US20100011541A1

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Publication number: US20100011541A1
Application number: US12/458,831
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen L. Tillim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-10-24
Filing date: 2009-07-23
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: US20050267519A1; US20040078935A1; US6944914B2

Abstract

The present invention provides a design method and apparatus for a handle providing a shape and structure that fills various regions of the hand except a region in an area over the underlying carpal tunnel. Such design method and apparatus provides for various handles for use by a hand. In particular, the apparatus includes a generally Y-shaped configuration, such as for a forceps/tweezers handle with a working end. The handle can include a radial section an ulnar section and middle section. The handle also can have a radial arm, an ulnar arm and distal leg, with an ulnar end and a radial end for engaging a portion of the hand.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/420,872 filed Apr. 23, 2003. Priority is claimed based on U.S. application Ser. No. 10/420,872 filed Apr. 23, 2003, which claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/279,111 filed Oct. 24, 2002, which claims priority to the provisional application, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/330,527, filed on Oct. 24, 2001. Priority is also claimed based upon International Application No. PCT/US03/12648, filed on Apr. 23, 2003 and upon International Application No. PCT/US02/33956, filed on Oct. 24, 2002.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of and is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/420,872, filed Apr. 23, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, which claims the benefit of and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/279,111 on Oct. 24, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; this application also claims the benefit of and is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/US03/12648, filed on Apr. 23, 2003, presently published in English under PCT Article 21(2), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; this application also claims the benefit of and is a Continuation-In-Part of International Application No. PCT/US02/33956, filed on Oct. 24, 2002, presently published in English under PCT Article 21(2), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and this application further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/330,527 filed on Oct. 24, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention provides handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles. Desirably, the forceps/tweezers have a generally asymmetrical “Y” shaped handle designed to comfortably fit the hand when used. The present invention provides a forceps/tweezers handle that desirably includes two mirror image blades, which meet or connect at one end. The forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention can be used as a handle to assist the hand in pinching, gripping, holding, cutting and other functions. The forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention can be used for surgical forceps, a variety of surgical instruments, tweezers and a variety of tools and instruments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Forceps and tweezers are common tools made in the shape of a stylus in which there is a working end or tip and a part that rests on the fleshy space between the base of the index finger and the thumb. Typically, forceps and tweezers are held like a pencil where the thumb, index finger and middle finger hold forceps or tweezers close to the working end. As used herein and as in human anatomy, the anatomical term proximal is nearer and distal is further away on the extremities in relation to the torso. Similarly, in relation to the hand, typically the part of a forceps or tweezers resting over the portion of the hand between the base of the thumb and index finger is the proximal end, whereas the tips of forceps or tweezers can be referred to as the distal end.

Forceps and tweezers have opposing blades or members and fine tips enabling the hand to pick up and hold parts of various objects with a range of grip intensity. The opposing actions of the thumb and the long fingers manipulate the blades to move the tips of forceps or tweezers together. Opposition, i.e. moving the tip of the thumb and tips of the long fingers closer to each other, is done by contracting opponens muscle of the thumb and the lumbrical muscles of the long fingers. The lumbricals are small muscles located in the palm of the hand and their contraction pulls the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) bones at the base of the long fingers. The opponens muscle of the hand pulls the base of the thumb. When using forceps or tweezers, the function of fine pinch is under control of the opponens muscle and the lumbrical muscles. However, the function of gross pinch is under control of the opponens muscle of the forearm that pulls the distal portion of the thumb, and the deep flexor muscles of the forearm pull the distal portion of the index finger and the distal portion of the middle finger.

Typically, the blades of a forceps or tweezers receive support in the resting hand from the middle finger that crosses underneath them and the portion of the hand between the thumb and index finger. However, when the distal tips of a forceps or tweezers are moved together, the support for the forceps or tweezers in the hand changes and greater support is generated at the tips of the thumb and index fingers to hold the forceps or tweezers. This can cause muscle and joint strain.

Some of the factors that can cause strain in the hand when using a common forceps or tweezers include the width of the blades, the spring force of the blades, the way the hand and wrist joints function when grasping or pinching with a forceps or tweezers, the number of muscle fascicles of a muscle used to contract a corresponding muscle, and the position of the fingers on the forceps or tweezers. Typically, wider blades of a forceps or tweezers are easier to hold than narrow blades, and generally require less muscle tension to pinch. The spring-like properties of the material used for typical forceps or tweezers and the connection of the blades can affect the muscle force required to close a forceps or tweezers.

Most joints flex and extend and have a small degree of side to side motion, while other joints can move in more than one direction. In the latter joints, such as the thumb, there is larger surface contact area at the center of the joint than the periphery of the joint. When the thumb opposes the center of the long finger tips, the bones at the base of the thumb contact more surface area. When the thumb opposes the index finger or small finger, then bone contact in the joint is at the respective sides of the joint, with the joint contact area of the bones being less than when the thumb opposes the long fingers. Therefore, the common forceps or tweezers force the thumb to move to the radial side of the thumb joint where there is less bone contact surface area.

Muscles are made up of sub groups called muscle fascicles. These fascicles are made up of groups of muscle fibers. The amount of muscle fiber contraction determines the strength or the pinch force used to hold an object between the tips of the forceps or tweezers. When the radial side of the thumb joint is used to hold a common forceps or tweezers, the thumb opposes the index finger, and the radial side of the opponens muscle contracts to pull the thumb. In the common forceps or tweezers, fewer muscle fascicles and fibers are typically used for pinch strength when the thumb opposes the index finger than when the thumb opposes the center of the long finger tips. If fewer muscle fascicles and fibers are used to pinch, than potentially available, there is a greater chance of fatigue and strain in these muscles and their fascicles. Therefore, utilizing more muscle fascicles can desirably increase pinch strength and reduce muscle fatigue and stress. Thus a forceps or tweezers that increases the number of muscle fascicles used to pinch a forceps or tweezers is desirable.

Moreover, pinch strength is also affected by the number of muscles used in pinching. When the thumb and index finger pinch, one lumbrical muscle is used to pinch the index finger against the thumb. However, two lumbrical muscles, one for the index finger and one for the middle finger, are used in pinching when the thumb opposes the space between the index finger and middle finger. Pinch forces are potentially greater when the thumb opposes both the index finger and the middle finger than when the thumb opposes the index finger alone. This potential grip strength is greater because more opponens muscle fascicles are available when the thumb opposes the space between the index finger tip and the middle finger tip than when the thumb opposes the index finger tip. Thus, opposing the thumb to the space between the index finger and the middle finger has greater efficiency and can reduce muscle fatigue.

Additionally, hand strain can occur while using a common forceps or tweezers. This is because the thumb and index finger have a natural tendency to advance toward the tip of the common forceps or tweezers when holding a stylus-type tool, creating having the potential for excessive squeezing of the forceps or tweezers. This can create exaggerated thumb flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the thumb and exaggerated index finger flexion at the middle interphalangeal (MIP) joint of the index finger while the DIP joint of the index finger extends. With such exaggerated flexion, the tips of the fingers squeeze and retract proximally, providing feedback or added pressure, i.e. “the feel”, that an object is being supported by the hand. Maintaining this awkward position can also strain finger and wrist joints and ligaments, especially when they suffer pre-existing damage. Such awkward but common position of exaggerated flexion results from the forearm muscles and tendons contracting the middle phalange of the index finger and distal phalange of the thumb. This typically requires significant force from the forearm muscles, which can add strain and pressure within the carpal tunnel (CT) where the tendons of the superficial flexor forearm muscles transmit direct pressure on the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) and median nerve. Thus, the strain and pressure in the CT from the tendons of the contracted superficial flexor forearm muscles resulting from such awkward position can lead to median nerve irritation and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Furthermore, strain in the muscles in the hand and forearm can cause repetitive strain syndrome of the involved muscles.

A typical problem posed with common forceps and tweezers is that frequent use can cause pain in the hand, wrist and forearm and lead to CTS. This problem has not been solved because the common forceps or tweezers generally adapts a stylus-type tool to pinch small objects. Such stylus-type tools can force the hand into an uncomfortable position with the hand compensating for exaggerated finger flexion, as discussed above, leading to this problem.

Efficiency is reached when the parts of the hand work in harmony to perform a task. The goal of handle design for a forceps or tweezers, as well as an objective of the method and apparatus of the present invention is to promote such efficiency. An efficient handle design should maintain the hand in a comfortable position. A further goal of any handle or grip design, as well as a further objective of the present invention, is to facilitate the function of the hand and forearm muscles so they work in concert. Another goal of handle design, as well as a further objective of the method and apparatus of the present invention, is to facilitate the function of the joints in the hand and wrist to reduce ligament strain.

