Gloves

Abstract

A glove (1) for treating carpal tunnel syndrome of a hand (2), the glove (1) comprising a base body (3), wherein the base body (3) comprises a backhand portion (4) and a palm portion (5), wherein the backhand portion (4) is adapted to exert pressure on a backhand side of the hand (2) at at least one location, wherein the palm portion (5) is arranged to exert pressure on a palm side of the hand (2) at at least one location on each side of the carpal tunnel, wherein the backhand portion (4) and the palm portion (5) are jointly arranged to widen the carpal tunnel of the hand (2) by exerting the pressure, characterized in that the base body (3) has two substantially opposite open slots (6) between the backhand portion (4) and the palm portion (5), wherein the slots (6) are designed to be adapted to receive a thumb (7) of a left or right hand (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a glove for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such gloves are known and are used in various forms and designs.

[0003] For example, WO 2003007804 A2 discloses a glove of the general type. The glove can accommodate the left and right hand of a user, wherein the thumb in each case is inserted through a hole which is located laterally in the glove shell.

[0004] Furthermore, a general glove is known from EP 3310306 B1, wherein the width can be adjusted to the hand of a user.

[0005] Gloves of the general type which function according to the active principle, sometimes referred to as the Porrata principle (according to the inventor of WO 2003007804 A2), always have a hole for the thumb to protrude on the side.

[0006] The inventor of the present invention has recognised that all known gloves have at least one of the following disadvantages: the thumb has to be laboriously inserted first into the cuff and then protrude outwardly ("thread") through the hole, or the width of the cuff has to be variable in order to avoid the thumb having to be laboriously "threaded". The cuff according to EP 3310306 B1 functions according to the second-mentioned principle. The second variant always results in a significantly more complex cuff. SUMMARY

[0007] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] ACHIEVEMENT OF THE OBJECT

[0010] The object is achieved according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] The glove for treating carpal tunnel syndrome according to the invention comprises a base body. The base body comprises a backhand portion and a palm portion, the backhand portion being adapted to exert pressure on the backhand side of the hand at at least one location. The palm portion is arranged to exert pressure on the palm side of the hand on each side of the carpal tunnel at at least one location. The backhand portion and the palm portion are arranged together to widen the carpal tunnel of the hand by exerting pressure.

[0012] Between the back part and the palm part, the base body has two slots which are substantially opposite each other and which are preferably open on one side, these slots being designed to receive the thumb of a left or right hand. Furthermore, between the back part and the palm part, the base body preferably comprises two side parts which adjoin the slots, these two side parts connecting the back part and the palm part to each other.

[0013] These slots make it possible to eliminate the need for a hole for the thumb. The essential difference between the slot which is open on one side according to the invention and the hole according to the prior art lies in the fact that, in the known glove, the thumb extends from the inside to the outside through the hole. Thus, the thumb must first be inserted inside the glove in order to extend outwards from there through the hole. This requires a correspondingly wider cuff, which does not match the use position as well and / or requires a width adjustment. According to the invention, since the slot is open on one side, it is no longer necessary to first "put on" the thumb inside the glove.

[0014] The naming of the parts of the glove and the description of their function are based on the anatomical position and orientation designation of the hand. Here, "backhand" means the back or backhand direction of the hand. Thus, the term "palm" means the hollow or inside of the hand. Furthermore, these pairs of terms are "distal end" (fingertip direction or fingertip or fingertip-side end of the glove) and "proximal end" (wrist direction or wrist or wrist-side end of the glove) and "thenar" (thumb direction) and "hypothenar" (little finger direction).

[0015] It should be noted here that the glove according to the invention is preferably formed in a clear manner with respect to "backhand" / "palm" and "distal end" / "proximal end", but not with respect to "thenar" / "hypothenar". In order to achieve the use position described in more detail below, the hand of the user has only one possibility of entering the "backhand" / "palm" and "distal end" / "proximal end" of the glove. Preferably, the hand of the user must be inserted at the proximal end with the backhand side and the palm side correctly aligned.

[0016] This does not apply, however, to the thenar / hypothenar direction of the hand. This highlights one of the advantages of the invention: the left or right hand of the user can be inserted at the proximal end. The orientation of the hand and the glove with respect to the hypothenar / thenar is not important.

[0017] The ability to accommodate both hands of a user is preferably ensured by a substantially symmetrical design of the glove. A respective symmetry plane is defined by a dorsal-palmar axis and a distal-proximal axis. Furthermore, for a glove having an opening in the palmar portion, which will be explained in more detail below, the symmetry plane is substantially located in the center of this opening. Furthermore, if a guiding ridge is present, which will also be explained below, it is also located in the symmetry plane. This mirror-symmetrical design of the glove is easily understood from the figures. In the figures, position and direction designations are indicated partially. However, for the sake of clarity, the symmetry plane is not drawn.

[0018] In summary, a hand to be treated is inserted into the glove at the proximal end, with the dorsal side of the hand contacting the dorsal portion of the glove. Since the glove does not comprise a predetermined thenar or hypothenar portion that is specifically designed to accommodate the thenar or hypothenar region of a hand, any hand of a user can be inserted into the glove at the proximal end.

