GB2611064A

GB2611064A - Therapeutic glove

Info

Publication number: GB2611064A
Application number: GB2113662.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carter-Smith Michael
Original assignee: Alto Medica Ltd
Current assignee: Alto Medica Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-24
Filing date: 2021-09-24
Publication date: 2023-03-29
Also published as: WO2023047126A1; GB202113662D0

Abstract

A therapeutic glove 200 comprising a glove body 201 and a plurality of acupressure elements (400, Fig 4A). The glove body comprises a plurality of eyelets 22a-h at locations corresponding to acupressure points (11a-h, Fig 1) on the human body. Each acupressure element has a mounting portion (402, Fig 4A) for removably mounting the acupressure element in one of the plurality of eyelets. A contact portion (404, Fig 4A) – preferably providing a curved or domed surface - may be coupled to the mounting portion, the contact portion protruding toward an interior of the glove when mounted thereto. The acupuncture elements may comprise a neodymium rare earth magnet (406, Fig 4A) encapsulated in an airtight, insulating body, with a negative pole (407n, Fig 4A) more proximal to the mounting portion than the positive pole (407p, Fig 4A). The acupuncture elements may comprise a vibrating means. The eyelets are preferably located to overlie the PC6, HT6, HT7, Lu7, Si2, Si3, TB5 and Li4 acupressure points.

Description

THERAPEUTIC GLOVE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a therapeutic glove for acupressure therapy.

BACKGROUND

Historically, acupressure treatment has been performed by trained clinical technicians.

Acupressure treatment can be applied using traditional methods using finger(s) and thumb(s) to apply pressure to specific acupressure points around the human body. Different acupressure points can be used to relieve or treat different ailments or medical symptoms. Therefore, the clinical technician may stimulate specific acupressure points to relieve a patient's specific ailments.

Visiting a clinical technician for acupressure treatment can sometimes be expensive and time consuming. Moreover, acupressure therapy is effective when the acupressure points are stimulated (e.g. pressed or pressured) for a certain amount of time, which is sometimes not possible in the allotted appointments with the technician.

Self-help acupressure devices available on the market aim to allow a patient or user to apply acupressure treatments by themselves. However, such devices have had limited advancement and success. A number of self-help acupressure devices are available, but are limited in their effectiveness due to poor design or a lack of commercial viability. For example, existing products are "one size fits all" and do not replicate the flexibility and adaptability of traditional acupressure treatments. Furthermore, existing products have poor design and therefore lack effectiveness. Moreover, there is a lack of information on how to correctly wear and use the acupressure devices.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides a glove for acupressure therapy. The glove comprises eyelets at predefined locations on the glove. The predefined locations correspond to specific acupressure points on the human hand and wrist. The glove is also provided with a number of acupressure elements, e.g. one for each eyelet. The acupressure elements can be inserted into the eyelets. The acupressure elements, when inserted into the eyelets, will protrude towards the interior of the glove. Therefore, when the glove is worn by the user, the acupressure elements will exert force or pressure on the user's body. Since the eyelets are aligned with acupressure points, the acupressure elements exert pressure on the user's acupressure points. The acupressure elements are removable, and therefore the user can choose which acupressure points to stimulate using the glove. For example, the user can choose to stimulate any number of one or more acupressure points by inserting or mounting acupressure elements in the corresponding eyelets. Different acupressure points are used to relieve different ailments or medical symptoms. The user can choose which acupressure points to stimulate based on their specific combination of symptoms. Moreover, different acupressure points may respond better to different shapes and sizes of acupressure elements. Therefore, the acupressure elements provided with the glove need not be identical. The acupressure elements can have different depths or heights (e.g. the acupressure elements can differ in the amount that they protrude into the interior cavity of the glove). A larger depth or height will result in a larger pressure on the acupressure point. Alternatively or additionally, the acupressure elements can also have different shapes. Different shaped acupressure elements will exert a different amount and/or type of pressure on the acupressure points.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided: a therapeutic glove comprising: a glove body comprising a plurality of eyelets, the plurality of eyelets being located on the glove body at locations corresponding to locations of respective acupressure points on the human body; and a plurality of acupressure elements, each acupressure element having a mounting portion for removably mounting the acupressure element in one of the plurality of eyelets.

Advantageously, the glove can be worn by a user to provide acupressure treatment at precise acupressure locations on a user's hand and/or wrist. In particular, the eyelets align with specific and precise acupressure point locations on the user's hand and/or wrist. When mounted in the eyelets, the acupressure elements protrude towards the interior of the glove. Therefore, during use, the acupressure elements will exert pressure on the user's acupressure points, thereby providing relief from particular symptoms or ailments associated with those acupressure points. The locations of the acupressure points are represented by the eyelets which are at defined positions on the glove, and therefore this removes any guesswork from the user during the acupressure treatment. Moreover, since there are multiple eyelets, the user can treat multiple symptoms and ailments simultaneously. Moreover, since the acupressure elements are removable, the user can customise their acupressure treatment. For example, a user suffering from a specific combination of symptoms or ailments can easily mount acupressure elements in the eyelets corresponding to the acupressure points to be stimulated.

