Patent Document

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY 
   This application claims the benefit of and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/279,111 filed on Oct. 24, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; this application also claims the benefit of and is a Continuation-In-Part of International Application No. PCT/US02/33956, filed on Oct. 24, 2002, presently published in English under PCT Article 21(2), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and this application further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/330,527 filed on Oct. 24, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The present invention provides handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles. Desirably, the forceps/tweezers have a generally asymmetrical “Y” shaped handle designed to comfortably fit the hand when used. The present invention provides a forceps/tweezers handle that desirably includes two mirror image blades, which meet or connect at one end. The forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention can be used as a handle to assist the hand in pinching, gripping, holding, cutting and other functions. The forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention can be used for surgical forceps, a variety of surgical instruments, tweezers and a variety of tools and instruments. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Forceps and tweezers are common tools made in the shape of a stylus in which there is a working end or tip and a part that rests on the fleshy space between the base of the index finger and the thumb. Typically, forceps and tweezers are held like a pencil where the thumb, index finger and middle finger hold forceps or tweezers close to the working end. As used herein and as in human anatomy, the anatomical term proximal is nearer and distal is further away on the extremities in relation to the torso. Similarly, in relation to the hand, typically the part of a forceps or tweezers resting over the portion of the hand between the base of the thumb and index finger is the proximal end, whereas the tips of forceps or tweezers can be referred to as the distal end. 
   Forceps and tweezers have opposing blades or members and fine tips enabling the hand to pick up and hold parts of various objects with a range of grip intensity. The opposing actions of the thumb and the long fingers manipulate the blades to move the tips of forceps or tweezers together. Opposition, i.e. moving the tip of the thumb and tips of the long fingers closer to each other, is done by contracting opponens muscle of the thumb and the lumbrical muscles of the long fingers. The lumbricals are small muscles located in the palm of the hand and their contraction pulls the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) bones at the base of the long fingers. The opponens muscle of the hand pulls the base of the thumb. When using forceps or tweezers, the function of fine pinch is under control of the opponens muscle and the lumbrical muscles. However, the function of gross pinch is under control of the opponens muscle of the forearm that pulls the distal portion of the thumb, and the deep flexor muscles of the forearm pull the distal portion of the index finger and the distal portion of the middle finger. 
   Typically, the blades of a forceps or tweezers receive support in the resting hand from the middle finger that crosses underneath them and the portion of the hand between the thumb and index finger. However, when the distal tips of a forceps or tweezers are moved together, the support for the forceps or tweezers in the hand changes and greater support is generated at the tips of the thumb and index fingers to hold the forceps or tweezers. This can cause muscle and joint strain. 
   Some of the factors that can cause strain in the hand when using a common forceps or tweezers include the width of the blades, the spring force of the blades, the way the hand and wrist joints function when grasping or pinching with a forceps or tweezers, the number of muscle fascicles of a muscle used to contract a corresponding muscle, and the position of the fingers on the forceps or tweezers. Typically, wider blades of a forceps or tweezers are easier to hold than narrow blades, and generally require less muscle tension to pinch. The spring-like properties of the material used for typical forceps or tweezers and the connection of the blades can affect the muscle force required to close a forceps or tweezers. 
   Most joints flex and extend and have a small degree of side to side motion, while other joints can move in more than one direction. In the latter joints, such as the thumb, there is larger surface contact area at the center of the joint than the periphery of the joint. When the thumb opposes the center of the long finger tips, the bones at the base of the thumb contact more surface area. When the thumb opposes the index finger or small finger, then bone contact in the joint is at the respective sides of the joint, with the joint contact area of the bones being less than when the thumb opposes the long fingers. Therefore, the common forceps or tweezers force the thumb to move to the radial side of the thumb joint where there is less bone contact surface area. 
   Muscles are made up of sub groups called muscle fascicles. These fascicles are made up of groups of muscle fibers. The amount of muscle fiber contraction determines the strength or the pinch force used to hold an object between the tips of the forceps or tweezers. When the radial side of the thumb joint is used to hold a common forceps or tweezers, the thumb opposes the index finger, and the radial side of the opponens muscle contracts to pull the thumb. In the common forceps or tweezers, fewer muscle fascicles and fibers are typically used for pinch strength when the thumb opposes the index finger than when the thumb opposes the center of the long finger tips. If fewer muscle fascicles and fibers are used to pinch, than potentially available, there is a greater chance of fatigue and strain in these muscles and their fascicles. Therefore, utilizing more muscle fascicles can desirably increase pinch strength and reduce muscle fatigue and stress. Thus a forceps or tweezers that increases the number of muscle fascicles used to pinch a forceps or tweezers is desirable. 
   Moreover, pinch strength is also affected by the number of muscles used in pinching. When the thumb and index finger pinch, one lumbrical muscle is used to pinch the index finger against the thumb. However, two lumbrical muscles, one for the index finger and one for the middle finger, are used in pinching when the thumb opposes the space between the index finger and middle finger. Pinch forces are potentially greater when the thumb opposes both the index finger and the middle finger than when the thumb opposes the index finger alone. This potential grip strength is greater because more opponens muscle fascicles are available when the thumb opposes the space between the index finger tip and the middle finger tip than when the thumb opposes the index finger tip. Thus, opposing the thumb to the space between the index finger and the middle finger has greater efficiency and can reduce muscle fatigue. 
   Additionally, hand strain can occur while using a common forceps or tweezers. This is because the thumb and index finger have a natural tendency to advance toward the tip of the common forceps or tweezers when holding a stylus-type tool, creating the potential for excessive squeezing of the forceps or tweezers. This can create exaggerated flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the thumb and exaggerated index finger flexion at the middle interphalangeal (MIP) joint of the index finger while the DIP joint of the index finger extends. With such exaggerated flexion, the tips of the fingers squeeze and retract proximally, providing feedback or added pressure, i.e. “the feel”, that an object is being supported by the hand. Maintaining this awkward position can also strain finger and wrist joints and ligaments, especially when they suffer pre-existing damage. Such awkward but common position of exaggerated flexion results from the forearm muscles and tendons contrasting the middle phalange of the index finger and distal phalange of the thumb. This typically requires significant force from the forearm muscles, which can add strain and pressure within the carpal tunnel (CT) where the tendons of the superficial flexor forearm muscles transmit direct pressure on the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) and median nerve. Thus, the strain and pressure in the CT from the tendons of the contracted superficial flexor forearm muscles resulting from such awkward position can lead to median nerve irritation and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Furthermore, strain in the muscles in the hand and forearm can cause repetitive strain syndrome of the involved muscles. 
   A typical problem posed with common forceps and tweezers is that frequent use can cause pain in the hand, wrist and forearm and lead to CTS. This problem has not been solved because the common forceps or tweezers generally adapts a stylus-type tool to pinch small objects. Such stylus-type tools can force the hand into an uncomfortable position with the hand compensating for exaggerated finger flexion, as discussed above, leading to this problem. 
   Efficiency is reached when the parts of the hand work in harmony to perform a task. The goal of handle design for a forceps or tweezers, as well as an objective of the method and apparatus of the present invention is to promote such efficiency. An efficient handle design should maintain the hand in a comfortable position. A further goal of any handle or grip design, as well as a further objective of the present invention, is to facilitate the function of the hand and forearm muscles so they work in concert. Another goal of handle design, as well as a further objective of the method and apparatus of the present invention, is to facilitate the function of the joints in the hand and wrist to reduce ligament strain. 
   Furthermore, another goal of handle design for a forceps or tweezers, as well as an objective of the method and apparatus of the present invention, is to promote reduced pinch strength typically required for holding an object. When less pinch strength is required to hold objects, there is less strain to joints and their surrounding ligaments. 
   Therefore, what is needed is a handle for a forceps or tweezers, and a method and apparatus for designing such a handle for a forceps or tweezers, that fulfills the previously mentioned goals. Such a handle for a forceps or tweezers should promote a reduced incidence of repetitive strain disorder and joint injury. 
   Forceps and tweezers, such as surgical forceps and tweezers, generally fall into three common types. The first type has two side by side blade members hinged at one end and tips at the other respective end. The blade members move toward each other and the tips come together to grasp and hold. The blade members of this first type of forceps and tweezers can meet and cross and then extend like a scissors. The blade members of the second type of forceps and tweezers are oriented one on top of the other instead of side by side. In the second type, the handles extend perpendicular to the orientation of the blade members and typically the handles have rings to engage the fingers. The blade members in the second type meet the handles at a hinge. Moving the ring handles moves a pivoting member to open or close for grasping or cutting tissue. A third type of forceps and tweezers uses a lever or slide to actuate a mechanism that opens and closes the jaws of an instrument. 
   Examples of the side-by-side blades of the first type of forceps or tweezers include those in U.S. Pat. Nos. 288,096, 987,095 and 2,540,255, which are fruit pickers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,877 illustrates a forceps or tweezers which is a microsurgical cup forceps. U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,561 illustrates a protective hand forceps and U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,696 is related to handles for microsurgical instruments. The handles in U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,696 oppose the thumb to the index finger and middle finger. 
