FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a hand grip aid device. In particular, the hand grip aid device includes a shaft having a tapered leading edge portion and curved edge portion, where the tapered leading edge portion is supported by fingers of the hand in a closed first position, and the curved edge portion is configured to receive a round or cylindrically shaped object, allowing the user to properly grasp round or cylindrical objects resulting in greater grip strength and less hand fatigue.
BACKGROUND Several conventional hand aid and support devices include gloves and hand coverings that have an external layer and padding for protecting the hands from hazardous or dangerous materials. Other hand aid devices may include therapeutic hand support devices which restrict hand movement and aid in the alignment and rehabilitation of the hands and wrist.
Although these types of hand aid devices are useful for protection and recovery, they are limited in providing the user the ability to perform other useful and specialized tasks for handling certain objects which are often driven by common indoor and outdoor activities in daily living. In view of the deficiencies and limitations of the conventional hand aid and support devices, a hand aid device to assist the user in specialized activities and for handling certain types objects is presented herein below.
SUMMARY It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a hand grip aid device for increasing grip strength of a hand of a user when grasping a round or cylindrical object, the hand grip aid device having a shaft having a tapered leading edge portion formed along a first side of the shaft and a curved edge portion formed along a second side of the shaft, the first side is opposite to the second side, the tapered leading edge portion is configured to receive and rest against the anterior proximal interphalangeal folds of the little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the hand, and configured to fill a void formed by a grip of the hand in a closed first position, and the curved edge portion is configured to receive the round or cylindrical object; and a hand securing member coupled to the shaft.
In one aspect, the hand securing member is a strap or a glove. In another aspect, the hand grip aid device is symmetrical along a horizontal centerline of shaft separating a top portion and a bottom portion of the shaft. In yet another aspect, the curved edge portion is arc-like in shape and configured to receive the round or cylindrical object having a relatively narrow radius.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention and from the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C illustrate a side profile view, a back view, and a front perspective view, respectively, of a hand grip aid device, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C illustrate various sizes of the hand aid device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3A-FIG. 3C illustrate various configurations of a curved edge portion according to an embodiment
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the hand grip aid device that is separated into two parts, having an interlocking mechanism for connecting the tapered leading edge portion the shaft to the curved edge portion.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of multiple finger impressions formed on the side of the tapered leading edge portion of the hand grip aid device.
FIG. 6 illustrates the hand grip aid device having multiple holes formed along a top lengthwise portion of the shaft, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7A-FIG. 7B illustrate a two and four finger ring bracket, respectively, coupled to tapered leading edge portion of the shaft, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 illustrates a hand strap coupled to each end of the hand grip aid device, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 9A-FIG. 9B illustrate a flexible padding and a non-slip material applied to the hand grip aid device, respectively, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 10A-FIG. 10B illustrate other embodiments of the shaft of the hand grip aid device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of the hand grip aid device having a strap fastening mechanism attached to each end of the shaft, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate a palm side view of a hand and a palm side view of the hand grip aid device partially gripped by the hand, respectively, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an open palm of the hand with the hand grip aid device attached to a top portion of the hand via the strap, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 14 illustrates a closed first view of the hand of the user with the hand grip aid device attached, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the hand of the user gripping the cylindrical object 105 using the hand grip aid device, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 16 illustrates a hand palm view of applying the hand grip aid device on the grip of a baseball bat, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 17 illustrates a view of the hand grip aid device applied to the grip of the baseball bat in a grip position, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the hand gripping the baseball bat with the hand grip aid device applied to the grip of the baseball bat.
FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B illustrate a palm side view and a side view, respectively, of the hand grip aid device attached to a top portion of a glove, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 20 illustrates a palm side view of the glove having multiple finger-size hand grip aid applied to a middle fold portion of each glove finger of the glove, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 21 illustrates a picture of various hand grip aid device implementations including one with multiple finger impressions and one without
In the appended figures, one or more elements may have the same reference numeral in different figures indicating previously described elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C represent a side profile view, a back view, and a front perspective view, respectively, of a hand grip aid device 100, according to an embodiment. The hand grip aid device 100 may include a shaft 101 having a tapered leading edge portion 102 formed along a first side of the shaft 101 and a curved edge portion 103 formed along a second side of the shaft 101 where the first side is opposite to the second side. In one implementation, the tapered leading edge portion 102 has a smooth edge formed along the shaft 101. As shown in the side profile view of FIG. 1A, the shape of the hand grip aid device 100 is generally symmetrical along a horizontal centerline 104 of shaft 101 that separates a top portion 106A and a bottom portion 106B of the shaft 101. In one embodiment, the curved edge portion 103 is arc-like in shape and configured to receive cylindrical or round objects having a relatively narrow radius. In practice, the hand aid device 100 may be worn on either hands of the user due to its symmetrical design. Since the device 100 is intended to be applied the hands of the user, the size of the device 100 may be between 2.00″-5.00″ in length (L), 0.25″-2.00″ in width (W) and 0.25″-2″ in depth (D). In practice, a dimension of 3.25″ in length (L), 0.667″ in width (W) and 0.667″ in depth (D) is ideal to accommodate a variety of hand sizes. In one application, the hand grip aid device 100 may be structured to aid the user in grasping relatively narrow cylindrical or small round objects with their hands. In another application, the hand grip aid device 100 may be configured to provide comfort and an ergonomic fit to the hand of the user.
FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C illustrate various sizes of the hand aid device 100 according to an embodiment. The different size the hand aid device 100 may include a small size as shown in FIG. 2A, and medium size as shown in FIG. 2B, and a large size as shown in FIG. 2C for use with users of different hand sizes (i.e., children, teens, and adults).
FIG. 3A-FIG. 3C illustrate various configurations of curved edge portion 103 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, the curved edge portion 103 may be arc-like in shape and configured to receive round cylindrical objects 105, according to an embodiment. In another example, the curved edge portion 103 may be arc-like in shape and configured to receive elliptically shaped objects 107 as shown in FIG. 3B. In yet another example, the tapered leading edge portion 102 has a sharp and pointed edge formed along the shaft 101 as shown FIG. 3C, according to an embodiment. It is noted that the curved edge portion 103 of device 100 has a shape that is complementary to the object it receives.
Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates an example of the hand grip aid device 100 that is separated into two parts, having an interlocking mechanism for connecting the tapered leading edge portion 102 of the shaft 101 to the curved edge portion 103. For example, the tapered leading edge portion 102 may be coupled to a first interlock connecting member 111 and the curved edge portion 103 may be coupled to a second connecting member 113 where the first connecting member 111. Connection between the first connecting member 111 and second connecting member 113 may be accomplished using removable, detachable or temporary fastening mechanisms including, for example, a pair of male-female connecters, hook and loop fasteners, and magnets and metal plates. In one application, the separation of the tapered leading edge portion 102 allows the user to swap or replace the tapered leading edge portion 102 with other tapered edge configuration. Conversely, in another application, the tapered leading edge portion 102 allows the user to swap or replace the curved edge portion 103 with other curved edge configurations.
Reference is now also made to FIG. 5, which shows an example of multiple finger impressions 115 formed on the side of the tapered leading edge portion 102 of the hand grip aid device 100. The multiple finger impressions 115 have a contoured shape that generally matches the inside portion of the index finger, middle finger, and the ring finger, allowing the hand grip aid device 100 to naturally fit into the fingers of the user's hand when held. In practice, the multiple finger impressions 115 are configured to secure the device 100 to the hand of the user when use in different applications, preventing loss or unintentional removal of the device 100. The number of multiple finger impressions 115 may include one to four impressions depending the need or use of the device 100 in different applications.
In FIG. 6, the hand grip aid device 100 may include multiple holes 121 formed along a top lengthwise portion of the shaft 101 into which the fingers are inserted, providing additional support for the fingers, according to an embodiment. Similar to the case of the previous example, the multiple holes 121 are sized to fit the shape and general width of the fingers, allowing the hand grip aid device 100 to naturally fit into the fingers of the user's hand when held. The number of multiple holes 121 may include one to four holes depending the need or use of the device 100 in different applications. In practice, the multiple holes 121 are configured to secure the device 100 to the hand of the user when use in different applications, preventing loss or unintentional removal of the device 100.