In some embodiments, one or more of the acupressure elements comprise a magnetic element encapsulated in a body of the acupressure element.

Advantageously, the glove provides an improved therapeutic benefit to the user by the combination of acupressure and bio-magnetic therapy. The magnetic element can be any permanent magnet, such as iron, ferrite-cobalt, ceramic, neodymium (rare earth) and samarium-cobalt. However, the magnetic element is optional. Rather, acupressure elements without a magnetic element is useful for users who cannot be in close proximity to such magnetic fields, such as users with pacemakers, insulin pumps or pregnant users.

In some embodiments, the magnetic element is a rare earth magnet. Advantageously, a rare earth magnet is a type of permanent magnet with a particularly strong magnetic field strength, and therefore can provide an improved therapeutic benefit.

In some examples, the rare earth magnet is a neodymium rare earth magnet. Advantageously, the inventor has found that neodymium has the best strength and Gauss rating in comparison to other permanent magnets. Moreover, neodymium is relatively cheap in comparison to other permanent magnets. Preferably, the type of neodymium used is N35, N38, N42 or N50.

In some examples, the magnetic element is encased in an airtight insulation. Advantageously, the magnetic element has improved protection against corrosion from the surrounding air or material (e.g. from the material of the main body of the acupressure element). This is especially useful when the magnetic element is a neodymium, since neodymium is more susceptible to corrosion in comparison to some other permanent magnets.

In some examples, the airtight insulation is an airtight casing comprising the magnetic element, the one or more acupressure elements comprising the airtight casing. In some examples, the magnetic element is coated or plated in an insulating material in order to provide the airtight insulation. In other examples, the body of the acupressure element can be airtight to provide the airtight insulation. As such, there is a variety of ways in which the airtight insulation can be provided, and the selected method can depend on implementation or manufacturing limits.

In some examples, the magnetic element has a positive pole and a negative pole, and the magnetic element is orientated such that the negative pole is more proximal to the :3 mounting portion than the positive pole. As such, during use, the positive pole of the magnetic element will be closest to the user's skin and therefore the acupressure point. Advantageously, this will provide an improved therapeutic effect, as supported by studies in the field of bio-magnetic and acupressure therapy.

In some examples, each acupressure element further comprises a contact portion coupled to the mounting portion, wherein the contact portion protrudes towards an interior of the glove when the acupressure element is mounted in the eyelet. Advantageously, the contact portion can be specifically shaped and/or dimensioned to apply optimal pressure to the acupressure points, whilst the mounting portion is shaped and/or dimensioned to couple to the eyelet.

In some examples, the contact portion of at least one of the acupressure elements has a cylindrical shape, wherein a distal end of the contact portion has a curved surface.

Advantageously, the inventor has found that this shape of the contact portion provides optimal pressure to the acupressure points in most cases.

In some examples, the contact portion of at least one of the acupressure elements has a dome shape, a spherical shape, a cone shape with a flattened distal end, or a dome shape with a flattened distal end. Advantageously, different shaped contact portions can be used, depending on the acupressure point location. For example, different shaped contact portions may be better suited for applying pressure to different acupressure points. Therefore, the glove of the present invention can be provided with acupressure elements that have differently shaped contact portions.

In some examples, each eyelet comprises an opening, wherein the mounting portions of the acupressure elements are correspondingly shaped to be received by the opening. Advantageously, a user can easily detach or attach the acupressure elements from the eyelets using pulling, pushing and/or twisting motions. This is particularly useful for users with limited hand strength or dexterity.

In some examples, the openings and the mounting portions are threaded. Advantageously, the acupressure elements can be more securely mounted to the eyelets.

In some examples, each of the acupressure elements have a length such that they protrude from an inner surface of the glove by between 2mm and lOmm. More particularly, the contact portions of the acupressure elements can have a length, such that the distance from the inner surface of the glove to the distal end of the contact portion is between 2mm and lOmm. Said distance may be considered as the effective height or effective depth of the acupressure element. Advantageously, the acupressure elements have an appropriate effective depth for applying the necessary pressure to the acupressure points for acupressure treatment. Furthermore, different acupressure points may respond better to different effective depths. For example, some acupressure points may be covered in more tissue (e.g. skin, fat, muscle) than others and therefore require a larger effective depth from the acupressure element to achieve an appropriate level of pressure. Therefore, the glove of the present invention can be provided with acupressure elements having different effective depths, e.g. within the range 2mm to lOmm.

In some examples, the eyelets and the acupressure elements are formed of the same material. Advantageously, this can prevent incompatibility problems between material of the acupressure elements and the eyelets.

In some examples, the material forming the eyelets and the acupressure elements is a plastic. Advantageously, plastic is hypoallergenic, easy to keep clean, smooth, strong, keeps its shape and is non-magnetic. Furthermore, plastic does not cause adverse reactions to skin.

In some examples, the glove body comprises a hand portion and a wrist portion, wherein at least one of the eyelets is located on the hand portion and at least one of the eyelets is located on the wrist portion. Advantageously, the glove can cover enough of the user's hand/wrist area to provide eyelets at the main acupressure point locations in the hand and wrist.

