Handle/grip and method for designing the like

Abstract

The present invention provides a design method and apparatus for a handle or grip providing a shape and structure that fills various regions of the hand except a region in an area over the underlying carpal tunnel. Such design method and apparatus provides for various supports and handles for use by a hand. In particular, the apparatus includes a generally boot-shaped body or portions thereof. The body or body portions include a radial section, an ulnar section and middle section. Furthermore the body has a distal (frontal) finger side, proximal (back) side, palmar side and a thumb side. The body also has radial and ulnar sides. These portions are shaped to engage the various corresponding regions of the inner surface of the hand. These sections and sides forming the body can be divided and used separately for individual applications of the present invention.

1 . An apparatus for use with a hand, comprising: 
 a section for engaging the palmar arch of the hand, the section having a distal side and a proximal side, the distal side having a slope that is more acute than the proximal side for engaging the section with a metacarpal phalangeal (MP) joint of the palm of the hand.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a handle, the handle including the section for engaging the palmar arch of the hand; and    a working end for the apparatus.    
   
   
       3 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 2 , wherein the working end comprises a brush.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 2 , wherein the working end comprises a brush-type working end.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 2 , wherein the apparatus comprises a paintbrush.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 2 , wherein the apparatus positions the thumb of the hand in opposing relation to the middle finger and the ring finger of the hand.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 6 , wherein the working end comprises a brush.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 6 , wherein the working end comprises a brush-type working end.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 6 , wherein the apparatus comprises a paintbrush.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus positions the thumb of the hand in opposing relation to the middle finger and the ring finger of the hand.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 10 , wherein the apparatus comprises a brush.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 10 , wherein the apparatus comprises a brush-type working end.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 10 , wherein the apparatus comprises a paintbrush.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a brush.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a brush-type working end.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus for use with a hand according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a paintbrush.