Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: HANDLE FOR FORCEPSITWEEZERS AND METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR DESIGNING THE LIKE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides handles for forcepsltweezers
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
forcepsltweezers 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 forcepsltweezers 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 toots 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 fnger 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
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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,
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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,
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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 the potential for excessive
squeezing of the forceps or tweezers. This can create exaggerated 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 [and) 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
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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
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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. Patent Nos. 288,096, 987,095 and
2,540,255, which are fruit pickers. U.S. Patent No. 5,893,877 illustrates a
forceps or tweezers which is a microsurgical cup forceps. U.S. Patent No.
5,002,561 illustrates a protective hand forceps and U.S. Patent No. 5,176,696
is related to handles for microsurgical instruments. The handles in U.S.
Patent 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. Patent
No.
4,043,343 illustrates forceps, U.S. Patent No. 4,674,501 illustrates a
surgical
instrument, U.S. Patent No. 5,160;343 illustrates a surgical instrument handle
and forceps assembly, U.S. Patent No. 5,211,655 illustrates multiple use
forceps for endoscopy, U.S. Patent No. 5,234,460 illustrates laparoscopy
instrument, and U.S. Patent 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. Patent
No.
4,644,651 illustrates an instrument for gripping or cutting, and U.S. Patent
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. Patent
No. 5,147,380 which illustrates a biopsy forceps device having locking means
and in U.S. Patent 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
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Patent 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
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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 closes to the TCL and the median nerve
in the CT.
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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/firveezers 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
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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.
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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/firveezers 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
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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
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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
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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:
Figure 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.
Figure 2A and Figure 2B are views of the hand in the Forceps
Hand Position (FHP). Figure 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.
Figure 2B is a view of the hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) from the
perspective of the radial side of the hand.
Figure 3A and Figure 3B are schematic views illustrating
embodiments of handles of the present invention of a generally "Y"-shaped
configuration.
Figure 4A, Figure 4B and Figure 4C are views illustrating a
forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention. Figure 4A is three-
dimensional view. Figure 4B is a side or profile view. Figure 4C is a top or
radial view.
Figure 5A and Figure 5B are views illustrating a hand in the
Forceps Hand Position (FHP) with the hand holding a forceps/tweezers
handle of the present invention. Figure 5A is a palmar view of the hand
holding a forceps/tweezers handle and Figure 5B is a radial view of the hand
holding a forceps/tweezers handle.
Figure 6A and Figure 6B illustrate lines for measurement to
determine the dimensions of a forceps/tweezers handle of the present
invention. Figure 6A shows a palmar view of the hand with the lines to be
measured. Figure 6B shows a radial view of the hand with the lines to be
measured.
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Figure 7 illustrates a protractor measuring device used to
measure the hand to determine angles and sizes for a handle of the present
invention.
Figure 8A and Figure 8B illustrate a rectangular measuring
device used as an alternate to the protractor measuring device of Figure 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, with Figure 8C and Figure 8D illustrating the arrangement,
measurements and locations of such lines used to produce a handle of the
present invention.
Figures 9A through 9G illustrate variations of a handle of the
present invention. Figures 9A and 9B illustrate variations at the ulnar arm.
Figures 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. Figures 9E, 9F and 9G illustrate extensions added to a handle of
the present invention to adjust the handle of the present invention for a
plurality of hand sizes.
Figures 10 A through 10G illustrate additions to a handle of the
present invention near the distal end of a handle. Figures 10A and 10B
illustrate an elastic means, such as a spring, to keep the handle in an open
position. Figures 10C, 10D and 10E illustrate different views of a clamp to
maintain a handle from a fully open to a fully closed position. Figure 10F and
10G illustrates ring members to receive the ends of corresponding fingers in a
handle.
Figures 11A, 11 B and 11 C 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.
Figures 12A and 12B illustrate views of an embodiment of a
handle of the present invention having a widened distal end.
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Figures 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.
Figures 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. '
Figures 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D 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.
Figures 16A and 16B illustrate working ends attached to a
handle of the present invention with the working end of Figure 16A being a
microscissors and the working end of Figure 16B being a reverse tweezers.
Figure 17 illustrates of an embodiment of a handle of the
present invention attached to a standard size scissors.
Figures 18A, 18B and 18C 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.
Figures 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D illustrate various embodiments
of a handle of the present invention that can have devices integrated with a
handle. Figure 19A illustrates a unitary handle of the present invention
having
a single "Y" configuration. Figure 19B 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.
Figure 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. Figure 19D illustrates an
embodiment of a generally unitary handle of the present invention having a
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motor driving means for opening and closing a working end or 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 to
Figure
1.
T Position
Figure 1 illustrates the hand 100 to the T Position. The T
Position is the position the hand 100 assumes when the tips 200a of the long
fingers 200 are aligned and the tip 201 a of the thumb 201 opposes the space
320 between the index finger 202 and middle finger 203. In this position the
area that crosses the palm 102 of the hand 100 known as the palmar arch
104 is concave. The finger cup 106, shown as a dotted line, is the concave
area made by the long fingers 200 when the tips 200a of the long fingers 200
are aligned and the long fingers 200 are flexed. The horizontal creases 108
of the palm 102 appear as a skin fold and aligns with the palmar arch 104.
