Finger corrector

Abstract

The present invention provides a finger corrector comprising: a proximal connecting part coupled to a proximal part adjacent to the palm with respect to the finger joint in a manner that wraps at least a portion of the proximal part; and a distal connecting part coupled to a distal part far from the palm with respect to the finger joint in a manner that wraps at least a portion of the distal part, wherein the distal connecting part is rotatably coupled to the proximal connecting part in a direction in which the finger is bent.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a finger corrector. More specifically, it relates to a finger corrector that stably supports the proximal and distal portions relative to the finger joint, and is rotatable in the bending direction of the finger joint, thereby providing a degree of freedom for finger movement in daily life while maintaining a corrective effect. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, the muscles and bones of the human hand are arranged in a fan shape. However, due to frequent strenuous activity of the fingers and bad habits, the musculoskeletal structure of the fingers may fail to maintain this fan shape and become deformed.

[0003] Finger deformity refers to a deformation of the finger's musculoskeletal system or joints; in severe cases, it not only results in an unsightly hand but also causes pain and inconvenience in daily life.

[0004] To prevent or improve this, finger correctors are used to maintain the finger joints in a specific position.

[0005] Conventional finger correctors based on prior art generally consist of simple fixing members that surround the finger. Since they are difficult to reflect the shape or movement of the user's finger, they often cause discomfort during wear and are difficult to wear for extended periods. In particular, if the structure prevents the finger from bending or if the device is manufactured in a fixed form regardless of finger bending, there is a practical limitation in that the wearer cannot perform daily tasks without removing the corrector.

[0006] Furthermore, most existing braces were provided in standardized sizes, making it difficult to account for individual differences in finger length or diameter and posing a problem in accommodating the needs of female users or users sensitive to aesthetics. Even in cases where custom manufacturing was possible, long production times and high costs limited practical application. Prior art literature

[0007] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0292859 The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention was developed to solve the problems of the prior art. The objective of the present invention is to provide a finger corrector that stably supports the proximal and distal portions on both sides based on the finger joint area, while allowing the user's natural finger movement through a rotational structure that considers the direction of finger bending, thereby stably maintaining the finger correction function and minimizing the inconvenience of use caused by restricted finger movement.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a finger corrector that moves in close contact with the finger during the bending motion, thereby minimizing interference or a sense of unfamiliarity during finger movement, allows for use in daily life without removal, and additionally secures aesthetic functions. means of solving the problem

[0010] The present invention provides a finger corrector comprising: a proximal connecting part coupled to a proximal part adjacent to the palm with respect to the finger joint in a manner that wraps at least a portion of the proximal part; and a distal connecting part coupled to a distal part far from the palm with respect to the finger joint in a manner that wraps at least a portion of the distal part, wherein the distal connecting part is rotatably coupled to the proximal connecting part in a direction in which the finger is bent.

[0011] At this time, the proximal connecting portion may include: a joint support portion extending along a curved path to wrap around the lower surface of the finger joint area and the two lateral surfaces extending upward from the lower surface; a proximal support portion positioned proximally from the joint support portion and extending along a curved path to wrap around the upper surface of the finger and the two lateral surfaces extending downward from the upper surface; and a proximal connecting support portion extending proximally from the upper end of the joint support portion and connected to the proximal support portion.

[0012] In addition, the proximal connecting support may be formed to extend horizontally along the lateral surface of the finger and may be formed to be located above the center of the upper and lower thickness of the lateral surface of the finger.

[0013] In addition, the proximal support may be formed in the shape of a ring with a portion of the lower section open, and the lower portion of the proximal support may be formed to wrap around a portion of the lower surface of the finger.

[0014] In addition, an expanded contact portion may be formed at the lower end of the proximal support portion, with the width expanded in the finger length direction to increase the contact area with the finger.

[0015] In addition, the joint support may be formed in the shape of a ring with an open upper portion, and the joint support may be formed such that its width increases in the finger length direction from the area covering the lateral surface of the finger to the area covering the lower surface of the finger.

[0016] In addition, a rotation axis is formed at the upper end of the joint support, and the distal coupling part can be rotatably coupled to the proximal coupling part around the rotation axis formed at the upper end of the joint support.

