Apparatus for assisting people having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a handle, a first fastening element, an elongated member, and a plurality of elements is disclosed. The handle comprises a locking arrangement at a proximal end of the handle. The first fastening element coupled with the handle, and secures the handle on a hand of a user. Each attachment of the plurality of attachments comprises the complementary locking arrangement and an article, and is removably coupled with the handle by way of the locking arrangement of the handle and the complementary locking arrangement of the attachment. The angle adjustment element is adapted to adjust an angular orientation of the article, thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing a corresponding task.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING PEOPLE HAVING LIMITED UPPER LIMB STRENGTH, MOBILITY, AND CONTROLMEERA VORA, AN INDIAN NATIONAL OF 101, PRESIDENTIAL PLAZA, OPPOSITER-CITY MALL, GHATKOPAR WEST, MUMBAI 400086, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA andKANAN KALPESH DOSHI, AN INDIAN NATIONAL OF B / 13, ASHIRWAD,VALLABAUG LANE EXTENSION, OPPOSITE SAI BABA MANDIR, GHATKOPAREAST, MUMBAI 400077, MAHARASHTRA, INDIATHE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THEINVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus for assisting people, and, more particularly, to apparatus for assisting people having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of assistive technology, there exists a pressing need to develop innovative solutions that cater to individuals with limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control. These individuals often face considerable challenges in performing various daily tasks that require dexterity, precision, and coordination, such as feeding themselves, grooming, and manipulating objects. Disabilities stemming from conditions like muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, degenerative disorders, and developmental disorders significantly compromise their ability to independently carry out these activities of daily living.

[0003] The current state of the art in assistive devices for individuals with limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control largely encompasses an array of conventional solutions that primarily rely on mechanical aids and rudimentary assistive tools. Robotic arms, for instance, provide a degree of assistance in performing specific tasks but are often cumbersome, unaffordable, and lack the versatility required to cater to a wide range of activities. Adaptive utensils and tools with ergonomic designs are also available, albeit limited in their application scope.

[0004] Moreover, recent advancements in technology have introduced various electronic and sensor-based devices that enable remote control and automation of certain tasks.However, these solutions often suffer from a lack of customization to individual needs, affordability, and adaptability to evolving user requirements.

[0005] The existing landscape of assistive technology thus underscores a critical problem: the absence of a comprehensive and versatile apparatus that addresses the specific needs of individuals with limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control across a broad spectrum of daily activities. A significant drawback of current approaches lies in their limited adaptability and their tendency to provide assistance in isolation for particular tasks, rather than offering a holistic, user-centric solution.

[0006] In light of the foregoing, there exists a need to provide a technical solution to overcome the problems of conventional assistive technology and devices.SUMMARY

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus comprises a handle, a first fastening element, and a plurality of attachments is disclosed. The handle comprises a locking arrangement at a proximal end of the handle. The first fastening element is coupled with the handle, and configured to secure the handle on a hand of a user. Each attachment of the plurality of attachments comprises a complementary locking arrangement, an angle adjustment element, and an article, and is removably coupled with the handle by way of the locking arrangement and the complementary locking arrangement. The angle adjustment element is adapted to adjust an angular orientation of the article, thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing a corresponding task.

[0008] Additionally, or optionally, the apparatus further comprises a support assembly configured to provide support to a wrist of the user by maintaining the wrist in a functional position. The handle further comprises a first groove on an elongated surface of the handle to receive the support assembly.

[0009] Additionally, or optionally, the support assembly comprises a clamping member configured to engage with the first groove to couple the support assembly with the handle, and a second fastening element having a slit to receive the clamping member, and configured to secure the support assembly to the wrist of the user.

[0010] Additionally, or optionally, the clamping member comprises a clamp configured to engage with the first groove, and an elongated support plate configured to be removably insertable in the slit of the second fastening element.

[0011] Additionally, or optionally, the apparatus further comprises an elongated member comprising the complementary locking arrangement at a first end and the locking arrangement at a second end, and is removably coupled with the handle by way of the locking arrangement of the handle and the complementary locking arrangement of the elongated member. The elongated member is coupled with an attachment of the plurality of attachments by way of the locking arrangement of the elongated member and the complementary locking arrangement of the attachment.

[0012] Additionally, or optionally, the elongated member is flexible and is adapted to bend in any direction to adjust a position of the article, thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing the corresponding task.