On the radial side 110 of the hand 100 the horizontal crease 108 is hidden by
the thumb 201. The longitudinal creases 112 also appear as a skin fold
because the palm 102 of the hand 100 is not flat when the hand 100 is in the
T Position. The MIP joints 250 of the long fingers 200 lie adjacent to each
other. The MIP joint 250 of the middle finger 203 is furthermost away from the
line 300 than the other MIP joints 250 of the other long fingers 200 are from
the line 300. The MIP joint 250 of the small finger 205 is closer to the line
300
than MIP joints 250 of the other long fingers 200.
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Continuing with reference to Figure 1, the hypothenar muscle
area 116 extends from the horizontal crease 108 of the ulnar side 111 of the
hand 100 to the wrist 120 at the level of the pisiform bone 126. The pisiform
bone 126 of the wrist 120 is at the area on the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100
where the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery enter the palm 102 under the
hypothenar muscle area 116. The transverse carpal ligament (TCL) 122
covers the carpal tunnel (CT) 124. The thenar muscle area 1'l4 is on the
radial side 110 of the hand 100 and radial to the CT 124. The hypothenar
muscle area 116 is on the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100 and ulnar to the CT
124. The CT 124 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 the TCL 122 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. Figure 2A and Figure
2B show an adaptation of the T Position to the position of the hand 100 in the
Forceps Hand Position (FHP). As shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B, when
the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP), the thumb 201, index
finger 202 and middle finger 203 are partially extended from the T Position.
However, the ring finger 204 and small finger 205 remain in the T Position. In
the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) the tip 201a of the thumb 201 opposes the
space 320 between the tip 200a of the index finger 202 and the tip 200a of
the middle finger 203 as it does in the T Position. Also note the tip 200a of
the ring finger 204 and the tip 200a of the small finger 205 end at the same
line 340 relative to the T Position for the hand 100. Figure 2B illustrates a
view of the radial side 110 of the hand 100 with the hand 100 in the Forceps
Hand Position (FHP). When the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand Position
(FHP), as shown by the dashed line 305, the tip 201a of the thumb 201 is in
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substantial alignment with the tip 200a of the index finger 202 and the tip
200a of the middle finger 203.
Continuing with reference to Figure 2A, the horizontal crease
108 as shown in Figure 1, crosses the palm 102 of the hand 100 and is
hidden by the base of the thumb 201 until the horizontal crease 108 reaches
the radial side 110 of the hand 100. The location of the radial end of the
horizontal crease 108 is seen on the radial side 110 of the hand 100 in Figure
2B. Figure 1 also shows the location of the horizontal crease 108 on the ulnar
side 111 of the hand 100.
Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, Plane C, as seen in Figure 2B,
illustrates the relationship of the hand to the center line of a handle of the
present invention. Plane C passes through the radial side 110 of the hand
100 to the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100 when the hand 100 is in the
Forceps Hand Position (FHP). On the radial side 110 of the hand 100 Plane
C extends through the horizontal crease 108 to bisect the space made
between the thumb 201 and the index finger 202 and middle finger 203. On
the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100 Plane C passes through an area M about
half way between the horizontal crease 108 and the pisiform bone 126 of the
wrist 120. Plane C then continues to pass through the DIP joints 252 of the
ring finger 204 and small finger 205 when the ring finger 204 and small finger
205 are in the T Position.
For illustrative purposes, with reference to Figure 3A and Figure
3B, schematic representations of handles of the present invention, are
illustrated as schematic 400Y and schematic 400Y'. As illustrated in Figures
3A and 3B by the schematics 400Y and 400Y', 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 and 400Y' 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
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proximal part of the schematics 400Y and 400Y' corresponding to a handle of
the present invention. The two arms represented by Y1, Y1' and Y2, Y2'
extend to the palm 102 of the hand 100. The leg Y3, Y3' corresponds to a
distal leg of a handle of the present invention.
One arm Y1, Y1' of the schematics 400Y and 400Y'
corresponds to the arm of a handle that contacts the radial side 110 of the
palm 102 of the hand 100 and can be called the radial arm Y1, Y1' of the
schematic 400Y, 400Y'. The second arm Y2, Y2' of the schematic 400Y,
400Y' corresponds to the arm of a handle that contacts the ulnar side 111 of
the palm 102 of the hand 100 and can be called the ulnar arm Y2, Y2' of the
schematic 400Y, 400Y'. The leg Y3, Y3' of the schematics 400Y and 400 Y'
corresponds to the distal leg of a handle that extends to meet the thumb 201,
index finger 202 and middle finger 203 when the hand 100 is in the Forceps
Hand Position (FHP)
In the schematic 400Y 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 schematic 400Y' 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 schematic 400Y.
The ulnar arm Y2, Y2' of the schematics 400Y and 400Y' 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 the radial side 110 of
the DIP joint 252 of the ring finger 204 meets the palmar side 221 of the DIP
joint 252 of the ring finger 204 when the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand
Position (FHP).
