Abstract:
An adaptive device for aiding a person with a medical condition is provided. The adaptive device is attached to a hand or limb and includes a platform. A bumper is positioned on the platform to aid in the positioning and securing of the device. A holder extends from the platform, either perpendicularly or at an angle to the platform. The holder is configured to receive an item to aid the individual in everyday tasks. The device also includes securing members, which may be straps that are connected to the device to further aid in securing the device to the user. Additionally, the device may include cushions or other comfort members on the bumper, platform, and/or holder.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of a provisional application Ser. No. 61/444,406 filed Feb. 18, 2011, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a field, which comprises the art for a terminal end mounted prosthetic device for use by persons with a medical condition. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Persons suffering from a medical condition such as an impaired hand, or lack thereof, as having occurred congenitally, accidentally or otherwise can be severely limited and may not be able to perform simple daily tasks easily done with a normal hand. Such persons may be unable to hold a writing implement, food item, kitchen utensil, toy, personal hygiene and grooming items or other similar devices due to the inability to secure the device and perform the intended function that the device usually serves. The person may have a strong, supportive upper limb, but the hand, or lack thereof, is unable to hold, grip, or stabilize items necessary to perform normal tasks associated with such devices. Writing implements, for example pencils, pens, markers, etc., cannot be grasped or held firmly enough, if at all, to complete the task. 
         [0004]    Various prosthetics for persons with a medical condition having an impaired hand, or lack thereof, exist and are known to provide assistance to the person affected by the handicap. However, the devices do not provide a simple and inexpensive solution to aiding a person in doing normal tasks. For instance, many devices require that a rather large portion of the prosthetic be attached to the arm of an individual. The added material increases the cost of manufacturing, and thus, the price of the prosthetic. Other prosthetic devices are function-specific, in that tedious changes must be made to the device in order for the device to accomplish different functions. 
         [0005]    It is therefore a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to overcome deficiencies in the art. 
         [0006]    It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a person with a medical condition affecting their upper limb the ability to perform necessary and/or everyday tasks. 
         [0007]    It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a prosthetic device that grips, holds, stabilizes and/or secures an item. 
         [0008]    It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a prosthetic device that is reliable, cost-effective, and comfortable. 
         [0009]    These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention relates to a device for use by persons with a medical condition limiting the use of their hand or arm. The invention relates, more specifically, to a device that can be attached to a terminal end of an arm or hand affected by said condition. The device enables the user to hold, grip, stabilize or secure an item they may not have otherwise been able to manipulate. The device is small, comfortable and minimally apparent to others. 
         [0011]    The present invention is a prosthetic device that comprises a platform of lightweight, durable, yet firm material, such as moldable plastic. The device further comprises an adjacent bumper section of the same or similar lightweight material, such as moldable plastic. An elongated upright, nearly cylindrical section of the same or similar material is placed perpendicular or at an angle approximately 50-60 degrees in measurement to the platform and near the bumper. The aforementioned section may readily receive and release an item such as a writing implement, kitchen utensil, toy, food item, personal hygiene or grooming item, or the like. A comfort member comprising a soft cushioning material such as foam, moleskin, felt, gel cushion, or the like is located adjacent to the bumper; furthermore, it may be adjacent to the upright cylinder as well to enhance the comfort of the user. Securing members of adjustable, lightweight, durable material such as a plurality of strapping made of hook and loop fastener, elastic, leather, or neoprene are wrapped around the affected hand or terminal end of the user to secure in place. The securing members can be readily attached to the platform as by the use of a hook and loop fastener, buckle, buttons, snaps, or the like. Furthermore, these members may also be used to secure or stabilize an item such as those mentioned above placed between the platform and the inner aspect of the affected hand or arm of the user. The entire device can be worn in any setting and be minimally apparent to others. 
         [0012]    A series of items including writing implements, food items, kitchen utensils, personal hygiene and grooming items, or the like can be attached by placing the item in the holder, or between the inner aspect of the affected hand or arm and the platform. Should the user of this device have a fully functioning other hand, the user can add or change the item contained in, or stabilized by the device by removal from the holder or from between platform and the hand. 
