Surgery – Miscellaneous – Methods
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-18
2003-01-07
Winakur, Eric F. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Miscellaneous
Methods
C606S055000, C602S022000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06502577
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and improved method for moving joints of fingers.
A known splint for supporting an injured hand is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,320. The splint disclosed in this patent allows movement of the fingers of the hand and urges the fingers toward an extended condition under the influence of elastic bands.
A known joint extension splint is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,269. The splint disclosed in this patent has an adjustable finger support for a joint of the finger. Support sections of the support are connected to portions of the finger on opposite sides of the joint. A screw jack operates with hinged attachments to the undersides of the support sections to provide controlled extension of the finger.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a new and improved method for using an orthosis to sequentially move different fingers of a hand. The method includes mounting a hand cuff of the orthosis on the hand. Mechanisms operable to move joints of the fingers are connected to the hand cuff at locations aligned with the fingers. The mechanisms are connected with the fingers. The joints of the fingers are moved by operating the mechanisms.
The joints and first and second portions of the fingers define, on one side of the joints, outer sectors which decrease in angle as the joints are extended. Force is applied to the first and second portions of the fingers to move the joints by providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members disposed in the outer sectors. Actuator members connected with the internally or externally threaded members are moved along paths that extend through the joints.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4765320 (1988-08-01), Lindemann et al.
patent: 4790301 (1988-12-01), Silfverskiold
patent: 4862877 (1989-09-01), Barber
patent: 5027802 (1991-07-01), Donohue
patent: 5191903 (1993-03-01), Donohue
patent: 5213094 (1993-05-01), Bonutti
patent: 5285773 (1994-02-01), Bonutti et al.
patent: 5312322 (1994-05-01), Santana
patent: 5328448 (1994-07-01), Gray, Sr.
patent: 5376091 (1994-12-01), Hotchkiss et al.
patent: 5437611 (1995-08-01), Stern
patent: 5453075 (1995-09-01), Bonutti et al.
patent: 5472407 (1995-12-01), Schenck
patent: 5503619 (1996-04-01), Bonutti
patent: 5681269 (1997-10-01), Basaj et al.
Publication by UE Tech, Technology Meeting Human Needs, Rehabilitation Product Catalog, vol. 7, publication date unknown, but prior to Oct. 13, 1998.
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
Veniaminov Nikita R
Winakur Eric F.
LandOfFree
Method for moving finger joints does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method for moving finger joints, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method for moving finger joints will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3041393