Hand tool apparatus with ergonomic handle

Abstract

A hand tool apparatus is disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, a handle portion provides opposing handle ends. At least one of the handle ends provides a ferrule and an axially aligned vibrational shaft, which cooperate to define an internal receiver channel configured for receiving a shank of an instrument portion therewithin. A central core is positioned between and engaged with the handle ends. A grip layer encases the handle portion while leaving the ferrule unobstructed. During use, with a side pad of a user's middle finger in contact with the ferrule and each of the user's thumb and index finger in contact with the grip layer, vibrations from a working end of the instrument portion are transmitted to the user's middle finger, while the user's thumb and index finger are protected from said vibrations, allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand.

Description

HAND TOOL APPARATUS WITH ERGONOMIC HANDLERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority and is entitled to the filing date of U.S. provisional application serial number 63 / 645,888, filed on May 12, 2024. The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject of this patent application relates generally to hand tools, and more particularly to a hand tool apparatus having an ergonomic handle.

[0003] Applicant hereby incorporates herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application.

[0004] By way of background, development of musculoskeletal disorders ("MSDs") is a significant, well-documented problem in the profession of dentistry and dental hygiene with 64%- 92% of users experiencing pain. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 1998, dental hygienists rank first amongst all occupations in the U.S. for the highest number of carpal tunnel syndrome cases per 1 ,000 employees, particularly due to multiple forms of instrumentation fatigue and trauma, which affects treatment quality, efficacy, and a hygienist's ability to work a full day / week. The adverse consequences of existing instrument design on the anatomy of the hand, wrist, and forearm include conditions such as arthritis, tenosynovitis, and trigger finger. Individuals with a joint hyperlaxity condition in their fingers will have difficulty grasping an instrument without having the thumb or index finger collapse or hyperextend on the instrument. Ulnar nerve neuropathy or dysfunction, tendonitis, and thoracic outlet syndrome are additional musculoskeletal injuries commonly seen in dental care providers. With hands being the most important asset of oral health care providers ("OHCP"), maintaining proper and optimal ergonomic practices is crucial to career longevity, treatment efficacy, and user health.

[0005] Throughout their training, dental users are taught how to best fit their hands and fingers to rigid dental tools whose shape is not adapted to the actual anatomy of the hands and fingers. Each finger pad has a specific placement on the instrument for optimal performance. The need to maintain non-anatomical and non-ergonomic positions over long periods of repetitive, high- force and precise instrumentation may well be an important contributor to musculoskeletal discomfort and injury in these users. In the past, users have been forced to work with instruments regardless of their hand size. Unlike gloves which come in varying sizes from extra small to extra-large, instruments are one size fits all regardless of the diverse work force including differing genders, finger length, palm size and more. Ideally, Instruments should come in different sizes to ensure proper fit to the hand including where their fingertips rest on the functional shank & handle, and where the handle rests against the index finger. It is the precise placement of fingertip placement on the instrument that will dictate the success of instrumentation techniques.

[0006] Fundamentals of scaling and root debridement are broken down into components such as grasp, fulcrum, blade adaptation, angulation, and stroke. Each component of this intricate task works collectively to achieve optimal function and efficacy during the instrumentation process. The modified pen grasp involves specific finger positioning. This grasp is much more intricate than the way a pen is held. The thumb and index finger should be positioned opposite one another, allowing for control, balance, and rolling of the instrument handle. The side of the middle finger pad is placed on the shank where it exits the handle to feel or receive vibrations transmitted from the working end while the ring finger functions to stabilize and support hand control and improve strength during instrumentation. The pad of the ring finger also functions for fulcrum placement allowing for pivoting and rotation during stroke initiation and contributing to overall control during instrumentation. The index, middle, and ring fingers should be kept in contact during a modified pen grasp to provide increased stability and strength. Other grasps such as the inverted pen, palm, and thumb and modified palm and thumb grasps all require some level of force transfer onto the rigid instrument handle.

[0007] Despite recommendations by instrumentation experts to avoid doing so, dental users often split their fulcrum fingers, or veer from the adopted techniques of their grasp, to improve access or achieve acceptable blade to tooth angulation of sixty to eighty degrees in hard to reach areas of the mouth, and to attempt to overcome the rigidity, shape, and geometry of instrument handles. This increases their risk for developing a work-related MSD. Splitting the fourth finger from the middle finger or allowing the joint of the index finger or thumb to collapse weakens the ability to apply adequate lateral pressure to the tooth surface, compromising the ability to remove calcified deposits efficiently and completely from the surfaces of a tooth. Additionally, such mal- positioning may cause an instrument to become unbalanced in the hand, increasing the amount of muscle tension required to keep the curette balanced and positioned with the terminal shank parallel to the long axis of the tooth and the functional shank centered over the toe of the blade.

[0008] Each part of a curette or other dental instrument plays a specific role in the overall desired clinical effect. Studies show that weight distribution, diameter, cold, and rigid instrument handle materials have a direct effect on pain experiences in fingers, hand, arm, and shoulder. An incorrect grasp on a rigid, non-formable curette handle may lead to the finger pads lifting off the instrument and difficulty controlling it. When engaging a working stroke, the instrument handleshould be balanced between the anterior digital region of the index finger and the dorsal first inter-digital space of the hand allowing for stabilization of the instrument.

[0009] Successful instrumentation techniques depend on the precise adaptation of the blade to the tooth. Site-specific periodontal curettes have a variety of shank designs for this very reason. For optimal outcomes, and for most instruments, it is recommended that the terminal shank generally be positioned parallel to the long axis of the tooth. With this, the face of the blade is offset at approximately 60-70 degrees for optimal performance against the tooth. While this vertical positioning of the terminal shank is consistently taught as proper adaptation, achieving this angle is not always possible. Many anatomical variations and conditions, including small mouths, large teeth, tooth or occlusal mal-positioning, and patients with restricted opening capabilities making obtaining this ideal blade to tooth adaptation a significant challenge. Activation of the curette blade at an angle less than 60 degrees leads to incomplete removal of calculi and the potential of burnishing deposits into the tooth surface instead of removing them. Activation of the blade at an angle greater than 80 degrees can inflict undue trauma to the adjacent soft tissues. Other dental and surgical instruments can present challenges with proper adaptation, accessibility, and ergonomics as well.

[0010] In an attempt to achieve proper angulation of the instrument or curette blade on the tooth under clinical conditions with poor accessibility, the user may compromise their fulcrum, grasp, wrist, shoulder, or neck positioning to achieve proper adaptation. A neutral wrist position, where the wrist aligns with the forearm, is essential for maintaining proper ergonomic function and minimizing musculoskeletal strain; but in challenges as mentioned above, the user may need to deviate from this neutral posture by hyperflexion or hyperextension of the wrist to gain access to hard to reach areas. Bending the hand at the wrist during instrumentation may lead to compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. It is this repeated pressure on the median nerve that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, causing numbness, and tingling in the fingers and / or weakness in the lower arm or wrist. Tendinitis may result when the tendons of the wrist become inflamed due to extending the hand up or down at the wrist repeatedly. Twisting the hand, grasping instruments too tightly, and bending the hand back or to the left or right may cause the tendons on the side of the wrist and the base of the thumb to become inflamed, leading to tenosynovitis. Improper ergonomics have also been associated with the development of thoracic outlet syndrome, bursitis, extensive wad strain, and disc herniation as well.

[0011] During instrumentation, the wrist must be kept neutral - i.e., neither bent upwards (extended) nor downwards (flexed), but rather straight or slightly bent in a way that keeps the hand aligned with the forearm - as pictured in Fig. 1 , to prevent musculoskeletal injury during stroke engagement and activation. Fig. 1 demonstrates a proper neutral wrist position and properblade to tooth adaptation; however, again, various patient anatomical and clinical conditions may present challenges to achieving and maintaining such positions during instrumentation, as discussed above.