Furthermore, another goal of handle design for a forceps or tweezers, as well as an objective of the method and apparatus of the present invention, is to promote reduced pinch strength typically required for holding an object. When less pinch strength is required to hold objects, there is less strain to joints and their surrounding ligaments.

Therefore, what is needed is a handle for a forceps or tweezers, and a method and apparatus for designing such a handle for a forceps or tweezers, that fulfills the previously mentioned goals. Such a handle for a forceps or tweezers should promote a reduced incidence of repetitive strain disorder and joint injury.

Forceps and tweezers, such as surgical forceps and tweezers, generally fall into three common types. The first type has two side by side blade members hinged at one end and tips at the other respective end. The blade members move toward each other and the tips come together to grasp and hold. The blade members of this first type of forceps and tweezers can meet and cross and then extend like a scissors. The blade members of the second type of forceps and tweezers are oriented one on top of the other instead of side by side. In the second type, the handles extend perpendicular to the orientation of the blade members and typically the handles have rings to engage the fingers. The blade members in the second type meet the handles at a hinge. Moving the ring handles moves a pivoting member to open or close for grasping or cutting tissue. A third type of forceps and tweezers uses a lever or slide to actuate a mechanism that opens and closes the jaws of an instrument.

Examples of the side-by-side blades of the first type of forceps or tweezers include those in U.S. Pat. Nos. 288,096, 987,095 and 2,540,255, which are fruit pickers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,877 illustrates a forceps or tweezers which is a microsurgical cup forceps U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,561 illustrates a protective hand forceps and U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,696 is related to handles for microsurgical instruments. The handles in U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,696 oppose the thumb to the index finger and middle finger.

Examples of the ring or second type of forceps or tweezers include those illustrated in the following U.S. Patents, namely U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,343 illustrates forceps, U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,501 illustrates a surgical instrument, U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,343 illustrates a surgical instrument handle and forceps assembly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,655 illustrates multiple use forceps for endoscopy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,460 illustrates laparoscopy instrument, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,589 illustrates a surgical instrument for endoscopic surgery.

Examples of the lever or third type of forceps or tweezers include those illustrated in the following U.S. Patents, namely U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,651 illustrates an instrument for gripping or cutting, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,328 illustrates a surgical instrument handle and actuator means, in which both devices described press down a lever. Other examples of the lever or third type of forceps or tweezers include those illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,380 which illustrates a biopsy forceps device having locking means and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,625 which illustrates a biopsy forceps device having improved handle, both having sliding locking devices. Another example of the lever or third type of forceps or tweezers is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,121 as a medical manipulator that has a lever that straddles a shaft that has a distal end with a grasping part.

What is needed is a forceps or tweezers allowing the hand to pinch with greater efficiency, improved stability and reduced joint and muscle strain and tension. The problem with many of the above examples of common forceps or tweezers is that their design and operation does not take advantage of the greater pinch strength available from opposing the thumb to the index finger and middle finger instead of opposing the thumb to the index finger. Furthermore, the above styles of handles for common forceps or tweezers do not efficiently utilize the palm of the hand to support the handle. In addition, the handles for common forceps and tweezers do not efficiently utilize the ring finger and small finger to hold and stabilize the handle of the forceps and tweezers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles.

Also, in the design method and apparatus for handles for forceps/tweezers of the present invention, the design method and apparatus includes embodiments and methods based on measurements made of the hand in a functional pinching position or Forceps Hand Position (FHP).

A method and apparatus for designing handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is provided and is based on defined anatomical positions derived from the functional anatomy of a pinching hand. The method uses lines with respect to measurements made in the hand when the thumb opposes the space between the index and middle fingers. Apparatus, such as forceps and tweezers, produced from this method make efficient use of the hand.

An advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention of such design is that such handles do not contact the skin over the TCL. Therefore the TCL is not compressed and no pressure is transmitted to the contents of the CT region during pinching or using a handle of such design.

Another advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that the natural arcs of the fingers and palm are maintained. In conforming to the natural hand anatomy a handle of this design becomes more comfortable to hold.

Another advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that a larger part of the hand contacts the handle. Thus there is the addition of the much greater hand area contacting a handle of this design for pinching.

Another advantage is that using such handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention does not compromise or distort the arteries supplying the muscles in the hand. This is because such a handle does not touch either the TCL and underlying CT where the radial artery traverses Guyon's tunnel at the pisiform bone where the ulnar artery goes deep to supply the structures of the hand.

Another advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that they do not compromise, compress or distort the nerves that go to the hand.

Another advantage of using handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that there is less strain on contents of and pressure in the CT.

Another advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that there is less compression, distortion or irritation of the median nerve by the superficial flexor tendons, which are closer to the TCL and the median nerve in the CT.

The consummate advantage is that handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention based on the advantages noted above will reduce acute and chronic irritation, trauma and strain to the tendons, bursa, joints hand muscles and median nerve. It is therefore expected that the result will be in a reduced incidence of CTS and repetitive strain syndrome for people who use forceps or tweezers of this design.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a design method and apparatus for handles for forceps/tweezers of the present invention having greater contact with the supportive areas of the hand.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a design method and apparatus for handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention to optimize use of the flexor hand muscles to the thumb and long fingers.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a design method and apparatus for handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention that utilizes reduced grip strength as compared to a common forceps/tweezers.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention of various sizes and shapes for various applications.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention related to various hand sizes to accomplish the above and other objectives of the present invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the distal end of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention can include an elevated surface or various surfaces acting as a reference or references for positioning of the fingers on the forceps/tweezers.

According to another aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention can include those desirably having generally a “Y” shape, the “Y” shape desirably being of a generally asymmetric “Y” shape. The “Y” shape for such handle for forceps/tweezers has three ends with two upper arms and one leg, either as a single “Y” shape portion or having two “Y” shaped portions joined at their respective proximal ends. While the handles for forceps/tweezers of such aspect of the present invention will generally have the two “Y” shaped portions joined or meeting at their proximal end to perform a forceps/tweezers open and close pinching function, the handle for the forceps or tweezers can also be of a single “Y” portion, that can be adapted for various mechanisms and implements, such as for a motorized control function, such as for an implement, or as can be used for a shovel, spade or pick, for example. The uppermost or proximal arm of each “Y” meets and touches areas on the radial side and ulnar side of the palm of the hand. Each leg or distal end of the “Y” extends from the corresponding connection of the radial and ulnar proximal arms of the “Y” to end near the tips of the thumb, index finger and middle finger. The lower leg or distal end of each “Y” contacts the distal part of the thumb, index finger and middle finger of the hand. In embodiments having the two “Y” shaped portions, the proximal ends of the “Y” are connected and the distal end of each “Y” moves toward the other by the opposing movement of the thumb on one “Y” and the index finger and middle finger on the other “Y”. A variety of working ends/working members attached to the distal members of the handle by various means can be used to grasp, bite or cut various objects. The present invention also provides for handles, such as for forceps/tweezers, and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention to be made for a plurality of hand sizes by adjusting the dimensions of the proximal arm and the dimensions of the distal leg.

According to another aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention desirably provide for the thumb to oppose both the index and middle fingers, which is in contrast to the thumb opposing the index finger alone as in the common forceps or tweezers.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention desirably provide greater stabilization because the handle for forceps/tweezers is supported at areas within the hand, rather than resting on the middle finger and the portion of the hand between the base of the thumb and index finger.

According to another aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention desirably provide for maintaining the ring finger and the small finger in the T Position.

Furthermore, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention desirably optimize the position for the joints of the thumb, index finger and middle finger so the respective MIP and DIP joints cannot flex excessively. Therefore, the handles for the forceps/tweezers of the present invention promote reduced demands on the forearm muscles and the hand muscles, when used for pinching.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention can reduce or prevent injury to joints, muscles, tendons and the median nerve in the CT compartment.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, handles and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention provide for power pinch that can utilize all of the digits of the hand for pinch and not the first three digits of the hand. Stress is thereby reduced at the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb when the thumb meets the wrist bones, as compared to when the thumb only opposes the index finger. When the thumb opposes the space at the middle of the long fingers, this position directs the stress across the four metacarpal-phalangeal joints of the index, middle, ring and small fingers. Directing stress across MP joints of the index, middle, ring and small fingers enlists more muscles for pinching.

An object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that utilize the appropriate muscles to enhance pinch.

Another object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that utilize the appropriate muscles for delicate pinch.

A further object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that stabilize a handle within the hand.

An additional object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that position the thumb to oppose the space between the index and middle fingers Moreover, another object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that keep the hand in the T position where the tips of the ring finger and small finger are substantially aligned.

Likewise, an object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that reduce muscle and joint tension.

Another object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that limit flexion at the PIP joints of the opposing thumb, index finger and middle finger of the hand.

A further object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that contact the horizontal crease on the radial side of the hand.