[0013] Additionally, or optionally, the apparatus further comprises a holder attachment comprising a clamping arrangement, an opening to receive an article, and a securing element to securely fix the article in the opening. The handle further comprises a second groove. The holder attachment is coupled to the handle by way of the second groove and the clamping arrangement.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus comprising a handle, a first fastening element, an elongated member, and a plurality of elements is disclosed. The handle comprises a locking arrangement at a proximal end of the handle. The first fastening element is coupled with the handle, and configured to secure the handle on a hand of a user. The elongated member comprises a complementary locking arrangement at a first end and the locking arrangement at a second end, and is removably coupled with the handle by way of the locking arrangement of the handle and the complementary locking arrangement of the elongated member. Each attachment of the plurality of attachments comprises the complementary locking arrangement and an article, and is removably coupled with the elongated member by way of the locking arrangement of the elongated member and the complementary locking arrangement of the corresponding attachment. The elongated member is flexible and is adapted to bend in any direction to adjust a position of the article, thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing a corresponding task.

[0015] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus comprising a handle, a first fastening element, an elongated member, and a plurality of elements is disclosed. The handle comprises a locking arrangement at a proximal end of the handle. The first fastening element is coupled with the handle, and configured to secure the handle on a hand of a user. The elongated member comprises a complementary locking arrangement at a first end and the locking arrangement at a second end, and is removably coupled with the handle by way of the locking arrangement of the handle and the complementary locking arrangement of the elongated member. Each attachment of the plurality of attachments comprises the complementary locking arrangement and an article, and is removably coupled with the elongated member by way of the locking arrangement of the elongated member and the complementary locking arrangement of the corresponding attachment. The angle adjustment element is adapted to adjust an angular orientation of the article. The elongated member is flexible and is adapted to bend in any direction to adjust a position of the article, thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing a corresponding task.

[0016] The angle adjustment element allows the user to adjust the angular orientation of the article as per the requirement of the task and the elongated member allows the user to adjust the direction and the position of the article and thus assist in increasing a range of reach of the article when utilized by the user. The plurality of attachments may be removably coupled with the handle or the elongated member to perform various tasks. The assistive apparatus thus assists the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing a corresponding task such as feeding themselves, grooming, cleaning, writing, painting, drawing, gripping objects, and the like.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein.

[0018] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate various views of an assistive apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various views of an assistive apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate various views of a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various views of a complementary locking arrangement of a first attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various views of an angle adjustment element of the first attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates the first attachment, a second attachment, and a third attachment of the assistive apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate various views of a complementary locking arrangement of an elongated member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various views of a locking arrangement of the elongated member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0026] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate various views of a holder attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Example apparatus are described herein. Other example embodiments or features may further be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

[0028] The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0029] FIG. 1A is a side view of an assistive apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. IB is a front view of the assistive apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the assistive apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. ID is an exploded perspective view of the assistive apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The assistive apparatus 100 is designed to be used by a user facing challenges in performing various daily tasks that require dexterity, precision, and coordination, such as feeding themselves, grooming, and manipulating objects due to disabilities stemming from certain medical conditions. Examples of the medical conditions include, but are not limited to, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, degenerative disorders, and developmental disorders. The disabilities stemming from the aforementioned medical conditions significantly compromise the ability of the user to independently carry out activities of daily living.

[0030] The assistive apparatus 100 includes a handle 102, a first fastening element 104, a first attachment 106 of a plurality of attachments, and a support assembly including a clamping member 108 and a second fastening element 110. The first attachment 106 includes a complementary locking arrangement 112, an angle adjustment element 114, a hider element 115, and an article 116. The assistive apparatus 100 further includes a holder attachment 118.

[0031] The handle 102 comprises a locking arrangement 120 at a proximal end of the handle 102. The first fastening element 104 is coupled with the handle 102, and configured to secure the handle 102 on a hand of the user. The attachment 106 is removably coupled withthe handle 102 by way of the locking arrangement 120 and the complementary locking arrangement 112. In one embodiment, the locking arrangement 120 and the complementary locking arrangement 112 correspond to a thread screw coupling mechanism. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that although in the current embodiment, the locking arrangement 120 and the complementary locking arrangement 112 correspond to the thread screw coupling mechanism, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other embodiments, the locking arrangement 120 and the complementary locking arrangement 112 may correspond to any suitable coupling mechanism such as bayonet coupling mechanism, push-pull coupling mechanism, breakaway coupling mechanism, or the like.

