GB2476961A

GB2476961A - A thumb protection device arranged to transfer impact forces to the thumbs basal joint

Info

Publication number: GB2476961A
Application number: GB1000640A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Sewell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-01-15
Filing date: 2010-01-15
Publication date: 2011-07-20
Also published as: GB201000640D0

Abstract

A protective device for a user's digit comprising a plurality of resilient structures 1 and 2 arranged to encompass a portion of a user's digit wherein the resilient structures 1 and 2 are arranged to transfer impact forces to the crux of the carpometacarpal joint. The structures 1 and 2 may also be arranged to transfer part of an impact force to an object held in a user's hand. The resilient structures 1 and 2 may be attached by hinges or helical springs. The resilient structures may also overlap with projections or lips to cooperate with the overlapping elements of neighbouring structures. The device may only partially encompass a user's digit and may be used on a thumb or as part of a glove. A strap 38 may hold the device in position. The device may be used to protect a user's hand when playing hockey, cricket or lacrosse.

Description

THUMB PROTECTOR

The present invention relates to a thumb protector, more particularly, a thumb protector for integration into gloves commonly used during the playing of cricket, lacrosse, ice hockey or similar activities. It also relates to a thumb protector for use as a separate protective device independent of a protective glove.

In sports, it has been shown to be necessary to protect the hands of players from impact caused by the ball, other competitors, equipment or other items on and around the field of play. Padded gloves are in common use in several sports including cricket, ice hockey and lacrosse to reduce the occurrence of injury to the hands and digits.

However, current devices are often insufficient in achieving an adequate level of protection as injuries to the hand still occur, in particular as a result of longitudinal impact to the distal end of an extended thumb. The unprotected musculoskeletal element of the thumb is poor at dispersing forces resulting from such impacts with the force transmitted through the skeletal element. Force is either absorbed within the soft tissue element of the interphalangeal articulation or the metacarpophalangeal articulations, resulting in soft tissue injury, hyperextension or dislocation or alternatively dispersed through fracture of the phalanx or proximal metacarpal.

The lower thumb of batsmen playing cricket is particularly vulnerable when playing defensive shots. Such shots tend to be played with outstretched arms with the handle of the bat pushed forward in the hand to enable the face of the bat to be angled downwards. The thumb is extended in order to accommodate the forward rotation of the handle, orienting the longitudinal axis thumb at or close to the approach direction of the oncoming ball. Additionally, the nature of the defensive shot is such that it is played either when the batsman is less sure of the path or velocity of the ball or when the ball is not in a position to allow an attacking shot to be played. This often results in a less controlled shot and greatly increases the chance of impact to the thumb in the most fragile position.

Known protective gloves for use in sports protect the wearer's thumb from the effects of an impacting ball, other players or equipment, principally by means of polyurethane foam padding contained within the glove on the dorsal aspect of the hand, fingers and thumb contained within a leather or textile outer covering. Objects impacting the dorsal aspect of the hand are decelerated through compression of the foam and the force distributed over a larger area by the inherent stiffness of the protective system. Furthermore, rigid polymer or composite reinforced inserts may be included within the volume of the padding to increase the area of force distribution.

The relevant sections of the British Standard BS 6183 apply specifically to gloves for playing cricket constructed in this manner.

It is common for gloves designed for cricket batsmen to have a semi-solid cap encompassing the distal aspect of the thumb, as described in British Standard B56 183.

Such a device will spread the area of impact and reduce some contusion injuries to the distal portion of the thumb. However there is no protection to more significant injury occurring as a result of larger force longitudinal to an extended thumb as described above. Furthermore, the wearer's comfort and the sensitivity of touch receptors on the enclosed portion of the thumb is significantly compromised. This reduction in sensitivity may have a significantly negative role in performance, reducing proprioception of the implement location and proprioceptive feedback from the implement. This in direct contrast to glove development in other sports such as baseball and motor racing where the palmar and medial digit surfaces are designed so as to increase the sensory perception conceptually correlated to increased sporting performance.