An additional object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that contact the hypothenar muscle area between the horizontal crease on the ulnar side of the hand and the pisiform bone on the ulnar side of the hand.

It is an object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that position the handle in the hand by having the ring and small fingers wrap around the ulnar member of the handle.

It is another object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that use the flexed ring finger and small finger to pull the handle of the present invention toward the radial side and ulnar side of the palm of the hand when the hand is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).

It is also an object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that have the ring finger and the small finger direct (push/pull) the proximal part of the forceps/tweezers handle against the radial side and the ulnar side of the hand.

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that prevent the handle from slipping within the hand.

Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that stabilize such handles used with an apparatus within the hand.

Further, an object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that make the shape of the ulnar section relate to the functional position of the ring and middle fingers when the hand is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).

Also, an object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that use the flexed ring finger to lift the handle as it contacts the the proximal portion of the distal leg of the handle when the hand is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view of the palmar side of the hand when the hand is in the T Position illustrating the long fingers ending in the same line and the thumb opposing the space between the index finger and middle finger.

FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B are views of the hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).FIG. 2A shows the palmar surface view with the thumb, index finger and middle finger ending in the same plane. The tips of the ring finger and small finger end on the same line as in the T Position.FIG. 2B is a view of the hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) from the perspective of the radial side of the hand.

FIG. 3A andFIG. 3B are schematic views illustrating embodiments of handles of the present invention of a generally “Y”-shaped configuration.

FIG. 4A,FIG. 4B andFIG. 4C are views illustrating a forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention.FIG. 4A is three-dimensional view.FIG. 4B is a side or profile view.FIG. 4C is a top or radial view.

FIG. 5A andFIG. 5B are views illustrating a hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) with the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention.FIG. 5A is a palmar view of the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle andFIG. 5B is a radial view of the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle.

FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B illustrate lines for measurement to determine the dimensions of a forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention.FIG. 6A shows a palmar view of the hand with the lines to be measured.FIG. 6B shows a radial view of the hand with the lines to be measured.

FIG. 7 illustrates a protractor measuring device used to measure the hand to determine angles and sizes for a handle of the present invention.

FIG. 8A andFIG. 8B illustrate a rectangular measuring device used as an alternate to the protractor measuring device ofFIG. 7 to measure the hand for determining measurements and locations of lines related to the measurements for producing sizes for a handle of the present invention, withFIG. 8C andFIG. 8D illustrating the arrangement, measurements and locations of such lines used to produce a handle of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A through 9G illustrate variations of a handle of the present invention.FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate variations at the ulnar arm.FIGS. 9C and 9D illustrate variations at the contact area where the thumb, index finger and middle finger can manipulate a handle of the present invention.FIGS. 9E,9F and9G illustrate extensions added to a handle of the present invention to adjust the handle of the present invention for a plurality of hand sizes.

FIGS. 10A through 10G illustrate additions to a handle of the present invention near the distal end of a handle.FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an elastic means, such as a spring, to keep the handle in an open position.FIGS. 10C,10D and10E illustrate different views of a clamp to maintain a handle from a fully open to a fully closed position.FIGS. 10F and 10G illustrates ring members to receive the ends of corresponding fingers in a handle.

FIGS. 11A,11B and11C illustrate various views of a rotating mechanism located at a connecting area allowing rotation of the radial arm and ulnar arm in a handle of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate views of an embodiment of a handle of the present invention having a widened distal end.

FIGS. 13A through 13K illustrate various connection means at the distal end of a handle of the present invention for connecting various implements to the handle.

FIGS. 14A through 14E illustrate embodiments of mechanisms to change the direction and orientation of pinch with respect to a handle of the present invention, such as from a side-to-side horizontal direction to an up and down vertical direction in relation to a handle.

FIGS. 15A,15B,15C and15D illustrate a spring loaded mechanism, such as for a surgical scalpel guard, integrated with a handle of the present invention to provide for retraction and extension of an implement for use with a handle.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate working ends attached to a handle of the present invention with the working end ofFIG. 16A being a microscissors and the working end ofFIG. 16B being a reverse tweezers.

FIG. 17 illustrates of an embodiment of a handle of the present invention attached to a standard size scissors.

FIGS. 18A,18B and18C illustrate views of an embodiment of a handle of the present invention that has a wider distal end, with a working end positioned at the wider distal end, such as for retrieving items such as files from a file cabinet or loose items on a surface.

FIGS. 19A,19B,19C and19D illustrate various embodiments of a handle of the present invention that can have devices integrated with a handle.FIG. 19A illustrates a unitary handle of the present invention having a single “Y” configuration.FIG. 19E illustrates an embodiment of a generally unitary handle of the present invention having an implement attached by a suitable connection means to a handle of the present invention.FIG. 19C illustrates an embodiment of a generally unitary handle of the present invention that incorporates a motor driving means for rotation or movement of a working end or an implement.FIG. 19D illustrates an embodiment of a generally unitary handle of the present invention having a motor driving means for opening and closing a working end on ends of an implement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In order to more clearly and concisely describe the subject matter of the present invention, the following definition for the T Position is intended to provide guidance as to the meanings of specific terms used in the following written description. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not to be construed in a limiting sense. The following discussion relates to areas of the hand in relation to the present invention with reference toFIG. 1.

T Position

FIG. 1 illustrates thehand100 to the T Position. The T Position is the position thehand100 assumes when thetips200aof thelong fingers200 are aligned and thetip201aof thethumb201 opposes thespace320 between theindex finger202 andmiddle finger203. In this position the area that crosses thepalm102 of thehand100 known as thepalmar arch104 is concave. Thefinger cup106, shown as a dotted line, is the concave area made by thelong fingers200 when thetips200aof thelong fingers200 are aligned and thelong fingers200 are flexed. Thehorizontal creases108 of thepalm102 appear as a skin fold and aligns with thepalmar arch104. On theradial side110 of thehand100 thehorizontal crease108 is hidden by thethumb201. Thelongitudinal creases112 also appear as a skin fold because thepalm102 of thehand100 is not flat when thehand100 is in the T Position. The MIP joints250 of thelong fingers200 lie adjacent to each other. The MIP joint250 of themiddle finger203 is furthermost away from theline300 than theother MIP joints250 of the otherlong fingers200 are from theline300. The MIP joint250 of thesmall finger205 is closer to theline300 thanMIP joints250 of the otherlong fingers200.

Continuing with reference toFIG. 1, thehypothenar muscle area116 extends from thehorizontal crease108 of the ulnar side11 of thehand100 to thewrist120 at the level of thepisiform bone126. Thepisiform bone126 of thewrist120 is at the area on theulnar side111 of thehand100 where the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery enter thepalm102 under thehypothenar muscle area116. The transverse carpal ligament (TCL)122 covers the carpal tunnel (CT)124. Thethenar muscle area114 is on theradial side110 of thehand100 and radial to theCT124. Thehypothenar muscle area116 is on theulnar side111 of thehand100 and ulnar to theCT124. TheCT124 contains the median nerve, four tendons from the superficial flexor muscle of the forearm and four tendons from the deep flexor muscle of the forearm. The superficial tendons are closer to the inner surface of theTCL122 than the deep tendons. This places the superficial tendons next to the median nerve.

Forceps Hand Position (FHP)

There can be variations to the T position.FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B show an adaptation of the T Position to the position of thehand100 in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). As shown inFIG. 2A andFIG. 2B, when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP), thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 are partially extended from the T Position. However, thering finger204 andsmall finger205 remain in the T Position. In the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) thetip201aof thethumb201 opposes thespace320 between thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203 as it does in the T Position. Also note thetip200aof the ring finger.204 and thetip200aof thesmall finger205 end at thesame line340 relative to the T Position for thehand100.FIG. 2B illustrates a view of theradial side110 of thehand100 with thehand100 in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). When thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP), as shown by the dashedline305, thetip201aof thethumb201 is in substantial alignment with thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203.

Continuing with reference toFIG. 2A, thehorizontal crease108 as shown inFIG. 1, crosses thepalm102 of thehand100 and is hidden by the base of thethumb201 until thehorizontal crease108 reaches theradial side110 of thehand100. The location of the radial end of thehorizontal crease108 is seen on theradial side110 of thehand100 inFIG. 2B.FIG. 1 also shows the location of thehorizontal crease108 on theulnar side111 of thehand100.

Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2B, Plane C, as seen inFIG. 2B, illustrates the relationship of the hand to the center line of a handle of the present invention. Plane C passes through theradial side110 of thehand100 to theulnar side111 of thehand100 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). On theradial side110 of thehand100 Plane C extends through thehorizontal crease108 to bisect the space made between thethumb201 and theindex finger202 andmiddle finger203. On theulnar side111 of thehand100 Plane C passes through an area M about half way between thehorizontal crease108 and thepisiform bone126 of thewrist120. Plane C then continues to pass through the DIP joints252 of thering finger204 andsmall finger205 when thering finger204 andsmall finger205 are in the T Position.