[0019] The basic operating principle of how the carpal tunnel is widened by exerting pressure is known from known gloves for treating carpal tunnel syndrome and will be explained in more detail in connection with the figures. Herein, this working principle is only briefly explained:

[0020] The palmar portion exerts pressure on the palmar side of the hand. The hand cannot avoid this pressure, since the dorsal portion also exerts pressure on the dorsal side of the hand. The pressure is usually exerted in a substantially planar or linear manner on the back of the hand. Preferably, this means that the portion that exerts or is subjected to pressure is planar or linear.

[0021] The palmar portion exerts pressure on the palmar side of the hand on both sides of the carpal tunnel. These pressures are preferably exerted linearly. On the palmar side, the point of attack (or line of attack) and the effective direction of the pressure are preferably chosen in such a way that the carpal tunnel is widened. The point of attack of the pressure is preferably located close to both sides of the carpal tunnel, but not far from the carpal tunnel. The effective direction of the pressure is preferably chosen in such a way that the effective direction of the pressure exerted on the thenar side adjacent to the carpal tunnel on the palmar side is directed towards the back of the thenar. Correspondingly, the pressure exerted on the hypothenar side adjacent to the carpal tunnel on the palmar side is directed towards the back of the hypothenar. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

[0022] The position at which the pressure is exerted can be a point-like, linear or planar, preferably planar and linear position.

[0023] It is particularly preferred that the pressure is exerted exactly on one point on the dorsal side, which is preferably planar. It is likewise particularly preferred that the pressure is exerted exactly on two points on the palmar side, which are preferably linear.

[0024] The dorsal portion and the palmar portion can each directly or indirectly exert the pressure.

[0025] The pressure applied by the palm portion (point / extension / surface and direct or indirect) can differ from the pressure applied by the back of the hand portion.

[0026] For example, direct application of pressure takes place when the back of the hand portion and / or the palm portion of the base body is in direct contact with the hand to be treated.

[0027] For example, indirect application of pressure takes place when a cushion is inserted between the portion and the hand. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to place a pressure-distributing or generally pressure-influencing or pressure-directing insert between the base body and the hand.

[0028] The open slot for receiving the thumb preferably extends along a longitudinal axis of the glove, whereby the longitudinal axis corresponds to an axis extending from a distal end to a proximal end. The slot is preferably open on one side of the proximal end of the glove, so that the hand can be inserted into the glove therefrom. In the position of use, the thumb protrudes through the slot out of the interior of the glove. The slot preferably has an open proximal end and a closed distal end, which can serve as a stop for the thumb and thus as a limit for the insertion of the hand.

[0029] Both the right and the left hand can be inserted into the proximal end of the glove through slots arranged opposite to each other. The slots are preferably recesses open on one side and are elongated in shape, whereby the open end of the slot is preferably located at the proximal end of the glove.

[0030] After the hand has been fully inserted into the glove, the glove and the hand can be referred to as being in the position of use.

[0031] The base body preferably forms the frame of the glove. However, the glove can also consist only of the base body. In addition to the base body, the glove can also comprise a cushion, an insert, an inflatable and / or a position-variable element, such as a pressure-accumulating element, etc., some of which have already been mentioned above. The cushion and the insert can serve to provide comfort and / or pressure accumulation and / or alignment of the pressure or its effective direction. The pressure-accumulating element is preferably an air cushion or a special screw, which, when screwed in, accumulates pressure on the desired portion of the hand. Preferably, the glove comprises exactly one pressure-accumulating element.

[0032] For example, the glove can be connected to a compressor or a pump ball to inflate the pressure-accumulating element. Pump balls, in particular those with a pressure gauge and a valve, are robust and very suitable for use with the glove according to the invention. Pump balls with a pressure gauge and a valve are known from known manually operated blood pressure measuring devices. By actuating the pump ball, the pressure-accumulating element is inflated, whereby the pressure is controlled using the pressure gauge. A manual valve serves for manual release of air. Such a pump ball is preferably permanently connected to the glove by means of a hose.

[0033] However, other devices for pumping air can also be used for the inflation pressure-accumulating element. Usually, the glove preferably comprises such a device and a pressure gauge for indicating the pressure in the pressure-accumulating element. The above-mentioned device and pressure gauge can also be placed directly on the body of the glove, so that the hose can be dispensed with. This is advantageous, for example, if the user carries the glove with him on a journey, and it is not practical to have two parts of the pump bulb with the pressure gauge on one side and the base connected by a hose on the other side.

[0034] Devices for pumping air known from known fully automatic blood pressure measuring devices can also be used, in which the pumping is not carried out manually. Usually, these are compressors.

[0035] All embodiments of the present application comprise the above-mentioned slots for receiving the thumbs of the right and left hands. This has the advantage that the hands can be inserted into the glove without any effort at the proximal end. This does not require the glove to be spread out, widened or the like, nor does it require a "threading through" of the hands, in particular the thumbs. Most cuffs of the prior art comprise an aperture through which the thumb of a hand received in the cuff extends outward. This makes the construction and operation of the known gloves complicated. The cuff according to the present application, which has a slot open on one side for accommodating the thumb, overcomes these disadvantages.

[0036] It should also be mentioned that even very simple embodiments of the present application described above, which do not require an air cushion or the like (as described below) and essentially or even completely consist of the base, can already reliably achieve the desired widening of the carpal tunnel. The pressure required for this (which has already been described in detail above) can be generated in several ways.

[0037] On the one hand, the glove can essentially consist of a rigid material. In this example, the pressure is generated simply by inserting the hand into the glove if the distance between the palm portion and the back portion is slightly smaller than the distance between the palm side and the back side of the hand to be treated. This causes the hand to be slightly squeezed during the insertion process, thereby generating the required pressure.

[0038] On the other hand, the glove can at least partially consist of a flexible, i.e. flowable or elastic material. In this case, the distance between the palm portion and the back portion is also chosen to be slightly smaller than the distance between the palm side and the back side of the hand to be treated. However, during the insertion process, the distance between the back portion and the palm portion of the glove increases due to the flexibility of the material. This generates a restoring force which is transmitted from the back portion and the palm portion of the glove to the back side and the palm side of the hand.

[0039] Another advantage of all the gloves according to the invention compared to the prior art is that their design can accommodate large, medium and small hands without the need for adjustment of the base body or other operations. Small hands are easier to insert into the glove than large hands. With large hands, the problem in the prior art is often that the width of the glove needs to be adjusted. In this regard, the slots of the glove according to the invention are also advantageous, because the thumb extends outward through one slot, and the opposite slot allows the hypothenar region of the hand to extend partially in the case of very large hands. In other words, with very wide hands, both the thumb and the region of the hand opposite the thumb can extend a little outward from the inside of the glove through the slots.

[0040] The distance between the backhand portion and the palm portion can increase from the distal end to the proximal end of the base body.

[0041] The base body can therefore taper towards the distal end. This tapering corresponds to the anatomy of the hand, which is significantly higher, so to speak, near the wrist than near the fingertips. This distance between the backhand portion and the palm portion can be measured perpendicular to an imaginary intermediate longitudinal axis of the glove, which is the proximal-distal axis.

[0042] If the distance between the backhand portion and the palm portion decreases towards the distal end, the hand is advantageously already pressurized by the above-mentioned portions during the insertion process. The reason is that the hand is thicker, or so to speak, "higher" near the wrist, i.e. at its proximal end, than near the fingertips. The further these thicker or higher portions of the hand are pushed into the cuff, the greater the pressure exerted on them by the cuff.

[0043] It is known that the pressure exerted in order to widen the carpal tunnel is achieved by means of a universal glove near the palm, i.e. at the proximal end of the hand. For this reason, a protruding variant of the tapering of the distance between the backhand portion and the palm portion towards the distal end of the cuff is advantageous.

[0044] It can additionally or alternatively be considered to increase the width of the base body from the distal end to the proximal end. This widening can affect the entire base body or only the distal portion of the base body. The width is measured in the hypothenar-hypothenar direction, which is orthogonal to the distal-proximal axis and the backhand-palm axis. This also corresponds to the anatomy of the hand, which decreases in width in the direction of the fingertips.

[0045] The glove can comprise at least one guiding ridge in the distal portion of the base body, wherein the at least one guiding ridge can be arranged to lie between two fingers of the hand in the use position, thereby effectively orienting the hand for treatment. The at least one guiding ridge thus allows the hand, in particular the carpal tunnel thereof, to be positioned correctly within the glove.

[0046] It can be considered to be exactly one guiding ridge which, in the position of use, is located between the middle finger and the ring finger of the hand to be treated. Of course, it can also be considered to be located between the middle finger and the index finger or between the little finger and the ring finger. It can also be considered to provide two or all three guiding ridges arranged as described above.

[0047] The dimension of the extent of the at least one guiding ridge in the longitudinal direction, i.e. along the distal-proximal axis, is preferably arranged such that it is shorter than the space between the fingers. Preferably, the above-mentioned slot of the base body already serves as a stop for the thumb and the hand insertion into the glove has already been sufficiently limited. However, it can also be considered to use the at least one guiding ridge as an additional stop and thus as a limitation of the hand insertion into the glove.

[0048] It can also be considered that the length of the at least one guiding ridge along the distal-proximal axis is variable. The at least one guiding ridge can for example be designed to be retractable or compressible. This can additionally improve the secure positioning of differently sized hands. This design can be advantageous in some versions / embodiments, but is not absolutely necessary.

[0049] The contour of the base body can essentially resemble a flattened circle, a flattened ellipse or a flattened C.

[0050] The base body can be designed to be elastic such that the distance between the backhand portion and the palm portion increases when the hand is inserted, thus providing pressure in the position of use to widen the carpal tunnel. Thus, the backhand portion and / or the palm portion act as a spring which is pre-tensioned by the hand itself during the insertion process. The restoring force of this at least one elastic portion then provides the pressure to widen the carpal tunnel. In this case, a separate pressure build-up element can be dispensed with.

[0051] Alternatively, as mentioned above, the base body can be rigid such that neither the backhand portion nor the palm portion act elastically. In this case, the pressure can be provided by pushing the hand into the glove under appropriate pressure. Once the hand has reached the position of use, the necessary pressure is provided, for example, by shaping the palm portion and the backhand portion and compressing the hand during the insertion process. In this case, too, a separate pressure build-up element is not necessary.

[0052] Of course, the above-mentioned embodiments can also be equipped with a pressure build-up element. These can be used as an alternative or in addition to the above-mentioned pressure build-up options.

[0053] The elastic design of the above-mentioned base body thus provides a particularly simple and effective pressure build-up without the need for further auxiliary means such as air cushions. However, of course, the elastic design can be used in combination with air cushions and the like, which are described in more detail below.

[0054] The palm portion can comprise a first and a second hypothenar / thenar portion, and the distance between the two hypothenar / thenar portions can be variable. Depending on whether a left or right hand is inserted into the glove, one of the two hypothenar / thenar portions functions as a thenar portion, while the opposite portion functions as a hypothenar portion. The hypothenar / thenar portion receiving the user's thumb functions as a thenar portion. The opposite hypothenar / thenar portion accordingly functions as a hypothenar portion.

[0055] It can be said that the hypothenar / thenar portion acting as a thenar portion is located on the thumb side outside the carpal tunnel. The hypothenar / thenar portion acting as a hypothenar portion is located on the opposite side outside the carpal tunnel.

[0056] It should be noted here that both hypothenar / thenar portions exert (preferably linear) pressure on the hand, preferably on both sides immediately adjacent to the carpal tunnel. The terms "thenar" and "hypothenar" simply indicate which side of the carpal tunnel the portion in question exerts pressure on. However, both are essentially in the middle and in the use position in contact with the palm portion of the hand.

[0057] The effective direction of the pressure exerted by the hypothenar portion on the corresponding area on the palm side is the back of the hand and the hypothenar, which can be said to be obliquely towards the outer edge of the hand where the little finger is located. Correspondingly, the effective direction of the pressure exerted by the thenar portion on the corresponding area on the palm side extends obliquely, which can be said to be towards the opposite outer edge of the hand, i.e. the back of the thenar.

[0058] The fact that the distance between the two hypothenar / thenar portions can increase when the hand is inserted results in very effective exertion of pressure to widen the carpal tunnel. In particular, the possibility of increasing the distance ensures that the pressure is exerted on the palm area on both sides of the carpal tunnel with the best direction of action.

[0059] The possibility of increasing the distance between the hypothenar / thenar portions can be provided in several ways. On the one hand, it can be considered that there is a longitudinally extending opening between the first and second hypothenar / thenar portions, i.e. along the distal-proximal axis. The opening can be slot-shaped. This will be described in more detail below. On the other hand, it is also possible to consider a flexible region connecting the first and second hypothenar / thenar portions and allowing the distance between the two portions to increase. Alternatively, for example, a recess can be considered, the opening of which points towards the interior of the glove and which can allow the aforementioned distance to vary.

[0060] Preferably, the pressure build-up on the hand caused by the insertion of the hand or by a corresponding pressure build-up element such as an air cushion leads to an increase in the distance between the first and second hypothenar thenar portions. This generally requires a certain flexibility of the above-mentioned portions. When the hypothenar thenar portions are already in close contact with the palmar side of the hand on both sides of the carpal tunnel, the increase in the distance between the hypothenar thenar portions, in combination with the restoring force caused by the increase in the distance between the back and palm portions, ultimately influences the pressure, which widens the carpal tunnel as desired.

[0061] In the above-described embodiments in which there is no variable distance between the hypothenar thenar portions, the palm portion preferably comprises an upper structure or a specially shaped portion which ensures widening of the carpal tunnel even without increasing the distance between the hypothenar thenar portions and which ensures the desired effective direction of the pressure on the palmar side of the hand with respect to the effective direction and point of attack of the force or pressure.

[0062] If, within a range of a few millimeters or even tenths of a millimeter, increasing the distance between the hypothenar thenar portions already produces the desired effect. A range of a few millimeters is preferred here.

[0063] The glove can have an opening between the hypothenar thenar portions. For example, the opening can be in the form of the above-mentioned slot. Alternative designs of the opening are conceivable.

[0064] The opening can be continuous, so that the profile of the glove is essentially C-shaped. The opening extends along the entire length of the glove along the distal-proximal axis.

[0065] If the opening is not continuous, only the profile of the portion accommodating the non-continuous opening can be approximately C-shaped. This is the case, for example, if the opening is present only in the proximal portion of the glove and there ensures the function of the above-mentioned hypothenar thenar portions. If at the same time there is no opening in the distal portion, this also ensures a high stability of the glove. By the length of the slot-shaped opening, it can be determined, for example, how far the hypothenar thenar portions can move and / or how great a force has to be overcome for this. Thus, the length of the above-mentioned opening can be used indirectly to control the force exerted on the hand.

[0066] Alternatively, the choice of the material from which the glove is made can determine how far the hypothenar thenar portions can move and / or how great a force has to be overcome for this. In particular, the elasticity of the material is important here, since the desired restoring force can be generated by bending the elastic hypothenar thenar portions. Furthermore, the structure of the glove, for example the thickness of the base body and / or the reinforcing ribs attached to the base body, can also perform this function.

