Abstract:
A multi-functional group of hand/forearm exercise tools wherein each tool permits the user to strengthen one or more muscles associated with the hand/forearm of the user, and/or to increase radial and ulnar deviation and forearm pronation and supination, or permits the user to mimic a functional task, such as turning a door knob, opening a bottle cap, inserting and turning a key, turning and tightening a nut, and turning and tightening a bolt.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/811,840 filed Jun. 12, 2007. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to novel hand therapy exercise tools, and methods of constructing and utilizing same. 
         [0005]    More particularly, the present invention relates to the aforementioned tools and methods used in conjunction with therapeutic putty of various resistances. 
         [0006]    Heretofore, a patient may arrive at a hand therapy clinic status-post, for example, a distal radius fracture. Such a patient may have been splinted for six weeks or so. Typically, such a patient has limitations of radial/ulnar deviation, fine motor skills, and functional deficits. Before the advent of the present invention, the tools and techniques available to patient and therapist were limited and not very effective. 
         [0007]    The prior, but not necessarily relevant, art is exemplified by: 
         [0008]    Smallwood et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,522; 
         [0009]    Williams U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,941; and 
         [0010]    Minuto et al. US Patent Application Publication US2004/0072653. 
         [0011]    The present invention solves the aforementioned problems and other problems. 
         [0012]    It is a desideratum of the present invention to avoid the animadversions of conventional hand therapy exercise tools and techniques. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention provides a hand therapy method, comprising the steps of: providing a first therapeutic putty having a first predetermined resistance; providing a first predetermined hand therapy exercise tool; inserting a first predetermined portion of said tool into first putty; permitting a patient to cause said tool to move a first predetermined trajectory within and relative to said first putty until said patient can do so with ease; removing said tool from said first putty; providing a second therapeutic putty having a second predetermined resistance which is greater than said first predetermined resistance; inserting said first predetermined portion of said tool into said second putty; and permitting the patient to cause said tool to move second predetermined trajectory within and relative to said second putty until said patient can do so with ease. 
         [0014]    The present invention also provides a hand therapy exercise tool, comprising, in combination: a tool member having a first predetermined portion having a first predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into a therapeutic putty; said tool member having a second predetermined portion having a second predetermined shape and configuration enabling a patient to manipulate said tool member to cause said tool to move in a predetermined trajectory within and relative to said putty; and said first predetermined shape and configuration of said first portion providing a predetermined resistance to said movement of said tool within and relative to said putty. 
         [0015]    It is a primary object of the present invention to provide functional hand exercise equipment. 
         [0016]    Another object of the invention is to provide a set of various shaped hand therapy exercise tools which are used with graded resistant putty 
         [0017]    Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those persons skilled in this particular area of technology and to other persons after having been exposed to the present patent application when read in conjunction with the accompanying patent drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a knob turn tool. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is shows the  FIG. 1  tool being used with fingertips. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is shows the  FIG. 1  tool being used with the basic grip. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  shows a small knob turn tool. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  shows the  FIG. 4  tool being used with the basic grip. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  shows the  FIG. 4  tool being used with fingertips. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  shows a key turn tool. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  shows the basic key turn exercise. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  shows the  FIG. 7  tool being used with the intrinsic function between digits. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  shows a bolt turn tool. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  shows the  FIG. 10  tool being used for fine motor skills. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  shows the  FIG. 10  tool being used to improve fine motor coordination of individual digits. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  shows a plank tool. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  shows the  FIG. 13  tool being used in the intrinsic plus position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  shows a “T” bar tool. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  shows the  FIG. 15  tool being used. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  shows an “L” bar tool. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  shows the  FIG. 17  tool being used for radial deviation. 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  shows the  FIG. 17  tool being used for ulnar deviation. 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  shows peg tools. 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  shows a  FIG. 20  tool being pushed down. 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  shows a crank turn tool. 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  shows the  FIG. 22  tool being used for a top crank turn. 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  shows the  FIG. 22  tool being used for a shaft crank turn. 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  shows a pro/sup wheel tool. 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  shows the  FIG. 25  tool being used for forearm pronation. 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  shows a digit extension loop tool. 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  shows the  FIG. 27  tool being used for extensor pollicis longus isolation. 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  shows the  FIG. 27  tool being used for digit extension. 