   Examples of the ring or second type of forceps or tweezers include those illustrated in the following U.S. patents, namely U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,343 illustrates forceps, U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,501 illustrates a surgical instrument, U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,343 illustrates a surgical instrument handle and forceps assembly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,655 illustrates multiple use forceps for endoscopy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,460 illustrates laparoscopy instrument, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,589 illustrates a surgical instrument for endoscopic surgery. 
   Examples of the lever or third type of forceps or tweezers include those illustrated in the following U.S. Patents, namely U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,651 illustrates an instrument for gripping or cutting, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,328 illustrates a surgical instrument handle and actuator means, in which both devices described press down a lever. Other examples of the lever or third type of forceps or tweezers include those illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,380 which illustrates a biopsy forceps device having locking means and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,625 which illustrates a biopsy forceps device having improved handle, both having sliding locking devices. Another example of the lever or third type of forceps or tweezers is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,121 as a medical manipulator that has a lever that straddles a shaft that has a distal end with a grasping part. 
   What is needed is a forceps or tweezers allowing the hand to pinch with greater efficiency, improved stability and reduced joint and muscle strain and tension. The problem with many of the above examples of common forceps or tweezers is that their design and operation does not take advantage of the greater pinch strength available from opposing the thumb to the index finger and middle finger instead of opposing the thumb to the index finger. Furthermore, the above styles of handles for common forceps or tweezers do not efficiently utilize the palm of the hand to support the handle. In addition, the handles for common forceps and tweezers do not efficiently utilize the ring finger and small finger to hold and stabilize the handle of the forceps and tweezers. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles. 
   Also, in the design method and apparatus for handles for forceps/tweezers of the present invention, the design method and apparatus includes embodiments and methods based on measurements made of the hand in a functional pinching position or Forceps Hand Position (FHP). 
   A method and apparatus for designing handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is provided and is based on defined anatomical positions derived from the functional anatomy of a pinching hand. The method uses lines with respect to measurements made in the hand when the thumb opposes the space between the index and middle fingers. Apparatus, such as forceps and tweezers, produced from this method make efficient use of the hand. 
   An advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention of such design is that such handles do not contact the skin over the TCL. Therefore the TCL is not compressed and no pressure is transmitted to the contents of the CT region during pinching or using a handle of such design. 
   Another advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that the natural arcs of the fingers and palm are maintained. In conforming to the natural hand anatomy a handle of this design becomes more comfortable to hold. 
   Another advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that a larger part of the hand contacts the handle. Thus there is the addition of the much greater hand area contacting a handle of this design for pinching. 
   Another advantage is that using such handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention does not compromise or distort the arteries supplying the muscles in the hand. This is because such a handle does not touch either the TCL and underlying CT where the radial artery traverses Guyon&#39;s tunnel at the pisiform bone where the ulnar artery goes deep to supply the structures of the hand. 
   Another advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that they do not compromise, compress or distort the nerves that go to the hand. 
   Another advantage of using handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that there is less strain on contents of and pressure in the CT. 
   Another advantage of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention is that there is less compression, distortion or irritation of the median nerve by the superficial flexor tendons, which are closer to the TCL and the median nerve in the CT. 
   The consummate advantage is that handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention based on the advantages noted above will reduce acute and chronic irritation, trauma and strain to the tendons, bursa, joints, hand muscles and median nerve. It is therefore expected that the result will be in a reduced incidence of CTS and repetitive strain syndrome for people who use forceps or tweezers of this design. 
   It is an objective of the present invention to provide a design method and apparatus for handles for forceps/tweezers of the present invention having greater contact with the supportive areas of the hand. 
   It is an objective of the present invention to provide a design method and apparatus for handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention to optimize use of the flexor hand muscles to the thumb and long fingers. 
   It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a design method and apparatus for handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention that utilizes reduced grip strength as compared to a common forceps/tweezers. 
   It is still another objective of the present invention to provide handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention of various sizes and shapes for various applications. 
   It is still another objective of the present invention to provide handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention related to various hand sizes to accomplish the above and other objectives of the present invention. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, the distal end of handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention can include an elevated surface or various surfaces acting as a reference or references for positioning of the fingers on the forceps/tweezers. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention can include those desirably having generally a “Y” shape, the “Y” shape desirably being of a generally asymmetric “Y” shape. The “Y” shape for such handle for forceps/tweezers has three ends with two upper arms and one leg, either as a single “Y” shape portion or having two “Y” shaped portions joined at their respective proximal ends. While the handles for forceps/tweezers of such aspect of the present invention will generally have the two “Y” shaped portions joined or meeting at their proximal end to perform a forceps/tweezers open and close pinching function, the handle for the forceps or tweezers can also be of a single “Y” portion, that can be adapted for various mechanisms and implements, such as for a motorized control function, such as for an implement, or as can be used for a shovel, spade or pick, for example. The uppermost or proximal arm of each “Y” meets and touches areas on the radial side and ulnar side of the palm of the hand. Each leg or distal end of the “Y” extends from the corresponding connection of the radial and ulnar proximal arms of the “Y” to end near the tips of the thumb, index finger and middle finger. The lower leg or distal end of each “Y” contacts the distal part of the thumb, index finger and middle finger of the hand. In embodiments having the two “Y” shaped portions, the proximal ends of the “Y” are connected and the distal end of each “Y” moves toward the other by the opposing movement of the thumb on one “Y” and the index finger and middle finger on the other “Y”. A variety of working ends/working members attached to the distal members of the handle by various means can be used to grasp, bite or cut various objects. The present invention also provides for handles, such as for forceps/tweezers, and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention to be made for a plurality of hand sizes by adjusting the dimensions of the proximal arm and the dimensions of the distal leg. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention desirably provide for the thumb to oppose both the index and middle fingers, which is in contrast to the thumb opposing the index finger alone as in the common forceps or tweezers. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention desirably provide greater stabilization because the handle for forceps/tweezers is supported at areas within the hand, rather than resting on the middle finger and the portion of the hand between the base of the thumb and index finger. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention desirably provide for maintaining the ring finger and the small finger in the T Position. 
   Furthermore, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention desirably optimize the position for the joints of the thumb, index finger and middle finger so the respective MIP and DIP joints cannot flex excessively. Therefore, the handles for the forceps/tweezers of the present invention promote reduced demands on the forearm muscles and the hand muscles, when used for pinching. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, handles for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention can reduce or prevent injury to joints, muscles, tendons and the median nerve in the CT compartment. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, handles and method and apparatus for designing such handles of the present invention provide for power pinch that can utilize all of the digits of the hand for pinch and not the first three digits of the hand. Stress is thereby reduced at the metacarpal-carpal joint of the thumb when the thumb meets the wrist bones, as compared to when the thumb only opposes the index finger. When the thumb opposes the space at the middle of the long fingers, this position directs the stress across the four metacarpal-phalangeal joints of the index, middle, ring and small fingers. Directing stress across MP joints of the index, middle, ring and small fingers enlists more muscles for pinching. 
   An object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that utilize the appropriate muscles to enhance pinch. 
   Another object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that utilize the appropriate muscles for delicate pinch. 
   A further object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that stabilize a handle within the hand. 
   An additional object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that position the thumb to oppose the space between the index and middle fingers 
   Moreover, another object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that keep the hand in the T position where the tips of the ring finger and small finger are substantially aligned. 
   Likewise, an object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that reduce muscle and joint tension. 
   Another object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that limit flexion at the PIP joints of the opposing thumb, index finger and middle finger of the hand. 
   A further object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that contact the horizontal crease on the radial side of the hand. 
   An additional object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that contact the hypothenar muscle area between the horizontal crease on the ulnar side of the hand and the pisiform bone on the ulnar side of the hand. 
   It is an object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that position the handle in the hand by having the ring and small fingers wrap around the ulnar member of the handle. 
   It is another object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that use the flexed ring finger and small finger to pull the handle of the present invention toward the radial side and ulnar side of the palm of the hand when the hand is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). 
   It is also an object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that have the ring finger and the small finger direct (push/pull) the proximal part of the forceps/tweezers handle against the radial side and the ulnar side of the hand. 
   Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that prevent the handle from slipping within the hand. 
   Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to desirably provide handle designs that stabilize such handles used with an apparatus within the hand. 
   Further, an object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that make the shape of the ulnar section relate to the functional position of the ring and middle fingers when the hand is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). 
   Also, an object of the present invention is to desirably provide handle designs that use the flexed ring finger to lift the handle as it contacts the the proximal portion of the distal leg of the handle when the hand is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a view of the palmar side of the hand when the hand is in the T Position illustrating the long fingers ending in the same line and the thumb opposing the space between the index finger and middle finger. 
     FIG.  2 A and  FIG. 2B  are views of the hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP).  FIG. 2A  shows the palmar surface view with the thumb, index finger and middle finger ending in the same plane. The tips of the ring finger and small finger end on the same line as in the T Position.  FIG. 2B  is a view of the hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) from the perspective of the radial side of the hand. 
     FIG.  3 A and  FIG. 3B  are schematic views illustrating embodiments of handles of the present invention of a generally “Y”-shaped configuration. 
       FIG. 4A , FIG.  4 B and  FIG. 4C  are views illustrating a forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is three-dimensional view.  FIG. 4B  is a side or profile view.  FIG. 4C  is a top or radial view. 
