WO2000035390A1

WO2000035390A1 - Athletic brace for the lower arm

Info

Publication number: WO2000035390A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/030159
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giora Hahn; John G. Morris, Jr.
Original assignee: Giora Hahn; Morris John G Jr
Priority date: 1998-12-17
Filing date: 1999-12-15
Publication date: 2000-06-22

Abstract

A brace (16) for protecting the lower arm, particularly the base joint of the thumb, during a fall. The brace (16) includes a main body (2), a sheath (10), and a plurality of straps (18). The main body (2) substantially follows the contour of the underside of the lower arm and has an open upper section. The sheath (10) defines a bore (12), and is attached to the main body (2) so as to allow the thumb to fit within the bore. The straps (18) traverse the open upper section of the main body (2) to secure the brace to the lower arm. The main body (2) and the sheath (10) strapped to the lower arm provide protection to the lower arm in the event of a fall. The brace is intended for use in any activity that can result in injury to the lower arm, and base joint of the thumb such as skateboarding, snow boarding, skiing, and roller blade.

Description

ATHLETIC BRACE FOR THE LOWER ARM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an athletic brace for the lower arm. More particularly, this invention relates to a snowboarder's brace that fits a snowboarder's lower arm and includes a sheath that surrounds and protects the snowboarder's thumb.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snowboarding is a popular sport at both the leisure and competitive levels. Snowboarding's popularity has increased so dramatically that it was included for the first time as a medal event in the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

Like traditional alpine skiing the snowboarder uses gravity to ride the snowboard down a snow-covered mountain or hill. Unlike traditional alpine skiing, the snowboarder attaches both feet onto a single snowboard. The snowboard has edges that run the length of the snowboard. To control speed, snowboarder turns as he or she rides down the mountain. To turn, the snowboarder simply shifts his or her weight to the appropriate inside edge of the snowboard. The snowboarder does not use ski poles to help maintain balance. Occasionally, however, the snowboarder may have to put his hand down in the course of a turn to maintain balance. An unfortunate and frequent consequence of snowboarding is that snowboarders occasionally lose their balance and fall for a variety of reasons. During a fall the snowboarder may be injured.

When the snowboarder uses his hand to maintain balance during a turn there is the possibility of an injury. In addition, when the snowboarder loses his balance and falls there is a possibility of an injury. Typical injuries caused by snowboarding include distal radius fractures and scaphoid fractures. Injuries also occur during skiing. A typical skiing injury includes breaking or spraining the thumb, most typically near or around the base joint. A break to the base joint is extremely painful and causes substantial loss of the use of the entire hand for an extended period of time. In addition, a tear to the ulner collateral ligament can cause permanent loss of some of the functions of the thumb, and thus gripping power in the hand.

Protection against these injuries is of utmost importance to both alpine skiers and snowboarders. It is with these goals in mind that the instant invention was created.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a device for the protection of a snowboarder's or alpine skiers thumb during a turn or fall.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the protection of a snowboarder's or alpine skiers wrist during a turn or fall.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is supportive and comfortable for the snowboarder or skier.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is usable with existing snowboard and ski apparel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that may be integrally formed to a glove used in snowboarding or skiing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention is embodied in a snowboarder's lower arm brace. The brace generally takes the form of a contoured main body. The main body is contoured to substantially fit the underside of the lower arm extending from the base of the fingers, across the palm to the wrist, and terminates before the elbow. The main body is open on the top. A sheath, shaped to fit the thumb, is integrally attached to the main body. The sheath provides protection for the thumb and the joint between the thumb and the hand. The main body in combination with the sheath provides protection to the wrist. Both the main body and sheath are padded to provide comfort to the wearer. The main body and sheath are secured to the snowboarder by the use of straps or other adjustable attachment means. The main body in conjunction with the adjustable straps allow the brace to fit snowboarders with varying sized wrists and hands. In addition, this allows the brace to fit over a glove and coat sleeve. The straps are attached to either side of the upper opening of the main body and tighten across the upper opening of the main body. This provides the brace with a snug fit to the snowboarder.

In activities such as snowboarding, alpine skiing, skateboarding, and rollerblading a fall often occurs. A typical response for a person falling is to attempt to use his or her hands to cushion the fall. In these situations, the potential for damaging the base joint of the thumb is quite possible. The sheath portion of the brace substantially reduces the possibility of injury to the base joint. In addition, the contoured palm portion of the main body of the brace protects the palm and the hand during a fall. Furthermore, the solid lower section of the main body protects the wrist joint. Moreover, by being light weight, padded, and contoured to the shape of the lower arm the brace is comfortable to use. These are just a few of the benefits the brace provides the user.

Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the drawings, and from appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a bottom view of a brace embodying the present invention secured to the lower arm.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a brace embodying the present invention secured to the lower arm.

Fig. 3 is an opposite side view from Fig. 2 of a brace embodying the present invention secured to the lower arm and also showing a sheath for the thumb.

Fig. 4 is a top view of a brace embodying the present invention secured to the lower arm.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a brace embodying the present invention with the pad removed.

Fig. 6 is view of a pad for inserting into the brace of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a section taken along line 7 — 7 of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 8 is a section taken along line 8 — 8 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a section taken along line 9 — 9 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of a brace embodying the present invention secured to the lower arm, the brace including a slot formed across the palm for receiving a ski pole.

Fig. 1 1 is a section taken along line 1 1 -1 1 of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a top view of a glove incorporating the brace of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a section taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a section taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the present invention including an alternative embodiment of the thumb sheath where the thumb sheath encloses the thumb.

Fig. 16 is a bottom view of the present invention including an alternative embodiment of the thumb sheath where the thumb sheath coves the underside of the thumb.

Fig. 17 is a bottom view of the present invention including an alternative embodiment of the thumb portion where the thumb sheath covers the top side of the thumb.

Fig. 18 is a top view of a brace secured to the lower arm using over-center clips.

Fig. 19 is a top view of a brace secured to the lower arm using an elastic fabric.

Fig. 19a is a section taken along the line of 19a-19a of Fig. 19.

Fig. 20 is a top view of a brace secured to the lower arm using a single wide strap.

Fig. 21 is a top view of a brace secured to the lower arm using a strap in combination with a cylindrical rear portion.

Fig. 21 a is a section taken along line 21 a-21 a of Fig. 21.

Fig. 22 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a glove incorporating the brace of the present invention. Fig. 23 is a section taken along line 23-23 of Fig. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the brace 16 embodying the present invention, as shown in Figs. 1 -23, includes a main body 2 with a solid lower section 4 and an open upper section 6. Referring first to Fig. 1 , the solid lower section 4 generally conforms to the underside of the lower arm 8 extending from the base of the fingers across the wrist 30 along the underside of the lower arm 8 term inating prior to the elbow. A sheath 10, defining a bore 12 for receiving the thumb 14, is attached to the main body 2. The brace 16 is secured to the lower arm 8 through the use of a plurality of straps 18, which traverse the open upper section 6 of the main body 2.

The present invention is effective and simple to use. As shown in Fig. 1 , the main body 2 is contoured to the general shape of the lower arm 8, with a sheath 10 adapted to fit the thumb 14. The snowboarder simply loosens the straps 18, places his or her lower arm 8 into the main body 2 while at the same time placing his or her thumb 14 into the sheath 10, then tightens the straps 18 to form a snug fit of the brace 16 to the lower arm 8. The brace 16 is designed to not interfere with the snowboarder while snowboarding. The brace 16 is designed to protect the thumb 14 in the type of fall that would typically cause injury to the wrist 30 and thumb 14 area.

The main body 2 has a solid lower section 4 and an open upper section 6. As seen in Figs. 5 and 7, the solid lower section 4 forms a generally C-shaped cross section 20 having an open upper section 6 and a C-shaped solid lower section 4. The open upper section 6 and C-shaped solid lower section 4 in combination with adjustable straps 18 allows the brace 16 to fit varying size lower arms 8. The main body 2 generally has a base wall 22, and two sidewalls 24 that make up the C- shaped cross section 20. The base 22 of the main body 2 is where the underside of the lower arm 8 rests when the brace 16 is positioned on the lower arm. The sidewalls 24 extend from the base 22 to partially surround the lower arm 8. The sidewalls 24 define a longitudinal edge 26 that extends the length of the brace 16 on either side. In addition, the longitudinal edges 26 define the open upper section 6 of the main body 2. Generally, the main body 2 is contoured to fit the snowboarder's lower arm 8, hand 28, and wrist 30 snugly and comfortably. The contouring is seen in several of the figures. Fig. 1 shows how the main body 2 and the sheath 10 form a thumb contour 32 that substantially fits the shape of the thumb 14. The main body 2 widens from the base of the hand 28 along the outside edge of the thumb 14 until the main body 2 merges with the sheath 10 to define the thumb contour 32.

Furthermore, Fig. 1 illustrates how the main body 2 forms a palm depression contour 34. Here the main body is contoured to follow the shallow depression in the area of the hand 28 between the base of the fingers 36 and the base of the hand 38. Fig. 1 also illustrates the lower arm contour 40 of the main body 2. The lower arm contour 40 has a generally increasing dimension from the base of the hand 38 along the wrist 30 to the elbow 42. Expressed differently, the radius of the C- shaped cross section 20 of the main body 2 increases to fit the generally increasing dimension of the lower arm 8 from the base of the hand 38 toward the elbow.

In addition, the main body may have a wrist bone contour 44.

Figs 2, 3, and 5 illustrate the two wrist bone contours 44. The wrist bone contours 44 are located on opposite sides of the main body 2 adjacent to the wrist bone 46. The bone contour 44 provides comfort to the snowboarder by allowing the protruding wrist bone 46 to be free from substantial contact by the main body 2. Generally, the wrist bone contour 44 is a outwardly opening arc formed in the opposing sidewalls 24 of the main body 2 adjacent the wrist bone 46.

The main body 2 is formed of carbon fiber resin, plastic, or other similar material. Any material that is conformable and strong enough to withstand the impact of a fall is suitable. Carbon fiber resin is preferred because it is lightweight, durable, relatively inexpensive to manufacturer, and is generally weather proof. These are considered desirable properties for the brace 16 of the present invention. However, strength is the only essential requirement.

The sheath 10 is generally illustrated in Figs. 1 , 3, 4, 5 and 9.

The sheath is attached to the main body at one side of the hand region of the brace and defines a bore 12 for receiving the thumb 14. The sheath extends along the thumb to about the second knuckle 13 of the thumb 14. In addition, the sheath completely surrounds the thumb. This allows for protection of the bone 48, and bone joints of the thumb, while still allowing the thumb some flexibility for gripping objects or bending when necessary. (See Fig. 9. )

The sheath 10 can have other embodiments. For example, Fig. 15 illustrates a solid upper sheath 50. In this embodiment the sheath 10 does not terminate at the second knuckle. Rather, the solid upper sheath 50 completely covers the upper 52 portion of the thumb 14. This provides protection of the entire length of the thumb 14. Another sheath embodiment is shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 shows the sheath 10 with a shield 54. The shield 54 extends from the end of the sheath 10 to adjacent the tip 56 of the thumb 14. The shield has a C-shaped cross section wherein the open part of the shield 54 allows the thumb 14 to bend inwardly (shown in dash) 58 and the solid part of the shield prevents the thumb from bending outwardly. The C- shaped sheath is oriented so that the opening 62 is adjacent the palm 60, as shown in Fig. 17. The shield 10 provides enhanced protection of the upper thumb 52 while still allowing for use of the thumb 14.

In another embodiment, the sheath 10 may have a slot 64 from the base 66 of the sheath 10 to the end 68 of the sheath 10 (See Fig. 16.). The slot is formed in the sheath over the outer portion of the thumb, and allows the thumb 14 to freely move outwardly 70. Thus, the sheath 10 would still protect the thumb 14 from impact that might cause the thumb 14 to bend away from the hand. This sheath is also C- shaped, with the opening of the C-shape facing away from the palm 60.

A plurality of straps 18 are used to secure the main body 2 to the lower arm 8. A first end 72 of the strap 18 is fixedly attached to the main body 2 by a rivet 74. The first end 72 of the strap 18 is located generally below the edge 76 of the main body 2 on one side of the open upper section 6. A second end 78 of the strap 18 is removably attached to the main body 2 by an anchor 80. The anchor 80 generally forms a loop 82 adapted to receive the second end 78 of the strap 18. In addition, the anchor 80 allows for strap 18 adjustment and disengagement. The anchor 80 is fixedly attached to the main body by a strap and rivet combination 84. The second end 78 of the strap 18 is fed through the anchor 80 and doubles back over the strap 18. The strap 18 can then be used to secure the brace to the lower arm through the use of the hook and loop fastening system 86 as described below.

The strap 18 is secured through the use of hook and loop fastening system 86. The hook and loop fastening system 86 can be Velcro™ brand hook and loop fasteners. A first portion 88 of the hook and loop fastening system 86 is attached on the side of the strap 18 that faces away from the lower arm 8. The first portion 88 of the hook and loop fastening system 86 extends from the rivet 74 at the first end 72 of the strap 18 along the side of the strap that faces away from the lower arm 8 to approximately the mid-point 87 of the strap 18. The second portion 90 of the hook and loop fastening system 86 (adapted to secure to the first portion of the hook and loop fastening system) attaches to the same side of the strap 18 as the first portion 88. After the second end 78 of the strap 18 is fed through the anchor 80, the second portion 90 of the hook and loop fastener 86 is pulled over the lower arm 8 and secured to the first portion 88 of the hook and loop fastener 86 as best shown in Fig. 4.

To provide maximum comfort to the lower arm 8, the straps 18 may be fitted with a strap pad 92. The preferred embodiment of the brace 16 includes a strap pad 92 with a first slot 94 and a second slot 96 formed therethrough. Both the first slot 94 and the second slot 96 are adapted to fit the strap 18. The strap 18 is fed through the first slot 94 and then through the second slot 96 to secure the pad adjustably to the strap 18 and to provide the maximum pad surface in contact with the arm.

The function of the pad 92 could be met with a variety of alternative embodiments. For example, the pad 92 could be integrally formed with the straps, or the straps could be wider and thus not require as much or any padding.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pad 1 12, shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 6, that fits within the inner portion of the main body 2. It is shaped to slightly overhang the entire peripheral edge 76 of the main body 2. This provides comfort to the user by preventing the edge of the main body from rubbing against the skin. In addition, the pad 1 12 also extends into the inner bore 12 of the sheath 10. This provides additional comfort and protection for the thumb 14.

The pad 1 12 of the present invention is made of neoprene. Generally, the pad should be durable, and resistant to water, sweat, and oil from the human skin. The pad is not required for this invention to function. In an embodiment where the brace fit the outside of a coat sleeve 1 10 and glove 102 the pad may not be necessary. If the brace is integrally attached to a glove, the glove itself may provide the padding or the padding may not be necessary. The incorporation of the brace into the glove is discussed in more detail with respect to

Figs. 12, 13 and 14.

The pad 1 12 is removably attached to the main body 2 by a plurality of hook and loop fasteners 114. Generally, a first 1 16 hook and loop fastener 1 14 is attached to the inner portion of the main body 2 and a second 1 18 hook and loop fastener 1 14, adapted to attach to the first 1 16 hook and loop fastener 1 14, is attached to the pad 1 12. Each set of hook and loop fasteners 1 14 is located so that when the pad 1 12 is placed within the inner portion 120 of the main body 2 the hook and loop fasteners 1 14 attached to the inner portion of the main body attach to the corresponding hook and loop fasteners on the pad.

The location, number, and shape of the hook and loop fasteners shown in the figures is only one possible embodiment. It was chosen for simplicity, cost effectiveness, and to provide a robust design for securing the pad to the main body. A removable pad allows for cleaning, pad replacement, and use of the brace in situations where a pad is not necessary.

Figs. 10 and 1 1 show a slot 122 formed in the palm 60 portion of the brace 16. The slot 122 extends across the palm from one side of the palm to the space between the thumb 14 and index finger 124. The slot 122 is positioned to receive the top or gripping end of a ski pole, to allow the user to hold a ski pole while wearing the brace. The sheath 10 is also extended in a longer curve 126 to assist in gripping the ski pole. In addition, each of the sheath shape alternatives can be implemented with the slot 122 embodiment of the brace. Fig. 1 1 shows the slot 122 in section. The slot is a C-shaped groove that helps seat the ski pole for a secure engagement.

The main body can be attached to the arm using a fastening system alternative to the straps described above. In the different embodiments described below, parts similar to previously described structure are similarly numbered, and new structure is identified with new reference numbers. For example, Fig. 18 shows a plurality of over-center clips 98 similar to the style of over-center clip used to secure a ski-boot to a skier's lower leg and foot. A first strap 133 extends from the rivet 74 and is pivotally attached to a bale 99. The bale 99 defines a crossbar 101 . A second strap 134 with incrementally-spaced notches 103 for receiving the crossbar 101 of the bale extends from the rivet 74. The strap is inserted through the bale so that the cross bar engages one of the notches 103. The bale is then pivoted away from the second strap to tighten the fastening system. The crossbar engages the notches 103 of the second strap to secure the bale in place and hence to secure the brace to the lower arm. The over-center clip 98 acts to pull the sides of the main body together in a fixed incremental manner due to the engagement of the cross bar in the notches.

In addition, Fig. 19 shows an elastic fabric 100 stretched across part of, or alternatively, the entire open upper section 6 of the main body 2. The elastic fabric 100 stretches to allow the lower arm 8 to be placed within the brace 16 thus securing the brace to the lower arm. The elastic fabric is secured by a rivet 74 to the brace at its first end 135 and by a fastening system 105 to the brace at its second end 136. See Fig. 19a. The fastening system can be a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro™ brand fasteners. The elastic fabric can be fixedly attached along both edges of the brace. In addition to securing the brace to the lower arm, the elastic fabric may provide insulation, decreased production cost, and provide a more appealing appearance.

Moreover, the elastic fabric may be integrally attached within a glove 102 structure to both secure the brace 16 to the lower arm 8 and insulate the user's lower arm. The stretchable fabric provides a secure fit to prevent the brace from moving during use.

Fig. 20 illustrates a wide strap 104 extending along substantially the length of the brace that could replace the plurality of straps 18 shown in Fig. 4. The wide strap includes a first portion attached along one side of the brace and a second portion attached along a second side of the brace. The interior longitudinal edges overlap one another and have hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro™ . A wide strap 104 would decrease the manufacturing cost of the brace, and substantially eliminate the need for strap padding 92.

Fig. 21 and 21 a show a strap in combination with a cylindrical rear portion 106 of the main body 2 to secure the brace to the lower arm 8. The cylindrical rear portion 106 of the main body forms a large bore 108. The large bore 108 has a diameter large enough to allow the hand to pass through, while forming a snug fit to the lower arm 8. Padding can be positioned in the bore to help provide the desired fit and comfort. In this embodiment the brace 16 does not extend as far from the base of the hand toward the elbow lessening the interference the brace may have with a coat sleeve. In this embodiment the strap secures the portion of the brace nearest the hand to the lower arm.

Figs. 12, 13, 14, 22 and 23 show an alternative embodiment of the brace incorporated into a glove 102. The brace 16 fits inside the glove 102 and extends along the palm, wrist and forearm sections of the glove 102. See Fig. 14. The outer surface 128 of the glove 102 covers the brace 16. The brace 16 can be fixed inside the glove 102, such as by sewing or some form of adhesive, so that the brace is attached to the glove. The glove has sufficient elasticity to secure the brace to the arm.

Straps can also be used to secure the brace to the arm. As shown in Fig. 12, two straps 18 can be fixedly attached to the main body 2 by rivets 74. Each end of a strap fits through an aperture 130 formed in the glove 102. The straps 18 engage one another to hold the brace 16 on the lower arm 8. The straps are releasably secured to each other through the use of a fastening system 1 17. A simple and effective fastening system is a hook and loop system, such as Velcro™ brand. Fig. 13 shows overlapping straps. The engagement of the straps acts to pull the brace sidewalls 24 of the main body 2 toward one another and clamp the brace to the arm. Fig. 14 shows the padding 1 12 positioned between the brace 16 and the user.

A second embodiment for removably securing the glove 102 to the brace 16 is shown in Figs. 22 and 23. The straps for securing the brace 16 to the arm 8 are attached to the brace 16 as has been previously described and shown in Figs. 1 - 5. An aperture 131 is formed in the glove contiguous with the attachment place of the first end 72 of the strap 18. A second aperture 137 is formed in the glove contiguous with the anchor 80 so that the anchor 80 will extend outside the glove 102.

The strap 18 is secured through the use of the hook and loop fastening system 86, as was previously described and shown. The first end 72 of the strap 18 is initially fed through the first aperture 131 of the glove, traverses the outside of the glove 102, and loops through the anchor 80. The strap extends back over itself to secure an adjustable length of the strap to clamp the brace to the arm. In this way the strap can be manipulated by the user on the outside of the glove. This embodiment, utilizing the hook and loop fastening system, acts to clamp the brace and glove to the arm. Note, it is envisioned that other manners of removably securing the brace to the glove can be utilized. For instance, a single wide strap or over-center clips may be incorporated into securing the glove to the brace.

In operation, the brace is worn on the lower arm. First, to wear the brace 16, the straps 18 are loosened so the lower arm 8 and hand may pass easily into the inner surface of the main body 2 section. Second, the hand and lower arm are positioned under the straps so as to rest on the inner surface of the main body. At the same time the thumb 14 is positioned within the sheath 10. When these steps are complete the lower arm, hand, and thumb should be resting on the contoured inner surface of the main body. Finally, the straps are tightened, snugly fitting the brace to the lower arm. The combination of the solid lower section 4 of the main body 2, the sheath 10, and the snug fit from the straps provides the protection for the lower arm and particularly the thumb 14 during a fall.

The brace is easy to use. Once the brace is secured to the hand no further action is required by the user to cause the brace to protect him or her during a fall. Being positioned between the lower arm and the ground during a fall, the solid lower section of the brace protects the underside of the lower arm, the wrist joint, and the underside of the hand during a fall. During a fall without the protection of the brace the thumb may be damaged by being jammed, forced away from the hand, forced over the top of the hand, forced substantially rearward of the palm, or generally forced in any manner beyond what the thumb joints naturally allow. The sheath 10, in any of the embodiments discussed herein, will substantially prevent these injuring movements. Thus, the sheath protects the thumb and particularly the base joint of the thumb from injury. A glove may be worn over the brace without hindering the effectiveness of the brace. If a glove is worn, and the brace is fitted over the glove, the brace will have the same effect as if worn directly on the hand. To provide a snug fit over the glove, the pad may be removed in which case the glove itself would provide the necessary padding. The brace can extend up to the elbow of the user, or can extend just past the wrist. The longer brace provides more stable protection, and the shorter brace allows more freedom of movement and could fit into clothing more easily.

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example, and changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1 . A brace for protecting the lower arm of a snowboarder, the lower arm having a hand, a wrist and a thumb, said brace comprising:

a main body contoured to substantially fit the underside of the lower arm, said main body defining a solid lower section and an open upper section;

a sheath attached to said main body and defining a bore for receiving the thumb; and

a fastener attached to said main body and traversing said open upper section of said main body.

2. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body defines an interior, said brace further comprising a pad positioned within said interior of said main body.

3. A brace as defined in claim 2 wherein said pad is removably attached to said interior of said main body.

4. A brace as defined in claim 2 wherein said pad is removably attached to said main body using a hook and loop fastening system.

5. A brace as defined in claim 2 wherein said pad has an extension adapted to fit within said sheath and cushion the thumb.

6. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said fastener further comprises a plurality of overcenter clips, said overcenter clips traversing said open upper section of said main body.

7. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said fastener further comprises an elastic section, said elastic section traversing said open upper section of said main body, wherein said elastic section provides the retaining force required to hold said brace on the lower arm.

8. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said sheath has a closed end.

9. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said fastener has a pad adapted to engage and cushion the top of the lower arm.

10. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said sheath defines a shield, said shield extending from said main body to the end of the thumb, said shield having a C-shaped cross section with an open side, said open side oriented to allow the thumb to bend inwardly.

1 1 . A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said sheath defines a shield, said shield extending from said main body to the end of the thumb, said shield having a C-shaped cross section with an open side, said open side oriented to face away from the palm, said open side allowing the thumb to freely move outwardly.

12. A brace as defined in claim 10 wherein said shield is curved inwardly to hold the thumb in a semi-grip position.

13. A brace as defined in Claim 1 wherein said brace includes means for padding the lower arm and thumb.

14. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said sheath has an open end.

15. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said fastener further comprises a strap having a first and a second end, said first end being fixedly attached to said main body, said second end being adjustably attached to said main body, said strap traverses said open section of said main body, said strap having a hook and loop fastener adapted to adjust the length of said strap, wherein said strap secures said brace to the lower arm.

16. The brace as defined in 15 wherein said brace includes a strap pad, said strap pad having a first and second slots formed therethrough where said strap is fed through said first slot and through said second slot to secure said strap pad to said strap.

17. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said fastener further comprises a plurality of straps each having first and second ends, each said first end being fixedly attached to said main body, each of said second ends being adjustably attached to said main body, said straps traversing said open section of said main body, each said straps having hook and loop fasteners adapted to adjust said straps, wherein said straps secure said brace to the lower arm.

18. The brace as defined in claim 17 wherein said brace includes a plurality of strap pads, each of said strap pads having a first and second slots formed therethrough where each of said straps is fed through said first slot and through said second slot to secure said strap pad to said strap.

19. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said brace is incorporated into a glove, said glove having an inner and outer surface, said outer surface covering said brace and said inner surface fixed to said brace.

20. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said brace is incorporated into a glove, said glove having an inner and outer surface, said outer surface covering said brace and said inner surface removably attached to said brace.

21 . A brace and glove combination as defined in claim 19 wherein said glove defines first and second apertures and said fastener fits through said first and second apertures while traversing said open upper section of said main body to secure said glove and said brace to the lower arm.

22. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body defines a cylindrical rear portion, said cylindrical rear portion defining a bore for receiving the hand and lower arm, and wherein said fastener is attached to said main body adjacent to the wrist.

23. A brace as defined in claim 1 wherein the palm portion of said brace defines a slot, said slot extending across the palm from one side of the palm to the space between the thumb and index finger, wherein said slot is positioned to receive the top or gripping end of a ski pole.

24. A brace as defined in claim 23 wherein said sheath is curved inwardly to facilitate the gripping of the ski pole.

25. A brace for protecting the lower arm of a snowboarder, the lower arm having an underside, a hand, a wrist, and an elbow, the hand having a palm, fingers, and a thumb, said brace comprising:

a main body defining an interior portion, said main body contoured such that the interior portion is adapted to receive the underside of the lower arm, said main body extending from the palm of the hand, across the wrist, and along the lower arm to terminate prior to the elbow, said main body defining a generally C-shaped cross section having an open section, said C-shaped cross section increasing in diameter from the base of the hand to about the elbow to fit the generally increasing dimension of the lower arm from the base of the hand to the elbow, said C-shaped cross section increasing in diameter from the base of the hand to mid-palm to fit the generally increasing dimension of the hand from the base of the hand to mid-palm and having the smallest dimension adjacent a wrist section;

a tubular member attached to said main body and adapted to receiving a thumb, said tubular member defining an inner cavity;

a pad removably attached to said inner portion of said main body, said pad adapted to fit said inner portion of said main body, said pad having a tubular extension adapted to fit said inner cavity of said tubular member; and

a strap having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said main body, said second end adjustably attached to said main body, said strap traversing said open section of said C- shaped cross section of said main body, said strap having a hook and loop fastener adapted to adjust said strap, wherein said strap secures said brace to the lower arm.

26. A brace as defined in claim 25 wherein said main body defines a wrist bone contour, said wrist bone contour extending outwardly on opposing sidewalls of said main body adjacent to the wrist section.

27. A brace for protecting the lower arm of a snowboarder, the lower arm having a hand and a wrist, the hand having a thumb, said brace comprising:

a main body contoured to substantially fit the underside of the lower arm, said main body defining a solid lower section, and an open upper section;

means for securing said main body to the lower arm.

28. A brace as defined in claim 27 wherein said sheath defines a closed end.

29. A brace as defined in claim 27 wherein said sheath defines a shield, said shield extending from said main body to the end of the thumb, said shield having a C-shaped cross section with an open side, said open side oriented to allow the thumb to bend inwardly.

30. A brace as defined in claim 29 wherein said shield is curved inwardly to hold the thumb in a semi-grip position.

31 . A brace as defined in claim 27 wherein said main body defines an interior, said brace further comprising a pad positioned within said interior of said main body.

32. A brace as defined in claim 31 wherein said pad is removably attached to said interior of said main body.

33. A brace as defined in claim 31 wherein said pad is removably attached to said main body using a hook and loop fastening system.

34. A brace as defined in claim 31 wherein said pad has an extension adapted to fit within said sheath and cushion the thumb.

35. A brace as defined in claim 27 wherein said brace includes means for padding the lower arm and thumb.

36. A brace as defined in claim 27 wherein said sheath defines an open end.