[0032] The angle adjustment element 114 is adapted to adjust an angular orientation of the article 116, thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article 116 for performing a corresponding task. In one embodiment, the angle adjustment element 114 may be coupled to the complementary locking arrangement 112 at a suitable angular orientation as desired by the user to utilize the article 116 for daily tasks. Examples of the article 116 include, but are not limited to, a tooth brush, a spork, a comb, a spoon, a fork, any handheld utensil, any handheld mechanical tool, and any handheld cleaning tool. In the current embodiment, the article 116 is a tooth brush. The hider element 115 is coupled with the angle adjustment element 114 to cover an opening of the angle adjustment element 114 in which the article 116 is inserted. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that any article may be utilized in the attachment, thus forming multiple attachments to be utilized by the user by removably couple each attachment one by one with the same handle 102. It will thus be understood by a person skilled in the art that the single handle 102 may be used for coupling multiple attachments as per the needs of the user to perform daily tasks, thereby catering the needs of the user in a customized way. Further, in one embodiment, the attachments including the articles may be customized for the user as per the requirements of the user to perform a corresponding task.

[0033] The support assembly is configured to provide support to a wrist of the user by maintaining the wrist in a functional position. In an embodiment, the support assembly is adapted to maintain 15 degrees of extension between the wrist and the palm of the user to maintain the hand in the functional position to help perform functions optimally. The handle 102 further includes a first groove 122 on an elongated surface of the handle 102 to receive the support assembly. The support assembly includes the clamping member 108 configured to engage with the first groove 122 to couple the support assembly with the handle 102. Thesupport assembly further includes the second fastening element 110 having a slit 124 to receive the clamping member 108, and configured to secure the support assembly to the wrist of the user. In one embodiment, the first fastening element 104 and the second fastening element 110 are fastening belts utilizing a fastening mechanism to securely adjust the assistive apparatus 100 to the hand of the user. In one example, the fastening mechanism is a Velcro strap utilized to adjust and secure the handle 102 to the hand of the user. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that although in the current embodiment, the Velcro Strap is utilized as the fastening mechanism, in alternate embodiment, any suitable fastening mechanism may be utilized, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] The clamping member 108 includes a clamp 126 configured to engage with the first groove 122, and an elongated support plate 128 configured to be removably insertable in the slit 124 of the second fastening element 110 to provide support to a wrist of the user by maintaining the wrist in a functional position. In one example, the functional position may correspond to a position that prevents the hand of the user to droop down below the wrist and supports the hand to be in upright position always.

[0035] The holder attachment 118 includes a clamping arrangement 130, an opening 132 to receive an article, and a securing element 134 to securely fix the article in the opening 132. The handle 102 further includes a second groove 136. The holder attachment 118 is coupled to the handle 102 by way of the second groove 136 and the clamping arrangement 130. Examples of the articles to be coupled to the holder attachment 118 include, but are not limited to, a pen, a pencil, a paint brush, a stylus, and a stick.

[0036] The assistive apparatus 100 thus assists the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article 116 for performing a corresponding task such as feeding themselves, grooming, cleaning, writing, painting, drawing, gripping objects, and the like. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the assistive apparatus 100 may be customized to be made in various sizes to cater to the needs of users of different ages, for example, children and adults. Further, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the assistive apparatus 100 may be customized to be made in various orientations to cater to the needs of users having prominent hand as either right hand or left hand, or the users having missing fingers or palm, or the like.

[0037] FIG. 2A is a front view of an assistive apparatus 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a side view of the assistive apparatus 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of the assistive apparatus 200 in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The assistive apparatus 200 is designed to be used by a user facing challenges in performing various daily tasks that require dexterity, precision, and coordination, such as feeding themselves, grooming, and manipulating objects due to disabilities stemming from certain medical conditions. Examples of the medical conditions include, but are not limited to, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, degenerative disorders, and developmental disorders. The disabilities stemming from the aforementioned medical conditions significantly compromise the ability of the user to independently carry out activities of daily living.