Alternative hand protectors seek to guard the wearer's thumb from longitudinal impact. One such device is disclosed in US 5963985. This design distributes the force from an impact to another portion of the glove or to the root of the thumb my means of a rigid support member extending parallel to the thumb. This achieves a greater level of protection to longitudinal impact, but in itself lacks protection to the rest of the thumb from crushing injuries resulting from impacts perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thumb. Of greater consequence is the restriction caused by the rigid element, acting as a splint and preventing or greatly limiting movement at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal articulations of the thumb. This has significant consequences in hindering the action of playing the sports whose player the present invention is particularly designed to protect. Bat or stick sports such as cricket, ice hockey and lacrosse require significant dexterity, range and speed of movement in order to control the implement in an accomplished and competitive manner. As the only opposable digit, the thumb plays a very important role in the gripping action and compromising this movement inherently compromises the capability of the player.

Particularly prevalent in the design of gloves for use in playing ice hockey are features limiting the hyperextension of the thumb beyond a neutral point, thus preventing hyperextension injuries of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal articulations. A plurality of rigid pivotally joined and flexibly linked shells encompassing the lateral aspect of the thumb mechanically restrict extension. Prior art includes CA 2288593 and US 5237703. Such designs also restrict flexion and lateral movement of the metacarpophalangeal articulation with a negative effect on athletic performance using the product. This is generally overcome by increasing the interior volume of the glove, allowing the hand to move within the glove. However, such a solution limits mobility to the tolerances of the interior volume and would not be suitable for further applications such as cricket gloves, whereby the external dimensions should preferably be minimised in order to reduce the incidence of undesired contact with the ball.

The form of a husker disclosed in US 932901 allows movement through hinged joints and encompasses the anterior of the thumb whilst protecting the basal articulation of the thumb and retained by a strap around the wrist. This solution is however not conducive to the flexibility and dexterity required of such a product to be used in sports environment.

The prior art designs provide some protection to the hand of the user. However hand injuries are still common among, for example, batsmen in cricket despite the use of protective equipment. Current designs in common use transmit the force of dorsal impact to the digits through the element of the skeletomuscular element of the hand to the bat or playing implement held in the hand, the resulting compression producing blunt trauma contusion injuries to soft tissue or fractures to the phalanges.

Research has shown that contusion and fracture injuries to the thumb of cricket players whilst batting are still prevalent despite the use of such equipment. As such, there is a requirement for a product that greatly reduces or eliminates these injuries whilst allowing free articulation through the range of motion required for the execution of required movements.

The present invention seeks to avoid or reduce the problems of the prior art. In its broadest sense, the present invention uses a plurality of rigid elements to transmit impact forces away from the weaker parts of the skeletomuscular element of the hand and digits to well supported parts of the body or an implement held in the hand.

The present invention describes a thumb protector comprising a plurality of shell elements attached such that the thumb is enclosed. The shell elements are arranged such that impact loads to the fingers are transferred to an implement held in the hand or other regions of the skeletomuscular element.

The present invention further comprises a plurality of bolsters in order to absorb impact shock and reduce bounce of an impacting object. The protector may be integrated into a glove providing means for retention and further protection or used independently in conjunction with appropriate retention means.

Accordingly, the present invention comprises a thumb protection apparatus comprising a sheath adapted to enclose a thumb and a resilient shell element attachable to the sheath. The resilient shell element preferably comprises proximal and distal shell elements.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a bolster assembly associated with the resilient shell element, the bolster assembly comprising an impact-absorbing element.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a medial protective membrane associated with the medial aspect of the thumb intermediate the sheath and the resilient shell element. More preferably, the membrane is affixed to the sheath and shell element.

According to a further form of the invention, the apparatus further comprises suspension elements affixed to the lateral sheath, with a single element attached to the lateral sheath with each end affixed to the associated shell element Preferably, the suspension elements are sheath elements, delivering a force over a larger longitudinal range.

Advantageously, a single suspension element is affixed to each or a plurality of shell elements.

Suitably, the suspension elements are aligned on the medio-dorsal plane or at an angle between lateral and dorsal alignments.

