CA2308884A1 - Thumb support - Google Patents
Thumb support Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2308884A1 CA2308884A1 CA 2308884 CA2308884A CA2308884A1 CA 2308884 A1 CA2308884 A1 CA 2308884A1 CA 2308884 CA2308884 CA 2308884 CA 2308884 A CA2308884 A CA 2308884A CA 2308884 A1 CA2308884 A1 CA 2308884A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- thumb
- sleeve
- support
- base portion
- support according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices ; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
- A61F5/0104—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations without articulation
- A61F5/0118—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations without articulation for the arms, hands or fingers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices ; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/10—Devices for correcting deformities of the fingers
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
A thumb support is provided which can prevent cramping of the thumb and hand, aches and pains in the thumb joints, rawness of the skin on the thumb and sweating during continuous use for long periods of time of hand held video game controllers. The thumb support has a flexible sleeve portion adapted to fit over and enclose the thumb. The sleeve portion is made from a thin material that preserves the tactile feel with the controller and permits full movement of the thumb. The sleeve stops the thumb from sweating or becoming raw during extended periods of play.
To provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint, the sleeve is adapted to fit snuggly over the thumb.
To provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint, the sleeve is adapted to fit snuggly over the thumb.
Description
TITLE: THUMB SUPPORT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a thumb support. In particular the present invention provides protection of the thumb and hand during use of a hand held controller popular with video game equipment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Continuous use for long periods of time of hand held video game controllers often results in cramping of the thumb and hand, aches and pains in the thumb joint, rawness of the skin on the thumb and sweating.
Numerous thumb and wrist supports are known for treatment and rehabilitation from injury. Many of these prior devices are directed to immobilizing the thumb or preventing adduction of the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) or carpometacarpal (base) joints. Immobilization or limitation of movement is obtained through the use of rigid or semi-rigid braces or straps. See for example U.S. Patent No. 4,658,441;
4,953,568; 5,356,371 and 5,787,896.
Wrist supports for protection against developing carpal tunnel syndrome are also known. For example in U.S.
Patent No. 5,538,501 a wrist support is disclosed to limit flexion of the wrist while permitting movement of the fingers.
To avoid repetitive stress injuries from the continuous use of computer keyboards or computer mouse various cushion supports have been proposed such as for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,868,365.
There still remains a need for protection of the thumb and hand during continuous use for long periods of time of hand held video game controllers which can prevent cramping of the thumb and hand, aches and pains in the thumb joints, rawness of the skin on the thumb and sweating..
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a thumb support which can prevent cramping of the thumb and hand, aches and pains in the thumb joints, rawness of the skin on the thumb and sweating during continuous use for long periods of time of hand held video game controllers.
Thus in accordance with the present invention there is provided a thumb support having a flexible sleeve portion adapted to fit over and enclose the thumb. The sleeve portion is made from a thin material that preserves the tactile feel with the controller and permits full movement of the thumb. The sleeve stops the thumb from sweating or becoming raw during extended periods of play.
To provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint, the sleeve is adapted to fit snuggly over the thumb.
In another aspect of the present invention, to ensure a snug fit of the sleeve over the thumb, a base portion is connected to the open end of the sleeve. The base portion is adapted to fit along the edge of the thumb and over the palmar aspect of the thumb to help provide support for the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. The base portion is adapted to fit snuggly around the wrist.
In another aspect of the present invention, to enhance the support of the thumb, elastic ribbing can be added around the end of the sleeve and the upper edge of base portion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a thumb support. In particular the present invention provides protection of the thumb and hand during use of a hand held controller popular with video game equipment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Continuous use for long periods of time of hand held video game controllers often results in cramping of the thumb and hand, aches and pains in the thumb joint, rawness of the skin on the thumb and sweating.
Numerous thumb and wrist supports are known for treatment and rehabilitation from injury. Many of these prior devices are directed to immobilizing the thumb or preventing adduction of the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) or carpometacarpal (base) joints. Immobilization or limitation of movement is obtained through the use of rigid or semi-rigid braces or straps. See for example U.S. Patent No. 4,658,441;
4,953,568; 5,356,371 and 5,787,896.
Wrist supports for protection against developing carpal tunnel syndrome are also known. For example in U.S.
Patent No. 5,538,501 a wrist support is disclosed to limit flexion of the wrist while permitting movement of the fingers.
To avoid repetitive stress injuries from the continuous use of computer keyboards or computer mouse various cushion supports have been proposed such as for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,868,365.
There still remains a need for protection of the thumb and hand during continuous use for long periods of time of hand held video game controllers which can prevent cramping of the thumb and hand, aches and pains in the thumb joints, rawness of the skin on the thumb and sweating..
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a thumb support which can prevent cramping of the thumb and hand, aches and pains in the thumb joints, rawness of the skin on the thumb and sweating during continuous use for long periods of time of hand held video game controllers.