[0038] The assistive apparatus 200 includes the handle 102, the first fastening element 104, the first attachment 106 of the plurality of attachments, and the support assembly including the clamping member 108 and the second fastening element 110. The first attachment 106 includes the complementary locking arrangement 112, the angle adjustment element 114, the hider element 115, and the article 116. The assistive apparatus 200 further includes the holder attachment 118 and an elongated member 202.

[0039] The handle 102 includes the locking arrangement 120 at the proximal end of the handle 102. The first fastening element 104 is coupled with the handle 102, and configured to secure the handle 102 on the hand of the user. The elongated member 202 comprises a complementary locking arrangement 204 at a first end and the locking arrangement 206 at a second end, and is removably coupled with the handle 102 by way of the locking arrangement 120 of the handle and the complementary locking arrangement 204 of the elongated member 202. The elongated member 202 further includes a pipe in between the complementary locking arrangement 204 and the locking arrangement 206 of the elongated member 202. In one embodiment, the pipe 208 is flexible and is adapted to bend in any direction. In one example, the pipe 208 is a gooseneck pipe.

[0040] The attachment 106 is removably coupled with the elongated member 202 by way of the locking arrangement 206 of the elongated member 202 and the complementary locking arrangement 112 of the attachment 106. The elongated member 202 is flexible and is adapted to bend in any direction to adjust a position of the article 116, thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article 116 for performing a corresponding task. In one embodiment, the locking arrangement 120 and the complementary locking arrangement 204 and the locking arrangement 206 and the complementary locking arrangement 112 correspond to a thread screw coupling mechanism. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that although in the current embodiment, the locking arrangement 120 and the complementary locking arrangement 204 and the lockingarrangement 206 and the complementary locking arrangement 112 correspond to the thread screw coupling mechanism, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other embodiments, the locking arrangement 120 and the complementary locking arrangement 204 and the locking arrangement 206 and the complementary locking arrangement 112 may correspond to any suitable coupling mechanism such as bayonet coupling mechanism, push-pull coupling mechanism, breakaway coupling mechanism, or the like.

[0041] The angle adjustment element 114, the support assembly including the clamping member 108 and the second fastening element 110, and the holder attachment 118 have a similar structure and function in a similar manner as described in FIGS. 1A-1D.

[0042] The angle adjustment element 114 allows the user to adjust the angular orientation of the article 116 as per the requirement of the task and the elongated member 202 allows the user to adjust the direction and the position of the article 116 and thus assist in increasing a range of reach of the article 116 when utilized by the user. The assistive apparatus 200 thus assists the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article 116 for performing a corresponding task such as feeding themselves, grooming, cleaning, writing, painting, drawing, gripping objects, and the like. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the assistive apparatus 200 may be customized to be made in various sizes to cater to the needs of users of different ages, for example, children and adults. Further, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the assistive apparatus 100 may be customized to be made in various orientations to cater to the needs of users having prominent hand as either right hand or left hand, or the users having missing fingers or palm, or the like.

[0043] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the handle 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the handle 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The handle 102 includes the locking arrangement 120 at the proximal end of the handle, the first groove 122 on the elongated surface to receive the support assembly, and the second groove 136 to receive the holder attachment 118. The handle 102 further includes protrusions 302a and 302b to receive the first fastening element 104. The first groove 122 and the second groove 136 include deeper grooves, such as grooves 304 and 306, at both longitudinal ends to fixedly secure the support assembly and the holder attachment 118. The locking arrangement 120 includes an internally threaded portion to engage with the complementary locking arrangement 112 of thefirst attachment 106 or the complementary locking arrangement 204 of the elongated member 202.

[0044] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various views of the complementary locking arrangement 112 of the first attachment 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a top view, FIG. 4C is a perspective view, and FIG. 4D is a sectional view of the complementary locking arrangement 112. The complementary locking arrangement 112 includes an externally threaded portion 402, an internally grooved portion 404, and a magnet 406. In one embodiment, the externally threaded portion 402 is configured to engage with the internally threaded portion of the locking arrangement 120 of the handle 102 to couple the first attachment 106 to the handle 102. The internally grooved portion 404 and the magnet 406 are configured to engage with the angle adjustment element 114 of the first attachment 106.

