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WO2008109753A1 - Support de poignet rembourré portable pour utilisateurs d'ordinateur - Google Patents

Support de poignet rembourré portable pour utilisateurs d'ordinateur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008109753A1
WO2008109753A1 PCT/US2008/056060 US2008056060W WO2008109753A1 WO 2008109753 A1 WO2008109753 A1 WO 2008109753A1 US 2008056060 W US2008056060 W US 2008056060W WO 2008109753 A1 WO2008109753 A1 WO 2008109753A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wrist
wrist support
user
support
connector
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/056060
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeffrey Stearns
Sam Braunstein
Original Assignee
Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc. filed Critical Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc.
Publication of WO2008109753A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008109753A1/fr

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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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to wrist supportive devices. More particularly, the invention relates to wearable cushioned wrist supports for individuals who routinely engage in activities that involve repetitive movements of the wrist and hands such as directing a computer mouse and typing on a computer keyboard.
  • RSI Repetitive Stress Injuries
  • Carpal Tunnel syndrome also known as Repetitive Stress Injuries or RSI
  • RSI can be ameliorated or prevented through the use of a cushioned wrist support to hold the wrist in a neutral position that minimizes or eliminates wrist strain while typing or when using a computer mouse.
  • typical ergonomic wrist cushions only function properly when located in the correct position on the desktop. Since using a mouse is a dynamic function, the wrist cushion is often out of position and therefore cannot function properly. Even if the wrist cushion is fixed to a mouse pad to stay in place, the fact that the cushion is static and the wrist is moving creates friction and resistance to the motion(s) that the user must employ to use the mouse. • >
  • a wearable cushioned wrist support for supporting a wrist of a user is provided.
  • the wrist support can comprise: a. a plurality of cushioning elements, and b. a connector for connecting the cushioning elements together, wherein the wrist support is substantially an annulus, and wherein the cushioning elements: comprise a resilient material, are arranged adjacent to one another in the annulus, are arranged radially about the central axis of the annulus, and are capable of being disposed on the user's wrist in a position wherein the user experiences minimal or no wrist strain.
  • the annulus is selected from the group consisting of circle, loop, ring, doughnut, and oval.
  • the wrist support is substantially symmetrical.
  • each cushioning element is substantially symmetrical.
  • each cushioning element is substantially spherical or cylindrical.
  • the connector is selected from the group consisting of a cord, a wire, a string, an elastic cord, a rope, a thread, a ball and socket connector, and a screw connector.
  • the connector is integral to one or more of the cushioning elements.
  • an annular wrist support for supporting a wrist of a user comprises: a. an annular outer surface; b. an annular inner surface; c.
  • annular wrist support is substantially annulate, circinate, loop-shaped, ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped, oval-shaped, or round, is substantially symmetrical, comprises a resilient material, is capable of being expanded to allow mounting of the wrist support on the user's wrist, and remains continuous or joined during mounting on the user's wrist.
  • the resilient material has portions defining a hollow.
  • a wrist support for supporting a wrist of a user comprises: a. a plurality of substantially spherical cushioning elements, and b. an expandable connector for connecting the cushioning elements together, wherein the wrist support: is substantially annulate, circinate, loop-shaped, ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped, oval-shaped, or round, is substantially symmetrical, and comprises a resilient material, and wherein the expandable connector is a continuous loop that is capable of being expanded to allow mounting of the wrist support on the user's wrist, the continuous loop remains continuous during mounting, each cushioning element of the plurality of cushioning elements has portions defining a hole through the cushioning element, the expandable connector is conducted through the hole, each cushioning element is disposed adjacent to another cushioning element, wherein the ring is substantially symmetrical, and the substantially spherical cushioning elements are arranged radially about the central axis of the ring.
  • the connector comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and
  • a wrist support for supporting a wrist of a user comprises: a. a plurality of substantially spherical cushioning elements, and b. an expandable connector for connecting the cushioning elements together, wherein: the wrist support is substantially annulate, circinate, loop-shaped, ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped, oval-shaped, or round, the wrist support is substantially symmetrical, the expandable connector is an elastic cord, the elastic cord is a continuous loop capable of being expanded to allow mounting of the wrist support on the user's wrist, the continuous loop remains continuous during mounting, each cushioning element has portions defining a hole through the cushioning element, the expandable connector is conducted through the hole, the substantially spherical cushioning elements are arranged adjacent to one another in a ring, the substantially spherical cushioning elements are arranged radially about the central axis of the ring, and the cushioning elements are capable of rotating around the expandable connector.