[0012] Handles with lighter weight lessen fatigue. The diameter of curette handles varies widely, typically measuring between 9 mm to 15 mm. Instruments with small diameter handles increase muscle activity and the force needed to hold the instrument (pinch force), which over time can lead to premature fatigue and injuries. There is a limited effect of handle diameter, with handles larger than 15 mm having no additional benefits in reducing muscle activity. Therefore, simply increasing instrument handle diameter alone is not a solution to all of the above-mentioned problems.

[0013] With all of that said, there remains a need for manual or hand-held instruments that are capable of reducing muscle activity by adjustably molding to the shape of the user's hand, based on where and in which direction force is to be applied with the hand tool, thereby which, in turn, reduces user fatigue, discomfort, muscle work, and injury, and encourages proper hand tool positioning. There currently exits no feature that allows the user to shift and spread the weight of the instrument, modify its center of gravity and fulcrum more favorably, and redistribute and spread the instrumentation forces more favorably to reduce the muscle engagement and activity required to hold the handle upright, to perform clinical tasks and to keep the entire instrument in the ideal configuration. Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary.

[0014] It should be noted that the above background description includes information that may be useful in understanding aspects of the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.SUMMARY

[0015] Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

[0016] The present invention solves the problems described above by providing a hand tool apparatus having an ergonomic handle. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an elongate handle portion and an at least one instrument portion providing a working end and an elongate shank. The handle portion provides a rigid first handle end and an opposing rigid second handle end. At least one of the first and second handle ends provides a tool receiver that includes a ferrule positioned and configured for contacting a side pad of a middle finger of a hand of a userduring use of the apparatus, and an elongate vibrational shaft in axial alignment with the ferrule, a distal end of the vibrational shaft engaged with a proximal end of the ferrule. A proximal end of the vibrational shaft provides a proximal shaft section, and the distal end of the vibrational shaft provides a distal shaft section. The ferrule and vibrational shaft cooperate to define an internal receiver channel axially extending through each of the ferrule and vibrational shaft, between a distal end of the ferrule and the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft, the receiver channel configured for receiving the shank of the at least one instrument portion therewithin, such that the shank extends through the ferrule, and further extends a distance into the vibrational shaft, thereby enhancing stability and strength of the at least one instrument portion while also placing the ferrule and vibrational shaft in vibrational communication with the at least one instrument portion. A central core is positioned between and engaged with each of the opposing first and second handle ends. A resilient, deformable grip layer encases the vibrational shaft of at least one of the first and second handle ends along with the core, leaving the ferrule of at least one of the first and second handle ends unobstructed. During use of the apparatus, with the side pad of the user’s middle finger in contact with the ferrule and each of a thumb and index finger of the user’s hand in contact with the grip layer, vibrations from the working end of the at least one instrument portion are transmitted to the side pad of the user’s middle finger via the ferrule, while the user’s thumb and index finger are protected from said vibrations by the grip layer, thereby allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand.

[0017] Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a prior art dental curette;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary hand tool apparatus, in the form of a dental curette, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 is a further perspective view thereof, with a grip portion of the apparatus partially cut away for illustrative purposes;

[0022] Figure 4 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view thereof, with the grip portion omitted for illustrative purposes; and

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary hand tool apparatus in use, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0024] The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Turning now to Figs. 2 and 3, there are shown perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a hand tool apparatus 20 having an elongate, ergonomic handle portion 22, with the apparatus 20 being configured as a dental curette in this particular embodiment. At the outset, it should be noted that while the apparatus 20 is depicted as a dental curette in the accompanying drawing figures for illustrative purposes, in further embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured as any other type of hand tool, now known or later developed, for virtually any industry where the need for such an ergonomic handle portion 22 exists. For example, the apparatus 20 may have other non-dental uses, such as in medical, veterinary, cutlery, brushes, etc. As more specific examples, the apparatus 20 may include laryngeal mirror, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, etc. Thus, the present invention should in no way be limited to the dental curette context, nor even to the dental industry.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the handle portion 22 of the apparatus 20 is encased within a resilient, deformable grip layer 24 to allow for standard precautions of infection control practices (at least where the apparatus 20 is configured for use in such scenarios), configured in such a way as to avoid penetration or collection of infectious and other materials. In at least one embodiment, the grip layer 24 extends an entire length of the handle portion 22. In at least one alternate embodiment, the grip layer 24 extends less than the entire length of the handle portion 22. In at least one embodiment, the grip layer 24 is constructed out of a material (or combination of materials) that is relatively soft, lightweight, and thermally insulated in order to increase comfort and reduce muscle activity in a hand H of a user during use of the apparatus 20, while also preserving manual dexterity and reducing symptoms of nerve impairment that is linked to the low temperatures of direct finger-to-steel contact. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, where the apparatus 20 is configured as a hand H tool that is to be used on or near human tissue, the griplayer 24 is constructed out of a material that is compatible with human tissue and body fluids, with said material being odorless, tasteless, and capable of preventing bacteria growth thereon (i.e., having antimicrobial properties). Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the grip layer 24 is constructed out of a material (or combination of materials) that is capable of withstanding repeated heat sterilization. In at least one such embodiment, the grip layer 24 is constructed out of a silicone, such as a silicone having a shore hardness of -35-70 + / - 5 on the Shore A scale, for example. In further embodiments, the grip layer 24 is constructed out of a rubber / elastomer, or a plastic material. In still further embodiments, the grip layer 24 may be constructed out of any other materials (or combinations of materials), now known or later developed, that are capable of allowing the grip layer 24 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the grip layer 24 is constructed as an elongate, substantially cylindrical-shaped structure. In further embodiments, the grip layer 24 may be constructed as any other shapes (and having any other dimensions), now known or later developed, that are capable of allowing the grip layer 24 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, an outer surface 26 of the grip layer 24 may be textured - such as providing a plurality of longitudinally oriented ridges or ribs, for example - for improving grip and increasing surface area contact of the fingertips of the user.

[0027] With continued reference to Figs. 2 and 3, in at least one embodiment, the handle portion 22 terminates with a pair of opposing, relatively rigid handle ends 28. In at least one such embodiment, at least one of the handle ends 28 provides an instrument portion 30. In that regard, again, while a working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 is depicted as a dental curette in the accompanying drawing figures for illustrative purposes, in further embodiments, the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 may take on any other type of hand tool configuration, now known or later developed. For example, where the apparatus 20 is used in a dental context, the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 may be further configured as a mirror, a periodontal curette, a surgical curette, an elevator, a micro surgery or carving instruments bone file, an excavator, a root tip pick, extraction forceps, an endodontic instrument, a cavity preparation instrument, a brush, etc. In still further embodiments, the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 may take on any other type of hand tool configuration, now known or later developed, for virtually any industry where the need for such an ergonomic hand tool apparatus 20 exists. Thus, again, the present invention should in no way be limited to the dental curette context, nor even tothe dental industry. In at least one further embodiment, both handle ends 28 provide an instrument portion 30 - either the same type of instrument portion 30 or different types of instrument portions 30.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the instrument portion 30 is integral with, or otherwise permanently engaged with, the corresponding handle end 28. In at least one alternate embodiment, the instrument portion 30 is removably engaged with the corresponding handle end28. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated best in Figs. 3 and 4, the corresponding handle end 28 provides a tool receiver 34 configured for receiving (either removably or permanently) a shank 36 of the instrument portion 30. In at least one such embodiment, the tool receiver 34 is constructed out of a material (or combination of materials) - such as a relatively lightweight aluminum, stainless steel, polycarbonate, resin or plastic, for example - that is capable of conducting any vibrations to the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30, thereby allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand H via the handle portion 22, as discussed further below. Traditional silicone covered instruments are often criticized for dampening tactile feedback even though they may provide improved comfort when compared to those constructed of metal. Studies have shown that tactile feedback is more important than visual feedback in many contexts. For example, in the dental context, the majority of periodontal debridement of deposits is performed subgingival or below the gumline where the user lacks visibility. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the tool receiver 34 enables the apparatus 20 to maintain a sufficient amount of rigidity at the shank 36 so as to allow the user to utilize the instrument portion 30 in an ergonomic yet effective manner. In further embodiments, the tool receiver 34 may be constructed out of any other materials (or combinations of materials), now known or later developed, that are capable of allowing the tool receiver 34 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the tool receiver 34 provides a vibrational shaft 38 which is substantially encased within the grip layer 24 and a ferrule 40 engaged with a distal end 42 of the vibrational shaft 38, in axial alignment with the vibrational shaft 38, and positioned outside of the grip layer 24 (i.e., not encased within the grip layer 24). In such embodiments, with the vibrational shaft 38 substantially encased within the grip layer 24, the interface between the vibrational shaft 38 and the ferrule 40 is sealed off so as to better prevent any collection of potentially infectious materials at said interface and to permit routine sterilization of the apparatus 20. In at least one such further embodiment, the handle portion 22 incorporates a low-profile ring made of metal or silicon / rubber or other materials that overlays and seals the joint between the grip layer 24 and the ferrule 40 to prevent access of infective matter into the handle portion 22 through said joint. In at least one embodiment, the vibrational shaft 38 and ferrule 40 are constructed as a unitary piece, while in alternate embodiments, the vibrational shaft 38 and ferrule 40 are constructed as separate components that are subsequently engaged with one another using any mechanism or technique now known or later developed. In at least one such alternate embodiment, the vibrational shaft 38 is engaged with the ferrule 40 via a mechanism such as but not limited to a press joint. In at least one embodiment, a proximal end 44 of the vibrational shaft 38 provides a proximal shaft section 46, while the distal end 42 of the vibrational shaft 38 provides a distal shaft section 48. In at least one embodiment, an outer surface 26 of one or both of the proximal shaftsection 46 and distal shaft section 48 is textured for increasing surface area contact between the vibrational shaft 38 and the grip layer 24, while also facilitating the transmission of working forces.

