Orthotic devices and methods for manufacturing the same

Abstract

We provide orthotic devices aimed at improving hand function in people who have difficulty opening their fingers. [Solution] The orthosis 10 according to one embodiment comprises a thumb support portion 12 for the thumb of the hand, other finger support portions 14 and 16 for the other fingers, and an arch-shaped connecting portion 18 that connects the thumb support portion and the other finger support portions along the palm of the hand. The connecting portion 18 is elastic to allow the thumb support portion and the other finger support portions to move closer together and further apart. The connecting portion 18 has an unloaded state in which the thumb support portion and the other finger support portions are separated by a predetermined amount or more, and a loaded state in which the thumb support portion and the other finger support portions are closer together than in the unloaded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an appliance that can be used by a person with a hand dysfunction caused by a stroke or the like, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] A hand dysfunction (or motor disorder) may occur due to a stroke or the like. One of the dysfunctions is a symptom called spasticity. In spasticity, for example, symptoms such as the fingers of the hand remaining clenched and being difficult to open even when trying to open them can be seen.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a finger opposition appliance directed to the treatment of finger opposition disorder when hemiplegia caused by cerebrovascular disorder, quadriplegia caused by spinal cord injury reaches from the wrist joint to the fingers, or when the wrist joint causes wrist drop (palmar flexion) or finger drop (flexion) due to radial nerve palsy or the like, resulting in a state where the thumb, index finger, and middle finger are closed and difficult to open, and small objects cannot be pinched or grasped with the fingertips. This finger opposition appliance has at least one thumb sac portion that surrounds the MP joint portion of the thumb and at least one other finger sac portion that surrounds the MP joint portion of the other fingers other than the thumb, and a connecting means for connecting the base of the thumb sac portion and the base of the other finger sac portion is provided. And in Patent Document 1, it is described that the other fingers other than the thumb include the index finger and / or the middle finger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The finger oppossession orthosis described in Patent Document 1 has a thumb cot and other finger cots, which surround the corresponding MP joint (the joint at the base of the finger). Patent Document 1 states that "surrounding the MP joint" means that the orthosis surrounds the thumb distal to the CM joint, exposing the IP joint and covering the CM and MP joints, and further surrounds the fingers distal to the MP joints of the other fingers, exposing the PIP joint and covering the MP joints. Thus, the finger oppossession orthosis described in Patent Document 1 is only intended for holding or fixing the base of the fingers, i.e., the palmar side, and there is room for improvement in its use to improve function in cases where the fingers remain clenched, causing problems such as the thumb being closed and difficult to open, making it difficult to pinch or grasp small objects with the fingertips.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic device and a method for manufacturing the same, aimed at improving the function of the hand of a person who has difficulty opening their fingers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is, A thumb support for the thumb, A support portion for at least one other finger other than the thumb, An arch-shaped connecting portion that connects the thumb support portion and the other finger support portion along the palm of the hand, wherein at least a part of the connecting portion has elasticity to allow the thumb support portion and the other finger support portion to move closer together and further apart. Orthotic device equipped with To provide.

[0008] The orthosis with the above configuration includes the thumb support portion, the other finger support portions, and the connecting portion that connects them. By using this orthosis, the thumb support portion of the thumb and the other finger support portions of the other fingers can be brought closer together or further apart. Therefore, the orthosis can be used to improve the function of the hand of a person who has difficulty opening their fingers.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting portion has a no-load state in which the thumb support portion and the other finger support portions are separated by a predetermined amount or more, and a loaded state in which the thumb support portion and the other finger support portions are closer together than in the no-load state. With this configuration, the orthosis can be used to open and close the fingers of a person who has difficulty opening their fingers.

[0010] Preferably, the thumb support portion is configured such that the first joint of the thumb is positioned on the thumb support portion and the fingertip of the thumb protrudes from the thumb support portion, and the other finger support portion is configured such that the first joint of the other finger is positioned on the other finger support portion and the fingertip of the other finger protrudes from the other finger support portion. This configuration allows for more favorable bending and straightening of the thumb and other fingers. For example, the user will be able to perform actions such as pinching or grasping objects with the thumb and other fingers of the hand wearing the orthosis, and thus will be able to comfortably carry out daily activities while wearing the orthosis. For example, the other finger support portion may include an index finger support portion configured such that the first joint of the index finger is positioned on the index finger and the fingertip of the index finger protrudes, and a middle finger support portion configured such that the first joint of the middle finger is positioned on the middle finger and the fingertip of the middle finger protrudes. This configuration allows for more favorable bending and straightening of the index finger and middle finger by using an orthosis having this configuration.