The above and other aspects of the invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view in the palmo-lateral plane of a first embodiment of a thumb protector in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the distal assembly of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the proximal assembly of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view in the palmo-lateral plane of a second embodiment of a thumb protector in accordance with the present invention; With reference to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a thumb protector for use in playing sport comprising resilient proximal and distal shell elements (1, 2) capable of bearing compressive load and encompassing the thumb (3); and retaining means (4-16) provided to retain the shell elements over the thumb. The shell elements and retaining means are configured in a way that a proportion of medial impact force is transmitted to an implement (17) held in the hand or to an anatomically more resilient part of the hand.

The shell elements are also retained in a way such that impact forces axial to the thumb are transmitted longitudinally through the plurality of elements elements. The shell elements and retention means are configured in a way that a proportion of impact forces are transmitted to an implement held in the hand or to the crotch of the basal articulation of the thumb.

The proximal shell element (1) has a distal aspect (18) with a section resembling a U form encompassing that portion of the thumb relating to the proximal phalanx. A curved portion (19) is so positioned as to encompass the lateral aspect of the digit and straight sidewalls (20, 21) lying on a plane approximating the disto-lateral plane of the hand and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the implement as held by the user.

The operatively medial edges of the sidewalls are so shaped as to allow engagement of the implement to be held in the hand of the user and to align the sidewalls of the shell element perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the implement. The dimension of the distal portion of the proximal shell element are such that the portion of the digit may be comfortably accommodated in the latero-dorsal plane when carrying out motions experienced during the course of play. The longitudinal aspect of the distal portion of the proximal shell is such as to provide a sufficient area of protection to the digit whilst allowing a range of motion of the digit sufficient to execute movements and tasks appropriate to sporting performance. In a preferred form of the invention a palmar sidewall (20) has proximal and distal edges aligned latero-medially and a proximo-distal length sufficiently short so as not to impede the flexion of the digit to an angle of 90 degrees. A dorsal sidewall (21) extends distally to the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. The lateral aspect of the shell element terminates at a distal edge (22) in a semi-elliptical form.

An intermediate aspect (23) of the proximal shell element encompasses the metacarpophalangeal joint. In a preferred form of the invention the intermediate aspect of the proximal shell element encompasses approximately 60 degrees of the lateral aspect of the metacarpophalangeal aspect of the thumb at a flexion of 20 degrees.

A proximal aspect (24) of the proximal shell element provides means for the engagement of the device with the basal joint of the thumb. In a preferred form of the invention the proximal aspect of the proximal shell element features two wing elements (25, 26) extending on the palmar and dorsal sides of the first metacarpal respectively and shaped in a compound curve so as to fit snugly around the basal joint of the thumb. The proximal edge is advantageously shaped such that the lateral side is distal to the proximal extremity of the wings. The wing elements feature two holes (27, 28) approximately 4mm diameter central to the radius of the proximo-medial curve of the wing elements.

The distal shell element (2) has an elliptical section, terminating at the distal extremity with an elliptical hemisphere. The medial aspect features an aperture with curved corners, extending to and conjoined with the proximal aperture. In a ftirther form of the invention, the edge of the medial aperture is so shaped as to engage the surface of the implement and align the elliptical section such that the major axis is predominantly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the implement.

The longitudinal dimension of the distal shell element should be such so as to provide a sufficient region of protection to the digit whilst allowing a range of motion sufficient to execute movement and tasks appropriate to sporting performance. The proximal extremity of the shell element should be shaped in order to provide maximal protection and coverage of the digit in the usual position of the hand whilst in play whilst reducing impingement of movement. One aspect of the design is such that the lateral aspect extends further in a proximal direction than the medial aspect, such that the proximal edge of the dorsal sidewall is angled at approximately 45 degrees to the disto-lateral plane. In the palmar aspect the proximal edge is curved, following the distal extremity of the proximal shell element when the digit is flexed at the distal articulation.