         [0013]    The device can be utilized by almost anyone with a hand impairment of a developmentally mature age to accomplish a specific everyday task such as writing, coloring, eating, personal grooming, or playing. These tasks can be effected in a manner that allows the user to maximize the hand or lack thereof, to realize the desired goal in a way that is similar to that in which an unimpaired person would do. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prosthetic device according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of a prosthetic device of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a view of the prosthetic device with a pencil attached and with holding straps undone. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the components of the prosthetic device according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a view of the prosthetic device showing a toothbrush attached thereto. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a view of the prosthetic device showing a knife attached thereto. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of an embodiment of the prosthetic device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the prosthetic device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side or lateral view of the prosthetic device of  FIG. 7  with a writing utensil and securing member included. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is another side or lateral view of the prosthetic device of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0024]    The descriptions that follow have been labeled with numbers, which remain the same throughout when referring to parts. The figures are not necessarily drawn to size or scale and the proportion may be distorted. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the numeral  10  generally designates a prosthetic device. The device  10  is shown with a writing implement  12 , in this case a pencil, that includes an adjustable securing device  16  mounted in a holder  14 .  FIG. 1  also illustrates a plurality of securing members  18  and  20  to maintain contact and stability between the hand or terminal end of the user and platform  22  by crossing over the back of the hand or terminal end in a perpendicular fashion. The comfort member  24  is depicted in  FIG. 1  as adjacent to the vertical bumper  28 . The comfort member  24  is shown of similar length as the vertical bumper  28 .  FIG. 1  also includes a second comfort member  26  wrapping horizontally on the holder  14 , shown here as partially encompassing the holder  14 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates the underside of device  10 . In this figure, the writing implement  12  is shown surrounded by an adjustable securing device  16 , which is in turn at least partially surrounded by holder  14 . The writing implement  12 , holder  14  and adjustable securing device  16  are shown attached to the platform  22 . A plurality of securing members  18  and  20  made of loops are connected to the platform  22  by means of a securing device  30 , in this case hooks from opposite sides. 
         [0027]    As is best shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the device  10  is comprised of a holder  14 , formed from a flat rectangular section of lightweight materials such as EZE Form, available from Sammons Preston and Roylan, into a cylindrical, not quite connected fashion. The device  10  is further comprised of a platform  22  and bumper  28  made of like material. The platform  22  is an ovate section with an elongated edge, which is molded into an upright segment attaching to the holder  14  on the interior side opposite the open seam. The surface of the platform  22  is substantially planar in the figure. However, it should be appreciated that the surface may include ridges, curves, or other obtrusions to aid the platform in fitting to a hand. Furthermore, it is appreciated that generally any moldable plastic or other material may be used instead of EZE Form. 