In some examples, the glove body comprises a palmar side and a dorsal side, wherein at least one of the eyelets is located on the palmar side of the body and at least one of the eyelets is located on the dorsal side of the body.

In some examples, the hand portion comprises a finger portion, wherein at least one of the eyelets is located on the finger portion.

In some examples, the wrist portion extends from the hand portion by a distance of at least 10 centimetres and no more than 15 centimetres. Advantageously, the glove covers enough of the user's wrist to reach the key acupressure points on the wrist.

In some examples, the glove body comprises at least eight eyelets, each eyelet being located at a respective one of the following acupressure points: PC6, HT6, HT7, Lu7, 5i2, Si3, 1B5, Li4. Advantageously, any combination of these key acupressure points in the hand and wrist can be used for treatment.

In some examples, the glove body is made from an elasticated fabric. Advantageously, the glove can provide a close and comfortable fit. The close fit allows the acupressure elements to operate effectively to apply the require amount of pressure. Moreover, since the glove is comfortable for the user, the user can wear the glove for the required amount of time in order for effective acupressure treatment.

In some examples, the glove is a partially-fingerless glove. For example, the glove can have finger portions that extend partially up the user's fingers. Advantageously, the user can still perform everyday functions using their hands, such as holding everyday items, and operating keyboards and touchscreens of smartphones and tablets.

In some examples, one or more of the acupressure elements comprise a vibrating means.

Advantageously, vibrating acupressure elements can provide further stimulation to the acupressure points 1 la-11h. Moreover, vibrating acupressure elements can provide further stimulation to nerve endings at or in the region of the respective acupressure points lla-11h, and can also increase blood flow to the area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A illustrates acupressure locations on front sides of a human hand and wrist; Figure 1B illustrates acupressure locations on back sides of a human hand and wrist; Figure 2A shows a front side of a therapeutic glove comprising eyelets located at the acupressure locations, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2B shows a back side of a therapeutic glove comprising eyelets located at the acupressure locations, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3A shows a top view of an eyelet, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3B shows a cross sectional view of an eyelet, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3C shows a cross sectional view of an eyelet provided in a glove body of the therapeutic glove, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4A shows an example of an acupressure element, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4B shows another example of an acupressure element, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4C shows another example of an acupressure element, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4D shows another example of an acupressure element, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4E shows another example of an acupressure element, in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of eyelets mounted with acupressure elements in a glove body of the therapeutic glove, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures lA and 1B illustrate a human hand 102 and a human wrist 104. In particular, Figure 1A illustrates a front or palmar side of the hand 102 and a front side of the wrist 104 and Figure 1B illustrates a back or dorsal side of the hand 102 and a back side of the wrist 104.

Figures 1A and 1B also show the locations of acupressure points 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, lie, llf, 11g, 11h on the hand 102 and the wrist 104. As shown in Figure 1A, the acupressure points 11a, 11b, 11c, lid are located on the front side of the wrist 104. The acupressure points lie and llf are located on the palmar side of the hand 102. More particularly, the acupressure point 11f is located at the base of the little finger 106 of the hand 102. As shown in Figure 1B, the acupressure point hg is located on the back side of the wrist 104. The acupressure point 11h is located on the dorsal side of the hand 11h.

Each of the acupressure points 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, lie, llf, 11g, 11h can be used to treat or relieve respective medical symptoms or ailments. In particular, by applying a suitable amount of pressure to the acupressure point(s) for a suitable amount of time, the respective symptom(s) can be relieved. The following table (Table 1) shows the name and reference notation for each of the acupressure points, as well as examples of the respective symptoms that can be treated by applying pressure to the acupressure points: Acupressure point name (e.g. meridian name) Acupressure point Symptoms/Ailments treated reference ha Pericardian PC6 Nausea, Morning sickness, Travel sickness llb Heart HT6 Panic attacks, Nose bleeds 11c Heart HT7 Insomnia, Disturbed sleep, Anxiety, Nervousness lid Lung Lu7 Nasal Congestion, Headaches, Sore Throat lie Small intestine 5i2 Disturbed sleep, Snoring, Nasal Congestion llf Small intestine 5i3 Disturbed sleep, Snoring, Back and neck pain, Nausea hg Triple burner or Triple TB5 or TW5 Pain -especially in the wrist and hand Warmer 11h Liver Li4 Sweating, Flu Symptoms, Headaches It is noted that the above acupressure points can be found on both the left hand and wrist, and the right hand and wrist.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a glove 200 according to an example of the present invention. In particular, Figures 2A and 2B show the glove 200 as worn on a user's hand 102 and wrist 104. Figure 2A shows a front side of the glove 200 as worn on a user's left hand 102.

Figure 2B shows a back side of the glove 200 as worn on a user's right hand 102. The glove 200 comprises a hand portion 202 and a wrist portion 204. The hand portion 202 covers the user's hand 102 and the wrist portion 204 covers the user's wrist 104. As such, Figure 2A shows a front or palmar side of the hand portion 202. Figure 2A also shows a front side of the wrist portion 204. Figure 2B shows a back or dorsal side of the hand portion 202. Figure 2B also shows a back side of the wrist portion 204. The hand portion 202 of the glove further comprises a little finger portion 206. The little finger portion 206 fits around and at least partially extends up the user's little finger 106.