The finger section Y21, Y21' of the ulnar arm Y~, Y2' ends at the
ulnar side 111 of the DIP joint 252 of the small finger 205 when the hand 100
is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The finger section Y21, Y21' of the
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ulnar arm Y2, Y2' follows the line 350 made by connecting the volar (inside)
surfaces of the ring finger 204 and the small finger 205 at their respective
DIP
joints 252. However, the palmar section Y22, Y22' of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2'
ends at area M on the hypothenar muscle area 116 between the horizontal
crease 108 on the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100 and the pisiform bone 126
of the wrist 120. The palmar section Y22, Y22' of the ulnar arm Y2, Y2' ends
at the ulnar side 111 of the DIP joint 252 of the small finger 20,5 when the
hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The finger section Y21 in
the schematic 400Y 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 and 400Y' also
originates at the DIP joint 252 where the palmar surface 210 of ring finger
204
meets the radial surface 211 of the DIP joint 252 of the ring finger 204 when
the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The distal leg Y3 ends
at Plane B made by the tip 201 a of the thumb 201, the tip 200a of the index
finger 202 and the tip 200a of the middle finger 203 of the hand 100
The junction 214 corresponds to the common point Y4. The
junction 214 is defined at the meeting of the palmar surface 210 of the DIP
joint 252 of ring finger 204 with the radial surface 211 of the DIP joint 252
of
the ring finger 204 when the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).
Therefore, the junction 214 determines the location on the schematic 400Y
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 schematic 400Y 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.
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As illustrated in Figure 4A, Figure 4B and Figure 4C, the
embodiment of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention is
shaped in the form of a generally asymmetrical Y or slingshot shape. The
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention has two opposing
blades 410. Each opposing blade 410 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of
the present invention can be a mirror image of the other. Each opposing
blade 410 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention has a
central connection area CON from which extend a radial arm 415, an ulnar
arm 425 and a distal leg 435. The proximal part 405 of the forceps/tweezers
handle 400 of the present invention is supported by the hand 100. The distal
part 406 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention performs
the work of grasping, pinching and other mechanical actions including cutting.
The proximal part 405a of each opposing blade 410 has a radial
arm 415 and an ulnar arm 425. The radial arm 415 and ulnar arm 425 of
each opposing blade 410 meet the connection area CON. The ulnar arm 425
of each opposing blade 410 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present
invention has a finger section 425a and a palmar section 425b. The finger
section 425a and the palmar section 425b meet angle at Y5 as discussed
above in the section related to the ulnar arm Y2 of the schematic 400Y of
Figure 3A.
The palmar end 417 of the radial arm 415 of each opposing
blade 410 meets to form a radial hinge 416. The palmar end 427 of the ulnar
arm 425 of each opposing blade 410 meets to form an ulnar hinge 426. The
hinges 416 and 426 can be made so one blade 410 continues or is formed
integrally into the other blade 410. The hinges 416 and 426 can also be made
of a mechanical connection means, such as a hinge arrangement. The radial
hinge 416 and the ulnar hinge 426 allow the opposing blades 410 to move
toward and away from each other.
The distal leg 435 of each opposing blade 410 extends from the
connection area CON. The proximal section 435b of the distal leg 435 of each
opposing blade 410 is attached to the connecting area CON. The distal end
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435a of the distal legs 435 of each opposing blade 410 extends from the
forceps/tweezers handle 400. The distal end 435a of each distal leg 435 can
be an integrated working end 450a, tip or have multiple varied attachments for
performing various suitable tasks or functions, such as grasping, pinching or
cutting.
The width 415w of the radial arm 415 approximates the width of
base of the index finger 202. The width 425w of the ulnar arm 425
approximates the width of base of the small finger 205. The width 435w of the
distal end 435a of the distal leg 435 approximates the combined width of the
distal pad 202b of the index finger 202 and the distal pad 203b of the middle
finger 203.
The palmar end 417 of the radial arm 415 can be consistent with
the corresponding surface of the palm 102 of the radial side 110 of the hand
100. The palmar end 427 of the ulnar arm 425 can be consistent with the
corresponding surface of the palm 102 of the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100.
Alternately the palmar end 417 of the radial arm 416 and the palm~r end 427
of the ulnar arm 425 can be parallel to each other.
Also, as illustrated in Figure 4B, the forceps/tweezers handle
400 of the present invention can have three sections. There is the radial
section 401, the middle section 402 and the ulnar section 403. The radial
section 401 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention is
related to the radial side 110 of the hand 100 and can make contact with the
thumb 201, the index finger 202 and the thenar area 114 of the palm 102 of
the hand' 100. The middle section 402 includes the area of the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention that can make contact
with the middle finger 203 and ring finger 204 and without contacting the
region over the CT 124. The ulnar section 403 includes the area of the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention that can make contact
with the small finger 205 and the hypothenar muscle area 116 on the palm
102 on the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100. The forceps/tweezers handle 400
of the present invention can be used with right hand 100 or left hand 100.
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Figure 5A and Figure 5B illustrate a hand in the Forceps Hand
Position (FHP) with the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle of the present
invention. Figure 5A is a palmar view of the hand holding a forceps/tweezers
handle and Figure 5B is a radial view the hand holding a forcepsltweezers
handle. With reference to Figure 5A the horizontal crease 108 on the radial
side 110 of the hand 100 contacts the radial hinge 416 at the palmar end 417
of the radial arm 415 of each opposing blade 410 of the forceps/tweezers
handle 400 of the present invention. Area M on the palm 102 between the
horizontal crease 108 on the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100 and the pisiform
bone 126 of the wrist 120 contacts the ulnar hinge 426 of the palmar end 427
of the ulnar arm 425 of each opposing blade 410 of the forceps/tweezers
handle 400 of the present invention.