     FIG.  5 A and  FIG. 5B  are views illustrating a hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) with the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  is a palmar view of the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle and  FIG. 5B  is a radial view of the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle. 
     FIG.  6 A and  FIG. 6B  illustrate lines for measurement to determine the dimensions of a forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  shows a palmar view of the hand with the lines to be measured.  FIG. 6B  shows a radial view of the hand with the lines to be measured. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a protractor measuring device used to measure the hand to determine angles and sizes for a handle of the present invention. 
     FIG.  8 A and  FIG. 8B  illustrate a rectangular measuring device used as an alternate to the protractor measuring device of  FIG. 7  to measure the hand for determining measurements and locations of lines related to the measurements for producing sizes for a handle of the present invention, with FIG.  8 C and  FIG. 8D  illustrating the arrangement, measurements and locations of such lines used to produce a handle of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 9A through 9G  illustrate variations of a handle of the present invention.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate variations at the ulnar arm.  FIGS. 9C and 9D  illustrate variations at the contact area where the thumb, index finger and middle finger can manipulate a handle of the present invention.  FIGS. 9E ,  9 F and  9 G illustrate extensions added to a handle of the present invention to adjust the handle of the present invention for a plurality of hand sizes. 
       FIGS. 10A through 10G  illustrate additions to a handle of the present invention near the distal end of a handle.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate an elastic means, such as a spring, to keep the handle in an open position.  FIGS. 10C ,  10 D and  10 E illustrate different views of a clamp to maintain a handle from a fully open to a fully closed position.  FIGS. 10F and 10G  illustrates ring members to receive the ends of corresponding fingers in a handle. 
       FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  11 C illustrate various views of a rotating mechanism located at a connecting area allowing rotation of the radial arm and ulnar arm in a handle of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate views of an embodiment of a handle of the present invention having a widened distal end. 
       FIGS. 13A through 13K  illustrate various connection means at the distal end of a handle of the present invention for connecting various implements to the handle. 
       FIGS. 14A through 14E  illustrate embodiments of mechanisms to change the direction and orientation of pinch with respect to a handle of the present invention, such as from a side-to-side horizontal direction to an up and down vertical direction in relation to a handle. 
       FIGS. 15A ,  15 B,  15 C and  15 D illustrate a spring loaded mechanism, such as for a surgical scalpel guard, integrated with a handle of the present invention to provide for retraction and extension of an implement for use with a handle. 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate working ends attached to a handle of the present invention with the working end of  FIG. 16A  being a microscissors and the working end of  FIG. 16B  being a reverse tweezers. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates of an embodiment of a handle of the present invention attached to a standard size scissors. 
       FIGS. 18A ,  18 B and  18 C illustrate views of an embodiment of a handle of the present invention that has a wider distal end, with a working end positioned at the wider distal end, such as for retrieving items such as files from a file cabinet or loose items on a surface. 
       FIGS. 19A ,  19 B,  19 C and  19 D illustrate various embodiments of a handle of the present invention that can have devices integrated with a handle.  FIG. 19A  illustrates a unitary handle of the present invention having a single “Y” configuration.  FIG. 19B  illustrates an embodiment of a generally unitary handle of the present invention having an implement attached by a suitable connection means to a handle of the present invention.  FIG. 19C  illustrates an embodiment of a generally unitary handle of the present invention that incorporates a motor driving means for rotation or movement of a working end or an implement.  FIG. 19D  illustrates an embodiment of a generally unitary handle of the present invention having a motor driving means for opening and closing a working end or ends of an implement. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In order to more clearly and concisely describe the subject matter of the present invention, the following definition for the T Position is intended to provide guidance as to the meanings of specific terms used in the following written description. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not to be construed in a limiting sense. The following discussion relates to areas of the hand in relation to the present invention with reference to FIG.  1 . 
   T Position 
     FIG. 1  illustrates the hand  100  to the T Position. The T Position is the position the hand  100  assumes when the tips  200   a  of the long fingers  200  are aligned and the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  opposes the space  320  between the index finger  202  and middle finger  203 . In this position the area that crosses the palm  102  of the hand  100  known as the palmar arch  104  is concave. The finger cup  106 , shown as a dotted line, is the concave area made by the long fingers  200  when the tips  200   a  of the long fingers  200  are aligned and the long fingers  200  are flexed. The horizontal creases  108  of the palm  102  appear as a skin fold and aligns with the palmar arch  104 . On the radial side  110  of the hand  100  the horizontal crease  108  is hidden by the thumb  201 . The longitudinal creases  112  also appear as a skin fold because the palm  102  of the hand  100  is not flat when the hand  100  is in the T Position. The MIP joints  250  of the long fingers  200  lie adjacent to each other. The MIP joint  250  of the middle finger  203  is furthermost away from the line  300  than the other MIP joints  250  of the other long fingers  200  are from the line  300 . The MIP joint  250  of the small finger  205  is closer to the line  300  than MIP joints  250  of the other long fingers  200 . 
   Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1 , the hypothenar muscle area  116  extends from the horizontal crease  108  of the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  to the wrist  120  at the level of the pisiform bone  126 . The pisiform bone  126  of the wrist  120  is at the area on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  where the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery enter the palm  102  under the hypothenar muscle area  116 . The transverse carpal ligament (TCL)  122  covers the carpal tunnel (CT)  124 . The thenar muscle area  114  is on the radial side  110  of the hand  100  and radial to the CT  124 . The hypothenar muscle area  116  is on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  and ulnar to the CT  124 . The CT  124  contains the median nerve, four tendons from the superficial flexor muscle of the forearm and four tendons from the deep flexor muscle of the forearm. The superficial tendons are closer to the inner surface of the TCL  122  than the deep tendons. This places the superficial tendons next to the median nerve. 
   Forceps Hand Position (FHP) 
   There can be variations to the T position. FIG.  2 A and  FIG. 2B  show an adaptation of the T Position to the position of the hand  100  in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). As shown in FIG.  2 A and  FIG. 2B , when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP), the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  are partially extended from the T Position. However, the ring finger  204  and small finger  205  remain in the T Position. In the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  opposes the space  320  between the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203  as it does in the T Position. Also note the tip  200   a  of the ring finger  204  and the tip  200   a  of the small finger  205  end at the same line  340  relative to the T Position for the hand  100 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates a view of the radial side  110  of the hand  100  with the hand  100  in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). When the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP), as shown by the dashed line  305 , the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  is in substantial alignment with the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203 . 
   Continuing with reference to  FIG. 2A , the horizontal crease  108  as shown in  FIG. 1 , crosses the palm  102  of the hand  100  and is hidden by the base of the thumb  201  until the horizontal crease  108  reaches the radial side  110  of the hand  100 . The location of the radial end of the horizontal crease  108  is seen on the radial side  110  of the hand  100  in FIG.  2 B.  FIG. 1  also shows the location of the horizontal crease  108  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , Plane C, as seen in  FIG. 2B , illustrates the relationship of the hand to the center line of a handle of the present invention. Plane C passes through the radial side  110  of the hand  100  to the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). On the radial side  110  of the hand  100  Plane C extends through the horizontal crease  108  to bisect the space made between the thumb  201  and the index finger  202  and middle finger  203 . On the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  Plane C passes through an area M about half way between the horizontal crease  108  and the pisiform bone  126  of the wrist  120 . Plane C then continues to pass through the DIP joints  252  of the ring finger  204  and small finger  205  when the ring finger  204  and small finger  205  are in the T Position. 
   For illustrative purposes, with reference to FIG.  3 A and  FIG. 3B , schematic representations of handles of the present invention, are illustrated as schematic  400 Y and schematic  400 Y′. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  by the schematics  400 Y and  400 Y′, handles of the present invention, such as for use as a forceps/tweezers, are generally of a “Y”-shaped configuration or desirably of a generally asymmetrical “Y”-shaped or “slingshot”-shaped configuration. A handle of the present invention, such as illustrated by the schematics  400 Y and  400 Y′ can be considered to have two (upper) arms and one (lower) leg. In this regard, handles of the present invention can have two arms Y 1 , Y 1 ′ and Y 2 , Y 2 ′ that can be considered the proximal part of the schematics  400 Y and  400 Y′ corresponding to a handle of the present invention. The two arms represented by Y 1 , Y 1 ′ and Y 2 , Y 2 ′ extend to the palm  102  of the hand  100 . The leg Y 3 , Y 3 ′ corresponds to a distal leg of a handle of the present invention. 
   One arm Y 1 , Y 1 ′ of the schematics  400 Y and  400 Y′ corresponds to the arm of a handle that contacts the radial side  110  of the palm  102  of the hand  100  and can be called the radial arm Y 1 , Y 1 ′ of the schematic  400 Y,  400 Y′. The second arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ of the schematic  400 Y,  400 Y′ corresponds to the arm of a handle that contacts the ulnar side  111  of the palm  102  of the hand  100  and can be called the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ of the schematic  400 Y,  400 Y′. The leg Y 3 , Y 3 ′ of the schematics  400 Y and  400  Y′ corresponds to the distal leg of a handle that extends to meet the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). 
