Orthotic Device

Abstract

An orthotic device ( 10 ) to be worn a user comprises a base unit ( 12 ) and a flexible strap ( 14 ) extending about the forearm of the user. The metacarpal unit ( 16 ) is positioned over the hand of the user, and includes an upper pocket ( 18 ) having a rearward facing opening therein. A hinge system ( 24 ) includes a pair of pivots ( 26 ) and another pivot ( 30 ) for allowing vertical and lateral movement of the metacarpal unit relative to the base unit. A paddle ( 20 ) extends from the hinge system for fitting within the upper pocket ( 18 ) of the metacarpal unit for movably interconnecting the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.

1 . An orthotic device to be worn by a user, comprising:
 a base unit for positioning on a dorsal side of the user's forearm;   a flexible strap extending about the forearm for securing the base unit to the user's forearm;   a metacarpal unit for positioning on the hand of the user, the metacarpal unit including an upper pocket having a rearward facing opening therein;   a hinge system including a pair of pivots for pivoting the metacarpal unit vertically with respect to the base unit, and another pivot for pivoting the metacarpal unit laterally with respect to the base unit; and   a paddle extending from the hinge system for removably fitting within the upper pocket of the metacarpal unit for removably interconnecting the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.   
     
     
         2 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the metacarpal unit includes a glove with the upper pocket thereon, the glove including at least two receptacles each for receiving a respective finger. 
     
     
         3 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a substantially sleeve-shaped pad for positioning over the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.   
     
     
         4 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the glove and the sleeve shaped pad are structurally connected. 
     
     
         5 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an elastic band for varying resistance to movement of the metacarpal unit relative to the base unit, the elastic band extending between a hinge base of the hinge system and the paddle.   
     
     
         6 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a second elastic band extending between the base unit and the paddle.   
     
     
         7 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the hinge system includes a curved hinge base and a pivotal hinge segment, with the pair of pivots interconnecting the base unit and the hinge base, and with the another pivot interconnecting the base unit and the paddle. 
     
     
         8 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more elastic bands for varying resistance to lateral movement of the hand relative to the user's forearm.   
     
     
         9 . An orthotic device to be worn by a user, comprising:
 a base unit for positioning on a dorsal side of the user's forearm;   a strap extending about the forearm for securing the base unit to the user's forearm;   a metacarpal unit for positioning on the hand of the user;   a hinge system including a pair of pivots for pivoting the metacarpal unit vertically with respect to the base unit, and another pivot for pivoting the metacarpal unit laterally with respect to the base unit; and   an elastic band extending between the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.   
     
     
         10 . An orthotic device as defined in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a second elastic band extending between the base unit and the metacarpal unit.   
     
     
         11 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 9 , wherein the hinge system includes a curved hinge base and a pivotal hinge segment, with the pair of pivots interconnecting the base unit and the hinge base, and with the another pivot interconnecting the base unit and the paddle. 
     
     
         12 . An orthotic device as defined in  claim 9 , wherein the metacarpal unit includes a glove with the upper pocket thereon, the glove including at least two receptacles each for receiving a respective finger. 
     
     
         13 . An orthotic device as defined in  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a substantially sleeve-shaped pad for positioning over the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.   
     
     
         14 . An orthotic device as defined in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 the metacarpal unit having an upper pocket having a rearward facing opening therein; and   a paddle extending from the hinge system for removably fitting within the upper pocket of the metacarpal unit.   
     
     
         15 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 one or more elastic bands for varying resistance to lateral movement of the hand relative to the user's forearm.   
     
     
         16 . An orthotic device to be worn by a user, comprising:
 a base unit for positioning on a dorsal side of the user's forearm;   a flexible strap extending about the forearm for securing the base unit to the user's forearm;   a glove with the upper pocket thereon, the glove including at least two receptacles each for receiving a respective finger;   a hinge system including a pair of pivots for pivoting the metacarpal unit vertically with respect to the base unit, and another pivot for pivoting the metacarpal unit laterally with respect to the base unit;   a paddle extending from the hinge system for fitting within the upper pocket of the metacarpal unit for removably interconnecting the metacarpal unit and the hinge system; and   a substantially sleeve-shaped pad for positioning over the metacarpal unit and the hinge system.   
     
     
         17 . An orthotic device as defined in  claim 16 , further comprising:
 an elastic band for varying resistance to movement of the metacarpal unit relative to the base unit, the elastic band extending between the base unit and the paddle.   
     
     
         18 . An orthotic device as defined in  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a second elastic band extending between the base unit and the hinge system.   
     
     
         19 . The orthotic device as defined in  claim 16 , further comprising:
 one or more elastic bands for varying resistance to lateral movement of the hand relative to the user's forearm.   
     
     
         20 . An orthotic device as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the hinge system includes a curved hinge base and a pivotal hinge segment, with the pair of pivots interconnecting the base unit and the hinge base, and with the another pivot interconnecting the base unit and the paddle.