[0011] Preferably, when the orthosis is positioned on a first plane such that the connecting portion stands in an arch shape, the thumb support portion and the other finger support portions are positioned between the first plane and a second plane that is parallel to the first plane and in contact with the connecting portion. This configuration allows the arch of the connecting portion to be enlarged. As a result, for example, the palm can be supported by the connecting portion, sufficient finger spread can be ensured, and the dexterity of the fingers can be improved when wearing the orthosis.

[0012] Preferably, the thumb support portion is formed in a ring shape so that the thumb can be inserted, and the other finger support portion is formed in a ring shape so that the other finger can be inserted. With this configuration, the orthosis can be easily attached to the hand and can be easily maintained in a state where the orthosis is attached to the hand.

[0013] The present invention also lies in a method for manufacturing the orthotic device described above. The manufacturing method may include the steps of designing the orthotic device such that the first joint of the thumb of the user who intends to use the orthotic device is positioned in the thumb support portion and the fingertip of the thumb protrudes from the thumb support portion, and the first joint of the user's other fingers is positioned in the other finger support portion and the fingertip of the other fingers protrudes from the other finger support portion, and manufacturing the designed orthotic device using an elastic material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the above-described aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a device for improving the function of the hand of a person who has difficulty opening their fingers. Furthermore, as described above, a method for manufacturing the device can also be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an orthotic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the orthotic device, with (a) being its front view, (b) its top view, (c) its left side view, and (d) its right side view. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a front view of the orthosis and is a diagram illustrating the structure of the orthosis. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a hand fitted with the orthosis, which is in an unloaded state. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a hand fitted with the orthosis, which is under a heavier load than the one shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing method of the orthotic device. [Figure 7]It is a figure showing a partial modification example of the appliance in FIG. 1, and shows an annular finger support portion with a slit.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an appliance 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2(a) shows a front view of the appliance 10, FIG. 2(b) shows a top view thereof, FIG. 2(c) shows a left side view thereof, and FIG. 2(d) shows a right side view thereof.

[0018] The appliance 10 is worn and used on a human hand. The appliance 10 can be used for both the right hand and the left hand. Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the appliance 10 is worn on the right hand. The appliance 10 includes a thumb support portion 12, a first other finger support portion 14, a second other finger support portion 16, and a connecting portion 18.

[0019] The thumb support portion 12 is for the thumb of the hand and may be referred to as a thumb support portion. Here, the first other finger support portion 14 is for the index finger and may be referred to as an index finger support portion or a forefinger support portion. Also, the second other finger support portion 16 is for the middle finger and may be referred to as a middle finger support portion. The thumb support portion 12 is formed in an annular shape so that the thumb can be inserted. The first other finger support portion 14 is formed in an annular shape so that the index finger can be inserted. The second other finger support portion 16 is formed in an annular shape so that the middle finger can be inserted. Note that these finger support portions 12, 14, and 16 are not limited to being formed in an annular shape respectively.

[0020] The connecting portion 18 is configured as an arch-shaped connecting portion that connects the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions, the first other finger support portion 14 and the second other finger support portion 16, along the palm of the hand. The connecting portion 18 is designed so that, in an unloaded state, the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 are separated by a predetermined amount or more. The connecting portion 18 is a single band-shaped portion that extends in an arch shape and has a constant thickness. However, the connecting portion 18 is not limited to this and may have different thicknesses depending on the location, for example. The thumb support portion 12, the first other finger support portion 14 and the second other finger support portion 16 are arranged on the outside, or outer surface 18o, of the connecting portion 18. The thumb support portion 12 is provided at one end 18a of the connecting portion 18, and the first other finger support portion 14 and the second other finger support portion 16 are provided at the other end 18b of the connecting portion 18. The first other finger support portion 14 and the second other finger support portion 16 are arranged side by side so as to be touching, but they may be separated.