For illustrative purposes, with reference toFIG. 3A andFIG. 3B, schematic representations of handles of the present invention, are illustrated as schematic400Y and schematic400Y′. As illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B by the

schematics

400Y and400Y′, handles of the present invention, such as for use as a forceps/tweezers, are generally of a “Y”-shaped configuration or desirably of a generally asymmetrical “Y”-shaped or “slingshot”-shaped configuration. A handle of the present invention, such as illustrated by the

schematics

400Y and400Y′ can be considered to have two (upper) arms and one (lower) leg. In this regard, handles of the present invention can have two arms Y1, Y1′ and Y2, Y2′ that can be considered the proximal part of the

schematics

400Y and400Y′ corresponding to a handle of the present invention. The two arms represented by Y1, Y1′ and Y2, Y2′ extend to thepalm102 of thehand100. The leg Y3, Y3′ corresponds to a distal leg of a handle of the present invention.

One arm Y1, Y1′ of the

schematics

400Y and400Y′ corresponds to the arm of a handle that contacts theradial side110 of thepalm102 of thehand100 and can be called the radial arm Y1, Y1′ of the schematic400Y,400Y′. The second arm Y2, Y2′ of the schematic400Y,400Y′ corresponds to the arm of a handle that contacts theulnar side111 of thepalm102 of thehand100 and can be called the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ of the schematic400Y,400Y′. The leg Y3, Y3′ of the

schematics

400Y and400 Y′ corresponds to the distal leg of a handle that extends to meet thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).

In the schematic400Y of a handle of the present invention, the radial arm Y1, the ulnar arm Y2 and distal leg Y3 can meet at a common point Y4. Alternately, as illustrated in the schematic400Y′ of a handle of the present invention, the radial arm Y1′ can meet the distal leg Y3′ at another point Y4′ along the distal leg Y3′. However, it is generally preferable to have the radial arm Y1, ulnar arm Y2 and distal leg Y3 meet at a common point Y4, as illustrated in the schematic400Y.

The ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ of the

schematics

400Y and400Y′ has two sections, which are called the finger section Y21, Y21′ of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ and the palmar section Y22, Y22′ of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′. The finger section Y21, Y21′ of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ starts where theradial side110 of the DIP joint252 of thering finger204 meets thepalmar side221 of the DIP joint252 of thering finger204 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).

The finger section Y21, Y21′ of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ ends at theulnar side111 of the DIP joint252 of thesmall finger205 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The finger section Y21, Y21′ of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ follows theline350 made by connecting the volar (inside) surfaces of thering finger204 and thesmall finger205 at their respective DIP joints252. However, the palmar section Y22, Y22′ of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ ends at area M on thehypothenar muscle area116 between thehorizontal crease108 on theulnar side111 of thehand100 and thepisiform bone126 of thewrist120. The palmar section Y22, Y22′ of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ ends at theulnar side111 of the DIP joint252 of thesmall finger205 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The finger section Y21 in the schematic400Y of the ulnar arm Y2 and the palmar section Y22 of the ulnar arm Y2 meet to form an angle Y6, such as an obtuse angle.

The distal leg Y3, Y3′ of the

schematics

400Y and400Y′ also originates at the DIP joint252 where thepalmar surface210 ofring finger204 meets theradial surface211 of the DIP joint252 of thering finger204 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The distal leg Y3 ends at Plane B made by thetip201aof thethumb201, thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203 of thehand100.

Thejunction214 corresponds to the common point Y4. Thejunction214 is defined at the meeting of thepalmar surface210 of the DIP joint252 ofring finger204 with theradial surface211 of the DIP joint252 of thering finger204 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Therefore, thejunction214 determines the location on the schematic400Y where the radial arm Y1, the ulnar arm Y2 and distal leg Y3 meet.

The radial arm Y1, Y1′ can be straight or curved. The ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ angles or curves to conform to the angle Y6, Y6′, such as an obtuse angle. In the schematic400Y the angle Y5, such as an obtuse angle, is formed where the radial arm Y1 and the ulnar arm Y2 meet as illustrated. The distal leg Y3, Y3′ can be straight or curved and has a distal end Y33, Y33′. The length of the radial arm Y1, Y1′ will vary with hand size. The length of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2′ will likewise vary with hand size. The length of the distal leg Y3, Y3′ will also vary with hand size.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A,FIG. 4B andFIG. 4C, the embodiment of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention is shaped in the form of a generally asymmetrical Y or slingshot shape. The forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention has two opposingblades410. Each opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention can be a mirror image of the other. Each opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention has a central connection area CON from which extend aradial arm415, anulnar arm425 and adistal leg435. Theproximal part405 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention is supported by thehand100. Thedistal part406 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention performs the work of grasping, pinching and other mechanical actions including cutting.

Theproximal part405aof each opposingblade410 has aradial arm415 and anulnar arm425. Theradial arm415 andulnar arm425 of each opposingblade410 meet the connection area CON. Theulnar arm425 of each opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention has afinger section425aand apalmar section425b. Thefinger section425aand thepalmar section425bmeet at angle Y5 as discussed above in the section related to the ulnar arm Y2 of the schematic400Y ofFIG. 3A.

Thepalmar end417 of theradial arm415 of each opposingblade410 meets to form aradial hinge416. Thepalmar end427 of theulnar arm425 of each opposingblade410 meets to form anulnar hinge426. The hinges416 and426 can be made so oneblade410 continues or is formed integrally into theother blade410. The hinges416 and426 can also be made of a mechanical connection means, such as a hinge arrangement. Theradial hinge416 and theulnar hinge426 allow the opposingblades410 to move toward and away from each other.

Thedistal leg435 of each opposingblade410 extends from the connection area CON. Theproximal section435bof thedistal leg435 of each opposingblade410 is attached to the connecting area CON. Thedistal end435aof thedistal legs435 of each opposingblade410 extends from the forceps/tweezers handle400. Thedistal end435aof eachdistal leg435 can be an integrated workingend450a,tip or have multiple varied attachments for performing various suitable tasks or functions, such as grasping, pinching or cutting.

Thewidth415wof theradial arm415 approximates the width of base of theindex finger202. Thewidth425wof theulnar arm425 approximates the width of base of thesmall finger205. Thewidth435wof thedistal end435aof thedistal leg435 approximates the combined width of thedistal pad202bof theindex finger202 and thedistal pad203bof themiddle finger203.

Thepalmar end417 of theradial arm415 can be consistent with the corresponding surface of thepalm102 of theradial side110 of thehand100. Thepalmar end427 of theulnar arm425 can be consistent with the corresponding surface of thepalm102 of theulnar side111 of thehand100. Alternately thepalmar end417 of theradial arm416 and thepalmar end427 of theulnar arm425 can be parallel to each other.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention can have three sections. There is theradial section401, the middle section402 and theulnar section403. Theradial section401 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention is related to theradial side110 of thehand100 and can make contact with thethumb201, theindex finger202 and thethenar area114 of thepalm102 of thehand100. The middle section402 includes the area of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention that can make contact with themiddle finger203 andring finger204 and without contacting the region over theCT124. Theulnar section403 includes the area of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention that can make contact with thesmall finger205 and thehypothenar muscle area116 on thepalm102 on theulnar side111 of thehand100. The forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention can be used withright hand100 orleft hand100.