The glove 200 can be partly fingerless. For example, as shown in Figures 2A and 26, the glove 200 can include finger portions for each finger, which partially extend up the user's fingers. Advantageously, a user can perform everyday functions whilst wearing the glove 200, including: retaining touch senses, operating and gripping everyday items, operating a keyboard, using a touchscreen (e.g. a smartphone or tablet), and using finger and/or thumb print recognition. However, in some examples, the glove 200 may not be fingerless, and instead the finger portions may extend all the way up and cover the user's respective finger tips.

The glove 200 has a glove body 201. The glove 200 also comprises eyelets 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, 22h. The eyelets 22a-22h are formed or provided in the glove body 201. Each eyelet 22a-22h is configured to removably mount an acupressure element (not shown). As such, the eyelets 22a-22h can be considered as mounting elements.

The eyelets 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22g are on the wrist portion 204 of the glove 200. In particular, the eyelets 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d are on the front side of the wrist portion 204, as shown in Figure 2A. The eyelet 229 is on the back side of the wrist portion 204, as shown in Figure 26. The eyelets 22e, 22f and 22h are on the hand portion 202 of the glove 200. In particular, the eyelets 22e and 22f are on the palmar side of the hand portion 202 of the glove 200 as shown in Figure 2A. More particularly, the eyelet 22f is on the little finger portion 206. The eyelet 22h is on the dorsal side of the hand portion 202 of the glove 200 as shown in Figure 2B.

The eyelets 22a-22h are provided on the glove 200 at locations corresponding to the acupressure points lla-11h shown in Figures 1A and 16. In particular, the eyelets 22a- 22h are located in the glove body 201, such that when the glove 200 is worn by the user, each eyelet 22a-22h will align with a respective one of the acupressure points lla-11h on the user's hand 102 and/or wrist 104. The eyelet 22a is located on the glove 200 to align with the acupressure point ha. The eyelet 22b is located on the glove 200 to align with the acupressure point 11b. The eyelet 22c is located on the glove 200 to align with the acupressure point 11c. The eyelet 22d is located on the glove 200 to align with the acupressure point 11d. The eyelet 22e is located on the glove 200 to align with the acupressure point lie. The eyelet 22f is located on the glove 200 to align with the acupressure point llf. The eyelet 22g is located on the glove 200 to align with the acupressure point 11g. The eyelet 22h is located on the glove 200 to align with the acupressure point 11h.

The glove 200 can be provided with acupressure elements (not shown). In particular, the glove can be provided with an acupressure element for each eyelet 22a-22h. The acupressure element(s), when mounted in the eyelets 22a-22h, will protrude towards an interior of the glove 200. As such, when the glove 200 is worn by a user, the acupressure elements will exert pressure on the respective acupressure points lla-11h. Advantageously, the glove 200 can be used to simultaneously treat multiple ailments or symptoms using corresponding acupressure points lla-llh, as indicated in Table 1 above. Moreover, since the acupressure elements are removable, the user can customise their treatment based on the combination of ailments or symptoms that they are experiencing.

For example, a user with arthritis may mount or insert acupressure elements in the eyelets 22a (acupressure point PC6) and 22g (acupressure point TB5) to treat or relieve the symptoms resulting from their arthritis. A user experiencing menopausal night sweats may mount or insert acupressure elements in the eyelets 22b (acupressure point HT6) and 22f (acupressure point Si3) to treat or relieve the respective symptoms. Since there are a total of eight eyelets 22a-22h, the user has a choice of stimulating many different combinations of the acupressure points 11a-11h when the glove 200 is worn on one hand. A user may wear a glove of the present invention on both hands, in which case the user has a choice of stimulating many more combinations of acupressure points.

Preferably, the glove body 201 is made from an elasticated fabric. Advantageously, the glove 200 is easy to wear and take off, comfortable, hygienic, breathable and washable, and does not interrupt blood flow. Moreover, the elasticated fabric allows for a close fitting glove 200. A close fitting glove allows the acupressure elements to operate more effectively, e.g. by allowing the acupressure elements to exert an appropriate pressure on the user's skin. More preferably, the glove body 201 is made of a medical grade elasticated fabric. Alternatively, the glove body 201 can be made of leather, silk, rubber, plastic, nylon, wool, silicon, or a synthetic material.

Preferably, the wrist portion 204 extends at least 10cm in a proximal direction, e.g. up a user's arm. The wrist portion 204 may extend a maximum of 15cm in the proximal direction.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show views of an eyelet 300 according to an example of the present invention. Each of the eyelets 22a-22h of the glove 200 can be implemented in accordance with the eyelet 300 described below. Figure 3A shows a top view of the eyelet 300. Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the eyelet 300. Figure 3C shows a further cross-sectional view of the eyelet 300 when the eyelet is provided in a part of the glove body 201 of the glove 200. In Figure 3C, the region 350 above the eyelet 300 corresponds to an interior side of the glove 200, which cannot be seen in Figures 2A and 2B. The region 360 below the eyelet 300 corresponds to the exterior of the glove 200, as can be seen in Figures 2A and 2B.

The eyelet 300 has an opening 302. The opening 302 is defined by walls 304 of the eyelet 300. Preferably, as shown in Figure 3A, the opening 302 has a circular cross section. In other words, the eyelet 300 has a cylindrical inner volume, defined by the walls 304. The eyelet 300 perforates through the glove body 201. The eyelet 300 is oriented in the glove body 201 so that the opening 302 faces the interior side 350 of the glove 200. The eyelet 300 is configured to receive an acupressure element (not shown) in its opening 302, i.e. from the interior side 350 of the glove. In particular, the eyelet 300 can receive a mounting portion of an acupressure element in the opening 302, as described in more detail below. The eyelet 300 further includes a lip 306. The lip 306 runs around the periphery of the opening 302. The lip 306 is extends from and is fixed to a proximal edge of the walls 304 (i.e. the edge of the wall 304 that is closest to the interior side 350 of the glove 200). The lip 306 abuts an inner surface 290 of the glove body 201. Advantageously, the lip 306 can be used to couple and secure the eyelet 300 to the body of the glove 200. For example, an adhesive can be applied in the region between the lip 306 and the glove 200 to attach the eyelet 300 to the body of the glove 200.

Preferably, the opening 302 has a diameter dx of approximately 5mm. Furthermore, the outer edge of the lip 306 preferably has a diameter dy of approximately 7mm with respect to a central axis of the eyelet 300. As such, the lip 306 is preferably about 2mm thick.

The eyelets of the present disclosure are preferably made from a non-magnetic material.

More preferably, the eyelets are made of plastic. Advantageously, plastic is hypoallergenic, easy to keep clean, smooth, keeps its shape and strength, non-magnetic and does not bring about any adverse reaction when in contact with the skin. However, the eyelets can be made of any other non-magnetic material, such as gold, silver, nickel, zinc, plastic, silicon, polymer, rubber, wood, stone, semi and precious stones, granite, marble and glass.

Figure 4A illustrates an example of an acupressure element 400 according to an example of the present invention. The acupressure element 400 is used in conjunction with the glove 200 and its eyelets 22a-22h described above. In particular, the acupressure element 400 is configured to be mounted in any of the eyelets 22a-22h, such that the acupressure element 400 will exert pressure on the corresponding acupressure point 11a-11h when the glove 200 is worn by a user. The acupressure element 400 is described in more detail below, with reference to the eyelet 300 described above.

The acupressure element 400 comprises a mounting portion 402 and a contact portion 404. The mounting portion 402 is configured and/or shaped to be received by the opening 302 of the eyelet 300. Preferably, the mounting portion 402 has a circular cross-section corresponding to the circular cross section of the opening 302 of the eyelet 300. In other words, the mounting portion 402 is cylindrical, similarly to the inner volume of the eyelet 300. As such, the mounting portion 402 can be inserted into the opening 302 of the eyelet 300, to mount and secure the acupressure element 400 to the eyelet 300.

The contact portion 404 is for exerting pressure on an acupressure point 11a-11h once the acupressure element 400 is mounted to the respective eyelet and the glove 200 is worn by the user. The contact portion 404 has a top surface 408 that will directly contact the user's skin. Preferably, the contact portion 404 has a substantially cylindrical shape. More preferably, the top surface 408 of the contact portion 404 is convexly curved. The inventor has found that a cylindrical contact portion 404 with a curved top surface 408 allows for optimal pressure exertion.

The contact portion 404 can have a height hi of from 6mm to 12mm. Preferably, the contact portion 404 has a height hi of lOmm. The contact portion 404 preferably has a diameter di of approximately lOmm, but can have any other suitable diameter.

Preferably, the diameter di is larger than the diameter dx of the opening 302 of the eyelet 300, so that the lower part of the contact portion 404 abuts the lip 306 of the eyelet when the acupressure element 400 is inserted into the eyelet 300 (see Figure 5, described in more detail below). The mounting portion 402 can have a height h2 of from 3mm to 6mm.

Preferably, the mounting portion 404 has a height h2 of 5mm. The mounting portion 402 preferably has a diameter d2 of 5mm, but can have any other suitable diameter. In any case, the opening 302 of the eyelet 300 preferably has a diameter that corresponds to or matches the diameter of the mounting portion 402.

As such, the mounting portion 402 and the opening 302 are a close or snug fit when the mounting portion 402 is inserted into the opening 302. The close or snug fit between the mounting portion 402 of the acupressure element 400 and the opening 302 of the eyelet 300 provides a secure mounting of the acupressure element 400 to the eyelet 300. Advantageously, a user can easily and quickly change or attach the acupressure element 400, using simple push-pull and twist motions. This allows users with reduced hand strength or dexterity (e.g. users with arthritis) to easily mount and remove the acupressure element 400.