[0017] Additionally, the distal coupling member may include: a distal support member positioned at a distance from the joint support member in a distal direction and formed to extend along a curved path to wrap around the upper surface of the finger and both side surfaces extending downward from the upper surface; and a distal connecting support member having one end coupled to the rotation axis and extending distally from the end coupled to the rotation axis to be connected to the distal support member.

[0018] In addition, the distal support is formed in the shape of a ring with a portion of the lower section open, and the lower end of the distal support is formed to wrap around a portion of the lower surface of the finger, and the proximal support and the distal support may be formed such that their thickness gradually decreases from the upper center to the lower end. Effects of the invention

[0019] According to the present invention, by using a structure that encloses the proximal and distal portions on both sides based on the finger joint area and a rotational axis structure that rotatably connects both support portions, the alignment of the finger joint and the prevention of deformation are effectively performed, thereby stably maintaining the corrective effect. At the same time, the natural bending movement of the finger is not interfered with, thereby minimizing the inconvenience of use caused by the restriction of finger movement.

[0020] In addition, by configuring it to move in close contact with the finger during the bending motion, interference or a sense of unfamiliarity during finger movement can be minimized, allowing for free use without detachment in daily life and providing the added benefit of aesthetic functionality.

[0021] In addition, by forming the lower parts of the proximal and distal support sections into an open ring shape and gradually reducing the thickness from the upper center to the lower part, it is possible to simultaneously achieve structural lightweighting, improved aesthetics, and wearing comfort while allowing for free movement of the fingers. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the external appearance of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating the wearing state of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating, exemplarily, the state of finger bending motion while wearing a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a proximal coupling part of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a distal coupling part of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the thickness change state of the proximal support and distal support of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a rotation axis module and a rotation coupling structure of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating various wearing states of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] First, it should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions could obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0025] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is 'connected,' 'supported,' 'connected,' 'supplied,' 'transmitted,' or 'contacted' with another component, it should be understood that while the connection, support, connection, supply, transmission, or contact may be direct to that other component, there may also be other components present in between.

[0026] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted in advance that expressions such as "upper side," "lower side," and "side" in this specification are described based on the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the orientation of the object changes. For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size.

[0028] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but such components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0029] The meaning of "comprising" as used in the specification specifies certain characteristics, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, and does not exclude the existence or addition of other specific characteristics, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the external shape of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating the wearing state of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view exemplarily illustrating the finger bending operation state in the wearing state of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] A finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention is worn to correct joints and prevent deformation of a finger, and comprises a proximal connecting part (100) that is connected to a proximal part (PP) adjacent to the palm in a manner that wraps at least a portion of the proximal part (PP) with respect to any finger joint (JT), and a distal connecting part (200) that is connected to a distal part (DP) that is far from the palm (in the direction of the fingertip) with respect to the finger joint (JT) in a manner that wraps the distal part (DP).

[0032] The proximal joint (100) and the distal joint (200) are rotatably connected to each other in the direction in which the finger bends. That is, the proximal joint (100) and the distal joint (200) are rotatably connected to each other at the finger joint (JT) area, so that a natural bending motion of the finger is possible while maintaining a constant correction state.

[0033] The proximal connecting portion (100) is a structure that is connected to the proximal portion (PP) in a manner that wraps at least a portion of the proximal portion (PP) adjacent to the palm based on the finger joint (JT), and may include a joint support portion (110), a proximal support portion (120), and a proximal connecting support portion (130).

[0034] The joint support portion (110) can be formed along a curved path to wrap around the lower surface of the finger and the two lateral surfaces extending upward from the lower surface, centering on the finger joint (JT) portion. This joint support portion (110) is formed in a structure that stably wraps around and supports the lower surface and the lateral surfaces at the finger joint (JT) portion, and is configured in a ring shape with an open upper portion, providing excellent ventilation when worn and enhancing the user's comfort.

[0035] The joint support portion (110) can be formed such that its width increases in the lengthwise direction of the finger from the area covering the lateral surface of the finger to the area covering the lower surface of the finger. Designed to gradually widen in this way, the load applied to the finger when wearing the corrector is not concentrated locally but is widely distributed, and as a result, pain can be minimized and not caused even when worn for a long time.

[0036] The proximal support member (120) is positioned at a certain distance in the proximal direction from the joint support member (110). The proximal support member (120) is a structure that wraps around the upper surface of the finger and the two lateral surfaces extending downward from it, and is configured in a curved shape to stably fix the proximal portion (PP) of the finger.