           [0047]      FIGS. 30 and 31  show a different embodiment of the  FIG. 20  tools. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    The invention provides novel, various-shaped hand therapy exercise tools  1 - 13  and methods of using same in treating hand/forearm conditions, such as, for example, tendon lacerations, finger/wrist fractures, finger amputations, carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, crush injuries, RSD, etc. 
         [0049]    The tools  1 - 13  are specifically designed to be used with graded-resistant therapeutic putty  14 . The putty  14  provides functional simulation with graded resistance during a therapeutic exercise program. The putty  14  comes in various thicknesses which provide various resistances to moving a first predetermined portion  15 - 41  of the tools  1 - 13  therein and/or therethrough. 
         [0050]    The tools  1 - 13  provide the patient with functional simulation and graded resistance for various tasks, e.g., opening a door (knob turn), opening a bottle of water (smaller knob turn), work limitations with tightening a bolt, limitations with turning a key, etc. 
         [0051]    In describing the tools  1 - 13  and the various exercises with which they can be used, reference is made hereinbelow to the accompanying drawings and photos together with the text juxtaposed to such photos, which text is incorporated in this detailed description by reference thereto to best facilitate understanding the tools  1 - 13  and their uses. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , there is shown a knob turn tool  1  having a first predetermined portion  15  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  1  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . The tool  1  may be made out of a hard plastic. The base  15  is narrowed at the end to aid with moving through the resistant putty  14 . The knob shape and size of tool  1  are formed to simulate a basic jar top, lid and doorknob size. Tool  1  may be modified by adding a soft grip surface to increase ease with grasp. Resistance may be graded in by increasing the thickness of putty  14  and by adjusting the speed in which each exercise is performed. The knob turn piece  1  is inserted into the putty  14  by placing it on top of a mound of putty and gently pushing down to insert the base  15  into the resistance. The top portion is then used as a functional exercise to rotate, simulating the activity. The object requires the user to reinsert the object into the putty at various times throughout the exercise to continue having resistance. The exercise time, resistance, and form of exercise is determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , there is shown a small knob turn tool  2  having first predetermined portions  16  and  17  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  2  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . Tool  2  may made out of a strong plastic. The small knob shape and size of tool  2  are formed to simulate a basic lid to a bottle, including variations such as a water bottle, a soda bottle, a beer bottle, and a pipe top. Tool  2  may be modified by adding a soft grip surface to increase ease with the grip. Resistance may be graded in by increasing the thickness of putty  14  and by adjusting the speed in which each exercise is performed. The treatment protocol may be determined by the treating therapist. The small knob turn piece  2  is inserted into the putty  14  by placing it on top of a mound of putty and gently pushing down to insert the bases  16  and  17  into the resistance putty  14 . The top portion is then used as a functional exercise to rotate/simulate an activity. The object is to require the patient to reinsert tool  2  into the putty at various times throughout the exercise to continue having resistance. 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , there is shown a key turn tool  3  having first predetermined portions  18  and  19  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  3  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 7-9 . Tool  3  may be made out of a hard plastic. The bases  18  and  19  are tapered at the ends to ease with moving through the resistant putty  14 . The top of tool  3  is shaped to simulate a key-type object. Resistance may be graded in by increasing the thickness of putty  14  and by adjusting the speed in which each exercise is performed. The key turn piece  3  is inserted into the putty  14  by placing it on top of a mound of putty and gently pushing down to insert the bases  18  and  19  into the resistance putty  14 . The top portion is then used to simulate functional exercises by rotating and/or pulling out of putty  14 . The object is to require the patient to reinsert the tool  3  into the putty at various times throughout the exercise to continue having resistance. The exercise time, resistance, and form of exercise may be determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIGS. 10-12 , there is shown a bolt turn tool  4  having first predetermined portions  20  and  21  