  • a method for supporting a wrist of a user engaged in an activity that involves repetitive wrist or hand movements is provided.
  • the method can comprise: a. providing the user with the wrist support of claim 1 ; and b. wearing the wrist support on the wrist during the repetitive wrist or hand movements.
  • a method for ameliorating or preventing Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) in a wrist of a user engaged in an activity that involves repetitive wrist or hand movements is provided.
  • the method can comprise: a. providing the user with the wrist support of claim 1 ; and b. wearing the wrist support on the wrist during the repetitive wrist or hand movements, wherein the wearing of the wrist support aligns the wrist in an alignment that is beneficial for wrist health or safety.
  • RAI Repetitive Strain Injury
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support that has a textured surface design.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support that has a textured surface design.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support that has a textured surface design.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support that has a colored (or patterned) surface design:
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support that has a colored (or patterned) surface design.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support that has a colored (or patterned) surface design.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support with spherical cushioned elements.
  • each sphere, 1002 has a diameter of 23 ⁇ 5mm.
  • the inner (wrist-side) circumference of the wrist support, 1004, is 148 ⁇ 20mm.
  • the circumference of the connector (e.g., an elastic cord), 1006, running through the centerline of the spheres is 1.5 ⁇ lmm.
  • the resilient spheres are capable of compressing slightly at their points of contact with one another, 1008.
  • FIG. 1 IA is a diagram showing a typical position for a user's wrist during the use of a computer mouse.
  • FIG. 1 IB is a diagram showing one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support supporting the wrist in a neutral position that minimizes or eliminates wrist strain during use of a computer mouse. Dotted line arrows indicate the plane of wrist alignment.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram showing how one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support can be adjusted to a smaller wrist circumference by grasping two cushioning elements (spheres are depicted here) at once and twisting them around the connector and around one another, thereby enabling the user to decrease the circumference of the wrist support.
  • FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the wrist support wherein the sphere comprises with a liquid gel center covered with a 10-20ShoreA skin.
  • FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the wrist support wherein the sphere is hollow with a 2-3 mm thick 10-20ShoreA skin.
  • FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the wrist support of the invention wherein the sphere has a small cavity at the center to make the sphere soft and compressible.
  • FIG. 16 shows a diagram of one embodiment of the wrist support that is supporting the wrist in a dynamic fashion.
  • FIGS. 17-19 show diagrams of one embodiment of the wrist support in which the spheres or cylinders are of graduated or varying sizes.
  • FIG. 20 Plan view.
  • This specific embodiment of the wrist support (also shown in FIGS. 17-19) has an outer diameter (unstretched) of approximately 84 mm and an inner diameter of 44 mm.
  • the spheres are of graduated sizes with diameters as indicated: 15.9 mm, 17.5 mm, 19.1 mm, 20.6 mm, 22.2 mm and 23.8 mm.
  • FIGS. 21-24 show diagrams of an embodiment of the wrist support in which the elements are non-spherical and have cylindrical shapes with an internal (wrist-side) dimension of the cylinder that is smaller than the external (outside) dimension.
  • FIG. 24 Plan view. This specific embodiment of the wrist support (also shown in FIGS. 21-23) has an inner diameter of 44 mm. Each of the 10 cushioning elements depicted in this embodiment comprises approximately 36° of the annulus.
  • FIGS. 25-28 show diagrams of an embodiment of the wrist support in which one element is non-spherical and has modified "dogbone" shape.
  • FIG. 25 side view.
  • FIG. 26 plan view.
  • FIG. 27 perspective view.
  • FIG. 28 Plan view.
  • This specific embodiment of the wrist support (also shown in FIGS. 25-27) has an outer diameter of approximately 86 mm (unstretched).
  • Each spherical cushioning elements depicted in this embodiment is approximately 20 mm in diameter.