   In the schematic  400 Y of a handle of the present invention, the radial arm Y 1 , the ulnar arm Y 2  and distal leg Y 3  can meet at a common point Y 4 . Alternately, as illustrated in the schematic  400 Y′ of a handle of the present invention, the radial arm Y 1 ′ can meet the distal leg Y 3 ′ at another point Y 4 ′ along the distal leg Y 3 ′. However, it is generally preferable to have the radial arm Y 1 , ulnar arm Y 2  and distal leg Y 3  meet at a common point Y 4 , as illustrated in the schematic  400 Y. 
   The ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ of the schematics  400 Y and  400 Y′ has two sections, which are called the finger section Y 21 , Y 21 ′ of the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ and the palmar section Y 22 , Y 22 ′ of the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′. The finger section Y 21 , Y 21 ′ of the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ starts where the radial side  110  of the DIP joint  252  of the ring finger  204  meets the palmar side  221  of the DIP joint  252  of the ring finger  204  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). 
   The finger section Y 21 , Y 21 ′ of the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ ends at the ulnar side  111  of the DIP joint  252  of the small finger  205  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The finger section Y 21 , Y 21 ′ of the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ follows the line  350  made by connecting the volar (inside) surfaces of the ring finger  204  and the small finger  205  at their respective DIP joints  252 . However, the palmar section Y 22 , Y 22 ′ of the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ ends at area M on the hypothenar muscle area  116  between the horizontal crease  108  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  and the pisiform bone  126  of the wrist  120 . The palmar section Y 22 , Y 22 ′ of the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ ends at the ulnar side  111  of the DIP joint  252  of the small finger  205  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The finger section Y 21  in the schematic  400 Y of the ulnar arm Y 2  and the palmar section Y 22  of the ulnar arm Y 2  meet to form an angle Y 6 , such as an obtuse angle. 
   The distal leg Y 3 , Y 3 ′ of the schematics  400 Y and  400 Y′ also originates at the DIP joint  252  where the palmar surface  210  of ring finger  204  meets the radial surface  211  of the DIP joint  252  of the ring finger  204  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The distal leg Y 3  ends at Plane B made by the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201 , the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203  of the hand  100 . 
   The junction  214  corresponds to the common point Y 4 . The junction  214  is defined at the meeting of the palmar surface  210  of the DIP joint  252  of ring finger  204  with the radial surface  211  of the DIP joint  252  of the ring finger  204  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Therefore, the junction  214  determines the location on the schematic  400 Y where the radial arm Y 1 , the ulnar arm Y 2  and distal leg Y 3  meet. 
   The radial arm Y 1 , Y 1 ′ can be straight or curved. The ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ angles or curves to conform to the angle Y 6 , Y 6 ′, such as an obtuse angle. In the schematic  400 Y the angle Y 5 , such as an obtuse angle, is formed where the radial arm Y 1  and the ulnar arm Y 2  meet as illustrated. The distal leg Y 3 , Y 3 ′ can be straight or curved and has a distal end Y 33 , Y 33 ′. The length of the radial arm Y 1 , Y 1 ′ will vary with hand size. The length of the ulnar arm Y 2 , Y 2 ′ will likewise vary with hand size. The length of the distal leg Y 3 , Y 3 ′ will also vary with hand size. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , FIG.  4 B and  FIG. 4C , the embodiment of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention is shaped in the form of a generally asymmetrical Y or slingshot shape. The forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention has two opposing blades  410 . Each opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention can be a mirror image of the other. Each opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention has a central connection area CON from which extend a radial arm  415 k an ulnar arm  425  and a distal leg  435 . The proximal part  405  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention is supported by the hand  100 . The distal part  406  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention performs the work of grasping, pinching and other mechanical actions including cutting. 
   The proximal part  405   a  of each opposing blade  410  has a radial arm  415  and an ulnar arm  425 . The radial arm  415  and ulnar arm  425  of each opposing blade  410  meet the connection area CON. The ulnar arm  425  of each opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention has a finger section  425   a  and a palmar section  425   b . The finger section  425   a  and the palmar section  425   b  meet at angle Y 5  as discussed above in the section related to the ulnar arm Y 2  of the schematic  400 Y of FIG.  3 A. 
   The palmar end  417  of the radial arm  415  of each opposing blade  410  meets to form a radial hinge  416 . The palmar end  427  of the ulnar arm  425  of each opposing blade  410  meets to form an ulnar hinge  426 . The hinges  416  and  426  can be made so one blade  410  continues or is formed integrally into the other blade  410 . The hinges  416  and  426  can also be made of a mechanical connection means, such as a hinge arrangement. The radial hinge  416  and the ulnar hinge  426  allow the opposing blades  410  to move toward and away from each other. 
   The distal leg  435  of each opposing blade  410  extends from the connection area CON. The proximal section  435   b  of the distal leg  435  of each opposing blade  410  is attached to the connecting area CON. The distal end  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of each opposing blade  410  extends from the forceps/tweezers handle  400 . The distal end  435   a  of each distal leg  435  can be an integrated working end  450   a , tip or have multiple varied attachments for performing various suitable tasks or functions, such as grasping, pinching or cutting. 
   The width  415   w  of the radial arm  415  approximates the width of base of the index finger  202 . The width  425   w  of the ulnar arm  425  approximates the width of base of the small finger  205 . The width  435   w  of the distal end  435   a  of the distal leg  435  approximates the combined width of the distal pad  202   b  of the index finger  202  and the distal pad  203   b  of the middle finger  203 . 
   The palmar end  417  of the radial arm  415  can be consistent with the corresponding surface of the palm  102  of the radial side  110  of the hand  100 . The palmar end  427  of the ulnar arm  425  can be consistent with the corresponding surface of the palm  102  of the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 . Alternately the palmar end  417  of the radial arm  416  and the palmar end  427  of the ulnar arm  425  can be parallel to each other. 
   Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention can have three sections. There is the radial section  401 , the middle section  402  and the ulnar section  403 . The radial section  401  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention is related to the radial side  110  of the hand  100  and can make contact with the thumb  201 , the index finger  202  and the thenar area  114  of the palm  102  of the hand  100 . The middle section  402  includes the area of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention that can make contact with the middle finger  203  and ring finger  204  and without contacting the region over the CT  124 . The ulnar section  403  includes the area of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention that can make contact with the small finger  205  and the hypothenar muscle area  116  on the palm  102  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 . The forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention can be used with right hand  100  or left hand  100 . 
   FIG.  5 A and  FIG. 5B  illustrate a hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) with the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  is a palmar view of the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle and  FIG. 5B  is a radial view the hand holding a forceps/tweezers handle. With reference to  FIG. 5A  the horizontal crease  108  on the radial side  110  of the hand  100  contacts the radial hinge  416  at the palmar end  417  of the radial arm  415  of each opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Area M on the palm  102  between the horizontal crease  108  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  and the pisiform bone  126  of the wrist  120  contacts the ulnar hinge  426  of the palmar end  427  of the ulnar arm  425  of each opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 5B , the palmar surface  210  of the middle phalange  215  of the ring finger  204  and the palmar surface  210  of the distal phalange  216  of the ring finger  204  contact the ring finger contact areas  425   c  of the finger section  425   a  of the ulnar arm  425  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle of the present invention, such as a forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. The palmar surface  220  of the middle phalange  225  of the small finger  205  and the palmar surface  220  of the distal phalange  226  of the small finger  205  contact the small finger contact areas  425   d  of the finger section  425   a  of the ulnar arm  425  of the opposing blades  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. The radial side surface  211  of the middle phalange  215  of the ring finger  204  and the radial side surface  211  of the distal phalange  216  of the ring finger  204  contact the proximal section  435   b  of the distal leg  425  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   The distal pad  201   b  of the thumb  201  contacts the distal end  435   a  of the distal leg  435  of one opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention and distal pad  202   b  of the index finger  202  and the distal pad  203   b  of the middle finger  203  contacts the mirror image blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   The hand  100  desirably supports a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, at five contact locations. The first support location is where the radial side  110  of the horizontal crease  108  of the hand  100  contacts the palmar end  417  of the radial arm  415  of each opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. The second support location can be where the ulnar side  111  of the horizontal crease  108  of the hand  100  contacts the palmar end  427  of the ulnar arm  425  of each opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. However, the optimal second support location is where the palmar end  425   b  of the ulnar arm  425  of each opposing blade  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention contacts area M. Area M is approximately located between the ulnar side  111  of the horizontal crease  108  and the pisiform bone  126  of the wrist  120  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 . The third support location is where the palmar surface  210  of the middle phalange  215  of the ring finger  204  and the palmar surface  210  of the distal phalange  216  of the ring finger contact area  425   c  contacts section  425   a  of each ulnar arm  425  of the opposing blades  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. The fourth support location is on the radial side surface  211  of the middle phalange  215  of the ring finger  204  and on the radial side surface  211  of the distal phalange  216  of the ring finger  204  which contacts the ring finger contact area  435   c  of the proximal section  435   b  of the distal leg  435  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. The fifth support location is on the palmar surface  220  of the middle phalange  225  of the small finger  205  and on the palmar surface  220  of the distal phalange  226  of the small finger  205  which contacts the small finger contact area  425   d  of the finger section  425   a  of each ulnar arm  425  of the opposing blades  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   Support and stabilization within the hand  100  for a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, is enhanced by deep flexor forearm muscle contraction on the distal phalange  216  of the ring finger  204  and the superficial flexor forearm muscle contraction on the middle phalange  215  of the ring finger  204  and by deep flexor forearm muscle contraction on the distal phalange  226  of the small finger  205  and the superficial flexor forearm muscle contraction on the middle phalange  225  of the small finger  205  on the finger section  425   a  of the ulnar arms  425  of the opposing blades  410 . Such contraction pulls the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention against the horizontal crease  108  of the palm  102  at the radial side  110  of the hand  100  and against a location within area M of the palm  102  at the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 . Support for lifting objects held by a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, by the hand  100  is enhanced by contact at the radial surface  211  of the ring finger  204  with the ring finger contact area  435   c  of the proximal section  435   b  of the distal leg  435  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   The distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  are moved to pinch the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Pinch is the function of forceps or tweezers. Closing the distal pad  201   b  of the thumb  201  and the distal pad  202   b  of index finger  202  can contribute to support when using the common forceps or tweezers. However, the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  are not necessarily needed for support of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. The thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  are only involved with pinch. When using a forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  are not generally used to support the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Therefore, using the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention can reduce strain on the muscles flexing the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  for fine or gross pinch. 