The radius of the curve forming the lateral aspect of the proximal shell element should advantageously have a radius sufficient to allow the proximal aspect of the distal shell element to externally encompass the distal aspect of the proximal shell element. In a preferred form of the invention, the internal radius of the proximal aspect of the distal shell element is equal to the external radius of the distal aspect of the proximal shell element.

The proximal edge of the distal shell element of the embodiment shown includes a notch (29, 30) on each of the palmar and dorsal aspects of the lateral curve, preferably approximately semicircular in form with a radius of about 2.5 millimetres and a chamfered intersection with the proximal edge of the distal shell element.

The length of the lateral aspect of the distal shell element is sufficient to encompass the aspect of the thumb pertaining to the distal phalanx and extend over the disto- lateral aspect of the proximal shell element when the digit is extended at the inter-phalangeal joint. When the notches of the proximal edge are engaged with the shoulders (31, 32) of the locking bridge (33) the length of the resulting internal cavity should be sufficient to prevent contact between the inner surface of the proximal aspect of the distal shell element and the distal extremity of the digit. The major and minor axis of the elliptical section should be greater than the latero-medial and palmo-dorsal dimensions respectively of the portion of the digit pertaining to the distal phalanx.

In the embodiment shown, a locking bridge is affixed to the lateral aspect of the proximal shell element. The locking bridge is curved in section with an internal radius equal to the external radius of the distal aspect of the proximal shell element. The distal edge lies on the palmo-lateral plane and two shoulders extend distally from the medial aspects of the distal edge. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulders are predominantly semi-circular with a maximum radius of about 2.5 millimetres in order to engage the notches of the distal shell element.

The locking bridge is integrated with the proximal shell element and the proximal aspect may be fluted into the external surface of the shell element.

The distal edge of the locking bridge is advantageously finished such that the edge surface is angled with the lateral edge distal to the medial edge. The proximal edge of the locking bridge is defined by a plane at 45 degrees between the palmo-lateral plane and the palmo-proximal plane with an approximately 2mm radius at the proximal apices.

The shell elements and locking bridge are suitably formed from a reinforced thermoset polymer. A laminate element of s-glass and carbon fibre reinforced epoxy is particularly preferred. The design lends itself to compression moulding manufacturing methods from a preformed billet. A material thickness of about 1.5 millimetres is considered optimal for the shell elements and a thickness of about 3 millimetres is considered optimal for the locking bridge.

The proximal and distal rigid elements are suitably joined at a pivoting hinge element.

The pivot axis of the hinge element is aligned with the axis of movement of the distal articulation of the thumb and the pivot element of the rigid elements is located lateral to the thumb.

The pivot elements of the shell elements are suitably located on both lateral and medial aspects of the shell elements.

Typically, the diameter of the axle of the hinge element is between 5 and 10 millimetres. The axle of the hinge element may be hollow.

The axle is preferably metallic specifically a stainless steel or titanium alloy or an elastic polymeric compound such as a reinforced thermoset elastomer.

The axle is preferably constructed to be deformable under significant impact loads, further absorbing the force of impact. The axle may be formed from two parts, joined by screw threads or a concentric force fit.

In the preferred embodiments, the distal element includes a plurality of flanges (not shown) engaging the hinge axle. The proximal element preferably also includes a plurality of flanges engaging the hinge axle.

An hydraulic or pneumatic system (not shown) may be used in order to absorb the impact load or distribute it to another part of the body, implement or device. In a further form on the invention, a cylinder affixed to the proximal region of the thumb protector is linked to a cylinder whereby axial impact or load actuates a slave cylinder, transferring load to another part of the body or device.

A plurality of hinged members (not shown) affords flexion of the joints between shell structures. The hinge device is advantageously such that a portion of the impact load is distributed to other parts of the body or an implement when maintained at an angle of flexion associated with an extended position of the thumb. The hinge element enables engagement between structures at another point or points capable of transmitting load away from the point of impact.

The rigid protector (not shown) extends parallel to the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

A medial extension at the distal end of the protector encompasses an extended thumb and transfers load to an anchor point proximal to the distal extension of the thumb. An aperture to the distal aspect of the medial face of the protector allows the thumb to protrude when flexed.