  • the "dogbone” is approximately 20 mm in diameter at the rounded, partially spherical ends, and about 63 mm long.
  • FIGS. 29-31 show diagrams of a one- piece embodiment of the wrist support.
  • FIG. 92 side view.
  • FIG. 31 perspective view.
  • FIG. 32 shows a diagram of a one-piece embodiment of the wrist support.
  • FIG. 33 Plan view. This specific embodiment of the wrist support (also shown in FIGS. 29-31 and 34) has an outer diameter of approximately 61 mm (unstretched) and an inner diameter of 49 mm (unstretched).
  • FIG. 34 Side view. This specific embodiment of the wrist support (also shown in FIGS. 29-31 and 33) is approximately 16 mm wide.
  • a wearable cushioned wrist support is provided for use by computer users, typists and other users susceptible, at risk, or suffering from repetitive strain injury (RSI).
  • RSSI repetitive strain injury
  • the wearable cushioned wrist support moves with the user's wrist and stays in proper position on the wrist during typing and computer mouse use, and does not impede other normal hand/wrist functions.
  • the wearable cushioned wrist support does not inhibit movement and has minimal, lightweight design.
  • the wearable cushioned wrist support is aesthetically pleasing to the user and is easy to use, comfortable and that fits either hand (or both) during various wrist movements performed by the user, such as typing or using a computer mouse.
  • the wearable cushioned wrist support can be produced and sold inexpensively and has a one size fits all design.
  • the wrist support can comprise: a plurality of cushioning elements, and a connector for connecting the cushioning elements together, wherein the wrist support is substantially an annulus, loop or ring, and wherein the cushioning elements: comprise a resilient material, are arranged adjacent to one another in the annulus, are arranged radially about the central axis of the annulus (or loop or ring), and are capable of being disposed on the user's wrist in a position wherein the user experiences minimal or no wrist strain.
  • the shape of the annulus is selected from the group consisting of annular, circular or circinate, loop-shaped, ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped, oval- shaped, and round.
  • each cushioning element can be substantially symmetrical. In another embodiment, each cushioning element can be substantially spherical or cylindrical.
  • the wrist support can be substantially symmetrical along its x-, y- and z-axes (FIGS. 1-8, 21-24, 29-32).
  • the top and bottom views of the wrist support can be substantially identical, e.g., the top and bottom surfaces are nearly or completely indistinguishable.
  • the loop or ring can comprise a plurality of cushioning elements that are substantially spherical or cylindrical (hereinafter “spheres” or “cylinders”), arranged radially about a center point and connected together or arranged adjacent to one another by one or more connectors (FIGS. 1-10, 17-24).
  • spheres substantially spherical or cylindrical
  • the loop or ring can comprise a plurality of cushioning elements that are substantially button-shaped, whereby numerous cylindrical shaped cushioning elements may be arranged radially about a center point and connected together or arranged adjacent to one another by one or more connectors (not shown). Due to the additional surface area provided by the additional elements, this embodiment should provide additional cushion and flexibility to the user.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the wearable cushioned wrist support with spherical cushioned elements.
  • each sphere, 1002 has a diameter of 23 ⁇ 5mm.
  • the inner (wrist-side) circumference of the wrist support, 1004, is 148 ⁇ 20mm.
  • the circumference of the connector (e.g., an elastic cord), 1006, running through the centerline of the spheres is 1.5 ⁇ lmm.
  • the cushioning elements can be soft and/or resilient. They can be capable of compressing slightly at their points of contact with one another (FIG. 10, 1008).
  • the modular arrangement of the cushioning elements provides many health benefits and other advantages, such as flexibility in manufacturing at a relatively low cost.
  • the modularity also keeps the design of the wrist support simple, easy to use, one-size-fits-all, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing.
  • the wrist support comprises: a plurality of substantially spherical cushioning elements, and an expandable connector for connecting the cushioning elements together, wherein: the wrist support is substantially annulate, circinate, loop-shaped, ring-shaped, doughnut- shaped, oval-shaped, or round, the wrist support is substantially symmetrical, the expandable connector is an elastic cord, the elastic cord is a continuous loop capable of being expanded to allow mounting of the wrist support on the user's wrist, the continuous loop remains continuous during mounting, each cushioning element has portions defining a hole through the cushioning element, the expandable connector is conducted through the hole, the substantially spherical cushioning elements are arranged adjacent to one another in a ring, the substantially spherical cushioning elements are arranged radially about the central axis of the ring, and the cushioning elements are capable of rotating around the expandable connector.