FIG. 5A andFIG. 5B illustrate a hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) with the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention.FIG. 5A is a palmar view of the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle andFIG. 5B is a radial view the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle. With reference toFIG. 5A thehorizontal crease108 of theradial side110 of thehand100 contacts theradial hinge416 at thepalmar end417 of theradial arm415 of each opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Area M on thepalm102 between thehorizontal crease108 on theulnar side111 of thehand100 and thepisiform bone126 of thewrist120 contacts theulnar hinge426 of thepalmar end427 of theulnar arm425 of each opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

Continuing with reference toFIGS. 1 through 5B, thepalmar surface210 of themiddle phalange215 of thering finger204 and thepalmar surface210 of thedistal phalange216 of thering finger204 contact the ringfinger contact areas425cof thefinger section425aof theulnar arm425 of the opposingblades410 of a handle of the present invention, such as a forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Thepalmar surface220 of themiddle phalange225 of thesmall finger205 and thepalmar surface220 of thedistal phalange226 of thesmall finger205 contact the smallfinger contact areas425dof thefinger section425aof theulnar arm425 of the opposingblades410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Theradial side surface211 of themiddle phalange215 of thering finger204 and theradial side surface211 of thedistal phalange216 of thering finger204 contact theproximal section435bof thedistal leg425 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

Thedistal pad201bof thethumb201 contacts thedistal end435aof thedistal leg435 of one opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention anddistal pad202bof theindex finger202 and thedistal pad203bof themiddle finger203 contacts themirror image blade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

Thehand100 desirably supports a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, at five contact locations. The first support location is where theradial side110 of thehorizontal crease108 of thehand100 contacts thepalmar end417 of theradial arm415 of each opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. The second support location can be where theulnar side111 of thehorizontal crease108 of thehand100 contacts thepalmar end427 of theulnar arm425 of each opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. However, the optimal second support location is where thepalmar end425bof theulnar arm425 of each opposingblade410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention contacts area M. Area M is approximately located between theulnar side111 of thehorizontal crease108 and thepisiform bone126 of thewrist120 on theulnar side111 of thehand100. The third support location is where thepalmar surface210 of themiddle phalange215 of thering finger204 and thepalmar surface210 of thedistal phalange216 of the ringfinger contact area425c

contacts section

425aof eachulnar arm425 of the opposingblades410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. The fourth support location is on theradial side surface211 of themiddle phalange215 of thering finger204 and on theradial side surface211 of thedistal phalange216 of thering finger204 which contacts the ringfinger contact area435cof theproximal section435bof thedistal leg435 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. The fifth support location is on thepalmar surface220 of themiddle phalange225 of thesmall finger205 and on thepalmar surface220 of thedistal phalange226 of thesmall finger205 which contacts the smallfinger contact area425dof thefinger section425aof eachulnar arm425 of the opposingblades410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

Support and stabilization within thehand100 for a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, is enhanced by deep flexor forearm muscle contraction on thedistal phalange216 of thering finger204 and the superficial flexor forearm muscle contraction on themiddle phalange215 of thering finger204 and by deep flexor forearm muscle contraction on thedistal phalange226 of thesmall finger205 and the superficial flexor forearm muscle contraction on themiddle phalange225 of thesmall finger205 on thefinger section425aof theulnar arms425 of the opposingblades410. Such contraction pulls the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention against thehorizontal crease108 of thepalm102 at theradial side110 of thehand100 and against a location within area M of thepalm102 at theulnar side111 of thehand100. Support for lifting objects held by a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, by thehand100 is enhanced by contact at theradial surface211 of thering finger204 with the ringfinger contact area435cof theproximal section435bof thedistal leg435 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

The distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 are moved to pinch the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Pinch is the function of forceps or tweezers. Closing thedistal pad201bof thethumb201 and thedistal pad202bofindex finger202 can contribute to support when using the common forceps or tweezers. However, thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 are not necessarily needed for support of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 are only involved with pinch. When using a forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 are not generally used to support the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Therefore, using the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention can reduce strain on the muscles flexing thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 for fine or gross pinch.

Hand Measurements

One of the goals in developing the proposed forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention is to have it fit the hand. As recognized in the shoe industry feet have a range of lengths and widths. The same is true of hands. The length fromwrist120 to thetips200aof thelong fingers200 and width from theradial side110 of thehand100 to theulnar side111 of thehand100 vary such that hands can be short and long, short and narrow, long and wide and long and narrow. In general, male hands are longer and wider than female hands.

It is possible to develop one size for a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, to span many hands. However, holding a forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention will require less muscular effort, be more comfortable and have greater stability if it is made in various sizes for thehand100 in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The sizes for a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, will depend on measurements taken with the hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) as shown inFIG. 2A andFIG. 2B.

With reference toFIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, Line A1, Line A2 and Line A3 are used to determine the range of sizes of a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, for the human hand. Line A1 is the distance from thespace320 between thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203 extending to theradial side110 of thehorizontal crease108 of thepalm102 of thehand100. Line A2 is the distance from thespace320 between thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203 extending to Point P, which is in Area M at approximately one half the distance between thehorizontal crease108 and thepisiform bone126 on theulnar side111 of thepalm102 of thehand100.

The distances Line A1 and Line A2 are measured with thetip201aof thethumb201 opposing thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203 as shown inFIG. 2A andFIG. 2B and thehand100 as shown inFIG. 6B. Line A3 is the distance from theradial side110 of thehorizontal crease108 of thepalm102 of thehand100 to Point P in area M on thehypothenar muscle area116 on theulnar side111 of thepalm102 of thehand100.

Individual measurements for a handle of the present invention, can be taken, with theprotractor measuring device700 illustrated inFIG. 7, for aright hand100 orleft hand100 in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The protractor measuring device includes aprotractor710 and a triangular measuring member made from measuring members, such as rulers AA1, AA2 and AA3. Each ruler has a slot, with aslot705 in ruler AA1, aslot706 in ruler AA2 and aslot707 in ruler AA3. Fastening members, such as rivets pass through the slots to connect the rulers so each ruler can slide along the other.Rivet701 connects Ruler AA1 and Ruler AA2 to the center ofprotractor710 where the zero degree axis X1 meets the ninety degree axis X2. Ruler AA1 is also connected to theprotractor710 along the zero degree axis X1 of theprotractor710 byrivet702. Ruler AA1 and AA2 can move alongrivet701. Ruler AA3 is moveably connected to Ruler AA1 atrivet703. Ruler AA3 is also moveably connected to Ruler AA2 atrivet704.

The distances for line A1, line A2 and line A3 are desirably measured in centimeter along ruler AA1, ruler AA2 and ruler AA3. The measurements for line A1 start at thehorizontal crease108 on theradial side110 of thehand100 on ruler AA1. The measurements for line A2 start at Point P in Area M between thehorizontal crease108 on theulnar side111 of thehand100 and thepisiform bone126 on ruler AA2. The measurements for line A1 and line A2 end atrivet701. Ruler AA3 slides along ruler AA1 and ruler AA2 to touch thepalm102 of thehand100. The measurement for line A3 is read at the gradation marks715 where ruler AA3 crosses ruler AA1 to the gradation marks715 where ruler AA3 crosses the gradation marks715 of ruler AA2. The angulardegree reading area712 on theprotractor710 is read in theslot706 of ruler AA2 to determine the angle between Line A1 and Line A2.

Measurements were made on the right hands of fifty males and forty females. The height of the males in this group ranged between 5′6″ to 6′4″. Female height ranged from 4′11″ to 6′0″. The measurement for line A1 in the male hand ranged from 7 to 9.5 cm. The measurement for line A1 in the female hand ranged from 7 to 8.5 cm. The measurement for line A2 in the male hand ranged from 9 to 11.5 cm. The measurement for line A2 in the female hand ranged from 9 to 11 cm. The measurement for line A3 in the male hand ranged from 6.5 to 8 cm. The measurement for line A3 in the female hand ranged from 6 to 7.5 cm. The angular degree reading from the angulardegree reading area712 for males averaged 45 degrees and the angular degree reading from the angulardegree reading area712 for females averaged 40 degrees. As expected, the male hand is longer and wider than the female hand. This data can be analyzed to develop groups of sizes for the proposed forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

Alternate Measuring Device

Arectangular measuring device800 for measuring thehand100 such as can be used for determining sizes and shapes of handles of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, is desirably made of measuring members such as four rulers, as illustrated inFIG. 8A, and can also be used when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) to measure sizes for the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. The rulers or measuring members are respectively indicated by the letters DD, EE, FF and GG, with ruler DD as a first measuring member, with ruler EE as a second measuring member, with ruler FF as a third measuring member and ruler GG as a fourth measuring member. Each ruler DD, EE, FF, GG is set at right angles to each other. Ruler DD and ruler EE are generally parallel and in the X-axis direction, as illustrated inFIG. 8A. Ruler FF and GG are generally parallel and in the Y-axis direction, as illustrated inFIG. 8A. Each ruler DD, EE, FF, GG has a

corresponding slot

806,807,808,809 along the center of its length and has corresponding gradation marks805. The rulers DD, EE, FF, GG are connected by fastening members, such as

rivets

801,802,803,804, or other desirable fasteners, such that the rulers DD, EE, FF, GG are loosely connected within therectangular measuring device800. The loose connection at

rivets

801,802,803,804 allows each ruler DD, EE, FF, GG to slide along in the X-axis direction and/or the Y-axis direction. The dimensions, length and width, of Rulers DD, EE, and FF can generally be the same whereas ruler GG can generally have a wider portion, such as a five millimeterwide segment810, starting atelevation812 at approximately half the length of ruler GG. The other half of ruler GG is a standard ruler or other suitable measuring device and is identified as thenarrow segment811 of ruler GG. Measurements start at the right end of ruler DD and EE indicated by RHT inFIG. 8A. Measurements start near ruler DD for ruler FF. Measurements start near ruler EE for ruler GG. The wide segment of Ruler GG faces the inside INS of the rectangular arrangement orrectangular measuring device800.