[0030] In a least one embodiment, as best illustrated in Fig. 4, the ferrule 40 has a length L1 of approximately 0.3 - 20 millimeters and is configured for contacting a side pad S of a middle finger M of the user’s hand H while the user performs instrumentation using the apparatus 20, in order to transmit vibrations to the side pad S of the middle finger M, which (in the dental curette context, for example) helps the user determine the end point of deposit removal while allowing the user’s thumb T and index finger I to remain on grip layer 24 to dampen vibrations and protect the user’s thumb T and index finger I from cold temperatures that may be transmitted via the metal ferrule 40. In further embodiments, the ferrule 40 may have a length L1 that is less than 0.3 millimeters or greater than 20 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the ferrule 40 has an outer diameter D1 of approximately 5 - 15 millimeters. In further embodiments, the ferrule 40 may have an D1 outer diameter that is less than 5 millimeters or greater than 15 millimeters.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the distal shaft section 48 of the vibrational shaft 38 has an outer diameter D2 of approximately 3 - 10 millimeters. In further embodiments, the distal shaft section 48 of the vibrational shaft 38 may have an outer diameter D2 that is less than 3 millimeters or greater than 10 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the proximal shaft section 46 of the vibrational shaft 38 has an outer diameter D3 of approximately 4.5 - 8 millimeters. In further embodiments, the proximal shaft section 46 of the vibrational shaft 38 may have an outer diameter D3 that is less than 4.5 millimeters or greater than 8 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30 has an outer diameter D4 of approximately 4 - 8 millimeters. In further embodiments, the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30 may have an outer diameter D4 that is less than 4 millimeters or greater than 8 millimeters. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the outer diameter D2 of the distal shaft section 48 is less than the outer diameter D1 of the ferrule 40, thereby forming a ferrule interface shoulder 50 between the distal shaft section 48 of the vibrational shaft 38 and a proximal end 52 of the ferrule 40, which accommodates a thickness of the grip layer 24 overtop of the distal shaft section 48. In at least one such embodiment, the outer diameter D1 of the ferrule 40 is approximately 0.5 - 4 millimeters greater than the outer diameter D2 of the distal shaft section 48. In further embodiments, the difference between the outer diameter D1 of the ferrule 40 and the outer diameter D2 of the distal shaft section 48 is less than 0.5 millimeters or greater than 4 millimeters. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the outer diameter D3 of the proximal shaft section 46 is less than the outer diameter D2 of the distal shaft section 48, thereby forming a shaft interface shoulder 54 between the proximal shaft section 46 and the distal shaft section 48, which accommodates an increased thickness of the grip layer 24 overtop of the proximal shaft section 46. In at least one such embodiment, the outer diameter D2 of the distal shaft section 48 is approximately 0.5 - 4millimeters greater than the outer diameter D3 of the proximal shaft section 46. In further embodiments, the difference between the outer diameter D2 of the distal shaft section 48 and the outer diameter D3 of the proximal shaft section 46 is less than 0.5 millimeters or greater than 4 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the grip layer 24 positioned overtop of the proximal shaft section 46 has an overall thickness of approximately 2.5 - 4 millimeters. In further embodiments, that section of the grip layer 24 may have an overall thickness that is less than 2.5 millimeters or greater than 4 millimeters. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the grip layer 24 positioned overtop of the distal shaft section 48 has an overall thickness of approximately 1 .5 - 2.5 millimeters. In further embodiments, that section of the grip layer 24 may have an overall thickness that is less than 1.5 millimeters or greater than 2.5 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the above-described configuration of the vibrational shaft 38 and ferrule 40 allows the apparatus 20 to transfer instrumentation-related vibrations from the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 to the side pad S of the user’s middle finger M, thereby permitting effective tactile feedback, and allowing the user to gauge the status of deposit removal (at least where the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 is configured as a dental curette). This configuration also adds structural reinforcement to the apparatus 20 and amplifies working forces applied by the user onto the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 by increasing the distance (and hence the lever function) of the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 from a fulcrum of the apparatus 20 at the site of the user’s modified pen grip of the apparatus 20, as illustrated in Fig. 5. This novel design feature also serves to improve the tactile transfer, perceptive sensitivity, and feedback from the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 to the side pad S of the middle finger M of the user’s hand H by providing a larger surface area of contact between the side pad S of the middle finger M and the apparatus 20.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, an outer surface 26 of the ferrule 40 is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the outer surface 26 of the ferrule 40 may be tapered or curved so as to complement the outer surface 26 of the grip layer 24 and to allow optimization of handle portion 22 size at the site of the modified pen grip of the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the ferrule 40 may either be raised up, or lower than, or flush with the outer surface 26 of the grip layer 24. By configuring the ferrule 40 to define and parallel an ideal shape of the grip layer 24, the thickness of the grip layer 24 can be optimized to provide adequate warmth, or protection from cold, and cushioning without undue loss of instrumentation forces and damping of the vibrational feedback during use of the apparatus 20 that could be caused by the grip layer 24 being too thick. Also, in at least one embodiment, the ferrule 40 ensures a rigid, strong and stable connector between the working end 32 of the instrument portion 30 and the handle portion 22, which is important to ensure direct and full transfer of instrumentation forces to the target tissues. In still further embodiments, the ferrule 40 may take on any other sizes, shapes or dimensions, now known or later developed - dependent, at least in part, on the specifictype of hand tool that the apparatus 20 is configured as, as well as the specific procedure to be performed using the apparatus 20 - in order to optimize grip, ergonomics, reach and any other clinical requirements for a given use case, so long as the apparatus 20 is substantially capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the outer surface 26 of one or both of the proximal shaft section 46 and distal shaft section 48 is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the outer surface 26 of one or both of the proximal shaft section 46 and distal shaft section 48 may be tapered or have a different shape, such as square, rectangular, or octagonal, for example. In still further embodiments, one or both of the proximal shaft section 46 and distal shaft section 48 may take on any other sizes, shapes or dimensions, now known or later developed - dependent, at least in part, on the specific type of hand tool that the apparatus 20 is configured as, as well as the specific procedure to be performed using the apparatus 20 - in order to optimize grip, ergonomics, reach and any other clinical requirements for a given use case, so long as the apparatus 20 is substantially capable of carrying out the functionality described herein.