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  4  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 10-12 . Tool  4  may be made out of hard plastic. The bases  20  and  21  are narrowed at their ends to ease with moving the tool  4  through the resistant putty  14 . The knob shape and size of tool  4  are formed to simulate tightening a bolt. This can also aid in increasing and strengthening fine motor skills. The base shape and size are smaller to decrease the required force to push the tool  4  through the resistant putty  14 . The bolt turn piece  4  is inserted into the putty  14  by placing it on top of a mound of putty and gently pushing down to insert the bases  20  and  21  into the resistance putty  14 . The top portion of tool  4  is then used for functional exercises with rotating tool  4  through the resistance putty  14 , simulating the activity. The object is to requires the user to reinsert the tool  4  into the putty and rotate it at various times throughout the exercise to continue having resistance. The exercise time, resistance of putty, and form of exercise may be determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , there is shown a plank tool  5  having first predetermined portions  22 ,  23  and  29  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  5  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Tool  5  may be made out of a hard plastic. Resistance may be graded in by increasing the thickness of putty  14  and by adjusting speed in which each exercise is performed. The purpose of piece  5  is to simulate an intrinsic plus position of the hand. This produces a resistive exercise focusing on the intrinsic muscles of the hand. This can be used to simulate pulling an object out of a resistive substance, picking up an oblong object, rotating an object, and various activities performed throughout the day. Hand therapists may use this exercise to strengthen median and ulnar innervated muscles. The resistance may require the patient to replace the tool  5  in the putty  14  to continue having a resistant exercise. The tool  5  is placed into the putty by pushing/pulling/and/or rotating one end into the putty. The exercise time, resistance, and form of exercise is determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , there is shown a “T” bar tool  6  having first predetermined portions  24 - 27  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  6  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The tool  6  may be made out of a hard plastic. The resistance may be graded in by increasing the thickness of putty  14  and by adjusting the speed in which each exercise is performed. Tool  6  is used by gripping one or both ends of the circular bar and placing the extended planks  24 - 27  into the putty  14 . The bar is then rotated forward, backward, or from side to side to create a resistant force. The exercise time, resistance, and form of exercise is determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIGS. 17-19 , there is shown an “L” bar tool  7  having a first predetermined portion  28  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  7  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 17-19 . Tool  7  may be made out of a hard plastic. Both ends are tapered to ease with the torque required to move through the resistance putty  14 . The “L” form is to allow for exercises to be performed to increase radial and ulnar deviation and forearm pronation and supination. Resistance may be graded in by increasing the thickness of putty  14  and/or by adjusting the speed in which each exercise is performed. The “L” bar  7  is placed into the putty  14  by inserting one end into the putty. The remaining end is used as a lever to pull the inserted end out of the putty. The object is to require the patient to reinsert the tool  7  into the putty at various times throughout the exercise to continue having resistance. The exercise time, resistance, and the form of exercise is determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIGS. 20 ,  21 ,  30  and  31 , there are shown peg tools  8 - 10  having first predetermined portions  31 - 34 ,  40  and  41  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tools  8 - 10  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 20 ,  21 ,  30  and  31 . Tools  8 - 10  may made out of a hard plastic. The pegs  8 - 10  (e.g., a set of ten) are designed in various sizes. The intent is to provide various widths to push/pull pegs  8 - 10  into putty  14 , and also provide turning. Each peg  8 - 10  has a base  31 - 34 ,  40  and  41  which is lengthened and tapered to provide appropriate resistance. Resistance may be graded in by increasing the thickness of the putty  14  and by adjusting the speed at which each exercise is performed. The dimensions of pegs  8 - 10  may vary to simulate various functional uses. The initial process includes pushing the pegs into the putty to insert the base. The pole of the peg is then used to rotate, pull out, or push further in. The object is to require the patient to insert, rotate, and/or re-insert the peg into the putty