Patent Application
20240398596
Orthotic devices have been widely used in the treatment, prevention, or support of the temporarily or permanently incapacitated arm, wrist, and hand, whether partially or fully impaired. For example, cerebral palsy (CP), a congenital disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture, may cause permanent incapacitation of the arm, wrist, and hand. CP is caused by abnormal brain development, usually before birth, so symptoms tend to develop at a young age. Temporary incapacitation may be caused by repetitive motion injuries resulting from overuse of arm, wrist, and hand, and traumatic injuries such as bone fractures and lacerations.
There are challenges with the existing orthotic devices. Their complex and bulky nature may interfere with a patient's freedom of movement and comfort. Further, existing devices are often difficult to customize to meet the needs of a particular patient. Also, the ability to provide both flexible support and flexion/extension control is not achieved simultaneously in a single device.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an orthotic device is provided. In one example, an orthotic device includes a brace and a plurality of finger extension assemblies. The brace is wearable on a user's hand and wrist and can include a first portion, a second portion connected to the first portion along a center line substantially aligned with the user's forearm, a closure mechanism, and a thumb support. The first portion is arranged to cover a top portion of the user's hand and wrist, the second portion is arranged to cover a bottom portion of the user's hand and wrist, the closure mechanism is arranged and configured to form a closure between the first portion and the second portion and to secure the brace worn on the user's hand and wrist, and the thumb support is configured to receive and accommodate a portion of the user's thumb and to prevent thumb flexion of the user's thumb. The finger extension assemblies respectively correspond to the user's fingers, and each finger extension assembly further includes: a tensioning member, at least one finger band wearable on a phalange of the finger, and a tension control member. The tensioning member anchored on an exterior surface of the brace and extends from a proximal stopper to a distal stopper. The finger band is wearable on a phalange of the finger and adapted to receive the phalange. The finger band further includes: a tightening element configured to fasten the finger band to the phalange, and a connecting element configured to movably connect the finger band to the tensioning member proximate the distal stopper. The tension control member is attached to the tensioning member proximate the proximal stopper ad is configured to apply and control a tension on the at least one finger band connected to the tensioning member to cause extension of the finger to a desired position.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is provided. The kit includes components used for assembly of an orthotic device described herein. In one example, the kit includes: a brace wearable on a user's hand and wrist, at least one cord extending from a proximal end and a distal end, a cord lock, and at least one anchor. The brace further includes a first portion, a second portion connected to the first portion along a center line substantially aligned with the user's forearm, a closure mechanism, and a thumb support. The first portion is arranged to cover a top portion of the user's hand and wrist, the second portion is arranged to cover a bottom portion of the user's hand and wrist, the closure mechanism is arranged and configured to form a closure between the first portion and the second portion and to secure the brace worn on the user's hand and wrist, and the thumb support is configured to receive and accommodate a portion of the user's thumb and to prevent thumb flexion of the user's thumb. The cord lock is attachable to the cord proximate the proximal end and is configured to apply and control a tension on the finger band connected to the cord lock. The anchor is mountable on an exterior surface of the first portion of the brace and is configured to anchor the cord onto the brace.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for making an orthotic device is provided. In one example, a method includes: providing a brace according to the present disclosure, mounting a plurality of anchors to the exterior surface of the brace, forming a plurality of finger extension assemblies, and anchoring the plurality of finger extension assemblies on the brace through use of the anchors. Forming a plurality of finger extension assemblies may include connecting at least one finger band to a tensioning member and connecting the tensioning member to a tension control member. The method may further include inserting a support pad in a pouch on an interior surface of the brace.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for using an orthotic device is provided. In one example, a method includes: providing an orthotic device described herein, causing the brace of the orthotic device to be worn by a user and securing the brace on the user's hand and wrist, placing one of the finger bands on a phalange of the user's finger and securing the finger band on the phalange, applying a tension on the tensioning member of the finger extension assembly, and adjusting/controlling the tension to extend the finger to a desired or optimal position relative to the user's hand.