Continuing with reference to Figures 1 through 5B, the palmar
surface 210 of the middle phalange 215 of the ring finger 204 and the palmar
surface 210 of the distal phalange 216 of the ring finger 204 contact the ring
finger contact areas 425c of the finger section 425a of the ulnar arm 425 of
the opposing blades 410 of a handle of the present invention, such as a
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention. The palmar surface
220 of the middle phalange 225 of the small finger 205 and the palmar
surface 220 of the distal phalange 226 of the small finger 205 contact the
small finger contact areas 425d of the finger section 425a of the ulnar arm
425 of the opposing blades 410 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the
present invention. The radial side surface 211 of the middle phalange 215 of
the ring frnger 204 and the radial side surface 211 of the distal phalange 216
of the ring finger 204 contact the proximal section 435b of the distal leg 425
of
the forcepsltweezers handle 400 of the present invention.
The distal pad 201b of the thumb 201 contacts the distal end
435a of the distal leg 435 of one opposing blade 410 of the forceps/tweezers
handle 400 of the present invention and distal pad 202b of the index finger
202 and the distal pad 203b of the middle finger 203 contacts the mirror
image blade 410 of the forcepsltweezers handle 400 of the present invention.
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Forceps Hand Position (FHP) are drawn from the corresponding first through
sixth measurement distances D, E, F, F', G and H and are desirably recorded
on a medium such as on grid paper. These measurement lines are used to
produce corresponding outline lines for an outline for a handle shape, with
the
outline formed by these outline lines for a handle shape being illustrated in
Figures 8C and 8D, and also being indicated in Figure 8B, such as for the
forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention. First, a first
measurement line corresponding to the second measurement distance E is
drawn in the X-axis direction. Then, a second measurement line
corresponding to the fifth measurement distance G is drawn in the Y-axis
direction starting at a preselected distance, typically five millimeters
(consistent with the elevation 812), to the left of the line drawn
corresponding
to the second measurement distance E. Next, a third measurement line
corresponding to the sixth measurement distance H is drawn in the X-axis
direction starting at the top GTOP of the second measurement line drawn for
the fifth measurement distance G. Then a fourth measurement line
corresponding to the third measurement distance F is drawn in the Y-axis
direction. A fifth measurement line corresponding to the fourth measurement
distance F' is then drawn on the same fourth measurement line as the third
measurement distance F. Next, a sixth measurement line corresponding to
the first measurement distance D is drawn in the X-axis direction.
Furthermore, an end of the sixth measurement line for the first measurement
distance D is on the same Y-axis direction line as the left end HLFT of the
third measurement line for the sixth measurement distance H, and the fourth
measurement line for the third measurement distance F is drawn in the Y-axis
direction with an end of the fourth measurement line starting at the left end
DLFT of the sixth measurement line for the first measurement distance D.
As discussed above, a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers
handle 400, of the present invention can come in a plurality of sizes. The
sizes of forceps/tweezers handles 400 of the present invention can be
compiled by drawing point to point outline lines Z, Y, X, W, V and U to
connect
end points D1, F1', F1, G1, E1 and E2 on the measurement lines
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corresponding to measurement distances D, E; F, F', G and H as illustrated in
Figures 8B, 8C and 8D. As illustrated in Figures 8A through 8D, the first
point
to point outline line is line Z, which connects end point D1 on the sixth
measurement line corresponding to the first measurement distance D to end
point F1' on the fifth measurement line corresponding to the fourth
measurement distance F'. The second point to point outline line is line Y
connecting end point F1' on the fifth measurement line corresponding to the
fourth measurement distance F' to end point F1 on the fourth measurement
line corresponding to the third measurement distance F, with the end point F1
also corresponding to the same end point on the third measurement line
corresponding to the sixth measurement distance H . Then the third point to
point outline line X connects end point F1 on the fourth measurement line
corresponding to the third measurement distance F, which also corresponds
to the same end point on the third measurement line corresponding to the
sixth measurement distance H, to end point G1 on the second measurement
line corresponding to the fifth measurement distance G, which is followed by
the fourth point to point outline line W connecting end point G1 on the second
measurement line corresponding to the fifth measurement distance G to end
point E1 on the first measurement line corresponding to the second
measurement distance E. The fifth point to point outline line V next connects
end point E1 on the first measurement line corresponding to the second
measurement distance E to end point E2 on the first measurement line
corresponding to the second measurement distance E. Finally, the sixth point
to point outline line U is drawn from end point D1 on the sixth measurement
line corresponding to the first measurement distance D to end point E2 on the
first measurement line corresponding to the second measurement distance E
to complete the perimeter PER incorporating the outline lines Z, Y, X, W and
V for measurements for a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of
the present invention. Perimeters PER for various hand sizes are compared
to produce a range of sizes for handles of the present invention. As
discussed above, the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention
can therefore contact the hand 100 at the following locations: at the [the]
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horizontal crease 108 of the palm 102 on the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100,
at a location in area M of the palm 102 on the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100,
the palmar surface 210 of the ring finger 204 with the palmar surface 220 of
the small finger 205, at the radial side surface 211 of the ring finger 204,
at
the distal pad 201 b of the thumb 201, at the distal pad 202b of the index
finger 202 and at the distal pad 203c of the middle finger 203.
The sizes of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present
invention are determined by plotting or recording measurements of the
perimeter PER. However, the shape of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of
the present invention is related to those areas on the perimeter PER which
touch, or contact, the hand 100 at certain areas. Referring to Figures 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 a hand 100. 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 the horizontal crease 108 of the
palm 102 on the radial side 110 of the hand 100. A second section O 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 the palm 102 on the ulnar
side 111 of the hand 100. 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 the palmar surface 210 of the ring finger 204 and the palmar
surface 220 of the small finger 205. 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 the radial side surface 211 of the ring finger 204. 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 the distal pad 202b of the
index finger 202 and the distal pad 203b of the middle finger 203. 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
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Z is duplicated on the distal ends 435a of the opposing blades 410 of a
handle, such as forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention and
can relate to an area for the distal pad 201b of the thumb 201.
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 the hand 100 on a handle, such as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention.
Variations Of The Handle
Referring now to Figures 9A and 9B, variations can be placed at
the ring finger contact area 425c and the small finger contact area 425d of
the
ulnar arm 425 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the
present invention, such as illustrated in Figure 9A and Figure 9B. A step 425e
can be incorporated into the finger section 425a of the ulnar arm 425 between
the ring finger contact area 425c and the small finger contact area 425d to
conform with the palmar surface 210 of the ring finger 204 and the palmar
surface 220 of the small finger 205 when the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand
Position (FHP). Furthermore, the ulnar arm 425 of a handle, such as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention can have a straight
portion 425f to meet the palmar surface 210 of the ring finger 204 and the
palmar surface 220 of the small finger 205 when the hand 100 is in the
Forceps Hand Position (FHP)
As illustrated in Figure 9C and Figure 9D, the distal end 435a of
the distal legs 435 of the opposing blades 410 of a handle, such as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention can have apertures
435c, concave portions 435d, be convex or have other means to reference
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the distal pad 201 b of the thumb, the distal pad 202b of the index finger 202
and the distal pad 203b of the middle finger 203. The width of the distal end
435a of the distal legs 435 of the opposing blades 410 of a handle, such as
the forcepsltweezers handle 400, of the present invention can be limited to
allow contact with the central parts of the distal pad 202b of the index
finger
and of the distal pad 203b of the middle finger 203 of the hand 100.
A handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the
present invention can be made in one size or various sizes based on above
described measurements with reference to Figures 7 through 8D. An
alternative to making multiple sizes of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the
present invention is to add extensions 418, 428 to adapt a handle, such as
the forcepsltweezers handle 400, of the present invention to a range of hand
sizes. As shown in Figure 9E and Figure 9F, for example, an extension 418
can be added to the radial hinge 416 of the radial arm 415 and an extension
428 can be added to the ulnar hinge 426 of the ulnar arm 425 of
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention.
As illustrated in Figure 9F, the extension 418,428 can have a
collar 418a, 428a and a spring mechanism 418b, 428b to attach to the edges
of the radial hinge 416 of the radial arm 415 and the ulnar hinge 426 of the
ulnar arm 425 of the opposing blades 410 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400
of the present invention. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 9G, the palmar
end 419, 429 of the extension 418, 428 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 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 ends 435a of the distal legs 435 of the opposing blades
410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present
invention. Figure 10A and Figure 10B illustrate spring mechanisms 437a,
437b inserted between distal ends 435a ofithe distal legs 435 of the opposing
blades 410 of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention to
maintain a resting position RES, illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B for the
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fo~ceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention. Such a spring member
437a as shown in Figure 10A can also maintain alignment of the distal ends
435a so the working ends 450 can meet and not be subject to excessive drift
with respect to each other.
When using a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400,
of the present invention it can be desirable to maintain closure or partial
closure of the working ends 450 attached to the distal ends 435a bf the distal
legs 435 of the opposing blades 410 of a handle, such as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention. Figure 10C, Figure
10D and Figure 10E illustrate a clamping mechanism 438 inserted between
distal ends 435a of the distal legs 435 of the opposing blades 410 of the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention to maintain such a
closed or partially closed position for a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers
handle 400, of the present invention.
As illustrated in Figure 10C, the clamping mechanism 438
includes a clamping post 438a attached via an attachment 438b to the distal
end 435a of the distal leg 435 of a corresponding one of the opposing blades
410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present
invention. Figure 10D illustrates a generally closed position of the
forceps/tweezers handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the
present invention with the clamping mechanism 438. Figure 10E illustrates a
front view of the clamping mechanism 438 with a handle, such as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention in a generally open
position.
The clamping post 438a extends through an aperture 438c on
the other distal end 435a of the distal legs 435 of the opposing blades 410 of
a handle, such as the forcepsltweezers handle 400, of the present invention.
The clamping post 438a has a locking plate 438d that engages with the teeth
438e to maintain the working ends 450 of the distal ends 435a of the distal
legs 435 of the opposing blades 410 of a handle, such as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention in the closed position.
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The distal end 438f of the clamping post 438a can be pushed by the tip 201a
of the thumb 201 or the tip 200a of the index finger 202, when a handle, such
as the forcepsltweezers handle 400, of the present invention is used by a left
hand 100, to release the clamping post 438a from the locking plate 438d and
open the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention.
In another variation, as shown in Figures 10F and 10G, rings
439 for the thumb 201, index finger 202 and middle finger 203 can be
attached to the distal ends 435a of the distal legs 435 of the opposing blades
410 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present
invention to spread apart the working ends 450 of the forceps/tweezers
handle 400 of the present invention.
Figure 11A, Figure 11B and Figure 11C illustrate another
variation at the central connection area 440 (designated in Figure 4 as CON)
of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present
invention. The central connection area 440 can have a rotating mechanism
445 allowing angular movement of the attached radial arm 415 and ulnar arm
425 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present
invention. Such rotational movement can adjust the position of the palmar
end 417 of the radial arm 415 and the palmar end 427 of the ulnar arm 425 of
a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention
to a user's comfort when the handle contacts the horizontal crease 108 on the
radial side 110 of the palm 102 of the hand 100 for multiple hand 100 sizes.
Angle K illustrated in Figure 11A corresponds to the angular degree reading
710 on the protractor measuring device 700 illustrated in Figure 7. As
discussed previously, the angular degree reading 710 corresponding to angle
K determined for female hands was typically 40 degrees and the angular
degree reading 710 determined for male hands was typically 45 degrees.
Thus, the range of rotational movement of a rotating mechanism 445 at the
central connection area 440 of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle
400, of the present invention can be set to maintain the angle K, illustrated
in
Figure 11A, typically between 35 to 50 degrees to account for overlap among
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handle sizes. Furthermore, each radial arm 415 and each ulnar arm 425 of a
handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention can
be made in different sizes or have extensions 419,429 such as illustrated in
Figure 9E, Figure 9F and Figure 9G.
Figure 11B and Figure 11C illustrate a proposed rotating
mechanism 445 at the central connection area 440 of a handle, such as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400; of the present invention. The central
connection area 440 splits to form a generally semicircular channel 446
bounded by a generally semicircular inner sleeve 441 and a generally
semicircular outer sleeve 442. Also, a radial slot 443 and an ulnar slot 444
are respectively located in the outer sleeve 442 of the central connection
area
440.
The distal section 420 of the radial arm 415 and the distal
section 430 of the ulnar arm 425 can be of a generally tapered configuration.
The distal end 420a of the distal section 420 of the radial arm 415 and the
distal end 430a of the distal section 430 of the ulnar arm 425 meet at the
inside margin 440a of the semicircular channel 446 of the rotating mechanism
445 of the central connection area 440.
For a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the
present invention two cams 419a, 429a are attached to the outer surtace of
the distal section 420 of the radial arm 415 and the distal section 430 of the
ulnar arm 425. The cams 419a, 429a are elevated at edges 419b, 429b of
the slots 443, 444. The cams 419a, 429a are designed to engage the slots
443, 444 in the semicircular outer sleeve 442 when the distal section 420 of
the radial arm 415 and the distal section 430 of the ulnar arm 425 are
advanced into the semicircular channel 446 between the semicircular inner
sleeve 441 and the semicircular outer sleeve 442 of the rotating mechanism
445 of the central connection area 440. The cams 419a, 429a are designed
to slide in the radial slot 443 and the ulnar slot 444 to retain the radial
arm 415
and ulnar arm 425 in the semicircular channel 446. The radial slot 443 and
the ulnar slot 444 are designed to allow rotation of the radial arm 415 and
the
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ulnar arm 425 in a range of approximately 35 to 50 degrees in relation to the
angle K.
Another variation of the forceps/tweezers handle 400, handle
400a, of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 12A and Figure 12B.
This variation is related to the width WD of the distal ends 436a of the
distal
arms 436 of the opposing blades 410 of handles, such as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention. The variation on
Figures 12A and 12B is based on achieving the highest attainable pinch
strength that can be produced when the tip 201 a of the thumb 201 opposes
the center of the tips 200a of the long fingers 200 as discussed in the
background information.
As illustrated in Figures 1 through 28, when the hand 100 is in
the T Position, the tip 201 a of the thumb 201 opposes the space 320 between
the tip 200a of the index finger 202 and the tip 200a of the middle finger 203
and the tips 200a of the long fingers 200 end in a line 300. However, in the
Forceps Hand Position (FHP), the thumb 201, index finger 202 and middle
finger 203 are almost fully extended to meet at Plane B while the ring finger
204 and the small finger 205 are flexed to end at the line 300 as in the T
position. In the present variation handle 400a illustrated in Figure 12B, with
the hand 100 in the T Position, the tip 201a of the thumb 201 is repositioned
toward the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100 from the space 320 between the tip
200a of the index finger 202 and the tip 200a of the middle finger 203 to the
space 330 between the tip 200a of the middle finger 203 and the tip 200a of
the ring finger 204.
Therefore, in the variation handle 400a, as illustrated in Figure
12B, the width WD of the distal end 436a and the distal leg 436 are similar to
the width across the long fingers 200 when the hand is in the T Position. The
relationship of the radial hinge 416 of the radial arm 415 to the horizontal
crease 108 on the radial side 110 of the hand 100 and the relationship of the
ulnar hinge 426 of the ulnar arm 425 to area.M on the ulnar side 111 of the
hand 100 are similar in this variation handle 400a to such relationships in
the
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forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention. Also; the variation
handle 400a does not contact the CT area 124 of hand 100.
The variation handle 400a of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of
the present invention has the potential to produce the highest pinch strength
at the working end 450. However, generally less pinch strength is necessary
to hold an object because typically the thumb 201 and all the long fingers 200
of the hand 100 are used to pinch the distal end 436a of the distal leg 436 of
the variation handle 400a of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present
invention.
Figures 13A through 13K illustrate various connection means
joined to or integrated at the distal end 435a, 436a in various embodiments of
the handles of the present invention, such as handles 400, 400a, 400b, 400c
and 400d of the present invention, for connecting various implements to the
handle. For example, Figure 13A illustrates views of a screw type connecting
means 1100 for implements of working ends 450. Figure 13B illustrates views
of screw type connecting means 1100, 1101 and snap-in type connecting
means 1102, 1103, 1104 for implements of working ends 450. Figures 13C,
13D, 13E, 13F and 13G illustrate views of various magnetic type connecting
means 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 1110, 1111, 1112 for implements of
working ends 450.
Also, for example, Figures 13H through 13K illustrate views of
rotating type connecting mechanisms 1113, 1115, 1120, with working parts
1114 for the working mechanism 1113, with working parts 1116 for the
working mechanism 1115, and with working parts 1121 for the working
mechanism 1120, for working ends 450 of implements, which allow various
changes in the position of the working ends 450 of various implements
relative to the handle.
Another handle variation 400b of the present invention that
changes the direction of motion at the working end 450 of the handle 400b of
the present invention is illustrated in Figure 14A, Figure 14B, Figure 14C,
Figure 14D, Figure 14E, Figure 15A and Figure 15B. For example, the
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direction of movement at the tips of a common forceps is generally parallel to
the opposing motion of the thumb 201 to the index finger 202 and middle
finger 203. In the variation handle 400b, the motion of the, working
end/working member 450, of such a handle 400b can be perpendicular to the
opposing motion of the thumb 201 to the index finger 202 and the middle
finger 203. This changes the motion at the working end/working member 450,
of the handle 400b from a side to side motion to an up and down motion in
this variation handle 400b of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 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 the thumb 201 and a long finger 200 of the hand 100
in a proximal and distal relationship to each other. The proximal-distal
motion
of the thumb 201 and a long finger 200 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 the thumb 201
and a long finger 200 of the hand 100 move in a proximal and distal direction
typically is not as comfortable for the hand 100 as using the side to side
opposing motion utilized in the variation handle 400b of the forceps/tweezers
handle 400 of the present invention.
In this variation handle 400b illustrated in Figure 14A, Figure
14B, Figure 14CFigure 15B, Figure 15C and Figure 15D, a fixed member 500
is attached to the inside 416b of the radial hinge 416 of the radial arm 415
of
the variation handle 400b of forcepsltweezers handle 400 of the present
invention. Above the fixed member 500 is a sliding member 501 that
activates the working end/working member 450 to open and close as
illustrated in Figure 14E. Brace members 502 connect the sliding member
501 to the inside aspect 435b of the distal ends 435a of the distal legs 435.
Sliding member hinges 503 attach the ends 503a of the brace members 502
to the sliding members 501 and hinges 504 attach brace members 502 to the
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inner aspect 435b of the distal ends 435a of the distal legs 435 of variation
handle 400b of the present invention. Pinching the distal ends 435a of the
distal legs 435 of the variation handle 400b of the present invention moves
the brace members 502 at the hinges 503, 504 to move the sliding member
501. Furthermore, the fixed member 500 can rotate the working end/working
member 450 when a rotating mechanism is attached to the inside 416b of the
radial hinge 416.
Squeezing the distal ends 435a of the distal legs 435 of the
variation handle 400b of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present
invention when the sliding member hinges 503 of the brace members 502 are
placed distal on the sliding member 501 push the sliding member 501 away
from the hand 100. However, as illustrated in Figure 15C, squeezing the
distal ends 435a of the distal legs 435 of the variation handle 400b of the
forcepsltweezers handle 400 of the present invention, when the sliding
member hinges 503 attach at ends 503b of the brace members 502 and the
sliding member hinges 503 are placed on the sliding member 501, moves the
sliding member 501 toward the hand 100. Moving the sliding member 501
can actuate any of a variety of mechanisms, as the working endlworking
member 450, attached to the end of the sliding member 501, such as to close
a fine scissors or other mechanism, such as illustrated in Figure 14E.
Also, referring to Figures 14A through 14E, the variation handle
400b of 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 handle 400 of
the present invention, the gap between the distal ends 435a of the distal legs
435 can be wider than the distance between the working ends 450 of the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention. The gap between the
distal ends 435a of the distal legs 435 also depends on the inherent spring
qualities of the material used to make the opposing blades 410 of a handle,
such as the forceps/tweezers handle 400, of the present invention. The gap
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between the distal ends 435a of the distal legs 435 for surgical forceps and
surgical instruments using the forceps/tweezers handle 400 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 the
long fingers 200 and can increase flexion and can add strain to the
metacarpal phalangeal joint 201 c of the thumb 201. A larger gap also
requires more gross than fine motor skills to pinch. ,
Continuing with reference to Figures 15A through 15D, the
standard scalpel 1020, illustrated in Figure 15A, is in the shape of a stylus
and
is a fixture in surgery. During the course of surgery, a scalpel blade 1021
can
contact pathogens harboring in the patient's serum. One problem associated
with the standard scalpel handle 1022 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 handle 400b of the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention can move a sliding
member 501 in relation to a fixed member 500. Figure 15B illustrates a
retractable scalpel 1000, as the working endlworking member 450, with the
sliding member 501 including a retractable sliding guard 1005 that surrounds
a fixed scalpel member 1006, as the fixed member 500, including an attached
scalpel blade 1021. Figure 15B illustrates a flat spring member 1010, as a
first spring member, attached to the opposing blades 410 and the retractable
sliding guard 1005. Alternately, a coil spring member 1011, as a second
spring member, can be attached to the fixed scalpel member 1006 and the
retractable sliding guard 1005 as shown in Figure 15D. When the distal ends
435a of the distal legs 435 of the opposing blades 410 of the fixed scalpel
member 1006 of variation handle 400b of the forcepsltweezers handle 400 of
the present invention are squeezed, the brace members 502 push the
proximal hinges 503 to move the retractable sliding guard 1005 toward the
hand of the operator to expose the scalpel blade 1021. When the distal ends
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435a of the distal legs 435 are released, the retractable sliding guard 1005
automatically covers the scalpel blade 1021.