Referring toFIGS. 8A and 8B, therectangular measuring device800 is positioned along Plane C (seeFIGS. 2B and 6B) to measure theright hand100 in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The right end side RHT of ruler DD touches thehorizontal crease108 on theradial side110 of thepalm102 of thehand100. The right end side RHT of ruler EE is placed at Point P in Area M of thepalm102 on theulnar side111 of thehand100. As illustrated inFIG. 8A andFIG. 8B, ruler FF moves in the X-axis direction along ruler DD and in the X-axis direction along ruler EE until the outside edge FOUT of ruler FF is at the Plane B (seeFIGS. 2A and 8B) where thetip201aof thethumb201 opposes thespace320 between thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203. Ruler GG is moved in the X-axis direction along both ruler DD and ruler EE until thenarrow segment811 of ruler GG touches thepalmar surface220 at the DIP joint252 of thesmall finger205. Ruler GG is then moved in the Y-axis direction until theelevation812 on ruler GG contacts theradial side110 of the DIP joint252 of thesmall finger205. Thewide segment810 now touches thepalmar surface210 of thering finger204. This completes positioning of rulers DD, EE, FF and GG for measuring a hand size.

Continuing with reference toFIGS. 8A through 8D, measurements are taken along measurement distances D, E, F, F′, G and H. Measurement distance D, as a first measurement distance, is measured on the outer side DOUT from the right end side RHT of ruler DD of therectangular measuring device800 from thehorizontal crease108 on theradial side110 of thehand100 to the outer side FOUT of ruler FF of therectangular measuring device800. Measurement distance E, as a second measurement distance, is measured along the inner side EIN of ruler EE on therectangular measuring device800 from the Point P in area M on theulnar side111 of thehand100 to thepalmar surface220 of thesmall finger205, when thesmall finger205 is touching thenarrow segment811 of ruler GG and thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Measurement distance F, as a third measurement distance, is measured along the outer side FOUT of ruler FF on therectangular measuring device800 from the outer side DOUT of ruler DD to theulnar side203cof themiddle finger203 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Measurement distance F′, as a fourth measurement distance, is measured along the outer side FOUT of ruler FF from theradial side203aof theindex finger202 to theulnar side203cof themiddle finger203. Measurement distance G, as a fifth measurement distance, is measured along ruler GG on the inner side INS of therectangular measuring device800 from the inner side EIN of ruler EE to theradial side110 of thering finger204 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Measurement distance H, as a sixth measurement distance, is measured along ruler DD from the outer side FOUT of ruler FF to thewide segment810 on the inner side GIN of ruler GG on therectangular measuring device800.

The sizes of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention are determined by plotting or recording measurements of the perimeter PER. However, the shape of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention is related to those areas on the perimeter PER which touch, or contact, thehand100 at certain areas. Referring toFIGS. 8C and 8D, sections of various outline lines of the perimeter PER forming the contact areas for handle measurements are indicated by double-arrowed lines for corresponding contact areas with ahand100. A first section N on the sixth outline line U is a first limited contact area on the perimeter PER for contacting an area of the hand related to thehorizontal crease108 of thepalm102 on theradial side110 of thehand100. Asecond section0 on the sixth outline line U is a second limited contact area on the perimeter PER for contacting an area of the hand related to area M of thepalm102 on theulnar side111 of thehand100. A third section R on the fourth outline line W is a third limited contact area on the perimeter PER for contacting an area of the hand related to thepalmar surface210 of thering finger204 and thepalmar surface220 of thesmall finger205. A fourth section P on the third outline line X is a fourth limited contact area on the perimeter PER for contacting an area of the hand related to theradial side surface211 of thering finger204. The combination of a fifth section Q on the third outline line X, a sixth section S on the second outline line Y and a seventh section T on the first outline line Z are respectively fifth, sixth and seventh limited contact areas on the perimeter PER for contacting areas of the hand related to thedistal pad202bof theindex finger202 and thedistal pad203bof themiddle finger203. The combination of the fifth section Q on the third outline line X, the sixth section S on the second outline line Y and the seventh section T on the first outline line Z is duplicated on the distal ends435aof the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention and can relate to an area for thedistal pad201bof thethumb201.

Therefore, the segments or sections of the respective sixth through first outline lines U, V, W, X, Y and Z that are not on the first section N on the sixth outline line U, the second section O on the sixth outline line U, the fourth section P on the third outline line X, the fifth section Q on the third outline line X, the third section R on the fourth outline line W, the sixth section S on the second outline line Y and the seventh section T on the first outline line Z on the perimeter PER can have any curve or shape because those areas generally do not contact parts of thehand100 on a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

Variations of the Handle

Referring now toFIGS. 9A and 9B, variations can be placed at the ringfinger contact area425cand the smallfinger contact area425dof theulnar arm425 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention, such as illustrated inFIG. 9A andFIG. 9B. Astep425ecan be incorporated into thefinger section425aof theulnar arm425 between the ringfinger contact area425cand the smallfinger contact area425dto conform with thepalmar surface210 of thering finger204 and thepalmar surface220 of thesmall finger205 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Furthermore, theulnar arm425 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention can have astraight portion425fto meet thepalmar surface210 of thering finger204 and thepalmar surface220 of thesmall finger205 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).

As illustrated inFIG. 9C andFIG. 9D, thedistal end435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention can haveapertures435c,

concave portions

435d,be convex or have other means to reference thedistal pad201bof the thumb, thedistal pad202bof theindex finger202 and thedistal pad203bof themiddle finger203. The width of thedistal end435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention can be limited to allow contact with the central parts of thedistal pad202bof the index finger and of thedistal pad203bof themiddle finger203 of thehand100.

A handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention can be made in one size or various sizes based on above described measurements with reference toFIGS. 7 through 8D. An alternative to making multiple sizes of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention is to add

extensions

418,428 to adapt a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention to a range of hand sizes. As shown inFIG. 9E andFIG. 9F, for example, anextension418 can be added to theradial hinge416 of theradial arm415 and anextension428 can be added to theulnar hinge426 of theulnar arm425 of forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 9F, the

extension

418,428 can have a

collar

418a,428aand a

spring mechanism

418b,428bto attach to the edges of theradial hinge416 of theradial arm415 and theulnar hinge426 of theulnar arm425 of the opposingblades410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG. 9G, the

palmar end

419,429 of the

extension

418,428 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention can have a generally round shape.

In some instances, when pinch is relaxed, it is desirable to maintain a resting distance corresponding to a distance when pinch is relaxed between the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention.FIG. 10A andFIG. 10B illustrate

spring mechanisms

437a,437binserted betweendistal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention to maintain a resting position RES, illustrated inFIGS. 10A and 10B for the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Such aspring member437aas shown inFIG. 10A can also maintain alignment of the distal ends435aso the working ends450 can meet and not be subject to excessive drift with respect to each other.

When using a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention it can be desirable to maintain closure or partial closure of the working ends450 attached to the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.FIG. 10C,FIG. 10D andFIG. 10E illustrate aclamping mechanism438 inserted betweendistal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention to maintain such a closed or partially closed position for a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 10C, theclamping mechanism438 includes a clampingpost438aattached via anattachment438bto thedistal end435aof thedistal leg435 of a corresponding one of the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention.FIG. 10D illustrates a generally closed position of the forceps/tweezers handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention with theclamping mechanism438.FIG. 10E illustrates a front view of theclamping mechanism438 with a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention in a generally open position.

The clampingpost438aextends through anaperture438con the otherdistal end435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention. The clampingpost438ahas alocking plate438dthat engages with theteeth438eto maintain the working ends450 of the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention in the closed position. Thedistal end438fof the clampingpost438acan be pushed by thetip201aof thethumb201 or thetip200aof theindex finger202, when a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention is used by aleft hand100, to release the clampingpost438afrom the lockingplate438dand open the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

In another variation, as shown inFIGS. 10F and 10G, rings439 for thethumb201

index finger

202 andmiddle finger203 can be attached to the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention to spread apart the working ends450 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

FIG. 11A,FIG. 11B andFIG. 11C illustrate another variation at the central connection area440 (designated inFIG. 4 as CON) of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention. Thecentral connection area440 can have arotating mechanism445 allowing angular movement of the attachedradial arm415 andulnar arm425 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention. Such rotational movement can adjust the position of thepalmar end417 of theradial arm415 and thepalmar end427 of theulnar arm425 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention to a user's comfort when the handle contacts thehorizontal crease108 on theradial side110 of thepalm102 of thehand100 formultiple hand100 sizes. Angle K illustrated inFIG. 11A corresponds to the angular degree reading710 on theprotractor measuring device700 illustrated inFIG. 7. As discussed previously, the angular degree reading710 corresponding to angle K determined for female hands was typically 40 degrees and the angular degree reading710 determined for male hands was typically 45 degrees. Thus, the range of rotational movement of arotating mechanism445 at thecentral connection area440 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention can be set to maintain the angle K, illustrated inFIG. 11A, typically between 35 to 50 degrees to account for overlap among handle sizes. Furthermore, eachradial arm415 and eachulnar arm425 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention can be made in different sizes or have

extensions

419,429 such as illustrated inFIG. 9E,FIG. 9F andFIG. 9G.

