Stretchable therapeutic bracelet for hand, wrist, and forearm exercises

Abstract

A therapeutic bracelet includes a strip of elastomeric material that defines an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a plurality of finger holes extending through the strip. The strip of elastomeric material is configured to be positioned over an operative hand of a user and to be worn around a wrist of the user. Upon periodic removal of the therapeutic bracelet from the wrist, the user inserts one or more digits in the finger holes from the interior surface and stretches the therapeutic bracelet with a thumb of the operative hand or with an opposite hand. A method of using the therapeutic bracelet to alternately strengthen and stretch the operative hand is also provided. The bracelet may also be used for supporting the wrist in an ergonomically correct position; and, when turned inside out, for massaging sore or injured muscles.

Claims

1. A therapeutic bracelet comprising: a strip of elastomeric material, the strip of elastomeric material defining a first circumferential edge, a second circumferential edge, an interior surface extending between the first and second circumferential edges, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and extending between the first and second circumferential edges, and a plurality of finger holes disposed between the first and second circumferential edges and extending through the strip of elastomeric material from the interior surface to the exterior surface, wherein all of the plurality of finger holes are positioned within one half of a circumference of the therapeutic bracelet; and one or more electrical components embedded within the strip of elastomeric material, the one or more electrical components being selected from the group consisting of a position sensor, a vibration sensor, a power supply, a microprocessor, and a transceiver; wherein the strip of elastomeric material is configured to be positioned over a left or right hand of a user and to be worn around a wrist of the user above the respective left or right hand of the user, such that the plurality of finger holes is wholly unfilled by digits of the respective left or right hand of the user when the therapeutic bracelet is worn around the wrist of the user; and wherein the strip of elastomeric material is configured such that, upon periodic removal of the therapeutic bracelet from the wrist of the user, one or more of the plurality of finger holes receive from the interior surface a corresponding one or more digits of an operative hand of the user, the operative hand being either the left or right hand of the user; and wherein the therapeutic bracelet is stretchable with a thumb of the operative hand or with one or more digits of an opposite hand, the opposite hand being the other of the left or right hand of the user, such that stretching of the therapeutic bracelet exercises the one or more digits of the operative hand and such that the one or more electrical components are configured to track use of the therapeutic bracelet for exercising the one or more digits of the operative hand.

2. The therapeutic bracelet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of finger holes has four finger holes, the four finger holes being spaced to accommodate the one or more digits of the operative hand of the user.

3. The therapeutic bracelet of claim 2, wherein the plurality of finger holes is reinforced with additional elastomeric material.

4. The therapeutic bracelet of claim 1, wherein the strip of elastomeric material comprises silicone, urethane, or one or more polymers resilient to stretching; and wherein the strip of elastomeric material defines a continuous circumference configured to be worn around the wrist of the user.

5. The therapeutic bracelet of claim 1, wherein the strip of elastomeric material has a first thickness in a first circumferential portion of the strip defining the plurality of finger holes and a second thickness in a remaining circumferential portion of the strip, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness.

6. The therapeutic bracelet of claim 1, wherein the strip of elastomeric material has a first width in a first circumferential portion of the strip defining the plurality of finger holes and a second circumferential width in a remaining portion of the strip, the first width being greater than the second width.

7. The therapeutic bracelet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusions spaced circumferentially apart from the plurality of finger holes and projecting from a continuous area of the interior surface of the strip of elastomeric material; wherein the one or more protrusions provide a cushioning or massaging effect to the user when the one or more protrusions contact the wrist of the user.

8. The therapeutic bracelet of claim 1, further comprising graphical or textual elements disposed on the exterior surface of the therapeutic bracelet.