[0033] As noted above, in at least one embodiment, the tool receiver 34 is configured for receiving (either removably or permanently) the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30. In at least one such embodiment, a distal end 56 of the ferrule 40 is configured for receiving (either removably or permanently) the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30, such that the shank 36 extends through the ferrule 40, and further extends a distance into the vibrational shaft 38, such that each of the ferrule 40 and vibrational shaft 38 are in vibrational communication with the instrument portion 30 - i.e., vibrational forces experienced by the instrument portion 30, during use of the apparatus 20, are capable of travelling through each of the ferrule 40 and vibrational shaft 38. Thus, in such embodiments, the ferrule 40 and vibrational shaft 38 cooperate to form a mechanical extension of the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30 that extends relatively deeper into the handle portion 22 than prior art instrument shanks, which enhances stability and strength of the apparatus 20, thereby increasing robustness at the grip layer 24 where powerful forces can be exerted during instrumentation of the apparatus 20 - for example, in the dental context, when the apparatus 20 is used to remove calcified deposits, cementum, or dentin. In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in Fig. 4, the ferrule 40 and the vibrational shaft 38 cooperate to define an internal receiver channel 58 axially extending through each of the ferrule 40 and vibrational shaft 38, between the distal end 56 of the ferrule 40 and a proximal end 60 of the proximal shaft section 46 of the vibrational shaft 38, and configured for receiving the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30 therewithin. In at least one embodiment, the receiver channel 58 has an inner diameter D5 that approximates the outer diameter D4 of the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30, so as to create a frictional fit between the receiver channel 58 and the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the handle portion 22 further provides a central core 62 positioned between the opposing handle ends 28 and engaged with the proximal end 60 of the proximal shaft section 46 of the vibrational shaft 38 of the at least one instrument portion 30. In at least one embodiment, the core 62 is positioned within the receiver channel 58 at the proximal end 60 of the proximal shaft section 46 of the vibrational shaft 38. In at least one such embodiment, the receiver channel 58 has a slightly larger inner diameter D5 at the proximal end 60 of the proximal shaft section 46 of the vibrational shaft 38 that approximates an outer diameter D6 of the core 62, so as to create a frictional fit between the receiver channel 58 and the core 62. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the core 62 defines an internal core channel 64 axially extending through the core 62 and configured for receiving a terminal end 70 of the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30 therewithin at the distal end 68 of the core 62. In at least one embodiment, the core channel 64 has an inner diameter D7 that approximates the outer diameter D4 of the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30, so as to create a frictional fit between the core channel 64 and the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30. In at least one alternate embodiment, the terminal end 70 of the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30 is not positioned within the core channel 64 of the core 62, but instead comes into abutting contact with the distal end 68 of the core 62. In at least one such alternate embodiment, the outer diameter D6 of the core 62 is substantially the same as the outer diameter D4 of the shank 36 of the instrument portion 30, such that the inner diameter D7 of the receiver channel 58 is substantially uniform.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the core 62 is an elongate, rigid (i.e., non-bendable) structure. In at least one such embodiment, the core is an extension of the vibrational shaft 38 of the tool receiver 34. In at least one alternate embodiment, as best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the core 62 is selectively adaptive, bendable or flexible (hereinafter generally referred to as “adaptive” for simplicity purposes). In at least one such embodiment, the core 62 is capable of being selectively bendable into a variety of desired shape configurations, and substantially maintaining those shape configurations, in order for the handle portion 22 to ergonomically conform to the user’s hand H during use of the apparatus 20 (as illustrated in Fig. 5, for example), while also strategically shifting the weight and distributing the instrumentation forces more favorably of the apparatus 20, regardless of the specific type of hand tool that the apparatus 20 is configured as, and regardless of the specific procedure to be performed using the apparatus 20 (including where and in which direction force is to be applied with the apparatus 20). As a result, the ergonomic configurability along with the selective weight and force shifting of the apparatus 20 allows for the engagement of relatively larger muscle groups in the user's arm in lieu of wrist and / or finger action. Furthermore, utilization of such larger muscle groups facilitates more power while also making the user less susceptible to MSD injury. Moreover, weight and instrumentation forces are spread over the larger surface area of the index finger I and back of the hand H, with theinstrumentation fulcrum repositioned from the grip point to the side and back of the index fingerI.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the core 62 configuration and materials of construction are similar to that of the core disclosed in Applicant’s US Patent No. 1 1 ,612,466, the details of which are incorporated herein by reference. In at least one such embodiment, the core 62 is constructed out of a material (or combination of materials) that is capable of withstanding repeated heat sterilization and does not fatigue through being repeatedly bent or molded into a number of different shape configurations over time. In at least one such embodiment, the core 62 is constructed out of an annealed stainless alloy, such as a 316LVM 0.064 annealed stainless alloy, a 316LVM .072 super annealed stainlessalloy, or a MP35N stainless alloy, for example. In further embodiments, the core 62 may be constructed out of any other materials (or combinations of materials), now known or later developed, that are capable of allowing the core 62 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein - for example, carbon fiber, high carbon stainless steel, stainless steel, brass, stainless steel alloys, cobalt alloys, titanium alloys, nickel-titanium, Nickel-titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium, and cobalt- chromium alloys. In at least one embodiment, the core 62 is constructed as either a single wire-shaped structure or a multistranded wire-shaped structure. In at least one further embodiment, the core 62 is constructed as a coil-shaped structure. In at least one such further embodiment, the core 62 comprises at least two strands in a multi-stranded wire-shaped structure in the form of a coil-shaped structure. In still further embodiments, the core 62 may be configured as any other shapes (and having any other dimensions), now known or later developed, that are capable of allowing the core 62 to substantially carry out the functionality described herein. Again, in such embodiments, not only is the core 62 capable of being selectively bendable into a variety of desiredshape configurations, but it is also capable of substantially maintaining those shape configurations during use of the apparatus 20 - even where lateral pressure is applied to the apparatus 20 while the user is performing a particular procedure - until the user intentionally bends the core 62 into adifferent desired shape configuration. In at least one embodiment, the core 62 is sized and configured for being selectively bent and re-shaped single-handedly (i.e., using only one of the user's hands H) for ease of use.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, with continued reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the core 62 is comprised of two or more separate adaptive core sections 72 linearly interconnected by an at least one relatively rigid connector 74. In at least one embodiment, the core sections 72 may have different lengths and / or different degrees of flexibility / resistance based on the respective materials of construction and configuration of each of the core sections 72. In at least one alternate embodiment, the core sections 72 may have the same length and degree of flexibility / resistance. In at least one embodiment, the core 62 is comprised of two separateadaptive core sections 72 linearly interconnected with a relatively rigid connector 74, such that the connector 74 is positioned substantially at a longitudinal midpoint of the handle portion 22 so as to contact a lateral portion of the user's index finger I, between the first two knuckles of the index finger I, as illustrated in Fig. 5, while the user performs instrumentation using the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the connector 74 defines an internal connector channel 76 axially extending through the connector 74, between a first end 78 of the connector 74 and an opposing second end 80 of the connector 74, and configured for receiving a proximal end 66 of each of the core sections 72 therewithin. In at least one such embodiment, the proximal end 66 of a first one of the core sections 72 is positioned within the connector channel 76 at the first end 78 of the connector 74, while the proximal end 66 of a second one of the core sections 72 is positioned within the connector channel 76 at the second end 80 of the connector 74. In at least one embodiment, the connector channel 76 has an inner diameter D8 that approximates the outer diameter D6 of the core sections 72, so as to create a frictional fit between the connector channel 76 and the core sections 72.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, an outer surface of the connector 74 is shaped so as to define a circumferential 360-degree concavity 82 sized and configured to complement the size and shape of a lateral portion of the user’s index finger I, so as to cup or hug the lateral portion of the user’s index finger I. Additionally, in at least one such embodiment, the grip layer provides a similarly shaped and positioned circumferential 360-degree concavity, positioned overtop of the connector 74, sized and configured to complement the size and shape of the lateral portion of the user’s index finger I. This concavity design, positioned substantially at a longitudinal midpoint of the handle portion 22, further assists to secure and support the bendable core sections 72 of the handle portion 22, allowing at least one of the core sections 72 to be bent over the side of the index finger I so as to rest on a back of the user’s hand H and keep the handle portion 22 from slipping from its desired position relative to the user’s hand H. This functional concavity 82 also reduces muscle work during use of the apparatus 20 by maintaining the apparatus 20 in its optimal position (maintaining stability) and carrying some of the instrument weight (providing support), thus reducing the stability and weight components of the pinch and grip forces used during instrumentation. This design redistributes the weight of the apparatus 20 over a larger surface area, transferring some muscular and instrumentation load from the small muscles of the fingers to the larger muscles and broader surface of the dorsal hand H. In a conventional rigid dental hand instrument, the small muscles of the fingers are affected by three different types of forces - instrument weight, instrument grasp / positioning / stabilization, and instrumentation - and it is these considerable stressors that add considerably to the risk of MSDs, RSIs, etc. The design of the apparatus 20 moves instrument weight from the fingers onto the back of the user’s hand H, reducing strain on the small muscles of the fingers. In other words, the user does not have to grip and pinch the apparatus 20 as tightly when the concavity 82 conforms to the index finger I.Moreover, by aligning the handle portion 22 shape closely with that of the hand H, the instrumentation movement changes from finger-muscle-based movements to larger movements of the entire hand H. This also serves to reduce stressors on the fingers. Finally, when the handle portion 22 is bent across the index finger I and back of the user’s hand H, the apparatus 20 is automatically stabilized and held in place, further reducing stress on the small muscles of the fingers. In other words, the concavity 82 of the connector 74 also ensures that the handle portion 22 maintains its ideal position between the first two knuckles of the index finger I and does not slip down towards the purlicue of the user’s hand H (i.e., the space between the thumb T and index finger I). Use of such a design has been found to require 30-50% less muscle work during instrumentation, and provide 20-50% greater comfort and less fatigue as compared to using a conventional rigid tool. The novel design of the apparatus 20 is also fully functional in non- adaptive (i.e., straight, rigid) configurations.