Thus in accordance with the present invention there is provided a thumb support having a flexible sleeve portion adapted to fit over and enclose the thumb. The sleeve portion is made from a thin material that preserves the tactile feel with the controller and permits full movement of the thumb. The sleeve stops the thumb from sweating or becoming raw during extended periods of play.
To provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint, the sleeve is adapted to fit snuggly over the thumb.
In another aspect of the present invention, to ensure a snug fit of the sleeve over the thumb, a base portion is connected to the open end of the sleeve. The base portion is adapted to fit along the edge of the thumb and over the palmar aspect of the thumb to help provide support for the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. The base portion is adapted to fit snuggly around the wrist.
In another aspect of the present invention, to enhance the support of the thumb, elastic ribbing can be added around the end of the sleeve and the upper edge of base portion.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, a preferred embodiment of an engine operating on the principle of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view, of one embodiment of a thumb support according to the present invention applied to a hand; and Figure 2 is another embodiment of a thumb support according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figure 1 a thumb support according to the present invention is generally indicated at 1. The thumb support 1 has a flexible sleeve portion 2 adapted to fit over and enclose the thumb. The sleeve portion 2 is made from a material that permits full movement of the thumb. A light weight material is preferable such as latex or spandex. The sleeve 2 is fabricated of a thin material to preserve the tactile feel between the interior surface 3 of sleeve 2 and the controller. Non-skid projections 9 can optionally be provided on interior surface 3. Artwork can also optionally be applied to the sleeve 2 including representation of characters from video games or other graphic material associated with video games. Sleeve 2 stops the thumb from sweating or becoming raw during extended periods of play. To provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint, sleeve 2 should fit snuggly over the thumb. Use of elastic materials such as latex or spandex may provide a sufficiently snug fit.
However in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, connected to the open end 4 of sleeve 2 is base portion 5. The base portion 5 is adapted to fit along the edge of the thumb and over the palmar aspect of the thumb. This will help provide support for the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. Base portion 5 is adapted to fit snuggly around the wrist. In the embodiment illustrated, the lower edge 6 of base portion 5 is equipped with straps 7 which wrap around the wrist and are secured by any suitable method such as Velcro. The base portion 5 preferably is formed of a flexible material such as spandex.
To enhance the support of the thumb, elastic ribbing 8 can be added around the end 4 of sleeve 2 and the upper edge 10 of base portion 5. The thumb support of the present invention provides support to the thumb joints and hands and creates "comfort" in playing video game by elimination of sweating and abrasions to the thumb.
By utilizing bright colours and graphic designs the thumb support of the present invention can appeal to aesthetic concerns of video game players and heighten the level of play.
Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The thumb support is generally indicated at 20. The thumb support 20 includes a flexible sleeve portion 21 adapted to fit over and enclose the thumb. The sleeve portion 21 is made from a material that permits full movement of the thumb. A light weight material is preferable such as latex or spandex. The sleeve 21 is fabricated of a thin material to preserve the tactile feel between the interior surface 22 of sleeve 21 and the controller. Non-skid projections 29 can optionally be provided on interior surface 22. Sleeve 21 stops the thumb from sweating or becoming raw during extended periods of play. To provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint, sleeve 21 should fit snuggly over the thumb. Connected to the open end 23 of sleeve 21 is base portion 24. The base portion 24 is adapted to fit along the edge of the thumb and over the palmar aspect of the thumb.
This will help provide support for the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. Base portion 24 is adapted to fit snuggly around the wrist. In the embodiment illustrated, the lower edge 26 of base portion 24 is equipped with straps 27 which wrap around the wrist and are secured by any suitable method such as a VelcroTM. The base portion 24 preferably is formed of a flexible material such as spandex. In order to further secure and retain the thumb support 20 in place, base portion 24 is connected to a glove portion 28 which encompasses the whole hand. In the embodiment illustrated the fingers on glove portion 28 have been removed to provide freedom of movement and better feel for the controller. Support ribbing 19 is provided along the connection between base portion 24 and glove portion 28.
The glove portion 28 of thumb support 20 provides additional surface area for logos or other graphic or promotional material to appeal aesthetically to players..
Having illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention and certain possible modifications thereto, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention permits of further modification in arrangement and detail. All such modifications are covered by the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, a preferred embodiment of an engine operating on the principle of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view, of one embodiment of a thumb support according to the present invention applied to a hand; and Figure 2 is another embodiment of a thumb support according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figure 1 a thumb support according to the present invention is generally indicated at 1. The thumb support 1 has a flexible sleeve portion 2 adapted to fit over and enclose the thumb. The sleeve portion 2 is made from a material that permits full movement of the thumb. A light weight material is preferable such as latex or spandex. The sleeve 2 is fabricated of a thin material to preserve the tactile feel between the interior surface 3 of sleeve 2 and the controller. Non-skid projections 9 can optionally be provided on interior surface 3. Artwork can also optionally be applied to the sleeve 2 including representation of characters from video games or other graphic material associated with video games. Sleeve 2 stops the thumb from sweating or becoming raw during extended periods of play. To provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint, sleeve 2 should fit snuggly over the thumb. Use of elastic materials such as latex or spandex may provide a sufficiently snug fit.