[0067] Another advantage of the opening is that it allows the user to easily perform a visual check. Since the two hypothenar / palmar parts are located on either side of the carpal tunnel, the opening is located directly above the carpal tunnel in the use position (when looking at the palm area of the hand). The user can thus correctly position the glove by simply making sure that the opening is located above the carpal tunnel. Based on the characteristic course of the externally visible tendons, muscles and lines on the palm side of the hand, the user can easily determine the position of the carpal tunnel on his hand himself and thus also easily perform the correct positioning described above himself.

[0068] The glove can comprise a pressure build-up element at the backhand portion, wherein the pressure build-up element is arranged to exert pressure on the backhand side of the hand at at least one point. For example, the pressure build-up element can be a screw, an air cushion, etc. Such pressure build-up elements are known in the art and have already been used in known gloves.

[0069] The base body of the glove can be designed as a single piece. This simplifies manufacturing and use.

[0070] The base body is preferably made of plastic or another elastic material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of preferred embodiments and the drawings; these show, among others:

[0072] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a glove 1 according to the invention, and

[0073] In Figures 2 to 1 2, various views of a second embodiment of a glove 1 according to the invention are shown.

[0074] Figure 13 A third simple embodiment of a glove 1 is shown.

[0075] Fig. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of a glove 1.

[0076] Figure 15 A second embodiment of a glove 1 with a pump bulb 29 according to Figure 5 is shown.

[0077] Figure 16 and 17 A fifth embodiment of a glove 1 with a built-in pump 32 in the base body 3 is shown.

[0078] For the sake of clarity, not all reference signs are shown in all of the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Figure 1 A glove 1 is shown. In Figure 1In the middle, the base body 3 can be seen, which has a backhand portion 4 and a palm portion 5 as well as a slot 6 and a side portion 24 in between. Furthermore, the distal end 9 and the proximal end 10 are shown. Inside the base body 3, a specially shaped portion 20 can be seen, the function of which will be explained in more detail below.

[0080] Furthermore, the distal slot end 22 can be seen, which can serve as a stop for the thumb 7 (not shown) or at least limit the insertion depth of the hand 2 to be treated.

[0081] Furthermore, in the Figure 1 a coordinate system is drawn next to it in order to illustrate the directions and axes (distal end, proximal end, backhand, palm and (little) hypothenar) with respect to Figure 1 the glove 1 shown.

[0082] Figure 2 A view of the palm portion 5 of the glove 1 is shown. Furthermore, the first and second hypothenar portion 13, 14 can be seen. Furthermore, the pressure-accumulating element 17 in the form of an air cushion and the guide ridge 12 can be seen. Transversely, the slot 6 is recognizable. Furthermore, the distal-proximal end opening 16 is visible between the two hypothenar portions 13, 14.

[0083] Figure 3 A view of the backhand portion 4 of the glove 1 in Figure 2 is shown. Furthermore, the width 18 of the glove 1 is drawn in two places. Furthermore, a part of the hose 21, which supplies the air cushion 17, can be seen. Figure 3 It is shown that the width 18 (see Figure 7 and 12.1 ) of only the distal portion 11 increases towards the proximal end 10, the distal portion 11 also completely encloses the hand 2 of the user by the side portion 24 to be described. The proximal portion 23 of the base body 3 encloses the slot 6 laterally, the proximal portion 23 does not widen towards the proximal end 10.

[0084] Figure 4 A side view of the glove 1 in Figure 2 is shown. Furthermore, the directions or axes (proximal end and distal end as well as backhand and palm) are shown with reference to Figure 4 . Furthermore, the distance 8 between the backhand portion 4 and the palm portion 5 is drawn in two places.

[0085] Figure 5 A view of the proximal end 10 of the glove 1 is shown. Figure 2

[0086] Figure 6 A view of the distal end 9 of the glove 1 is shown. Reference is made to Figure 2 Figure 6 ​​It shows the direction or axis of the back of the hand and the palm, as well as the direction or axis of the two hypothenar / thenar eminences.

[0087] exist Figure 7 In, it is shown Figure 2 A view of the back of the hand portion 4 of the glove 1, with the user's left hand 2 located therein. The thumb 7 of the hand 2 can be seen. In addition, the distal portion 11 of the glove 1 is also shown.

[0088] exist Figure 8 In, it is shown Figure 2 A view of the back of the hand portion 4 of the glove 1, with the user's right hand 2 located therein.

[0089] exist Figure 9 In, it is shown Figure 2 A view of the palm portion 5 of the glove 1, with the user's right hand 2 located therein. Furthermore, in Figure 9 The distance 15 between the two thenar eminences / thenar eminences 13 and 14 is drawn in the middle.

[0090] exist Figure 10 In, it is shown Figure 2 A view of the palm portion 5 of the glove 1, with the user's left hand 2 located therein.

[0091] Figure 11 It shows Figure 2 A view of the distal end 9 of glove 1, with the user's left hand 2 located therein. Figure 11 In the image, before hand 2 is fully inserted into glove 1, hand 2 and glove 1 are shown at a certain moment during the insertion of hand 2. The back of hand 2 has not yet come into contact with pressure accumulation element 17.

[0092] exist Figure 12.1 and 12.2 In the middle, it is shown that according to Figure 4 and 5 A view of the gloves to illustrate the position and extent of the various parts 4, 5, 11, 24, 13, and 14.