  • the wearable cushioned wrist support comprises an annular or one-piece cushioning element comprising a soft resilient flexible material (FIGS. 29-34).
  • the annular wrist support can comprise: a. an annular outer surface; b. an annular inner surface; c. two annular lateral edges disposed between the annular outer surface and the annular inner surface and integral therewith; wherein the annular wrist support: is substantially annulate, circinate, loop-shaped, ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped, oval- shaped, or round, is substantially symmetrical, comprises a resilient material, is capable of being expanded to allow mounting of the wrist support on the user's wrist, and remains continuous or joined during mounting on the user's wrist.
  • the resilient material has portions defining a hollow.
  • the annular wrist support can additionally comprise a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a securing portion.
  • any suitable connecting material or connector known in the art can be used as a connector to connect or arrange the elements (e.g., spheres or cylinders) into a loop, e.g., a cord, wire, string, rope, thread, nylon filament, ball and socket connectors, etc.
  • the material can be conducted, e.g., strung or threaded, through holes (or channels) in the spheres or cylinders to connect them.
  • the cushioning element has portions defining a hole through the cushioning element.
  • the portions defining the hole can be arranged along a central axis of the cushioning element and the connector can be conducted through the hole.
  • the cushioning elements can be capable of rolling or of rotating around the connector.
  • the connector can be integral to one or more of the cushioning elements.
  • the connector can be an extruded portion of resilient material that links one cushioning element to another cushioning element adjacent to it.
  • the connector can also be attached to, inserted into, or molded into the cushioning element.
  • the connector is an integral part of the cushioning element and molded out of a thin or string-like portion of the same material as the cushioning element.
  • the connector can surround the cushioning elements.
  • the connector can be a thin, elastic, stretchable or expandable fabric or material such as spandex that surrounds the plurality of cushioning elements, e.g., a fabric tube, and can hold the plurality of cushioning elements together to form a ring, loop, oval or other annulus-shaped structure.
  • a second connector can be optionally conducted through holes (or channels) in the cushioning elements.
  • the connector can comprise a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end can be joined, thereby forming a continuous loop. In another embodiment, the connector can comprise at least two ends.
  • the wrist support additionally comprises a securing portion.
  • the two (or more) ends can be joined by a securing portion, such as a strap, clasp or buckle.
  • the securing portion can be, for example, any clasp known in the art that can be unclasped so that the two ends are separated.
  • the clasp can be a "jewelry-style" or decorative clasp or buckle, or of a more utilitarian design, e.g., a quick-release buckle.
  • the wrist support can be mounted on the user's wrist by sliding the wrist support over the user's hand without opening or closing the securing portion.
  • spheres or cylinders can be strung adjacent to one another on an elastic cord, which is connected end-to-end to form a loop or ring.
  • Such a radial array of soft spheres or cylinders can comfortably fit a broad size range and is easy for the user to put on and take off of the wrist.
  • each sphere is of a diameter and degree softness to provide appropriate positioning and comfort while using any standard computer mouse.
  • Such diameters and degrees of softness can be determined by routine methods known in the art.
  • the diameter of the spheres or cylinders ranges from 18mm to 28mm.
  • of the cushioning elements can be of equal diameter or size, or of substantially the same diameter or size.
  • the cushioning elements can be of graduated or varying sizes (FIGS. 17-20).
  • the cushioning elements are cylinders.
  • the spheres or cylinders have a durometer range of lOShoreA to lOShoreOO. Such a durometer range will provide spheres or cylinders that support the wrist comfortably in a neutral position that minimizes or eliminates wrist strain during use of a computer mouse.
  • the wrist support can have one or more elements that are non- spherical.
  • one of the cushioning elements has modified "dogbone" shape.
  • the dogbone element when the wrist support is positioned on the wrist, the dogbone element can be in contact with the ventral surface of the wrist (FIGS. 25-28).
  • the wrist support has an outer diameter of approximately 86 mm (unstretched).
  • Each spherical cushioning elements depicted in this embodiment is approximately 20 mm in diameter.
  • the "dogbone” is approximately 20 mm in diameter at the rounded, partially spherical ends, and about 63 mm long.
  • the spheres or cylinders are made of a material that comprises a resilient material, such as a resilient elastomer.
  • a resilient material such as a resilient elastomer.
  • Such resilient elastomeric materials are well known in the art, and include, but are not limited to, TPE (thermoplastic polymer elastomer) including polyamide series elastomer, polyurethane series elastomer, polyester series elastomer, polyolefin series elastomer, styrene block series elastomer and the like.
  • the resilient material can also comprise silicone and/or rubbers including synthetic and natural rubber.
  • TPE is the preferred resilient material for use in the invention.
  • Other resilient materials known in the art can also be used to form the spheres or cylinders.
  • the resilient material e.g., elastomer
  • the resilient material is colored, multi-colored, patterned, pearl escent, iridescent, fluorescent, translucent or crystal clear (FIGS. 7-9).
  • the surface of the cushioning element is textured or flocked.
  • the cushioning elements e.g., spheres or cylinders
  • the cushioning elements can be made according to methods well known in the art, e.g., injection molding, liquid injection molding, compression molding, transfer molding, and rotational molding.
  • the inside circumference of the ring of cushioning elements ranges from 128mm to 168mm when the connecting material is in a relaxed position.
  • the inside circumference of the one-piece bracelet-style element ranges from 128mm to 168mm.
  • the connector e.g., an elastic cord
  • the plurality of cushioning elements e.g., spheres or cylinders, is 10 ⁇ 1 spheres or cylinders
  • the connector e.g., an elastic cord
  • the connector can have a diameter of 0.5mm to 2mm and can recover to within 10% of its relaxed length after being stretched to 200%.
  • An assembly of spheres or cylinders connected by such a cord can easily stretches over the hand and can fit a wrist circumference range of 120mm (5% female) to 215mm (95% male).
  • At least two cushioning elements of the wrist support are capable of being grasped and twisted around the connector and around one another, thereby enabling the user to decrease the circumference of the wrist support.
  • the wrist support can be adjusted to an even smaller circumference (FIG. 12), in order to adjust the fit to a user's smaller wrist circumference.
  • the wrist support is used to comfortably support the wrist in a neutral position while enhancing controlled hand movement during use of a computer mouse (FIGS. HA-B, 16).
  • the spheres or cylinders are made of a resilient elastomer, the soft spheres or cylinders are somewhat compressible under the weight of the wrist. Therefore, the spheres or cylinders on the back of the wrist remain aesthetically spherical while the spheres or cylinders under the wrist are compressed to approximately 50% of their relaxed diameter. According to the invention, this compressed dimension of the spheres or cylinders is designed to support the wrist in a neutral position, which is well known in the art to prevent RSI.
  • the wrist support can be worn on either the right or left wrists, or on both for activities that involve both wrists, such as typing.
  • a wrist support can be worn on each wrist, so that the wrists are held in a neutral position while typing on a computer keyboard.
  • a plurality of wrist supports can be worn on the same wrist.
  • a computer mouse is moved in the X and Y dimensions on the plane formed by the desktop or flat support surface on which it moves.
  • a user's wrist can swivel to the left and right for X-dimension movement.
  • the spheres or cylinders in the wrist support are in full alignment on the wrist and therefore provide controlled range of motion and support.
  • the whole arm may need to move back and forth.
  • the spheres or cylinders on the wrist roll on the axis of the elastic cord, providing appropriate wrist support in a dynamic fashion (FIG. 16).
  • the surface of each sphere is made to have a low coefficient of friction. Therefore, in the X-dimension, the device can slide freely for controlled range of motion.
  • each ball can feature color, multi-colors, pearlescence, iridescence, fluorescence, translucence or be crystal clear, have a pattern, texture or flocking on its surface, the wrist support can be worn as a fashion accessory.
  • small gaps may occur between spheres or cylinders that are strung together, e.g., on cord. Locating these small gaps at tender or sensitive landmarks of affected wrist areas or protuberances increases comfort during use.