9. A therapeutic bracelet comprising: a strip of elastomeric material, the strip of elastomeric material defining a first circumferential edge, a second circumferential edge, an interior surface extending between the first and second circumferential edges, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and extending between the first and second circumferential edges; and a plurality of finger holes disposed between the first and second circumferential edges and extending through the strip of elastomeric material from the interior surface to the exterior surface, all of the plurality of finger holes being positioned within a first half of a circumference of the therapeutic bracelet, wherein each of the plurality of finger holes is reinforced with additional elastomeric materials; wherein the strip of elastomeric material is configured such that one or more of the plurality of finger holes receive from the interior surface a corresponding one or more digits of an operative hand of the user, the operative hand being either the left or right hand of the user; and wherein the therapeutic bracelet is stretchable with a thumb of the operative hand or with one or more digits of an opposite hand, the opposite hand being the other of the left or right hand of the user, such that stretching of the therapeutic bracelet exercises the one or more digits of the operative hand; one or more electrical components embedded within the strip of elastomeric material and configured for tracking use of the therapeutic bracelet for exercising one or more digits of a user's hand when the one or more digits are inserted in respective holes of the plurality of finger holes, and wherein the one or more electrical components is selected from the group consisting of a position sensor, a vibration sensor, a power supply, a microprocessor, and a transceiver.

10. The therapeutic bracelet of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting from a continuous area of the interior surface of the strip of elastomeric material within a second half of the circumference of the therapeutic bracelet, the plurality of protrusions being circumferentially spaced apart from the plurality of finger holes; wherein one or more protrusions of the plurality of protrusions provide a cushioning or massaging effect to the user when the one or more protrusions of the plurality of protrusions contact the wrist of the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A full and enabling disclosure of the present products and methods, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a therapeutic bracelet of the present disclosure, as worn around a user's wrist;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the therapeutic bracelet of FIG. 1, which shows the exterior surface containing a plurality of finger holes;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the therapeutic bracelet of FIGS. 1 and 2, which shows the interior surface containing the plurality of finger holes;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the therapeutic bracelet of FIG. 1, which is being used to perform a stretching exercise;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the therapeutic bracelet of FIG. 1, which is being used to perform a strengthening exercise;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the therapeutic bracelet of FIG. 1, which may include a sensor to communicate wirelessly with a handheld electronic device, such as a cellular telephone;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a therapeutic bracelet with one or more releasable fasteners, according to another aspect provided herein; and

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a therapeutic bracelet with varying width and thickness and with a continuous array of protrusions on an interior surface thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the multi-function therapeutic bracelet, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant to be a limitation of the claimed subject matter. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with a different embodiment to yield yet still another embodiment. It is intended that the present application include such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Selected combinations or aspects of the disclosed technology correspond to a plurality of different embodiments of the present alert notification system. Certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or different features not expressly mentioned that perform the same or similar functions.

(11) As used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “and,” and “the” include plural versions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(12) The present therapeutic bracelet is a closed (or closeable) band of an elastomeric material (e.g., silicone, urethane, polymers, or the like) that has a resting circumferential length and a specific level of resistance and resilience to stretching. The bracelet is configured to be worn on the user's wrist (as shown in FIG. 1) and to be stretched when placed on the user's wrist, removed from the user's wrist, and during exercises. Following stretching, the bracelet returns to its resting circumferential length.

(13) The bracelet defines several (e.g., three, four, five, or more) openings therethrough, within which the user may insert his fingers, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. At least four of the finger holes are positioned within one half of the circumferential length of the bracelet. Each finger insertion hole is designed for insertion of one or more digits (fingers, thumb) through the designated holes, via the interior surface of the bracelet. The position of the finger holes is spaced for optimal finger placement to achieve a specific line of pull for each exercise and to ensure that the fingers are disposed in a safe, comfortable, and correct manner for each specified exercise. The finger holes allow for alternate resistance levels based on the respective positions of the fingers within the finger holes (i.e., proximal, mid, or distal). The finger holes may be reinforced with additional material for strength.

(14) The bracelet is pliable, flexible, durable, hypoallergenic, water-resistant, and capable of being fully submerged. Thus, there is no impediment in the construction of the bracelet to prevent the user from wearing it consistently or at least during waking hours. The inner surface of the bracelet is designed with impression markings (protrusions and/or concavities) to cradle the user's wrist when the bracelet is not being used for stretching and strengthening exercises. The protrusions may also be employed as a massage device, when the bracelet is inverted (i.e., turned inside out). The exterior surface of the bracelet includes areas for various functional and/or aesthetic markings, including labeling, texturing, and/or coloring for decorative, marketing, or instructional use. The labeling may include graphical or textual elements. Space between the finger holes and on the exterior surface of the finger holes may or may not be reinforced to provide consistent and optimal stretching and strengthening functions.

(15) Optionally, the present therapeutic bracelet may include electronic components, such as sensors, microcontrollers, and/or transceivers. The optional electronic components are embedded within the bracelet to capture and monitor sensory data from the user's actions, including, but not limited to, stretch capacity, resistance levels, and positional markers of the bracelet; and spatial, vibrational, heat, and biological markers in the hand, wrist, and forearm. The data can be communicated wirelessly to and from an integrated controller to a remote device, such as a user's cell phone or a personal computer (as shown in FIG. 6).

(16) FIG. 1 illustrates a therapeutic bracelet 10 that slips over a user's hand 100 and circumferentially surrounds a user's wrist 110. The therapeutic bracelet 10 is formed from a strip 11 of elastomeric material, such as silicone, urethane, or other polymers, which is resilient to stretching. The strip 11 defines a circumferential length. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the strip 11 defines a uniform width W around the circumference of the bracelet 10. In the exemplary embodiment, four finger holes 12 are defined through the strip 11 of elastomeric material. The finger holes 12 are spaced around a circumferential portion of the strip 11 that is less than the entire circumference (e.g., around approximately half of the circumferential length). The bracelet 10 may be worn on either wrist, depending on user preference.

(17) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the elastomeric strip 11 that defines the therapeutic bracelet 10 includes an exterior surface 11a and an interior surface 11b. The finger holes 12 extend through the strip 11 from the exterior surface 11a to the interior surface 11b. The finger holes 12 may be reinforced with additional reinforcement material 14. Additional reinforcement material may be applied to the spaces 13 between the holes 12 on the interior surface 11b. In some embodiments, the portion of the elastomeric strip 11 that defines the finger holes 12 has a greater thickness than the remaining portion of the elastomeric strip 11.

(18) The interior surface 11b may include raised protrusions 15, which can provide a cushioning and/or massaging effect to the user's wrist, depending on the shape of the protrusions 15. The protrusions 15 may be linear, as shown, or may be some other shape including semi-spherical, frustoconical, or curvilinear. The protrusions 15 may be disposed in one or more localized areas of the interior surface 11b (as shown in FIG. 2) or may be disposed across a continuous large area of the interior surface 11b (as shown in FIG. 8).

(19) The bracelet 10 can be turned inside out, so that the protrusions 15 are facing the user. In this orientation, the user is able to use the bracelet 10 as a massage device. Specifically, the user wearing the bracelet 10 around one wrist can rub the bracelet 10 against the skin (for example, of the opposite forearm), thereby contacting the skin with the protrusions 15 to break up adhesions between the skin and the muscle in tender or injured areas (i.e., causing myofascial release). In addition to their possible therapeutic benefit, the location of the raised protrusions may also assist users in positioning their thumb within the bracelet 10 for strengthening exercises (as shown in FIG. 5).

(20) The interior surface 11b may optionally include an area 16 for labeling, which may include textual or graphical elements for instructing use or for marketing or manufacturing information. The colors of such elements contrast with the color of the bracelet 10.

(21) Optionally, various electrical components 20 for monitoring the use of the bracelet 10 may be embedded within the bracelet 10, as will be described further herein.

(22) In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface 17 opposite the finger holes 12 defines a large surface suitable for textual or graphical elements that may be used for marketing, for prescribing use recommendations, for encouraging exercise adherence, or for any other purpose.

(23) FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate exemplary manners of using the bracelet 10 for stretching and strengthening an operative hand 100. The term “operative hand” is not limited literally to only the hand and fingers of the hand being exercised. It should be appreciated that exercises described herein result in the strengthening and/or stretching of the flexor muscles of the fingers, wrist, and forearm.

