Handle and forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing the like

Abstract

The present invention provides a design method and apparatus for a handle 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 handles for use by a hand. In particular, the apparatus includes a generally Y-shaped configuration, such as for a forceps/tweezers handle with a working end. The handle can include a radial section an ulnar section and middle section. The handle also can have a radial arm, an ulnar arm and distal leg, with an ulnar end and a radial end for engaging a portion of the hand.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . A handle for use with a hand, comprising:
 a unitary radial arm including a radial end for engaging a portion of the radial side of the palmar surface of the hand;
 a unitary ulnar arm including an ulnar end for engaging a portion of the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand; and 
 a unitary distal leg for respectively receiving the thumb of the hand and at least one of the index finger of the hand and the middle finger of the hand, when the radial end of the unitary radial arm engages a portion of the radial side of the palmar surface of the hand and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engages a portion of the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand, 
 wherein the radial end of the unitary radial arm and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engage corresponding portions of the radial side and the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand to position the handle within the hand without placing substantial pressure on a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel. 
   
   
   
       16 . The handle according to  claim 15 , wherein the radial end of the unitary radial arm and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engage corresponding portions of the radial side and the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand to position the handle within the hand without engaging a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel. 
   
   
       17 . The handle according to  claim 15 , wherein the handle is of a unitary construction. 
   
   
       18 . The handle according to  claim 15 , wherein the unitary ulnar arm is for receiving the ring finger and the small finger of the hand. 
   
   
       19 . An apparatus for use with a hand, comprising:
 a unitary radial arm including a radial end for engaging a portion of the radial side of the palmar surface of the hand;   a unitary ulnar arm including an ulnar end for engaging a portion of the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand; and   a unitary distal leg for respectively receiving the thumb of the hand and at least one of the index finger of the hand and the middle finger of the hand, when the radial end of the unitary radial arm engages a portion of the radial side of the palmar surface of the hand and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engages a portion of the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand,   wherein the radial end of the unitary radial arm and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engage corresponding portions of the radial side and the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand to position the apparatus within the hand without placing substantial pressure on a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel.   
   
   
       20 . The apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the radial end of the unitary radial arm and the ulnar end of the unitary ulnar arm engage corresponding portions of the radial side and the ulnar side of the palmar surface of the hand to position the apparatus within the hand without engaging a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the apparatus is generally of a Y shape, an asymmetrical Y shape or a sling-shot shape configuration. 
   
   
       22 . The apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the unitary radial arm, the unitary ulnar arm and the unitary distal leg form a shape generally of a Y shape, an asymmetrical Y shape or a sling-shot shape configuration. 
   
   
       23 . The apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the unitary ulnar arm includes a finger section and a palmar section. 
   
   
       24 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein the finger section of the unitary ulnar arm is for receiving at least one of the ring finger and the small finger of the hand. 
   
   
       25 . The apparatus according to  claim 24 , wherein the palmar section of the unitary ulnar arm is for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand. 
   
   
       26 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein the palmar section of the unitary ulnar arm is for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand. 
   
   
       27 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein the finger section and the palmar section of the unitary ulnar arm form a generally obtuse angle configuration. 
   
   
       28 . The apparatus according to  claim 27 , wherein the unitary radial arm and the unitary ulnar arm form a generally obtuse angle configuration. 
   
   
       29 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein the unitary radial arm is of a straight or curved configuration. 
   
   
       30 . The apparatus according to  claim 29 , wherein the unitary ulnar arm includes a generally obtuse angle configuration. 
   
   
       31 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein the unitary radial arm and the unitary ulnar arm form a generally obtuse angle configuration.