A flexible device which is capable of carrying axial load when straightened, such as a helical spring (not shown), is suitably positioned between the distal point of longitudinal impact and the area of force distribution. A plurality of flexible devices may be positioned between the distal point of longitudinal impact and the area of force distribution.

The distal rigid element encompasses the force distribution point and a hinged linkage affixed to the proximal aspect of the distal shell element and the thumb strap transmits the force to the basal joint of the thumb.

A restricting device such as a temporary lock or clip (not shown) may be located adjacent the distal or proximal articulation of the thumb. The clip or lock engages when the thumb is extended, preventing further extension or flexion until the restricting device is reset or disengaged. Disengagement is suitably a manual process, in response to an alignment or movement of the user or may be automated by a timer-controlled actuator. The actuator may be controlled via an accelerometer or gyrometer device.

The rigid elements further comprise a locking feature comprising a locator pin and a corresponding aperture, whereby the locator pin engages the aperture when the digit is extended to a straight position, engaging the medial aspect of the proximal and distal shell elements. The locking feature and hinge are capable of transmitting forces from longitudinal impact between the distal and proximal shell elements.

The locking feature conveniently takes the form of a raised edge, a pin or plurality of pins or a locking bridge device. The locking feature may be made of metal alloy, an elastic polymeric compound or a reinforced epoxy.

In the preferred embodiments shown, the dorsal and lateral aspects of the shell elements and locking bridge are ftirther protected by respective padded bolsters (34, 35), protecting each shell element. The bolster has a concave longitudinal curve and a shape on the medial side to marry with the lateral surface of the shell element and extends laterally to a depth of about 5-10 millimetres. The bolster is so shaped that the palmar and dorsal aspects are tapered at about 10-15 degrees with a flat surface largely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pad.

Proximal bolster (34) pertaining to the proximal shell element extends distally from the intermediate aspect of the proximal shell element to the distal edge of the locking bridge. The distal aspect of the proximal bolster is of substantially the same palmo-dorsal width as the relevant cross-section of the shell element. The proximal bolster extends proximally to an edge approximately 5mm distal to the intersection with the distal aspect of the proximal lateral membrane. The proximal disto-lateral apices should typically have a radius of about 5mm and the medial surface should typically include a depression encompassing the lateral surface of the locking pad.

The distal bolster (35) pertaining to the distal shell element extends distally the length of the distal shell element and continues with a similar section medially to the medial edge of the distal aspect of the distal shell element. The pad has a chamfer at the medial boundary which does not allow the pad to protrude medially beyond the adjacent edge of the medial cavity of the distal shell element.

The thumb is further vented in preferred embodiments by apertures (36, 37) in the dorsal aspect of the shell elements and bolsters respectively. In one form of the invention, the apertures are rectangular, about 5mm in width, with rounded ends with the major axis of the slot orientated to the longitudinal axis of the shell element. A textile mesh membrane (not shown) suitably encloses the apertures, positioned between the lateral surface of the shell element and the medial surface of the bolster.

A flexible thumb strap (38) is affixed to the wings of the proximal shell elements such that one end is affixed to the dorsal aspect of the dorsal wing, and the opposite end is affixed to the palmar aspect of the palmar wing. Holes (39, 40) are located toward the ends of the strap and positioned centrally on the major axis of the section of the thumb strap in order to accept the shaft of the associated rivet (41, 42) passing through the associated hole in the wings element and the associated end of the thumb strap. The length of the thumb strap should preferably be sufficient to engage the crotch of the basal articulation of the thumb of appropriate size and prevent excessive movement of the shell element in a proximal direction. The strap should preferably be of a semi-flexible, inelastic material that has sufficient structural integrity so as to maintain a curve unsupported at the distal aspect enabling the thumb to be inserted into the loop thus created by the thumb strap. A woven polyethylene strip with a predominantly rectangular cross-section approximately 8mm in width and 0.75 mm thickness is appropriate. The distal aspect of the strap is retained by a flexible loop (not shown) on the internal aspect of the lateral extension (4) of the index finger stall (5), the strap passing through the supporting assembly in order that the location of the strap between the thumb and the index finger is maintained. The thumb strap is preferably a rigid member attached to the rigid protective element and extending between the index finger and thumb to engage the basal joint of the thumb.