[0037] The proximal support portion (120) is formed in the shape of a ring with a portion of its lower section open to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the finger, and the lower portion of the proximal support portion (120) may be formed to wrap around a portion of the lower surface of the finger. Additionally, an extended contact portion (121) may be formed at the lower portion of the proximal support portion (120) to increase the contact area with the finger. The extended contact portion (121) wraps around the lower part of the finger over a wider area and adheres closely to prevent shaking when the corrector is worn, and provides a comfortable fit along with stable fixation.

[0038] Meanwhile, a proximal connecting support member (130) is formed between the upper part of the joint support member (110) and the proximal support member (120). The proximal connecting support member (130) extends proximally from the upper part of the joint support member (110) and is connected to the proximal support member (120), and can extend horizontally along the lateral surface of the finger.

[0039] At this time, the proximal connecting support (130) may be formed to be located above the center of the upper and lower thickness of the lateral surface of the finger. This is a design that takes into account the anatomical characteristic that the actual bending center of the finger joint is formed slightly above the center of the finger thickness (about 2 / 5 point), and by configuring it so that the axis of rotation can be supported at that position, the bending movement of the finger can be induced more naturally and smoothly. In addition, the proximal connecting support (130) also serves to stabilize the installation position of the axis of rotation (RC) and to secure the rigidity of the entire corrector through the structural connection between the joint support (110) and the proximal support (120).

[0040] The proximal connecting part (100) configured in this manner is arranged such that the joint supporting part (110) and the proximal supporting part (120) are interconnected through the proximal connecting support part (130), thereby stably supporting the joint part and the proximal part of the finger, while also stably maintaining the connecting force to the finger.

[0041] Meanwhile, a rotation axis (RC) is formed at the upper end of the joint support portion (110) of the proximal coupling portion (100), and the distal coupling portion (200) is rotatably coupled to the proximal coupling portion (100) around this rotation axis (RC).

[0042] The distal coupling portion (200) is located in the direction of the fingertip relative to the finger joint (JT) and is structured to be coupled to the finger in a manner that wraps around at least a portion of the distal portion (DP) of the finger. The distal coupling portion (200) is configured to include a distal connecting support portion (220) that is rotatably coupled to the upper part of the joint support portion (110), and a distal support portion (210) that is connected to the distal connecting support portion (220) and stably wraps around the distal portion (DP) of the finger.

[0043] The distal support (210) is formed to extend along a curved path to wrap around the upper surface of the finger and the two side surfaces extending downward from it, thereby configuring it to wrap around the outer edge of the finger. At this time, the distal support (210) is formed in a ring shape with a portion of its lower section open, making it easy to put on and take off the finger, and allowing for comfortable use without pressure even when worn for a long time.

[0044] At this time, the lower portion of the distal support member (210) is formed to wrap around a portion of the lower surface of the finger, and an expanded contact portion (211) is formed at the lower portion of the distal support member (210) to increase the contact area with the lower part of the finger. Through this structure, the wearing stability and support of the finger corrector can be further improved by adhering to the finger over a wider area. In addition, since the expanded contact portion (211) formed at the lower portion of the distal support member (210) is formed to wrap around the lower surface of the finger, as shown in FIG. 3, during the movement of bending the finger, the expanded contact portion (211) is pulled in the direction of bending by the finger, and accordingly, the distal support member (210) can rotate smoothly in the bending direction together with the finger.

[0045] The distal connecting support member (220) is configured such that one end is rotatably coupled to a rotation axis (RC) formed in the joint support member (110), and the other end is connected to the distal support member (210). Due to this structure, the distal coupling member (200) can rotate in the direction in which the finger bends between itself and the proximal coupling member (100). In particular, such a rotational coupling structure can effectively maintain the alignment and correction state of the finger joint area without interfering with the bending movement of the finger.

[0046] The proximal joint (100) and the distal joint (200) are connected so as to be rotatable with each other around a rotation axis (RC) formed in the joint support (110), thereby enabling natural rotational movement aligned with the bending center of the finger joint. As a result, the user can perform daily finger movements even while wearing the corrector, and simultaneously obtain the effect of preventing or correcting joint deformation.

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, when a user performs a finger bending motion, the distal coupling (200) rotates about the rotation axis (RC) relative to the proximal coupling (100). This rotation proceeds along the natural bending path of the finger joint, and since the finger corrector itself bends together with the finger, flexible movement is possible without any discomfort when worn.