FIG. 11B andFIG. 11C illustrate a proposedrotating mechanism445 at thecentral connection area440 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention. Thecentral connection area440 splits to form a generally semicircular channel446 bounded by a generally semicircular inner sleeve441 and a generally semicircularouter sleeve442. Also, aradial slot443 and anulnar slot444 are respectively located in theouter sleeve442 of thecentral connection area440.

Thedistal section420 of theradial arm415 and thedistal section430 of theulnar arm425 can be of a generally tapered configuration. Thedistal end420aof thedistal section420 of theradial arm415 and thedistal end430aof thedistal section430 of theulnar arm425 meet at theinside margin440aof the semicircular channel446 of therotating mechanism445 of thecentral connection area440.

For a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention two

cams

419a,429aare attached to the outer surface of thedistal section420 of theradial arm415 and thedistal section430 of theulnar arm425. The

cams

419a,429aare elevated at

edges

419b,429bof the

slots

443,444. The

cams

419a,429aare designed to engage the

slots

443,444 in the semicircularouter sleeve442 when thedistal section420 of theradial arm415 and thedistal section430 of theulnar arm425 are advanced into the semicircular channel446 between the semicircular inner sleeve441 and the semicircularouter sleeve442 of therotating mechanism445 of thecentral connection area440. The

cams

419a,429aare designed to slide in theradial slot443 and theulnar slot444 to retain theradial arm415 andulnar arm425 in the semicircular channel446. Theradial slot443 and theulnar slot444 are designed to allow rotation of theradial arm415 and theulnar arm425 in a range of approximately 35 to 50 degrees in relation to the angle K.

Another variation of the forceps/tweezers handle400, handle400a,of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 12A andFIG. 12B. This variation is related to the width WD of the distal ends436aof thedistal arms436 of the opposingblades410 of handles, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention. The variation onFIGS. 12A and 12B is based on achieving the highest attainable pinch strength that can be produced when thetip201aof thethumb201 opposes the center of thetips200aof thelong fingers200 as discussed in the background information.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 2B, when thehand100 is in the T Position, thetip201aof thethumb201 opposes thespace320 between thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203 and thetips200aof thelong fingers200 end in aline300. However, in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP), thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 are almost fully extended to meet at Plane B while thering finger204 and thesmall finger205 are flexed to end at theline300 as in the T position. In the present variation handle400aillustrated inFIG. 12B, with thehand100 in the T Position, thetip201aof thethumb201 is repositioned toward theulnar side111 of thehand100 from thespace320 between thetip200aof theindex finger202 and thetip200aof themiddle finger203 to thespace330 between thetip200aof themiddle finger203 and thetip200aof thering finger204.

Therefore, in the variation handle400a,as illustrated inFIG. 12B, the width WD of thedistal end436aand thedistal leg436 are similar to the width across thelong fingers200 when the hand is in the T Position. The relationship of theradial hinge416 of theradial arm415 to thehorizontal crease108 on theradial side110 of thehand100 and the relationship of theulnar hinge426 of theulnar arm425 to area M on theulnar side111 of thehand100 are similar in this variation handle400ato such relationships in the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Also, the variation handle400adoes not contact theCT area124 ofhand100.

The variation handle400aof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention has the potential to produce the highest pinch strength at the workingend450. However, generally less pinch strength is necessary to hold an object because typically thethumb201 and all thelong fingers200 of thehand100 are used to pinch thedistal end436aof thedistal leg436 of the variation handle400aof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A through 13K illustrate various connection means joined to or integrated at the

distal end

435a,436ain various embodiments of the handles of the present invention, such as handle's400,400a,400b,400cand400dof the present invention, for connecting various implements to the handle. For example,FIG. 13A illustrates views of a screwtype connecting means1100 for implements of working ends450.FIG. 13B illustrates views of screw

type connecting means

1100,1101 and snap-in

type connecting means

1102,1103,1104 for implements of working ends450.FIGS. 13C,13D,13E,13F and13G illustrate views of various magnetic

type connecting means

1105,1106,1107,1108,1109,1110,1111,1112 for implements of working ends450.

Also, for example,FIGS. 13H through 13K illustrate views of rotating

type connecting mechanisms

1113,1115,1120, with workingparts1114 for theworking mechanism1113, with workingparts1116 for theworking mechanism1115, and with workingparts1121 for theworking mechanism1120, for workingends450 of implements, which allow various changes in the position of the working ends450 of various implements relative to the handle.

Anotherhandle variation400bof the present invention that changes the direction of motion at the workingend450 of thehandle400bof the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 14A,FIG. 14B,FIG. 14C,FIG. 14D,FIG. 14E,FIG. 15A andFIG. 15B. For example, the direction of movement at the tips of a common forceps is generally parallel to the opposing motion of thethumb201 to theindex finger202 andmiddle finger203. In the variation handle400b,the motion of the working end/workingmember450 of such ahandle400bcan be perpendicular to the opposing motion of thethumb201 to theindex finger202 and themiddle finger203. This changes the motion at the working end/workingmember450 of thehandle400bfrom a side to side motion to an up and down motion in this variation handle400bof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

A common example of a surgical instrument used with an up and down opening and closing motion for cutting or biopsy of tissue is a pituitary rongeur. Opening and closing the ring handles of the common pituitary rongeur position thethumb201 and along finger200 of thehand100 in a proximal and distal relationship to each other. The proximal-distal motion of thethumb201 and along finger200 activates a sliding member to move in the proximal-distal direction. The sliding member activates the working member to open and close. Using such an instrument in which thethumb201 and along finger200 of thehand100 move in a proximal and distal direction typically is not as comfortable for thehand100 as using the side to side opposing motion utilized in the variation handle400bof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention.

In this variation handle400billustrated inFIG. 14A,FIG. 14B,FIG. 14C,FIG. 15B,FIG. 15C andFIG. 15D, a fixedmember500 is attached to the inside416bof theradial hinge416 of theradial arm415 of the variation handle400bof forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Above the fixedmember500 is a slidingmember501 that activates the working end/workingmember450 to open and close as illustrated inFIG. 14E.Brace members502 connect the slidingmember501 to theinside aspect435bof the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435. Sliding member hinges503 attach theends503aof thebrace members502 to the slidingmembers501 and hinges504 attachbrace members502 to theinner aspect435bof the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of variation handle400bof the present invention. Pinching the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the variation handle400bof the present invention moves thebrace members502 at the

hinges

503,504 to move the slidingmember501. Furthermore, the fixedmember500 can rotate the working end/workingmember450 when a rotating mechanism is attached to the inside416bof theradial hinge416.

Squeezing the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the variation handle400bof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention when the sliding member hinges503 of thebrace members502 are placed distal on the slidingmember501 push the slidingmember501 away from thehand100. However, as illustrated inFIG. 15C, squeezing the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the variation handle400bof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, when the sliding member hinges503 attach atends503bof thebrace members502 and the sliding member hinges503 are placed proximal on the slidingmember501, moves the slidingmember501 toward thehand100. Moving the slidingmember501 can actuate any of a variety of mechanisms, as the working end/workingmember450, attached to the end of the slidingmember501, such as to close a fine scissors or other mechanism, such as illustrated inFIG. 14E.

Also, referring toFIGS. 14A through 14E, the variation handle400bof the present invention can also be utilized in conjunction with various endoscopic or surgical tools, as well as other types of working tools that work at a distance from the operator.

In various embodiments of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, the gap between the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 can be wider than the distance between the working ends450 of the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. The gap between the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 also depends on the inherent spring qualities of the material used to make the opposingblades410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle400, of the present invention. The gap between the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 for surgical forceps and surgical instruments using the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention should generally remain between one and two centimeters. A smaller gap can increase flexion and can add strain to the PIP joints of thelong fingers200 and can increase flexion and can add strain to the metacarpal phalangeal joint201cof thethumb201. A larger gap also requires more gross than fine motor skills to pinch.

Continuing with reference toFIGS. 15A through 15D, thestandard scalpel1020 illustrated inFIG. 15A, is in the shape of a stylus and is a fixture in surgery. During the course of surgery, ascalpel blade1021 can contact pathogens harboring in the patient's serum. One problem associated with thestandard scalpel handle1022 is penetrating wounds to operating room personnel. Inadvertent sharp wounds can transmit diseases to the assisting personnel. An automatic retractable blade guard could prevent sharp wounds.