However in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, connected to the open end 4 of sleeve 2 is base portion 5. The base portion 5 is adapted to fit along the edge of the thumb and over the palmar aspect of the thumb. This will help provide support for the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. Base portion 5 is adapted to fit snuggly around the wrist. In the embodiment illustrated, the lower edge 6 of base portion 5 is equipped with straps 7 which wrap around the wrist and are secured by any suitable method such as Velcro. The base portion 5 preferably is formed of a flexible material such as spandex.
To enhance the support of the thumb, elastic ribbing 8 can be added around the end 4 of sleeve 2 and the upper edge 10 of base portion 5. The thumb support of the present invention provides support to the thumb joints and hands and creates "comfort" in playing video game by elimination of sweating and abrasions to the thumb.
By utilizing bright colours and graphic designs the thumb support of the present invention can appeal to aesthetic concerns of video game players and heighten the level of play.
Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The thumb support is generally indicated at 20. The thumb support 20 includes a flexible sleeve portion 21 adapted to fit over and enclose the thumb. The sleeve portion 21 is made from a material that permits full movement of the thumb. A light weight material is preferable such as latex or spandex. The sleeve 21 is fabricated of a thin material to preserve the tactile feel between the interior surface 22 of sleeve 21 and the controller. Non-skid projections 29 can optionally be provided on interior surface 22. Sleeve 21 stops the thumb from sweating or becoming raw during extended periods of play. To provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint, sleeve 21 should fit snuggly over the thumb. Connected to the open end 23 of sleeve 21 is base portion 24. The base portion 24 is adapted to fit along the edge of the thumb and over the palmar aspect of the thumb.
This will help provide support for the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. Base portion 24 is adapted to fit snuggly around the wrist. In the embodiment illustrated, the lower edge 26 of base portion 24 is equipped with straps 27 which wrap around the wrist and are secured by any suitable method such as a VelcroTM. The base portion 24 preferably is formed of a flexible material such as spandex. In order to further secure and retain the thumb support 20 in place, base portion 24 is connected to a glove portion 28 which encompasses the whole hand. In the embodiment illustrated the fingers on glove portion 28 have been removed to provide freedom of movement and better feel for the controller. Support ribbing 19 is provided along the connection between base portion 24 and glove portion 28.
The glove portion 28 of thumb support 20 provides additional surface area for logos or other graphic or promotional material to appeal aesthetically to players..
Having illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention and certain possible modifications thereto, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention permits of further modification in arrangement and detail. All such modifications are covered by the scope of the invention.
Claims (8)
1. A thumb support which can prevent cramping of the thumb and hand, aches and pains in the thumb joints, rawness of the skin on the thumb and sweating during continuous use for long periods of time of hand held video game controllers, said thumb support having a flexible sleeve portion having a closed end and an open end and adapted to fit snuggly over and enclose the thumb, said sleeve portion made from a thin material that preserves the tactile feel with the controller and permits full movement of the thumb wherein said sleeve stops the thumb from sweating or becoming raw during extended periods of play and to provide support for the metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint.
2. A thumb support according to claim 1 wherein the sleeve is made from latex or spandex.
3. A thumb support according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a base portion having an upper edge and a lower edge is connected to the open end of the sleeve, said base portion adapted to fit along the edge of the thumb and over the palmar aspect of the thumb to help provide support for the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb.
4. A thumb support according to claim 3 wherein the base portion is adapted to fit snuggly around the wrist.
5. A thumb support according to claim 3 or 4 wherein elastic ribbing is provided around the open end of the sleeve and the upper edge of base portion.
6. A thumb support according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the base portion is connected to a glove portion which encompasses the whole hand.
7. A thumb support according to claim 6 wherein the fingers on said glove portion have been removed to provide freedom of movement and better feel for the controller.
8. A thumb support according to claim 6 or 7 wherein support ribbing is provided along the connection between the base portion and the glove portion.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2308884 CA2308884A1 (en) | 2000-05-19 | 2000-05-19 | Thumb support |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2308884 CA2308884A1 (en) | 2000-05-19 | 2000-05-19 | Thumb support |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2308884A1 true CA2308884A1 (en) | 2001-11-19 |
Family
ID=4166190
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2308884 Abandoned CA2308884A1 (en) | 2000-05-19 | 2000-05-19 | Thumb support |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2308884A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD886205S1 (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2020-06-02 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Accessory of controller for computer |
-
2000
- 2000-05-19 CA CA 2308884 patent/CA2308884A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD886205S1 (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2020-06-02 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Accessory of controller for computer |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |