Parallel handle system and method for designing a parallel handle system

Abstract

A parallel handle, parallel handle system and method for designing parallel handles for a hand for use with tools or control mechanisms, that includes a handle having a radial section having a side for receiving the thumb and having a side for receiving the index finger, the radial section having a surface for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand, a middle section having a side for receiving at least a portion of the middle finger and at least a portion of the ring finger and having a surface that avoids placing undue pressure on a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel, and an ulnar section having a side for receiving the small finger and having a surface for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand so as to position the end of the small finger.

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY [0001] This application claims the benefit of and is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 692,340 filed Oct. 24, 2003, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 279,111 filed 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-In-Part of International Application No. PCT / US02 / 33956, filed on Oct. 24, 2002, which has been 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 [0002] The present invention relates to parallel handles, parallel handle systems and methods for designing a parallel handle system for a hand for use in hold or using tools, such as those that...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] In this regard the present invention provides a handle or apparatus for use with the hand that includes: a radial section having a side for receiving the thumb of the hand and having a side for receiving the index finger of the hand, and the radial section having a surface for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand; a middle section having a side for receiving at least a portion of the middle finger and at least a portion of the ring finger of the hand and having a surface that avoids placing undue pressure on a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel; and an ulnar section having a side for receiving the small finger of the hand and having a surface for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand so as to position the end of the small finger.

[0019] Also, the present invention provides a method for designing a handle that corresponds to the sizes of a hand, that includes the steps of: setting the hand in a T position so that the tips of the of the long fingers of the hand are substantially in alignment; measuring the distance across the metacarpal bones of the long fingers of a hand from the radial side to the ulnar side of the palm of the hand thereby defining a width of the handle; and setting the distance from the ulnar palmar line to the distal side of the carpal tunnel zone equal to or less than the distance from the ulnar palmar line to the radial palmar line such that undue pressure on the carpal tunnel zone is avoided.

Problems solved by technology

Discomfort and hand fatigue occurs with repetitive use of handles for tools with hinges based on the lever system.

However, the repetitive use of such tools can result in disability for workers.

The pressure produced in that area of the palm can cause discomfort and pain.

Also such pressure on the TCL can limit the effectiveness and accuracy of a in the measurement of grip strength, such as when the wrist is injured.

However, tools generally based on a triangular levered system typically may not comfortable.

Images