[0045] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various views of the angle adjustment element 114 of the first attachment 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A is a front view, FIG. 5B is a perspective front view, and FIG. 5C is a perspective back view of the angle adjustment element 114. The angle adjustment element 114 includes an externally grooved portion 502, an opening 504, and another magnet 506. In one embodiment, the externally grooved portion 502 is configured to engage with the internally grooved portion 404 of the complementary locking arrangement 112 of the first attachment 106 to couple the first attachment 106 to the angle adjustment element 114 and adjust the angular orientation of the first attachment 106. The opening 504 is configured to receive the article 116. The magnet 506 is configured to engage with the magnet 406 of the complementary locking arrangement 112 to fixedly secure the angle adjustment element 114 to the complementary locking arrangement 112.

[0046] In an embodiment, the complementary locking arrangement 112 and the angle adjustment element 114 of the first attachment 106 may be a single member including the complementary locking arrangement at one end of the member and an integrated rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate 360 degrees with respect to a central axis, thereby facilitating an adjustment in the angular orientation of the article 116 to perform corresponding tasks.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates the first attachment 106, a second attachment 602, and a third attachment 604 of the assistive apparatus 100, 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first attachment 106 includes the complementary locking arrangement 112, the angle adjustment element 114, and the article 116. The article 116 is a tooth brush.The second attachment 602 includes the complementary locking arrangement 112, the angle adjustment element 114, and an article 606. The article 606 is a spork. The third attachment 604 includes the complementary locking arrangement 112, the angle adjustment element 114, and an article 608. The article 608 is a comb.

[0048] FIG. 7 A is a front view of the complementary locking arrangement 204 of the elongated member 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the complementary locking arrangement 204 of the elongated member 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The complementary locking arrangement 204 includes an externally threaded portion 702 and an opening 704. In one embodiment, the externally threaded portion 702 is configured to engage with the internally threaded portion of the locking arrangement 120 of the handle 102 to couple the elongated member 202 to the handle 102. The opening 704 is configured to receive one end of the pipe 208.

[0049] FIG. 8A is a front view of the locking arrangement 206 of the elongated member 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the locking arrangement 206 of the elongated member 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8C is a sectional view of the locking arrangement 206 of the elongated member 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The locking arrangement 206 includes an internally threaded portion 802 and an opening 804. In one embodiment, the internally threaded portion 802 is configured to engage with the externally threaded portion 402 of the complementary locking arrangement 112 of the first attachment 106 to couple the first attachment 106 to the elongated member 202. The opening 804 is configured to receive another end of the pipe 208.

[0050] FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of the holder attachment 118 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is an exploded top view of the holder attachment 118 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9C is an exploded sectional view of the holder attachment 118 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The holder attachment 118 includes the clamping arrangement 130, the opening 132, and the securing element 134. The clamping arrangement 130 includes the opening 132 to receive an article. The clamping arrangement 130 further includes an internally threaded portion 902 configured to engage with the securing element 134 to secure the article to the holder attachment 118. The securing element 134 includes an externally threaded portion 904 configured to engage with the internally threaded portion 902 of the clamping arrangement 130 to secure an article to the holder attachment 118. Thesecuring element 134 further includes a groove 906 on a flat surface of the securing element 134 to rotate the securing element 134 clockwise or anti-clockwise to tighten or loosen the article secured to the holder attachment 118. In one example, the securing element 134 is rotated by of the groove 906 by utilizing a screw driver.

[0051] The angle adjustment element 114 allows the user to adjust the angular orientation of the article 116 as per the requirement of the task and the elongated member 202 allows the user to adjust the direction and the position of the article 116 and thus assist in increasing a range of reach of the article 116 when utilized by the user. The assistive apparatus 100, 200 thus assist the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article 116 for performing a corresponding task such as feeding themselves, grooming, cleaning, writing, painting, drawing, gripping objects, and the like.

[0052] Techniques consistent with the disclosure provide, among other features, systems and apparatus for assisting people having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control. While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, and not limitations. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing of the disclosure, without departing from the breadth or scope.

[0053] While various embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

[0054] Although the disclosure is described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

[0055] The term “coupled,” as used herein, is not intended to be limited to a direct coupling or a mechanical coupling.

[0056] Furthermore, the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to disclosures containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an.” The same holds true for the use of definite articles.

[0057] Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.