[0039] These design features reduce overall muscle work during instrumentation or other activities that involve gripping and or pinching the apparatus 20. The proposed design changes the mechanics of scaling, instrumentation or other activities that involve gripping the apparatus 20, shifting work patterns from utilization of smaller, finger-muscle-based movements (for example to initiate a stroke during dental scaling) to working movements that involve the larger muscles and anatomy of the forearm & upper arm. This customized design takes the features needed to conform the handle portion 22 to fit the hand H the of the user far beyond any known prior art designs. This uniquely selectively adaptive core 62 with strategically located rigid, bendable and indentation components provides rigidity and adaptability tailored to the exact location where they are most beneficial.

[0040] As mentioned above, in at least one embodiment, both handle ends 28 provide an instrument portion 30 - either the same type of instrument portion 30 or different types of instrument portions 30. In at least one such embodiment, as best illustrated in Fig. 3, a distal end 68 of a first one of the core sections 72 is engaged with the vibrational shaft 38 of a first one of the handle ends 28, while a distal end 68 of a second one of the core sections 72 is engaged with the vibrational shaft 38 of a second one of the handle ends 28, with the proximal end 66 of each of the core sections 72 being engaged with the connector 74, thereby linearly interconnecting the core sections 72. In at least one alternate embodiment, the handle portion 22 may also simply terminate at the adaptive core 62 and not include a second instrument portion 30 as described with respect to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the apparatus 20 is not limited to a double- ended tool, but includes single ended tools as well.

[0041] As mentioned above, the particular sizes, shapes and dimensions of the various components of the apparatus 20 described above and depicted in the accompanying drawingsare merely exemplary. In practice, these components may take on any other size, shape or dimensions, now known or later developed - dependent, at least in part, on the specific type of hand tool that the apparatus 20 is configured as, as well as the specific procedure to be performed using the apparatus 20 - in order to optimize grip, ergonomics, reach and any other clinical requirements for a given use case. As a result, the apparatus 20 is capable of adjustably molding to the shape of the user’s hand H (regardless of the size of the user’s hand H), based on where and in which direction force is to be applied with the instrument portion 30, thereby strategically shifting the weight of the apparatus 20 and reducing the amount of muscle engagement and pinch force required to operate the instrument portion 30 which, in turn, reduces user fatigue, discomfort and injury (that are often caused by the grip and force transfer limitations of traditional, relatively rigid hand tool handles), and encourages proper positioning of the instrument portion 30. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the capacity for selective shaping of the apparatus 20 (by virtue of the selective bendability of the handle portion 22) allows for better visual access into an operating site (i.e., the location in which the instrument portion 30 is being used) - such as a mouth of a patient, for example - while also permitting non-linear universal access into the operating site. As a result, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is capable of maximizing the access, functionality, effectiveness and reach of the instrument portion 30 while improving ergonomics and reducing muscle fatigue. Thus, in at least one such embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides a solution for instrumentation on patients who have a limited opening, such as pediatrics, trismus, arthritic temporomandibular joints, and any other systemic conditions that may affect the patient's ability to open their mouth widely.

[0042] Aspects of the present specification may also be described as the following embodiments:

[0043] 1 . A hand tool apparatus comprising: an at least one instrument portion providing a working end and an elongate shank; and an elongate handle portion comprising: a rigid first handle end; an opposing rigid second handle end; at least one of the first and second handle ends providing a tool receiver comprising: a ferrule positioned and configured for contacting a side pad of a middle finger of a hand of a user during use of the apparatus; an elongate vibrational shaft in axial alignment with the ferrule, a distal end of the vibrational shaft engaged with a proximal end of the ferrule; a proximal end of the vibrational shaft providing a proximal shaft section, and the distal end of the vibrational shaft providing a distal shaft section; and the ferrule and vibrational shaft cooperating to define an internal receiver channel axially extending through each of the ferrule and vibrational shaft, between a distal end of the ferrule and the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft, the receiver channel configured for receiving the shank of the at least one instrument portion therewithin, such that the shank extends through the ferrule, and further extends a distance into the vibrational shaft, thereby enhancing stability andstrength of the at least one instrument portion while also placing the ferrule and vibrational shaft in vibrational communication with the at least one instrument portion; a central core positioned between and engaged with each of the opposing first and second handle ends; and a resilient, deformable grip layer encasing the vibrational shaft of at least one of the first and second handle ends along with the core, leaving the ferrule of at least one of the first and second handle ends unobstructed; whereby, during use of the apparatus, with the side pad of the user’s middle finger in contact with the ferrule and each of a thumb and index finger of the user’s hand in contact with the grip layer, vibrations from the working end of the at least one instrument portion are transmitted to the side pad of the user’s middle finger via the ferrule, while the user’s thumb and index finger are protected from said vibrations by the grip layer, thereby allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand.

[0044] 2. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiment 1 , wherein the core extends a distance into the receiver channel at the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft.

[0045] 3. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1-2, wherein the receiver channel has an inner diameter that approximates an outer diameter of the core, so as to create a frictional fit between the receiver channel and the core.

[0046] 4. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -3, wherein the core defines an internal core channel axially extending through the core and configured for receiving a terminal end of the shank of the at least one instrument portion therewithin at a distal end of the core.

[0047] 5. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the core channel has an inner diameter that approximates an outer diameter of the shank of the at least one instrument portion, so as to create a frictional fit between the core channel and the shank of the at least one instrument portion.

[0048] 6. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -5, wherein the core is bendable and capable of being selectively bent into a variety of desired shape configurations, and substantially maintaining those shape configurations until the core is intentionally bent into a different desired shape configuration.