   Hand Measurements 
   One of the goals in developing the proposed forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention is to have it fit the hand. As recognized in the shoe industry feet have a range of lengths and widths. The same is true of hands. The length from wrist  120  to the tips  200   a  of the long fingers  200  and width from the radial side  110  of the hand  100  to the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  vary such that hands can be short and long, short and narrow, long and wide and long and narrow. In general, male hands are longer and wider than female hands. 
   It is possible to develop one size for a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, to span many hands. However, holding a forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention will require less muscular effort, be more comfortable and have greater stability if it is made in various sizes for the hand  100  in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The sizes for a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, will depend on measurements taken with the hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) as shown in FIG.  2 A and FIG.  2 B. 
   With reference to FIG.  6 A and  FIG. 6B , Line A 1 , Line A 2  and Line A 3  are used to determine the range of sizes of a handle of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, for the human hand. Line A 1  is the distance from the space  320  between the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203  extending to the radial side  110  of the horizontal crease  108  of the palm  102  of the hand  100 . Line A 2  is the distance from the space  320  between the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203  extending to Point P, which is in Area M at approximately one half the distance between the horizontal crease  108  and the pisiform bone  126  on the ulnar side  111  of the palm  102  of the hand  100 . 
   The distances Line A 1  and Line A 2  are measured with the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  opposing the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203  as shown in FIG.  2 A and FIG.  2 B and the hand  100  as shown in FIG.  6 B. Line A 3  is the distance from the radial side  110  of the horizontal crease  108  of the palm  102  of the hand  100  to Point P in area M on the hypothenar muscle area  116  on the ulnar side  111  of the palm  102  of the hand  100 . 
   Individual measurements for a handle of the present invention, can be taken, with the protractor measuring device  700  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , for a right hand  100  or left hand  100  in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The protractor measuring device includes a protractor  710  and a triangular measuring member made from measuring members, such as rulers AA 1 , AA 2  and AA 3 . Each ruler has a slot, with a slot  705  in ruler AA 1 , a slot  706  in ruler AA 2  and a slot  707  in ruler AA 3 . Fastening members, such as rivets pass through the slots to connect the rulers so each ruler can slide along the other. Rivet  701  connects Ruler AA 1  and Ruler AA 2  to the center of protractor  710  where the zero degree axis X 1  meets the ninety degree axis X 2 . Ruler AA 1  is also connected to the protractor  710  along the zero degree axis X 1  of the protractor  710  by rivet  702 . Ruler AA 1  and AA 2  can move along rivet  701 . Ruler AA 3  is moveably connected to Ruler AA 1  at rivet  703 . Ruler AA 3  is also moveably connected to Ruler AA 2  at rivet  704 . 
   The distances for line A 1 , line A 2  and line A 3  are desirably measured in centimeters along ruler AA 1 , ruler AA 2  and ruler AA 3 . The measurements for line A 1  start at the horizontal crease  108  on the radial side  110  of the hand  100  on ruler AA 1 . The measurements for line A 2  start at Point P in Area M between the horizontal crease  108  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  and the pisiform bone  126  on ruler AA 2 . The measurements for line A 1  and line A 2  end at rivet  701 . Ruler AA 3  slides along ruler AA 1  and ruler AA 2  to touch the palm  102  of the hand  100 . The measurement for line A 3  is read at the gradation marks  715  where ruler AA 3  crosses ruler AA 1  to the gradation marks  715  where ruler AA 3  crosses the gradation marks  715  of ruler AA 2 . The angular degree reading area  712  on the protractor  710  is read in the slot  706  of ruler AA 2  to determine the angle between Line Al and Line A 2 . 
   Measurements were made on the right hands of fifty males and forty females. The height of the males in this group ranged between 5′6″ to 6′4″. Female height ranged from 4′11″ to 6′0″. The measurement for line A 1  in the male hand ranged from 7 to 9.5 cm. The measurement for line A 1  in the female hand ranged from 7 to 8.5 cm. The measurement for line A 2  in the male hand ranged from 9 to 11.5 cm. The measurement for line A 2  in the female hand ranged from 9 to 11 cm. The measurement for line A 3  in the male hand ranged from 6.5 to 8 cm. The measurement for line A 3  in the female hand ranged from 6 to 7.5 cm. The angular degree reading from the angular degree reading area  712  for males averaged 45 degrees and the angular degree reading from the angular degree reading area  712  for females averaged 40 degrees. As expected, the male hand is longer and wider than the female hand. This data can be analyzed to develop groups of sizes for the proposed forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   Alternate Measuring Device 
   A rectangular measuring device  800  for measuring the hand  100  such as can be used for determining sizes and shapes of handles of the present invention, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , is desirably made of measuring members such as four rulers, as illustrated in  FIG. 8A , and can also be used when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) to measure sizes for the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. The rulers or measuring members are respectively indicated by the letters DD, EE, EF and GG, with ruler DD as a first measuring member, with ruler EE as a second measuring member, with ruler EF as a third measuring member and ruler GG as a fourth measuring member. Each ruler DD, EE, FF, GG is set at right angles to each other. Ruler DD and ruler EE are generally parallel and in the X-axis direction, as illustrated in FIG.  8 A . Ruler FE and GG are generally parallel and in the Y-axis direction, as illustrated in FIG.  8 A. Each ruler DD, EE, FE, GG has a corresponding slot  806 ,  807 ,  808 ,  809  along the center of its length and has corresponding gradation marks  805 . The rulers DD, EE, FF, GG are connected by fastening members, such as rivets  801 , 802 , 803 , 804 , or other desirable fasteners, such that the rulers DD, EE, FF, GG are loosely connected within the rectangular measuring device  800 . The loose connection at rivets  801 , 802 , 803 , 804  allows each ruler DD, EE, FF, GG to slide along in the X-axis direction and/or the Y-axis direction. The dimensions, length and width, of Rulers DD, EE, and FF can generally be the same whereas ruler GG can generally have a wider portion, such as a five millimeter wide segment  810 , starting at elevation  812  at approximately half the length of ruler GG. The other half of ruler GG is a standard ruler or other suitable measuring device and is identified as the narrow segment  811  of ruler GG. Measurements start at the right end of ruler DD and EE indicated by RHT in FIG.  8 A. Measurements start near ruler DD for ruler FF. Measurements start near ruler EE for ruler GG. The wide segment of Ruler GG faces the inside INS of the rectangular arrangement or rectangular measuring device  800 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the rectangular measuring device  800  is positioned along Plane C (see  FIGS. 2B and 6B ) to measure the right hand  100  in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The right end side RHT of ruler DD touches the horizontal crease  108  on the radial side  110  of the palm  102  of the hand  100 . The right end side RHT of ruler EE is placed at Point P in Area M of the palm  102  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 . As illustrated in FIG.  8 A and  FIG. 8B , ruler FF moves in the X-axis direction along ruler DD and in the X-axis direction along ruler EE until the outside edge FOUT of ruler FF is at the Plane B (see  FIGS. 2A and 8B ) where the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  opposes the space  320  between the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203 . Ruler GG is moved in the X-axis direction along both ruler DD and ruler EE until the narrow segment  811  of ruler GG touches the palmar surface  220  at the DIP joint  252  of the small finger  205 . Ruler GG is then moved in the Y-axis direction until the elevation  812  on ruler GG contacts the radial side  110  of the DIP joint  252  of the small finger  205 . The wide segment  810  now touches the palmar surface  210  of the ring finger  204 . This completes positioning of rulers DD, EE, FF and GG for measuring a hand size. 
   Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 8A through 8D , measurements are taken along measurement distances D, E, F, F′, G and H. Measurement distance D, as a first measurement distance, is measured on the outer side DOUT from the right end side RHT of ruler DD of the rectangular measuring device  800  from the horizontal crease  108  on the radial side  110  of the hand  100  to the outer side FOUT of ruler FF of the rectangular measuring device  800 . Measurement distance E, as a second measurement distance, is measured along the inner side EIN of ruler EE on the rectangular measuring device  800  from the Point P in area M on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  to the palmar surface  220  of the small finger  205 , when the small finger  205  is touching the narrow segment  811  of ruler GG and the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Measurement distance F, as a third measurement distance, is measured along the outer side FOUT of ruler FF on the rectangular measuring device  800  from the outer side DOUT of ruler DD to the ulnar side  203   c  of the middle finger  203  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Measurement distance F′, as a fourth measurement distance, is measured along the outer side FOUT of ruler FF from the radial side  203   a  of the index finger  202  to the ulnar side  203   c  of the middle finger  203 . Measurement distance G, as a fifth measurement distance, is measured along ruler GG on the inner side INS of the rectangular measuring device  800  from the inner side EIN of ruler EE to the radial side  110  of the ring finger  204  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Measurement distance H, as a sixth measurement distance, is measured along ruler DD from the outer side FOUT of ruler FF to the wide segment  810  on the inner side GIN of ruler GG on the rectangular measuring device  800 . 
   Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 8A through 8D , measurement lines oriented and arranged to correspond to a hand in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP) are drawn from the corresponding first through sixth measurement distances D, E, F, F′, G and H and are desirably recorded on a medium such as on grid paper. These measurement lines are used to produce corresponding outline lines for an outline for a handle shape, with the outline formed by these outline lines for a handle shave being illustrated in  FIGS. 8C and 8D , and also being indicated in  FIG. 8B , such as for the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. First, a first measurement line corresponding to the second measurement distance E is drawn in the X-axis direction. Then, a second measurement line corresponding to the fifth measurement distance G is drawn in the Y-axis direction starting at a preselected distance, typically five millimeters (consistent with the elevation  812 ), to the left of the line drawn corresponding to the second measurement distance E. Next, a third measurement line corresponding to the sixth measurement distance H is drawn in the X-axis direction starting at the top GTOP of the second measurement line drawn for the fifth measurement distance G. Then a fourth measurement line corresponding to the third measurement distance F is drawn in the Y-axis direction. A fifth measurement line corresponding to the fourth measurement distance F′ is then drawn on the same fourth measurement line as the third measurement distance F. Next, a sixth measurement line corresponding to the first measurement distance D is drawn in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, an end of the sixth measurement line for the first measurement distance D is on the same Y-axis direction line as the left end HLFT of the third measurement line for the sixth measurement distance H, and the fourth measurement line for the third measurement distance F is drawn in the Y-axis direction with an end of the fourth measurement line starting at the left end DLFT of the sixth measurement line for the first measurement distance D. 
   As discussed above, a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention can come in a plurality of sizes. The sizes of forceps/tweezers handles  400  of the present invention can be compiled by drawing point to point outline lines Z, Y, X, W, V and U to connect end points D 1 , F 1 ′, F 1 , G 1 , E 1  and E 2  on the measurement lines corresponding to measurement distances D, E, F, F′, G and H as illustrated in  FIGS. 8B ,  8 C and  8 D. As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A through 8D , the first point to point outline line is line Z, which connects end point D 1  on the sixth measurement line corresponding to the first measurement distance D to end point F 1 ′ on the fifth measurement line corresponding to the fourth measurement distance F′. The second point to point outline line is line Y connecting end point F 1 ′ on the fifth measurement line corresponding to the fourth measurement distance F′ to end point F 1  on the fourth measurement line corresponding to the third measurement distance F, with the end point F 1  also corresponding to the same end point on the third measurement line corresponding to the sixth measurement distance H. Then the third point to point outline line X connects end point F 1  on the fourth measurement line corresponding to the third measurement distance F, which also corresponds to the same end point on the third measurement line corresponding to the sixth measurement distance H, to end point G 1  on the second measurement line corresponding to the fifth measurement distance G, which is followed by the fourth point to point outline line W connecting end point G 1  on the second measurement line corresponding to the fifth measurement distance G to end point E 1  on the first measurement line corresponding to the second measurement distance E. The fifth point to point outline line V next connects end point E 1  on the first measurement line corresponding to the second measurement distance E to end point E 2  on the first measurement line corresponding to the second measurement distance E. Finally, the sixth point to point outline line U is drawn from end point D 1  on the sixth measurement line corresponding to the first measurement distance D to end point E 2  on the first measurement line corresponding to the second measurement distance E to complete the perimeter PER incorporating the outline lines Z, Y, X, W and V for measurements for a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Perimeters PER for various hand sizes are compared to produce a range of sizes for handles of the present invention. As discussed above, the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention can therefore contact the hand  100  at the following locations: at the horizontal crease  108  of the palm  102  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 , at a location in area M of the palm  102  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 , the palmar surface  210  of the ring finger  204  with the palmar surface  220  of the small finger  205 , at the radial side surface  211  of the ring finger  204 , at the distal pad  201   b  of the thumb  201 , at the distal pad  202   b  of the index finger  202  and at the distal pad  203   c  of the middle finger  203 . 
   The sizes of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention are determined by plotting or recording measurements of the perimeter PER. However, the shape of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention is related to those areas on the perimeter PER which touch, the hand  100  at certain areas. Referring to  FIGS. 8C and 8D , sections of various outline lines of the perimeter PER forming the contact areas for handle measurements are indicated by double-arrowed lines for corresponding contact areas with a hand  100 . A first section N on the sixth outline line U is a first limited contact area on the perimeter PER for contacting an area of the hand related to the horizontal crease  108  of the palm  102  on the radial side  110  of the hand  100 . A second section O on the sixth outline line U is a second limited contact area on the perimeter PER for contacting an area of the hand related to area M of the palm  102  on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 . A third section R on the fourth outline line W is a third limited contact area on the perimeter PER for contacting an area of the hand related to the palmar surface  210  of the ring finger  204  and the palmar surface  220  of the small finger  205 . A fourth section P on the third outline line X is a fourth limited contact area on the perimeter PER for contacting an area of the hand related to the radial side surface  211  of the ring finger  204 . The combination of a fifth section Q on the third outline line X, a sixth section S on the second outline line Y and a seventh section T on the first outline line Z are respectively fifth, sixth and seventh limited contact areas on the perimeter PER for contacting areas of the hand related to the distal pad  202   b  of the index finger  202  and the distal pad  203   b  of the middle finger  203 . The combination of the fifth section Q on the third outline line X, the sixth section S on the second outline line Y and the seventh section T on the first outline line Z is duplicated on the distal ends  435   a  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention and can relate to an area for the distal pad  201   b  of the thumb  201 . 
   Therefore, the segments or sections of the respective sixth through first outline lines U, V, W, X, Y and Z that are not on the first section N on the sixth outline line U, the second section O on the sixth outline line U, the fourth section P on the third outline line X, the fifth section Q on the third outline line X, the third section R on the fourth outline line W, the sixth section S on the second outline line Y and the seventh section T on the first outline line Z on the perimeter PER can have any curve or shape because those areas generally do not contact parts of the hand  100  on a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   Variations of the Handle 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , variations can be placed at the ring finger Contact area  425   c  and the small finger contact area  425   d  of the ulnar arm  425  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention, such as illustrated in FIG.  9 A and  FIG. 9B. A  step  425   e  can be incorporated into the finger section  425   a  of the ulnar arm  425  between the ring finger contact area  425   c  and the small finger contact area  425   d  to conform with the palmar surface  210  of the ring finger  204  and the palmar surface  220  of the small finger  205  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). Furthermore, the ulnar arm  425  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention can have a straight portion  425   f  to meet the palmar surface  210  of the ring finger  204  and the palmar surface  220  of the small finger  205  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). 
   As illustrated in FIG.  9 C and  FIG. 9D , the distal end  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention can have apertures  435   c , concave portions  435   d , be convex or have other means to reference the distal pad  201   b  of the thumb, the distal pad  202   b  of the index finger  202  and the distal pad  203   b  of the middle finger  203 . The width of the distal end  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention can be limited to allow contact with the central parts of the distal pad  202   b  of the index finger and of the distal pad  203   b  of the middle finger  203  of the hand  100 . 
   A handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention can be made in one size or various sizes based on above described measurements with reference to  FIGS. 7 through 8D . An alternative to making multiple sizes of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention is to add extensions  418 ,  428  to adapt a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention to a range of hand sizes. As shown in FIG.  9 E and  FIG. 9F , for example, an extension  418  can be added to the radial hinge  416  of the radial arm  415  and an extension  428  can be added to the ulnar hinge  426  of the ulnar arm  425  of forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 9F , the extension  418 , 428  can have a collar  418   a ,  428   a  and a spring mechanism  418   b ,  428   b  to attach to the edges of the radial hinge  416  of the radial arm  415  and the ulnar hinge  426  of the ulnar arm  425  of the opposing blades  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIG. 9G , the palmar end  419 ,  429  of the extension  418 ,  428  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention can have a generally round shape. 