FIG. 7A-FIG. 7B illustrate a two and four finger ring bracket 110, respectively, coupled to tapered leading edge portion 102 of the shaft 101, according to an embodiment. The finger ring bracket 110 may include multiple finger holes 110A into which two fingers (middle, and ring) are inserted for the two finger ring bracket (FIG. 7A) and up to four fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger) are inserted for the four finger ring bracket (FIG. 7B), securing the device 100 to the hand of the user. In practice, the finger ring bracket 110 of the hand grip aid device 100 may implement between 1 to 4 finger holes 110A that are configured to receive the fingers, depending on the application in which the device 100 is used.
As shown in FIG. 8, a hand strap may be coupled to each end of the hand grip aid device 100, providing additional support to secure the device 100 to the hand of the user, according to an embodiment. The hand strap 117 is generally sized to fit the width of the hand and may made from lightweight materials such as ropes, fabrics, rubber, and flexible plastics. In other implementations, the hand strap 117 may separate into two parts and attached using a buckle, hook and loop fastener, or other strap fastening mechanisms.
FIG. 9A-FIG. 9B illustrate a flexible padding 102A and a non-slip material 103A may be applied to the hand grip aid device 100, respectively, according to an embodiment. For example, the flexible padding 102A may be applied to the tapered leading edge portion 102, providing cushion between the device 100 and the hand of the user when held. The flexible padding 102A may be composed of materials such as, for example, rubber, foam, pliable plastics, polyester fibers, or natural fibers. In another example, the non-slip material 103A may be applied to the curved edge portion 103, improving the grip between an object in contact with the non-slip material 103A when in use. The non-slip material 103A may include rubber, grip tape, silicone, foam, cork or other non-slip materials.
FIG. 10A-FIG. 10B illustrate other embodiments of the shaft 101 of the hand grip aid device 100. In FIG. 9A, for example, the shaft 101 may be configured to be a flexible or curved shaft 101. In practice, the flexible or curved shaft 101 may provide additional flexibility to fit the hands of different users. In another implementation, the shaft 101 may include two separate components (101A and 101B) that are joined by a coupling mechanism (108A and 108B) as shown in FIG. 9B. In another application, the separate components can provide the user the ability to store the hand grip aid device 100 in smaller compartments or spaces, making it easier to carry in a shirt or pant pockets.
FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of the hand grip aid device 100 having a strap fastening mechanism 119 attached to each end of the shaft 101, according to an embodiment. The strap fastening mechanism 119 may include a post 119A coupled to each end of the shaft 101 and a cap 119B coupled to each post 119A. In one implementation, the strap 117 may be attached to the shaft 101 via the strap 117 fastening mechanism 119, the strap having loops at each end to fit into the post 119A and secured in place by the cap 119B. Alternatively, each end of the strap 117 may be mounted directly to the caps 119B using screws, nails, staples or similar fastening components.
FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate a palm side view of a right hand 123 and a palm side view of the hand grip aid device 100 being partially gripped by the right hand 123, respectively, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12A, each finger (i.e., index finger 123A, middle finger 123B, ring finger 123C and little finger 123D) has a middle fold also known as an anterior proximal interphalangeal fold 124. As shown in FIG. 12B, the user may attach the hand grip aid device 100 so that the tapered leading edge portion 102 rests against the anterior proximal interphalangeal folds 124 of the little finger 123A, ring finger 123B, middle finger 123C, and index finger 123D of the hand 123, being held in place via the strap 117 as shown in FIG. 12B. By applying proper padding on the inner fingers (palm side) along the proximal interphalangeal, it allows the user to properly grasp round or cylindrical objects resulting in greater grip strength and less hand fatigue. In practice, the hand grip aid device 100 may be coupled to the fingers between middle phalanx and proximal phalanx, making hands natural non-cylindrical shape vastly more cylindrical, resulting in a user's ability to more naturally grasp a cylindrical object.
FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an open palm of the hand 123 with the hand grip aid device 100 attached to a top portion of the hand 123 via the strap 117. As shown in this illustration, the tapered leading edge portion 102 is applied against the anterior proximal interphalangeal folds 124 of the hand 123, and secured by the strap 117.
