GB2516635A

GB2516635A - Orthotic wrist support

Info

Publication number: GB2516635A
Application number: GB201313394A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leanne Sawle; Anna Scott
Original assignee: DM Orthotics Ltd
Current assignee: DM Orthotics Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-26
Filing date: 2013-07-26
Publication date: 2015-02-04
Also published as: GB201313394D0

Abstract

An orthotic wrist support (1) having a glove fabricated from one or more resilient material. The glove has a posterior side (5), an anterior side (3) and awrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint. The support has a means for releasably securing a resilient reinforcement to the wrist section on the posterior side of the glove. The reinforcement acts, when the support is worn, to restrict extension of the wearer's wrist.

Description

ORTHOTIC WRIST SUPPORT

This invention relates to a dynamic orthotic wrist support that restricts extension of a wearer's wrist joint. The support is particularly suitable for use during aquatic diving.

Background to the invention

The sport of aquatic diving typically involves a diver entering the water from a raised platform and performing a series of acrobatic or gymnastic moves whilst in the air. In some diving events, the diver enters the water from a height of ten metres. From this height, the diver enters the water with significant speed and force. Most acrobatic routines involve the diver entering the water with their hands first.

When entering the water hand-first! the diver will use one hand to grasp the other and place their palms down so that they strike the water with a flat surface. This helps to minimise splash. However, entering the water in this position can cause problems with the diver's wrists. For example, the diver's hands can be bent backwards at the wrist joint causing hyperextension. This can cause pain and irritation in the wrist joint. In some extreme circumstances, it can cause fracture of bones in the wrist, such as scaphoid bones.

It is desiiable to ieduce the chances of developing such injuries in diving, and in other sports or activities in which hyperextension of the wrist joint is a risk, such as skateboarding, snowboarding and gymnastics.

To reduce the chances of developing wrist injuries, strapping or taping can be used to compress the wrist and discourage hyperextension. Orthotic wrist supports also exist in the art, having an integral band or strap that fastens around the wrist. Such supports may not provide the necessary level of protection against wrist injury.

In sports such as diving, it is highly advantageous if an orthotic support can be applied quickly and if it is adjustable. Furthermore, it is important that the support is not too bulky or restrictive because divers must be able to bend their wrists sufficiently so that they are able to carry out complex acrobatic routines involving, for example, handstands or grabs, during which wrist movement must not be too restricted.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides an orthotic wrist support, a kit and a method of restricting hyperextension of a wearer's wrist as defined in the appended independent claims to which reference should now be made. Advantageous or preferred features are set forth in dependent claims.

The invention may thus provide an orthotic wrist support comprising a glove, such as a gauntlet, having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint; and a means for releasably securing a resilient reinforcement to the wrist section on the posterior side of the glove, the reinforcement acting! when the support is worn! to restrict extension of a wearer's wrist.

The invention may provide an orthotic wrist support, comprising a glove, such as a gauntlet, having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint; and a resilient reinforcement positioned at the wrist section on a posterior side of the glove, acting, when the support is worn, to restrict extension of a wearer's wrist. Optionally, the glove comprises a means for releasably securing the resilient reinforcement to the glove, to which the reinforcement is releasably secured.

Preferably, restricting or resisting extension of the wearer's wrist does not mean the wearer is not able to extend their wrist. The wearer may still be able to extend their wrist, although they may not be able to extend their wrist as easily. The support may thus increase the force required to extend, or hyperextend, the wrist.

By restricting the degree of wrist extension or by increasing the resistance required for wrist extension, the support may thus reduce the risk of a wearer hyperextending their wrist.

Preferably, when the reinforcement is secured, it restricts extension of the wearer's wrist to a greater extent than if there is no reinforcement secured. Preferably, the reinforcement is more rigid (or less flexible) than the glove. For example, the reinforcement may be more rigid than a material from which the glove is fabricated (see below). Rigidity (or stiffness) refers to the extent to which an object resists deformation in response to an applied force.