(24) Further, it should be understood that the bracelet 10 may be used for other purposes, such as the stretching of individual digits (fingers or thumb) in series or in parallel; the cushioning of the user's wrist, via areas of increased thickness, when the user is performing repetitive tasks, such as typing; and the massaging or kneading of affected areas with the protrusions 15 when the bracelet 10 is oriented with the protrusions facing outward. The user, experimenting alone or working with a physical therapist or doctor, may devise other manners of using the bracelet 10.

(25) FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary use of the therapeutic bracelet 10 for stretching (i.e., elongating) the flexor muscles to reduce tension on the wrist joint, the nerves, and the blood vessels of an operative hand 100 (e.g., a user's right hand). The user removes the bracelet 10 from his wrist 110 and orients the bracelet 10 in a relaxed state with the fingertips of the operative hand being positioned in the finger holes 12 (via the interior surface 11b), the palm of the hand facing downward (i.e., over the dorsal surface of the hand), and the area 17 opposite the finger holes 12 being positioned toward the user.

(26) To begin the stretching exercises, the user grasps the area 17 with his opposite hand 105 (e.g., his left hand) and pulls the bracelet 10 in the direction of the antecubital fossa (elbow pit) of the operative hand 100. This action bends the head of the metacarpals and the wrist of the operative hand 100 in a backward direction (i.e., toward the elbow pit), thereby stretching the flexor muscles and soft tissues of the operative hand 100. The tension and resistance experienced by the user can be increased by positioning the fingers further into the finger holes 12 of the bracelet 10.

(27) After stretching the flexor muscles for a prescribed time, the user releases the tension on the bracelet 10 by moving the opposite hand 105 toward the operative hand 100, and the flexor muscles and soft tissue of the operative hand 100 are returned to a relaxed state. For increased benefit, the stretching exercise may be repeated for a prescribed number of cycles with intervening periods of rest.

(28) The user may insert all four fingers of the operative hand 100 into the corresponding finger holes 12, or may elect to insert fewer than four fingers into the finger holes 12. For example, the user may stretch one, two, or three fingers at a time. Also, the bracelet 10 can be used for stretching the thumb of the operative hand 100. Thus, the bracelet 10 may be used to stretch all the digits (fingers and thumb) of the operative hand.

(29) The exercises may be repeated for the opposite hand 105 (e.g., the left hand), since the bracelet 10 is configured for use by either hand. The user may opt to perform a series of exercises with a first hand 100 only before switching the bracelet 10 to a second hand 105. Alternately, the user may elect to have a staggered sequence of exercises, switching between the first hand 100 and the second hand 105.

(30) FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary use of the bracelet 10 for strengthening the operative hand 100 (e.g., the right hand). With the bracelet 10 in a relaxed state, the user inserts his fingers through the interior of the bracelet 10 and positions his fingers into the finger holes 12 on the interior surface 11b with his palm facing upward. The finger holes 12 can accommodate positioning the proximal, mid, or distal phalanges of each of the four digits within the finger holes 12 to adjust the resistance the user experiences.

(31) To begin strengthening exercises, the dorsal (back) surface of the thumb of the operative hand 100 is placed securely on the interior surface 11b of the bracelet 10 (e.g., on the raised protrusions 15) spaced apart from the finger holes 12. The user extends all five fingers of the operative hand 100 collectively away from each other with the bracelet 10 creating tension and resistance, thereby concentrically contracting the extensor muscles and adjacent soft tissue. The five fingers are then eccentrically contracted, reducing the resistance of the bracelet 10 and returning the operative hand 100 to a relaxed state.

(32) This exercise, which may be repeated for a prescribed cycle with intermittent periods of rest, fortifies the extensor muscles by promoting collagen production. By strengthening the extensor muscles in this sequence, the tension of the flexor muscles is further reduced.

(33) Completing the exercises described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 promotes unimpeded blood flow and nerve conduction through the hands, wrists, and forearms. Consistent exercise restores muscle balance (e.g., between flexors and extensors), reduces pressure on the nerves and blood vessels affected by repetitive motion stresses, and alleviates symptoms of painful conditions caused by repetitive motion stresses. As a result, the user experiences less pain, greater finger dexterity, and improved functions of the hands, wrists, and forearms.

