Specialized Finger Fracture Braces for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857447_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Finger Fracture Braces for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857447_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857447_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,447.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept adapts the original finger fracture brace for specialized use cases, addressing the unique challenges of high-altitude, emergency response, water-based rescue, high-security, and extreme weather environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the limitations of current finger fracture treatment methods. However, it did not consider the specific needs of niche environments, where traditional braces may be inadequate or unsafe. This inventive concept solves the problem of inadequate finger fracture treatment in these specialized contexts.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a family of finger fracture braces tailored to specific environments. The high-altitude variant features a lightweight, high-strength material resistant to extreme cold temperatures. The emergency response variant includes a quick-release mechanism for rapid application. The water-based rescue variant incorporates a buoyant and water-resistant material. The high-security variant utilizes a material resistant to x-ray detection. The extreme weather variant features a waterproof and windproof coating. Each variant adapts the original splint design to meet the unique demands of its respective environment.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features and materials that address the specific challenges of niche environments, providing a non-obvious solution to the problem of inadequate finger fracture treatment in these contexts.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include adjustable splint lengths, customizable foam pads, or integrated sensors for monitoring finger movement. Variations could include braces designed for specific occupations, such as search and rescue personnel or high-altitude climbers.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device and emergency response industries, particularly in niches such as search and rescue, high-altitude sports, and high-security environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F5/0118

Field of Art

Medical Device Design - Orthopedic Bracing and Splinting, specifically hand and finger fracture stabilization technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with expertise in materials science, ergonomic design, and medical device fabrication, possessing knowledge of biomechanical constraints and environmental adaptation strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental three-point contact splint design provides a versatile framework for environmental adaptation. The disclosed variations represent predictable engineering modifications using known material science techniques to address specific use case constraints. The core splint geometry remains consistent while material properties are strategically altered to meet environmental challenges.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Splint configured to contact finger at three spaced-apart locations
PTD Variation
Lightweight high-strength material for high-altitude environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection for temperature resistance is a standard design optimization technique, with numerous aerospace and medical-grade materials readily available for predictable performance modifications
Source Patent Element
Removable foam pad interfaces between splint and finger
PTD Variation
Quick-release mechanism for emergency response applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying attachment mechanisms is a routine design variation, with rapid-deploy medical technologies being a well-established engineering domain
Source Patent Element
Laterally connected splints allowing adjustable configuration
PTD Variation
Buoyant water-resistant material for aquatic rescue scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting material properties for specific environmental conditions represents a predictable engineering solution using known polymer and composite technologies
Source Patent Element
Strap-based connector allowing flexion adjustment
PTD Variation
X-ray resistant material for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Material substitution to achieve specific screening resistance is a standard design approach in medical and security device engineering
Source Patent Element
Modular splint design with multiple contact points
PTD Variation
Waterproof and windproof coating for extreme weather conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface treatment and coating technologies are well-established methods for enhancing environmental performance of medical devices
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed herein would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent predictable engineering adaptations of the fundamental splint design disclosed in US Patent 11857447, utilizing known material science techniques to address specific environmental constraints without introducing inventive complexity.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,447
TitleBrace for reducing and stabilizing fracture in human hand