[0048] In addition, while the distal connecting part (200) and the proximal connecting part (100) each stably support the distal and proximal parts of the finger, respectively, these connecting parts come into close contact with the finger and rotate together according to the bending motion. With this structure, the movement of the finger can be stably supported without shaking or detachment even during the bending motion. In addition, it minimizes discomfort when the user performs tasks that require repeatedly bending and straightening the finger during daily life (e.g., typing, gripping motions, etc.) and reduces fatigue even when worn for a long time.

[0049] Meanwhile, the proximal support (120) and the distal support (210) are formed in the shape of a ring with a lower portion open to wrap around the proximal and distal parts of the finger, respectively, as described above. At this time, the proximal support (120) and the distal support (210) are formed in a shape in which their thickness gradually decreases from the upper center to the lower part, as shown in FIG. 7. Through this thickness change structure, functionality and comfort can be simultaneously satisfied in the wearer's finger bending movements and in a long-term use environment.

[0050] The upper central part is formed relatively thick with a thickness of t1 to ensure structural rigidity and finger support for the entire device, and is formed to become thinner with a thickness of t2 towards the bottom, thereby reducing pressure on the lower part of the finger and alleviating local stress applied to the wearer's skin, thus providing a more comfortable fit. In particular, since the lower part of the finger has a relatively large range of motion during bending movements, placing a thick structure in this part may hinder the natural movement of the finger; however, in one embodiment of the present invention, by forming the lower part relatively thin, such interference is minimized, and the free bending movement of the finger can be performed more naturally.

[0051] Furthermore, the thinner bottom section reduces interference when wearing gloves or external covers, allowing users to minimize discomfort while performing daily tasks such as washing dishes, housework, and typing, even while wearing finger correctors. In addition, the smooth, curved thickness change from top to bottom reduces visual discomfort and creates an aesthetically pleasing overall appearance, which can reduce psychological resistance from the user.

[0052] Meanwhile, the rotation axis (RC) of the proximal coupling part (100) and the distal coupling part (200) can be configured to be formed through a rotation axis module (300).

[0053] A step portion (111) is formed in the upper region of the joint support portion (110) of the proximal joint portion (100), and a step portion (221) is formed in the end region of the distal connection support portion (220) of the distal joint portion (200) (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). The step portion (111) of the joint support portion (110) and the step portion (221) of the distal connection support portion (220) are formed to correspond to each other and are joined through a rotation axis module (300) in a mutual surface contact state.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 8, the rotational shaft module (300) may be configured to include a coupling support plate (310) and a shaft member (320) coupled thereto. A concave groove (311) is formed in the center of the coupling support plate (310), and a coupling hole (312) for inserting the shaft member (320) is provided in the center of the concave groove (311).

[0055] The shaft member (320) has a shaft support plate (321) on one side, and a shaft (322) is formed protruding from one side of the shaft support plate (321). The shaft (322) is inserted through the coupling hole (312) of the coupling support plate (310). With the shaft (322) inserted through the coupling hole (312), the wing portion (323) formed on the outer side of the shaft member (320) engages with the coupling support plate (310), thereby maintaining mutual coupling between the shaft member (320) and the coupling support plate (310). The stepped portion (111) of the joint support portion (110) and the stepped portion (221) of the distal connecting support portion (220) are arranged between the coupling support plate (310) and the shaft support plate (312) to maintain mutual rotational coupling.

[0056] This type of coupling structure ensures that the rotation axis module (300) remains stable without separating or detaching even under external impact or repeated rotational movements, thereby improving the structural rigidity and durability of the finger corrector.

[0057] Meanwhile, a first stopper part (112, 222) and a second stopper part (113, 223) for limiting the rotation angle may be formed correspondingly on the edges of the stepped portion (111, 221) formed at the portion where the joint support part (110) and the distal connecting support part (220) are rotatably coupled to each other. The first and second stopper parts prevent the distal connecting part (200) from rotating beyond a certain angle, thereby preventing excessive bending that may be applied to the finger joint and enabling bending movements within a structurally appropriate range.