In the illustrated embodiment, two medial ties (43, 44) are affixed to the proximal and distal shell elements. The dorsal medial tie (43) is affixed to the medial aspect of the dorsal face of the dorsal sidewalls of the proximal and distal shell elements. The palmar medial tie (44) is affixed to the medial aspect of the palmar faces of the proximal and distal shell elements. The shape of the medial ties is such that the proximal and distal edges of the dorsal and palmar medial ties will, in use, be aligned with the medial aspects of the proximal and distal edges of the proximal and distal shell elements respectively.

The medial ties are suitably formed of woven aramid reinforced textile, approximately millimetres in width and of a length defined by the end locations in relation to the shell elements orientated to an extended thumb position.

Proximal medial ties (not shown) limit the extension of the proximal articulation of the thumb. The proximal ties are conveniently affixed to the medial aspect of the proximal shell element and the disto-lateral aspect of the palmar membrane or affix to the proximal aspect of the stall pertaining to the index finger.

The medial ties may be cable or string-like in form, connected to connection points in the form of pins, rivets, apertures or rings attached to the rigid elements.

A medial locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided as a slider affixed to one shell element with a groove or slot accepting a pin affixed to the adjacent shell element limiting extension of the shell elements.

With the protector of the present invention, the impact force may be transmitted to the wrist area or to a strap around the wrist. The strap is suitably an elasticated textile weave.

The medial aspect of the thumb is enclosed by two medial membranes (6, 7) enabling tactile feedback whilst protecting the digit from abrasion, increasing adhesion between the protective device and the implement and increasing the structural integrity of the corresponding shell element.

The distal medial protective membrane (6) encompasses the medial aspect of the portion of the thumb pertaining to the distal phalanx of the thumb. The shape of the distal protective membrane is defined by the medial aperture of the distal shell element, encompassing and affixed to the external medial aspects of the distal shell element to a depth of about 5mm. The distal aspect of the overlap should preferably be such that the lateral edge extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell element.

The proximal medial protective membrane (7) encompasses the medial aspect of the portion of the thumb pertaining to the proximal phalanx of the thumb. The shape of the proximal medial membrane is defined by the shape of the medial aperture created by the medial edges of the sidewalls to a minimum depth of about 5 millimetres. The lateral edge of the proximal medial membrane extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal aspect of the proximal shell element.

In a preferred form of the invention, stretch of the medial membranes in the palmo-dorsal direction is mechanically limited by their composition in order to reduce the spread of the shell elements' sidewalls when subjected to the load of impact conditions. Suitable materials include leather or aramid reinforced polymer composite woven textile and the membrane is suitably cut from a flat sheet and affixed to the external sidewalls of the shell elements.

The shell elements are conveniently connected by a means of flexible elastic spanning membrane (8) affixed to the medial membranes. The spanning membrane is of a palmo-dorsal width similar to that of the medial membranes and an untensioned disto-proximal length sufficient to encompass the gap between the medial membranes when the protector is supported in a neutral position with an overlap of approximately 3 millimetre. The overlapping sections are suitably affixed to the proximal aspect of the lateral face of the distal medial membrane and the distal aspect of the lateral face of the proximal medial membrane. An elastic, antibacterial and moisture wicking fabric is preferred, particularly a polyester fibre textile of 160 g/m2 weight with these properties.

A lateral sheath (9, 10) forms a liner for the shell elements and provides a means for retention of the glove on the hand. In a further form of the invention, the distal lateral sheath (9) takes the form of a thumb extended to 60 degrees and be formed by a single panel encompassing the lateral, palmar and dorsal aspects of the thumb. Two approximately 5 millimetre wide tabs (11-14) on each of the distal (11, 12) and proximal (13, 14) edges should be proximo-distally aligned to the medial edges of the sidewalls of the associated shell elements. The lateral aspects of the tabs are affixed to the medial aspects of the exterior surfaces of the respective sidewalls.