The posterior side (which may also be termed the back side, dorsal side or dorsal aspect) of the glove refers to the part of the glove that, when worn, fits over the back, posterior or dorsal side of the wearer's hand and/or wrist. The anterior side (which may also be termed the front side, palmar side or palmar aspect) refers to the part that, when worn, fits over the front, anterior or palmar side, of the wearer's hand and/or wrist. The wrist section refers to the part of the glove that, in use, fits over the wearer's wrist. The wrist section may thus, in use, extend over the wearer's wrist joint between the radius and ulna, and the carpus. The wrist section may form at least part of a cuff of the glove.

Releasably securing the reinforcement to the glove may thus locate, or position, the reinforcement on the glove. If the support does not comprise a means for releasably or removably securing the reinforcement to the glove, the reinforcement may be integral or permanently attached or secured to the glove and may not be removable. For example, it may be located in a sealed compartment, or sewn into the glove. However, providing a means for releasably securing the reinforcement to the glove, such that the reinforcement may be releasably secured to the glove, may be particularly advantageous as it may allow the user to adjust the level of support provided by the wrist support. For example, reinforcements of a certain rigidity may be replaced with reinforcements of a higher or lower rigidity (or may be removed altogether) depending on how the support is to be used. Reinforcements may be manufactured from different materials having varying levels of stiffness or rigidity, or they may have varying dimensions, such as varying thickness, that affect rigidity. There may be multiple reinforcements and the user may increase or decrease the number of reinforcements secured to the glove to adjust rigidity. The user may wish to increase rigidity over the wrist if they are undertaking a dive from a higher platform, where forces on the wrist are expected to be higher. The rigidity may be adjustable according to the wearer's personal preference.

The means for releasably securing and locating the reinforcement to the glove may be arranged such that when the reinforcement is secured to the glove, the reinforcement extends over the wrist to restrict extension of the wearer's wrist. The means for releasably securing the reinforcement may be of a particular shape and dimension to accommodate a reinforcement of a particular dimension (see below).

The means for releasably securing the reinforcement to the glove preferably comprises a pocket or sheath, or at least one pocket or sheath. The pocket or sheath may be defined in, or by, the glove. The pocket or sheath may be positioned at, or along, the wrist section on the posterior side of the glove. The pocket or sheath may define an opening through which the reinforcement can be inserted into, and removed from, the pocket. Preferably, the pocket opening is defined on the inside, or interior, of the glove. There may be a flap or covering positioned at the opening for covering the opening. This may assist in securing the reinforcements and prevent them from falling out. The flap or covering may fold over the opening. The flap or covering may be movable in order to gain access to the opening.

There may be a cushioned or padded section on an inner side of the pocket or sheath for, in use, providing a protective layer between the wearer's wrist and/or hand, and the reinforcement. The cushioned section may comprise foam, such as open cell foam or any other suitable shock absorbing material.

When worn, the pocket or sheath may extend over at least part of the back of the wearer's hand, such that the pocket is at least partly positioned over the wearer's metacarpus. For example, the pocket may extend up to the base of the wearer's fingers, such as up to at least one of the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints. The pocket or sheath may extend down to a distal part of the wearer's forearm, over part of the radius or ulna of the wearer's arm. So, the pocket or sheath may extend over the wrist in a longitudinal direction from the wearer's forearm to the wearer's metacarpus, but preferably does not extend beyond the base of the wearer's fingers. The pocket or sheath may thus extend over the wearer's wrist joint, when In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the pocket or sheath are designed to correspond to, or complement the dimensions of the reinforcement such that when the reinforcement is inserted into the pocket, there is a close or secure fit to maintain the reinforcement in position. Preferably, the pocket has a length of about 50mm to 150mm, preferably about 70mm to 130mm, most preferably about 100mm. Preferably, the pocket has a width of about 5mm to 100mm, preferably about 60mm to 80mm.

The support may define a plurality of separate or distinct pockets or sheaths, on the posterior side of the glove. For example, there may be four pockets. The plurality of pockets may be positioned adjacent to each other, they may be positioned side by side, and/or they may be arranged in parallel. Each pocket may be arranged such that when the support is worn, each pocket is orientated in a substantially longitudinal orientation with respect to the wearer's arm, such that they extend along the wearer's wrist and hand. If there is a plurality of pockets, each pocket may have a width of about 5mm to 20mm. The plurality of pockets or sheaths may be formed from a pocket or sheath that has been sub-divided into a plurality of narrower sections (or sub-pockets). For example, opposing sides of the pocket may be joined together (e.g. by stitching) to define each sub-pocket.