         [0028]    The bumper  28  is a flat, rectangular section of EZE Form molded at one end into a cylindrical shape, which is bonded to the upper surface of the platform  22  and continues to wrap around to the underside where it is further bonded to the platform  22 . EZE Form is known to become malleable at approximately  150 ° F. allowing for formation of the holder  14 , platform  22 , and bumper  28 . While EZE Form is available in a variety of thicknesses, the device  10  uses EZE Form of ⅛ inch thickness to provide the user with enough strength that the device  10  is durable, but is also thin enough so that is not cumbersome. Other thicknesses of EZE Form or like material may also be used to achieve similar effects. Located on the posterior surface of the bumper  28  is mounted a thin, rectangular section of comfort member  24 , such as Hapla Fleecy Web, which is known to be a soft self-adhesive, open-celled foam padding with a thin felt surface. Similarly, a small, thin, rectangular shaped section of flexible liner, such as moleskin, a soft, woven material known to reduce friction, is mounted on the lower, outer lateral side of the holder  14 . The comfort members  24 ,  26  are positioned to relieve discomfort and irritation and prevent shifting of the device  10 . Moleskin and hapla fleecy web are known for a soft cushioning surface on one side and adhesive coating on the reverse. Secured to the underside of the platform  22  are a plurality of securing members  18  and  20  of the aforementioned loop material, which can be wrapped tautly crosswise around the hand or terminal end of the user (not shown) and attached on the opposite side to the hook material  30  adhered to the bottom of  22 . Velcro® hook and loop fasteners are known for being lightweight, durable, adjustable and easy to use, unlike cement. Also depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  are writing implements in the form of a pencil  12  and an adjustable tubular securing mechanism, such as a pencil gripper. A pencil gripper is known to hold an item like a pencil securely when the item is slightly smaller than the circumference of the gripper and pressure is then applied to the exterior surface creating an interior tension. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates a toothbrush  32  similarly joined to the device  10  while  FIG. 6  does not use the holder  14 . Rather, it utilizes pressure exerted by the platform  14  and the strappings  18  and  20  to secure an item such as the knife  34  depicted herein. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the numeral  110  generally designates another embodiment of the prosthetic device. The device  110  is shown with a writing implement  112 , in this case a pencil that includes an adjustable securing device  116  mounted in a holder  114 .  FIG. 7  also illustrates a plurality of strappings  118 ,  120  that secure the device  110  to the user&#39;s terminal end or hand by crossing diagonally over the backside of the terminal end or hand. The comfort member  126  is located on the lateral surface adjacent to the platform  122  on the holder  114  to prevent rubbing, chafing, and discomfort of the user. The comfort member  126  is generally located on the surface in contact with or adjacent to the platform  122 .  FIG. 7  includes a second comfort member  124  located on the bumper  128  and is generally of similar length as the bumper  128  and extends from platform  122  vertically following the surface of the bumper  128 . Comfort members  124 ,  126  alleviate discomfort while affording the user the ability to be confident in the stability of the device. The bumper  128  in this embodiment is a continuation of the platform  122 . The generally ovate, planar platform is elongated on one side and is then curved over and upward, forming a cylindrical shape that adheres to itself in order to create the bumper  128 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 8  illustrates the bottom side of the device  110 . In this figure, a plurality of strappings  118 ,  120  are shown connected to the hook material  130  adhered to the underside of the platform  122 . Velcro® hook and loop fasteners, such as those used in this embodiment, are known to be lightweight and durable, and provide the user the ability to easily adjust and secure device  110 . The strappings  118 ,  120  are shown extending from the hook material, continue around the device  110  in a crisscrossing manner, and connect again to the hook material on the opposite corner. 
         [0032]    As is best shown in  FIG. 9 , the holder  114  secures the item or utensil, in this case a pencil  112 , ensconced in an adjustable securing device  116 . The holder  114 , while stabilizing the adjustable securing device  116 , is not fully connected to itself on the vertical side allowing the user to remove or insert a variety of items, including but not limited to, writing utensils or personal grooming items. The holder  114  is attached to the platform  122  by means of the moldable plastic being secured as per manufacturer&#39;s directions, EZE Form being known to adhere to itself when heated and becomes malleable. From the platform  122 , the section of EZE Form extends downward on the side adjacent to the bumper  128  and then curves back up to fold in on itself forming a single unit  1  known as the holder  114 . The securing member  120  is shown connected to a hook fastener  132  adhered to the side of the holder  114 , on a section of the moldable plastic extending generally downward from the platform  122 . The securing member would wrap over the terminal end or hand of the user in a diagonal fashion and adhere to the hook material located on the bottom of the platform  122 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The bumper  128  is shown extending away from the holder  114  and the platform  122  is shown attached to the holder  114  at an angle. 
         [0033]      FIG. 10  depicts the device  110  from the rear side of the device. The holder  114  is adjacent to the platform  122 , and extends above and below the surface of said platform  122 . The extension allows the device  110  to incorporate an angle of approximately 50-60 degrees, measured from the platform  122  and the bottom surface of the platform  122 . Preferably, the holder  114  extends at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees, and more preferably, the angle is between 50 and 60 degrees. The angle simulates the angle of the hand, wrist and arm in relation to the surface or imagined surface an implement may encounter, in this case the pencil  112  and paper writing surface. It has been found that this angle is more natural and ensures the comfort of the user for some tasks. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention contemplates that the holder  114  form an angle to the platform in a range from 30 degrees to 120 degrees. The exact angle may be determined on the individual and intended use of the device  110 . 