[0093] according to Figure 13 The glove 1 does not require an air cushion and consists only of the base 3.

[0094] According to Figure 14, glove 1 includes a flexible guiding ridge 12. To better illustrate this, Figure 14.2 It shows the basis from a slightly different perspective. Figure 14.1 The cross-section of glove 1.

[0095] Figure 15 It shows that according to Figure 5 Glove 1, where most of the accompanying drawings are omitted for clarity. Figure 15It is shown how the glove 1 is connected by a hose 21 to a pump bulb 29, which in turn is equipped with or connected to a pressure gauge 30 and a hand valve 31. For the sake of clarity, the hose 21 connecting the pump bulb 29 and the glove 1 is not shown in its entirety.

[0096] Figure 16 and 17 An alternative embodiment of the glove 1 is shown, which has a built-in pump 32 and also a built-in pressure gauge 30. Figure 17 The view of the glove 1 in Figure 6 corresponds to the view in For the sake of clarity, most reference numerals are omitted.

[0097] Figure 16 The glove 1 according to Figure 17 is shown in a ready-to-use state after the user has inserted a hand 2.

[0098] With reference to Figures 1 to 17 , the operation of the device according to the invention is explained as follows:

[0099] The proximal end 10 of the glove 1 can receive the left or right hand 2 of a user without having to laboriously pass the thumb 7 through a hole for this purpose. Instead, when the hand 2 is inserted into the glove 1, the thumb 7 simply protrudes outward through one of the two slots 6.

[0100] Figure 1 The profile of the very simple embodiment shown is elliptical and does not include an opening 16. Furthermore, the width and distance between the backhand portion 4 and the palm portion 5 along the imaginary distal-proximal axis is the same or constant. When the hand 2 (not shown) is inserted, the carpal tunnel is located between two specially shaped portions 20, which are located on the palm portion 5. Since the proximal part of the hand 2 is higher in the backhand-palm direction than the distal part of the hand, the hand 2 is gradually pressurized from both the backhand and the palm side by the specially shaped portions 20 during the insertion of the glove 1. This pressure causes the carpal tunnel to widen in a manner known from universal gloves. The effective direction of the pressure exerted by the two specially shaped portions 20 on the palm portion 5 of the glove is indicated by the arrow 19.

[0101] The glove 1 according to Figures 2 to 12 and 1 5 differs in some details from the very simple glove 1 according to Figure 1 .

[0102] In the glove 1 shown in Figures 2 to 12 and 1 5, the hand 2 is also inserted into the proximal end 10 of the glove 1.

[0103] As Figure 4As shown, the distance 8 between the backhand portion 4 and the palm portion 5 decreases towards the distal end 9. This itself contributes to the desired pressure build-up on the palm area of the hand 2 as the hand 2 is gradually inserted into the glove 1.

[0104] Furthermore, the pressure exerted by the hand 2 on the base 3 increases the distance 15 between the hypothenar / thenar portions 13, 14 when the hand 2 is inserted, which itself also contributes to the desired pressure on the palm area of the hand 2 for the purpose of widening the carpal tunnel.

[0105] Furthermore, according to Figures 2 to 12 and 1 5, the glove 1 comprises a pressure build-up element 17 in the form of an air cushion, which can be inflated by a compressor or with the hand. As shown, Figure 15 For manual inflation, in particular a ball known from blood pressure measurement devices can be used (“pump ball”). As shown, Figure 16 and 17 Alternative embodiments as shown are also conceivable. In both cases, air is introduced into the air cushion 17 via a hose 21. This again builds up pressure on the contact portions between the hand 2 and the glove 1, which are the air cushion 17 attached to the backhand portion 4 and the hypothenar / thenar portions 13, 14 forming the palm portion 5, and preferably the contact line 25 explained further below. When the air cushion 17 is inflated, the internal volume of the glove 1 decreases, which ultimately results in pressure being exerted on the hand 2 from the backhand and palm direction. Here, the pressure acting on the backhand side or in the backhand area of the hand 2 extends essentially from the backhand to the palm.

[0106] The pressure acting on the palm side or in the palm area of the hand 2 is inclined. Thus, the pressure comprises a component acting in the palm-backhand direction and a component acting in the (hypo)thenar direction. This is indicated by the direction of action 19 in Figure 1 and 11 above and below the backhand portion 4 and the palm portion 5, respectively. Here, in the case of the glove 1 shown in Figure 1 , the desired effective direction is ensured by the orientation of the special shape portion 20. On the other hand, in the glove 1 shown in Figures 2 to 12 and 1 5 to 17, the direction of action is additionally and preferably mainly provided by the fact that the distance 15 increases during pressure build-up. Since the two hypothenar / thenar portions 13, 14 or, in particular, the contact line 25 are preferably already in contact with the palm area of the hand 2 during pressure build-up, the carpal tunnel is effectively widened when the distance 15 increases. In the embodiment according to Figure 13 and 14, the same effect can be achieved during the insertion of the hand 2 into the base 3.

[0107] According to Figure 5It is clear from the view that the air cushion 17, due to its flat shape, exerts a flat pressure, preferably on the back of the hand side of the hand 2. In contrast, it can be said that the two imaginary contact lines 25 of the hypothenar thenar portion 13, 14 exert a linear (as opposed to planar) pressure on the palm side of the hand, due to their linear extension.