A further understanding of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
The present disclosure provides orthotic devices and methods for the treatment, prevention, or support of the temporarily or permanently incapacitated arm, wrist, and hand of a user. The present orthotic device includes both a flexible and wearable brace that supports hand and wrist and a finger extension mechanism that promotes finger extension.
One insight provided by the present disclosure is that the present orthotic device can be an off-the-shelf, lightweight device to integrate individualized bracing and physical therapy for children between the ages of 5 and 10 with mild to moderate spastic cerebral palsy (CP). CP is the most common motor disability in children, with the overall birth prevalence being approximately 2 in 1,000 live births in the United States. Leaving CP symptoms in children untreated is not an option. Although there is no cure to date for CP, therapies to manage muscle control and pain symptoms associated with the disease are crucial to ensuring the patient can perform essential daily tasks and live as comfortably as possible. Current therapies include occupational therapy, assistive technology, medications, and surgery. Each option is accompanied by a significant financial burden and demands significant time and energy from the patient and the patient's family in order to prove effective. Thus, there is an overwhelming need for more affordable and effective treatment options, particularly for improved efficacy and longer-term treatment at a reduced cost for the patient with CP. In addition, conventional orthotic devices are often complex in design and tend to be bulky and heavy, which can interfere with the performance of some daily tasks. These conventional orthotic devices can become tiring and painful to wear for an extended period of time. Lastly, CP patients spend countless hours each week in occupational therapy, which proves to be a significant inconvenience for both the patient and the parent.
The present orthotic device provides improvements in many aspects. The present orthotic device provides optimal positioning of the wrist and fingers out of the typical flexed position that is associated with spastic CP. The present orthotic device utilizes variable tension bands to deliver personalized treatment to the patient and work to build up muscle fibers in the fingers and promote heightened muscle relaxation and control. The present orthotic device serves to combat musculoskeletal deformities during childhood and allows for easier performance of common grasp and release tasks.
More generally, the present orthotic device can be used to relax the muscle tone of the wrist flexors and promote finger extension. Relaxation of the muscle tone can be achieved by positioning the wrist in an optimal position for function through use of the brace. Positioning the wrist out of flexion also allows the finger flexors to act more volitionally to grasp. Secondly, the finger extension mechanism and thumb support of the orthotic device act to assist in finger and thumb extension. Overall, the present device helps to position and assist with balancing the multiple joints in the wrist and hand for optimal functioning of the finger flexors and extensors. This ultimately serves to promote heightened muscle relaxation in the wrist and hand and enables the easier performance of daily tasks.
In addition, the present orthotic device serves to integrate occupational therapy into an orthotic device to take advantage of everyday activities as a means of promoting muscle relaxation and control. By incorporating the device into a patient's home exercise program from their therapist, the present orthotic device can promote overlap between the completion of daily functional living tasks and therapeutic exercises. The present orthotic device can enable CP patients to see quicker results without having to spend more hours in physical or occupational therapy.
The brace 102 is configured to wrap around, cover, and support a majority of the hand, wrist, and/or a portion of the forearm adjacent to the wrist of the user. The brace 102 may be made of a soft, moisture-wicking, and washable neoprene fabric. The brace 102 includes, among other components, a major body 112, a thumb support 114, and a closure mechanism 116. The major body 112 extends from a proximal edge 118 to a distal edge 120, along a longitudinal axis 122 aligned with the forearm of the user. The major body 112 extends laterally from a first side 124 to a second side 126 across the longitudinal direction. The major body 112 further includes a first portion 128 and a second portion 132 jointed at a center line 134 aligned with the longitudinal axis 122. The first portion 128 extends laterally from the center line 134 to the first side 124. Likewise, the second portion 132 extends laterally from the center line 134 to the second side 126. The major body 112 is foldable along the center line 134, such that when the orthotic device 100 is worn by a user, the first portion 128 and the second portion 132 may rotate about the center line 134 to allow the first side 124 and the second side 126 to approach to each other, such that the first portion 128 and the second portion 132 may be arranged and positioned to wrap around and cover the hand, wrist, and forearm of the user. In this arrangement, the first portion 128 covers the top surface of the hand, wrist, and forearm, and the second portion 132 covers the bottom surface of the hand, wrist, and forearm. The distal edge 120 may be aligned or substantially aligned with the base of the four fingers of the user (i.e., the forefinger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger) when the orthotic device 100 is worn by the user, such that the fingers may extend out of the distal edge 120 of the major body 112 when in use.
The major body 112 may include a hand region 138 and a wrist region 140 separated by an imaginary line 142. The line 142 is in proximity to the juncture of the user's wrist and palm of the hand. The hand region 138 may cover a majority of the hand (i.e., the metacarpals and carpals regions); the wrist region 140 may cover a majority of the writ and a portion of the forearm (i.e., the radius and ulna region). The major body 112 has an exterior surface 144 and an interior surface 146. When the orthotic device 100 is worn by the user, the exterior surface 144 is exposed while the interior surface 146 is in contact with the skin of the user.
The thumb support 114 is attached to and integrated with the major body 112. The thumb support 114 has a tubular structure configured to receive and accommodate the thumb of the user when the orthotic device 100 is worn by the user. The thumb support 114 extends from a proximate opening 152 that opens to the interior surface 146 of the major body to a distal opening 154 in a direction aligned with the thumb. In some embodiments, the thumb support 114 has a splint-like structure and configuration. The thumb support 114 may be made of a semi-rigid material or semi-rigid in nature to keep the thumb immobilized and prevent thumb flexion when the thumb is placed in the thumb support 114.
The closure mechanism 116 is configured to reversibly form a closure that connects the first portion 128 and the second portion 132 when the orthotic device 100 is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 116 includes one or more releasable fasteners 160. For example, one or more releasable fasteners 160 may be placed in the hand region 138, and one or more releasable fasteners 160 may be placed in the wrist region 140. In some embodiments, a total number of the releasable fasteners 160 is at least 3.
In the example illustrated in
In some embodiments, the first bonding member 162 may be attached to the first portion 128 and extend from the first side 124, and the second bonding member 164 may be mounted on the exterior surface 144 of the second portion 132. The first bonding member 162 may be directly bonded to the corresponding second bonding member 164 through hook and loop fastening without the need to go through an aperture of the first portion 128, when the major body 112 wraps around and covers the hand, wrist, and forearm of the user.
It is noted that the releasable fasteners 160 is not limited to the hook and loop type fastener, and other closure mechanisms such as adhesive, pins, screws, buttons, nuts, bolts, adjustable zippers, snaps, threaded strings, and the like are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments, the major body 112 further includes a pouch 168 arranged and configured to receive and accommodate a removable support pad 170. The pouch 168 may be formed and located on the interior surface 146 of the second portion 132. In the illustrated example, the pouch 168 extends from an open end 172 proximate the proximal edge to a closed end 174 proximate to the distal edge 120 in the longitudinal direction. The support pad 170 can be removably inserted into the pouch 168 from the open end 172 and remain therein in use. The support pad 170 is made of a semi-rigid and flexible material such as aluminum. When the orthotic device 100 is worn by the user, the support pad 170 inserted in the pouch 168 lies against the bottom side of the hand, wrist, and forearm. The support pad 170 provides additional support to the wrist and allows the wrist to be secured out of flexion in an optimal position for functionality. Due to both the flexibility and semi-rigidity, the support pad 170 can bend to conform to a desired angle between the hand and the forearm of the user when the orthotic device 100 is in use.
The finger extension mechanism 202 is configured to promote finger extension, tighten the user's fingers, pull the user's fingers to a spread position, and facilitate the alignment of the fingers and hand. The finger extension mechanism 202 includes a plurality of finger extension assemblies 204. In the illustrated example, the finger extension mechanism 202 includes four finger extension assemblies 204 respectively corresponding to the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, an anchor 206, and a tension control member 208.
