Ergonomic multi-functional handle for use with a medical instrument

Abstract

A multi-functional handle manipulates a medical instrument and includes a body capable of being gripped by a hand of a user and further capable of being in communication with the medical instrument. In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the handle may include one or more of a first trigger assembly, a second trigger assembly and a third trigger assembly. The body may also include a first portion and a second portion coupled thereto such that the second portion is displaced relative to the first portion. At least one of the first portion, second portion and first trigger assembly is capable of manipulating the medical instrument. Non-limiting exemplary embodiments also include one or more of a primary digit-receiving member, a secondary digit-receiving member, and a tertiary digit-supporting member for facilitating ergonomic operation of the handle.

What is claimed as new and what is desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: 
     
         1 . A multi-functional handle for manipulating a medical instrument, said multi-functional handle comprising:
 a body capable of being gripped by a hand of a user and capable of being in communication with a medical instrument; and   a first trigger assembly comprising
 an actuation arm; and 
 a primary digit-receiving member operably coupled to said actuation arm, said first trigger assembly being operably coupled to said body in such a manner that said actuation arm is capable of actuating the medical instrument independently from movement of said primary digit-receiving member; 
   wherein said primary digit-receiving member is selectively displaced between alternate orientations relative to a position of said body and relative to a position of said actuation arm, respectively.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 1 , wherein said first trigger assembly is pivotally coupled to said body. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 2 , wherein said primary digit-receiving member is linearly reciprocated along a linear travel path extending outwardly from a proximal end of said actuation arm. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 2 , wherein said primary digit-receiving member is freely articulated about an x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a secondary digit-receiving member attached to said body.   
     
     
         6 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 5 , wherein said secondary digit-receiving member is fixedly coupled to said body. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a tertiary digit-supporting member attached to said body.   
     
     
         8 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 7 , wherein said tertiary digit-supporting member is resiliently coupled to said second portion thereby returning to an equilibrium position after being biased to an offset position. 
     
     
         9 . A multi-functional handle for manipulating a medical instrument, said multi-functional handle comprising:
 a body capable of being gripped by a hand of a user and capable of being in communication with a medical instrument, and   a first trigger assembly comprising
 an actuation arm, and 
 a primary digit-receiving member adjustably coupled to said actuation arm, said first trigger assembly being adjustably coupled to said body in such a manner that said actuation arm is capable of actuating the medical instrument. 
   
     
     
         10 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 9 , wherein said primary digit-receiving member is selectively displaced between alternate orientations relative to a position of said body and relative to a position of said actuation arm, respectively. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 10 , wherein said primary digit-receiving member is linearly reciprocated along a linear travel path extending outwardly from a proximal end of said actuation arm. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 10 , wherein said primary digit-receiving member is freely articulated about an x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a secondary digit-receiving member attached to said body.   
     
     
         14 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 13 , wherein said secondary digit-receiving member is fixedly coupled to said body. 
     
     
         15 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a tertiary digit-supporting member attached to said body.   
     
     
         16 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 15 , wherein said tertiary digit-supporting member is fixedly coupled to said body. 
     
     
         17 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 15 , wherein said tertiary digit-supporting member is pivotally coupled to said body. 
     
     
         18 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 15 , wherein said tertiary digit-supporting member is pivotally coupled to said second portion and extends proximally away therefrom. 
     
     
         19 . The multi-functional handle of  claim 15 , wherein said tertiary digit-supporting member is resiliently coupled to said second portion thereby returning to an equilibrium position after being biased to an offset position. 
     
     
         20 . A method of utilizing a multi-functional handle for manipulating a medical instrument, said method comprising the steps of:
 obtaining and gripping a body in a hand of a user;   obtaining a first trigger assembly being operably coupled to said body, said first trigger assembly including an actuation arm, and a primary digit-receiving member operably coupled to said actuation arm; and   selectively displacing said primary digit-receiving member between alternate orientations relative to a position of said body and relative to a position of said actuation arm, respectively, such that said actuation arm actuates the medical instrument independently from movement of said primary digit-receiving member.