[0049] 7. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -6, wherein the core comprises two or more separate adaptive core sections linearly interconnected by an at least one relatively rigid connector.

[0050] 8. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -7, wherein: the core comprises two separate adaptive core sections linearly interconnected by a relatively rigidconnector, such that the connector is positioned substantially at a longitudinal midpoint of the handle portion so as to contact a lateral portion of the user’s index finger, between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the index finger, during use of the apparatus; whereby, during use of the apparatus, the handle portion is capable of adjustably and ergonomically conforming to a shape of the user’s hand, thereby transferring an amount of weight of the apparatus from the user’s fingers to the user’s hand which, in turn, reduces a requisite amount of muscle engagement and pinch force necessary to operate the at least one instrument portion.

[0051] 9. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -8, wherein the at least one connector defines an internal connector channel axially extending through the connector, between a first end of the connector and an opposing second end of the connector, and configured for receiving a proximal end of each of the core sections therewithin.

[0052] 10. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -9, wherein: the proximal end of a first one of the core sections is positioned within the connector channel at the first end of the connector; and the proximal end of a second one of the core sections is positioned within the connector channel at the second end of the connector.

[0053] 1 1 . The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -10, wherein the connector channel has an inner diameter that approximates the outer diameter of the core sections, so as to create a frictional fit between the connector channel and the core sections.

[0054] 12. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -1 1 , wherein: an outer surface of the connector is shaped so as to define a circumferential 360-degree concavity sized and configured to complement a size and shape of the lateral portion of the user’s index finger; and an outer surface of the grip layer, at a position that is substantially radially aligned with the connector, is also shaped so as to define a circumferential 360-degree concavity sized and configured to complement the size and shape of the lateral portion of the user’s index finger; whereby, the concavity of each of the connector and grip layer cooperate to further assist in maintaining a desired position of the handle portion relative to the user's hand, while also transferring an amount of weight of the apparatus from the user’s fingers to a back of the user’s hand, during use of the apparatus.

[0055] 13. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -12, wherein the grip layer is constructed out of an at least one material that is thermally insulated.

[0056] 14. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -13, wherein the grip layer is constructed out of an at least one material that is compatible with human tissue and body fluids, with said at least one material being odorless, tasteless and capable of preventing bacteria growth thereon.

[0057] 15. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -14, wherein the grip layer is constructed out of an at least one material that is capable of withstanding repeated heat sterilization.

[0058] 16. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -15, wherein the grip layer is constructed out of a silicone having a shore hardness of -35-70 + / - 5 on the Shore A scale.

[0059] 17. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -16, wherein an outer surface of the grip layer is textured for improving grip.

[0060] 18. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -17, wherein the tool receiver is constructed out of an at least one material that is capable of distributing any vibrations to the shank of the instrument portion.

[0061] 19. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -18, wherein the tool receiver is constructed out of at least one of a relatively lightweight aluminum, stainless steel, polycarbonate, resin or plastic.

[0062] 20. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -19, wherein the ferrule and vibrational shaft are constructed as a unitary piece.

[0063] 21 . The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -20, wherein an outer surface of one or both of the proximal shaft section and distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft is textured for increasing surface area contact between the vibrational shaft and the grip layer, while also facilitating the transmission of working forces during use of the apparatus.

[0064] 22. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -21 , wherein the ferrule has a length of approximately 0.3 - 20 millimeters.

[0065] 23. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -22, wherein the ferrule has a length that is less than 0.3 millimeters or greater than 20 millimeters.

[0066] 24. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -23, wherein the ferrule has an outer diameter of approximately 5 - 15 millimeters.

[0067] 25. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -24, wherein the ferrule has an outer diameter of less than 5 millimeters or greater than 15 millimeters.

[0068] 26. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -25, wherein the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter of approximately 3 - 10 millimeters.

[0069] 27. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -26, wherein the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter of less than 3 millimeters or greater than 10 millimeters.

[0070] 28. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -27, wherein the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter of approximately 4.5 - 8 millimeters.

[0071] 29. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -28, wherein the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter of less than 4.5 millimeters or greater than 8 millimeters.

[0072] 30. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -29, wherein the shank of the instrument portion has an outer diameter of approximately 4 - 8 millimeters.

[0073] 31 . The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -30, wherein the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter of less than 4 millimeters or greater than 8 millimeters.

[0074] 32. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -31 , wherein the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the ferrule, thereby forming a ferrule interface shoulder between the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft and the proximal end of the ferrule.

[0075] 33. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -32, wherein the outer diameter of the ferrule is approximately 0.5 - 4 millimeters greater than the outer diameter of the distal shaft section.

[0076] 34. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -33, wherein the difference between the outer diameter of the ferrule and the outer diameter of the distal shaft section is less than 0.5 millimeters or greater than 4 millimeters.

[0077] 35. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -34, wherein the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft, thereby forming a shaft interface shoulder between the proximal shaft section and the distal shaft section.

[0078] 36. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -35, wherein the outer diameter of the distal shaft section is approximately 0.5 - 4 millimeters greater than the outer diameter of the proximal shaft section.

[0079] 37. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -36, wherein the difference between the outer diameter of the distal shaft section and the outer diameter of the proximal shaft section is less than 0.5 millimeters or greater than 4 millimeters.

[0080] 38. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -37, wherein an outer surface of the ferrule is substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0081] 39. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -38, wherein an outer surface of one or both of the proximal shaft section and distal shaft section is substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0082] 40. The hand tool apparatus according to embodiments 1 -39, wherein the receiver channel has an inner diameter that approximates an outer diameter of the shank of the instrument portion, so as to create a frictional fit between the receiver channel and the shank of the instrument portion.

[0083] 41 . A hand tool apparatus comprising: an at least one instrument portion providing a working end and an elongate shank; and an elongate handle portion comprising: a rigid first handle end; an opposing rigid second handle end; at least one of the first and second handle ends providing a tool receiver comprising: a ferrule positioned and configured for contacting a side pad of a middle finger of a hand of a user during use of the apparatus; an elongate vibrational shaft in axial alignment with the ferrule, a distal end of the vibrational shaft engaged with a proximal end of the ferrule; a proximal end of the vibrational shaft providing a proximal shaft section, and the distal end of the vibrational shaft providing a distal shaft section; and the ferrule and vibrational shaft cooperating to define an internal receiver channel axially extending through each of the ferrule and vibrational shaft, between a distal end of the ferrule and the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft, the receiver channel configured for receiving the shank of the at least one instrument portion therewithin, such that the shank extends through the ferrule, and further extends a distance into the vibrational shaft, thereby enhancing stability and strength of the at least one instrument portion while also placing the ferrule and vibrational shaft in vibrational communication with the at least one instrument portion; an adaptive central core positioned between and engaged with each of the opposing first and second handle ends, the core capable of being selectively bent into a variety of desired shape configurations, and substantially maintaining those shape configurations until the core is intentionally bent into a different desired shape configuration, the core comprising: an adaptive first core section linearly interconnected with an adaptive second core section by a relatively rigid connector, such that the connector is positioned substantially at a longitudinal midpoint of the handle portion so as to contact a lateral portion of an index finger of the user’s hand, between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the index finger, during use of the apparatus; wherein, during use of the apparatus,the handle portion is capable of adjustably and ergonomically conforming to a shape of the user’s hand, thereby transferring an amount of weight of the apparatus from the user’s fingers to the user’s hand which, in turn, reduces a requisite amount of muscle engagement and pinch force necessary to operate the at least one instrument portion; a resilient, deformable grip layer encasing the vibrational shaft of at least one of the first and second handle ends along with the core, leaving the ferrule of at least one of the first and second handle ends unobstructed; and an outer surface of the grip layer, at a position substantially radially aligned with the connector, shaped so as to define a circumferential 360-degree concavity sized and configured to complement the size and shape of the lateral portion of the user’s index finger, thereby assisting in maintaining a desired position of the handle portion relative to the user’s hand during use of the apparatus; whereby, during use of the apparatus, with the side pad of the user’s middle finger in contact with the ferrule and each of a thumb and index finger of the user’s hand in contact with the grip layer, vibrations from the working end of the at least one instrument portion are transmitted to the side pad of the user’s middle finger via the ferrule, while the user’s thumb and index finger are protected from said vibrations by the grip layer, thereby allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand.

[0084] 42. A hand tool apparatus comprising: a pair of instrument portions each providing a working end and an elongate shank; and an elongate handle portion comprising: a rigid first handle end; an opposing rigid second handle end; each of the first and second handle ends providing a tool receiver comprising: a ferrule positioned and configured for contacting a side pad of a middle finger of a hand of a user during use of the apparatus; an elongate vibrational shaft in axial alignment with the ferrule, a distal end of the vibrational shaft engaged with a proximal end of the ferrule; a proximal end of the vibrational shaft providing a proximal shaft section, and the distal end of the vibrational shaft providing a distal shaft section; and the ferrule and vibrational shaft cooperating to define an internal receiver channel axially extending through each of the ferrule and vibrational shaft, between a distal end of the ferrule and the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft, the receiver channel configured for receiving the shank of one of the instrument portions therewithin, such that the shank extends through the ferrule, and further extends a distance into the vibrational shaft, thereby enhancing stability and strength of said instrument portion while also placing the ferrule and vibrational shaft in vibrational communication with said instrument portion; an adaptive central core positioned between and engaged with each of the opposing first and second handle ends, the core capable of being selectively bent into a variety of desired shape configurations, and substantially maintaining those shape configurations until the core is intentionally bent into a different desired shape configuration, the core comprising: an adaptive first core section linearly interconnected with an adaptive second core section by a relatively rigid connector, such that the connector is positioned substantially at a longitudinal midpoint of the handle portion so as to contact a lateral portion ofan index finger of the user’s hand, between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the index finger, during use of the apparatus; the connector defining an internal connector channel axially extending through the connector, between a first end of the connector and an opposing second end of the connector; a proximal end of the first core section positioned within the connector channel at the first end of the connector, while an opposing distal end of the first core section extends a distance into the receiver channel at the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft of the first handle end; and a proximal end of the second core section positioned within the connector channel at the second end of the connector, while an opposing distal end of the second core section extends a distance into the receiver channel at the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft of the second handle end; wherein, during use of the apparatus, the handle portion is capable of adjustably and ergonomically conforming to a shape of the user’s hand, thereby transferring an amount of weight of the apparatus from the user’s fingers to the user’s hand which, in turn, reduces a requisite amount of muscle engagement and pinch force necessary to operate the at least one instrument portion; and a resilient, deformable grip layer encasing the vibrational shaft of at least one of the first and second handle ends along with the core, leaving the ferrule of at least one of the first and second handle ends unobstructed; whereby, during use of the apparatus, with the side pad of the user’s middle finger in contact with the ferrule and each of a thumb and index finger of the user’s hand in contact with the grip layer, vibrations from the working end of the at least one instrument portion are transmitted to the side pad of the user’s middle finger via the ferrule, while the user’s thumb and index finger are protected from said vibrations by the grip layer, thereby allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand.

[0085] In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a hand tool apparatus is disclosed and configured for having an ergonomic handle. Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond those shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not in any way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directed to a hand tool apparatus having an ergonomic handle and is able to take numerous forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials of construction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionally comparable structures or materials, now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0086] Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon readingthe foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for the present invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0087] Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0088] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the terms “about” and “approximately.” As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” mean that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein. Similarly, as used herein, unless indicated to the contrary, the term “substantially” is a term of degree intended to indicate an approximation of the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified, encompassing a range that can be understood and construed by those of ordinary skill in the art, or at leastencompassing a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term.

[0089] Use of the terms “may” or “can” in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of “may not" or “cannot.” As such, if the present specification discloses that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may be or can be included as part of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is also explicitly meant, meaning that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may not be or cannot be included as part of the inventive subject matter. In a similar manner, use of the term “optionally” in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment may be included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not be included as part of the inventive subject matter. Whether such a negative limitation or exclusionary proviso applies will be based on whether the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is recited in the claimed subject matter.

[0090] The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar references used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, ordinal indicators - such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. - for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0091] When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the open-ended transitional term “comprising” (along with equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof such as “including,” “containing” and “having”) encompasses all the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and / or features alone or in combination with un-recited subject matter; the named elements, limitations and / or features are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations and / or features may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using the closed- ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” in lieu of or as an amendment for “comprising.” When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element,limitation, step, or feature not expressly recited in the claims. The closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps and / or features and any other elements, limitations, steps and / or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning of the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” is being defined as encompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, steps and / or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones. The meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and / or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps and / or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements, limitations, steps and / or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” (along with equivalent open- ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within its meaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” As such, embodiments described herein or so claimed with the phrase “comprising” are expressly or inherently unambiguously described, enabled and supported herein for the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”

[0092] Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) will begin with the words “means for,” but use of the term “for” in any other context is not intended to invoke treatment under 35 U.S.C. §1 12(f). Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing this application, in either this application or in a continuing application.

[0093] It should be understood that any methods disclosed herein, along with the order in which the respective elements of any such method are performed, are purely exemplary. Depending on the implementation, they may be performed in any order or in parallel, unless indicated otherwise in the present disclosure.

[0094] All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents are based onthe information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

[0095] While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.

[0096] All of the material in this patent document issue subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A hand tool apparatus comprising: an at least one instrument portion providing a working end and an elongate shank; and an elongate handle portion comprising: a rigid first handle end; an opposing rigid second handle end; at least one of the first and second handle ends providing a tool receiver comprising: a ferrule positioned and configured for contacting a side pad of a middle finger of a hand of a user during use of the apparatus; an elongate vibrational shaft in axial alignment with the ferrule, a distal end of the vibrational shaft engaged with a proximal end of the ferrule; a proximal end of the vibrational shaft providing a proximal shaft section, and the distal end of the vibrational shaft providing a distal shaft section; and the ferrule and vibrational shaft cooperating to define an internal receiver channel axially extending through each of the ferrule and vibrational shaft, between a distal end of the ferrule and the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft, the receiver channel configured for receiving the shank of the at least one instrument portion therewithin, such that the shank extends through the ferrule, and further extends a distance into the vibrational shaft, thereby enhancing stability and strength of the at least one instrument portion while also placing the ferrule and vibrational shaft in vibrational communication with the at least one instrument portion; a central core positioned between and engaged with each of the opposing first and second handle ends; and a resilient, deformable grip layer encasing the vibrational shaft of at least one of the first and second handle ends along with the core, leaving the ferrule of at least one of the first and second handle ends unobstructed; whereby, during use of the apparatus, with the side pad of the user’s middle finger in contact with the ferrule and each of a thumb and index finger of the user’s hand in contact with the grip layer, vibrations from the working end of the at least one instrument portion are transmitted to the side pad of the user’s middle finger via the ferrule, while the user’s thumb and index finger are protected from said vibrations by the grip layer, thereby allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand.

2. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the core extends a distance into the receiver channel at the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft.

3. The hand tool apparatus of claim 2, wherein the core defines an internal core channel axially extending through the core and configured for receiving a terminal end of the shank of the at least one instrument portion therewithin at a distal end of the core.

4. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the core is bendable and capable of being selectively bent into a variety of desired shape configurations, and substantially maintaining those shape configurations until the core is intentionally bent into a different desired shape configuration.

5. The hand tool apparatus of claim 6, wherein the core comprises two or more separate adaptive core sections linearly interconnected by an at least one relatively rigid connector.