   In some instances, when pinch is relaxed, it is desirable to maintain a resting distance corresponding to a distance when pinch is relaxed between the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. FIG.  10 A and  FIG. 10B  illustrate spring mechanisms  437   a ,  437   b  inserted between distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention to maintain a resting position RES, illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  for the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Such a spring member  437   a  as shown in  FIG. 10A  can also maintain alignment of the distal ends  435   a  so the working ends  450  can meet and not be subject to excessive drift with respect to each other. 
   When using a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention it can be desirable to maintain closure or partial closure of the working ends  450  attached to the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention.  FIG. 10G , FIG.  10 D and  FIG. 10E  illustrate a clamping mechanism  438  inserted between distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention to maintain such a closed or partially closed position for a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 10C , the clamping mechanism  438  includes a clamping post  438   a  attached via an attachment  438   b  to the distal end  435   a  of the distal leg  435  of a corresponding one of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention.  FIG. 10D  illustrates a generally closed position of the forceps/tweezers handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention with the clamping mechanism  438 .  FIG. 10E  illustrates a front view of the clamping mechanism  438  with a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention in a generally open position. 
   The clamping post  438   a  extends through an aperture  438   c  on the other distal end  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. The clamping post  438   a  has a locking plate  438   d  that engages with the teeth  438   e  to maintain the working ends  450  of the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention in the closed position. The distal end  438   f  of the clamping post  438   a  can be pushed by the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  or the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202 , when a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention is used by a left hand  100 , to release the clamping post  438   a  from the locking plate  438   d  and open the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   In another variation, as shown in  FIGS. 10F and 10G , rings  439  for the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  can be attached to the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention to spread apart the working ends  450  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11A , FIG.  11 B and  FIG. 11C  illustrate another variation at the central connection area  440  (designated in  FIG. 4  as CON) of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. The central connection area  440  can have a rotating mechanism  445  allowing angular movement of the attached radial arm  415  and ulnar arm  425  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. Such rotational movement can adjust the position of the palmar end  417  of the radial arm  415  and the palmar end  427  of the ulnar arm  425  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention to a user&#39;s comfort when the handle contacts the horizontal crease  108  on the radial side  110  of the palm  102  of the hand  100  for multiple hand  100  sizes. Angle K illustrated in  FIG. 11A  corresponds to the angular degree reading  710  on the protractor measuring device  700  illustrated in FIG.  7 . As discussed previously, the angular degree reading  710  corresponding to angle K determined for female hands was typically 40 degrees and the angular degree reading  710  determined for male hands was typically 45 degrees. Thus, the range of rotational movement of a rotating mechanism  445  at the central connection area  440  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention can be set to maintain the angle K, illustrated in  FIG. 11A , typically between 35 to 50 degrees to account for overlap among handle sizes. Furthermore, each radial arm  415  and each ulnar arm  425  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention can be made in different sizes or have extensions  419 , 429  such as illustrated in  FIG. 9E , FIG.  9 F and FIG.  9 G. 
   FIG.  11 B and  FIG. 11C  illustrate a proposed rotating mechanism  445  at the central connection area  440  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. The central connection area  440  splits to form a generally semicircular channel  446  bounded by a generally semicircular inner sleeve  441  and a generally semicircular outer sleeve  442 . Also, a radial slot  443  and an ulnar slot  444  are respectively located in the outer sleeve  442  of the central connection area  440 . 
   The distal section  420  of the radial arm  415  and the distal section  430  of the ulnar arm  425  can be of a generally tapered configuration. The distal end  420   a  of the distal section  420  of the radial arm  415  and the distal end  430   a  of the distal section  430  of the ulnar arm  425  meet at the inside margin  440   a  of the semicircular channel  446  of the rotating mechanism  445  of the central connection area  440 . 
   For a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention two cams  419   a ,  429   a  are attached to the outer surface of the distal section  420  of the radial arm  415  and the distal section  430  of the ulnar arm  425 . The cams  419   a ,  429   a  are elevated at edges  419   b ,  429   b  of the slots  443 ,  444 . The cams  419   a ,  429   a  are designed to engage the slots  443 ,  444  in the semicircular outer sleeve  442  when the distal section  420  of the radial arm  415  and the distal section  430  of the ulnar arm  425  are advanced into the semicircular channel  446  between the semicircular inner sleeve  441  and the semicircular outer sleeve  442  of the rotating mechanism  445  of the central connection area  440 . The cams  419   a ,  429   a  are designed to slide in the radial slot  443  and the ulnar slot  444  to retain the radial arm  415  and ulnar arm  425  in the semicircular channel  446 . The radial slot  443  and the ulnar slot  444  are designed to allow rotation of the radial arm  415  and the ulnar arm  425  in a range of approximately 35 to 50 degrees in relation to the angle K. 
   Another variation of the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , handle  400   a , of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.  12 A and FIG.  12 B. This variation is related to the width WD of the distal ends  436   a  of the distal arms  436  of the opposing blades  410  of handles, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. The variation on  FIGS. 12A and 12B  is based on achieving the highest attainable pinch strength that can be produced when the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  opposes the center of the tips  200   a  of the long fingers  200  as discussed in the background information. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 2B , when the hand  100  is in the T Position, the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  opposes the space  320  between the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203  and the tips  200   a  of the long fingers  200  end in a line  300 . However, in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP), the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  are almost fully extended to meet at Plane B while the ring finger  204  and the small finger  205  are flexed to end at the line  300  as in the T position. In the present variation handle  400   a  illustrated in  FIG. 12B , with the hand  100  in the T Position, the tip  201   a  of the thumb  201  is repositioned toward the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  from the space  320  between the tip  200   a  of the index finger  202  and the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203  to the space  330  between the tip  200   a  of the middle finger  203  and the tip  200   a  of the ring finger  204 . 
   Therefore, in the variation handle  400   a , as illustrated in  FIG. 12B , the width WD of the distal end  436   a  and the distal leg  436  are similar to the width across the long fingers  200  when the hand is in the T Position. The relationship of the radial hinge  416  of the radial arm  415  to the horizontal crease  108  on the radial side  110  of the hand  100  and the relationship of the ulnar hinge  426  of the ulnar arm  425  to area M on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100  are similar in this variation handle  400   a  to such relationships in the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Also, the variation handle  400   a  does not contact the CT area  124  of hand  100 . 
   The variation handle  400   a  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention has the potential to produce the highest pinch strength at the working end  450 . However, generally less pinch strength is necessary to hold an object because typically the thumb  201  and all the long fingers  200  of the hand  100  are used to pinch the distal end  436   a  of the distal leg  436  of the variation handle  400   a  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 13A through 13K  illustrate various connection means joined to or integrated at the distal end  435   a ,  436   a  in various embodiments of the handles of the present invention, such as handles  400 ,  400   a ,  400   b ,  400   c  and  400   d  of the present invention, for connecting various implements to the handle. For example,  FIG. 13A  illustrates views of a screw type connecting means  1100  for implements of working ends  450 .  FIG. 13B  illustrates views of screw type connecting means  1100 ,  1101  and snap-in type connecting means  1102 ,  1103 ,  1104  for implements of working ends  450 .  FIGS. 13C ,  13 D,  13 E,  13 F and  13 G illustrate views of various magnetic type connecting means  1105 ,  1106 ,  1107 ,  1108 ,  1109 ,  1110 ,  1111 ,  1112  for implements of working ends  450 . 
   Also, for example,  FIGS. 13H through 13K  illustrate views of rotating type connecting mechanisms  1113 ,  1115 ,  1120 , with working parts  1114  for the working mechanism  1113 , with working parts  1116  for the working mechanism  1115 , and with working parts  1121  for the working mechanism  1120 , for working ends  450  of implements, which allow various changes in the position of the working ends  450  of various implements relative to the handle. 
   Another handle variation  400   b  of the present invention that changes the direction of motion at the working end  450  of the handle  400   b  of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 14A ,  FIG. 14B ,  FIG. 14C ,  FIG. 14D ,  FIG. 14E , FIG.  15 A and FIG.  15 B. For example, the direction of movement at the tips of a common forceps is generally parallel to the opposing motion of the thumb  201  to the index finger  202  and middle finger  203 . In the variation handle  400   b , the motion of the working end/working member  450  of such a handle  400   b  can be perpendicular to the opposing motion of the thumb  201  to the index finger  202  and the middle finger  203 . This changes the motion at the working end/working member  450  of the handle  400   b  from a side to side motion to an up and down motion in this variation handle  400   b  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   A common example of a surgical instrument used with an up and down opening and closing motion for cutting or biopsy of tissue is a pituitary rongeur. Opening and closing the ring handles of the common pituitary rongeur position the thumb  201  and a long finger  200  of the hand  100  in a proximal and distal relationship to each other. The proximal-distal motion of the thumb  201  and a lone finger  200  activates a sliding member to move in the proximal-distal direction. The sliding member activates the working member to open and close. Using such an instrument in which the thumb  201  and a long finger  200  of the hand  100  move in a proximal and distal direction typically is not as comfortable for the hand  100  as using the side to side opposing motion utilized in the variation handle  400   b  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. 