  • the entire assembly can be covered, for example, with a thin, elastic or stretchable fabric connector (e.g., spandex), which can be used as a connector instead of a connector conducted through the elements (e.g., an elastic cord).
  • a spandex covering connector can also enhance wrist sliding or gliding across a desktop during use.
  • Another way of reducing surface friction, as well as to provide an ornamental finish to the outside of an element, is to provide a texture or flocking to the outside surface of each element (FIGS. 4-6).
  • a translucent sphere can have, for example, objects imbedded inside including molded parts or even LED lights.
  • spheres or cylinders are made of a solid, soft elastomer such as silicone, TPR, or polyurethane.
  • the wrist support works equally well if each sphere achieves soft resiliency by being made of foam rubber (2-3 Ib density), or made with a liquid gel center covered with a 10-20ShoreA skin (FIG. 13), or made hollow with a 2-3 mm thick 10-20ShoreA skin (FIG. 14).
  • the preferred solid elastomer sphere achieves its softness through the durometer of its formulation.
  • that softness can also be controlled by adding a small cavity at the center (FIG. 15) of each sphere. In this case, the larger the cavity is, the softer the cushion.
  • a wrist support is provided that forms a continuous annulus, ring, oval or loop.
  • the wrist support can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end that are joined to form a continuous annulus, ring, oval or loop.
  • the wrist support can have no securing portion, for example, a clasp, strap, buckle, or other fastener. It can be a simple annulus, ring, oval or loop devoid of accessories such as pockets, pads, clasps, straps, buckles or fasteners.
  • a wrist support is provided wherein the wrist support can be mounted on the user's wrist by sliding the wrist support over the user's hand without opening or closing a securing portion, for example, a clasp, strap, buckle, or other fastener.
  • a securing portion for example, a clasp, strap, buckle, or other fastener.
  • a substantially circular, oval, ring-like and/or symmetrical wrist support comprises substantially symmetrical cushioning spheres.
  • the spheres can be connected by stringing the spheres through the center with an elastic element.
  • the wrist support can be donned by sliding the elastic assembly over the user's hand without opening or closing any securing portion.
  • a substantially circular, oval, ring-like and/or symmetrical wrist support comprises substantially symmetrical cushioning spheres.
  • the spheres can be connected by stringing the spheres through the center with an elastic element.
  • the cushioning spheres can rotate around the axis defined by the elastic element.
  • the wrist support can be donned by sliding the elastic assembly over the user's hand without opening or closing any securing portion.
  • a wrist support is provided that is one-piece and comprises a rounded tube (hollow or solid) fashioned from an elastic or resilient material (FIGS. 29-34).
  • the wrist support can be donned by sliding it over the user's hand without opening or closing any securing portion.
  • the specific embodiment of the wrist support shown in FIG. 33 has an outer diameter of approximately 61 mm (unstretched) and an inner diameter of 49 mm
  • a substantially circular, oval, ring-like and/or symmetrical wrist support that comprises substantially symmetrical cushioning spheres.
  • the spheres can be connected by stringing the spheres through the center with an elastic element.
  • the wrist support has no top or bottom frame, no covering, no operable closure, clasp or fastener mechanism, no differentiated bottom or top elements, or no differentiated inside and outside materials.
  • the cushioning elements are constructed from a single type of elastic or resilient material.
  • the wrist support has no enlarged buttress or padding portion.
  • Such embodiments of the wrist support can enable the user to don the wrist support by sliding the elastic assembly over the user's hand without opening or closing any strap, buckle, or other fastener.
  • the cushioned wrist support of the invention can weigh considerably less than currently available wrist supports. For example, in one embodiment, the wrist support weighs 29g - 5 Ig. A traditional desktop wrist gel cushion for mouse weighs approximately 91 g and a traditional desktop wrist gel cushion for typing weighs approximately 417g.
  • the cushioned wrist support can provide additional health benefits to the user, including but not limited to stress relief and wrist massage.
  • the diameter of the cushioning elements e.g., spheres or cylinders, the shape of each element, the number of elements and the length of the connector (e.g., elastic cord or spandex wrapper) can be modified to make other support devices that fit other body parts (e.g., palmar surface, heel of palm, ankle, knee, neck, etc.) and provide other supportive functionalities.