Each of the four finger extension assemblies 204 is operable to control the extension of the corresponding finger. Typically, each finger has three phalanges, namely a proximal phalange, an intermediate phalange, and a distal phalange. In the illustrated example, each finger extension assembly 204 further includes at least one finger band 212 and a tensioning member 214. The number of the finger bands 212 may vary depending on design requirements. In some embodiments, each finger extension assembly 204 includes two finger bands 212 adapted to circumferentially wrap and secure the proximal phalange and the intermediate phalange of each finger, respectively. Alternatively, each finger extension assembly 204 may contain only one finger band or more than two finger bands. The width of the finger bands (i.e., the dimension of the finger band in the direction of the finger) may also vary depending on the size of the phalange and other design requirements. For example, each finger extension assembly 204 may include one relatively wider finger band that can wrap around and secure both the proximal phalange and the intermediate phalange of each finger. Alternatively, each finger extension assembly 204 may include at least two relatively shorter finger bands that can wrap around and secure each one of the phalanges of the finger.
Each finger band 212 further includes a connecting element 216 and a tightening element 218. The connecting element 216 is configured to connect the finger band 212 to the tensioning member 214. The tightening element 218 is arranged and configured to circumferentially tighten the finger band 212 when the finger band 212 is placed on and wraps around the phalange, such that the position of the finger band 212 relative to the phalange can be secured through tightening. The tightening element 218 can operate reversibly and loosen the finger band to release the finger when not in use.
In some embodiments, the rigid portion 502 further includes a plurality of apertures 524 located proximate to the first end 506 and the second end 508. The flexible portion 504 of the finger band 500 may be a soft strip such as fabric or foam strip that is comfortable to the skin of the finger. The flexible portion 504 has a segment 520 that is connected to the first end 506 and the second end 508 of the rigid portion 502 to form a closed loop 514 and is adapted to cover the bottom portion of the phalange. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 504 is tied to the rigid portion through the plurality of apertures 524. For example, the flexible portion 504 may extend through the plurality of apertures 524 and form a closure by tying to the first end 506 and/or the second end 508. The flexible portion 504 may further include a tab 516 connected to the segment 520 and extending out of the closed loop 514. The tab 516 is a representative example of the tightening element 218 of the finger band 212 shown in
In the example illustrated in
Referring back to
For each finger extension assembly 204, the corresponding tensioning member 214 extends from a proximal stopper 220 attached to a proximate end to a distal stopper 222 attached to a distal end in a direction from the proximal edge 118 to the distal edge 120. In some embodiments, the proximal stopper 220 and the distal stopper 222 may be in a form of a tie. The two finger bands 212 are movably connected to the tensioning member 214 via the connecting element 216 of each finger band 212, respectively. For example, the tensioning member 214 may be threaded through the open channel (e.g., the open channel 512 of
As an example, when the tensioning member 214 such as a cord is threaded through the opening channel 512 of one or more finger bands 500 as shown in
The tensioning member 214 of each finger extension assembly 204 may be anchored on the major body 112 through the anchor 206. The anchor 206 may be located in the wrist region 140 proximate to the line 142 and mounted on the exterior surface 144 of the major body 112. In some embodiments, the anchor 206 is a molded article having a tubular shape extending between two openings in a direction substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 122. The anchor 206 is positioned and arranged to allow passage of the tensioning member 214 through the two openings of the anchor 206 and guide the extension of the tensioning member 214. As illustrated, the finger extension mechanism may include four anchors 206 respectively corresponding to the four finger extension assemblies 204. The four anchors 206 may be either separate from each other or integrated in one unit.
In some embodiments, the tensioning member 214 of each finger extension assembly may extend through a vein 180 located between the exterior surface 144 and the interior surface 146 of the major body 112. As illustrated in
The tension control member 208 is configured to apply and control a tension force on each finger band 212 connected to the tensioning member 214. The tension force applied on the finger band 212 further causes extension of the corresponding phalange to arrive at a desired or optimal position relative to the hand. However, the fingers of the user may still be permitted movement (e.g., grasp) due to the degree of elasticity of the tensioning member 214. The tension applied on the finger band 212 can be adjusted at any time during operation to adjust the extension level of the finger relative to the hand. In some embodiments, the tension control member 208 may be anchored on the brace 102.
In some embodiments, the tension control member 208 is a cord lock. A “cord lock” as used herein may comprise one or more components, at least some of which are moveable relative to each other for releasably clamping onto a cord to restrict movement of a cord through the cord lock. In some embodiments, a cord lock comprises a spring-loaded barrel and a plunger. The barrel has two openings for the cord (i.e., the tensioning member 214) to enter and exit, and the plunger is located inside the barrel. When the cord is threaded through the barrel and the plunger is pushed into the barrel, it applies pressure to the cord, holding it in place and preventing it from slipping out. To adjust the tension, the plunger is pulled out of the barrel, which releases the pressure on the cord, allowing it to be pulled tighter or loosened. When the desired tension is achieved, the plunger is released and it springs back into place, holding the cord in the new position.
The housing 714 includes at least one opening 722 forming part of a first through-channel 724 extending through the housing 714, and the plunger 712 includes at least one opening 726 forming part of a second through-channel 728 extending through the plunger 712, the first and second through-channels 724, 728 being aligned to allow the tensioning member 214 (i.e., the cord) to pass through the cord lock 700. The housing 714 further includes the one or more sidewalls 730 that form the plunger-receiving space 718 for receiving at least a portion of the plunger 702. A biasing element 732 is coupled between the plunger 712 and the housing 714, and provides a biasing force to actively misalign or de-align the first and second through-channels 724, 728 by biasing the plunger 712 and the housing 714 apart along the axis 720 of the cord lock 10. This misalignment may be used to increase friction/resistance on a cord positioned in the first and second through-channels 724, 728, to restrict movement of the cord therein.
When the plunger 712 is received in the plunger-receiving space 718, and adjustment of a length of cord extending through the cord lock 700 is desired, a force may be applied to the cord lock 700 along the axis 720 of the cord lock 700 to counteract the force from the biasing element 732. As a result, the plunger 712 and the housing 714 move towards each other, which in turn, moves the first and second through-channels 724, 728 towards alignment, reducing restriction on the cord and allowing the length of the cord extending through the cord lock 700 to be adjusted. Upon removal of the force that counteracts the force of the biasing element 732, the plunger 712 and the housing 714 may once again move apart, de-aligning the through-channels 724, 728 and increasing restriction on the cord to help maintain the position of the cord in the through-channels 724, 728.
It should be noted that although it is depicted as cylindrical, the housing 714 and/or the sidewalls 730 of the cord lock 700 may take any shape or configuration (e.g., circular, square, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal, various prisms, etc.). The sidewall(s) 730 may be one continuous wall or multiple independently defined walls, in various aspects. In some embodiments, the housing 714 and the sidewalls 730 may be configured to allow for moveable engagement with the plunger 712, such as slideable engagement. As such, it is contemplated that components of the cord lock 70 may have a number of configurations, shapes, and sizes while still achieving the aspects provided herein.
It is also noted that the cord lock 700 may be configured to receive, control, and lock multiple cords. For example, each cord lock 700 may be used to control two cords respectively for two finger extension assemblies 204. Each cord associated with the same cord lock 700 may be controlled separately and independently from the other cord. Alternatively, each cord of the finger extension assembly 204 may be controlled by a single cord lock.
In some embodiments, the major body 112 further includes a flap 190 connected to the major body 112. The flap 190 is configured to cover and protect the anchor 206 and the tension control member 208 (i.e., the cord lock) and to prevent tampering with the tension. The flap 190 may include a closure mechanism 192 such as a Velcro releasable fastener that allows the flap to be reversibly bonded to the exterior surface 144.
In some embodiments, the brace 102 further includes a fabric cover (not shown) removably attached to the brace through a releasable fastener such as a Velcro strap. The fabric cover is configured to removably cover a portion or all of the exterior surface of the brace 102 when the brace is worn by the user.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit for the assembly of an orthotic device described herein. In some embodiments, the kit includes, among other components, the brace 102, a plurality of finger bands 212, a plurality of tensioning members 214, a plurality of the anchors 206, one or more tension control members 208, and optionally a fabric cover. The kit may be provided in a package, and the various components included in the kit may be separate from each other in the package. The kit may further include an instruction describing a method for assembly of the orthotic device 100 using the components included in the kit and a method for using the orthotic device 100 described herein.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for the assembly of an orthotic device described herein.
The orthotic device may be disassembled, for example, in a reverse manner. The finger extension assemblies may be detached from the brace. The finger extension assemblies may be further disassembled bay removing the finger bands from the tensioning member. The support pad may be removed from the pouch of the brace. The brace, fabric cover, and tensioning member may be washable and reusable over time. The tensioning member and/or finger band may be replaceable.
In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for using an orthotic device described herein.
At 1004, a plurality of finger extension assemblies 204 are correspondingly secured on the fingers of the user. With respect to each finger extension assembly 204, at least one finger band 212 of the finger extension assembly 204 is placed and secured on the corresponding finger of the user. For example, a first finger band is placed and positioned on the intermediate phalange of the finger, and a second finger band is placed and positioned on the proximal phalange of the finger. The finger bands 212 may be fastened to the respective phalanges using the tightening element 218.
At 1006, the tensioning members 214 of the finger extension assemblies 204 are pulled toward the proximal edge of the brace to pull the user's fingers to a spread position. At 1008, the tension applied on the fingers is further controlled by the tension control member 208 to adjust the flexion/extension level and extend the corresponding phalange to a desired or optimal position relative to the hand.
The orthotic devices and methods described herein may be used in a treatment program, therapy program, or occupational program. In one particular example, the orthotic devices and methods may be used to treat a patient between the age of 5 to 10 and diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). The orthotic devices may be integrated into occupational therapy to take advantage of everyday activities as a means of promoting muscle relaxation and control. The orthotic device may be incorporated into a patient's home exercise program by their therapist to promote overlap between the completion of daily functional living tasks and therapeutic exercises. The orthotic device may enable the CP patients to obtain quicker results without having to spend more hours in physical or occupational therapy.
The orthotic device may be used in a therapy program to provide optimal positioning of the wrist and fingers out of the typical flexed position that is associated with spastic CP. The orthotic device utilizes variable tension bands to deliver personalized treatment to the patient and work to build up muscle fibers in the fingers and promote heightened muscle relaxation and control. As a result, the orthotic device serves to combat musculoskeletal deformities during childhood and allows for easier performance of common grasp and release tasks. The orthotic device not only provides support at essential points such as the wrist, the top of the palm, and the thumb in order to promote optimal positioning for function, and it also offers distal resistance therapy that can be adjusted according to the patient's specific and changing needs. Ultimately, the orthotic device will allow for easier performance of grasp and release tasks, which children with spastic CP traditionally struggle with. While the orthotic device allows patients to regain muscle control and relaxation more effectively, it does not compromise affordability and comfort in the process. The orthotic device is intended to be worn over the course of an entire day, and its relatively flexible and soft materials minimize the potential for discomfort.
Similarly, the materials and the assembly process for the orthotic device effectively limit the cost of this product. Wherever possible, components for the device may be taken from off-the-shelf, including the tensioning member and the tension control member. This contributes to minimizing the overall cost of the device and also allows for inexpensive and easy replacement of these components if they become damaged or worn out. The custom components of the device such as the finger bands and the releasable fasteners (e.g., Velcro fastener) are consumer-friendly, affordable, and manufacture-feasible.
In addition to the beneficial and qualitative uses already described herein, the orthotic device may also have quantitative features incorporated into it. For instance, the tensioning member may include a component for measuring the amount of tension or force being exerted by the tensioning member to cause extension of the fingers. In any case, the quantification of treatment may be used in therapy to identify the specific progress of the therapy.
The orthotic device described herein is intended to be simple to use and available to any patient or therapist. Therefore, it is envisioned that a kit containing the unconnected components described herein will be available to users or to therapists. Since some of the components may vary in size or length, depending on the needs of a given patient, it will be possible to select among possible parts included in the kit to meet individual requirements.
The devices, kits, and methods discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.
Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary configurations including implementations. However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. This description provides example configurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations will provide an enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.
As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a user” includes a plurality of such users, and reference to “the finger band” includes reference to one or more finger bands and equivalents thereof, and so forth.
Also, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, “contains”, “containing”, “include”, “including”, and “includes”, when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this disclosure is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects herein-above set forth together with other advantages derived from the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects may be made of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.