         [0034]    The comfort member  124  is adhered to the holder  114  on the lateral surface extending above the platform  122 . The comfort member  126  is adhered to the bumper  128 , which generally extends above the surface of the platform  122  and is located more or less perpendicular to the holder  114 . Both the comfort member  126  and the bumper  128  generally equal the platform  122  in length. The plurality of straps  118 ,  120  are shown crossing over each other, allowing room for the user&#39;s terminal end or hand to be secured between them and the platform  122 . 
         [0035]    The above descriptions disclose a novel prosthetic device for use by individuals with an impaired hand or lack thereof. Because of the securing members  18 ,  20 , the device  10  is easily mounted onto the affected hand or terminal end of the user. Once mounted, the device  10  remains securely in place. An implement, such as a pencil  12 , and the adjustable securing mechanism  16  can be inserted easily into the holder  14  and set to the optimal height while maintaining its placement. With the item in place, the user is able to accomplish the desired everyday task, whether it is doodling, writing a letter to grandma, brushing teeth, etc. The device  110  affords the same advantages as the device  10 , but also allows for the user to achieve a more natural angle for some tasks, such as writing. 
         [0036]    The device  10  weighs a few grams, yet is durable and able to withstand many pounds of force produced by the user&#39;s thrust, lateral movement, circular motion, and rotation. The main part of the device  10 , while worn by the user, is concealed by the palm or terminal end of the user, and the strappings  18 ,  20 , holder  14 , items  12 ,  32 ,  34  and bumper  28  remain visible. The device  10  allows the user to perform many functions, yet remains separate from the hand or terminal end of the user. The platform  22 , bumper  28 , and securing members  18 ,  20 , when secured to the user, allow the transfer of horizontal, vertical, and circular movements to the item contained either within the holder  14  or between the platform  22  and the user&#39;s hand or terminal end. This enables the user to complete tasks such as, but not limited to, writing, eating, personal hygiene and grooming, or playing. 
         [0037]    The device can be washed using a wet cloth and lukewarm soapy water and wiping thoroughly. The platform  22 , holder  14 , and bumper  28  can be cleaned in this manner. The moleskin, cushioning foam, and hook and loop fasteners can be easily replaced as needed with over-the-counter products readily available at discount stores, drug stores, or sewing and craft stores. The device  10  as described herewith does not require any specialty tools, only commercially available products such as EZE Form, a hot water bath to prepare the EZE Form per manufacturer&#39;s directions, cutting implements like scissors to cut to size, hook and loop strapping and fasteners like Velcro®, and adjustable securing mechanisms like pencil grippers, which are also easily acquired at discount stores, drug stores, and office supply stores. 
         [0038]    Even though the focus has been primarily on writing implements, it is to be understood that the device  10  may be used with other items, including but not limited to, personal grooming and hygiene items like toothbrushes or combs, kitchen utensils, paintbrushes, markers, toys, food items such as cheese sticks, or candy canes with little modification, if any. Such modifications may comprise removal of adjustable securing mechanism or placement of item. 
         [0039]    While the device  10  could be made in a wide variety of ways without losing the purpose or intent, these figures do not encompass all possible means and manners. The illustrations are meant to be an example, but not limit the diverse methods of manufacturing and usage. For example, it is understood that the size, shape, and material of the device may be varied according to the intended use and availability of supplies used to make the device. For instance, the securing members may use snaps or light adhesives to connect to one another and device instead of hook and loops. The shape of the holder may be varied to accommodate the insertion of a wider range of utensils. Furthermore, the device may be altered in order to allow for a greater variety of uses, and to accommodate a wider range of user size and abilities.