Other means for securing the reinforcement to the glove may be suitable. For example, the support may comprise a strap or clip, or may attach to the glove using a fastening means, such as a hook-and-loop fastening means for engaging with the reinforcement.

The reinforcement may be positioned, in use, such that it extends over the wearer's wrist, in a substantially longitudinal direction, to the wearer's hand. The reinforcement may extend to the wearer's metacarpus. Preferably, it does not extend beyond the base of the wearer's fingers (e.g. up to at least one of the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints) but it may extend up to the base of the wearer's fingers. This may mean that the reinforcement does not affect movement of the wearer's fingers when worn.

When the support is worn, the reinforcement may extend down to the distal part of the wearer's forearm, over part of the radius or ulna of the wearer's arm. So, the reinforcement may extend over the wrist joint from the distal part of the wearer's forearm to the metacarpus.

The reinforcement may be a panel, strip or bone. There may be a plurality of the reinforcement. For example, the plurality of reinforcements may be positioned, or positionable, adjacent to each other, side-by-side. The reinforcements may be arranged in parallel. When worn, the reinforcement, or reinforcements, may align in a substantially longitudinal orientation with respect to the wearer's arm.

The reinforcement may have a length of 50mm to 150mm, preferably about 70mm to 100mm. The reinforcement may have a width of 5mm to 50mm, preferably 5mm to 20mm, most preferably about 10mm. The reinforcement may have a thickness of 5mm, or less, preferably 2mm or less.

Preferably, the reinforcement is not manufactured from a fabric. Preferably, the reinforcement is manufactured from one or more sections of a resilient material such as a resilient polymer or metal, preferably aluminium or stainless steel.

Preferably, the reinforcement is flexible, but resilient. In use, when a force is applied to the reinforcement, it may bend and when the force is removed, it may revert to its original shape or configuration. For example, the reinforcement may be substantially flat or planar, and it is preferably straight, when no force is being applied to it. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement is fabricated from a coiled wire. Preferably, the reinforcement is a coiled wire that has been flattened.

The reinforcement may act as a spring. The material from which the reinforcement is fabricated may be more rigid than the at least one resilient material from which the glove is fabricated.

In a preferred embodiment, the support comprises a strap for securing around the wrist section, or cuff, of the glove. The strap may be fabricated from a material that is less resilient than the glove material or is less elastically deformable than the glove material when stretched. Preferably, the strap is not substantially elastically deformable. Preferably, the strip is manufactured from a fabric such as a webbing material. A preferred strap material comprises 67.1% cotton and 32.9% nylon. The strap may be 30mm to 70mm wide, preferably from 40mm to 60mm wide, most preferably about 50mm wide. In use, the strap preferably wraps over the pocket, around the exterior of the glove. The strap may comprise, or be attached to, a buckle. The strap may comprise, or be attached to, a fastening means, such as a hook or loop fastening material, e.g. Velcio®, at an end, preferably its distal end i.e. the end that is not attached to the glove.

The support may comprise a flap attached, at one end, to the posterior side of the glove. The one end of the flap may be stitched to the posteliol side of the glove.

The flap may be arranged to fasten ovel, and to, the stiap. For example, the flap may comprise a fastening means such as a hook or loop fastening material for fastening to the hook or loop fastening material of the strap.

The support may comprise a fastening section, on the posterior side of the glove. It may be attached to the cuff, or wiist section of the glove. It may be adjacent to the cuff opening of the glove. The fastening section may comprise a fastening means, such as a hook or loop fastening material. The fastening section may be positioned such that, in use, it is on the opposite side of the strap to where the flap is attached to the glove. So, when the flap is folded down such that it is positioned ovei the strap, a part of the flap may attach to the strap, and a part may attach to the fastening section of the glove.

The strap is preferably adjustable such that the user may alter the tightness of the stiap, in use. Tightening the stiap around the wrist may provide compiession and may improve proprioreceptive awareness.

In a paiticulaily preferred embodiment, the glove is fabiicated from a iesilient material or fabiic. It may be fabricated from one oi moie types of resilient material or fabric. A resilient material is a material that can elastically deform under load and return to its original shape when the load is removed, for example rubber materials or elastomeric fabric materials. Resilient materials that may be suitable for manufacturing a dynamic support as described herein include elastomeric materials such as Lycra®.

Preferably, when worn, the glove conforms to the wiist and hand of the wearer.

Most preferably, the anterior side of the glove exerts a stronger tensile or compressive force, when stretched, than the posterior side of the glove. This may act to restrict extension of the wearer's wrist and promote flexion of the wearer's wrist. To achieve this, the anterior side of the glove may be fabricated from a more resilient material than the posterior side of the glove or may comprise reinforcing panels to restrict extension of a wearer's wrist. So, the posterior side of the glove may comprise, or be fabricated from, a first resilient material. The first resilient material is preferably formed from any suitable elastomeric material, for example materials comprising a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer such as Dorlastan°, Spandex®, or Lycra ®. A particularly suitable material may be a polyamide-cotton-Dorlastan® material, for example a material comprising 51% polyamide, 17% cotton and 32% Dorlastan®.

The anterior side of the glove may comprise, or be fabricated from, a second resilient material. The second resilient material may be a material that provides less elastic deformation, or greater stiffness, than the first resilient material. Such a material may be defined as having a greater elastic modulus than the first resilient material. This may increase the ability of the material to exert a force in a predetermined direction even when not stretched to a great degree in the predetermined direction. The second material may have anisotropic properties i.e. may be a material that allows a lower elastic deformation in one direction than another. A suitable material may be, for example a nylon/cotton material or a nylon! Lycra ® material, for example a material comprising 81% polyamide and 19% Lycra®. The anterior side may comprise a Lycra® powernet fabric. The anterior of the glove may comprise the same resilient material as the posterior of the glove i.e. the first resilient material. However, it may also comprise the second resilient material, possibly on top of, or outside of, the first resilient material. The posterior side may not comprise the second resilient material, or may comprise less of the second resilient material than the anterior side. The second resilient material may be in the form of a panel or panels positioned on the posterior of the glove, and may be positioned on the first resilient material. The presence of the second resilient material on the anterior of the glove may act to resist or restrict In one embodiment, the anterior side of the glove defines an indent, such that when worn, the indent is stretched to conform to the wearer's wrist and/or hand thereby initiating lines of tension that act to restrict extension and promote flexion of the wearer's wrist. The indent may be formed at an indent seam or dart that runs across the anterior side of the glove. Preferably, the indent seam or dart is located at the wrist section of the glove. The indent seam or dart may be positioned, in use, across the anterior of the wearers wrist.

A dart may be formed by gathering or pleating a portion of the material on the anterior side of the glove. This material may then be fixed or joined to form an indent on the anterior side of the glove, for example by sewing.

In a preferred embodiment, a dart may be formed by removing a portion of material from an anterior side of the glove, to form an aperture or opening defined through the anterior side of the glove. Edges of the hole may then be joined such that a portion of the anterior side is indented relative to the remainder of the glove. The remaining parts or edges of the opening may be joined together by, for example, sewing or stitching them together. Formation of a seam may thus hold the edges of the opening together.

The term "dart" encompasses a fold or pleat sewn into a fabric to provide a three dimensional shape to the fabric as well as a region in which material has been removed to define a gap or hole, the edges of which have been joined together. A dart in the anterior side effectively forms an indent in the anterior side. The indent seam or the dart may run or extend across part of the wrist section. The indent seam may have a length of about 30mm to 70mm.

When not worn, the glove may have a width of about 60mm to 100mm. It may have a length of about 100mm to 150mm.

Preferably, the glove is a fingerless glove, in which, a wearer's fingers (and the thumb) are at least partially exposed and are not completely covered by the glove.

The glove may define a cuff opening (or wrist opening), a thumb opening and one or more finger openings. The one or more finger openings may comprise a single opening from which, in use, the wearer's four fingers protrude. The edge of the cuff opening may, in use, fit around the distal part of the wearer's forearm, for example, just below the wearer's wrist. The edge of the finger opening may fit around the base of the wearer's fingers and the edge of the thumb opening may fit around the base of the wearer's thumb.

Alternatively, there may be a single opening for the fingers and the thumb, which may be termed a digit opening. Alternatively, the glove may define distinct finger openings, one for each of the wearer's fingers and thumb.

The glove may extend up to base of the wearer's fingers and thumb e.g. the metacarpophalangeal joints, but preferably extends no further along the wearer's fingers and thumb than this. However, the glove may extend beyond one or more of the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints so that it fits around part of the proximal pad of the fingers and/or thumb, e.g. the proximal phalanges, but preferably not up to the intermediate phalanges.

The glove may define an opening on its anterior side that, in use, exposes at least part of the palm of the wearer. The opening may thus be termed a palm opening.

This may provide the wearer with greater sensory feedback or proprioceptive feedback when holding on to an object.

The term "glove" encompasses a gauntlet. A gauntlet may refer to a glove with an extended cuff covering part of the forearm.

The support may comprise a pad or section on the anterior side, for example on a palm section of the glove, that provides increased friction or grip when in contact with another surface, such as concrete, when compared to the underlying material or the material from which the glove is fabricated. For example, the pad may be positioned on top of a resilient fabric, such as Lycra®. In a preferred embodiment, the pad comprises silicon. Alternative suitable materials may include rubber or rubber-like materials.

The pad may comprise a plurality of gripping points or dots of the material that provides increased friction or grip compared to the underlying material. For example, the panel may comprise an array of such dots.

The support may enhance the wearer's proprioception i.e. the individual's subconscious awareness of their hand and wrist position. Thus, the wearer may be made aware of when their wrist or hand is in an optimal or sub-optimal position.

For example, the support may provide resistance and inform the wearer as to when the hand or wrist is being moved into an undesirable position.

In some embodiments the support may be a bespoke support. For example, the precise position of the pocket, reinforcement and/or strap may be specific for an individual wearer. A clinician may specify properties of the support for such an individual wearer.

The invention may provide a kit comprising an orthotic support as defined in any form above; and a resilient reinforcement as defined in any form above. In the kit, the reinforcement may be separate from the support, but may be releasably securable to it.

The kit may comprise a plurality of the reinforcements. The user may thus adjust the rigidity of the support as required. The reinforcements may be of varying rigidity! as discussed above. The kit may comprise at least one reinforcement having a first rigidity, preferably more than one reinforcement having the first rigidity and at least one reinforcement having a second rigidity, preferably more than one reinforcement having the second rigidity. The first rigidity may be greater than the second rigidity.

The invention may provide a method for restricting wrist extension which may reduce the risk of, or prevent, hyperextension of a wrist, comprising wearing or applying an orthotic wrist support as described in any form above.

So, the method may comprise obtaining an orthotic support, the support comprising a glove, the glove fabricated from at least one resilient material and having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint; releasably securing a resilient reinforcement to the wrist section on the posterior side of the glove; and wearing the support.

The reinforcement may be secured before the user wears the glove, or whilst the user is wearing the glove.

The method may comprise wearing the support whilst diving.

The method may comprise selecting a reinforcement of a particular rigidity according to the wearer's preference and then releasably securing the reinforcement to the glove. The method may comprise releasably securing a plurality of resilient reinforcements to the glove. The method may thus comprise, selecting a particular number of reinforcements to secure to the glove according to the wearer's preference, and then securing that number of reinforcements to the glove.

Securing reinforcements of a greater rigidity to the glove, or increasing the number of reinforcements that are secured to the glove, may restrict extension of the wearer's wrist to a greater extent but it may also reduce mobility of the wearer's wrist. The wearer may select reinforcements to achieve a balance between preventing, or reducing the risk of, hyperextension and allowing them sufficient wrist mobility.

The invention may provide a method for restricting extension of a wrist, comprising wearing a dynamic orthotic wrist support, the support comprising a glove, the glove having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint; the support having a reinforcement positioned at a wrist section on a posterior side of the glove.

The invention may provide a resilient reinforcement such as a strip or panel as described in any form above, for an orthotic wrist support, as described in any form above.

In a preferred embodiment, the support is a dynamic orthotic wrist support. The support may be termed a diving glove or diving gauntlet.

Srecific Descrirjtion of a Preferred Embodiment An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a projection of the anterior side of a wrist support according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a projection of the posterior side of the support of figure 1; Figure 3 is a projection of the interior surface of the posterior side of the support of figures 1 and 2, when the support is inside-out; and Figure 4 is a projection of the front of a reinforcement for use in the support of figures ito 3.

An orthotic wrist diving support 1, according to a specific embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures ito 3. Figures 1 to 3 show the support in an unworn, unfastened state, designed for a left hand. The support is about 140mm in length and 80mm in width and has a front or anterior section 3 (shown most clearly in figure 2) and a back or posterior section 5 (shown most clearly in figure 3). The front and back sections are manufactured from a first resilient material formed from 52% polyamide, 17% cotton and 32% Dorlastan®. The underlying material of the front section is the same as the material used for the back section. However, the front section also has an overlying layer of a second resilient material in the form of a power-net fabric made from 81% polyamide and 19% Lycra®.

A cuff opening 7, a thumb opening 9 and a finger opening 11 are defined between the front section 3 and back section 5. The front section and back section may thus form a glove (or a base glove), in the form of a gauntlet, to which other components of the support are attached (see below).

The front section 3 has an indent or dart formed at a dart seam 12. The dart seam is positioned across pad of the front section approximately half way between the cuff opening 7 and the finger opening ii. The dart is formed by removing a portion of the material on the front section to define a hole and then stitching the edges of the hole together to form the seam.

Aftached to the back section 5 is a strap 17, approximately 400mm in length and 50mm in width. The strap is manufactured from a mixture of 67.1% cotton and 32.9% Nylon and is not substantially resilient. A first end of the strap is sewn to the back section of the gauntlet and is also attached to a buckle 19. At the opposite, second end of the strap there is a loop fastening material 21.

A flap 13 is attached to the back section 5. One end of the flap is sewn to the back section, adjacent to the strap 17 and approximately half-way between the finger opening 11 and the cuff opening 7. A hook fastening material 14 is attached to one side of the flap. A fastening section 15 having a loop fastening material is attached to the back section, adjacent to cuff opening 7.

Attached to the inner surface of the back section 5 are four adjacent pockets 23, arranged in parallel. Each pocket has a length of about 100mm and a width of between about 10mm and 20mm. The pockets are formed from an inner layer of the first resilient material and an outer layer of the first resilient material, with a cushioning, foam layer (not shown) in between the inner and outer layers of the pocket. The two layers and cushioning layer are sewn together to form a rectangular pocket patch 29 that defines the four pockets. The pocket patch is about 100mm in length and 60mm in width. A pocket opening (not shown) is defined at the end of each pocket that is nearest to the cuff opening 7.

Three of the four outer edges of the pocket patch 29 are sewn to the inner surface of the back section 5. The edge of the pocket patch nearest to the cuff opening 7 is not sewn to the inner surface of the back section. As a result, a pouch (not shown) is formed between the patch and the inner surface of the back section.

A rectangular pocket flap 27 is positioned over the pocket openings to and an opening to the pouch.

Figure 4 shows a resilient reinforcement strip 33 for use with the support 1, as shown in figures 1 to 3. The strip is manufactured from steel and is in the form of a flattened coiled wire, also termed a spiral steel bone (sourced from Wilh. Wissner GmbH & Co. KG -7 x 0.9 mm SPF MK). It has a length of about 100mm and a width of about 10mm. The strip is more rigid than the material used to manufacture the front and back sections of the gauntlet, but it is resilient such that if it is bent, it springs back to its original, straight configuration.

In use, the wearer inserts at least one of the reinforcement strips 33 into each of the four pockets 23. To do this, the user must lift the pocket flap 27 to expose the pocket openings. The user then slides the strips into the openings. The dimensions of the pockets are similar to the dimensions of the reinforcement strips, meaning that the strips are held securely in place in the pockets. Once inserted, the pocket flap is moved such that it covers the pocket openings. The wearer may also insert reinforcements into the pouch, through the pouch opening.

The wearer then dons the support 1 by inserting their hand through the cuff opening 7, positioning their fingers through the finger opening 11 and their thumb through the thumb opening 9. When worn, the edge of the cuff opening is positioned just below the wearer's wrist around the distal end of the wearer's forearm. The edge of the finger opening is positioned at the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the base of the wearers fingers and the edge of the thumb opening is positioned around the base of the wearer's thumb.

The front section 3 is positioned over the wearers palm and the front of the wearer's wrist. The back section 5 is positioned over the back of the wearer's hand and the back of the wearer's wrist. The dart seam 12 is positioned across the front of the wearer's wrist joint. The pockets 23 and inserted reinforcement strips 33 are positioned such that they extend in a longitudinal direction over the wrist from the base of the wearer's fingers on the back of the hand to below the wearer's wrist, on the distal end of the wearer's forearm.

With the flap 13 on the back of the support in a raised, unfastened position (as shown in figure 2, the strap 17 (which is attached to the gauntlet over the wearer's wrist) is wrapped around the wearer's wrist and passed through the buckle 19, such that the loop fastening material 21 at the end of the strap is positioned over the back of the wearer's wrist. The flap 13 then folds down and over the loop fastening material at the end of the strap. The hook fastening material 14 on the flap attaches to the ioop fastening material at the end of the strap and also attaches to the loop material of the fastening section 15 on the back section of the support. Consequently! the strap is held securely in place. The tightness of the strap can be adjusted by the wearer, as they see fit.

With the diving gauntlet now secured, the wearer may then carry out their diving routine. When the divei is entering the water hands-first with their palms facing downwards, the glove acts to restrict extension of the wearer's wrist, preventing or reducing the risk of hyperextension. The reinforcement strips 33, strap 17 and the more resilient material on the front section 3 all act to prevent hyperextension of the wearer's wrist. Furthermore, the dart formed at the dad seam 12 is stretched to conform to the wearer's wrist and hand, thereby initiating lines of tension that increase the tensile or compressive forces exerted by the front section to resist extension of the wearer's wrist.

The support is adjustable according to the needs or preferences of the wearer. For example, the wearer may require greater support for a higher dive in which they enter the water with more force. In such circumstances, the wearer may decide to replace the reinforcement strips 33 with stiffer, less flexible strips, or may decide to put a plurality of the reinforcement strips shown in figure 4, in each pocket. The reinforcements can be stacked on top of each other in each pocket e.g. three bones in each pocket. For a dive that is likely to exert less stress on the wrists, the diver may decide to remove the reinforcement strips altogether. For example, they may find that the strap alone provides sufficient support.

Claims

Claims 1. An orthotic wrist support comprising: a glove fabricated from one or more resilient material having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint; and a means for releasably securing a resilient reinforcement to the wrist section on the posterior side of the glove, the reinforcement acting, when the support is worn, to restrict extension of a wearer's wrist.
2. An orthotic wrist support, comprising: a glove manufactured from one or more resilient material having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint; and a resilient reinforcement positioned at a wrist section on a posterior side of the glove, acting, when the support is worn, to restrict extension of a wearer's wrist, optionally in which the support comprises a means for releasably securing the resilient reinforcement to the wrist section on the posterior side of the glove, to which the reinforcement is releasably secured.
3. A support according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the resilient reinforcement is more rigid than the one or more resilient material of the glove.
4. A support according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the means for releasably securing the reinforcement comprises a pocket or sheath.
5. A support according to claim 3, comprising a cushioned section on an inner side of the pocket or sheath for, in use, providing a protective layer between the wearer's wrist and the reinforcement.
6. A support according to claim 4 or claim 5, in which the pocket or sheath defines an opening through which the reinforcement can be inserted into, and removed from, the pocket or sheath.
7. A support according to claim 6, in which the opening is defined on the interior of the glove.
8. A support according to any of claims 4 to 7 in which, in use, the pocket or sheath extends along at least part of the back of the wearer's hand, preferably up to the base of at least one of the wearer's fingeis.
9. A support according to any of claims 4 to 8, in which, in use, the at least one pocket or sheath extends down to a distal part of the wearer's forearm, over part of the radius or ulna of the wearer's arm.
10. A support according to any of claims 4 to 9, comprising a plurality of the pockets or sheaths.
11. A support according to any preceding claim comprising a strap for securing around the wrist section of the glove.
12. A support according to claim 11, in which the strap is fabricated from a material that does not substantially elastically deform when stretched.
13. A support according to claim 11 or claim 12, in which the strap is from 30mm to 70mm (millimetres) wide, preferably from 40mm to 60mm wide, most preferably about 50mm wide.
14. A support according to any of claims 11 to 13, in which the strap comprises a fastening means, preferably a hook or loop fastening material.
15. A support according to any of claims 11 to 14, comprising a flap on the posterior side of the glove, the flap being arranged to fasten over and to the strap.
16. A support according to claims 14 and 15, in which the flap comprises a fastening means, preferably a hook or loop fastening material, for fastening to the fastening means of the strap.
17. A support according to claim 15 or claim 16, comprising a fastening section on a posterior side of the glove, the fastening section being arranged such that, in use, it is positioned on the opposite side of the strap to where the flap is attached to the posterior section of the glove.
18. A support according to any preceding claim, in which the anterior side of the glove defines an indent in the resilient material, such that when worn, the indent is stretched to conform to the wearer's wrist and/or hand thereby initiating lines of tension that act to restrict extension and promote flexion of the wearer's wrist.
19. A support according to claim 18, in which the indent is formed at an indent seam or dart that runs across the anterior side of the glove, such that it is positioned, in use, across the anterior of the wearer's wrist.
20. A support according to any preceding claim, in which, when worn, the anterior side of the glove exerts a stronger tensile or compressive force than the posterior side of the glove, to restrict extension of the wearer's wrist and/or promote flexion of the wearer's wrist.
21. A support according to claim 20, in which the anterior side of the glove comprises a more resilient material, or less elastically deformable material, than the posterior side of the glove.
22. A support according to any preceding claim, in which the reinforcement has a length of 50mm to 150mm, preferably about 100mm.
23. A support according to any preceding claim, in which the reinforcement has a width of 5mm to 50mm, preferably 5mm to 20mm, most preferably about 10mm
24. A support according to any preceding claim, in which the reinforcement is manufactured from metal, preferably aluminium or stainless steel.
25. A support according to claim 24, in which the reinforcement is fabricated comprises a flattened, coiled wire.
26. A support according to any preceding claim in which the reinforcement is a strip or panel.
27. A kit comprising: a dynamic orthotic wrist support, the support having a glove fabricated from a resilient material, the glove having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint, and a means for releasably securing a resilient reinforcement to the wrist section on the posterior side of the glove; and at least one resilient reinforcement releasably securable to the glove.
28. A kit according to claim 27, comprising a plurality of resilient reinforcements.
29. A kit according to claim 28, in which the plurality of resilient reinforcements comprises a reinforcement of a first rigidity and a reinforcement of a second rigidty, the first rigidity being greater than the second rigidity.
30. A method for restricting wrist extension, comprising: obtaining an orthotic wrist support, the support comprising a glove, the glove fabricated from a resilient material and having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint; releasably securing a resilient reinforcement to the wrist section on the posterior side of the glove; and wearing the support.
31. A method for restricting wrist extension, comprising: wearing an orthotic wrist support, the support comprising a glove, the glove fabricated from a resilient material and having a posterior side, an anterior side and a wrist section that covers, when worn, a wearer's wrist joint; the support having a reinforcement positioned at a wrist section on a posterior side of the glove.
32. A method according to claim 30 or claim 31 comprising wearing the support whilst diving.
33. An orthotic wrist support substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
34. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
35. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.