FIG. 14 illustrates a closed first view of the hand 123 of the user with the hand grip aid device 100 attached, according to an embodiment. In this grip position, the fingers are engaged and fully wrapped around the tapered leading edge portion 102 resting against the anterior proximal interphalangeal folds 124 of the fingers (123A, 123B, 123C, 123D) and leaving no gaps or voids between the device 100 and the hand 123. In practice, when gripping a round object by the hand, the void between a portion of the palm near the fingers and the round object is formed due to the differences in shape between them. It is one advantage of the grip device 100 to fill the void between the palm near the fingers and the round object, allowing for a more natural grasp of the round object and thereby improving the grip strength and providing a natural and ergonomic grasp.
FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the hand 123 of the user gripping the cylindrical object 105 using the hand grip aid device 100, according to an embodiment. With the device 100 in hand, the curved edge portion 103 of the device 100 is made to fully wrap and inversely match in shape a portion of a curved surface of the cylindrical object 105, fully securing one side of the cylindrical object 105 to the hand 123. Also, with the hand in grip position (closed fist), the tapered leading edge portion 102 is configured to rest against the anterior proximal interphalangeal folds 124 and fill in any voids between the fingers and cylindrical object 105.
FIG. 16 illustrates a hand palm view of applying the hand grip aid device 100 on the grip 125A of a baseball bat 125, according to an embodiment. As shown, a lengthwise portion of the grip 125A is applied against the curved edge portion 103 with the device 100 secured to the hand 123 via strap 117.
FIG. 17 illustrates a hand palm view of the hand grip aid device 100 applied to the grip 125A of the baseball bat 125 in a grip position (closed fist), according to an embodiment. With the hand in grip position, the lengthwise portion of the grip 125A is fully engaged and secured against the curved edge portion 103 of the device 100 while the tapered leading edge portion 102 is firmly secured to the hand 123, filling any voids between the hand and the grip 125A as shown in FIG. 18, illustrating a top side portion of the hand 123 gripping the baseball bat 125.
FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B illustrate a palm side view and a side view, respectively, of the hand grip aid device 100 attached to a top portion of a glove 112, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, the hand grip aid device 100 may be attached to a portion of a glove 112 spanning a middle fold portion of each glove finger (i.e., little finger 126A, ring finger 126B, middle finger 126C, and index finger 126D) of the glove 112. In one implementation, the hand grip aid device 100 may be sewn into finger portion of the glove 112. In another implementation, a hook and loop fastener may be applied to both the hand grip aid device 100 and the glove 112 allowing the hand grip aid device 100 to be easily detachable from the glove 112. Examples of hand gloves that may apply the hand grip aid device 100 include but are not limited to batting gloves, golf gloves, and work gloves.
FIG. 20 illustrates a palm side view of the glove 112 having multiple finger-size hand grip aid devices (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) applied to a middle fold portion of each glove finger (126A, 126B, 126C, 126D) of the glove 112, according to an embodiment. In this implementation, the finger-size hand grip aid devices (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) allows each finger to move freely and independently from each other, providing the user the flexibility and freedom of motion to grip cylindrical objects at different positions along the object. In addition, padding may be added to an area of the glove 112 along the anterior proximal interphalangeal fold of each finger.
FIG. 21 illustrates a picture of various hand grip aid device implementations including one with multiple finger impressions and one without.
In practice, the invention may be applied to grasping many common round and cylindrical type objects having a relatively small radius of approximately 0.25 inches to 2 inches. Many advantages of the hand grip aid device 100 may aid the user in various daily and common activities requiring the use of their hands, including, for example, sports, construction, landscaping, golf, driving, weightlifting, sailing, bike riding, rock climbing, janitorial work, snow shoveling, and much more. Example of such round or cylindrical type objects include 1) a grip of a baseball bat or golf club; 2) poles; 3) steering grip of a car; 4) shovels and rakes; 5) weightlifting bars; 6) ropes and cables; 7) handle bars; and 8) brooms and mops.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” included plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
All patents, patent applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
It is noted that the foregoing disclosure has been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and is in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof, various changes, omissions, and additions to the form and detail thereof, may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects.
Other embodiments and modifications of the present invention may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims which include all other such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specifications and accompanying drawings.