   In this variation handle  400   b  illustrated in  FIG. 14A ,  FIG. 14B ,  FIG. 14C ,  FIG. 15B , FIG.  15 C and  FIG. 15D , a fixed member  500  is attached to the inside  416   b  of the radial hinge  416  of the radial arm  415  of the variation handle  400   b  of forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Above the fixed member  500  is a sliding member  501  that activates the working end/working member  450  to open and close as illustrated in FIG.  14 E. Brace members  502  connect the sliding member  501  to the inside aspect  435   b  of the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435 . Sliding member hinges  503  attach the ends  503   a  of the brace members  502  to the sliding members  501  and hinges  504  attach brace members  502  to the inner aspect  435   b  of the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of variation handle  400   b  of the present invention. Pinching the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the variation handle  400   b  of the present invention moves the brace members  502  at the hinges  503 ,  504  to move the sliding member  501 . Furthermore, the fixed member  500  can rotate the working end/working member  450  when a rotating mechanism is attached to the inside  416   b  of the radial hinge  416 . 
   Squeezing the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the variation handle  400   b  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention when the sliding member hinges  503  of the brace members  502  are placed distal on the sliding member  501  push the sliding member  501  away from the hand  100 . However, as illustrated in  FIG. 15C , squeezing the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the variation handle  400   b  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, when the sliding member hinges  503  attach at ends  503   b  of the brace members  502  and the sliding member hinges  503  are placed proximal on the sliding member  501 , moves the sliding member  501  toward the hand  100 . Moving the sliding member  501  can actuate any of a variety of mechanisms, as the working end/working member  450 , attached to the end of the sliding member  501 , such as to close a fine scissors or other mechanism, such as illustrated in FIG.  14 E. 
   Also, referring to  FIGS. 14A through 14E , the variation handle  400   b  of the present invention can also be utilized in conjunction with various endoscopic or surgical tools, as well as other types of working tools that work at a distance from the operator. 
   In various embodiments of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, the gap between the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  can be wider than the distance between the working ends  450  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. The gap between the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  also depends on the inherent spring qualities of the material used to make the opposing blades  410  of a handle, such as the forceps/tweezers handle  400 , of the present invention. The gap between the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  for surgical forceps and surgical instruments using the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention should generally remain between one and two centimeters. A smaller gap can increase flexion and can add strain to the PIP joints of the long fingers  200  and can increase flexion and can add strain to the metacarpal phalangeal joint  201   c  of the thumb  201 . A larger gap also requires more gross than fine motor skills to pinch. 
   Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 15A through 15D , the standard scalpel  1020 , illustrated in  FIG. 15A , is in the shape of a stylus and is a fixture in surgery. During the course of surgery, a scalpel blade  1021  can contact pathogens harboring in the patient&#39;s serum. One problem associated with the standard scalpel handle  1022  is penetrating wounds to operating room personnel. Inadvertent sharp wounds can transmit diseases to the assisting personnel. An automatic retractable blade guard could prevent sharp wounds. 
   As previously discussed, variation handle  400   b  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention can move a sliding member  501  in relation to a fixed member  500 .  FIG. 15B  illustrates a retractable scalpel  1000 , as the working end!working member  450 , with the sliding member  501  including a retractable sliding guard  1005  that surrounds a fixed scalpel member  1006 , as the fixed member  500 , including an attached scalpel blade  1021 .  FIG. 15B  illustrates a flat spring member  1010 , as a first spring member, attached to the opposing blades  410  and the retractable sliding guard  1005 . Alternately, a coil spring member  1011 , as a second spring member, can be attached to the fixed scalpel member  1006  and the retractable sliding guard  1005  as shown in FIG.  15 D. When the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  of the fixed scalpel member  1006  of variation handle  400   b  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention are squeezed, the brace members  502  push the proximal hinges  503  to move the retractable sliding guard  1005  toward the hand of the operator to expose the scalpel blade  1021 . When the distal ends  435   a  of the distal legs  435  are released, the retractable sliding guard  1005  automatically covers the scalpel blade  1021 . 
   One advantage of the retractable scalpel  1000  with the forceps/tweezers handle variation handle  400   b  of the present invention is promoting protection from sharp injury in the operating room. Another advantage is that the retractable scalpel  1000  is based on the anatomic Forceps Hand Position (FHP), which can make the retractable scalpel  1000  more comfortable for the hand  100  to hold and manipulate. 
     FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate working ends  450  attached to a forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention with the working end  450  of  FIG. 16A  being a microscissors and the working end  450  of  FIG. 16B  being a reverse tweezers. 
     FIG. 17  illustrates a standard size scissors variation handle  400   c  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. Attachments of working ends  450  of many surgical instruments, such as the microscissors attachment  450 , illustrated in  FIG. 16A , generally extend from the distal end  435   a  of the distal legs  435  of the opposing blades  410  in the same general direction as the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). In the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c  attaches to a standard size scissors blades  451 . 
   However, the relationship of the hand  100  to the standard size scissors blades  451  of the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c  is typically not in the same general direction as the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The direction of the standard size scissors blades  451  of the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c  in relation to the hand  100  is related to the relationship of the hand  100  to line J illustrated in FIG.  2 A. Line J connects the space  310  between tip  202   b  of the index finger  202  and tip  203   b  of the middle finger  203  and the dorsal surface  252   a  of the DIP joint  252  of the small finger  205  when the hand  100  is in the Forceps Hand Position (FHP). The attachment of the blades  451  of a standard scissors to the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c  is such that the axis AX passes centrally through the blades  451  and the axis AX is parallel to line J. 
   The rings  439  on distal end  435   a  of distal legs  435  of the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c  allow the opposing thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  to open the blades  451  of a standard scissors for the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c . The distal pad  201   b  of the thumb  201 , the distal pad  202   b  of the index finger  202  and the distal pad  203   b  of the middle finger  203  oppose to close the blades  451  of a standard scissors for the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c.    
   In common scissors, the fingers of the hand  100  meet the ring like extensions of the scissors blades. The thumb  201  opposes the index finger  202  and the middle finger  203  and they enter ring handles to open and close the common scissors. Typically, in such common scissors, hand support is generally poor. Also, closing the scissors places the thumb  201  uncomfortably close to the opposing index finger  202  and the hand  100  is generally not integrated into the handle. 
   The standard size scissors handle variation  400   c  of the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention has advantages over a common scissors. These advantages are related to contact with the hand  100  at the horizontal crease  108  on the radial side  110  of the hand  100 , at area M on the ulnar side  111  of the hand  100 , at the palmar surface  210  of the ring finger  204  and at the palmar surface  220  of the small finger  205 . Furthermore, the ring finger  204  and the small finger  205  pull the handle  400   c  into the hand. These features add to support, given the scissors variation handle  400   c  adapted to the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, and integrate the hand  100  into the scissors variation handle  400   c  adapted to the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention. These areas of contact with the standard size scissors variation handle  400   c , adapted to the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention, integrate the entire hand  100  and not only the thumb  201 , index finger  202  and middle finger  203  to open, close and hold a scissors. 
     FIGS. 18A ,  18 B and  18 C illustrate views of an embodiment of the handle  400   a  of  FIGS. 12A and 12B  of the present invention that has a wider distal end  436 , with a working end  450 , the working end  450  including an implement, positioned at the wider distal end  436 , such as for retrieving items such as files from a file cabinet or loose items on a surface. 
     FIGS. 19A ,  19 B,  19 C and  19 D illustrate various embodiments of a unitary handle  400   d  of the present invention that can have devices integrated with a handle.  FIGS. 19A through 19D  illustrate embodiments of the unitary handle  400   d  of the present invention having a single “Y” configuration with a unitary blade  410   a , rather than a pair of opposing blades  410 . The unitary radial arm  415   u  and the unitary ulnar arm  425   u  and the unitary distal leg  435   u  engage corresponding portions of the hand  100  as the forceps/tweezers handle  400  of the present invention as previously described.  FIG. 19B  illustrates an embodiment of the unitary handle  400   d  of the present invention having an implement  452  attached by a suitable connection means  452   a  to the handle  400   d .  FIG. 19C  illustrates an embodiment of the unitary handle  400   d  of the present invention that incorporates a motor driving means  453   a  for rotation or movement of a working end  453  or an implement  453 , such as a drill bit or screwdriver attachment.  FIG. 19D  illustrates an embodiment of the unitary handle  400   d  of the present invention having a motor driving means  454   a  for opening and closing a working end  454  or multiple working ends  454  of an implement, such as motorized tweezers. 
   In summary, handles of a design according to the present invention can be molded or formed into and contiguous with any of many types of equipment commonly held by a hand. Furthermore, handles based on the design method of the present invention can be attached to or integrated into objects that can be lifted, rotated, moved, carried, etc. Such handles of the present invention can advantageously be attached or integrated into or with an object or working end. Additionally, such handles of the present invention can be designed to swivel and/or rotate on various axes at a location of attachment. For example, the handle can be attached to a shaft by an extension member, such as for turning. 
   Also, in the handles of the present invention, various materials can be used for fabrication of the handles as, for example, various woods, metals, plastics, composites, rubber compounds, latex&#39;s and organic or inorganic materials, suitable for the particular application of a handle of the present invention. Further, various materials can be added to augment and personalize the fit of a handle of the present invention. 
   The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments described herein are illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby.

Technology Category: b