[0021] Furthermore, the connecting portion 18 does not have a twisted structure, but simply has a shape in which a flat, strip-like portion is curved into an arch. As shown in Figures 2(b), (c), and (d), when a plane BP is defined that extends along the connecting portion 18 so as to bisect the connecting portion 18, the thumb support portion 12, the first other finger support portion 14, and the second other finger support portion 16 are arranged symmetrically on that plane BP. In the orthosis 10, the plane BP bisects the thumb support portion 12 and passes between the first other finger support portion 14 and the second other finger support portion 16.

[0022] The thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions, the first and second other finger support portions 14 and 16, are each formed in a ring shape so that the corresponding finger can be inserted from the intermediate portion 18c side of the connecting portion 18. When the orthosis 10 is worn on the hand, the first joint (DIP joint, the joint closest to the fingertip) of the inserted finger is positioned at the corresponding finger support portion 12, 14, and 16, and the fingertip protrudes from the corresponding finger support portion 12, 14, and 16, that is, is exposed. Here, "the fingertip protruding from the corresponding finger support portion 12, 14, and 16" means that the fingertip is not located at the corresponding finger support portion 12, 14, and 16, nor is it located at the intermediate portion 18c side of the corresponding finger support portion 12, 14, and 16, but rather at the opposite side from the intermediate portion 18c, that is, at the corresponding end portion 18a and 18b side.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a front view of the orthosis 10, similar to Figure 2(a). In Figure 3, the first plane (hereinafter referred to as the first plane) P1 is represented by a line when the orthosis 10 is positioned on the plane P1 such that the connecting portion 18 stands in an arch shape. Here, the arch shape of the connecting portion 18 is designed to correspond to a 180° circular arc. In Figure 3, when defining a circle C tangent to the inner surface 18i of the connecting portion 18, its center CO is located on a straight line, i.e., the first plane P1, that connects both ends of the connecting portion 18. Thus, the connecting portion 18 is designed to follow a predetermined circular arc. However, the connecting portion 18 is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible. For example, in Figure 3, the center CO of the circle C tangent to the connecting portion 18 can be positioned on the side of the intermediate portion 18c relative to the first plane P1, or it can be positioned on the side further away from the intermediate portion 18c relative to the first plane P1. Also, for example, the connecting portion 18 may have an arch shape corresponding to a part of an ellipse.

[0024] Then, as shown in Figure 3, when the orthosis 10 is positioned on the first plane P1 such that the connecting portion 18 stands in an arch shape, the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 are positioned between the first plane P1 and the plane P2 (hereinafter referred to as the second plane) which is parallel to the first plane P1 and tangent to the connecting portion 18. This is because the connecting portion 18 has an arch shape, that is, a curved shape of a certain degree or more and a certain length or more. However, this disclosure does not exclude the possibility that the finger support portions 12, 14, and 16 may partially protrude from the space between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2. For example, the orthosis of this disclosure allows for a configuration in which the majority of each of the finger support portions 12, 14, and 16 are located between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2.

[0025] The length of the connecting portion 18 from one end 18a to the other end 18b, and the degree of curvature of the connecting portion 18, should be determined according to at least one of the characteristics of the hand of the person wearing the orthosis 10, i.e., the user, such as the size, shape, and degree of disability. In this case, the connecting portion 18 has a shape like a flat strip of plate material bent without twisting, but it may also be bent in a way that allows it to twist. This too should be determined according to the characteristics of the hand of the user wearing the orthosis 10.

[0026] The thumb support portion 12, the first other finger support portion 14, and the second other finger support portion 16 should each be designed and constructed according to the thickness and shape of the user's corresponding finger. The thumb support portion 12, the first other finger support portion 14, and the second other finger support portion 16 should each be configured so that the first joint of the corresponding finger is positioned there when the orthosis 10 is worn on the user's hand. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the thumb support portion 12, the first other finger support portion 14, and the second other finger support portion 16 should each be configured so that the fingertip of the corresponding finger protrudes from there when the orthosis 10 is worn on the user's hand. In addition, the finger support portions 12, 14, and 16 should each have a certain amount of space between them and the finger when the corresponding finger is inserted. This allows for some movement of the finger within the finger support portions 12, 14, and 16, which can improve the comfort of the person wearing the orthosis 10.