at various times throughout the exercise to continue having the desired resistance. The exercise time, resistance, and form of each exercise is determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0060]    With reference to  FIGS. 22-24 , there is shown a crank turn tool  11  having first predetermined portions  35  and  36  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  11  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 22-24 . Tool  11  may be made of a hard plastic. The double “T” form is to simulate turning a bar. The shaft of the crank turn  11  is rounded to simulate a pipe. Resistance may be graded in by increasing thickness of putty  14  and by adjusting speed at which each exercise is performed. The crank turn  11  can be used in various ways, e.g., to insert one base into the putty and simulate a turning/tightening action; to insert one base into the putty and grip the shaft to produce a rotating action; to hold onto the shaft and place one base into the putty and produce a rotating action; etc. The object is to require the patient to insert, rotate, and/or re-insert the tool  11  into the putty at various times throughout the exercise to continue having resistance. The exercise time, resistance, and form of each exercise is determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , there is shown a pro/sup wheel tool  12  having first predetermined portions  37  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  12  can be used to improve various conditions of the hand/forearm as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 25 and 26 . Tool  12  may made of a hard plastic, and formed as an oval to increase the time of resistance during rotation. The center bar of tool  12  is a round mass to simulate a gripping activity. Resistance may be graded in by increasing thickness of putty  14  and by adjusting the speed in which each exercise is performed. The spikes  37  of the tool  12  are inserted into the putty to provide resistance. The forearm is then rotated to produce a supination and/or pronation activity. This activity can simulate opening of a door, tightening of an object, and many other functional activities. The purpose is to require the patient to insert, rotate, and/or re-insert tool  12  into the putty  14  at various times throughout each exercise to continue having resistance. The exercise time, resistance, and form of each exercise is determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIGS. 27-29 , there is shown a digit extension loop tool  13  including first predetermined portions  38  and  39  having a predetermined shape and configuration for insertion into the therapeutic putty  14 . The tool  13  can be used to improve various conditions of the digits/hand as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 27-29 . Tool  13  may be made out of a hard plastic. The shape of tool  13  is formed to allow a digit to be inserted through a loop to provide a resistance with digit extension. The base  38  and  39  is in a “T” formation to grip into the putty  14  to provide resistance. The width of the loop is wide to accommodate to various sizes of digits. Resistance may be graded in by increasing the thickness of putty  14  and/or by adjusting the speed at which each exercise is performed. The base of tool  13  is pushed down into the putty to provide a resistance. The digit of choice is placed through the loop of tool  13 . The digit is then extended to produce a movement of extension. The purpose is to require the patient to insert and re-insert tool  13  into the putty at various times throughout the exercise to continue having resistance. The exercise time, resistance, and form of exercise is determined by the treating therapist. 
         [0063]    The putty  14  is provided in various resistances, e.g., soft, medium, medium-hard, hard. The tools  1 - 13  used in conjunction with the graded resistance putty  14  enables the patient to progress gradually with the therapy methods and exercise programs in accordance with the invention. 
         [0064]    The invention provides a cost-effective, multi-functional group of fine/gross motor exercise equipment (tools  1 - 13 ) and unique methods of using same for clinic use. These can also be purchased by the patient to include into their home exercise program. 
         [0065]    There have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove only several of the unique and novel embodiments of the present invention which can be practiced and constructed in many different configurations, arrangements of components, sizes, shapes, and exercises therewith. 
         [0066]    It should be understood that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications will become apparent to those persons skilled in this particular area of technology and to others after having been exposed to the present patent specification and accompanying drawings. 
         [0067]    Any and all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are therefore covered by and embraced within the present invention and the patent claims set forth hereinbelow.