  • the wearable cushioned wrist support can support the wrist in a position that can minimize or eliminate wrist strain during use of a computer mouse, keyboard typing and other activities that aggravate the wrist and cause or exacerbate wrist pain, repetitive stress injury (RSI), carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist injuries or wrist pain syndromes.
  • RSI repetitive stress injury
  • a method for supporting a wrist of a user engaged in an activity that involves repetitive wrist or hand movements is provided.
  • the method can comprise: a. providing the user with a wrist support of the invention; and b. wearing the wrist support on the wrist during the repetitive wrist or hand movements.
  • a method for ameliorating or preventing wrist injury e.g., Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) or carpal tunnel syndrome, in a wrist of a user engaged in an activity that involves repetitive wrist or hand movements is also provided.
  • the method can comprise a. providing the user with a wrist support of the invention; and b. wearing the wrist support on the wrist during the repetitive wrist or hand movements. Wearing the wrist support can align the wrist in an alignment that is beneficial for wrist health or safety, e.g., in a neutral wrist position.

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  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un support de poignet pour supporter un poignet d'un utilisateur comprenant une pluralité d'éléments de rembourrage, et un raccord pour raccorder les éléments de rembourrage ensemble, le support de poignet étant sensiblement un anneau, et les éléments de rembourrage : comprennent un matériau élastique, sont agencés de manière adjacente les uns par rapport aux autres dans l'anneau, sont agencés radialement autour de l'axe central de l'anneau, et peuvent être disposés sur le poignet de l'utilisateur dans une position où l'utilisateur subit un effort de poignet minimal ou pas d'effort de poignet. Le support de poignet supporte le poignet de manière confortable dans une position neutre qui minimise ou élimine l'effort de poignet lorsque l'utilisateur prend part à une activité qui implique des mouvements répétitifs du poignet ou de la main telle que l'utilisation d'une souris d'ordinateur ou la frappe.
PCT/US2008/056060 2007-03-07 2008-03-06 Support de poignet rembourré portable pour utilisateurs d'ordinateur WO2008109753A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US90539507P 2007-03-07 2007-03-07
US60/905,395 2007-03-07
US29174107 2007-09-12
US29/291,741 2007-09-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008109753A1 true WO2008109753A1 (fr) 2008-09-12

Family

ID=39473596

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2008/056060 WO2008109753A1 (fr) 2007-03-07 2008-03-06 Support de poignet rembourré portable pour utilisateurs d'ordinateur

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008109753A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US709114A (en) * 1902-01-24 1902-09-16 Frederick C Rockwell Handwriting-developer.
US4233714A (en) * 1977-12-08 1980-11-18 Kiddie Products, Inc. End closure
FR2613194A1 (fr) * 1987-04-06 1988-10-07 Kanno Kiyohiro Dispositif de parure notamment pour collier
WO2002036050A1 (fr) * 2000-11-02 2002-05-10 Alexander Karel Scheffel Serre-poignet comportant un element roulant et coulissant
US6517507B1 (en) * 1999-02-08 2003-02-11 Caron Faherty Wrist guard for alleviating repetitive strain disorder by computer operators
WO2004098904A1 (fr) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-18 Vladimir Ivanovich Karpychev Bracelet de support de poignet d'operateur de saisie au clavier et a la souris d'ordinateur

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US709114A (en) * 1902-01-24 1902-09-16 Frederick C Rockwell Handwriting-developer.
US4233714A (en) * 1977-12-08 1980-11-18 Kiddie Products, Inc. End closure
FR2613194A1 (fr) * 1987-04-06 1988-10-07 Kanno Kiyohiro Dispositif de parure notamment pour collier
US6517507B1 (en) * 1999-02-08 2003-02-11 Caron Faherty Wrist guard for alleviating repetitive strain disorder by computer operators
WO2002036050A1 (fr) * 2000-11-02 2002-05-10 Alexander Karel Scheffel Serre-poignet comportant un element roulant et coulissant
WO2004098904A1 (fr) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-18 Vladimir Ivanovich Karpychev Bracelet de support de poignet d'operateur de saisie au clavier et a la souris d'ordinateur

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