DIP), and
proximal interphalangeal (PIP) extension by using different
placement of the device on the hand. Reverse motion may be used to
isolate MCP flexion. Functioning of individual digits may be
isolated. The finger openings 10 help patients maintain their grip
on the device. The device can also be used for other upper or lower
extremity exercise by pulling on or compressing the device.
[0035] The present invention may be embodied in other forms without
departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof,
and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims,
rather than to the forgoing specification, as indicated in the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *