Pediatric Hand Therapy Device

Abstract

A pediatric hand therapy device, handwriting trainer, and fidget of a stretchable, deformable, resilient material, in the shape of an animal, character, or object having a plurality of ergonomically positioned openings for the thumb and fingers such that device is capable of providing resistance for all the motions of the wrist and hand, a means of somatosensory input, and positioning for handwriting.

1 . A pediatric hand therapy device, handwriting trainer, and fidget, comprising:
 a body in the shape of an animal, character, or object having a plurality of ergonomically positioned openings for the thumb and fingers wherein said device is capable of providing resistance for finger flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, grip, pinch, pronation, supination, and a means of somatosensory input.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer having Shore 00 durometer between 6 and 30. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said device has a range of elasticity of at least 8 times during extension while maintaining original shape at rest. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said device contains embedded objects such as a noisemaker, light or hard objects to allow for additional therapeutic activities in manipulating the embedded objects. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising an antimicrobial agent incorporated into elastomeric composition to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within said device. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said openings are sized to remain on the thumb/fingers in the absence of the user's ability to grip the device. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said device is comprised of a polymeric material of a gelatinous elastomeric composition comprising: a styrenic block copolymer, SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), and a mineral oil; said oil being in excess, by weight, of said copolymer. 
     
     
         8 . A handwriting positioning device comprising: a body having a plurality of ergonomically positioned openings for the thumb and fingers and a deformable body shaped to fit in the palm of the user so as to provide proper positioning and alignment for handwriting training. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the body has an additional opening placed proximate to the thumb opening and the first finger opening to accommodate a writing utensil. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the body has a groove proximate to the thumb and finger openings to accommodate a writing utensil. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8  wherein wherein the device is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer having Shore 00 durometer between 6 and 30. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said openings are sized to remain on the thumb/fingers in the absence of the user's ability to grip the device. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said device is tear and/or break resistant. 
     
     
         14 . A pediatric hand exerciser device, handwriting trainer, and fidget, comprising:
 a body in the shape of an animal, character, or object having a plurality of ergonomically positioned openings for the thumb and fingers, having a substantially convex side to ergonomically accommodate the palm of the user, and a substantially planar side to provide stability for the device to be used in weight bearing activities.