[0108] In Figure 5 it can be clearly seen that the hypothenar thenar portion 13, 14 each comprise a convex portion 26 in cross section. This ensures that when the hand is inserted (as shown in Figure 7 ), the contact between the hand and the palm portion 5 takes place exclusively or at least predominantly via the (imaginary) contact lines 25 and these introduce the desired pressure at the effective points for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. The palm portion 5 is thus designed in such a way that only the linear portion represented by the imaginary contact lines 25 effectively introduces pressure into the hand.

[0109] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Also shown are protrusions 27 close to the contact lines 25, i.e. close to the two ends of the hypothenar thenar portion 13, 14 oriented towards the opening 16. These protrusions 27 increase the stability in the area of the (imaginary) contact lines 25, i.e. the stability at the points where the force is exerted onto the hand to be treated.

[0110] In Figure 12.1 the distal portion 11 and the proximal portion 23 of the glove 1 are represented by dashed lines.

[0111] Figure 12.2 The back of the hand portion 4 and the palm portion 5 are shown, wherein the latter is divided into two hypothenar thenar portions 13, 14.

[0112] As shown in Figure 13 , a very simple embodiment of the construction of the glove 1 according to the invention consists of a flexible or rigid material. In either case, the distance 8 between the back of the hand portion 4 and the palm portion 5 is chosen and, if necessary, the flexible material is chosen such that the hand is slightly squeezed during the insertion process. The resulting pressure, which is transmitted to the palm side of the hand via the hypothenar thenar portions 13, 14, respectively, and in particular via the imaginary contact lines 25, causes the desired widening of the carpal tunnel in the already described manner.

[0113] If Figure 13 the glove 1 is made of a flexible material, as shown, the distance 8 between the back of the hand portion 4 and the palm portion 5 increases when the hand is inserted, which in turn generates a restoring force with which the hypothenar thenar portions 13, 14 exert the above-mentioned pressure on the contact lines 25 in the effective direction 19 on the hand 2.

[0114] According to Figures 2 to 12 and 15 to 17, the following applies to the glove 1 with the pressure-accumulating element 17: After the hand 2 has been inserted into the glove 1, the backhand portion 4 already exerts a pressure on the backhand side of the hand, depending on the size of the hand, even without the pressure-accumulating element 17 being inflated. This pressure is shown in Figure 11 by a single arrow 19 above the glove 1. Furthermore, depending on the size of the hand, the two hypothenar / palmar portions 13, 14, in particular at the contact line 25, already exert a certain pressure on the palmar side of the hand. At first, this pressure does not necessarily have to be oblique, i.e. in the direction of the two arrows 19 below the glove 1 in Figure 11 , but can also be in the opposite direction to the arrow 19 above the glove 1 and parallel to this arrow 19 (one could say "upwards"). Figure 11

[0115] If the pressure-accumulating element 17 is increased, i.e. inflated, the pressure exerted by the backhand portion 4 on the hand in the direction of the arrow 19 shown above the glove 1 in Figure 11 is increased. As the pressure-accumulating element 17 continues to be inflated, the two hypothenar / palmar portions 13, 14 preferably come so close to the palmar side of the hand 2 that the distance 15 increases with further inflation of the pressure-accumulating element 17. As a result, an effective direction 19 of the hypothenar / palmar portions 13, 14 shown below the glove 1 in Figure 11 is established, which acts on the palmar side of the hand at the contact line 25. Since they act on both sides of the carpal tunnel, the carpal tunnel is widened as desired.

[0116] It should be noted with reference to all embodiments of the glove 1 that the guide ridge 12 does not necessarily have to protrude beyond the distal end 9. This protrusion means that the length of the base body 3 can remain short, but the fingers are still effectively guided by the extended guide ridge 12. However, the guide ridge 12 can also be shorter than shown in the figures; even a short guide ridge 12 can sufficiently effectively guide the fingers. In particular, it is also conceivable that the guide ridge 12 is located completely inside the glove 1. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the guide ridge 12 can also be dispensed with.

[0117] A fourth embodiment of the glove 1 is shown in different perspectives in Figure 14.1 and 14.2 . It differs from the glove 1 according to Figure 13 in that the guide ridge 12 is designed to be flexible. According to Figure 14.1 and 14.2 , the guide ridge 12 can be bent in the hypothenar / palmar direction, i.e. to the left or to the right. The hypothenar / palmar direction as well as the backhand and palmar direction are indicated by the arrows in Fig. 14.

[0118] ​An advantage of the flexible guide ridge 12 is that, although the glove 1 is designed to be symmetrical and can receive both hands of a user, left and right hands are not usually perfectly symmetrical. The usual width of the middle finger and index finger is usually slightly greater than the usual width of the ring finger and little finger. This can result in the middle finger and index finger being squeezed somewhat between the guide ridge 12 and the side 24, while the ring finger and little finger are very loosely located between the guide ridge 12 and the opposite side 24. The flexible guide ridge 12 allows the middle finger to push the guide ridge 12 a little in the hypothenar / thenar direction towards the ring finger, giving more space to the middle finger and index finger.