(34) Once the user has completed his exercises with one hand, he may exercise the other hand. When the user has finished all the desired sets of exercises, he may reposition the bracelet 10 on his wrist 100 or set aside for later use. It is contemplated that the user will be more likely to remember to periodically perform the stretching and strengthening exercises described herein because he is wearing the exercise device (i.e., the bracelet 10) around his wrist. Accordingly, it is readily available for quick use during lulls or breaks in his work day; during the commute to or from work by bus, train, or car (e.g., if another is driving or if stuck in traffic); or during recreation times (such as while watching television).

(35) To monitor and track exercise cycles, the bracelet 10 may optionally be provided with electronic components, collectively labeled as element 20 in FIG. 2. The electronic components 20 may include sensors (e.g., position sensors, vibration sensors), wireless transceivers (e.g., Bluetooth® beacons), microprocessors, a power supply (e.g., a battery), and the like, which are used to detect the motion of the bracelet 10 and to transmit signals 150 representative of the detected motions to a remote computing device 200, as shown in FIG. 6. The remote computing device 200 may be a user's cellular phone (as shown), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a smart watch on which a customized application 215 is installed for processing the signals 150. The application may produce graphical depictions and/or textual messages of performance metrics related to the number of repetitions, the duration of the exercise cycles, the resistance created by the bracelet 10, and the like. The application may also be configured to provide reminders at a prescribed time interval to promote usage of the bracelet 10.

(36) FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative configuration of the present therapeutic bracelet 10, in which the elastomeric strip 11 is discontinuous and includes one or more releasable fasteners 19 to define the bracelet 10. The releasable fasteners 19 may be selected from the group consisting of metallic or plastic snap closures, magnetic closures, hook-and-loop fabric (e.g., VELCRO®) closures, or the like. The releasable fasteners 19 may be used to secure the bracelet 10 around the user's wrist and may allow the user to adjust the circumference of the bracelet 10 to better fit the user's wrist.

(37) FIG. 8 illustrates a bracelet 10 having an interior surface 11b provided with a continuous series of protrusions 15. As described above, the bracelet 10 may be turned inside out, so that the protrusions 15 are facing the user. While wearing the bracelet 10 in this orientation, the user may rub the protrusions 15 against the skin of a tender or injured area (for example, of the opposite forearm) to act as a massaging device that reduces adhesions between the skin and the muscles in the tender or injured area (i.e., causing myofascial release).

(38) FIG. 8 further illustrates an exemplary configuration of the bracelet 10 in which the area in which the finger holes 12 are defined has a first width W1 and a first thickness T1. In at least one embodiment, the remainder of the strip 11 of elastomeric material has a second width W2, which is less than the first width W1. In at least one embodiment, the remainder of the strip 11 of elastomeric material has a second thickness T2, which is less than the first thickness T1. Alternately, the bracelet 10 may have a uniform width W (as shown in FIG. 1) or a uniform thickness (e.g., T1), which are selected to balance user comfort with desired elasticity. The thickness of the bracelet 10 provides cushioning, support, and/or stabilization of the wrist to perform repetitive functions (e.g., for typing or keyboarding) at more ergonomically correct angles.

(39) An exemplary method of producing the therapeutic bracelet 10 includes creating a block mold in the shape of the elastomeric strip (either continuous or discontinuous) with an optional inset for the electronic components; and injecting an elastomeric material (e.g., silicone, urethane, or other pliable polymer) into the block mold in an injection molding process. Once the mold has been filled, the mold is cooled until the elastomeric strip is cooled sufficiently to permit removal. During the cooling process, ports may be embedded in the cast elastomeric strip through which dyes may be injected to form images, letters, and insignia along the exterior surface of the bracelet 10. Alternately, any desired patterns or distinguishing characters may be incorporated into the mold.

(40) While preferred embodiments of the present multi-function therapeutic bracelet have been shown and described, modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that various embodiments may be interchanged, both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those with skill in this technology will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to be a limitation of the invention as further described in the appended claims.