The medial aspect of the proximal edge of the dorsal aspect of the distal lateral sheath is affixed to the lateral aspect of the distal edge of the dorsal sheath (15). The proximal aspect of the medial edge of the dorsal aspect of the distal lateral sheath is affixed to the distal aspect of the lateral edge of the dorsal sheath.

The lateral aspect of the proximal edge of the distal lateral sheath encompasses the lateral aspect of the proximal shell element. The proximo-palmar edge of the palmar aspect of the distal lateral sheath is affixed to the disto-lateral curve of the palmar membrane (16). The proximal aspects of the medial edges are affixed to the dorsal and palmar edges of the lateral extension of the index finger stall.

In one embodiment, the proximal lateral sheath (7) additionally encompasses the proximal aspect of the lateral aspect of the hand and the proximal shell element. The dorsal medial edge of the proximal lateral sheath is affixed the lateral edge of the dorsal sheath and the palmar lateral edge is affixed to the lateral edge of the palmar sheath.

The dorsal sheath encompasses the dorsal aspect of the hand, extending distally to the separation of the digits and proximally to the wrist. The distal edge of the dorsal sheath is affixed to elements encompassing digits two to four of the hand. The medial edge is affixed to the medial edge of the palmar membrane.

An elastic, antibacterial and moisture wicking fabric is preferred for the sheath assembly, in particular a polyester fibre textile of 200 g/m2 weight.

In another form of the invention, illustrated in Figure 4, the lateral edges of the medial membrane and the medial edges of the lateral sheath are affixed to each other, encompassing the digit. Shell elements are suspended from the textile assembly with elastic members. The shell elements protrude medially between digits such that the medial edges contact and align with the surface of an implement grasped in the hand.

Shell elements are suspended in position relative to the associated digit by means of suspension elements (45,46), affixed to the sheathlmembrane assembly and the shell element. According to a preferred form of the invention each shell element has two associated pairs of suspension elements, in the form of a highly elastic string or cable.

The medial end of the suspension element is integrated into the seam between the lateral sheath and the medial membrane. The suspension element extends laterally through an aperture in the shell element. The suspension element is fixed in length by a knot preventing egress through the aperture in the shell element, a mechanical fastening or chemical adhesive bonding to the dorsal surface of the shell element. An elastic woven or extruded polymer tubular material is preferred.

The suspension element is of a length such that when there is no lateral pressure on the shell element, there is little restriction of movement of the hand and when a prismoidal object such as a bat or stick handle is grasped, a force is exerted to the shell elements, maintaining contact between the medial edges and the implement and enabling location of the shell element on the implement. The shell elements are restricted in medial movement relative to the associated digit, creating a void between the lateral aspect of the lateral sheath and the interior surface of the shell element.

The palmar membrane encompasses the palmar aspect of the hand, extending distally to the separation of the digits and proximally to the wrist. The distal edge of the palmar membrane is affixed to elements encompassing digits two to four. Suitable materials for the palmar membrane, include leather or an aramid composite woven textile.

The wings of the proximal shell element are suitably external to the proximal assembly and the proximal bolster encompasses the full lateral surface of the proximal shell element.

In a preferred embodiment, the index finger stall encompasses the index finger and takes the form of an index finger bent at about 20 degrees at each articulation of the digit. A lateral extension extending proximo-laterally from the proximal aspect of the lateral aspect of the finger stall encompasses the distal aspect of the basal joint of the thumb. The lateral aspect of the lateral extension extends disto-laterally encompassing the medial aspect of the proximal aspect of the thumb. The palmar and dorsal edges of the distal aspect of the lateral extension of the index finger stall are affixed to the distal edges of the proximal aspect of the palmar membrane and dorsal sheath respectively.

One intended use of the disclosed invention is to protect the hands, fingers and thumb of a batsman playing the sport of cricket, where the invention is incorporated into a glove with a flexible palm and worn on the hands of the user.