[0119] In one aspect, the flexibility can be ensured by the width or thickness of the guide ridge 12. The thinner the guide ridge 12, the easier it is to bend or flex it. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion 28 shown in Fig. 14 can be provided, which increases the length of the guide ridge 12 (measured along the dorsal-palmar axis) without the height of the base 3 changing, because the lever engaged by the middle finger becomes larger than in the glove 1 according to Figure 13 .

[0120] Alternative designs for making the guide ridge 12 bendable or movable in the hypothenar / thenar direction are conceivable. This can be achieved by material selection, dimensions, joint mounting, etc.

[0121] The embodiments comprising a flexible guide ridge 12 with a protrusion 28 according to Figure 14.1 and 14.2 are optional and can be used in combination with a glove 1 without air cushion 17 (according to Figure 1 and 13 ) and with a glove 1 with air cushion 17 (according to Figures 2 to 12 and 1 5 to 17.

[0122] Figure 1 and Figure 5 Comparison shows that the introduction of linear pressure into the hand can be achieved in different ways. In the embodiments according to Figure 1 , the special shape portion 20 achieves the introduction of linear pressure, which is represented in Figure 1 by the (imaginary) contact line 25. On the other hand, in the embodiments according to Figures 2 to 17 , the introduction of linear pressure is achieved by shaping the hypothenar / thenar portions 13, 14, in particular by their protruding portions 26. This shaping has the effect that the contact between the palmar portion 5 and the hand is mainly or only achieved by the contact line 25.

[0123] Of course, other possibilities are conceivable to ensure the introduction of linear pressure. In particular, an alternative shape of the special shape portion 20, an alternative shape or a combination of both are conceivable.

[0124] In the embodiments according toFigures 2 to 17 In embodiments of the application, the increased stability achieved by the protrusions 27 can of course also be achieved in other ways. For example, it is conceivable to increase the rigidity of the material possibly only in the region of the openings 16. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to impart stability by means of inlays, ribs or the like of metal or other materials. Furthermore, there can be embodiments in which the inherent stability of the base body is sufficient and no measures to increase the stability are required.

[0125] From the situation shown in Figure 16 , the user can pump the pressure build-up element 17 by actuating the integrated pump 32, the function of which is similar to that of the pump bulb 29, while the pressure is controlled by means of the pressure gauge 30. To this end, the built-in pump 32 is in fluid connection with the pressure build-up element 17, as is the case according to the embodiment of the application shown in Figure 15 . A valve is provided by means of which, after the treatment has been completed, the pressure can be released from the pressure build-up element 17, but which is not visible in the embodiments of the application shown in Figure 16 and 17 .

[0126] List of reference symbols

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Claims

1. A glove (1) for treating carpal tunnel syndrome of a hand (2), said glove (1) comprising a base body (3), wherein said base body (3) comprising a backhand portion (4) and a palm portion (5), wherein said backhand portion (4) is adapted to exert pressure on the backhand side of said hand (2) at at least one location, wherein said palm portion (5) is arranged to exert pressure on the palm side of said hand (2) at at least one location on each side of the carpal tunnel, wherein said backhand portion (4) and said palm portion (5) are jointly arranged to widen said carpal tunnel of said hand (2) by exerting said pressure, wherein said glove (1) comprises a distal end (9) and a proximal end (10); wherein said proximal end (10) is a wrist side end of said glove (1) when in a use position; characterized in that: said base body (3) has two substantially opposite grooves (6) between said backhand portion (4) and said palm portion (5), said grooves (6) being open on one side and said open ends of said grooves (6) being located at the proximal end (10) of said glove (1); wherein said grooves (6) are adapted to receive the thumb (7) of a left or right hand (2).

2. Glove (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A distance (8) measured between said backhand portion (4) and said palm portion (5) increases from the distal end (9) to the proximal end (10) of said base body (3).

3. Glove (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one guiding ridge (12) in a distal portion (11) of said base body (3), wherein said at least one guiding ridge (12) is arranged to be located between two fingers of said hand (2) in a use position, thereby ensuring an effective orientation of said hand (2) for treatment.

4. Glove (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that Said base body (3) is elastically arranged such that said distance (8) between said backhand portion (4) and said palm portion (5) increases when inserted into said hand (2), thereby providing pressure for widening said carpal tunnel in said use position.

5. The glove (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Said palm portion (5) comprises a first hypothenar thenar portion (13) and a second hypothenar thenar portion (14), a distance (15) between said first hypothenar thenar portion (13) and said second hypothenar thenar portion (14) being variable.

6. Glove (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that An opening (16) between said first hypothenar thenar portion (13) and said second hypothenar thenar portion (14).

7. The glove (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A pressure accumulating element (17) on said backhand portion (4), wherein said pressure accumulating element (17) is arranged to exert pressure on said backhand side of said hand (2) at at least one location.

8. The glove (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A one-piece base body (3).

9. The glove (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Said base body (3) has a C-shaped profile.

10. The glove (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Said base body (3) is made of plastic or another elastic material.

11. The glove (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A width (18) measured in a thenar-hypothenar direction increases from the distal end (9) to the proximal end (10) of said base body (3).

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