As previously discussed, variation handle400bof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention can move a slidingmember501 in relation to a fixedmember500.FIG. 15B illustrates aretractable scalpel1000, as the working end/workingmember450, with the slidingmember501 including a retractable slidingguard1005 that surrounds a fixedscalpel member1006, as the fixedmember500, including an attachedscalpel blade1021.FIG. 15B illustrates aflat spring member1010, as a first spring member, attached to the opposingblades410 and the retractable slidingguard1005. Alternately, acoil spring member1011, as a second spring member, can be attached to the fixedscalpel member1006 and the retractable slidingguard1005 as shown inFIG. 15D. When the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 of the fixedscalpel member1006 of variation handle400bof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention are squeezed, thebrace members502 push the proximal hinges503 to move the retractable slidingguard1005 toward the hand of the operator to expose thescalpel blade1021. When the distal ends435aof thedistal legs435 are released, the retractable slidingguard1005 automatically covers thescalpel blade1021.

One advantage of theretractable scalpel1000 with the forceps/tweezers handle variation handle400bof the present invention is promoting protection from sharp injury in the operating room. Another advantage is that theretractable scalpel1000 is based on the anatomic Forceps Hand Position (FHP), which can make theretractable scalpel1000 more comfortable for thehand100 to hold and manipulate.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate workingends450 attached to a forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention with the workingend450 ofFIG. 16A being microscissors and the workingend450 ofFIG. 16B being a reverse tweezers.

FIG. 17 illustrates a standard size scissors variation handle400cof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. Attachments of working ends450 of many surgical instruments, such as themicroscissors attachment450, illustrated inFIG. 16A, generally extend from thedistal end435aof thedistal legs435 of the opposingblades410 in the same general direction as thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). In the standard size scissors variation handle400cof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, illustrated inFIG. 17, the standard size scissors variation handle400cattaches to a standardsize scissors blades451.

However, the relationship of thehand100 to the standardsize scissors blades451 of the standard size scissors variation handle400cis typically not in the same general direction as thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The direction of the standardsize scissors blades451 of the standard size scissors variation handle400cin relation to thehand100 is related to the relationship of thehand100 to line J illustrated inFIG. 2A. Line J connects thespace310 betweentip202bof theindex finger202 andtip203bof themiddle finger203 and thedorsal surface252aof the DIP joint252 of thesmall finger205 when thehand100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The attachment of theblades451 of a standard scissors to the standard size scissors variation handle400cis such that the axis AX passes centrally through theblades451 and the axis AX is parallel to line J.

Therings439 ondistal end435aofdistal legs435 of the standard size scissors variation handle400callow theopposing thumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 to open theblades451 of a standard scissors for the standard size scissors variation handle400c.Thedistal pad201bof thethumb201, thedistal pad202bof theindex finger202 and thedistal pad203bof themiddle finger203 oppose to close theblades451 of a standard scissors for the standard size scissors variation handle400c.

In common scissors, the fingers of thehand100 meet the ring like extensions of the scissors blades. Thethumb201 opposes theindex finger202 and themiddle finger203 and they enter ring handles to open and close the common scissors. Typically, in such common scissors, hand support is generally poor. Also, closing the scissors places thethumb201 uncomfortably close to the opposingindex finger202 and thehand100 is generally not integrated into the handle.

The standard size scissors handlevariation400cof the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention has advantages over a common scissors. These advantages are related to contact with thehand100 at thehorizontal crease108 on theradial side110 of thehand100, at area M on theulnar side111 of thehand100, at thepalmar surface210 of thering finger204 and at thepalmar surface220 of thesmall finger205. Furthermore, thering finger204 and thesmall finger205 pull thehandle400cinto the hand. These features add to support, given the scissors variation handle400cadapted to the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, and integrate thehand100 into the scissors variation handle400cadapted to the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention. These areas of contact with the standard size scissors variation handle400c,adapted to the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention, integrate theentire hand100 and not only thethumb201,index finger202 andmiddle finger203 to open, close and hold a scissors.

FIGS. 18A,18B and18C illustrate views of an embodiment of thehandle400aofFIGS. 12A and 12B of the present invention that has a widerdistal end436, with a workingend450, the workingend450 including an implement, positioned at the widerdistal end436, such as for retrieving items such as files from a file cabinet or loose items on a surface.

FIGS. 19A,19B,19C and19D illustrate various embodiments of aunitary handle400dof the present invention that can have devices integrated with a handle.FIGS. 19A through 19D illustrate embodiments of theunitary handle400dof the present invention having a single “Y” configuration with aunitary blade410a,rather than a pair of opposingblades410. The unitaryradial arm415uand theunitary ulnar arm425uand the unitarydistal leg435uengage corresponding portions of thehand100 as the forceps/tweezers handle400 of the present invention as previously described.FIG. 19B illustrates an embodiment of theunitary handle400dof the present invention having an implement452 attached by a suitable connection means452ato thehandle400d.FIG. 19C illustrates an embodiment of theunitary handle400dof the present invention that incorporates a motor driving means453afor rotation or movement of a workingend453 or an implement453, such as a drill bit or screwdriver attachment.FIG. 19D illustrates an embodiment of theunitary handle400dof the present invention having a motor driving means454afor opening and closing a workingend454 or multiple working ends454 of an implement, such as motorized tweezers.

In summary, handles of a design according to the present invention can be molded or formed into and contiguous with any of many types of equipment commonly held by a hand. Furthermore, handles based on the design method of the present invention can be attached to or integrated into objects that can be lifted, rotated, moved, carried, etc. Such handles of the present invention can advantageously be attached or integrated into or with an object or working end. Additionally, such handles of the present invention can be designed to swivel and/or rotate on various axes at a location of attachment. For example, the handle can be attached to a shaft by an extension member, such as for turning.

Also, in the handles of the present invention, various materials can be used for fabrication of the handles as, for example, various woods, metals, plastics, composites, rubber compounds, latex's and organic or inorganic materials, suitable for the particular application of a handle of the present invention. Further, various materials can be added to augment and personalize the fit of a handle of the present invention.

The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments described herein are illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A handle for use with a hand, comprising:

a unitary radial arm including a radial end for engaging a portion of the radial side of the palmar surface of the hand;

a unitary ulnar arm including an ulnar end for engaging a portion of the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand; and

a unitary distal leg for respectively receiving the thumb of the hand and at least one of the index finger of the hand and the middle finger of the hand, when the radial end of the unitary radial arm engages a portion of the radial side of the palmar surface of the hand and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engages a portion of the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand,

wherein the radial end of the unitary radial arm and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engage corresponding portions of the radial side and the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand to position the handle within the hand without placing substantial pressure on a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel.

16. The handle according toclaim 15, wherein the radial end of the unitary radial arm and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engage corresponding portions of the radial side and the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand to position the handle within the hand without engaging a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel.

17. The handle according toclaim 15, wherein the handle is of a unitary construction.

18. The handle according toclaim 15, wherein the unitary ulnar arm is for receiving the ring finger and the small finger of the hand.

19. An apparatus for use with a hand, comprising:

wherein the radial end of the unitary radial arm and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engage corresponding portions of the radial side and the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand to position the apparatus within the hand without placing substantial pressure on a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel.

20. The apparatus according toclaim 19, wherein the radial end of the unitary radial arm and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engage corresponding portions of the radial side and the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand to position the apparatus within the hand without engaging a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel.

21. The apparatus according toclaim 19, wherein the apparatus is generally of a Y shape, an asymmetrical Y shape or a sling-shot shape configuration.

22. The apparatus according toclaim 19, wherein the unitary radial arm, the unitary ulnar arm and the unitary distal leg form a shape generally of a Y shape, an asymmetrical Y shape or a sling-shot shape configuration.

23. The apparatus according toclaim 19, wherein the unitary ulnar arm includes a finger section and a palmar section.

24. The apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the finger section of the unitary ulnar arm is for receiving at least one of the ring finger and the small finger of the hand.

25. The apparatus according toclaim 24, wherein the palmar section of the unitary ulnar arm is for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand.

26. The apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the palmar section of the unitary ulnar arm is for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand.

27. The apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the finger section and the palmar section of the unitary ulnar arm form a generally obtuse angle configuration.

28. The apparatus according toclaim 27, wherein the unitary radial arm and the unitary ulnar arm form a generally obtuse angle configuration.

29. The apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the unitary radial arm is of a straight or curved configuration.

30. The apparatus according toclaim 29, wherein the unitary ulnar arm includes a generally obtuse angle configuration.

31. The apparatus according toclaim 23, wherein the unitary radial arm and the unitary ulnar arm form a generally obtuse angle configuration.