[0027] The connecting portion 18 is elastic to allow the thumb support portion 12 to move closer to and further apart from the other finger support portions 14 and 16. The degree of this elasticity is selected so that the connecting portion 18 can be bent by the force of the user's hand wearing the orthosis 10. The connecting portion 18 is not limited to having elasticity throughout, as long as it has the predetermined elasticity to allow the thumb support portion 12 to move closer to and further apart from the other finger support portions 14 and 16. For example, the connecting portion 18 may be configured so that only a part of it has the predetermined elasticity to allow this.

[0028] Here, the connecting portion 18 is made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer), and the entire portion has the aforementioned elasticity. Here, the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 are made of the same material as the connecting portion 18. The connecting portion 18 and the finger support portions 12, 14, and 16 are not limited to being made of TPU, but may be made of other materials such as various synthetic resins, rubber, and silicone. Furthermore, these portions 12, 14, 16, and 18 are not limited to being made of the same material, but may be made of different materials. For example, the connecting portion 18 may have a leaf spring that has or provides a predetermined elasticity.

[0029] The orthosis 10 is manufactured using a machine that creates a three-dimensional model by stacking sliced ​​two-dimensional layers one by one based on 3D design data, in other words, a so-called 3D printer. Therefore, the thumb support part 12, the other finger support parts 14 and 16, and the connecting part 18 are manufactured as a single unit from the outset. Thus, the orthosis 10 as a whole can have an excellent sense of unity, and the stability of operation, which will be described later based on Figures 4 and 5, can be further enhanced. In addition, because the orthosis 10 is manufactured as a single unit in this way, it can be made lighter without the problem of increased weight that can occur when having multiple parts. However, the orthosis of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, each of the parts 12, 14, 16, and 18 may be manufactured separately and then combined to form the orthosis.

[0030] The use of the orthotic device 10 having the above configuration will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0031] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views showing an example of a user's right hand H wearing the orthosis 10. Figure 4 shows the orthosis 10 in an unloaded state, where no particular force is applied to the orthosis 10 from the hand H. Figure 5 shows the orthosis 10 in a loaded state, where it is elastically deformed to some extent by the force from the hand H. In other words, Figure 5 shows the orthosis 10 in a state where a stronger bending load is applied to the orthosis 10 from the hand H than in the state shown in Figure 4.

[0032] In Figures 4 and 5, the thumb F1 of hand H is inserted into the thumb support 12, with its first joint F1j positioned there. The index finger F2 of hand H is inserted into the first other finger support 14, with its first joint F2j positioned there. The middle finger F3 of hand H is inserted into the second other finger support 16, with its first joint (not shown) positioned there. At this time, the fingertip F1a of the thumb F1 of hand H protrudes from the thumb support 12, the fingertip F2a of the index finger F2 of hand H protrudes from the first other finger support 14, and the fingertip F3a of the middle finger F3 of hand H protrudes from the second other finger support 16. The orthosis 10 is fitted to hand H in this manner. In the unloaded state shown in Figure 4, the thumb support 12 and the other finger support 14 and 16 are separated by a predetermined distance or more, so hand H is opened. Then, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, by applying force from the hand H to the orthosis 10, particularly the connecting part 18, so that the thumb F1 and index finger F2 or middle finger F3 are brought close together and facing each other, the orthosis 10 becomes loaded, the connecting part 18 bends, and the thumb support part 12 and the other finger support parts 14 and 16 become capable of, for example, pinching or grasping objects. Then, by removing the force from the hand H, the orthosis 10 can return to an unloaded state as shown in Figure 4. Therefore, for example, a user can comfortably carry out daily activities while wearing this orthosis 10, and can repeatedly bend and straighten their fingers using the orthosis 10 while going about their daily life.

[0033] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the orthotic device 10. However, this is for the case where the orthotic device 10 is made to fit the user's hand, and the orthotic device according to the present invention may be made by other methods. First, as the first step, a process (step S601) is carried out to design the orthotic device 10 so that the first joint of the thumb of the user who is to use the orthotic device 10 is positioned in the thumb support part 12 and the fingertip of the thumb protrudes from the thumb support part 12, and the first joints of the other fingers, i.e., the index finger and middle finger, are positioned in the corresponding other finger support parts 14 and 16 and the fingertips of the other fingers protrude from the corresponding other finger support parts 14 and 16. Then, as the second step, a second step (step S603) is carried out to manufacture the orthotic device 10 designed in the first step using an elastic material.