One advantage of the retractable scalpel 1000 with the
forceps/tweezers handle variation handle 400b of the present invention is
promoting protection from sharp injury in the operating room. Another
advantage is that the retractable scalpel 1000 is based on the anatomic
Forceps Hand Position (FHP), which can make the retractable scalpel 1000
more comfortable for the hand 100 to hold and manipulate.
Figures 16A and 16B illustrate working ends 450 attached to a
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention with the working end
450 of Figure 16A being a microscissors and the working end 450 of Figure
16B being a reverse tweezers.
Figure 17 illustrates a standard size scissors variation handle
400c of the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention.
Attachments of working ends 450 of many surgical instruments, such as the
microscissors attachment 450, illustrated in Figure 16A, generally extend from
the distal end 435a of the distal legs 435 of the opposing blades 410 in the
same general direction as the thumb 201, index finger 202 and middle finger
203 when the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). In the
standard size scissors variation handle 400c of the forcepsltweezers handle
400 of the present invention, illustrated in Figure 17, the standard size
scissors variation handle 400c attaches to a standard size scissors blades
451.
However, the relationship of the hand 100 to the standard size
scissors blades 451 of the standard size scissors variation handle 400c is
typically not in the same general direction as the thumb 201, index finger 202
and middle finger 203 when the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand Position
(FHP). The direction of the standard size scissors blades 451 of the standard
size scissors variation handle 400c in relation to the hand 100 is related to
the
relationship of the hand 100 to line J illustrated in Figure 2A. Lirie J
connects
the space 310 between tip 202b of the index finger 202 and tip 203b of the
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middle finger 203 and the dorsal surface 252a of the DIP joint 252 of the
small
finger 205 when the hand 100 is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The
attachment of the blades 451 of a standard scissors to the standard size
scissors variation handle 400c is such that the axis AX passes centrally
through the blades 451 and the axis AX is parallel to line J.
The rings 439 on distal end 435a of distal legs 435 of the
standard size scissors variation handle 400c allow the opposing thumb 201,
index finger 202 and middle finger 203 to open the blades 451 of a standard
scissors for the standard size scissors variation handle 400c. The distal pad
201 b of the thumb 201, the distal pad 202b of the index finger 202 and the
distal pad 203b of the middle finger 203 oppose to close the blades 451 of a
standard scissors for the standard size scissors variation handle 400c.
In common scissors, the fingers of the hand 100 meet the ring
like extensions of the scissors blades. The thumb 201 opposes the index
finger 202 and the middle finger 203 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 the thumb 201
uncomfortably close to the opposing index finger 202 and the hand 100 is
generally not integrated into the handle.
The standard size scissors handle variation 400c of the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention has advantages over a
common scissors. These advantages are related to contact with the hand
100 at the horizontal crease 108 on the radial side 110 of the hand 100, at
area M on the ulnar side 111 of the hand 100, at the palmar surface 210 of
the ring finger 204 and at the palmar surface 220 of the small finger 205.
Furthermore, the ring finger 204 and the small finger 205 pull the handle 400c
into the hand. These features add to support, given the scissors variation
handle 400c adapted to the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present
invention, and integrate the hand 100 into the scissors variation handle 400c
adapted to the forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention. These
areas of contact with the standard size scissors variation handle 400c,
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adapted to the forcepsltweezers handle 400 of the present invention,
integrate the entire hand 100 and not only the thumb 201, index finger 202
and middle finger 203 to open, close and hold a scissors.
Figures 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate views of an embodiment of
the handle 400a of Figures 12A and 12B of the present invention that has a
wider distal end 436, with a working end 450, the working end 450 including
an implement, positioned at the wider distal end 436, such as for retrieving
items such as files from a file cabinet or loose items on a surface.
Figures 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D illustrate various embodiments
of a unitary handle 400d of the present invention that can have devices
integrated with a handle. Figures 19A through 19D illustrate embodiments of
the unitary handle 400d of the present invention having a single "Y"
configuration with a unitary blade 410a, rather than a pair of opposing blades
410. The unitary radial arm 415u and the unitary ulnar arm 425u and the
unitary distal leg 435u engage corresponding portions of the hand 100 as the
forceps/tweezers handle 400 of the present invention as previously described.
Figure 19B illustrates an embodiment of the unitary handle 400d of the
present invention having an implement 452 attached by a suitable connection
means 452a to the handle 400d. Figure 19C illustrates an embodiment of the
unitary handle 400d of the present invention that incorporates a motor driving
means 453a for rotation or movement of a working end 453 or an implement
453, such as a drill bit or screwdriver attachment. Figure 19D illustrates an
embodiment of the unitary handle 400d of the present invention having a
motor driving means 454a for opening and closing a Working end 454 or
multiple working ends 454 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
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integrated into or with an object or working end. Additionally, such handles
of
the present invention can be designed to swivel andlor 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.