[0058] Unless otherwise stated, conditional languages such as "can", "could", "will", "might", or "may" are understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional languages are not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0059] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

Claims

We claim:

1. An apparatus (100, 200), comprising: a handle (102) comprising a locking arrangement (120) at a proximal end of the handle; a first fastening element (104) coupled with the handle (102), and configured to secure the handle on a hand of a user; and a plurality of attachments (106, 602, 604), each attachment (106) of the plurality of attachments comprises a complementary locking arrangement (112), an angle adjustment element (114), and an article (116), and is removably coupled with the handle (102) by way of the locking arrangement (120) and the complementary locking arrangement (112), characterized in that: the angle adjustment element (114) is adapted to adjust an angular orientation of the article (116), thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing a corresponding task.

2. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a support assembly configured to provide support to a wrist of the user by maintaining the wrist in a functional position, wherein the handle further comprises: a first groove (122) on an elongated surface of the handle (102) to receive the support assembly.

3. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support assembly comprises: a clamping member (108) configured to engage with the first groove (122) to couple the support assembly with the handle; and a second fastening element (110) having a slit (124) to receive the clamping member (108), and configured to secure the support assembly to the wrist of the user.

4. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the clamping member (108) comprises: a clamp (126) configured to engage with the first groove (122); andan elongated support plate (128) configured to be removably insertable in the slit (124) of the second fastening element.

5. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an elongated member (202) comprising the complementary locking arrangement (204) at a first end and the locking arrangement (206) at a second end, and is removably coupled with the handle (102) by way of the locking arrangement (120) of the handle and the complementary locking arrangement (204) of the elongated member, wherein: the elongated member (202) is coupled with an attachment (106) of the plurality of attachments by way of the locking arrangement (206) of the elongated member and the complementary locking arrangement (112) of the attachment.

6. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the elongated member (202) is flexible and is adapted to bend in any direction to adjust a position of the article (116), thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing the corresponding task.

7. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a holder attachment (118) comprising: a clamping arrangement (130); an opening (132) to receive an article; and a securing element (134) to securely fix an article in the opening (132), wherein: the handle (102) further comprises a second groove (136), and the holder attachment is coupled to the handle by way of the second groove and the clamping arrangement.

8. An apparatus (100, 200), comprising: a handle (102) comprising a locking arrangement (120) at a proximal end of the handle; a first fastening element (104) coupled with the handle, and configured to secure the handle on a hand of a user;an elongated member (202) comprising a complementary locking arrangement (204) at a first end and the locking arrangement (206) at a second end, and is removably coupled with the handle (102) by way of the locking arrangement (120) of the handle and the complementary locking arrangement (204) of the elongated member; and a plurality of attachments (106, 602, 604), each attachment (106) of the plurality of attachments comprises the complementary locking arrangement (112) and an article (116), and is removably coupled with the elongated member (202) by way of the locking arrangement (206) of the elongated member and the complementary locking arrangement (112) of the corresponding attachment, characterized in that: the elongated member (202) is flexible and is adapted to bend in any direction to adjust a position of the article (116), thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing a corresponding task.

9. The apparatus (100, 200) as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: a holder attachment (118) comprising: a clamping arrangement (130); an opening (132) to receive an article; and a securing element (134) to securely fix the article in the opening (132), wherein: the handle further comprises a groove (136), and the holder attachment (118) is coupled to the handle (102) by way of the groove and the clamping arrangement.

10. An apparatus (100, 200), comprising: a handle (102) comprising a locking arrangement (120) at a proximal end of the handle; a first fastening element (104) coupled with the handle, and configured to secure the handle on a hand of a user; an elongated member (202) comprising a complementary locking arrangement (204) at a first end and the locking arrangement (206) at a second end, and is removably coupled with the handle (102) by way of the locking arrangement (120) of the handle and the complementary locking arrangement (204) of the elongated member; and a plurality of attachments (106, 602, 604), each attachment (106) of the plurality of attachments comprises a complementary locking arrangement (112), an angle adjustmentelement (114), and an article (116), and is removably coupled with the elongated member (202) by way of the locking arrangement (206) of the elongated member and the complementary locking arrangement (112) of the corresponding attachment, characterized in that: the angle adjustment element (114) is adapted to adjust an angular orientation of the article (116), and the elongated member (202) is flexible and is adapted to bend in any direction to adjust a position of the article (116), thereby assisting the user having limited upper limb strength, mobility, and control to utilize the article for performing a corresponding task.

Images