[0034] In the first step, the user's hand is measured, for example, by acquiring data of the user's hand using a so-called 3D scanner, and as described above, a fitting orthotic device 10 is designed. In the second step, for example, the orthotic device 10 is manufactured using TPU with a 3D printer, as described above. The manufacturing of the orthotic device 10 in the second step may be carried out by methods other than using a 3D printer.

[0035] The following describes some of the characteristic features of the orthotic device 10 having the above configuration, and the effects and benefits thereof.

[0036] The orthosis 10 comprises a thumb support portion 12 for the thumb, other finger support portions 14 and 16 for the other fingers, and an arch-shaped connecting portion 18 that connects the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 along the palm of the hand. The connecting portion 18 is elastic to allow the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 to move closer together and further apart. Therefore, by using this orthosis 10, it is possible to bring the thumb and other fingers closer together or further apart. Thus, the orthosis 10 can be used to improve the function of the hand of a person who has difficulty opening their fingers, for example, a paralyzed hand due to a stroke.

[0037] The connecting portion 18 can have a no-load state in which the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 are separated by a predetermined distance or more (see Figures 1 to 4), and a loaded state in which the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 are closer together than in the no-load state (see Figure 5). With this configuration, the orthosis 10 can be used to open and close the fingers of a person who has difficulty opening their fingers. The predetermined distance in the no-load state is relative and can be determined, for example, according to the degree of bending and straightening of the fingers that is desired to be repeated using the orthosis 10.

[0038] The thumb support portion 12 is configured such that the first joint of the thumb is positioned there and the fingertip of the thumb protrudes from it, while the other finger support portions 14 and 16 are configured such that the first joint of the corresponding other finger is positioned there and the fingertip of the other finger protrudes from it. With this configuration, the orthosis 10 allows for more favorable bending and straightening of the thumb and other fingers. For example, by using the orthosis 10 with this configuration, the user can perform actions such as pinching or grasping objects with the thumb and other fingers of the hand wearing the orthosis 10, and thus can comfortably carry out daily activities while wearing the orthosis 10. For example, by carrying out daily activities with the orthosis 10 on the paralyzed hand, the use of the paralyzed hand in daily life is promoted, and thus it is expected that the function of the paralyzed hand will be improved.

[0039] The orthosis 10 has a first other finger support part 14 that functions as an index finger support part, where the first joint of the index finger is positioned and the tip of the index finger protrudes, and a second other finger support part 16 that functions as a middle finger support part, where the first joint of the middle finger is positioned and the tip of the middle finger protrudes. By using the orthosis 10 with this configuration, the user can bend and extend their index finger and middle finger more effectively. Furthermore, by using the orthosis 10, the user can perform actions such as pinching or grasping objects with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of the hand wearing the orthosis 10, and thus can live their daily life more effectively while wearing the orthosis 10.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, when the orthosis 10 is positioned on the first plane P1 such that the connecting portion 18 stands in an arch shape, the thumb support portion 12 and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 are positioned between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, which is parallel to the first plane P1 and in contact with the connecting portion 18. With this configuration, the arch of the connecting portion 18 can be made larger. As a result, for example, the palm can be sufficiently supported by the connecting portion 18, sufficient finger spread can be ensured, and the operability of the fingers when wearing the orthosis 10 can be improved.

[0041] The thumb support portion 12 is formed in a ring shape so that the thumb can be inserted, and the other finger support portions 14 and 16 are each formed in a ring shape so that the corresponding other fingers can be inserted. With this configuration, the orthosis 10 can be easily attached to the hand and can be easily maintained in the state of being attached to the hand.

[0042] Here, Figure 7 schematically shows a thumb support portion 12T of a modified orthosis of orthosis 10. The thumb support portion 12T is formed in an annular shape, just like the thumb support portion 12 of orthosis 10, and has a slit 12S inserted into it, so it may also be called a slitted annular thumb support portion. The slit 12S extends from one end to the other along the longitudinal direction of the thumb support portion 12T. This improves the ease of attaching and detaching the thumb support portion 12T to the thumb F1. In Figure 7, arrow A indicates where the thumb F1 is pushed into the thumb support portion 12T from the slit 12S side. Note that the other finger support portions of the modified orthosis of orthosis 10 also have a similar configuration to the thumb support portion 12T, i.e., a slitted annular finger support portion, but further explanation is omitted.