The mounting portion 402 and the contact portion 404 together form a main body of the acupressure element 400. Preferably, the main body of the acupressure element 400 is formed of a plastic. Most preferably, the main body is formed of the same plastic as the eyelet 300. This may avoid any incompatibility issues between the materials used.

Alternatively, the main body can be formed of polymer(s), resin, carbon fibre, silicon, glass, rubber, ceramics, precious and semi-precious stones, non-magnetic metals (e.g. gold, silver, nickel and zinc, metal-alloys), organic materials, composites, wood, cane, stone, marble or alabaster.

The contact portion 404 comprises a magnetic element 406. The magnetic element 406 is enclosed and/or held within the contact portion 404. The magnetic element 406 can be any type of permanent magnet. For example, the magnetic element 406 can be made of iron, ferrite-cobalt, ceramic, samarium-cobalt, or a rare earth magnet (e.g. neodymium). Most preferably, the magnetic element 406 is a rare earth magnet, such as neodymium.

This is because the inventor has found that neodymium has the best magnetic longevity, Gauss rating and price in comparison to other permanent magnets. Suitable types of neodymium can be N35, N38, N42, N45 and N50.

As indicated by the broken lines surrounding the magnetic element 406, in some examples the magnetic element 406 is insulated from its surroundings. In particular, the magnetic element 406 can be insulated to form an airtight barrier between the magnetic element 406 and the surrounding air and/or the material of the contact portion 404. In some examples, the magnetic element 406 can be insulated with an insulating coating (not shown). The coating can be a plastic, polymer, rubber, or paint coating. The coating can also be a metal plating, such as gold, silver, zinc or nickel. Alternatively or additionally, the contact portion 404 can comprise an airtight case (not shown) which encases the magnetic element 406. The airtight case can be formed of plastic, polymer, silicon, rubber, paint, cloth material, wood, gold, silver, zinc or nickel. Advantageously, by insulating the magnetic element 406 in an airtight manner, the magnetic element 406 is made more resistant to corrosion. This is especially useful when the magnetic element 406 is a rare earth magnetic such as neodymium, since neodymium is more susceptible to corrosion. In a preferred example, the magnetic element 406 is coated or encased in plastic. For example, the magnetic element 406 can be coated or encased in the same type of plastic which is used to form the eyelet 300. Advantageously, this avoids any compatibility issues between the materials used.

In some examples, the contact portion 404 itself can be airtight. In such examples, the contact portion 404 insulates the magnetic element 406 in an airtight manner and therefore improves its corrosion resistance to the surrounding air. In such examples, it is not required to separately insulate the magnetic element 406, e.g. using a coating or a separate airtight casing.

The magnetic element 406 has a positive pole 407p and a negative pole 407n. Preferably, the magnetic element 406 is oriented in the contact portion 404 such that the negative pole 407n faces the mounting portion 402 and the positive pole faces the top surface 408 of the contact portion 404. As such, the positive pole 407p will face the interior side 350 of the glove 200 and therefore the user's skin, when the acupressure element 400 is mounted in the glove 200.

Advantageously, by including the magnetic element 404 in the acupressure element 400, the therapeutic benefit of the acupressure element 400 to the user is improved. In particular, the present invention combines the benefits of acupressure point therapy and bio-magnetic therapy. Discussions on the use of magnets in modern treatments has been covered by Dr D R Price, in his book, "Magnetic Health, Modern Day Healing with Magnets". It is believed that the application of magnetic field(s) brings about an improved therapeutic benefits and wellbeing to the user. Moreover, the benefit of using magnetic therapy with acupressure is also supported in acupressure studies (Zhou J. Qu F. et al, 2009).

Figure 4A illustrates the magnetic element 406 as having a cuboid shape. However, the magnetic element 406 can be any other shape, such as cubed, round, square, oval, oblong, conical or spherical. The preferred shape may depend on the dimensions and shape of the acupressure element 400.

Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of eyelets 300 in the glove 200 holding acupressure elements 400. As shown, the acupressure elements 400 are mounted in the eyelets 300 such that the acupressure elements 400 protrude towards the interior 350 of the glove 200. Furthermore, the mounting portion 402 of the acupressure elements 400 and the opening 302 of the eyelets 300 are dimensioned such that the mounting portion 402 and the opening 302 are a close or snug fit.

When the acupressure element 400 is mounted in the eyelet 300, the acupressure element 400 may have an effective height h3 from the inner surface 290 of the glove 200 to the top surface 408 of the acupressure element 400. A larger effective height h3 will mean that the acupressure element 400 exerts a larger pressure on the acupressure point, and a smaller effective height h3 will mean that the acupressure element 400 exerts a smaller pressure on the acupressure point. The effective height h3 depends primarily on the height hl of the contact portion 404 of the acupressure element. For example, a larger height hl of the contact portion 404 results in a larger effective height h3.

In some examples, the glove 200 can be provided with acupressure elements 400 with contact portions 404 of different heights hl. Advantageously, a user can provide different effective heights h3 at each acupressure point lla-11h, depending on the pressure required at the acupressure point. This is advantageous because different acupressure points lla-11h may require different effective heights h3 to achieve the optimal pressure. For example, some acupressure points may be covered by more skin, fat and/or other tissue than others and therefore require a greater effective height h3 to achieve the required pressure for effective treatment. Acupressure elements 400 with a greater height hi may be used for acupressure points that have more body fat, and acupressure elements 400 with a lesser height h.1 may be used for acupressure points that have less body fat. In a preferred example, the glove 200 is provided with acupressure elements 400 with contact portions 404 in a range of heights hi from 6mm to 12mm. However, alternatively, the glove 200 can be provided with a number of acupressure elements having contact portions 404 with the same height hi.

Figures 4B-4E show alternative examples of acupressure elements for use with the glove 200. Figure 4B illustrates an acupressure element 400B. The acupressure element 400B differs from the acupressure element 400, in that the acupressure element 400B has a contact portion 404B that has a dome shape. Figure 4C illustrates an acupressure element 400C. The acupressure element 400C differs from the acupressure element 400, in that the acupressure element 400C has a contact portion 404C that has a conical shape with a truncated or flattened top 408C. Figure 4D illustrates an acupressure element 400D. The acupressure element 400D differs from the acupressure element 400, in that the acupressure element 400D has a contact portion 404D that has a spherical shape. Figure 4E illustrates an acupressure element 400E. The acupressure element 400E differs from the acupressure element 400, in that the acupressure element 400E has a contact portion 404E that has a dome shape with a truncated or flattened top 408E.

The differently shaped contact portions may exert different amounts of pressure on the acupressure points when the acupressure element is mounted in the glove 200. Advantageously, the glove 200 can be provided with acupressure elements having contact portions of different shapes. The user can then use different acupressure elements at different acupressure points 11a-11h to achieve the necessary treatment pressure for that particular acupressure point. However, alternatively, the glove 200 can be provided with a plurality of the acupressure elements having the same contact portion shape.

From the above, it will be appreciated that the glove 200 can be provided with at least one acupressure element for each eyelet 22a-22h, and therefore for each acupressure point 11a-11h. In some examples, each acupressure element can have the same shaped contact portion 404 (e.g. as shown in one of Figures 4A-4E). The contact portions of each acupressure element can also have the same dimensions, in particular the same height hi. However, in other examples, the contact portions can differ in height hi. Additionally or alternatively, the contact portions can also differ in shape. Different shapes and/or heights mean that the acupressure elements will exert different pressures on the acupressure points. Particular shapes and/or heights of the contact portions may be better suited to particular acupressure points 1 la-11h. Therefore, by providing a range of acupressure elements with contact portions of different shape and/or height hi, the effectiveness of the acupressure treatment can be improved.

Other Variations In the above description, it is described how the glove 200 comprises eight eyelets 22a-22h for eight acupressure points 1 la-11h. However, it will be appreciated that the glove 200 can more generally comprise any number of two or more eyelets at locations that align with any two or more of the acupressure points 11a-11h.

In some examples, the opening 302 of the eyelets and the mounting portions 402 of the of the acupressure elements 400 can be correspondingly threaded, such that the acupressure elements can be screwed into the eyelets 300. Advantageously, this can provide a more secure mounting of the acupressure elements to the eyelets.

In the above description, it is described how the opening 302 of the eyelets and the mounting portion 402 of the acupressure elements have a circular cross section. However, it will be appreciated that the openings 302 and the mounting portions 402 can have any shaped cross-section, provided that they match, For example, the openings 302 and the mounting portions could have a hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal or non-symmetrical cross-section.

It will be appreciated that the magnetic element 406 of the acupressure elements 400 are optional. Rather, the glove 200 can be provided with acupressure elements without magnetic elements and still achieve the respective advantages. Acupressure elements that omit the magnetic elements are useful, for example for users who have a pacemaker, insulin pump, are pregnant, or are often in close proximity to magnetically sensitive objects (credit cards, computing equipment, needles, pins, knives etc.).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the acupressure elements 400 are configured to vibrate. For example, one or more, or all of the acupressure elements 400, can include a vibration motor. The vibration motor is configured to cause the acupressure element 400 to vibrate.

Preferably, the vibration motor is a flat coin vibration motor. The vibration motor can be encapsulated in the acupressure element 400. For example the vibration motor can be encapsulated in the contact portion 404 of the acupressure element 400, as its larger size may accommodate the vibration motor.

In embodiments of the acupressure element 400 with the vibration motor, the magnetic element 406 is optional. Preferably, in such embodiments, the magnetic element 406 is absent in order to provide sufficient space for the vibration motor in the acupressure element 400, and to avoid magnetic interference between the magnetic element 406 and the vibration motor. Vibration motors, particular coin vibration motors, may already contain one or more magnets (particular rare earth/Neodymium magnets) and therefore the magnetic element 406 may not be necessary.

The vibration motor can be battery powered. In some examples, the acupressure element 400 contains a battery to supply electrical power to the vibration motor. In some examples, the battery is removable/replaceable. Preferably, the battery is a coin battery, with a small enough size to be contained in the acupressure element 400.

The acupressure element 400 can include a switch mechanism. In an on position, the switch mechanism causes the vibration motor to receive electrical power from the battery therefore causing the acupressure element to vibrate. In an off position, the switch mechanism interrupts or disconnects the electrical power from the vibration motor so that the vibrating motor does not vibrate. The switch mechanism can be located on the mounting portion 402 of the acupressure element. Preferably, the switch mechanism is located on the bottom surface of the mounting portion 402. The switching mechanism can be any type of switch, including but not limited to: a push button that is operable between on/off positions by a pushing motion by a user, a dial or knob that is operable between on/off positions by a twisting motion by a user, or a toggle switch comprising a lever or an actuator that is moveable left/right between two discrete positions corresponding to respective on/off positions.

In some examples, the acupressure element 400 may not include the battery. Instead, the glove 200 can include a battery unit, e.g. embedded or attached to the main body of the glove 200. The battery unit can include the battery. The glove 200 can include electrical connections between the battery unit and each of the eyelets 22a-22h so that the eyelets receive electrical power from the battery unit. The acupressure elements 400 can be configured to convey or transfer the electrical power/current from the eyelet to the vibrating motor when the acupressure element 400 is inserted into an eyelet. For example, part of the surface of the mounting portion 402 and/or part of the surface of the underside of the contact portion 404 can be electrically conductive where it contacts the eyelet. The acupressure element 400 can include electrical connections between said conductive surfaces and the vibrating motor to supply the electrical power from the battery unit to the vibration motor. The switching mechanism can be provided with the battery unit and/or on individual acupressure elements.

The operating frequency range of the vibration motor is preferably between 80Hz and 130Hz. The vibration motor is preferably operable from a DC power source of between 2.5V and 5V. The vibration motor can have a diameter between 6mm to 15mm and a depth/thickness between lmm to 6mm.

Advantageously, vibrating acupressure elements can provide further stimulation to the acupressure points 1 la-11h. Moreover, vibrating acupressure elements can provide further stimulation to nerve endings at or in the region of the respective acupressure points 1 la-11h, and can also increase blood flow to the area.

It will be appreciated that the glove 200 can be a left handed glove or a right handed glove.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A therapeutic glove comprising: a glove body comprising a plurality of eyelets, the plurality of eyelets being located on the glove body at locations corresponding to locations of respective acupressure points on the human body; and a plurality of acupressure elements, each acupressure element having a mounting portion for removably mounting the acupressure element in one of the plurality of eyelets.
2. The glove of claim 1, wherein one or more of the acupressure elements comprise a magnetic element encapsulated in a body of the acupressure element.
3. The glove of claim 2, wherein the magnetic element is a rare earth magnet. 15
4. The glove of claim 3, wherein the rare earth magnet is a neodymium rare earth magnet.
5. The glove of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the magnetic element is encased in an airtight insulation.
6. The glove of claim 5, wherein the airtight insulation is an airtight casing comprising the magnetic element, the one or more acupressure elements comprising the airtight casing.
7. The glove of any of claims 5, wherein the magnetic element is coated or plated in an insulating material in order to provide the airtight insulation.
8. The glove of any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the magnetic element has a positive pole and a negative pole, and wherein the magnetic element is orientated such that the negative pole is more proximal to the mounting portion than the positive pole.
9. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein each acupressure element further comprises a contact portion coupled to the mounting portion, wherein the contact portion protrudes towards an interior of the glove when the acupressure element is mounted in the eyelet.
10. The glove of claim 9, wherein the contact portion of at least one of the acupressure elements has a cylindrical shape, wherein a distal end of the contact portion has a curved surface.
11. The glove of any of claims 9 or 10, wherein the contact portion of at least one of the acupressure elements has a dome shape, a spherical shape, a cone shape with a flattened distal end, or a dome shape with a flattened distal end.
12. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein each eyelet comprises an opening, wherein the mounting portions of the acupressure elements are correspondingly shaped to be received by the opening.
13. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein the openings and the mounting portions are threaded.
14. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein each of the acupressure elements have a length such that they protrude from an inner surface of the glove by between 2mm and lOmm.
15. The glove of any preceding claims, wherein the eyelets and the acupressure elements are formed of the same material.
16. The glove of claim 15, wherein the material is a plastic.
17. The glove of any preceding claims, wherein the glove body comprises a hand portion and a wrist portion, wherein at least one of the eyelets is located on the hand portion and at least one of the eyelets is located on the wrist portion.
18. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein the glove body comprises a palmar side and a dorsal side, wherein at least one of the eyelets is located on the palmar side of the body and at least one of the eyelets is located on the dorsal side of the body.
19. The glove of any of claims 17 or 18, wherein the hand portion comprises a finger portion, wherein at least one of the eyelets is located on the finger portion.
20. The glove of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the wrist portion extends from the hand portion by a distance of at least 10 centimetres and no more than 15 centimetres.
21. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein the glove body comprises at least eight eyelets, each eyelet being located at a respective one of the following acupressure points: PC6, HT6, HT7, Lu7, Si2, Si3, TB5, Li4.
22. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein the glove body is made from an elasticated fabric.
23. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein the glove is a partially-fingerless glove.
24. The glove of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the acupressure elements comprise a vibrating means.