Flexible splint
View Patent ↗A device for limiting movement of a joint. Once prepared, the device includes two tubular openings for encircling phalanxes on either side of the joint. The tubular sides are attached by a portion of the device that can cover either the top portion of the joint or the underside of the joint. This configuration allows an individual to flex the joint in a limited manner.
1. A device for limiting movement of a joint, comprising:
a unitary elongate member having, in a planar first position:
a first end having a first attachment means;
a second end, opposite the first end, and having a second attachment means; and
an elongate opening formed between the first end, the second end, a first side, and
a second side, wherein the first and second attachment means are centrally located between the first side and the second side;
wherein the first end attaches to the second end using the first and second attachment means, forming a second position of the elongate member having:
a first tubular member formed by the first side;
a second tubular member formed by the second side; and
a connector formed by the attachment of the first end to the second end, the connector attaching a portion of the first tubular member to a portion of the second tubular member, and wherein the first and second attachment means are centrally located on the connector between the first tubular member and the second tubular member.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first attachment means comprises at least one tab attached to the first end; and wherein the second attachment means comprises at least one slot inserted on the second end.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second attachment means comprise at least one of the following hook and latch fastener, a snap, a button, and tape.
4. The device of claim 1 , comprising one of the following a polystyrene plastic, polypropylene, rubber, latex, vinyl, leather, cotton fabric, and stretch fabric.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first end adjustably attaches to the second end.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein a first tubular member is smaller than a second tubular member.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein each tubular member forms a tapered opening.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one edge of the device is rounded.
9. The device of claim 8 , wherein at least one edge of the device includes a flange configured to protrude away from the joint.
10. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a softening material attached to an interior portion of the device.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the softening material comprises one of the following a foam material, and a cotton fabric.
12. A device for limiting movement of a joint, comprising:
a first tubular member;
a second tubular member substantially parallel to the first tubular member;
a connector attaching a portion of the first tubular member to a portion of the second tubular member, wherein the connector comprises:
a first end having a first attachment means centrally located between the first and second tubular members; and
a second end having a second attachment means centrally located between the first and second tubular members and removably attached to the first attachment means, an elongated opening formed between the first tubular member, the second tubular member, the first end, and the second end, wherein the first and second attachment means allow the connector to retain sufficient lateral movement to provide a variable amount of tapering of at least one of: the first tubular member and the second tubular member; and
wherein the joint is positioned between the first tubular member and the second tubular member.
13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member form tapered openings.
14. The device of claim 12 , wherein the first tubular member is smaller then the second tubular member.
15. The device of claim 12 , wherein each edge of each tubular member is rounded.
16. The device of claim 12 , further comprising a softening material attached to an interior portion of the device.
17. A device for limiting movement of a joint, the device comprising:
a unitary elongate member having, in a planar first position:
a first end having a curved slot;
an opposing second end having a tab;
a first side and art opposing second side; and
an elongate aperture formed between the first end, the second end, the first side, and the second side;
wherein the first end attaches to the second end using the tab and the curved slot, forming a second position of the elongate member having:
a first tubular side formed by the first side; and
a second tubular side formed by the second side; wherein the joint is positioned between the first tubular side and the second tubular side, and wherein each tubular side retains a variable amount of tapering.
18. The device of claim 17 , wherein the first end includes a plurality of curved slots.
19. The device of claim 17 , wherein the second end includes a plurality of tabs.
20. The device of claim 12 , wherein the first centrally located attachment means comprises at least one tab attached to the first end; and wherein the second centrally located attachment means comprises at least one slot inserted on the second end.