[0043] Although embodiments and modifications thereof according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various substitutions and modifications are possible as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims of this application.

[0044] For example, in the orthosis 10 described above, the first other finger support portion 14 was for the index finger and the second other finger support portion 16 was for the middle finger. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit us to this, and it is also possible, for example, to use the first other finger support portion 14 for the middle finger and the second other finger support portion 16 for the ring finger. Furthermore, there may be any number of other finger support portions for at least one other finger other than the thumb. For example, the orthosis 10 described above has two other finger support portions 14 and 16, but the number of support portions for fingers other than the thumb may be one or more. And one other finger support portion may be directed to support multiple other fingers.

[0045] In the orthosis 10 of the above embodiment, the connecting portion 18 is a single strip-shaped portion, and when a plane BP extending along the connecting portion 18 is defined in Figures 2(b), (c), and (d), the thumb support portion 12, the first other finger support portion 14, the second other finger support portion 16, and the connecting portion 18 are configured and arranged symmetrically with respect to that plane BP. However, they are not limited to being configured and arranged symmetrically with respect to that plane BP. For example, the thumb support portion 12 may be positioned on the connecting portion 18 with respect to the plane BP, biased towards the first other finger support portion 14 side or the second other finger support portion 16 side. Similarly, the first other finger support portion 14 and the second other finger support portion 16 may each be positioned on the connecting portion 18 with respect to the plane BP.

[0046] Furthermore, the connecting portion 18 may have a twisted shape. In this case, the thumb support portion 12, the first other finger support portion 14, and the second other finger support portion 16 should each be positioned on the connecting portion 18 in accordance with its shape. For example, in the drawing corresponding to Figure 2(b), the connecting portion 18 may be configured with a twisted shape so that the thumb support portion 12 is positioned biased toward either the first other finger support portion 14 side or the second other finger support portion 16 side. For example, when grasping an object with the thumb and index and middle fingers, some users, such as patients, may have their thumb positioned outward, making it difficult for the thumb and index and middle fingers to face each other. However, by creating a twist in the connecting portion 18, the thumb can be positioned inward, allowing the thumb and index and middle fingers to face each other favorably. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 10 Orthotic devices 12. Thumb support 14 1st other finger support part (other finger support part) 16 2nd other finger support part (other finger support part) 18 Connecting part

Claims

1. A thumb support for the thumb, A support portion for at least one other finger besides the thumb, An arch-shaped connecting portion that connects the thumb support portion and the other finger support portion along the palm of the hand, wherein at least a part of the connecting portion has elasticity to allow the thumb support portion and the other finger support portion to move closer together and further apart. A device equipped with an orthotic device.

2. The aforementioned connecting portion is In an unloaded state where the thumb support portion and the other finger support portion are separated by a predetermined amount or more, In the loaded state, the thumb support portion and the other finger support portion are closer together than in the unloaded state. Having, The orthotic device according to claim 1.

3. The thumb support portion is configured such that the first joint of the thumb is positioned on the thumb support portion and the fingertip of the thumb protrudes from the thumb support portion. The other finger support portion is configured such that the first joint of the other finger is positioned on the other finger support portion and the fingertip of the other finger protrudes from the other finger support portion. The orthotic device according to claim 1.

4. When the orthotic device is positioned on the first plane such that the connecting portion stands in an arch shape, A second plane is parallel to the first plane and tangent to the connecting portion, and the thumb support portion and the other finger support portion are positioned between the second plane and the first plane. The orthotic device according to claim 1.

5. The thumb support portion is formed in a ring shape so that the thumb can be inserted into it. The aforementioned other finger support portion is formed in a ring shape so that the other finger can be inserted into it. The orthotic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for manufacturing an orthotic device according to claim 1, The process of designing the orthosis such that the first joint of the thumb of the user who is to use the orthosis is positioned in the thumb support portion and the tip of the thumb protrudes from the thumb support portion, and the first joint of the user's other fingers is positioned in the other finger support portion and the tips of the other fingers protrude from the other finger support portion, A process for manufacturing the designed orthotic device using an elastic material, A manufacturing method that includes this.

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