6. The hand tool apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the core comprises two separate adaptive core sections linearly interconnected by a relatively rigid connector, such that the connector is positioned substantially at a longitudinal midpoint of the handle portion so as to contact a lateral portion of the user’s index finger, between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the index finger, during use of the apparatus; whereby, during use of the apparatus, the handle portion is capable of adjustably and ergonomically conforming to a shape of the user’s hand, thereby transferring an amount of weight of the apparatus from the user’s fingers to the user’s hand which, in turn, reduces a requisite amount of muscle engagement and pinch force necessary to operate the at least one instrument portion.

7. The hand tool apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one connector defines an internal connector channel axially extending through the connector, between a first end of the connector and an opposing second end of the connector, and configured for receiving a proximal end of each of the core sections therewithin.

8. The hand tool apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the proximal end of a first one of the core sections is positioned within the connector channel at the first end of the connector; and the proximal end of a second one of the core sections is positioned within the connector channel at the second end of the connector.

9. The hand tool apparatus of claim 8, wherein: an outer surface of the connector is shaped so as to define a circumferential 360-degree concavity sized and configured to complement a size and shape of the lateral portion of the user’s index finger; and an outer surface of the grip layer, at a position that is substantially radially aligned with the connector, is also shaped so as to define a circumferential 360-degree concavity sized and configured to complement the size and shape of the lateral portion of the user’s index finger; whereby, the concavity of each of the connector and grip layer cooperate to further assist in maintaining a desired position of the handle portion relative to the user’s hand, while also transferring an amount of weight of the apparatus from the user’s fingers to a back of the user’s hand, during use of the apparatus.

10. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tool receiver is constructed out of an at least one material that is capable of distributing any vibrations to the shank of the instrument portion.1 1 . The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of one or both of the proximal shaft section and distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft is textured for increasing surface area contact between the vibrational shaft and the grip layer, while also facilitating the transmission of working forces during use of the apparatus.

12. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ferrule has a length of approximately 0.3 - 20 millimeters.

13. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ferrule has an outer diameter of approximately 5 - 15 millimeters.

14. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter of approximately 3 - 10 millimeters.

15. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter of approximately 4.5 - 8 millimeters.

16. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the shank of the instrument portion has an outer diameter of approximately 4 - 8 millimeters.

17. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the ferrule, thereby forming aferrule interface shoulder between the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft and the proximal end of the ferrule.

18. The hand tool apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the distal shaft section of the vibrational shaft, thereby forming a shaft interface shoulder between the proximal shaft section and the distal shaft section.

19. A hand tool apparatus comprising: an at least one instrument portion providing a working end and an elongate shank; and an elongate handle portion comprising: a rigid first handle end; an opposing rigid second handle end; at least one of the first and second handle ends providing a tool receiver comprising: a ferrule positioned and configured for contacting a side pad of a middle finger of a hand of a user during use of the apparatus; an elongate vibrational shaft in axial alignment with the ferrule, a distal end of the vibrational shaft engaged with a proximal end of the ferrule; a proximal end of the vibrational shaft providing a proximal shaft section, and the distal end of the vibrational shaft providing a distal shaft section; and the ferrule and vibrational shaft cooperating to define an internal receiver channel axially extending through each of the ferrule and vibrational shaft, between a distal end of the ferrule and the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft, the receiver channel configured for receiving the shank of the at least one instrument portion therewithin, such that the shank extends through the ferrule, and further extends a distance into the vibrational shaft, thereby enhancing stability and strength of the at least one instrument portion while also placing the ferrule and vibrational shaft in vibrational communication with the at least one instrument portion; an adaptive central core positioned between and engaged with each of the opposing first and second handle ends, the core capable of being selectively bent into a variety of desired shape configurations, and substantially maintaining those shape configurations until the core is intentionally bent into a different desired shape configuration, the core comprising: an adaptive first core section linearly interconnected with an adaptive second core section by a relatively rigid connector, such that the connector is positioned substantially at a longitudinal midpoint of the handle portion so as to contact alateral portion of an index finger of the user’s hand, between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the index finger, during use of the apparatus; wherein, during use of the apparatus, the handle portion is capable of adjustably and ergonomically conforming to a shape of the user’s hand, thereby transferring an amount of weight of the apparatus from the user’s fingers to the user’s hand which, in turn, reduces a requisite amount of muscle engagement and pinch force necessary to operate the at least one instrument portion; a resilient, deformable grip layer encasing the vibrational shaft of at least one of the first and second handle ends along with the core, leaving the ferrule of at least one of the first and second handle ends unobstructed; and an outer surface of the grip layer, at a position substantially radially aligned with the connector, shaped so as to define a circumferential 360-degree concavity sized and configured to complement the size and shape of the lateral portion of the user’s index finger, thereby assisting in maintaining a desired position of the handle portion relative to the user’s hand during use of the apparatus; whereby, during use of the apparatus, with the side pad of the user’s middle finger in contact with the ferrule and each of a thumb and index finger of the user’s hand in contact with the grip layer, vibrations from the working end of the at least one instrument portion are transmitted to the side pad of the user’s middle finger via the ferrule, while the user's thumb and index finger are protected from said vibrations by the grip layer, thereby allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand.

20. A hand tool apparatus comprising: a pair of instrument portions each providing a working end and an elongate shank; and an elongate handle portion comprising: a rigid first handle end; an opposing rigid second handle end; each of the first and second handle ends providing a tool receiver comprising: a ferrule positioned and configured for contacting a side pad of a middle finger of a hand of a user during use of the apparatus; an elongate vibrational shaft in axial alignment with the ferrule, a distal end of the vibrational shaft engaged with a proximal end of the ferrule; a proximal end of the vibrational shaft providing a proximal shaft section, and the distal end of the vibrational shaft providing a distal shaft section; and the ferrule and vibrational shaft cooperating to define an internal receiver channel axially extending through each of the ferrule and vibrational shaft, between a distal end of the ferrule and the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of thevibrational shaft, the receiver channel configured for receiving the shank of one of the instrument portions therewithin, such that the shank extends through the ferrule, and further extends a distance into the vibrational shaft, thereby enhancing stability and strength of said instrument portion while also placing the ferrule and vibrational shaft in vibrational communication with said instrument portion; an adaptive central core positioned between and engaged with each of the opposing first and second handle ends, the core capable of being selectively bent into a variety of desired shape configurations, and substantially maintaining those shape configurations until the core is intentionally bent into a different desired shape configuration, the core comprising: an adaptive first core section linearly interconnected with an adaptive second core section by a relatively rigid connector, such that the connector is positioned substantially at a longitudinal midpoint of the handle portion so as to contact a lateral portion of an index finger of the user’s hand, between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the index finger, during use of the apparatus; the connector defining an internal connector channel axially extending through the connector, between a first end of the connector and an opposing second end of the connector; a proximal end of the first core section positioned within the connector channel at the first end of the connector, while an opposing distal end of the first core section extends a distance into the receiver channel at the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft of the first handle end; and a proximal end of the second core section positioned within the connector channel at the second end of the connector, while an opposing distal end of the second core section extends a distance into the receiver channel at the proximal end of the proximal shaft section of the vibrational shaft of the second handle end; wherein, during use of the apparatus, the handle portion is capable of adjustably and ergonomically conforming to a shape of the user’s hand, thereby transferring an amount of weight of the apparatus from the user’s fingers to the user’s hand which, in turn, reduces a requisite amount of muscle engagement and pinch force necessary to operate the at least one instrument portion; and a resilient, deformable grip layer encasing the vibrational shaft of at least one of the first and second handle ends along with the core, leaving the ferrule of at least one of the first and second handle ends unobstructed; whereby, during use of the apparatus, with the side pad of the user’s middle finger in contact with the ferrule and each of a thumb and index finger of the user’s hand in contact with the grip layer, vibrations from the working end of the at least one instrument portion are transmitted to the side pad of the user’s middle finger via theferrule, while the user’s thumb and index finger are protected from said vibrations by the grip layer, thereby allowing for tactile feedback while substantially preventing transmission of vibrations to the user's hand.

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