[0058] In particular, the second stopper part (113, 223) is formed in a curved shape, so that it can perform a cushioning function to mitigate the impact occurring at the end of the rotation angle according to its shape when in contact with each other during rotational movement. Accordingly, even when the user bends their finger to the maximum, the movement of the corrector is smoothly controlled, and unpleasant impact caused by sudden stopping during the finger bending process can be minimized.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating various wearing states of a finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] A finger corrector according to one embodiment of the present invention can be worn in a manner such that the joint support portion (110) is positioned to wrap around the lower surface and the side surface of the finger joint area as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the direction of wear can be varied according to the user's needs.

[0061] For example, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the finger corrector can be worn by rotating it clockwise around the longitudinal axis of the finger so that the joint support (110) covers the right side surface of the finger joint area. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the finger corrector can be worn by rotating it counterclockwise around the longitudinal axis of the finger so that the joint support (110) covers the left side surface of the finger joint area.

[0062] At this time, the rotation angle of the finger corrector can be adjusted in various ways according to the user's needs. For example, the finger corrector can be worn by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise by 90° as shown in FIG. 9 (a) and (b), or by rotating it at various angles such as 180°, 60°, or 45°.

[0063] In this way, by wearing the finger corrector by rotating it around the longitudinal axis of the finger, the direction of correction of the finger's curvature can be adjusted in various ways. That is, the user can appropriately adjust the rotation angle of the finger corrector so that the corrective force acts appropriately according to the direction of curvature of their finger.

[0064] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0065] 100: Proximal junction 110: Joint support 111: Step 112: 1st Stopper Section 113: Second stopper section 120: Proximal support 121: Extended contact 130: Proximal connecting support 200: Distal joint 210: Distal support 211: Extended contact 220: Distal connecting support 221: Step 222: 1st Stopper Section 223: Second stopper section 300: Rotation axis module 310: Connecting support plate 311: Concave groove 312: Connection hole 320: Shaft member 321: Axis support plate 322: Shaft 323: Wings

Claims

Claim 1 delete Claim 2 A finger corrector comprising: a proximal connecting part coupled to a proximal part adjacent to the palm with respect to the finger joint in a manner that wraps at least a portion of the proximal part; and a distal connecting part coupled to a distal part far from the palm with respect to the finger joint in a manner that wraps at least a portion of the distal part, wherein the distal connecting part is rotatably coupled to the proximal connecting part in the direction in which the finger bends, and the proximal connecting part is formed to extend along a curved path to wrap a lower surface of the finger joint area and two lateral surfaces extending upward from the lower surface; a proximal supporting part positioned proximally from the joint supporting part and formed to extend along a curved path to wrap an upper surface of the finger and two lateral surfaces extending downward from the upper surface; and a proximal connecting supporting part extending proximally from the upper end of the joint supporting part and connected to the proximal supporting part. Claim 3 A finger corrector according to claim 2, wherein the proximal connecting support is formed to extend horizontally along the lateral surface of the finger and is formed to be located above the center of the upper and lower thickness of the lateral surface of the finger. Claim 4 A finger corrector according to claim 2, wherein the proximal support is formed in the shape of a ring with a lower portion open, and the lower portion of the proximal support is formed to wrap around a portion of the lower surface of the finger. Claim 5 A finger corrector according to claim 4, wherein an expanded contact portion is formed at the lower end of the proximal support portion, with the width expanded in the finger length direction to increase the contact area with the finger. Claim 6 A finger corrector according to claim 2, wherein the joint support is formed in the shape of a ring with an open upper portion, and the width of the joint support increases in the finger length direction from the area covering the lateral surface of the finger to the area covering the lower surface of the finger. Claim 7 A finger corrector according to claim 2, wherein a rotation axis is formed at the upper end of the joint support portion, and the distal coupling portion is rotatably coupled to the proximal coupling portion around the rotation axis formed at the upper end of the joint support portion. Claim 8 A finger corrector according to claim 7, wherein the distal coupling portion is positioned distally spaced from the joint support portion and is formed to extend along a curved path to surround the upper surface of the finger and both lateral surfaces extending downward from the upper surface; and a distal connecting support portion having one end coupled to the rotation axis and extending distally from the end coupled to the rotation axis to be connected to the distal support portion. Claim 9 A finger corrector according to claim 8, wherein the distal support is formed in the shape of a ring with a lower portion open, the lower portion of the distal support is formed to wrap around a portion of the lower surface of the finger, and the proximal support and the distal support are formed such that their thickness gradually decreases from the upper center to the lower portion.

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